CD Review: Nether Regions-Into the Breach

Nether Regions - Into The Breach

by Zac Boda

Dark... Nether Regions "Into The Breach" is a very dark and scary place to be. "Into The Breach" is like the horror movie that was so real it actually scared the living hell out of me (think The Exorcist and Silence of the Lambs not Texas Chain-saw Massacre). The whole essence and aura surrounding this album sends chills down the spine. Heavily influenced by Neurosis, Nether Regions beautiful sound-scapes are twisted by a looming sensation of paranoia and loneliness. For the style of music, "Into The Breach" never becomes tiresome and unexciting. The album intensifies as it progress's from the inception of "Into The Breach / Spanish Werewolves" to the climactic "Alpha / Omega" and apexes with "Outrun The Sun".

As I stated "Into The Breach/Spanish Werewolves" is our opening track. A heavy and pummeling crescendo of crashing cymbals, toms, and snare drums overwhelm the listener. Followed by thick and fuzzy guitar riffs and bass-line, its feels as though a clash has begun with your worst nightmare. I cannot help but notice a tribal drum quality and the Matt Pike-esqe (see High On Fire) vocals. A very strong introduction to Nether Regions, well worth hearing what else they have to offer. Shall we continue...

One of the stand out tracks on ITB is "Pale Faced God". PFG throws a left hook compared to what the previous tracks bestow. The foundation of PGF is a mellow acoustic picking, backed by a jazz-like electric strumming, culminating with the addition of the drums. The ascension plateaus giving the acoustic picking front stage, only to be extinguished by an immense blast. Again you will find the Pike-esqe vocals and lighter moments of picking and drumming really pulling this song together.

"Alpha/Omega" is a must listen on ITB. Keeping a traditional style heavy metal beat and harmony, were could Nether Regions go wrong? The repetitive riffage and onslaught of percussion truly build the adrenaline perfectly. Right up to the big "break-down" (think some serious moshing" at the 3:20 mark). The conclusion brings a spiraling drum roll into an outstanding guitar solo.

"Outrun The Sun" is an ominously warm melody. Like the end of the movies where all seems well, the daylight breaks through, and you have survived... but there is that last moment before the screen cuts to black, and the villain rears it's ugly head, that is "Out Run The Sun". The mix of the static aura waving in the back ground while Kyle Bates and Todd Pidcock weave a soothing trance-like state with their guitars and then Joe Wickstrom's eerie lyrics can be petrifying.

I'm never listening to "Into The Breach" when I'm alone in the dark. Especially after seeing the artwork! What is that? Burning, deteriorating flesh and hair?? Maybe one of the guys from the band can fill us in about the artwork, I'm certainly interested to hear the story behind it. That being said, this album is a success. Nether Regions, without a record label, are using Bandcamp to release their tunes. See the link after the jump. Now get over there and pick your copy up!

I'm feeling a respectable 7 out of 10.

Joe Wickstrom - Bass, Vocals
Kyle Bates - Guitar
Todd Pidcock - Guitar
Ryan Moore - Drums



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CD Review: Palm Desert-Falls of the Wastelands

Palm Desert - Falls of the Wastelands

by Zac Boda

Wroclaw, Poland... Palm Desert, California...  Who knew the sound Kyuss and the other desert and stoner rock artists would influence Franek (vocals), Jajo (guitar), Janek (bass), and Kamil (drums), of Palm Desert, to revitalize this sound.  Righteous.  Drop "Falls of the Wastelands" in your music listening device (whatever that may be, hopefully 8 track in a '70s Firebird), blast into Death Valley, head down to Palm Desert, CA.  When you arrive drop in Kyuss' "Welcome to Sky Valley" for the ride back.  This is how dusty dry desert rock should be taken. 

FoW begins with the sun's rays beating ever so ferociously over you, the wind whips and burns the skin.  After the Storm is an excellent "intro segue" (if there is such a thing) instrumental to Chase the Sun.  Are there any other song titles or sounds that could make you feel as you are journeying into the desert?  PD really bring these feelings and visualizations to life with FoW.  All of the instruments meld so well together with Franek's vocals uniting the sound.  I personally get a feel of early Soundgarden / Chris Cornell, especially noticeable in Yerba Mate (which I guess is a type of tea?).  Yerba Mate is by far my favorite track of FoW.  With an eight minute run time, a mellow and intensifying groove, beginning a climax approximately 5:30 into the track that then runs through, and killer riff... how could this not be?  FoW continues with more favorites: The Tempter with it's intoxicating swirl of jams, Adilwun's very mellow and tribal chants, and Jesus' fuzzy licks!  And then there is the monumental Solar Trip.  This jam has a decompressing intro that seems to last for five minutes and escalates into a whirl wind of distorted guitar delight. 

If you love Kyuss and early Soundgarden, I think you will most certainly enjoy this one.  PD has done a phenomenal job with Falls of the Wastelands.  Well done mates, I'll see you in Poland (no really, I will). 

4.5 out of 5.0

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Join the Heavy Planet Staff!

Due to the recent influx of band submissions and reviews, Heavy Planet is in need of a person to help out with album reviews. We are looking for writers who are as passionate about the music as we are. We are here to promote independent and unsigned bands and give them the promotion they deserve. The perfect candidate must exemplify knowledge in the Stoner/Doom/Sludge/ Psych, etc. genres of metal. Your sole purpose will be to write exclusively for Heavy Planet and not to promote your own website/blog. While there is no pay involved, myself and possibly bands/labels will send you promotional material for review. You will also be required to post at least 2-3 reviews per month. So if you think you may be the right fit for Heavy Planet, send in a recent review of an album that you most recently listened to. Look forward to hearing from you!

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\m/~Reg~
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Heavy Planet on Facebook!

Well, I never thought I would do this, but I broke down and finally did it. Heavy Planet is now on Facebook.
In my attempt to provide as much Stoner Rock/Doom/Sludge, etc. as possible, I will be posting a ton more bands to Heavy Planet as well as Facebook. If I hear a new band that catches my ear I will probably just post it to Facebook. Any band that sends me their stuff will appear on the "New Band To Burn One To" feature. I don't want you to feel like you will be getting ripped off. Also, right now there is at least a month waiting list to getting posted so just be patient we will get to your band (special thanks to Bill from The Soda Shop for helping out with this feature). You may see multiple "New Band To Burn One To" postings on any given day as Bill will be doing some as will I.  Once again, if anyone is interested in doing CD reviews don't hestitate to send me an e-mail. You will not be compensated, but you will receive promos and/or digital links for reviewing purposes. Yep, believe it or not, I am for the most part a one man operation with the occasional help from Bill. So, I really would appreciate whatever help you could give me. Thank you!

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Stoner Rock Ohio Blowin' Smoke CD Compilation

Blowin' Smoke is the new compilation featuring some of O(high)o's finest bands. Bands such as Threefold Law, Masters of Luxury, and Venomin James have been crushing the Cleveland area for the past few years now. So if you want to hear what all the hype is about, head on over to StonerRockOhio.com and pick up your copy now!

Contributing bands:

Red Sun -"bottom-heavy, psychedelically enticing metal/rock which somehow manages to simultaneously embody the steady-bulldozer attitude of doom and the impassioned urgency of the best hardcore punk."-Zachary V. Sunderman, Bastion Recordings."

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Smoke Theory- "Never putting aside the influence of AC/DC, ZZ Top, Ramones, Led Zeppelin, Slayer, Black Sabbath or for that matter any surfy, greasy or garagey early Rock'n'Roll the Smoke rolls on. In a world of fake Rock'n'Rollers who stress image over riffage Smoke Theory take a stand as a band who doesn't rely on fruity hairdo's, women's clothing and tons of shit pierced to their faces to make a statement. The music speaks for itself.

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Spider Scorpion-"Metal/Bossa Nova/Punk"

MySpace


Threefold Law- "Rising from the ashes of the Burning River, Threefold Law's signature riffs and dark grooves took hold in late 2006. They honor the pioneers of doom, such as Black Sabbath, Kyuss, Trouble, Pentagram, Cathedral, and Down while spinning a unique tale of darkness and despair. Threefold Law released their first EP recording in April of 2009, titled “Killer of the Sultan.” The band secured a spot on the first Stoner Rock Ohio Showcase in 2008 as well as the second one in June of 2009. Threefold Law continues to play the northeast Ohio region with fan support ranging from Akron to Australia."

MySpace


Venomin James- "Based out of Kultland's Crowe Valley, the home of murder, mormon and mayhem. Our sound is a straight up mix of rock, doom, metal and occult esotera."
 
MySpace


Blacklight Betty- "Blacklight Betty is a three piece rock band based in Cleveland, OH.

The group features guitarist/vocalist Camille Champa, drummer/vocalist Adam Phillips and bassist/vocalist Larry Kalal.

If you keep a regular supply of Nag Champa, own a turntable or have some form of shag carpet in your home, then we want to be your band. Energy. Volume. The Riff. Rock and Roll is not dead, it has just gone underground. We can't think of a more perfect place for a blacklight."

MySpace

Jupiter Sideburns- "A heavy rock band from Dayton Ohio, who escaped the alien attacks, decides that the weight of the world is on their shoulders. They find one of the aliens' ships that was disabled and left behind after the fighting was over. They repair it and restart the ships internal memory. What they find has only been seen by god since the beginning of time. The data base is massive. It includes everything about the Black Orb Aliens' civilization from their history to their episodes of Evil. And one very important piece of information. Their next destination: Jupiter. The band plots a course to the other side of the galaxy. They gather their instruments, belongings and kiss their loved ones goodbye possibly for the last time. They forget one important item. Shaving cream. This is the story of Jupiter Sideburns"

MySpace

Lo Pan- "All movement in the universe is caused by tensions between positive and negative furies, and when the furies are out of balance, as they are in LO-PAN who is cursed, then they turn into demon and live forever. Repulsive and evil existing only to plague the living. A creature of fast dark destructive power. "IT'S ALL IN THE REFLEXES!"

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Masters of Luxury- "If you have not yet heard these guys, then there is no more perfect time than now. Masters Of Luxury are from the Columbus/Dayton Ohio area and combine elements of progressive, doom, and stoner metal to provide the listener with a very satisfying listening experience. Citing influences such as Tool, Black Sabbath, Dillinger Escape Plan and Sleep, all can be heard on their newly released EP entitled "Robot Love Songs" as well as their previous release "Welcome To Opulence". Check them out if you are a fan of any of the aforementioned bands.

MySpace


Mechanics of Things- "Mechanics of Things" was born from an inspiration of singer, Paul Conaway, evolving from hobby to live band in the summer of 2007. In the winter of 2009, Mechanics of Things began recording a full-length CD at Cleveland's Ante Up Studio under producers Mark Baker and Pete Schmuel of Sonar 73 Productions. In January 2010, Mechanics of Things fortified their powerful dimension, adding ML, former drummer of NUCLEON, to their already trebuchet sound. Currently, Mechanics of Things is looking forward to their first CD release, slated for summer 2010. The CD reflects the progress of the band including tracks such as "Gasoline" and "Halo" and a number of new compositions meshed with an iron slab, full of rawkmusic tilt. The band seamlessly blends a mix of metal, hard rock and old school punk. (If White Zombie, Kyuss and Black Sabbath joined together and gave birth, Mechanics of Things would be The Bastard Child..)"

MySpace

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R.I.P. Jared Koston (Venomin James drummer)

Heavy Planet Compilation CD??

Hey people, I have been throwing around the idea of putting together a CD of tunes for charity. The money would not only go to a good cause, but would also be a great way to get the word out about your band. I would like to see what kind of response I get before actually putting the details together. I would like to get around 15-20 bands on the CD(s) if not more and charge $10 with all proceeds going to charity. My wife is an artist and is excited about designing the artwork for the CD. If you are interested please send me an e-mail with a high quality MP3 and a brief bio on your band. I will only accept bands that fall into the Stoner Rock/Sludge/Psychedelic/Doom categories. I will review each band before inclusion on the CD. If anyone has any suggestions such as a certain charity please send them to me. I am looking forward to hearing from you. Peace! \mm/

~Reg~