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0008 – The Swill – Thirst For Misery

Artist: The Swill
Album: Thirst For Misery
Label: Self Released 
Release Date: Nov 7th, 2013
Format: Cassette

This is the first pressing, limited edition cassette from Lansing, Michigan’s The Swill. The bands self released debut album, titled Thirst For Misery. Cover art is done by Brad Moore and features a gargoyle before a moonscape. The tape was released 3 times, this is the first version that came on black, all releases are sold out on Bandcamp.

This recording, is super well done, the drums carry the songs well, while Matt Preston and Dan McCormick lay down thick riffage with super intricate and melodic passages throughout.

The last song, “The Void and the Vision” has a great galloping beat, the drums really lead you into the song. Then the guitars build in, swelling to a huge solo. Rael Andrews drums really highlight the awesome guitar-work on this track, pushing the driving feeling all the way to the end.  

It was fun to pull this tape out, these guys rule. Part of this project is digging out old gems or finding new ones to appreciate. This tape was definitely lost in the shuffle of my collection, mostly forgotten, but not anymore.

The Swill On Bandcamp

The Swill Facebook

Photos by Nibiinabekwe. Point Iroquois Lighthouse, Lake Superior.
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0007 – The God Eaters – Fading Horizons

Artist: The God Eaters
Album: Fading Horizons
Label: Invertebrata Records
Release Date: Feb 15th 2018
Format: Vinyl 10” Smoke Colored

I ordered this album from The God Eaters off Bandcamp, released in a limited edition 10” smoke colored vinyl. The cover is a heavy weight black stock paper  with a black screen-print of what I am guessing is Lake Superior. The back of the cover features a letter pressed foil stamped track listing. The care put into the physical production of this record is incredible. Art and design was done by Nick Erickson who also pulls drummer duty! As an added bonus for me, the band signed my liner notes. Thanks guys!

The God Eaters consists of 2 brothers, Dylan Trost on guitar and vocals and Devyn Trost playing the bass. This is along with the, as mentioned earlier, Nick on drums. There is something unique that is created when 2 brothers are in a group together, and the God Eaters are no exception. The riffs are thick, fast, with lots of intricate parts twisting together. The liquidity, with the way the riffs come across, is so well executed and cohesive, you can tell the brothers have that special connection. Nick’s drumming is just as impactful and well executed, hes all over the kit keeping the beat interesting and fun. Fast punk rock with great drums and sweaty fast guitars – whats not to love?

The longest track, and my favorite on the album, is “Carcharodon Carcharias” and at 6 minutes,  I feel this totally encapsulates all the best aspects of The God Eaters. It starts out with a jangling punk section devolving into a total jazz freak out, flowing into a punk rock dinosaur stomp fest. Fun rock and roll with a punk grunge vibe, the whole disc is incredibly tight and a blast to put on.

The recording was done at Electrical Audio in Chicago, and it sounds great as you would expect from a studio of that caliber. The mix is spot on, everything sounds like it has its own place and presence in the “room.” Coupled with a bad ass recording and the super cool layout and design of the record itself, this makes for one hell of a release. I cant wait to see what future releases will these guys will bring.

The God Eaters Bandcamp

The God Eaters Facebook

Invertebrata Records

 

 

Photos by Nibiinabekwe. Pendills Bay, Lake Superior Hiawatha National Forest.

 

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0004 – Boris – Live At Third Man Records

Artist: Boris
Album: Live At Third Man Records
Label: Third Man Records
Release Date: Nov 29th 2017
Format: Vinyl LP

This album Boris – Live At Third Man Records, along with the next I will review, are special to me. I got a chance to see this tour that they were recorded on. Boris is by far one of my most loved bands and with the addition of seeing them with Earth, I considered this a once in a Continue reading “0004 – Boris – Live At Third Man Records”

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0003 – Cloakroom – Further Out

Artist: Cloakroom
Album: Further Out
Label: Run For Cover Records
Release Date: January 20, 2015
Format: Double Clear Vinyl LP

I purchased this LP at a show in Grand Rapids  when Cloakroom opened for Hum! That was an amazing show, Nibiinabekwe was beyond excited to see Hum, and I was just as excited for Cloakroom. Luckily for me I had the monies to buy the LP from them at the show.

Released by Run for Cover Records, the version I got came as a double clear Continue reading “0003 – Cloakroom – Further Out”

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0002 – Minus9 – Valley Of The Sick & The Stupid

Photo by Nibiinabekwe 45.053233, -84.078636.

Artist: Minus9
Album: Valley Of The Sick & The Stupid
Label: Flying Blood Records
Release Date: May 31, 2015
Format: CD Digi-Pack

 

Valley Of The Sick & The Stupid, by Minus9 came in a limited edition DigiPak from Flying Blood Records.  The Digi-Pack is white with black lettering, featuring a juice box, cell phone wielding illustration of a overweight man’s belly line on a field that is reminiscent of an American flag. ‘Murica. Continue reading “0002 – Minus9 – Valley Of The Sick & The Stupid”