RIFF REWIND (11/07/2013): Before the Eyewall - "Before the Eyewall"

Before the Eyewall is a heavy, psychedelic, instrumental trio based in Columbus, Ohio. BTEwas brought to life on January...26th, 2010 and is comprised of 2 former members of current SLUDGELORD faves Kenoma. Having released one demo in 2011, they self-released their first full-length self-titled album in March of 2013.  Limited to 500 Copies, the CD was presented in a clear case with artwork and layout by drummer Aaron O'Brien-Eichman. “Before the Eyewall” was recorded at Popside Studiosin Troy, OHby Brian Whitten and mastered by Colin Marston. 

Before the Eyewall are best described as doomy, atmospheric and psychedelic, drawing comparisons to similar doomy post-metal acts like Mouth of the Architect or even Light Bearer, with a strong focus on heavy cinematic tension and guitar interplay.  Released four years ago, the proposed vinyl release never came to fruition and with no word on a follow from the band, or indeed whether they are still active, I feel it is time to remind you all just how awesome this album was and perhaps reignite the spark within the band to follow up this stunning record. 

Today we are rewinding the riffs back 4 years to the day in order present the astonishing “Before the Eyewall”. So if you missed it the first time, be sure to remedy your error by checking out our review in full below. 

By: Clayton Bartholomew

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 4/6/2013

Label: Independent

On “Before the Eyewall”, we see stripped down walls of sheer octave-dropped power, as expansive and grand as any mountain range, and with all of the subtlety and patience of tectonic plates shifting between continents

“Before the Eyewall” CD//DD track listing:

1). Skyrises

2). Path of Ash & Desperation

3). Tome of the Concentric Eye

4). Skyfalls

The Review:

If Red Sparrowes were to drunkenly have casual intercourse with the members of Yob, the unplanned result would sound something like Columbus, OH’s Before the Eyewall.  And praise be to Jesus! For allowing such a union to procreate, the bastard offspring brought to full term. If not for this, I would be forced to rethink my pro-choice stance. There should be laws against hasty decisions not to let something this good come to fruition.

On “Before the Eyewall”, the first full length album that the three-piece have crafted, we see stripped down walls of sheer octave-dropped power, as expansive and grand as any mountain range, and with all of the subtlety and patience of tectonic plates shifting between continents. Just as easily, the band weave psychedelic clean interludes… catchy guitar-based melodies that expand into richly orchestrated textures, building the groundwork for further sonically devastating outbursts of lower register earthquakes that leave the listener pummelled one minute and pacified the next.

Did I mention that these guys are instrumental? The lack of vocals (which can sometimes detract from the hypnotic qualities bands like this are going for) are not missed. This record goes through an evolution and the arrangements are varied enough to keep the listener engaged without the need for vocal clutter.

Overall, this record serves as a journey, building in intensity to the point of crescendo. Themes reoccur; reimagined and refreshed, serving as reminders of the more powerful and thought-provoking sections of the record. Some three piece bands without vocals could probably find it difficult to keep things interesting, but this is not the case with Before the Eyewall. “Before the Eyewall” is definitely worth picking up, and reveals a band that demand to be paid attention to.

Band info: Bandcamp|| Facebook

TOP 16 ALBUMS: The Sour 16 for May 2017

Nightbringer

Yes, it is that time again O ye lover of riffs, “The Sour 16” returneth.  You know the drill by now, each month you the reader are unwittingly compiling a list of the top 16 records of the month, covering all genres of metal.  Is it not a chart, in which reviewers or contributors extol their opinion about their favourite music.  To put it simply, “The Sour 16” are the records that have been trending the most at The Sludgelord Headquarters.

The results are compiled based on the amount of page views the reviews have received and are then calibrated into the list below.  All reviews can be viewed by clicking the artwork and we have included album streams wherever possible. (Total views since their publication are highlighted in the red numbers)

16). Dodecahedron - "Kwintessens”(446)

At 41 minutes, “Kwintessens” is deceptively compact for the multitudes within.  Each track, even the instrumental interludes, displays remarkable prowess while remaining confrontational and almost unbearably anguished.

  

15). Longhouse - "II: Vanishing" (450)

The tone, mix and mood of the album is one of darkness, menace and depression. “II: Vanishing” will terrify your consciousness and haunt your soul into painful contortions

14). The Ruins of Beverast - "Exuvia" (461)

“Von Meilenwald has created a terrible, tremendous and frightening invocation of blight and the invincible progress of erosion and disintegration. More than its component parts, an album to haunt the dreams of Lovecraft and Ligotti alike. Recommended without reservation.”

13). Lord - "Blacklisted" (476)

In a genre often bogged down by soundalike bands, Lord offer a sharp shot of adrenaline in the form of “Blacklisted”. The band’s distinct blend of gnarly thrash and filthy sludge deserves to see them go far.

12). Space Witch - "Arcanum"(521)

The band still sound like a collaboration between Bongripper, Hawkwind and the BBC Radiophonic Workshop to create the ultimate sci-fi B-movie soundtrack, but  this latest release sees them develop their cosmic barrage further out into the void., they showcase a leaner, meaner Space Witch that still push the boundaries of heaviness but with a more streamlined attack.

11). Woodhawk - "Beyond The Sun" (522)

“Beyond The Sun, is overflowing with everything one could want from a great stoner rock record, thick, rumbling bass tones, sizzling guitar fuzz and infectious, mid tempo riffage, making this the kind of album that is very hard to stop listening to

10). Craven Idol - "The Shackles of Mammon" (567)

This new album does not disappoint, and capitalizes on a lot of the germinal promise that was present in spades on “Towards Eschaton”: zero bullshit, zero pretence, zero fucks metal.  Vocally it is  truly, truly spectacular and unique. Riffs are dynamic. Bass is deeply discernible and the leads are crazy, fiery and have a tone that reminds that metal solos can be a deadly weapon in the right hands, like a flail made of scalpels and razor blades.

9). Blaze Bayley - “Infinite Entanglement” and “Endure and Survive” (588)

Both “Infinite Entanglement” and “Endure and Survive” are the best work of his entire career, better than Wolfsbane, better than his tenure with Maiden and better than his past solo work.  Blaze's fire is burning brighter than ever

8). Sjelferd - ‘Fortid’(619)

7). The Cosmic Dead - "Psych Is Dead" (646)

Somehow the band manage to make relentless repetition sound like a captivating journey into the unknown, packed with more subtle detail than a million prog metal odysseys.

6). Ghost Bath - "Starmourner"(686)

From the gentle piano intro of “Astral” to the vibrant and triumphant radiance of “Seraphic”, the tone of the album is pushed ever outward to match the theme of an infinite dream. It’s a theme that weaves its way through the whole album. There are certainly tracks that dive back into blast beats and hyper tremolo picking such as “Ambrosial” and “Elysian”, but the theme always returns to shimmering and heroic major chords.

5). Mouth of the Architect - "Time and Withering" (703)

Each new Mouth of the Architect release is my new soundtrack to oblivion, but revisiting “Time and Withering” is definitely worth your effort.  It has held up over time and is still as big and bold as it was 13 years ago.

4). Gurt - "Skullossus" (868)

This is some quality music that draws from many influences and I feel any metal fan should be able to enjoy it…. possibly even as the soundtrack to their next doom party.

3). Memoriam - "For The Fallen” (1012)

There is no huge introduction needed here. Bolt Thrower may be over, but Memoriam are very much here and ready to take up where Karl Willett's previous troop left off. You know what to expect from the names involved: crushingly slow grooves, like a tank rolling over piles of bones, bursts of thrash tempos and a sound that is thicker than tar.

2). Mutoid Man - "War Moans" (1113)

“War Moans” is fast, heavy and vocally arresting, it is an album that is certain to leave you breathless. 

1). Nightbringer - "Terra Damnata" (1160)

Remarkably, with Nightbringer approaching two decades of existence, they’re pulling off some of the best black metal the country has to offer, with a rabid intensity that, for all its darkness, remains inspiring.

A big thank you as always to our amazing writers, your dedication knows no boundaries and for that I am truly grateful.  May 2017’s “Sour 16” features reviews by:  Richard Maw, Daniel Jackson, Andre Almaraz, Mark Ambrose, Charlie Butler, Conor O’Dea, Phil Weller, Josh Nichols & Ben Fitts

ALBUM REVIEW: Mouth of the Architect - "Time and Withering"

By: Josh Nichols

Album Type: Full Length (Reissue)

Date Released: 12/05/2017

Label: Translation Loss

Each new Mouth of the Architect release is my new soundtrack to oblivion, but revisiting “Time and Withering” is definitely worth your effort.  It has held up over time and is still as big and bold as it was 13 years ago.

“Time and Withering” DD//LP track listing:

1). A Vivid Chaos

2). Soil to Stone

3). Heart Eaters

4). The Worm

The Review:

After 13 years, 5 full length LP’s and numerous line up changes, Mouth of the Architect have survived to remaster and re-issue their first album, “Time and Withering”, for a vinyl treatment. I’m not sure why they chose the 13^th anniversary for this auspicious occasion, but given their current “three year per album” rate of production, this reissue is a welcome windfall coming only 8 months after their previous effort, “Path of Eight.” It also provides a great opportunity to see where MotA have come from and examine the threads that hold their entire catalogue together.

There have always been areas of overlap throughout their body of work. The way they carefully build and layer a song together, each new layer drawing on another emotion, sometimes destroying itself in release, sometimes taking the listener hostage. “Time and Withering” is where that body of work begins, with four massive tracks of gloomy sludgy post metal.  Describing the ins and outs of tracks like “A Vivid Chaos” and “The Worm” don’t do the work justice because there are just so many ins and outs per track.  Each MotAproduction evokes a mood that takes the listener on various twists and turns. The mood of “Time and Withering” drifts between somber and fragile to hugely aggressive and furious.  The vocals throughout, when they are present, are a shredded and tortured blend of dark whispers and all out rage, much in the classic Neurosis style, lulling you to an uneasy slumber before eviscerating that fragile niche they had carefully carved out.

In contrast, MotAdefinitely throttled back on the sludge and aggression with “Path of Eight” leaning more toward a pensive and progressive sound throughout, along with mostly clean singing. The beast still slips the leash on tracks like “Sever the Soul” and “Stretching Out”.  That isn’t to say that those moments can’t be found on “Time and Withering”, but that the whole feel throughout is just more foreboding and brutal. Not knowing exactly when the caustic pot is going to boil over may be what ties everything MotAhas ever done together.  They may choose to grab a riff for 6 to 10 minutes, while building a Russian Circles worthy soundscape around it, just to let the tension build. Maybe it dissolves without a whimper or maybe it goes full berserker, until you’re sure they have nothing left to give.  Then they create a whole new tapestry. Each new Mouth of the Architect release is my new soundtrack to oblivion, but revisiting “Time and Withering” is definitely worth your effort.  It has held up over time and is still as big and bold as it was 13 years ago.

“Time and Withering” is available here(Digital) and here(Vinyl)

Band info: facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Kenoma - "The Tides Will Prevail"

By: Charlie Butler

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 28/04/2017

Label: Translation Loss

Kenoma are firmly focused on the metal side of the post-metal equation for the most part of “The Tides Will Prevail” and manage to create huge, enveloping sound constructions reliant on intricate interlocking guitar parts rather than a phalanx of effects pedals.  The albums extended gestation period has produced an absorbing set of finely honed post-metal behemoths.

“The Tides Will Prevail” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). The 33^rd Parallel

2). 1913

3). Curse of Tecumseh

4). Sleeping Prophet

5). Nature of Empire

The Review:

Bands often take their time to craft their debut full-length but it rarely takes a staggering eleven years. Dayton, Ohio instrumentalists Kenoma have had some ups and downs since their 2006 split with Mouth of the Architect but they have battled through and now emerge triumphant with “The Tides Will Prevail”.

This extended gestation period has produced an absorbing set of finely honed post-metal behemoths. “33^rd Parallel”begins in crushing fashion, a slow motion crawl with echoes of Yob and Pallbearer. A stirring melodic guitar line rises from the smouldering ashes of this introduction that drives the track towards an epic riff onslaught. Kenomaare firmly focused on the metal side of the post-metal equation for the most part of “The Tides Will Prevail” and manage to create huge, enveloping sound constructions reliant on intricate interlocking guitar parts rather than a phalanx of effects pedals.

The band are not completely averse to the subtle integration of otherworldly textures into the mix though. “Sleeping Prophet” opens with a wall of woozy synths that morph into hazy psych rock in the vein of Grails while apocalyptic closer “Nature of Empire” starts as a menacing cloud of delayed guitars then erupts into punishing doom laden with samples of air raid sirens. Even when Kenoma lay off the volume it is never long until they unleash their full weight again, like when the sparse nocturnal quiet of “Curse Of Tecumseh” is engulfed by a wave of sweet distortion.

Kenoma’s distinct brand of sludged-up, riff-heavy post-metal is a welcome racket in 2017. Let’s hope it doesn’t take another eleven years to produce the follow-up to “The Tides Will Prevail”.

“The Tides Will Prevail” is available to preorder/buy here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

TRACK PREMIERE: Atmospheric post metal collective Kenoma's journey of struggle, progress and regression delivers spell binding results with "1913"

 

 

Eleven years in the making, Dayton, Ohio atmospheric post metal collective KENOMAare set to release their highly anticipated debut full length record entitled, “The Tides Will Prevail” via Translation Loss. The album is set to hit the streets on 28 April 2017, but having flown under the radar following their contribution to the 2006 critically acclaimed split release with Mouth Of The Architect, “The Tides Will Prevail “could be considered something of a rebirth for the band. 

KENOMA began constructing their riff-filled peaks and valleys in 2005 and quickly became a sought after name. With their style of sludge-induced atmospheric instrumentals, KENOMAhave etched their way into creating climatic and expansive journeys, pushing them to the forefront of their ever dilating genre. KENOMA creates landscapes you want to explore and get lost in. The subtle nuances of their valleys are mesmerizing and their peaks are crafted with boiling points overflowing with beauty. As for the 11 year gap between releases, bassist Doug McGinnis offers some insight on their journey that would eventually lead to the creation of their brilliant new album

Kenoma has been working through issues along with continued member changes since around 2005. Translation Loss provided us with an opportunity early on in our inception to do a split release with Mouth of the Architect. This opportunity came after our first show as a band. Kenoma jumped on the chance to release a split with our friends in MOTA. Looking back on the opportunity, it probably came a little early in our career. Collectively Kenoma walked away from the experience learning a lot, but none of us were very happy with the recording. We felt that it did not accurately represent the vision that we had in mind. After a few more line-up changes and some time off, Kenoma was reformed in its current state.

With this line-up Kenomafelt like we would finally be able to accurately represent the vision that had escaped us and decided to rework some of our older material. The songs came together great. We added a third guitar player and some soundscapes to complete our vision. The textures and tones of the songs were finally in place, so we decided that it was about time to head back into the studio.

“The Tides Will Prevail” is a very personal journey of struggle, progress, and regression. Kenomahas been able to weather the tides in order to finally produce a quality product. We, as a group, have come together, and in the face of adversity have been successful in finally bringing to life what we set out to create from the beginning. It has been a long process to get to this point, but through our strength and determination Kenoma has been able to bring to life the original vision that we had in our mind. “The Tides Will Prevail” is a look into the lives and times of everyone that had once been involved in Kenoma and the journey that it took for us to get to this place and time."

Translation Loss Recordswill release “The Tides Will Prevail” on multiple formats including a special edition, mailorder only coloured vinyl edition as well as compact disc and digital.  Today were excited to debut the track “1913” which you can check out below.  Was 11 years worth the wait, you decide? Pre-orders are available here.

Band info: bandcamp|| facebook

GOTHIC INDONESIA PRESENTS: The Sour 16 for September 2016

By: Aaron Pickford

 

 

It is that time once again people to cast our minds back, and digest the 16 albums that would become September’s most viewed albums and form the basis for our sacrilegious ‘Sour 16’, the finest and most profane riffs around bundled together into a premium sized sonic soufflé.

 

You know the drill, each month; you the reader are unwittingly compiling a list of the top 16 records that we featured in September, covering all genres of metal.  Is it not a chart, in which reviewers or contributors extol their opinion about their favourite music.  The ‘Sour 16’ are the records that have been trending the most at Sludgelord Headquarters.

 

The results are compiled based on page views alone and calibrated into the list below. All reviews can be viewed by clicking the artwork and we have included album streams wherever possible. (Total views since their publication are highlighted in red). 



16). Worshipper - "Shadow Hymns (475) 

Musically, with this being somewhere between Black Sabbath (Dio era in particular), Monster Magnet and anything from Witchfinder General to Angel Witch I feel that there is something for most metal fans to enjoy here. Throughout the eights tracks there are lots of ideas, lots of riffs and uniformly great performances from the band. This album surprised me with its scope and approach, so please lend your support and check Worshipper out as this is a rewarding and well crafted album.

 

15). Thou - "Peasant" (2016) (536)

 

14) Usurpress - "The Regal Tribe" (651)

This album is an album, in a profound, coherent and meaningfWorshiul way. It is heavy, dripping with dynamic and interesting, organic changes. The sound is warm but never suffocating, and it is brutal both when holding back (“The Mortal Tribes”) and unleashing (“Behold the Forsaken”). I hate to use the word genre-defying, but whatever fusion of death, doom, stoner and black metal Usurpress have evolved into, it is their voice, it is seamless and mature, and displays no sense of affectation.

 

13) Lesbian – “Hallucinogensis (656)

“Pyramidal Existinctualism” sounds like Mastodon after their drinks have been spiked with LSD and “Kosmoceratops” is epic fist-pumping thrash that takes a left turn into weird, uncharted territory. “Labrea Borealis” and“Aquilibrium” contain more melodic passages that expand the band’s horizons further into cinematic grandeur before crashing back to Earth for further, wild fretboard explorations. Overall “Hallucinogenesis”sees Lesbian achieve a perfect balance of labyrinthine complexity and headbanging simplicity.

 

12). Tardive Dyskinesia - “Harmonic Confusion” (677)

From cellos to righteous crescendos, this song album plumbs the depths of heavy prog and, weirdly, allows the listener to reach new heights as a result. Paradoxical? Sure. Bloody invigorating? You better believe it, buddy. 10 tracks of heavy, expressive, expansive music, just waiting to show you just how mythical Greek metal can be. Pray to the Old Gods, and seek salvation in‘Harmonic Confusion’.

 

11). Brant Bjork - "Tao of the Devil" (703)

In short, “Tao of the Devil” isn’t much different than Brant’s other albums in that it’s both a look back and a step forward. And like his other solo albums, this one can stand alone as a prime example of what Brant Bjork does best.

10). Asatta - "Spiralling Into Oblivion" (768)

This is cracking stuff and a worthy addition to the ever expanding doom canon, "Three Dials”is Crushingly heavy and really fucking noisy, "Lapse” features some swinging grooves to go with the slothful doom sounds, “She Died Long Ago” is a slow trudge through the darkest of doom- and echoes Candlemass rather than Conan in its approach. A fine debut then and an indication that there are great things to come from Asatta, who have positioned themselves up there with modern doom's elite.

 

09). Mouth of the Architect - "Gates of Flesh" (815)

“Path Of Eight”is a fine demonstration of a band evolving their sound without losing sight of what made them great in the first place. Mouth of the Architect have come into their own with this record and hopefully it will gain them some much deserved attention.

 

08). Khemmis – “Hunted” (891)

Overall, ‘Hunted’ is an extremely solid follow-up to their critically acclaimed first album. It is a melting pot of some hugely powerful styles of heavy metal music and the flawless coalescence between cataclysmic doom and melodic prog is a truly impressive feat. Khemmis are a band on a mission and so far, they’re doing it all right.

07). Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard - "Y Proffwyd Dwyll" (928)

“Y Proffwyd Dwyll” is a celestial voyage of crushing density. “Valmasque” sets the tone for the album, establishing a towering wall of sound built from huge lumbering riffs, set against a backdrop of swirling space noise and sci-fi synths that enhance their attack and swell their sound to a galactic scale. Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard have struck gold here with their distinct brand of spaced-out carnage.

 

06). Trap Them - "Crown Feral" (1035)

...the tracks that are strong, like “Hellionaires” and “Revival Spines” in particular, really need to be considered the best stuff Trap Them has ever written. And while opening track “Kindred Dirt” didn't immerse me in the album in the way I'd hoped, by the time we reach “Twitching in the Auras”,there can be no doubt that Trap Them have made a definitive and impressive move forward on all fronts. The sound is overall excellent. Lyrics are angry and powerful and riffs are deep and plentiful. Strongly recommend, and an excellent reason to continue to follow this excellent band closely.

 

05). Giraffe Tongue Orchestra - "Broken Line" (1362)

Giraffe Tongue Orchestra have forged a sound that is unlike any other and more than just the sum of all its parts. “Broken Lines” is, in all, diverse and thrilling and one of the most unpredictable records you’ll hear all year.

04). Meshuggah - "The Violent Sleep of Reason" (1529)

Trying to describe Meshuggah’s sound is a challenge. The only way I can put it is that they’re a musical cascade: a never-ending barrage of sound and heaviness pounding down upon you. Don’t expect or ballad or moments of levity here, this is a relentless tide which you will not escape from. Tracks like ‘MonstoCity’and ‘Our Rage Won’t Die’ are pummelling tracks of new material which can easily be slotted in to their live setlist and not seem out of place. In fact, the same could be said for any of those songs on display here: like a chain forged by Vulcan, there’s not a weak link present. It all hits, and hits hard.

 

03). Ayahuasca – “YIN” (1631)

Throughout, nothing ever quite sits right, like a jigsaw with a few missing pieces: The spasmodic guitar work of ‘Dark Matter God’ is a fitting example of this. Yet they find, upon that uncomfortable platform, a way to drill into your psyche excellently. It may be weird, but it has an uncanny way of selling itself to you.

 

02). Neurosis - "Fires Within Fires" (1674)

 

1). Suicdial Tendencies - "World Gone Mad" (2363)

It flows in a virtually flawless manner and I do believe “World Gone Mad” will be remembered as one of their best records, ever. This one’s a home run with a bullet.

 

A big thank you as always to our amazing writers, your dedication knows no boundaries and for that I am truly grateful.  September’s “Sour 16” features reviews by:  Richard Maw, Theron Moore, Charlie Butler, Chris Bull, Victor Van Ommen, Philip Weller, Conor O’Dea, Jake Wallace, Chris Markwell & Jay Hampshire