Morbid Moon Records

Alright, I think it's time to point out a record label that I'm very fond of. In fact, I will dedicate the next few reviews to being bands from this label-Morbid Moon! They have a knack for enlisting bands that are filthy, evil, and always fun. Bastardator (one of the best thrash bands in existence), Bestial Raids, and Maniac Butcher are but a few of the awesome bands that call MMR home. With the quality releases and bands they spew from the bowels of the abyss, I cannot begin to fathom why they are not better known.

Regardless, this is an amazing label that everyone needs to familiarize themselves with. Support them and the awesome bands they promote, and read my next few reviews to get an idea of what kind of shit we're talking with.

Maybe one day I can get an interview with the guys over there...Stay tuned for more filthy metal, guys.

Lifelover-"Dekadens"

Lifelover is fairly well known in the realm of 'suicidal/depressive black metal'...as well they should be. They've made a name for using a lot of rock/post-rock influences whilst still jamming the saddening black metal. I've got to say, though, this EP (although long enough to qualify as a full length-about a half hour) took me by surprise.

To begin with, this one is much more METAL than previous releases. There are some truly heavy moments ("Lethargy" being the perfect example). The vocals are almost completely growls and shrieks as opposed to the abundance of drone voices on top of the riffs. Still, amongst the screaming and heavy riffs scattered here and there, lie some of the most heartfelt bits of black metal I've heard in some time.

There is plenty o' melody and memorable moments, so this is not an easily forgettable album. It's definitely more upbeat than typical suicidal bands, but no less melancholic. In fact, the upbeat moments are almost a parody of happiness...like sarcasm. In a way saying "Everything is fine...NOT!". So for those who enjoy the rockin' black metal, this will be worthwhile just as much as it is for those that feel the urge to spill their own blood while od'ing on heroin. This is very much the feeling: an opiate induced depression leading into one's final breaths.

Another high point is the production. Very clear, crisp, and nothing too overbearing. It's all done in a way that is audible but allows every instrument to breathe. So back off if you must have 'in the basement to sound kvlt' production. This will not supplement those needs. "Dekadens" will, however, make you feel like your life is worthless. You'll feel you're not alone in your sadness, but you won't care. This is what nightmares and suicide is made of, my friends.

I honestly have no complaints. Another half hour would have been nice, but I can listen to this for a straight week and never get tired of it. Definitely one of the best releases in the genre in the last couple years, and definitely worth your time.

Katatonia-"Night Is The New Day"

Everyone who's ever talked to me-be it in a forum, in person, or otherwise-knows that I'm a faggishly huge Katatonia fanboy. However, I will review this album in a fair and non-biased way (or, at least try to).

Coming off of the foundation laid by 'Viva Emptiness' and improved upon with 'The Great Cold Distance', this album brings about the most intense, heavy metallic-rock this Gloom Squad has ever delivered. Yet again, the two best bands to compare to are Tool and The Cure. Throw in some of the shit in this link, and you get the idea.

Things start off with an almost-by-the-book metalcore riff, actually. Don't let this turn you off. It's very tasteful and has a very Katatonic flare. Things are much more toned down and 'shoegazey' throughout the album. Songs like 'Day And Then The Shade' bring an upbeat factor in to break up the slow moving, gloomy tracks. It's rare, as overall, this album crawls and creeps like a big sad Godzilla. Darker, thicker, more textured...this is not a typical Katatonia album. Yet still, it's very much a Katatonia album and a very clear progression from the last two.

There are a couple faults, though. Two, to be exact.

1. The song 'Idle Blood'. It's a fantastic song. Very beautiful, very deep, very sad. But it sounds EXACTLY like something off of Opeth's Damnation. Not terrible if done right, but this is too similar for some fans. While I find it to be just fine, I've already heard from many that this is a problem.

2. The lyrics are a little dull, repetitive, and unenlightened. They are basically a reworded version of 'The Great Cold Distance'. Some new thoughts would serve this album well.

Other than that, this album is definitely worthy of the title "Album of the Year". I could go on for hours explaining/describing, but you simply must hear it to believe it. Go buy it, and get your sad on, everyone.

Updates

So, I've been really lazy/busy lately and haven't spent anytime reviewing...but don't fret. I have some stuff coming up very soon. Reviews for the new slam fest that is Gorepoflesh, as well as the highly regarded Absu. Things are going to pick up, and you will be able to enjoy my stylish review style again soon.

Ignivomous-'Death Transmutation'

When it comes to regular death metal, I'll admit I'm not the biggest fan. I like extra brutal, or I like black metal. However, there are a few unbelievable death metal bands out there that have that little something extra. Take for instance The Chasm, Demilich, Slugathor...and now Ignivomous. And guess who they're signed with? NWN!, of course!

Imagine, if you will, being buried alive. Then, on top of being buried alive, being beaten relentlessly with a brick. Then gurgling on blood. Now, multiply that bludgeoning, claustrophobic feeling/terror by 25, and you have an idea how this album sounds. As of right now, there is rain falling, lightning flashing, and thunder booming outside, and this album is the perfect fit. Absolutely crushing.

Twisting, burning, crushing, and spewing forth the most venomous hatred, Ignivomous are damn near perfect. Interspersed throughout the wreckage lie moments of slow hyperventilation. The thick, claustrophobic feel brings to mind Hooded Menace, while some of the more extreme moments and vocals make me think of Coffins on steroids (and a big nod toward classic Incantation all the way through). While not polished to perfection in the production, everything is audible. The slightly low end production value adds to the eery, haunting feel.

If you plan to listen to anything death metal released this year, please make this number 1. Heavy, evil, unique, revolting, haunting, morbid...name it, and you get it here. Phenomenal release. Expect to hear more praise for the band in the future here.

Myspace

Almighty Sathanas/Sargatanas-Split 7"

Here we have an amazing little split from Greece's Almighty Sathanas and Mexico's Sargatanas. Both play very different styles of black/death, but they both do a very efficient job. Sargatanas may be known to readers as fairly solid death metal band with a couple of albums and a split with the fantastic Morbosidad. Their style is old school death metal with a strong, evil, blackened presence. Almighty Sathanas, however, are more black metal with death metal vocals, and have only two splits under their belt.

Almighty Sathanas gets the first two songs, totaling less than 5 minutes, but displaying potential to invoke Satan with a full length. Nothing too fast, and nothing too repetitious, the two songs are actually pretty well produced. Everything can be heard clearly, and that's not bad. Especially considering the simple riffs are still interesting and again, EVIL. They remind me slightly of 'A Blaze In The Northern Sky'...death metal riffs played black metal style. The vocals are a generic death growl like you'd hear from an old Swedish death metal record. They aren't reinventing anything, but this is some solid, mature sounding black metal from a very new band.

Sargatanas side of the split is much cleaner, much more intense. Clearly more based in death than black, but no less evil. Only one song at just over 5 minutes, but they have full lengths to quench that thirst for more. Starting with a good mid-pace before kicking into a thrash-esque riff out/headbang mid section. Hell, there's even a solo. Bravo! Heavy song, well written, great atmosphere.

Nothing unique, nothing worth phoning home about, but a good effort. Worth your time even if you just want to download it. It's evil enough to worship Satan to, so that has to matter, right?

Sadomator-'Infinite Goatsower' EP

Holy fuck. For those of you who don't know who Sadomator is, it's about time you get familiar. This is one of the grimiest, filthiest, most bestial black/death bands in existence. If you like this style of black/death, you probably already know who this band is, and have heard the first two albums. If not, get those along with this little fella. They're all worth it.

Not straying to far from the foundation layed on 'Goats Brew Alcolust', this EP completely devestates. A little less produced than the full GBA, but no less evil. Obviously there was not quite as much time put into the recording of this release as there was for the last, and it shows a little. However, the last release wasn't the greatest in production either.

The first track, 'Third Atomic Erector', blazes by like the Dark Prince Himself tore a hole in the fabric of reality letting every Demon in the Abyss crawl through to tear us to shreds. Things continue in this savage way through the next song, 'Virgin's Goatlust' until about halfway, when things become slow and THUNDEROUS. 'Baphomet's Vomit' evokes feelings of...well, Baphomet's vomit. Thick, brooding, and completely headbang worthy. Closer 'Goat Vulva Attack' (I laughed at the name) brings together everything we've heard, blending the ferocity and headbang groove effortlessly...but then it's over.

The length of this EP is my first issue. A whopping 9 and a half minutes. DAMN! 3 of the 4 songs are not even 2 minutes long. My second issue is the horrid production. I know it's an EP, I know they're underground, I know the style...but c'mon guys, it's 2009. Make the riffs and something on the drumset besides the cymbals audible, ok? However, I do like the bass-y rumble that accompanies the guitars, helping to create an amazingly suffocating atmospher.

No bullshit here, people. In less than 10 minutes, you will have your head beat in relentlessly and be ready to worship the Goat. Highly recommended, especially if you at all enjoyed the first two albums by Sodomator.

Myspace

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