Hatchet Job: Sept. 25- 29, 2017

Editor’s Note: That’s right, it’s back from yet again another retreat! Hatchet Job is a troubled little segment with lots of issues and who is a bit of a high maintenance attention whore. But don’t worry, HJ find its identity and has a bright future ahead of it but till then we will…type type, type  my darling!

Honorable Mention:

After Dusk Brings The Heat With Lyric Video

After Dusk will not only make your head turn with that opening riff for “Pyroclastic Flow (Honeydoom)” but it will make you feel a strange kind of groovy warmth. The visuals from these Greek  metallers will certainly open up your mind and your wallet because you’re gonna wanna get their latest album  The Character of Physical Law which is available now! Get your copy here and check out lyric video below and don’t tell me that psychedelic keyboard won’t make your knees weak!

Sept. 25

Be A Misfit at Sin City

Missed your chance to snag tickets to the big Misfits reunion show? You’re in luck! Due to the high demand, another show was added on Dec. 28 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The original Misfits will help fans pre-game for 2018 with Alkaline Trio and Fear, giving Misfits fans to catch them.

According to the poster, the LA Forum show sold out in one minute, and it might be possible that Glenn Danzig’s cats snagged MOST of the tickets, now don’t miss your chance and get yours here and tickets go on sale on Friday Sept. 29 at 10 AM… so like right now! GO GO GO!! GET THEM HERE!!!!!!

Sept. 26

Nuclear Blast Snags My Unkle’s Band

I guess my Unkle Al’s band Ministry is going somewhere after all. Jk! I always believed in my kooky Unkle Al and so did Nuclear Blast Records! According to Ministry’s Facebook page, the legendary industrial band is determined to create a “New World Order” and inked a worldwide deal with the famous label.

According to Unkle Al Jourgensen their highly anticipated album AmeriKKKant will “provide FEMA type relief for the devastation ‘Hurricane Cheeto’ has brought upon us.”

Oh Unkle Al, someone had to and while you wait for 2018 to roll by with this new album check out what we thought about Minisry’s big Comic Con show this summer here! Missed the Comic Con show? Luckily they’re hitting the road this October with Death Grips, check out the tour dates here. Don’t forget a lot of sweet bundle deals with your pre order here!

Unkle Al Jourgensen, bassist Jason Christopher and guitarist Cesar Soto waiting for us to succumb after “Just One Fix.”

Sept. 27

The ‘Kong Vinter’ Is Coming

Taake may not have been able to pillage North America this year but the black metallers have kept busy with touring other places and working on their 7^th studio album. What? You haven’t heard about their upcoming album this year? You came to the right place! Taake announced that the wait will be over on Nov.24 where their latest album Kong Vinter (King Winter) will be release via Dark Essence Records.

According to the statement, Hoest has been crafting this baby for three years and plays all the instruments in this album himself. Like you needed anymore cool points, Hoest! The album promises to retain the classic black metal sound Taake is known for but will be “unpredictable as it winds its way sinuously through a soundscape that only a mother could love.”

Our nipps are hard and we can’t wait to hear this album. Pre-order your copy here via their bandcamp and while you wait check out what we thought about Taake’s first San Diego appearance last year in this link!

Sept. 28

Noctem Release Gruesome Video For Single

If you were still hungry for more Noctem, then you’re in luck! Just a year after they released their album Haeresis, these Spanish extreme black metallers are back. Noctem is here to feed you more of their extreme brand of metal and to slap you silly with their video for “A Cruce Salus.”

The video showcases the quintet’s showmanship and will make you envy the concert goers in the video. The music video was filmed in three different rock metal festivals in Spain this past summer…why can’t we have nice things like these?! Anyway, nuff about my bitching and moaning and if you’re diggin Noctem as much as we are, you can get their albums and purchase single in their bandcamp.

Sept. 29

SINSAENUM Have Us Taste ‘Ashes’

The super group with members of Mayhem, Dragonforce, and Joey Jordison (just to name a few members in this sextet) gave us another whiff of what’s to come in their Nov.10 EP  Ashes via earMUSIC. The music video is for the title track and needless to say, it will have you at the edge of your seat!

Yours truly is a sucker for the black and white, artsy videography and after you watch this you’ll be too. And there is a high probability this killer song will peak your interest of the rest of the goods coming our way. If you like what you hear, don’t forget to snag you copy of their 2016 debut album Echoes of the Tortured  and pre-order Ashes here and check out the video below!

 

The Trials of Sept.8, 2017 (Part 1)

Editor’s Note: Uh Oh! Another split?! That’s right! Though this is not another BIG ass split as seen in Team Klown’s Dead Kennedy show and Team ASSasIN’s Ministry gig, there was a minor crack in last week’s trials! Read Jenny Oh’s Team ASSasIN’s take on…

Monarch Are Set To ‘Go Forth…Slaughter’

These local thrashers have released their debut LP Go Forth…Slaughter independently. Like the title mentions Monarch has every intention to slaughter your ears and dare I say have you “Beheaded.” Okay not literally, but the brutal song will and it will do it with a bloody delicacy much like “Bloody Assault.” This “…Assault” is not like any other, this one will slowly stalk and reel in its opponent where vocalist/guitarist Matt Smith hits that high note to the T!

Not interested in high notes? Okay well “Dawn to Night” and “Memories of War” will be a good one to crank up. “Kill or Die,” “Entropy” and the title track “Go Forth…Slaughter” wastes no time in sinking its jaws in you and will induce a serious case of headbanging!

Monarch’s debut full length album will appease thrashers and casual metalheads alike. Casey Trask’s memorable riffs in this album along with the vigorous drumming from Adam West, and the bass foundation from Alex Pickard lays in this album will also seal the deal for you. And this is just the album, see what we thought about them live! Nuff of yours truly yammering on and on, now go forth my child and get your copy here and experience the power of this Monarch.

5 out 6, Successful invasion

Arch Enemy Shows A Tamer Side of Their ‘Power’

Where there’s a will there’s a way no? Well the will was very much there for Arch Enemy’s latest album Will to Power which was released via Century Media Records. You know something big is coming when you hear the instrumental “Set Flame to the Night,” this beautiful intro will have you wonder what’s gonna happen next with their epic riffs before launching you in to the fast paced “The Race” and “The World Is Yours.”

“The Eagle Flies Alone,” the empowering “A Fight I Must Win” (which yours truly really enjoyed), and “Blood in the Water” tone down their tempo allowing you to let the instrumentals simmer a little better in your worn out ear drums. “Reason to Believe” made us believe we have feelings especially when Alissa White-Gluz shows off her clean vocals along with her thick growls which are complimented by the splendid solo in between.

Arch Enemy slightly sanded their rough surface in this album and works well for them and added a tiny drop of orchestra (I’m looking at you, “A Fight…”). Arch Enemy also do a great cover of Charged GBH’s “City Baby Attacked by Rats.” It’s clear Arch Enemy are ready to play around to confuzzle their foes and can be quite a treat if you open your mind. Get your copy of Will to Power right here and see what this is all about!

4 Out 6, They’re finding their way.

‘Monocle’ Is 1 In A Million

Meanwhile in Norway, a ghastly wonder is being crafted by the experimental Atrox. Atrox is not like the other experimental bands. They have a knack for blending a lot of different musical elements which can be heard in their latest Monocle which was released via Dark Essence Records. The quintet bust out their unique blend of industrial that’s laced with a whiff of prog and metalcore. I told you they were special especially when they bring THE “Heat.”

Atrox add a little more of the gothic element, especially in the lyrical aspect, in the pained “Finger” which transitions into a deeper level of anguish in the predominantly industrial “Suicide Days” and “Target.” “For We Are Many” mischievously slithers out of this foreboding train ride and shows off its proggy scales before it flashes its vicious little fangs towards the end before swallowing you whole with “Movie.” *Catches breath*

Atrox continue to shine in the vast sea of metal and refuse to conform, you go boys! Rune Folgerø’s melodic and passionate vocals along with the rest of Atrox will carry you to a dark land in a galaxy far, far away. Monocle promises a great time with a refreshing and new sense of wonder for those that are willing to drink this baby in. Open your mind and be the best and unique nugget you can be and get your copy here.

6 Out 6, There can only be one!  

Stay tuned for Part 2 by Chuggo’s Team Klown!

 

 

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*

The Missed Trials: Hellfire Deathcult, Eths, and Temblad

Hellfire Deathcult Released an EP to Soothe Fans

The Klown and his semi-likable sibling have had the privilege of seeing this Chi-Town trio perform at the Brick by Brick once. So naturally they must have had some albums because logic! On February 22, 2017 Hellfire Deathcult released their Death Worship EP Our Ancient Future Records. Allow the Klown to state that this album has Reyes Perez’s vocals giving you an idea how Satan would sound like if he stubbed his toe and will take you on a ride of pure adrenaline. No f’n joke. The following three tracks really stood out to the Klown.

Right after the introductory track “Prayer ov Unholy Black Death” the gloves come off. “Abysmal Hate ov Christ” features guitarist/vox Alejandro “Quetzalcoatl” Alcantara’s gnarly but brief guitar solo towards the end which came as pleasant surprise adding more character to the song. “Anti God War ov the Apocalypse” features E. Rodriguez’s cymbal clashing, Perez’s powerful bass and him sharing vocal duties with Alcantara. Although “Ov Death and Hate” is the final track , it does a good job leaving you wanting some more and looking forward to what the group may bring out next.  It is also worth noting that although Rodriguez’s drumming and cymbal clashing shined the brightest on this track, the rest of the guys don’t tread far behind.

This album left the Klown wondering how the band brainstorms for their ideas mainly because it felt like a jam session. The members worked off of each other to create the songs, leaving you wanting more. The Klown absolutely recommends these gents if you really are looking for some black metal of energetic proportions or if you need a soundtrack for summoning demons at your next exorcism. You can check these guys out at their bandcamp.

5 out of 6, This will make you workout like a DEMON!

Eths Emerged with Fourth

The Klown has always liked the female fronted French ensemble known as Eths. The Klown was ecstatic and sad when their breakthrough III was released in 2012. Ecstatic because the group had signed with Season of Mist and were no longer a European exclusive act. He was sad because it was also the beginning of a long hiatus due to the sudden departure of front woman Candice Clot. Nevertheless, the Klown was shocked when Eths had another album out, he naturally wanted to check it out.

On April 22, 2016 the quintet released Ankaa and starts out strongly with “Nefas” by mixing some ambient samples with metal and having frontwoman Rachel Aspe doing justice to Clot’s vocal style. “Nihil Sine Causa” follows up powerfully by giving a heavy dose of metal featuring guest vocalists Jon Howard of Threat Signal and Sarah Layssac of Arkan.  Howard indulges this song with his metalcore vocals while Layssac softens things up with her harmonic voice. The song also features some electronic based sounds after the breakdown which would also be a recurring theme in this album.

“Seditio” gets experimental with the piano, heavy double kick drums from Soilwork’s Dirk Verbeuren.  Aspe adds her growling vocals into the reverb and dub step mix. “Nixi Dii” starts off really heavy and aggressive but tone it down a bit towards the middle with Aspe’s clean vocals after the breakdown, and turns it around with harsh vocals. This song gets a little experimental too with the use of samples of babies crying.

“HAR1” also features Ugh Metal’s most prolific, vocalist Bjorn Strid of Soilwork. Strid adds his distinguished vocals making this track sound like a Mushroomhead song, to the Klown anyway. “Kumari Kandam” and “Alnilam” will take you back to the classic sounds of Eths vocals and instrumentals without the samples. This album finishes with “Mintaka” which sound like classic Eths but with ambient tones added to signify the end.

This was all over the place but was still enjoyable and makes the diehard Eths fans understand why they needed to end the project. The band took a final bow on their final tour in May 2017 with the original lineup. You can check out this album on the label’s bandcamp.

6 out of 6, Au revoir ma reine et mes chevaliers

Temblad Crowns Their Debut

Our local quartet Temblad has graced the Ugh Metal site twice before this moment. Now is the Klown’s turn to  feature these gents again but this time we’ll talk about their studio album debut Nevercrown which they released independently on April 26, 2016.

The album starts off strongly with “Caress the Rabid” right after the intro called “Daesh.” Right from the beginning you know you’re in for a treat of the extreme variety. “The Murderous Fifth” gives you a bit of groove without straying away from their established sound. “Stratageddon” features  Lorenzo Kemp sharing vocals with drummer Marlon Matthew while he struts his kicks, cymbals, snares and all.

“Paralytic,” “Ship of Traitors” and “Mockery of the Fanatic” are the Klown’s personal favorite on this album. Aside from being really aggressive, it feature everything the band has to offer including Kemp’s vocals. “Seeding Derision” spotlights Kemp’s skills on the guitar by showing off some playful riffs that are reminiscent to local powerhouse Cattle Decapitation. The best part about this album is also the fact the Matthew and Kemp decided to include most of their 2011 EP Mockery of the Fanatic and finish strongly with “Geist.” The song had great and fast drum beats, an awesome guitar solo and leaves you clamoring for more.

The Klown can confidently say that he can’t wait till the next album is released. You guys should check it out especially if you like Decapitated, Cattle Decapitation and Norma Jean. Lastly, you can hear and obtain this album through Temblad’s bandcamp.

6 out of 6, This album will give you chills

The Trials of June 23

Dying Fetus Release the Right One to Listen to

It has been a while since the Klown heard anything from the death metal trio known as Dying Fetus. In fact, it has been five full years since Reign Supreme was released. Nevertheless, Fetus fans may now breathe again because their eighth album Wrong One to Fuck With has been finally released through Relapse Records. The trio begins strongly with “Fixated on Devastation” which features Trey Williams’ powerful double kick drumming, John Gallagher’s fierce growling vocals and powerful riffs without discounting Sean Beasley’s backing vocals and heavy bass strum.

“Panic Amongst the Herd” and “Reveling in the Abyss” slow it down a bit. The difference between both is that “Panic…” featured Beasley’s heavy bass resonating while “Reveling…” featured more of Williams’ drumming. “Die with Integrity” features a retouched version of Dying Fetus but a bit more cleaner as far as sound quality is concerned. “Weaken the Structure” was a pretty awesome and brutal track that featured everyone equally from Williams’ double bass pedaling to Beasley’s heavy bass to Gallagher’s awesome solo and voice going from growling to guttural. The album also includes a bonus track titled “Induce Terror” which sounded like their technical death metal 2007 classic War of Attrition. This album was pretty refreshing to hear and it’s sure to please the Fetus faithful. You can check out and acquire their newest album in the label’s bandcamp.

5 out of 6, This Was the Right One to Fuck With

KMFDM Tease with Their Latest Release

You didn’t think the Klown would ever do some industrial, did you? Joke’s on you! Anyway, the Industrial powerhouse known as KMFDM has released a tormenting EP titled Yeah! through earMusic Records. The reason the Klown says that it’s tormenting is because it’s in anticipation to their next release Hell Yeah due to come out in mid-August. Sascha Konietzko’s famous project treats us to the first hit of the yet-to-be-released LP by beginning with the eponymous title “Hell Yeah” not just in its original incarnation but also as a remixed by Lord of the Lost, and the edited version.

The Klown liked the song but liked the remix a bit more because, although autotune was applied, the song had more range in sound such as the combination of trance with some wide range of electric drum sounds, synthesizers and a sweet guitar solo from Jules Hodgsons. The album also treats us to a radio friendly version of “Freak Flag” which will be featured in the upcoming LP which the Klown can describe as more of an easy listening type of song that can be danced to and features vox/keyboardist Lucia Cifarelli as backing vocals to Konietzko’s autotuned vocals.

This EP also features the a new version of the 2002 hit, which is now titled, “Attak 2017” and turned it into a fast paced trance remix featuring Cifarelli on the helm with heavy use of synthesizers as a foundation and electric drums for pacing. This tease is well worth the listen especially if you’re anticipating Hell Yeah. The Klown highly recommends this album to those who are big on electronic dance music and industrial. Lastly, if you can’t wait or fancy yourself a true fan attempting to collect all the albums, you can get yer copy here. Catch them on tour too and will be here in San Diego at the House of Blues on Oct. 20 and you can get your tickets right here.

6 out of 6 Cyber Goths Rejoice!

 

Municipal Waste  Rewards the Fans with Album

The Klown believes that he invoked Municipal Waste when he reviewed Tony Foresta and Phil “Landphil” Hall’s other brainchild, Iron Reagan. Ask and you shall receive because the kings of the Richmond punk scene have returned and wasted no time to introduce their new album Slime and Punishment through Nuclear Blast Records.

Just like it was to expected the Muni Waste steamrolls to the album with nothing but pure adrenaline of the punk variety starting with “Breathe Grease.” “Enjoy the Night” jumpstarts itself with the radical and groovy bass sounds of Landphil and power through with Ryan Waste and Nick “Nikropolis” Poulo’s fast and intense guitar riffs. Waste shows off his guitar solo in “Dingy Situations” which feature Forest’s powerful punk vocals and Dave Witte fast and powerful drumming.

“Poison the Preacher” features Foresta’s vocals go from his usual high screaming vocals to mild  growling. “Bourbon Discipline” and “Slime and Punishment” are just a few tracks that give you some customary Muni Waste sounds aside from their famous chorus. “Amateur Sketch” starts out with a muffled guitar solo and immediately unleashes the adrenaline thereafter. The album finishes with “Think Fast” which starts off slow and immediately picks up the pace after the breakdown and features the myriad of bass, drums, briefs solos accompanying Foresta’s speedy vocals. This was a good album and featured a little bit of everything from this prolific band. You can attain a copy here and check it out.

5 out of 6, Not a Waste of Time!

 

Goatwhore Comeback with a ‘Vengeance’!

The NOLA quartet has graced the Ugh Metal twice before. Right now, though, the Klown is about indulging you with their seventh album Vengeful Ascension which was released through Metal Blade Records. Goatwhore put a huge emphasis on vengeance. The group commences their acts of Vengeance with the heavy and aggressive songs titled “Forsaken” and “Vengeful Ascension” which features some strong bass and guitar riffs courtesy of James Harvey and Sammy Duet which compliment vox L.Ben Falgoust II’s harsher vocals.

If you are hankering for some traditional Goatwhore sounds then the band treats you to “Under the Flesh, Into the Soul” and “Chaos Arcane” which are prime examples of what the Klown speaks of. The band takes a page from their past selves and revisit some of the black metal influences with “Where the Sun is Silent” which the Klown enjoyed very much and can say that although a little slow it builds up but remains consistent. The drummer Zack Simmons shines brightly with “Abandon Indoctrination” and “Mankind Will Have No Mercy” with thundering double kicks and fast drumming which are then accompanied by an awesome solo provided by Duet. The group end their latest reprisal with the fast paced “Those Who Denied God’s Will” which not only featured some fast paced drumming,  guitar solos and some intense bass. This album was a great comeback from these Voodoo kings from the bayous. Lastly you can get a hold of this album at the band’s bandcamp. Also catch them in town too at the Brick By Brick on Sept. 20 with Venom Inc. and Toxic Holocaust so get your tickets here.

6 out of 6 Their Revenge was Sweet

Jenny Oh is About to Drop Her Two Cents… There Goes Her Rent Money!

Jyrki 69 Releases His Gothtastic Side

Jyrki 69, the front man of The 69 Eyes, has ditched the sleazy black lights and has returned to the intimacy of his gothic estate for his solo project. Cleopatra Records has opened the crypt and set the brooding Helsinki Vampire free to seduce the black hearts and restore the goth back into “goth n’ roll.”  The album celebrates this new beginning with “Ad Infinitum,” a seven and half minute song that starts slow with a faint and ominous chorus which ultimately builds up to a new wave type of song with Jyrki 69’s baritone vocals making an appearance towards the end.

The piano chords in the forlorn “Versailles” may remind The 69 Eyes fans about their Paris Kills and Blessed Be days. “Spanish Steps” features some synths which shine in the moonlight of nostalgia (… I’m not crying, you’re crying!) and every other song . Jyrki 69 changes the mood and scares away the melancholic with his two singles the danceable “Bloodlust” and the horror tribute “Last Halloween.” You think Jyrki 69 is going to keep things light? WRONG! Jyrki 69 then spills out the gloomy “Happy Birthday,” which is GOTH APPROVED! Get your brooding face ready again with “Call Of The Night” and “In Your Dreams.”

By this point it’s a little obvi what yours truly thinks about Helsinki Vampire because I practically spoke about the entire album. The faithful followers of The 69 Eyes who particularly loved their gothic sound and the new wave elements will certainly drink this baby up! For those that liked their sleazy roots may be a little iffy before giving in to Jyrki 69. This Helsinki Vampire is sure to glamour those Tripp pants off especially if you make this album your own by clicking this link.

6 Out of 6, Eat me, drink me baby 😉   

Nukem Melted Down the Brick

Nukem ALL!
(L to R: Vocalist/guitarist Steve Brogden, drummer/birthday boy Norm Leggio, guitarist Laura Christine and bassist Don Lauder)

Nukem were on a mission to make their biggest explosion yet! Nuclear hellfire and all, we were not on a mission to find a fallout shelter because we wanted to absorb whatever they launched at us. Radiation and Geiger meter be damned! On June 3 the Brick By Brick housed an unforgettable night filled with balloons, thrash and cake? That’s right CAKE, not only to commemorate Nukem’s fifth anniversary as a band but to also celebrate and surprise one of their band member’s birthday milestone.

Jenny Oh: The cool kids finally invited us to their surprise birthday party Chuggo! Which means we’re FINALLY cool! Right?

Chuggo the Klown:  That never stopped the Klown! ‘Cause then they be like “OH! Please get us beer! Please gets us weed! Watch out for my dog, he doesn’t know you!” Then usually I would say “Nah man, I’m cool.”

J: My god they sound so damn needy! And…

C: I know right!? That’s why the Klown charges to make appearances

J: Oh I was gonna say that you finally referred to yourself in third person, you freak! Perhaps you will finally stop embarrassing me, especially in front of all my new friends!

C: You mean in front of Malison? The guys don’t even know you!

J: Or you ‘cause you suck and you smell!

C: Well their newest member Sharky would beg to differ!

Malison’s newest edition, guitarist Sharky, will shred and chomp ya down while drummer Nick Mafi pounds you down!

J: He was just being polite!

C: No he just knows greatness when he sees it, that’s why he joined Malison!

J: I will only agree with the second part of your statement! I didn’t know what to expect from these guys but I gotta say, they blew me away. Their sound is a whole new different kind of thrashy breed with some power metal elements.

C: They brought some Bay Area thrash influences with a touch of SoCal groove. The Klown understands why Holy Grail handpicked them!

J: Malison not only brought a great set with great and catchy music but their members were so fun to watch especially your new friend and guitarist Sharky. It was a good time whether we were laughing at the jokes vocalist/bassist Steven Rondina would make or watching Sharky get down with his axe.

Never a dull moment with Malison!
(L to R: Vocalist/bassist Steven Rondina, drummer Nick Mafi, guitarist Mario Lovio, guitarist Sharky)

C: Speaking of friends and Sharky, my bestie, Temblad managed to surprise the Klown. They surprised the Klown not just because he got to see them again but because of one of their newest additions.

J: You mean you know the new guitarist Dave Calhoun and the bassist Kyle Netland? Damn Chuggo, you’re such a socialite!

C: The Klown was not expecting a high school reunion but there he was, their new guitarist/ex bassist Dave Calhoun. We obviously missed the first reunion but I guess not this time!

For the first time in forever, we see Temblad again! (L to R: guitarist Dave Calhoun, vocalist/guitarist Lorenzo Kemp, drummer Marlon Matthew and bassist Kyle Netland)

J: You’re doing first person again?! You must be sober! So you didn’t know the other new member? Nevermind I guess you’re not that cool. Anyway, it was so great to finally get our Temblad fix…it’s been too long! *Stares off into the distance*

C: I’ll say! The Klown finally got to hear “The Murderous Fifth” and “Mockery of the Fanatic” in real time! But the real treat was the Klown’s favorite song “Ship of Traitors.”

J: Temblad sounded fresh, vocalist/lead guitarist Lorenzo Kemp slayed his performance and was so happy to be there especially after sharing with fans their journey as a band and assembling their current lineup.

Lorenzo Kemp of Temblad shivered our timbers!

C: They made me tremble. Speaking of shivering me timbers, vocalist/lead guitarist Lucas Kanopa of Void Vator…that voice though! I know it’s meant for the ladies but damn!

J: Okay Klown, because you are now objectifying Mr.Kanopa…I shall now partake in this vulgar display of affection! His angel face matches that voice and rhythm, he is sure to lure demons towards the righteous path with his skills and looks.

C: Settle down, Pastor Jenny Oh! It was rock show not a sermon…but I agree! Because the “Time Has Come.”

Lucas Kanopa of Void Vator will lure demons into the light side of the moon.

J: For what? More objectification of this beautiful angel?! Ok! These LA rockers brought the spirit of the Sunset Strip to us minus the broken dreams and starving artists because we have plenty to spare here.

C: Sometime I hear the spirit of Vince Neil roams around the Sunset Strip crying about being barred from the Rainbow Bar & Grill because the powerful spirit of Lemmy doesn’t fuck around.

J: Yes, I shall contact Buzzfeed…again to investigate this, Rumor is you can know hear Vince’s spirit at the Brick but I don’t man. Now that we shed light on the ghost of Vince Neil, Void Vator did a great combo of old and new LA rock offering a new and invigorating take on this genre.

Void Vator brought the Sunset Strip to us.
(L to R: Bassist Ian Shea , drummer German Moura, vocalist/guitarist Lucas Kanopa, guitarist Erik Kluiber)

C: Major props to guitarist Erik Kluiber because he managed to make two trips to our humble abode in one month for the inaugural Metal Assault Vol.1 SAN DIEGO EDITION! *Jazz hands* Not only did he not miss a beat but his voice helped accompanied and amplified Kanopa’s angelic voice.

J: Keeping the spirit of of influential genres alive were the headliners Nukem. To make this celebration extra special, Jack Kwiatkowski, the co-host of the now defunct “Another State of Mind” segment (from the radio station San Diego’s 105.3), made the big reveal to the drummer Norm Leggio that the show was a surprise birthday party.

C: AND a commemoration of the band’s fifth anniversary. Jack also shared the fun stories Leggio and him had during their times hosting the awesome but lost show “Another State of Mind.” Enough memories! *Wipes away tears, smears makeup*

J: They assembled with badass/guitarist Laura Christine in tow! Christine along with vocalist/guitarist Steve Brogden slashed us with ear splitting thrash and riffs.

Guitarist Laura Christine and bassist Don Lauder of Nukem showed off their riffs.

C:  Aww shiiiiah! The lady of the shred. Just like she can tame any beast, she can tame any guitar string!

J: Stop embarrassing me in front of her and the rest of Nukem!

C: “Evelyn’s Awakening,” WE FINALLY HEARD IT LIVE! Since we didn’t have a chance last time because the set had to be cut short L

J: Yeah but we always have The Unholy Trinity and a killer video to binge on this song and then some!

C: That’s true but it’s not the same, you’ll almost feel like “The Deceiver” when you recommend to people to listen to the album instead of the show.

J: No! I’m telling people if they had the misfortune of missing their show, check out their album to nurse the feels of missing the show.

C: The best part of this show was that bassist Don Lauder was in great health and spirits. We were unexpectedly invited to Leggio’s birthday and for once the cake was not a lie! What better way for him to embark on his other professional endeavors. If Leggio happens to be reading this, on behalf of Ugh Metal, break a leg and have a great tour!

The battle of the axes! Steve Vs. Laura…who will win?!

J: And thanks for the sick shirts! We wish you the best and many more birthday! Though we may be a tad late on these tardy wishes but Chuggo’s sex accident was to blame…again.

C: Hey! The guy wanted to verify my sex because he didn’t believe I’m all man!

J: Any excuse to pull down your pants huh?

C: I don’t need an excuse! On that note, close this out sister of mine. SAY SOMETHING WITTY!

J: OK! I’ll give it the ol’ college try! *Clears throat, does quick vocal exercises* No amount of darkness could dim Nukem that night and went out with a bang. ‘Tis gonna be a long year without a Nukem performance but I’m sure it’ll be worth the wait! We can’t wait to see what these individuals will offer to the metal scene when they come back in full force.

Within radius of Nukem’s fallout.
(L to R: Vocalist/guitarist Steve Brogden, drummer Norm Leggio, guitarist Laura Christine and bassist Don Lauder)

Goatwhore Was Merciless At The Merrow

Goatwhore brings some NOLA magick to The Merrow.
(Pictured left to right: Vocalist Ben Falgoust, bassist James Harvey, and half of guitarist/vocals Sammy Duet… Sorry Sammy)

Metal heads rejoiced because Goatwhore returned to San Diego on September 23 straight from The Big Easy… and no I’m not talking about Chuggo for once. The quintet from NOLA played their 15 song set list to a buzzing and inebriated crowd cause FRIDAY NIGHT! Now before we get to the hellishly good set Goatwhore brought to The Merrow, let’s talk about that (be)foreplay(?).

Local band Orphic Eye started off and knew exactly how to get everyone in the mood with their blend of death metal and extreme grindcore. The tousled vocals on this band will keep you on your toes and will pull you in to the chaos.

Local extreme death metal band, Orphic Eye warm up the crowd at The Merrow.

According to their Facebook page, the quintet is fairly new with nearly a year under their belts. New or seasoned, these guys have a lot to offer especially with their off the charts energy. Orphic Eye guarantees a good time whether it be moshing with their front man in the pit or just simply and gladly be blasted by his piercing growls all at once.

Local melodic black metal celebrities Ruines Ov Abaddon came up next and didn’t need much of an introduction. ROA effortlessly opened a pit and wasted no time, kicking things off with “Tongue Ov the Lamb” off of their latest EP Chaos Reborn.

ROA not only performed their recent material off their EP, but also went back to the basics playing several tracks off their last album such as “Remorseless Light Ov The Black Moon,” “To Hell With your God,” and the anthem “Kill For Satan.”

After finishing the set and leaving the crowd thirsty for more, Goatwhore took the reins on the dark stage and kicked off strongly with older material such as “End To Nothing” and “Collapse In Eternal Worth” off of their second to last album Blood For The Master and ventured farther back with “Alchemy Of the Black Sun Cult.”  

After kicking off with some classics, the band dove in to some of the more recent material off of their last album such as “Poisonous Existence In Reawakening,” “Reanimated Sacrifice” and a special song dedicated to the metal ladies in the crowd, “FBS” which is a love song about intimacy with the big red man from the fiery pit in the ground…It was very touching :,)

Vocalist of Goatwhore, Ben Falgoust reels audiences in at The Merrow

Front man of Goatwhore, Ben Falgoust, riled up the crowd with his showmanship and blaring which was more than enough to command a pit. Falgoust’s desire to interact with fans not only fed the enthusiasm but it also made it a one of a kind experience.

Before closing with “Baring Teeth For Revolt,” Falgoust mentioned his distaste of the constant presence of cell phones in his face. Before some bricks were about to be collectively shat by everyone, the front man clarified and said he had nothing against pictures and was thankful that all in attendance were actually enjoying the show and not through a screen and was glad to see a minimal amount of phones and cameras. Phew! Till next time, Goatwhore!