Exclusive Premiere Of Noise Rock/Sludge Metallers BLEETH Stunning New EP Lázara

Drive through the neighborhoods of Southwest Miami and you’ll see him: San Lázaro, standing in a glass enclosure among the manicured lawns and palm fronds. Eerily positioned between the divine and the mundane, he is a constant, quiet fixture of the city.

For us, the origin of this EP traces back to one of those statues in particular. While we were writing in a cramped side room, a human-sized San Lázaro stared back at us. At first, it was just a joke—a creepy visitor crashed our sessions. But over time, the image of Lazarus became a sort of talisman, a presence that wove itself into the fabric of these songs.

That shift didn't happen in a vacuum. With the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community feeling more precarious by the day, these sessions became a necessary outlet for our collective rage. We needed a way to process the uncertainty and the weight of the current political landscape.

In that pressure cooker, Lazarus took on a new meaning. Through a queer lens, he became a figure marked and cast aside, only to be brought back to life. That tension between collapse and renewal, death and resurrection, is the heartbeat of Lázara.

This set of songs is a new beginning for us. After a period of turbulence that could have easily ended the band, we came out the other side with the heaviest, most eclectic music we’ve ever made.

You can here the blistering new EP Lázara below thanks to the cool folks over at Good Boy PR.

Lázara - Tracklisting

1.Pretty on the Inside 02:44

2.Porcelain 03:46

3.Bent 02:15

Members

 

Lauren Palma (vox,guitar)

Ryan Rivas (vox,bass)

Hector Mojeno (drums)

Links

Official | BandCamp | Instagram

Thanks to Good Boy PR for all of the details.

Bleeth - Lázara (EP Review)

Release Date: May 29th 2026. Record Label: Self Released. Formats: DD

Lázara - Tracklisting

1.Pretty on the Inside 02:44

2.Porcelain 03:46

3.Bent 02:15

Members

 

Lauren Palma (vox,guitar)

Ryan Rivas (vox,bass)

Hector Mojeno (drums)

Review

Miami-based queer Sludge Metal/Noise Rock band Bleeth latest EP Lázara is meant to be a rebirth for the band after a period of tough challenges and experiences they’ve faced or currently facing within this hostile world. Being part of the LGBTQIA+ community and what they're currently going through allows Bleeth to re-invent their music with a new found style of aggression and maturity which is quite refreshing from their 2025 album Marionette. 

Lázara opens with a blistering and brutal cover of the HOLE classic Pretty On The Inside with the original’s Punk and Alt-Rock energy being replaced by a primal mix of Noise Rock, Sludge Metal and Harsh melodies. The stripped back sound of the original track is still there but it’s a stripped back style of crushing sludgy guitars with a ferocious Post-Punk sound allowing Bleeth to fully move into an Industrial and Experimental direction.

The EP does contain two original tracks of Porcelain and Bent which offers six minutes of abstract Sludge Metal and Noise Rock melodies with raw sounding production values. Bleeth are quite rightly pissed off on this EP with the whole creative flow surrounded by intricate Post-Punk and industrial beats. The lyrics hit pretty hard with a solitary and emotionally wrought experience hidden behind them. Bleeth inject that legendary brutal MIAMI underground vibe into their music throughout both of these tracks that remind me of CAVITY and FLOOR.

Lázara maybe on the short side but it gets shit done by allowing the LGBTQIA+ community to have a unique voice within the scene where we usually pride in saying “everyone is welcome” but sadly that isn’t always the case. Lázaras is a genuine gut-wrenching, pissed off and brilliantly heavy EP that allows Bleeth to have a real voice within the underground Sludge Metal scene. 

If this is the new musical direction that Bleeth will be taking then I can’t wait to experience what they have in store for future releases.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Good Boy PR for the promo..

Lázara  is available to buy now on Digital Formats from all good stockists. 

Links

Official | BandCamp | Instagram

Lay Bare Recordings Announce MODDER Debut Album To Be Released in December 2021

On Discovery TV one of the biggest hits are shows on goldmining. Where people search through mud to find gold. They wash away the mud for their treasure. At Lay Bare Recordings we're always on the lookout for new music treasure. This time we laid bare Modder. We didn’t wash away the mud for treasure but the mud itself is the treasure. 

Modder ( or Mud in English ) is an industrial sludge metal band from the streets of Ghent. These sludgers will release their debut album on Lay Bare Recordings, in cooperation with Consouling Sounds, on 12” coloured vinyl.

LBR035 / 250 pieces on Gold with Black Splatter.

Pre-order open, release date December 13th: Order MODDER

Modder is all about riffs. Riffs designed to make you shake your neck, supported by thundering basslines and grooving drums. Surrounded by industrialist samples and synths to forge an unique sound in the sludge landscape.

Modder started out as a passion project between guitarist, songwriter & producer Mathieu Mathlovsky and his long-time companion Gregory Simons on drums. After recording and releasing their massive first single ‘Mudslinger’ (November 2020) on bandcamp (Mudslinger | Modder (bandcamp.com) 

Bass player Maurice van der Es joined the duo to expand the sonic mayhem. The self-titled album, which was recorded even before ‘Mudslinger’ in spring of 2020, gained its extra low end as a result. Recruiting Maxime Rouquart from Greg’s band, Modder found their second guitarist for that extra layer of distortion.

Simon Felix was approached to perform the programmed bass synths & industrial samples live and the band was fully formed, directly heading into the rehearsal space to become the tight outfit they have quickly become. 

Lay Bare Recordings gave the band a home to release the ‘Modder’ 12” on after some back and forth talks, feeling familiar with each other, the plans to go forward were quickly formed. After performing their first live show, in the dungeons of a Belgian Castle, Consouling Sounds was impressed enough to offer their support to do a co-release between the legendary labels.

You can watch the video for the new song Mount Frequency which Rob Hammer's always awesome YouTube Doom Metal Channel hosted recently

Links

Facebook | BandCamp

Blunt Horse / Grilth - Split Album (Album Review)

Release Date: July 16th 2021. Record Label: Self Released. Format: DD

Blunt Horse/Grilth Split Release  -  Tracklisting

1.Blunt Horse - Nuke the Blow 05:59

2.Blunt Horse - Radiation Poisoning 00:25

3.Blunt Horse - No Reprise 08:18

4.Grilth - Foul Beast Ahead 09:47

5.Grilth - Crooked Back and Broken Spirit 08:52

Review

What we have here is a split record from New York Doom/Sludge Metallers Grilth and Washington Sludge/Stoner Metallers Blunt Horse. The split record runs for 32 minutes with bands offering a great amount of Doom, Sludge and Stoner Metal sounds that are quite different to each other. 

Blunt Horse are up first with their 3 tracks and they have a Mastodon/High On Fire flavour to their sound but inject a much needed slice of Psychedelic Metal into their flavour which then changes their sound to a classic style of 70s Hard Rock/Heavy Metal. Opening song Nuke the Blow is quite experimental in places and has a free-flowing attitude which is backed up by an interesting style of harsh, gruff, clean and volatile vocals. The song is quite raw natured but the music more than makes up for this and it builds up to an exciting finish.

Second song - Radiation Poisoning - is 25 seconds of aggressive noise in the Experimental Drone environment. Mostly filler but some interesting styles of distorted noise within the short running time.

Third song - No Reprise - is an 8 minute plus track that offers aggressive Sludge/Stoner Metal music that Mastodon were known for back in the day and I must say the Thrash Metal parts remind me also of Behold The Monolith. The vocals are different yet again but they get the job done with interesting lyrics to match. This song is parts Proggressive and Experimental so expect a few twists and turns with this track and you’ll have  a hell of time with Blunt Horse.

Griith are up next with their two tracks Foul Beast Ahead and Crooked Back and Broken Spirit. These guys perhaps play the sludgier and gloomier side of the split with their music having a different haunting edge. 

Fourth song - Foul Bast Ahead - is a slow-burning track with an Industrial vibe allowing the band to move at their own pace. This band feels partially inspired by artists such as Author And Punisher with the whole environment being quite mechanical but still bringing a Sludge/Doom Metal atmosphere to the party. Even if that party feels like an “End Of The World” style celebration. Girth have a more “Drone Metal” compared to Blunt Horse and perhaps aren’t as riff-centric but there’s a lot of fun to be had with this dark depressive sound. 

Fifth song - Crooked Back And Broken Spirit - carries on the same journey heard in the previous track with wild experimentation and heavy distorted Industrial sounding Doom/Sludge Metal parts combining for a solidly entertaining. Grilth excel mostly on this track and this remains my favourite song on the entire track as the unforgiving soundclips bring a real sense of foreboding doom to this song and left me wanting more.

Blunt Horse/Grilth Split Record is an excellent way to spend 32 minutes of your day and be introduced to great bands who play different styles of music to each other. It’s what a split record should do. This is my first introduction to Blunt Horse and Grilth and I’m hoping it’s not the last I hear from both bands. 

Words by Steve Howe

Blunt Horse Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Grilth Horse Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Mountain Of Smoke - Gods Of Biomechanics (Album Review)

Release date: July 14th 2018. Label: Self Released. Format: DD

Gods Of Biomechanics – Tracklisting

1.Incept 02:21

2.Tannhauser Gate 03:40

3.Orion's Shoulder 02:52

4.Caesium Beams 03:46

5.Zhora 04:20

6.Morphology 02:55

7.Retirement 03:03

8.Leon 04:25

9.Tyrell 03:19

10.. Gods of Biomechanics 02:53

Members

PJ Costigan- drums

Alex Johnson- pedal steel and synth

Brooks Willhoite- bass and vocals

Review

Making an album on seminal classic science fiction film Blade Runner is mighty bold and impressive by anyone’s standards. However doing another album based on the same film is downright insane. Who could pull such a task off. Well, Mountains Of Smoke for a start. The hard edged Sludge/Stoner Metallers are back with their new album – Gods OF Biomechanics.

An intriguing and thrilling progressive album that takes many themes from the landmark movie and adds a nightmarish surreal industrial Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal sound with hints of warped electronica. The opening two tracks Incept and Tannhäuser Gate is what you expect from the band with fast-paced drone like riffs weaving psychedelic sounds into the realm of Blade Runner.

The vocals from Brooks are heavily digitised which is natural for an album such as this. Mountain Of Smoke have devilish fun blending the ideas of the movie against a backdrop of heavy Doom/Sludge based themes. Mountain Of Smoke already tried this idea on their self-titled debut album back in 2014. I remember listening to the album back then. I remember not being fully sold on the whole concept and sound of the album.

However I have no such problems with Gods Of Biomechanics as Mountain Of Smoke have created an album that captures the dystopian tone of the classic movie. The heavy industrial sounds and bleak lyrics may leave you feel slightly down but the frantic punk based energy of Orion’s Shoulder and Caesium Beams show a band not afraid to experiment with their sound.

Maybe the album is partially influenced by Nine Inch Nails and Author & Punisher as the heavy industrial sounds start to overpower the Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal vibes that appear on the early stages of the album.

Mountain Of Smoke have included a high amount of samples from the movie and they appear throughout the album, including the legendary “Tears in Rain” monologue. Mountain Of Smoke deserve credit for trying something different with this album. it’s not the most easiest album to listen to as there is a lot going on. The songwriting is good but there are a few songs that don’t quite work as they possibly should. However the heavy industrial music and mechanical stylised vocals save the day.

The real question that needs to be asked is: Who short first – Han or Greedo. Damn, Sorry, wrong Harrison Ford Movie.

No, the real question(s) I want to know is what version of Blade Runner inspired Mountain Of Smoke to write this album to. We do have about 6 or 7 versions to choose from. My second question is -Will they release an album based on the classic sequel Blade Runner 2049.

Anyway, I digress. Gods Of Biomechanics is a thrilling and spectacular heavy album.

Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Spotlights - Hanging By Faith (EP Review)

Release date: June 15^th 2018. Label: Ipecac Recordings. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Hanging By Faith – Tracklisting

1.The Hanging (Hang Us All) - Kris Dirksen Remix

2.Till Darkness Comes Out (Ghost Of A Glowing Forest) - Mario Quintero Remix

3.Sudden Violent Movement (Seismic) - Aaron Harris Remix

4.Ice Giant (The Size Of The Planet) - Void Manes Remix

5.Faith

Members

Sarah Quintero - Bass/Guitar/Vocals

Mario Quintero - Guitar/Synths/Vocals

Chris Enriquez - Drums (Live)

Review

New York city's Spotlights showed up on my radar sometime last year as the opening act for the mighty Melvins. There album Seismic was an absolute monster with a stunning mix of heavy rock with a bit of electronics sprinkled in for good measure. Hanging by Faith is a breathtaking 5 song EP that features four remixes from their recent album Seismic. Though with a heavier punch of industrial and electronics.

The record does an absolutely amazing job of being detached, brooding and moody while at the same time being warm and intimate.

The Hanging (Hang us All) Kris Dirksen remix opens the record with the a late era Nine Inch Nails sound wrapped lovingly around detached vocals.

Till the Darkness Comes (Ghost of A Glowing Forest) has very subdued, almost ambient sound about it. The song is extremely synth heavy and has moments that give you that

Stranger Things feel. A Sudden Violent Movement lives up to its name as it kicks in quickly. This drums and synth heavy monster is a surreal trip.

Ice Giant (Size of the Planet) is a noise heavy track remixed by Void Manes who did some work on the Melvins Chicken Switch remix album.

The album closes with a brilliant cover of the Cure's Faith. This is the most straight forward fully realized rock song on the record. The guitars and drums are heavy with a full band sound.

Hanging by Faith is a brilliant piece of work and an interesting jumping on point if you are not familiar with this fabulous band, even if you are not a fan of electronic music.

The five songs pulsate with a dark beautiful light that draws you in and seduces your soul. Do yourself a favor and check out this and the previous releases from this amazing band.

- Todd S

Instagram @alltheghoststhathauntyou

Words by Todd Stealey

Thanks to Monica at Speakeasy PR for the promo. Hanging By Faith will be released on CD/DD/Vinyl via Ipecac Recordings from June 15^th 2018.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

 

Tronald - S/T (EP Review)

Release date: September 30th 2017. Label: APF Records. Format: CD/DD

Tronald – S/T – Tracklisting

1.Tronald 03:42

2.Boss Keloid Are Shit 01:44

3.Obelisk Ov Hash 05:00

4.Dalnort 03:40

5.Gains (Prelude) 01:10

6.Vegan Gains 01:52

7.Get Your Grubby Little Hands Off My Bennell 01:16

8.Burgled Senseless 01:18

Members

charlie s - guitar

rian g - bass

andy p - drum

the mandem - vokills

Review

UK Sludge/Doom Metal mob – Tronald – debut EP is one loud and very mean affair. The EP doesn't really have a set structure as such. As Tronald play a distorted and twisted kind of Sludge/Doom Metal with gltichy noises creating an unsettling and almost industrial sound.

Opening track – Tronald – is very hard to make out and understand. As the band merge industrial style sounds to a very distinctive soundclip. It's not the best way to start the EP off as it can be very confusing at times.

Second track – Boss Keloid Are Shit – is obviously a joke between the two bands played against a nightmarish Doom/Drone/Sludge Metal backdrop that sees the band finally start to create something called music. The vocals are very weird indeed as Tronald adopt a Melvins/Sunn 0))) approach to their sound.

Third track – Obelisk Ov Hash – is definitely the standout song on the EP with Tronald creating the heaviest and most enjoyable sounds on the EP. It's still very much in the realm of Industrial Doom/Sludge but at least Tronald are now trying to play something that resembles a song that people can actually listen to.

The rest of the EP sees Tronald expand their weird as FUCK experimental sound that will either have people head-banging in agreement or have people running for the hills. I'm stuck in between those two descriptions. As this EP does have some fantastic nightmarish moments that I can listen to all day. However, there are moments on the EP that make me want to stop listening and focus on something else.

I suppose that is the point with Tronald's music. It's there to gage a reaction from the listener. I applaud for Tronald for releasing something different compared to other bands within the UK Doom/Sludge Metal scene. My own advice, is to make your own mind up about Tronald's debut EP. If you're in the mood for a nightmarish and experiment take on Doom/Sludge Metal then this could be the band for you. If not then it's perhaps best to look elsewhere.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Lovely Wife - Problem Rock (EP Review)

Release date: August 06^th 2017. Label: Cruel Nature Recordings. Format: Cassette/DD

Problem Rock - Tracklisting

1.Export To Disk 13:14

2.Filth 07:12

3.Ting 05:50

Members

Export To Disk recorded 2014: Bass - Joe Garrick, Guitar - Jon O'Neill, Drums - Rob Woodcock

Filth, Ting recorded 2017: Bass - Joe Garrick, Vocals - James Watts, Drums - Skylar Gill

Review

Lovely Wife are a band from my hometown of Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK. I've heard a lot of cool things about them. Though I've never experienced them live in concert. Though that may change with the release of their new EP – Problem Rock. A 26 minute blast of distorted droned out sludge/doom/industrial based sounds.

The opening track – Export To Disk – doesn't really have a natural flow or structure compared to other bands. Lovely Wife play a schizophrenic style of Doom/Sludge/Drone kind of sound. They include elements of industrial based noises and the odd experimental post-rock/post-metal style riff. It's purely instrumental with the epic opening track creating a huge fucked up wall of noise that's very hard to describe and perhaps listen to for the more casual listener.

Second track – Filth – at least tries to follow a set structure with Lovely Wife opting for a more Sludge/Doom demonic driven song. The song is still distorted and packed full of experimental noises.

The final track – Ting – carries on the ambient mindset that Filth wisely created. The production can be too lo-fi and understand at times. I know this is a DIY release. This song contains perhaps some of the best moments on the EP. Though it's sadly let down by the soft production held within the song.

Lovely Wife are a very talented bunch of musicians indeed. If Lovely Wife were given the proper platform to perform then they could have the potential to be more well known in the UK Experimental Doom Metal scene. Problem Rock is a very good EP indeed. I definitely do want to hear more from Lovely Wife. Though it has to be on a better sounding record.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

BARRABUS - S/T (Album Review)

Release date: June 09th 2017. Label: Undergroove Records. Format: CD/DD

Barrabus – S/T – Tracklisting

My Nightmare As A Reality TV Contestant

The Trials Of Joseph Merrick

Master Of Disguise

Porn!

Kleptomania

Behind Closed Doors

Preop

In League With Vader

This Is The End

Band Members:

Paul Catten (Vox / Electronics / Theremin)

Mark Seddon (Vox / Guitars / Noise)

Matt Keen (Vox / Bass )

Adam Evans (Vox / Drums)

Review

I can't lie to you. I'm a HUGE fan of pretty much anything Paul Catten is involved in. I all but stalked Murder One back in the day, and The Sontaran Experiment is another favourite of mine. That said I missed out on Barrabus the first time round for whatever reason so I was more than a little pleased when this turned up for me to review.

There were some little teaser videos doing the rounds about a month ago featuring no more than 30 seconds of music (which turns out to be roughly half of my favourite song on the record) which nicely whetted my appetite for more...

Opening track "My Nightmare As A Reality TV Contestant" starts of with a nice percussive riff with vocals that sound like they're going through a megaphone, before the song fully bursts into life just past the minute mark. It effortlessly lurches from one frenetic section to the next before it's closing and repeated vocal refrain "This show will be the death of me..."

Next up we get the 1.19 "The Trails Of Joseph Merrick" the song from the teaser video. I'll be honest when I first saw the video I was hooked. Again it switches through styles and aggression levels as it violently propels itself towards its conclusion. Special mention for the fucking feral vocals at the 0.29 second mark. Every time I hear it I immediately want to lose my shit to it.

In a genre (though I'm not sure this is technically a "sludge" record) were there are few very distinctive vocalists surely Paul Catten has to be amongst the greats. Morrow and Mike IX essentially...

The rest of the record thematically follows suit. Songs come and go never outstaying their welcome, moving through tempo, style and ferocity as the mood takes them. All in all this great self titled record is a fantastic release, chock full of excellent musicianship, a great production and a refreshing approach to songwriting as there are no generic formula's followed here.

A must have record.

Words by Simon Ross Williams

Thanks to Simon at I Like Press for the promo. Barrabus – S/T will be available to buy on CD/DD via Undergroove Records from June 9^th 2017.

Links:

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GHOLD - PYR (Album Review)

Release date: May 06th 2016. Label:Ritual Productions. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

PYR – Tracklisting

1.Collusion With Traitors 11:30

2.Blud 04:59

3.CCXX 08:36

4.Despert Thrang 21:25

Band Members:

Paul Antony

Aleks Wilson

Oliver Martin

Review:

Ghold’s new album sees the band create a heavier and more experimental sound than previous offerings. Their sound is more one of industrial noises merged with heavy doom metal riffs. The album feels it was influenced by industrial legends Godflesh as Ghold expand their sound further into one of more industrial noise but PYR still essentially remains a Doom Metal album.

Ghold have recruited an additional member to their ranks and it allows them to create a more focused sound compared to previous releases. That’s not to say PYR is an easy listen. It isn’t as Ghold drift from moments of Drone, Noise and Experimental Doom which maybe too jarring for some listeners to fully appreciate. The vocal work is what you would expect from Ghold. Loud, brash and quite messy at times but they’re very hypnotic from start to finish.

The four songs on offer: Collusion With Traitors, Blud, CCXX and Despert Thrang will entertain and frustrate in equal measure as Ghold are quite adept at playing familiar style hard rock/metal riffs compared to the more experimental industrial based riffs that appear on Collusion With Traitors and Despert Thrang.

There are parts of PYR that I really love but there are other parts of the album that are too weird even for me. Though that’s the beauty of this album. It dares to be different as Ghold play by their own rules and they don’t care if you like the album or not. They’re creating music for themselves and that’s a brave thing to do.

PYR is perhaps Ghold’s most accomplished work to date and one that is sure to give them more attention within the Rock/Metal world. It may seem I don’t like this album where in fact the opposite is true. I think PYR is a heavy nightmarish take on all things Industrial/Doom Metal. It will mainly appeal to folks who enjoy their music that little bit different. 

Ghold are finally starting to show their true potential and I hope that Ghold will release more challenging albums such as PYR in the future. All in all, PYR is a stunning album.

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Jack at Rarely Unable PR for the promo. PYR is available to buy now from Ritual Productions.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Sick Tapestry - Self Diagnosis (EP Review)

Release date: March 19^th 2016. Label: No Fun Intended. Format: DD

Self Diagnosis – Tracklisting

1.Where 07:13

2.Day[Light] 07:00

3.This Place 06:19

Band Members:

Jordan McNamara - Vocals, Drums

Robert Hemingway - Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Noise.

James Render - Vocals, Synths

Review:

Self Diagnosis, the debut EP from Sick Tapestry is one dark twisted tale of nightmarish vocals and riffs to match. From from the ashes of cult UK Sludge/Noise/Doom riffsters – FORMES. Sick Tapestry have taken the heavier and doomier side of FORMES and forged it into something more heavier. As Self Diagnosis is quite an experimental take on all things Doom/Sludge Metal. Clean vocals and death based growls are the main order of business with the Doom/Sludge Metal riffs offering quite a theatrical vibes at times.

Opening track – Where – is pure chaos as the band explore many different genres of music such as Doom, Psych, Stoner, Sludge and even Thrash. It's a very dark and nightmarish song. FORMES were known for experimenting with their music but Sick Tapestry goes even further with some industrial style sounds appearing here and there.

Second track – Day[Light] is my fave song on the EP as the band go all out in creating doom/industrial based sounds. I can hear a slight Godflesh influence on this song though Sick Tapestry still create their own sound that's bound to win them major praise as FORMES did. The production can be very lo-fi at times but it really adds to the doom and gloom atmospherics of the EP.

Third track – This Place – opens with creepy drum solo and acoustic guitar before the heavier industrial based noises appear. Things can be quite hectic at times as the band experiment with their sound yet again. Slow-paced post-metal riffs then change into faster and heavier Doom/Thrash sounds which maybe too jarring for some to fully appreciate. My advice, just go with it as only Sick Tapestry know what the fuck is going on. Yeah, it's confusing to listen to at times but it's cool to hear the band go all out crazy on the final song.

Self Diagnosis is a dark and weird as hell EP from Sick Tapestry. The production could have done with more work and the vocals need more volume. Apart from that, Sick Tapestry have released a superb debut EP. Hopefully a full length record won't be too far away. Excellent and Highly Recommended.

Words by Steve Howe

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp

Low Flying Hawks - Kōfuku (Album Review)

Release date: February 12th 2016. Label: Magnetic Eye Records. Format: CD/DD/Vinyl

Kōfuku – Tracklisting

1.Kōfuku

2.Now, Apocalypse

3.Seafloor Fathoms

4.Fading Sun

5.White Temple

6.Kokkai

7.Ruins

8.Wolves Within Wolves

9.Till the Night Meets the Light

10.Destruction Complete

Band Members:

EHA - Guitar, Bass, Lead Vocals

AAL - Guitar, Bass, Additional Vocals

Trevor Dunn - Bass

Dale Crover - Drums

Review:

Low Flying Hawks consists of two members called EHA (Guitar, Bass and Lead Vocals) and AAL (Guitar, Bass and Additional Vocals) who have been classed as Heavygaze. I don’t know what that term actually means but their debut album – Kōfuku – is loud, brash, and chaotic with an almost violent unpredictable nature. The band blend Doom, Noise, Sludge, Post-Metal, Post-Rock, Ambient Noise and Industrial sounds for one complex sounding album.

The album has been produced and engineered by Toshi Kasai (Big Business and The Melvins) and has guest appearances from Trevor Dunn (Mr Bungle) and Dale Crower (The Melvins). So you know the album is going to at least sound good and be heavy especially in the drumming and bass department.

The album starts off bleak and stays that way for the whole duration of the album. Distorted guitars, ambient noises and depressing vocals make this an album that will haunt you for a very long time. Opening track – Kōfuku – is a fifty second ambient track warning you of the upcoming dangers of the album. It sets up the scene with a slightly depressing outlook on life.

Second track – Now, Apocalypse – takes the industrial sounds of early NIN and adds a cold sludge/post-metal exterior with nightmarish noises and sounds merged into the background. The drumming adds a slightly claustrophobic vibe with the guitars being played at a slow pace.

Third track – Seafloor Fathoms – carries on the doom and gloom vibe as the music becomes ever more distorted and drowning in ambient noises. It’s a complex affair as the song has a lot going on especially with the vocals and almost industrial style sludge based riffs. Low Flying Hawks opt for a more psychedelic style of sounds near the end of the song. However distortion is the main weapon of choice for the band as the music is buried under a ton of it.

Fourth track – Fading Sun – is a more upbeat and hopeful song compared to the opening tracks as the band create an uplifting environment where the sludge/post-metal noises are matched with upbeat post-rock sounds and subtle vocals to match. It’s played at a deliberate slow pace which allows the band to create the albums finest riffs.

The remainder of the album carries on the same dark and twisted path with Low Flying Hawks creating many more great moments of distorted “Heavygaze” where the volume becomes ever so louder and darker as a result. Songs such as White Temple, Ruins and Destruction Complete are perhaps the standout songs on the album as these contain perhaps the heaviest and finest sounds on the album.

Low Flying Hawks have created an unsettling and nightmarish masterpiece that will appeal to fans of Neurosis, Pelican, Russian Circles, The Melvins and Nine Inch Nails. Kudos to Magnetic Eye Records for signing this band to their roster.

Whatever you do, buy this album when it’s released on CD/DD/Vinyl on Feb 12th 2016 via Magnetic Eye Records. You need this record in your life. No question…

Words by Steve Howe

Thanks to Richard Jones at Sheltered Life PR for the promo.

Links:

Facebook | BandCamp