Jan. 30 – Water Street Music Hall, Rochester, NY
Jan. 31 – Harpo’s, Detroit, MI
Feb. 02 – Intersection, Grand Rapids, MI
Feb. 03 – The Rave, Milwaukee, WI
Feb. 04 – Pop’s, Sauget, IL
Feb. 06 – Granada Theatre, Lawrence, KS
Feb. 07 – Gothic Theatre, Englewood, CO
Feb. 09 – House of Blues, Las Vegas, NV
Feb. 10 – The Complex, Salt Lake city, UT
Feb. 11 – Knitting Factory, Boise, ID
Feb. 13 – Yost Theatre, Santa Ana, CA
Feb. 14 – House of Blues, San Diego, CA
Feb. 15 – Marquee Theatre, Phoenix, AZ
Feb. 17 – Sunshine Theatre, Albuquerque, NM
Feb. 18 – Tricky Falls, El Paso, TX
Feb. 19 – The Pavilion, Lubbock, TX
Feb. 21 – Emo’s East, Austin, TX
Feb. 22 – Warehouse Live, Houston, TX
Feb. 24 – Expo Five, Louisville, KY
Feb. 25 – Peabody’s, Cleveland, OH
Feb. 26 – Sound Academy, Toronto, ON
Feb. 27 – Metropolis, Montreal, QC
Feb. 29 – Imperial, Quebec City, QC
Mar. 01 – Webster Theatre, Hartford, CT
Mar. 02 – The Paramount Theater, Huntington, NY
Mar. 03 – Starland Ballroom, Sayerville, NJ
Mar. 04 – Ram’s Head Live, Baltimore, MD
Recent Signings: GOJIRA to Roadrunner – ULCERATE to Relapse Records
GOJIRA sign with Roadrunner Records!
“Roadrunner Records announced today the addition of French metal behemoths Gojira to the label. The band is universally recognized as one of the most talented and extreme art-metal acts on the scene today. Gojira is one of those rare bands that comes along every couple of years and takes everything you know about metal, twists it, reimagines it and comes up with something wholly unique. It’s doubtful you’ve heard anything like Gojira before. The band makes that much of an impact with its music and approach.
“We are so stoked to walk with the legendary Roadrunner,” Joe said about the new partnership. “We discovered Sepultura, Machine Head, Death, Fear Factory and so many other great bands thanks to these guys. Roadrunner has been a great source of inspiration for us as metal fans. It’s an honor to be part of this family today as a band. We feel we’ll get the right support at the right moment in our career. We cannot wait to release our new record and get back on the road.”
The band’s Roadrunner debut will be its fifth album to date. The band will record in New York City this month, with a projected spring 2012 release date. Joe Duplantier will serve in a co-producer capacity along Josh Wilbur (Lamb of God).
ULCERATE sign with Relapse Records!
ULCERATE formed in 2000 and has previously released three full-length albums. The band’s latest album, The Destroyers of All, was released earlier this year and received international critical acclaim for its blend of ambitious songwriting and unorthodox extremity. ULCERATE will enter the studio next fall to begin recording their Relapse debut.
ULCERATE’s Jamie Saint Merat commented on the signing and the band’s upcoming tour dates: “Working with Relapse is a very logical next step for us, and we’re really looking forward to the partnership. Their presence of quality releases regardless of genre, overarching aesthetic, and attention to detail is something that we find very natural to align with, as well as being fans of the label’s releases well before the band was even started. In terms of what’s next for the Ulcerate, 2012 will be a big year for us – in February we’re touring Europe for 23 dates with our good friends in SVART CROWN, followed up by MDF X and accompanying side-shows in the US in May, New Zealand shows in December (2011) and January, and a tentative return to Australia mid-year. We’ll also begin work on album number 4…”.
LUNGLUST / WESTERN SYNDROME Split; Streaming
LUNGLUST has recently recorded 2 songs at Mad Oak Studios with Benny Grotto (Dresden Dolls, Slapshot, Acaro, PanzerBastard, Motherboar) along with WESTERN SYNDROME for a split release via WITCH TRIAL RECORDS, release date: November 15th, 2011.
Streaming here:
http://witchtrial.bandcamp.com/album/split
Track listing:
1. Western Syndrome – An Understanding
2. Western Syndrome – Weight
3. Lunglust – Arrows
4. Lunglust – Heir of Nine
LUNGLUST is continuing writing new songs to debut for the fast approaching new year.
IN FLAMES & TRIVIUM Announce North American Dates
IN FLAMES and TRIVIUM will embark on a 2012 winter North American tour, opening acts include VEIL OF MAYA and KYNG.
1/12 – The Rave – Milwaukee, WI
1/13 – Royal Oak Music Theatre – Royal Oak, MI
1/14 – Rams Head Live – Baltimore, MD
1/15 – Trocadero – Philadelphia, PA
1/17 – The Ritz Ybor – Ybor City, FL
1/18 – Center Stage – Atlanta, GA
1/20 – Warehouse Live Ballroom – Houston, TX
1/21 – Emo’s East – Austin, TX
1/22 – Granada Theater – Dallas, TX
1/24 – First Avenue – Minneapolis, MN
1/25 – Burton Cummings – Winnipeg, MA
1/27- Edmonton Events Centre – Edmonton, AB
1/28 – MacEwan Hall Ballroom – Calgary, AB
1/31 – Commodore Ballroom – Vancouver, BC
2/1 – Roseland Theatre – Portland, OR
2/2 – Knitting Factory Concert House – Boise, ID
2/3 – Showbox SODO – Seattle, WA
2/4 – Knitting Factory Concert House – Spokane, WA
2/6 – The Regency Ballroom – San Francisco, CA
2/7 – Wiltern Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
2/8 – The Marquee – Tempe, AZ
2/9 – Sunshine Theater – Albuquerque, NM
2/10 – The Summit Music Hall – Denver, CO
2/11 – The Beaumont Club – Kansas City, MO
2/13 – House of Blues – Cleveland, OH
2/14 – Sound Academy – Toronto, ON
2/15 – Metropolis – Montreal, QC
2/17 – The Palladium – Worcester, MA
2/18 – Best Buy Theater – New York, NY
2/19 – Stage AE – Pittsburgh, PA
2/21 – House of Blues – Chicago, IL
GHOST to Tour with BLOOD CEREMONY and ANCIENT VVISDOM
With a message posted on GHOST’s Facebook:
“Children of America,
It is with an evil haunting chuckle that we are announcing that we are finally coming to North America. In the name of Satan, we will conduct thirteen rituals in thirteen different cities throughout the United States and Canada and now we are summoning all of our devotees to partake in these blasphemous eves of black magic”
1/18 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
1/19 – Washington D.C. – Rock ´N´Roll Hotel
1/20 – Boston, MA – Middle East Downstairs
1/21 – Montreal, QC – Corona Theatre
1/22 – Toronto, ON – The Mod Club
1/24 – Chicago, IL – Bottom Lounge
1/25 – Saint Paul, MN – Station Four
1/27 – Denver, CO – Marquis Theatre
1/28 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Vertigo
1/30 – Seattle, WA – El Corazon
1/31 – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre
2/1 – San Francisco, CA – Bottom Of The Hill
2/2 – Los Angeles, CA – The Roxy Theatre
THE ATLAS MOTH Going on West Coast Tour with KOWLOON WALLED CITY and BATILLUS
THE ATLAS MOTH will be heading out for several dates for a West Coast trek with KOWLOON WALLED CITY and BATILLUS joining them on select dates. THE ATLAS MOTH recently released “An Ache for the Distance” via Profound Lore Records on September 20th. You can listen to a track off “An Ache for the Distance“, ‘Coffin Varnish’, after the jump.
Nov 09 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th Street Entry *
Nov 10 – Fargo, ND – The New Direction *
Nov 12 – Portland, OR – East End +
Nov 13 – Seattle, WA – Highline +
Nov 14 – Boise, ID – The Shredder +
Nov 15 – Las Vegas, NV – Yayo Tacos +
Nov 16 – Phoenix, AZ – Yucca Tap Room +
Nov 17 – Capistrano Beach, CA – Coconuts
Nov 18 – Los Angeles, CA – Bow & Sparrow
Nov 19 – San Francisco, CA – Hemlock Tavern +
Nov 20 – Salt Lake City, UT – Burt’s Tiki Lounge *
Nov 21 – Denver, CO – Moe’s *
Nov 22 – Kansas City, MO – Riot Room *
Nov 23 – Chicago, IL – Subterranean *
* = only The Atlas Moth & Batillius
+ = only The Atlas Moth & Kowloon Walled City
As I Lay Dying Reminisce About 10 Years of Touring; New Album “Decas”; Decade of Destruction Tour
AS I LAY DYING, are gearing up for the release of Decas and their upcoming headline trek dubbed the “A Decade of Destruction Tour”, both coinciding with the band’s 10-year anniversary. Decascelebrates the band’s accomplishments by offering three brand new songs, cover songs that pay homage to just a few of the bands that have influenced AS I LAY DYING, and remixes by INNERPARTYSYSTEM (Katy Perry, Ladyhawke, Thursday, Good Charlotte and many others), Benjamin Weinman (The Dillinger Escape Plan), Kelly “Carnage” Cairns (Austrian Death Machine, War of Ages), and Big Chocolate (Asking Alexandria, iwrestledabearonce, Suicide Silence).
AS I LAY DYING’s A Decade of Destruction Tour featuring special guests Of Mice and Men, The Ghost Inside, iwrestledabearonce, and Sylosis will kick off on November 30 in Long Island , NY and wrap up in the band’s hometown, San Diego , on December 16 (see dates below.)
Decas tracklisting:
1. Paralyzed
2. From Shapeless to Breakable
3. Moving Forward
4. War Ensemble (Slayer cover)
5. Hellion (Judas Priest Cover)
6. Electric Eye (Judas Priest Cover)
7. Coffee Mug (Descendents cover)
8. Beneath the Encasing of Ashes (Re-Recorded Medley)
9. The Blinding of False Light (Innerpartysystem Remix)
10. Wrath Upon Ourselves (Benjamin Weinman Remix)
11. Confined (Kelly “Carnage” Cairns Remix)
12. Elegy (Big Chocolate Remix)
A Decade of Destruction Tour Dates:
Nov 30 The Paramount Theater New York , NY
Dec 01 Trocadero Theatre Philadelphia , PA
Dec 02 Starland Ballroom Sayreville , NJ
Dec 03 Palladium Worcester , MA
Dec 04 9:30 Club Washington , DC
Dec 05 Rocketown Nashville , TN
Dec 06 House of Blues Chicago , IL
Dec 07 First Avenue Minneapolis , MN
Dec 08 Beaumont Kansas City, MO
Dec 09 The Door Dallas , TX
Dec 10 Backstage Live San Antonio , TX
Dec 11 Lonestar Center Lubbock , TX
Dec 13 Sunshine Theater Albuquerque , NM
Dec 14 Venue of Scotsdale Phoenix , AZ
Dec 16 Soma San Diego , CA
Dec 17 House of Blues Las Vegas , NV
EVERYTHING WENT BLACK Debut Track
]St. Louis based metallic hardcore act, EVERYTHING WENT BLACK, has posted a track from their debut full length, “Cycles of Light.” Check out “Lifeless,” below, courtesy of Lambgoat.com. The album, which will be released on January 17th, 2012 on Lost Shepherd/Prosthetic Records, will be available on vinyl and CD.
EVERYTHING WENT BLACK play a concise, sophisticated brand of fast and heavy aggressive music drawing influence from the likes of The Hope Conspiracy, Black Flag and Entombed, while still maintaining a sound that is very much so their own. Since the band’s formation in the spring of 2009, the band self released an EP, a 7″ on Hands Up! Records, and a split with Louisville, KY hardcore outfit Rattletooth on St. Louis based label I Hate Punk Rock Records.
For more info on the band, check out:
ANIMALS AS LEADERS Launch Third Studio Video
“Weightless”, due out on Nov. 8 in North America (Nov. 4 and 7 in Europe and the UK, respectively) via Prosthetic Records.
ANIMALS AS LEADERS on tour:
10/27 Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore*
10/28 Silver Springs, MD – The Fillmore Silver Springs*
10/30 Boston, MA – House Of Blues^
11/1 Richmond, VA – Kingdom
11/2 Myrtle Beach, SC – House Of Blues*
11/3 Tampa, FL – The Ritz Ybor*
11/4 Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Revolution*
11/5 Orlando, FL – The Beacham*
11/6 Birmingham, AL – Zydeco*
11/8 Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room*
11/9 Cleveland, OH – House Of Blues*
11/10 Detroit, MI – St. Andrews Hall*
11/11 Chicago, IL – House Of Blues*
11/12 Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s*
11/13 St. Louis, MO – The Pageant*
11/15 Little Rock, AR – Downtown Music Hall*
11/16 New Orleans, LA – House Of Blues*
11/17 Houston, TX – House Of Blues*
11/18 Dallas, TX – House Of Blues*
11/19 Austin, TX – Emo’s Outside*
11/20 San Antonio, TX – Backstage Live*
11/22 Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theatre*
11/23 Las Vegas, NV – House Of Blues*
11/25 Anaheim, CA – House Of Blues*
11/26 Los Angeles, CA – House Of Blues*
11/27 San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore*
11/29 Boise, ID – Knitting Factory*
11/30 Spokane, WA – Knitting Factory*
12/1 Calgary, AB – The Republik*
12/2 Edmonton, AB – Starlite Room*
12/3 Saskatoon, SK – Louis’ Pub*
12/4 Winnipeg, MB – Garrick Centre*
12/6 Pittsburgh, PA – Altar Bar *
12/7 Toronto, ON – Phoenix Concert Theatre*
12/8 Montreal, QC – Club Soda*
12/9 Clifton Park, NY – Northern Lights*
12/10 Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of Living Arts*
12/11 New York, NY- Best Buy Theatre *
* w/ BTBAM & Tesseract
^ w/ BTBAM, Cave In, The Red Chord, & Tesseract
NASUM Returns
Posted on http://www.nasum.com:
If things were different, if Mieszko hadn’t died, Nasum would have celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2012, believe it or not. Therefore, and after long deliberation and scrutiny, we have decided that it’s now or never: Nasum will do a handful of shows and festival gigs around the world in 2012 – to celebrate our anniversary, say a final goodbye to the fans and Mieszko.
No cheesy reunion, no new albums, no epitaph for Mieszko. We will play only a few cities and festivals in a limited number of disruptive, unruly concerts.
It will be a total blast, and we aim to go out hard. Just you wait.
When lead singer Mieszko Talarczyk disappeared and died in the devastating and tragic tsunami of 2004, Nasum instantly ceased to exist. As the band’s voice, producer and one of the main songwriters, Mieszko was a vital part of Nasum’s bloodline. When he passed, all plans for tours and recordings were abruptly stopped. Nasum died when Mieszko died, and the rest of the band members went their separate ways.
But in the years that passed, the feeling that everything had been left unfinished lingered with the rest of us. Suddenly seven years had passed, and we realized it was time for closure; for us, the band and for the fans. With our anniversary coming up it felt like a perfect time to end Nasum the way it was supposed to – exploding in a ferocious, blasting frenzy, not wither away at the mercy of tragedy. And finally we are ready, able and totally fucking charged, so expect something over the top. The shows will be a varied, intense mix of the best songs from this colossus of grind.
To handle vocal duties on the upcoming shows we have asked Keijo Niinimaa, vocalist in Finnish grind faves Rotten Sound, to join us. They were always close friends of Nasum, and while Keijo’s plagued screams won’t replace Mieszko, they will add a crippling viciousness to the shows. On a few occasions, we might ask a few other close friends of Nasum to do some vocal sessions. Who? Wait and see!
Note this: if you ever wanted to see Nasum blast shit to bits, this is your last and only chance.
Anders Jakobson – drums
Jesper Liveröd – bass and low vocals
Jon Lindqvist – guitars and low vocals
Urban Skytt – guitars
Keijo Niinimaa – vocals
HELL WITHIN Call It Quits
Guitarist Tony Zimmerman issued the following statement on the band’s Facebook:
“We’re sad to announce that Hell Within has called it quits. Hell Within will be playing our last show on 11/11/11 at the Village Smoke House in Lowell MA. We’d like to thank everyone that supported us over the years and made this band happen. It’s been a long hard road, but the most enjoyable experience of our lives. All across the U.S. this band traveled, met tons of great people and experienced things that we will cherish forever. Hell Within released 3 records, had 2 recording contracts, did countless tours and shared with so many people something that is so precious to us. To all the band members that we ever played with, to our record labels Lifeforce and Thorp records, we will never forget you guys. From our 1st manager Cynthia Donovan to our latest manager Damon Moreno we thank you for dedicating so much time to us. Then to all the great companies like Jagermeister, Dean Guitars, B.C. Rich, Mesa Boogie, GHS, D’Addario etc.. that endorsed us we thank you so much for the support. We’d like to thank our family and friends for always being there for us through the good and tough times. I could go on and on, because the list never ends, just too many people and memories to count. Please come out to the 11/11/11 Village Smoke House show and for one last time, help us make one more memory that everyone will never forget.”
Review: Iwrestledabearonce – “Ruining It For Everybody” (Century Media Records)
In what is sure to be alternately the most loved and/or hated release by any band this year, we have the new album by genre benders IWABO. In the outright PR and marketing coup d’état of 2011, the band shocked the world with the declaration that they were “turning black metal” on May 17th. This what we call in advertising the perfect confluence of a savvy band and their handlers knowing exactly how to push buttons and manipulate the public. The metal media and public outcry from both fans and detractors was an amazing spectacle to behold for a few days. The band, with some help from MetalSucks.com essentially punked the world. Since there is in fact no such thing as bad press, they indeed had the last laugh. The fact that so many people didn’t get the joke and the level at which IWABO operates just tickled my funnybone silly. Hype is all fine and good, but the real punchline is that the new IWABO album delivers musically beyond all expectations.
Although there is an occasional flirtation with black metal, the sound of the new album is the same IWABO you always loved or hated. Spasmodic shifts of tempo blended perfectly with their aggressive mash-ups and wry sarcasm. Opening track “Next Visible Deliscious” straddles the line between tech deth, proggy deathcore and a PRIMUS like jam section in the middle. The sleeves of the band are all rolled up, revealing their entire bag of tricks to all comers. The first thing you notice about the song of the band is how much more defined and prominent the rhythm section is than ever before. “You Know That Ain’t Them Dogs’ Real Voices” has a sick heavy verse and an amazing chorus. The second verse finds the enchanting and limitless Krysta Cameron wailing on her brutal vocals. There is other assorted good weirdness in the track like surf guitar and grindcore. I have literally listened to this one song alone dozens of times since getting the album. “Deoderant Can’t Fix Ugly” is discordant, avant-garde and most of all wonderful. And yes, it does end with a gospel style chorus like a 1990′s RnB song. Although the entire band has improved individually and collectivley, I’d have to single out drummer Mike Montgomery for being excellent and particularly crushing. The actual song on the album with a black metal influence is “It is “bro” isn’t it?” which sounds like it could be an outtake from the current BLACK DAHLIA MURDER album. That is until the gorgeous chorus and angular guitar riffs come in. More surprises like well developed keyboard parts come to the forefront like never before. John Ganey and Steven Bradely are not just fine guitarists, they are sick songwriters and programmers to boot. “Gold Jacket, Green Jacket” flirts with techno and other oddities in and around a deathcore song structure.“Break it Down Camacho” is another song I can’t say enough good things about with it’s cool bass parts courtesy of Ricky Martin. Songs like “Stay to the Right” and “I’m Gonna Shoot” just rock and again show there is no boundary the band cannot shatter. The single “Karate Nipples” is great on repeated listens as well. Rounding out the proceedings with possibly the best track of them all in “Button It Up” with its subject matter as dark as its tone. Sorry to break it you haters, the joke is still on you!
RATING: 9.5 / 10
By: Keith “Keefy” Chachkes
Band Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/iwrestledabearonce
Review: Fit For An Autopsy – “The Process of Human Extermination” (Black Market Activities)
Every once in a while, when the whole deathcore scene once again seems to be in a generic, redundant state, a certain band comes along that provides a fresh sound that reminds you that with the right ideas, a renewed sense of determination, and a fairly well known group of people whom could be considered veterans in the North Eastern metal scene, this genre can still be awesome. Fit for an Autopsy is that band, and on “The Process of Human Extermination“ they are out to prove it.
Right from the start the band rips into a heavy metal frenzy, blending traditional death metal speed and riffage with more modern style breakdowns, and in my opinion, one of Nate Johnson’s (Through the Eyes of the Dead, Premonitions of War, Deadwater Drowning, Buckhunter, and about 93 more bands from all over the states) best vocal performances yet, plus a whole powerhouse of guest vocal appearances.
Musically, the band has matured big time since their demo a few years back. They have a lot more strong, solid riffs, some pretty intricate breakdowns, and a little mini-solo here and there that sounds eerie as fuck, making for an even more traditional feeling. Not to mention the clean production that really adds to the overall power of the album, making every note loud and clear and the album as a whole heavy as fuck.
The song names also caught my attention. They are all nouns, describing what seems to be a person that has something to do with the world coming to an end, or an extermination, if you will, with names like “The Conquerer,” “The Jackal,” and “The Executioner.” The artwork is really creepy, and nothing short of bad ass.
If you heard Fit For an Autopsy before-good. You’re on the right track. But to hear a much more solid and matured band, then “The Process of Human Extermination” is a must. They are one of the few bands I can name that really have a style of death metal that any sub-genre can appreciate, without being incredibly over the top. You can read this review all you want, but this is really an album you have to buy to appreciate, and while you’re at it, check them out at a show. You will not be disappointed.
RATING: 9 / 10
By: Greg Mann
Band Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/FitForAnAutopsyOfficial
Review: Sepultura – “Kairos” (Nuclear Blast Records)
SEPULTURA is back with their long awaited new album Kairos. The band has seen many ups and downs since Max Cavalera quit the band following the Roots album in 1996. In spite of a public war of words, mostly instigated by Max the band has soldiered on valiantly. They have released album after album of challenging and interesting metal. Even after losing a second Cavalera brother (Igor) a few years ago, the band has remained consistent and resolute. Some people will just never accept them without the founding brothers, but the truth is they have earned the right to keep the name alive. As proven by their recent American tour, they are not just interested playing the classic hits (which they played immaculately well), but they are still moving the sound of the band forward while keeping true to the name.
The meaning of Kairos comes from ancient Greek which basically marks a special, transformative moment in time. Right from the jamming opening riff of “Spectrum” the SEPULTURA we know an love announced it is back and in full effect. Tribal drumming, thrash riffs, terrible haunting growls and insane guitar solos all show up early on the record. Front man Derrick Green has long found a comfort zone with his gravely delivery and as usual he is at home in the pocket of madness. Andres Kisser continues to churn out great riff after great riff, proving over time to be Max’s equal in that department.”Kairos” is every bit as aggressive and evil as anything going back to the Chaos A.D. days. In addition to Kisser’s manic riffs, drummer Jean Dolabella has fully stepped to the plate and replaced Igor at the drum throne. Yes, I just said replaced. His drum performance is incredible and he deserves a lot of credit for putting a fresh take on the drum sound without losing the quality the fans expect. Another crusher of a song is “Relentless”. Again, if you loved the classic late 1980′s to the early 1990′s sound of the band this song is right in your wheelhouse. Chugging rhythms and screaming vocals with uplifting lyrics about payback galore can be found here. The solo is also amazing. A curious mid-album cover of MINISTRY’s “Just One Fix” is well done and faithful to the original except the meaner vocals. I just might have put it at the end of the album is all I’m saying. Other songs like “Mask” and “Seethe” just kill and are on par with recent releases from SLAYER, EXODUS and TESTAMENT in the modern old-school thrash department. As usual bassist Paulo Sixto Pinto Jr. holds down the bass well, occasionally stepping up to shine in little ways. The fact that Green no longer plays guitar in the band says as much about Pinto Jr. as it does Kisser regarding the sound of the band. Other top tracks are “Born Strong” and “No One Will Stand”. The bonus track version of the album has a cool metal cover of “Firestarter” by THE PRODIGY. SEPULTURA is back so please throw your horns and bow down in respect because you are not worthy.
RATING: 9.5 / 10
By: Keith “Keefy” Chachkes
Band Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sepultura
Review: Tombs – “Path of Totality” (Relapse Records)
If you ever had any doubts that city dwellers have no place in the black metal community, you’re wrong and you haven’t heard TOMBS. Path of Totality is the second full-length album from this Brooklyn based blackened sludge metal band. That’s right, I said Brooklyn, as in totally not from Europe. If you want to imagine how evil this album sounds, I’d say picture yourself in a nightmare with Dorian Gray and Alistair Crowley, both just casually having late night conversations about the end of humanity set to a scene from Dante’s Inferno. It’s a pretty sinister album. The thundering drumming on this record is authentic, taking off with the savage percussive assaults inspired by black metal titans DARKTHRONE. Wailing guitar tones and well-paced elements of despair were captured masterfully. Both the guitar and the ominous vocals were the responsibility of Mike Hill, who chants his mournfully oppressive lyrical themes all throughout the thoroughly morbid album; any expressions of nice things weren’t invited into the recording studio when John Congleton (Explosions In The Sky, Baroness) produced it. The entire album and architecture of the songwriting is elaborately composed. Everything is paced together to convey a sense of yearning and ascension through build ups followed by climatic suspense and inevitably the pulling percussions slam you right back down into seething dissonance. Like a cascading series of volcanic eruptions, you can merely anticipate where the next measure will take you, only knowing that it is going to be hot. Path of Totality has it all.
