The last Friday of May has arrived and its final week has not let us down. Another handful of musical killers and we are fortune to live in a moment where sharing and discussing is something we get to do with a worldwide community of artists and fans. Now that we gathered together, let’s dig in!
New Album Releases …
The Fifth Alliance Stenahoria Tartarus Records/Breathe Plastic/Ardua Music
metal blackmetal doom post-metal postblackmetal sludge Breda
If you happen to follow my writing for any length of time you may have noted that black metal has a place in my listening but it is very selective. So when something does break through it has to be special. This is gnarly, beyond aggressive and has that special something. In my opinion, the slower sections with clean vocals somehow feel darker and heavier than the absolute assault the band has mastered. Commit to the trip and let this one burn you alive.
Killer artwork for the album cover. Could not find a name to credit for it.
Elder Through Zero Stickman Records, Blues Funeral Recordings, Bird’s Robe
rock heavy psychedelic rock progressive rock Berlin
This name may not be a brand new name to most readers/listeners in the stoner rock world but the band continues to divert their path into more psychedelic and prog-rock landscapes which will inevitably bring in new ears. Clean vocals layer over active sound beds that feel easy to digest but difficult to nail down. This team know exactly how to craft a space jam and allow it to feel welcoming to all. Exciting work once again.
Bleeth - Lázara / Independent
rock experimental noise rock post metal post-hardcore post-metal sludge sludge metal Miami
Stoked to have new jams from this group! Be sure to check out their previous full length albums when you visit their bandcamp page. This EP, like previous work, is powerful, gnarly, sludge-soaked destruction. The EP leads with a cover of Pretty on the Inside by Hole and two tunes of the bands original work follows to absolutely crush. Hoping we will have more from this band sooner rather than later!
Mzzrt - Pronounced MIS-TER / Independent
metal alternative heavy metal heavy metal - hard rock nü metal prog rock shock rock theatrical rock Brooklyn
This one may not be for everyone but a fans of grimy, punk-infused noise rock will drink it up. It kind of feels gross and I get the impression that vibe is delivered with purpose. Like filling a glass full of rain water that is dripping off of a dumpster. It may having lingering side effects but the question of, “Is it good for you?” remains in debate.
Meltification - Meltification / Extremely Rotten Productions
metal death metal deathgrind grind grindcore Copenhagen
One might not use fun as a typical death metal album descriptor. In this case, it is openly embracing the good times with blistering death metal vibes. Much like the colorful album artwork, it jumps right out at the listener and grabs ahold. Tearing limb from limb and snarly with laughter the entire time. Totally enjoyed every second of this high speed encounter. Well done!
Artwork by Tue Sprogø
New Video Drops …
SAMAVAYO - California Sky (official video) // HEAVY PSYCH SOUNDS Records
The Obelisk recently premiered the new video for “California Sun”. It’s mellow, psychedelic, and takes us on a journey along with the band. I dig the behind the scenes footage. The truth of being on tour is showcased nicely. Lots of van time, ups and downs, short bursts of excitement, memories and experiences that somehow push us to keep moving forward… in search of.
The Obelisk to premiere their brand new video for “California Sun”, t
CARNATION - Flesh-Eating Frenzy (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
Sometimes I question what would make someone dress up in bloody face paint and scream into a camera. If ever there was a good reason for such it would be for a Flesh-Eating Frenzy. Growling death metal, chains, raw meat, shredding and ripping riffs over pounding percussion. All this and a lo-fi video quality that seals the deal!
Poison The Preacher - “Chicken Out” (Official Music Video)
It was a close call that I did not simply pass over pressing play on this after reading the band name. My expectation was low but I took the chance and it paid off. This tune rips! Thrash breakdowns, killer vocal attack, tight as a banjo string and even a straight up “UGH!!” in the lyrics and multiple times! This was so much fun. Immediate circle pit action. My coworkers didn’t see it coming and neither did the neighbors!
Only Echoes - Steps Ahead of Drowning (Music Video)
This is a solid post-rock leaning jam. It is a bit more math oriented than most modern waves of post-esq jams though. In that regard it feels much more active and less floaty. Don’t let that imply that the band is not working toward building a dynamic. They are much more aggressive as the metal element comes forward to showcase a wall of chugging, distorted, instrumental power. Lots of sinking and uplifting vibes with the quiet, loud, quiet flow state engaged.
Cannabus - “4Runner” (Official Music Video)
Buckle up for some solid, smoke-heavy rock and roll. This tune bleeds out of the speakers with over driven amplifiers and driving rhythms. If you are looking to kick your weekend into desert echoes and power hungry party vibe. this tune is lit and ready to get it movin’.
…is this the end?