The Trials of November 3, 2017

Nemere Release Their First Album

The Klown has delivered by feeding the Ugh Metal fetish, once more! The Hungarian quartet known as Nemere have debuted their first studio album titled Vérmező, independently. That’s right, kiddies an independent act and they are black metal. This unconstrained release kicks off its inauguration with “A Múlt Kapuja (The Gate of Past)” and right away it features some pretty aggressive and fast-paced black metal like 1349 or a fast version of Highland.

“Harci Dal (Battle Song)” does justice to the song by first introducing the sounds of marching drums courtesy of G.J. and then followed up by some strong guitar riffs and backing growling vocals from V.T. to accompany frontman V.ZS’ harsh vocals. The quartet continues the battle theme with “Végső csatánk Veszni látszik (Our Last Battle Seems to Gone)” which can be described as a 5-plus minute of intensity that is somewhat reminiscent to that of Helheim.

“Vízió (Vision)” starts off with some slow guitar riffs and builds up right away takes you to some raw black metal bliss.If you enjoy the sounds similar to that of Watain, Nemere’s “Az éjszaka Holdja Alatt (Under the Moon of Night)” and “Vérmező (Bloodfield)” demonstrate that they can give you a quick fix without having to wait too long for new material. The album finishes with “Utolsó Utam (My Last Journey)” which has a similar intro  as the first track  but slows down and picks up again with V.T.’s guitar riffs towards the end of the song.

This debut was a pretty good start for this band and clearly features their influences well. The Klown recommends this album for fans of Watain, Helheim, 1349 and Highland. If you consider yourself “trve” this would be an album you may want to consider listening to. You can check out this album in their Bandcamp.

5 out of 6 Straight Outta Transylvania

Tetragrammacide Go ‘Primal’ With Latest 

The blackened death metal trio show us how India brews their metal in their latest Primal Incinerators of Moral Matrix which was released via Iron Bonehead Productions. The album starts with “Hyper-Spacial Mandala of Intuitive Latencies” which contained spoken-word and distorted chants to set the mood before transitioning to “The Prognosticators of Trans-Yuggothian Meta-Reason.”

“The Prognosticators…” would be best described as a mix between Full Of Hell or Nails with some blackened death metal influences. The song features really harsh growling vocals mixed with some auto-tune to give a muffled effect the way black metal sounds like at times.“Radicalized Matrikavyeda Operation: Militarized Cosmogrids Destabilization (Heralding Absolute Contraction)” and “Cyberserking Strategic Kalpa-Terminator (Advance Acausality Increment Mechanism) took a complete stance on the blackened death metal like that of Hellfire Deathcult.

“Transcranial Ka’abatronic Stimulation Collapse” serves as an intro to “Intra-Dimensional Vessel of Were-Robotics, N-Logics and Assorted Latice Intelligence” sounded like old Cannibal Corpse with Chris Barnes. The album caps off with a one-two combo of “Imperial Cyanide Voltigeurs (Quantum Threshold Leapers of Hatha-Sorcery)” serving as the blackened death metal catalyst to “Dismal Ramification of Mathematical Marmas and Sandhi” which followed the same effects as in the first track.

Aside from being a mouthful, the album was a pretty good start for this Indian trio and will give you adrenaline for days. The Klown highly recommends this album for those who fancy Hellfire Deathcult, Archgoat, Full Of Hell and Nails. You can check it out and get it here.

5 out of 6, Khali Would Be Proud

Anti-Flag Release a New Piece of Americana

The legendary punk band from Pittsburgh is back after a two-year hiatus with American Fall and it was released through Spinefarm Records. The Klown was glad to hear that Anti-Flag was back and just as angsty as ever. The album fires away with “American Attraction” which gives you a bit of a radio-friendly version of punk like other American punk greats such as Bad Religion and Social Distortion. Other songs that can be described the same but with a bit of oomph are “The Criminals” and “Trouble Follows Me.”

“When the Walls Fall” features the band taking a page out of Rancid book and features some ska influences with their punk. Much like Rancid’s songs, they are catchy as hell but they also provide a message. “Finish What We Started,” aside from being a forerunner for the Ugh Metal theme song for the upcoming Christmas shopping, features Chris “Chris#2” Barker’s bass heavily and a powerful harmonic chorus from the whole band. Barker’s bass once again shines with the fast-paced “Liar.”

“Digital Blackout” and “I Came. I Saw. I Believed,” feature some aggression but remain friendly to the ear with a very harmonic chorus and frontman Justin Sane and Chris Head’s infectious guitar riffs. “Racists” and “Throw It Away” exemplify the spirit, message and sounds of punk. The album finishes strongly and appealingly with “Casualty,” contains a very melodic chorus line, some gnarly guitar riffs and Pat Thetic’s drumming and cymbal’s clashing to go along making a perfect blend.

The Pittsburgh quartet proves that although they were busy fighting for social justice and equality, they can still  provide material powerful to bait and hook you. Anti Flag even managed to make their two-year hiatus seemed shorter than what it was.

The album was a pretty good surprise and served as a great soundtrack to express themselves given that the one year anniversary of election day was a few days after. Nevertheless, no matter what your feelings are about E Day, you can get this album here or don’t. The Klown doesn’t feel like he should say it but if you love punk, you’ll love this.

6 out of 6, The Soundtrack for Present America

Moonspell Memorializes its Past with their Contemporary

Portugal’s national treasure has resuscitated from their 2-year temporary extinction and has released a brand new album for the masses. Y’know because of the title of their last album was called Extinct? Anyway, enough of the Klown’s failed attempt to be witty onward to 1755 which was released through Napalm Records.

The Portuguese quintet, unlike before, has taken a step back to their roots by singing in Portuguese and produced a memorial to a tragic past in their homeland’s history. The brief history lesson is that of the Lisbon earthquake of 1755 which not only devastated Lisbon but other parts of Portugal, Spain and Morocco. This 8.5-9.0 earthquake then caused a tsunami that affected the UK and Ireland.

The album begins with a theatrical opening song titled “Em Nome Do Medo” which was had a great use of overture and church-like choir alongside with frontman Fernando Ribeiro. This would serve well as a built up, and dramatic intro into “1755” which sticks with the theatrics, and has keyboardist/programmer Pedro Paixão busting out some middle eastern samples. The song also features some awesome guitar play and a solo from Ricardo Amorim. “In Tremor Dei,” “Evento” and “Ruínas” feature some Gothic metal similar to that of their Memorial.

The band dedicates the actual date of the event with the symphonic, theatrical Goth metal song “1 De Novembro.” The song features Ribeiro singing with clean screaming vocals, with the occasional growling vocal in between, sounding like someone in agony. Amorim does another great guitar solo as well. This album concludes with “Lanterna Dos Afogados” which is best portrayed as a dark ballad… or so the Klown thinks.

As a bonus, if you couldn’t get enough of “Desastre” this metal Muzzy treats you to a Spanish version of the song. The Klown will not oversell this album too much for you but he’ll just say check this baby out and take the plunge here.

6 out of 6, You’ll Never Forget

Cannibal Corpse Slays Again

Cannibal Corpse… what more can be said about this legendary death metal band? The Klown supposes that he can talk about their latest album Red Before Black which was released by Metal Blade Records. On that note, their 14th release produces an aggressive Cannibal Corpse which sounded much angrier than the last couple of releases. At least that’s what the Klown thinks.

The album commences this bloody saga with “Only One Will Die” which was a really strong and aggressive beginning to get any death metal fan completely invested. The song also featured a pretty awesome solo by Pat O’Brien and the same can be said about “Red Before Black” and “Heads Shovel Off.” The band take it back to the last albums and features the heavy sounds mixed in the intro of the song before transitioning to the erratic sounds that gave them fame. This can best be heard in “Code Of Slashers” and “Remaimed.”

The Klown found another favorite Cannibal Corpse song, the very PG titled “Shredding My Human Skin.” The best way that the Klown can describe it would be if “Evisceration Plague” picked up the pace to match the intensity of Kill but is slow enough to allow bassist Alex Webster to add some intensity. Webster shares the spotlight with O’Brien where he gives us the gratuitous solo.

If you really want something similar to that of Evisceration Plague, however, then you will definitely like “Firestorm Vengeance.” Another favorite of the Klown was “Scavenger Consuming Death,” which is also worth noting that Webster had a solo of his own in this track making this song more interesting and good. This contemporary ends strongly with “Hideous Ichor.”

Not much else to say about this album other than it was a pretty awesome album and if you fancy yourself a hardcore Cannibal Corpse fan then it’s a must-have album. You can lend it your ear on Metal Blade’s Bandcamp and buy it there.

6 out of 6, It Goes for the Kill!

The Trials of October 13, 2017 (Part 2)

Honorable Mention:

Transplants Got You Covered with Their Covers

If you are a huge punker or just remember the Garnier Fructis commercials then the supergroup known as the Transplants should be no stranger in those regards. The Klown shall re-indulge you on who they are just for kicks.  The side project of Rancid’s Tim Armstrong and Death March’s Robert “Skinhead Rob” Aston have been teasing a reunion and an album for some time and have now delivered.

Their latest EP titled Take Cover has now been released through Epitaph Records. This EP has the supergroup covering and adding their own special touches to Minor Threat’s “Seeing Red,” Madness’s “Baggy Trousers,” The Flirtations’ “Nothing But A Heartache,” The Violators’ “Live Fast, Die Young” and the Beastie Boys’ “Gratitude.” The one special treat aside from the group replaying “Saturday Night” would be a new song.

“Won’t Be Coming Back” is the name of their latest new song which serves as a teaser and as a lure for the future that still being teased. Other than that this album just serves as a nice buffer for a very busy Armstrong. You can check this album on Spotify or get this album here.

Fozzy Make an Album of Biblical Proportions

Fans of WWE and pro wrestling altogether already know who this band belongs to and the same can be said about the trolls in our metal communities. For those unaware, WWE superstar/actor/author Chris Jericho is the lead singer and founder of the hard rock band Fozzy where he collaborates with Stuck Mojo’s guitarist Rich Ward. Now that that formality is out of the way, Fozzy has released their seventh studio album Judas  through Century Media Records.

The album kicks off with the albums forerunning hit “Judas,” a song that WWE fans and network subscribers will tell you has been featured to death… almost. Nevertheless, it is still catchy AF. It is preceded by their following singles “Drinking with Jesus” and “Painless” which can be described as very ear friendly hard rock, and a good lure for potential new fan base.

“Wordsworth Way” was a very harmonic hard rock track and featured some keys that help set a tone and foundation for the song and felt like a meaningful song to that was a borderline ballad. In “Burn Me Out”  Fozzy take a page from 30 Seconds To Mars in terms of influencing sounds such as the harmonic hard rock sounds mixed with electronic samples. “Three Days in Jail” was very good and interesting song because it starts off with some nu metal, electric rock sounds, features rapping, and some harsh vocals in addition to Jericho’s clean vocals.

“Capsized” feature some hard rock/ alternative metal similar to that of Breaking Benjamin. The album closes with “Wolves At Bay” which was a bit more metal than the previous and features aggression in terms of both sounds and lyrics. The track also features a really awesome wailing solo from Rich Ward which was a rather satisfying ending.

The Klown will tell you that it was an enjoyable album,  a pretty good breakthrough, and showcased many influences in music and not necessarily of the guitar and screaming vocal variety. The work he puts in the songs and album demonstrates Jericho’s artistic values, character, and serves as an explanation for his part-time status in WWE. If you like hard rock and tame nu metal such as Linkin Park, Deftones, Breaking Benjamins and 30 Seconds To Mars the Klown recommends you check it out. If you are a huge Y2J fan you’re definitely going to want to look into it. You can get a copy here and see what you think.

5 out of 6, This Album Just Made the List!

Signatura Rerum Release their Darkest Follow Up

The Klown has delivered again! The Klown has found the Romanian trio known as Signatura Rerum and their latest independent release Legend 1. This black metal group begins their current saga with “Rise and Fall, Pt. 1” which begins slowly and ambient to set the tone which is then followed by tribal style drumming and some spoken word vocals and chorus which seemed rather ceremonial and serves as a great intro “Rise and Fall, Pt. 2.”

“…Part 2″ is first met with some erratic riffs from Denis “Stihia” Sbârcea, followed by  a couple of solos from Erwin “Varcolac” Weber and go slightly folk for a brief moment. “Legion and Order, Pt. 1 and Pt. 2” has the band sporting more whimsical sounds that are normally associated with pagan-folk styles such as Primordial and Akercocke.

The song featured some “woodland” sounds combined with melodic black metal as its foundation. The album caps off with “Sand and Wine” part1 and 2. Part one is lengthy at a little over 11 minutes long and takes an approach to prog similar to Opeth and Nidingr. Much like the bands the Klown just mentioned, Signatura would begin rather tame with acoustics but would build up and unleash heavy and hard black metal with Varcolac’s vocals instead of growling  before shifting to clean ones. Part 2, on the other hand, would serve as a great ending and an outro that showcasing how artistic beauty can emerge from chaos.

In this case, the track would solely belong to guest vocalist former Döxa female vox Dina Nasser who would be accompanied by the sounds of the oceans crashing. This album was a good one to hear and really showcased a different side most symphonic black metal bands aren’t known to do. The Klown highly recommends this album if you enjoy Nidingr, Keep of Kalessin, Hour Of Penance and Opeth. Lastly, if you want to check it out because it piqued your interest or want to challenge the Klown’s words, feel free to check out their Bandcamp.

6 out of 6, T’was a Masterpiece of Epic Revelations!

Gothminister Shall Help Parishioners to The Other Side

The Norwegian industrial metal quartet known as Gothminister have returned after a three-year hiatus to bring forth a new dark congregation. The sixth Gothic sermon of Bjørn Alexander Brem is titled The Other Side and has been released through AFM Records. This latest sermon begins with “Ich Will Alles” which has the group revisiting their signature Goth rock sounds that made them a breakthrough in the industrial/Goth metal scene. The track also includes Brem’s interchanging bass-baritone vocals and continue to follow their style in  “Taking Over.”

The album carries on with an ode to vampiric and Gothic love with the ironically titled “The Sun.” This track features some female vocals accompanying Brem’s vocals and take a similar approach but turn up the volume with “We Are The Ones Who Rule The World.” Gothminister give us another shot at German with “Der Fliegenden Mann” and features a kickass guitar solo and feels a bit more metal like its antecedent album Utopia. The band turns down their roughness and revisits the Goth rock element with “Aegir” and male backing vocals and chorus.

The album “All This Time” and “Day of Reckoning” has more industrial  sounds similar to that of classic Oomph! and Rammstein. Speaking of the latter, the album closes epically with “Somewhere in Time.” Why did the Klown bring up Rammstein? The song closes off with orchestral overture samples and the harshness similar to that of “Mein Teil” and the remix version of “Ich Keine Lust” making these songs grandiose. Gothminister kept it Industrial, dark and has Brem’s voice become distorted and manipulated as if to hint that he’s something evil.

All those big words should sum up how awesome it sounded. It seems that after abandoning Goth metal, Brem rediscovered his previous style of industrial and Goth rock. Faithful congregates of Gothminister will be as pleased as a vampire in a blood bank. The Klown, for one, enjoyed this album and can see this as a possible breakthrough enough for them to  officially cross the pond. As always you can either check this album out before buying at Spotify or you can take the Klown’s word and take the plunge with your wallet here.

6 out of 6, And The Lord Sayeth “Let There Be Darkness!”

Enslaved Will Break You Free of Traditional Black Metal

The band Enslaved should not be unfamiliar to you especially if you are into black metal. One of the originators of the Bergen warrior spirit is back with their 14^th album titled E through Nuclear Blast Records. The Klown has to assume that the E in E stands for evolution or experimental because this latest is a testament to both of those things. Either way, change is good and this album shows it.

The quintet open this album with the decelerated “Storm Son” which sounded more like a movie’s opening score. This intro included the a tuba, horses neighing, and are all immediately accompanied by some melancholic ambient sounds combined with some soothing guitar. Those sounds would immediately transition into some prog which would then be accompanied by guitarist Ivar Bjørnson, keyboardist Håkon Vinje’s vocals and an interjection by frontman/bassist Gruttle Kjellson’s harsh vocals.

If that sounded like too much allow the Klown to tell you that this piece is not only nearly 11 minutes long but changes quite a bit with the same formula. If you’re seeking just prog “The River’s Mouth” would be the winner in this search. If you don’t mind a bit of sax in your prog Enslaved presents “Hiindsiight” alongside guest vox Einar Kvitrafn Selvik from Wardruna.

“Sacred Horse” and “Axis of the World,” however, brings you some black metal with a bit of prog. “Feathers of Eohl,” on the other hand, feature complete ambience to the tame black metal sound. The limited edition version of the album features two new songs, while the last one features the band covering the Norwegian electro pop duo known as Röyksopp and their song “What Else Is There.”

For the record, the Klown has yet to hear the original version of “What Else…”but can tell you that Enslaved’s version does the song justice and may cause you to pique interest in the original song for comparison sake. The album was pretty gnarly and highly recommends it to anyone who was anticipating this current release. This album is also recommended to those who love ambient black metal or avant-garde. You can listen or take the Klown’s word and take the plunge here.

6 out of 6 It Will Set Your Ears Free

Samael Will Subjugate Your Ears

You thought the Klown was done? Ha! Guess again, plebian. Once the Klown received word that Samael was back he had to check it out. The Swiss quartet is back with the appropriately titled tenth release Hegemony through Napalm Records. Why it is appropriately titled? That’s because this album will dominate your ears with awesome industrial/black metal goodness.

The release begins with the track  sharing the namesake of this album and begins with some industrial that features some overture for the beginning of their brand new epic sound. Those sounds are immediately met with Michael “Vorph” Locher’s harsh screaming vocals. The same style would recur with “Samael” and with the bonus track “Storm of Fire.”

Samael feature more Industrial metal with “Angel of Wrath,” “Rite Renewal” and “Red Planet.” If you are seeking just industrial with minimal metal influence then “Black Supremacy,” “This World” and “Dictate of Transparency” would be your tracks of choice. The Goth metal is also featured on this album with “Murder or Suicide,” “Against All Enemies” and “Helter Skelter.”

Although Samael has drifted away from black metal, that’s not a bad thing. Assuming you’re not a staunch black metal aficionado and dabble with Industrial and Goth metal then you will find this album rather enjoyable. The Klown would also recommend this album to Deathstars, Gothminister and Dagoba fans. Lastly, you can get this album right here.

6 out of 6, Dominance!

The Trials of Oct. 13, 2017 (Pt.1)

Solar Haze Delivers Debut

The 60’s may have had a purple haze but in 2017, we have a red haze and I’m not talking about global warming! I’m talking about something better and awesome like stoner rockers Solar Haze and their debut self titled album which was released independently.

These ultra groovy dudes can ride the desert and make it melt with “Hammer to the Head.” This song will still give you that boost on badassery and confidence even if you have a giant glob of dog dirt on your shoes or if you have a killer wedgie. The free spirited “Hawk in the Wind” will set you free baby and no dust in the wind can stop you ‘cause the world is your oyster with this one!

“Nefarious Natures & Truth Perceived,” “Stoned to Death” and “Coven” collectively ride out of the sunset and into the night by flirting with doom. There are instances where vocalist Stephen Falla resembles Ozzy Osbourne circa Black Sabbath especially in “Neafarious…” This album gives you the best of both worlds by giving you the orange tinted stoner rock and teases you with some light doom, a great way to entice new audiences. Let Solar Haze consume you and snag their debut album in there bandcamp and wait till you feel it *cough* and give ‘em a like to see how their mystery album artwork will look like!

4 out 6, *cough* I feel it! *cough*            

MYSTERY MEN!!

 ‘Metal Bear Stomp’ Is Fierce

That’s right Siberian Meat Grinder is here to rip your face and melt your ears off with their latest and epically titled Metal Bear Stomp via Rise Sound Records. The 90’s people may have slept till they reached Brooklyn but not us man! SMG’s crossover anthem “No Sleep Till Hell” will make us giddy to warm up by the eternal fire in our eternal slumber! *LAUGHS EVILLY*

“Hunt the Steel” will beat the wimp outta us and will be THE song when we’re crushing our enemies. Once sweet victory is ours, you bet “Walking Tall” will play as we walk away from the explosion and we put on our extra dark sunglasses. Vocalist Siberian Vlad sprinkles some light rap in to the mix in “Ruder Than Thou” and “No Way Back.” The rap adds an extra grittiness to these crossover songs along with Vlad’s raspy and thick vocals.

I know you are probably dying to know how the title track sounds like and let me just tell you it’s just as awesome as it sounds. It is also just as fierce as the commander bear that is dominating the album cover! “Style” sets the catwalk on fire and moshes on its ashes while “Cant Stop Wont Stop” has a nice little black metal riff towards the end.

I can go on and on about this but you just gotta check it for yourselves which I’m sure will have you as hooked as yours truly was! Listen to this feisty beast on Spotify and get your copy here! If you’re really hooked like we are on their crossover goodness, check out the rest of their material in their bandcamp.

6 out 6, Everybody’s doing the ‘Metal Bear Stomp’!

Exhumed Put the ‘Death’ Metal in ‘Death Revenge’

Exhumed welcomes us in to their horror show titled Death Revenge via Relapse Records. The legendary death metallers are hungry for blood and metal and so are we! Well actually just metal and they delivered. Exhumed starts this show with the instrumental intro that Michael Meyers would adopt as his new theme song, Matt Harvey soon takes over and lets that intro riff loose, and is soon followed by drummer Mike Hamilton and the rest of the band. That’s right they jump right in to the death metal extravaganza.     

“Night Work” has never been so good especially if it means we get another sweet riff from Harvey. “The Harrowing,” “A Funeral Party,” and “Unspeakable” are sure to get your blood flowing especially when you’re pumpin’ iron at the gym or running after the bus.  “The Anatomy Act of 1832” is a great instrumental track in this American horror story.

Exhumed do something different this time around and set the mood and pique our interest with the theatrical interludes and intros. That’s right, they don’t give up that sweet death metal right then and there, they make us salivate and work for it and hot damn we love it! I do love the horror flick vibe they are going for in this album and did I mention I like the concept? No? Well I really like it! And I’m sure you will too. You can listen to Death Revenge on Spotify and you can get you copy here. If you are a fellow San Diegan, snag your tix for their Nov. 15 in our city.

6 Out 6, Sweet Revenge

Nachtblut Will Convert You With Latest

Get ready to unleash the inner goth in you, metalhead! You will not resist especially after you believe in Nachtblut’s latest album Apostasie which was released to the masses via Napalm Records. The German quintet spread the love with the grim “Multikulturell” which has several little riffs and hooks from guitarist Greif that will tease you in to the rest of the album.

“Scheinfromm” will blow the lid off your skepticism that “goth” music is not your “thing.” Why?! You ask with venomous doubt! Because this “goth” track has that feisty attitude you like so much. A tune my industrial heads (?) will enjoy a little bit more is “Geboren um zu Leben” because it has more of that fun electronic element present which make you violently dance, the J-Ohster can already picture the awesome remixes on this one! And if you’re not feelin’ rowdy “Einsam” will soothe the beast inside you.

The edgier tracks that staunch metalheads will enjoy a little more is “Der Tod Ist Meine Nutte” which has another great intro riff, and “Wat Is Denn Los Mit Dir.” Apostasie is hellbent on making you believe in Nachtblut, no hypnosis needed! You see what I did there? I made a shitty vamp joke! …everyone’s a critic. Get you copy here and see if you are ready to follow Nachtblut.

5 out 6, You’ll believe!

Sicarius Create A Wicked ‘Serenade’ In Debut

For those of you that keep up with our shenanigans and read our latest edition of First Impressions, you probably have an idea who Sicarius is. The debut full length album from Sicarius is finally here and they are taking no prisoners in Serenade of Slitting Throats which was releases via M-Theory Audio Records.

These expert assassins sneak in and lure you in to a sweet melodic trap with their instrumental intro before plunging a black metal dagger into your ears with “Ferox Impetum.” Still want more unforgiving black metal eh? “Forceful Bleed” is the one for you! This track is sure to make your ears and butthole bleed! But in a good way that is. Sicarius will waste no time and pounce on you once again in this track to prepare you for the grand finale.

The title track “Serenade of Slitting Throats” and “Torture Trials” takes things down a notch but all in the spirit of fueling the antagonistic character of this album. These songs allow you to inhale and process Sicarius’s musical talent. That’s right you can swivel around Kurt Karcass’s thick borderline growling vocals.

Sicarius have risen out of the shadows with their daggers held high and have stepped into the spotlight with this strong debut album. For those that have not checked these guys out, man, you are in for a treat. After submerging yourself in to this bloody Serenade, rest assured you too will be joining the order of Sicarius. Join the Serenade and get your copy here, and see how you feel about these black metal assassins we just can’t stfu about!

6 Out 6, We raise our daggers high