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A LA CARTE – Born to Entertain – REVIEW

 

I’m not a big turkey guy when it comes to Thanksgiving. Sure, I’ll savory some on the day but for me the real stars of the meal are the abundant offering of side dishes available. Among my favorites are mashed potatoes, green bean casserole and cranberry sauce (but only if it retains its traditional dog food can shape.)

If A La Carte’s new album is any indication, I will be trying a few new sides this year. “Ashtray Souffle,” “Chamber Pot Pie,” and “Maxi Pad Thai,” are just a few of the scrumptious options available on their latest release, Born to Entertain. 

A La Carte out of Lima, Ohio accurately describes itself as “Brutal gruesome food porn with a beat.” Beyond the humorous gimmick is an incredible band that has already upped their game from their debut album, Soup Dejour. Opening with the title track, A La Carte waste no time with thunderous beats, devilish dual vocals, some killer riffs.

The sound bites are the perfect palate cleanser as you move on to the next dish (or track). While the song titles and lyrics are goofy and fun don’t let that cause you to sleep on the band’s incredible musicianship as the songs are incredibly technical and savage. The dual vocals really up the game from their previous release. “Chamber Pot Pie “is one of the best offerings from this meal.

There are also plenty of good ol’ monster and caveman riffs to keep even the most jaded Death Metal fans happy. These cannibalistic cooks certainly know their way around a recording studio just as well as they know their way around a kitchen. Born to Entertain does just that and you will find yourself going back for seconds (and thirds).

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MORGUE TERROR – Violent and Murderous Thoughts – Review

 

Fuck this holiday shit. Let’s get Nasty. Morgue Teror is back with again with their second EP of 2024, Violent and Murderous Thoughts. The band, fitting from Buffalo New York, with their down and dirty, murky as fuck old school Death Metal are here to chase away any of those pesky Xmas Carols or Karens.

From the moment the needle drops on this EP, you are punched square in the jaw and kicked in the bread basket for good measure. The addition of drummer Dustin Klimek (ex Full of Hell) Morgue Terror is already showing significant growth since their debut EP earlier this year. Klimek’s aggressive assault adds plenty of power to an already violent sound.

The vocals are super guttural and savage. I can’t understand a thing he’s going on about. He could be singing about his recent trip to the grocery store for all I care. The album tracks are mostly about murders committed by serial killers and other tales to tell your children before sending them off to bed.

While this EP is filled with plenty of break neck brutality there are plenty of groove elements as well. “Poisonous Prayer,” starts out with funky filling bass line before settling into some nice infectious and nasty grooves.

Morgue Terror has shown some impressive growth from their last EP which was just released earlier this year. With their uncompromising brutality of classic Death Metal that is raw and nasty with a touch of more modern production.

Turn this one up!

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RESTLESS DREAMS – Review

 

I freakin’ love Graveripper. Loud, fast and filthy they are totally my jam. Corey Park is the vocalist, guitarist and one of the main writers for Graveripper, and his latest offering, Restless Dreams is another banger but for completely different reasons.

Parks created an eerie soundscape with his Restless Dreams project that is heavily influenced by the survival horror video game series, Silent Hill. Having never played a game in the series, I can’t compare the album to the game but I can totally feel the uneasiness, wonder, and terror tensions in the music.

Unlike other ambient albums, Ward goes for more of an industrial approach, leaning into much more of a video game feel. The opening track sounds exactly like what one would hear as they load the title screen and begin their epic adventure.  Whereas, the closing track sounds like something that would play over the closing credits.

Again, I’m not sure how well the songs aline with the source material, I can confidently say even without any of that knowledge, I enjoy the hell out of this release.

Now I’m going to hunt down a cheap copy of Silent Hill.

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THE ABSENCE – Self Titled – REVIEW

In a world with a million bands releasing millions of records, I’m bound to miss a few bands here and there. Case in point, The Absence. Their newest self titled release is their 6th album to date and the first time I’ve heard them. Looks like I have some homework to do. With their American meets Scandinavian Melodic Death Metal  blend this is a killer listen from start to finish.

6 albums in, The Absence seem to have a clear cut idea on what does and dosen’t work. The tracks are tight and clear, generally ranging into the 3 to 4 minute range.  There is plenty of headbanging riffs, grooves and even some vocal hooks that keep the album moving

“The Silent Eye,” is a Melodic banger and the perfect track single track to attract new listeners. (Hell, it totally worked on me.) Plenty of killer riffs and grooves continue to melt your face with “Vagrant Death.” The Absence does give you a moment to pick your brain droppings off the floor with the mid album instrumental. ” Surface of a Dead World.”

After the brief calm, The Absence kick the heaviness up with “Grieving Winds,” including angrier riffs and vocals. It’s a less melodic more pounding approach and I am here for it.

With some incredible clear production, plenty of amazing riffs and grooves while still managing to keep the brutality, The Absence new album is a banger.

Now if you’ll excuse me while I’ll stage dive head first into their discography.

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WYNDRIDER – Wyndrider – REVIEW

 

With the extra long holiday weekend, it’s a great time to take a moment, reflect and relax. And what better to do just that than to listen to the mellow and raw Doom tunes from Wyndrider’s debut album.

Fans of old school Doom such as Black Sabbath and Budgie are gonna love the thick and juicy Blues flavors that run the course of the album. The fuzzy tones and flowing solos will propel you into another reality while the soothing vocals guide you along the way. Vocalist Chloe Gould’s haunting melodies blend in perfectly with Wydryder’s classic Doon approach.

Sonically this is an incredible showcase of a debut album delivering killer grooves in spades. The fuzzy guitar work throughout the recording leave a haze in the air that dosen’t seem to go away even long after the record has finished playing. WyndRyder aims to take the listener on a sonic journey and succeeds throughout much of the album.

If you are looking for something new with your Doom, you may want to look elsewhere. However, if you are looking for that old school classic Doom with a nice dash of Southern Rock and the Blues, this one is for you. Gould’s soothing vocals and the guitar tones are worth the price of admission alone.

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GRAVEHUFFER – Mile High Live – REVIEW

Recorded live from the Mile High City, Denver Colorado on July 9th of 2023,Gravehuffer’s live album perfectly captures the mayhem of one of their live shows. It’s the next best thing to actually seeing the band in person. Plus you probably won’t get any bruises, broken bones or lost shoes jamming to this one at home.

For a live recording this album sounds fantastic. You can actually make out each instrument which is even a challenge for a grind/doom/punk/etc/etc band to achieve under studio conditions. But don’t let that frighten the grindheads out there. There is still plenty of carnage happening here. “Go Murder, Pray and Die,” still comes out savage as fuck. (Just try not to tip over the couch if you are listening at home. Or do. I don’t care. I’m not your Mom)

Vocalist Travis McKenzie even provides some amusing crowd between songs often involving some clever self deprecating humor. Who knew necrophilia could be so funny?

In addition to the live show, Gravehuffer included a few cover songs. “Like Rats,” (Godflesh) “Destroyer,” (Twisted Sister) “Inca Roads,” (Frank Zappa) and “Children of the Grave.” (Black Sabbath) The Frank Zappa cover is…..interesting. However, Gravehuffer some how transitions this into a killer doom crusted cover of “Children of the Grave.”  Don’t ask me how. It just works.

 

 

 

 

 

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ALTAR of BETELGEUZE – Echoes – REVIEW

 

Do you love Doom Metal? Hate it? Don’t care for it? Altar of Betlegeuze has you covered with their latest release, Echoes.

The Finnish Doom masters have cleverly melded multiple styles and sounds into something that is accessible to everyone. Every note feels heavy as Altar of Betlegeuze set out to prove slower usually means heavier. Altar of Betlegeuze aren’t playing slow just for the sake of being a “Doom” band. Every note march the songs forward. No fancy fills or strange ambient passages. Throughout the recording you’ll hear harsh and clean vocals, sludgy riffs and even some hints of Groove Metal. “Embrace the Flames,” is a banger that feels a little different than the rest with its’ “speed” Altar of Betelgeuze is able to do all of this while remaining true to their original Doom beginnings, keeping it mean, slow and heavy.

If you are looking for an album to introduce yourself or a friend to Doom Metal without scaring them away, look no further.

 

 

 

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TYRANNUS/Magicide – Tory Punching Music – REVIEW

Tyrannus and Magicide’s newest release may be short but it leaves a mark. The mash up idea of blast beating black metal and hard hitting EDM may sound weird on paper but totally works here

In this under 10 minute EP Tyrannus’s contribution track takes up the majority of the length with it’s 5 minute “Bricks & Flesh”. It’s a brutal assault that is sure to leave you senseless. There is plenty of finesse in their attack however. Between the buzzsaw driven guitars are some killer solos and savage vocals. The drums on this song are simply amazing.

Magicide starts off their contribution with “Madness” that starts off with some odd sounding EDM music mixed with some crushing Death Metal beats. Odd but it works. “Tory Punching Music,” is more of the same. While the track runs only 1:39 feel free to spend more time punching and beating down fascists.

Tory Punching Music is a short and savage EP. The contrast between blast driven metal and EDM beats are enough to keep this release interesting despite its short length.

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HAREMSLUTS – Code Minority – REVIEW

I’m not sure what the Hardcore scene is like in Dhaka, Bangladesh but if HaremSlut’s new EP Code Minority is any indication, it’s thriving and liable to cause internal bleeding.

HarlemSluts is a one man project by Asif Arbar. For live performances HaremSluts play as a four piece. The EP was mixed and mastered by the king of one man noise, Joel Grind. That in itself is reason enough for me to check this release out. Like most hardcore and crossover groups, this EP is covered in political and anti-facist lyrical themes.

While there are only 4 tracks on this EP, Code Minority packs a wallop. The root of HaremSlut’s may be Hardcore but there is plenty of crossover and punk influence melded in. The title track is strongest output here. Arbar screams out his frustrations about racial inequality all the while laying down some catchy melodies.

“False Alarm,” slows the pace down a bit  but still delivers with Arbar lyrics taking center stage. “Take ’em Down,” brings a little more punk to the party with fantastic gang vocals that will leave you screaming along.

 

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ESANGUINATE – Eldritch Anatomy – REVIEW

 

Now that we are settled down in the New Year, it’s time we revisit some filth from years past with Esanguinate’s nasty debut album, Eldritch Anatomy. Not for the faint of heart, this release hits almost as hard as a steaming cup of our Kaffe Storm.

When the record starts, Esanguinate rockets out of the grave. The band leaves not a moment to waste.Starting out you will instantly notice some old school Death Metal sounds and feels that resemble Massacre and Morbid Angel. It has an old school feel but the band adds another layer of murkiness that elevates the atmosphere. Esanguinate songs here mostly draw upon a dark occult theme. The band does a great job including just the right of tremolo picking to drive  that feeling home. Not quite Black Metal here but just enough to bring in the right amount of darkness.

There is a ton to like here. For the most part Esanguinate has a mixed bag tunes here. Some tracks come in hard and thrashy perfectly rattling your spine. Others slow down, taking more of a Doom feeling atmospheric approach. Vocalist Andrej Čuk does an incredible job here switching his sound from style to style.  Plenty of killer thrash and Death Metal riffs to keep your inner head banger happy.  There is enough variety here that this album was made for repeat listens. It would really be interesting to see how the band handles performing these songs alive.

For a debut band this is one hell of a solid release. This will be one to watch.