The Way to Light​/​Feral​/​Wrecca 3-way Split

All the way back in April I wrote a small piece about a one man project from an ex-Botfly member, The Way to Light. When I received the email I liked what I heard, and so when I got another email about the project's latest work I was quite keen to write something again. Sadly I'm only just getting round to it now (which is several months later), but it is not through lack of enthusiasm.

This time TWTL features on a three way split tape, with Wrecca and Feral, released by Red River Family records, which showcases four brand new tracks from TWTL, and 12 in total.

The new TWTL tracks pick up right where "The Sun's Ascent" left off, creating layer upon layer of multi-dimensional drones and noises. To be honest, I find these kinds of tracks difficult to listen to some of the time. There are times when what you want is to feel raw energy pulsating into your ears drums, which of course is not this. But, there are times when you really need to calm and clear your head. For me, TWTL is perfect for times for this. It feels like it somehow alters your very consciousness as you begin to really listen to all the small sounds and whispers that creep into your ear canals. In this way I think TWTL is really something special.

The other two bands, Feral and Wrecca are two bands I had not heard of until this split, but both are interesting in their own way.

Feral play four tracks, that according to the website are described as Doom Folk. I fell that is really quite an apt description of these tracks, three of which are acoustic with a very sad tone about them. However, the last Feral track, "Outro", changes entirely. Instead of an acoustic guitar dominating the sound, a single building drone takes it's place. On top of this are whispered vocals, that really do send a shiver down the spine.

Wrecca are entirely different again. They take a much harsher approach to their tracks than the other bands, especially with the track "Take Us Away". The guitar is incredibly noisy, and there are even coarsely screamed vocals over the top. I swear I can hear the sound of a metal pole being dragged along the ground in this one too... In some ways it is really quite different to the rest of the tracks on the split, yet it somehow still somehow seems to complement them very well.

If you are keen to check this out, the embedded player just below will help you get your fix. And if that still isn't quite enough, head on over to the online store and pick up the tape.

The Way To Light - The Sun's Ascent

Writing this blog has really had it's advantages. Not only does it give me a chance to document and share music I've managed to get hold of, but it has also opened the path to new music. A perfect example is this, "The Sun's Ascent" from The Way to Light. I hadn't heard of this project until I got a message in my inbox asking me to give it a bit of a listen. Sometimes I've been contacted about stuff that I'm really not into, but this was not one of those times....

The Way to Light rises from the ashes of Botfly, although from listening to it you would never have guessed. In fact you'd be hard pressed to find many similarities between the two projects. Whereas Botfly played metallic hardcore, the guitarist Austin has crafted three acoustic tracks that I can only describe as hauntingly beautiful.

Each track progressively builds up layer upon layer of different sounds and tones, creating a truly mind-altering experience. It is really quite amazing the level of atmosphere that is set from drones and noises, but the guitar work is what has really captured me. It is so soft, yet manages to portray such a mosaic of beauty and sadness that resonates right through your mind. These, coupled with perfectly whispered vocals, produce something really quite special.

This is soon to be released by striVVe recordings as part of a special double cassette with their earlier EP, "That Place Now Forgotten". I'm sure that will be incredibly limited, so keep your eyes peeled if you like what you hear down below.

As an aside, this project is intimately linked with Roses Never Fade, who have somewhat recently released a new track. I hear there may be a new LP in the works, so be sure to get very excited for that.

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.

Magic Bullet October Madness part II - I Am Heresy - S/T

Here is part II of the Magic Bullet Records October release reviews; the self-titled album from "I Am Heresy". This is the first release from the band, and Magic Bullet has been known to have quite a diverse release schedule so I was not entirely sure what to expect. 

"The Sycophant" starts out with a slow piano intro, with the first key instantly bringing to mind "Alfadanz" from Burzum's Umskiptar. I thought perhaps this was the sort of sound I'd be expecting, but after a slight bit of feedback began to build behind the notes I started to change my mind. Even with this sudden change of anticipation, I was not adequately prepared for what was to come...

"I Am Heresy" is really quite a diverse album. After the slow piano intro, the initial track explodes into a fury of hardcore guitars and screams. Several of the other tracks, such as "BUTCHERS!" and the self-titled track follow in the same ferocious suit. But then there are times where the band take the complete opposite approach. Songs like "Seven Wolves and the Daughters of the Apocalypse" and "And Yet it Moves" combine more traditional hardcore elements with clean singing and ambient sections, while "Prince of the Flies" and "Jesus Doesn't Work Here Anymore" are entirely sung with either piano or acoustic guitar in the background.

There is also one track which stands out even amongst the already diverse range, and for that reason is probably my favourite of the album. "Osculum Infame" starts out with a tune sounding like it should belong more in a creepy haunted house than on your standard hardcore album. When the drums and vocals eventually kick in they are nothing but vicious and distorted, which just fits in perfectly with the creepy tune. If anything, this track brings to mind  the obscurity of "Rosa Italia" from Roses Never Fade. It doesn't really seem to fit in with the rest of the tracks, but in some strange way that makes it all the better.

Much like the Kill Life 7", this will be available via iTunes on the October 30th. Magic Bullet Records are also releasing the CD and LP, so you can enjoy this diverse album on just about any format you desire.

Magic Bullet October Madness part I - Kill Life - Snake Kills Whole Family

I've been privileged enough to be a part of the reviewing team for three of Magic Bullet Record's upcoming releases. There is some pretty exciting stuff, with the first of which being the brand new 7" from the ever obscure Kill Life. 

Entitled 'Snake Kills Whole Family', this EP brings you 2.5 brand new tracks from the hardcore meets powerviolence mystery band. Much like their first release with 33, Dwid is back on vocals, although this time he is listed as sort of surplus to the band. The rest of the band members are still entirely unknown, but may comprise members from  FUCKED UP, LEAF HOUND, and THROWING UP.

It seems the band have continued in the direction of "Chimpanzee Eats Friend" from their first split. That was definitely the most interesting track from that release so this is very welcomed. The title track starts off with a chilling baby's cry before bursting into the catchiest drum beat and riff the band have produced so far. Dwid's vocals are great as usual, and he finishes the track with one last howling scream.

Track two is titled "S.I.L (Sharks Invade Land)". In fact this continues very nicely from the first track, again starting off with shrill screaming and "Oh My God"s. Although from then on this sounds quite a darker track than the previous one, and is back to the chaotic wall of hardcore noise that anyone familiar with the band should know of by now. Whoever is playing guitar ends with a blistering solo.

Last of all is the half track; "Drink Blood From Human Skull". I say half of a track as it only lasts 24 seconds, and doesn't even really start until the 6 second mark. Although despite its short life span, the track is utterly chaotic, filled with all kinds of guitar and drum work and of course, Dwid's vicious screaming.

Perhaps best of all you only have a couple of days to wait to hear this all for yourself. iTunes will have all three tracks for you to download on 30/10/12. That's just in time for you to petrify the whole neighbourhood this coming Halloween. The Magic Bullet site will also be having physical copies of this before too long, so keep an eye out for that. Hopefully I'll be able to get my hands on a copy too.

Here is a wee bit of what to expect;

Children of God - The Sun Gives Way To False Truths

I've been a fan of Children of God ever since I first heard "You Will Suffer" on the MMXI A389 sampler. Their ferocious blend of power-violence infused hardcore seemed to really stand out to me, and the band has only gotten better since then. So when I got an email from the band asking me to review their latest song, I was more than happy to oblige, even before I'd really heard the song. I was even more willing once I'd actually listened to the song, I'd say it's probably their best yet! 

"The Sun Gives Way To False Truths" starts out somewhat different to what you'd expect from this band. Instead of jumping straight into blasting beats and screaming vocals full of despair, the track begins very quietly and slowly. I've only experienced this side of the band once before on the awesome split with Seven Sisters of Sleep (Bled Dry). For the first minute or so you are only greeted by an ominous tone that slowly works its way into the higher decibel range, which eventually is replaced by a painfully slow down-tuned riff. All the while you can just feel the tension rising, rising towards something outstanding. There is a slight pause and then it hits you; a heavy drumbeat that seems to rip the very fabric holding the song together wide open. From here on in it's all go, or so it would seem....

Much to my surprise, things are slowed down once more. This time bringing the sound to resemble an eerie dark noise track not unlike rVeVV. I assumed this would continue to the end and eventually fade away, but I was again taken by surprise. It does fade away, but only to bring the crushing drums back again one more time...

Although this is still very much a COG track something seems different. it sounds more refined and mature. Instead of focusing on the blistering speed seen in their previous work, the band has taken the time to develop a really solid heavy atmosphere, and it's just great. At just under 10 minutes, "The Sun Gives Way to False Truths" is the longest track by COG, one that takes you on a trip showing the true musical skills of this band. I've said it before, but I am always impressed when a band is able draw influences from several places and merge them into such a cohesive piece of work. In my opinion this is the best work they have done to date. The track is just below so give it a listen, you know you wanna.

I've also included the link in the new media page. I've included lots of other free music too, check it out if you've been interested in anything I've had to say.

Black Hole Of Calcutta - S/T #2

I'm trying something a little different with this post, something I've really only done once before. Usually I write about music I've purchased, and focus mainly on the whole package. I suppose I talk about the actual music a little bit, but I've really only a 'review' of tracks about the A389 sampler earlier this year. But a few days ago I received an email from a band I knew nothing of, wanting me to write something up for their latest LP. It's the first time anyone has actually asked me to write anything, and I checked out their bandcamp page. Needless to say I liked what I heard, otherwise I wouldn't have bothered agreeing to write anything.  Sadly I'm going to have to be a bit hypocritical here; I know I say I get sick of endless sub-genres, but its necessary to discuss it this time around. You'll see why in a minute. So here goes, a review for the second self-titled album by Black Hole of Calcutta.

Things kick off with "Myth of Progress". When I initially heard this song, it reminded me of the self-titled album by Caulfield released a few years ago. The slow, ominous introduction made me believe I was in for a similar style throughout the album. How wrong was I. After the first 90 seconds, the song explodes into a furious frenzy which sets the tone for the rest of the album. And those vocals, I think they can best be described as a vicious howl more than anything. They sound almost like a deranged wolf has hijacked the recording apparatus, and I love it.  

"Age of Extinction" is up next and unlike the previous song, wastes no time getting straight into it. From the get go, BHOC blast it ridiculously rapidly. 

What really stood out to me during this album is the diverse range of (well I guess it would be sub-) genres displayed by the band. "Truth Is Never Told" is a prime example of this. While the previous two tracks seem to lean slightly more towards 'grind', this track definitely has a strong punk vibe coming through. I am always impressed when bands can merge styles into coherent work so well.

"Total Collapse" comes up next and is almost over before it's even begun. Although only lasting only 41 seconds, it is still only the third shortest song on the album, and again shows a diversity of styles. Things start with blistering speed as I'd come to expect at this point, but then is slowed right down with some doom-style guitar work for very brief periods. It may sound a bit strange in those words, but it really works.

"Cirrhosis" is the second longest track on the album, lasting just over 2 minutes. The blistering pace is maintained over the whole track, which I must say must be bloody tiring to perform.

"Genetic Control" continues the genre bending pathway of this album. The blistering speed experienced so far starts off the track, but after only 50 seconds it changes completely. The pace is drastically dropped until things are moving painfully slow. Even the howling vocals change to a deeper growl, similar to something like Oak.

At this point I didn't think it was possible for things to get any faster, but "No Turning Back" proved me dead wrong. Again it's a rather short track (only 37 seconds), but in a way that's just perfect. I feel that may be all the mere human mind is able to process at one time.

Things start a tad slower with "Nightmares", and you think you may just about get time to catch your breath. But you'd be wrong. After 20 seconds, the speed is brought right back up and continues for the rest of the track. The howling vocals seem especially vicious as this track plays on.

"Educate" picks up the punk feel again, which I think may be where Black Hole of Calcutta shine the most. Although perhaps I have a slightly biased view in that respect.

"No Regrets" and "Arm The Hopeless" are again over before you know it. The band seem to go all out on these two tracks and must be purely thrashing their instruments to the limit of their capabilities.

The drum work on the last track, "Vultures", is probably my favourite throughout the album. I could probably listen to that intro guitar riff over and over again as well, it's a great track to finish the album on.

While only just lasting 20 minutes, BHOC take us through a diverse 12 tracks. Hopefully after all of this you've become even a little intrigued about this album. If you have, give their tracks a listen, I've embedded them below for ease. The whole album is only $5, you can shell that out to support the band can't you? And if these digital downloads ain't your thang, you can always order a physical copy from Give Praise or I Feel Good records. 

By the way, if any other bands would like me to write a little something something about their work, fele free to email me. You can contact me on the "About Me" page.

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.