RIFF REWIND (08/06/2012): Generation Of Vipers - 'Howl And Filth'

Hailing from the Appalachian mountains of East Tennessee, GENERATION OF VIPERS are a band that has always operated outside the normal trappings of "extreme" or "heavy" music. Following the release of 2011's "Howl and Filth", which gained the band a sizable cult following, they their fourth opus and latest release “Coffin Wisdom” an honest and unique collection of songs that furthered the bands own legacy of creating boundary-pushing music that comes from a truly genuine and vulnerable place. Fans of bands such as Unsane, Thou, Yob and other forward thinking artists of that ilk will be pleasantly surprised. Josh Holt and Billy Graves also feature as members of Neurot Recording artists U.S. Christmas, A Storm of Light and Mustard Gas and Roses.

Today we’re rewinding back 5 years to the day, with our original review of a review of GENERATION OF VIPERS phenomenal debut “"Howl and Filth"”. So join us, as we continue on our quest to trawl through THE SLUDGELORD archives to present the best albums you may have missed.  So if you overlooked this band/album, be sure to remedy your error by checking out our review and the record is streaming in full below. 

By: Aaron Pickford

Album Type: Full Length

Release Date: 5/06/2012

Label: Translation Loss,

Red Witch Recordings

Howl and Filth is one of parasitism, a relationship that is mutually beneficial to one and destructive to the other, meaning that Generation of Vipers co-exist in a symbiotic relationship in which they are the parasite feeding on you, the listener (the host), causing you unspeakable harm in the process.

‘Howl & Filth’ CD//DD//LP track listing

1). Ritual (7:52)

2). Silent Shroud (6:32)

3). All Of This Is Mine (2:55)

4). Eternal (4:08)

5). Slow Burn (7:57)

6). The Misery Coil (9:09)

The Review:

So to start this review, a little history lesson for you.  Jesus, yes Jesus, used the expression "offspring (or generation) of vipers" in reference to the religious leaders of his day. Jesus was simply using this characteristic of a snake to help his listeners understand that they needed to use caution and discernment when preaching, since there were many enemies of the good news at that time.  Anyway, you may asking yourself, do I really care?  The reason I mention it, is because, before you start the record, I have to advise you, to use caution and your own judgement when you approach this record, and those people with a nervous disposition, stop reading now, because ‘Howl and Filth’ engenders a feeling of foreboding or dread within you, a feeling of impending evil or fearful expectation or anticipation.     

Let us be clear, the first time I listened to this album, I was in my car, on the motorway/highway, and I have to say I was blown away, gob smacked or godsmacked.  This record is some of the tightest, heaviest and most powerful metal you’re likely to hear this year.  Yes! I have probably said this before, however the main difference is the drumming.  It is a central feature and the foundation of the record, a watershed in heavy metal.  B.J. Graves on the drums is at the forefront of everything that is good on this album and that is a rare thing.  If there was a man of the match award for performances, he’d be the recipient.  He is a fuckin’ beast of a drummer. 

Kicking off the album with a passage of tribal drumming reminiscent to that of Neurosis and building to an ungodly crescendo, the tone and mood of the record is set from the very first minute of the record.  What we have is tons of atmosphere and spine chilling ambience, on top of heavyweight guitars, low end bass and guttural, menacing vocals.   The album envelops you with its holistic approach, emphasising an organic feel to the record and the functional relationship between the band members as individuals and their undoubted talents, but also meaning that when they come together, Generation of Vipers are a truly terrifying proposition.  ‘Howl and Filth’ emphasises the band’s interdependence, or symbiosis, meaning that when they unleash the full force of their sound, you are literally knocked on your arse, making this an album of true power and muscle. Howl and Filth is one of parasitism, a relationship that is mutually beneficial to one and destructive to the other, meaning that Generation of Vipers co-exist in a symbiotic relationship in which they are the parasite feeding on you, the listener (the host), causing you unspeakable harm in the process. 

Howl and Filth is a juggernaut, a crushing force that destroys and demands your complete self sacrifice.  The payoff is that if you do, you are rewarded in spades!!  This is a stellar record, which demands your complete and full attention.  A definite 10 out of 10 for me. I love this record and I am confident you will too.  Buy it now!

‘Howl and Filth’ is available here. 

Band info: Bandcamp ||  Facebook