AOTY #25: Samothrace - Reverence to Stone

Two tracks. Too good. Reverence to Stone from doomsters Samothrace is an incredibly powerful and transformative album. It's heavy and lush and rips the listener away from the real world enveloping them in its emotional soundscapes. For a clearer picture of what I mean, you can read my full review at Hellbound.ca below. 

Samothrace - Reverence to Stone

(20 Buck Spin) The LP is only $12.99!

Samothrace on Facebook

AOTY #26: Deftones - Koi No Yokan

Deftones can be considered the survivalists of the nu-metal age. Not only because they are one of the few bands in and around that style still making relevant music but also due to their drive to push forward as bassist Chi Cheng continues to recover from a devastating car accident. For a complete breakdown on my thoughts about Koi No Yokan, you can check out my review for Hellbound.ca!

http://www.hellbound.ca/2013/01/deftones-koi-no-yokan/

(Warner Music)

Deftones Official Site

www.oneloveforchi.com

AOTY #27: Napalm Death - Utilitarian

I can't say I've been a lifelong Napalm Death fan. Solely because I had never heard them prior to Enemy of the Music Business. But I've been a fan since then! My appreciation of the band reached a whole new level when I saw them play in Kingston back in October 2011. That date was the first of the tour that saw them premiere the song "Quarantined" from Utilitarian. What a privilege. So it was with great anticipate that I awaited the release the album. And it was not disappointing. Unquestionably a Napalm Death album, Utilitarian did have some surprises up its sleeve. Such as the free-jazz saxophone blast on "Everyday Pox" (which I'm still not sold on, by the way.). Guitarist Mitch Harris's shrieks complement the mad mastiff barks of Barney Greenway as the incomparable rhythm section of Shane Embury and Danny Herrera complete the fury of Utilitarian's socially conscious, highly intelligent and thoroughly vicious grindcore. I'll end this blurb with the only phrase I wanted to use. (Which wouldn't have made for very interesting reading)

It's fucking Napalm Death! What more do I have to say?

(Century Media)

Napalm Death Official Site

AOTY #28: Conan - Monnos

I must admit I am a sucker for tone. If you have the right tone, I will get on my knees and kiss your feet. I'll have to do just that if I ever cross paths with Conan. Their album Monnos has tone in spades. The warm textures brought forth by their monolithic riffs could ward of hypothermia better than the thickest coat of furs. The resonant frequency with which the drone and sludge emanates matches the vibration of mine own body and mind. The crushing riffage and (largely) chanted vocals elevate Monnos to another plane. Conan will lure you in with a hypnotic slo-mo groove only to deliver a knock-out punch with a shift in drum tempo or a roundhouse riff. One could use all manner of cliched adjectives to describe the glory of Monnos, but one thing is for certain; this album is as muscular and epic the band's namesake. Tremble weaklings, before the mighty Conan!

(Burning World)

Conan Official Site

AOTY #29: Evoken - Atra Mors

I don't believe I have as of yet been able to fully appreciate all that is Evoken, but Atra Mors may be the (anti-)stimulus needed to realize the totality of Evoken's vision. As the album completes its peregrination, all the while dragging its toes as the mud sucks at the feet, one is transfixed by the unburdenable weight placed upon them. Atra Mors is unconscionably heavy. The gravity here comes not only from the ungodly low tuning but from the mood the album creates. The unbearable sadness of deep loss saturates the very fabric of the album robbing the listener of the ability to feel joy. Piano and synths augment the guitar and impeccably perform drums to create vast soundscapes capable of transporting the consciousness beyond this realm. Atra Mors is funeral doom at its best. It's unfathomably slow, brooding and depressive yet never boring as it injects flashes of light to stimulate the heart.

(Profound Lore Records)

AOTY #30: Indesinence - Vessels of Light and Decay

Few releases of 2012 pack as much atmospheric punch as Vessels of Light and Decay. Just as the hooded figure on the cover invites the child into the void (the extended artwork is pretty fantastic) Indesinence invite us into stunning darkness. Vessels is a doom laden death metal journey through the blackest regions of the soul. The pounding riffs and doom passages stack layer upon layer of emotion onto the listener. The burden is heavy yet well received for those inclined to the melancholic. These Londoners have summoned a superb ode to the pits of human suffering.

(Profound Lore Records)

Indesinence on Facebook

AOTY #31: Liberteer - Better To Die On Your Feet Than Live On Your Knees

Liberteer is the singular vision and execution of Matthew Widener. BTDOYFTLOYN is a politically charged grind album the likes of which you have never heard before. BTD is incendiary in its entirety as it stokes the fires of rebellion. Cutting through the vicious grind are horns and pipes to remind us that this is about war. Civil war. But a new kind of civil war. Not a geographical or religious war. This is a war against the centralization of wealth and power. Us vs, Them. A rallying cry for The 98%. And just as much so a war against complacency. Riffs and themes circle around and are ever present, holding the album together as it threatens to unravel under the force of its own fury. BTD is compellingly powerful and those horns can make a patriot out of anyone. The album is unique, uncompromising and unrepentant. It's insightful and inciting, and quite possibly the most meaningful album of the year. BTD will punch you in the face and grind you under its boot and you'll pop right back up with a "Thank you sir may I have another!!"

 

(Relapse Records)

 

liberteer.bandcamp.com

AOTY #32: Aeon - Aeons Black

I don't feel like Aeon get enough credit in the greater death metal scheme of things. Hopefully Aeons Black can change that. Aeon may lean a little more towards execution over evolution, but there's nothing new under the sun anyway. Aeon, and this album especially, slide right into the space on the shelf between Cannibal Corpse and Deicide. Gloriously blasphemous with a classic DM feel, Aeons Black is whiplash inducing and throat shredding. With killer riffs and satisfying solos, catchy vocal lines, and enough determined fury to burn down a stone church, Aeon are quickly becoming one of my favored death metal bands. Perhaps Aeon will win another Kingdom of Noise Death Metal Song of the Year Award. The "Where's your Saviour?! Where's your God?!" part in the title track makes a strong case!

(Metal Blade)

aeon666.com

AOTY #33: Kowloon Walled City - Container Ships

This would be the point where I paste a link to the review I already wrote, but it hasn't been published yet. In that case, I'll do my best to summarize.

Container Ships (Brutal Panda) is a really heavy album. Its weight comes from both its tone and lyrical content. Huge, awe-inspiring riffs and lyrics you can relate to make this more than just a ship passing in the night. Yet, after talking with bassist Ian Miller and guitarist/vocalist Scott Evans, the size of the album has nothing to do with their egos. They are just four normal guys making the music that comes out of them. And the dirty doom rock that results just happens to be really, really good. The album is sonically immense, unassuming and to be honest, quite captivating. You could catch a ride in the wake of Container Ships, but I recommend getting right on board.

(Brutal Panda)

inthewalledcity.com

AOTY #34: Nihill - Verdonkermaan

I'm gonna be lazy on this one and just link to the review I already wrote. And I will do the same for subsequent entries on the countdown. I'm that lazy.

http://www.hellbound.ca/2012/11/nihill-verdonkermaan/

Read it. And be frightened, 

Buy this from Hydra Head. Now. Here. Its SOLD OUT on CD. That makes me cry. In a good way.

AOTY #35: Testament - Dark Roots of the Earth

I was first introduced to Testament in a friend's car back in 2001 outside the bar where the staff Christmas party was happening. Needless to say, Testament was better than any of the crap that was playing in the bar. The band kinda faded from memory from that point til The Formation of Damnation was released. With that album and this year's Dark Roots of the Earth, Testament have usurped their thrash metal brethren. The last two albums have been far and above anything released from the "Big 4". There's really no other way to state it other than this album is fucking awesome!! Chuck Billy's very poignant lyrics and Alex Skolnick's slick guitar work meld to create just an amazing album. And did I mention the incomparable Gene Hoglan on drums? I mean really. Sickeningly catchy with songs that actually mean something makes Dark Roots a must-have for any thrash fan. This is another one of those albums that makes me really sad I can't grow my hair out long. Well, I could but it would be a skullet and the wife won't go for that. Hahahaha. In the meantime, I'm content to thrash away and air guitar my balls off to Dark Roots of the Earth. This is metal. My real good bud Todd might gimme a blast of hell for ranking this so low but dude, you know this kicks major ass and I could spin it every day without hesitation. 

AOTY #36: Witchcraft - Legend

I've been a fan of Witchcraft for years. However, I must admit that Legend didn't wow me the way I hoped it would. The five year wait since The Alchemist most likely made my expectations higher than they should have been. The single "It's Not Because Of You" did lead to heavy repetition though. Thankfully after a few spins the strength of the album became apparent. It's all about the riffs on Legend. It's stupendously catchy from front to back and Magnus Pelander's voice begs to be sang along with. Did I mention the riffs? Just incredible. Every time I listen to this I love it more and more. Legend packs a retro feel, brilliant songwriting and plenty of soul into its 57 minutes. Oh and "White Light Suicide" may be one of the best songs I've heard all year. I do believe it is mandatory I get my dirty mitts on the vinyl version of this pronto. That being said, this isn't the best Swedish retro rockin' album on my list this year. Stay tuned.

Available from Nuclear Blast.

AOTY #37: Begrime Exemious - Visions of the Scourge

What's not to like? Edmonton's Begrime Exemious rupture eardrums and speakers alike with Visions of the Scourge. Insanely relentless, this blasphemous death metal blast is fueled by adrenaline and sickness. Visions is pedal to the metal fury with an underlying rhythm demanding the most furious of headbanging. We're talking thrash levels of ripping speed. Disgusting black metallic vocals frighten wives and children alike as fathers/husbands (me) raise invisible oranges in demonic triumph. It's albums like this that are making Dark Descent a label to watch. With a little lineup stability big things could come out of the Begrime camp.

begrime.orphy.net

AOTY #38: Dying Fetus - Reign Supreme

  

Being the first death metal album to grace my Top 40 this year, Reign Supreme from Dying Fetus proves that I'm more interested in the veterans of the genre than most of the new upstarts. It's the band's excellent balance of outright brutality and brilliant technicality that really strikes a chord with me. It's devastating and dexterous all at once. Everything about it is what makes death metal one of my favourite genres. The vocals, the catchy riffs, the destruction. And that intro to "From Womb To Waste"? That takes balls. I really should have ranked this higher. Too late now!

Relapse Records

AOTY #39: D.I.S. - Becoming Wrath

Few bands are as appropriately named as D.I.S. See, that acronym stands for Destroyed In Seconds and that is exactly what Becoming Wrath does to the environment in which it's played. This is a half hour of furiously vicious d-beat hardcore I feel privileged to have heard in advance of its November release date. I can be a sucker for that Swe-death tone but it's really the energy that draws me to this Los Angeles band. They spew relentless fury that infects my nervous system and compels me to act in violent ways. A favourite while I'm splitting wood, the ripping riffs, bile soaked vocals and angry drums infuse me with power. Becoming Wrath's ability to distract the listener from the real world can get dangerous. Preparing meals with sharp knives, swinging the aforementioned axe and driving a car while listening to this album should be undertaken with the utmost care. The thought of seeing D.I.S. live both frightens me and makes me crazy with anticipation. Someday maybe.

AOTY #40: Cancer Bats - Dead Set On Living

Toronto's Cancer Bats have become a perennial entrant on my Top 40 lists. Dead Set On Living. As with Bears, Mayors, Scraps and Bones, just squeaks onto the list. This band always makes me want to move and scream out the lyrics. DSOL took me a little longer to get into than previous releases but once it grabbed hold it never let go. 'R.A.T.S.' and 'Road Sick" in particular caused some sore throats. Their Southern fried hardcore (ugh, I feel so cliched even typing that) is basically a really fun, high energy formula for having a good time. Their positive energy rubs off on the listener. I am really looking forward to FINALLY seeing them live this February.
Buy it from Metal Blade here.

Kingdom of Noise Top 40 of 2012 Countdown

As I have done for countless eons (well, 5 years) I'll be counting down the 40 albums that rocked my world in 2012. They aren't "the best" in the traditional sense. This is no democracy. These are the albums that I wanted to listen to the most. And did listen to the most. 2012 has been a crazy whirlwind year for me. In addition to KofN I started writing for Hellbound.ca and GhostCultmag.com. The new year will see me take on yet another "job" writing short reviews for about.com/heavymetal! This is could all cave in on me at any moment but I'm just running with the momentum. Anyway, I better start this countdown eh?
Here are the albums that almost made the cut. Any given day they could crack the top 40 but at some point you just have to call it a day and finalize.
The also-rans (in no particular order):

Pig Destroyer - Book Burner (Relapse): Great but I still don't hear what makes them special.
Converge - All We Love We Leave Behind (Epitaph): Not sure why this one didn't connect this time.
Hooded Menace - Effigies of Evil (Relapse): Starting to get formulaic.
Incantation - Vanquish in Vengeance (Listenable): Killer OSDM.
The Secret - Agnus Dei (Southern Lord): Could be Top 20 any given day.
Wizard Rifle - Speak Loud & Say Nothing (Seventh Rule): I don't really like noise but this is awesome.
Vision of Disorder - The Cursed Remain Cursed (Candlelight): What a return!
Author & Punisher - Ursus Americanus (Seventh Rule): Innovation, not a gimmick.
Xibalba - Hasta La Muerte (Southern Lord): Break down the ugly hardcore.
Witch Mountain - Cauldron of the Wild (Profound Lore): No doubting Uta's voice.
Norska - Norska (Self-released): Hard time keeping these doomsters out of the Top 40.
Encrust - From Birth to Soil (Self-released): Eardrums fully Encrust-ed.

Shooting Guns - Born to Deal in Magic: 1952-1976

I kept hearing great things about this Shooting Guns band but never really paid much attention. Most of the praise came from a resident of Shooting Guns' home base of Saskatoon. Therefore, I assumed a local bias was at least partially responsible. Much like the way I fawned over Kingston's I Hate Sally (RIP) and Guelph's Arise and Ruin (also RIP)(I lived in Guelph for 3 years). I might never have known how wrong I was about that bias had Born to Deal in Magic :1952-1976 not shown up in my inbox. I love being wrong.
Drinking deep from the well of doom (anti)luminaries Black Sabbath ("Dopestrings") and Electric Wizard ("Harmonic Steppenwolf"), this instrumental quintet has conjured a gem of an album from the ether of those cold prairie nights. Born to Deal's fuzzed out jams flow with hypnotic grace, lulling the listener into a state of total bliss. Sharp angularity has no place here as the smoothed edges of the groove transport you to a land of complacency. No need to worry about anything as you let the swell of psychedelia wash over you in waves of calming vibration. The wall of sound created is anything but oppressive. It feels more like non-violent explosions of warm light blooming in the darkness, the riffs floating on a sea of synths. EW and Sabbath aren't the only tributaries feeding these dark yet tranquil waters. Streams of Clutch ("Public Taser"), the almighty Sleep ("The Last Great Depression") and Karma To Burn ("Liberator") filter through the bedrock to augment the effectiveness of Born to Deal until you're neck deep in numbing coolness. Overdriven and delay-soaked, Shooting Guns drown the listener beneath texture and layers of sonic serenity. Not merely content to wallow in subsonic frequencies at an easy pace, "Stay Awake Forever" is a Hammond-drenched ride down a space highway with a Steppenwolf patch on its jacket while album closer "Cheater's Justice" sounds heavily informed by early Monster Magnet. And we can all use more Monster Magnet influence in our lives. It may sound like a lot of name dropping but this is no album of ripoffs. Shooting Guns merely take a queue from killer bands and reconfigure those methodologies into something unique and wholly satisfying.
It's been a while since I've heard something I'm so comfortable in labeling "stoner rock". But not even in the sense that it's music for stoners as much as music that makes you feel stoned. It's cantering rhythm and "bathed in smoke" feel pull the listener away from the physical sensations shackling them to their Tellurian existence to transcend dimensions on a cosmic trip. Pack your (dime)bags and bongs my friends, this is one journey you can't afford to miss.

Any band that can take a handful of my ALL TIME favourite bands and sew them into an album of considerable greatness is worthy of all the praise I can throw at them. I can't get enough. Get some. NOW. 

http://shootingguns.bandcamp.com/album/born-to-deal-in-magic-1952-1976

NEW AXESLASHER SONG

I meant to post this a while ago but internet issues put a kink in that plan. So without further adieu, here's a new track from the upcoming EP Anthology of Terror Vol 1 from thrashers AXESLASHER!! Mark of the Pizzagram - Invasion of the Babe Snatchers!!

Mark of the Pizzagram - Invasion of

And don't forget to go to www.axeslasher.com to order your Pizzagram shirt!! Click the Tweet button and 50% off!!

PIZZA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mortor - Shoot 'Em Up

I find myself typically listening to a lot of doom, sludge, black metal, death metal and various mutations and mixtures of said genres. So, when this Mortor album turned up in my mailbox, I was struck with a refreshing change of pace. These Ottawa death-thrashers play a straight up, no frills, headbangin' style of metal on Shoot 'Em Up  This album is another notch in the bedpost of what is turning out to be a stellar year for Canadian metal.  What Mortor brings to the table is much like a home cooked meal. You pretty much know what to expect (death metal and trash) but all the same it's wholly satisfying and nourishing. This is not to say that Shoot 'Em Up is bland or lacking in excitement (like mashed potatoes EVERY FUCKING DAY. Sorry Mom). What I mean here is that Mortor is not out to dazzle with a flashy display disguising a lack of substance.

Founded by rhythm guitarist Dave Paquette and rounded out by drummer Jay Cross, Bassist Jonathan Boulay, lead guitarist Antonin Perras-Foisy and vocalist Yolin Lafreniere, Mortor packs that meal for the road and carries it through 14 tracks of solid and muscular metal sure to put hair on your chest. Part of the appeal of the album is while Mortor draws influence from some of thrash and death metal's best, they don't sound like they are ripping those bands off. The familiarity of the overall sound puts the listener at ease and let's them connect with the music in an effortless way. However, the lyrics aren't likely to put anyone at ease. Lafreniere's death metal bark is all about the violence, war, guns, guns and more guns. But that much should be obvious given song titles like "Locked and Loaded", "Trigger Happy", "For Glory" and the title track. His vocals may not be the most dynamic but I'm a sucker for good death metal vocals. In this case, they remind me of early Cannibal Corpse or even Nathan Explosion of Dethklok, but my initial thought was of Krisiun's Alex Camargo.

Comfortable at a range of bpms, Shoot 'Em Up never sounds like the same song over and over. From the blistering "Trigger Happy" to the chugging parts of  "Clusterfuck", and the mid-paced banger "Infidels", your neck should get a varied work out. While you're busy giving your chiropractor fits, the shotgun spray of catchy riffs will bury themselves deep in the flesh. With almost all of the tracks clocking in at less than four minutes, Mortor is a very efficient unit. Each song a well-planned mission bent on accomplishing the goal without compromise and no prisoners. Perras-Foisy's slick leads, Paquette's pummeling rhythms, Cross's concussive percussion and Boulay's rock solid bass combine to create a well-trained force fueled by the meat and potatoes of classic death metal and thrash. There's even some hardcore punk flavour thrown in on "Let's Deflagrate" (that bass lead is sick! Pardon my slang.) just to throw the enemy off.

Produced by Augury's Mathieu Marcotte and mixed and mastered by Cryptopsy's Christian Donaldson, the album is crisp and clear without sounding overproduced. I usually don't comment on production but in this case it really stood out for me. In addition, Marcotte and Donaldson lend their shredding talents to the solos on "For Glory" and "Point Blank" respectively. Shoot 'Em Up is a full clip best unloaded at full volume. It fires on all cylinders and finishes in a blaze of glory. No need to ration as Mortor serves up a full meal between an appetizer of Six Feet Under's Undead and a dessert of Testament's Dark Roots of the Earth. Eat up, Soldier.

http://mortor.bandcamp.com/

Ponderous Chain - Shackled

While I might not use the word "burgeoning" to describe the Kingston, ON metal scene, there are a number of talented bands around town. "Promising" sounds like a more apt descriptor. One of those promising young bands is Ponderous Chain and their self-released debut album, Shackled. I've seen the band perform a number of times and have witnessed the band's live show progressively improve. Unfortunately, I've yet to see them play while I was not in an "altered state". So it wasn't without a certain sense of excitement that I undertook the process of evaluating their work properly. The biggest and most obvious difference between the live, intoxicant-addled experience and the recorded material is the ability to actually hear everything. This is important because this progressively-minded five-piece packs plenty of nuance into their sound. Having the time to let those subtleties sink in helped to change my admittedly neutral perception of the band.  
It might be easy to play cut-and-paste with the band's influences, but not for this writer. Many of the influences either listed by the band or picked up by myself or others are somewhat out of my comfort zone. Progressive is usually a term I approach with caution. Maybe it's an attention span thing. But Ponderous Chain and progressiveness are inextricably linked. The band eschews traditional song structures, incorporating instrumental breaks (sometimes more than one), and neck-snapping tempo changes. Meshuggah are the most obvious band to have rubbed off on PC with their sharp, chugging riffs. Other influences (Opeth, The Ocean Collective) may be apparent but I have no tolerance for either of those bands (Don't hit me!). So any comparisons to them goes right over my head. But that's okay. I prefer to let the open, flowing passages between pummelling assaults wash over me without trying to draw parallels. 
While I would assume that jamming has some part to play in the process, the songs seem too "written" to leave much to chance. I'm not saying this in a bad way. In fact, it's what I expected when I first saw Ponderous Chain's lineup. I was familiar with guitarist Zach Aylesworth from his previous band, Rozea Haven. Having seen them perform a few times, Aylesworth struck me as a perfectionist. The few times he missed a note (which I couldn't hear) a pained expression would cross his face. Like he was coming as close to kicking himself in the ass as he could without actually doing it. So it was only natural that the intricacies found in Shackled would bubble to the surface. Teamed with fellow guitarist Colin Sinclair, the duo have crafted songs that can ground and pound one moment and challenge the listener the next. The songs have movement. Speaking of movement, the rhythm section of Jim and Dan O'Handley (bass and drums respectively) are well versed in dynamics, albeit in two different ways. Jim's rubbery basslines course through the album with fluidity. The phenomenal drumming Dan displays at times left my jaw agape. Not to be outdone, vocalist Christian Wolf's delivery lacks any stagnancy. I've seen many young bands with vocalists afraid to vary their bark/growl/roar to any degree. Not so with Wolf. Mixing the harshest of harsh with spoken passages and (almost) clean singing, he melds fittingly into the mold Ponderous Chain has made with lyrics on subjects such as the war on terror, revenge and sociopolitical ills. 
I'd be remiss if I didn't offer the band some constructive criticism. My points are minor and easily remedied. First, at times the lyrics sound forced and somewhat behind the music in terms of maturity. I expect that will evolve with time. Second, and this may be totally personal preference, but the five minute ambient piece ("Liquid Oracle") right in the middle of the album is a major buzzkill. Two relatively minor issues is really no big deal. Those points are overshadowed by the things that Ponderous Chain do well. The songs are well written and well performed. The songs are deep and layered enough that the listener is pushed to actually pay attention rather than let the album pass by as background noise. And while the progressiveness of Shackled is the main impression it leaves, the band still employs memorable riffs and the strong musicianship to really sink those hooks in. The band is young and eager. The fact that Shackled is as good as it is as a debut speaks volumes about how much potential is lurking behind Ponderous Chain. Do your self a favour and come out to experience them for yourself. You might have to come down here to Kingston to do it, but they usually open for some pretty serious acts so it would be well worth it. And besides, you might get to hang out with me.


http://www.reverbnation.com/ponderouschain

So...who is this?

A while ago I downloaded an album, added it to iTunes with a bunch of other albums and carried on. Later, said album showed up as Unknown Album, Unknown Artist, Unknown Tracks. I have no clue who it is.
Take a listen and help a brother out.

01 Track 1

Thanks!!

Sons of Tonatiuh - Parade of Sorrow

Upon a short but trusted recommendation from Gruesome Greg (ie a tweet) I decided to give Atlanta's Sons of Tonatiuh a listen. Their second album, Parade of Sorrow blew the doors right off my barn. Following the sludgy intro, “White Wall” erupts with bassist/vocalist Mike Tunno screaming the song title with all the pain of a chainsaw victim. His wail is only one aspect of SoT's multifaceted approach. I envision Sons one day finding a home with Hydra Head Records. Not only would they fit on that label stylistically but Parade of Sorrow has as many voices as the mythological Hydra itself. In addition to the aforementioned sludge (very little surprise coming from Georgians. Not to stereotype.) SoT bring doom and punk rock in to the fold. One moment plodding along crushing anything in their path with Godzilla-like weight, the next pounding out that unmistakeable punk beat while telling tales of social injustice both new and old. It may sound like this mix of styles may detract from the albums cohesiveness, especially given how quickly they can shift between them but that is far from the case. Across the entire album, the tone, the feel of the output remains intact. It's only natural that the many heads of the Hydra are fed with blood from the same heart. I keep making reference to myths of old but Sons of Tonatiuh are far more current than that. Along with guitarist/vocalist Dan Caycedo and drummer Tim Genius, SoT bring a social consciousness to a genre I've not recognized much in. Sludge and doom tend to be more personal or existential. Blending the punk element in both a lyrical and stylistic way makes it different. However, they do so without it sounding like an overt protest song. There is so much aggression behind it that you really need to read the lyrics. And THINK. Of course, you may be too busy tearing down the walls of whatever establishment you find yourself in, but when you're done, know that Sons of Tonatiuh are more than just crushing doom, syrupy sludge and righteous punk.

For the record, it's pronounced “Tahn-ah-tea-ah”. 

http://sonsoftonatiuh.bandcamp.com/

Vulture Kult - Don't Let Rock n' Roll Ruin Your Life

Don't Let Rock n' Roll Ruin Your Life from Saskatoon's Vulture Kult had me step outside my comfort zone. I'm more comfortable with less accessible variations of the "rock n roll" mega-genre. Black metal, doom, grind, thrash etc. I wouldn't even consider Vulture Kult to be a metal band at all. So why bother to review it on a metal blog? I'm not really sure. But we'll go with the theory that since it doesn't suck, and I was asked to review it, it was worth a bit of my time.
At only 28 minutes DLRnRRYL is over before you really know it. It' an efficient album. Much like I shop. Get in. Get out. Have something with you to take home. In this case what you can take away from the album is fun. From the first 7 tracks at least. It's a rollicking good time. The power duo of guitarist/vocalist Hans and drummer/vocalist Bradley write punchy hard rock tunes with a decidedly punky edge. The semantics of genre can get a little confusing but calling this Punk Rock makes perfect sense.
Vulture Kult goes all in with opening track "Electric Medication". The tremendously catchy riffs and vocal hooks set the benchmark for the rest of the album. Edgy but accessible, it will have you dancing whether you like it or not. The title track follows suit with swagger and attitude. This is where I can hear the influence of bands such as the Stooges. However, I can't shake off that If-Ozzy-Went-Punk feeling I get from the vocals. Not a bad thing. Rock n rolling right along, "Vultures From Above" is a booze fueled romp through Vegas. While I don't hate "Avenue H", I can really hear KISS on this one and I don't like KISS one bit. That, and this sounds like it should be on Guitar Hero. The sleaze continues with "Cyanide Hand Grenades". That's a pretty killer song title. The song isn't bad either. It's kind of tune that bar bands could learn from. It'll get people up outta their seats. If Vulture Kult was to roll through town, I'd go party. "Go Loose" and "Welcome to the Land of the Dead" showcase Han's vocal diversity. In addition to the Ozzy-ness, he can also sound like Lemmy and even Wino. In fact, fans of Motorhead could find a lot of Vulture Kult much to their liking. Hard-hitting and loud, raucous and bluesy, DLRnRRYL should appeal to most fans of good hard rock. The final two tracks really seem out of place though. Lacking the power present on the rest of the album, it's a real let down. "Movie Of Me"'s quiet guitar and drums and organ make it sound as if it was lifted from a Tarantino film. Not necessarily a bad thing but it doesn't fit the album. Closer "Checking Out" follows that line. It's actually a very fitting finale. It immediately brings to mind the sun setting behind a lonely and broken gas bar on a dusty New Mexico highway.
There's plenty to like on DLRnRRYL. It'll get the blood pumpin' and the body movin' yet won't cause the more conservative members of your family to get all bug-eyed with terror. As I said, it's a little outside my comfort zone but it didn't take long to get comfortable with it. Sit back, crack a beer and don't let rock n roll ruin your life. Let rock n roll enhance it!!

http://vulturekult.bandcamp.com/

Offending - Age of Perversion

This album was kind of weird to me. Not in an avant-garde, these guys are messed up, what the FUCK is going on? kind of way though. No, it's relatively straightforward stuff. What I mean is, Age of Perversion made me think. In a relevant yet unexpected way. It made me wonder just where death metal is headed. There is the uber-technical direction but bands like that (Obscura, Cynic, etc) don't really appeal to me. I much prefer my death metal more in the old school vein. Which is precisely what France's Offending delivers. Age of Perversion doesn't stray much from the foundations of OSDM laid down by the sub-genres forefathers. The riffs ripped from the phalangeal appendages of guitarists Gropoil and Manu drip with brutality, with a slight waft of ominousness. Bassist Yoni fills in the low end with equal dexterity. These three one-named axeslingers assault the listener with a level of technicality that has come to be expected of modern death metal without going over the top. The basis still lies in the realm of DM-catchy, chugging machine gun riffery and double-kick, blastbeat percussive castigation (courtesy of drummer Vincent Roubiere. Two names!).

Whether or not you find Offending offending all depends on which side of the Christianity fence your sitting on. Or at least how firmly you are on the "God is great!" side. Song titles such as "Raped by Religion" alone could be enough to get the fundamentalist's feathers ruffled. The rest of the song titles make the message clear; Christianity has soiled and corrupted its people and blinded them to the truth. Spouting these diatribes is none other than Jesus. I could be wrong but I don't believe the singer pronounces it Heyzoos. That would be way too coincidental. No, the irony of anti-Christian bile being spewn with (predictable but always welcome) death growls by a man calling himself Jesus is just too juicy.

Back to my point. The state of death metal.  Age of Perversion utilizes the same elements countless other OSDM/Brutal DM bands do. I found it to be just as enjoyable as other death metal releases, and even more enjoyable than other, bigger names. (I'll leave you to guess who.) Which begs the question; Why aren't Offending a bigger name? Is there that much parity in the genre that its successes are measured by their branding ability? I may be going overboard a little here. I'm not trying to say that Age of Perversion should be a death metal classic or anything like that but there's really nothing here not to like. Provided of course you prefer your death metal to sound like death metal. Just like everyone else.

Age of Perversion is available now from Deep Send Records.

Please note: The Metal Writers Association of the Greater Forest Mills Environs has insured that no writers were offended in the making of this review.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/OFFENDING/150646044483

http://www.offending.fr/

www.deepsend.com

Last Call Chernobyl - Set Adrift EP

When my ears first beheld Set Adrift, the recently released EP from Halifax, Nova Scotia's Last Call Chernobyl, my first thought was "Oh great!" Sarcastically. My first impression was a vision. A vision of the band bouncing on stage in synchronicity to the syncopated rhythms. I wasn't entirely wrong but I will admit I was a bit harsh. I'm not going to make any grand proclamations of amazingness but I'm not going to throw them under the bus either. The main weapon LCC utilizes is the aforementioned syncopation. That stuttery chug-a-chug approach is used by a plethora of bands but it's not without it's merits. It's a highly effective tool for whipping a crowd into a slammin' pit. However, it is also accompanied by arm-spinning and karate moves. Something I still can't wrap my head around. The difference maker for me, and what prompted me to give my time to writing this review, is the lack of self-indulgent, masturbatory guitar wankery prevalent in other bands of this ilk. I hear it all too often. Yes, you can play every note there is all in one song. So.Fucking.What. That's not to say guitarist Matt Moulton (Not the New York Islander. That's Moulson.)is a hack. Far from it. At times, the all too brief melodies he plays have reminded me of the likes of Satriani and Vai. Some of the songs I heard from their previous EP have reinforced that feeling. Let this guy loose and he could shred. The rhythm section of bassist Jason Szeto and drummer Josh Pellerine are a tight tandem providing a solid base for screamer Kyle Mahar to shred his vocal chords over. His two-pronged death growl/screech approach can sound awkward at times but it's still not something that will totally turn me off.

Set Adrift might not be the most original or most engaging thing you'll hear this week but try as you might, the catchiness will find a way to bury itself in your brain stem. It's presence there might even go so far as to induce random use of garden tools or axe handles as makeshift guitars. Not that I....um.. the other day..or..fine you caught me! (I actually broke my axe slamming it into a log in unison to one of the songs. Then used the handle as a guitar.) So if you're into some brutal breakdowns (and I can't argue with the abrasive tone either) with some added flair and bad cop/bad cop vocals you could do a lot worse than Last Call Chernobyl. In fact, I'd rather listen to Set Adrift than many of the bands LCC lists as influences. How's that for praise! The crazy thing is, when I started this review, I thought I would just slam the band, but they turned it back around on me. Just don't expect me to "dance" to it.

Set Adrift is available now from Diminished Fifth Records.

Huge False Tour!!

Minnesota black metal titans False are set to embark on a huge US tour in a few weeks. Man, do I wish I could make any of those shows but it's not in the cards. As if gas, food and passports cost money! Do yourself a favor see False live. Tell me all about it.  And try to look more interested than most of these folks.

8/31 - Minneapolis

9/1 - Milwaukee - House early show, late show at Quarters.

9/2 - Ft. Wayne, IN - Harrison House

9/3 - Detroit, MI - House

9/4 - Huntington, WV

9/5 - Richmond, VA - Strange Matter

9/6 - Baltimore, MD

9/7 - New Brunswick, NJ

9/8 - Brooklyn, NY - Acheron

9/9 - Philadelphia, PA - Golden Tee

9/10 - Pittsburgh, PA - Roboto Project

9/11 - Columbus, OH - Carabar

9/12 - Indianapolis, IN - Vibes Music

9/13 - Chicago, IL

9/14 - St. Louis, MO

9/15 - Columbia, MO - Hairhole

9/16 - Kansas City, KS

9/17 - Omaha, NE

9/18 - Denver, CO - Blastomat

9/19 - Albuquerque, NM - House show

9/20 - Las Cruces, NM - The Trainyard

9/21 - Phoenix, AZ

9/22 - San Diego, CA

9/23 - Los Angeles, CA - Blue CafŽ

9/24 - Los Angeles CA - Vacation Vinyl (early show), LAPP Pad (late show)

9/25 - San Jose, CA

9/26 - Oakland, CA

9/27 - San Francisco, CA

9/28 - Santa Rose, CA

9/29 - Sacramento, CA

9/30 - Chico, CA

10/1 - Salem, OR

10/2 - Portland, OR - Beach House (early show), The Space (late show)

10/3 - Olympia, WA

10/4 - Seattle, WA

10/5 - Missoula, MT - Zoo City

10/6 - Billings, MT

10/7 - Minot, ND

10/8 - Fargo, ND

Toronto's Vesperia to release live DVD

VESPERIA Releases New Video Clip From Upcoming Live DVD 'Untamed in Toronto!'

     Every week during the month of July, Toronto-based Celtic Viking Metal quartet, VESPERIA will be previewing to fans a selected video clip from their upcoming live DVD 'Untamed in Toronto!' that was filmed by AX Media during the bands past show at the Hard Luck Bar.

'We are very excited to reveal our first-ever live DVD that we filmed in our very own hometown of Toronto on our last tour." says lead vocalist and bassist Morgan Rider. "For anyone who has not been able to see one of our live performances, this will give them a unique opportunity to see the primal nature behind a VESPERIA performance; fully equipped with a high-end lighting rig and in high definition!"

To view the first video clip titled 'The Swordsman' please visit the following link here.

  

1. The Swordsman 04:42
2. Huntress 03:28
3. To Times End We Ride 07:47
4. A Silence Prolonging (In Longing) 04:58

I'm kinda wishing I didn't skip out on Bolero when they played near me!

Heads up, Western Canada!! Into Eternity tour! Laika too!

Into Eternity to tour Western Canada

INTO ETERNITY has returned! Revamped and stronger than ever, the Saskatchewan-based Canadian extreme progressive metallers will embark on a Canadian Headlining Tour on July 20th

at Vern's Tavern in Calgary, AB. Following the tour's wrap-up in Brandon, MB on August 7th, the critically acclaimed act head right back on the road for The North American Devastation Tour with SINGLE BULLET THEORY and RIKSHA, which begins August 9th at the Blue Pig in Cudahy, WI. All tour dates are listed below. Guitarist Justin Bender had this to say about the band's return to the stage:

"We are back, and we are extremely excited to see all of you again at our upcoming shows across North America! It's been a slow, but steady uphill climb getting back on our feet and getting ready to tour again. We are making sure we do everything right, and that we put together a killer show for you guys - our best yet! There is a lot of new material being worked on as well, but the focus right now is getting back on the road, and re-establishing the band... which reminds me, more dates are coming for this year - but that's all I can say for now... 

This is our first trip to the U.S. with our drummer Bryan, and with our touring singer Amanda as well. They are both great musicians, tons of talent and drive - you will NOT be disappointed! We also have too great bands, Single Bullet Theory and Riksha, joining us on the Devastation tour. We are long time friends with Matt from SBT - should be killer!

See you out there!

Canadian Headlining Tour:

07/20 - Calgary, AB - Vern's Tavern

07/21 - Armstrong, BC - Armstrong Metalfest

07/23 - Vancouver, BC - Funky Winkerbeans

07/24 - Victoria, BC - Lucky Bar

07/25 - Prince George, BC - The Generator

07/26 - Edmonton, AB - Pawn Shop

07/27 - Red Deer, AB - Scott Block

07/28 - Regina, SK - The Exchange

07/29 - Saskatoon, SK - Lepp's

08/07 - Brandon, MB - North Hill Inn

Laika also embarks on tour out West.

Canadian Melodic Death Metallers LAIKA have announced their return to the western part of its home country with several dates in July. Dubbed Laikaruptour 2012, the tour also features local technical death metallers Abhorupt. It has been a busy year for LAIKA after completing a massive Eastern Canada tour and the band is now gearing up to record their second full length album. The band has issued the following statement about the upcoming tour (dates below).

"With this new tour we are showing the newer sound of Laika and exposing fans to true Winnipeg Melodic Death metal.  We have enlisted Ronnie Ladobruk on guitar to join us on the journey out west. If this name sounds familiar, you may know him from this year's Canada's Got Talent! He was part of the Winnipeg Auditions. Ronnie has been putting a crazy amount of effort to make this tour a successful one. He's an awesome guitarist and we can't wait to show him the tour life."

After the tour LAIKA will be heading into the studio with Ryan Forsyth again to record the long overdue follow up to 2010's Crafting the Cataclysm, which was self-released and made available for free download at this location.

LAIKARUPTOUR 2012 Dates:

July 20th - Winnipeg, MB - Ozzy's
July 23rd - Regina, SK - Exchange/the club
July 25th - Prince George, BC - Pizzaricos
July 26th - Vancouver, BC - Red Room Lounge
July 27th - Edmonton, AB - Avenue Theater
July 29th - Calgary, AB - Lord Nelsons
July 30th - Saskatoon, SK - The Fez
July 31st - Brandon, MB - North Hill Inn

From the Archives

I was digging through my email trying to find something and I came across a curious message. I sent this message to a guy I met at an all-weekend bachelor party for one of my best friends back in 2005. We were shotgunnin' beers and passin' around joints and we got talking about music. Specifically stoner metal/rock. He asked me to send him a sort of, stoner rock primer if you will. Here is what I sent him. (I changed nothing)

ok, stoner rock. I would start with Kyuss, Sleep and High on Fire (I did)
if you want more 60's groove feel try Fu Manchu, Nebula, Orange Goblin
and Alabama Thunderpussy
sHEAVY is good too (singer sounds like Ozzy)
heavier stuff, Electric Wizard, Goatsnake, Sons of Otis, Bongzilla,
Sunn O))), Sloth
Canadian stuff:  Sheavy, Sons of Otis, Sea of Green, Electric Magma,
Flatblak, Nice Cat, Puddy, Floating Widget, fiftywatthead

Kyuss' guitarist is the leader of Queens of the Stone Age.
QOTSA's original bass player (who just left before their new album)
was also in Kyuss but now is the leader of Mondo Generator.
Kyuss' singer was in Slo-Burn, Unida, Hermano
Kyuss' drummer is Brant Bjork, he does solo stuff and Brant Bjork and
the Operators
Sleep and High on Fire have the same guitar/vocalist
Sleep's bass and drums are now in OM, only bass, drums and vocals,
it's really cool
Sleep's old guitar and drums were in the Sabians ( I fucking LOVE the Sabians!!)
My favorite band is Clutch. Best ever! if  you like them, check out
Sixty Watt Shaman and the Mighty Nimbus and Speedealer

There's some bands on there I haven't thought of in ages, let alone listened to. Nothing incredibly informative here but it is kinda neat to see where my head was at back then. I actually never got a response to the email. Meh.