Sorry, I don't have time to post an album of the day today, I am going to see Van Halen tonight after work. Don't fret though, for all of you anxiously waiting (sarcasm), I will return tomorrow.
*It wouldn't hurt to humor me every once in a while and let me know what you think of the album of the day. I think this may be the only blog I have ever seen that has almost absolutely no visitor interaction. Am I doing that great of a job, what's the fuckin' deal.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
THE SWORD Confirmed For UK's BLOODSTOCK OPEN AIR Festival
According to Metal Hammer, Austin, Texas-based quartet THE SWORD has been confirmed for this year's Bloodstock Open Air festival, set to take place August 15-17, 2008 at Catton Hall in Derbyshire, England.
The festival billing is now shaping up as follows:
ALESTORM
AS I LAY DYING
AT THE GATES
CLOUDSCAPE
COMMUNIC
CROWNING GLORY
DIMMU BORGIR
ELUVEITIE
EVILE
GRAND MAGUS
HELLOWEEN
ICED EARTH
KATAKLYSM
KELTIC JIHAD
MOB RULES
MOONSORROW
NIGHTWISH
OPETH
OVERKILL
PRIMAL FEAR
PRO-JEKT
SAINT DEAMON
SOILWORK
SWALLOW THE SUN
THE SWORD
TYR
THE SWORD will open for METALLICA on the following European shows:
Jul. 16 - Bergen, Norway - Koengen
Jul. 18 - St. Petersburg, Russia - SKK Hall
Jul. 20 - Riga, Latvia - Skonto Stadium
Jul. 22 - Bologna, Italy - Parco Nord
Jul. 23 - Bucharest, Romania - Cotroceni
Jul. 25 - Sofia, Bulgaria - Vassil Levski Stadium
Jul. 27 - Istanbul, Turkey - Inonu Stadium
The festival billing is now shaping up as follows:
ALESTORM
AS I LAY DYING
AT THE GATES
CLOUDSCAPE
COMMUNIC
CROWNING GLORY
DIMMU BORGIR
ELUVEITIE
EVILE
GRAND MAGUS
HELLOWEEN
ICED EARTH
KATAKLYSM
KELTIC JIHAD
MOB RULES
MOONSORROW
NIGHTWISH
OPETH
OVERKILL
PRIMAL FEAR
PRO-JEKT
SAINT DEAMON
SOILWORK
SWALLOW THE SUN
THE SWORD
TYR
THE SWORD will open for METALLICA on the following European shows:
Jul. 16 - Bergen, Norway - Koengen
Jul. 18 - St. Petersburg, Russia - SKK Hall
Jul. 20 - Riga, Latvia - Skonto Stadium
Jul. 22 - Bologna, Italy - Parco Nord
Jul. 23 - Bucharest, Romania - Cotroceni
Jul. 25 - Sofia, Bulgaria - Vassil Levski Stadium
Jul. 27 - Istanbul, Turkey - Inonu Stadium
Album Of The Day-The Obsessed-"Lunar Womb" (1991)
The Album Of The Day is "Lunar Womb" By The Obsessed.
Review:
After fronting Californian doom gods Saint Vitus throughout their most fertile career phase, in the second half of the 1980s, lead vocalist Scott "Wino" Weinrich decided to throw in his towel, dust off his long-in-disuse guitar playing talents, and resurrect his original retro-metal power trio, the Obsessed. Unfortunately, the band's first eponymous album from 1990 (there had been an EP -- the legendary Sodden Jackal -- way back in 1983) was patched together from ancient recordings and contained disappointingly few outstanding songs to recommend it, and it wasn't until the following year's sophomore Lunar Womb that Wino (here also acting as producer) really gave some cause for fans to celebrate his departure from Vitus. Backed by an all-new rhythm section featuring bassist/co-producer Scott Reader (future Kyuss, Unida, etc.) and drummer Greg Rogers, Wino seemed to find his songwriting legs again with instantly memorable numbers like "Brother Blue Steel," "Bardo," and "Back to Zero," even as the years of rust visibly fell away from his sharp and dynamic guitar work (watch for prime solo breaks in "Kachina" and "No Mas"). Elsewhere, "Hiding Mask," "Jaded," and "Endless Circles" are all superlative samples of bite-sized doom -- a Wino specialty (most of his contemporaries being prone to epic waffling) that is abandoned only at some risk by the still quite successful six-minute title track. But then, the appearance of a sub-two-minute hardcore blast in "No Blame" (another trademark of most every Wino album, and revealing of his Washington, D.C., roots) tilts the scales in the other direction, and helps make Lunar Womb about as balanced an album as the Obsessed ever recorded. So much so that it led to their signing by major label Columbia before next effort The Church Within, which, as it turned out, fell well short of Lunar Womb's lofty standards. [Long out of print in its original form, Lunar Womb was finally reissued by Meteor City Records in 2006, enhanced with brand-new artwork and informative liner notes.] (Eduardo Rivadavia, All Music Guide)
Track Listing:
01. "Brother Blue Steel" - 3:26
02. "Bardo" - 2:20
03."Hiding Mask" - 3:53
04. "Spew" - 3:06
05. "Kachina" - 3:43
06. "Jaded" - 3:57
07. "Back to Zero" - 3:57
08. "No Blame" - 1:25
09. "No Mas" - 2:51
10. "Endless Circles" - 4:11
11. "Lunar Womb" - 6:21
12. "Embryo" - 1:46
Listen
MySpace
Review:
After fronting Californian doom gods Saint Vitus throughout their most fertile career phase, in the second half of the 1980s, lead vocalist Scott "Wino" Weinrich decided to throw in his towel, dust off his long-in-disuse guitar playing talents, and resurrect his original retro-metal power trio, the Obsessed. Unfortunately, the band's first eponymous album from 1990 (there had been an EP -- the legendary Sodden Jackal -- way back in 1983) was patched together from ancient recordings and contained disappointingly few outstanding songs to recommend it, and it wasn't until the following year's sophomore Lunar Womb that Wino (here also acting as producer) really gave some cause for fans to celebrate his departure from Vitus. Backed by an all-new rhythm section featuring bassist/co-producer Scott Reader (future Kyuss, Unida, etc.) and drummer Greg Rogers, Wino seemed to find his songwriting legs again with instantly memorable numbers like "Brother Blue Steel," "Bardo," and "Back to Zero," even as the years of rust visibly fell away from his sharp and dynamic guitar work (watch for prime solo breaks in "Kachina" and "No Mas"). Elsewhere, "Hiding Mask," "Jaded," and "Endless Circles" are all superlative samples of bite-sized doom -- a Wino specialty (most of his contemporaries being prone to epic waffling) that is abandoned only at some risk by the still quite successful six-minute title track. But then, the appearance of a sub-two-minute hardcore blast in "No Blame" (another trademark of most every Wino album, and revealing of his Washington, D.C., roots) tilts the scales in the other direction, and helps make Lunar Womb about as balanced an album as the Obsessed ever recorded. So much so that it led to their signing by major label Columbia before next effort The Church Within, which, as it turned out, fell well short of Lunar Womb's lofty standards. [Long out of print in its original form, Lunar Womb was finally reissued by Meteor City Records in 2006, enhanced with brand-new artwork and informative liner notes.] (Eduardo Rivadavia, All Music Guide)
Track Listing:
01. "Brother Blue Steel" - 3:26
02. "Bardo" - 2:20
03."Hiding Mask" - 3:53
04. "Spew" - 3:06
05. "Kachina" - 3:43
06. "Jaded" - 3:57
07. "Back to Zero" - 3:57
08. "No Blame" - 1:25
09. "No Mas" - 2:51
10. "Endless Circles" - 4:11
11. "Lunar Womb" - 6:21
12. "Embryo" - 1:46
Listen
MySpace
BLACK SABBATH's BUTLER: "I Don't Think We've Got That Many Years Left To Do An OZZY Album"
All four members of HEAVEN AND HELL (Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice) recently spoke to Goldmine contributor Bryan Reesman (web site) for an extensive, 5,000-word cover story about their entire history, including touring, their various reunions, and recording a new album together. Also quoted are JUDAS PRIEST singer Rob Halford, VIRGIN STEELE frontman David DeFeis, former EXCITER drummer Dan Beehler, and rock journalists Malcolm Dome and Bradley Torreano.
A couple of excerpts from the story follow:
On the chemistry between Tony and Geezer:
Dio: "What Geezer and Tony do together, what they created together, is playing the same things together that nobody was really doing, with a bass that was really out front and just as important as the guitar. You can't in any way, shape or form diminish Geezer's contribution to it all, especially for the fact that he was writing all of the lyrics in most of the early things anyway. It's a two-way street with Tony and Geezer. I think at the end of the day — and I'm not trying to make any comparisons, because I don't think it's important — but Tony has always been BLACK SABBATH. It's always really been his band. Geez will tell you that, too. The leader was Tony, and everyone did what Tony felt was right, and luckily for everyone concerned it was right."
On the possibility of recording a new BLACK SABBATH album with Ozzy Osbourne on vocals:
Butler: "I don't think we've got that many years left to do an Ozzy album. Maybe we'll do it in Hell. We could do quite well down in Hell."
On how HEAVEN AND HELL members are getting along today after their previous two break-ups:
Appice: "This is the smoothest it's ever been between everybody, especially the three of them. Everybody's getting along great. I think everybody respects the careers that each person has had and their playing and musicianship."
Dio: "You walk a little bit more on eggshells when you get back together the second time, and the third time was really easy. I just can't do things with people I don't like. I've always been really lucky to like them all. They're such down-to-earth, great people, so talented and determined. That's my kind of band."
Iommi: "You get to understand more and mellow out more and go along with it. Things that used to drive me up a wall, or [I would] get annoyed with things, I really don't get that so much now. Of course, everybody gets annoyed, but I can understand the other side more now."
Butler: "I think we are all more up front with each other. We can all be cranky from time to time, so instead of taking offense and bearing grudges, we give each other space. Before, if we argued or disagreed about something, we'd go off in a huff and bottle things up. Now, I just realize this is the real world. Life isn't a fairy tale. We also have other things to do outside of this. We are doing this for the love of it, rather than necessity. If I ever feel uncomfortable doing this, I'll simply walk away from it, no hard feelings."
Read the entire article at www.goldminemag.com.
A couple of excerpts from the story follow:
On the chemistry between Tony and Geezer:
Dio: "What Geezer and Tony do together, what they created together, is playing the same things together that nobody was really doing, with a bass that was really out front and just as important as the guitar. You can't in any way, shape or form diminish Geezer's contribution to it all, especially for the fact that he was writing all of the lyrics in most of the early things anyway. It's a two-way street with Tony and Geezer. I think at the end of the day — and I'm not trying to make any comparisons, because I don't think it's important — but Tony has always been BLACK SABBATH. It's always really been his band. Geez will tell you that, too. The leader was Tony, and everyone did what Tony felt was right, and luckily for everyone concerned it was right."
On the possibility of recording a new BLACK SABBATH album with Ozzy Osbourne on vocals:
Butler: "I don't think we've got that many years left to do an Ozzy album. Maybe we'll do it in Hell. We could do quite well down in Hell."
On how HEAVEN AND HELL members are getting along today after their previous two break-ups:
Appice: "This is the smoothest it's ever been between everybody, especially the three of them. Everybody's getting along great. I think everybody respects the careers that each person has had and their playing and musicianship."
Dio: "You walk a little bit more on eggshells when you get back together the second time, and the third time was really easy. I just can't do things with people I don't like. I've always been really lucky to like them all. They're such down-to-earth, great people, so talented and determined. That's my kind of band."
Iommi: "You get to understand more and mellow out more and go along with it. Things that used to drive me up a wall, or [I would] get annoyed with things, I really don't get that so much now. Of course, everybody gets annoyed, but I can understand the other side more now."
Butler: "I think we are all more up front with each other. We can all be cranky from time to time, so instead of taking offense and bearing grudges, we give each other space. Before, if we argued or disagreed about something, we'd go off in a huff and bottle things up. Now, I just realize this is the real world. Life isn't a fairy tale. We also have other things to do outside of this. We are doing this for the love of it, rather than necessity. If I ever feel uncomfortable doing this, I'll simply walk away from it, no hard feelings."
Read the entire article at www.goldminemag.com.
DOWN: New Video Interview With JIMMY BOWER, REX BROWN Posted Online
Holland's FaceCulture recently conducted an interview with DOWN drummer Jimmy Bower and bassist Rex Brown.
Watch the 8-part video interview at this location.
Watch the 8-part video interview at this location.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Album Of The Day-Crowbar-"Time Heals Nothing" (1995)
The Album Of The Day is "Time Heals Nothing" by Crowbar.
Review:
Crowbar was never afraid to share their pain, and Time Heals Nothing exemplifies the New Orleans doom purveyor's well-practiced aching out loud. The final recording before a series of lineup changes and side projects tested the band's focus, this disc might qualify as the sludge rocker's most punishing collection. Songs like "Through a Wall of Tears" typify the depressing, densely textured morass that the group's small but loyal following spent almost a decade wallowing in. Time Heals Nothing's ten tracks could possibly sound nondistinct to new listeners. Patient fans, however, are rewarded by Crowbar's uniquely catchy tunes after repeated listening. The interesting melodies that emerge from singer/guitarists Kirk Windstein's damaged vocal chords are surprisingly hummable. Pulling double-duty, Windstein (along with co-guitarist Matt Thomas) crafts the thickest of sludge-guitar grooves that nicely complement the vocals and Craig Nunemacher's solid drumming. Bitter howling and the thickest of slow-metal riffing combine to make this 1995 Zoo release as powerful as any of the band's attempts at sour self-evisceration. (Vincent Jeffries, All Music Guide)
Track Listing:
01. "The Only Factor" (3:07)
02. "No More Can We Crawl" (2:52)
03. "Time Heals Nothing" (4:36)
04. "Leave It Behind" (3:22)
05. "Through A Wall Of Tears" (6:01)
06. "Lack Of Tolerance" (3:09)
07. "Still I Reach" (3:18)
08. "Embracing Emptiness" (3:32)
09. "A Perpetual Need" (4:00)
10. "Numb Sensitive" (3:23)
Listen
MySpace
Official Website
Purchase CD Here
Review:
Crowbar was never afraid to share their pain, and Time Heals Nothing exemplifies the New Orleans doom purveyor's well-practiced aching out loud. The final recording before a series of lineup changes and side projects tested the band's focus, this disc might qualify as the sludge rocker's most punishing collection. Songs like "Through a Wall of Tears" typify the depressing, densely textured morass that the group's small but loyal following spent almost a decade wallowing in. Time Heals Nothing's ten tracks could possibly sound nondistinct to new listeners. Patient fans, however, are rewarded by Crowbar's uniquely catchy tunes after repeated listening. The interesting melodies that emerge from singer/guitarists Kirk Windstein's damaged vocal chords are surprisingly hummable. Pulling double-duty, Windstein (along with co-guitarist Matt Thomas) crafts the thickest of sludge-guitar grooves that nicely complement the vocals and Craig Nunemacher's solid drumming. Bitter howling and the thickest of slow-metal riffing combine to make this 1995 Zoo release as powerful as any of the band's attempts at sour self-evisceration. (Vincent Jeffries, All Music Guide)
Track Listing:
01. "The Only Factor" (3:07)
02. "No More Can We Crawl" (2:52)
03. "Time Heals Nothing" (4:36)
04. "Leave It Behind" (3:22)
05. "Through A Wall Of Tears" (6:01)
06. "Lack Of Tolerance" (3:09)
07. "Still I Reach" (3:18)
08. "Embracing Emptiness" (3:32)
09. "A Perpetual Need" (4:00)
10. "Numb Sensitive" (3:23)
Listen
MySpace
Official Website
Purchase CD Here
DOWN: New Video Interview With KIRK WINDSTEIN Available
Italian website DelRock.it conducted an interview with DOWN guitarist Kirk Windstein prior to the band's April 22, 2008 concert in Milan, Italy. Kirk talks about DOWN's future, how Hurricane Katrina influenced the "Over the Under" album, his personal musical influences and much more.
Watch the chat in five parts at this location.
A teaser for the interview can be viewed below.
Watch the chat in five parts at this location.
A teaser for the interview can be viewed below.
MASTERS OF REALITY CD Release And Summer Tour Postponed
MASTERS OF REALITY mastermind Chris Goss has announced the postponement of the group's new CD and the band's previously announced summer tour due to the fact that he is still in the studio recording what he considers to be the best MASTERS OF REALITY record ever.
Commented Goss: "I sincerely regret if the tour's delay is causing any inconvenience and disappointment. I can only say that I have not stopped and cannot stop writing new music for the album. I believe it is our best work to date. We will bring this on large and correctly; both in album form and in the live arena. The summer will bring the album. The autumn will bring a MASTERS OF REALITY tour of a quality I've waited my whole life to present to you."
Commented Goss: "I sincerely regret if the tour's delay is causing any inconvenience and disappointment. I can only say that I have not stopped and cannot stop writing new music for the album. I believe it is our best work to date. We will bring this on large and correctly; both in album form and in the live arena. The summer will bring the album. The autumn will bring a MASTERS OF REALITY tour of a quality I've waited my whole life to present to you."
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Ogre Is Ready to Plague the Planet
The CD release show for Ogre`s latest, Plague of the Planet, will be this Friday, May 2 at Amigo`s in Portland, Maine.
The band recently did a short tour of Japan with the legendary Church of Misery. A review of one of the shows can be found here.
Ogre will be coming back down to the Baltimore area on July 5 for the Declaration of Doom Festival. It’s going to be similar to ’07’s Doom or Be Doomed fest, but it’ll only take place over one day. The amazing line-up will consist of Iron Man, Orodruin, Dwell Within, The Gates of Slumber, Pale Divine, Chowder, Valkyrie, Argus, Revelation, and Earthride. Miss this one, and consider yourself doomed!
There’s also one week left to vote for the Portland Phoenix awards, so the band asks that you vote for them here.
The band recently did a short tour of Japan with the legendary Church of Misery. A review of one of the shows can be found here.
Ogre will be coming back down to the Baltimore area on July 5 for the Declaration of Doom Festival. It’s going to be similar to ’07’s Doom or Be Doomed fest, but it’ll only take place over one day. The amazing line-up will consist of Iron Man, Orodruin, Dwell Within, The Gates of Slumber, Pale Divine, Chowder, Valkyrie, Argus, Revelation, and Earthride. Miss this one, and consider yourself doomed!
There’s also one week left to vote for the Portland Phoenix awards, so the band asks that you vote for them here.
Slave Traitor Wraps Recording New Material
Seattle WA, April 25th, 2008 - Seattle-area metal band Slave Traitor has wrapped recording the follow up to the 2006 release, Black Narcissus. Legendary producer Jack Endino engineered and mixed the six-song EP. Endino`s recent work includes High on Fire`s Death Is This Communion, available on Relapse Records.
The EP, Man Infest Destiny, was tracked and mixed in four days at Seattle`s Soundhouse Studio in mid-April. Slave Traitor will self-release and promote the record while also shopping labels. The EP is set to come out this summer.
Featuring the triple vocals of bassist Marc Burno, guitarist Eric Kempton, and guitarist Jake Willanger, along with drummer Steve Hass, Slave Traitor is ready to provide the US and the rest of the world of the shape of things to come from this band of turn-coats and cut-throats.
Making a name for themselves in Seattle`s music scene, Slave Traitor play an aggressive brand of metal. Having played with High on Fire, Down, Kylesa, and Rwake over the past year, Slave Traitor pulled back from playing live to focus on song writing.
Slave Traitor has been working on new material the past six months. Bass player and one of the vocalists, Marc Burno said, "It was the smoothest recording experience I`ve ever had. Jack`s attitude and methodology fit well with us. We felt comfortable and were able to execute".
Slave Traitor return to performing live on May 31 when they play Seattle`s Funhouse along with Alternative Tentacles edu-core band Bloodhag and Crucial Blast`s Black Elk.
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/slavetraitor.
The EP, Man Infest Destiny, was tracked and mixed in four days at Seattle`s Soundhouse Studio in mid-April. Slave Traitor will self-release and promote the record while also shopping labels. The EP is set to come out this summer.
Featuring the triple vocals of bassist Marc Burno, guitarist Eric Kempton, and guitarist Jake Willanger, along with drummer Steve Hass, Slave Traitor is ready to provide the US and the rest of the world of the shape of things to come from this band of turn-coats and cut-throats.
Making a name for themselves in Seattle`s music scene, Slave Traitor play an aggressive brand of metal. Having played with High on Fire, Down, Kylesa, and Rwake over the past year, Slave Traitor pulled back from playing live to focus on song writing.
Slave Traitor has been working on new material the past six months. Bass player and one of the vocalists, Marc Burno said, "It was the smoothest recording experience I`ve ever had. Jack`s attitude and methodology fit well with us. We felt comfortable and were able to execute".
Slave Traitor return to performing live on May 31 when they play Seattle`s Funhouse along with Alternative Tentacles edu-core band Bloodhag and Crucial Blast`s Black Elk.
For more information, visit www.myspace.com/slavetraitor.
Introducing Stone Cold Boys
Stone Cold Boys — a young stoner/psychedelic/southern/whatever band — was born after the participants of another heavy team, Stoner Deffect, broke up. Mr. Tazz (bass), who was the stoner ideologist in SD, and Mr. Big D (drums) continued jamming occasionally though, hoping to find new musicians to create a band based on Kyuss` legacy. After short period of time they were joined by Mr. LBAE (vocals) and, in early October 2007, Mr. Vanish (guitar), and it was clear that they made a perfect match. As soon as the name appeared, the Boys started to work on various material. As all of them were, besides stoner bands, influenced by different music (from 60`s and 70`s classics like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and old blues to Soundgarden, Mr. Bungle, early 90`s hardcore teams and other) the songs they were producing differed from each other a lot, but they all had the same roots. In December 2007 they were also joined by Maul, who became their manager soon. After a period of strange events like flood at one studio and power collapse at the other, Stone Cold Boys managed to record a short demo. The demo can be downloaded here (and the cover here).
Tracklist:
1. Not at Home
2. Twist
3. Easy Rider
4. London Bridge
5. Geokozmoz (studio jam)
stonecoldboys.ru
www.myspace.com/stonecoldboys
Tracklist:
1. Not at Home
2. Twist
3. Easy Rider
4. London Bridge
5. Geokozmoz (studio jam)
stonecoldboys.ru
www.myspace.com/stonecoldboys
Listen To the New Ufomammut "Idolum"
Listen to the entire new album, Idolum, due out May 7 here. The bonus track from the vinyl edition, “Hermeat,” can be downloaded from that site also.
Track listing:
1. Stigma
2. Stardog
3. Hellectric
4. Ammonia
5. Destroyer
6. Nero
7. Hermeat
8. Elephantom
9. Void
Track listing:
1. Stigma
2. Stardog
3. Hellectric
4. Ammonia
5. Destroyer
6. Nero
7. Hermeat
8. Elephantom
9. Void
GRAND MAGUS To Release 'Iron Will' In June
Swedish powerhouse GRAND MAGUS, which features in its ranks current SPIRITUAL BEGGARS frontman Janne Christoffersson, will release its fourth full-length album, "Iron Will", on June 9 via Rise Above Records. The CD was once again recorded in Stockholm, with Oneman acting as engineer and co-producer.
In other news, GRAND MAGUS has been confirmed for this year's Bloodstock Open Air festival, set to take place August 15-17, 2008 at Catton Hall in Derbyshire, England.
The festival billing is now shaping up as follows:
NIGHTWISH
DIMMU BORGIR
OPETH
HELLOWEEN
ICED EARTH
OVERKILL
AT THE GATES
AS I LAY DYING
SOILWORK
PRIMAL FEAR
COMMUNIC
MOB RULES
MOONSORROW
KATAKLYSM
TYR
SWALLOW THE SUN
ELUVEITIE
EVILE
ALESTORM
CLOUDSCAPE
SAINT DEAMON
CROWNING GLORY
PRO-JEKT
GRAND MAGUS
KELTIC JIHAD
In other news, GRAND MAGUS has been confirmed for this year's Bloodstock Open Air festival, set to take place August 15-17, 2008 at Catton Hall in Derbyshire, England.
The festival billing is now shaping up as follows:
NIGHTWISH
DIMMU BORGIR
OPETH
HELLOWEEN
ICED EARTH
OVERKILL
AT THE GATES
AS I LAY DYING
SOILWORK
PRIMAL FEAR
COMMUNIC
MOB RULES
MOONSORROW
KATAKLYSM
TYR
SWALLOW THE SUN
ELUVEITIE
EVILE
ALESTORM
CLOUDSCAPE
SAINT DEAMON
CROWNING GLORY
PRO-JEKT
GRAND MAGUS
KELTIC JIHAD
Album Of The Day-Rosetta-"The Galilean Satellites" (2005)
The Album Of The Day is "The Galilean Satellites" by Rosetta.
Review:
"I hope you are sitting down, this is gonna take a while. Formed from the ashes of Philadelphia bands Mykado, Sundayrest, and Sense Fracture, this beautifully packaged, celestially themed, 2 disc, 2 hour, gatefold effort is a superbly presented effort of Isis/Cult of Luna like moods and tempos that culls from the source material wonderfully, but doesn’t really craft its own identity. That being said, if you enjoyed this year’s bumper crop of like minded albums from the likes of Overmars, Jesu, Minsk, Mouth of the Architect, Back When, Mare, Unfold, Callisto, Minsk, Anubis Rising, Vancouver, Pelican at all, Rosetta is a no-brainer purchase.
I’ll start with the ‘metal’ disc (actually numbered disc 2); 5 (ranging from 8-16 minutes) vast, ebbing tracks of climactic, monstrous building riffs, layered tones and introspective elegance. Opener “Départe” is what you’d expect from such an album - short ambient intro, gradual build and eventual massive rumbling crescendo and at 8 minutes it’s the baby of the bunch being rather straightforward compared to the rest of the album’s four extended and develop forays. The moody riff that starts “Europa” is evocative and forceful with vocalist Michael Armine (Mykado) being particularly powerful in complementing the instrumentation. At 10+ minutes the riff does wear on, but a few delicate and subtle variations on the main riff break up the monotony perfectly. Of course, the track peaks to an impressive climax with drummer Bruce McMurtrie aiding the peak impressively before the track collapses, breathless and heaving. Instrumental “Absent” starts as the album's most introspective track, allowing the listener to recover from the prior track's intensity, but then a vast discordant salvo erupts from the speakers then followed by some scattershot staccato guitar work that seems to be antagonistic compared to the album's up to now restrained swathes and ebbs. It’s the album’s least enveloping track but serves as a mid album shift from the colossally pacifist layering. “Itinérant” starts with some beautifully haunting piano/string tones that meander throughout the whole track underneath the oppressive guitars, shifting, palatable textures and Armine’s pained roar. The track’s tense mid section cries for a gargantuan finish but instead disappointingly delivers an ambient reprieve that is rather anti climactic. Instead, the track bridges into closer “Au Pays Natal”, and to be honest despite its vast scope and passionately heavy tones, I’m a little worn out and if I’m listening to this on headphones before I go to bed; I’m actually asleep at this point. That’s not a detriment per say, more of a knock on my attention span, as this kind of music is meant to imbue a sort of infinite space atmosphere and trance like state.
Ok. That’s just the ‘metal’ disc. The other disc is also 5 tracks (“Deneb”, “Capella”, “Beta Aquilae”, “Ross 128” and “Sol”), all the exact same length as the tracks on the first disc, but they are all ambient, soundscape, atmospheric tracks. They can be played separately as an other worldly trip into time and space or I’ve been told play in conjunction with its sister CD to create an all encompassing, full on sensory musical experience. I’ve yet to try the dual method, but I plan to and I’m sure it’s amazing. That being said, as a stand alone CD, the ambient album isn’t really my thing, as droning samples, keys and electronic warbling doesn’t really excite me. However you Brighter Death Now type fans will no doubt enjoy it.
The overall result of the Aaron Turner (Isis) artwork, the superb production, the packaging and the music itself makes this more than worth your time for the actual music CD alone, but the added bonus of the ambient CD and the potential of the dual play makes The Galilean Satellites a pretty special and highly recommended release." (Erik Thomas, MusicReview.com)
Track Listing:
Disc one:
01. "Départe" (lit. "far away") 8:13
02. "Europa" 10:25
03. "Absent" 9:45
04. "Itinérant" (lit. "traveling") 16:14
05. "Au Pays Natal" (lit. "to the native land/country") 13:32
Disc two:
01. "Deneb" 8:13
02. "Capella" 10:25
03. "Beta Aquilae" 9:45
04. "Ross 128" 16:14
05. "Sol" 15:28
Listen
MySpace
Official Website
Purchase CD Here
Review:
"I hope you are sitting down, this is gonna take a while. Formed from the ashes of Philadelphia bands Mykado, Sundayrest, and Sense Fracture, this beautifully packaged, celestially themed, 2 disc, 2 hour, gatefold effort is a superbly presented effort of Isis/Cult of Luna like moods and tempos that culls from the source material wonderfully, but doesn’t really craft its own identity. That being said, if you enjoyed this year’s bumper crop of like minded albums from the likes of Overmars, Jesu, Minsk, Mouth of the Architect, Back When, Mare, Unfold, Callisto, Minsk, Anubis Rising, Vancouver, Pelican at all, Rosetta is a no-brainer purchase.
I’ll start with the ‘metal’ disc (actually numbered disc 2); 5 (ranging from 8-16 minutes) vast, ebbing tracks of climactic, monstrous building riffs, layered tones and introspective elegance. Opener “Départe” is what you’d expect from such an album - short ambient intro, gradual build and eventual massive rumbling crescendo and at 8 minutes it’s the baby of the bunch being rather straightforward compared to the rest of the album’s four extended and develop forays. The moody riff that starts “Europa” is evocative and forceful with vocalist Michael Armine (Mykado) being particularly powerful in complementing the instrumentation. At 10+ minutes the riff does wear on, but a few delicate and subtle variations on the main riff break up the monotony perfectly. Of course, the track peaks to an impressive climax with drummer Bruce McMurtrie aiding the peak impressively before the track collapses, breathless and heaving. Instrumental “Absent” starts as the album's most introspective track, allowing the listener to recover from the prior track's intensity, but then a vast discordant salvo erupts from the speakers then followed by some scattershot staccato guitar work that seems to be antagonistic compared to the album's up to now restrained swathes and ebbs. It’s the album’s least enveloping track but serves as a mid album shift from the colossally pacifist layering. “Itinérant” starts with some beautifully haunting piano/string tones that meander throughout the whole track underneath the oppressive guitars, shifting, palatable textures and Armine’s pained roar. The track’s tense mid section cries for a gargantuan finish but instead disappointingly delivers an ambient reprieve that is rather anti climactic. Instead, the track bridges into closer “Au Pays Natal”, and to be honest despite its vast scope and passionately heavy tones, I’m a little worn out and if I’m listening to this on headphones before I go to bed; I’m actually asleep at this point. That’s not a detriment per say, more of a knock on my attention span, as this kind of music is meant to imbue a sort of infinite space atmosphere and trance like state.
Ok. That’s just the ‘metal’ disc. The other disc is also 5 tracks (“Deneb”, “Capella”, “Beta Aquilae”, “Ross 128” and “Sol”), all the exact same length as the tracks on the first disc, but they are all ambient, soundscape, atmospheric tracks. They can be played separately as an other worldly trip into time and space or I’ve been told play in conjunction with its sister CD to create an all encompassing, full on sensory musical experience. I’ve yet to try the dual method, but I plan to and I’m sure it’s amazing. That being said, as a stand alone CD, the ambient album isn’t really my thing, as droning samples, keys and electronic warbling doesn’t really excite me. However you Brighter Death Now type fans will no doubt enjoy it.
The overall result of the Aaron Turner (Isis) artwork, the superb production, the packaging and the music itself makes this more than worth your time for the actual music CD alone, but the added bonus of the ambient CD and the potential of the dual play makes The Galilean Satellites a pretty special and highly recommended release." (Erik Thomas, MusicReview.com)
Track Listing:
Disc one:
01. "Départe" (lit. "far away") 8:13
02. "Europa" 10:25
03. "Absent" 9:45
04. "Itinérant" (lit. "traveling") 16:14
05. "Au Pays Natal" (lit. "to the native land/country") 13:32
Disc two:
01. "Deneb" 8:13
02. "Capella" 10:25
03. "Beta Aquilae" 9:45
04. "Ross 128" 16:14
05. "Sol" 15:28
Listen
MySpace
Official Website
Purchase CD Here
CANDLEMASS: "Lucifer Rising" EP To Include Two New Tracks
Swedish doom metal legends CANDLEMASS are currently recording a new EP, "Lucfer Rising", for a tentative Septeber release via Nuclear Blast Records. It will include two brand new tracks — "Lucifer Rising" and "The White God" — plus a whole bunch of live tracks from the previous tour. A new album will be recorded in the fall for a spring 2009 release.
In other news, the following CANDLEMASS and CANDLEMASS-related albums are being re-released in 2008 on Snapper/Peaceville:
* "Chapter VI" (1992): March 31
* "Dactylis Glomerata" (1998) + ABSTRAKT ALGEBRA 2: May 26
* "From the 13th Sun" (1999) (w/ bonus tracks "Oil", "Nimis", "Rock 'n' Roll"): June 23
* "Live" (1990) (w/ bonus audio disc recorded at Dynamo Open Air 1988): August 11
In other news, the following CANDLEMASS and CANDLEMASS-related albums are being re-released in 2008 on Snapper/Peaceville:
* "Chapter VI" (1992): March 31
* "Dactylis Glomerata" (1998) + ABSTRAKT ALGEBRA 2: May 26
* "From the 13th Sun" (1999) (w/ bonus tracks "Oil", "Nimis", "Rock 'n' Roll"): June 23
* "Live" (1990) (w/ bonus audio disc recorded at Dynamo Open Air 1988): August 11
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Free Album Download-Floating Goat-"The Vultures Arrive" (2006)
"The followup album to Floating Goat’s 2002 release Heaven's Burning, The Vultures Arrive was recorded over a span of two and a half years as the band was forced into hiatus due to the year long absence of bassets Ian Petitpren. Unable to find a replacement for Ian, Aaron and Chris forged on with what resulted in these nine smoking tracks of classic Floating Goat heaviness. Returning in time to lay down the bass tracks, Ian rejoined the trio. The album was completed with the help of John McBain who provided an excellent ear for mixing and a load of sonic wisdom."
MySpace
Buy here
*This download is for preview purposes only. It will be deleted in 24 hours. Please support the band and purchase their merchandise.
A Few Changes To Heavy Planet
Every one loves change every once in a while, don't they? Well this is a change for the better. Occasionaly, I will provide full downloads of albums. These downloads are for preview purposes only and will only be available for a 24 hour period after which they will be removed from the site. Most of these downloads will either be for new unknown bands and/or out of print recordings. I will not provide any downloads for albums that have not been released yet. If you have any requests please let me know. Please be considerate and provide a thank you. If you like the band please purchase their merchandise.
*If you are in one of the bands, are a label rep, etc. and do not want the album posted, please contact me for immediate removal.
Stay tuned...
*If you are in one of the bands, are a label rep, etc. and do not want the album posted, please contact me for immediate removal.
Stay tuned...
Russian Circles, Daughters Tour Dates
Dates have been announced for Russian Circles' upcoming U.S. tour with Daughters.
Tour Dates:
6/3 Iowa City, IA @ Picador
6/4 St Louis, MO @ Bluebird Theater
6/5 Kansas City, MO @ The Riot Room
6/6 Denver, CO @ Marquis
6/7 Salt Lake City, UT @ Burt's Tiki Lounge
6/8 Boise, ID @ Neurolux
6/9 Seattle, WA @ Neumos
6/10 Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
6/11 Chico, CA @ Cafe Coda
6/12 San Francisco, CA @ Slims
6/14 Pomona, CA @ The Glasshouse
6/15 Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour
6/16 San Diego, CA @ The Casbah
6/18 Phoenix, AZ @ The Clubhouse
6/20 Austin, TX @ Red 7
6/21 Ft Worth, TX @ Lolas
6/22 Houston, TX @ Rudyards
6/23 Baton Rouge, LA @ Spanish Moon
6/24 Birmingham, AL @ Bottle Tree
6/25 Atlanta, GA @ The Drunken Unicorn
6/26 Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
6/27 Wilmington, DE @ Harmony Grange
6/28 Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Upstairs
6/29 Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
6/30 Baltimore, MD @ The Ottobar
7/1 Buffalo, NY @ Mohawk Place
Tour Dates:
6/3 Iowa City, IA @ Picador
6/4 St Louis, MO @ Bluebird Theater
6/5 Kansas City, MO @ The Riot Room
6/6 Denver, CO @ Marquis
6/7 Salt Lake City, UT @ Burt's Tiki Lounge
6/8 Boise, ID @ Neurolux
6/9 Seattle, WA @ Neumos
6/10 Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
6/11 Chico, CA @ Cafe Coda
6/12 San Francisco, CA @ Slims
6/14 Pomona, CA @ The Glasshouse
6/15 Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour
6/16 San Diego, CA @ The Casbah
6/18 Phoenix, AZ @ The Clubhouse
6/20 Austin, TX @ Red 7
6/21 Ft Worth, TX @ Lolas
6/22 Houston, TX @ Rudyards
6/23 Baton Rouge, LA @ Spanish Moon
6/24 Birmingham, AL @ Bottle Tree
6/25 Atlanta, GA @ The Drunken Unicorn
6/26 Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
6/27 Wilmington, DE @ Harmony Grange
6/28 Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Upstairs
6/29 Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg
6/30 Baltimore, MD @ The Ottobar
7/1 Buffalo, NY @ Mohawk Place
Stinking Lizaveta To Tour with The Sword and Torche
Stinking Lizaveta will be heading out on the road with The Sword and Torche this May. The dates are as follows:
05/05/08: Norfolk, VA - The Taphouse
05/06/08: Knoxville, TN - The Pilot Light
05/07/08: Little Rock, AR - Downtown Music, with Torche
05/08/08: Austin, TX - Emo`s, with Torche, Canyon of the Skull
05/09/08: Ft. Worth, TX - Lola`s, with The Sword, Torche
05/10/08: Memphis, TN - Hi Tone, with The Sword, Torche
05/11/08: Nashville, TN - Exit/In, with The Sword, Torche
05/12/08: Covington, KY - The Mad Hatter, with The Sword, Torche
05/13/08: Detroit, MI - The Magic Stick, with The Sword, Torche
05/14/08: Columbus, OH - Ravari Room, with The Sword, Torche
05/15/08: Washington, DC - Rock and Roll Hotel, with The Sword, Torche
05/16/08: Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church, with The Sword, Torche
05/17/08: Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg, with The Sword, Torche
05/18/08: Cambridge, MA - Middle East Downstairs, with The Sword, Torche
05/20/08: Raleigh, NC - Lincoln Theater, with The Sword, Torche
05/21/08: Savannah, GA - The Jinx, with The Sword, Torche
05/22/08: Tallahassee, FL - The Beta Bar, with The Sword, Torche
05/23/08: Gainesville, FL - Common Grounds, with The Sword, Torche
05/24/08: Orlando, FL - The Social, with The Sword, Torche
05/25/08: St. Petersburg, FL - State Theatre, with The Sword, Torche
05/26/08: Atlanta, GA - Lenny`s, with The Sword, Torche
05/27/08: Birmingham, AL - The Bottletree, with The Sword, Torche
05/28/08: Baton Rouge, LA - Spanish Moon, with The Sword, Torche
05/29/08: Houston, TX - Rudyards, with The Sword, Torche
05/30/08: New Orleans, LA - One Eyed Jacks, with Torche
05/31/08: Athens, GA - Caledonia Lounge
06/01/08: Charlotte, NC - The Milestone, with Poontanglers
06/02/08: Richmond, VA - Alley Katz
06/03/08: Baltimore, MD - Talking Head
05/05/08: Norfolk, VA - The Taphouse
05/06/08: Knoxville, TN - The Pilot Light
05/07/08: Little Rock, AR - Downtown Music, with Torche
05/08/08: Austin, TX - Emo`s, with Torche, Canyon of the Skull
05/09/08: Ft. Worth, TX - Lola`s, with The Sword, Torche
05/10/08: Memphis, TN - Hi Tone, with The Sword, Torche
05/11/08: Nashville, TN - Exit/In, with The Sword, Torche
05/12/08: Covington, KY - The Mad Hatter, with The Sword, Torche
05/13/08: Detroit, MI - The Magic Stick, with The Sword, Torche
05/14/08: Columbus, OH - Ravari Room, with The Sword, Torche
05/15/08: Washington, DC - Rock and Roll Hotel, with The Sword, Torche
05/16/08: Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church, with The Sword, Torche
05/17/08: Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg, with The Sword, Torche
05/18/08: Cambridge, MA - Middle East Downstairs, with The Sword, Torche
05/20/08: Raleigh, NC - Lincoln Theater, with The Sword, Torche
05/21/08: Savannah, GA - The Jinx, with The Sword, Torche
05/22/08: Tallahassee, FL - The Beta Bar, with The Sword, Torche
05/23/08: Gainesville, FL - Common Grounds, with The Sword, Torche
05/24/08: Orlando, FL - The Social, with The Sword, Torche
05/25/08: St. Petersburg, FL - State Theatre, with The Sword, Torche
05/26/08: Atlanta, GA - Lenny`s, with The Sword, Torche
05/27/08: Birmingham, AL - The Bottletree, with The Sword, Torche
05/28/08: Baton Rouge, LA - Spanish Moon, with The Sword, Torche
05/29/08: Houston, TX - Rudyards, with The Sword, Torche
05/30/08: New Orleans, LA - One Eyed Jacks, with Torche
05/31/08: Athens, GA - Caledonia Lounge
06/01/08: Charlotte, NC - The Milestone, with Poontanglers
06/02/08: Richmond, VA - Alley Katz
06/03/08: Baltimore, MD - Talking Head
Mouth of the Architect News
The new track, “Hate And Heartache,” from Mouth of the Architect’s new release, Quietly, has been posted on the Translation Loss Records` MySpace profile!
Quietly, which was recorded by Chris Common (These Arms Are Snakes) at Red Room Recording, will see a July 22 release, but you can hear the track “Hate And Heartache” from the album on both the MOTA and Translation Loss Myspace pages now.
MOTA will also be heading out on the road with their bros Intronaut and Behold the Acrtopus on their “Ultimate Brodeo” tour this August and September in support of their new record.
The Ultimate Brodeo Tour with Intronaut and Behold The Arctopus
8/1/08: Columbus, OH - Ravari Room
8/2/08: Indianapolis, IN - Melody Inn
8/3/08: Pittsburgh, PA - Howler`s Coyote Cafe
8/4/08: Buffalo, NY - Xtreme Wheels
8/5/08: Endicott, NY - Downtown Quarterback
8/6/08: Cambridge, MA - Middle East
8/7/08: Providence, RI - Living Room
8/8/08: New York, NY - Knitting Factory
8/9/08: Doylestown, PA - Siren Records, with Fight Amp
8/10/08: Washington, DC - DC-9
8/11/08: Richmond, VA - Nara Sushi
8/12/08: Charlotte, NC - The Milestone
8/13/08: Atlanta, GA - Drunken Unicorn
8/14/08: Orlando, FL - The Haven
8/15/08: Tampa, FL - Brass Mug
8/16/08: Gainesville, FL - The Atlantic
8/17/08: Metarie, LA - High Ground
8/18/08: Memphis, TN - Hi Tone Cafe
8/19/08: Fayetteville, AR - OPO Downstairs
8/20/08: Little Rock, AR - Downtown Music
8/21/08: Dallas, TX - Red Blood Club
8/22/08: Austin, TX - Red 7
8/23/08: Oklahoma City, OK - The Conservatory
8/25/08: Farmington, NM - Gator`s
8/26/08: Tempe, AZ - The Clubhouse
8/27/08: Hollywood, CA - Knitting Factory
8/28/08: San Diego, CA - Chaser`s
8/29/08: San Francisco, CA - Annie`s Social Club
8/30/08: Portland, OR - Rotture
8/31/08: Roseburg, OR - Riversdale Grange
9/1/08: Seattle, WA - Studio Seven
9/3/08: Denver, CO - Marquis Theater
9/4/08: Lawrence, KS - Replay Lounge
9/5/08: St Louis, MO - 2 Cents Plain
9/6/08: Des Moines, IA - Vaudeville Mews
9/7/08: Chicago, IL - Reggie`s Rock Club
Quietly, which was recorded by Chris Common (These Arms Are Snakes) at Red Room Recording, will see a July 22 release, but you can hear the track “Hate And Heartache” from the album on both the MOTA and Translation Loss Myspace pages now.
MOTA will also be heading out on the road with their bros Intronaut and Behold the Acrtopus on their “Ultimate Brodeo” tour this August and September in support of their new record.
The Ultimate Brodeo Tour with Intronaut and Behold The Arctopus
8/1/08: Columbus, OH - Ravari Room
8/2/08: Indianapolis, IN - Melody Inn
8/3/08: Pittsburgh, PA - Howler`s Coyote Cafe
8/4/08: Buffalo, NY - Xtreme Wheels
8/5/08: Endicott, NY - Downtown Quarterback
8/6/08: Cambridge, MA - Middle East
8/7/08: Providence, RI - Living Room
8/8/08: New York, NY - Knitting Factory
8/9/08: Doylestown, PA - Siren Records, with Fight Amp
8/10/08: Washington, DC - DC-9
8/11/08: Richmond, VA - Nara Sushi
8/12/08: Charlotte, NC - The Milestone
8/13/08: Atlanta, GA - Drunken Unicorn
8/14/08: Orlando, FL - The Haven
8/15/08: Tampa, FL - Brass Mug
8/16/08: Gainesville, FL - The Atlantic
8/17/08: Metarie, LA - High Ground
8/18/08: Memphis, TN - Hi Tone Cafe
8/19/08: Fayetteville, AR - OPO Downstairs
8/20/08: Little Rock, AR - Downtown Music
8/21/08: Dallas, TX - Red Blood Club
8/22/08: Austin, TX - Red 7
8/23/08: Oklahoma City, OK - The Conservatory
8/25/08: Farmington, NM - Gator`s
8/26/08: Tempe, AZ - The Clubhouse
8/27/08: Hollywood, CA - Knitting Factory
8/28/08: San Diego, CA - Chaser`s
8/29/08: San Francisco, CA - Annie`s Social Club
8/30/08: Portland, OR - Rotture
8/31/08: Roseburg, OR - Riversdale Grange
9/1/08: Seattle, WA - Studio Seven
9/3/08: Denver, CO - Marquis Theater
9/4/08: Lawrence, KS - Replay Lounge
9/5/08: St Louis, MO - 2 Cents Plain
9/6/08: Des Moines, IA - Vaudeville Mews
9/7/08: Chicago, IL - Reggie`s Rock Club
Announcing Electric Magic Volume 2
Generated-X.de has released the second edition of their Electric Magic series. This compilation features new music from Black Pyramid, Duster 69, Danava, Josiah, and more.
The full tracklisting is as follows:
01. Black Pyramid - “Visions of Gehenna” (from Self Titled)
02. Duster 69 - “Upcoming” (from Angel King)
03. Danava - “Where Beauty and Terror Dance” (from Unonou)
04. Josiah - “Looking at the Mountain” (from No Time)
05. Burning Saviours - “Out of Sight” (from Hundus)
06. Imogene - “Wormwood Raindrops” (from Self Titled)
07. Magnified Eye - “Marooned” (from Transition)
08. HORE - “Stoners Halleluja” (from Cheap Luxury Bomb)
09. Eternal Elysium - “Shadowed Flower” (from Self Titled)
10. Jex Thoth - “The Banishment” (from Self Titled)
11. House Of Aquarius - “Nuclear Child” (from The World Through...)
12. Hypnos 69 - “The Eclectic Measure” (from The Eclectic Measure)
13. Earth Flight - “A Romance of Souls” (from Self Titled)
14. Terraplane - “Into the Unknown” (from Into The Unknown)
To download this free compilation, click here.
The full tracklisting is as follows:
01. Black Pyramid - “Visions of Gehenna” (from Self Titled)
02. Duster 69 - “Upcoming” (from Angel King)
03. Danava - “Where Beauty and Terror Dance” (from Unonou)
04. Josiah - “Looking at the Mountain” (from No Time)
05. Burning Saviours - “Out of Sight” (from Hundus)
06. Imogene - “Wormwood Raindrops” (from Self Titled)
07. Magnified Eye - “Marooned” (from Transition)
08. HORE - “Stoners Halleluja” (from Cheap Luxury Bomb)
09. Eternal Elysium - “Shadowed Flower” (from Self Titled)
10. Jex Thoth - “The Banishment” (from Self Titled)
11. House Of Aquarius - “Nuclear Child” (from The World Through...)
12. Hypnos 69 - “The Eclectic Measure” (from The Eclectic Measure)
13. Earth Flight - “A Romance of Souls” (from Self Titled)
14. Terraplane - “Into the Unknown” (from Into The Unknown)
To download this free compilation, click here.
WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM To Tour With BORIS, TORCHE
Pacific Northwestern black metal eco-terrorists WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM will embark on a North American tour with BORIS and TORCHE beginning in June. Confirmed dates are as follows:
June 24 - San Diego, CA - Casbah
June 25 - Tempe, AZ - The Clubhouse
June 27 - Denton, TX - Rubber Gloves
June 28 - Austin, TX - The Mohawk
June 29 - San Antonio, TX - White Rabbit
July 01 - Baton Rouge, LA - Spanish Moon
July 02 - Gainesville, FL - Common Grounds
July 03 - Orlando, FL - The Social
July 05 - Atlanta, GA - The Earl
July 06 - Carrboro, NC - Cat’s Cradle
July 08 - Washington, DC - Black Cat
July 09 - Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church
July 10 - New York, NY - Webster Hall
July 11 - Cambridge, MA - The Middle East
July 12 - Montreal, Quebec - La Sala Rosa
July 13 - Ottawa, Ontario - Barrymore
July 14 - Toronto, Ontario - Lee’s Palace
July 15 - Buffalo, NY - Tralf
July 16 - Cleveland, OH - Grog Shop
July 17 - Pittsburgh, PA - Diesel
July 18 - Detroit, MI - St. Andrews Hall
July 19 - Milwaukee, WI - Turner Hall
July 20 - Chicago, IL - Union Park (Pitchfork Festival)
July 22 - Omaha, NE - The Waiting Room
July 23 - Lawrence, KS - Granada Theatre
July 25 - Denver, CO - Marquis Theater
July 26 - Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge
July 29 - Seattle, WA – Neumo's
June 24 - San Diego, CA - Casbah
June 25 - Tempe, AZ - The Clubhouse
June 27 - Denton, TX - Rubber Gloves
June 28 - Austin, TX - The Mohawk
June 29 - San Antonio, TX - White Rabbit
July 01 - Baton Rouge, LA - Spanish Moon
July 02 - Gainesville, FL - Common Grounds
July 03 - Orlando, FL - The Social
July 05 - Atlanta, GA - The Earl
July 06 - Carrboro, NC - Cat’s Cradle
July 08 - Washington, DC - Black Cat
July 09 - Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church
July 10 - New York, NY - Webster Hall
July 11 - Cambridge, MA - The Middle East
July 12 - Montreal, Quebec - La Sala Rosa
July 13 - Ottawa, Ontario - Barrymore
July 14 - Toronto, Ontario - Lee’s Palace
July 15 - Buffalo, NY - Tralf
July 16 - Cleveland, OH - Grog Shop
July 17 - Pittsburgh, PA - Diesel
July 18 - Detroit, MI - St. Andrews Hall
July 19 - Milwaukee, WI - Turner Hall
July 20 - Chicago, IL - Union Park (Pitchfork Festival)
July 22 - Omaha, NE - The Waiting Room
July 23 - Lawrence, KS - Granada Theatre
July 25 - Denver, CO - Marquis Theater
July 26 - Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge
July 29 - Seattle, WA – Neumo's
Album Of The Day-Roachpowder-"Viejo Diablo" (1998)
Going back a bit, I decided to dust one off and listen to while I am building a new bathroom in my basement. The Album Of The Day I am referring to is the 1998 classic "Viejo Diablo" by Swedish Stoner Rockers Roachpowder.
Review:
With its singularly heavy riffs and passionate vocals, this 1998 debut from Sweden's Roachpowder announced the group as one of Europe's premiere stoner rock upstarts. Taking sonic and thematic cues from America's East Coast and desert stoner heroes (Monster Magnet and Kyuss, respectively) while adding some style of their own, the group produces a daunting grind that's superior to many of the genre's many second-wave artists. The Black Sabbath groove evident in many of the category's best bands is certainly present on Viejo Diablo, along with a cool determination that's alternately chilling and exuberant. On standouts like "Black Stone," the vocal phrases and overall dynamic might remind listeners of Dave Wyndorf and his crew, but Roachpowder generally make their own way without copying anyone. Other choice tracks include "Galactic Blues," with its cowbell stomp, and the atmospherically wicked "Cosmic Emperor." Listeners looking to expand their stoner rock vocabulary beyond the three or four perennial American favorites (Fu Manchu, Queens of the Stone Age, etc.) should start with Viejo Diablo from the lesser-known but seriously determined Roachpowder. (Vincent Jeffries, All Music Guide)
Track Listing:
Listen
MySpace
Purchase CD Here
Review:
With its singularly heavy riffs and passionate vocals, this 1998 debut from Sweden's Roachpowder announced the group as one of Europe's premiere stoner rock upstarts. Taking sonic and thematic cues from America's East Coast and desert stoner heroes (Monster Magnet and Kyuss, respectively) while adding some style of their own, the group produces a daunting grind that's superior to many of the genre's many second-wave artists. The Black Sabbath groove evident in many of the category's best bands is certainly present on Viejo Diablo, along with a cool determination that's alternately chilling and exuberant. On standouts like "Black Stone," the vocal phrases and overall dynamic might remind listeners of Dave Wyndorf and his crew, but Roachpowder generally make their own way without copying anyone. Other choice tracks include "Galactic Blues," with its cowbell stomp, and the atmospherically wicked "Cosmic Emperor." Listeners looking to expand their stoner rock vocabulary beyond the three or four perennial American favorites (Fu Manchu, Queens of the Stone Age, etc.) should start with Viejo Diablo from the lesser-known but seriously determined Roachpowder. (Vincent Jeffries, All Music Guide)
Track Listing:
Listen
MySpace
Purchase CD Here
SAHG Issues Post-European Tour Update
SAHG, the Norwegian heavy rockers who feature in their ranks members of GORGOROTH, MANNGARD and AUDREY HORNE, has issued the following update:
"We have just returned from the 'Sahg II' European tour, having played some great shows across the continent. We toured along with headliner TROUBLE and GORILLA MONSOON, with whom we had many good times (and drinks) also off stage.
"The tour kicked off in Bologna, Italy, on April 8, and continued to Belgium, before we played five shows in Germany. On the last night, April 20, we played London, England, in front of a magnificent audience, who created a great finale for the tour.
"We were pleased to see so many new fans along the way. Big cheers to everyone who turned up at the concerts, we hope you had as great a time as we had!"
Upcoming SAHG shows:
May 03 - Bergen, Norway - Hulen
Jul. 07 - Tolmin, Slovenia - Metalcamp
Aug. 02 - Askøy, Norway - Lost Weekend Festival
While the band's 2006 debut, "Sahg I", established the band as a force to be reckoned with in doom metal, "Sahg II" proves the band's staying power. Taking inspiration from the forefathers of all things heavy — BLACK SABBATH — SAHG creates its own interpretation of retro, trippy, heavy music, based around memorable, ear-catching riffs.
"We have just returned from the 'Sahg II' European tour, having played some great shows across the continent. We toured along with headliner TROUBLE and GORILLA MONSOON, with whom we had many good times (and drinks) also off stage.
"The tour kicked off in Bologna, Italy, on April 8, and continued to Belgium, before we played five shows in Germany. On the last night, April 20, we played London, England, in front of a magnificent audience, who created a great finale for the tour.
"We were pleased to see so many new fans along the way. Big cheers to everyone who turned up at the concerts, we hope you had as great a time as we had!"
Upcoming SAHG shows:
May 03 - Bergen, Norway - Hulen
Jul. 07 - Tolmin, Slovenia - Metalcamp
Aug. 02 - Askøy, Norway - Lost Weekend Festival
While the band's 2006 debut, "Sahg I", established the band as a force to be reckoned with in doom metal, "Sahg II" proves the band's staying power. Taking inspiration from the forefathers of all things heavy — BLACK SABBATH — SAHG creates its own interpretation of retro, trippy, heavy music, based around memorable, ear-catching riffs.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Album Of The Day-Blind Dog-"The Last Adventures of Captain Dog" (2001)
The Album Of The Day is "The Last Adventures of Captain Dog" by Blind Dog.
Review:
Sounding like a revved up Kyuss, Blind Dog kick out the stoner jams with so much verve, it's like they're late for a Black Sabbath concert. All the fat '70s riffs stoner fans expect are present, but Blind Dog aren't at all laid-back on The Last Adventures of Captain Dog. Bassist/vocalist Tobias Nilsson, drummer Thomas Elenvik, and especially guitarist Joakim Thell drive their instruments right on top of the beat, giving their liquid rock grooves a toughness that helps separate and define the band. With a slew of credible stoner acts coming out of Sweden during the first years of the new century, the importance of creating a unique sound amidst so much sludgy riffing and drugged-out desert travelin' imagery is tantamount to survival. Perhaps Blind Dog innately understand this, but it's more likely that they just do what they do. However calculated or instinctual, it all just happens to work on this 2001 debut. Highlights include "10,000 Reasons" and the heavy section of "Sun." There's plenty of great material on The Last Adventures of Captain Dog, but some over-extended arrangements and clunky English verses hold this disc back just a bit. Stoner rock fans (especially those fond of the Kyuss-born desert rock genre niche) should at least check this disc out, as there is plenty to get excited about despite a couple soft spots. (Vincent Jeffries, All Music Guide)
Track Listing:
01. Thundergroove
02. 10,000 Reasons
03. Blend
04. Beyond My Reach
05. When I'm Finally Gone
06. Feels Like My Mind...
07. Wish I Knew What Side I'm On
08. Damned if I Should Care
09. Coming To
10. Back Where I've Always Been
11. !?!?!?
12. Sun
13. Lose
Listen
Purchase "Last Adventures of Captain Dog" Here
Review:
Sounding like a revved up Kyuss, Blind Dog kick out the stoner jams with so much verve, it's like they're late for a Black Sabbath concert. All the fat '70s riffs stoner fans expect are present, but Blind Dog aren't at all laid-back on The Last Adventures of Captain Dog. Bassist/vocalist Tobias Nilsson, drummer Thomas Elenvik, and especially guitarist Joakim Thell drive their instruments right on top of the beat, giving their liquid rock grooves a toughness that helps separate and define the band. With a slew of credible stoner acts coming out of Sweden during the first years of the new century, the importance of creating a unique sound amidst so much sludgy riffing and drugged-out desert travelin' imagery is tantamount to survival. Perhaps Blind Dog innately understand this, but it's more likely that they just do what they do. However calculated or instinctual, it all just happens to work on this 2001 debut. Highlights include "10,000 Reasons" and the heavy section of "Sun." There's plenty of great material on The Last Adventures of Captain Dog, but some over-extended arrangements and clunky English verses hold this disc back just a bit. Stoner rock fans (especially those fond of the Kyuss-born desert rock genre niche) should at least check this disc out, as there is plenty to get excited about despite a couple soft spots. (Vincent Jeffries, All Music Guide)
Track Listing:
01. Thundergroove
02. 10,000 Reasons
03. Blend
04. Beyond My Reach
05. When I'm Finally Gone
06. Feels Like My Mind...
07. Wish I Knew What Side I'm On
08. Damned if I Should Care
09. Coming To
10. Back Where I've Always Been
11. !?!?!?
12. Sun
13. Lose
Listen
Purchase "Last Adventures of Captain Dog" Here
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Album Of The Day-Blue Cheer-"Outsideinside" (1968)
Every once in a while I like to slide a classic rock album in as Album Of The Day. This time around, I chose "Outsideinside" by Blue Cheer. This album along with "Vincebus Eruptum" were way ahead of their time. Truly under appreciated classics to say the least.
Review:
There's a swagger and aggression to Blue Cheer's power blues that can be traced through the decades of heavy metal and the post-metal mutations of hard music. The second of only two Blue Cheer recordings featuring the classic lineup of Leigh Stephens on guitar, Dickie Peterson on bass and lead vocals, and Paul Whaley playing drums, Outsideinside, along with its predecessor, Vincebus Eruptum, ranks among the most underappreciated hard rock collections ever. Blue Cheer's second, more refined offering stands as a testament to the power-for-its-own-sake mentality that helped forge '70s hard rock out of the blues, psychedelia, and energetic rock & roll. Whaley's hyper drumming sounds almost punk during a frantic rework of the Rolling Stone's "Satisfaction" and the instrumental "Magnolia Caboose Babyfinger." This was quite an accomplishment considering that Outsideinside was released a full year before either the Stooges' debut or MC5's Kick Out the Jams. Stephens' fuzzed-out guitar solos shift and weave through each of Outsideinside's nine tracks, but the guitars work best as rhythmic support of Peterson's vocals on the standout tracks "Just a Little Bit" and "Come and Get It." Unfortunately, Blue Cheer simply did not possess the virtuosity to fight through the record's more ambitious moments; when the San Francisco trio tries to cop Hendrix in "Sun Cycle," the music sputters and loses focus. In true metal tradition, critics have generally ignored Blue Cheer's vast musical influence except for the most derivative of bands. Meanwhile, artists like Smashing Pumpkins, Mudhoney, and the Melvins have consistently covered the group both live and in the studio. Anyone interested in the history of hard music will want to familiarize themselves with this exceptional, innovative release. (Vincent Jeffries, All Music Guide)
Track Listing:
01. "Feathers from Your Tree"-3:29
02. "Sun Cycle"-4:12
03. "Just a Little Bit"-3:24
04. "Gypsy Ball"-2:57
05. "Come and Get It"-3:13
06. "Satisfaction"-5:05 (Rolling Stones cover)
07. "The Hunter"-4:22
08. "Magnolia Caboose"-1:38
09. "Babylon"-4:22
10. "Fortunes"-2:20 (Akarma version bonus track)
Listen
MySpace
Official Website
Purchase Album Here
Review:
There's a swagger and aggression to Blue Cheer's power blues that can be traced through the decades of heavy metal and the post-metal mutations of hard music. The second of only two Blue Cheer recordings featuring the classic lineup of Leigh Stephens on guitar, Dickie Peterson on bass and lead vocals, and Paul Whaley playing drums, Outsideinside, along with its predecessor, Vincebus Eruptum, ranks among the most underappreciated hard rock collections ever. Blue Cheer's second, more refined offering stands as a testament to the power-for-its-own-sake mentality that helped forge '70s hard rock out of the blues, psychedelia, and energetic rock & roll. Whaley's hyper drumming sounds almost punk during a frantic rework of the Rolling Stone's "Satisfaction" and the instrumental "Magnolia Caboose Babyfinger." This was quite an accomplishment considering that Outsideinside was released a full year before either the Stooges' debut or MC5's Kick Out the Jams. Stephens' fuzzed-out guitar solos shift and weave through each of Outsideinside's nine tracks, but the guitars work best as rhythmic support of Peterson's vocals on the standout tracks "Just a Little Bit" and "Come and Get It." Unfortunately, Blue Cheer simply did not possess the virtuosity to fight through the record's more ambitious moments; when the San Francisco trio tries to cop Hendrix in "Sun Cycle," the music sputters and loses focus. In true metal tradition, critics have generally ignored Blue Cheer's vast musical influence except for the most derivative of bands. Meanwhile, artists like Smashing Pumpkins, Mudhoney, and the Melvins have consistently covered the group both live and in the studio. Anyone interested in the history of hard music will want to familiarize themselves with this exceptional, innovative release. (Vincent Jeffries, All Music Guide)
Track Listing:
01. "Feathers from Your Tree"-3:29
02. "Sun Cycle"-4:12
03. "Just a Little Bit"-3:24
04. "Gypsy Ball"-2:57
05. "Come and Get It"-3:13
06. "Satisfaction"-5:05 (Rolling Stones cover)
07. "The Hunter"-4:22
08. "Magnolia Caboose"-1:38
09. "Babylon"-4:22
10. "Fortunes"-2:20 (Akarma version bonus track)
Listen
MySpace
Official Website
Purchase Album Here
CLUTCH Confirmed For UK's HARD ROCK HELL Festival
CLUTCH has been confirmed for the Hard Rock Hell II festival, set to take place December 5-7, 2008 at Prestatyn Sands, North Wales, UK.
The festival billing is shaping up as follows:
BLACK LABEL SOCIETY
THIN LIZZY
CLUTCH
BATTLELORE
KORPIKLAANI
ORANGE GOBLIN
RAVENS CREED
THE WILDHEARTS
TIGERTAILZ
VIKING SKULL
Hard Rock Hell launched a new standard in UK metal and rock festivals. Taking place across three days at Butlins in Minehead, Somerset on November 9-11, 2007, the sold-out festival was an enormous success. Bringing together acts such as TWISTED SISTER, SAXON, CRADLE OF FILTH, TURISAS, MY DYING BRIDE, ZODIAC MINDWARP and TESLA in a unique setting.
Taking up where last years festival left off, HRH II will span four decades over six arenas and feature 50 bands. This year’s rock ritual will feature all Lords of the Riff and turn it into, another 48 hour maelstrom of rock 'n' metal. HRH II's selection of bands will not disappoint, with some incredible exclusives, rare appearances from the vault and even a trio of bands never witnessed on stage together to answer calls for a space, prog, psychedelic rock arena on the Friday night.
Tickets include two nights accommodation and entrance to all six arenas as well as free car parking. Limited Early Bird tickets start from 90 GBP.
The festival billing is shaping up as follows:
BLACK LABEL SOCIETY
THIN LIZZY
CLUTCH
BATTLELORE
KORPIKLAANI
ORANGE GOBLIN
RAVENS CREED
THE WILDHEARTS
TIGERTAILZ
VIKING SKULL
Hard Rock Hell launched a new standard in UK metal and rock festivals. Taking place across three days at Butlins in Minehead, Somerset on November 9-11, 2007, the sold-out festival was an enormous success. Bringing together acts such as TWISTED SISTER, SAXON, CRADLE OF FILTH, TURISAS, MY DYING BRIDE, ZODIAC MINDWARP and TESLA in a unique setting.
Taking up where last years festival left off, HRH II will span four decades over six arenas and feature 50 bands. This year’s rock ritual will feature all Lords of the Riff and turn it into, another 48 hour maelstrom of rock 'n' metal. HRH II's selection of bands will not disappoint, with some incredible exclusives, rare appearances from the vault and even a trio of bands never witnessed on stage together to answer calls for a space, prog, psychedelic rock arena on the Friday night.
Tickets include two nights accommodation and entrance to all six arenas as well as free car parking. Limited Early Bird tickets start from 90 GBP.
DOWN: Video Footage, Photos From Milan Concert Available
Fan-filmed video footage of DOWN's April 22, 2008 concert at Alcatraz in Milan, Italy can be viewed below.
Photos from the sold-out show are available on Musica Metal.
Before the concert, a 50-minute video was projected on the club's walls, showing DOWN in backstage footage intercut with a selection of vintage music videos of the likes of TED NUGENT and AC/DC. The backstage footage is described by Musica Metal as in the vein of classic PANTERA DVD "Vulgar Videos", with crazy hotel room antics and practical jokes on the crew. It is not presently clear if any of this footage will end up on the upcoming DOWN DVD.
"The Godfather" theme + "Three Suns And One Star":
"Hail The Leaf":
Photos from the sold-out show are available on Musica Metal.
Before the concert, a 50-minute video was projected on the club's walls, showing DOWN in backstage footage intercut with a selection of vintage music videos of the likes of TED NUGENT and AC/DC. The backstage footage is described by Musica Metal as in the vein of classic PANTERA DVD "Vulgar Videos", with crazy hotel room antics and practical jokes on the crew. It is not presently clear if any of this footage will end up on the upcoming DOWN DVD.
"The Godfather" theme + "Three Suns And One Star":
"Hail The Leaf":
BLACK SABBATH Drummer Previews This Weekend's 'Rock 50' Show
BLACK SABBATH drummer Bill Ward has issued the following update on this weekend's (April 26) edition of his "Rock 50" monthly radio show, which airs between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. PST on WPMD, a college radio station at Cerritos College in California:
"Our 'metal' show will be April 26. We're featuring IN FLAMES, SLAYER, MINISTRY, more MESHUGGAH and AT THE GATES. For those of you who listen regularly, I hope I'm bringing good stuff to you and hitting the spot.
"Our May show will be May 10. I'm making this show a bit different. It'll happen five days after my 60th birthday, so selfishly, I'll play my all-time favourite metal bands, and that will include SABBATH, PRIEST, OZZY, some surprise tracks, also TYPE O NEGATIVE, IN FLAMES, SLIPKNOT all good stuff from past years up to now. It'll be my birthday metal radio show, May 10th."
"Rock 50", featuring its regular host Mike Stark, is broadcast over the Internet every Saturday. You can listen to the show live online at this location.
For more information about Bill Ward's monthly "Rock 50" radio show, click here.
"Our 'metal' show will be April 26. We're featuring IN FLAMES, SLAYER, MINISTRY, more MESHUGGAH and AT THE GATES. For those of you who listen regularly, I hope I'm bringing good stuff to you and hitting the spot.
"Our May show will be May 10. I'm making this show a bit different. It'll happen five days after my 60th birthday, so selfishly, I'll play my all-time favourite metal bands, and that will include SABBATH, PRIEST, OZZY, some surprise tracks, also TYPE O NEGATIVE, IN FLAMES, SLIPKNOT all good stuff from past years up to now. It'll be my birthday metal radio show, May 10th."
"Rock 50", featuring its regular host Mike Stark, is broadcast over the Internet every Saturday. You can listen to the show live online at this location.
For more information about Bill Ward's monthly "Rock 50" radio show, click here.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Album Of The Day-Las Cruces-"Ringmaster" (1999)
Originally released in 1999, Brainticket Records has finally decided to re-release one of the finest Doom Metal albums ever made. That would be "Ringmaster" by Las Cruces, therefore making it my Album Of The Day.
Review:
Picture this...cross Led Zeppish bluesmetal with Doom Metal and unleash upon an unsuspecting society. These five Texans stand tall and proud and push out waves of slightly psychedelic bluesish deadly doom. Mark Zammaron reminds me of Robert Plant crossed with a demonically-possessed, doom-laden 1930s-era blues singer (I'm speaking hypothetically--it's not Robert Johnson) with just a dash of early Danzig. This is no-holds barred bluesdoom. George Trevino definitely updates the classic blues sound with a healthy dose of feedback-laden doom metal guitar. Ben Regio Montano beats the skins and cymbals into submission and controls the slowly building sludgemonster. No beat shall escape his grasp without paying the price. Occasionally the band softens their brutal assault with a quiet moment, but it only makes the sledgehammer hit harder when they bang it out in the next few minutes. Some songs start slow and tender then build towards its an apocalyptic, bullish finish. Best cuts are "Behemoth" and "Pigz." They have learned much from their producer John Perez (with Mike Trujillo) of the seminal doom band, Solitude Aeturnus. They take the doom-laden with sorrow style of Solitude Aeturnus and increase the bottom end forcing an unnatural heaviness upon an already heavy genre, then they toss in a spoonful of blues to strengthen the approach. With Ringmaster, Perez has helped elevate Las Cruces to the next level. These songs burn the heart and brain with their acid-drenched bitterness and pain. This is not a band to be taken lightly. They will crush you if you underestimate their power. (Sabrina Wade Haines, EarPollution.com)
Track Listing:
01. Behemoth 04:24
02. Killer Kane 03:43
03. Black Waters 04:14
04. Pigz 03:22
05. Cascades of Phantoms 03:07
06. Doomed 03:04
07. Ringmaster 04:46
08. Human Form 07:14
09. This Time 04:40
10. Lazy Drag 03:23
Total playing time 43:13
Listen
Las Cruces MySpace
Riffmaster MySpace
Metal Reviews Interview
Purchase Album Here Only $10.99
Review:
Picture this...cross Led Zeppish bluesmetal with Doom Metal and unleash upon an unsuspecting society. These five Texans stand tall and proud and push out waves of slightly psychedelic bluesish deadly doom. Mark Zammaron reminds me of Robert Plant crossed with a demonically-possessed, doom-laden 1930s-era blues singer (I'm speaking hypothetically--it's not Robert Johnson) with just a dash of early Danzig. This is no-holds barred bluesdoom. George Trevino definitely updates the classic blues sound with a healthy dose of feedback-laden doom metal guitar. Ben Regio Montano beats the skins and cymbals into submission and controls the slowly building sludgemonster. No beat shall escape his grasp without paying the price. Occasionally the band softens their brutal assault with a quiet moment, but it only makes the sledgehammer hit harder when they bang it out in the next few minutes. Some songs start slow and tender then build towards its an apocalyptic, bullish finish. Best cuts are "Behemoth" and "Pigz." They have learned much from their producer John Perez (with Mike Trujillo) of the seminal doom band, Solitude Aeturnus. They take the doom-laden with sorrow style of Solitude Aeturnus and increase the bottom end forcing an unnatural heaviness upon an already heavy genre, then they toss in a spoonful of blues to strengthen the approach. With Ringmaster, Perez has helped elevate Las Cruces to the next level. These songs burn the heart and brain with their acid-drenched bitterness and pain. This is not a band to be taken lightly. They will crush you if you underestimate their power. (Sabrina Wade Haines, EarPollution.com)
Track Listing:
01. Behemoth 04:24
02. Killer Kane 03:43
03. Black Waters 04:14
04. Pigz 03:22
05. Cascades of Phantoms 03:07
06. Doomed 03:04
07. Ringmaster 04:46
08. Human Form 07:14
09. This Time 04:40
10. Lazy Drag 03:23
Total playing time 43:13
Listen
Las Cruces MySpace
Riffmaster MySpace
Metal Reviews Interview
Purchase Album Here Only $10.99
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
SWALLOW THE SUN: Moscow Video Footage, Photos Available
Russia's The MetalList has posted fan-filmed video footage of SWALLOW THE SUN's performance at the Doom Festival III, which took place April 19, 2008 at club Tochka in Moscow. Watch the clips below.
The group's setlist was as follows:
01. Hope
02. Descending Winters
03. No Light, No Hope
04. Don’t Fall Asleep (Horror Pt. 2)
05. Too Cold For Tears
06. These Hours Of Despair
07. Out Of This Gloomy Light
08. The Ship
Photos from the concert can be viewed at The MetalList.
SWALLOW THE SUN is currently writing material for its fourth album, tentatively titled "Plague of Butterflies". A late 2008 release is expected.
"These Hours Of Despair":
"Out Of This Gloomy Light":
DOWN: Video Interview With KIRK WINDSTEIN Available
Jukka Penttinen of Finland's Get In The Pit TV conducted an interview with DOWN guitarist Kirk Windstein prior to the band's March 22, 2008 performance at Kulttuuritalo in Helsinki. Watch the chat in two parts below.
Part 1:
Part 2:
Part 1:
Part 2:
Album Of The Day-Indian-"Slights And Abuse/The Sycophant" (2008)
The Album Of Day is "Slights And Abuse/The Sycophant" by Indian.
Review:
Let's start off with the bottom line first on this one; This is ferocious. This is downright intense. This is abrasive and heavy all of the right ways. This is Indian, a Chicago trio that mixes doom, sludge, and just enough noisy experimentation to make their latest release, Slights and Abuse/The Sycophant, a spectacular slab of fiercely destructive metal.
Take the driving low end of Black Cobra, the thick stoner doom of YOB and tortured vocals dripping with black metal intensity, and the result is Indian. And although it may be fairly easy these days to peg doom and sludge bands into a certain sound, Indian's great songwriting variation quickly rules out that notion.
Tracks like "Cursed Reform" excel due to their forceful pace, emphasizing powerful drumming and jarring riffs in which the bass and guitar tone meld into one monolithic wall of rumbling low end. "Pigs in Your Open Wound" lays down a more mid-tempo groove, consistently building momentum through repetition as it leads into "Allotriophagy," the disc's eerily spacey, piano-based interlude. Even the record's fifteen minute epic, "Fatal Lack," dives into a bit of uncharted territory as it closes with a period of slightly off-beat rhythms reminiscent of Shellac, the Jesus Lizard, and Co.
Combine this great song versatility with excellent album artwork and a production job that captures phenomenally heavy guitar and bass tones and it's not hard to see why Slights and Abuse/The Sycophant is a remarkable release. Only listeners who shy away from the sometimes plodding nature of doom metal might want to pass on this one. But for everyone else, this shit rules.
Bottom Line: Indian's ability to explore different songwriting styles all while maintaining a firm grasp on the key elements of a doom metal record makes Slights and Abuse/The Sycophant an excellent release. It's unbelievable heavy. It's unsettling. It might even give you nightmares.
(Nick, Lambgoat)
Track Listing:
01. Slights and Abuse
02. Second Death
03. Cursed Reform
04. Fatal Lack
05. Lust
06. Pigs in Your Open Wound
07. Allotriophagy
08. Gloat
09. The Sycophant
Listen
MySpace
Official Website
Purchase Album Here
Review:
Let's start off with the bottom line first on this one; This is ferocious. This is downright intense. This is abrasive and heavy all of the right ways. This is Indian, a Chicago trio that mixes doom, sludge, and just enough noisy experimentation to make their latest release, Slights and Abuse/The Sycophant, a spectacular slab of fiercely destructive metal.
Take the driving low end of Black Cobra, the thick stoner doom of YOB and tortured vocals dripping with black metal intensity, and the result is Indian. And although it may be fairly easy these days to peg doom and sludge bands into a certain sound, Indian's great songwriting variation quickly rules out that notion.
Tracks like "Cursed Reform" excel due to their forceful pace, emphasizing powerful drumming and jarring riffs in which the bass and guitar tone meld into one monolithic wall of rumbling low end. "Pigs in Your Open Wound" lays down a more mid-tempo groove, consistently building momentum through repetition as it leads into "Allotriophagy," the disc's eerily spacey, piano-based interlude. Even the record's fifteen minute epic, "Fatal Lack," dives into a bit of uncharted territory as it closes with a period of slightly off-beat rhythms reminiscent of Shellac, the Jesus Lizard, and Co.
Combine this great song versatility with excellent album artwork and a production job that captures phenomenally heavy guitar and bass tones and it's not hard to see why Slights and Abuse/The Sycophant is a remarkable release. Only listeners who shy away from the sometimes plodding nature of doom metal might want to pass on this one. But for everyone else, this shit rules.
Bottom Line: Indian's ability to explore different songwriting styles all while maintaining a firm grasp on the key elements of a doom metal record makes Slights and Abuse/The Sycophant an excellent release. It's unbelievable heavy. It's unsettling. It might even give you nightmares.
(Nick, Lambgoat)
Track Listing:
01. Slights and Abuse
02. Second Death
03. Cursed Reform
04. Fatal Lack
05. Lust
06. Pigs in Your Open Wound
07. Allotriophagy
08. Gloat
09. The Sycophant
Listen
MySpace
Official Website
Purchase Album Here
Monday, April 21, 2008
Album Of The Day-Kamchatka-"Kamchatka II" (2008)
I heard that Kamchatka (from Varberg, Sweden) was on tour with Clutch so I figured I'd check them out. If you are into late 60's, early 70's riff-rock in the lines of Hendrix, Cream, Black Sabbath, do yourself a favor and show this band some love. With that, I am making "Kamchatka II" by Kamchatka the Album Of The Day. Groovy!
Review:
“Volume II”, the aptly titled mega-awesome second studio disc from Kamchatka, features 11 tracks (66 minutes) of brain-damaging, killer, cycodelic, bluesy, authentic, retro-70’s heavy guitar power trio riffage that is guaranteed to trip your brain and rip your head apart. A brilliant and electrifying slab of stunning, hard-hitting heavy cosmic blues rock that digs deep and goes way beyond the norm.
Hailing from the land of Sweden, Kamchatka is a finely tuned power trio rock machine that “plows through” and “blows the roof off” raw, dynamic, powerful, riffage and sets new hard rock standards on the “Volume II” disc. To give you a better idea of what they sound like: put large amounts of Hendrix, Trower, Frank Marino into a blender; add in a healthy dose of Gov’t Mule, Cream & Cactus with a pinch of Captain Beyond & Budgie and out comes the intoxicating, potent, muscular “musical brew” known as Kamchatka. They have all the rite influences, however Kamchatka create an original and cerebral, cutting edge sound/vibe that is all their own. We like to call it progressive stoner rock/jam band madness. Kamchatka fuses the sophistication of progressive 70’s rock with the thunderous assault of Hendrix / Frank Marino styled guitar playing and a bone crushing rhythm section. To say Kamchatka is heavy is an understatement. Featuring Thomas Andersson on guitar & vocals, Roger Ojersson on bass & vocals and Tobias “Shrimp Monkey” Strandvik on drums, the “good musical Kamchatka brothers” work together as a “team” to reach their “sonic power trio explosions” and vast musical visions. All killer accomplished players in their own rite and with Thomas Andersson being one of the most prolific, bluesy, get-down, supernatural, Hendrix-inspired axerippers you have ever heard (or never heard of for that matter). The man is a virtual juggernaut on the guitar. When he breaks into a solo all hell breaks loose and Jimi is smiling somewhere up in “Electricladyland”. This is the stuff heavy guitar dreams are made of.
The highlights are many on “Volume II” and coming straight out of the gate with the fierce & brutal riffage of “Who I Am”, Kamchatka has landed down hard, mean serious business and is here to set the record straight. This one track is the epitome of what Kamchatka is all about. Other highlights include “Heritage”, a deep, amazing workout/tribute to their Blues roots that winds down with pure blues/rock fury, the mega-killer but bizarely titled instrumental track called “Pogonophonics” which will rip your face off and have you waving your heavy guitar freak flag in 5 seconds flat. We are talking serious air guitar boner to the max!!! And on the brilliant closing track called “Jigsaw” the band create outstanding, jagged, quirky riffage reminescent of “Hemispheres” era Rush. It all comes together with ferocious rock power on the Kamchatka: “Volume II” disc.
The KAMCHATKA: “Volume II” disc is HIGHLY recommeded to fans of JIMI HENDRIX, ROBIN TROWER, FRANK MARINO & MAHOGANY RUSH, MOUNTAIN, SABBATH, CREAM, CACTUS, STRAY DOG, TEN YEARS AFTER, GRAND FUNK, HUMBLE PIE, GOV’T MULE, CAPTAIN BEYOND, BUDGIE, RUSH and awesome new school power trio players like ERIC GALES, LANCE LOPEZ, WARREN HAYNES , FIREBIRD & PLANKTON, to name a few. Serious guitar freaks and music heads worldwide who are already familiar with Kamchatka through their phenomenal debut disc will rejoice and praise the heavy guitar power trio heavens with the amazingly killer, mindblowing “Volume II” disc. Exclusively released on GROOVEYARD RECORDS, a label dedicated to outstanding TOTAL GUITAR music from around the world.
Kamchatka is all about the rock. True pioneers and visionaries of serious power trio guitar rock. Don’t be fooled or alienated by the unusual band name, Kamchatka is the REAL deal when it comes down to top-shelf, serious, bad-ass, bluesy heavy guitar power trio rock. 70’s heavy guitar rock has never sounded better and Kamchatka is living proof that great original hard rock music isn’t dead. Dig in deep and smell the Kamchatka. (Grooveyard Records)
Track Listing:
01. WHO I AM (MP3)
02. BREATHE
03. TERMINUS
04. WITHSTAND
05. FROM HERE
06. ENEMY MAKER
07. HERITAGE
08. SWEET RELIEF
09. POGONOPHONICS
10. FEEL
11. JIGSAW
MySpace
Official Website
Review:
“Volume II”, the aptly titled mega-awesome second studio disc from Kamchatka, features 11 tracks (66 minutes) of brain-damaging, killer, cycodelic, bluesy, authentic, retro-70’s heavy guitar power trio riffage that is guaranteed to trip your brain and rip your head apart. A brilliant and electrifying slab of stunning, hard-hitting heavy cosmic blues rock that digs deep and goes way beyond the norm.
Hailing from the land of Sweden, Kamchatka is a finely tuned power trio rock machine that “plows through” and “blows the roof off” raw, dynamic, powerful, riffage and sets new hard rock standards on the “Volume II” disc. To give you a better idea of what they sound like: put large amounts of Hendrix, Trower, Frank Marino into a blender; add in a healthy dose of Gov’t Mule, Cream & Cactus with a pinch of Captain Beyond & Budgie and out comes the intoxicating, potent, muscular “musical brew” known as Kamchatka. They have all the rite influences, however Kamchatka create an original and cerebral, cutting edge sound/vibe that is all their own. We like to call it progressive stoner rock/jam band madness. Kamchatka fuses the sophistication of progressive 70’s rock with the thunderous assault of Hendrix / Frank Marino styled guitar playing and a bone crushing rhythm section. To say Kamchatka is heavy is an understatement. Featuring Thomas Andersson on guitar & vocals, Roger Ojersson on bass & vocals and Tobias “Shrimp Monkey” Strandvik on drums, the “good musical Kamchatka brothers” work together as a “team” to reach their “sonic power trio explosions” and vast musical visions. All killer accomplished players in their own rite and with Thomas Andersson being one of the most prolific, bluesy, get-down, supernatural, Hendrix-inspired axerippers you have ever heard (or never heard of for that matter). The man is a virtual juggernaut on the guitar. When he breaks into a solo all hell breaks loose and Jimi is smiling somewhere up in “Electricladyland”. This is the stuff heavy guitar dreams are made of.
The highlights are many on “Volume II” and coming straight out of the gate with the fierce & brutal riffage of “Who I Am”, Kamchatka has landed down hard, mean serious business and is here to set the record straight. This one track is the epitome of what Kamchatka is all about. Other highlights include “Heritage”, a deep, amazing workout/tribute to their Blues roots that winds down with pure blues/rock fury, the mega-killer but bizarely titled instrumental track called “Pogonophonics” which will rip your face off and have you waving your heavy guitar freak flag in 5 seconds flat. We are talking serious air guitar boner to the max!!! And on the brilliant closing track called “Jigsaw” the band create outstanding, jagged, quirky riffage reminescent of “Hemispheres” era Rush. It all comes together with ferocious rock power on the Kamchatka: “Volume II” disc.
The KAMCHATKA: “Volume II” disc is HIGHLY recommeded to fans of JIMI HENDRIX, ROBIN TROWER, FRANK MARINO & MAHOGANY RUSH, MOUNTAIN, SABBATH, CREAM, CACTUS, STRAY DOG, TEN YEARS AFTER, GRAND FUNK, HUMBLE PIE, GOV’T MULE, CAPTAIN BEYOND, BUDGIE, RUSH and awesome new school power trio players like ERIC GALES, LANCE LOPEZ, WARREN HAYNES , FIREBIRD & PLANKTON, to name a few. Serious guitar freaks and music heads worldwide who are already familiar with Kamchatka through their phenomenal debut disc will rejoice and praise the heavy guitar power trio heavens with the amazingly killer, mindblowing “Volume II” disc. Exclusively released on GROOVEYARD RECORDS, a label dedicated to outstanding TOTAL GUITAR music from around the world.
Kamchatka is all about the rock. True pioneers and visionaries of serious power trio guitar rock. Don’t be fooled or alienated by the unusual band name, Kamchatka is the REAL deal when it comes down to top-shelf, serious, bad-ass, bluesy heavy guitar power trio rock. 70’s heavy guitar rock has never sounded better and Kamchatka is living proof that great original hard rock music isn’t dead. Dig in deep and smell the Kamchatka. (Grooveyard Records)
Track Listing:
01. WHO I AM (MP3)
02. BREATHE
03. TERMINUS
04. WITHSTAND
05. FROM HERE
06. ENEMY MAKER
07. HERITAGE
08. SWEET RELIEF
09. POGONOPHONICS
10. FEEL
11. JIGSAW
MySpace
Official Website
StonerRockOhio.com News
From StonerRockOhio.com:
Hello,
On Friday, April 25, StonerRockOhio.com is hosting a show featuring some of Ohio`s up-and-coming stoner rock bands at the Jigsaw Saloon in Parma, Ohio.
9:00 - 9:30: Masters of Luxury
9:40 - 10:15: Newport
10:25 - 11:00: Threefold Law
11:10 - 11:45: Lo-Pan
12:00 - 1:15: Venomin James
Show starts promptly at 9:00 pm.
Hello,
On Friday, April 25, StonerRockOhio.com is hosting a show featuring some of Ohio`s up-and-coming stoner rock bands at the Jigsaw Saloon in Parma, Ohio.
9:00 - 9:30: Masters of Luxury
9:40 - 10:15: Newport
10:25 - 11:00: Threefold Law
11:10 - 11:45: Lo-Pan
12:00 - 1:15: Venomin James
Show starts promptly at 9:00 pm.
Freeks Get a Release Date
Freeks get release date and more surprises! That`s right, it`s about time. Patience is a killing floor but to certain rabbits it is also a virtue. The Freeks self titled debut disc is out on May 16, released by Cargo Records Germany.
Now for the surprise:
Tour dates!
September will be the month that the Freeks will hit the cobble stones of Europe and they are coming to get you! Confirmations will be done than dates will be posted, stay tuned.
The live line up will be fantastic! Check this out!
John McBain(Monster Magnet/Wellwater Conspiracy)
Ruben Romano(Nebula/Fumanchu)
Isaiah Mitchell(Earthless)
Carl Horne(Zen Guerilla)
Andy Duvall(Zen Guerilla)
Glen Slater(The Walkabouts)
Luke Trimmer-Ninja Psycho
See Ya there! You FREEK!
Now for the surprise:
Tour dates!
September will be the month that the Freeks will hit the cobble stones of Europe and they are coming to get you! Confirmations will be done than dates will be posted, stay tuned.
The live line up will be fantastic! Check this out!
John McBain(Monster Magnet/Wellwater Conspiracy)
Ruben Romano(Nebula/Fumanchu)
Isaiah Mitchell(Earthless)
Carl Horne(Zen Guerilla)
Andy Duvall(Zen Guerilla)
Glen Slater(The Walkabouts)
Luke Trimmer-Ninja Psycho
See Ya there! You FREEK!
At a Loss Recordings April 2008 Update
From At a Loss Recordings:
Black Cobra
Black Cobra`s Feather and Stone will be available on LP on May 27. This will be gatefold and come with a free digital download of the album too! Expect the first pressing to be 500 black and 500 various marble colors.
Black Cobra and Saviours will tour Europe for five weeks. Additional June tour dates to come soon….
05/15/2008: Brussels, Belgium - Magasin 4
05/16/2008: Tilburg, Holland - 013
05/17/2008: Hasselt, Belgium - Muziek O Droom
05/18/2008: Hoogeveen, Holland - Het Podium
05/19/2008: Luik, Belgium - La Zone
05/20/2008: Hamburg, Germany - Hafenklang
05/21/2008: Berlin, Germany - Pirate Cove
05/22/2008: Jena, Germany - Rosenkeller
05/23/2008: Vienna, Austria - Arena
05/24/2008: Innsbruck, Austria - PMK
05/25/2008: Milano, Italy - Circolo Magnolia
05/26/2008: Lyon, France - Le Sonic
05/27/2008: Montpelliers, France - Mojomatic
05/28/2008: Nantes, France - Le Férallieurs
05/29/2008: Cherbourg, France - Epicentre
05/30/2008: Paris, France - La Mécanique Onlulatoire
www.myspace.com/blackcobra
www.blackcobra.net
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deadbird
Deadbird will release their second full length, Twilight Ritual, on June 24 in North America. We hope to have word on the UK and Europe in the future. The album will be available digitally sometime well before the CD release date. The six-panel digipack will feature art and layout by John Dyer Baizley. Whatever audio format you listen to was mixed by the infamous Billy Anderson.
Expect to see Deadbird back on the road again in the month of June. The Ritual begins....
Twilight Ritual track listing
1. Into The Clearing (7:34)
2. Death Of Self (9:18)
3. Rule Discordia (7:23)
4. Feral Flame (5:41)
5. The Riverbed (8:25)
6. Twilight Ritual (8:49)
www.myspace.com/deadbird
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minsk
In 2005, we released Minsk’s Out of A Center... on CD. In 2008 we will release it on LP. It should be before summer. You can expect a deluxe edition with different artwork, in a gatefold, double LP format with a free digital download included.
www.myspace.com/minsk
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(-16-)
Ok the bad news is (-16-) had to cancel their tour in April. The good news is Zoloft Smile will be reissued. Expect deluxe digipack packaging and unreleased songs from the Zoloft sessions! More news coming shortly.
www.myspace.com/16
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stinking Lizaveta
Yup, Stinking Lizaveta will be touring with none other than The Sword and Torche in May!
05/06/2008: Knoxville, TN - The Pilot Light (Stinking Liz only)
05/07/2008: Little Rock, AR - Downtown Music, with Torche
05/08/2008: Emo’s Alternative Lounge - Austin, TX , with Torche
05/09/2008: Ft. Worth, TX - Lola’s, with The Sword, Torche
05/10/2008: Memphis, TN - Hi Tone, with The Sword, Torche
05/11/2008: Nashville, TN - Exit/In, with The Sword, Torche
05/12/2008: Covington, KY - The Mad Hatter , with The Sword, Torche
05/13/2008: Detroit, MI - The Magic Stick, with The Sword, Torche
05/14/2008: Columbu,s OH - Ravari Room, with The Sword, Torche
05/15/2008: Washington, DC - Rock and Roll Hotel, with The Sword, Torche
05/16/2008: Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church, with The Sword, Torche
05/17/2008: Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg, with The Sword, Torche
05/18/2008: Cambridge, MA - Middle East Downstairs, with The Sword, Torche
05/20/2008: Raleigh, NC - Lincoln Theater, with The Sword, Torche
05/21/2008: Savannah, GA - The Jinx, with The Sword, Torche
05/22/2008: Tallahassee, FL - The Beta Bar, with The Sword, Torche
05/23/2008: Gainesville, FL - Common Grounds, with The Sword, Torche
05/24/2008: Orlando, FL - The Social, with The Sword, Torche
05/25/2008: St. Petersburg, FL - State Theatre, with The Sword, Torche
05/26/2008: Atlanta, GA - Lenny’s, with The Sword, Torche
05/27/2008: Birmingham, AL - The Bottletree, with The Sword, Torche
05/28/2008: Baton Rouge, LA - Spanish Moon, with The Sword, Torche
05/29/2008: Houston, TX - Rudyards, with The Sword, Torche
05/30/2008: New Orleans, LA - One Eyed Jacks, with Torche
05/21/2008: Athens, GA - Caledonia Lounge
06/01/2008: Charlotte, NC - The Milestone
06/02/2008: Richmond, VA - Alley Katz
www.stinkinglizaveta.com
www.myspace.com/stinkinglizaveta
www.atalossrecordings.com
www.myspace.com/atalossrecordings
Black Cobra
Black Cobra`s Feather and Stone will be available on LP on May 27. This will be gatefold and come with a free digital download of the album too! Expect the first pressing to be 500 black and 500 various marble colors.
Black Cobra and Saviours will tour Europe for five weeks. Additional June tour dates to come soon….
05/15/2008: Brussels, Belgium - Magasin 4
05/16/2008: Tilburg, Holland - 013
05/17/2008: Hasselt, Belgium - Muziek O Droom
05/18/2008: Hoogeveen, Holland - Het Podium
05/19/2008: Luik, Belgium - La Zone
05/20/2008: Hamburg, Germany - Hafenklang
05/21/2008: Berlin, Germany - Pirate Cove
05/22/2008: Jena, Germany - Rosenkeller
05/23/2008: Vienna, Austria - Arena
05/24/2008: Innsbruck, Austria - PMK
05/25/2008: Milano, Italy - Circolo Magnolia
05/26/2008: Lyon, France - Le Sonic
05/27/2008: Montpelliers, France - Mojomatic
05/28/2008: Nantes, France - Le Férallieurs
05/29/2008: Cherbourg, France - Epicentre
05/30/2008: Paris, France - La Mécanique Onlulatoire
www.myspace.com/blackcobra
www.blackcobra.net
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Deadbird
Deadbird will release their second full length, Twilight Ritual, on June 24 in North America. We hope to have word on the UK and Europe in the future. The album will be available digitally sometime well before the CD release date. The six-panel digipack will feature art and layout by John Dyer Baizley. Whatever audio format you listen to was mixed by the infamous Billy Anderson.
Expect to see Deadbird back on the road again in the month of June. The Ritual begins....
Twilight Ritual track listing
1. Into The Clearing (7:34)
2. Death Of Self (9:18)
3. Rule Discordia (7:23)
4. Feral Flame (5:41)
5. The Riverbed (8:25)
6. Twilight Ritual (8:49)
www.myspace.com/deadbird
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Minsk
In 2005, we released Minsk’s Out of A Center... on CD. In 2008 we will release it on LP. It should be before summer. You can expect a deluxe edition with different artwork, in a gatefold, double LP format with a free digital download included.
www.myspace.com/minsk
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(-16-)
Ok the bad news is (-16-) had to cancel their tour in April. The good news is Zoloft Smile will be reissued. Expect deluxe digipack packaging and unreleased songs from the Zoloft sessions! More news coming shortly.
www.myspace.com/16
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stinking Lizaveta
Yup, Stinking Lizaveta will be touring with none other than The Sword and Torche in May!
05/06/2008: Knoxville, TN - The Pilot Light (Stinking Liz only)
05/07/2008: Little Rock, AR - Downtown Music, with Torche
05/08/2008: Emo’s Alternative Lounge - Austin, TX , with Torche
05/09/2008: Ft. Worth, TX - Lola’s, with The Sword, Torche
05/10/2008: Memphis, TN - Hi Tone, with The Sword, Torche
05/11/2008: Nashville, TN - Exit/In, with The Sword, Torche
05/12/2008: Covington, KY - The Mad Hatter , with The Sword, Torche
05/13/2008: Detroit, MI - The Magic Stick, with The Sword, Torche
05/14/2008: Columbu,s OH - Ravari Room, with The Sword, Torche
05/15/2008: Washington, DC - Rock and Roll Hotel, with The Sword, Torche
05/16/2008: Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church, with The Sword, Torche
05/17/2008: Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg, with The Sword, Torche
05/18/2008: Cambridge, MA - Middle East Downstairs, with The Sword, Torche
05/20/2008: Raleigh, NC - Lincoln Theater, with The Sword, Torche
05/21/2008: Savannah, GA - The Jinx, with The Sword, Torche
05/22/2008: Tallahassee, FL - The Beta Bar, with The Sword, Torche
05/23/2008: Gainesville, FL - Common Grounds, with The Sword, Torche
05/24/2008: Orlando, FL - The Social, with The Sword, Torche
05/25/2008: St. Petersburg, FL - State Theatre, with The Sword, Torche
05/26/2008: Atlanta, GA - Lenny’s, with The Sword, Torche
05/27/2008: Birmingham, AL - The Bottletree, with The Sword, Torche
05/28/2008: Baton Rouge, LA - Spanish Moon, with The Sword, Torche
05/29/2008: Houston, TX - Rudyards, with The Sword, Torche
05/30/2008: New Orleans, LA - One Eyed Jacks, with Torche
05/21/2008: Athens, GA - Caledonia Lounge
06/01/2008: Charlotte, NC - The Milestone
06/02/2008: Richmond, VA - Alley Katz
www.stinkinglizaveta.com
www.myspace.com/stinkinglizaveta
www.atalossrecordings.com
www.myspace.com/atalossrecordings
SuperGiant to Release Full Length
SuperGiant will release their first full-length album, entitled Antares, on May 8, 2008. The album features 15 tracks and 72 minutes of music. Song samples can be heard here.
SuperGiant will be hitting the road with LA`s HDR in May for a pacific coast tour from San Diego to Seattle.
SuperGiant will celebrate the release of Antares on June 14 at the newly re-opened Launchpad in Albuquerque, NM.
SuperGiant Tour Schedule
May 20: Albuquerque, NM – Burt`s, with HDR (tour kickoff)
May 21: Phoenix, AZ – TBA, with HDR
May 22: Los Angeles, CA - Safari Sam`s, with HDR
May 23: Palm Desert, CA - The Red Barn, with HDR and House of Broken Promises
May 24: Bakersfield, CA – Narducci`s, with HDR
May 26: San Diego, CA – Chaser`s, with Ride the Sun
May 27: San Francisco, CA - Thee Parkside, with Floating Goat and HDR
May 28: Oakland, CA - The Stork Club, with HDR and Greenhouse Effect
May 29: Arcata, CA - The Alibi, with HDR
May 30: Portland, OR - The Tonic Lounge, with HDR and Dark Skies
May 31: Seattle, WA - King Cobra, with HDR
June 1: Eugene, OR - The Samurai Duck, with HDR
June 3: Eureka, CA - The Lil Red Lion, with HDR
June 4: Santa Cruz, CA - The Blue Lagoon, with HDR
June 14: Albuquerque, NM – CD release party at Launchpad, with Concepto Tambor
SuperGiant will be hitting the road with LA`s HDR in May for a pacific coast tour from San Diego to Seattle.
SuperGiant will celebrate the release of Antares on June 14 at the newly re-opened Launchpad in Albuquerque, NM.
SuperGiant Tour Schedule
May 20: Albuquerque, NM – Burt`s, with HDR (tour kickoff)
May 21: Phoenix, AZ – TBA, with HDR
May 22: Los Angeles, CA - Safari Sam`s, with HDR
May 23: Palm Desert, CA - The Red Barn, with HDR and House of Broken Promises
May 24: Bakersfield, CA – Narducci`s, with HDR
May 26: San Diego, CA – Chaser`s, with Ride the Sun
May 27: San Francisco, CA - Thee Parkside, with Floating Goat and HDR
May 28: Oakland, CA - The Stork Club, with HDR and Greenhouse Effect
May 29: Arcata, CA - The Alibi, with HDR
May 30: Portland, OR - The Tonic Lounge, with HDR and Dark Skies
May 31: Seattle, WA - King Cobra, with HDR
June 1: Eugene, OR - The Samurai Duck, with HDR
June 3: Eureka, CA - The Lil Red Lion, with HDR
June 4: Santa Cruz, CA - The Blue Lagoon, with HDR
June 14: Albuquerque, NM – CD release party at Launchpad, with Concepto Tambor
DOWN: New Audio Interview With PEPPER, REX Available
DOWN's Pepper Keenan (guitar) and Rex Brown (bass) were interviewed by "Whiplash", a weekly metal show on Belgian national radio Studio Brussel, hosted by AFTER ALL guitarist Dries Van Damme. Topics include HEAVEN AND HELL, MEGADETH, New Orleans and Dimebag, etc. The broadcast also features three live DOWN songs ("Ghosts along the Mississippi", "Stone the Crow" and "Lifer") recorded on April 3, 2008 at the AB in Brussels.
Listen to the 23-minute program in streaming audio at this location.
Listen to the 23-minute program in streaming audio at this location.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Happy 4-20 To All The Stoners!
To all of you that inhale the sacred smoke,
Here are 5 albums that will help you celebrate the day.
01. "Stash"-Bongzilla
Listen
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02. "Dopesmoker"-Sleep
Listen
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03. "Nola"-Down
Listen
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04. "Amerijuanican"-Bongzilla
Listen
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05. "Fuck The World"-Stoner Kings
Listen
There you go. Kick back, light one up, enjoy!
Here are 5 albums that will help you celebrate the day.
01. "Stash"-Bongzilla
Listen
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02. "Dopesmoker"-Sleep
Listen
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
03. "Nola"-Down
Listen
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04. "Amerijuanican"-Bongzilla
Listen
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
05. "Fuck The World"-Stoner Kings
Listen
There you go. Kick back, light one up, enjoy!
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Album Of The Day-The Glasspack-"Bridgeburner" (2004)
I think that today I am in the mood for some good 'ole kick ass fuzzed-out retro rawk 'n roll, so I am making "Bridgeburner" by The Glasspack The Album Of The Day.
Review:
Few bands get by on such devil-may-care magnetism as retro-hard rockers the Glasspack. Back for their third L.P. (and their second for Small Stone), the Louisville lunatics' almost casual ability to rock out can actually leave one questioning their commitment to the gig. And the fact that all of Bridgeburner was cut in a 36-hour haul might only serve to feed the flames of this assumption. But, it only takes a few listens to the searing grooves of "Twenty-Five Cents" or "Oil Pan" to realize just how much passion is involved in their make-up. (Although 'passion' may be a somewhat dubious word to apply to a giddy redneck anthem like "Barn Party"!) Spun together into the Glasspack's sharp-toothed musical grinder, roaring guitar licks, smoking rhythms, and the whiskey-soaked rasp of possessed frontman "Dirty" Dave Johnson spells just one thing: rock & roll, baby! And were it not for an over-abundance of instrumentals -- ranging from manic rockers like "Hydroplane" and "Getting Shitty," to the enigmatically named spacey jam that separates them called "Hairsoup" -- Bridgeburner would be a hard outing to fault. Laid-back closer "Peepshow," although wordless as well, comes garnished with a reliably dazzling solo courtesy of Monster Magnet/Atomic Bitchwax six-string star Ed Mundell, but the Glasspack do sound a little too careless and sloppy on their rendition of the Stones' "Gimme Shelter." In short, although Bridgeburner is definitely a few cards short of a full deck, '70s hard rock revivalists looking for blue-collar honesty and massive 'cojones' are sure to get more than their money's worth. (Ed Rivadavia, All Music Guide)
Track Listing:
01. Twenty-Five Cents
02. Barn Party
03. Oil Pan
04. Gimme Shelter
05. Hydroplane
06. Hairsoup
07. Gettin' Shitty
08. Lil' Birdie
09. Bridgeburner
10. Hydroplane (Reprise)
11. Peepshow
Play Entire Album Stream
MySpace
Official Website
Review:
Few bands get by on such devil-may-care magnetism as retro-hard rockers the Glasspack. Back for their third L.P. (and their second for Small Stone), the Louisville lunatics' almost casual ability to rock out can actually leave one questioning their commitment to the gig. And the fact that all of Bridgeburner was cut in a 36-hour haul might only serve to feed the flames of this assumption. But, it only takes a few listens to the searing grooves of "Twenty-Five Cents" or "Oil Pan" to realize just how much passion is involved in their make-up. (Although 'passion' may be a somewhat dubious word to apply to a giddy redneck anthem like "Barn Party"!) Spun together into the Glasspack's sharp-toothed musical grinder, roaring guitar licks, smoking rhythms, and the whiskey-soaked rasp of possessed frontman "Dirty" Dave Johnson spells just one thing: rock & roll, baby! And were it not for an over-abundance of instrumentals -- ranging from manic rockers like "Hydroplane" and "Getting Shitty," to the enigmatically named spacey jam that separates them called "Hairsoup" -- Bridgeburner would be a hard outing to fault. Laid-back closer "Peepshow," although wordless as well, comes garnished with a reliably dazzling solo courtesy of Monster Magnet/Atomic Bitchwax six-string star Ed Mundell, but the Glasspack do sound a little too careless and sloppy on their rendition of the Stones' "Gimme Shelter." In short, although Bridgeburner is definitely a few cards short of a full deck, '70s hard rock revivalists looking for blue-collar honesty and massive 'cojones' are sure to get more than their money's worth. (Ed Rivadavia, All Music Guide)
Track Listing:
01. Twenty-Five Cents
02. Barn Party
03. Oil Pan
04. Gimme Shelter
05. Hydroplane
06. Hairsoup
07. Gettin' Shitty
08. Lil' Birdie
09. Bridgeburner
10. Hydroplane (Reprise)
11. Peepshow
Play Entire Album Stream
MySpace
Official Website
DOWN To Guest On IRON MAIDEN Singer's Radio Show
DOWN — the acclaimed New Orleans band featuring CORROSION OF CONFORMITY guitarist/vocalist Pepper Keenan, drummer Jimmy Bower (EYEHATEGOD, SUPERJOINT RITUAL guitarist), bassist Rex Brown (ex-PANTERA), guitarist Kirk Windstein (CROWBAR), and vocalist Philip Anselmo (SUPERJOINT RITUAL, ex-PANTERA) — will be IRON MAIDEN frontman Bruce Dickinson's guests on Friday, May 9 during Bruce's weekly BBC 6 Music radio show, aptly named "The Bruce Dickinson Friday Rock Show". Listen to the program live via the Internet between 10:00 p.m. and 1:00 a.m. U.K. time at BBC.co.uk.
Friday, April 18, 2008
THE GATES OF SLUMBER: More Video Footage From Recording Studio
Indianapolis, Indiana-based doom metal band THE GATES OF SLUMBER will release its third album, "Conqueror", in North America on May 27 via Profound Lore (I Hate in Europe). The CD was recorded at Volume Studios with producer Sanford Parker, who has previously worked with BIBLE OF THE DEVIL, LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR and NACHMYSTIUM, among others.
Video footage from the recording sessions can be viewed below.
Commented vocalist/guitarist Karl Simon: "This episode is basically a collection of clips from the session at Volume. I backed it with the music to the song 'The Machine' which will be on the album. Because of my shitty movie program on my computer, this might be my last one. The sound to the song is a bit distorted and well, the images are just too dark. But at least it shows the fun that we all had there. There are some cameos from some Chicago death metal legends in the clip as well! Do you know who they are?"
"Conqueror" track listing:
01. Trapped in the Web
02. Conqueror
03. Ice Worm
04. Eyes of the Liar
05. Children of Satan
06. To Kill and Be King
07. The Machine
08. Dark Valley Suite
I. Black River I
II. Lines Written With the Knowledge That I must Die
III. Call of the Black Gods
IV. Black River II
Check out the cover artwork at this location.
According to a press release, "Conqueror" is "an adventurous jaunt, with the epic and colossal nature of the songs being more to the point, which in turn makes 'Conqueror' the most tightly knit, focused and structured THE GATES OF SLUMBER offering to date. Produced and recorded by Sanford Parker, hence one can only expect a nice warm and natural sound that opposes all the triggered and digitally processed garbage that's pretty much polluting the scene, everything about 'Conqueror' is mighty. From the memorably constructed melodies, Karl Simon's passionately sung vocals and awesome guitar solos, and the wicked rhythm section provided by bassist Jason McCash and drummer Bob Fouts, 'Conqueror' is pretty much an album that defines everything we here at Profound Lore Records like about metal, and is an album that again, gives us faith that there is such a thing today as true quality metal with class and conviction."
THE GATES OF SLUMBER's debut album, "The Awakening", will finally be reissued in the spring via Emissary Records. The LP, which was originally released in February 2004 on Belgium's now-defunct Final Chapter Records, has been out of print for the last two years. The album features the live favorites "Broken on the Wheel" and "The Jury". This new version is a remastered edition that includes a bonus track ("The Cloaked Figure"), which was recorded during the original studio session, a totally new cover done by Ken Kelly (KISS, RAINBOW, MANOWAR and also THE GATES OF SLUMBER's second album, "Suffer No Guilt"). It will also come with a DVD featuring live footage taken from Doom Shall Rise III, London and other hotspots around the globe featuring the lineup from that album.
Video footage from the recording sessions can be viewed below.
Commented vocalist/guitarist Karl Simon: "This episode is basically a collection of clips from the session at Volume. I backed it with the music to the song 'The Machine' which will be on the album. Because of my shitty movie program on my computer, this might be my last one. The sound to the song is a bit distorted and well, the images are just too dark. But at least it shows the fun that we all had there. There are some cameos from some Chicago death metal legends in the clip as well! Do you know who they are?"
"Conqueror" track listing:
01. Trapped in the Web
02. Conqueror
03. Ice Worm
04. Eyes of the Liar
05. Children of Satan
06. To Kill and Be King
07. The Machine
08. Dark Valley Suite
I. Black River I
II. Lines Written With the Knowledge That I must Die
III. Call of the Black Gods
IV. Black River II
Check out the cover artwork at this location.
According to a press release, "Conqueror" is "an adventurous jaunt, with the epic and colossal nature of the songs being more to the point, which in turn makes 'Conqueror' the most tightly knit, focused and structured THE GATES OF SLUMBER offering to date. Produced and recorded by Sanford Parker, hence one can only expect a nice warm and natural sound that opposes all the triggered and digitally processed garbage that's pretty much polluting the scene, everything about 'Conqueror' is mighty. From the memorably constructed melodies, Karl Simon's passionately sung vocals and awesome guitar solos, and the wicked rhythm section provided by bassist Jason McCash and drummer Bob Fouts, 'Conqueror' is pretty much an album that defines everything we here at Profound Lore Records like about metal, and is an album that again, gives us faith that there is such a thing today as true quality metal with class and conviction."
THE GATES OF SLUMBER's debut album, "The Awakening", will finally be reissued in the spring via Emissary Records. The LP, which was originally released in February 2004 on Belgium's now-defunct Final Chapter Records, has been out of print for the last two years. The album features the live favorites "Broken on the Wheel" and "The Jury". This new version is a remastered edition that includes a bonus track ("The Cloaked Figure"), which was recorded during the original studio session, a totally new cover done by Ken Kelly (KISS, RAINBOW, MANOWAR and also THE GATES OF SLUMBER's second album, "Suffer No Guilt"). It will also come with a DVD featuring live footage taken from Doom Shall Rise III, London and other hotspots around the globe featuring the lineup from that album.
BLACK SABBATH Drummer Pays Tribute To COZY POWELL
April 5, 2008 marked the tenth anniversary of the death of legendary drummer Cozy Powell. His resume reads like a classic rock bible: COZY POWELL'S HAMMER, THE JEFF BECK GROUP, RAINBOW, MICHAEL SCHENKER GROUP, WHITESNAKE, EMERSON, LAKE & POWELL, BLACK SABBATH and many, many more.
Powell died on April 5, 1998 following a car crash, driving his Saab 9000 in bad weather on the M4 motorway near Bristol, while talking to his girlfriend on his mobile phone. He was living at Lambourn in Berkshire at the time and had returned to the studio shortly before his death to record with FLEETWOOD MAC co-founder Peter Green. By that time, he had been the drummer on at least 66 albums with minor contributions on many other recordings. It was generally felt that Powell's death was a great loss to the world of popular music. Countless rock-based drummers have cited Cozy Powell as an influence.
BLACK SABBATH fan site Black-Sabbath.com has posted the following letter from SABBATH drummer Bill Ward regarding the anniversary of Powell's passing:
"Thanks for reminding us it's been ten years since Cozy died. I think about him from time to time. I've always been grateful that our last phone conversation ended on a high note. I felt we were both sincere with each other, sharing mutual respect when touching on our individual histories in hard rock/metal.
"Over the years, death has sometimes come quickly to old friends, and I've felt the pain and dilemma of not returning a phone call as I would have liked to, but didn't; not being able to say a proper good-bye in life; being upset, or undone, or unresolved from the last conversation, then feeling the loss of that end. With Cozy, I felt we had the perfect ending conversation. We talked from the heart. In hindsight, our conversation seems gift-like, fitting perfectly into the great order of things. Cozy died about ten days after he and I spoke, maybe sooner, I'm not sure.
"OK. Drum students — listen to this man. Check out the band RAINBOW. Listen to 'Stargazer'. Cozy is a master. Listen to the top of the song — that's Cozy Powell playing. Discover this giant of rock drumming. He lives forever on records and in our hearts.
"Thanks, Coze — nice work."
Powell died on April 5, 1998 following a car crash, driving his Saab 9000 in bad weather on the M4 motorway near Bristol, while talking to his girlfriend on his mobile phone. He was living at Lambourn in Berkshire at the time and had returned to the studio shortly before his death to record with FLEETWOOD MAC co-founder Peter Green. By that time, he had been the drummer on at least 66 albums with minor contributions on many other recordings. It was generally felt that Powell's death was a great loss to the world of popular music. Countless rock-based drummers have cited Cozy Powell as an influence.
BLACK SABBATH fan site Black-Sabbath.com has posted the following letter from SABBATH drummer Bill Ward regarding the anniversary of Powell's passing:
"Thanks for reminding us it's been ten years since Cozy died. I think about him from time to time. I've always been grateful that our last phone conversation ended on a high note. I felt we were both sincere with each other, sharing mutual respect when touching on our individual histories in hard rock/metal.
"Over the years, death has sometimes come quickly to old friends, and I've felt the pain and dilemma of not returning a phone call as I would have liked to, but didn't; not being able to say a proper good-bye in life; being upset, or undone, or unresolved from the last conversation, then feeling the loss of that end. With Cozy, I felt we had the perfect ending conversation. We talked from the heart. In hindsight, our conversation seems gift-like, fitting perfectly into the great order of things. Cozy died about ten days after he and I spoke, maybe sooner, I'm not sure.
"OK. Drum students — listen to this man. Check out the band RAINBOW. Listen to 'Stargazer'. Cozy is a master. Listen to the top of the song — that's Cozy Powell playing. Discover this giant of rock drumming. He lives forever on records and in our hearts.
"Thanks, Coze — nice work."
Album Of The Day-Giant Squid-"Metridium Fields" (2006)
One of my favorite albums from 2006 was "Metridium Fields" by Giant Squid, so therefore I have decided to make it the Album Of The Day.
Review:
For their debut album, California-to-Texas migrants Giant Squid did something that more groups should, perhaps, do -- they not only released it twice, but recorded it twice. Having first put out Metridium Fields on their own, the bandmembers got back together with engineer Billy Anderson to redo it entirely for their initial release on The End Records. As trivia it's fun enough, but the real proof lies in the sound, and what's interesting about this album is that for all the indie metal tags being thrown around, more than anything else it sounds like a dreamy, doomy early-'70s hard rock effort, as if Jefferson Airplane took songs like "Somebody to Love" to a darker place. Soothing, swirling keyboards, the combined vocals of guitarists Aaron and Aurielle Gregory and steady-as-she-goes tempos all help steer the band a bit back towards the past in enjoyable ways, rather than simply trying to relive them outright. A great example is "Versus the Siren," where the synths in particular sound, wonderfully and curiously, like a parallel cousin to those sounds made famous by both '70s funk and Dr. Dre's G-funk empire -- though admittedly that's where the comparisons end. That said, it's also clearly a product of more recent developments -- the growling, barked choruses on "Neonate" are much more reflective of Eyehategod than Coven, say, while the lingering impact of such groups as the Gathering is perhaps inevitably noticeable given Aurielle's more serene vocal work. When everything comes together at its best, as on "Ampullae of Lorenzini" or "Revolution in the Water," the group finds a good balance between present and past, and while it's still relatively early to determine the group's success, they've made a very promising start. (Ned Raggett, All Music Guide)
Track Listing:
01. "Megaptera in the Delta" – 0:50
02. "Neonate" – 6:39 (MP3)
03. "Versus the Siren" – 9:24
04. "Ampullae of Lorenzini" – 9:16
05. "Summit" – 6:39
06. "Eating Machine" – 0:55
07. "Revolution in the Water" – 5:33
08. "Metridium Field" – 21:09
Play Entire Album Stream
MySpace
Official Website
Review:
For their debut album, California-to-Texas migrants Giant Squid did something that more groups should, perhaps, do -- they not only released it twice, but recorded it twice. Having first put out Metridium Fields on their own, the bandmembers got back together with engineer Billy Anderson to redo it entirely for their initial release on The End Records. As trivia it's fun enough, but the real proof lies in the sound, and what's interesting about this album is that for all the indie metal tags being thrown around, more than anything else it sounds like a dreamy, doomy early-'70s hard rock effort, as if Jefferson Airplane took songs like "Somebody to Love" to a darker place. Soothing, swirling keyboards, the combined vocals of guitarists Aaron and Aurielle Gregory and steady-as-she-goes tempos all help steer the band a bit back towards the past in enjoyable ways, rather than simply trying to relive them outright. A great example is "Versus the Siren," where the synths in particular sound, wonderfully and curiously, like a parallel cousin to those sounds made famous by both '70s funk and Dr. Dre's G-funk empire -- though admittedly that's where the comparisons end. That said, it's also clearly a product of more recent developments -- the growling, barked choruses on "Neonate" are much more reflective of Eyehategod than Coven, say, while the lingering impact of such groups as the Gathering is perhaps inevitably noticeable given Aurielle's more serene vocal work. When everything comes together at its best, as on "Ampullae of Lorenzini" or "Revolution in the Water," the group finds a good balance between present and past, and while it's still relatively early to determine the group's success, they've made a very promising start. (Ned Raggett, All Music Guide)
Track Listing:
01. "Megaptera in the Delta" – 0:50
02. "Neonate" – 6:39 (MP3)
03. "Versus the Siren" – 9:24
04. "Ampullae of Lorenzini" – 9:16
05. "Summit" – 6:39
06. "Eating Machine" – 0:55
07. "Revolution in the Water" – 5:33
08. "Metridium Field" – 21:09
Play Entire Album Stream
MySpace
Official Website
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Album Of The Day-Sunn O)))-"Flight Of The Behemoth" (2002)
Well, not a huge fan of Drone/Ambient/Electronic/Noise Metal, I have the utmost respect for Sunn O))). They are the ultimate band if you are interested in what the above stated sub-genre is all about. I have decided to make "Flight Of The Behemoth" the Album Of The Day. Read the review below then listen for yourself.
Review:
Sunn's first two discs, The Grimmrobe Demos and 00 Void, established the group's droning, bass-heavy "power ambient" doom style and showed that the bandmembers had spent plenty of time listening to and learning from their Earth records. With Flight of the Behemoth, they begin with that same basic foundation (in fact, the first two tracks are impossible to distinguish from ones on their earlier albums), but for the first time also branch out to create something new, something that goes beyond any sort of mere Earth worship. This is partially true of the last track, "F.W.T.B.T.," which employs a drummer and a vocalist for the first time on any Sunn recording, but more so on the third and fourth ones, "O))) Bow 1" and "O))) Bow 2." Given the once-over by special guest mixer/legendary noise artist Merzbow, Sunn's hypnotic, slow-as-molasses feedback drones slowly evolve into a wall of distorted, swirling (although not completely overdriven) noise on these tracks, creating the sensation of being slowly sucked into a black hole while a symphony of chain saws plays in the background. Sound like fun? Well, needless to say, this music is not for everybody, but this collaboration has yielded something truly immense and frightening, bridging the gaps between dark ambient/drone music and electronic noise, between doom metal and avant-garde electro-acoustic sound. This is a remarkable album, recommended for brave connoisseurs of any of the above genres. (William York, All Music Guide)
Track Listing:
01. "Mocking Solemnity" – 9:12
02. "Death Becomes You" – 13:09
03. "O)))Bow 1" – 5:54
04. "O)))Bow 2" – 12:53
05. "FWTBT" – 10:19
Play Entire Album Stream
MySpace
Official Website
Review:
Sunn's first two discs, The Grimmrobe Demos and 00 Void, established the group's droning, bass-heavy "power ambient" doom style and showed that the bandmembers had spent plenty of time listening to and learning from their Earth records. With Flight of the Behemoth, they begin with that same basic foundation (in fact, the first two tracks are impossible to distinguish from ones on their earlier albums), but for the first time also branch out to create something new, something that goes beyond any sort of mere Earth worship. This is partially true of the last track, "F.W.T.B.T.," which employs a drummer and a vocalist for the first time on any Sunn recording, but more so on the third and fourth ones, "O))) Bow 1" and "O))) Bow 2." Given the once-over by special guest mixer/legendary noise artist Merzbow, Sunn's hypnotic, slow-as-molasses feedback drones slowly evolve into a wall of distorted, swirling (although not completely overdriven) noise on these tracks, creating the sensation of being slowly sucked into a black hole while a symphony of chain saws plays in the background. Sound like fun? Well, needless to say, this music is not for everybody, but this collaboration has yielded something truly immense and frightening, bridging the gaps between dark ambient/drone music and electronic noise, between doom metal and avant-garde electro-acoustic sound. This is a remarkable album, recommended for brave connoisseurs of any of the above genres. (William York, All Music Guide)
Track Listing:
01. "Mocking Solemnity" – 9:12
02. "Death Becomes You" – 13:09
03. "O)))Bow 1" – 5:54
04. "O)))Bow 2" – 12:53
05. "FWTBT" – 10:19
Play Entire Album Stream
MySpace
Official Website
Las Cruces News
Brainticket Records has reissued Las Cruces` "Ringmaster".
A most welcome reissue of one of the greatest doom metal albums ever released. Texas` boys lay down the low end groove with riffs worthy of the first Trouble album and songs worthy of any Sabbath outing. With the soaring and soulful vocals of Mark Zammaron and a top shelf production this record slays like a rhino coming at half speed. Crushing. Totally essential for anyone into metal - period - but especially those that flip out on Trouble, Pentagram, Candlemass, Vitus, Solitude Aeturnus, Iron Man, Penance, Sabbath, etc...
A most welcome reissue of one of the greatest doom metal albums ever released. Texas` boys lay down the low end groove with riffs worthy of the first Trouble album and songs worthy of any Sabbath outing. With the soaring and soulful vocals of Mark Zammaron and a top shelf production this record slays like a rhino coming at half speed. Crushing. Totally essential for anyone into metal - period - but especially those that flip out on Trouble, Pentagram, Candlemass, Vitus, Solitude Aeturnus, Iron Man, Penance, Sabbath, etc...
New Stoner Rock Radio Show Starts Tonight
Smokin` Green with Gruesome Greg airs from 12 - 2 am Wednesday nights/Thursday mornings on CKLN 88.1 FM in Toronto, Canada. It can be heard online at www.ckln.fm, by clicking on the Listen Live icon.
The show will make its debut in the wee hours of Thursday, April 17, and will feature songs from all the bands playing the Sunday Stoner Rock Spectacular at the El Mocambo on April 20. Also included in the playlist will be music from Massachusetts stoner/doom band Black Pyramid`s debut 7" and tunes from local legends Sons of Otis. To view playlists and make requests for future episodes, please click here.
Smokin` Green focuses on stoner, psych, doom, sludge, and heavy rock, with an emphasis on local, Ontario, and Canadian bands. Bands and/or labels interested in airplay can send their music (CD format preferred) to:
"Gruesome" Greg Harris
465 Yonge St.
PO Box 73013
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M4Y 2W5
For further information about the radio show, please contact gruesomegreg@toohightogetitright.com.
The show will make its debut in the wee hours of Thursday, April 17, and will feature songs from all the bands playing the Sunday Stoner Rock Spectacular at the El Mocambo on April 20. Also included in the playlist will be music from Massachusetts stoner/doom band Black Pyramid`s debut 7" and tunes from local legends Sons of Otis. To view playlists and make requests for future episodes, please click here.
Smokin` Green focuses on stoner, psych, doom, sludge, and heavy rock, with an emphasis on local, Ontario, and Canadian bands. Bands and/or labels interested in airplay can send their music (CD format preferred) to:
"Gruesome" Greg Harris
465 Yonge St.
PO Box 73013
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
M4Y 2W5
For further information about the radio show, please contact gruesomegreg@toohightogetitright.com.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Album Of The Day-Abdullah-"Graveyard Poetry" (2002)
I know that you all are greatly anticipating the Album Of The Day, so without further adieu, the Album Of The Day is "Graveyard Poetry" by Abdullah.
Review:
Abdullah's sophomore release improves upon an uneven debut by concentrating more on the band's Stonehenge rock tendencies as opposed to the southern gothic dabbling that previously diluted the band's sound, making Graveyard Poetry the best St. Vitus or Trouble record in ages (the latter is especially evident on "Pantheistic"), with a nice mixture of dirgy, doomsaying downers, mid-tempo grinders, and a complete lack of anything breaking the speed limit (not that this is missed). Most of the tracks go on for several minutes, but even the ones that clock in at only four minutes or so have an epic feel to them, making the disc a plodding affair that's the perfect soundtrack accompaniment to the sounds of bubbling bongwater and the munching of Cheetos. A track that actually crushes bones would be nice, however; maybe the third time will be a charm in that respect. (Brian O'Neill, All Music Guide)
Track Listing:
01. Rune
02. Black Helicopters
03. A Dark But Shining Sun
04. The Whimper of Whipped Dogs
05. Deprogrammed
06. Pantheistic
07. Salamander
08. Strange Benedictions
09. Secret Teachings of Lost Ages
10. Medicine Man
11. Guided By The Spirit
12. Behold a Pale Horse
13. They, The Tyrants
Play Entire Album Stream
MySpace
Review:
Abdullah's sophomore release improves upon an uneven debut by concentrating more on the band's Stonehenge rock tendencies as opposed to the southern gothic dabbling that previously diluted the band's sound, making Graveyard Poetry the best St. Vitus or Trouble record in ages (the latter is especially evident on "Pantheistic"), with a nice mixture of dirgy, doomsaying downers, mid-tempo grinders, and a complete lack of anything breaking the speed limit (not that this is missed). Most of the tracks go on for several minutes, but even the ones that clock in at only four minutes or so have an epic feel to them, making the disc a plodding affair that's the perfect soundtrack accompaniment to the sounds of bubbling bongwater and the munching of Cheetos. A track that actually crushes bones would be nice, however; maybe the third time will be a charm in that respect. (Brian O'Neill, All Music Guide)
Track Listing:
01. Rune
02. Black Helicopters
03. A Dark But Shining Sun
04. The Whimper of Whipped Dogs
05. Deprogrammed
06. Pantheistic
07. Salamander
08. Strange Benedictions
09. Secret Teachings of Lost Ages
10. Medicine Man
11. Guided By The Spirit
12. Behold a Pale Horse
13. They, The Tyrants
Play Entire Album Stream
MySpace
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Album Of The Day-Spirit Caravan-"The Last Embrace" (2003)
The Album Of The Day is "The Last Embrace" by Spirit Caravan.
Review:
Last Embrace serves as an impressive, if rather confusing, final will and testament from underground favorites Spirit Caravan, who quietly split up after a short but critically acclaimed two-album/one-E.P. run in the late '90s. Another brainchild of American metal icon Scott 'Wino' Weinrich (ex-Saint Vitus, ex-the Obsessed), Spirit Caravan could be said to have rated as the most acclaimed and trouble-free endeavor of his star-crossed career; so many longtime supporters were surprised and dismayed when it too was laid to rest in what seemed to be premature fashion. Without wishing to dwell on the past, however, the obvious practical question about Last Embrace has to be: wouldn't it have been wiser and more satisfying to compile a proper Spirit Caravan anthology, rather than cobble together two previously available albums with assorted extras and rarities? True, many of the extras featured here are exactly what diligent collectors would wish for in such an anthology, but why weren't any there tracks from the excellent -- and truly impossible to track down Dreamwheel E.P. -- unearthed for inclusion then? Given Wino's speedy redirection of his energies into new project Hidden Hand (and temporary involvement with Victor Griffin's Place of Skulls), and bassist Dave Sherman's similarly speedy departure to front Earthride, these questions aren't likely to be answered anytime soon. But until such time as they are, first-time fans who have yet to sample the albums named above will find that Last Embrace provides an easy, affordable, and expanded chance to do so. (Ed Rivadavia, All Music Guide)
Track Listing:
Disc 1
01. "The Last Embrace" - 4:18 (previously unreleased)
02. "Brainwashed" - 4:43 (previously unreleased)
03. "Healing Tongue" - 2:28
04. "Cosmic Artifact" - 5:51
05. "Fear's Machine" - 3:27
06. "Dead Love/Jug Fulla Sun" - 8:00
07. "Fang" - 4:57
08. "Chaw" - 2:13
09. "Melancholy Grey" - 5:19
10. "Sea Legs" - 4:22
11. "Kill Ugly Naked" - 2:18
12. "No Hope Goat Farm" - 3:46
13. "Courage" - 3:56 (Shine 7" version)
14. "Powertime" - 2:48 (Shine 7" version)
15. "Lost Sun Dance" - 4:19 (Shine 7" version)
Disc 2
01. "Dove-Tongued Aggressor" - 4:25 (previously unreleased)
02. "So Mortal Be" - 3:37 (from Spirit Caravan 7")
03. "Undone Mind" - 4:14 (from Spirit Caravan 7")
04. "Spirit Caravan" - 3:06
05. "Black Flower" - 5:28
06. "Retroman" - 5:33
07. "Find It" - 3:52
08. "Futility's Reasons" - 5:12
09. "Cloudy Mirror" - 3:26
10. "Elusive Truth" - 4:29
11. "Lifer City" - 2:21
12. "Outlaw Wizard" - 1:31
13. "Darkness and Longing" - 4:02 (7" split with Sixty Watt Shaman version)
14. "The Departure" - 5:40 (Rise 13 version)
Play Entire Album Stream
MySpace
Review:
Last Embrace serves as an impressive, if rather confusing, final will and testament from underground favorites Spirit Caravan, who quietly split up after a short but critically acclaimed two-album/one-E.P. run in the late '90s. Another brainchild of American metal icon Scott 'Wino' Weinrich (ex-Saint Vitus, ex-the Obsessed), Spirit Caravan could be said to have rated as the most acclaimed and trouble-free endeavor of his star-crossed career; so many longtime supporters were surprised and dismayed when it too was laid to rest in what seemed to be premature fashion. Without wishing to dwell on the past, however, the obvious practical question about Last Embrace has to be: wouldn't it have been wiser and more satisfying to compile a proper Spirit Caravan anthology, rather than cobble together two previously available albums with assorted extras and rarities? True, many of the extras featured here are exactly what diligent collectors would wish for in such an anthology, but why weren't any there tracks from the excellent -- and truly impossible to track down Dreamwheel E.P. -- unearthed for inclusion then? Given Wino's speedy redirection of his energies into new project Hidden Hand (and temporary involvement with Victor Griffin's Place of Skulls), and bassist Dave Sherman's similarly speedy departure to front Earthride, these questions aren't likely to be answered anytime soon. But until such time as they are, first-time fans who have yet to sample the albums named above will find that Last Embrace provides an easy, affordable, and expanded chance to do so. (Ed Rivadavia, All Music Guide)
Track Listing:
Disc 1
01. "The Last Embrace" - 4:18 (previously unreleased)
02. "Brainwashed" - 4:43 (previously unreleased)
03. "Healing Tongue" - 2:28
04. "Cosmic Artifact" - 5:51
05. "Fear's Machine" - 3:27
06. "Dead Love/Jug Fulla Sun" - 8:00
07. "Fang" - 4:57
08. "Chaw" - 2:13
09. "Melancholy Grey" - 5:19
10. "Sea Legs" - 4:22
11. "Kill Ugly Naked" - 2:18
12. "No Hope Goat Farm" - 3:46
13. "Courage" - 3:56 (Shine 7" version)
14. "Powertime" - 2:48 (Shine 7" version)
15. "Lost Sun Dance" - 4:19 (Shine 7" version)
Disc 2
01. "Dove-Tongued Aggressor" - 4:25 (previously unreleased)
02. "So Mortal Be" - 3:37 (from Spirit Caravan 7")
03. "Undone Mind" - 4:14 (from Spirit Caravan 7")
04. "Spirit Caravan" - 3:06
05. "Black Flower" - 5:28
06. "Retroman" - 5:33
07. "Find It" - 3:52
08. "Futility's Reasons" - 5:12
09. "Cloudy Mirror" - 3:26
10. "Elusive Truth" - 4:29
11. "Lifer City" - 2:21
12. "Outlaw Wizard" - 1:31
13. "Darkness and Longing" - 4:02 (7" split with Sixty Watt Shaman version)
14. "The Departure" - 5:40 (Rise 13 version)
Play Entire Album Stream
MySpace
Javelina Tour Dates Announced
Philadelphia’s Javelina will be embarking on a tour in May in support of their self-titled Translation Loss debut, which is getting rave reviews from the likes of Decibel Magazine and Revolver!
Javelina (pronounced ha-va-lE-na) started crafting their massive sound in October of 2005. Formed by ex-members of Philadelphia bands Lickgoldensky, SMUT, and Otophobia/Endless Nightmare, they spent over a year honing their sound before playing their first show. Javelina’s sound embodies the massive sludgy nature of Buzzoven and Eyehategod with the raw punk intensity of His Hero Is Gone and the straightforward nature of High on Fire all wrapped up into one.
You can check out songs from Javelina’s self-titled debut, which came out March 4, here.
Javelina – Upcoming Tour Dates
April 18: Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church, with Disfear, Parasytic, Dissystema
April 19: Philadelphia, PA - Khyber Pass, with The Claw, Hatchetface, TBA
May 7: Pittsburgh, PA - The Smiling Moose, with The Plastered Bastards
May 8: Cleveland, OH - Now That’s Class, with Rue, If He Dies, He Dies (all ages)
May 10: Chicago, IL - Ronny`s Bar, with Raise the Red Lantern
May 11: Lawrence, KS - The Haunted Kitchen, with Samothrace
May 12: Oklahoma City, OK - The Conservatory
May 13: Little Rock, AR - Downtown Music, with Power Bastard
May 14: Dallas, TX - The Cavern, with The Dead See, Vorvadoss
May 15: Austin, TX - Red 7, with The Dead See, Lions of Tsavo
May 17: Atlanta, GA - The Drunken Unicorn, with Withered
May 18: Chapel Hill, NC - Hell, with Tooth, Horsefang
May 19: Richmond, VA - NARA Sushi, with Tooth, Lord By Fire, Inter Arma
Javelina (pronounced ha-va-lE-na) started crafting their massive sound in October of 2005. Formed by ex-members of Philadelphia bands Lickgoldensky, SMUT, and Otophobia/Endless Nightmare, they spent over a year honing their sound before playing their first show. Javelina’s sound embodies the massive sludgy nature of Buzzoven and Eyehategod with the raw punk intensity of His Hero Is Gone and the straightforward nature of High on Fire all wrapped up into one.
You can check out songs from Javelina’s self-titled debut, which came out March 4, here.
Javelina – Upcoming Tour Dates
April 18: Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church, with Disfear, Parasytic, Dissystema
April 19: Philadelphia, PA - Khyber Pass, with The Claw, Hatchetface, TBA
May 7: Pittsburgh, PA - The Smiling Moose, with The Plastered Bastards
May 8: Cleveland, OH - Now That’s Class, with Rue, If He Dies, He Dies (all ages)
May 10: Chicago, IL - Ronny`s Bar, with Raise the Red Lantern
May 11: Lawrence, KS - The Haunted Kitchen, with Samothrace
May 12: Oklahoma City, OK - The Conservatory
May 13: Little Rock, AR - Downtown Music, with Power Bastard
May 14: Dallas, TX - The Cavern, with The Dead See, Vorvadoss
May 15: Austin, TX - Red 7, with The Dead See, Lions of Tsavo
May 17: Atlanta, GA - The Drunken Unicorn, with Withered
May 18: Chapel Hill, NC - Hell, with Tooth, Horsefang
May 19: Richmond, VA - NARA Sushi, with Tooth, Lord By Fire, Inter Arma
Queen Elephantine Offers Two New Songs
From Queen Elephantine:
While we`re working on our next full length, Kailash, we decided to offer two recordings from the New York incarnation as a free e-release. "Droning Earth" previously appeared on EGB`s Droning Earth Vol. 7 compilation; “Chariot In Solemn Procession” has never before been released.
QueenElephantine.clfrecords.com/yatra.html
1. Droning Earth (20:24)
2. Chariot In Solemn Procession (13:31)
Recorded by Brett Zweiman at Zweibone Studios, Brooklyn NY. Artwork by Aurora Cremer.
While we`re working on our next full length, Kailash, we decided to offer two recordings from the New York incarnation as a free e-release. "Droning Earth" previously appeared on EGB`s Droning Earth Vol. 7 compilation; “Chariot In Solemn Procession” has never before been released.
QueenElephantine.clfrecords.com/yatra.html
1. Droning Earth (20:24)
2. Chariot In Solemn Procession (13:31)
Recorded by Brett Zweiman at Zweibone Studios, Brooklyn NY. Artwork by Aurora Cremer.
KYLESA Frontwoman Reveals Her "Most Prized Pieces Of Vinyl"
KYLESA frontwoman Laura Pleasants recently shared her "top 5 most prized pieces of vinyl" with Decibel magazine via the publication's online blog, The Deciblog. The piece, which covering Laura's top five vinyl possessions, along with those that narrowly didn't make the cut, can be found at this location.
KYLESA is currently working on the follow-up to 2006's "Time Will Fuse Its Worth" while also gearing up for dates alongside Germany's THE OCEAN and LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR, as well as a week-long stint with WITHERED. KYLESA will also appear at this year's installment of Indianapolis' annual Dude Fest in June.
Tokyo-based label Red Cobalt Industries will release the Japanese/Australian edition of KYLESA's "Time Will Fuse Its Worth". This edition will be made available on the heels of KYLESA's European tour with BARONESS and scheduled for release this month.
Originally released on Prosthetic Records in the U.S., the Japanese/Australian edition of "Time Will Fuse Its Worth" will be released as a matte-finish digipack with a completely different artwork layout. The forthcoming release will contain bonus material and see a limited pressing of 1,000 copies worldwide.
KYLESA is currently working on the follow-up to 2006's "Time Will Fuse Its Worth" while also gearing up for dates alongside Germany's THE OCEAN and LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR, as well as a week-long stint with WITHERED. KYLESA will also appear at this year's installment of Indianapolis' annual Dude Fest in June.
Tokyo-based label Red Cobalt Industries will release the Japanese/Australian edition of KYLESA's "Time Will Fuse Its Worth". This edition will be made available on the heels of KYLESA's European tour with BARONESS and scheduled for release this month.
Originally released on Prosthetic Records in the U.S., the Japanese/Australian edition of "Time Will Fuse Its Worth" will be released as a matte-finish digipack with a completely different artwork layout. The forthcoming release will contain bonus material and see a limited pressing of 1,000 copies worldwide.