Leather Sterile-S/T 7" (2011)

Country: USA
Genre: Post punk, Noise rock
Label: Jade Tree Records
Tracks: 4

With only a hard to find cassette demo, one sold out 7”, a smattering of blog posts and some messageboard banter in their wake, Philadelphia’s Leather have just begun to emerge from an existence unknown to all but those “in the know.” Sterile is surely not the first adjective that crosses one’s mind when confronted with the noisy hardcore on this 4 song EP, aptly described by compatriot and Clockcleaner frontman John Sharkey as the likely result “...if Tad Doyle had owned Age Of Quarrel and actually listened to it.” It’s safe to say that picking up this vinyl will mean reliving these ten minutes hundreds of times over while waiting for the next recorded dose or a chance to witness a live show (likely to be in a dilapidated warehouse or a basement as grimy as their sound). This is some sweet art damaged noise rock and post rock. Fans of Walls, Herds, Clockcleaner and late era Cult Ritual need to give Leather Sterile a listen. Great stuff.

Leather Sterile (Blogspot)

Purchase:Jade Tree Records

Leather Sterile-S/T 7"

Witches-Forever LP (2011)

Country: USA
Genre: Indie Rock
Label: Bakery Outlet Records
Tracks: 10

Punk by allegiance and attitude, pop by virtue of their wistful melodicism, Witches are a band borne of singularly American originality. Cara Beth Satalino is a New York-born chanteuse with a rougher than typical edge. Michael Clancy, a fellow Yankee, is a self-taught drummer of natural ability and feel. Jared Gandy, veteran of Athens groups with both DIY punk and Elephant Six Collective pedigree alike, rounds out the band’s lineup on bass guitar. The band takes touches of the Breeders’ feminine boldness, Des Ark’s brusque emotional stance, and the wide-open, true rock n’ roll worldliness of Midwestern punk idols the Replacements.

When Cara and Clancy moved to Athens after graduating from an upstate New York university (SUNY Purchase, the unlikely hotbed of creativity that produced Dan Deacon and other notable weirdos), Cara already had a swath of noteworthy solo material under her belt. After a spate of performances accompanied only by her electric guitar, she sought out a rhythm section. Clancy wasn’t a drummer at the time, but he stepped up to the plate to do the songs justice. To listen to the band now, Clancy’s abilities cannot be stepped to—he’s a songwriter’s drummer, for sure. As the two pondered a possible bassist, Jared’s name came up—and he promptly walked into the room, gliding on the winds of sheer coincidence. Jared’s melodic, wandering basslines were an obvious match to Cara’s guitar playing, and provide McCartney-esque counterpoint to her full vocal timbre.

Which brings us to the centerpiece of Witches’ appeal: Cara Beth Satalino is what puts the band over the top and sutures their songs into one’s memory. She sings with simultaneous pointed honesty and dignified modesty. You can hear barbs and arrows in the songs that make up “Forever”, Witches’ forthcoming full-length album, released on Bakery Outlet Records. Some are directed outwardly; others seem to take aim for the singer herself. All, however, hit their mark with a precision that warrants respect. Forever is an excellent record and worth checking. Highly recommended. Definitely a must for fans of Des Ark, Pretty Girls Make Graves, and Lemuria.

Witches Blog
Witches on MySpace
Purchase
Witches - Forever (2001)

The Hollowmen - Three Betrayals Toward Modern Man [2011]

Country: Canarias, Spain
Genre: Darkness Hardcore Beatdown
Label: D.I.Y.
Tracks: 05

The Hollowmen es una joven banda de Tenerife, Canarias, aunque viene gente que tocara en Wreckage (RIP), lo que nos da a enteder que de ruidos Hardcores ya saben y bastante, la demo parte con una intro beatdown muy a la vieja escuela que te deja a la expectativa de lo se viene...y qué se viene, hardcore old school oscurantista, en la vena de las bandas Holy Terror, si, digamos que suenan a bastardos de bandas como Integrity, Gehenna o Vvegas, hardcore metalizado, con una buena cantidad de riffs, cortes y la vocalización que me recuerda a bandas como los mismo Integrity pero igual escucho algo de 78 days After Death, Ringworm o los japoneses Creepout. El sonido logrado es realmente potente, con mezcla y masterización conciensuda de lo buscado, las guitarras se llevan las líneas compositivas en toda la demo, con un bajo punzante que no para y la doble pedalera de los cueros ya te dejan con ganas de mosh.

Lo único lamentable es que cuando ya le has incado el colmillo a los temas, este acaba.
Altamente Recomendado!

Hollowmen Bandcamp

Hollowmen Facebook

Three Betrayals Toward Modern Man [2011]

(band request)

Lethe - Mnemosyne (2009)

Country: USA

Genre: Instrumental, Stoner, Space Rock, Progressive, Post Metal.

Label: Reptile
Tracks: 5
Lengh: 44'

Mnemosyne proves an enjoyable if mostly familiar listen, its quiet moments offering a solace from the weighty stoner doom otherwise dominant throughout. Lethe might be post-metal were their approach more pretentious, but as it stands, their psychedelia works on an accessible spectrum to combine warm, natural elements into a compound of vibes easily dug by prog nerds and stoner heads alike.

Lethe on MySpace
Purchase
Lethe - Mnemosyne (2009)

Homunculi - Homunculi (2011)

Country: Brazil

Genre: Black Metal, Emotive Crust, Post Rock.

Label: Self Released
Tracks: 3
Lengh: 17'

First I have to admit that I don't like black metal in general neither I am not even the understood one, but I have to recognize that this disc if that I have liked. Homunculi are from Brazil, and several of the motives for which if I have liked it, it is for their sound, which in spite of not being the best is more that acceptable and much better tham a lot of groups that seems that they record in a bath or in a cave, since it seems that many bands pledge lately. Second reason are that though they plays black metal, their sound is enriched with post rock like Fall of Efrafa, and some kind of emotive crust, like first Ekkaia but with more faster drums, like Vestiges. And the last reason are the lyrics, about anarchism, atheism and desesperation, no bullshit about satan, the virgin blood... or Conan sword. Great debut, personally, I will be attentive to new releases.

Homunculi on Bandcamp
Homunculi on Facebook
Homunculi - Homunculi (2011)

(band request)

Spjral - Pisces (2010)

Country: Italy

Genre: Instrumental, Progressive Metal, Alternative, Post Rock

Label: BlackRock Records

Tracks: 5
Lengh: 34'

Better recordings, finally a higher quality, - instrumental tracks, black tones à la Melvins' sludge metal rainbow, long meditative pieces, even longer you expected (Lightdrome, over 10 minutes), mid-tempos, heavy guitar riffs, a well done work of microphones around the drumkit (listening to their songs with the headphones been like sitting on the drum throne), - probably Their stoner doom backbone, I think.

Traces of tribal mantra on Rise of Machina, more psychedelic smokes on Lightdrome, I think if they found more balance among mysticism (sensed through the faun flutes of Strings Ray Through Eclipse) and being rancid, they might develop a more gigantic feeling, I mean, when you explore a such so minimalist territory, You have to turn the air into your glue, so that each detail in it is a concrete part of the unity. And unity is identity.Once said these bullshits, Pisces is a pleasant half hour of digressive sedative rhythmics and passive-aggressive passages. -Kokakino

Spjral on Bandcamp
Spjral Webpage
Purchase
Spjral - Pisces (2010)

(band request)

Best of Blogosphere. Week XV.

-#1. -#2. -#3. -#4.

-#5. -#6. -#7

This does not try to value the work of anybody and only it represents my musical tastes, not those of the total of components of the blog.

Acephalax-Interminable Night LP (2011)

Country: USA

Genre: Black Metal, hardcore, punk, crust

Label: Southern Lord

Tracks: 7

Acephalix are a band from San Francisco that mixes Swedish style death metal with crust punk and this is a review of their 2011 album "Interminable Night" which will be released by Southern Lord Records. Drums range from slow, midpaced to fast with a great amount of blast beats being thrown in at times, while the bass playing has a dark tone which is kind of mixed down low in the mix and seems to follow the riffing that is coming out of the guitars and at times they sound very powerful with some punk/grind riffs. Rhythm guitars range from slow, midpaced to fast riffs that utilize influences from both classic style Swedish death metal and crust punk with some melodic riffing being used at times as for the lead guitars they are very chaotic death metal/punk rock guitar solos. Vocals are mostly deep death metal growls with some high pitched screams being thrown in at times, while he lyrics cover death, lack, lst, anti christian and daemonic themes, as for the production it has a very heavy and raw sound while still being professional sounding. -Bringer of Death and Doom Zine.

*Original link courtesy of Perception Through Dissonance (Another kick-ass blog!)

Great album. Definitely a must for fans of Altar Of Plagues, Dimalia, Moloch, Thou, and Salvation. Heavy and dirty is an understatement. Highly recommended. Makes me want to sacrifice small animals and burn down churches, Lol!

Acephalix Website

Purchase: Southern Lord Store

Acephalix - Interminable Light LP (2011)

The Men-Leave Home LP (2011)

Country: USA

Genre: Noise rock, hardcore, punk

Label: Sacred Bones Records

Tracks: 8

*Links provided by Toxicbreed's Funhouse (Kick-ass blog)

Hell yes. Here's the latest album from the Men. I've been a huge fan of The Men after picking up a copy of their split cassette with Nomos on a whim at a Nomos show in 2009. The Men are a Brooklyn, NY based band who play an incredible style of music that incorporates elements noise rock, post punk, distortion, shoegaze, drone, and pop that's sure to please fans of bands like Walls, Merchandise, Diet Cokeheads, Broken Water, and later era Cult Ritual. Leave home is The Men's third full length and is a far cry from their earlier material, which featured more of a straight forward hardcore and noise rock sound. Great stuff. Snag a copy before this sells out. I'm ordering when I get home from work tonight. Also head over to the Men's blog listed at the end of this post. Their entire discography is posted for free download on their blog with the exception of Leave Home. Highly recommended. Once again, props to toxicbreeds funshouse for beating me to the punch on this one. Enjoy!

The Men Blog

Purchase

The Men-Leave Home LP (2011)

No Humanity-Condemned To Rot EP (2011)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, metal, punk
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 11

(Band Request)

Damn, This request came as an impressive surprise for me. No Humanity are a Tallahasee, Fla. based band who play a metallic, brutal, crust laden, D-beat heavy style of hardcore, punk and metal that's sure to please fans of bands like Slave, Baptists, Seizures, and Converge. Great EP guys! Thanks for sharing.

No Humanity on Bandcamp

No Humanity-Condemmed To Rot EP (2011)

No Anchor - Real Pain Supernova (2011)

Country: Australia
Genre: Sludge, Noise Rock, Doom, Stoner.

Label: Self Released, Grindcore Karaoke

Tracks: 8

Wondering what’s this weird album title about? Well, you have to have a passing knowledge of Oasis to understand that, uhm, joke. Happily enough (or maybe unfortunately, who knows?) NO ANCHOR’s music doesn’t have anything in common with these Brit-Pop heavy weights. Not even the instrumentation. At least as far as I can tell NO ANCHOR use drums, vocals, bass(es). No guitars, but heavily distorted bass. In so doing, and of course because of the music they play, they are reminiscent of Sleep successors Om. Sounds good? Well it pretty f***g sure does to me.

No AnchorEven though NO ANCHOR describe themselves as a Doom/Sludge band, their music differs from the typical (and often strained) formular of that genre. Due to this, these Australians manage to remain highly interesting and exciting throughout the 53 minutes of Real Pain Supernova. Besides the typical commandments of this section of heavy music, namely Black Sabbath, Melvins or Sunn O))), there are huge influences by Post Rock and Post Hardcore heroes like The Jesus Lizard, Shellac and Fugazi. Especially the latter made a big dent in NO ANCHOR’s music, if you ask me. Grooving, dancable basslines, emotional and gripping vocals and super tight, pointed drumming won’t let you off the hook. A healthy dose of noise and feedback delivers the needed portion of fucked up’ness. So all in all Real Pain Supernova is a grooving, just very cool record that bridges the gap between lava-like Doom and Post Hardcore in its best sense. And this is really something quite unique, at least I haven’t heard anything comparable until now.

The album will be available as 2xLP from the band’s website. The vinyl version was mastered by Mell Dettmer (Boris, Earth and Sunn O)))). A free/donation digital version of the album will be available online on the 9th of May 2011. NO ANCHOR’s doing so many things right it’s really unbelievable. -Cvltnation

No Anchor on MySpace
No Anchor on Bandcamp
No Anchor Blog
Purchase
No Anchor - Real Pain Supernova (2011)

Kourgane - Corps De Chasse (2011)

Country: France
Genre: Noise Rock, Math, Experimental.

Label: A Tant Rêver Du Roi

Tracks: 6

KOURGANE "Corps de chasse" S'il est un groupe en France qui commence sérieusement a mettre tout le monde d'accord, c'est bien Kourgane! Aprés la refonte du groupe et 2 disques qui ont marqués les esprits (Bunker Bato Club & Heavy!) Kourgane poursuit sont petit bonhomme de chemin avec ce fameux Corps de Chasse! Du Kourgane pur jus! Peut être un peu plus tendu que son prédécesseur, mais tout y est,les guitares grinçantes, les rythmes ultra syncopés et cette voix si caractéristique...Encore un sans fautes! 6 titres.

Kourgane on MySpace
Kourgane on Bandcamp
Purchase #1 #2
Kourgane - Corps De Chasse (2011)

Algernon Cadwallader-Parrot Flies LP (2011)

Country: USA
Genre: Indie rock, emo

Label: Self Released

Tracks: ?

Hell yeah. Algernon Cadwallader's new album has hit the web. I haven't heard it yet or downloaded it yet due to a nasty computer virus. After seeing Parrot Flies posted on three other blogs, I realized that the band wanted the album posted. Anyway, Algernon Cadwallader play an infectious style of mathy emo and indie rock that's reminiscent of bands like Cap N' Jazz, Jazz June, and other mid 90's Emo band. I love this style of music and Algernon Cadwallader are one of the best bands who play this style of music. This Philadelphia, PA based band is a must for fans of Snowing, Monument, Empire, Empire (I Was A Lonely Estate), and This Town Needs Guns. Great stuff. Parrot Flies is scheduled for a proper release date in early June. Props to CHUG LIFE for the original link.

Algernon Cadwallader Blog

Algernon Cadwallader - Parrot Flies (2011)

Louded - Mugre (2009)

Country: Spain
Genre: Noisy Metal, Hardcore, Sludge

Label: Nooirax

Tracks: 6

In 2003, four pieces of dross proceeding from the south extraradio of Madrid, concretely from Móstoles, they join to form a musical band, LOUDED.

The fruit of this union might be represented as a pottage of riffs upset own of a massive inhalation of smoke proceeding from industrial machinery, frantic paces produced by the ingestion of stews in poor condition, and impudent and heart-breaking voices similar to the music that sounded in the averno the day that the Demon and Judas agreed on his perfidy to Christ; all this insanely adorned with a good dose of illegal volumes and harmful shock waves, which will make the delight of stomaches accustomed to swallowing quantities unexploits of destructive noisy rock.

Louded - Mugre (2009)

Seraphim-The Light In The Distance LP (2011)

Country: USA
Genre: Metal, Hardcore

Label: A389 Recordings

Tracks: 9

Seraphim’s ambitious debut LP perfectly balances super heavy droning riffs, somber moments of experimentation, and vocals that go from gruff to clean without ever losing their sense of melody. Completely epic. Wow. I was dying to hear this since hearing their debut EP in 2009 and was not let down. Fans of Deafheaven take note. Great stuff. Enjoy. Props to Perception Through Dissonance for the original links.

Seraphin Blog

Purchase: A389 Recordings
Seraphim-The Light In The Distance (2011)

Syntax - Demo (2009)

Country: USA
Genre: Grindcore
Label: Left Handed Path
Tracks: 9

We're called Syntax, from Los Angeles, and play grindcore not unlike Discordance Axis and Assuck. This Demo was recorded in 2009, but it wasn't until now that we are trying to get things going. This was released as a tape by Left Handed Path Records. 9 tracks, 8 minutes.

Syntax Blog
Syntax - Demo (2009)

(band request)

Diecisiete - Diecisiete (2011)

Country: Spain
Genre: Indie, Noisy Pop
Label: Cuervo Music
Tracks: 10

Susana and Mae are unites them more than the music ... This seems to flow from them as a single expression. We do not know if with malice aforethought or not, but barely get two drums and an electric guitar-quite crushed by the way-no need to let in third or fourth component, chorus or ornaments and other paraphernalia, to be driven by its particular melancholy .... That how well we all know ... The one that makes you so often confused with tears of laughter ... or shame with more solemn. The less pure pop purist.

Diecisiete are Mae and Susana, guitar / vocals and drums. Madrid duo formed in February 2008. January 17, 2011 is the date of release of their debut LP, recorded in Serenity Studios (Madrid) and edited by Raven Music.

Diecisiete on MySpace
Diecisiete - Diecisiete (2011)

Horseback - The Gorgon Tongue: Impale Golden Horn & Forbidden Planet [2011]

COUNTRY: USA
GENRE : Drone, Ambient
LABEL : Relapse

HORSEBACK’s ‘The Gorgon Tongue: Impale Golden Horn + Forbidden Planet’ brings together a reissue of Jenks Miller’s ‘Impale Golden Horn’ with the new (and previously cassette-only release) work of the ‘Forbidden Planet’ Lp. ‘Impale Golden Horn’ is a work of lush, blessed out drone a la Flying Saucer Attack and Loop. Its’ beauty is in stark contrast to ‘Forbidden Planet’; a decidedly harsh record with its sinister tones and harsh, distorted black-metal vocals. ‘The Gorgon Tongue:…’ further reinforces how broad and captivating HORSEBACK’S abstract psychedelia is.

With Horseback's sophomore album, they continue to push the boundaries of experimental music with this incredibly heavy double cd of psychedelic drone mixed with black metal.

This is An absolute necessity for fans of Nadja, SunnO))), Earth. There's even a bunch of songs that lean towards postrock comparable to Godspeed You Black Emperor. I'd say it's my favorite drone record this year, these guys are truely demonic visionaries. Buy it or I'll impale you with my golden horn.

D/L.
Purchase.

Contact.

Crujido - Ep [2011]

Country: Coquimbo, $hile
Genre: Hardcore, PowerPUNKviolence
Label: D.I.Y.
Tracks: 07

Crujido ha podido concentrar con su ep varias problemáticas del ruido punk, por un lado las (dis) armonías desafiantes, los beatblast splatters, la rapidez y al mismo tiempo profundidad del sonido y por otro la vocalización de los temas que en este caso juntan chico y chica. Crujido ya era conocido en el circuito under $hileno por su formación anterior llamada Unabomber en la que al igual que ahora destacaban los mismo elementos pero se perdía un poco la complejidad al juntar todo bajo un manto de ruido blanco que a ratos hacía inaudible su arte, en cambio ahora depuradas las insanidades encontramos una E.P. llena de fuerza, rabia y velocidad. Es destacable también el sonido del bajo como elemento unificador de todo el E.P. el que no baja las RPM sino lo contrario está siempre presente para remarcarnos en la cabeza que esto no es una bandita de chicos jugando a tocar punk sino lo contrariio es una banda de Punks jugando a darnos lo que queremos, buenas dosis de violencia auditiva!
Krustie!

Crujido Bandcamp
Crujido Myspace
CRUJIDO EP [2011]

Mugrind - Spoko Evillution Porko Dio (2011)

Country: Spain
Genre: Grindcore, Punk, Crust, Metal.
Label: Hecatombe, Kremón, Bronca, Tanker, Cooperación.
Tracks: 13

Mugrind, from Barcelona, does grind-crust with some touch metal and attitude punk. Though it is a relatively new band, already they have touched several times for Europe and his components have become tanned during a heap of years in bands as: Disnight Bastards, Mördare,No Conforme, Violent headache, I.A.F., Better than nothing, Massmierda, etc …

Mugrind on MySpace
Purchase #1 #2
Mugrind - Spoko Evillution Porko Dio (2011)

Madam Trashy - Book of Dead (2011)

Country: USA
Genre: Stoner, Progressive, Metal, Grunge.
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 7

3-piece prog, grunge, metal band from Williamsburg Brooklyn, NY . The band members are: Jake Bloomfield-Misrach, Brian Murphey and Garth MacAleavey. For the release of their debut album ” Book of Dead ” Madam Trashy has recruited legendary Seattle producer Jack Endino [ Nirvana, Soundgarden, High on Fire ] and launched a successful Kickstarter campaign that has drawn the support of fans from all over the world.

Building on influences such as The Melvins, Kyuss and King Crimson ” Book of Dead ” melds the creativity that is synonymous with their Williamsburg home with the raw power of the early 1990’s Seattle scene. Known for their energetic live shows and vivid video projections, [ Madam Trashy ] is gaining the attention of local and international audiences.

Madam Trashy on Bandcamp
Madam Trashy on Facebook
Madam Trashy on Soundcloud
Madam Trashy on Reverb Nation
Purchase
Madam Trashy - Book of Dead (2011)

(band request)

Ancient Shores-Step To The Edge 7" (2011)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore
Label: A389 Records
Tracks: 4

I've been meaning to post this 7" for a while and I'm finally getting around to doing this post. Ancient Shores are a relatively new band from West Virginia who play Chaotic and calculated metallic hardcore. Ancient Shores is a must for fans of Coalesce, early Dillinger Escape Plan, Baptists, Trap Them and Deadguy. Great EP! I also included Ancient Shore's 2009 EP entitled The Black Engulfs our sun. Enjoy!

Ancient Shores Website
Purchase: A389 Recordings
Ancient Shores - Step To The Edge 7" (2011)
Ancient Shores - The Black Engulfs Our Sun (2009)

Converge/Dropdead-Split 7" (2011)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Metal
Label: Deathwish
Tracks: 2

Two of our generation's finest bands, Dropdead and Converge are geared to pair and release a split 7″, due out in June 2011. The Split 7″EP & Digital will be available June 21st.Pre-ordering information and other specifics will be announced shortly. Self released by Converge and Dropdead.Exclusively Distributed by Deathwish Direct and The Armageddon Label. A pairing of two legendary bands celebrating their joint twenty year history within the Punk/Hardcore genre.

Both songs were recorded at Kurt Ballou’s God City Studios in early 2011, and mastered by John Golden (Neurosis, Melvins, etc). “Runaway” from Converge is an instant classic for the band, unrelenting in its speed and emotional ferocity from beginning to end. While Dropdead’s “Paths of Glory” is an unforgettable political punk/hardcore anthem, that proves that the years behind the band have only strengthened their hold on the battlefront of the true underground. I can't wait for an official release of this. Obviously, I'm a huge Converge fan and am psyched to see them collaborating with Dropdead to release this 7". one song of insanely chaotic hardcore, metal, and punk. Great release by two of the all time greats in the underground music scene. Great release. Enjoy!

Converge Website
Dropdead on Myspace
Purchase: Deathwish
Converge Dropdead - Split (2011)

X25X - Distortion Of Life (2010)

Country: France
Genre: Noise Rock
Label: Lo-Fi
Tracks: 11

This came out last year, but I only recently ran across it thanks to the wonderful resource that is the French e-zine Nextclues and it seemed too good to not mention here. It would seem I still have some catching up to do however as Distortion is Life is the third album from x25x. Released on their own label Lofi, the album is very much in the way of older AmRep type noise…most notably Hammerhead due to the bands similar combination of dirty deep bass, occasional spastic outbursts, and propensity for strong hooks. There is also a hint of grungy thickness in there as well, giving them a bit of a Janitor Joe or Tad type of sound as well. It’s one of those type of albums you’ll know you’ll love or hate immediately from the first few seconds. Well not necessarily on this album I guess as the first track begins with a slow sludgy churn that sounds like a record being played at 33rpm instead of 45. But yeah, you’ll know shortly after that. For fans of all things noise-rock, then you’ll certainly want to give this a listen. -Built on a weak spot.

x25x on Myspace
x25x webpage
Purchase
x25x - Distortion Of Life (2010)

Enablers - Blown Realms And Stalled Explosions (2011)

Country: USA

Genre: Spoken World, Post Rock, Noise Rock, Post Hardcore

Label: Exile of Mainstream

Tracks: 10

Their new release finds Enablers evolving even more than before. By bringing in new drummer Doug Scharin (Codeine, June Of 44, Mice Parade, HiM among others) the record's textural and evocative sound realizes a new direction while maintaining the distinct elements of musicianship and imagination that made the previous releases so engaging. Since the 2004 release of their first LP, End Note (Neurot Recordings), Enablers have established a new direction in spoken word music. The prose and poetry of Pete Simonelli is intricately woven into the dynamic interplay of guitarists Joe Goldring and Kevin Thomson, and punctuated by the compulsive and precise drumming of Doug Scharin. Musically, the compositions range from melodic minimalism to heavy, rhythmically challenging thickets of sound. "Blown Realms and Stalled Explosions" is a record that simply is a great listen to.

Enablers on Bandcamp
Purchase
Enablers - Blown Realms And Stalled Explosions (2011) (mp3)
FLAC #1 - #2

Suffering Luna-ST LP (2011)

Country: USA
Genre: Punk, metal, powerviolence
Label: To Live A Lie Records
Tracks: 4

(Band Request)

Suffering Luna was formed as Christfall in the 1990s at the edge of the powerviolence and crust scenes in Los Angeles. Rooted as much in hard drugs and inner-city drama as in punk and metal, Suffering Luna played and recorded infrequently for their first several years. Friends and fans of SxLx in bands including Dystopia, Gasp, Despise You, and Lack of Interest did their best to help them get their music out, but drugs, crime, paranoia, and homelessness kept the band from ever reaching the number of fans they deserved or reaching their creative potential. Shows were broken up by cops, recording masters were confiscated after band members tagged up the studio, and fearing he was being chased by demons, singer Messee kept changing the name of the band and refused to sing certain songs he believed called the demons to him. Considering the instability of band members' lives, it was inevitable that by the end of the 1990's, the band would be broken up with original members either joining the military, finding God, or ending up on the streets. They left behind them a split 7" with Dystopia on Pessimiser Records (reissued on Life is Abuse / Misanthropic Records), a split 12" with Gasp on Deep Six records, and a scattering of live bootlegs and unfinished studio demos.

More than a decade later, Messee and original bassist Taz reunited with friend and sometimes collaborator, Mitch Brown. When the original guitarist said he was committed to leaving that old life behind him, Messee, Taz, and Mitch invited Sean Socco from '90s powerviolence band Scalplock (L.A.) to replace him. The new Suffering Luna began working on updating the psychedelic hardcore sound they had pioneered 15 years earlier and began recording and playing shows around L.A. Since their reunion they have shared the stage with bands such as Hellbastard, Vitamin X, Lack of Interest, Stapled Shut, and Endless Demise. These new studio recordings and their live set are now being released as a 12" vinyl LP by To Live a Lie Records. A complete discography is also available for digital download from CD Baby or iTunes. A few more lineup changes have occurred since the reunion, leading to the current 2011 lineup of Messee: vocals, Sean Socco: guitar, Patrick Palma: drums, and Fivel: bass. Suffering Luna plays psychedelic hardcore with influences ranging from Man is the Bastard, Neurosis, Hawkwind, Can, The Stooges, St. Vitus, Solid Eye, Albert Ayler, Last Exit, and traditional Cuban Rumba. Similar bands include Dystopia, Gasp, No Le$$ and Bastard Noise.

Suffering Luna Website
Purchase: Suffering Luna Webstore
Suffering Luna-S/T LP (#M@mp3/320kbs)

Best of Blogosphere. Week XIV.

-#1. -#2. -#3. -#4.
-#5. -#6. -#7 -#8.

This does not try to value the work of anybody and only it represents my musical tastes, not those of the total of components of the blog.

Brown Angel-S/t LP (2010)

Country: USA

Genre: Post hardcore, noise rock

Label: Thunderhaus

Brown Angel feature seven horrifying eruptions of sexless, glacial metal punishment from Pittsburgh. Most of the older buildings in that city have a toilet in the basement – just a toilet, not a full bathroom – and the music of Brown Angel sounds as if it seeped out of one of those, coated the concrete floor in three feet of muck, ate your pet and climbed up your stairs; by the time you come home from work, your house is busting at the seams with living sewage, and everything you own is ruined. Slow and methodical, the music owes a great debt to groups like Godflesh, particularly in the drumming and songcraft – John Roman’s long, measured hi-hat hits count a deathmarch over hangnail riffage on tracks like “White Flight” and the torturous “Celibacy Pact.” Elsewhere, guitarist/vocalist Adam MacGregor exercises his love of Indian culture through music, creating a somewhat Eastern take on metal chanting that resists the temptation of psychedelic flourish, looking instead towards the sort of desolation and destruction of monsoon season. Grey sleet, nuclear winter, debilitating bouts of depression … this one captures it all in metered, exacting strokes. Features members of Creation is Crucifixion, Pay Toilets and (((Microwaves))), and while we’re being honest, I released some previous recordings by people who were in this band, so if you can’t take my word for it, then fine. For what it’s worth, this album sat around unreleased for several years before the group decided to reconvene. They’re active once again and playing shows locally in support of this beast, limited to a scant 150 copies. Each comes in a silkscreened sleeve with an ingenious two-sided insert, printed on clear acetate, and mine also included a photo of a distraught mime sitting on a commode, in a town square somewhere in Europe.

Brown Angel on MySpace
Purchase #1 #2
Brown Angel-ST Lp (2010)

Iron Hand-Liquid Assets7"(2011)

Country: USA

Genre: Hardcore, Punk

Label: Safety Meeting Records

Tracks: 3

Iron Hand is a crust/d-beat hardcore band from Connecticut featuring current and former members of They And The Children, Last Words, and Estrogen Highs and feature a sound that incorporates influences such as Discharge, His Hero Is Gone, and possibly Cursed. Iron Hand includes sociopolitical lyrics within their sound and song topics can also be introspective in nature. This is Iron Hand's laest 7" for you to enjoy. Great ep. Get a copy while it's still in print! New Link. Converted to mp3! Enjoy!

Iron Hand Bandcamp
Purchase: Safety Meeting Records
Iron Hand-Liquid Assets 7 in.rar

Ferocious Fucking Teeth-Hounds EP (2011)

Country: USA

Genre: post punk, noise rock

Label: Riotous Productions, New Lo records, chowda house

Tracks: 3

Damn, Ferocious Fucking Teeth take a different spin on art damaged post punk and noise rock. This Providence RI band's regional influences definitely show on this EP. Ferocious Fucking Teeth take bands like The Melvins, Jesus Lizard, Lightening Bolt, The Body, and Arab On Radar and mix these sounds with heavy, stoney, and aggressive noise rock elements. The end result is 3 incredible tracks of music that deserves to be played at high volume. FFT also features not one, but two drummers in total. Hounds is an impressive debut 7" from Ferocious Fucking Teeth. Amazing, to say the least. Great stuff! Enjoy! The 7" includes free digital download and a silkscreened patch as well.

Ferocious Fucking Teeth on Bandcamp
Purchase: ferocious fucking teeth
Ferocious Fucking Teeth - Hounds (2011)

Toundra - Discography (2008 - 2011)

Country: Spain
Genre: Post Rock, Post Metal, Instrumental
Label: Aloud Music, Astoria.

La música de Toundra viaja a Valencia a compartir escenario con Lehnmotiv, grupo de post-rock cantado en castellano que estrena disco producido por Santi García: Deja Senti. El afán de seguir dando batalla en toda la península lleva el rock instrumental de los madrileños a pasearse por diferentes escenarios y a seguir consolidando un directo lleno de sensaciones, fuerza rítmica y una calidad sonora incuestionable. Tras la enorme repercusión de (II), la reedición en doble vinilo era inminente. La primera tirada fue de 500 copias en España y Alemania, donde hace tres meses se agotó. Esta vez, la edición a color de 90 vinilos para España, deja a vuestra disposición la oportunidad de hacerse con el material sin pagar gastos de envío, como es habitual en nuestra casa.

Toundra participará en la edición Primavera Sound 2011, mas info aquí.

Toundra on MySpace
Toundra on Facebook
Purchase
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Toundra - (I) (2008)
Split - Toundra & Hand Of Fátima (2009)
Toundra - (II) (2010)

(label request)

Brain Killer-Every Actual State Is Corrupt LP (2011)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk
Label: Deranged Records
Tracks: 11

Hell yeah. I was psyched to see that this LP finally hit the web. Brain Killer are a Boston, MA based band who play fast, noisey, and at times crusty hardcore/punk that mixes equal parts 80's hardcore with early Japanese hardcore. Fans of Nomos, Deathrat, and Talk Is Poison take note. I also included Brain Killer's demo and first 7" for you to enjoy! Brutal and insanely heavy. Highly recommended. Every Actual State Is Corrupt has been on heavy rotation since I picked up a copy from Redscroll Records

Brain Killer on MySpace
Purchase: Deranged Records
Brain Killer - Every Actual State Is Corrupt lp (2011)
Brain Killer - Demo + Self Titled 7'' (2009)

The United Sons Of Toil-When The Revolution Comes, Everything Will Be Beautiful LP (2011)

Country: USA
Genre: Post hardcore, Post punk, sludge, noise rock
Label: Phratry/Sacred Plague Records
Tracks: 9

I stumbled across this band after seeing the review on Built on a Weak Spot. Another kick ass blog worth checking out. The United Sons Of Toil are an interesting post hard core/post punk/ noise rock band who incorporate elements of sludge into the mix at times. Their message is leftist/socio-political in nature, and believe that fundamental societal change can emerge only through radical individual change (direct quote). The music itself is hard to pinpoint on this album and hint at elements of 90's Amrep/touch and go noise rock. At other times you can hear a fugazi styled discordance and at others, possibly the Louisville KY post hardcore sound of bands such as Plows or Brainbanger. These variety of influences translates well in the 9 songs contained on When The Revolution Comes, Everything Will Be Beautiful. Overall, this is some great forward thinking music that breathes life into the sometimes stagnant/cookie cutter bands that are found in the underground music scene. I also included the band's previous two albums as well for you to check out as well (All free via the band's bandcamp page). The United Sons Of Toil's previous two releases were more straight forward post hardcore but great in their own right and worth your attention. Great band. Highly Recommended!

The United Sons Of Toil (Bandcamp)
The United Sons of Toil - When The Revolution Comes- Everything Will Be Beautiful LP (2011)
The United Sons of Toil - Until Lions Have Their Historians...(2008)
The United Sons of Toil - Hope Is Not A Strategy.zip (2007)

Trap Them-Seance Prime: The Complete Recordings 12" (2011)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk
Label: Deathwish Inc.
Tracks: 6

Seance Prime: The Complete Recordings" 12"ep combines all of Trap Them's pre-"Seizures In Barren Praise" material (the "Seance Prime" CDEP and material from their split 7" EP with Extreme Noise Terror) into one brutal 12"ep release. All of the music has been remastered by guitarist Brian Izzi and the release also features reworked packaging from designer Ryan Patterson (Coliseum, etc.). This release, in its original form, put Trap Them on the map with listeners and critics worldwide as one of the most interesting heavy bands out there today. Great reissue. Enough said. Enjoy!

Trap Them (Facebook)
Purchase: Deathwish Estore
Trap Them-Seance Prime Complete Recordings LP (2011)

Palo Verde - History for the Rest of Eternity (2010)

Country: USA
Genre: Sludge, Rock, Instrumental, Psychedelic.
Label: Drunken Beagle Records
Tracks: 4

Palo Verde is a psychedelic sludge-rock duo comprised of Lauren K. Newman (LKN) on drums and Terrica Kleinknecht on guitar. They have been actively performing throughout the US and Northwest since 2006.

Palo Verde initially formed as an experimental double-drum duo (Stickitin) but evolved into the current guitar/drums incarnation. They have performed extensively in the Northwest and have embarked on several US tours, sharing the stage with bands such as Jucifer, Thrones, Black Elk, Japanther, and Kusikia. Palo Verde have self-released several albums recorded in their home studio. They released their first official c.d., History for the Rest of Eternity (recorded to 2" tape at Type Foundry by Lauren K. Newman), in May of 2010 on their own Drunken Beagle Records. Palo Verde toured in support of History for the Rest of Eternity in summer/fall of 2010. Palo Verde has a split 7" with Hot Victory and is on a 12" comp with five other bands for We Made These Records (both released fall of 2010). They are currently putting the finishing touches on their 2008 Christina Files-engineered epic recording, Zero Hour, which will be released on 12" vinyl in the spring of 2011 on Phratry Records.

Palo Verde on Bandcamp
Palo Verde on Facebook
Palo Verde Webpage
Purchase
Palo Verde - History for the Rest of Eternity (2010)

Burmese - Lun Yurn [2011]

COUNTRY: USA
GENRE : Noisy Noise Rock.
LABEL : ugEXPLODE

Ludicrously powerful. Renlentlessly crushing.
This is the new full-length studio release from the West Coast behemoth. 12 cruel, inventive tracks of structure and noise executed on double drums, twin basses and harrowing vocals. Produced by Weasel Walter, this is one of the finest recordings of the band ever and reflects the massive impact of the band's live sound. The CD version features a 45 minute long bonus track. The LP version (released by Rock Is Hell) features silkscreened fold-out cover, obi and white vinyl. The CD is clear and massive, the LP is raw and punishing.
your death, your choice...

Now available from ugEXPLODE are all of the nearly impossible to locate, in-print recordings by this seminal noise/grind/metal/what-the-fuck unit that began in Iowa City during the late '90s before migrating to San Francisco to sit on their righteous crown of hate and fury! From release to release, Burmese's recordings have ranged from ultrashort and complex grindcore blasts to pure power electronics, SWANS-like ultra-slow dirges and other previously unknown, noisy territories.

D/L.
Purchase.
Contact.

Cope-Self Titled (2009)+Cancer Is A Gift (2010)

Country: Canada
Genre: Hardcore, Punk
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 13

I was joking with another friend about how Canadian hardcore seems to be so pissed off. It must be the winters up north, because Cope are another seriously pissed off band. Like fellow countrymen Cursed and Baptists, Cope play a dark, metallic, and brutal form of hardcore that's sure to please fans of Cursed, Anion, and Baptists. Cope are from Edmonton, Canada and that definitely shows in the dark aggressiveness of their music. Great stuff. Enjoy!

Cope's Blogspot
Cope on Bandcamp
Cope - Cope - Self Titled - (2009)
Cope - Cancer Is A Gift - (2010)

The Curtains Of Night - Lost Houses (2008)

Country: USA
Genre: Stoner Rock, Metal, Post Hardcore, Noise Rock, Doom
Label: Holidays For Quince
Tracks: 6

One of the most exciting new bands in this statewide circuit of loud … Their metal is a doomy re-contextualization, slow staggered riffs cragging through and collapsing over tough, deliberate rhythms. There's a blues tenacity to Curtains of Night, too, which lends an age-old grit to their new, minimalist grit.

The Curtains Of Night on MySpace
The Curtains Of Night on Facebook
Purshase
The Curtains Of Night - Lost Houses (2008)

Damn Robot! - Hunang Skrímsli (2011)

Country: UK
Genre: Electronic, Post Rock, Trip-Hop
Label: Hawk Moon Records
Tracks: 8

Damn Robot! - Hunang Skrímsli is the debut album by Hampshire, UK based brothers Rob Honey (Oceanus, Inachus) and Tom Honey (Good Weather for an Airstrike). Having collaborated on a cover of Frederic Chopin’s Romance/Larghetto the duo decided to establish a more permanent project, and Damn Robot! was formed. Their first song “The Great Landfill In The Sky” was included on the well received Hawk Moon Records: Volume II compilation album along side the likes of The Echelon Effect, ...And The Earth Swarmed With Them and Lowercase Noises. Damn Robot! have taken influence from many different artists including The Appleseed Cast, Clint Mansell, Imogen Heap and various Mike Patton projects, as such this album doesn’t stick to just one specific genre, it has elements of electronica, trip-hop, post-rock, ambient and more.

With gigs planned for summer 2011, this could be the start of something big for Damn Robot!

Damn Robot! on Soundcloud
Damn Robot! on Facebook
Purchase
Damn Robot! - Hunang Skrímsli (2011)

(Label Request)

Culm - Life In A Steel Cage Is No Life At All LP (2007)

Country: Germany
Genre: Posthardcore, emo
Label: Miyagi Records
Tracks: 14

This is emocore just like we grew up to, back in the 90ies when Dischord released one good record after another. Laid back, emotional rocking music, of course closer to Alternative than to hardcore, but still with that little something that makes the different - you could call it a punk feeling or whatever, but it is there. The 14 songs are ranging between slow paced passages and midtempo rocking. Some songs are rather straight, others offer a nice and too exhausting way of complexity through many details. Danceable at the same time as being relaxed. Besides the music, this is a good package. It comes on vinyl but has the CD packed in as well. A really nice gesture and convenient for the listener, having the vinyl for homeuse and the CD for practical reasons. All in all worth a look if you like Q And Not U, Fugazi, Seven Feet Four or older The Robocop Kraus. I wasn't able to find much more info about Culm. I think they broke up after the release. I also added a collection of songs from Culm's self titled album as well. Great stuff. Enjoy!

Culm on Myspace
Purchase: Miyagi Records
Culm - Life in a steel cage is no life at all (2007)
Culm - s/t

In Desperation-S/T LP (2011)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk
Label: Unsigned
Tracks: 9

Damn, this is a great album. I saw a couple posts on a few other blogs and decided to give In Desperation a listen. In Desperation are a California based band who play a dark, metallic, and viscious style of hardcore that seems to have a variety of influences. On one hand I pick up hints of bands like Tragedy and Cursed. I was about to write this off as just that style, but I also started hearing hints of modern sounding hardcore that takes elements of bands like Verse, Killing The Dream, Touche Amore, Defeater, and Former Thieves. The end result, 9 songs of innovative/forward thinking hardcore that refuses to be pigeonholed into one particular genre of the style. Great debut release, guys!

In Desperation (Website)
In Desperation on Bandcamp
In Desperation-ST (2011)

Kicking Spit-Psychrockbullshit 12" (2011)

Country: USA
Genre: Punk, Indie rock, grunge
Label: Tankcrimes Records
Tracks: 6

Kicking spit are a New Brunswick, NJ based band featuring members of HC/thrash bands ANS and Seasick as well as members of pop punk band Big Eyes. I was really impressed by the six songs on Psychorockbullshit. Kicking Spit play a great style of music that's reminiscent of melodic and punk tinged 80's and 90's alternative rock. I hear bits and pieces of bands like Husker Du, Dinosaur Jr, Seaweed, Jawbreaker, and Superchunk. Kicking Spit do a great job with the whole quiet/loud dynamic and the end result is 6 catchy as hell songs drenched in feedback and fuzzed out music. Great stuff. Enjoy!

Purchase: Tankcrimes (bandcamp)
Kicking Spit-Psychorockbullshit EP (2011)

Touche Amore-Parting The Sea Between Brightness And Me (2011)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk
Label: Deathwish records
Tracks: 13

Touche Amore are a thought provoking, passionate hardcore/punk band from Los Angeles, California.

From the first strikes of their angular yet melodic chords, it's apparent that Touche Amore have awoken something long forgotten in the hardcore/punk genre. Bringing to mind the balance of rage and melody that "Revolution Summer" era DC bands Rites of Spring and Ignition once carried. Within each song they build an awe inspiring musical tension while impassioned vocalist Jeremy Bolm's shouts resonate, ripe with intellectual introspection. This collective outpouring of traditional hardcore anger and emotional hardcore openness ultimately coalesces into something beautiful, vulnerable, and refreshingly real. In "Parting the Sea Between Brightness and Me", Touche Amore's creative formula is driven by emotional affect, not contemporary studio effects. In the purest form possible, raw shouted vocals and clean manic guitars fight for volume over roomy bass and percussion. Creating a sound that is shockingly simple as it is emotionally engaging. The serene and fragile opening notes of "Tilde" serve as the album's introductory serenade before Touche Amore pound and jangle into the hook-laden song. And seconds later, when vocalist/lyricist Jeremy Bolm screams "...I'm parting the sea between brightness and me...", a tone of desperation sets in that resonates throughout the duration of the album. His straight forward cries convincingly tell his own personal story. To some, this lyrical writing could read as a diary based purely in self deprecation, but his words cut and pull from a much deeper place in the heart. Serving as an open window into his constant soul searching amid life's constant trials and tribulations. Songs like "Home Away From Here" and "Sesame" are great examples of this, infectious in their sound and moving lyrical spirit. While "Method Act" and the emotional "Condolences" show the band experimenting with epic leanings while maintaining their beloved trademark character. Without a doubt, Touche Amore's "Parting the Sea Between Brightness and Me" is a stunning full length achievement on any scale. Proving that there is true beauty within the concept of artistic simplicity. This is truly a great album. Fans of Former Thieves, Comadre, and Defeater take note. Great stuff. Enjoy!

Touche Amore on Myspace
Purchase: Deathwish Store
Touche Amore - Parting The Sea Between Brightness And Me (2011)

Todos Caeran-After Dark LP (2011)

Country: Canada
Genre: Posthardcore, Screamo
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 5

Hell yes. I was psyched to see that Tod0s Caeran are releasing another album. After Dark is the band's follow-up to their split 10" with Bears that was reviewed earlier in this blog. Todos Caeran are a Canadian based band who play an atmospheric style of emotive hardcore/"screamo" (I hate that label) that should not be missed. I couldn't help but pick up a darker undercurrent to this release that definitely reminds me of Funeral Diner at times. Overall, Todos Caeran do a great job in delivering 5 tracks of dark, tense, discordant, and at times beautiful sounding music. After listening to After Dark I pick up influences such as later era Shotmaker possibly mixed with bands such as Loma Prieta, Pyramids, and In First Person. Great stuff. After Dark should be released sometime in July, so keep your eyes peeled.

Todos Caerán (band website)
Todos Caeran on Bandcamp
Todos Caeran - After Dark (2011)

Telephones Rouges - Radiocontrol EP (2011)

Country: Spain
Genre: Garage, Krautrock, Shoegaze, Punk.
Label: Mama Vynila Records
Tracks: 5

Telephones Rouges nos traen desde Ogrobe, Pontevedra, su personal e inquietante propuesta ruidista. Su sonido se sacude, en sus propias palabras, entre el krautrock y el shoegaze, con una factura de sonido muy garagera. Todo esto plasmado en un 10" titulado RADIOCONTROL.

Lo que más sorprende de este EP es como los de Ogrobe procesan, digieren y transforman influencias tan dispares como Sonic Youth, Can, Swell Maps, Screamers, My Bloody Valentine, Suicide... las cuales generan respuestas sonoras tan novedosas como "Helio", un nuevo himno sobre la venganza, que la productora Magnetova ha traducido en imágenes en un fantástico videoclip.Por todo esto, "Radiocontrol" no rinde culto a nada que ya hemos escuchado. "Radiocontrol" se convierte en un viaje en el que descubrimos nuevos e inquietantes pasajes sonoros. Cinco temas en los que los cuatro integrantes del grupo transitan entre la angustia, el inconformismo y la rabia descontrolada. La pulsión rítmica se impone, y las letras, gritadas en gallego, castellano y alemán, nos transportan al mundo interior de estos cuatro tíos.

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TELEPHONES ROUGES [Krautrock, Punk] (O Grove) + Trist Trash Trio [Garage punkrockers] (SBD)  viernes, mayo 20 a las 22:00 concierto en "LA SALA" entrada 5€ (venta en taquilla) Plaça Laietana, 48 Sabadell, Barcelona 08203 SPAIN

TELEPHONES ROUGES [Krautrock, Punk] (O Grove) + PIÑATA [Garage, Lo-Fi] (BCN)  sábado, mayo 21 a las 22:00 concierto en Sala Fundacio Màgica (L'Ovella Negra de poblenou) entrada 5€ (venta en taquilla) Carrer de Zamora, 78  Barcelona, Barcelona 08018 SPAIN

Con la entrada regalo de un sampler con material de la distribuidora

Telephones Rouges on Bandcamp
Purchase
Telephones Rouges - Radiocontrol EP (2011) (bandcamp)

(band request)