Nunslaughter - Christmassacre 7"

This 7" was originally released back in 2004 by Nunslaughter but now Hells Headbangers have deemed it worthy of a reissue. It features four songs based around the Christmas theme, but as you'd expect from a band such as Nunslaughter, it's a theme of the devil and anti-religion.

Tracklist:-

1. Deathlehem
2. Unholy Scriptures
3. Jewrusalem
4. Unclaimed Cadaver

This is pure, unadulterated death metal. The sound is raw and the lyrics evil. Nunslaughter seem to be one of the consistent and prevalent death metal bands at the moment, as they have been unleashing new records from every orifice. This 7" features four songs that continue the thrashy, death metal sound that we've come to expect from Nunslaughter. Rasping almost black metal inspired vocals, ritualistic guitar and a live sound steeped in the old school. Unholy Scriptures starts off at more of mid pace, after the faster tempo of opener Deathlehem. It's got a more upbeat feel to it, but the vocals are anything but! The ghoulish, shrieked second vocals on Unholy Scriptures are really unnerving. 

Jewrusalem is one of their most evil sounding songs on this 7". The mixture of buzzsaw guitar and those blood-curdling screams make it very satisfying indeed! They 're even able to throw in some good guitar melodies too. By the time you reach closer Unclaimed Cadaver, you'll have probably had your fill of Nunslaughter for one sitting, but if you're into your old school death metal, this will certainly be for you.

You can listen to this 7" via the Hells Headbangers bandcamp page below:-

You can pick up this 7", which comes in picture disc form via the Hells Headbangers webstore here http://shop-hellsheadbangers.com/.

Nunslaughter can be found here http://www.facebook.com/NunSlaughter.

Grievances/Quiet Hands - Split

As I continue to plough through submissions old and new, I thought I'd mix up posts and do one that I received last year and one that I received this year. This one is from last years list, which may not even be finished this year! This is the split between US hardcore band Grievances and their crust cohorts Quiet Hands. This was released in June 2012 on a 3" CD by Divine Mother Recordings.

In the past year, Grievances have played alongside Vanna amongst others and Quiet Hands have played with Fight Amp and Bone Dance, as well as many other cool bands. They're both making names for themselves in the states. Here Grievances put forward three tracks and Quiet Hands play four.

Tracklist:-

1. To Kill A Titan (Grievances)
2. Pacific Playland (Grievances)
3. Occupy The Ocean (Grievances)
4. Problem Solving (Quiet Hands)
5. Covenant of Misery (Quiet Hands)
6. Now It's Time (Quiet Hands)

7. But It's Far From Over (Quiet Hands)

Starting with the Grievances side of this split and their opening song To Kill A Titan, you're greeted by a slow, dirgy guitar intro and then POW, Grievances thrashing hardcore turns things up a notch of three! It's fast, but not warp-speed fast, so you can appreciate it without your head falling off your neck! Pacific Playland follows in very much the same vein. Occupy The Ocean has a harder and more vibrant edge. The vocals seem angrier and the pace in general, dictated by those crashing drums, definitely jolts you! It's in the same kind of ballpark as a lot of current angry hardcore, but if you like that (and I do), you'll be fine with it.

Quiet Hands wade in with Problem Solving, which is twenty six seconds of low-fi PV inspired hardcore. It blasts and then chugs. Their sound is chaotic and noisy. The semi-distant, low growls are harrowing but also the most prominent part of their sound. The guitars and drums seem to all seep into each other when they're all playing in unison. Quiet Hands do have a subtle rock n roll vibe going on in some of their riffs, like in Now It's Time. The slower, sludgy parts here are what make it for me, which won't come as any surprise.  I also like the feedback ridden sound overall that Quiet Hands possess. Last song But It's Far From Over is the longest single song on the split and it starts with an intro that's calming and that masks the impending noise terrorism, which comes from Quiet Hands. The song demonstrates more of their slower side and has a kind of black metal ambience to it, mainly in the guitar melodies, which in themselves are very subtle.

This split ends on a low note (that's good by the way). Both Grievances and Quiet Hands occupy spots within Hardcore, but as is the nature of split records, both sound very different. It's a good introduction to both bands for me and there's plenty here that others can take away. I look forward to hearing things from both bands in the future.

You can here this split below via the Divine Mother Recordings bandcamp page:-

You can either order the split from bandcamp above or by going to Divine Mother's blog at http://divinemotherrecordings.blogspot.co.uk/.

Grievances can be found at http://grievanceshc.com or at http://www.facebook.com/grievances.band2.
Quiet Hands can be found at http://www.facebook.com/QuietHands.

Convulse - Inner Evil EP + Interview

There's always a breath of anticipation when a band returns from a long lay off, with a new release. That anticipation is magnified if such band is a leading light in their scene or country. Convulse have just released their first record since 1994, the two track EP Inner Evil. Convulse released their first demo back in 1990 and went onto release another two demos, two full lengths and a single up until 1994. Inner Evil will be released on the 25th of January by the fast rising Finnish label Svart Records, on vinyl and is also coming out on tape.

Tracklist:-

1. Inner Evil
2. God Is Delusion

Inner Evil is full of sinister lead work and has an all encompassing sound. Convulse have elected to make sure this EP has a modern production, but one which stays true to the roots of their sound. The vocals are low in pitch and the guitars seem to take centre stage.The drums are pounding and very effective when Convulse switch from their razor sharp death metal to a slower passage. They bring thrash metal elements into the title track with a screaming solo, which sounds awesome! The slow passages here really impress me, as do the riffs which follow a similar melody throughout which keeps continuation high. Convulse make these songs last that little bit longer, to make sure they are firmly planted in your head and while they are a death metal band, the songs actually do worm their way in.

God Is Delusion starts with a calm plucked guitar intro, which is really well played. It starts to pick up pace with some twin guitar melodies before Convulse launch back into their flailing death.
Their thrash elements return here to and there's plenty of opportunity for the instruments to take the slack. The vocals sit in the mix, so they don't overpower the music. God Is Delusion is not as tuneful as Inner Evil, embodying some of what makes Finnish funeral doom so good. They harbour a huge amount of grandeur on this short EP, but grandeur that isn't over the top.
The musicianship is very strong, the song structures a well thought out and the sound is very good. A great return to battle for Convulse and a nod to what's to come from their new album!

You can listen to Inner Evil on the Svart Records Soundcloud page below:-

 
I was also given the opportunity to ask vocalist and lead guitarist Rami some questions about Convulse's return, Inner Evil and their future plans. I've posted the interview below:-

Hi Rami, thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. You’ve just released your new EP Inner Evil, which is your first release in 19 years. How does it feel to have the EP out and what have people’s reactions been like towards it? 

Greetings from the grave should I say. I am pretty sure you will like the new "Inner Evil" EP. Its fresh and tight, but having echoes from the ancient times of "World without god". The first response and reviews have been also very good. So I am not concerned at all. 

What was the writing and recording process like for Inner Evil? Can you give us an insight into how it all came together? 

We wrote those two 6 minutes long tracks in the end of the summer 2012 and have enough time to rehearse them and do comeback shows together. New tracks sounded so good that I decided to go analog studio and record everything like back in old days. We recorded it pretty much live. Some guitars and growls afterwards. I am very pleased with the natural sound of it and working in reel-to-reel recording studio. No computers, no monitors, no triggers. Just the band, pure energy and the songs. Keep it simple! I love to work with this new Convulse, because together we have over 100 years experience of playing metal music. It makes everything faster and easier. 

Svart Records have handled the release of Inner Evil. How did you decide to work with Svart Records? 

I have been watching Svart Records releases for a couple of years. I admire their ambition to vinyl format and the high quality of re-releases. I took contact when we had done first new song. Svart Records were very interested in our new material and offered very reasonable record deal. It is also easy to co-operate with Svart, because they are also Finnish. So here we are. First EP comes out 25.1 and the album recordings will start at the end of summer 2013. 

Inner Evil has been pressed on different formats, including vinyl and cassette. Is it important to you that your music is released on the right formats? 

You hit the nail. I prefer vinyl and tape. I am not listening digital music at all. I walk with my Sony Walkman and listen to tapes and at car I listen to tapes. At home I prefer vinyl or cassette. I love to play vinyls and the feeling keeping vinyls in my hands. And look at the cover art of the vinyls! Svart Records weren’t interested in releasing "Inner Evil" in tape. But they had nothing against that we release the tape version by ourselves. 

Stepping away from Inner Evil for a second, when Daniel Ekeroth’s book “Swedish Death Metal” was published; it put a lot of cult, early Swedish death metal bands back into people’s consciousness. Do you think it also helped to build interest into death metal bands from neighbouring countries, like Finland? 

Perhaps it is so. I think the younger metal fans all over the world just want to discover the roots of the brutal death metal and experience how it sounded back in old days. It is pretty same thing when I listen to rock/heavy bands whose glory days were back in 70´s. 

Convulse are considered as one of the leaders of the Finnish death metal scene by many, but which Finnish death metal bands do you look up to or take inspiration from?  

I think we are much more honoured in other countries than in Finland. Maybe nobody is a prophet in his own land. I like a lot of Abhorrence, Demigod, Disgrace, Xysma and so on. Vorum is a good example for a new death metal band playing old school style. 

Why do you think Finland keeps on producing such extreme metal bands? 

You should come here at winter time and you could understand the melancholy feeling of the dark and cold. Here is also huge fan base for metal bands. At least older guys like me listen to mostly metal music. It is because of the heavy metal invasion to Finland in the middle of 80´s. When you have a lot of metal music fans, you will have also a lot of musicians and bands. 

You are planning new releases in 2013. Are you able to tell us anything about what you have planned? 

The "Inner Evil" EP comes out at 25.1 and we have planned to go to the studio at august to record a full-length album. New album should be ready for release in November 2013. We have four new tracks ready now and every week we are making new music in our rehearsal place. 

You are lined up to play Maryland Death Fest in 2013. Beyond that, do you have any more plans to play live and tour this year? 

We will have some minor gigs in Finland, one sure gig in Europe and maybe a tour in Europe in the end of 2013. Nothing sure yet, but hopefully everything goes fine and we have chance to play in Europe soon. 

What do you think of the current death metal scene in Finland? Are there any bands in particular that have caught your eye? 

Here are some good death and thrash bands like Vader and Final Assault. I am not an expert of the scene in Finland nowadays, sorry about that.

Thanks for this interesting interview. Stay in touch and order "Inner Evil" from Svart Records or the tape version straight from me. You can follow Convulse in Facebook.

As I mentioned above, you can order Inner Evil on vinyl from Svart Records. It's released on the 25th of January, but you can pre-oder it here - http://www.svartrecords.com/shoppe/home/1618-convulse-inner-evil-lp.html 

You can also pick up a tape copy on pre-order directly from Convulse. Just head over to their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/Convulse for instructions on how to order it.

Despite Exile - Scarlet Reverie

A few of you may recognise Despite Exile from a previous review here. I reviewed their most recent record Re-Evolve a while back. It's now the turn of their 2011 record Scarlet Reverie. Just to remind everyone, these guys are a modern metal band from Udine, Italy. They've been lucky enough to grace stages across Italy with bands like Texas In July and are destined for good things in 2013.

Tracklist:-

1. Scarlet Reverie

2. Kawabonga

3. Stand Alone

4. Aftermath

5. Pure Crimson

6. Unanswered

Scarlet Reverie heralds the kind of progressive sound that made it's way onto their later Re-Evolve record. It's modern and heavy, but while Re-Evolve was more off-kilter and akin to djent, Scarlet Reverie is more closely aligned to death metal. That's no bad thing of course, as that makes Scarlet Reverie more straightforward. Despite Exile still manage to throw in plenty of technicality though, with plenty of metallic riffs and odd time signatures. They're currently unsigned, but I can see them fitting in well with Basick Records!

They keep their song lengths short as well, sticking to the usual 3-4 minute blast, as opposed to being to theatrical. They incorporate equal technicality and mosh in places, which makes a varied listen. This is especially the case in second song Kawabonga. There's also plenty of pinch harmonics too add to the barrage of influences and textures at play here. The raspy screams are joined by low deathly grunts, which show a coming together of styles as well. This is skilled stuff, there's no denying that. All band members know what they're doing and pull of a sound that, while may sounding generic to start with, blooms into something that's pleasing on the ear and heavy enough to satisfy the more discerning fan. The production also helps Despite Exile too, with plenty of warmth and clarity. 

Overall, Scarlet Reverie is a very accomplished record and while Despite Exile progressed with their later EP Re-Evolve, this record still stands up well and proves that they deserve more attention. Someone snap em up!

Listen to Scarlet Reverie below:-

Despite Exile are on Facebook at  http://www.despiteexile.com and at http://www.facebook.com/despiteexile

They have merch for sale at http://despiteexile.bigcartel.com/, 

Siberian Meat Grinder - Hail To The Tsar

First things first, these guys have such a cool name! Siberian Meat Grinders are a thrash metal band from the cold, harsh depths of Russia. Hail To The Tsar is their five-track EP, which was unleashed in May 2012.

Tracklist:-

1. Hail To The Tsar
2. Still In The Game
3. Chainsaw In The Dark
4. Slay The Dragon
5. Laughing In Your Face
6. Bonus Track

Thrash is certainly the word with these chaps! It seems like an age since I actually reviewed any. This is thrash of the crossover variety; it's fast and features just enough hardcore crunch to keep the crusties happy. These guys are great musicians too; just listen to the solo toward the end of the title track. Still In The Game is more mid-paced during the intro and then they slam their foot to the floor again, once the verse kicks in. The production of this EP is top-notch too, allowing each instrument to sound clear and the songs accomplished. They say on Bandcamp that they fling in rap, which I kind of didn't believe, until I heard for myself during Still In The Game. Public Enemy, eat your heart out!

Chainsaw In The Dark is full of rock n roll flair. Its semi-stoner intro belying their initial thrash blueprint and showing that SMG can and will play whatever they want, and do it well. Slay The Dragon does slay, with twin guitar harmonies and gang vocals aplenty!  It does remind a bit of Blessed By A Broken Heart, but whereas they are a throwback band of sorts, SMG manage to inject modern sensibilities into their music and come out with a sound that's got more integrity. The oppressive sludge atmosphere of Laughing In Your Face is welcome, but it doesn't distract too much from the party! There's also bound to be obvious comparisons made to Municipal Waste, but that's just lazy.

So, by the time you reach the imaginatively titled Bonus Track, your bound to have neck-ache and shaking eyeballs, such is the quality of the thrash metal on this EP. Siberian Meat Grinder are ace and the sooner they get over to UK the better!

Listen for yourselves below:-

You can also find them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SIBERIANMEATGRINDER.

Stuck In A Rut - No Future

This record has been nestling in my inbox for some time, which I apologies for. Stuck In A Rut are another band that are starting to make a name for themselves both in and outside of Romania. They're a three-piece hardcore band, with two records to their name, including this one which was released about a year ago today.

These guys have been lucky enough to get on bills recently with bands like Agent Attitude and Sectarian Violence in Romania, so they've got the chops for it.

Tracklist:-

1. The Illusion of Safety
2. Statistics
3. Borrowed Time
4. Entertainers
5. The "Free" Press
6. The City
7. No Future
8. Closed Doors

No Future is filled with quick fire, hardcore blasts. Most of the songs here are fast. There are only two songs that go past the two-minute mark and opener The Illusion of Safety is one of them. It starts with a really chuggy, thick guitar intro, which dies down, to allow Stuck In A Rut to launch into a suitably aggressive verse. The vocals are coarse and the sound is akin to earlier-Strife and the like. It sits at the sludgier end of hardcore.

Stuck In A Rut take a more energetic turn when Statistics kicks in. They flit between fast, grind influenced hardcore and bass heavy slower sections. Borrowed Time, Entertainers and The "Free" Press last about a minute and a half between them and make you think more of power-violence than hardcore. The production of the album is such that you mainly get the vocals and drums, with the guitars buried in the mix when Stuck In A Rut are in full flow. When the guitars play on their own though, they sound thick and heavy.

The City has some old-school black metal sensibilities to it, in the vocals thanks a raspy scream. The stop-start aesthetic of the instruments is cool too. No Future is the lengthiest number here. It winds into life with a slow intro and then seeps into a mid-paced, cold dirge. The subtle distance of the vocals here make it sounds even more menacing and strangely minimal. There's no denying the skills that Stuck In A Rut have, with the drums especially sounding very solid. They possess a really punky edge in the mid section of No future and can be heard very prominently throughout the record.

So, Closed Doors closes out No Future. It starts with deafening, screaming feedback before Stuck In A Rut end with a swagger. Their punk inspired hardcore is interjected with some ace leads. It shows a flair, which wasn't present in their previous songs and ends the record on a high.
Listen to No Future below:-


You can also download No Future free from Bandcamp as well.

You can find them on Facebook here http://www.facebook.com/StuckinarutDIY.

Rotting Palms - S/T 7"

IFB records releases have been mentioned on the blog a few times since it started. I've reviewed a few records they've helped to put out, including the Hexis "X" 7", the Shoppers/Panzram "Split" 7" and the Republic of Dreams/Beau Navire "Split" 7" and it's also no secret that I like my screamo. I thought I'd take the time to write about one of their newer 7"s.

Rotting Palms are a band I've seen mentioned a lot more recently, you know, while I've been keeping my ear to the ground and while doing some digging, I noticed they'd released this. Rotting Palms are a Florida based four-piece that, while not screamo, seem right up my street as they play sludge ridden hardcore, which I also have a penchent for.

Tracklist:-

1. Greetings From The Nile
2. Politicult
3. WR104 

This 7"s opening song begins with a longish but nicely melodic guitar intro before Rotting Palms unleash their brand of angry, cathartic hardcore. RP inject a lot of subtle melody into their music and prefer to shy away from making it "brutal for the sake of it". The production is really clear which helps the guitars sound really warm and precise and when everything is playing in unison, it just sounds epic! 

I'm a big fan of lengthy song intros, as long as they have character and ain't too artsy, which Rotting Palms' intros do have. They have purpose and help build a great atmosphere. The majority of Politicult is instrumental till about two minutes in, when vocalist Nate's low screams punctuate the ensemble. Thanks to the sludge-ridden groove that RP use from time to time, their songs seem to run for a lot longer than their playing time, which is fine by me as there is a lot to get your teeth into if you listen for it.

I mentioned in the review intro about my love for screamo and in closer WR104, I do a get a sense of it from RP. It's only present in some of the metallic guitar sections, but it certainly brings an interesting element to their hardcore sound. I've said somewhere else already that 2013 is going to be a year of discovery for This Noise Is Ours, and it's already started very positively.

Rotting Palms are definitely a band I want to hear more of and as my New Year's resolution dictates, I'll be investing in this slab of vinyl at some point in the future. 

Listen for yourselves below:-

To order this 7", head over to IFB records at http://www.ifbrecords.com/pages/main.html or if you're lucky enough to live in Florida, find out where Rotting Palms are playing at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rotting-Palms and pick one up in person.

Corrupt Moral Altar - Needle Drugs Demo

Well, 2013 is here and believe me when I say it's shaping up to be a mighty year, music wise. There's loads of new labels and bands shooting up all over the place and this post feature one of each. Corrupt Moral Altar are one of the newest bands to come out of Liverpool, which seems to be putting itself firmly on the metal map right now. They play a fusion of grind, sludge and metal. They will be releasing an EP called  "Luciferian Deathcult" in 2013 through new label Baitin The Trap Records, which is run by Rick from fellow Liverpudlian sludgers Iron Witch. Needle Drugs is their three track demo, which was released at the back end of last year.

Tracklist:-

1. Stray Dog/Power Whore
2. Politics is A Bargain Between Beggars
3. You Don't Have To Go To Clown College 

Opener Stray Dog/Power Whore harks back to days of Scum ear Napalm Death and the like, except this song airs more on the sludgy side of things. It's full of thick riffs, blasting drums and high-pitched screams. CxMxA switch between nuts grind and mid-paced, tar-thick sludge while constantly keeping their guitars in overdrive. This could well be the longest PV song you'll hear, ever!

The other two songs on Needle Drugs are equally in your face, but fly past your ears. Their ability to break up the battering with quality slower sections keeps you glued to the spot, as they rip you to shreds using only your speakers. Politics Is A Bargain Between Beggars and You Don't Have To Go To Clown College rip. There's more urgency amongst them, but CxMxA don't lose any of their thick, claustrophobic atmosphere.

This demo and in fact this band are not for the faint hearted. If you're sporting a New Year's Eve hangover, banish it with a bottle of Jack and CxMxA. Don't just take my word for though, listen to Needle Drugs below:-

Corrupt Moral Altar are on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CorruptMoralAltar. Kepp checking for news on their debut EP and live date.

Pre-orders for Luciferian Deathcult will be going up soon, so keep an eye on Baitin The Trap Records at http://www.facebook.com/baitinthetraprecords.

Punk in drublic - Spastic Fantastic Records

A little while ago I decided to write some features that lifted the lid on DIY/cool labels. Labels that are pushing the envelope for killer bands and that have an obvious theme or aesthetic. My first feature was on Manchester based label Church of Fuck, which deals with dark/despairing hardcore, amongst other genres. This feature focuses on German punk label Spastic Fantastic Records.

Spastic Fantastic Records was founded in 2007, with the sole purpose of releasing fast punk music. They specialise in the kind of punk that is regularly reviewed in Maximum Rock n Roll and like to keep things colourful!

As well as Spastic Fantastic, there is also an imprint called Yakuzzi Tapes, that solely releases tapes. A while ago, I caught up with label head honcho Maz, to find out more about it's beginnings, future and about the punk scene in Germany. 

Can you tell us a bit about how Spastic Fantastic Record started and what your ethos is for the label?

Yo hey James. First of all thanks for your interest in doing a special about the label. I'm very pleased for your support. So back to the question, SFR started back in 2007 with the demo tape of my first hc band, when I was 18. Since then I perceive the label as an open minded, violent free, anti fascist, pro gay and left wing family base. 

Whereas a lot of hardcore/metal labels promote dark aesthetics, you seem to have a more positive and colourful attitude. Is that inspired by the music you release?

 

Indeed. As I started the label I listened to much 625, Youth Attack and Slap-A-Ham stuff. What Happens Next, Scholastic Deth, Surf Nazis Must Die, Highscore, Spazz… everything over the top, bandanas, flannels, skateboard decks! I can't do anything with so-called modern hardcore. I like fast music, smart lyrics and fun on stage. That's why everything seems a bit more colorful if you look at the label catalog. 

 

What has been your proudest achievement since forming the label? What has been your best selling release?

 

Hmmm, hard question. I don't have exact numbers, since the label is only a hobby and not used to make more money, than I need for a new release, so I don't really care about records. The last NXD or rather Napoleon Dynamite LP was a big seller and we made another run of it around 1 or 2 months after the release date. That's quite fantastic for a small band and label as SFR or NXD with a tiny niche of people, being into this kind of crap punk. My proudest achievement may be the fact, that bands like DEAN DIRG or SNIFFING GLUE asked me for a release. Till today, two of my absolute favorite bands. Besides, it's really satisfying to work together with so much nice people, friends, my punk-rock family. Every release was fixed through a gut instinct and the people seem to like my label roster and politics behind the surface. That's awesome!

Can you tell us a bit about your current releases?

 

Currently in the pressing plant: The first DANGER! DANGER! EP. A new band from the NIHIL BAXTER area and mates of em. Fast and aggressive hc punk with a nice street-punk edge and some crazy guitar tunes. Besides, we will release a compilation LP of Belgium’s SUNPOWER with their EPs and some cover songs - 80s hardcore punk with some love for the 70s. Afterwards I expect the limited Demo LP of Dortmund's all-star power violence/ fastcore project of 142. They made a demo CD-R and one or two shows, before they quit the band. Till today I was a big fan of their one and only release and looked forward to finally release it on vinyl. I hope to find 99 other idiots; they want a piece of it on 12'', too. 7 minutes, 45 rpm, 12 inches, silk-screened foldout cover and limited to just 100 pieces. Also in the pressing plant, the upcoming LP of East Germany’s SAD NEUTRINO BITCHES. A highly explosive punk-rock mix between garage, rock'n'roll, 60s, 70s and straight-forwarded hardcore punk between DEAN DIRG, BLACK LIPS and HENRY FIATS OPEN SORE. Early 2013 I expect the new LP by Hanover’s premium hardcore pack of T34. On top of that we will release a couple of tapes in the next few weeks. Check out Yakuzzi Tapes on Facebook for that.

Can you talk about your future plans for Spastic Fantastic?

 

There will be a Deutsch punk split 7'' between KOTZREIZ and NXD in the first quarter of 2013 and a new EP by FRIENDS OF DOROTHY, a new band from Sweden with members of HENRY FIATS OPEN SORE and the mighty Sir Henry Fiat on the mic. Be prepared for some spittin’ punk'n'roll in the veins of his former band(s). Additionally we're working on several new releases, I hope there will be some new material by the established SFR-bands, maybe a flexi or a singles club. I'm planning to redesign and update the shop and its software with a friend in the future. 

 

What is your policy when deciding which bands to work with and release for?

 

I focus on working with friends or friends of friends, fast music, snotty sounds, left wing, a nice sense of humour. Stuff I like, not stuff that will sell. That was always a good recipe.

How has Social media (like Facebook) helped you label reach wider audiences (it was how I found out about you!)?

 

I think the web 2.0, Youtube, Facebook, Bandcamp, Blogspot offers a lot of free space for labels and artists to share messages, ideas, music and creativity. That helps me of course spreading news for upcoming releases, shows and shop updates, but also is a great way of stay in contact with friends or connect to people worldwide. We're doing trades with Asian and American people from far away, we only know through their web presence. 

 

What bands are you currently listening to and who's influenced you over the years?

Some bands that influenced me and the label, that spontaneously come to my mind: THE ITALIAN STALLION, ExTxAx, SPAZZ, CHARLES BRONSON, FORMALDEHYDE JUNKIES, THE REPOS, CIRCLE JERKS, ANGRY SAMOANS, SCHOLASTIC DETH, WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!?, R.A.M.B.O., TERRORGRUPPE, HENRY FIATS OPEN SORE, THE HIVES, SURF NAZIS MUST DIE, BEASTIE BOYS, BOMBENALARM, NEGATIVE APPROACH, THE PRICKS, THE SHOCKS, DEAN DIRG, TRIO… some of them got connections to the SFR family over the last 4-5 years, which is cool to speak to bands and people I listened to, while growing up. Records I listen to these days: THE JIM TABLOWSKI EXPERIENCE – s/t recordings, WICCANS - Field 2 12'', GRUPPE80, JA JA 12'', GREEN BERET - Violence Is Their Currency 12'', THEE OOPS - Hey Charlie 7'' and some of the test-pressings and tapes I'm working on. 

What is the punk/hardcore scene like in Germany at the moment and which local bands would you recommend to us?

 

The scene… hmmm, I think it's easy to book a tour, playing shows, meet new and nice people and get treated well here in Germany. The northern part of Germany is quite lame for such big cities like Hamburg, but therefore I really got in love with the eastern and especially the southern part of Germany. There are a lot of people being into the DIY scene, making records and tapes, printing posters and shirts, booking agencies, of course playing in bands. But as everywhere, some people are awesome, others pretty much suck. Even in the great punk-rock / hardcore universe. I try not focus so much on scenes, maybe cause there is no real existing scene in our area, but you should check out THE JIM TABLOWSKI EXPERIENCE and MADAME MONSTER.

So as mentioned above, here's some lines about SFR's latest releases:-

Leidkultur - For A Better World 7"

Leidkultur are a hardcore punk band from Nuremberg and this 7" features 6 songs, chock full of hardcore in the vein of bands like From Ashes Rise. SFR have two pressings available - 1 with a Black on White cover and the other with a Purple on White cover. The Purple pressing is exclusive to SFR. You can stream the 7" below:- 

142 - Demo 12"

142 were a hardcore/powerviolence band from Dortmund. They are no longer together, but SFR are pressing their demo onto vinyl. It features 10 songs in 7 minutes, so you know it's gonna be nuts! It's strictly limited to 100 copies and is a co-operative release with fellow Germans. Rising Riot Records. You can stream the 12" below and it should be out in January 2013:-



T-34 - Do It Yourself 12"

This is another 12" coming from SFR, for Hannover based punks T-34. These guys sing in their native tongue and this record should be out very soon. You can a preview of this record, by streaming it below:-

Sunpower - Decade 12"

SFR will be releasing a very special 12" for Belgian hardcore punks Sunpower in January 2013. It'll be a compilation that will feature the songs from their first 3 EP,s as well as some special unreleased songs. There will also be a live DVD included! The 12" will be limited to just 300 copies, with 60 receiving special SFR hand-numbered, screen-printed outer sleeves. Wet your appetite for the finished product below:-

Danger! Danger! - S/T 7"

This is another pre-order that will be out in January 2013. This is fast punk, from members of fellow SFR band Nihil Baxter. Again, it can be streamed below:-


As well as these records, there are going to be new releases from SFR's sub-label Yakuzzi Tapes. As the name suggested, Yakuzzi Tapes was set up to press special cassette releases.

Their latest releases include tapes from Pusrad and Cheap Drugs. You can order them here - http://www.spasticfantastic.de/catalog/yakuzzi-tapes.

Yakuzzi Tapes also have a bandcamp page where you can stream all of their releases - http://yakuzzitapes.bandcamp.com/.

There's also tonnes more music from SFR's back catalogue on their bandcamp page at http://spasticfantastic.bandcamp.com/.

You can also buy both SFR and Yakuzzi Tapes releases from the main label website at http://www.spasticfantastic.de/catalog/index.php.

You can both label on Facebook to at http://www.facebook.com/spasticfantasticrecords and http://www.facebook.com/yakuzzitapes.

The Acacia Strain - Death Is The Only Mortal

The Acacia Strain shouldn't need any introductions now. They came along when the US metalcore scene was becoming over saturated and tore it a new one. They released some huge albums and gained massive momentum, before being snapped up by Rise Records after leaving their previous label, Prosthetic and Death Is The Only Mortal was their Rise debut, released in October.

Tracklist:-

1.Doomblade
2.Our Lady of Perpetual Sorrow
3.Go To Sleep 
4. Brain Death
5. The Mouth of The River
6. Dust and The Helix
7. Victims of The Cave 
8. Time and Death and God
9. The Chambered Nautilus
10. House of Abandon

Opener Doomblade begins with a well-known sample before The Acacia Strain tear into the opening verse. The lead guitar adds melody to the thick, breakdown filled low-end. The vocals are suitably low as well, but sit at the top of the mix. Doomblade is more mid-paced than I expected, but the band hasn’t scrimped on the heaviness at all. Our Lady of Perpetual Sorrow sees TAS explore more thrash metal elements, as well as some unique off-kilter textures. The use of electronic programming is also present in small amounts on the record, but unlike many other modern US metal bands, its not as prominent so doesn't detract from the music or the brutality that TAS spew forth.

There is definitely a djent influence creeping into their music, which is no bad thing. The riffs at the start of Go To Sleep are a good example of that. There also seems

to be a subtle hint of sludge too, which shows that TAS are not just a one-genre band. The production is clean and the song structures are good. TAS doesn’t overplay things and like to keep  to the same formula in the first half of the album. One thing they do really well, is the brutal breakdowns that are placed in songs. They don't overuse these and tend to place them alongside other elements, like vocal or drums refrains etc, to vary their sound. The melodic, introspective guitar during Brain Death does a good job of breaking up the song's obvious brutality. You get broad sided by some awesome twin guitar melodies too, that remind you that at the end of the day, these guys embody what heavy metal is about!

As TAS move into the second half of Death Is The Only Mortal, they sound well and truly bedded in and start to vary things. Dust And The Helix sounds more urgent than previous songs, with a real heavy undercurrent to it. Victims of The Cave sees them heading back into sludgier, more mid-paced territory. The sinister keyboard effects add intrigue and the crushing underbelly of the song provides you with ample opportunity to headbang your head clean off you neck! They hit a real thrashy groove as the song closes out, which really hits the spot.

As TAS settles into their final three songs, it becomes apparent that this is not just another metal album and that they are not just another metal band. The off-kilter sound of Time and Death and God brings modern flair to their sound, while the quieter more introspective passages build atmosphere. There's a stop-start aesthetic to The Chambered Nautilus, which is tempered by some brilliant melodic guitar leads. House of Abandon is one of the heaviest songs on the record, no further description needed really!

So forget what you though you knew about The Acacia Strain or your pre-formed opinions, these guys are huge in sound and personality. Their music may be more modern than I normally feature on these pages, but as a band that deserves recognition for bringing metal to new, younger audiences, they are worth the price of admission. Death Is The Only Mortal is a brutal album, full of different musical elements and should usher in a new, stronger future for both The Acacia Strain and Rise Records.

TAS have three tracks available for streaming on Soundcloud at https://soundcloud.com/sergeyx/sets/the-acacia-strain-death-is-the.

Rise Records has both CD and vinyl variants of Death Is The Only Mortal for sale in their store at http://riserecords.merchnow.com/.


You can keep up to date the The Acacia Strain at both http://www.theacaciastrain.com/ and at http://www.facebook.com/Theacaciastrain.

Sathanas/Spawn of Satan - Split 7"

This new 7" from Hells Headbangers typifies their policy of releasing awesome death and black metal, by releasing a song each from two US death metal legends. Pittsburgh blackened deathsters Sathanas, formed back in 1988 and have been a mainstay of the US death metal scene ever since. Cleveland, Ohio's Spawn of Satan formed a year later in 1989. They have just returned after a hiatus of four years to contribute to this split.

Tracklisting
1. Spawn of Satan - Ritual Murder
2. Sathanas - Unholy Eternal

Starting with Spawn of Satan's track Ritual Murder. This song was actually written in 1988, but finally finds it's way onto vinyl on this split. The sound harks back to the low-fi 80's death metal records and naturally it has an old-school feel.

The vocals are low and as evil as they come. The instruments sit quite low in the mix, so to appreciate it fully you've got to turn it up to 11! This is death metal as it should be. No complications, no electronic effects, just honest and frenzied music. The screeching guitar solo is a highlight for me, as it typifies the skill and flair that comes from death metal bands when they're in full flow. The fact that the vocals are perfectly audible as well, helps Spawn of Satan sound more impressive. A perfect splash of death metal!

Sathanas muscle in with Unholy Eternal on the B-side. They have a very different sound to them, with thicker guitars, plenty of double bass and snare and those trademark, gargled blackened death growls. Sathanas make use of the bass more in their track and thanks to the production; it helps to add heft to their side.

Unholy Eternal is pretty grim, as you'd expect (in a good way). With Satan being the overarching theme here, the evilness is perfectly placed and this 7" gives you 8+ minutes of frenzied headbanging time. It's great to hear two well-known death metal bands, using a format such as vinyl to showcase two different strains of death metal.

You can listen to the entire split on Hells Headbangers bandcamp page below:-


As illustrated above, this 7" comes in glorious, Satan red vinyl and you can pick it up from http://shop-hellsheadbangers.com/.
Spawn of Satan can be found on Myspace at http://www.myspace.com/666spawnofsatan.
Sathanas are on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/sathanasmetal.