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First up is a band from my local scene, Deathkings. Their second album All That Is Beautiful is one that I have been anticipating for some time. Finally hearing it in full, I was not let down.
Thier sound is that of progressive Sludge. Songs are epic each one their own journey. What really comes across is the weight of the music. Heavy comes in many forms. The easiest is to downtune, amp up, and turn it up to 11. But to achieve heaviness without doing that is what this album has in spades. Even in the quiet moments it still feels heavy. Emotionally and sonically.
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| Cover art by Yag Mort |
In an effort of full disclosure, I had never heard of Australia's Ill Omen until I saw this album posted on instagram. So I thought I’d check it out. Damn glad I did. Within two songs I was on the NWN web site and ordering the album.
As I said I am not familiar with this one man band’s past albums, so while Ill Omen may be categorized as Black Metal, Æ.Thy.Rift plays much more like a Death/DOOM album. In fact the first band that came to my mind was Nortt. This album has atmosphere for days. The vocals are a mix or whispered screams and gurgling growls. The music is dark and brooding. I love when you take a chance on an album and it pays off.
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Been on a bit of an experimental/noise/ambient trip as of late and because of that been going to a lot of shows that feature this type of music. A few weeks back I was treated to the sounds of Wire Werewolves. I was blown away.
They mix experimental noise, hints of industrial, and Death Metal style riffing. Vocals are provided by clips taken from news show about murder and satanic rituals. They do a great job of balancing these different genres. The coldness of the industrial and these sublime death metal riffs. They prove once again why you show up for all the bands. Never know what you might be surprised by.
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"Burnt out bangers from the shit end of the valley." Well that is one way to describe L.A.’s three piece Child. Another way would be to call them some good old Stoner/DOOM with hints of psychedelia. In the vein of Kyuss and Yawning Man.
Songs have a haze about them usually achieved by the help of mind altering substances. Fat bluesy riffs with an even fatter bass lines. Vocals that are drenched in reverb. Nothing fancy. They just keep it simple. But in that simplicity they achieve so much.
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From the land of 10,000 lakes come Livid and their two song demo of DOOMY goodness, Sint.
It opens with a this thick crunchy bass line that is hypnotic and heavy at the same time. It lays a foundation that allows the guitars to kind of dance around. But what really sets them apart is the approach to the vocals. This type of DOOM is usually met with harsh vocals. But they go the other way. His vocals have this epic gothy feel to them. They are like the light leading you through the muck and the mire. Very impressive debut.