The Trials of Sept. 22, 2017 (Part 1)

Monarch Are Determined To Reign With ‘Never Forever’

French doom metallers Monarch are here to guide us in to a darker and deeper extreme of doom with their latest album Never Forever via Profound Lore Records. The ambience is real and potent in “Of Night, With Knives” which is appropriately followed by the soft and slow “Song to the Void” which will ease us in to other worldly territory. You ready for this? Hold on to your metaphysical crystals ‘cause he we go!

Emilie Bresson continues to be our sludgy spirit guide and will entice us in to the rest of this doomy Forever with her silky and growling voice. Bresson switches to that sweeter side yours truly mentioned and sticks to clean vocals in their cover of Kiss’s “Diamant Noir” where she makes us feel her pain.  “Lilith” treads carefully and Bresson continues to mix her screaming vocals while her angelic chords which are complimented by the dark and steady riffs from Shiran Kaïdine and Stéphane Miollan.

Monarch continue to put the doom in doom. Bresson’s tortured screams mixed with Kaïdine, Miollan and bassist MicHell Bidegain riffs amplify the grimness in this genre, lest we forget the precision from drummer David Hemery. For my doom enthusiasts who are ready to submerge themselves to the next darker level of this subgenre, this ambient baby is it. Blacken your doom dosage and get your copy here.

5 out 6, Forever and ever

Satyricon Rise From The ‘Deep’

We like our comebacks and our coffees just like our metal…legendary! Sigurd “Satyr” Wongraven and drumming extraordinaire Kjetil-Vidar “Frost” Haraldstad are back despite the few hiccups life threw at them. The iconic black metal duo has released their ninth studio album Deep Calleth Upon Deep via Napalm Records and it was just what the witch doctor prescribed.

Satyricon crack open their signature riffs and style in the track “Blood Cracks Open the Ground” but experiment a little in “Dissonant” and briefly add a trumpet! Whoa…But just super briefly in the intro so before you get your pleather gauntlets in a bunch, it’s still a Satyricon song. MORE COWBE…I mean trumpet… please! Want another uber Satyricon song with a little bit of vintage black metal elements? “Black Wings And Withering Gloom” will soothe that craving.

“To Your Brethren in the Dark” adds an extra drop of black before carrying you off in to the cold embrace of the title track “Deep Calleth Upon Deep” to whisk you away… to hell! JK! More like a nice gondola ride in the river Styx. Another thing worth mentioning about the title track is that it lives up to the simple but poetic artwork this album proudly wears. Satyricon keeps the faint theatrical ball rolling with “The Ghost of Rome.”

Deep Calleth Upon Deep is somewhat of an elegant beast, but it will unexpectedly envelop you with a calculating darkness much like death. What too grim? You’re  actually right for once… Okay, this album will swallow you up at a steady pace with a sweet darkness that will make you see the Norwegian stars in the dark forest. Better? Does this sound more positive? Is this possibly a love letter? I don’t know but what the J-Oh’ster does know is that you MUST check it out. See how you feel about it at our Spotify and when you fall in love with it, get your copy here.

5 Out 6, DEEPER!

 Archspire Continue Their ‘Relentless Mutation’

 Ya know who was in overdrive? Archspire. But that’s not surprising from these technical death metallers who are ready to melt our brains and eardrums with their latest Relentless Mutation which burst out of its cage via Season Of Mist.

Are you ready for this mother of a ride? Strap on you strap-ons tightly everyone! ‘Cause Oli Peters ain’t slowing down especially once you get him started in “Human Murmuration” and “Calamus Will Animate.” Peters’s rapid vocals can power a big ass steamboat or train, which to be fair, can be heard throughout the whole album, not just these tracks.

“Relentless Mutation” cranks down the dial just a few decibels and allows you to bask in the amazing riff work from Tobi Morelli and Dean Lamb. “A Dark Horizontal” caps off with an elusive and somewhat turbulent ride that will take you out of this world! Right before the final track reaches the half way point, we’re treated with some nice acoustic fluff before launching back to the stratosphere.

Archspire’s rise is sure to continue with their third full length album because much like the title of this album, they are continuing to evolve and dominate in this genre. The instrumental work and Peters’s impressive interchanging range of growls and squeals is a talent any metal head will appreciate. Give in to this latest mutation from Archspire and get your copy here.

6/ 6, You can’t stop this evolution

Vacivus Will Convert You To Worship Their ‘Temple’

Looking for a new addition to your music library? Vacivus is here to fill in that void with their debut LP Temple of the Abyss which rose out of Profound Lore Records. These Brits will guide you down to blackened death metal’s basement by adding extra blackness to darken this album. I’m sure Spinal Tap would be pleased by this darker shade of black. Are you salivating yet? Surprised I used a big word? Me too but once you give in to this album you’ll see why.

Vacivus still maintain the same speed from these genres in “Summoning Apophis,” and “Cosmological Necroticism” which shines with more black metal elements, not to downplay the rest of the album. This Temple needs a chant right? “Black Flame Serpent” will make you kneel and throw your horns in the air especially when Dan Rochester and Ross Oliver lay out that breakdown and that final grand riff.

Vacivus delivered a strong debut potent with black metal magick that’s seething with brutal death metal. Nick Craggs’s vocals will certainly give you the best of both worlds that blend in so great with the fantastic and ruthless instrumentals from the rest of Vacivus. It’s only a matter of time till these British imports are dominating our American ears and metal scene. Join the Temple of the Abyss and get your copy here.

6 out of 6, You’ll worship this album

The Trials of September 1, 2017

Note: We live in chaotic times and for some if not most, the work seems never-ending! The Klown knows this and so does his exasperated sister. So as the Dropkick Murphys have sung before in the “Workers Song.” “This one’s for the workers who toil night and day, by hand and by brain to earn your pay.” Happy Labor Day for you all, now on to the tune you can listen to so you can chillax to.

Honorable Mention:

Lemmy Gives Us One More Gem from Metal Valhalla

The Klown normally doesn’t do compilation albums unless something stands out. In fact, prior to this one, the only other compilation album the Klown did was Soilwork’s Death Resonance last year. Anyway, the name Lemmy Kilmister needs no further intro and the same can be said of his pioneering and iconic band, Motorhead.

Even though Lemmy took GWAR’s “Fuck This Place” to a whole literal level and joined Dave “Oderus Urungus” Brockie in metal Valhalla, the iconic frontman/bassist comes back with one more gift from the metal gods. Silver Lining Records have released Motorhead’s Under Cover compilation album which, if you haven’t caught on by now, is an array of cover songs done by this legendary band.

If you’ve ever wondered or never heard Motorhead cover Judas Priest’s “Breaking the Law,” the Sex Pistol’s “God Save the Queen,” David Bowie’s “Heroes,” Ozzy Osbourne’s “Hellraiser” or Metallica’s “Whiplash” inquire no further because this album has officially lumped them together to enjoy them all in one place.

St. Lemmy and St. Philthy Send Their Regards!

Speed Metal’s Holy Trinity

 

The Convalescence Release their Hellish Contemporary

The Toledoan sextet known as The Convalescence have returned with a new installment titled This Is Hell through Unique Leader Records. The albums commences rather soft and eccentric with the use of the keys and opens with keyboardist/vox Katie McCrimmon’s vocals which are immediately accompanied by Keith Wampler’s growling vocals. Soon after these two begin, they’re met with combination samples and electronic to their metalcore sounds, this combo returns in “I Won’t Survive.”

The band sticks to deathcore in “No Way Out,” ”Murder Machine” and “There Will Be Blood” just to name a few. The Convalescence would also venture a bit further and showcase a bit more and become borderline DJent with “This Is Hell” and “With No Hope.” The Klown definitely took a liking to “Alone” and begins with powerful drumming and a great opening riff that hooks you in almost instantly. This track also contains a medley of keys, riffs and drums with growling vocals. This album was a pleasant surprise considering it was a bit of a sleeper hit by comparison to the other releases. You can check this out and get this album through the labels Bandcamp.

5 out of 6, They’ll Give You Hell

Epica Circulate The Leftover for Hungry Fans

If anything could best describe this contemporary it would be Christmas in September. That’s right Epica fan, the Dutch symphonic sextet has returned nearly a year later with their latest EP The Solace System through Nuclear Blast Records. The album starts with “The Solace System” which does a great job hooking you to this EP with the orchestral overture that the song commences with which is followed by Simone Simons’ powerful operatic voice.

The song is then followed by “Fight Your Demons” and “Architect of Light” which was nearly similar to the previous but contains chorus and some growling vocals by Mark Jansen. Simons also manages to  make the biggest macho cry with her voice through the ballad “Immortal Melancholy.” The album finishes how it began, with “Decoded Poetry” which features more of Jansen’s growling vocals and more of a metal element when he takes over the mic. Isaac Delahaye’s guitar play and solo and Ariën van Weesenbeek’s thundering double kicks shine in this track.

This album was a pleasant surprise considering that this album could have simply been introduced as a “special” edition for The Holographic Principle or could have been used for a follow up album in the future. If you love Epica or symphonic metal definitely an album that the Klown recommends for you and you can get you album here.

5 out of 6, Symphony to Your Ears 

 

Paradise Lost Make Their Mythical Album a Reality

The British Goth metal band and one of the original pioneers of the death-doom subgenre known as Paradise Lost have returned with their 15^th album titled Medusa through Nuclear Blast Records. The album begins with the 8-plus minute track “Fearless Sky” which was rather slow but powerful. The song begins with the sounds of an organ which would then transist into a rather brooding and really features frontman Nick Holmes show off his vocals in many forms from harsh and clean.

The song is then followed by “Gods of Ancients” which features the band go back to their sounds of doom and features artist Steve Crobar as a guest backing vocalist. They really sported their Goth banner with “From the Gallows,””The Longest Winter,” “Medusa” and “Shrines” with the gloomy but melodic sounds as well as the harmonic but dark chorus.  Artist Heather Mackintosh also lends her vocals for “No Passage for the Dead” which would completely revisit the doom-death subgenre the band has been known for with some heavy distorted guitar riff from Aaron Aedy and a sweet solo from Greg Mackintosh.

The album finishes in true Goth fashion with their dark ballad “Symbolic Virtue” which not only made a great closer, it features some keys courtesy of Mackintosh and feature a beautiful chorus and harmony that is sure to win you gents and ladies some brownie points for that alone time with your significant other and is reminiscent to that of the late great Pete Steele’s Type O Negative in terms of composition, sounds and lyrical content. This album was great and was justly hyped, it even had yours truly hooked because it featured everything the band has had to offer since day one. You can totally get your copy here and enjoy my Goths and ghouls because this one was a good one!

6 out of 6, Perseus Couldn’t Slay This One 

*Uh oh! Here comes Jenny Oh to throw in her 2 cents! There goes her life savings…AGAIN*

Septicflesh Cracks Open The ‘Codex’

Did you miss these Greek extreme metallers as much as the J-Ohster did? Well luckily for us the wait is over for Codex Omega which was released via Prosthetic Records (here in ‘Mericuh that is). This 10^th saga was waiting to be unearth and devoured by yours truly…don’t mind if I do *winks awkwardly.*

Septicflesh cracked open this bad boy, with a symphonic intro that they know how to do so great with their first single “Dante’s Inferno.”  Septicflesh crank up the cinematic and haunting sound in “Portrait of a Headless Man.” After stumbing out of the haunted mansion, “The Gospel of Fear” will get you ready for an epic battle where the Arabic flute pops in to guide you before casting a spell on you with “Dark Art.” In “Dark Art” rhythm guitarist/co-vocalist Sotiris Vayenas’s clean vocals work their magic in these gothic horror stories.

Not feeling the cinematic part too much? Well “Martyr” and “Enemy of Truth” tones down that element a little bit keeping the dramatic overtones with a rougher sound Septicflesh is ALSO known. What can’t these guys do, amirite? “Faceless Queen,” and “Our Church, Below The Sea”  has Vayenas’s clean and anguished voice beautifully dance around bassist/co-vocalist Spiro “Seth Siro Anton” Antoniou’s growl giving you the other side of the coin like a melodic Jekyll and Hyde.

This Codex balances the orchestral sound Septicflesh has mastered with their rougher side as opposed to their previous albums (Check out Communion for a symphonic masterpiece). Both of these delectable flavors will make you want to indulge harder and for those who are not familiar with these guys, this album will feel like the right balance for you. Snag THE Codex Omega here and dive head first into this new saga.

6 Out 6, Alpha *Sips on blood of enemies, puts on monocle*

Lord Dying Rules The Merrow

Lord Dying on their limited tour at The Merrow!
(L to R: Bassist Matt Price, guitarist/vocalist Erik Olson, drummer Chase Manhattan and guitarist Chris Evans)

It was a hot night in July 8, and the Ugh Metal team had the fortune of returning to The Merrow for the second night in a row! The night before we went to the sweet show Metal Assault and Dark Gem Entertainment put together, if you missed out no prob! Read all about it here. If you did not catch our Firey Sides Chat with Lord Dying, feel free to catch up afterwards or during, who are we to judge? We didn’t remise the invitation Lord Dying guitarist Chris Evan and Bret August of Black Arrow Entertainment extended to us. It was truly an offer we could not refuse especially because it was Lord Dying’s limited engagement.

Jenny Oh: We be special! Lord Dying chose to come to our shitty town! *Weeps*

Chuggo: Emphasis on shitty. *Winks* Either way the Klown was looking forward for some booze and Bastard Saints!

J: The members from father’s cult? Why do you care so much about them? They don’t even share their Coronas with us. Bastards!

C: The Klown meant The Bastard Saints. And that’s okay, they can keep their shitty Corona lights! The Klown wants REAL beer. Such as the stuff they serve at The Merrow.

J: So I guess you’re not a beer slut after all, huh? But The Merrow sure serves delicious booze especially when you’re enjoying a nice gig from The Bastard Saints.

The Bastard Saints are far from lame with their brand of thrash!
(L to R: Bassist Rowland Bluntz, drummer Nick Trzos, vocalist/guitarist Fernando Ramirez, lead guitarist Jason Trzos)

C: Enough of the gratuitous advertisement of The Merrow’s big ass beer selection! Not that there was much advertisement to begin with. ON TO THE BASTARD SAINTS! They had the ability to bring the old school back to the new school.

J: Fernando Ramirez made us see colors and clouds every time he nailed them high notes! You go, boy! They even played a cool song we will be using for our revenge montage called “Wrath.”

C: Yeah! Death to O’Douls! The Klown shall wear his “Evil Crown,” no longer will he be the jester but the Klown King…

J:  Whoa there! Hold on there you angry little man…

C: Wrong concert dumbass! “Evil Crown” touched basis on the Teutonic thrash movement most famously pioneered by Kreator and Tankard. It was a good substitute if you didn’t have the chance to catch Kreator on the Decibel tour earlier this year.

Bassist Nick Trzos and vocalist/guitarist Fernando Ramirez of The Bastard Saints serenade the beer selection at The Merrow.

J: The Bastard Saints ended their set “Ripping the Stitch” which was just as ruthless as the title. This song had a foreboding sense of doom with great riffs from Ramirez and lead guitarist Jason Trzos. Snitches beware!

C: Now we go from raising our drinks to these Bastards and raising our guns!

J: With Raise The Guns! The trio became a quartet for the night by having their buddy, guitarist Chris Kim, join them for this performance.  Some fun facts about these guys is that Dylan Marks drums for this band aside from Beekeeper and Eukaryst, and the frontman/guitarist is Bret August. What can’t these guys do?

Raise your drinks for Raise The Guns!
(L to R: Guitarist Chris Kim, vocalist/bassist Bret August, drummer Dylan Marks and guitarist John McMillan)

 

C: The Klown has asked himself the same question but has yet to get an answer. Enough unanswered questions, it’s time to talk about the Guns! They shot off with their own brand of Thrash.

J: Raise The Guns shot up the place…with extreme adrenaline! Especially when they shined the light, the “Light Of Malice.” August’s presence commanded the stage and you knew he meant business and Chris’s enthusiasm was contagious. Who wouldn’t be after they get to play with a cool band?

C: I don’t know some plebeian? Pardon the first person, I’m pretty sober at the moment. Enough about the Klown, the song that stuck out to him was the song that should be made into a law, “Silence By Law.” The opening riff alone is enough to hook anybody!

Bret August of Raise The Guns is your neighborhood badass.

J: Indeed Klown their set was not long enough! But quality over quantity, if you guys ever have a chance you must catch Raise The Guns, it will be a decision you will not regret. Now because it was Sinday eve, we had to receive our Eukaryst.

C: We were treated to our local sacrament, at long last. Worth nothing since the sister already took Dylan Marks away from me as a fun fact, the Klown has one of his own. This is the band that has Belisario Dimuzio as a full time guitarist when Cattle Decapitation isn’t borrowing him.

J: Oh yeah! Well here’s another fun fact Klown, SCREW YOU! Also Dylan Marks was on double duty that night and drummed his heart out for Eukaryst too.

Vocalist of Eukaryst Ben Marotta preaching their prog death metal hymn.
(L to R: Guitarist Belisario Dimuzio, vocalist Ben Marotta, and bassist Gino Fontana)

C:  They indoctrinated us into their “Lost Tribe” of Prog Death Metal.

J: They added more emphasis on the death metal with “Eucharist.” This unholy beast comes right at you a la Facehugger and is sure to start a pit.

C: The only thing the Klown is thankful for is that there was no actual “Anthropophagy” happening at the time of the performance. He was beginning to think there was going to be some giving the state of some of their possessed congregates.

J: Not even Ben Marotta could resist the power of the Eukaryst and when he wasn’t growling like the creature from the black saloon, he was rolling on the floor succumbing to this possession.

C: I still wish they woulda showed the Klown where the actual “Witch  House” was. The Klown needs a booty call.

Ben Marotta of Eukaryst stars in the “Creature of The Black Saloon,” an Ugh Metal Production of course ;P

J: You’re too much of a bitch for her, but enough about you Klown. It was nice to finally see these locals in action especially after hearing so much about them.

C: Indeed*cough*bitch*cough* we were dying a bit from the musty air but the angels of doom,  Lord Dying, revitalized us.

J: They started off with their hit “A Wound Outside of Time” which has a starting riff that will give you all the right chills in all the right places. Though to be fair this whole song is teaming with amazing and definitive riffs.

C: Lest the Klown forget the pit it immediately started. He was a little flabbergasted because he is not used to seeing that in a doom/sludge show that often. With that pit it felt like “[All Hopes of a New Day] …Extinguished.”

All hails Lord Dying!
(L to R: Bassist Matt Price, guitarist/vocalist Erik Olson, drummer Chase Manhattan and guitarist Chris Evans)

J: Lord Dying resurrected some of their older stuff and briefly triggered a tiny existential crisis with “What Is Not…Is” which totally was where it’s at and it is what it is.

C: Settle down, Jenn-den Smith! Not even today’s top philosopher’s can decipher both of you! Here’s a bit from Klown-fucious, when you think there is light “Darkness Remains.”

J: With your shitty “philosophizing,” enlightenment is just a myth. But this song, however, is the shit especially when Chris Evans and Erik Olson lay down more super sweet guitar solos. Olson’s screaming vocals are sure to give any metalhead enlightenment.

BFFS/ Founders of Lord Dying, Erik Olson and Chris Evans, jamming side by side.

C: Olson’s vocals were harsh, but not too harsh. In fact, they were rather soothing despite of the harshness he incorporates. The rest of the band’s rhythm and melody suited the vocals like the perfect blend from your shitty Starbucks drink, right Jenny Oh?

J: As a newly enlightened person, I will ignore the low blow of bringing Starbucks in to our personal disputes but I will agree with the rest of your statement. I’m sure the rest of the gleeful and/or inebriated moshers would too. The pit was very much alive and well for the entirety of Lord Dying’s set. This special show worked all sorts of magic on the crowd.

C: The Klown concurs although he is weary as to why they sang about the Klown’s ex-girlfriend.

J: The snooty lady clown from Railing Bros.? She didn’t even know you existed. And I don’t think Lord Dying had the misfortune of seeing that three-ring shit show.

C: They may have and that bitch always likes to spread lies about not being with the Klown. She was always expecting the Klown to be “Suckling At The Teat Of A She-Beast.”

J: I doubt they garnered inspiration for this brutal song from your failed endeavors. It was a great song to close their night and yes the pit grew into a mighty whirlpool where fans were having their last hoorah. It was an honor to serve in the court of Lord Dying.

Erik Olson of Lord Dying’s voice is not of this world!

Firey Sides Chat: Lord Dying

Lord Dying may not be a badass new character from Game of Thrones or a new Castlevania villain but they are just as cool! These masters of sludgy doom have risen from their crypt and are preparing to ravage the west coast for three days thanks to Black Arrow Entertainment. This special tour which will kick off July 7 at the Tiki Bar in Costa Mesa, CA, make a stop here in our backyard at The Merrow on July 8 and wrap their limited run on July 9 at the Bootleg Theater in LA.

The Ugh Metal overlords had their personal ASSistants, Jennifer and Santi, chat with guitarist/co-founder Chris Evans before they embark on their tour. After exchanging heartfelt “Thank You’s” and friendship bracelets, the interns asked Chris some burning questions to get to know them a little better.

Chris Evans of Lord Dying
(Photo Courtesy of Lord Dying’s Facebook page)

Ugh Metal Staff: Is there a particular meaning behind the name “Lord Dying?”

Chris Evans: Maybe a little bit. It was a phrase we came up with or whatever. A long time ago, right before this band, we tossed around a lot of band names. We thought this one sounded pretty cool. Erik (Olsen, vocalist/guitarist of the band) and I grew up in Salt Lake City like amongst a lot of Mormons and stuff and all that so it kinda (he chuckled) it kinda was there. A metal response to that in some way.       

UMS: It’s really cool and its very Game of Throney, so I really like it.

C: (Laughs) Yeah.

UMS: (Laughs) How did you guys meet? I’m pretty sure there’s no Tinder for bands out there so give us the deetz, man.

C: (Laughs) Well the band…the core of the band has always been me and Erik who is the singer and the guitar player. We met in elementary school in 5^th grade. He was wearing like a Metallica shirt or something and we started talking at recess and we’ve been going in bands on and off together since then.  We learned how to play guitar together and stuff. So yeah this is kind of the next thing that we did and you know in the meantime we met…we’ve played with a lot of people in this band we’ve had a lot of bassists and drummers kind of in and out just ‘cause of how much we tour and all that. Not a lot of people can keep up with this.   

Everyone laughs

 C: But currently we’ve got Matt Price (bassist) and Chase Manhattan (drums) on drums and bass they pay in a band called Behold! The Monolith. They’ve been around the group and we’ve already played together It’s been working out really good.

UMS: How was your journey as a band before getting signed to Relapse Records?

C: Like I said, me and Erik have known each other since elementary school so I was trying to start a band here in Portland and I just wasn’t gellin’ with the people I was playing with and Erik was at my house one day and he stepped in and we wrote our first two songs that night. We had a friend who played in a band called Black Elk (ex-bassist Don Capuano) and right around that time they broke up and we asked the bass player to join and he did.  Then we were looking for a good double kick drummer in and in Portland, at the time, there really weren’t any but we put the word out and a friend of ours told us a guy had just moved out here from Memphis, he played double kick and was looking for a band and we all just gelled really well and that’s how we got the band started.

Vocalist/guitarist Erik Olson and Chris Evans jammin’
(Photo Courtesy of Lord Dying’s FB page)

UMS: This one had us a little curious, out of all the subgenres why exactly did you choose sludge metal?

C: Well honestly we don’t choose the sub genre we’ve always called ourselves a metal band. And I guess all the other descriptors come from other people, maybe that’s how it ends up sounding. We’re fans of sludge for sure and doom and all that but we’re never trying to do any particular subgenre of metal.

UMS: What would you consider your main influences?

C: They change all the time. I’d say originally it was, like one band all of us agree on is Slayer and we were always in to like old thrash like Megadeth, Metallica and Slayer. But you know also things like High On Fire and more riffy stuff like Black Sabbath of course. We’re also in to a lot of calmer things, like me and Erik love Pink Floyd and a lot of progressive stuff… And Opeth maybe?

Everyone laughs.

UMS: What new things can we expect to see from Lord Dying in the future?

C: Well right now, except for the three shows were playing in Southern California, we’re pretty much taking a year off the road and we’ve just been writing every day.  We’re about halfway done writing the new album so we hope to hit the studio by the end of the year and have a new album next year and hit the road.

UMS: WHOA! Is it possible to know what kind of concept you guys are gonna do on this upcoming album?

C: Well there is but we’re kind of messing with it, the content of the album but it’s a little too early to say what we’re doing right now but it’s certainly, so far, quite a bit different than the stuff we’ve been doing.

UMS: So will you guys be experimenting in this album?

C: Yeah a little bit, we just finally decided to take the time to really sit and write and took our time to focus on like making the songs as good as we can. Some of that has taken a sort of different shape than our last couple of albums. Still heavy and hard but there’s also a lot of calmer stuff and maybe more progressive elements to it but we’re kind of just doing whatever we like at the time.

UMS: Man, it all sounds good either way. We can’t wait to hear what you guys are gonna offer.

C: Yeah we’re really excited about it. We love what we’ve come up with so far.

UMS: Is there a particular artist or band you’d like to collaborate and why?

C: Oh man. *sigh* I don’t know.

UMS laugh  

C: I know we’d love to tour with Slayer or Mastodon. Collaboration wise I don’t know, that would be a difficult thing.

Lord Dying and Kirk Windstein from the legendary Crowbar.
(Photo Courtesy of Lord Dying’s FB page)

UMS: What artist or band that is not considered “metal” is your guilty pleasure?

C: I would say the Alan Parsons Project. I think it’s great music I like the idea of that band where Alan Parsons and Eric Woolfson wrote all the music and then hired musicians to play it. The concept of the music is all progressive and weird but the concept is super dark and I’ve always been a big fan of them.

UMS: Damn, I was shooting for Kenny G.

Everyone laughs.

UMS: What is the craziest experience you’ve ever had on tour?

C: Hmmm….I’m trying to think.

UMS: Ooooh! Whoa!

C: (Laughs) Oh no! I’m just trying to think there’s been plenty of debauchery. Maybe the craziest that comes to the top of my head is a show we played in LA with Toxic Holocaust it was at an unofficial tire place but they said they hadn’t sold a tire in years. It was in Compton, it got really crazy and the cops were surrounding it and while we played, the ghetto bird with the spotlight on us the whole time, and that was pretty crazy and Erik got to yell “Fuck the police, kill the police!” on stage so that was fun .

UMS laughs

Though Lord Dying has been around for seven years, they have managed to live the dream many bands hope to have one day. Expect to see more of these critically acclaimed doom masters in the future but while we wait, be part of this very special tour and catch them today (July 7) at the Tiki Bar, or for our local peeps catch them tomorrow (July 8) at The Merrow with Eukaryst, Raise The Guns and The Bastard Saints and On July 9 at the Bootleg Theater in the city of demons… I mean angels!

The Trials of April 14

The Dead Rabbitts Release in Time for Easter

The Phoenician trio known as The Dead Rabbitts has released their sophomore album This Emptiness through Tragic Hero Records. If you enjoy Escape The Fate, you’re in luck especially if you were searching for new material! “Burn It Down” starts off with metalcore of the ETF style and features an array of Craig Mabbitt’s vocals go from harmonic and clean to aggressive and screaming. “Fighting for My Life” gets a bit more melodic and features a bit of synthesizers and electronic sounds, making the song borderline DJent.

The following track, which the Klown thinks was about him even though they misspelled his name, “The Freak, The Creep, The Clown” was very harmonic and melodic and adds some more electronic sounds in the mix. “This Emptiness” has Mabbitt show off his clean vocals quite a bit, which impressed the Klown, but relax! Mabbitt does have some harsh screaming vocals towards the breakdowns. “D.O.Y.A.” seemed like it was intended to be a ballad and starts out with some piano and heavy clean vocals but switches to harsh screaming vocals after a heavy breakdown. The same could be said about “Suspicious” with the biggest difference being that Mabbitt’s vocal remained clean and no breakdown.

The Klown will admit that he rather enjoyed “Adrenaline” quite bit and really feature a sweet guitar solo by Bobby Whitaker. But alas, the Klown didn’t feel this album. The band was all over the place by wanting to experiment with electronic based music while trying to remain metal.

2 out of 6, Too Many Easter Eggs

Hellripper Has A Bright Debut

The one man Scottish black speed piece known as Hellripper has graced the public with his debut Coagulating Darkness through the Barbarian Wrath label. Let the Klown say that “Bastard of Hades” immediately had this drunken sack of heavy consumption invested on this album and headbanging pretty hard (causing him to bop his head on his pc monitor). “Anneliese” not only was a great follow up to the “Bastard…” but also featured a really killer solo from James McBain. “Demdike (In League with the Devil)” was a great track and was more black-thrash like Witchery and Venom much like “Within the Everlasting Hellfire.”

“From Hell,” although it was more speed metal, it sounded like a collab between Motorhead and Witchery’s frontman Angus Norder. “Conduit Closing” and “Coagulating Darkness” were not only awesome but it sends the listener into some speed metal bliss… with harsh black metal vocals. Friends, this album is definitely worth your undivided attention. Speaking of which, you can check out this bad boy on Hellripper’s bandcamp.

6 out of 6, Hell Just Became as Bright as Heaven 

Shores Of Null Deliver Sophomore Album

The Italian quintet known as Shores Of Null have released their latest album Black Drapes for Tomorrow via Candlelight Records. The album begins with the intro “Tributary Waters,” which smoothly transitions into the blackened doom song “Donau.” Which the Klown can say felt like a cross between Old Man’s Child and Swallow The Sun. “Tides Against Us” was a really good doom song of praise and features guest vocalist Carmelo Orlando of Novembre. The Klown could say the same about “The Kolyma Route” especially with the addition of a baritone church like choir chorus.

“House Of Cries” and “Black Drapes for Tomorrow” were also good doom tracks that featured backing vocalist/guitarist Raffaele Colace’s growls to add a bit of oomph with front man Davide Straccione’s harmonic and clean vocals. “Carry On, My Tiny Hope” aside from it being the Klown’s life story, it was awesome and had an array of harmonic backing vocals, the growl, some sweet guitar solos and did worked together very well. “We Ain’t Ashes” has Straccione take a complete back seat and allows Colace growl away for vocal duties. This album was freaking awesome and happened to make a fan of the Klown. If you love doom or “easy listening” type of metal with harmony and melody than this would be an album for you!

6 out of 6, To The Shores Of Null We Go!

Varg Release an EP for Clamoring Fans

The German wolfpack known as Varg have managed to impress their faithful with their current EP Götterdämmerung which came out through Napalm Records. There are only four songs but this EP is much to talk about. “Götterdämmerung” ignites this EP with some speedy riffs from beginning to end, but settles down a bit in the middle with their chorus and add a touch of epicness right before the breakdown which can be heard in ”Hel” too. “Breissreflex” features some heavy Gothenburg death metal influence like that of Arch Enemy, the guitar solos are reminiscent to that of Michael Amott’s signature solos. “Knochenpfed,” although rather slow by comparison, felt more black metal much like Dark Funeral but also felt more like a sung narrative especially for those that speak Deutsch. The only problem the Klown had with this album was that it left him asking for more!

6 out of 6, Will Leave You Howling with Joy!

Honorable Mention:

Valkyrium Commence Their Reign

If Valkyrium doesn’t sound too familiar, don’t worry the Klown will fill in the gaps for you. These up and comers from the city of angels released their debut studio album on Feb.8 titled Reign Til Runa, independently. Although the Klown doesn’t normally rate late albums, this time he will primarily as a mea culpa to frontwoman/ guitarist Nikki Kegan ( whom the Ugh Metal team had the pleasure of meeting for some serious black metal fun at The Merrow, so stay tuned!).

Valkyrium starts off with “Son Of Odin,” which the Klown has to say sounded like a lost demo track from Russian power metal band Arkona (with Masha Arkhipova sporting operatic alto vocals instead of alto-soprano). “Valkyrium” and “Hero” take a black metal approach and has lead guitarist/backup vocalist William Cota’s growls take the lead, accompanied by bassist/backing vocalist Jenny Rose and Kegan’s harmonic vocals for a much needed womanly touch.“Reign Til Runa” will get you prepared for battle by dishing out some raw epic power metal and has both Kegan and Rose sharing vocal duties.

“Take The Chalice” took the Klown by surprise because the song begins slowly like a ballad accompanied by Kegan’s angelic vocals, and transition to demonic growling accompanied with pagan metal sounds. For the ladies and the soft hearted, “Meet Me in the Maze” is this band’s ballad in case you were wondering. Although the album is still raw, it’s still a great start. You will definitely enjoy this album if you’re into Arkona, Epica, Helsott and Within Temptation.

5 out of 6, The Valkyries Will Ascend Along this Debut!

Oathbreaker Doomed the Soda Bar

Caro Tanghe from Oathbreaker will lure you with her siren like voice and mystery.

Don’t let the title fool ya the Klown thought it would be appropriate to summarize his brief but awesome demise of that time. On March 27, on the last day of a three-shows-in-a-row stint, the Klown went to the Soda Bar this time to indulge in some more music from our beloved genre. The night was filled with a lineup that would have thrown off most diehard and staunch metalheads.

The night opened with a band that doesn’t necessarily spell “metal” but definitely has a presence, Jaye Jayle. For those who haven’t heard of Jaye Jayle before, the consensus of their genre seems to be Indie rock with most people. The Klown, on the other hand, can tell you that if Indie rock sounded like these guys, then the world is ready to embrace their cynicism. When the Klown first laid eyes on the small stage, he had the impression that front man/guitarist Evan Patterson might have been a drifter tapping into the spirit of Johnny Cash by wearing black attire and black boots. All he was missing was the famous black Martin D-35 guitar to make this claim more accurate.

Although the group was missing one, these Louisvillians didn’t miss a beat and kicked off their set with the ambient and doomy “As Soon As Night,” where keyboardist/backup vocalist Jonathan Wood shared some bass drum duties with drummer Neil Argabright. During “Sugar Ran Wild,” Patterson shared some keyboard duties with Wood for some added intensity of the ambient variety. We were also treated to “Cemetery Rain,” which continued to set the mood for the night and saw Wood, in one of the few times, share guitar duties with Patterson.

Vocalist/guitarist of Jaye Jayle, Evan Patterson, channeling his inner Johnny Cash

Lastly, the good ol’ boys from Kentucky treated us to “House Cricks” and closed with “Hanging Mirror” from their recent album House Cricks and Other Excuses to Get Out. These guys sounded more like a serene version of doom because although their songs were chill, they felt rather melancholic. The Klown enjoyed their time on set and would recommend you to check ’em out if the chance permits.

After Jaye Jayle cleared the stage, a group from the Mile High took the stage and dished out their brand of doom. The quartet known as Khemmis began their set with “Above the Water” from their latest album Hunted where Ben Hutcherson has a killer guitar and has front man Phil Pendergast’s harmonic pipes. The band really represented the doom brand with “Serpentine” from their 2015 album Absolution and really highlighted everyone’s talent including Hutcherson’s screaming vocals to add an extra bit of oomph. The guy next to the Klown not only headbanged harder but even lost his shit when the opening riffs to the song began. That was just the guy next to the Klown because there were more just like him.

Khemmis work up the Soda Bar.
(L to R: Bassist Daniel Beiers, vocalist/guitarist Phil Pendergast, and guitarist Ben Hutcherson)

Khemmis sent off the crowd with the melodic “Hunted,” which kicks off with a kick ass solo from Hutcherson. Hutchinson wasn’t the only that impressed during this song, Pendergast’s interchanging vocals felt reminiscent to that of legendary front man Rob Halford. Not only were these guys on the verge of tearing down the house, but also left the present masses clamoring for more and set for the kill.

As Oathbreaker took the stage, front woman Caro Tanghe’s presence was rather captivating in her appearance once she took the stage alongside her band mates. Unlike most lead singers, Tanghe’s mannerisms, motions and presence felt more like that of a specter. By the time the band opened with “10:45” from their current release Rheia, Tanghe covered her face with her long brunette hair and immediately captivated all with her soothing, soprano-like vocals.

Caro Tanghe of Oathbreaker will lure you with her siren like voice and mystery.

Much like Rheia, the band followed with “Second Son of R.” The band picked up the pace when they performed “Immortals” where Tanghe’s siren like vocals turned to banshee-like screams, and lead guitarist Lennart Bossu go from calm to a man possessed by the riffs he strummed. It was also one of the first times that the Klown almost ate shit on the stage. Tanghe and company kept the ghastly façade by picking up the pace with “Where I Live” and simmering down with “Where I Leave,” a song in which Tanghe reintroduces her ghastly, siren-like vocals.

The Klown would take note of Tanghe’s dedication to her motif because she would crouch, huddle and rock herself like a tortured spirit discovered before unloading a climactic “scare.” She would sometimes turn her back to the audience and do the same gestures in front of the drummer Wim Sreppoc. The pace picked up again with “Needles in Your Skin” and managed to briefly calm the masses because the song would decelerate in between during Tanghe’s clean vocals.

Oathbreaker entices fans at the Soda Bar.
(L to R: Guitarist Lennart Bossu, bassist Gilles Demolder, vocalist Caro Tanghe

Oathbreaker finished the night powerfully by treating their faithful with “Glimpse of the Unseen” from their studio debut album Mælstrøm. This song is synonymous to them and so great, that the Klown practically kissed Tanghe’s feet not necessarily because he wanted to but because that’s how buck wild the moment got. This was truly a great show and the Klown would love to see Oathbreaker again, if they swing by San Diego.

The Trials of April 7

Note: It seems that the world is getting crazier and crazier by the days. As in the crazies are out and about and trying to kill our mellow. On that note, our deepest condolences and our thoughts are with our Swedish, Syrian and Egyptian peeps and anyone who has family in those places.

Bear Has Released Its Most Accurate Album

The Belgian quartet known as Bear has come out with its third installment titled III through Basick Records. How appropriate, right? This current installment has the band busting out the DJent style. The band kicks off their album pretty strongly with “Blackpool,” which the Klown can describe like a Norma Jean track with more chorus and edge. The band takes their sound down a notch in the track “Mask,” and sounds like a combo of Prong and The Dillinger Escape Plan. “Knives Are Easy” was a pretty good track to listen to which tuned made an ambient turn towards the middle feeling like an experimental version of Ministry.

Going back to the D.E.P comparison, “The Oath” had the Klown thinking that he was listening to a very edgy sounding D.E.P song. “Constrict.Construct” had a lot more punk-like influences and a harmonious chorus. The Klown is glad that this album wasn’t all over the place and remained rather consistent like some other DJent groups that he’s listened to. This album is a treat for those who enjoy the DJent brand of metal that is sprouting.

4 /6, Still Doesn’t Answer If They Shit in the Woods

Wear Your Wounds Has Debuted

If you love the hardcore icon Jacob Bannon, or his label Deathwish Inc, then this album is no surprise to you. For those who don’t know, the vocalist of Converge has now released his solo project Wear Your Wounds’ first album titled WYW. The Klown didn’t know what to expect he just knows that Bannon was going to be experimental in this side project and incorporate his piano skills. Bannon kicks off his brainchild with “Wear Your Wounds,” which sounded more like an ambient doom song with Bannon on auto tune. The piano in this track was a nice touch and gave it a nice harmonic and meaningful touch.

“Giving Up” was very harmonic, experimental and inspirational. “Iron Rose” starts off like a soothing but climactic revelation, morphs into a melancholic lullaby, and ambushes you with a sudden clash of drumming, cymbals and is topped with a sweet wailing guitar. Going back to the soundtrack type of song, “Hard Road to Heaven” definitely fits the bill for an ending involving a sense of relief or an accomplishment while “Best Cry of Your Life” ditches the piano away and brings us some good ol’ fashioned industrial similar to that of NIN. “Shine” brings back the piano and auto tune, whereas “Heavy Blood” sounded more like a song Warner Brothers should have looked into for their superhero flicks.

Lastly, “Goodbye Old Friend” was not only an appropriate ending but also felt like an ending credit track that highlights a sacrifice. This album was pretty good as far as experimental go because not a lot of artists can pull it off. After listening to this album, the Klown wouldn’t be surprised if Bannon were to one day take the same path as Trent Reznor and starts composing music for movies.

6 /6, Wounds Are In Fashion, Brenda! 

Deez Nuts Will Indulge You with Their Latest

For those who voted in the Presidential race, the name sounds familiar for all the humorous reasons. In fact that’s who the Klown originally voted for till the first clown president won and was sworn in! But alas, it’s not the same Deez Nuts. In fact dee nuts that the Klown will be talking about is the hardcore band from Down Under. The last time the Klown ever heard of doze nuts was when they were here in San Diego as an opener for Hatebreed in 2012. If you ever see them live, they are a treat.

And now onto their latest release Binge & Purgatory which came out through Century Media Records. Unlike the first time the Klown indulged on Deez Nuts (teehee), they seem to have taken a much serious approach. Their secondary track, “Purgatory” immediately shoots off testosterone the way most hardcore bands do. “Commas & Zeroes” is also pumped but contains a chorus and borderline rapping from vocalist JJ Peters, which the Klown definitely dug! “Discord” almost felt like a hardcore anthem and briefly features Sean Kennedy slapping the bass like it owes it money!

If you want to hear a “true” hardcore song, the band will treat you to “Lesson Learned” which starts angry and stays ansgry all the way to the chorus lines. “For What It’s Worth” and “Remedy” bust out some hardcore punk elements. This album felt like a pretty good comeback for the boys from Down Under. If you love hardcore than you will love this, no funning!

6 /6,  Deez Nuts Should be Anya Ears! 

*Uh oh! Jenny Oh will put in her 2 cents….Bye bye life savings 

Prepare to Obsess Over The Obsessed

Doom legends are back with their first full length album since 1994! Whoa. After several compilations and live albums, The Obsessed make a strong comeback with their latest titled Sacred through Relapse Records and HALLELUJAH we believe! The Obsessed return full force with a fresher sound full vigor and full blown rock n’ roll!

The doom metallers unload their well paced tempo and riffs with “Sodden Jackal” and is cushioned by “Punk Crusher” which has a nice little build up and turns into a cool song you’re gonna wanna blast while you hit the road on your tric. The catchy as hell and current single “Sacred,” will make the devil do a sexy little dance and shake what its creator gave him!

“Razor Wire” will cut deep into your skulls and will set up shop in your brain, you WILL be humming this chorus. For the alumni of the school of Hard Knocks, “It’s Only Money” is the song for you, but if you want less sing-y and more play-y (?) vocalist/guitarist Scott “Wino” Weinrich, bassist Reid Raley and Brain Costantino’s drumming chops got you covered in the sweet ass jamming sesh in “Cold Blood.”  “Stranger Things” may not have Eleven making a guest appearance but it certainly gets so deep, you’ll see the upside down along with “My Daughter My Sons,” one of yours truly’s favorite tracks.

I can go over and dissect all 12 tracks from Sacred but hearing is believing! The Obsessed may have taken a 20+ break from the recording studio but it seems to have done them some good, not that they weren’t before. This album oozes cool and will create excitement to see what these gentlemen will do next.

6/6, AMEN!

The Hatchet Job: April 3-8

April 3

Dimmu Borgir Keeps Teasin’

Guitarist Sven Atle Kopperud (whose stage name is Silenoz), stated in an interview with Metal Shock Finland that they are in the middle of mixing the highly anticipated follow up of their 2010’s Abrahadabra AND gave us a glimpse of what’s to come…it sounds glorious.

“It’s more epic and symphonic, it’s more brutal, it’s more black metal, it’s more primitive.” Said Silenoz. “It includes everything we are known for, and what’s even better about it is that it has just come so easy.” My Stan… We will have to wait and see. In the meantime, cure those Dimmu shakes you got going on after reading the statement and get ready for their DVD Forces of the Northern Night which will be out on April 14 via Nuclear Blast. The DVD will feature two live performances with the Norwegian Radio Orchestra and their entire Wacken Open Air set in 2012.

April 4

We Venture ‘On the Wrong Side of the Wire’

God Dethroned has brought us more death metal with their latest music video for “On the Wrong Side of the Wire” and this song will have you hitting the replay button a couple of times! That riff will have you headbanging like no one’s business. This track will be feature on their May 5 album The World Ablaze which will burst via Metal Blade Records and it’s their first full length album in seven years! If this is how the album is gonna sound, then it’ll be worth the wait.

April 5

Watch out Deathcoreheads, the ‘Revelation’ Is Coming…

And it came and straight from Chicago! Oceano lays it all out on us in all its gritty, thick and growly goodness. “Revelation” will be featured in the quartet’s May 19 album The Great Tribulation which will debut via Sumerian Records. I’m not much of a deathcorehead but I gotta admit, this was a good song to tear shit up and put it on full blast at the end of your long work shift.

April 6

You’ll Catch Us ‘Dancing With The Wrong Girl’

That’s right, no shame and it’s something we’re all guilty, especially if its the Black Star Riders’ song! Now you dance AND view this beauty in their latest music video…sorry the infamous “wrong girl” Ricky Warwick laments over doesn’t have a face, but the sexy neon devil lady might as well be her. DAMN YOU STAN! If you can’t stop dancing to this catchy song, be sure to snag up their latest album Heavy Fire which is out now via Nuclear Blast. Not sure if you wanna, see what the Klown thought about it.

The Lights Have Dimmed Within the Trans Siberian Orchestra

Founder of the famous Trans Siberian Orchestra, Paul O’Neill, passed away at the age of 61 from chronic illness. “He was our friend and our leader—a truly creative spirit and an altruistic soul.” Said the band about their fallen leader on their Facebook page. The band also mentioned in the statement that they would make additional announcements and asked fans to respect the privacy of O’Neill’s family.

O’Neill started out in the Floridian power metal band Savatage in 1983 as a lyricist and guitarist. Ten years later, O’Neill along with his band mates, keyboardist Robert Kinkel and vocalist/pianist Jon Oliva, crafted the rock opera powerhouse we know today. It’s uncertain what the future holds for the Trans Siberian Orchestra but whatever the outcome, we’ll look back and indulge in these masterpieces. Thank you for everything, Mr. O’Neill. That giant concert in the sky just got more metal and epic.

April 7

The Obsessed Tell A ‘Sacred’ Story

The doom legends are back and continue to celebrate their efforts by releasing something “Sacred,” as in the music video for the track! The hazy video and the fur clad man and woman really fits with the doomy, old school vibe. This enjoyable song will have you cracking open a beer or two. “Sacred” is featured in their first full length album in over 20 years titled Sacred which dropped today via Relapse Records! Interested? Of course you are! And thanks goodness for technology no? It is now available for streaming in their bandcamp.

April 8

American Idol: Metallica

Sorry to burst your bubble, but American Idol is dead and gone and it has not been resurrected for a metal version. BUT Metallica has created their version per se by launching “Hit the Stage” where you can vote which local bands will win the spot as openers in their five city “mini” tour. Though California is not included (Boo, you whores!), these pre selected bands will have their opportunity to shine in the blazing stadium stage lights. So be a real one and check ‘em out at their site to get ALL the details.

May 19 – Foxborough, MA – Gillette Stadium (also with Volbeat)

June 4 – St. Louis, MO – Busch Stadium (also with Volbeat)

June 14 – San Antonio, TX – Alamodome (also with Avenged Sevenfold)

June 16 – Dallas, TX – AT&T Stadium (also with Avenged Sevenfold)

June 18 – Chicago, IL – Soldier Field (also with Avenged Sevenfold)

 

The Trials of March 24

Helioss Resurrects with Third Album

The Klown doesn’t know if this is France’s version of Darkthrone or France’s response to Winds Of Plague, either way he’s impressed. The French duo of Helioss has released their new album titled Antumbra through Apathia Records. The duo kicks off with “The World Is Ours” with sounds reminiscent to that of Winds Of Plagues if they were angrier and did more screaming vocals than growls same goes to “Santhara” but vice versa. “Dernière Nuit” was a certain… je ne sais quoi to classify because it sounded rather “whimsical” as far as making black metal sounds playful go.

“The Ninth Hour” gave an epic touch to the album while “Bring Forth the Rain” features classical guitar as an opening catalyst to some metal type of goodness thereafter. “Screaming in Silence” reminded the Klown of a potential or unreleased Wintersun song with some harmonic overture incorporated in the song. “Above” sounded like an early Mors Principium Est collaborated with Sigurd “Satyr” Wongraven to make some melodic blackened death metal. Lastly, the duo treats us to their cover of Bolt Thrower’s “…For Victory” which is featured in the digital copy of this album. Not a bad album especially if you’re into avant-garde/symphonic/melodic black metal. You can check these guys out for yourself on the label’s bandcamp!

5 out of 6, Plus S’il Vous Plait!

Cut Up Release A New Album Intact

Three years ago, when the Swedish death metal act known as Vomitory broke up, the metal world took it for what it was. Then guitarist/vocalist Erik Lundqvist and drummer Tobias “Tobben” Gustafsson joined up and included former Vomitory live guitarist/vocalist Anders Bertilsson in to mix and continued making sweet, sweet Swedish death metal. With that out of the way, Swedish death metal quartet Cut Up has released their sophomore album, Wherever They May Rot through Metal Blade Records. “From Ear to Ear” will have you invested in this album. “Necrophagic Madness” features a speedier version of the Metal Blade resident and death metal titans, Cannibal Corpse.

“Behead the Dead” sounded like Entombed AD teamed up with vocalist John Pettibone of Himsa or a very angry Lars which the Klown could say the same about “Psychosurgery” with the exception of one of the vocals because this track features some backup vocals. “Raped by the Blade,” the last track of the album was pretty bitchin’. Don’t let the song title fool you! This track is not a Cannibal Corpse cover and is a sweet closer for death metal lovers. The Klown enjoyed this album quite a bit and he highly recommends this album.

5 out of 6 This Album will Not Rot Your Ears

Pallbearer Have Heart to Release Their Newest Album

The Little Rock quartet known as Pallbearer have officially released their third album, Heartless through Nuclear Blast Records. “I Saw The End” greets you with a more melodic version of doom which is rather soothing. “Thorns,” on the other hand, gives you an actual dose of doom with Brett Campbell’s soft pipes at the helm, which make it sound like a melancholic lullaby. “Lie of Survival” was basically a hymn of doom metal proportions for the faithless or for those down in the dumps. “Cruel Road” reminded the Klown of Ghost if Papa Emeritus changed his style of vocals and fewer harmonics.”Heartless” was simply just bitchin’ to listen, it was harmonic, melodic and still highlighted the doom influences that the band is known for. “A Plea for Understanding” was a good closer because it was deep and somewhat inspirational. Seriously, the Klown can picture this song being featured in a movie to highlight an appropriate ending and cutting into the end credits and the Klown wouldn’t be surprised if this becomes the band’s new single. The Klown is not that big on doom but this was a pretty good album to check out.

5 out of 6, Doom Enthusiasts Can Die Happy Now

Memoriam Will Make You Remember their Debut

Assuming you keep up with us, the Klown has spoken about Memoriam. If you don’t, be a doll and check it out… and then some. The band formerly known as Bolt Thrower has returned to us under the Memoriam name. Without going into details to as of why, the Klown is going to talk about their anticipated debut, For The Fallen which was released through Nuclear Blast Records. “Memoriam” alone will get you pumped up and further invested in this triumphant return. “War Rages On” will immediately get your adrenaline rushing and clamoring for more. For the diehard Bolt Thrower fans wanting to relive an oldie, “Reduce To Zero” and “Surrounded by Death” are definitely going to hit that spot of nostalgia. Speaking of nostalgia, “Corrupted System” and “Resistance” will definitely have you reminiscing over the late Martin “Kiddie” Kearns drumming, in which Andrew Whale does a great job at honoring his memory.

“Last Words” not only is the last track of the album but also makes a good ending in which the Klown could best describe as a rollercoaster of a song. “Last Words” has a smooth start that eventually transitions to something intense and finish smoothly in a death metal fashion with some machine guns firing, and war sound effect samples somewhere near the end. This was a great fucking album, the Klown highly recommends you to get your ears on this ASAP.

6 out of 6, Kearns Has Had His Memory Honored!

Me and That Man… and the Klown’s Take

Never did the Klown think that he was going to listen to a blues album in Ugh Metal. Then again, the world never would have given a second thought to the possibility of Adam “Nergal” Darski actually doing anything besides Behemoth. Nergal has proved that when life gives you lemons, you cut them up and have some tequila! When one of the most prolific figures from Poland and metal announced Me and That Man, the metal world was curious, yours truly definitely was. Nergal then announced that he would be teaming up with English blues/country musician John Porter. Now the wait is over, and Me and That Man released their debut album Songs of Love and Death through Cooking Vinyl Records.

One of the Klown’s personal favorite is “On The Road,” it was catchy AF and it was a true blues/country rock romp which would make a perfect soundtrack for traveling. If you’re looking for a “true” blues song from this album, “Cross My Heart and Hope To Die” would be that poison of choice which also incorporates a children’s choir to further enhance the song’s profile. Aside from “My Church Is Black,” Nergal shows off clean vocals and shares with Porter lead vocal duties while the rest of the band members chime in. “Better The Devil I Know” was also great and it seemed like a nod to Nick Cave’s work than an actual country/blues song. “Of Siren, Vampires And Lovers” and “One Day” features Porter’s legendary vocals and Nergal taking a backseat. Another of the Klown’s favorite was “Magdelene” which features both Nergal and Porter interchanging vocal duties and a really catchy chorus line.

The Klown can keep talking about this album all he wants but he won’t because he may as well just name the rest of the album. Yes, it was that great and before you judge, just remember, without blues paving the way, we wouldn’t have metal or the concept of Stan involved in music.

6 out of 6, This was a Behemoth of a Release 

The Trials of February 10

Note: Love is in the air… and so are the Klown’s gases! Don’t worry though yours truly gots you covered! Just saying, although the ladies…and some gents of the feminine quality may still prefer a romantic and intimate moment, why not include the gift of our beloved genre in the form of a new release. Let’s face it metal can ironically provide an intimate soundtrack for you both. Most important, it’s a helluva a lot cheaper than any jewelry you could ever buy!

Dead Witches Debut Will Haunt Your Ears

Take that statement as you will but at least read what the Klown has to say. Dead Witches is the brand new brain child of former Electric Wizard skinsman, Mark Greening. On that note if you are a big fan of Electric Wizard, good news because it also happens to be stoner/doom metal! The quartet has released their long awaited debut album Ouija through Heavy Psych Sounds Records. If you really want more doom than stoner “Dead” and “A World of Darkness” is your sure bet. The Klown will say this, “Mind Funeral” was a really good track and really felt like a re-mastered Pentagram track if a female vocalist had filled in for legendary front man Bobby Liebling. Though this album was short, it wasn’t bad. But alas, not only was this not the Klown’s flask of Bourbon, he just wasn’t feeling this album as much. However, it is definitely a great album for Pentagram, King Woman and Black Sabbath fans.

3 out of 6, D-O-O-M for Your Ears!

Do you dare play with the Dead Witches “Ouija”?

Kassad Debuts First Studio Album

The one man black metal project known as Kassad is currently unsigned and independent AND managed to release this album! At first with a name like Kassad, the Klown expected Middle Eastern influences to go along with the sounds of black metal. The Klown was initially expecting Kassad to have Middle Eastern elements to his metal much like the Mesopotamian Black Metallers Melechesh, however, he stuck to the Norwegian Black metal sound. Right from the start “Shame” and “Pariah” bring the noise for some intense and awesome black metal reminiscent to that of Darkthrone. “Madness” and “Broken” gives you some black metal of the Norwegian variety during its infancy reminiscent to that of the up and coming Swedish black metal band Dark Funeral. The rest of the album is rather ambient which kind of provides a bit of a buffer to settle you down, like after a big meal and you get that good ol’ bowl of mint ice cream at the end…which is rather nice. This debut will leave you looking forward to a new album in the future than leave you clamoring for more like some rabid metal head. The Klown highly recommends this to all who are kvlt and those who love Dark Funeral, Darkthrone and Tsjuder. Check out his studio debut album Faces Turn Away through bandcamp or his website.

5 out of 6, This Album can Also Turn Heads Forward

Kassad’s debut will experience the opposite of “Faces Turn Away”

Mors Principium Est Will Set The World Afire

The Finnish quartet with the French name, have returned after a three year hiatus. This sixth new installment Embers of a Dying World has come out through AFM Records. This album has some folk influence which made this album pretty bitchin’. “Reclaim the Sun” will immediately induce massive headbanging and sounds like an epic version of Children of Bodom if Alexi Laiho had harsher vocals which can be best heard in the track “Masquerade.” “Into The Dark,” on the other hand, lived up to its name and added that signature Dimmu Borgir orchestration to their sound before venturing in to Ensiferum and Wintersun- like epicness. “Death is the Beginning” gives a brand new twist to the brand of melodic death metal that the Klown has mostly heard through Mayan. “Death…” fuses female vocals courtesy of Christina Marie with the harsh death metal vocals from front manVille Viljannen, creating  an array classical strings, pianos and tops it with a killer solo from the lead guitarist, Andy Gillion. “The Ghost” makes a great follow up to “Death…” as it plays and continues off of it. The Klown could go on about this album but he’d much rather you listen to it. No joke, this album was that great.

6 out of 6, The Embers Turned to a Widespread Fire 

Mors Principium Est make a strong return with “Embers of a Dying World “

Nidingr Latest Album is on Fire!

The Norwegian black metal quartet known as Nidingr have released their fourth studio album, The High Heat Licks Against Heaven through Season of Mist Records. Allow the Klown to let you know that hearing is believing and he understand why this album was brought up to his attention. Hearing “Surtur,” “Dead Body Shore” and “Valkyries Assemble” sent the Klown on a kvlt high. Need a better description? Nidingr sounds much like Melodic Black Metallers Keep of Kalessin, yes, they sounded that similar! “Soltaker,” on the other hand, turned blacker and  reminded the Klown a bit of Mayhem. The Klown is most likely still on that black metal high from the De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas tour (stay tuned). Another great fact about this album is that it features guest backing vocals from Thor “Destructhor” Myhren from Norwegian black metal band Myrskog and Krystoffer Rygg from Ulver. “Naglfar Is Loosed” features the kvltest dame of Denmark Amelie Bruun from Myrkur, where she lends her ghastly and angelic vocals for a very harmonious chorus. Think the Klown’s exaggerating? Check them out!

6 out of 6, This Album is White Hot

Nidingr’s latest is lit!

Overkill Keep Grinding the Thrash Wheel

Overkill. Nuff said. Okay… the Klown shall continue because he wants to not because he has to. If you’re a metal head, especially if you are a thrasher, then Overkill will immediately ring a bell. The legendary thrash quintet from Jersey has released their 18^th studio album, The Grinding Wheel through Nuclear Blast Records. “Mean, Green, Killing Machine” is a great opener for the album, however, “Goddamn Trouble” will get you really hooked and invested in the album. “Our Finest Hour” and “Come Heavy” will give you classic Overkill right off the bat. “The Long Road” sounds like it would have been an anthem during the height of Thrash, not to say that it still doesn’t have the potential to be. “Let’s All Go to Hades” is a great track and is a metal party song. Want a new U.S. national anthem? Overkill has managed to make us a brand new one with the song “Red White and Blue.” Taking a page from Metallica, Overkill joined the over 7 minute thrash song club with “The Grinding Wheel.” This album was a good comeback from the one of the legends of thrash metal.

5 out of 6 The Wheels Will Keep on Grindin’

OVERKILL!!!