Zalmoxis "Demo"

While checking my music out.. I came across this band, Zalmoxis, that according to Bandcamp info, are from Augsburg, Germany. Zalmoxis introduces us two tracks of this grim and eerie atmospheric black metal, recorded as if the sound came out from this ancient and most concealed catacombs you can ever imagine. In general, the atmosphere sounds really great, it really exhales that haunting whiff of cold black metal through that echoing guitar in the back, as well for the drum set (digital?) and the vocals are just harsh and scary enough to do its work. If you're into the most occult, sinister and cold side of black metal, without major productions and artifices, then I strongly you to check this band out.

Zalmoxis

Bands You Should Be Hearing PT.II

Hello. Today i bring a handful of new music that i've discovered recently. I'm not going to write a whole testament on each release, just a couple words. Sorry, but I'm not feeling very inspired today. Besides, you're all here for the music, right? So let's get to it.

First is Boreas, a black metal act from Kansas City. Boreas (who took their name from the Greek God of North Wind or Winter) play this low-fi, harsh, nihilistic style of black metal. Nothing ground-breaking to be honest but when it comes to their music, I just dig the whole sound on this Demo and the tracks are really good too. The Gods are pleased.

Boreas

Kato, a blackened sludge act that blend the furious side of hardcore with the monolithic heaviness of sludge metal, are indeed a band that every fan of the genre should put their ears upon. Introducing three tracks in this Demo, the amazing instrumental "Yet His Shadow Still Looms" and two furious songs "And All Of The Rats Gather" and "Dust Of Earth". The quality is really, really good here and i can see a great future for this band as long as they keep this pace. Good.

Kato

From Portugal, another great and promising young band, Mother Abyss. The band plays this very heavy, heavy post-sludge-metal that will please all the fans from bands like Cult of Luna, Generation Of Vipers, Isis or Mouth Of The Architect. I really didn't payed much attention to this but after a really decent listen, i was blown' away by its quality. Really, really good. You can stream two tracks (no free download) or if you're willing to get a copy, head over to their Facebook.

Mother Abyss

Next, Tutti I Colori Del Buio. A fresh new act from Italy, presenting their first Demo filled with four tracks of heavy hardcore à la APMD and Trap Them. If you dig the most vicious and rabid side of hardcore, then don't sleep on this one.

TICDB

Another great band and album i was introduced to some time ago, due to one of the members of the band itself, is Curse This Ocean. Now, the name may sound that there's some kind of post-hardcore, emocore, screamo band here... but let's not judge the heart through the face. If indeed you think this way, I can assure you, you're totally wrong. Curse This Ocean simply deliver some of the best new hardcore on the scene. I mean, i love this album. The tracks are awesome, catchy, memorable as they are heavy and filled with (dark) emotions . All layered with a superb production. "Lightbringer" is one of those albums that i like to visit at least, once a week. I can tell that there's a heavy influence of bands like (and you're gonna see what I mean when you hear it) Converge and Cursed for example here. Fuck.. I would dare say that i even enjoyed this album a lot more than the latest Converge (I know i'm gonna get crucified for just saying this). Only because Curse This Ocean's "Lightbringer" is fresh and as just as good and sure deserves a whole lot more ears and eyes upon them. Trust me. A very eclectic album, with very great and different moments. Truly one of my favorite albums of the genre for 2013. Check it out, you will love it and please, get this album here.

Lightbringer

That's all for now, i could get more bands but let's leave it for another day. Enjoy these releases, support & shit. Stay tuned. †

Best Underrated Releases of 2012 Pt.II

As promised, here is Part.II of what i think that are some of the best underrated music released last year, that may have passed under the radar of many good people out there.

Some of the bands featured here may come as no surprise for some of you, but my sense tells me that there's one or two more bands that you might haven't heard yet. At least with the right time and attention. With this compilation i invite you all to discover these releases, that for me are absolutely awesome. Like i always say, if you enjoy what you hear, dig in deeper. Buy the album, support the artists. You won't regret it.

Note: 
Since this second half is so heavy, i had to cut it in two parts.
So you have to download the two parts below, ok?

Enjoy.

Side A | Side B


Setlist

1. GGUW - Untitled (taken from the EP "Gegen Gravitation und Willensfreiheit")
2. Kaevum - Tornekransens Fall (taken from the album "Natur")
3. Szron - Becoming A Shadow (taken from the album "Death Camp Earth")
4. Esoterica - Idololatriae (taken from the EP "Idololatriae")
5. Urkaos - III (taken from the album "I")
6. Nettlecarrier - The Boiling Blood (taken from the album "Nettlecarrier ") 
7. Morgirion - Purification Through Fire (taken from the album "Infinite Retribution upon Paradise") 
8. Esoterica - Knell (taken from the EP "Knell") 
9. Alchemyst - Okkvltista (taken from the album "Nekromanteion") 
10. Nethervoid - Empty Field Eloquence (taken from the album "In Swarms of Godless Wrath") 
11. Vassafor - Rites of Ascension (taken from the album "Obsidian Codex") 
12. Spectral Lore - All Devouring Earth (taken from the album "Sentinel") 
13. The Water Witch - Winter's Burden (taken from the album "The Heavens in Traction") 
14. Omega Centauri - I Am (taken from the album "Universum Infinitum") 
15. Dommedagssalme - Passage (taken from the album "Chasm") 
16. Elysian Blaze - The Temple Is Falling (taken from the album "Blood Geometry")
17. Vaura - The Column's Vein (taken from the album "Selenelion")

Best Underrated Releases of 2012 Pt.I

Well, better late than never, right? I know... sorry for the delay. You know that end of the year lists are a major pain in the ass, so last year i really thought about it and after seeing several "copy-paste" type of Lists, that really basically licked every major band and their labels asses, i thought to myself: "Fuck...". So i focused my attention on releases (and as releases i understand: Demo, EP, Split's, Album, whatever the band puts out. If you don't agree then get your own blog, fuck off) that are as good (or even better) than some titles found on most of those "mainstream" lists that flooded the web last year.

I've been planning this for ages, but (now for the rehearsed speech) time is the enemy and i can't make blogging out of a living. So cut the chat, let's get to the music. Boys and girls i give you my first part (of two) of my favorite underrated releases of last year. This first compilation is essentially made out of doom, hardcore, sludge, etc. I can lift up the veil a little bit and tell you that Part II is dedicated to the blackest side of metal.

Get into this. If possible check the whole album where the track comes from, burn it into a CD to hear on your stereo, car, etc. Cook it with some peas, i don't care. Just listen to it. Hope you enjoy.

Note: The playlist has been updated. I fucked up and in the first .zip file there was one track that was from 2013. Sorry for that. You can check out the setlist below.

Forever in the shadow

Setlist

1. Column of Heaven - After the Mission (taken from the album "Mission From God")
2. Column of Heaven - Buried Secrets (taken from the album "Mission From God")
3. Aksumite - Angel Strike Animal (taken from the album "Prideless Lions")
4. Ascetic: - Uroboros (Up From Eden) (taken from the album "Self Initiation")
5. This Gift Is A Curse - Att hata allt mÑnskligt liv (taken from the album "I, Guilt Bearer")
6. Hexis - Seputus (taken from the EP "Seputus | Fatum")
7. Torch Runner - Committed to the Ground (taken from the album "Committed To The Ground")
8. Godstopper - Blame Them (taken from the album "What Matters")
9. Dephosphorus - Uncharted (taken from the album "Night Sky Transform")
10. Nekromantheon - Cast Down to the Void (taken from the album "Rise, Vulcan Spectre")
11. Fister - Violence V: Megabolide (Return to The Heavens) (taken from the EP "Violence")
12. Drowning Horse - Of the Wild (taken from the album "Drowning Horse")
13. Anguish - Book Of Fox (taken from the album "Through the Archdemon's Head")
14. Faustcoven - Hellfire and Funeral Bells (taken from the album "Hellfire and Funeral Bells")
15. Bereft - Ethereal Dispersal (taken from the album "Leichenhaus")
16. Faal - My Body Glows Red (taken from the album "The Clouds Are Burning")
17. Hell - Decedere (taken from the album "III")

The Lion's Daughter "Shame on Us All"

Hell yeah! The latest effort of the St. Louis band, The Lion's Daughter, one of the most underrated bands out there, is now available as "name your price". Nevertheless, that's no reason for you to no support them. Buy some of their shit here. "Shame on Us All" is a powerful storm of apocalyptic, dirty and furious decibels. Prepare to get your ass kicked.

Apocalyptic visions

Pornography "Promises & Virtues", "Mississippi" & "Heaven"

Pornography are a explicit experimental metal band from Nashville that fuses genres like doom and maybe some post punk that result into this very minimalist, ritualistic kind of post-doom sound. Pornography are like a contemporary version of Khanate but with some kind of dark hardcore vibe behind them, playing very slow and mixing a lot of noise into their sound. The thing is that the result here is quite interesting and quite different from what i usually run into. I ran into this a long time ago but only now, God knows why, i've decided to post it here on Forever Cursed. These two samples left me very curious and i would like to hear more from this band. Recommended for fans of Gray Ghost, Pharaoh, Khanate.

PS: Just a quick update to tell you guys that new Pornography material is already up on their Bandcamp. Two new tracks of the most dark, heavy and suffocating doom-ish post punk. And the best news is that is going to take physical shape as a clear 8" lathe cut record from Happiness Rekords. One of the freshest and innovative bands i've heard. Don't sleep on this. 

XXX

מזמור - "Untitled Winter EP" & "מזמור"

מזמור can be read as "Mizmor" and for those who don't know, Mizmor is a project from one half of Salem, Oregon doom monster Hell, A.L.N. Being active since 2012 and carrying a very DIY attitude behind this project, so far he has released a full-length, the self-titled "מזמור" that was released last year and "Untitled Winter EP" released in the beginning of this year. Soundwise Mizmor isn't very different from his sibling Hell, although the two releases featured here have little and very small differences between them. The self-titled full-length is a more primitive, stripped down black metal soaked drone doom with a very raw recording attached to it, while the "Untitled Winter EP" sounds a lot more closer to what we are used to hear in Hell's records, specially the album "III". It opens with a very minimal acoustic section creating the perfect mood for the colossal wall of doom crushes us then. Those winches, those slow-motion drum hits, the sound of that bass that looks like its chords almost reach the ground, the guitar... all of this orchestra of gloom emanates desolation and suffering in every single note. Just terrifying.

For all the analog lovers I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news: all of Mizmor's physical releases seem to be sold out at the moment. Luckily i was fast enough to grab one copy of each release, so "Hurray!" for me. But do not despair! in the meantime A.L.N was kind enough to put all of Mizmor's releases as "name your price" on Bandcamp. Don't be just another fucking leech, support amazing artists like this one in order to bring in the future more truckloads of heavy duty doom, as described by the band itself: "...not for the faint of heart.". Take note: Each link below will lead you to each one of these amazing releases. Support!!

Note: Just found out that there's a few copies left of the "Untitled Winter" EP tape available over at Dying God Records, act fast!

Psalm | Winter

Ommadon "IV"

Ommadon are Ewan Mackenzie (Drums, Keyboards, Noise) and David Tobin (Guitars, Noise) an independent duo and former members of mythical Scottish doom band Snowblood. Now as Ommadon, both Ewan and David are committed in making some heavy doom/drone atmospheres. "IV" was recorded all by themselves in the highlands of Scotland. All live, no overdubs and mastered by Billy Anderson. Basically "IV" consists in two tracks reaching in total, almost one-hour of length. The first track, "In the presence of absence",  is a rich composite of sounds and textures that unfold gently, slowly giving way to a pit of noise and distortion, filled by this instrumental barrier composed of drums, guitar and noise, quite in the style of a Moss, Atavist or even Gog if you seek comparisons, to which the band crushes and reduces to dust the frame that was early designed at the beginning of this track that started well by way of foreplay and now ends in climax. "Beyond opposition", a 26 minute long beast, soon reveals the monster that is, stuffed with decibels moving at a very slow pace, the pace of a snail, circling around us and tightening the siege on every passing minute, suffocating us until our own very end. It is true that it doesn't introduces anything new within' the genre, but if you like your doom/drone quite thick and full of decibels, then I invite you to spend an hour in the hands of Ommadon. I, personally I'm a sucker for this kind of beasts. "IV" is available in CD with an all hand-crafted packaging, head straight to the band website or contact them through their Facebook page.

 IV

Stillborn Fawn "Abature"

Stillborn Fawn are a black metal duet from Denver, Colorado playing a very raw and rudimentary kind of black metal. Composed mainly of guitar and drums only and harsh vocals capable of at times cause us some spine tingling, Stillborn Fawn present us "Abature", their latest Demo released in physical format as tape by the hand of Bleak Environment, who also houses other names like Xothist for example. And what can you expect from "Abature" Demo? Well basically four awesome tracks of some unorthodox, visceral, raw black metal with a very punk vibe in it. Starting with an intro that summons the Great Goat, the black candles are now lighted and the dagger awaits on the altar as Stillborn Fawn begin their ritual. Stream the tracks, download as "name your price" (thank you Stillborn Fawn) and carve a pentagram on your forearm. Everything is now aligned...

Bandcamp

Agowilt "Clocks Made Of Their Own Bones"

"Clocks Made Of Their Own Bones" seems to be the first release of California based band Agowilt. Agowilt play this dark, chaotic, primitive mixture of powerviolence-meets-sludge-meets-black metal kind of sound and behind it lays a very DIY-Anarcho-Nihilist spirit. Imagine for example a crossbreed between bands like Clinging To The Trees of a Forest Fire, Bucket Full Of Teeth and Thou... on speed. "Clocks Made Of Their Own Bones" will be released on a one-sided LP by Human Resources Records in the very near future. One 17 minute song compromised of a noise introduction and three parts. It kills. Check it out.

osteoarthritis

Blessings "Bittervatten"

Blessings are a three piece Sweden based dark and crust hardcore with some sludge influences featuring members coming from very different bands of the swedish scene like Scraps Of Tape, Anchor, Fä and Chester Copperpot.  With this Demo, the band introduces us a a very raw, stripped down, almost a kind of live captured sound. The tracks fall in a little different from the usual dark hardcore kind of bands, for example,  there are some tracks like "Bittervatten" that seem to fit in a more classic registration of classic northern European acts like JR Ewing or The Spectacle and then we have tracks like "Worms of the Earth" that is quite vicious and sounds pretty much like Cursed. And there are tracks like "The Shrine" that are absolutely original from the start to the end.

What i really enjoy the most in Blessings is that this band has really a different point of view and that they are going in a different direction, dispersing themselves from  the rest of the pack. The vibe expressed through their music is really great. The songs on "Bittervatten" are really original and quite fresh. A factor that really makes me want to listen to this Demo tape over and over.

There's also a loose song on Blessings Bandcamp, entitled "Black Vestals" that is really awesome. It sounds a little bit more sludgy than the tracks featured on the "Bittervatten" Demo. Here, the vocals remind me a lot of older Neurosis and the riffs are absolutely crushing. I'm really enjoying the path the band is taking. Really hope they keep it up like this. Too bad the tape is sold out but expect new stuff soon. This band slays, another great promising and original band from Europe. Check them out below.

Bless yourself

Ezkathon "Demo"

Ezkathon is a Danish one man metal band formed by Mads Tellerup Madsen, former Whorls guitarist. Mads started Ezkathon back in December 2010 as a grind-influenced black metal project, but with time it became more "atmospheric" influenced. And now it has solidified its roots into black metal. The best way to describe Ezkathon's sound is that it can be described as "atmospheric black metal" although the tag "post-black metal" can also be attached to it. So far Ezkathon has released a three track Demo and a one track Demo late December of last year. Carrying a very DIY spirit behind this project (basically he  does everything here) Mads has put his heart into this project catching my attention with his own interpretation of atmospheric black metal. I'm basically a sucker for anything that comes from Northern Europe, these guys up there really have a knack when it comes to heavy music. It's hard for me to explain, it's basically very special.

In Ezkathon's case, in this three chapter Demo, i really enjoy the sorrowful atmosphere attached to its sound, like we can hear on "Chapter I: Collapse... By The Divide of The Great Devourering Deep". It's a very dramatic track almost depressive, dragging us at a slow pace to the middle of nowhere, leaving us in perfect solitude but it only takes a few minutes before the harsh voice interrupts this feeling, and raises one hell of a blizzard around us. In "Chapter II: The Heavens" we get straight to the point, from the beginning to the end we get sharp slivers of black metal. Sound-wise the whole Demo reminds me of Altar Of Plagues' "Tides", the whole mix sounds really harsh and roughly trimmed as the voice seems to be on another level, like a haunting presence floating around the whole set. Overall, no matter the method, the result is accomplished.  The Demo closes with "Chapter III: Finality... Voices Of A Colossal Sleep", a 12 minute long track that basically follows the steps of the previous ones: cold grim screams are thrown in the middle of a blast-beats and tremolo picking guitars storm before closing in a very atmospheric, melodic way. The only negative aspect i can point here is the fact that at some points, the songs seem to disperse a bit and may sound a little bit repetitive. They needed some high moments where Ezkathon could introduce something totally unexpected to the listener in order to caught our attention.

But in overall and not belittling the work of the artist, I think Ezkathon did a fine job here, being such a young project of course there are some edges to be trimmed, but with time I believe the quality of this project only will tend to improve.

A good and original interpretation of atmospheric black metal coming out of Denmark that gets the Haxan's seal of approval. Stay tuned for future Ezkathon releases here. Recommended for fans of the most atmospheric faction of black metal like Ayr, Ash Borer, Ajuna, Barrowlands, etc.

Ezkathon

Lusitania "Third Cassette"

One of my latest discoveries that turned out quite addictive, was this release from Lusitania, a black metal band shrouded in mystery. The few info I've read about them is that they come from Tempe, Arizona. This release, "Third Cassette" consists of seven movements, simply entitled from "I" to "VII", where the band presents us a stripped and raw black metal sound with heavy walls of guitar distortion swirling around rough drum blasts layered with harsh vocal shrieks. In "Third Cassette", the tracks are quite consistent and interesting, and every track is more powerful and haunting than the previous one.

I'm also a little bit intrigued by the name of the band, Lusitania. Only because it's somehow related to me and where i'm from: Portugal. Lusitania was an ancient Roman province including approximately all of modern Portugal and part of modern Spain. It was named after the Lusitani or Lusitanian people (an Indo-European people). Romans first came to the territory around the mid 2nd century BC and war with Lusitanian tribes followed, from 155 to 139 BC. In 27 BC, the province was created. So i would not be surprised if there's some Lusitanian blood among the band members. Ok, so after this little History lesson, Lusitania‘s "Third Cassette" is available from Holy Page in both digital format and searing orange cassette tape (almost sold out). Very good release.

Lusitanian blood

Doth "Datura wrightii"

Another of those Tagobella releases that caught my eye was Doth's "Datura wrightii". Containing two tracks only, they were enough for me to fall into it. The initial moments of the self titled track "Datura wrightii" and the voice of Rachel Heath, almost remind me of the band False, but i think Rachel's voice is way more sick. Besides that black metal rampage and crispy vocals, Doth also bring some innovation into their sound by introducing a cello and a trumpet. The second track "Schist Crevic" is a weird atmospheric track as if someone forgot to stop the recording machine and it recorded the weird sounds in this old cabin in the woods where this Demo was recorded... at least that's what like to imagine it. Doth's sound really promising and i would love to hear more stuff from them. Keep an open mind and check them below. Great stuff.

the effects of datura | download mirror

Fanapth "Untitled (MMXII)"

Fanapth are a raw/noise black metal band from Arizona. That's basically all i know from this band. Can't remember exactly how i discovered this... it doesn't matter how. Fanapth play this abrasive, raw and noisy black metal and the result is this thick wall of distortion where we can hardly hear the drum kit or even the voice (if there's any voice underneath that blanket of distortion). To describe Fanapth's sound, think of it as mix between Fell Voices and Sutekh Hexen. This "Untitled (MMXII)" was released as a tape (long sold out) by the hand of Tagobella. Lovers of the most raw, stripped down, minimalist and noisy black metal, step forward. This one is for you.

under the waves | download mirror

Chapel Of Disease "Summoning Black Gods"

Ah.. that fresh putrid scent of old school death metal.

"Summoning Black Gods" is the debut full-length of Germany's Chapel Of Disease who are willing to reanimate this old corpse of OSDM by any means. And with this album they did it rather well, by creating an energetic and extremely captivating album. "Summoning Black Gods" has that old school stench everywhere, from the sound of it, to the whole construction of the tracks, the riffs, the guitar solos, the voice, the artwork, everything. Although many people out there don't give a shit about this kind of sound anymore, i personally love it. It feels almost as entering a time capsule and travel back to my high school years. Although Chapel Of Disease are a contemporary death-metal band (they were formed back in 2008) they are these modern times revivalists, who bet on bringing back that old school sound many metal heads, like me, still love.

The formula used here, to be honest, isn't new, but Chapel Of Disease give their own sick twist to it by introducing great catchy death-metal riffs and one very visceral voice. Tracks like the opening "Summoning Black Gods", "Evocation of the Father" and "The Nameless City" are perfect hymns for this new wave of the genre that could've been easily made 20 years ago.  "Summoning Black Gods" is a vibrant and effective album that i'm sure it will please 30 and older old school death metal fans like me. Fans of early Asphyx, Death, Morgoth or even Sepultura take notice. Buy the vinyl here.

moldy corpses

Kr Grauwacke "Slag Heap"

"Slag Heap", is the very first full-length from the frosted Minnesota experimental black metal band Kr Grauwacke. Offering us four tracks of minimal raw black metal with some ambient interludes. Beginning with "(After) Caledonia", an ambient intro that draws some rough almost industrial atmosphere. As if something mechanical is pounding from the inside of an old and creepy abandoned factory or in this case, some old mine. "AVM I VIII IX VIII" kicks in with the sound of tremolo picking notes creating a whole haunting environment that surrounds us and increases even more due to the howling on the background, as if it's coming from a very deep and narrow mine shaft, echoing in all of its dark and cold tunnels. "Under the Knout", a 12 minute long track that exhales a claustrophobic atmosphere, where strange sounds come from these several places, all at the same time, making it a very harsh and noisy track. "Roots of Madness" takes us back to Kr Grauwacke raw and incisive black metal that reminds me a lot of Ash Borer's latest effort. Barriers of hypnotizing guitar riffs that draw rough melodies as the haunted howls cry in the background. If i could describe this release i guess the word that sums it up is: Haunting. If you enjoy raw and creepy atmospheric black metal, then i strongly recommend this one for you. Check it out on the link below.

Something down there

Blut der Nacht "Sargnagel"

Portland's Blut Der Nacht latest sonic assault "Sargnagel" offers us three malevolent tracks blessed with the mark, and blood, of the Beast in each one of them. In the 10 minutes that "Sargnagel" lasts, it is clear that it's even more raw and loud than the one presented on their "Demo MMXI". Quoting the words found on Fallen Empire Bandcamp:

"With 3 songs totaling just over 10 minutes, Blut Der Nacht strips down the sound from their first demo, resulting in a recording that is even more raw and blown out. This may very well be their last recording, only time will tell for now."

It really sucks if BDN will cease their activity, since they are currently one of the solid projects on the USBM scene, although they haven't many releases out, everything that comes out of their hand is just remarkable (besides BDN, i'm speaking of Wylve and The Rain in Endless Fall for example). Rumor or not, let's wait and see what the future will bring, in the meantime you better grab this awesome release in vinyl. Limited to 300 copies on black vinyl you can buy it here and if you're from Europe, you can grab this here.

Coffin Nail

Cursed Altar "Movements of The Frozen Earth"

Now, i've talked about Cursed Altar here on Forever Cursed when the band released it's Demo back in 2011 and how I was really impressed by the quality presented back then, by delivering some great atmospheric black metal. Since that time, the band has evolved and released through their Bandcamp, a significant handful of releases, all for free. All of this is fruit of one man hard work, Joseph Oldaugh, the mind behind Cursed Altar, who takes care of all the music and artworks for its releases. Cursed Altar latest efforts (not counting with that new EP) really show that some sort of transformation happened... It became more... obscure. It features vocals, harsh, shrieking, vocals and the guitar has adopted that almost "Xasthurian" buzzing sound as heard on the opening and awesome track "The Darkest Place On Earth..." here on this compilation.

The voice really blends very well with the rest of the mix, and there's dimension on the music made here. Not some boring, poor, weak music. It really shows us a mature Cursed Altar. And i want to strongly believe that it will keep this way. It must! It may not sound trve kvlt black metal for some of you, but it's not meant to be. Cursed Altar's interpretation of black metal here is for something more tangible. Something that can create emotions in us, focused on the condition of human life and on the nature that surrounds us. It makes us travel in our mind, to the deepest of forests or to the top of the coldest mountains. 

One of the aspects on Cursed Altar's music is the fact that it has a real strong instrumental component, almost as if it's half atmospheric black metal, half atmospheric post rock. I really like the solution presented here and i wish all the best to Joseph in order for him to carry on this great music. And i suggest you too to travel to this Cursed Altar. Recommended for fans of Lantlôs, Lergrev, Nhor.

Cvrsed

Sonance "Like Ghosts"

From time to time, when i think that nowadays nothing can surprise me anymore in terms of heavy music, one of these precious gems surface and as my ears are flooded with such great music i silently whisper a sincere: "Holy shit...".

This happened today when i discovered Sonance, a atmospheric/experimental sludge/doom collective hailing from Bristol while checking my blog roll. Their first release only features two tracks, around 20 minutes each, no titles just "Side A" and "Side B". The fact that these guys came from England really got my attention since there are few acts there that practice this kind of music, and most of them are quite impressive. And after a first audition to this... well, I guess i was right.

"Side A" begins with this hiss coming out of violins giving the motto for this thick cacophony wall of sludge that sounds pretty much like Hell. Massive riffs are hammered repeatedly through our brain as the voices behind it scream and yell. Suddenly the whole music tempo changes and morphs into what it seems a more post-rock/instrumental register, very low, it moves at a very slow pace until it morphs again into a more aggressive beast. There's layers and layers of rich and diverse elements that intertwine harmoniously between each other and work perfectly together, and that voice that speaks "like ghosts.." around at minute 7:45... leaves me speechless. I can see there's a clear Neurosis influence in Sonance's sound but i can also throw in names like Kayo Dot or even Godspeed You! Black Emperor. "Side B" goes to a more drone/atmospheric territories before it unveils these massive layers of sludge metal. This was the factor that hooked me up instantly, the whole atmosphere that lies within Sonance's music.  making this release (and band) the best music i've heard this year.

Sonance's ability and creativity to shape and shift their music into different directions without becoming dull or boring, even in the most still parts, is impressive. It really shows the level of maturity that this band holds. Creating this way, from beginning to end, an atmosphere that binds us as we dissect every note with great pleasure. This way it won't take long until Sonance will become a name present in every lover of this genre's mouth.

After this amazing sample i look forward to hear more from this amazing band. If you dig sludge, doom or drone or any of the subgenres, and if you don't listen to this, you don't know what you're missing. Really. What a brilliant release. Sonance, i bow before you.

Meanwhile head over to their Bandcamp and listen/download (name your price) this excellent release. Like always, donations are appreciated. Absolutely fucking highly recommended. 

like ghosts we wander