The Trials of April 6, 2018 Ft. March 30 Missed Trials

Finding T.H.E.T.I.S. Debut their EP

Remember that time the Klown talked about Finding T.H.E.T.I.S. in our First Impression section? You didn’t?! Why don’t check that out when you have the chance. Y’know to get yourself better acquainted with our alumni. In the meantime, here’s an update on our FIA, they have released a full EP for your enjoyment! Now adding to their CV is Metávasi EP which was released independently.

The band kicks off with “Valkyrie” which give you some raw sounding metal which was borderline hard rock. The Klown will also note that he at first thought he was listening to an early Burn The Priest (a.k.a. Lamb Of God) demo. Aside from what was mentioned they managed to include a female vocalist by the name of Syren Franco into the mix to add a softer touch to that of Andy Chavez’s screaming vocals. The Klown can say the same about the follow up “Crawl” with the exception of Franco taking an Alanis Morissette/ (the late) Dolores O’Riordan vocal style.

Speaking of Franco, “Pleasantries” would feature a role reversal with her at the helm and Chavez serving as the backup. The album finishes how it began with “Aries” only with a bit more oomph and Bryce Guiliani adding some groovy bass during a brief a vocal solo from Franco. The song also features a voiceover playback accompanied with Franco’s soft chorus. This Klown will say that this collective turned a complete 180 than what he had heard the first time when he was working on their First Impressions profile. The addition of a female vocalist feels a bit a refreshing and kind of fresh.

With that in mind, this album seems to be a new start for the quintet. It features New Wave of American Heavy Metal sounds mixed with groove metals. On top of that, the addition of punk style influences from the like of The Cranberries. The Klown would definitely recommend this album for fans of Lamb Of God, Code Orange, Eths and Cane Hill. Not feeling convinced yet? Check’em out in their Bandcamp and get it there right after.

4 out of 6 They Have Only Just Begun!

The New Look of Harmonic Theories

Underoath Return for the Kids

Hey, remember the time Underoath broke up about 4 years back? Yeah, the Klown doesn’t either. Nevertheless, scene kids at heart, rejoice, for the collective known as Underoath have now reached back into 2006 and mustered a new album just for you! For those who never kept up with Underoath or just lost track of them, this is their eighth album. The latest one is titled Erase Me and it was released through Fearless Records.

The album begins with the appropriately titled “It Has to Start Somewhere.” Which begins with some drowning electronic drumming from Aaron Gillespie and sample/keyboarding courtesy of Christopher Dudley. It is then met up with some alternative hard rock style guitar riffs that are then accompanied by Spencer Chamberlain’s unmistakable vocals. It is then followed by the samples and programming heavy track “Rapture,” which featured Chamberlain’s clean vocals as opposed to any variation of harsh vocals. “On My Teeth” features the same as the prior but more tempo and anger. In fact, it’s the first time, as far as the Klown knows, that the group demonstrated any form of profanity. “Wake Me” and “Bloodlust” are definitely songs for the scenester at heart as they revisit some of the old sounds and tones.

Remember how the Klown brought up the aggressive take with some profanity, they do it again back with “ihateit” and “Hold Your Breath.” While “ihateit” maybe softer and sentimental, “Hold Your Breath” gives you angst and speed and borderlines, briefly in the beginning, industrial and features Chamberlain range his screaming vocals with some clean. They end the album with the Klown’s mantra when he doesn’t want to continue things, “I Give Up.” Unlike the majority of the tracks, this one takes an ambient approach and pairs it with their signature sounds of rock and has Chamberlain singing cleanly.

If you were that devoted scene kid at heart after nearly 20 years of the trend dying, congratulations, you can relive those days again. As for the Christian listeners, the Klown doesn’t know what the feelings may be regarding some of the gruff but Underoath is still politically correct in terms of language. Y’all know how it is when you’re venting. Anyway, for those who haven’t listened to before but have interest, the Klown says that he recommends it for fans of Norma Jean, Greyhaven, Of Mice and Men and Toothgrinder. Need to hear before you buy? Check it out on whatever streaming service you feel compliant or just get it here.

5 out of 6  2008 Has Made a Comeback

Bringing Back the Days if the Scene Kids

Requiem Have Emerged from Down Under

The name Requiem seems to be a popular name in the land of Oz. But don’t worry peeps, the Klown figured out which Requiem he’s talking about. Hailing from Ararat, Victoria, Australia is the thrash quartet known as Requiem. The gnarly part of this ordeal is that they met the Ugh Metal kink of being an independent artist! The other cool part is that the Klown caught a whiff of their debut studio album titled And the Earth Grew Dark.

The album begins rather epically with “Divinity.” It opens faintly with an opening guitar solo before settling in with the rhythm guitar and Aaron Dunks drumming. After the all sweet play, you get treated to really aggressive and fast thrash metal which gives us more awesome guitar solos. Although the track is trash, frontman/guitarist Zacharie Dunks vocals are reminiscent to that of Exodus’s own Steve Souza.

The Klown can definitely say the same about the following track “Absence ov Faith” and “Blackened Water.” “Absence ov Faith” lacks several guitar solos but Tom Hainsworth ‘s bass stands out a lot while “Blackened Water” contains solos but not as much as “Divinity.” “Maelstrom” shows a more aggressive of the band and has plenty of blackened thrash metal similar to the likes of Witchery or Necrophobic and features some awesome guitar solos.

The album capped off the way it began, epically with its title track “And The Earth Grew Dark.” Unlike “Divinity,”  this one was the longest track of the album by clocking in at 9 secs after 8. This album was a good debut and definitely had a bite to it. If you really love thrash definitely a must especially if you are a fan of Exodus, Witchery, Necrophobic, Dust Bolt. Need more convincing? Check out their Bandcamp, take a good listen and, if you like it, get it there.

6 out of 6 Your High-Top Nikes Will Still Be Whiter than the Earth

The Over the Top Album for some Down Under Thrash

Kamelot Give Light to their Brand-New Darkness

Kamelot, now that’s a power metal group that Ugh Metal has had the chance to see live. Of course, it was B.U.M. (Before Ugh Metal, not the type of homeless person or a butt). Ever since Roy Kahn left the group 7 years ago, Tommy Karevik has done a swell job filling in that void that was left behind. Although this might be Karevik’s third album with the group, The Shadow Theory is Kamelot’s 12th installment and it was released through Napalm Records.

The band begins their contemporary with the orchestral arrangements and keys of Oliver Palotai’s intro “The Mission” which then beautifully transitions to “Phantom Divine (The Shadow Empire).” The “Phantom Divine” more or less revisits the sounds that were back in the 2012 Silverthorn combined with the 2007 Ghost Opera album. The complexity of sounds and theatrics is what yours truly is getting at with the added bonus of Once Human’s Lauren Hart lending her vocals to create a dark duet with Karevik. Hart would make another appearance in “MindFall Remedy.” Speaking of duets “In Twilight Hours” features Beyond the Black’s Jennifer Haben pairing her voice with that of Karevik for the power ballad.

Guitarist Thomas Youngblood also swoops in “In Twilight Hours” and chimes in a killer solo before the song ends. “Burns to Embrace” takes a tender approach while maintaining the symphonic power metal approach and has Palotai and Youngblood share the spotlight with their respective solos. The song includes a children’s chorus which surprisingly adds and doesn’t deter the song in any way. “Static” was much heavy with the classical strings and keyboards but still remained heavy throughout.

“Vespertine (My Crimson Bride)” features a lot less orchestrations and has Kamelot become a predominantly power metal where Youngblood shreds away in a cool but long solo. “The Proud and The Broken” featurs the usual Kamelot M.O. and has a guest appearance from the power metal magician known as Sacha Paeth on growling vocal duties. The album ends with an outro titled “Ministrium (Shadow Key).”

If you happened to get the bonus CD you only get the instrumental version of the album and an extra song titled “The Last Day of Sunlight.” To keep it short, you love orchestrations, power metal and/or Kamelot? Then it is a must for you. Still skeptic or want to see what the hoopla is all about? Check out your streaming service or just get the regular disc through Bandcamp.

6 out of 6 Serenading Your Shadow into Serenity

No Theories Just Facts

*The dishonorable Judge Jenny Oh Will Throw in her 2 cents*

Mini Missed Trails: March 30

We Will Wanna Dive Deep In To Trenches Debut

We happily descend deep in to the black metal recesses down under with the quartet Trenches. The elusive black metallers released their self titled debut via Voirloup Productions and it is to die for! Lets go deeper in to this fresh debut baby!

“Sin Cannon” bombards listeners with what’s to come and slowly rolls in to the vicious “Nameless Death” which will reap your doubts and fuel your lust for this album. If you’re feeling a little frigid, that  intro from guitarist Cock Goblin will melt away your skepticism because its so damn irresistible. “Satan Beckons” changes the tempo a bit and morphs it into a track that slowly crawls out of the gates of hell, major screeching points to vocalist Hellwitch.

Trenches ain’t all about them delicious growls and provide us with the tamer instrumental “Cursed Necro Threnody” which has a narration by vocalist Hellwitch once the music fades. The infectious intro by “The Valley Of Flesh” pierces the silence left by the chant that lingers in the air and it’s bloody great much like the “Gates of Hell.”

This album is a sinful delight and a great first offering from this quartet. You will find yourself replaying this bad boy a few times and will have you be a giddy as yours truly to see what they will craft next. Check out their album in their bandcamp and get hooked with the rest of the acts Voirloup Productions has to offer!

6 out of 6, Hails Trenches!

We Join Primordial In Their Latest ‘Exile’

We travel deep into the arms Primordial’s latest Exile Amongst The Ruins which was released via Metal Blade Records. This banishment is not like our previous ones, and is a pleasant one filled with the legendary quintet’s signature extreme metal hymns. The album opens strongly with the theatrical “Nail Their Tongues” which has a great impending sense of direness. Another cool thing about this song is that it has a hell of a brisk tempo from the collective. And just like that, the rapid persistence of this ensemble abruptly seized to be and sent us straight “To Hell Or The Hangman.” We’ve never been so happy to cross over to the other side especially if it means hearing “Upon Our Spiritual Deathbed” which is a passionate hymn that any one can appreciate and the cherry on top is the instrumentals, especially  that slow build up a little over the halfway mark.

The title track‘s slower disposition showcases the musicianship of these lads and will allow us to drink in A.A. Nemtheanga’s interchanging vocal range. “Stolen Years” pierced through the thicc ice barrier that safely guards my blood pumping muscle known scientifically as a heart? Yep that totally happened damn, Primordial 😉 Primordial make their “Last Call” worth your while, 10 minutes and 32 seconds to be exact! The final chapter in this saga will envelop the listener in the vast array of emotions Nemtheanga conveys and reflects on this journey of blood and power as he treads away in to the sunrise.

This Exile was everything we wanted and more. This album will satisfy any Primordial fan and then some! Primordial continue to show off their storytelling prowess and expertly blend them with their amazing musicianship. You can listen to the whole album on Spotify and be sure to get your album here!   

6 out of 6, Sweet ‘Exile’

Hellfire Deathcult  Declare War In Sophomore LP 

Fresh out of the furnace of hell is none other than Hellfire Deathcult latest album Black Death Terroristic Onslaught  which was conjured up via Deathrune Records. Their sophomore album comes only two years after their debut full length, yes these beasts are yearning to melt our faces off and lap up the puddly mess! Exactly how? Well ditch your agua bendita because that won’t be useful where we’re going.

Hellfire Deathcult set the tone for all hellish things to come with their faintly synthy intro before flinging us in to the unforgiving “Holocaustic Warfront” and into the tar black fallout of “Satanic Nuclear Devastation.” If you survive the nuclear meltdown of the infernal kind, rise with Hellfire Deathcult in “Baptized By Hellfire” in which vocalist Reyes “Perverse Ritual Necromancer”  Perez appropriately unleashes his inner demon to take over this track and blends in nicely with the pandemonium.

“Death Conquers All” even our decaying hearts especially after we get served up a swift drumming dose from Warhammer Sodomizer. Careful! This tempo will slap you silly. “Hellstrom Chaos Batallion” has a bit of a grand entrance with an enthralling riff from none other than Apolcalyptic Genocidal Desecrator duh! This track is ready to devour any kind of invasion! “Bloodlust Ritual” is another track that will grab your attention with Perez’s guttural growl and the instrumental chaos that follows, ah yeah it’s that kind of party. This album prepares for its final battle and offers a great penultimate wave of more brutality in “Anti God Kommando” before they celebrate with “Triumphant Death March” which ends in a bigger bang than you could imagine.

Hellfire Deathcult is not for the faint of heart but if you are ready to enter this fresh new hell then open yourselves and get ready to receive. This LP is done stalking its unsuspecting prey and is ready to go in for the kill, though some tracks do retain those intros and build up that will be hard to resist. You can listen to the whole album on Spotify and if you wanna pledge your allegiance to this legion get your copy here.  And check out what we thought of them we saw ’em live here and get see what the Klown thought of their debut LP here!   

The Trials of February 23, 2017

Honorable Mention

Dimmu Borgir Give an Epic Tease to their Upcoming Album

Dimmu Borgir is one of the Titans and innovators of the symphonic black metal sub genre. They are also one of the names most people think of when it comes to associating Norway and black metal. Anyway, after a long 8-year hiatus since Abrahadabra, they have returned with a two-track EP titled Interdimensional Summit with Nuclear Blast Records.

Plain and simple, “Interdimensional Summit” sounded epic and symphonic as Dimmu knows how. It starts off with some keys that sound reminiscent of the sounds of an old scary movie. It also features a chorus with some effects to compliment the song. It also featured a pretty sweet solo from Thomas “Glader” Orre. This EP finishes with a live version of “Puritania” which originally comes from their 2001 Puritanical Euphoric Misanthropia.

The Klown was totally stoked to hear this brand-new gem. Much like you, the Klown is anticipating the release of their latest LP Eonian due later in the year. If you haven’t heard it check it out on Nuclear Blast’s Youtube channel. If you are a collector of vinyl or fancy yourself a huge Dimmu fan, you can get your copy right here.

The temporary look of symphonic black metal

Destroyer 666 Release a Wild Teaser

When you think of Down Under and metal, few names pop up. AC/DC is usually the go-to for most. On the Aussie hierarchy, however, Destroyer 666 is also a recognizable name when it comes to metal. Although this release is not a brand-new LP, the innovators of Australian black metal have returned with an EP to keep you entertained. The contemporary release is titled Call of the Wild and it was released through Season Of Mist.

The brand-new call to arms commences with “Violence is Golden” which starts strong and aggressive with R.C. and K.K. Warslut’s power guitar riffs which then meets up with Per “Perra” Karlsson’s drumming. This combination will remind listeners of the heavy thrash, black metal sounds that they are known for much like Venom. “Stone by Stone” follows the track  and takes more of a speed metal approach while “Call of the Wild” mixes both speed and thrash. The track also features an awesome, wailing guitar solo from R.C.

The album finishes with “Trialed by Fire.” It was lengthy but also a bit of a throwback to the days when Bathory added some folk to their brand of black metal. This EP was pretty good and does a good job  matching sounds from other known bands that also are a part of the same early black metal family tree. All the Klown can say is that he can’t wait till the next album is released. The Klown threw out plenty of names to convince you, and if you need more convincing check them out in the label’s Bandcamp for a convincing nudge.

5 out of 6 Prepare to Destroy your Heathen Ears!

Black Metal from Down, Down Under

Schwarzer Engel Teases No More

The name Schwarzer Engel should come to you as of no surprise if you kept up with us. After all, last year in December, the lone wolf known as Dave Jason released the EP Sinnflut in anticipation of the new album the Klown is about to talk about. Flash forward to now and the LP has now come to fruition. The latest studio album from this industrial mainstay is titled Kult der Krähe and it was released through Massacre Records.

“Krähen an die Macht” kicks off the album with some brooding but immediately picks up strongly. Jason gets a bit tender with the “Gott ist im Regen” which also contained some resonating keys which added ambiance to the song. The track is then followed by “Sinnflut” and “Futter für die See” which the Klown won’t bother going over because they were both featured in the EP prior to this album’s release. “Mein glühend Herz” and “Ein kurzer Augenblick” were a bit slow but felt sentimental and features resonating keyboard solos.

Schwarzer Engel revisits the gothic industrial metal sounds it is known for with “Meerflucht” and also featured string samples, sound bites and brief guitar solo. The same can also be said about “Unheil” minus the guitar solo and sound bites. “Requiem” takes the Gothic tone a bit further which made for a brooding but soothing song. It is worth noting that you can listen to the predominantly piano version of  “Requiem” in the  EP as well.

The contemporary ends with “Wenn mein Herz Zerbricht.” The song was a ballad which featured a men choir chorus which would resonate perfectly with a church and had a keyboard solo. This album was pretty good and felt rather sentimental. If you love goth, darkwave and/or industrial metal especially of the German variety, the Klown recommends it. If you need further convincing Spotify or take the plunge here.

5 out of 6 Currently Indoctrinating Potential Followers

The Cult of the Black Birds Await!

Megaherz Newest Soars Across

When people think of Megaherz they most likely think mispronunciations and the measure of electricity. Sometimes too much can cause an electrical fire. You wanna know what else is on fire? A Komet which the German quintet known as Megaherz has released via Napalm Records.

Crappy jokes aside (the Klown was never a comedic clown), this latest album has this collective reminding you that the Neue Deutsche Harte brand isn’t just a monopoly controlled by Rammstein and Oomph! The album starts off with some industrial in the form of “Vorhang auf.” The song starts off with Christian “X-Ti” Bystron’s programming and heavy guitar riffs which are accompanied by Tobias Derer’s drumming, and Alexander “Lex” Wohnhaas‘s  vocals.

The collective tones it down with the ballads “Scherben bringen Glück,” “Von Oben,” “Tieferausch” and “Heldengrab.” “Von Oben” had more of a tender approach than “Scherben…” and utilized the sounds of the piano while maintainig the hard rock element. The collective even managed to make a song for the clown president in the form of “Horrorclown.” While keeping the Neue Deutsch Harte sounds, they incorporate Trump’s sound bites from his speeches. Wens Weninger’s  bass opens “Schwarz oder Weiss” which becomes a catchy industrial metal song.

They continue with industrial metal with “Nicht in meinem Namen” and “Trau Dich.” The album finishes with “Nicht Genug” which contained a pretty bitching solo from Bystron and some keys that enhanced the song a bit. This album was pretty good especially if you don’t mind German lyrics. Aside from the earlier names that were already mentioned, the Klown recommends this album for fans of Gothminister and Schwarzer Engel. You can check the album out in Napalm’s Bandcamp if you need some convincing.

6 out 6 Armageddon Never Sounded Better

Bringing a Full Charge of Industrial

Thy Antichrist Unleash It’s Second Coming

The Klown’s interest piqued when this band popped up on the Ugh Metal radar. Why? The reasons being that this happens to be another black metal band from the land of parsas, arepas and coffee. On the same day of this contemporary’s release, the Colombian collective known as Thy Antichrist joined symphonic death metal titans, Septicflesh and Swedish black metal powerhouse, Dark Funeral at the Brick By Brick. Stay tuned for that. In the meantime, the Klown shall talk about the band’s sophomore album Wrath of the Beast which was released through Napalm Records.

The album kicks off this breakthrough with some flamenco style acoustic guitar strings to open “Desolation.” The song then transitions to some heavy and fast-paced black metal that gets accompanied by Andres “Antichrist 666” Vargas’s harsh screaming vocals. The song is followed by the awesome and the new metal anthem “Metal to the Bone,” which was really fast-paced and have you enjoying the erratic drumming from Chris “Orricuss” Stropoli and the riffs from Robert “Abyssvs” Coronado. The same can be said about the album’s current hit and the Klown’s other  favorite song “The Great Beast,” which contained narrative sound bites mixed in.

“A World Burn to Ashes” and “No Place Like Hell” not only sounded robust but also had an array of guitar action such as  electric and more acoustic. The album finishes with “The Last Breath” which was a soothing acoustic guitar outro with a chorus. This album was a great follow up and really met the hype especially if you fancy black metal. The Klown recommends this album if you are a fan of Nile, Behemoth, Deicide and Dark Fortress. You can check this album in your streaming service of choice or take the Klown’s word and get it through Napalm’s Bandcamp.

6 out of 6 The Soundtrack of the Second Coming

The Wrath of the Beast and the Second Coming of the Dark Master’s Child

Necrophobic Returns!

The underrated Swedish black metal band known as Necrophobic have returned at long last. Those who have kept up with this quintet’s discographic journey would be the first ones telling the Klown that it’s been five years since the release of Womb of Lilithu. That’s right kids, this band has been away for that long. Now the trve collective has released their eighth installment Mark Of The Necrogram through Century Media Records.

This album begins strong with their title track which starts off with some fast-paced guitars and thunderous drumming from Joakim Sterner. Necrophobic keep it going with “Odium Caecum” which also had a pretty awesome solo. The Klown took a liking to the “Tsar Bomba” because aside from being an awesome track, the lyrical content was superb and kind of inspirational. This song also had a sweet and kind of psychedelic guitar solo.

The band slows down a bit with “Requiem for a Dying Sun” which also contained an awesome solo, was pretty heavy, and reminded the Klown of a Watain song. They immediately pick up the pace with the Klown’s other favorite song, “Crown of Thorns” and “From the Great Above to the Great Below.” The latter is one of  the only song to not feature a solo. The final track of the album, “Undergången,” was a slow and brooding instrumental that was soothing. The Klown can only say that this album was great and, most importantly, recommends this album for those who love Swedish black metal. You can check this out on Spotify or take the plunge here.

6 out of 6 The Soundtrack that Brings Back the Dead

Bow to the Kingdom of the Dead

Tengger Cavalry Unleash its Last Crusade

Tengger Cavalry should be familiar to you whether or not you follow Ugh Metal. After all, they’ve graced our page multiple times… sort of. Despite that, it is a real bummer that their saga would end the way it did. But before the prolific Nature Ganganbaigal officially put up his cavalry’s reins, he made sure to give us one more journey for the books. The latest is titled Cian Bi and it was released through Napalm Records.

The album begins with “And Darkness Continues” as a morin khuur instrumental intro track which serves as a great catalyst for “Cian Bi (Fight Your Darkness).” “Cian Bi” begins with some heavy galloping bass drumming from Zaki Ali and features an array of instruments from the morin khuur, jaw harp and the topshur blended with some really heavy guitar riffs. The same can be said about “Ride into Grave and Glory (War Horse II)” and “The Old War.” The Cavalry would do something similar with “Our Ancestors” but replace the jaw harp with some wind instrument. Ganganbaigal not only features more vocal ranges from his throat singing and clean baritone vocals, but also mixes his voice with some auto-tune.

“Strength” will certainly give you that because it was one of the roughest tracks in the whole album. The song also showcases a sets of instruments such as the jaw harp, Ali’s fast-paced drumming, some piano, some strings, and the sounds of the shamisen. If you need a motivator for your morning runs, the Klown definitely recommends the fast and heavy paced instrumental “Chasing My Horse” which also contains more awesome wailing guitar solo, wind and strings instruments with traditional Mongolian throat singing. “Electric Shaman” take a page from industrial and used samples to  incorporate the sounds of folk and metal for a unique type of instrumental.

“Redefine” lives up to its title and was one of the Klown’s favorite tracks which featured some distorted guitar play to accompany Ganganbaigal’s throat singing. The vocalist also treats us to a ballad which doesn’t drift away from the folk and metal sounds. The album finishes with “Sitting In Circles” which was a minute long and filled with soft instrumentals.

This album was great and the band applied more dynamism to an already dynamic band. Although the Klown, among many, are bummed out that the Cavalry has called it quits but he’s glad that they have done so on a very high note. As always you can check out on Spotify, Apple Music or take the plunge in Bandcamp.

6 out of 6, The Ride May Be Over but the Conquest Shall Live On!

The Last Ride? Let’s Hope Not!

The Trials of February 2, 2017

Honorable Mention

Tribulation Come Back from Down Below

The Klown swears that we’re trying to get our shit together as best as we can. However, it’s hard to with last weeks pick since Ugh Metal has a crippling independent release and band fetish. This little number slipped from the overwhelming excitement. But now the Klown shall speak of this brand-new installment from Sweden’s own Tribulation. On that note, the quartet released their third installment Down Below via Century Media Records on January 26.

The contemporary begins with “The Lament” which starts off rather slow and picks up right before the minute. The track also contains a pretty awesome but mellow solo. The quartet taps into their prog side with “Nightbound,” “Lady Death” and “Subterranea” just to mention a few. “Purgatorio” is an instrumental intermission which was not only soothing but served as a great intro  to “Cries of the Underworld.” “Cries…” also featured some piano action to go along with their prog, black metal sounds.

“Lacrimosa,” much like the previous track,  features classical strings and finishes with some ambient piano sounds. “The World” goes all out with the prog influence and sounds reminiscent to that of Rush if Geddy Lee decided to sport some growling vocals, intermittently in the song. “Here Be The Dragons” has the song featuring an ensemble of both piano and classical strings and also incorporates the glockenspiel for some added measure.

The album closes with “Come, Become, To Be.”This album was pretty interesting and a good release. The album was well-rounded and featured an array of instruments to complement their sounds. The Klown would recommend this album for fans of Enslaved, Black Anvil and Morphesia. If you’re trve but like to mellow out, this album is definitely recommended. Check this album out on Spotify and get it here.

5 out of 6 This Album Has Surfaced from Below

Straight Outta Sweden’s Underground!

W.A.S.P. Release their Sweet Sixteen

The name W.A.S.P. should be a familiar one. Especially when Glam comes to mind. The Klown remembers them because of an incident that happened to comedian Brian Posehn in his teenage years while approaching W.A.S.P.’s face Blackie Lawless. The short version of the joke is that he told a teenage Posehn to “grow some tits” when he approached Lawless with admiration. Anyway, the band famous for “Animal (Fuck Like A Beast)” has released a new one for its expanding discography titled ReIdolized (The Soundtrack to the Crimson Idol) via Napalm Records.

The album begins with “The Titanic Overture” which was rather tender and Lawless sports soft clean vocals. The album then picks up the pace with “The Invisible Boy.” “Chainsaw Charlie (Murders In The New Morgue)” was melodic and emphasizes a throwback sound and concept. “The Gypsy Meets the Boy” is one for the ladies and the softies which, as you may have guessed, was a ballad with a bit of oomph.

Lawless gives us heartfelt power ballads such as “Hold On To My Heart,”  “The Peace,” and “Miss You” which had an introductory track titled “Michael’s Song.” W.A.S.P picks up the pace and shows off some power metal influence with “Doctor Rockter” like that of Grave Digger. “I Am One” has the collective sporting sounds that simulate a live concert in case you ever wondered how they sound live, and features a soundbite of two British males speaking in cockney.

The album finishes with the longest track of the album “The Great Misconception of Me” which was another power ballad. This album was rather sentimental and very mature. This album is for the fans of W.A.S.P. and peeps that are really into ballads. If you fancy yourself a fan, you can check it out on Spotify or go to the label’s Bandcamp.

4 out of 6, Still Dunno What the Acronym Means

30 Years Later and Still Trying to Figure Out What the Acronym Stands For

Genocide Pact Release a New Order

Can you name another band that came from Washington D.C. that’s not Darkest Hour? If you name anything but Genocide Pact then you are more knowledgeable than the Klown in that regard. The trio known as Genocide Pact have now released their sophomore album Order of Torment through Relapse Records. Unlike Darkest Hour, this trio takes a step further and give you a full dose of death metal.

The contemporary begins strongly with “Conquered and Disposed” with some brutal and heavy riffs, and growls from Tim Mullaney. Bassist Michael Nolan and drummer Connor Donegan compliment this track with their respective heavy but groovy bass riffs and fast-paced drumming. The song would immediately transition smoothly to “Decimation Grid” and “Spawn of Suffering” which contained a lot of hardcore influences accompanying the trio’s brand of death metal.

“Pain Reprisal” was much like the previous tracks but melodic by comparison and had a long but awesome solo which closed the song perfectly. “Ascendancy Absolved” continues Mullaney’s mastery of the ax from beginning to end. The album concludes with “Blood Rejection” which ended the way it began but somewhat slower. There’s not much else that the Klown can say about this album other than it was pretty good to listen to, and definitely worth your ears if you fancy yourself a huge death metal fan. Check it out the in the band’s Bandcamp for further convincing.

5 out of 6 No Pact Necessary to Listen

Adding More Death to Death Metal

Bomber Release their Explosive Debut

The Klown has done it again… this time. He has fulfilled the salacious kink of Ugh Metal in the form of an independent act. Of course, the Klown is happy to briefly fill you in on this group. Hailing from the land of Brie cheese, baguettes, and wine is the quartet that is known as Bomber. Although the band was found in 2013,  they are picking up steam with their thrash metal/crossover, and as we all know the journey to the first album isn’t usually immediate. With that said, the French quartet has now released their first album titled Sommation.

The inaugural record starts off slow but then becomes explosive with “Bombarded.” At first, the skinsman Romain Ircio opens the track with some slow drumming and cymbals clashing accompanied by intermittent guitar riffs in the first minute. After the first minute, the band lets loose some good ol’ fashioned thrash metal reminiscent to that of the Bay Area variety. The track features a great solo with Jürgen Wattiez showing off some vocals that closely resemble James Hetfield (as if the Klown needs to say where he’s from).

They continue their bombardment with “Damn Negative” and adds some speed into the mix. “Demolition” and “League for Cancer” would feature Hugo Belval’s deluxe bass play as a solo. The collective really picks up the pace with some speed thrash metal once “Pride of the Burglars” begins which is filled with awesome drumming, great riffs, and some killer solos.

The album finishes with “Assembled to Thrash” which continues this band’s thrash masterpiece. As you can tell the Klown enjoyed this album very much and was surprised. Lend these guys your ears especially if you fancy yourself a fan of thrash like the legendary Metallica, Testament, Slayer and Stormtroopers Of Death. Check it out on Bomber’s Bandcamp if you need a proper nudge.

6 out of 6 Guaranteed to Blow Your Ear Drums

En Français Vous les Porcs Ignorants

Saxon Surges with A New Album

The name doesn’t need an introduction at all. Seriously, the band is an underrated legend when it comes to the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. Nevertheless, the quintet known as Saxon have returned and have awarded the masses with a new one. After all, that is what legends do am I right lads and lassies? The contemporary is titled Thunderbolt and was released through Silver Lining Records.

The latest starts rather epically with the introductory track “Olympus Rising” and then transitions to “Thunderbolt.” The latter brings back the sounds of NWOBHM in full force and reminds you why Saxon is legendary. “The Secret of the Flight” was one of the Klown’s favorites in this album. The song was fast paced and featured guitar solos from both from Paul Quinn and Paul Scarratt.

The band gets epic and shows off some power metal inspiration and gothic undertones with “Nosferatu (The Vampire’s Waltz). The Brits continued with more of the power metal style with “They Played Rock and Roll” which sounded like a throwback to that of Helloween. The Klown’s other favorite also happened to feature the Viking king of Amon Amarth known as Johan Hegg. Hegg lends his powerful growling vocals for the track “Predator.” The collective ride the Viking high and pay homage to their heritage with “Sons of Odin” which was a song that was infused with Scorpions style of metal. The track was a perfect anthem that will prepare you for the fruitful afterlife in Valhalla.

Saxon goes in for the kill with the awesome and fast-paced “Sniper.” They one-up the power metal influence with “A Wizard’s Tale” and really go all out with the guitar riffs and solos. Saxon manages to show off some thrash metal similar to that of Overkill and made a really awesome surprise which has dual guitar solos from Quinn and Scarratt, and powerful drumming from Nigel Glockler. The band finishes this electric release with a song for the unsung heroes of our beloved concerts in the form of “Roadie’s Song.”

The bonus round for those who got the vinyl version received a raw version of “Nosferatu.” As you may have figured out by now the Klown really enjoyed this album. In fact, he almost talked about the entire album. If you are a fan of the NWOBHM, power metal or just a fan of Saxon it is a must-have. Lastly, check it out on Spotify or just take the Klown’s word for it and get it here.

6 out of 6 Over 40 Years of Conquest and Still Going Strong

Still Shocking the Heavy Metal Genre from Valhalla

The Trials of January 19, 2018

Honorable Mention

Bleeding Gods Deliver on their Debut’s Follow Up

The Dutch collective known as Bleeding Gods have, in short time, managed to make a name for themselves. Since Nuclear Blast snagged them last year, their current album was highly anticipated. Although the Klown dropped the ball in informing his sibling about this album, he shall talk about their current release Dodekathlon which came out on January 12.

This album inaugurates with “Bloodguilt” which was a great opener for this concept. This song features some death metal and some thrash metal, and a killer solo. It is then followed by “Multiple Decapitation” which sounded epic and had a narration sample. “Beloved by Artemis” was a great song and features a long but awesome guitar solo.

“From Feast to Beast” has the group taking a page from Hour Of Penance and added some keyboard overtures to make the song borderline symphonic. “Birds of Hate” and “Seeds of Distrust” gave a full dose of death metal with Daan Klemann showcasing his powerful kicks. The Klown can say the same about “Hera Orchard” with the bonus of guest musician of Mayan’s vocalist George Oosthoek lending his growls into the mix.

The album finishes its tribute of god-like proportions with “Hound of Hell” which sounded like something that was leftover or came from Behemoth’s The Satanist album. This album had a lot of hype and it absolutely delivered. This album was a great release to continue the new year. If you haven’t heard this group before, then the Klown would recommend them to you if you are a fan of Hour Of Penance, Behemoth and Mayan. Lastly, you can check it out on Spotify or get the album here.

6 out of 6 Death Metal Fit for a God!

An Album of God-like Proportions

January 19, 2018

Anvil Pounded and Forged a New One for the Year

Assuming you have never seen that documentary built on this Canadian collective, Anvil is one of the greatest bands that you have never heard of. According to the likes of Scott Ian and other metal greats that were featured in the documentary, they were pioneers of our beloved genre. With that said, Canada’s open secret has released Pounding the Pavement through Steamhammer Records.

The album begins with the “Bitch In A Box” which was rather slow but definitely highlights a lot of the classic heavy metal sounds. It immediately picks up with “Ego” and gives you a nice dose of speed metal the way the legendary Motorhead used to. Others like this were also “Doing What I Want,” “Smash Your Face,” “Rock That Shit” and “Black Smoke” just to name a few.

The Canadians also treat us to a few thrash instrumentals with “Pounding The Pavement.” They slow down once again with “Nanook of the North” and “World of Tomorrow.” The Klown will note, for the latter, Anvil seemed to have tapped into their stoner/sludge metal side and featured an awesome solo from Steve “Lips” Kudlow.

The band ends with some speed metal courtesy of “Warming Up.” These gents also include a bonus track titled “Don’t Tell Me” which presents some hard rock element into the mix. For those who are fans of Anvil, you will be wanting this album. For those who want to but are skeptical, the Klown would recommend it for fans Motorhead, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest and Enforcer. You can check the album out on Spotify or take the plunge here.

4 out of 6, Still Pounding Away

Putting the Heavy in Metal for a Long Time

Arkona Make a Return for the Year

One of the most prolific bands to ever come from the land of borscht and vodka has returned after a 4-year hiatus. If you have no idea who the Klown is talking about or guessed its the band Putin It Together then he’ll just have to say, “no, you, goofy clown shoe.” It’s Arkona! They are literally the most recognizable metal band to ever come out of the Eurasian subcontinent. On that note, the Russian folk metal quintet has issued their eighth installment titled Khram through Napalm Records.

The contemporary commences with “Mantra (Intro)” which features Nytt Land’s Anatoliy Pakhalenko doing a harsh spoken word narrative before transitioning to “Shtorm.” The track was not only a great follow up to the intro but it also featured everything a great folk metal song tends to have such as wind instruments, heavy guitar and drumming.

The Klown really took a liking to “Tzeluya Zhizn’” because it tapped into their black metal side and gave a brooding and somewhat aggressive take to their usual M.O. This song felt like an homage to Bathory during their pagan, black metal phase. It is worth noting that it is also the longest track of the whole album, clocking in at 17 minutes and 11 seconds and had some classic strings.

The track is then followed by the second longest track of the album, “Rubionok Bez Imeni.” This song is nearly 12 minutes long and takes a mellow, prog metal approach. “V Pogonye Za Beloy Tenyu” features some synths and overture to give the song a melancholic touch. “V ladonyakh bogov” features some piano composition which complements the song and adds some dramatic overtones.

The album finishes  the way it began but much shorter with “Mantra (outro).” The Klown was surprised with this album and its versatility. It offers a little bit of everything while maintaining its folk metal influence. The album is a must have for a fan of the folk metal genre. Lastly, you can check out this album in the band’s Bandcamp if you found yourself convinced.

5 out of 6, Siberia Never Sounded So Good

Russia’s Greatest Export… aside from Vodka and Stroganoff

Black Label Society Dish Out a New Set of Hits

BLS is a group that the Klown feels like he needs not introduce. After all, Zakk f’n Wylde is a legend in his own right. When he’s not dishing out music for his own prolific group, he’s off touring with his Black Sabbath cover band Zakk Sabbath or off shredding with Ozzy Osbourne. This time the Klown shall talk about the 10th installment Grimmest Hits which was released through Entertainment One Records.

The album starts off with “Trampled Down Below” which immediately reignites memories of the Stronger Than Death and The Blessed Hellride fame. Wylde takes us back to some old school hard rock with “All That Shined Once” and starts off with some soft clean vocals which become the driving force for the entire song.

Wylde then makes you have the feels with “The Only Words” and “The Day That Heaven Had Gone Away.” “The Only Words” feels like an homage to Southern-style rock ballad and features Wylde playing the organ and doing a cool guitar solo which completely compliments the song’s tender demeanor. “The Day…” was mostly a standard, yet soulful ballad which can really make you sentimental like a ballad is supposed to.

“Room Of Nightmares” has Wylde picking up the pace once more right after the previous track and gives you a bit of a pep. BLS return to their brand of heavy metal sounds with “A Love Unreal” which had some heavy guitar strums and Jeff Fabb’s crashing cymbals as a foundation for the song. The album finishes rather appropriately with “Nothing Left to Say” which leaves you, the listener, with a satisfactory sensation after listening.

This was a pretty good album and highlights Wylde’s legendary status as well as his vast musicianship. Although nothing else stood out it was still a good album to hear, especially if you’ve been anticipating some new Black Label Society. The album also seems to cater to a more mature and musically opened audience. The Klown absolutely recommends this album if you are a fan or love the work to that of Fireball Ministry, ZZ Top and Lynard Skynard. As always you can get your copy of this album here.

5 out of 6, Always Bet on Black

BLS… nuff said

Terror Universal Debut Their LP

What do you get when you combine Ill Niño and Soulfly? If your answer was something other than Terror Universal then the Klown doesn’t know what to tell you. The Mushroomhead looking group known as Terror Universal has been making the rounds and some noise for some time and released their first EP, Reign of Terror, about 3 years back. Now, the trio has released their first studio album Make Them Bleed through Minus Head Records, and have unleashed their brand of horror metal to the masses.

The album kicks off with “Passage of Pain” which feature the sounds of groove metal. The Klown really took a liking to “Welcome To Hell” and “Make Them Bleed” because … remember the Mushroomhead comparison? The Terror took another page from their book and busted out some industrial influences on that song and combined it  with groove. The group continued said influence with “Spine” which also featured Disturbed’s vox/bassist John Moyer. As cliche and predictable as this may sound, Slipknot fans will rejoice because Terror Universal crossover to Knot territory with “Through The Mirror.”

The guest musicians don’t just stop with “Spine,” another name that has lingered in the Ugh Metal site since it’s maiden voyage makes a triumphant return. The Klown is talking about vox/bassist Tony Campos. The bassist lends his vocals to “Dead On Arrival” which was not only a pretty good song but was really catchy to sing along to. “Into Darkness” features the band’s tender side but still bolster some aggression.

The album finishes with “Piece by Piece” which made for a great closer. It was melodic and it had some strong industrial influences. This album was a fantastic start for the collective and is sure to pick up some steam and exposure later on in the year. If you’ve never heard of Terror Universal or have not been properly exposed to Terror Universal to them then the Klown shall repeat the references. If you are a fan of Mushroomhead, Slipknot, Avatar and Fear Factory you’ll like them. If you need more convincing you can check it out on the label’s Bandcamp.

6 out of 6, Fear Not, Tis a Great Start

Meet the New Monsters of Metal!

Exodus and Obituary Migrate Metalheads to North Park

Exodus parted the seas and the pit!
(L to R: Guitarist Kragen Lum, vocalist Steve Souza, guitarist Lee Altus, and bassist Jack Gibson )

To quote the marketing team of Ugh Metal, on “Sinday” Oct. 8, the creator of the Ugh Metal creators decided to drop off the Klown and the rest of the “crew” at the North Park Observatory, even though the Klown and his krew live in North Park. Two things happened prior, the first thing was that we were running late and didn’t wanna literally run to the Observatory. Two, we didn’t want to miss the opener that was kicking off this show of biblical proportions, and because the Klown is out of shape, like hell he was going to have some smeared clown-scara on his leading man face.  Once inside, the Klown knew he was in for a treat.

The night opened with Dust Bolt. If you haven’t heard of Dust Bolt the Klown would highly recommend that you check them out. The quartet is amongst a current generation that represents a new wave of Teutonic thrash metal. The sounds that these gents produced were powerful and energetic. Imagine Kreator’s Miland “Mille” Patrozza’s vocals with Jurgen “Ventor” Reil’s thunderous and fast drumming combined with Sodom and Destruction with Tankard’s fun attitude.

Dust Bolt blows us away in their American tour debut!
(L to R: Guitarist Flo Dehn, drummer Nico Rayman, vocalist/guitarist Lenny Breuss, and bassist
Benedikt Münze)

Not only were we excited about seeing Dust Bolt but they too were excited. Early in the night, frontman/guitarist Lenny Breuss did what any frontman would and hyped the crowd which he would then excitedly confess to us all that not only were they happy to be in San Diego, and touring with two legends, but it was also their first time touring the United States. Breuss thanked Obituary for bringing them abroad.

It was never a dull moment with Lenny Breuss!

This act of gratitude and giddiness showed sufficiently when bassist/vox Benedikt Münze would chime in and rocked his bass like no one’s business along with guitarist Flo Dehn when he would take over for a couple of solos. Some examples of those actions happened when they performed songs from their 2014 Awake The Riot album such as “Soul Erazor,” and “Agent Thrash,” and from their last album Mass Confusion, “Mind The Gap.”

The coolest part of that performance was the band’s energy and the music was as infectious as Breuss’s charisma. The vocalist dropped from the stage and approach clamoring fans that were front and center on the rail to perform his guitar’s twang while the shirtless drummer, Nico Remann, backed him up on stage with his booming double kicks. Did the Klown mention that Dust Bolt were the openers?

Flo Dehn and Lenny Breuss of Dust Bolt are shaking the Observatory to its core!

As much as the Klown wanted to keep seeing what other jolts of energy they could dish ou they unfortunately had to vacate. The electricity  they  left behind would be picked up and cause the following act to take that power. This is exactly what Power Trip did! The Klown has heard this band serendipitously before but never thought he would see these Dallas Cowboys in his neck of the woods. Power Trip brought forth some thrash with some lone star grit similar to that of Pantera. The night kicked off with “Soul Sacrifice” from their recent album Nightmare Logic.

Power Trip jump startd the crowd.
(L to R: Drummer Chris Ulsh , vocalist Riley Gale, bassist Chris Whetzel and guitarist Nick Stewart)

The moment frontman Riley Gale’s vocals met with Chris Ulsh’s  drumming and the guitar twang of Blake Ibanez, fans threw their metal horns in the air and raised them high for these Longhorns. The band really got a strong response when they picked up the pace with the “Executioner’s Tax (Swing of the Axe).” The pit grew with intensity along with our craving for beer and brisket because that’s what Texans eat, right?

These Mavericks brought forth some more noise and had the rowdy San Diegan crowd make a pit the size of their home state. Power Trip left the rampant crowd in a frenzy as they nailed their Sunday special in the form of “Crucifixion.” They went for the kill with “Firing Squad” and closed out the massacre with “Manifest Decimation.”

You don’t mess with Texas and Power Trip!
(L to r: Guitarist Blake Ibanez, drummer Chris Ulsh, vocalist Riley Gale,  bassist Chris Whetzel and guitarist Nick Stewart)

Our fictional and rhetorical death was followed up appropriately by one of the daddies of death metal, Obituary. This would mark the second time this Floridian quintet graces our page as live performers this year. In fact, the Klown and his sibling talked about them when Ugh Metal took a trip up to Santa Ana’s Observatory for the Decibel Magazine Tour which featured the mighty Kreator. Check that out when you can.

Anyway, this time it’s the Klown’s turn. That night, unlike the last time they performed, was a little different. The night featured a more… relaxed and interactive Obituary. Then again, this time, their set wasn’t as limited as it was last time. The quintet started their set with their infamous opener “Redneck Stomp.” Once Kenny Andrews began the opening riffs to the stomp, the North Park crowd began to cheer and lost their shit because they knew the show was already in full swing.

Obituary is life!
(L to R: Guitarist Trevor Peres, drummer Donald Tardy, vocalist John Tardy, bassist Terry Butler and guitarist Kenny Andrews)

The instrumental classic would then be followed by “Sentence Day” from their latest self-titled album. By that point,  John Tardy would chime in with his incomparable harsh vocals that some people don’t believe it to be death metal. The stoic frontman had his usual never fails to remind us that he is a veteran of the mosh pit and headbanging and his actions follow suit.

When Tardy wasn’t headbanging, he sang with his harsh vocals adding more character to the already classic death metal sound. Not one to be far behind is his brother Donald Tardy, who blasts his drums the way thrash drummers do. But the real treat by far was Trevor Peres, who decided to challenge the chugging throne of the Klown! During the brief breaks, Peres would start to drink, the crowd would chant “chug” and he proceeded to do so. Donald would not only find amusement with the reaction but would cheer him on as well with bassist Terry Butler joining in and applauding with approval.

Twas our ‘Sentence Day’ with Obituary.

This awesomeness would translate so well that by the time “Visions In My Head” ended, the band began to experience technical difficulties. Not even the darkness with orange backlights was enough to slow these gents down or kill the mood. Peres would liven up the mood and played some playful “Merrily We Roll Along” guitar riffs. For those that don’t know, that’s the Looney Tunes’ theme song. Of course, Andrews would join in briefly with some of his own.

When the power was back up, the quintet continued with “A Lesson In Violence” as if nothing had happened. If a clergy were present at the show, he would have agreed with the destination the Floridian band was going to send us to  which was “Straight To Hell.” Of course,

Trevor Peres and John Tardy of Obituary watch us slowly rot!

we were “Dying” to hear more Obituary and if possible we wanted to hear them  “‘Til Death.” Most importantly, as much as we didn’t want the moment to end, the band closed out their entire set with their prolific single from their debut album Slowly We Rot with the song of the same name.

As soon as Obituary migrated off of the stage, one of California’s Bay Area thrash titans would take the stage. If the world were a perfect place, the Big 4 of Thrash would actually be 5. The fifth member in that fold would be Exodus. The moment would also mark the first time Ugh Metal has seen the full, current, Exodus line-up separately. Although some were bummed out that Gary Holt wasn’t present, Ugh Metal had the pleasure of seeing Holt at last year’s SD Comic Con. Check that kick ass collab when you can.

Steve Souza still parting the sweaty sea!

The night began with “The Ballad of Leonard and Charles,”  with the drummer Tom Hunting gracing the crowd with an open-armed strongman pose right before taking his place behind the kit during the beginning. He would soon be joined by guitarists Kragen Lum and Lee Altus, and  bassist Jack Gibson. Ever the showman, frontman Steve Souza would make his appearance last, hyped the crowd and blasted the mic with his prolific and powerful vocals.

Exodus riled up the crowd further when they followed up with their newest classics “Blood In, Blood Out” and “Body Harvest” from their 2010 Exhibit B: The Human Condition

Lee Altus, Steve Souza and Jack Gibson of Exodus totally look like they’re not having fun :p

album. Souza would then announce that from there on they were going to play blasts from the past and superseded with “A Lesson In Violence.” The Klown saw the lesson have its effect when the pit grew and became more aggressive than a swarm of yellow jackets defending their hive. Of course, Souza showed all in attendance why Exodus deserves to be on a legendary throne and why they should be taken seriously at all times.

One example was when Souza, drenched in sweat, refused to stay in one spot. Souza did not stay in one place and hyped and interacted with fans along with Lum, Altus, and Gibson. Souza and Hunting’s presence were felt even when they were far from the spotlight . Not only did Hunting provoke the crowd through his drumming prowess but also with his strong, embracive poses such as throwing his arms up signaling for more energy.

Before they did they asked us to dance in the “Toxic Waltz”

Souza would then express his gratitude to the crowd that showed up and emphasized the fact that it was a Sunday night. The frontman voiced his love for San Diego and said that Exodus always had a great time and received a superb reception from the diverse San Diego crowd. The rest of the band would join in, expressively through applauses and cheer gestures to go along with Souza’s word and continued with more classics before calling it a night.

The night got more insane once Souza announced, through an anecdote, that we were “Bonded by Blood.” The night saw a

Kragen Lum and Steve Souza enticing us to fuck shit up!

bigger circle pit when “The Toxic Waltz” started as well as a loud roaring chorus line that sang along with Souza. The night closed with one of their first hits, “Strike of the Beast.” Souza thanked fans once more and bowed out with the band which lingered on a bit further to bow out repeatedly.

Before the Klown signs off, he would like to acknowledge and thank Lee Altus for being an awesome guitarist and a true gentleman to the Klown’s despondent sibling. Altus made sure that the setlist that was snatched from her hand by some geezer would be returned to her hands.

The Trials of September 22, 2017 (Part 2)

Counterparts Came Forth with their Fifth Album

The Klown recalls mentioning these Canucks briefly for the Vans Warped Tour segment, check that out when you can. Anyway, the hardcore punk quintet known as Counterparts have released their album You’re Not You Anymore through Victory Records and right off the bat, these Canucks bring on the noise.

The album commences with a short intro and follows up with some aggression in the form of “Bouquet.” The song could be described as screamo as opposed to hardcore punk in terms of vocals and composition as well as a very melodic chorus. “No Servant of Mine,” however, exemplifies the sounds and influences of hardcore punk.

The Klown took a liking to “A Memory Misread” it was catchy and featured the screaming hardcore punk chorus, maintained the aggression, and really features Blake Hardman’s heavy guitar riffed solo to solidify that aggressive touch. The album caps off with the title of the namesake album which begins rather slow and immediately builds up fast and slows down during the chorus and the end for a soft melodic solo from Hardman.

Despite what the Klown has said about the album, the album doesn’t really stand out as much. It is rather aggressive at times but felt mostly repetitive. However, the Klown will say that if you’re looking for a nudge into the hardcore punk genre this would make a good starter album. As always this is one opinion, this album is definitely for the fans and you can get your copy here.

3 out of 6, The Klown is Still the Klown!

King Parrot ‘Produce’ An Attractive Album

In honor of the fact that Ugh Metal didn’t get the chance to see these guys for their 2 day stop in our fine city, the Klown shall talk about their latest release. The Aussie quintet has indulged their fans with their third release Ugly Produce which was released through Phil Anselmo’s label Housecore Records. The album begins strongly with “Entrapment” with the opening aggressive guitar riff which would abruptly stop and  before Matthew “Youngy” Young’s harsh, screaming vocals and Todd “Toddy” Hansen’s double kicks joins in. This track is then followed by an erratic version of the former which is titled “Piss Wreck.”

The band really features the grindcore they’re known for with “All Hail the Grub,” the Ugh Metal mantra when it comes to working, “Ten Pounds of Shit in a Five Pound Bag” and “Numb Skull.” “Die Before You Die” features some of the thrash metal that this band is sometimes known for which the Klown can describe as Muni Waste if frontman Tony Deforesta were to adopt aggressive screeching vocals.

This contemporary finishes with “Spookin’ Animals Dead” which can be described as a combo of grindcore and thrash and has Wayne “Slatts” Slattery’s powerful bass slapping featured and solidifies itself as the foundation of this song. The Klown can see why this album was highly anticipated by the diehard fans and some of the casual ones. To hear what the Klown is talking about check it out on Housecore’s Bandcamp for some clarity.

6 out of 6, This One’s for the Birds… and People

Wolves In The Throne Room Have Finished Weaving their Latest Work

One of the forerunners for the American black metal scene is back. After a three-year hiatus, the Wolves In The Throne Room have now released their sixth contemporary titled Thrice Woven through Artemisia Records. Before the Klown continues, he shall inform you that this album is five tracks long but definitely not slim by any means and featured an array of guest musicians.

The Wolves open with “Born from the Serpent’s Eyes” which features Anna von Hausswolff on vocals and begins  melodically due to  guest acoustic guitarist Don McGreevy before transpiring into a atmospheric black metal song. It is then followed by “The Old Ones Are with Us” which was like the latter but this time with Neurosis’s Steve Von Till on vocals and acoustic guitars.

The Washingtonian trio honors the Nordic heritage by performing a dark hymn for Loki’s giantess of a wife and Fenrir’s mother in “Angrboda.” It is also worth noting that the song was more of an avant-garde style black metal and it was a little over 10 minutes. The album caps off with a one-two punch combo and has “Mother Owl, Father Ocean” serve as an atmospheric and new age 2-plus minute intro to the final track. “Mother…” has von Hausswolff on vocals, guest drummer Phil Petrocelli and Zeynep Oyku Yilmaz on the grand harp.

The finisher “Fire Roars in the Palace of the Moon,” gives you black metal reminiscent to that of Bathory and plays for 11 minutes. This album was well anticipated and delivered. If you really are a fan of WITTR or really love black metal, don’t hesitate to check out this album. You can access this album in the Wolves’ Bandcamp to give it a listen and see what he means.

6 out of 6, Fenrir Is Proud!

Cradle of Filth Return with Tales of New-Fangled Victorian Darkness

Well, well, well… the Klown shall get to talk about Dani Filth once again but this time with the band that he’s been known for. Cradle Of Filth is back and has released their 12th album titled Cyptoriana: The Seductiveness of Decay through Nuclear Blast Records. The album kicks off with the deliciously evil title “Exquisite Torments Await” which has a dramatically slow start but because it’s endearingly fast and is the shortest song of the album. The track also serves as the catalyst for “Heartbreak and Séance.”

The latter was a pretty good song that contains some awesome and heavy guitar riffs and the infamous banshee screams from Filth himself. “Achingly Beautiful,” aside from being a song dedicated to the Klown, was a song that revisits the theatrics and gothic-like influence that Cradle Of Filth is known for. This track also features the femme fatale keyboardist/vox Lindsay Schoolcraft and her mesmerizing ghostly vocals.  “Vengeful Spirit” also includes this similar formula.

The band also revisits another gimmick that they’re known for with “Wester Vespertine” in terms of Schoolcraft setting a darker tone with a spoken word narrative during the song’s brief pause. The song also features a really awesome guitar solo. Speaking of which, “The Seductiveness Of Decay,”“You Will Know the Lion by His Claw” and “The Night at Catafalque Manor” features quite a few solos and contains some dramatic chorus, effects, and some sweet double kicks from Marek ‘Ashok’ Šmerda.

The latter happens to be a bonus track. When in Rome, Filth treats his ghouls with another bonus track in the form of a cover from Annihilator’s “Alison Hell” which also takes a turn at the dramatic but takes a heavier and aggressive approach, and in a way shall remind you of the Damnation And A Day album. This album was a pretty good comeback and will really pique the interest of fans who’ve lost some interest in the band. You can check it through Spotify (give Ugh Metal &/or the Klown [chuggotheklown] a follow if you do) or you can take the Klown’s word and get your copy here.

6 out of 6 The Album Will Take You to the Great Beyond

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!

 

 

Metal Assault Brings #ThrashThursday To San Diego

Nihilist headlines Metal Assault’s Vol.2
(L to R: Guitarist Matt Smith,, bassist/vocalist Loren Tipton)

July 20 was kind of a significant date for San Diego especially of the nerdy and geeky variety. That’s right kids, the San Diego Comic Con International was already in full swing and it was sold out. Luckily for us, Ugh Metal and all the metalheads had a buffer and headed over to Metal Assault’s second concert volume at the Brick by Brick. Unlike the first installment, which the Klown regrettably didn’t get the chance to partake in, the second installment bolstered the night and cured the Comic Con blues.

The night kicked off with the OC quartet known as Siva. The Klown didn’t know what to expect from these gents but he was glad that they were a pleasant surprise. The quartet’s performance was rather refreshing and reintroduced the brand of metalcore that has sprouted known acts such as a Atreyu, Stick To Your Guns and Avenged Sevenfold just to name a few. The Klown witnessed the invigorated frontman, Kory Anderson, move voraciously throughout the performance. His performance reminded the Klown of Whitechapel frontman Phil Bozeman’s performance minus the platforms. Just like Bozeman, Anderson was a man of few words and allowed his actions and vocals to do the orating for him.

Kory Anderson of Siva let his motion do the talkin’.

Anderson and company treated us to songs from their 2015 album The Evolution of Decay such as the album’s forerunner “Leading the Blind.” Anderson also showed off some skills on the keyboard but the real treat wasn’t his skills on the keys. Anderson delighted the present congregation with a brand new, yet-to-be released song titled “Stone to Sand” which sounded pretty awesome and gave everyone in attendance more reasons to look forward to their next installment in the near future. The Klown will admit that these gents left quite an impact on him and the rest along with him. Siva did justice kicking off Metal Assault’s shindig.

Speaking of justice, the quartet from Torrence known as Heavy Justice took the stage front and center to dish out their brand of metal. The Klown can describe their style to be an unholy but awesome marriage between Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. Something worth noting was that amongst this pool of testosterone, some kick ass amount of estrogen was in the mix in the form of drummer Michelle Pickerine.

Heavy Justice was so ready to prevail!
(L to R: Vocalist/ bassist Neil Moutrey, drummer Michelle Pickerine, and lead guitarist/back up vocalist Greg Mullen)

The group treated us to “Gold Digger” and then “Apocalyze.” The best way to describe bassist/vox Neil “Neilio” Moutrey is that he looks like a younger version of the Undertaker during his American Badass phase from the early 2000’s. Moutrey’s vocals resemble W.A.S.P’s Black Lawless and are accompanied by lead guitarist/ backup vox Greg Mullen’s harsh vocals for an extra oomph.

Mullen was a treat because he was a spectacle in and of himself. When he wasn’t running back and forth on the stage to meet up with Irvin Garay for a strumming duet  replicating moments much like K.K Downing and Glenn Tipton. Not a fan of Priest? Fine. How about the combo from Dave Murray and Adrian Smith of Iron Maiden?

Greg Mullen’s enthusiasm level was off the charts!

Heavy Justice also treated us to “Fall of Giants” from their And So We Fall LP. Before the band vacated the stage, they gave the present masses a rewarding send-off with a brand new song, “TV Fails.” The song not only gave everyone something to look forward to but also left the crowd hungry for more.

As soon as Justice served, Monolith picked up and continued Thursday’s debauchery. This local quintet definitely began to turn the steam left behind into smoke. As we all know, when there’s smoke there’s fire. The collective from Oceanside sparked their flames by opening with “The Emperor (The Suffering of Fools)” from their 2015 debut LP Against the Wall of Forever which was released through Funeral Noise Records. The Klown can describe the song as thrash in its infancy but with Keith McIntosh’s vocals reminiscent to that of a young Bruce Dickinson.

McIntosh really showed off his windpipes and sang with feeling with “Against the Wall of Forever” totally had the Klown and the crowd eating it up. McIntosh would once again take the same singing approach with the toned down “Kindly Dr. Jest (The Interrogator)”which had lead guitarist Doug Walker show off a nice and slow guitar solo towards the end as a perfect ending for their first half. The second half of their performance consisted of Monolith introducing a new song titled “Wings of Steel” and played from their 2014 The Notebook EP with “I’m Going Home” and “Pyromania.” After the performance, the Klown understood why these gents were suddenly featured heavily.

Monolith bust out the coolest conga line!
(L to R: Guitarist Jared Bliss , guitarist Doug Walker, bassist Kevin Vickers and front man Keith McIntosh)

Thrash Thursday was capped off and met with one of the underground thrash locals, Nihilist. Although Nihilist is not widely known, they are an absolute treat especially if you are truly big on thrash. The trio kicked off with “Destroyer” from their 2006 Call Down the Thunder and also played “Blood Portraits” from their namesake 2009 release.

The band didn’t just stick too much in their past, they treated us to “Dethmacheen” which happens to have the same name as the EP. It didn’t seem to matter what these gents played because it still caused a commotion. Although the attendance didn’t exactly cause the Brick by Brick to implode, the pit that it garnered on that night is best described like the Grinch’s heart. If you don’t get that analogy, the summary is that the small pit grew threefold. The Klown may be exaggerating a bit but mark his words, that that pit was ever present and showcased how a dedicated and true fan base looks like.

Matt Smith and Loren Tipton of Nihilist keep the pit going on Thrash Thursday.

The frontman/ bassist Loren Tipton was a man of very few words who let his actions and performance do the talking. Not leaving guitarist Elliot Sloan out of the mix, he did a great job showing off his heavy and energetic riffs which complimented the brand of speed thrash that this band has been producing.

Nihilist originally finished with “Nihilist Kills” but fulfilled the request from the crowd, one more song. The band’s encore and final hurrah came in the form of Judas Priest’s “Freewheel Burning.” If you weren’t fortunate to catch this show, then the Klown pities you. Even though this show wasn’t a showcase of metal immortals it was still great to partake and be a part of. Sure, the Klown wasn’t present in the first volume of Metal Assault’s show in San Diego but hopefully this will give you an idea of what to look forward to in the upcoming editions the publication will bestow here.

First Impressions: Morphesia, Bloodborne, and Beekeeper

Honorable Mention: Morphesia

Morphesia has been growling and taking us into a spiritual black metal journey in the venues of San Diego for some time. Though this one man band finally got signed on July 7 by Sliptrick Records, doing a piece on Morphesia was a must for Ugh Metal! Zombie Thirteen…NO! It’s not Rob Zombie’s latest side project, but rather the name of the man behind Morphesia, who is unknowingly racking up more cool points with his killer name and an intriguing band name.

“I’m a big fan of HR Giger’s art. Around the same time I started playing guitar, I bought some of his Morpheus calendar prints and would stare at the art for hours. The name Morpheus always stood out to me, because to me, it represented the male side of his art, so I wondered what the female version of that name would be.” Said Thirteen regarding the band’s name. “One afternoon after college, I was taking the bus home and it just came to me, Morphesia, so I wrote it down and proclaimed that as my future band’s name.”

Thirteen had previously played in a few bands but found his identity as a musician after delving deeper in black metal. Thirteen credits Norwegian black metallers Old Man’s Child as the catalyst that lit the fire for Morphesia because their music compelled him to write his first track in 2005.

Morphesia at Til Two in 2016 decked out in his black metal armor.
(Photo courtesy of formulavi on Youtube)

Though Morphesia was now out in the universe, it went through some growing pains and struggled to have a stable line up before becoming a solo act. The evolution of this one man band has continued to flourish and has shifted its concept, venturing more into the ancient spirituality of Egypt.

“I wanted to shift the focus from the aggresiveness/hatred coming out of my writing and show the inner core of where all that came from, putting myself out there instead of targeting a specific subject.” Said Thirteen when asked about his new musical direction.

“I got tired of writing the same ‘Norwegian style’ song and decided to destroy ‘the barrier’ I had hid behind for many years, exposing a much more personal and deeper side I was reluctant to share at first, as I was under the impression that I ‘had’ to keep a certain image going.”

Zombie Thirteen of Morphesia transcends during the Helheim show in 2017.

Morphesia will be releasing his second full length album I Forever End later this year and luckily for all of us, he has a bandcamp filled with black metal wonders! If you haven’t seen his new material live, check out our reviews and his YouTube channel, you are in for a transcendental treat. Morphesia will be at The Merrow on Aug. 15 with Wormreich, and will be joining locals Ruines Ov Abaddon and many more on Oct. 14 at LA’s 5 Star Bar and like him on Facebook to stay in the loop and congratulate him!

Beekeeper

San Diego is buzzing and dripping with thrashy sweetness that is slowly trickling down onto metalheads and winning them over. Local thrashers Beekeeper are slowly invading the West Coast one riff at a time and conquering the hearts of metalheads. This hive is helmed by the three amigos, lead guitarist/vocalist Ally Levine, drummer Dylan Marks and bassist Adam Wollach who vowed to rule the world through the power of metal.

“We formed [through] our mutual love and respect for old school thrash and death metal.” Said drummer Dylan Marks. “WE ARE TAKING THE WORLD BY SWARM.”

Ugh Metal has been fortunate to see this thrashy trio in action before and it was love at first sting! We are still buzzing after Beekeeper put to shame the big bad wolf by blowing away the Brick By Brick at the San Diego Metal Swap Meet After Party. Staying true to their house saying, they will be embarking on a North American tour starting on August 23 where they’ll be playing at the Soda Bar supporting their debut LP Slaves To Nothing which they released independently on July 1 and made quite the impression on the Klown. Be sure to snag their debut album here, you will not regret it! It’s only a matter of time till we see a record label snag these guys up.

Beekeeper dismantling the Brick By Brick at the SD Metal Swap Meet After Party in 2017.
(L to R: Vocalist/lead guitarist/KWEEN Ally Levine, drummer Dylan Marks and bassist Adam Wollach)

Bloodborne

Because everything’s bigger in Texas, they produced a bigger and meaner local super group called Bloodborne. The quintet from Del Rio came together in 2015 for a fun jam sesh among friends when they had some down time but  quickly  started taking on a life of its own. Guitarist Rick Arneson, drummer Chris Clark and guitarist John Martinez drew first blood before having bassist Fred Vela and vocalist David “Gorilla” Rodriguez a few months later.

“We all just love writing music with influences of the things that we like. Things like tempo changes, memorable hooks and songs that all have their own vibe.” Said John Martinez “We don’t care for all songs to sound the same.”

Bloodborne create a type of metal reminiscent to the late 90’s, early 2000’s wave of groove and nu metal *sigh* Aww yes, that takes me back to when yours truly was a heathen in training *sips on margarita.* Not many bands can pull this nostalgic branch of metal off, but Bloodborne surely can especially because each respective member add a unique ingredient of their own.

The quintet released their very first EP titled Hour of Demise independently on July 12 and you can check out their Reverbnation page and see how they do metal in Texas! Check out their music videos for their hit “Angels and Demons” off of their new EP and drop them a line in their Facebook page to get your copy!

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!