Pale Creation / Hessian split 12"

It's hard to believe it was a whole month ago that I reviewed the tracks for this split, where has that time gone? Anyway, after hearing the MP3's I couldn't wait to get a physical copy of this split. Digital music is fine and easy to listen to, but it just doesn't compare to having something tangible in your hands.

I previously only saw one side of the artwork, the Hessian side. One lovely commenter posted about disliking the artwork because of the 'stupid white stripes'. I actually rather like it, if you look well enough you can see the lines can be used to spell Hessian. It is however nice to see that there is also a Paler side to the split artwork. This is courtesy of DH, and has now been printed as a limited t-shirt.

It seems the norm that Magic Bullet presses their records on three different colours, and this release is no exception. Blood, purple/red and red/black variants were pressed and I opted for the blood version. The colour has really turned out great too. I've a feeling I remember reading the total press is out of 500 copies with undisclosed numbers of each colour. I'll just say this is out of 166.667.

Of course there are other goodies along with the record. First and foremost is the sleeve insert. Each band has one side, while only thee Pale side any lyrics.

I love when record labels throw in freebies along with orders, and Magic Bullet is one that seems to consistently give me something extra. This time I received a copy of the CD "I Have Supped Full of Horrors", by Romance of Young Tigers, which consists of 4 instrumental tracks. The artwork on the CD is also really great. The four songs are available to listen to online, so I'll embed them down the bottom.

I was also hoping to have the Kill Life record along with this, but sadly Magic Bullet has had a problem with receiving their copies from the pressing plant. Hopefully the wait won't be too much longer...

Pale Creation - 2nd Demo Tape

I first got into Pale Creation with the FANtastic album "Twilight Haunt", which was first released about 12 years ago. I'd heard of the existence of earlier work from the band but for whatever reason never really tracked it down. Well at least until  heard about this, the second Pale Creation demo tape, which the band used to sell ages ago. Even the band thought these were all sold out, but the drummer's father found a completely unopened box which contained nearly another 100 tapes!

This was quite a lot different from what I was expecting based on their later material. It's considerably more melodic than the Pale Creation I was accustomed to, and the vocals are actually sung! It may be different, but it's still a great demo tape. It was released in 1994, so I guess the band had a long time to grow and change their sound.

Andrew from the currently defunct Aversiononline posted about this tape about 7 years ago and included some interesting comments from Nick. Funnily enough he describes the tape as taking more of an emo direction than their first tape!

A total of five tracks is included on the tape, which total to just under 15 minutes all together. The lyrics for each song is on the insert, which I must say is on really nice thick card.

Hearing this has made me want to track down the first 1992 demo tape, although I haven't seen one around anywhere. Maybe I'll be lucky and spot one somewhere soon.

Magic Bullet October Madness Part III - Pale Creation/Hessian split

Part III of my series of Magic Bullet Records reviews is the magnificent split between Belgium's Hessian, and Cleveland's Pale Creation. This split marks the debut release from Hessian, and Pale Creation's newest work since the split with Abraxis last year.

As 'I Am Heresy' were, Hessian are a completely new band to me. Being privileged enough to feature on a split with the almighty Pale Creation had given me high hopes for this band, and they have not disappointed; the songs are purely unrelentless.

I've heard they share members with Amen Ra, and this can be seen in some of the heavier elements throughout the five tracks they contribute. Their side of the split wastes no time getting straight into crushing guitar riffs with "Torch", which instantly reminded me of "Seizures in Barren Praise" from Trap Them. At times throughout the whole split the guitar work sounds very similar, albeit considerably slowed down.

That's not to say these guys don't know how to play fast, tracks like "Sang Froid" and "Rabhas" show these guys certainly know how to trash their instruments to the limit of their ability. The latter also has some perfectly vicious vocals that sound just like a tiger under siege. 

Some of the songs are re-recordings from an earlier EP released by smoke and dust records. I'll embed the tracks below so you can get a taste of Hessian's own brand of musical madness. 

Of course I had much more of an idea of what to expect from the Pale Creation side, although there were still a few surprises thrown in there I wasn't expecting. This side starts out with "Forgiveness Fails", which actually sees the band employing more trash-style elements than what we've seen for a while.
Next is "Red Chromate", which is probably my favourite track from the entire split. It starts with an intro that I can only describe as being beautiful, and is unlike anything I've heard from the band previously. Pretty soon this transitions into the heavy guitar riffs that any PC FAN would be more familiar with. It's got one great guitar solo about half way through too.
"Force the Madness" is a track I've been privileged to be able to listen to for a wee while now, although surprisingly I knew it as "Force of Madness". This is quite classic Pale Creation, incorporating all kinds of irregular beat structures and seeming to twist in and out of your ears.
Finally we finish with "Forever Illusion". From what starts out as what sounds like a siren running through the water, PC have crafted another perfect track displaying the true prowess of the band.

This too will be available digitally through iTunes on the 30th of October. And for those who, like me, prefer to have physical copies of their music, Magic Bullet records will also be handling the LP release. Whether you are looking for something ridiculously heavy or are just a returning FAN of Pale Creation, you don't wanna miss out on your own copy.

Pulling Teeth / Mighty Sphincter split 7"

I've really been meaning to write about this one for a while now, as is the way with quite a few things it seems. If my surprisingly shocking memory is serving me well, I believe I got this along with a bunch of 7"s as part of the deal I got when I reviewed the A389 sampler a while back. I was rather surprised that there were still copies of this bad boy left to order, it was released a wee while ago now and I thought it'd be long gone. Since I purchased my copy it seems they are no longer for sale, so perhaps I received one of the lucky last ones.

As part of a pre-order bonus (I forget with what now), A389 released this limited Mighty Sphincter tribute 7". Both bands play one classic Mighty Sphincter track, although with a bit of a twist. Although this is officially a split between Pulling Teeth and Mighty Sphincter (which by the way is awesome to get a band to feature on their own tribute EP), it is unofficially dubbed Integriteeth / Pale Sphincter 7". Each band has guest vocals, Dwid from Integrity as vocals for Pulling Teeth, and Nick Fiction of Pale Creation as vocals for Mighty Sphincter.

Only one version exists this time, black vinyl limited to just 300 copies. Until recently this was still available to buy, but it seems it is all sold out now. If you are desperate to hear the songs, the digital EP is available for just USD$2.50.

The two songs featured on here are just great. Integriteeth perform a cover of the classic "New Manson Family", and Dwid's vocals really add another terrifying layer to an already haunting song. Pale Sphincter offers "Holy Unholy", which again is a very good cover.  

Pale Creation / Abraxis split 7" - Finishing the Set

A while ago I posted about this split, which I mentioned that I somehow ended up with two colour variants. Well while browsing Ebay, I came across the last of the colour variations really (and I mean really) cheap. I wouldn't normally bother, but seeing as I was so close to finishing the set on this split, I thought I may as well try and win it. The auction didn't drum up much interest at all, so it was mine with little effort. Funnily enough, the Ebayer I was buying from was Nate from Hemlock 13 again. In addition to what I had one, he sent a copy of Grace. This is such a great record, I'll post about it soon.

Surprisingly, it turns out that the plain black version is actually the most limited of the three. Only 60 were produced, compared to 120 of the other two versions. And here they all are, they make quite a nice looking set I think.

A389 Recordings MMXII Digital Mixtape/Sampler

Many look forward to various religious holidays, birthdays etc. and cannot wait for them to come around. For those in the hardcore community, I'm sure this annual event is right up there with those events in terms of anticipation. That's right, A389 has once again released their annual digital mixtape upon the world, and once again it is completely free of charge. Better still, this is the best compilation they have put together yet! I thought I'd take a little time out of my busy schedule to help spread the word about this fantastic gift. Be prepared, this will be a long post.

So where to begin? This sampler contains such a plethora of tracks that writing the post seems a somewhat daunting task, but I suppose I'll just start from track 1, although I probably won't be able to individually review every single track (there are 52 of them you know).

Things start out with a new absolutely crushing track by Seven Sisters of Sleep, "Slower Downer". For the most part this is exactly what you would expect from this stunning band; "stoner jams for those with short attention spans". However, around the 3:20 mark there is a noticeable change of direction with the vocals, the usual desolate screams are replaced with a deathly growl. It still works fantastic of course. This has made me utterly stoked for the upcoming 7"/CD.

The pace is then drastically picked up as "Poster Children For Family Values" by Countdown to Oblivion starts to play. No time is wasted in getting straight into this song, within 5 seconds your ears are filled with fast pace guitars and screamed vocals that only leave you wanting more.
Ilsa are up next with their "Deadbeat's Ballad". I'm rather unfamiliar (or perhaps totally unfamiliar) with this band so have no previous work to compare this to. Anyway, this starts off with a real dirty sounding down-tuned riff which is continued for about the first two minutes. From here the pace is seriously dropped for a minute or so and is then picked back up.
"Leviathon" is exactly what you would expect from a Ringworm track; it's crazy fast and oh so angry. The highlight of this one is definitely the blistering guitar solo around 1:40.
Things really get crazy with "Worms and Dirt" by Homewrecker. What starts off as a fantastic powerviolence track quickly turns into a slow, heavy crusher of a track. Not bad to cover such a range considering it only lasts 48 seconds.
"Fire" by Like Rats slows things down a bit with a relatively mid-paced track. What really stands out here are the vocals, they are just about the most vicious sounding howls you'll hear for a while.
The next song is the first on here I knew of really well, "Desolate" by Children of God. This was released on the split with SSOS, and is an absolutely brilliant track. It starts with the usual Children of God brand of  chaos they are known for, but also takes time to develop a slower, heavier section to the track.

I'm not entirely sure what to say about this next song. It is called "Social Recall Rewind" by The Guilt Of... and is really something else. The track is some sort of electro beat overlayed with the nastiest sounding vocals you can imagine. I'm not sure if they other material out, but this has certainly grabbed my attention and I'd be interested to hear some more.

If there is one band that broadcasts the diversity of the A389 catalogue more than anyone, it is Anne. Their song "Virginal Plight" is the next track in this sampler, and is probably one of the better songs of Dream Punx, which was released earlier this year.

Pulling Teeth also make a quick appearance here (they had to really, didn't they?). Surprisingly, the track offered is "Lightning Strikes Twice", which appeared on their limited flexi released a wee while ago. I've already posted about how fantastic this track is, and for the guy who asked me about providing a download for this song, you're lucky day is finally here my friend.

How are we going? Still with me? Good.
Young And In The Way are up next with "Death Is Eager To Hold You". This is quite a dark sounding track and has obvious black-metal influences. I can't say this song blows me away, but hey, it is better than 99.999% of the trash people call "music" these days.
"Lt. Fury" is next on the agenda, a track from Junior Bruce. This is a lot more metal inspired, and sounds sorta like a song Thor would playing (or Thor's Teeth for that matter).
God's America play the next track, which is the shortest full length song on the entire sampler, clocking at just 22 seconds. As to be expected with a ridiculously short hardcore track, "Brain Numb" is more powerviolence than anything and consists almost entirely of drums that simply blast through your skull.
The next track is from Hatewaves, and isn't quite what you'd expect. I was thinking this'd be the usual insanely fast, quick track. In fact this is one of their longer songs, although still only 1:23 long. Granted, sections of it are usual Hatewaves, but slower sections still persist in the middle.
Things then get a little less than typical hardcore with "Buyer's Remorse" by The Love Below. This track is from their recently released LP and is purely fantastic. You've got to love the vocals from this band, they really bring something different to the table.
"Untitled" is up next by Empire Of Rats. I can sum up this track in one simple word; Heavy. From the get go, right the way to the end, heavy is all I can think as I play this track.
When I played this next song, I instantly knew it was by Shin to Shin. There is something about their guitar sound that really stands out to me. This track, "Don't Lose Your Way" continues the elements seen in the few other Shin to Shin tracks A389 has released. I don't think they have released a proper record by themselves yet, so the LP that this is from will definitely be something to look out for.
Sick Fix are another band I have no prior knowledge of, but "Boudica" is definitely a good first song to hear.  It is not ground breaking or anything, but is just the sort of fast anger someone is looking for with this kind of compilation.
It is a pity that this next track is only an excerpt. It is the now classic "Dead End America" by Kill Life with Mike IX, from the limited flexi released last year. I suppose the excerpt may be to give those a taste of the band, without damaging the mystery of the group.

"All I Am" is next from Enforcers. This is good and has a real 90's hardcore feel.
The direction is changed again with the next track, "All I Ever Loved" by Pleasant Living. Instead of the usual metallic inspired hardcore, this takes a more melodic hardcore approach, and ends up sounding not unlike various NYHC bands. The group singing in the chorus is a nice break before we start the next beast.
Here we have "Death Knell" from Gravehill. This isn't a new track, but definitely deserves to be on this sampler. Again, I've already posted about this LP, but for those who don't know, this is classic death metal from the same minds that brought you Gehenna.

Cyanrae are a fairly new A389 band, and provide the track "Prescribed Burn". I can't really make my mind up about this one, so I'll just leave it to you to decide for yourself.
"Child Thief" by Triac sounds somewhat similar to a Children of God track. Once again, the boundaries between music and chaos are being utterly blurred for a full minute and a half.
This is probably the next most obscure track on the sampler, "Ekstasis" from Thee High Priestess. It is a rather experimental noise track with spoken word layed over the top. SHE is about to release some more material fairly soon, so keep your eyes good and peeled.

 

NOTHING is the name of the next band, and they play a song called "Downward Years to Come". It is safe to say they are more like Anne than anything else on the sampler, and are certainly not playing the usual metallic-hardcore. Of course this is another great song, be sure to check it out.
The next few songs are some of my favourites throughout the sampler, the first of which is "Heraclitus" by Rot In Hell. This was previously released on the Omega Sessions with Horders, and showcases the shear diversity of this mammoth band. This is a completely acoustic song and took me off-guard when I first heard it. Of course Rot In Hell play fantastic hardcore tracks, but I'll always have a soft spot for songs like this one.

Another prominent UK band features next, Unholy Majesty. "Age Of Affliction" was released only a while ago on vinyl (and longer ago on cassette) as part of a three-track demo for the band. If you don't enjoy this track then what are you doing here?

 

"Kingdom of Heaven" should need no introduction, and if you don't know who this is by by now, you really need to do your homework.
Continuing the HT theme, we have "Disciple In My Own Image" by Gehenna. I know when I originally posted about the record this track is from I said I wasn't too sure about it. Who knows what was going through my mind, this track is awesome. I do feel it is a rather different Gehenna track though. It is hard to explain really, you'll have to hear it for yourself to see if you agree.

Low Places are up next with "Struggle To Exist". This song has ridiculously harsh sounding vocals, and like quite a few songs on here, it starts out guns blazing in the beginning, but progresses into a slower droning section towards the end. Diversity within a track is always welcomed though.
Since hearing their 7", I've been wanting to hear more from Pharaoh. That time is now. "This House Is Doomed" seems to pick up right from where "I Murderer, I" left off, so you know it's good. All I can say is bring on the rest of the new material Dom!

Another short and sharp powerviolence track succeeds this from Full of Hell. "The Lonely Path Of The Cestoda" is insanely fast and has two distinct vocals sharing the load. It also ends with a high-pitched screaming that brings to mind Converge's "Jane Doe".
Next Vilipend play one of the longer songs on the sampler, just topping 5 minutes. "Cutting Heartstrings" explores many musical elements; at times sounding similar to The Love Below, but also slowing things down to play much heavier sections.
"Sinking Ships" is one of the more classic A389 releases from Ancient Shores. This is a really straight up hardcore track, with beautifully harsh vocals and pounding drums throughout.
Another real highlight of this sampler is brand new material from the mighty Pale Creation! This track, dubbed "Beauty Destruct" is classic Pale Creation and such is utterly perfect. It's all over the place, while driving forward all at the same time. You can't get enough of Nick Fictions's vocals anyway.
"Blood Stained In White Lace" is something different all again. This song is by a band called Chappelle Des Morts, which I know absolutely nothing of. I'm actually having a hard time thinking of what to write about this one, but it is definitely worth taking some time to listen to this one.
Next we have the epic "Nail Of Dicara" from Virgin Witch. Once again this was already released a while ago, and serves as a polar contrast to the other blazing track on that fantastic EP.

Pick Your Side is next to take the stage with "New War". This was only recently released by A389 and features some of the coolest looking artwork I've seen in a while. This is very much in vain of Hatewaves; basic fast and pissed-off HC that doesn't mess around.
"Demoralizing Banter" is next, and is from Eddie Brock who recently joined the A389 family. This is another Über fast powerviolence track that doesn't stay around for very long. It certainly gets to the point though.
"Perpetual 80's" by Penetration panthers is next up, and I've already expressed how much I love this song. For those into classic punk and wanting something to skate to, look no further than this (as well as the other tracks from the EP).

A surprising track pops up next from Day Of Mourning. "Bitter Taste Of Every Murder" is a really great song, and is classic DOM. Endless genres get too annoying, but for those in need I guess this would be a cross between hardcore and death metal. I could be wrong, but whatever. I was unaware, but a DOM discography will soon be released. I'll be keeping an eye out for that one too.
Withdrawal are up next with "Shapeshifter". If you've ever listened to any Withdrawal, this track will not take you by surprise at all. It is still a good track, but nothing exactly ground breaking.
"Death Clock Ticking" is next from Trapped Under Ice. I know many people are rather fond of this band, I've just never been super keen on them. I just don't see they bring anything new to the table to be honest. Although it does tick all the boxes for a classic hardcore track.
Next to fill my speakers is "Straight Flush" by In Cold Blood. This dabbles in quite a few elements also, at times sounding typical hardcore, but there are definitely some death metal elements desperately seeking their way out and into my ears.
A while ago, Ringworm teamed up with an Ozzie band, Mindsnare, to release a split 7". "Gather to Decompose" is directly from this split. I haven't actually got this split, but from what I've heard, the mindsnare track is pretty fantastic. Listening to it here, I can see why people think so highly of it. These guys play stupidly fast hardcore, and those vocals sound ever so twisted.
A band called Astronomer play the next song, titled "Mud Witch". This actually resembles a song by Moutheater, only with harsher vocals. They'll be releasing a 10" soon, that could be something worth looking out for.
Masaraki next play a song called "Fight Back", originally written by Discharge. This is quite a good cover, although I feel the vocals aren't quite as perfect as they could be. Good effort from these guys though.
Mighty Sphincter mix things up again with their classic gothic sound on "Holy Unholy". This is one of the other highlights on this sampler, I just love who delightfully creepy the vocals are from this band.
Second to last we have a song called "Something Wicked" by Earthride. For the most part this is slow droning track with sung vocals that occasionally delve into howls. Around the 3 minute mark the pace is picked up and is sounds almost like a Black Sabbath track.
Lastly, we have a track from the almighty Vermapyre. "Return Of The Sorcerer" is featured from their debut 7" split with parasite. This sounds so much like an Integrity track it is uncanny (although not at all surprising right?). It's also the perfect way to end the sampler.

What do you know, I did manage to (briefly) discuss every single track. But I've probably talked about this long enough by now. I know you really just want the link right? Download it and listen to your hearts content, you won't be disappointed. Oh, and if you enjoy this sampler, feel free to support this phenomenal record label. I know they'll appreciate it.

Thank you A389.

Pale Creation / Abraxis Split 7"

About five or six weeks ago I placed an order from TDON for this split. About a week ago I was starting to think it may have been misplaced in the mail. That is probably quite unlikely, but it has happened with something once before so was not outside the realm of possibility. Anyway, when my mail came today I finally received a familiar looking 7" package coming all the way from the UK. It may have taken a while, but i'd say this was worth the wait. Plus a little something extra came with it, but I'll get onto that a bit later. 

From what I could see on the TDON store, two versions of this record were available; a yellow and red, and a white and grey (although a black version is lurking somewhere out there as well). I'd seen various photos of the red and yellow version before and really liked how it looked. Both were limited to a mere 120, so it was really just down to personal colour preference. Obviously, I went with the yellow and red version. 

Pictured in above photo is the Abraxis side of the record. You can see for yourself what sort of picture the centre label has so I don't need to explain it. This side of the cover features the artwork for the Abraxis side. 

 Invisible ink has been used, and this is about the best photo I could get. You can see the Abraxis logo down the bottom as well as a picture of Abraxas peeking out in the top right hand corner. 
You really have to appreciate the work of Abraxis. I'm pretty sure this isn't the case at the moment, but at the time of this record the band only consisted of one person. Andy Wounds must have some serious talent to be able to produce a record of this calibre all by himself.

 On the flip side is what Pale Creation brings to the record. The artwork is rather basic compared to the other side, but I actually prefer it. The water drop effect is outstanding and appears almost real. There seems to be a thing with the Creation of Pale birds, but I'm not really sure what it is. Just over the bird is some more invisible writing. I thought it would have turned out better in the photo, but you can just about make out the band name.

 Inside the cover was a wee insert with the lyrics to all three songs, as well as the usual thanks' from the bands.

 Now, onto the extra bonus I received with this. When I opened the packaging, I found they had sent me two copies of the record, even though I only ordered one! I'm not sure if that was a mistake or not, but I aint complaining. Luckily the second copy was was one of a different colour, the white and grey version. 

Musically the split is just great. This is the first Abraxis material I've owned to date, and I am definitely impressed. They (he) play classic Holy Terror hardcore a la Integrity. Pale Creation continue with their more alternative metal approach in the style of their self-titled 7". The whole thing is streaming on the TDON bandcamp if you fancy a listen.

Pale Creation - S/T 7"

This one isn't exactly new (it's almost a whole 2 years old now), but is a new pick up for me. I did already own this 7" digitally, but that is just not really enough for a release like this one is it? So along with the latest batch of A389 releases, I snuck a copy of this 7" in the order.

This EP contains two new songs from PC, and was the first thing released from the band this century. Of course both songs are fantastic, and are full of the thick atmospheric guitar and harsh vocals you've gotten to love from Twilight Haunt. 

This is truly one great looking package. The artwork on the front features six birds arranged in what I believe is the fashion of a heart. On the rear the same black and red colour scheme has been used, and depicts a scene of flowers. Perhaps this is the Rose Coloured Haze?

Inside the cover is the lyrics to both songs on the top, and some thank you's down the bottom. Even the 'mysterious' Jack Abernathy has been thanked on this one.

I really don't know why Pale Creation aren't anywhere near as popular as they should be. What illustrates this quite nicely is that almost two years after the initial release, there are still available copies of the pre-order version of this record left to buy brand new. These are limited to just 250! You would have thought these would have gone straight away. 

Don't be like me, get this record as soon as you can.

Integrity / Pale Creation Split 7"

I have mentioned an Integrity bulk lot I won from Ebay a couple of times now. I knew this would be coming with the lot, although I didn't really know much about it. When it did finally arrive I decided to put on my detective cap and find out about this record. After some sleuthing of the A389 site I found this was a rather limited record put out around the same time as the re-release of "To Die For". 

Where do I begin with the artwork? Both inside and out this thing is obscure as. At a first glance we see a rather tormented looking face made up of several different image bands. Down the bottom there seems to be some bodies lying in rather un-living positions. Coming off the right of the face is the profile of either a wolf or a bear, I think it is more likely a wolf. Struggling a bit to understand what is going on yet? The inside doesn't get any clearer.

The top half appears to be an X-ray of a human rib cage. What the black areas are meant to be is beyond me. The bottom half is definitely a photo of a pelvis, but again I don't know why.

The reverse side is a bunch of people, or limbs or something, with some obscure writing over the top. All I can make out is "LSD - Try it".  It seems they most certainly have.

Thrown in for good measure was this neat Manson Fish patch. I guess they were taking their own advice (^^) when they came up with this one too. 

Anyway, back to the story. I found that two versions of this were pressed; black and clear. The black was out of 300 and initially came with the red version of "To Die For". As you can see, this is not what I got. No, I got the even more limited clear version of the record. These are limited to a piddly 120 and were only distributed by the bands. A few more are available from A389, but the word is these can fetch upward of $60 on Ebay. I paid only a fraction more than that for the whole lot!