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| Ben Davis of Cystic Dysentery |
Showing posts with label Sevared Records. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sevared Records. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Cystic Dysentery: Dedicated to the Cause
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Waning, Epicedium, Deus Otiosus: April 2012 Reviews
Waning (SWE)- The Human Condition. Antonym Records, 2012. Swedish black metal-ers Waning offer a cross between nihilistic black metal so typical of Scandinavia and melodic riffing a la their Gothenburg origins. Waning proclaims not to have an agenda, and as weird as it is to admit- it comes across in the music. If the listener can accept that murder and church-burning need not be a prerequisite for black metal, the welcome aboard.
All the instruments, including vocals and samples fit together to create music that is harsh, but more atmospheric than abrasive. Clean, but not sterile, production adds texture and depth to The Human Condition.
All the instruments, including vocals and samples fit together to create music that is harsh, but more atmospheric than abrasive. Clean, but not sterile, production adds texture and depth to The Human Condition.
It’s refreshing to hear an album that draws from distinct influences, but in a modern and experimental way. The guitar tone and riffs pay homage to the black metal tradition from which Waning was born and vocal samples mixed into the instruments add interest to dissonant parts. Every aspect of this album was meticulously crafted, that’s evident, and you’ll enjoy it, damn it. It’s not music to burn a church to, it is music to THINK too. Try it on for size.
http://www.waning.se
http://www.waning.se
Epicedium (GER/DEU)- Anthropogenic. Rising Nemesis/Sevared Records, 2012.
German brutal death metal integrates samples Macabre would kill for with music more akin to Cannibal Corpse or Devourment. Always intrigued by serial killers, the interview and news clips are a really cool touch throughout the album that add to the overall tone of…murder.
What can I say about a solid, brutal death metal album? It’s heavy but integrates some cool solos and long tortured screams over mid-paced drum beats, allowing each band member to demonstrate their talents individually as well. Chunky riffs and blasting drums occupy most of the album, giving lots of time for headbanging and moshing. Maybe some slams, if you’re drunk enough (and by that I mean, if you’re drunk at all).
Basically, what’s not to like? Blasts, some plucky bass, solos, gore, brutal death metal, serial killers. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel or tread new territory, but it’s certain to please! Enjoy with a cold beer and dream about cold dead corpses. Maybe some crime books. Mosh a little.
Deus Otiosus (DEN)- Murderer. American Line/FDA Rekotz, 2011.
Random e-mails containing albums are always exciting- it could be the next big thing, or a big thing ten years ago. Aright, debut album from Danish metal band. Cool. They say “the album might need a few listens…” Ok, well that’s not promising. But nonetheless, I can’t turn down an album, especially one I’ve already agreed to review. I’m…holding my breath.
Despite their overly humble, less than flattering portrayal, I enjoy it. It’s sort of a pumped up version of old school death metal. I’m headbanging and sort of bouncing in my chair. It’s catchy, with an old school vibe. Although some consider “Catchy” a death sentence, don’t. Catchy means it would fit any mood- stomping fucking skulls or having a great day. It’d be good for driving music, and I’d bet it’d be a great live show, especially with the right crowd. (I hope the new drummer is up to par! :D )
While the production is modern, it’s not distracting, the band could easily be from a good 15 years ago. (Oh god, that’s 1997…well, you know what I mean.)
The point is- I want to listen to this. It’s energetic, fun and heavy. In fact, if there was a circle pit, I’d hope right in. I would put this on my Ipod and listen to it later. I think I’ll do that now. Guys, don’t sell yourselves short, especially when modeling your sound off some of my all time faves!
Random e-mails containing albums are always exciting- it could be the next big thing, or a big thing ten years ago. Aright, debut album from Danish metal band. Cool. They say “the album might need a few listens…” Ok, well that’s not promising. But nonetheless, I can’t turn down an album, especially one I’ve already agreed to review. I’m…holding my breath.
Despite their overly humble, less than flattering portrayal, I enjoy it. It’s sort of a pumped up version of old school death metal. I’m headbanging and sort of bouncing in my chair. It’s catchy, with an old school vibe. Although some consider “Catchy” a death sentence, don’t. Catchy means it would fit any mood- stomping fucking skulls or having a great day. It’d be good for driving music, and I’d bet it’d be a great live show, especially with the right crowd. (I hope the new drummer is up to par! :D )
While the production is modern, it’s not distracting, the band could easily be from a good 15 years ago. (Oh god, that’s 1997…well, you know what I mean.)
The point is- I want to listen to this. It’s energetic, fun and heavy. In fact, if there was a circle pit, I’d hope right in. I would put this on my Ipod and listen to it later. I think I’ll do that now. Guys, don’t sell yourselves short, especially when modeling your sound off some of my all time faves!
Tour NerdBurger Alert: Death To All Tour
There’s a number of big shows coming up, but the one I’m most looking forward to is the Death to All tour. Now, I know a lot of old-schoolers are probably at home bemoaning the idea that someone out there is trying to “reunite” Death and somehow besmirch Chuck’s holy death metal name. Or everyone who disliked Chuck at the time of his death is now in some way in need of cash. Ordinarily, I’d agree.
However. At least some percentages of the proceeds are going to the “Sweet Relief Foundation,” to help musicians in times of crisis due to sickness. As I posted a few months back- this type of foundation could be a good thing for the metal-community-at-large to help our friends and their families stay afloat during times of mental, physical and economic hardship. This pseudo-reunion is headed by Death’s manager and friend, Eric and I’d imagine, OKed by the family. Sometimes it’s ok to let bygones be bygones. Rad. Also, Chuck died when I was 11. There was no opportunity for me, even if I had been a Death fan preteen, to see the legendary band. The closest I’ll get to seeing Death is this confederation of dudes from later-era Death with two singers that, while solid, sound nothing like Chuck. But you know what? I’ll take it. I’ll be stoked about it. I AM stoked about it. AND it’s playing in Orlando. It’s like, the trifecta.
Really looking forward to seeing Steve DiGorgio, the guy I’d idolize if I had time to even touch my bass, ripping a fretless monster two feet from my face. And GENE. HOGLAN. On drums. I never thought I’d see either of these guys play and I get to see them both. Playing Death tunes. Live. Maybe I’m “too young” and “missed the good ole days,” but damn it, that’s not my fault.
And. Atheist. I’ll see you there!
www.deathtoall.info
Thanks to everyone for their patience. It's truly appreciated and it eventually pays off, so keep the tunes coming!
There’s a number of big shows coming up, but the one I’m most looking forward to is the Death to All tour. Now, I know a lot of old-schoolers are probably at home bemoaning the idea that someone out there is trying to “reunite” Death and somehow besmirch Chuck’s holy death metal name. Or everyone who disliked Chuck at the time of his death is now in some way in need of cash. Ordinarily, I’d agree.
However. At least some percentages of the proceeds are going to the “Sweet Relief Foundation,” to help musicians in times of crisis due to sickness. As I posted a few months back- this type of foundation could be a good thing for the metal-community-at-large to help our friends and their families stay afloat during times of mental, physical and economic hardship. This pseudo-reunion is headed by Death’s manager and friend, Eric and I’d imagine, OKed by the family. Sometimes it’s ok to let bygones be bygones. Rad. Also, Chuck died when I was 11. There was no opportunity for me, even if I had been a Death fan preteen, to see the legendary band. The closest I’ll get to seeing Death is this confederation of dudes from later-era Death with two singers that, while solid, sound nothing like Chuck. But you know what? I’ll take it. I’ll be stoked about it. I AM stoked about it. AND it’s playing in Orlando. It’s like, the trifecta.
Really looking forward to seeing Steve DiGorgio, the guy I’d idolize if I had time to even touch my bass, ripping a fretless monster two feet from my face. And GENE. HOGLAN. On drums. I never thought I’d see either of these guys play and I get to see them both. Playing Death tunes. Live. Maybe I’m “too young” and “missed the good ole days,” but damn it, that’s not my fault.
And. Atheist. I’ll see you there!
www.deathtoall.info
Thanks to everyone for their patience. It's truly appreciated and it eventually pays off, so keep the tunes coming!
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