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Staff
Reviews 170
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Album Edits 1,063
Album Ratings 548
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Last Active 01-01-70 12:00 am
Joined 01-01-70
Review Comments 32,020
| Deweekly: January 19th to 25th
This week is looking really gold, lots of metal, you've been warned, and no hip hop in sight, which is weird. But the album of the week, unless something surprises me, which is always possible, it's already been decided. What are you checking Sput? Let me know in the comments. Also how do you feel about a little bit of color palette? | | 1 |  | Slift
Ilion
**** ALBUM OF THE WEEK ****
Sub Pop // Progressive Cosmic Psychotropictoner
I just reviewed this a few hours ago so go read that?
Highlight: The Story That Has Never Been Told
https://slift.bandcamp.com/album/ilion | | 2 |  | The Fauns
How Lost
Invada Records // Shoegaze / Dream Pop
I didn't see this one coming but yeah, get a red cover and there's a good chance I fall for it. Must be some post-effect from jamming Two People's "First Body" for so long. The Fauns is a band from Bristol, and they had been dormant for a whole decade until the release of this album. The first two tracks have an electronic, cold wave feel to it and that's where I knew I had to get on the rest. Past the third track they start playing with styles a bit more, switching to dream pop, which seems to be where the band has its origin, a bit of shoegaze, etc. All dominated by the allluring velvet voice of Alison Garner. I feel there' s a review coming for this, but not from me ;)
Highlight: Mixtape Days
https://thefauns.bandcamp.com/album/how-lost | | 3 |  | Bolts of Melody
Film Noir
Self released // Indie Rock / Experimental / Psychedelic
New project from Adam Franklin, leader of veteran 90s act Swervedriver. There's plenty of interesting features on this album, including Mascis from DInosaur Jr. At first, I thought this might be in the line of Grails, Lilac and Champagne and all that Emil Amos experimentation with film music, but it's a bit different and not entirely convincing either. Not a bad album by any means, but I don't know, afetr I was done I felt the urge to listen to Grails, and I'm not sure that's a good thing. Killer cover art though.
Highlight: Black Flower
https://boltsofmelody.bandcamp.com/album/film-noir | | 4 |  | Sleater-Kinney
Little Rope
Loma Vista // Indie Rock
I'm one of those that missed an entire career of Sleater-Kinney. I've never been familiar with them, not even on their prime but I'm aware that every attempt of making a comeback in the last years have been received with rather bad reviews and without much interest, which signifies it was the worst time for me to get into them. I tried the last two albums before this one and... meh, but still was dead set on checking their new release with an open mind. But it sucked. I mean, it's not total disaster, I would salvage a couple of tracks, but I don't think this is the same band that earned their name.
Highlight: Small Finds
https://sleaterkinney.bandcamp.com/album/little-rope | | 5 |  | Saxon
Hell, Fire And Damnation
Silver Lining Music // Heavy Metal
On their what... 24th album? And Saxon still can give Judas Priest and Iron Maiden a run for their money. Few bands sound as good as this at their age and after sucha consistent and steady run of albums. Absolute bosses. This album manages to captivate their NWBOHM origins with a modern production and I don't know, it just works. The album's presentation is impeccable, proper runtime too of 42 minutes and everyone on the band plays tight and sounds invigorated, with special mention to Biff Byford's vocals. Great album.
Highlight: Madame Guillotine
No BC obvs, but have a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvJ1T_tGSBc&ab_channel=PlanetSaxon | | 6 |  | Sgaile
Traverse The Bealach
Self released // Progressive Metal
We going blue today. This came out of nowhere, hot damn. Or so I thought during the first 30 minutes or so. This is the solo gig of Tony Dunn, who also plays and/or sings in Saor, Falloch and Cnoc An Tursa. It's a conceptual album about a wanderer traversing a post apocaliptical Scottish landscape, so as you can imagine, the album is filled with atmospheric moments and folk pieces. Style wise this floats between Alcest and Opeth, with Dunn's beautiful vocal harmonies front center. The last three tracks lack the power and confidence of the first tracks, with some parts feeling under-developed and some of the lyrics being of questionable maturity. In any case, I love the first half so much that if this was an EP with the first three tracks and the interlude I would have been more than happy.
Highlight: The Ptarmigan's Cry
https://sgaile.bandcamp.com/album/traverse-the-bealach-2 | | 7 |  | Glass Beach
plastic death
Run for Cover // Progressive smth smth
I honestly don't know how to tag this band. There are progressive elements for sure, pop, indie rock, falsetto vocals, uncompromising riffage and then moments of lush and then back to the fire. It's a trip, almost as liquid and blobby as the demon amoeba in the cover. This is the kind of album that will need further inspections to draw out all the JUICE, cause this thing is sweet as hell. Thanks Slothy Sam for suggesting I should give this album a second chance after I had casted it away during my reconnassaince phase of the week.
Highlight: Slip under the door
https://glassbeach.bandcamp.com/album/plastic-death | | 8 |  | Vemod
The Deepening
Prophecy Productions // Black Metal
New stuff from one of my favorite labels, and an album that had fans waiting for a decade? Oh this should be good. And it was! It was also not what I expected. Imagine a black metal band that instead of focusing on raw agression, takes the formula and adapts it to fit a more expansive, pensive, and profound space. Add some gothic vibes, a full glass of atmoblack and unexpected chants and more or less you'll have Vemod, or at least the Vemod fans got after a decade. Really interesting record that I'm 100% will infuriate half of the black metal cvlt while making the other half very happily depressed.
Highlight: Inn i lysande natt
https://vemod.bandcamp.com/album/the-deepening | | 9 |  | Metalite
Expedition One
AFM Records // Symphonic Metal
This had all the chances to fulfill my most basic symphonic metal needs for this month but it somehow fell short of accomplishing that. It's undeniably good in what it does, but there's nothing that bands like Amaranth hasn't done before. Metalite knows the brew works, and so it just makes its own using exactly the same ingredients. It tastes slightly different, but it's the same concoction in the end. Enjoyable, but I'm sure there'll be better wells to drink from down the year.
Highlight: Legendary
No BC so have a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhD5GO9KAtA&ab_channel=AFMRecords | | 10 |  | Cellar Dwellar
In the Shape of a Swan
Self released // Progressive Alternative Vindicative Poppypative Rock
Strange band these Cellar Dwellars. Not much info about this (very young from what I see from their band pic) band from Columbus (I guess this is Ohio?). It always amazes me, as an old geezer, how the new generations are able to write and play music like this at their age (assuming, always), when all I could play at that same age were Nirvana and Metallica covers. It's honestly somewhat depressing but at the same time, strangely fulfilling. I guess the human race is not entirely lost after all, only the tik tokers are, yeah, those are done. Maybe I should review this one. Hmmm... (thinks in Glass Onion Knight).
Highlight: REV9
https://cellardwellar.bandcamp.com/album/in-the-shape-of-a-swan | | 11 |  | Resin Tomb
Cerebral Purgatory
Transcending Obscurity // Death Metal
What a better way to start the day than with a blast of metallic grindcore tinged dissonant death metal spawn from Transcending Obscurity. 28 minutes smashing your brain to a pulp and it's only tuesday, hell yeah! Love the production on this, you can feel the WEIGHT of those riffs, and Matt Budge's vocals are not the usual guttural style from beyond the graves that is common for the genre, but something more akin to Mark Whelan from Fuming Mouth. Really good record, short enough to go over it again and again.
Highlight: Dysphoria
https://resintomb.bandcamp.com/album/cerebral-purgatory | | 12 |  | Andracca
To Bare the Weight of Death
Vendetta Records // Black Metal
Mgla worship done with excellence. Great melodies and perfect execution although it doesn't leave much of a trace or lingers in the back of the mind due to its relentless nature. Fellow contributor InfernalDeity wrote this one up so click on the album cover to read it!
Highlight: Oceans of Fire
https://andracca.bandcamp.com/album/to-bare-the-weight-of-death-2 | | 13 |  | Xion
Between Shadows And Gods
Dalapop // Thrash Metal
Well this was an interesting find. Thrash metal ala Exodus, Kreator, Nuclear Assault with a singer that sounds EXACTLY like James Hetfield on his youthful years, really it's uncanny. He also adds that extra oomph to those ball squeezing metal highs, which is just dumb fun when it happens. Very cool revival of this Bay Area sound with a few twists here and there.
Highlight: Evil Deeds
https://xiontheband.bandcamp.com/album/between-shadows-and-gods | | 14 |  | The Vice
Dead Canary Run
Noble Demon // Gothic Death Rock
This album broke my mind a little. I've only know a Swedish badn called The Vice and I thought they did like sleazy hard rock? So why this band sounds like Tribulation doing hard rock in a graveyard? Crazy record, which I kinda hated at first and now I keep thinking about it. I can't really compare it to anything cause these guys, minor the slight Tribulation vibe because of the guttural style of the vocals, are really doing their thing, and it's impressive.
Highlight: Exit Lights
https://theviceonline.bandcamp.com/album/dead-canary-run | | 15 |  | Malist
Of Scorched Earth
Avantgarde Music // Black Metal
I gotta confess that when I got to this one man project from Russia, my brain wasn't at its prime, so i lot fo it passed me by even if my subconscious was trying tor each for the repeat button unsuccesfuly. Very melodic, lots of synths, blast beats, vocal acrobatics, definitely an album that i need to revisit to fully grasp it.
Highlight: Ode to the Night
https://malist.bandcamp.com/album/of-scorched-earth | | 16 |  | PACKS
Melt the Honey
Fire Talk / Indie Rock
I needed something to cleanse myself after such a metal debacle yesterday, so I decided to get on this seemingly inofenssive indie rock pop by Canadian singer songwriter Madeline Link, aka Packs. "It's alright". that's all my brain could muster after a first listen. I hardly doubt I'll listen to it ever again. None of the songs really engaged me, This is clearly an album for herself, which is totally fine and we will make sure it stays that way.
Highlight: None
https://packstheband.bandcamp.com/album/melt-the-honey | | 17 |  | Thirsting Altar
Reclamation
Self released // Death Metal
So after the Packs debacle I went back to metal, cause you know, metal always works when it's 6 am in the morning, you're still on the first coffee and there's a whole new day of work ahead of you. Debut EP from this band from Portland. I loved this. It blends old school slimy death metal with tech death adding a clear 90s flavor, impressive growls and satanic ritual chanting in the swamp. And the cover art... Look at it, and then look at it again. Amazing stuff. Can't wait for these guys to release more stuff in the future, definitely keep them on your radar.
Highlight: Oblation
https://thirstingaltar.bandcamp.com/album/reclamation | | 18 |  | Sovereign
Altered Realities
Dark Descent // Thrash Metal
It's been a few years now that there's this very palpable feeling that thrash metal is on a huge comeback. I think we reached the point that there are honestly so many thrash bands doing the stuff of their ancestors so precisely that it's hard to distinguish what was then and what is now. I would have thought Sovereign belong to an era past behind us, but here they are churning out jams like no one's business.
Highlight: Altered Realities
https://darkdescentrecords.bandcamp.com/album/altered-realities | | 19 |  | Kontact
Full Contact
Dying Victims Productions // Thrash metal / Heavy metal
I love how Dying Victims is dead set on putting out there every metal band doing vintage stuff. The issue with Kontact is that the vocals won't please everyone, and I say this with full confidence. They didn't bother me and the music definitely makes up for it, but that's where many of you will draw the line. The music you say? Well, thrashy at times, hard rockish at times, lots of synths and cool stuff happening in the background. Very fun album for sure.
Highlight: Spectral Fire
https://dyingvictimsproductions.bandcamp.com/album/full-contact | | 20 |  | Donato Dozzy
Magda
Spazio Disponibile // Ambient Techno
But enough about metal (for today). Let's close with some electronic music, which was severely lacking this week. Fortunately, Italian DJ and producer Donato Dozzy had us covered. Really entrancing album, perfect for studying/office work, some of the pieces here reminded me of Jack Wall's works with the Mass Effect soundtrack and if that is not praise enough, I don't know what is.
Highlight: Magda
https://donatodozzy.bandcamp.com/album/magda | | 21 |  | Keyon Harrold
Foreverland
Concord Jazz // Jazz / Soul / Hip Hop
One of my objectives this year is to be a bit more aware of modern jazz releases, since I usually just end up checking basically Bohren or any dark jazz adjacent, and any Fire! related project. Jazz with some brushes of r&b and hip hop is not something I'm used to so I had mixed feelings going into this third album from trumpeteer, composer and producer Keyon Harrold. My fears were dispelled from track one. This is a wonderful album, including wonderful features and performances while touching on very different styles. I was surprised not even Harrold was on the database so do yourself a favor and check this one.
Highlight: Foreverland
https://keyonharrold.bandcamp.com/album/foreverland | | 22 |  | Fugit
Bury Me Here
Self released // Atmospheric Black Metal / Post Rock / Folk
This is the second album I've heard from this Italian gentleman and a significant improvement over his last album. There are still a few aspects of the production that could be better but I really like his ideas and the style he's going for. The most gratig part for me were the lady's vocals on the second track because they feel completely disjointed and they don't bend nicely with the music. On the other hand, there's a few curveballs here that keeps the album from being stale. The cover art is also a good sign of what to expect.
Highlight: Sonder
https://fugitofficial.bandcamp.com/album/bury-me-here-2024 | | 23 |  | A/Oratos
Ecclesia Gnostica
Les Acteaurs de l'Ombre Productions // Black Metal
Man, the French know how to do it. I usually trust whatever comes from this label and this one didn't disappoint Style wise this is your usual slab of Behemothian BM grilled on French oil so it sounds like you're being about to be burnt alive by a witchhunting cult. Production is fantastic and the album's runtime is not very punishing. Give it a try.
Highlight: Deuteros
https://ladlo.bandcamp.com/album/ecclesia-gnostica | | 24 |  | Mary Halvorson
Cloudward
Nonesuch Records // Jazz
Aaaand another jazz record today. I should research these at the beginning of the week instead of cramming them all in the end after all the metal has shredded my brain. On the other hand, this is the kind album that I need to finish the week smoothly. Latest album of the veteran jazz guitar master Mary Halvorson, but a first for me. Pretty impresed with what I heard on this album and I'm not a fan of jazz guitar, but there's so much going on with this album that it's fairly safe to say this goes far and beyond that.
Highlight: Desiderata
https://maryhalvorson.bandcamp.com/album/cloudward | | 25 |  | Underneath
From the Gut of Gaia
Syrup Moose Records // All things H/C / Grindcore / Slam
Pretty strong month for metallic hardcore so far. These guys go even a bit further, practising every trick on the book so every track feels a bit different. The clear highlight for me on this record was the drumming, not only the performance but also the sound of that kit. Superb. I'm not too fond of slam but these guys keep it fresh and somewhat entertaining and when they fire up speed they really go all the way up. Pretty solid record to end the week.
Highlight: Anton Syndrome
https://underneathpa.bandcamp.com/album/from-the-gut-of-gaia | | 26 | | Slift
Ilion
Well, no surprises. Slift get the album of the week spot by a large margin. Sgaele, Saxon, the Fauns, Mary Halvorson, Thirsting Altar, the Vice... there were a few really good albums too this week but eventually the psychdelic space rock argonauts remain undefeated and there's a good chance they're the album of the month too!
I purposedly skipped the Green Day album, gave it a cursory listen and remembered why the last time I heard Green Day was in 1994. They're just not my thing. About the "challenge", I'm already regretting it XD... Just kidding, it's good fun. Obviously there's this lingering feeling that tells me it'd be nice to spend more time with this or that release, or spend more time with the classics since it's a lot of new music to assimilate every day and the brain is put to hard work, but it's also balanced by the joy of finding a new jam. | | 27 | | Slift
Ilion
**************************************************************
TOP 10 OF THE WEEK
1. Slift - Ilion
2. Sgaile - Traverse The Bealach
3. The Vice - Dead Canary Run
4. The Fauns - How Lost
5. Saxon - Hell, Fire and Damnation
6. Glass Beach - plastic death
7. Vemod - The Deepening
8. Keyon Harrold - Foreverland
9. Thirsting Altar - Reclamation
10. Donato Dozzy - Magda
************************************************************** | |
Dewinged
01.19.24 | Quoting mr. David Coverdale: Here I Go Again. | someone
01.19.24 | damn, straight for the 5 on Slift | DoofDoof
01.19.24 | I need something good this week, didn't enjoy the S-K or the Green Day.
Will try out the Slift!
This week's '1990's survivors' are Black Grape - I might check it because watching Shaun Ryder recently on TV you can't imagine that man in a studio :/ | Dewinged
01.19.24 | Oh man,I started the black grape album, didn't get past the first track.
Skeeter also was underwhelming, they can't really make a proper comeback.
Enjoy the Slift! You too Gene! | DoofDoof
01.19.24 | Dewi, the Brown Horse sounds great already, good pick - I'll still try and get to the Black Grape and will force myself through the whole thing as the release schedule is still just waking up for 2024 | Dewinged
01.19.24 | Nice! Yeah I have it lined up for this week too, sounds like a nice palate cleanser for all the metal. | Trifolium
01.19.24 | Glad that Deweekly is back 💕💚😍 Will be visiting these Dewi!!! | SlothcoreSam
01.19.24 | Check the new glass beach album | Dewinged
01.19.24 | I did skim that one but not sure I'll get to it, is it good Sam? | Ladron93
01.19.24 | The Fauns' How Lost looks interesting.
Do you think you'll keep up your Deweekly list until the end of 2024? | Dewinged
01.19.24 | That's the idea, but can't promise! | Sniff
01.20.24 | List is red | Sniff
01.20.24 | And read | Dewinged
01.20.24 | Only red albums this week | Dewinged
01.22.24 | I lied.
Finishing the last jam for today, pretty interesting week, lots of good stuff. | Dewinged
01.23.24 | I ran out of blue records already. Beware, there's gonna be a shit ton of metal on the menu today so hang tight. | Dewinged
01.24.24 | Tempted to start deleting my own comments everytime I bump this so i don't look like a complete fool. | someone
01.25.24 | 21 has a hilarious cover, but it's also kinda cool...? i might just check why not | Dewinged
01.25.24 | It's pretty cool yeah, I have to update but I got another jazz record, Mary Halvorson - Cloudward, also worth checking! | someone
01.25.24 | ooh i like me some Mary Halvorson, didn't know a new one was coming out | Dewinged
01.26.24 | It's fantastic, pretty sure you'll enjoy it Gene.
And the week is done, we're sitting at 75 albums so far and looking forward to the next week! |
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