ILSA / SSOS split 7"

Alongside the latest Ides of Gemini EP, this was another Record Store Day release that I was very excited about. This was released by A389 and was sold solely at various record stores around the world. Unfortunately my local record store wouldn't be getting any copies for sale, so I had to rely on other methods to get my hands on this. Ebay turned out to be the place to go, with several copies up for sale by various flippers. Most were in the higher price range that you would expect from these people, but one copy was still at a reasonable price with a buy now so I did not hesitate.

The split features two new tracks; one from each band. Interestingly, both are cover songs, with Seven Sisters of Sleep covering "Messiah" by Hellhammer and Ilsa covering IVth Crusade by Bolt Thrower. Both are excellent cover versions of already great songs, but I think the SSOS track just has a very slight edge over the Ilsa one.

The record is on red vinyl, and is limited to 666 copies. Shortly after RSD, A389 did also release a glow in the dark version for mailorder which would have been cool to get my hands on too. I'm pretty sure that was just limited to 1000 copies and had already sold out by the time I found out about it.

The rest of the packaging is up to the usual A389 standard, with awesome artwork designed by Szymon Siech, that draws on various 70s horror films.The inside of the cover also draws on the same influences.

As an extra bonus the record also includes an incredibly massive "movie" poster of the cover artwork.

The entire split is available to stream online just in case you missed out on getting your copy.

Ilsa - The Maggots Are Hungry 12"

After hearing their latest LP, "Intoxications", I've been hooked on Ilsa. They've been my new favourite band so I felt I should really try and get some more of the releases. Lucky for me the latest A389 bash saw the re-release of "The Maggots are Hungry" on 12" vinyl, Ilsa's first self-released CD-R. Originally released back in 2009, this album contains 7 tracks just surpassing the 30 minute mark. It may not be quite the masterpiece that Intoxications was, but is still a really great album. The vocals are incredibly vicious and all the elements that made the latest album so great shine through. Have a listen to the whole thing down below.

At the A389 bash this was the (or perhaps one of the) limited item up for sale. I'm not sure how many were for sale, but that version was on clear vinyl. I've just had a look and there are a few copies of this left over up for sale in the store now. My copy however is part of the mailorder version. 75 of these were produced on white vinyl, although mine is clearly more than just white. There is some sort of beige colour mixed into the vinyl in a ring, and there are even a few black patches whisked in there too. I'd be interested to see if any others have ended up like this.

Also included is a nice simple lyrics sheet with a picture of a cat/bat on the bottom. The back of the cover has the track listings in a shape of the outline of a coffin.

I also couldn't resist picking up a copy of Ilsa's next album, which was available through A389's distro section. I'll post about that one soon...

Ilsa - Intoxications 12"

I'm back from holidays now and what better way to start the new year off than with a record I really should have made the effort to post about in 2012; Ilsa's Intoxications. My first glimpse of this band was on the magnificent A389 2012 sampler. The track Deadbeat's Ballad really caught my eye (or ear?) and when I heard the whole album was going to be released I was very keen to order as quickly as I could. The rest of the album is awesome, with my favourite track being "The Scream". It's like several tracks all squeezed into one with the lyrics painting a very dark portrait.

The artwork on the record is amazing as well, I think it's truly one of my favourites I've seen. Each time I look at it I notice a few extra details, and the vertical gatefold has been utilized well to extend the artwork.

I've tried to think of the best way to describe the band, but have come to the conclusion that it is not worth it. There are lots of influences and styles sitting in there and it's best you just listen and decide for yourself. Luckily the entire album is streaming online for free so you can do just that. If you can make out the picture below you'll even have the lyrics to all the songs.

Being as keen as I was (and usually are) I was able to pick up the limited colour version of the record, This is a stunning transparent red that goes well with the blood on the inside of the cover. The inner label has been ever so slightly modified for this release, with a thin line of blood leaking out the side of the mouth.

 I can't seem to remember how many copies this was limited to. I'll say it's 200, it is usually something close to that. Either way these are all sold out now, but there is still the regular black vinyl to satisfy those of you who need a copy stat.

To top it off a great and quite large poster was also included inside the sleeve. I'd like to put things like this up on the wall, but the other side of me still wants to keep it with the record to remain in good condition. It's still cool to get something like this though.