As some of you may know a tour chock full of NYDM is heading around North America. I managed to catch them last Saturday when they stopped here in Toronto. Here is my review of the show, including the local openers.
Maniak: This band appeared to be thrash but their bassist never showed and they got about 30 seconds of playing in before their equipment failed. They looked terrible though so I wasn't disapointed.
Heaps of Dead: Heaps of Dead played a decent set of brutal death metal which had bits and pieces taken from all the American scenes. Thankfully not the usual Canadian wankery, these guys dished out some heavy riffs. I think with a little more musical focus and work on songwriting these guys might put something good out.
Horde of Worms: Boring extreme metal that wasn't really death, black or grind. Not much else to say.
Skinless: And the "real" bands begin. As expected Skinless played average metal with great stage presence. The moshing was intense. I was towards the front the whole show and I got pushed around a lot here. They even orchestrated a wall of death which was pretty intense. I could take or leave the music but it was fun live.
Immolation: Another band I've always never really cared about but they put on a professional, crushing show. I have Harnessing Ruin but I thought it was boring. I didn't really know any of the songs but the stuff from the newest and the oldest records sounded the best. The singer also has a funny New York accent and seemed like a very cool guy.
Suffocation: Here's what I had been waiting for. I saw Suffocation Fall 06 (actually my only real life meeting with Andy.) and it was an amazing experience so I was psyched for this. They did not disappoint. They sounded crushing and Frank has a fabulous stage presence. For example after one song the crowd went crazy and when it ended we were all so tired we fell silent. Frank then got all indignant and said "Why is it so quiet? I'm up here singing and going 'what the fuck?' at the crowd going crazy". That got the crowd started again in a hurry.
The set list was almost perfect. No Liege of Inveracity, but all the other classics and some ones rarely heard like Brood of Hatred, Seeds of the Suffering and Misconcieved. They are all incredibly great live songs and they were performed to perfection. I guess I am gushing like a smitten schoolgirl but it was that good. If this tour passes by you just go. You will thank me later.
Another cool thing was that Derek Boyer, Suffocation's bassist, was wearing a Devourment shirt. Closest thing I can get to my two favorite bands in one place.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Shawn Whitaker Appreciation
Finally, we're getting to posting about the busiest fucking guy in Texas, Shawn Whitaker. Whitaker is, in case you somehow didn't know, the man behind bands including Viral Load, Grotesque Formation, and Insidious Decrepancy. A lot of the time, though, Shawn doesn't stick with pure TXDM slam and stomp stuff, but instead incorporates some really tight-knit influences here and there. Let's check it out.
Well, we should definitely start with his most famous project, Insidious Decrepancy. He's done two albums under this name so far, hopefully a third one will come soon (but that is unlikely as he is very obviously a busy guy, probably even outside of music, and it had been three years between his currently released albums). The music is highly Immolation influenced; hell, he even covers "Dawn Of Possession" on the first album and...it fucking rules. The rest of the album is technical, blasting, and gory, but it definitely doesn't forget to throw out the rulebook and write some nigh-catchy riffs now and then. On his newest album, The Inerrancy Of Profanation, Shawn begins the CD with a great song featuring some Deeds Of Flesh-isms as well as a lead section that just screams Death (mid-era)! I was hooked right there, and the rest of the CD lived up to my expectations; no more leads really, but straightforward, chunky, well-played, and well-rounded technical brutality. At first, I recall comparing it to a solo-less/lacking Necrophagist circa the first demo and subsequent album (Onset...). In any case, both albums are fucking brilliant; Shawn even came out with a live DVD recently (a month or so ago, if I remember right) called Texas Tormenting Tokyo 2005. I can tell that'll be ridiculous if the Youtube videos of ID are any indication!
Viral Load's up next, Shawn's more humorous project that he currently shares with Forrest of Cephalotripsy on drums (but he used a drum machine on the first two albums). The early material was rather different; raw, blasting sickness with Shawn's hilarious/evil screaming vocals piercing through the wall of great riffs (and astoundingly melodic ones here and there, such as in "Galloping Upon The Entrails Of The Dead." I don't care too much for the new material...I'm not a big fan of and cannot get much into "humorous" slam/brutal death, but whatever...that aside, I'm sure it's a similar style as both Brutalized Beyond Belief and Practitioners Of Perversion.
Grotesque Formation is a pure slam band which Shawn did vocals on for the Basement Decompositions album. I hated this at first, when I wasn't too into slam/brutal death...but now that I am I can tell you that this is excellent, chaotic, blasting, fast-paced stuff! This is great slam for fans of Condemned, Goretrade, and Guttural Secrete (though it's noticeably sloppier than the last two bands, and there's less melody, as it is).
I haven't heard anything from a few of his projects...but once I do, I'll end up editing this to let everyone know that they fucking rule...until then...
Well, we should definitely start with his most famous project, Insidious Decrepancy. He's done two albums under this name so far, hopefully a third one will come soon (but that is unlikely as he is very obviously a busy guy, probably even outside of music, and it had been three years between his currently released albums). The music is highly Immolation influenced; hell, he even covers "Dawn Of Possession" on the first album and...it fucking rules. The rest of the album is technical, blasting, and gory, but it definitely doesn't forget to throw out the rulebook and write some nigh-catchy riffs now and then. On his newest album, The Inerrancy Of Profanation, Shawn begins the CD with a great song featuring some Deeds Of Flesh-isms as well as a lead section that just screams Death (mid-era)! I was hooked right there, and the rest of the CD lived up to my expectations; no more leads really, but straightforward, chunky, well-played, and well-rounded technical brutality. At first, I recall comparing it to a solo-less/lacking Necrophagist circa the first demo and subsequent album (Onset...). In any case, both albums are fucking brilliant; Shawn even came out with a live DVD recently (a month or so ago, if I remember right) called Texas Tormenting Tokyo 2005. I can tell that'll be ridiculous if the Youtube videos of ID are any indication!
Viral Load's up next, Shawn's more humorous project that he currently shares with Forrest of Cephalotripsy on drums (but he used a drum machine on the first two albums). The early material was rather different; raw, blasting sickness with Shawn's hilarious/evil screaming vocals piercing through the wall of great riffs (and astoundingly melodic ones here and there, such as in "Galloping Upon The Entrails Of The Dead." I don't care too much for the new material...I'm not a big fan of and cannot get much into "humorous" slam/brutal death, but whatever...that aside, I'm sure it's a similar style as both Brutalized Beyond Belief and Practitioners Of Perversion.
Grotesque Formation is a pure slam band which Shawn did vocals on for the Basement Decompositions album. I hated this at first, when I wasn't too into slam/brutal death...but now that I am I can tell you that this is excellent, chaotic, blasting, fast-paced stuff! This is great slam for fans of Condemned, Goretrade, and Guttural Secrete (though it's noticeably sloppier than the last two bands, and there's less melody, as it is).
I haven't heard anything from a few of his projects...but once I do, I'll end up editing this to let everyone know that they fucking rule...until then...
Monday, October 22, 2007
Abnormality - Demo 2007 Review
Starting with a totally bizarre intro called "___" we then launch into technical blasting brutal death metal with lots of snake-like riff patterns and nice tight drumming all around. Vocals are done by a girl (who is also really a cool chick, thanks for the kind words/interest Mallika!), but I'm not going to dwell on that; she does both the high-pitched and gutturals, which are both quite nice. They have that obvious feminine intonation, but it's not so bad sometimes and does not detract in any way, shape, or form from the excellent forward-thinking music. Interesting song structures are a big part of this band, and I think they are definitely carving a nice path for themselves in the local (Massachusetts) brutal death scene (they are playing/have played shows with bands such as Mortal Decay, Sexcrement, and Deconformity!).
As for improvements, I could definitely suggest a louder bass presence; the basslines, when audible, are REALLY nice and even progressive (a word I like to see associated with music like this, especially when nicely integrated into the disturbing, technical structuring of the songs themselves). A better/louder production overall would be excellent for this band's full-length...this is material suited to Willowtip as much as it is for Sevared, so I see no problem finding a good label to put out this talented young band's work. I definitely look forward to hearing more by them and listening to/watching their development as they progress...there's that word again!
Speaking of that, a rumor went around at the station I intern at when they were there that they may be writing longer songs; to which I responded with an enthusiastic "DO IT!" Long songs are a weak point of mine, but...don't mind me, and I digress. Check this out if you are into bands like Malignancy, Inherit Disease, Mindly Rotten, and Odious Mortem!
As for improvements, I could definitely suggest a louder bass presence; the basslines, when audible, are REALLY nice and even progressive (a word I like to see associated with music like this, especially when nicely integrated into the disturbing, technical structuring of the songs themselves). A better/louder production overall would be excellent for this band's full-length...this is material suited to Willowtip as much as it is for Sevared, so I see no problem finding a good label to put out this talented young band's work. I definitely look forward to hearing more by them and listening to/watching their development as they progress...there's that word again!
Speaking of that, a rumor went around at the station I intern at when they were there that they may be writing longer songs; to which I responded with an enthusiastic "DO IT!" Long songs are a weak point of mine, but...don't mind me, and I digress. Check this out if you are into bands like Malignancy, Inherit Disease, Mindly Rotten, and Odious Mortem!
Human Mastication New Songs; Devourment Interview by SMNnews
Here's just a quick post on some happenings in the scene. Human Mastication, a band from our much loved Filipino scene, has released two new songs. Production is a little quiet but the slams are massive and the songs are well composed. They are up on myspace and are definitely worth a listen.
Human Mastication @ Myspace
Secondly, I found a new interview on SMNnews.com of Mike Majewski of Devourment. I enjoyed the interview and being a Devourment fanboy I had to post it. Thanks to the Devourment message board for posting the link originally.
Interview Here
Human Mastication @ Myspace
Secondly, I found a new interview on SMNnews.com of Mike Majewski of Devourment. I enjoyed the interview and being a Devourment fanboy I had to post it. Thanks to the Devourment message board for posting the link originally.
Interview Here
Monday, October 15, 2007
Digested Flesh Appreciation
Emerging from the Guido ridden land of New Jersey in 1999 Digested Flesh were one of the first slam bands I found and still one of the my favorites. In this post I'll discuss in detail this band and why I think they rock harder than most.
First off the essentials. They formed in 1999 as I said, they released one demo in 2003, a full length in 2004 called The Answer to Infection (Macabre Mementos) and a split with Inhuman Dissiliency called Accumulation of Eviscerated Remnants (Macabre Mementos). I have both the split and full length and both are worth getting.
The sound of Digested Flesh is that of slam with special emphasis on the bludgeoning side of things. There are the usual catchy grooves, the really slow parts, the blasts, but occasionally they'll just belt out a pounding riff with no melody, no progressions just WUMPWUMPWUMP on your puny, pathetic personage. This is incredibly satisfying to me and adds to the brutality. This aspect is a little more prevalent on The Answer... but it's still in their newer stuff. Just pure violence
The vocals are also incredibly sick. The gurgles are incredibly sick sounding. Not exactly low or deep like Soils of Fate or Vomit Remnants, just... sick. Closest thing I can think of is Wayne Knupp on the early Devourment stuff. They managed to nauseate a black metal friend of mine but of course I love the vocals.
Digested Flesh also do the little things right. The drumming is tight and the drummer uses many catchy little hi-hat rolls that spice things up. The bass does it's thing well but doesn't get in the way. The songs are also distinguishable from one another which is nice in this genre.
What surprises me is how little this band gets talked about. I feel like worse bands get talked about more and get on bigger labels. Oh well, check out this band if you haven't and if you have then horns up to you!
First off the essentials. They formed in 1999 as I said, they released one demo in 2003, a full length in 2004 called The Answer to Infection (Macabre Mementos) and a split with Inhuman Dissiliency called Accumulation of Eviscerated Remnants (Macabre Mementos). I have both the split and full length and both are worth getting.
The sound of Digested Flesh is that of slam with special emphasis on the bludgeoning side of things. There are the usual catchy grooves, the really slow parts, the blasts, but occasionally they'll just belt out a pounding riff with no melody, no progressions just WUMPWUMPWUMP on your puny, pathetic personage. This is incredibly satisfying to me and adds to the brutality. This aspect is a little more prevalent on The Answer... but it's still in their newer stuff. Just pure violence
The vocals are also incredibly sick. The gurgles are incredibly sick sounding. Not exactly low or deep like Soils of Fate or Vomit Remnants, just... sick. Closest thing I can think of is Wayne Knupp on the early Devourment stuff. They managed to nauseate a black metal friend of mine but of course I love the vocals.
Digested Flesh also do the little things right. The drumming is tight and the drummer uses many catchy little hi-hat rolls that spice things up. The bass does it's thing well but doesn't get in the way. The songs are also distinguishable from one another which is nice in this genre.
What surprises me is how little this band gets talked about. I feel like worse bands get talked about more and get on bigger labels. Oh well, check out this band if you haven't and if you have then horns up to you!
Friday, October 12, 2007
Mutilated Records - New Reviews
Mutilated Recs was nice enough to send both Nick and I a great promo package complete with 3 CDs each and the booklets/traycards for each so we can make our own CD packages with 'em and keep 'em after review...so I definitely owe these guys reviews, as this is some nice stuff!
First on the platter, Colombia's My Plague. After a very good sci-fi oriented intro track (which is, rather humorously, longer than the first actual track), we get immediately bludgeoned by fast and lurching brutal death metal, constantly changing tempos in weird ways, shifting structures and excellent riffs with off-time drumming. The vocals are used mainly as a percussive instrument, almost totally inaudible under the banging of drums and churning of bass and guitars. This is CHAOTIC stuff, very reminiscent of countrymen Internal Suffering (all blastbeats, epic riffage, and odd songwriting styles!). What I really like about this kind of music is that despite the really great riffs and well-timed drumming, we get a sense of improvisation and DIY spirit; this would be just as suitable to see live as a jam or recording session as it would hearing in compressed format on a CD in your computer/stereo. Where this band really succeeds is its ability to grab listeners by the throat and strangle all their life out, then revive them just in time for the next semi-melodic riff, technical song shift, or other interesting, unique deviation from the style. Well fucking done...more Colombian brutal death that owns! Recommended for fans of the aforementioned Internal Suffering, Mindly Rotten, Disgorge (Mex), and Putrefukation. Though undeniably Colombian in style, the band often overlaps with a European and even Cali/US style on some songs. Definitely awesome and a new favorite to spin all the time!
Anal Blast's wonderfully (OK, not really) titled Assault On The Hot Wet Blood Hole is up next...this is really just kind of a compilation of essentially all of their recorded material on one disc. I have never really liked this band at all; they're mostly famous for having Joey Jordison on drums at one time. However, some of this is pretty decent deathgrind...definitely influenced by greats like Repulsion. Pity about the stupid aesthetic (putting their name on various logos, ripping off/paying tribute to Cradle Of Filth), but if you can get by that, it's not too bad. Still, I'm not a really big fan, and this doesn't change that. This is definitely suited towards people who really already like this band and want to get all their stuff on one CD. This is rather comprehensive, but the real problem lies not in the averageness of the music, but in the lack of any real documentation of the band's past; this makes the release seem lazy despite the large (28 tracks) amount of material here. Ah well. I'm sure someone somewhere loves the fuck out of this, but it ain't me.
We've got a really nice looking sampler up next, with artwork from the godly Tony Koehl. 26 tracks by 23 different bands ranging from brutal/slam death to grind and everything in between. Nice! Let's take a look:
1. Septycal Gorge - Well, we already know these guys. They contribute the song "Unidentified Corpse" off their Mutilated Records debut to this comp/sampler. Very awesome interesting stuff that sounds like a combination of newer Devourment, Deeds Of Flesh, and Ancient Necropsy.
2. Crepitation - I don't know anything about this band, but it's fast slam with horrible vocals. Nothing special, but there's room for improvement here. Breakdowns are good.
3. Ladies And Gentlemen - This is grind in the Cripple Bastards crusty raw style from Italy to boot. Not bad, kind of silly (inherent in the name), but overall I'd listen to a couple of 7" splits with 'em, meaning they can't completely offend my ears!
4-5. Yattai - This is grindy slam with moshing breakdown parts and cool vocals, like a slowed-down version of early Sublime Cadaveric Decomposition. Once again, it's not bad, but it just doesn't hit me and make me want to listen. Decent. They have two songs on the comp, and the second ("Stincky [sic] Witches") is the better of the two, starting with a great slow riff and going into furious groovy grind!
6. Morbus - This is some more traditional sounding NYDM with a faster pace than most. Production is kind of similar to Morpheus Descends, but there are some noodly guitar parts also which rule. This is some of the best shit on the comp so far...looking forward to hearing more by them! Definitely need their album. I can't even believe they're Venezuelan!
7. Côte d'Aver - French (who knew) goregrind with a raw production value and decent song structuring. They seem to know how to write catchy chord progressions, but the drummer needs to stop with the constant snare pounding. The breakdown is quite good, but the vocals are very weak (the guy's voice cracks here and there!).
8-9. Gastrick Burst - Didn't think this would be impressive, but lo and behold...it is quite good stuff. Drum production is insanely tight, vocals are nice trade-off gutturals and gruffer "hardcore" shouts, and the riffs are chuggy goodness. Also, the second song is called "Yogurt Attack" which is reason enough to listen to this band! Approved.
10. Repulsive Depravity - Colombian sickness...I've heard this before...starts with a crappy sample too. Vocals are screaming, not guttural, which makes it weaker than most. Chaotic production focuses too heavily on such vocals, detracting from what otherwise is pretty OK riffing and drumming. They'll improve, but now, they're 3rd-tier.
11. Typhoid - "All You Need Is Gore"...fucking totally! Blastbeat-laden slam in a pretty Italian style (similar to Putridity and Vomit The Soul on their early stuff)...but they're from Slovakia! TONS of pinch harmonics a-la Malignancy but even more annoyingly prevalent. Still, this is rather impressive stuff and it has a good title to boot! As an extra bonus there are a few bass solo measures, which is always nice; this guy is very talented!
12. Splattered Mermaids - Eh...OK now the world doesn't need more stuff like Artery Eruption with a dumber name and possibly even worse sound quality. Next?
13. Hellusinit - This band is from the US despite their odd name, and the name of the game here is cool modern TXDM sounding slam with a Cali crossover appeal. Straightforward, semi-progressive stuff with nice riffs and an obscure gang-sounding vocal approach.
14-15. Social Shit - Straight attack deathgrind from Argentina. Nothing special but then again it's not bad or even average...it's above average groovy grind with good production.
16. Relentless Attrition - I hate samples...goddamn. Anyway, once this starts, it's...not good really. Very generic slam from New Zealand (kind of a weird place) with a FEW good riffs, but overall too obscure and sheltered to really get the heading they need to become beyond demo/EP level. I've heard worse become rather heralded, though, so maybe...just maybe...
17. Depths Of Chaos - Now here's something that sounds like it'll be good...headbanging death metal...not really slammy or brutal at all, but impressive in style and substance. One of the best bands on the compilation thus far; a welcome addition to any collection of USDM!
18. Deconformity - This band goes for a nice slow paced slam to start off with, really tight mature stuff! Vocals aren't super guttural, but they are typical decent lows with some screams. A Middle Eastern progression carries the main riff. This is really a little more straight DM than brutal, but it's really good. Not to be confused with Japan's Disconformity, either!
19. Sourpuz - Lemme tell you, these guys kick ass...totally make up for their name with their contribution to this comp, titled "Building The Brutality Legion" (awesome title!). There is some amazing leadwork and great bassplaying here, as well as nice vocals and songwriting. One of the best tracks on the whole thing! Definitely need to look further into these guys! Oh, and it figures they're fucking Colombian. KILLER!
20. Cumbeast - The only Finnish band on this entire comp, Cumbeast is a devastating attack of great groovy slam (some of the only good shit from the country besides Torsofuck and Kataplexia!); having familiarized myself with their debut album Human Piñata, I'm just now realizing they have a NEW one out from '07...gonna have to get that for sure, this is great stuff!
21. Tsubo - Hey, what do you know...another killer Italian band! This is more similar to older Corpsefucking Art, only less...goofy. Really a nice thing, considering older CFA is pretty good stuff. This is also similar to some Hour Of Penance and has some cool rocking riffs and a good solo as well! Recommended stuff.
22. Spatter Snuff - This is typically Colombian too, but, hey...I ain't complaining. Super guttural slam brutality, heavy on the ride cymbal and with sick vocals (echoed high pitched screams!).
23. Perpetual - MORE stuff from Colombia...fuck, what is in the water here that makes such cool bands? This one's got keyboards making it sound more progressive...very nice touch; I'm into that more than Nick is though. On second thought, this isn't brutal or grind at all, definitely symphonic melo-death metal, similar to Compos Mentis and old Omnium Gatherum. Doesn't fit here, in other words. Still...rules.
24. Choked By Own Vomits - Czech goregrind, very similar to Dead Infection, Purulent Spermcanal, and similar lo-fi gore units. Really nice, of course. Silly name, but...ah well. I'll forgive 'em; good shit!
25. Scaffold - Cali sounding death metal from Slovenia, also bearing an extreme similarity to Septycal Gorge (first track on this comp, if you've been paying attention!). Sharp, driving riffs are backed up by slightly loud yet tight drumming with good tone. Verse riffs are nicely crafted and the vocals are on par too; a little forced, but that's not a bad thing sometimes. I haven't heard many Slovenian brutal units, so this is nice to hear.
26. Spiritual Invader - "Controlled By Hatred" is the last track on this rather impressive compilation by Mutilated Records (everyone's favorite Czech label, besides Bizarre Leprous et al!). This is some rawer brutality with a nice solo with a good polyrhythm playing underneath. Cool stuff.
Thank you to MUTILATED RECORDS for sending me all this stuff...I have a lot of work to do now...gotta listen to a bunch of these bands!
-Andy
First on the platter, Colombia's My Plague. After a very good sci-fi oriented intro track (which is, rather humorously, longer than the first actual track), we get immediately bludgeoned by fast and lurching brutal death metal, constantly changing tempos in weird ways, shifting structures and excellent riffs with off-time drumming. The vocals are used mainly as a percussive instrument, almost totally inaudible under the banging of drums and churning of bass and guitars. This is CHAOTIC stuff, very reminiscent of countrymen Internal Suffering (all blastbeats, epic riffage, and odd songwriting styles!). What I really like about this kind of music is that despite the really great riffs and well-timed drumming, we get a sense of improvisation and DIY spirit; this would be just as suitable to see live as a jam or recording session as it would hearing in compressed format on a CD in your computer/stereo. Where this band really succeeds is its ability to grab listeners by the throat and strangle all their life out, then revive them just in time for the next semi-melodic riff, technical song shift, or other interesting, unique deviation from the style. Well fucking done...more Colombian brutal death that owns! Recommended for fans of the aforementioned Internal Suffering, Mindly Rotten, Disgorge (Mex), and Putrefukation. Though undeniably Colombian in style, the band often overlaps with a European and even Cali/US style on some songs. Definitely awesome and a new favorite to spin all the time!
Anal Blast's wonderfully (OK, not really) titled Assault On The Hot Wet Blood Hole is up next...this is really just kind of a compilation of essentially all of their recorded material on one disc. I have never really liked this band at all; they're mostly famous for having Joey Jordison on drums at one time. However, some of this is pretty decent deathgrind...definitely influenced by greats like Repulsion. Pity about the stupid aesthetic (putting their name on various logos, ripping off/paying tribute to Cradle Of Filth), but if you can get by that, it's not too bad. Still, I'm not a really big fan, and this doesn't change that. This is definitely suited towards people who really already like this band and want to get all their stuff on one CD. This is rather comprehensive, but the real problem lies not in the averageness of the music, but in the lack of any real documentation of the band's past; this makes the release seem lazy despite the large (28 tracks) amount of material here. Ah well. I'm sure someone somewhere loves the fuck out of this, but it ain't me.
We've got a really nice looking sampler up next, with artwork from the godly Tony Koehl. 26 tracks by 23 different bands ranging from brutal/slam death to grind and everything in between. Nice! Let's take a look:
1. Septycal Gorge - Well, we already know these guys. They contribute the song "Unidentified Corpse" off their Mutilated Records debut to this comp/sampler. Very awesome interesting stuff that sounds like a combination of newer Devourment, Deeds Of Flesh, and Ancient Necropsy.
2. Crepitation - I don't know anything about this band, but it's fast slam with horrible vocals. Nothing special, but there's room for improvement here. Breakdowns are good.
3. Ladies And Gentlemen - This is grind in the Cripple Bastards crusty raw style from Italy to boot. Not bad, kind of silly (inherent in the name), but overall I'd listen to a couple of 7" splits with 'em, meaning they can't completely offend my ears!
4-5. Yattai - This is grindy slam with moshing breakdown parts and cool vocals, like a slowed-down version of early Sublime Cadaveric Decomposition. Once again, it's not bad, but it just doesn't hit me and make me want to listen. Decent. They have two songs on the comp, and the second ("Stincky [sic] Witches") is the better of the two, starting with a great slow riff and going into furious groovy grind!
6. Morbus - This is some more traditional sounding NYDM with a faster pace than most. Production is kind of similar to Morpheus Descends, but there are some noodly guitar parts also which rule. This is some of the best shit on the comp so far...looking forward to hearing more by them! Definitely need their album. I can't even believe they're Venezuelan!
7. Côte d'Aver - French (who knew) goregrind with a raw production value and decent song structuring. They seem to know how to write catchy chord progressions, but the drummer needs to stop with the constant snare pounding. The breakdown is quite good, but the vocals are very weak (the guy's voice cracks here and there!).
8-9. Gastrick Burst - Didn't think this would be impressive, but lo and behold...it is quite good stuff. Drum production is insanely tight, vocals are nice trade-off gutturals and gruffer "hardcore" shouts, and the riffs are chuggy goodness. Also, the second song is called "Yogurt Attack" which is reason enough to listen to this band! Approved.
10. Repulsive Depravity - Colombian sickness...I've heard this before...starts with a crappy sample too. Vocals are screaming, not guttural, which makes it weaker than most. Chaotic production focuses too heavily on such vocals, detracting from what otherwise is pretty OK riffing and drumming. They'll improve, but now, they're 3rd-tier.
11. Typhoid - "All You Need Is Gore"...fucking totally! Blastbeat-laden slam in a pretty Italian style (similar to Putridity and Vomit The Soul on their early stuff)...but they're from Slovakia! TONS of pinch harmonics a-la Malignancy but even more annoyingly prevalent. Still, this is rather impressive stuff and it has a good title to boot! As an extra bonus there are a few bass solo measures, which is always nice; this guy is very talented!
12. Splattered Mermaids - Eh...OK now the world doesn't need more stuff like Artery Eruption with a dumber name and possibly even worse sound quality. Next?
13. Hellusinit - This band is from the US despite their odd name, and the name of the game here is cool modern TXDM sounding slam with a Cali crossover appeal. Straightforward, semi-progressive stuff with nice riffs and an obscure gang-sounding vocal approach.
14-15. Social Shit - Straight attack deathgrind from Argentina. Nothing special but then again it's not bad or even average...it's above average groovy grind with good production.
16. Relentless Attrition - I hate samples...goddamn. Anyway, once this starts, it's...not good really. Very generic slam from New Zealand (kind of a weird place) with a FEW good riffs, but overall too obscure and sheltered to really get the heading they need to become beyond demo/EP level. I've heard worse become rather heralded, though, so maybe...just maybe...
17. Depths Of Chaos - Now here's something that sounds like it'll be good...headbanging death metal...not really slammy or brutal at all, but impressive in style and substance. One of the best bands on the compilation thus far; a welcome addition to any collection of USDM!
18. Deconformity - This band goes for a nice slow paced slam to start off with, really tight mature stuff! Vocals aren't super guttural, but they are typical decent lows with some screams. A Middle Eastern progression carries the main riff. This is really a little more straight DM than brutal, but it's really good. Not to be confused with Japan's Disconformity, either!
19. Sourpuz - Lemme tell you, these guys kick ass...totally make up for their name with their contribution to this comp, titled "Building The Brutality Legion" (awesome title!). There is some amazing leadwork and great bassplaying here, as well as nice vocals and songwriting. One of the best tracks on the whole thing! Definitely need to look further into these guys! Oh, and it figures they're fucking Colombian. KILLER!
20. Cumbeast - The only Finnish band on this entire comp, Cumbeast is a devastating attack of great groovy slam (some of the only good shit from the country besides Torsofuck and Kataplexia!); having familiarized myself with their debut album Human Piñata, I'm just now realizing they have a NEW one out from '07...gonna have to get that for sure, this is great stuff!
21. Tsubo - Hey, what do you know...another killer Italian band! This is more similar to older Corpsefucking Art, only less...goofy. Really a nice thing, considering older CFA is pretty good stuff. This is also similar to some Hour Of Penance and has some cool rocking riffs and a good solo as well! Recommended stuff.
22. Spatter Snuff - This is typically Colombian too, but, hey...I ain't complaining. Super guttural slam brutality, heavy on the ride cymbal and with sick vocals (echoed high pitched screams!).
23. Perpetual - MORE stuff from Colombia...fuck, what is in the water here that makes such cool bands? This one's got keyboards making it sound more progressive...very nice touch; I'm into that more than Nick is though. On second thought, this isn't brutal or grind at all, definitely symphonic melo-death metal, similar to Compos Mentis and old Omnium Gatherum. Doesn't fit here, in other words. Still...rules.
24. Choked By Own Vomits - Czech goregrind, very similar to Dead Infection, Purulent Spermcanal, and similar lo-fi gore units. Really nice, of course. Silly name, but...ah well. I'll forgive 'em; good shit!
25. Scaffold - Cali sounding death metal from Slovenia, also bearing an extreme similarity to Septycal Gorge (first track on this comp, if you've been paying attention!). Sharp, driving riffs are backed up by slightly loud yet tight drumming with good tone. Verse riffs are nicely crafted and the vocals are on par too; a little forced, but that's not a bad thing sometimes. I haven't heard many Slovenian brutal units, so this is nice to hear.
26. Spiritual Invader - "Controlled By Hatred" is the last track on this rather impressive compilation by Mutilated Records (everyone's favorite Czech label, besides Bizarre Leprous et al!). This is some rawer brutality with a nice solo with a good polyrhythm playing underneath. Cool stuff.
Thank you to MUTILATED RECORDS for sending me all this stuff...I have a lot of work to do now...gotta listen to a bunch of these bands!
-Andy
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
07 Releases You May Have Missed
2007 has been a fantastic year for brutal death metal. The number of releases has been staggering, and the quality has been all around excellent. However, with the release of marquee bands like Infernal Revulsion (Goregiastic), Inveracity (Unique Leader) and Cephalotripsy (Amputated Vein), a few releases have (wrongfully) slipped through the cracks.
1. Ancient Necropsy - Apocalyptic Empire (Mutilated Records). I talked briefly about Ancient Necropsy in my article about the Colombian BDM scene, and from what I've heard of this new album, it appears that everything I like about Ancient Necropsy has remained. It is sheer brutality mixed with interesting, engaging and occasionally epic riffs. And it's all done by one man. If you want something a little out of the ordinary, yet still bone crushing this is it. I don't know much about Mutilated Records, but they did release Septycal Gorge's debut which was fantastic.
2. Putridity (Ita) - Mental Prolapse Induces Necrophilism (Permeated Records). Here is a heavy as hell, simple slam album. Good beefy production and vocals. Heavy drums. Not much more needs to be said. If you like slam you will like this. Kudos for good John Zig cover art.
3. Atrocious Abnormality - Echoes of the Rotting (Comatose Music). My problem with Lust of Decay is that, while I thought the guitar work was excellent, the drums and vocals really turned me off. Now we get LoD guitarist Steve Green (also doing vocals here) in an all new band and the result is very nice. Touches of LoD are still detectable but the band is definitely different. Steve's guitar work continues to impress and his vocal talents are definitely up to the task. The bands takes a middle of the road approach to BDM, giving both fast riffs and slow grooves, with some solos to boot. Worth checking out.
1. Ancient Necropsy - Apocalyptic Empire (Mutilated Records). I talked briefly about Ancient Necropsy in my article about the Colombian BDM scene, and from what I've heard of this new album, it appears that everything I like about Ancient Necropsy has remained. It is sheer brutality mixed with interesting, engaging and occasionally epic riffs. And it's all done by one man. If you want something a little out of the ordinary, yet still bone crushing this is it. I don't know much about Mutilated Records, but they did release Septycal Gorge's debut which was fantastic.
2. Putridity (Ita) - Mental Prolapse Induces Necrophilism (Permeated Records). Here is a heavy as hell, simple slam album. Good beefy production and vocals. Heavy drums. Not much more needs to be said. If you like slam you will like this. Kudos for good John Zig cover art.
3. Atrocious Abnormality - Echoes of the Rotting (Comatose Music). My problem with Lust of Decay is that, while I thought the guitar work was excellent, the drums and vocals really turned me off. Now we get LoD guitarist Steve Green (also doing vocals here) in an all new band and the result is very nice. Touches of LoD are still detectable but the band is definitely different. Steve's guitar work continues to impress and his vocal talents are definitely up to the task. The bands takes a middle of the road approach to BDM, giving both fast riffs and slow grooves, with some solos to boot. Worth checking out.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Interview with DOWN FROM THE WOUND (Phillipines)
What's going on in the Philippines these days? Do you guys have any idea what accounts for the crazy number of good slam death bands from there?
-Everything is well here, I don’t have any idea how many slam bands accounts in here, I think I‘ll have to do a head count first hahaha.
How do you write the music and the slam breakdowns in your songs?
-Jeff does the guitar riff first and we arranged them until we create a song ranging to 3 – 4 minutes or more playing time, then the lyrics/gutturals will be executed after the music has been perfectly mastered.
Name 5 of your favorite albums and tell us why you think they're relevant to your influence:
-Disgorge (USA) – Consume the forsaken and Parallels of infinite torture
Devourment – 138
Cinerary – Rituals of desecration
Disavowed – Perceptive deception
Suffocation – Effigy of the forgotten
We are all heavily influenced by these bands in writing materials for the Agony through rituals of self purification CD and we look them as our main influences as well.
If you had to pick one: groove or blast, which would you choose and why?
-Both, if you combine them both, you will surely get a devastating brutal death metal, groove is like the sauce poured over the top of a pasta, Bon Appétit Hahaha!!!
You guys sure know what you're doing, how did you get in contact with Sevared for the new album?
-We got in touch to Sevared Records through myspace.com. I contacted Barrett told him that I’m going to send him our promo cd. After some series of exchanging messages, we made a deal and have agreed to that, and then he signed us immediately to his label.
At S-M Blog, we are looking to let anyone and everyone know about the multitudes of global slam scenes all over Europe, the Americas, and Asia. What do you guys think of foreign slam bands, and is there a unifying style to each different location?
-I don’t think there is a unifying style to each different location, if you’ll look at to their influences, you’ll see Devourment, Disgorge and Suffocation on their primary list. Almost every slam bands now are being influenced by the mighty Devourment. But in my opinion, every band has its own style and uniqueness that made them apart amongst other death metal bands.
What are DFTW's upcoming plans now that your amazing debut is out? What's in the works next? Will you stay with Sevared?
-We plan to bring out more albums, more sickness and more brutality in the future, play all shows/fest as much we can. If Sevared will still be interested in releasing our next stuffs, much better, but if not, we’ll look for another label to work with.
What are some other labels you'd like to work with?
-Unique Leader, Unmatched Brutality, Brutal Bands and Lacerated Enemy Records.
Do you guys have any affiliation with the "Davao Brutal Troops"?
-We and the other Davao bands had been friends and in touch for quite long time now. The scene in that area is going bigger and better and it seems that the kids there are getting hooked up into death metal. We are looking forward to play in there place spread sickness and bring brutality through our music…
I know this is a longshot, but any chance of you guys coming to America for a fest in '08/'09 or something?
-We still don’t know yet but we’re keeping our fingers crossed and hoping that we could tour and play in the USA or Europe someday. If there’s an offer, we’ll grab it as long as the conditions are good…
This is the time to think outside the questions and to ask us a question or two! Go for it!
-How you guys got into metal? And what made you sending us an interview?
(our answers: I got into metal in 2003, started with melodic stuff like Soilwork and In Flames. Soon after, I got into bands like Disgorge which appealed to me on a different level. I met Nick at a Suffocation show in November 2006 and we had talked a lot on a forum (UltimateMetal) before that. We quickly discovered that we both shared a passion for brutal and slam death metal, and we both understand it on the deeper level it often appeals to. We started SLAM-MINDED BLOG in September 2007 to help promote brutal death metal bands worldwide! We wanted to interview DFTW because of a friend who mentioned the band to me saying I would definitely love them. After listening to the Myspace tracks of DFTW, I was hooked...I knew Nick and I needed to get in contact ASAP!
-Andy
I got into metal in 2005 through Slayer and Hypocrisy. I very quickly worked my way to Suffocation and from that point on I knew Brutal Death was for me. Met Andy on Ultimatemetal.com forums and at a concert, and we talk regularly on AIM and this idea came to us. I found Down From the Wound when on a random jaunt through myspace. I had already found Human Mastication and Pus Vomit from the Philippines, so I was game to try another band. I think DFTW are better than the average myspace slam, and through this blog wanted to promote them, because bands not from Texas or California can often get overlooked. This is the kind of music that gets my blood pumping and my guts all warm and fuzzy, so I want to do everything I can to help
-Nick)
-thanks for the interest interviewing us, Horns up!!!
Interview answered by Randyl
Contact us at:
www.myspace.com/downfromthewound
downfromthewound@hotmail.com
randyl_dftw@yahoo.com
-------------------------------------------------------
After the album drops and both Nick and I listen to it, we'll both post our thoughts on the album in this entry in the form of a review. Thanks To Randyl for the correspondence and to Down From The Wound for being yet another excellent Filipino band worthy of praise!
-Everything is well here, I don’t have any idea how many slam bands accounts in here, I think I‘ll have to do a head count first hahaha.
How do you write the music and the slam breakdowns in your songs?
-Jeff does the guitar riff first and we arranged them until we create a song ranging to 3 – 4 minutes or more playing time, then the lyrics/gutturals will be executed after the music has been perfectly mastered.
Name 5 of your favorite albums and tell us why you think they're relevant to your influence:
-Disgorge (USA) – Consume the forsaken and Parallels of infinite torture
Devourment – 138
Cinerary – Rituals of desecration
Disavowed – Perceptive deception
Suffocation – Effigy of the forgotten
We are all heavily influenced by these bands in writing materials for the Agony through rituals of self purification CD and we look them as our main influences as well.
If you had to pick one: groove or blast, which would you choose and why?
-Both, if you combine them both, you will surely get a devastating brutal death metal, groove is like the sauce poured over the top of a pasta, Bon Appétit Hahaha!!!
You guys sure know what you're doing, how did you get in contact with Sevared for the new album?
-We got in touch to Sevared Records through myspace.com. I contacted Barrett told him that I’m going to send him our promo cd. After some series of exchanging messages, we made a deal and have agreed to that, and then he signed us immediately to his label.
At S-M Blog, we are looking to let anyone and everyone know about the multitudes of global slam scenes all over Europe, the Americas, and Asia. What do you guys think of foreign slam bands, and is there a unifying style to each different location?
-I don’t think there is a unifying style to each different location, if you’ll look at to their influences, you’ll see Devourment, Disgorge and Suffocation on their primary list. Almost every slam bands now are being influenced by the mighty Devourment. But in my opinion, every band has its own style and uniqueness that made them apart amongst other death metal bands.
What are DFTW's upcoming plans now that your amazing debut is out? What's in the works next? Will you stay with Sevared?
-We plan to bring out more albums, more sickness and more brutality in the future, play all shows/fest as much we can. If Sevared will still be interested in releasing our next stuffs, much better, but if not, we’ll look for another label to work with.
What are some other labels you'd like to work with?
-Unique Leader, Unmatched Brutality, Brutal Bands and Lacerated Enemy Records.
Do you guys have any affiliation with the "Davao Brutal Troops"?
-We and the other Davao bands had been friends and in touch for quite long time now. The scene in that area is going bigger and better and it seems that the kids there are getting hooked up into death metal. We are looking forward to play in there place spread sickness and bring brutality through our music…
I know this is a longshot, but any chance of you guys coming to America for a fest in '08/'09 or something?
-We still don’t know yet but we’re keeping our fingers crossed and hoping that we could tour and play in the USA or Europe someday. If there’s an offer, we’ll grab it as long as the conditions are good…
This is the time to think outside the questions and to ask us a question or two! Go for it!
-How you guys got into metal? And what made you sending us an interview?
(our answers: I got into metal in 2003, started with melodic stuff like Soilwork and In Flames. Soon after, I got into bands like Disgorge which appealed to me on a different level. I met Nick at a Suffocation show in November 2006 and we had talked a lot on a forum (UltimateMetal) before that. We quickly discovered that we both shared a passion for brutal and slam death metal, and we both understand it on the deeper level it often appeals to. We started SLAM-MINDED BLOG in September 2007 to help promote brutal death metal bands worldwide! We wanted to interview DFTW because of a friend who mentioned the band to me saying I would definitely love them. After listening to the Myspace tracks of DFTW, I was hooked...I knew Nick and I needed to get in contact ASAP!
-Andy
I got into metal in 2005 through Slayer and Hypocrisy. I very quickly worked my way to Suffocation and from that point on I knew Brutal Death was for me. Met Andy on Ultimatemetal.com forums and at a concert, and we talk regularly on AIM and this idea came to us. I found Down From the Wound when on a random jaunt through myspace. I had already found Human Mastication and Pus Vomit from the Philippines, so I was game to try another band. I think DFTW are better than the average myspace slam, and through this blog wanted to promote them, because bands not from Texas or California can often get overlooked. This is the kind of music that gets my blood pumping and my guts all warm and fuzzy, so I want to do everything I can to help
-Nick)
-thanks for the interest interviewing us, Horns up!!!
Interview answered by Randyl
Contact us at:
www.myspace.com/downfromthewound
downfromthewound@hotmail.com
randyl_dftw@yahoo.com
-------------------------------------------------------
After the album drops and both Nick and I listen to it, we'll both post our thoughts on the album in this entry in the form of a review. Thanks To Randyl for the correspondence and to Down From The Wound for being yet another excellent Filipino band worthy of praise!
Thursday, October 4, 2007
New Goretrade Song and Videos From California Deathfest
Well today I logged onto the Slam-Minded myspace to a very welcome surprise. Goretrade have released a new song from their next album, to be released on 08. I eagerly gave it a listen, as Goretrade have become one of my favorite bands. After listening to it a few times I can happily say that it is awesome and it is the same Goretrade that I love. No new elements, no progression, just excellence. They are already unique and good enough not to have to reinvent themselves, so I'm glad they just stuck to their formula and made a kickass song. But don't take my word for it, listen to it yourself at their myspace.
Now as many of you may know, the first California Deathfest went down in Fresno, CA this past weekend. Despite numerous cancellations, most notably Disgorge and Devourment, it was still an amazing line up featuring Infernal Revulsion, Digested Flesh, Guttural Secrete and Cephalotripsy among others. Someone has graciously posted videos of some songs on youtube so I thought I'd post them here for your enjoyment. Hopefully the HTML gods are with me. EDIT: Meh, it's a little cut off, but not too bad. Enjoy!
Mike Majewski (Devourment) and Guttural Secrete (I think) playing Choking on Bile
Infernal Revulsion
Cephalotripsy
Notes on the future: We have sent out the interview questions to Down From the Wound and Randyl has told us he's going to get back to us in a few days, so keep your eye out for that.
Now as many of you may know, the first California Deathfest went down in Fresno, CA this past weekend. Despite numerous cancellations, most notably Disgorge and Devourment, it was still an amazing line up featuring Infernal Revulsion, Digested Flesh, Guttural Secrete and Cephalotripsy among others. Someone has graciously posted videos of some songs on youtube so I thought I'd post them here for your enjoyment. Hopefully the HTML gods are with me. EDIT: Meh, it's a little cut off, but not too bad. Enjoy!
Mike Majewski (Devourment) and Guttural Secrete (I think) playing Choking on Bile
Infernal Revulsion
Cephalotripsy
Notes on the future: We have sent out the interview questions to Down From the Wound and Randyl has told us he's going to get back to us in a few days, so keep your eye out for that.
Monday, October 1, 2007
More Upcoming Releases
It has already been a great year for brutal death, but two more releases will come your way this year. The first is from Abominable Putridity, the ultra heavy slam band from Moscow. Their debut full length, In The End of Human Existence, will be releases in November by Lacerated Enemy (Cze), which has previously releases Sarcolytic, Godless Truth, Condemned (CA) and Vomit Remnants. I for one have been a fan of Abominable Putridity for a while and I am very excited to see this come out. The cover art also looks fantastic.
Another release coming out soon is by Norway's (yes Norway!) Hideous Deformity. The title is still TBA, but it is being released by Sevared, who have been doing great things recently. Hideous Deformity found us on myspace and it is looking likely that we will get an interview with them soon, so stay tuned for that. From the tracks up on their myspace it seems to me that Hideous Deformity do a very good job of having both groove and technicality. This band is very tight and really feeds my hunger for death metal. And they're from god damn Norway! According to their page, the album should be out in late 07, so at this point I assume that is December.
Abominable Putridity
Hideous Deformity
Another release coming out soon is by Norway's (yes Norway!) Hideous Deformity. The title is still TBA, but it is being released by Sevared, who have been doing great things recently. Hideous Deformity found us on myspace and it is looking likely that we will get an interview with them soon, so stay tuned for that. From the tracks up on their myspace it seems to me that Hideous Deformity do a very good job of having both groove and technicality. This band is very tight and really feeds my hunger for death metal. And they're from god damn Norway! According to their page, the album should be out in late 07, so at this point I assume that is December.
Abominable Putridity
Hideous Deformity
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