Glass Coffin "Remnants of a Cold Dead World" cdr

Glass Coffin

Remnants of a Cold Dead World

Crucial Blast 

(5)

As most of you can tell by my reviews I am pretty into Glass Coffin. It's so dirty, lo fi and dark in it's approach to black metal. There is something so competent yet naive about Josh Lay's delivery that it feels genuine. Like it could have been recorded at the same time as Apocalyptic Raids. The recording on this one is by far the best and the dirtiest. The drumming is raw yet somehow precise, the guitars sound like chainsaws in the next room and the vocals sound like an apology gurgled through a Columbian Necktie. It's a full length cdr with ten tracks of blackened filth. This is necessary. Limited to 200 numbered copies and packaged in an amray dvd style case. It comes with a pro printed credit sheet, two buttons, two stickers and an amazing artzine full of Josh Lay's artwork. The artwork is fantastic. It has a Mike Diana vibe and the look of a hesher's binder in high school. This is my favorite thing I have received this whole year. I recommend getting this immediately. 

Mixed Band Philanthropist "The Impossible Humane" cs

Mixed Band Philanthropist

The Impossible Humane

Hypnagogia

(5)

A gorgeous chunk of sound collage from MBP. I don't know if I even need to say anything about this. It's kinda like reviewing a Merzbow record. All I have to say is it's great. Totally amazing and huge in it's use of context and texture. Both in the sound of it's pieces and the juxtaposition of them. This sounds like a schizophrenic's dream. Whether that's a night mare or a gorgeous dream is up to the listener to decide. It's fantastic. Again, all samples on here but used as tools and not as training wheels but you all know this as this is the 25th anniversary edition. Nice simple layout and artwork. Limited to 200 copies. 

Glass Coffin "Haunted by the Ghosts of the Damned" lp

Glass Coffin

Haunted by the Ghosts of the Damned

Prison Tatt Records

(5)

After last year's cassette release by Glass Coffin impressed me enough to refer to it as one of the best releases of the year, I was quite excited to see a new piece of Josh Lay's psychedelic, lo-fi, bedroom black metal onslaught. I was also quite relived that this record was not a let down from what I considered an almost perfect previous effort. This record, although only having music on one side, shows a huge range in the dark horridness of black metal. Some mid tempo riff heavy twisted tracks, some full on blasting drums with insane sounding guitars and an ending track of some distant howls over the top of horror movie like piano lines. It's awesome to see where this is going. I can't recommend this one enough. It's super limited, only 100 copies and has screen printed covers with sort of naive typesetting and artwork that perfectly works with the music. My only real complaint and it's not much of a complaint is that they kinda wasted the b side visually. They should have screen printed or stenciled that side instead of leaving it blank. Not a big deal as there is label on that side but I think that effort would have been very appreciated. Anyway. Go get this. 

Sissy Spacek "Harm" cd

Sissy Spacek 

Harm

Troniks

(5)

Sissy Spacek is sometimes described as "grindcore" (even by John Wiese to me once). I think this is a bit of a stretch but this record certainly has the power, if not more power, than your average grindcore record. If you take the most inhuman, noisy, destructive parts of grindcore and make that the loudest most fucked up thing you have ever experienced then you will understand Sissy Spacek on this live to tape album. It's a fast and destructive wave of pure noise fuckery. I am sure you own this already. It's absolutely necessary. This will bum out friends and lovers but will make you want to go drive a car as fast as you can. Limited to 200 and it looks beautiful. I actually have to take a moment and talk about this. Troniks, especially in regards to their John Wiese related projects, have the nicest design in noise. They actually understand typography. They pair serif and san serif fonts flawlessly, the use of imagery is always minimal yet totally interesting and effective. The only crime I have ever seen them commit in relation to typography (and they are way better at it than I) is that the font they used on the John Wiese "Teenage Hallucinations" cd had too high of a contrast for the way it was printed and the paper it was printed on. It was a font designed for letterpress and not for offset printing so it was a little hard to read with the thin parts of the letters not being punched into paper… that is as nitpicking as I get about that though because their design is almost flawless. I am always in awe. 

White Jazz "The 4th Practice" cs

White Jazz

The 4th Practice

Wall of Dogs Tapes

(5)

Absolutely. Yes. This is insanity delivered on a sweet wave of power violence and grindcore from maybe the funniest live band since Anal Cunt. Seriously. Sporting of members Akimbo, Bloodhag, Spirit of the Radio and Doomsday 1999 this band is absolutely something to see live. The bantering and back-and-forths are so hilarious that I was a little worried that the tape wouldn't have that crucial bit of their live performances. Fortunately they have used the packaging (which is simple and kinda awful but in the context works pretty well) and samples to make up for that. Usually I am not a fan of samples but in this case it works fantastic. Moments of Boston, the Jackson 5, and some stuff I don't recognize but I am sure is fantastic. The music is similar to Despise You, Crom, Spazz, Charles Bronson and a bunch of other stuff that we all love. I think you should try to find this and learn to laugh again. 

Ithi "The Persistence of Meaning" cd

Ithi

The Persistence of Meaning

Utech Records

(5)

This is bludgeoning. Heavy noise accompanying synth rhythms and chanting vocals make for something almost cocky. This record, which features Servile Sect personnel, is a huge chunk of grim, belligerent krautrock. I was absolutely floored by the first track and each one that follows continues to blow me away. This is thick and dark like a blizzard at midnight. They do this one thing that I love where they add context to the heavy drones and noise by adding these bits of audio (maybe field recordings maybe something else) that have little reverb or distortion on them. They almost sound like they are happening right next to your head where as most of the music could be being blared from the top of a mountain at you. It's a rich album that needs at least a few listens before you should go on. Being on Utech Records it is amazing looking. A debossed logo into the cover with a second double sided full color cover. Excellent hand done type by Kevin Yuen. This is excellent. 

White Gold cd

White Gold

s/t

Troniks

(5)

This is fucking refreshing… Two 21 minute tracks of blistering HNW from The Cherry Point's Phil Blankership and John Wiese. As much as I love lo-fi, warped cassettes of buried noise, I can really appreciate this crisp, clear and present onslaught. I forget how good noise like this can really sound. The noise is brutally intense and if you listen to this on headphones the sounds will wrap your head like a keffiyeh in a storm. There is not one dull second of this massive cd. The design is great; simple typography and beautiful photo collage perfectly juxtapose the destructive audio. Limited to 150 copies. Highly recommended.

A Death Cinematic "The New World" cd

A Death Cinematic

The New World

Simple Box Construction

(5)

So this would have gotten a 5 pretty much based on the packaging alone. If the cd had just been a collection of someone tuning their guitar for an hour I would still demand that you buy one. Luckily the music is spectacular. Intricate guitar work that is pretty much fearless in it's use of loops and soloing melodies. Fans of Barn Owl and Earth will find something to love here but A Death Cinematic does not sound really like either. He plays his own sort of drone influenced guitar experimentation. I think this is the best ADC I have heard to date. You may find this quite inspiring and I am positive that you are going to really enjoy this record. Now for a word about the packaging. The packaging is a hand made box that the artist is an expert at constructing. He may actually do wood working for a living. This is so clean and pro that it is kinda breathtaking. The printing on the wood boxes is clean and a bit of a mystery. Inside is a sleeve that holds the cd with prose printed on both sides and a small bound book filled with the artists' photographs and a ever evolving stamp…  You need to see this. It's really where the bar is now set for handmade packaging. 

Crystal Hell Pool "Domain" cd

Crystal Hell Pool

Domain

Debacle Records

(5)

For anyone familiar with Crystal Hell Pool and with Chris Majerus' work in general they know he has not nearly released enough music. I have found that there are slight but deliberate differences throughout the few CHP releases that I am familiar with. First time I had experienced him was on the Wind Blows Through Me cdr which was ambient and atmospheric drones that somehow found the balance between dark dissonance and almost melodic drone. Next the Weapons Cache cassette was similar drone but with all analog synths that created an awesome Soundscape similar to John Carpenter's work. The forthcoming Absolute Night is extremely minimal, dark and distant guitar work and then this release, Domain changes things up again. This is almost like an updated and less cheesy Tangerine Dream. Maybe even closer to Klaus Schultz solo releases. Full on synth driven songs that live between drone, pop and rock. This is for fans on Fuck Buttons, Megabats or Emeralds. Pretty much crucial for anyone that loves that stuff. It's a full length cd with eleven tracks and interesting artwork by the artist. Packaged in a high gloss digipack wallet. 

Cock E.S.P./Actuary "Electric Static Bodies" split 7"

Cock E.S.P./Actuary split 7"

Electric Static Bodies

Love Earth Music/No One's Ark

(5)

Holy fuck! I have not heard much from Cock E.S.P. in awhile and I had kinda forgotten how fucking intense they can be. This is pure fucking terror. HNW meets the most horrific screaming I have heard in a long time. I think it might be live but I am not entirely sure. i do know that I am freaked the fuck out. Actuary totally delivers as well. Harsh feedback and punishing low end waves of distortion. It's a fucking amazing 7". Absolutely pick this thing up. As a father I will warn you not to play this around your children. They will grow up to be someone who makes headlines in a very grim way. 

Deadbeat "Source Tape for Dirty Old Men" cs

Deadbeat

Source Tape for Dirty Old Men

I Hate Tapes

(5)

So this one starts off with a sample. A long sample from an old movie (1950-1960?)that I don't think I have ever seen. It sounds like a father discovering a kid with his daughter and then goes about torturing him. I know I normally turn my nose at samples as if they were unnecessary jewelry on a already gorgeous pig but in this case the sample works perfectly. Totally fits the mood, it builds a slight narrative and once the screaming really starts the HNW takes charge for the next 8-10 minutes. It's pretty perfectly used. This sample works in the same way the Goodfellas sample at the beginning of Today is the Day's masterpiece record Willpower does. The noise on this cassette is thick, heavy and pure filth. This is important. This is an example for everyone on how to use samples into and out of noise. The label is called I Hate Tapes I think. I have no information about them but I believe Worthless Recordings sen this to me so I would bug them about getting one of these. It's good. It even ends with a continuation of the sample and it's terrifying. Good work Deadbeat. Seek help. 

Swamp Horse "Subtle Dementia" 7"

Swamp Horse

Subtle Dementia

Husk Records

(5)

Before I say anything lets agree that you will buy this right away. The majority of this review will be short but glowing and it will say "own this. listen to this. be pleased". Swamp Horse offer us two tracks on this 7" that absolutely will have you scouring the internet for months to come for another record. The A side of this 7" is the real stunner here. If I had to compare it to anyone I might say Goblin. Hearing this for the first time will fill you with the same excitement that you had when you first watched/heard Suspiria. Reading that you might think it has the tell tale 80's moog and I should say that it doesn't, in fact it only sounds like Goblin in feel and approach but not in the same type of instrumentation. Although synths are used throughout, it's in a totally different way. It is dark and scary and it comes from a gorgeous place of hell. I have played this record a total of nine times tonight and I don't plan on getting bored of it. The second side is much noisier but still totally dark and interesting. Grinding shifting waves of noise. It's excellent. I have to say that when I first got this I had no idea what I was in for. The cover painting, while very nice, made me think Josh Lay and Morgan Rankin (in sunglasses) had a southern rock band or something. It's a pretty punk layout but once you listen to the audio I think it all makes sense. I am a fan. This goes on the "best of" list for the end of year.

I used the photo from the Husk page so you can see the record next to the original painting. I think the original looks a little nicer than the record cover but it's still a killer/weird painting. Reminds me of early Dave Cooper. Also notiee how the hand on the cover is also probably from a different person. Otherwise it would be an awkward way to hold your own right hand. I think this adds a subtle bit of anxiety. Nicely done.

Harassor "Hater of Man" cs

Harassor

Hater of Man

Husk Records

(5)

I was super excited when this showed up in the mail that it had to jump the line a little. I am already a huge fan of Harassor's LP on Universal Consciousness that I picked up from them last year. I am not at all disappointed by this cassette. It has a recording quality that brings to mind Bathory meets Bone Awl and the music isn't that far off either. This is tough primitive death/black metal with vocals that are completely fucked. I guess this was recorded in 2006 which makes me think I might be missing something. This is so fucking good I can't imagine that they waited almost six years to put this out. Thank the elder gods that Josh Lay unleashed this on the planet for us. I fully recommend this in every way. Awesome simple layout and nicely put together. 

Fire Walk with Me 3xcs

Fire Walk with Me 3xcs

Worthless Recordings

(5)

This is a rare gem. In fact it has to be or else the guy who made this would probably get in trouble. The River's Edge cassette that came out last year on this label was great and this is just as great but it actually sounds a little clearer. It's very nice to be able to just have this one while you draw. Without the visuals you really get to focus on how totally creepy and perfect the sounds and music were for this excellent piece of surreal film noir. Excellent minimal design with a excellent use of color. Thanks Worthless Recordings. You have proven time ad time again that you are anything but. 

Sky Thing "Cooler Heads Prevail" cs+ a zine by John Collins McCormick

Sky Thing

Cooler Heads Prevail

Eggy Records

(5)

This is phenomenal. Electric Acoustical layers of percussion and tape manipulations that make up a beautiful and perfectly constructed tape. I don't want to compare it to anything as I really think you should just pick this up right away. Small drums married with warped and broken vocals, maybe? Slowed down cymbals and fire? It's hard to say what I am exactly listening to but almost all of it sounds familiar. This tape sounds almost like it could be the start of something new. I can't really say much more. I wish I could just buy every copy and give them to all of you. I am really pleased to have received this. The art, by Josh Kermiet, is gorgeous. the layout is beautiful. I have to ask Eggy where they get their covers made. It's a nice full color newsprint type paper that reminds me of what comics are supposed to feel like. 

I also received a zine along with this tape by the artist behind Sky Thing, John Collins McCormick. It's a beautiful printed/hand lettered sine of asymmetrical drawings. Mostly in black and white but with a couple hand colored pages to set it off. It's a nice accompaniment to go with the cassette. His lines have the character of some of Jim Woodring's lines but totally abstract. This is something I would like to see more of. If you are interested you can email John here.

Fantasy Island/Hadals split cs

Fantasy Island/Hadals split

Tapes of a Neon God

(5)

I don't go higher than 5 but I really wish I could. This is the best thing I have had the chance to review in a very long time. First of all let's just jump right to the names. Fantasy Island with the song "Steve Albini". Yes. Amazing. Fuck. It is fucking intense noise that just obliterates. Total junked, harsh, insanity. Completely left me hoping it would never stop and be over at the same time. Fucking perfect. Then we have Hadals with their song, "Cupcaking". Arms to the sky, happy with this. Another track of trashed out psychedelic noise. This is less scattered and twisted then Fantasy Island but it's much more ominous and horrifying. Noise lets up to reveal a huge dark cloud of synths and whispered vocals (maybe, it's hard to tell. You almost don't want to find out what those sounds below the din are). At times I wish TOANG would put out more tapes because everything they do is so good but other times I am glad they take this so seriously and do such excellent work. Beautiful double sided color j cards. 

More info here.

Mawdryn cs

Mawdryn

s/t

Universal Consciousness

(5)

Mawdryn is a one man atmospheric drone/metal project by Roskva (Lightning Swords of Death & Endless Blizzard). It's a really fucking heavy revelation. Giant slow riffs with pummeling drums and synths that makes something absolutely enormous. To borrow an idea from the UC's website, this is pure Satanic Majesty. When people say drone/metal they probably think Sunn 0))), Habsyll, Black Boned Angel or something in that vein but Mawdryn deserves it's own place in the genre. This may be my favorite new release and I will be wearing this one out. Limited to 100 copies so get this. This is going to be huge. Vinyl and cd represses… all that stuff. Hell, I would love to reissue it on my label. Letter pressed jcards as usual. Beautiful (ignore the cracked case). 

Lord Time "Black Hole at the End of the Tunnel" cs

Lord Time

Black Hole at the End of the Tunnel

Universal Conciousness

(5)

I was very stoked to see this arrive as the last Lord Time cassette was amazing. BHATEOTT is no exception. There are 20 short tracks that all sort of swirl and blend together on this cassette. Still excellent and twisted lo-fi black metal but there is a lot more to the overall piece on this one. Moments of noise, psychedelic, drone and neo-folk add some much interesting contrast that you will need to listen to this many times to get it all. Some songs rage with blast beats and super fast discordant guitars while others sound like a funeral dirge at a concentration camp. Bleak. This is totally crucial and I can't recommend this enough. Amazing letterpressed j cards and cassettes covered in real blood as usual. 

Jessika Kenny & Eyvind Kang "Aestuarium" 12"

Jessika Kenny & Eyvind Kang

Aestuarium

Ideological Organ/Editions Mego

(5)

This is truly unbelievable. Listening to this made me realize how small my musical world really is. I want to pretend I know a lot about metal, jazz, folk, noise, whatever… but in reality I inhabit a very small corner of an entire universe of music. The whole of this recording is made up of interplay between the human voice, performed by Jessika Kenny, and viola, performed by Eyvind Kang. I have been a little familiar with some of their collaborative works, most recently they both worked on Monoliths and Dimensions by SUNN0))) on the track "Big Church". The music is so beautiful and flawless on this record. It can sound like it's from Ireland, Isreal and Tibet all at the same time. This is evidence of why the spiritual and the musical are so intwined. This is heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time. My eyes have been opened and I want to see more. Apparently this is a vinyl repressing from a cd release in 2005 and Stephen O'Malley has given this a wonderful treatment. His design and care in the production of these records are apparent. Definitely a must for anyone searching for something they haven't found yet.

Fear Konstructor "Return to Reason" cs

Fear Konstruktor

Return to Reason

Strabismus Tapes

(5)

Really amazing work here from both the composer, the illustrator and the label. This is an example of when collaborations between the audio, visual and the fabrication really come together. The sounds on this cassette are gorgeous and troubling drones. Moments of possible field recordings add an organic and uncontrollable feel. Trains maybe. Wind storms…  it's hard to say but it creates a completely realized world. This is really well done. Highly recommended. I also want to mention how nicely done the artwork is. The illustration is amazing black and white line work  by Artaksiniya and the design looks as if it was handled by Steve, who runs the label. They are both clearly skilled in their approaches. This run of 30 copies is packaged in a green bag with a full color double sided, backwards folded J card and some actual foliage. I guess there is a version of this release that comes in numbered tins with an extra tape and a ton of plants packed in there… I assume in time they will break down but that will just be even more perfect for this release.