First Review in a while, let's kick it off with Bongripper.

Back in the days of the Southern Lord forum (and the subsequent dwindling bank account) I jumped on the chance to buy material from up and coming bands selling home made shit. Luckily this was one of them. A person posted about a new experimental release from his band Bongripper, the title of the album being Heroin. The packaging is what struck me at first. This album was packaged in a box, with a cooked spoon, a tie off, a word sheet (can't be a lyrics sheet as there are almost no lyrics) and the cd (which was to be taken as the drug, cd has syringe on it). I thought to myself, even if this sucks the idea is to novel for me to pass it by. So I bought this box limited to 25 at the time, and decided it was cheap enough for me to count my losses if I was disappointed. In the end I didn't have to, for not only did this album deliver immense pleasure, it also provided a soundtrack for my, shall I say, experiments. This album drives you through a whirlwind of noises, from weird sounds that are reminiscent of a hospital, to the clicking noises from the Grudge, to Chinese/Earth style guitar compositions. This album is one hell of a fucking journey, and I can completely see why it is titled Heroin. A great purchase on my parts, and one that I am glad I dished out the couple bucks to get. Be warned, if you find yourself listening to it before you fall asleep at night, bizarre dreams will follow. This album is sold out, but you can still purchase The Great Barrier Reefer and Hippie Killer. Both highly recommended. Check them out here:

http://www.myspace.com/bongripper

11-10-07 Reviews

1. Banshee- Volume 1, Self Released(Fucking Black Metal). I love my Black Metal. I love my raw, hate filled Black Metal. In a world of music where the worse production value means the bigger audience, a few bands really stand out. Ildjarn, Ancestors, Bone Awl to name a few. Banshee doesn't sound like any of these. Banshee is the solo project of Patrick Valentine, which will imply a much nicer sound then the black vomit that spews forth from this release. Hailing for the desolate plains of New Mexico, Banshee attacks your ears with 9 tracks clocking in at just over 50 minutes. The first track is a Prologue tracks, which fades in with a guitar that plays an ominous tune. The guitar is then matched with piano, the perfect intro for the venom about to commence. The song fades out and turns into Chapter I, a 10 minute sonic destruction of the senses. The vocals sometimes are distant, almost being drowned out by the fuzz and drums, which I believe to be real. The first thing you immediately notice about this release is the layers of guitar, one is playing the main tune, while the other guitar may provide a simple melody over it. The vocals are tortured and dying, and some of the best I have heard thus far. Chapter II is my favorite, starting with some tribal drums, which fade into heavy guitar and lots of distortion, and...wait.. what is that...BASS. That is right, this is one of those rare fuzzed out Black Metal releases where you can actually hear the bass. This song calms down for a gorgeous clean guitar interlude, which then explodes into a fucking cry of death. Each of the songs is incredibly strong, and each one epic in its own right. Tribal drums, which go off beat from time to time, providing perfect rhythm. This is an EXTREMELY strong debut release from this USBM horde and one that is a must have. Banshee has an upcoming release with Funeral Doom band Scrolls of Lamentation, but do now what for that. Ltd to 100 copies so get yours fast

BANSHEE can be contacted here
http://www.myspace.com/thetruebanshee

ADC's Drone

Today Nathorst recorded a special song dedicated to a special artist. At 5:30 PM, Skjal sat down with Triv, formally session for Nathorst, and recorded a 13 minutes drone piece. This piece was subharmonic, blowing the amp and a mic, but it was completely worth it. A week ago or so, I was requested by a man who wrote music under the name A Death Cinematic. After a conversation, we agreed to do a demo trade, Autumnal(and the most recent Nathorst cd-r, still available) for his demo. After receiving his demo, I proceeded to listen to it about 15 times, and wrote a spiritually moving review on my review and news blog(Metalreviewsandnews.blogspot.com). His generosity, and the emotions exerted through his music, inspired me to write a piece specifically for him. This piece will be named ADC's Drone, and will only be put on disc for him specifically. BUT!!!!, for a period of time I will have this drone piece on the Nathorst myspace, and will inform you all when it is up.

In Sympathy and Death,
(LL)

Nathorst
A Death Cinematic

A Death Cinematic- Epochs Shifting Out of Time

Thus it Begins........This is the first track off the demo from a band keenly titled A Death Cinematic. Thus this musical journey really did begin, for me at least. After only hearing a few tracks of this Myspace band, I asked for a copy of the demo.following a long day of work and stress, I check my mail and find this gem sitting in the box. Go home, rip open the box, and find some of the best demo artwork I have ever seen. A completely surreal scene, a distorted telephone pole against the beautiful sunset sky. All of this pressed on Wooden Cardstock Paper, and completely majestic. Lay down, press play, and slowly melt into the sonic aura of it. A minute into the second track, Ebbing Through the Time of the Elephants, I am at peace, almost content with my surrounding. As the slow distortion contorts my perception of time and reality, bringing back memories of sadness and loss, yet keeping me transfixed. Track 3, completely addicted, I sit and patiently await, pleasantly surprised at the sounds of a sample, which seems to be quivering in sound. This album is laced with Natural Organic sounds, and completely meditative. Writing about it has been such an awkward thing, because it has ignited a feeling that is almost too personal to relate in words. This album has immediately sky-rocketed to one of my favorite for 2007. Overshadowing Sunn O))), Knell, Boris, and even EARTH. My words cannot describe anymore, and I have to let you enjoy by yourself. I plan on adding more when I can formulate the words, and


Part 2:
So I have now listened to this cd, in full, about 10 times. I believe I can get more articulate with my review now. This cd is an astrological journey, it begins with sounds that make you reminisce of your past, and by the time it ends you will be fantasizing about your future. It will make you think of the one you love, the ones you hate, the ones that have harmed you,and the ones you have lost. The name of the band is amazing perfect, as it really describes the music . The music melts into your soul,it picks you apart, and by the time it is over, you are both physically and emotionally drained. An absolutely splendid demo, one that I would have paid hundreds for. Highly recommended for those who love musical art, for those who appreciate talent, and especially for those who are missing something in their lives. This cd will change you.........Thus it never ends

A Death Cinematic:
http://www.myspace.com/adeathcinematic

San Francisco Bay Area Live Events

There is an extreme amount of live event popping up in the San Francisco bay area soon, and I for one cannot keep up with them. So I have taken the time to hunt these shows down and bring to you a list of shows worth checking out.

Wolves in the Throne Room: October 2nd at Slim's
Ludicra
Graves at Sea

Showtime: 8:00 PM (Doors: 7:30 PM)
Ticket price: $12
Tickets available on-line at: slimstickets.com, Tickets.com
All Ages 6 and Over

Finntroll: October 4th At Slim's
Apocryphos

Showtime: 9:00 PM (Doors: 8:00 PM)
Ticket price: $21/$24
Tickets available on-line at: slimstickets.com, Tickets.com
All Ages 6 and Over

Om: October 14th at Ameoba Records San Francisco

Showtime: 5:00 PM
Ticket Price: Free

Therion : at Slim's October 15th
Aesma Daeva

Showtime: 8:00 PM (Doors: 7:30 PM)
Ticket price: $17/$20
Tickets available on-line at: slimstickets.com, Tickets.com
All Ages 6 and Over

"Radio Rebellion" Tour w/ Behemoth|Job For a Cowboy : October 29th, Slim's
Gojira
Beneath the Massacre

Showtime: 7:30 PM (Doors: 7:00 PM)
Ticket price: $16/$18
Tickets available on-line at: slimstickets.com, Tickets.com
All Ages 6 and Over

Jesu: Great American Music Hall
These Arms Are Snakes
Oxbow

Date: Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Doors: 7:30 PM
Show: 8:00 PM

Tickets: On Sale Sunday, September 2
$15
General Admission

ISIS: November 18th Slim:s

10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY SHOW w/ Big Business & 27

Enslaved: November 29th Slims
The Faceless
Arsis
The Agonist

Showtime: 8:00 PM (Doors: 7:00 PM)
Ticket price: $19/$21
Tickets available on-line at: slimstickets.com, Tickets.com
All Ages 6 and Over

Om news

*TAKEN DIRECTLY FROM SOUTHERNLORD BLOG*

A new dawn awaits!! Southern Lord Recordings and Om have set October 2nd as the official release date for their 3rd (first on Southern Lord) full-length album!! This beast is entitled: “Pilgrimage” and was recorded at Electrical Audio in Chicago, IL. by Steve Albini. The album is currently being mastered by Bob Weston (also in Shellac) at Chicago Mastering Services. “Pilgrimage” expands on their unique use of riff,,, cadence…chant..as heard on previous recordings yet finds the band expanding their vision into new territories. Of particular note is how much the song-writing has developed and in turn makes the dynamics of the songs much more intensely powerful.
The track-listing for “Pilgrimage” is as follows:

1. Pilgrimage
2. Unitive Knowledge of the Godhead
*CHECK OUT A MP3 OF THIS SONG AT:
http://www.southernlord.com/band_OM.php
3. Bhimas Theme
4. Pilgrimage (reprise)

A gatefold LP version of the album will also be released sometime shortly after the cd release.

Om will also be performing live on the following dates:

September 13 Cleveland, OH GROG SHOP. w/ Daniel Higgs ALL AGES!
September 14 Chicago, IL Empty Bottle w/ Circle
September 15 Chicago, IL Empty Bottle w/Daniel Higgs
September 16 Newport, KY Southgate House
September 19 Tempe, AZ Marquee Theatre w/Pinback
September 20 Albuquerque, NM Sunshine Theatre w/Pinback
September 21 Oklahoma City, OK Bricktown Live w/ Pinback
September 22 Dallas, TX Palladium Ballroom w/ Pinback
September 23 Austin, TX Emo’s
October 14th **FREE**@ AMOEBA RECORDS SAN FRANCISCO (1855 Haight) 5PM

…stay tuned for East Coast dates in November and West Coast in December.

Buy or Die list of 2007

It's that time people, my list of Buy or Die albums for 2007. This list will include, Doom, Noise, Black Metal, Post-metal and other.It will include band name,album name, genre and label. SO BUY OR DIE.






1.
SHINING- V Halmstad, Osmose Prod, Black Metal.) Let's start it off with Shining- V Halmstad . Released earlier this year on Osmose Productions which I believe is based out of France, this is the 5th Official full length of this Swedish Depressive Band. Shining, led by main man Kvarforth, released it's first album in 1998, when Kvarforth was 14. This album is amazing, and easily the best album of the year. First off, the cover art perfectly describes the listener's state of mind by the end of the cd. The cover depicts a very pretty girl, with a handgun in her mouth. Then slap the cd in my friends, and there it is. The first track starts out with a very depressing sample. Then kick into a vicious spiraling riff. The one thing that really stand out in this entire cd is the vocals. Now let's take it over the the 3rd track, and probably the strongest of the album. Blasting in with a incredibly attracting riff, this track spirals into a mess of depression and anger. Half way through the track the song slows down, and as a sweet piano piece is playing, the sample of teenage girl crying and killing herself send shivers into any listener. The fourth track is by far the most interesting, starting off with some bowed bass and violin, leading into a double bass masterpiece. This song turns into a tribal debacle, and gives you the sense of sheer death. BUY OR DIE....





2.. Sunn O)))-Oracle, Southernlord, Doom/Drone) Last year an album was released that change the Drone/Doom genre forever. This album brought together two drone giants and slammed them together for an collaboration, that's right, not a split a collaboration. This album was Sunn O))) and Boris's, Altar. As a follow up to this amazing album, Sunn O))) did some extensive touring with psychopath Attila Csihar(former member of Hungarian Tormentor and Lead Singer of Black Metal pioneers Mayhem). During one of these shows, Sunn O))) was asked by artist Banks Violette, to compose and original piece to be played during an art gallery show at the Maureen Paley Gallery in London. This show featured all of Sunn O)))'s equipment( including amps, pedals, and instruments) scuplted out of Cast resin and salt. This inspired a new album, titled ORACLE. Oracle has two tracks in true Sunn O))) vein, Belulrol Pusztit and Orakulum. Belulrol Pusztit, which clocks in at nearly 16 minutes, is quite and intriguing piece. Starts off with some awkward noises, almost like a nuclear bomb alarm. Extremely haunting as Sunn O))) would be. After an incredible aural journey,at about 1:40 the chants of Attila can be heard not only through the ears, but envisioned the in the darkest hole in your mind. After some time Joe Preston comes in, not with a bass, not with a guitar, but with a FUCKING Jackhammer. Yes, a Jackhammer. This track is just a precursor of whats to come. Orakulum starts off with a noise reminiscent of a tape recorder being rewound. After that it goes into the Sunn we know and love, I am talking the White1, White2 days. Heavy, hard hitting drone, which murders the senses for about 19:00 minutes. This can be bought directly from SOUTHERN LORD, in Lp format on clear on black, and each copy comes with a free single cd version. Or, if you were lucky enough to buy the ultra limited 2cd version, which includes live disc Helio)))sophist, which was mixed from various performances by Oren Ambarchi. All in all and incredible taste of the next Sunn O))) album, which starts recording in October.






3. Pelican- City of Echoes, Hydrahead, Post-Metal). I have been playing drums since I was a young lad, and when I slap on a new album I always look forward to some awesome drumming. In the current Post-Metal world, which includes bands like Neurosis, Isis, and Jesu, there is one band that truly stand out to me. Pelican brings to the table a gorgeous array of guitar playing mixed with some heavy doom, but what is the deal with the drummer? Don't get me wrong, his drumming is not that bad, but there are certain times that he tries to fit a roll into spaces it should not go, and other times there are double pedaling that sets the whole mood of the song off. This year's release was City Of Echoes, and the title in itself is a foreshadowing of the incredibly atmospheric sounds contained inside. The cover art and packaging further support that title, and remind me of the ocean and such. Slapping on the first song you immediately know where this album is going, a riff of doomage without the extreme abrasiveness of some doom. Soft and easy but still hard and heavy, this song eventually explodes into a heavy blast of doomage(which is now officially a word). Then it goes into the title track- City of Echoes. From first listen this track is very serene, but upon a closer look this track has some incredible guitar battling going on it. The fourth track, Winds with Hands, is a beautiful acoustic piece. This album is extremely strong and worth the money to buy it. Available on Digipack cd and every color vinyl under the sun.




4.Earth-Hibernaculum, Southern Lord, Drone) What is their to say about Earth that has not been said already. They are the inventors of drone, and have inspired such bands like Sunn O))), STQ-3, and A Death Cinematic. This album is not actually a new album, but instead older tracks, rerecorded and made to sound like their current style of, what can best be described as, Western Drone. The first track, Ouroboros is Broken, starts off this fantastic cd. With Greg Anderson on a Korg, this track is a progressing drone experience, which even though is soft, is equally heavy as the older version. The second track, Coda Maestoso in F(flat) minor, is personally my favorite song. Starting off with a very simple guitar line, it slowly leads into a very peaceful drum piece, played by the gorgeous Adrienne Davies. After a few majors of this, a piano slowly starts to match the guitar, making this song the most relaxing of the album. At about 3:40, a somewhat distorted guitar comes in, and with it's extremely bright sound, leads the rest of the song to the end. The last song of this track features A Plague of Angels, which was previously only available on the Sunn O)))/Earth split lp. Overall an incredible album. Also comes with a second disc, which is a DVD titled Within The Drone, made by Seldon Hunt. It is a very good documentary on Earth and their recording processes. An amazing album, which can still be purchased from Southern Lord.

Well that is the list I have so far, and I plan on including 5 more albums later this week when I am not dead tired from listening to all this music. Here are some links that you should definitely check out

http://southernlord.com
http://hydrahead.com
http://aquariusrecords.org
http://www.inoxia-rec.com/