0026-Cavalcade-Sonic Euthanasia Vinyl Record Review

Vinyl Record in the Grass Music Review

Artist: Cavalcade                             
Album: Sonic Euthanasia
Label: Bermuda Mohawk / GTG
Release Date: May 3, 2019
Format: Vinyl Record

This is the newest release from Cavalcade, and I was lucky enough to snag a copy of it at a recent show in Traverse City. As I would expect from Cavalcade, this release is a mix of heavy and weird. The sounds themselves are slabbed onto a chunk of standard black vinyl stuffed within a full color sleeve. A reptilian eyeball covers the entire front of the album, wrapping fully around to the backside. As a bonus addition to the package, tucked inside was a CD version and the ubiquitous free download. Almost every format…but where’s the cassette guys???  I noticed an interesting detail within the album layout. On the insert, written in Braille, was a hidden message which translated to “Rather Be Dead.” I always appreciate anything that makes me stop and really look at the design or layout while I’m doing my listening. This detail took a minute to figure out, and then translate. A nice touch!

Metal Review Back Side Vinyl Record

Sonically, Calvacade fits in the realm of metal. Weird metal, noise metal, noisy metal? Who names these things anyways? They are heavy as hell with lots of sonic texture. Riffs come right alongside a plethora of other wave-forms, creating a unique soundscape, that, to me, is instantly identifiable as the one and only Cavalcade.

Delving into the opening track my ears are instantly soaked in every bit of that weirdness. Leading in with a super thick guitar riff and samples underneath, the track evolves into a noodle guitar soundscape. With the Cavalcade standby gravely vocal delivery, the song bounces from weird to stomping guitars back and forth to a satisfying effect. A great opener for those who are new, and for my ears. I found it to be a very congealed form of Cavalcade, grown up, fleshed out, and ready for business.  

The opening of the second track, “Aspirate on Aspirations,” is noisy as all get out, slowly building into a noise wall of guitars and drums and screaming. Layered guitars and effects make for a thick texture. There is so much going on, creating an almost symphonic sound.

Music Review Blog Record in the Rain

The third track, “Here and Now,” again brings the juxtaposition of thick driving guitars with haunting melodic guitars mixed beneath beside and below. The drum work on this track is great. The minimalist beats in the haunting sections that build into crashing accents to the explosions for the heavy parts. Closing out the track it sounds as if a theremin was brought into the noise wall, and this just adds to the texture!

Fourth up brings the giant riffage right out of the gate, deconstructing into a noise scape that scrapes slowly along, this time balancing the noise to thick riffage and back again. Cavalcade has once again created another great noise rock song. The vocal delivery at the close of this track is sick, one of my favorite sections of vocals on this album.

“Noose Tie” opens with a much more open guitar sound, not as heavy, and verging into an airier and more spaced out sound. The vocals stay in gravely death metal vein, but the music itself molds into a more epic sound. The vocals verging into an almost hook type of delivery, which really changes up the usual delivery for this track.

Cavalcade Record in the rain Review

“Freezing in Fire” begins inside a world of twittering and tweeting noises, mixing with chords, slowly building forward. Noisy and heavy, but not in a “metal” way. It’s more of a dark and brooding slough, slowing the album to a crawl just in time to flip to the second side and see what lies beneath.

Side B opens up with a stomper called “Dead Idles.” The drums lead the attack, mixed low, with guitars and vocals sitting just over-top. The drums carry the frenzy of the song, feedback and guitar texture are again highlighted for the Cavalcade arsenal here. Keys (or accordion?) are an addition in the wall of noise, swelling the already ridiculous wall of guitar licks. We are fully in the chaos of the Cavalcade carnival now, I’m expecting my ears to bleed soon.

Next up is “Tragedy’s Sick Sense of Timing,” bringing more of a punk feel with almost airy guitars. Drums are still frenzied and vocals stay in the death gravel realm, but there are moments of an almost chorus sing-along-style sound. So much texture floats in, and around. At one point there is a saxophone flirting around in the riffs. The drums are nailing it here, hard accents and pounding rhythms make for very tight work!

“Prospective Prospectors” begins with a vocal sample that leads into a meandering guitar riff. The riff is a huge one and slowly builds bigger and thicker, bringing the song forward. This is the Cavalcade of yore that I remember, thick riffs, solid drums heavy as all get out, meandering along with the death vocals right on top.

Nearing the end brings up “We Dig Our Own Graves,” another stomper, firmly back into the metal vein here. I think this is the thickest heaviest spot on the album so far. Not soaked in weirdness, but sticking hard to the riffs and laying them down with a sneer. The guitar work is great, again, so much going on so many textures and the lead-work is sick as well.

“Lost Thoughts” is a reprieve from the heaviness of previous tracks. It has a feeling more like a Zappa track than standard Cavalcade, full of various percussion sounds and multiple voiceings. This track is absurdly hilarious, and, nearing the end of the LP it fits perfectly.

Metal Review Cavalcade Record

The closing track titled “Blackout Radius” is the longest track, coming in at over 5 minutes. Heavy, but in a more reserved way. I feel like this track captivates the weirdness, dual guitar riffage, and vocal delivery of the previous tracks all in one. The song sounds huge and feels like it just keeps opening up, bringing the album to its inevitable close.

Cavalcade rules and no one sounds like them. These dudes are always out playing shows so click the links below for the music and more info. Also check out our previous review of their 7″ here.

Cavalcade on Facebook

Cavalcade Bandcamp

Cavalcade Instagram

Cavalcade Sonic Euthanasia
Photos by Nibiinabekwe – Healy Hardwoods – Millersburg, MI

0025-Xerostomia-Demo Cassette Tape

Xerostomia Demo Cassette Music Blog

Artist: Xerostomia                          
Album: 39 Trax Demo
Release Date: January 1st, 2019
Format: Cassette Tape

This tape is sick.

I could end the review with that, but I won’t. This release is a well thought out concept. The art and layout are exciting. In the name of found art, vintage photos are taped onto the J-card. What a super cool concept! Looking at the Bandcamp each tape was made with a different photo for the cover.

The tracks are pure, blistering fast grindcore. This is the perfect encapsulation of everything I appreciate in the genre. Ridiculous aggression and musical violence pummel the ears from start to end. The tape itself is completely wrapped in “Xerostomia” labeling over a grey smoke colored tape beneath.

Northern Sludge Cassette Tape Review

I first listened to this tape in my Jeep while back roading after a blizzard, and the blast beats and chugging riffs fit right in with the snow. I found myself headbanging as I was dashing through the snow! Track after track of blasts, shrieks and riffage, a mess of noise really, but in the best way possible. Sonically the guitar sits at a super low range, some of it gets lost in the chaos. Or is that what makes the chaos? The vocals go from guttural grunting to shrieks, guitars chugging then lost in the mess of ridiculous riffage. The drums blasting away keep the assault onward – pure sonic noise. You can hear each piece but it’s so blistering fast, is that a bass drum? A tom? That was def a snare… holy blast beats what is happening.

Grindcore Music Cassette Review

My favorite part of this tape is that it looks just as sweaty as the music sounds. The longest track is 27 seconds. Once I got on Bandcamp I realized there are 39 tracks. That is a total of 39 tracks in under 10 mins of wreckage. This was the groups “Demo,” and according to the internet – Xerostomia are actively playing shows in the Detroit area. Links below!

Xerostomia Bandcamp

Northern Sludge Music Review
Photos by Nibiinabekwe • Reider School • Lachine, MI

0024 – Blue Snaggletooth – Dimension Thule Vinyl LP Review

Blue Vinyl LP Review Photo In Tree
Blue Snaggletooth BlackLight Sensitive cover in tree roots

Artist: Blue Snaggletooth                             
Album: Dimension Thule
Label: Arbco Records
Release Date: July 29, 2011
Format: Vinyl Record

This record has a wow factor the moment you pop your eyes on the cover! Super vibrant, black light sensitive theme all over the cover. The vinyl itself is a popping blue, adding that extra touch to tie the whole package together.

The sounds contained on these ridges of vinyl are of standard stoner rock fair; very reminiscent of Red Fang and the like. The mix puts the drums and vocals right out front, with the guitars just below. Well recorded, the overall production of this release is amazing. Whether it’s the rad cover or the well recorded and mixed sounds within.

Back Cover Vinyl Record

Hints of blues rock with that stoner twinge, the riffs contain a galloping stomping rhythm and jamming guitars. The third track, “Insomnia,” really connects hard to that blues vein. The vocal style changes a bit on this track, creating a strong and satisfying delivery.

The fourth track is titled “Death of the Time Lords.” This one brings another style change, the riffs lose the galloping riffage and go into a sparser chugging style through the intro. Half way into the song it gets back to gallop town. The song “Sector 7” has a great slow simmering build in for the intro. Bluesy guitars and guitar rumblings bring the storm in slowly with minimal drums. Much slower and noisier, simple and effective. It makes great use of lots of effects, coming in and out, making for an almost psychedelic blues feel. I found this to be a very satisfying listen and a standout track.

Insert for Vinyl Record Blue Snaggletooth

The closing number, “Fireball Island,” is the fastest track on the record. This one leaves the blues behind and stretches out to an almost thrash sound. Easily double time from the earlier tracks, guitars are shredding, drums are pounding, and vocals are gnashing right over it all. A powerful closing track!

This was the first album these guys released, and looking at their current BandCamp it appears that Blue Snaggletooth have 2 more releases under their belt since this one. Click the links below to hear the sounds.

Blue Snaggletooth on Facebook
Blue Snaggletooth on Bandcamp
Arbco Records on Facebook

Vinyl in Woods Music Review
Northern Sludge Long Rapids Michigan
Photos by Nibiinabekwe. Long Rapids Township Park, Long Rapids, Michigan.

0023 – Reverb Adrenaline – We’ll Sleep When We’re Dead – Cassette Tape Review

Reverb Adrenaline Cassette Review

Artist: Reverb Adrenaline                            
Album: We’ll Sleep When We’re Dead
Label: Levitation Records & Tapes
Release Date: Jan 1, 2013
Format: Cassette Tape

This tape was a freebie from Levitation Records & Tapes, thrown in when I ordered the previously reviewed Charcoal Squids Cassette. The cover art features a paisley brown wash design and clean typography. The tape is a copper brown color with paper stick on labels marked “This side” and “That side.” According to the fine print on the cassette label this tape was recorded in “3Deep Space Full Alien Sound.” I’m guessing the interface with the aliens lead to the abundance of reverb jamminess throughout this recording!

Analog Music Review Cassette in Forest

The first track, titled “On The Road,” opens with a wash of jangly guitars and vocals. The beat has a super chill and plodding feel, once to the halfway point the guitars really open up, making for some huge and beautiful guitar work. Sonically the riffage just melts in my ears!

Next up is the track “Golden.” The guitars bring forth an almost underwater level of reverb. This song is a bit more straight forward garage rock than the previous.

Next up is the third track, “For Your Love.” Leading in with a rambling guitar line and the vocals shortly thereafter. The song has a plodding repetitive rhythm, repeating the main guitar line for most of the track.

“Tallest Highrise” has a super chill vibe, the drums and guitars are mixed below the vocals, giving this track a different feel. I would say ethereal, ever moving forward, ever moving up, consistently moving higher and further out, ending with a fade among the clouds….

 “I’m Gone,” an instrumental, closes out the first side. This song slowly comes into existence with an epic long fade from nothing, reaching full volume at about a minute or more. Once at full volume the guitars shine; featuring powerful, long, chords. The payoff from the long build culminates with crashing symbols, full drum kit, and loud guitars, all done just in time to flip the tape.

Reverb Adrenaline Music Review Cassette on Rock

The second side brings “Head Full,” right out the gate the sound has shifted into a more straight forward rock feel. The song melds into a garage rock frenzy, simple bass and drums with spacey guitars and vocals, an definitive change in sound from the earlier tracks. The song fades out in a satisfying wash of feedback.

“Fall With Me” dives in with a straight forward rock beat. Everything is soaked in reverb. Bass and drums keep the rhythm while everything else washes around the outside. The next track, second to last, titled “There’s No Us,” consists of strummed guitar with tambourine accompaniment for the rhythm. Spaced out guitars slide in and out with various tones and sounds on the peripherals of the mix, meanwhile the vocals sit just over top.

The closing track, titled “Xy,” plods into existence. I would call it a space western sound, leading me to think: maybe this was recorded in a smoky bar on some far off planet. I like the looseness of this track, way more jammy. The looseness is a refreshing finish to this album.

Great production throughout the tape, the songs would be perfect for a long rambling road trip. So, go get lost in the woods with this stuck in the tape deck and let the reverb guide you. The full album is up on YouTube and Spotify, look below for links.

Reverb Adrenaline Cassette in Tree

Reverb Adrenaline Spotify

Reverb Adrenaline Youtube

Reverb Adrenaline Facebook

Photos by Nibiinabekwe – The Healy Hardwoods, Montmorency County, Michigan.
Photos by Nibiinabekwe – The Healy Hardwoods, Montmorency County, Michigan.

0022 – Forget The Times – Soul Music Vinyl Record

Music Review Blog Forget The Times Cover

Artist: Forget The TimesForget The Times Vinyl Record Pond
Album: Soul Music
Label: Already Dead Tapes
Release Date: Feb 21, 2012
Format: Vinyl Record

Forget The Times are a noise rock band from Kalamazoo, Michigan. This release came out in 2012 on “Already Dead Tapes.” The treatment of this record features a simple fold over style heavy weight paper cover and standard black vinyl. The graphics on the cover art are a line drawing featuring 2 men playing a game looks sort of like checkers, maybe. Additionally the center logo on the record itself is a nice touch. Great layout and design all the way around!

Soul Music Review Vinyl on PondThere is a sound that is contained within this record, I would best sum it up as a frenzied jazzy wall of noise. At moments, part jam band and the next moment jazz ensemble.

The intro song, “Romans in Storage,” has what sounds to be a zombie chorus. Short and noisy it’s over as quickly as it begins. Up next, “Marion Morrison” has a sparse sound that I found really enjoyable. The drums are plodding an almost rudimentary beat, while the guitars jangle back and forth across the stereo field. The song has a looseness and effortlessness that is refreshing, overall just real chill and enjoyable.

The longest track is “From The Basement To The Grave” which again brings sparse guitar noise and accents as the mainstay, while small hints of jangly percussion clank alongside, but not really with. The song has the feel of a total jam, unplanned chaos and noise rule throughout. At 6 minutes in I find myself wondering where is this going, what am I doing here, who am I.Soul Music Review Vinyl Record Under Tree

The track name and sonic landscape that comes next is “Alarm Clock Celebration” and it works to cleanse the ear pallet from the 8 minute jam that preceded. This track is short and brief. I like it!

“Dead Slint” is as much of a normal song as can be had on this album. The drums are formulating a more standard beat and the bass carries a rhythm alongside. The guitars stay in the realm of twinkly stereo noisescape.

The second to last track clocks in at just over seven minutes and consists of a return to the free form style jam. This song seems to have a beginning and an end – but the in between is a mess of guitar noise and ramble jamble drums.

“Pillows And Blankets” is the closer, with a more structured back bone at the outset. The bass carries a rhythm as guitars swell alongside in a slow drone. This is a nice change in the pacing of the chaotic mess that had been so prominent in previous tracks. Simpler, bordering on drone, this track has some of my favorite moments on the album. The sparse openness that is achieved allows everything to breathe, and lets the tone of the drone shine.

Forget the Times are unconstrained and with that not everything is a hit. However,  when it is, it’s very memorable. The recording is spot on, the artwork is stellar, and the music contained is unique and interesting I look forward to delving into the catalog further with this group. Click the links below to check out more about these guys and the label.

Forget The Times On BandcampMusic Review Blog Vinyl Record Landscape

Forget The Times On Facebook

Already Dead Tapes

Music Review Blog Photos by Nibiinabekwe Hawks Michigan
Photos by Nibiinabekwe – Co Rd. 634, Hawks, Michigan.

0021 – Olde Growth – Tour EP 2012 Owl EP

Artist: Olde GrowthOlde Growth Cassette Tape with Butterfly
Album: Tour EP 2012
Label: Self-Released
Release Date: 2012
Format: Cassette Tape

Olde Growth is a 2-piece bass and drum group from Boston. This tape is the second and final release, and a pre-release to the Vinyl that Hydro-Phonic Records put out officially retitled “Owl EP.” I was lucky enough to pick the tape up from these 2 dudes at a show in Boston.  When I was researching for this review I realized that the later released Owl EP was the same tracks as what is contained on this cassette. I snagged the “Owl EP” off Bandcamp and compared. The tape has some audio artifacts from the dubbing and the limitations of tape. The sound of the digital files is much fuller and less distorted. Saying that, I did thoroughly enjoy the character that the tape flavors added to the mix.Tour EP Cassette Tape in Bush

This tape is in a clamshell cassette case, with a lightweight paper style cover that wraps around both sides. The cassette itself has a paint-marker embellishment on both sides and has audio duplicated to each side. With the full album on side A and B you don’t have to rewind and flip endlessly!

The sound that is Olde Growth consists of a super heavy, groove-oriented base that flows in and out of classic stoner rock. The drums are tight and carry the songs well, while the bass fits into its own pocket. Even without a guitar lead present, sounds pop in and out. Slow rumbles and combines with more intricate phrasing, melding in with a strong vocal delivery.Olde Growth Cassette Tape in Pine

The opener track, “Brother of the Moon,” comes in with a simple clean bass line, followed by the drums and then thick bass waves of distortion. Heavy, in all the right ways, finally the song builds into large chords that fully bring the ears into the woods. Finally, to bring the song to full throttle the drums step into a stomp and the bass flips over into more of a lead style delivery. The drums and vocals carry the song from here, while the bass chugs slowly just below.

The transition into track two, “Warrior Child,” is near seamless. The feel and the groove are similar to the previous track. Drums lead the charge, vocals and chugging bass lines right beside. Another great song, fun to tap along to and keep the head bobbing.Olde Growth Cassette on Beach

The third track is “Tears of Blood.” This brings a departure from the first half of the EP. The riffs are again in the galloping stoner rock feel, but the hook is more prominent. The crashing chords and vocal delivery, at the end, is by far some of the heaviest moments on the tape. One of my favorite parts about this group is the way that the bass transitions from standard rhythm to thick chords. This sound, this style, really lends to the heaviness of Olde Growth.

“Edge of the Sea” has a great hook, the vocals reach a near singalong status. Fun, dark, and full of good imagery, the music underneath helps to transport my mind. I love closing my eyes and taking in the waves. This song is pure fun, full of that classic stoner rock bounce that keeps my head nodding.

I had always meant to pick up this album, never realizing that I already had the album on my tape rack! Hilarious! I still want the vinyl, I imagine it has a much better audio treatment than this tape. I believe Olde Growth is on hiatus, and they will be missed. Click the links below to check out the music for yourself.

Olde Growth BandcampOlde Growth Cassette Beach Butterfly

Olde Growth Facebook

 

 

 

Photos by Nibiinabekwe Ocqueoc Michigan Lake Huron
Photos by Nibiinabekwe • Huron Beach • Ocqueoc, MI

0020 – Sete Star Sept Bullshit Market Split Cassette

Sete Star Sept Bullshit Market Cassette in Woods

Artist: Bullshit Market / Sete Star SeptTrashfuck Records Cassette in Roots
Album: Split
Label: Trashfuck Records
Release Date: May 12th 2016
Format: Cassette Tape

This release is a split cassette from Detroit’s Bullshit Market and Japan’s Sete Star Sept. The tape has a unique two tone black and grey shell, with DIY style stick on labels. The tape dubbing, and overall recording, is on par with what you would expect from a grindcore or noise artist. Lo-fi; but in the right way. A little dirty, a little muddy. Sometimes things are lost with this style of recording, but I feel that this one got its own flavor from that treatment. The actual cover art is super intricate, lots to take in and look at, with chaotic line drawings and liner notes.

Sete Star Sept & Bullshit Market Liner NotesThe recording of Sete Star Sept is live from a show in Detroit, and overall the sound is a very dense wall of chaos. There are a few spots where the audio seems to have an effect of some sort, I am guessing it’s a post recording glitch effect. The sound is cool and adds to the overall feeling and transition of the track.

The Bullshit Market side of the tape has its own feel and pulse. I can’t quite put my finger on it, however I sure have enjoyed it. It has pace and movement in the chaos. Samples come in and out as the noise weaves through. I always appreciate noise when it knows how to flow appropriately. I found Bullshit Market to be masters in this art.Cassette Tape in Clear Cut Forest

This was a fun tape to digest. Capturing, and encapsulating, the raw energy that is within this music is not easy. This tape did exactly that, captured and replicated, to my ears, the chaos of these 2 groups.

Bullshit Market Bandcamp

Sete Star Sept Website

Trashfuck Records Bandcamp

Duel Color Split Cassette in Forest

 

Photos by Nibiinabekwe Scenic Rte 1 Atlanta State Forest, Atlanta Michigan.
Photos by Nibiinabekwe • Scenic Rte 1 Atlanta State Forest, Atlanta Michigan. Clear cut forest land to provide raw timber to be burnt for electricity in the village of Hillman, they mix the wood pulp with shredded used tires to provide Northern Michigan’s own form of “green” energy. I find it rather heartbreaking.

0019 Nuke ST Nuclear Green Splatter Vinyl

Nuke Vinyl Cover Forest Daisy

Artist: NukeNuke Vinyl in Daisies
Album: Self Titled
Label: Hells Headbangers
Release Date: September 15, 2016
Format: Vinyl Record

This slab of vinyl contains pure metal bliss, and I have had nothing but the smile of a little kid across my face since it arrived at my porch stoop. Pure thrashing dirty metal released on sick green vinyl, along with sweet artwork throughout, featuring a 90’s 16 bit aesthetic. Upon opening, I found myself sitting back with the artwork as the album ripped at full blast – fun details are found throughout.

Sound wise Nuke is what I think of as classic metal. Thrashy, dirty, and fast, but with a twist of sci-fi drug fueled adventure wasteland to encapture it all.  The audio mix puts the vocals just over the driving guitars, while the rest rides just below, again exemplifying that classic sound. Vocals dominate while guitars blister shreds and leads over the thrashing drums.Nuke Inner Artwork Outside

The second track, “Metal Inferno,” has a chorus I find myself wanting to sing along to, great leads and catchy fun hooks. Closing my eyes I can easily transport myself to a smelly bar in Detroit, Nuke is onstage and there I am soaking in all the energy. I can see the leather clad long haired sing alongs and shenanigans! The next track, “Marching Undead,” leads in with a wall of chaos and driving drums that keep pounding and shrieking for 3 minutes plus. Solos and vocals saturate the top end while the drums keep the forward momentum. Again – pure metal bliss is found!

The fourth track, “Hellrider,” brings another super fun chorus, and the guitar riffs on this track are some of my favorite on the album. I can almost feel the thick guitar sound, consisting of full out chugging parts that transition into a heavier thicker riffage. Complicated and classic. I hear so many classic bands in the sound that “Nuke” creates, with pure worship of everything that is metal! You could list on and on, but really, they take it all bottle it up and puke out pure Nuke. Each track on this album brings its own features, “Dead Space,” which is fifth, features an almost orchestral sound from the guitars, really giving the drums a chance to shine out. There are tight intricate beats that perfectly accent what the strings are putting down. Two minutes in the vocals come in, bringing another great chorus.Nuke Vinyl Back Cover on Milkweed

“Murder Troops” is the last track on the record. The drums are, again, the forefront, blasting their way through this track. Lots of great drumwork is found throughout this track as well. The guitars and vocals, again, ride in that classic metal punk sweet spot –  snotty, heavy and rich in solo flourishes and other embellishments.

Nuke are from Detroit. I have had the fortune of seeing some of these guys in some of the other bands they perform in, however, I have yet to Catch Nuke. These dudes love what they do and it shows. The worship of all things metal shines through these songs. The package itself has that wow factor. Even my 15 year old approved as he sat down for a good 20 minutes looking over the artwork while I was blasting this in my kitchen. Nuke Vinyl and Cover in Meadow

 

Nuke on Facebook

Nuke on Bandcamp

Photos by Nibiinabekwe Nuke Vinyl Hawks Michigan
Photos by Nibiinabekwe • Atlanta State Forest Area, Hawks, Michigan

0018 Nyktomorph ST 8Track

Nyktomorph 8-Track In Forest

Artist: NyktomorphNyktomorph 8-Track In Forest
Album: Self Titled
Label: H8-Track Stereo
Release Date: January 23, 2018
Format: 8-Track Tape

This is such a treat, released on 8-Track cassette from H8-Track Stereo this Tape is Nyktomorph’s demo release. A new release on 8-track in 2018? Sweet. I have an 8-track player but I had retired it to the garage some time ago. I didn’t really have any tapes to play on it anymore, so I packed it away. However, I was more than happy to dig it out from the hoard to pop this on!

Nyktomorph 8-Track Back SideNykotomorph play a tight groove heavy style of black metal. The 8 track features a total of 3 songs clocking in just under 20 minutes. Textures are heavy, guitars are thick, and the drums have great movement. All the classic black metal elements are there – fast guitar shreds, blasting drums and shrieking vocals. Hilariously enough, for me, the original listens I did for this review were on the 8-track, and the delivery was thin and even more consistent of what you would expect from a “Black Metal” band. But, as is my standard with these, I often listen to the album over and over on my computer at my desk as I write reviews. The audio on the BandCamp is well recorded, all instruments have a fit in the mix and this created a fuller sound then what I could hear on the 8-track. Nyktomorph 8-Track Cover

I really enjoyed all 3 songs on this tape, and if this is the demo of what is to come from Nyktomorph, than I am all ears and waiting. Great marketing guys! I had never heard the band and I don’t know that I would have without the 8-track release. That caught my eye and got me to jump on and buy – sound unheard.

 

Nyktomorph Bandcamp

Nyktomorph Facebook

H8-Track Stereo Facebook 

 

Photos by Nibiinabekwe • Camp 8 Road, Atlanta, Michigan
Photos by Nibiinabekwe • Camp 8 Road, Atlanta, Michigan

0017 – Hordes – Self Titled – Digi-Pack CD

Hordes CD on an Icy Trail

Artist: HordesHordes Cover of CD on Icy Trail
Album: Self Titled
Release Date: March 3, 2015
Format: Compact Disc

For what I have known of the Hordes history this is the departure from the Hordes that was and the more structured Hordes that exists now. The newer iterations feature more in your face riffing and less of the meandering drones and avant free formness. Recorded in the winter of 2013, and released in 2015 this disk is 3 years old now. Hordes not only have left this drummer behind but have now moved through to having Todd, from The Jackpine Snag, as their current drummer.  Here are my ramblings on this 3 year old disc.Hordes Back of CD on Ice

The CD was released in 2015 on a digipack, featuring a variety of line drawings in a grey black wash. Some look to be anatomical drawings, while others are, for sure, Guitarist Alex Hudson’s work. Recorded at Troudoudor Studios in Lansing, the sound is thick and well mixed. Right in your face from the get!Hordes Digi-Pack Inside in Snow

The first track “Cold War Echo” is the perfect example of what this album is all about – riffage and pounding drums with raspy throated screams. The thick chords stomp and build, hints of noise are always creeping out the seams and the corners. At about 2.5 minutes in the track reaches, what I feel is, classic Hordes status. The riff slows to a crawl and the bass keeps the rhythm in line while the drums plod behind. This doesn’t last long before that riffage jumps right back in, bringing the close of this track.

Hordes CD Cover in Pine TreeThe second song features a slow building stomper titled “Eyes Dulled Blind.” The riff leads the song, a half crawl stomp fest, with vocals distant in the mix. At 6 minutes this is the longest track on the album, revolving around a fast and a slow riff. To close the track down Hordes slowed the temp to a half crawl. This is where the real guitar work shines. I love the textures that feel so prominent here. Once the riff slows the bass and drums lock in, and this gives room for the guitar to space out. A perfect wrap for that song.

By far my favorite riff from this album is the opener from “Summer”. Again, the spaced out guitar work brings the track to an open. The drums and bass jump to life not long after, and then the song is rolling. The guitar work throughout this track is super satisfying. This is the Hordes that I love.

I know I was just writing about how my favorite riff was in the last song, but the first true head banger on this disc is “Life Chaser.” When the riff really comes who can help but give that subtle head bang? Even as I write this I caught Nibiinabekwe banging her head in just that ever slow nod, reaffirming my thoughts. This is the heaviest moments of the album.

Hordes Cover of CD on IceThe closer track, “Fall,” again brings to the forefront the anger that is so present in this iteration of Hordes. The riffs stomp, the vocals holler, it’s heavy as shit. I dig it! The end of this track, and the close of the album, again slows the tempo to a crawl and gives the guitars room to build that classic wall of Hordes texture.

It has been interesting watching the journey that Hordes has taken, and this album is just one blip on the timeline. At the time of this writing it looks like they had just released a new 7″ split on Silver Maple Kill Records, I look forward to getting a copy of that!

Hordes on FacebookHordes in a Pine Tree

Hordes on Bandcamp

 

 

 

 

 

Photos by Nibiinabekwe
Photos by Nibiinabekwe • Atlanta State Forest Area • Michigan