I have not been following Darkthrone's career in the past, say, five years, but back in the day they were the sickest, most incredible black metal band along with Abruptum and perhaps Marduk. These dude were seriously evil. I don't know what happened there, but "The cult is alive" is considerably more rock than I ever thought this band capable of. Not just slower, but the whole thing has tinges of grarage rock, Misfits-like punk and a little bit of Samhain thrown in. It might be also the most Venom-inspired black metal album I have heard in quite some time. I guess they wanted to go back to the source. The whole album is seriously awesome as it is so unexpected, and the music ain't crap either, very good stuff. I am totally in awe.
- Simon Thibaudeau
Es is a Finnish project springing from the mind of Sami Sanpakkila; this is his fourth outing under the Es banner. Wow, is this guy a walking argument for the primal mysteries that must pervade the wilds of Finland. The music here is so mesmerizing, so evocative and formula-defying, it has the power to literally change your body chemistry. I'll dispense with mentioning song titles since they're just too long, but here are the highlights: Track 1 begins disarmingly with Finnish vocals, providing a folksy little overture that lulls you into false expectations. #2 is an unhurried, stretched-out piece hovering between classical and ambient, with bits of keyboard and violin poking through the mix in a manner that seems random (but probably isn't). #3 is a piece of hypnotic psych-drone on which the introductory keyboards gradually dissolve into a transfixing piece that's very reminiscent of Pink Floyd's "Shine on you crazy diamond," complete with lonesome sax. #4 showcases childlike piano, a little nylon-string guitar plucking and sounds of lapping water for a potently ambient effect. #6 is classic Finnish psych-folk with wordless female vocals and vintage keyboards. And #7 is pretty much straight/no chaser ambient drone. Lordy, during the many times I played this disc while driving, I wasn't sure I could keep living my normal life. I just wanted to hit the road and find some societal dropouts to go hang with and contemplate woods and waterfalls. No quick summary can do this unique recording justice; let's just say that if you're into freaky, droning, boundary-smashing weirdness that remains thoroughly musical and focused, this disc is especially gripping and unforgettable.
- Kevin Renick
Most of you know Existensminimum as the drummer of Moneybrother, and you, like myself, had probably heard the first version of "Running down everyone" over a year ago as a single. With that song, one could see parallels with the two group. Those parallels are have know been extinguished. What Existensminimum has now given us is a stellar experimental/noise/pop/psychadelica record that rips and tears and lilts and flies with each track. The segments of each song interweave with themselves, layering instruments and loads of texture. He suceeds greatly, as none of the tracks are cluttered, and each sound gives way to another. Tracks with vocals, the afformentioned "Running down everyone" (although substantially different now from the older version) and "Cina" hit the listener with hooks. "Sweden" is a true gem, a subtle, delicate number that explodes with vocals chaos towards the end. Existensminimum has created a top-notch debut, and I cannot wait to see what's next.
- Matt Giordano
A lot of people in my circle aren't that keen on instrumental music, so I sometimes feel like a weirdo for digging it so much. But I really love the versatility of good instrumental work: you can play it at home while cleaning or working at the computer, you can play it in the car and, if it's good enough, it'll even stand up to headphone listening. This 6-song disc by The Giant's Dream passes the muster for me. It's not a flashy disc; in fact, it's rather subtle and low-key. But it's a pleasant, relaxing listen. The pulsing keyboards and slightly off-kilter percussion of "Continuum" are just a little proggy, with enough variation in its relatively minimal arrangement to keep your attention. The crisply arranged title track works wonders in just two and a half minutes. But the two finest tracks are "Empyrean," which seems absolutely lit from within the way the guitar, percussion and occasional plaintive piano complement each other and "glow" with confidence, and the delightful "Forward," a little gem of a piece that makes the most of its warm, ambling acoustic guitar and a few dollops of mellow synth. Nothing groundbreaking here, but "Idiomatic allograph" is a well-produced, soft-focus little platter that goes down nice and easy, just like a perfectly blended mixed drink on a cool summer evening.
- Kevin Renick
When I got this album in the mail a couple of months ago, I wasn't really feeling it to be honest. Maybe it was because it was cold and raining, or maybe I just wasn't in the mindset to give it a proper listen. Fast forward to last week—I decide to put it in again, and I really start to like it. Maybe it's because it was now sunny and warm, or maybe it was because it was the right time to give it an honest shot. Whichever the reason, this is a standout pop/rock album, full of catchy songs and excellent guitarwork. Tracks like "Man must dance," "Execution song" and "Happiness a la mode" are great sing-a-longs and the proper album closer "Summerbreeze" is just gorgeous (note: V2's reissue adds three bonus tracks at the end). All in all, a solid debut by a band who's obviously on their way to finding their sound, and all luck to them breaking it big.
- Matt Giordano
Ever since I heard my first Raison d'Être (aka Peter Andersson) release, he has been my favorite dark ambient artist, no contest. I don't listen to that much dark ambient, but he has been consistently amongst the best I have heard and he doesn't seem to do wrong (well that's not entirely true, his rarities collection was pretty bad, although it had its moments). With "Metamorphyses", Andersson continues his journey into industrial squeaking, ethereal soundscapes and slowly revealing darkness that is as enveloping as it is disturbing. The drones and the heavily effected synths he creates make for a perfect soundtrack for a rainy evening reflecting about past misbehavior.
- Simon Thibaudeau
Trapdoor Fucking Exit was one of those bands I've only read about and never gave their music a listen. With comparisons ranging from Black Flag to San Diego's Drive Like Jehu, the Swedish quartet follow up their well-received 2004 debut "Be not content" with ten tracks of driving hardcore/punk. The guitars sound great and keep things interesting as the drums beat on like a healthy heart. The songs are pretty long (some hovering around four-plus minutes) with breakdowns to keep you interested. My only complaint was that the track sequencing could have a been a bit better: the first four are great but after "Cardiac arrest," I found myself losing interest.
- Navy Keophan
Based on Simon's two previous reviews, I got really excited to finally hear this band. Their debut full-length album is quite the release and the single "Thoméegränd" is one of the catchiest songs of the year. The instrumentation throughout is upbeat and happy and the melodies are fantastic. This album is a great indie/lo-fi/twee/dance album and, although the record is short, it's a pure pop gem. Anyone to pass on it is a fool.
- Matt Giordano
The new album from Swedish post-rockers Scraps of Tape is done. Exact release date and details tba.
Norwegian metal acts Red Harvest, Susperia and Grimfist will tour the UK together in October:
10/12 - Rock City, Nottingham
10/13 - The Underworld, London
10/14 - Rio, Bradford
10/15 - Cathouse, Glasgow
10/16 - JB's, Dudley
Leopold's new album has been confirmed for a September 22 release via Tomt Recordings.
Switchblade will be doing a few tourdates with Amen Ra in August:
08/24 - La Batofar, Paris (FRA) (possibly featuring E on vocals)
08/25 - Ieper Festival (BEL)
08/26 - tba
08/27 - Exzess, Frankfurt (GER)
Sondre Lerche talks about the important of track order: https://www.sondrelerche.com/diary.asp?id=89
The video for the new Montys Loco single "Give me more" is on myspace: https://www.myspace.com/montysloco
Finnish electronic label Huume has started selling 320kbps mp3s: https://www.huumerecordings.com/shop
Existensminimum
The Giant's Dream
Vapnet