GRAVE PLEASURES – Funeral Party

Tags

Aleksi Kiiskilä, Apocalyptic Death-Rock, Beastmilk, Climax, Cold War Funeral, Deadenders, Dreamcrash, Falloutpogo, Funeral Party, Girl In A Vortex, Grave Pleasures, In Solitude, Johan Snell, John Davis, Juho Vanhanen, Lana Del Rey, Linnéa Olsson, Maria Louceiro, Oranssi Pazuzu, Rainer Tuomikanto, Samantha Muljat, Sarah Ben Hardouze, Secret Trees, Teresa Kuhn, The Oath, The Wailing Dead Tour, Tom Dalgety, Tribulation, Uno Bruniusson, Valtteri Arino

 – Yorck Segatz for Psychorizon –

Returning with an exquisite new 7”, Grave Pleasures will treat you with two pieces of ear candy, while waiting for their new record. This two-track vinyl of the apocalyptic Postpunkers proves that the latest lineup is a class act all of its own. Fans already know that Swedish guitarist Linnéa Olsson left the band about half a year ago, turning it into a mere Finish affair again. And also former In Solitude drummer Uno Bruniusson is no longer part of the (funeral) party: “I will sure miss seeing the wonderful people of Grave Pleasures as often as I did during the making and touring of the Dreamcrash incident. It was a very intense period, filled with tons of great memories. I’ll store them deeply as I go about. Its time for me to say goodbye to the band and make room for someone new that is willing to open a new chapter of the band and I wish them all the best with that. I want to direct a big thanks to Valtteri, Mat, Linnéa, Juho, all the allies behind the veil and everyone who took time to listen to our music and came out to our shows!”

Fortunately, the reformed group, featuring British vocalist Mat McNerney, who now lives in Helsinki, remains as creative as ever. The A-Side contains the most catchy “Deadenders”, which is already available in a powerful retro-style lyric video. Lyrical themes evolve around the end of the world of course, which will have us dance the Falloutpogo, as Mat advises us with his wonderfully striking voice.

The B-Side presents a slightly more moderate tune. This gem of a song is called “Cold War Funeral” and turns out to be a melancholy mushroom cloud, letting us swing once again.

Produced by John Davis, who has also worked with Lana Del Rey, the two tracks are the next step in the evolution of former Beastmilk. Specially the vocals have changed a lot compared to the 2015-album “Dreamcrash”. Embetted a bit deeper into the mix, they have not lost their intensity and the light Danzig timbre.

In addition to a download via bandcamp, Mat’s own label Secret Trees has a strictly limited 7 “version, each 300 black and 200 yellow.

“Funeral Party” tracklist:

SIDE A
“Deadenders” (3:56)

SIDE B
“Cold War Funeral” (4:21)

Grave Pleasures:

Mat McNerney – Vocals

Juho Vanhanen – Lead Guitar

Rainer Tuomikanto – Drums

Aleksi Kiiskilä – Guitar

Valtteri Arino – Bass Guitar
__________________________________________________________________

GRAVE PLEASURES Homepage

GRAVE PLEASURES on Facebook

GRAVE PLEASURES on YouTube

 

ASHTAR – Ilmasaari

Tags

Antï Graphic, Antiq, Ashtar, Celestial, Celtic Frost, Czar of Bullets, Deaf Forever, Des siècles qui éternellement séparent le corps mortel de mon âme, Esoteric, Greg Chandler, Ilmasaari, Lychgate, Marko Lehtinen, Moons, OSA Crypt, Phased, Priory Recording Studios, She Was A Witch, shEver, Throne Records, Tom Gabriel Fischer, Triptykon, Witch N

Do you believe in “love at first listen”? Though it has been quite a while since, this believe has been restored with Psychorizon’s discovery of the year from 2015: Ashtar. The Swiss-based duo with members of the doom bands Phased and shEver (Witch N. left shEver in 2013) presents on epic, atmospheric mix of Black Sludge and Doom. Formed in 2012, Ashtar’s debut album “Ilmasaari” was recorded between December 2013 and April 2014 at OSA Crypt in Greifensee, Switzerland. It has been mixed and mastered by Greg Chandler (Esoteric, Lychgate) at Priory Recording Studios in Birmingham, UK.

The opening track “Des siècles qui éternellement séparent le corps mortel de mon âme” is built upon whispering lead vocals, grasp riffage and an unexpected bridge, leading into a rather uptempo final. “She Was A Witch” could be the autobiographical think piece that vocalist, bassist & guitarist Witch N. composed to introduce herself as the fronter of her own band. “Celestial” is sticking out with almost 13 minutes of thick melodies and down-tuned archaic rhythms. The second half of this six-track gem is brilliantly garnished with the choral-like backing vocals of drummer, guitarist & vocalist Marko Lehtinen on the hypnotic “Moons”. The two final tracks emphasize that Ashtar’s music is one of a kind and a well-rounded kick in the arse of anyone doubting the skills of these experienced musicians.

“Ilmasaari” is available on CD via Czar of Bullets (Switzerland), Strictly limited tape version through Antiq (France) as well as vinyl on Spanish label Throne Records. And if you’re still not fully convinced: Tom Gabriel Fischer (Celtic Frost, Triptykon) has just featured Ashtar in his top twenty album list of 2015, in the december issue of German Deaf Forever magazine.

Tracklist:

1. Des siècles qui éternellement séparent le corps mortel de mon âme (7:12)

2. She Was A Witch (5:52)

3. Celestial (12:51)

4. Moons (5:04)

5. These Nights Will Shine On (8:22)

6. Collide (6:23)

Cover Artwork created by Antï Graphic

__________________________________________________________________

ASHTAR on Facebook

ASHTAR on BandCamp

ASHTAR on YouTube

 

THE ORDER OF ISRAFEL – Wisdom

Tags

Adelaide, Australia, Born For War, Church of Misery, Debut Album, European Tour, Feierwerk Munich, Gothenburg, Hans Lilja, Horisont, Japan, Lonely Kamel, Morning Sun, Morning Sun (Satanas), Napalm Records, Norway, On Black Wings A Demon, Oslo, Patrik Andersson Winberg, Promises Made To The Earth, Staffan Björck, Sweden, Sweden Rock Festival, The Earth Will Deliver What Heaven Desires, The Noctuus, The Order, The Order Of Israfel, The Vow, Tom Sutton, Wisdom

From the very first few notes, that fall down soft as raindrops introducing the epic opener and title track of their debut, THE ORDER OF ISRAFEL totally caught me. As the softness vanished to give way to their heavy, slow and massive riffage, the foursome takes no prisoners. They just play Doom at its best!

If you expect this first effort to be repetitive, monotonous or sounding like so many other bands, you couldn’t be further from the truth – from the uptempo second track ‘On Black Wings, A Demon’, the fierce yet sluggish hypnotic hymn ‘The Noctuus’ to the promising invocation and final song ‘Morning Sun (Satanas)’, “Wisdom” contains an incredible variety and versatility of sound. Some to bang your head to, some to kneel down hailing the Lord Almighty – guess Tony Iommi will take this place for all disciple of Doom – and some to just have a good time rocking. Fronter Tom Sutton (best known for his previous activity in Japanese Doomsters CHURCH OF MISERY and his current Classic Hard Rock outlet, Swedish Rockers HORISONT) does not only contribute his six-string skills, but also proves to be one hell of a vocalist.

Apart from the four chapters of “Wisdom” one can enjoy both on Vinyl and CD, THE ORDER OF ISRAFEL is a pure live experience! So do yourself a favour and convince yourself that Napalm Records made the damn right choice by offering these guys a deal!

Tracklist:

Chapter I

Wisdom

On Black Wings, A Demon

Chapter II

The Noctuus

The Earth Will Deliver What Heaven Desires

Chapter III

The Order (Bonus Song)

Born Far War

Promise Made To The Earth

Chapter IV

The Vow

Morning Sun (Satanas)

___________________________________________________________________

THE ORDER OF ISRAFEL Homepage

THE ORDER OF ISRAFEL Facebook Page

THE ORDER OF ISRAFEL YouTube Profile

Cover by Henk Jacobson – Art of Henk

THUNDERMOTHER – Rock’n’Roll Disaster

Tags

AC/DC, Artwork, Cheers, Clare Cunningham, Deranged, Filippa Nässil, Giorgia Carteri, Linda Ström, Man With Blues, One For The Road, Please Me, Rock'n'Roll Disaster, Saturday, Shoot To Kill, Sweden Rock Festival, The Dangerous Kind, Thundermother, Thunderous, Tilda Stenqvist, Tourdates, Warner Music Sweden

If AC/DC were twenty years younger, female and located in Sweden, they’d be THUNDERMOTHER, period! Of course it’s not all that simple doing a review on the impatiently awaited full-length debut of the fierce five-piece. After an intense line-up chance, leaving only the axegrinding founders, THUNDERMOTHER are “back” (odd to say this about a band, that is just getting really started right now) with a blast! The ten tracks on their freshman attempt with the witty title “Rock’n’Roll Disaster” turn out to be everything BUT a disaster: Catchy choruses, classic and flawless riffage, a grooving rhythm section with new members Tilda Stenqvist on drums, Linda Ström on bass and above all the outstanding rocking voice of Irish vocalist Clare Cunningham.

The lyrics bounce between heartache, true-to-life experience and whatever you see and live through as a musician – just like any other band. The title track ‘Rock’n’Roll Disaster’ and ‘Shoot To Kill’ have already been recorded and released with the previous line-up and now give this new record a sort of familiar feeling to it. Not to mention that every single song is a hymn for itself and with an average duration of about three minutes, you won’t even know what hit you!

All songs are composed or at least co-written by guitarist Filippa Nässil, who also made her way producing “Rock’n’Roll Disaster”, furthermore the artwork has been handled by second guitarist and co-founder Giorgia Carteri. That’s taking care of business for you.  THUNDERMOTHER are not just another All-female Rockband, but the next mark on the international music landscape.

Tracklist:

01. Man With Blues

02. Deranged

03. The Dangerous Kind

04. Rock’n’Roll Disaster

05. Thunderous

06. Please Me

07. Shoot To Kill

08. One For The Road

09. Cheers

10. Saturday

___________________________________________________________________

THUNDERMOTHER Homepage

THUNDERMOTHER Facebook Page

 

BLACK MOTH – The Killing Jar

Tags

Andy Hawkins, Black Moth, Black Sabbath, Dave Vachon, Debut Album, Dom McCready, Doom, Fuzz, Grunge, Harriet Bevan, Jim Sclavunos, Jim Swainston, Land Of The Sky, Mothic Horror, Nick Cave, Nico Carew, Riot Grrrl, Spit Out Your Teeth, The Killing Jar, Uncle Acid And The Deadbeats

Leeds-based Sabbathian apprentices BLACK MOTH take off with their 2012 debut “The Killing Jar”, manecing like a lepidoptera swarm across the blackened sky…with their unique blend of doomy riffage, Fuzz-ridden tunes and softly Grunge-inflicted melancholy, the band compiles what they refer to as Mothic Horror. Starting as a foursome, BLACK MOTH sees the beginning of an easy underground escape, within two years of this unholy gathering. Sit back, relax or better yet: Go NUTTS upon the ten tracks, offering a most grooving rhythm section and hypnotic string-arrangements that built the foundation on which the sirens’ calls of one Harriet Bevan will take you by storm. Bouncing between a soulful warmth and Riot Grrrl-ish screams, this frontlady got more balls than many of her male companions – fellow guitarist Jim Swainston, bassist Dave Vachon and sticksman Dom McCready NOT included.

BLACK MOTH clearly got a full package to offer, lyrics and designs referring to their band name, verging on the state of making fun of their own image. In their current incarnation, with second axegrinder Nico Carew, the quintette is ready to spawn it’s yet untitled sophomore attempt. Their second-born mindchild is also produced by Nick Cave, Jim Sclavunos and recorded by legendary Leeds engineer Andy Hawkins.

Just fairly off track from their spontaneous on-road support for country mates UNCLE ACID AND THE DEADBEATS, BLACK MOTH will be playing throughout the UK in April and May – It’s time to spit out your teeth and give yourself to the Mothpit!

Tracklist:

01. The Articulate Dead

02. Blackbirds Fall

03. Banished But Blameless

04. Spit Out Your Teeth

05. Plague Of Our Age

06. Chicken Shit

07. Blind Faith

08. Plastic Blaze

09. Land Of The Sky

10. Honey Lung

___________________________________________________________________

BLACK MOTH Homepage

BLACK MOTH Facebook Page

JEX THOTH – Blood Moon Rise

Tags

Amon Düül II, Black Mountain, Black Sabbath, Blood Moon Rise, Blue Öyster Cult, Brandon Newhouse, Daniel Gonzalez, Earth, Heart, I Hate Records, Jessica Thoth, Jex Thoth, Keep Your Weeds, Kult Temple Oberhausen, Matt Jacobs, Mitchell K. Johnson, Nick Ray Johnson, Pink Floyd, Psyar, Randall Dunn, Rock Hard Festival, Sunn O))), The Four of Us Are Dying, The Places You Walk

Deep in the woods, hidden from reality and unseen by mankind only she comes to bury her prey underneath the withering oak. As the dusk arrives, she sees the blood moon rise, as red as her untamed crest. Calling forth and thither, the hymn echos through the night. She kindles the flame to see the least, arousing fumes of ancient sandalwood. Hope alludes while she follows path that will guide her to the places you walk – keeping her save from harm, yet not lasting for long. For the trail diverges into two traces, the divide from humanity is inevitable. Once the divide is implemented, only a pale apparition is left, leaving all behind, uncovering the secrets that lurk across the mountain and will lead her into a sleep, deeper than any men has ever felt. Tumbling henceforth, the soil depraved, skies blacken and the river ran dry. Cursed by mother nature, trying to keep the weeds from souring becomes an unending journey. Dragging away the redeeming rest, the promising forest and anything she holds dear – in the end only death is for certain and reliable…

“Blood Moon Rise”, the second full-length album of JEX THOTH creates an entire realm, which inherits the spirit of BLACK SABBATH, AMON DÜÜL II, PINK FLOYD, HEART and BLUE ÖYSTER CULT. The visionary yet timeless song craft combines catchy doom ballads with a flowing tapestry of jinxed, psychedelic Rock. Blurry sightings let past and future merge into each other, breaking the barriers of time and space.  Between shamanic tales and clairvoyance, produced by Randall Dunn (EARTH, SUNN O))), BLACK MOUNTAIN), JEX THOTH – featuring Danny Gonzalez (Bass), Matt Jacobs (Guitar), Brandon Newhouse (Guitar) and Nick Johnson (Drums) – spawn a piece of addictive, timeless art. Released via I Hate on June 16th, 2013.

Tracklist:

1. To Bury

2. The Places You Walk

3. The Divide

4. Into A Sleep

5. And The River Ran Dry

6. Keep Your Weeds

7. Ehjä

8. The Four Of Us Are Dying

9. Psyar

___________________________________________________________________

JEX THOTH Homepage

JEX THOTH on Facebook

JEX THOTH – s/t

Tags

Debut Album, Equinox Suit, Gatefold, Grim Jim, I Hate, Jessica Thoth, Jex Thoth, Johnny Dee, Nothing Left To Die, Pagan Altar, Seperated At Birth, Silas Paine, Split EP, Totem, Warrior Woman, Zodiac

Less than a year after their split release with PAGAN ALTAR on October 31st, 2007 JEX THOTH – featuring Zodiac (Organ, Synthesizer, Piano), Johnny Dee (Drums), Grim Jim (Bass, Guitars) and Silas Paine (Guitars, Bouzouki, Flute) – put out a self titled debut album. The band that formerly called itself TOTEM has made a reputation as a hard-working live act and adds to this success with this first full-length publication. Opening “Jex Thoth” is the hymn “Nothing Left To Die” that proves the bands’ talent for a catchy chorus. Within the course of the record a spherical depths opens up, giving way for the enchanting vocals of singer and eponym Jessica Thoth. 
The intense and forwarded “Seperated At Birth” with its dominating riff, is an invitation to all headbangers. The following “Equinox Suit” is divided into four parts that perfectly merge into one another. The closing track “Stone Evil” has already been released on the split and is clearly known to all real fans.
An overall sophisticated piece of art, yet not too well suitable for old school metalheads. Furthermore “Jex Thoth” has its lengths and epic qualities.  Those who had no chance so for to be convinced by JEX THOTH’S live performances ought to catch them as soon as possible – and might purchase a record as well.

Not your mere party animal, but for the ideal soundtrack clear and golden autumn days. True occult rockers will love the vinyl gatefold version. “Jex Thoth” is released via I HATE on February 29th 2008.

Tracklist:

1. Nothing Left To Die

2. The Banishment

3. Obsidian Night

4. Seperated At Birth

5. Son Of Yule

6. Warrior Woman

7. Eqinox Suite
a) The Poison Pit
b) Thawing Magus
c) Invocation Pt. 1
d) The Damned And Divine

8. When The Raven Calls

9. Stone Evil

___________________________________________________________________

JEX THOTH – Witness

Tags

Clay Ruby, I Hate, Jessica Thoth, Jex Thoth, Mr. Rainbow, Nick Johnson, Nico Kain, Raven Nor The Spirit, Shane Verwey, Slapp Happy, Slow Rewind, Witness

With their 3-Track EP “Witness” JEX THOTH – featuring Shane Verwey (Bass), Nick Johnson (Drums), Nico Kain (Guitar) and Clay Ruby (Organ, Synt – are able to prove, that despite constant touring they still find enough time to compose great music. Might be a little too much echo put on Jessica’s already hypnotic voice here, but this would have to be the only cutback to be found on “Witness”. The first two songs “Raven Nor The Spirit” and “Slow Rewind” merge into each other as one and thus earn a strong unity. Also the Slapp Happy cover of “Mr. Rainbow” featuring dominant vocals and Hammond organ blends in perfectly.

For all die-hard-fans of JEX THOTH an absolute must-have – those who fell for the charms of this band with its read-headed siren, are sure to be proud owners of the EP that was released via I HATE on April 11th 2010. All new or soon-to-be addicts shall be warned: You will get hooked on this!

Tracklist:

1. Raven Nor The Spirit

2. Slow Rewind

3. Mr. Rainbow

___________________________________________________________________

SCREAMER – Phoenix

Tags

Adrenaline Distractions, Andy Jackson, Anton Fingal, Carl Johan Erlandsson, Christoffer Svensson, David Persson Hansen, Dejan Rosić, Demon Rider, Dennis Åhman, Far Away From Home, Fred Estby, Gutterview Recorders Studio, Henrik Petersson, High Roller Records, Lady Of The River, Mr. Noman, No Regrets, No Sleep 'TIl Hamilton, Phoenix, Racetrack Studio, Red Moon Rising, Screamer, Shimmer Productions, Slavegrinder, Tomas Salonen, Tube Mastering

Having a reputation to be one of the hardest touring (demo-) bands in Sweden, SCREAMER are not far from having the same things going on within the recording sector. The debut of the four musicians from Ljungby and Malmö called “Adrenaline Distractions” was delivered on the memorable date of November 11th, 2011 via german label High Roller Records. Hardly two years later the new records “Phoenix” is out for about a month now. With more than 100 shows played in both Sweden and the rest of Europe, including their first headliner tour in 2012, one might wonder if SCREAMER are able to maintain the quality standard set on their first album, or if all this touring like crazy could result in weaker songwriting – but the nine tracks on “Phoenix” couldn’t be any further from all this.

“Demon Rider” is the opener and is one hell of a demonic ride! Get’s to me right from the start and almost forces me to push the repeat button on my player – good thing this is impossible at a live show, otherwise I would turn a whole show into an endless repetition of that very track. “No Regrets” and “Slavegrinder” keep the uptempo constantly going, turning this first third of “Phoenix” into a neckbreaking scenario. With “Far Away From Home” comes a first respite, but still no reason to put aside them airguitars – specially the polyphonic chorus parts and duel guitar-soli convey a full and mature sound. Track number five “No Sleep ‘Til Hamilton” becomes even more intense once you know the story behind it, telling how vocalist/bassplayer Christoffer Svensson, guitarists Anton Fingal and Dejan Rosić and drummer Henrik Petersson were “stranded” on tour, having no place to stay for the night. This might be a momentum taking away the romanticism and glory many imagine about being on the road…

The title track “Phoenix” speeds things up again and concerning the lyrics makes a possible connection to the experience the band is dealing with in the previous one. After a short and truly powerful resurrection, the final part of the album takes a bit of a slower but no less forceful turn with the introduction of one “Mr. Noman”, whereas the “Red Moon Rising” offers a final glimpse of fast shredding. Concluding their second full-length album, SCREAMER tell the story of the “Lady Of The River” in a seven and a half-minute cascade. The epic quality for sure won’t decelerate the power of its predecessor, leaving enough room for headbanging one last time.

Drums recorded by Dennis Åhman at Shimmer Productions. Guitars, bass, vocals and percussions recorded by Carl Johan Erlandsson, David Persson Hansen and Tomas Salonen at Racetrack Studio. Mixed by Fred Estby at Gutterview Recorders. Mastered by Andy Jackson at Tube Mastering. Produced by SCREAMER. Released on february 8th 2013 via Highroller Records.

Tracklist:

1. Demon Rider

2. No Regrets

3. Slavegrinder

4. Far Away From Home

5. No Sleep ‘Til Hamilton

6. Phoenix

7. Mr. Noman

8. Red Moon Rising

9. Lady Of The River

___________________________________________________________________

Screamer Homepage

Screamer on Facebook

Screamer on YouTube

JESS AND THE ANCIENT ONES – s/t

Tags

13th Breath of the Zodiac, Abraham, Blood Ceremony, Coven, Fast Jake, Finnish, Jess, Jess and the Ancient Ones, Jex Thoth, Occult Rock, Purson, Retro Rock, Sulfur Giants (Red King), Svart Records, The Devil's Blood, Thomas Corpse, Thomas Fiend, Vinum Sabbatum, White Witch of Rose Hall, Yussuf

Tomorrow marks the first month since the self titled debut of Jess and the Ancient Ones was delivered to us all through Svart Records. The seven-piece force is sure to prove that Vinum Sabbatum won’t be the only finnish band to do something far from Melodic Death Metal, the country has become much famous for. The concept clearly isn’t knew, with three guitars featured in Dutch masters of ceremonies The Devil’s Blood along side female vocals. Bot no one is obliged to reinvent the wheel to create a good song, like JATAO are obviously capable to do. Ever since Thomas Corpse – Lead guitar – and Thomas Fiend – Lead guitar & backing vocals – called this entity to life in early 2012 they explored the vast realms of Rock and Heavy Metal from the 70s and 80s and covered it with their own magical note.

As the two Lead guitarists and founding members team up with vocalist Jess, Rhythm guitarist Von Stroh, Bassist Fast Jake, Keyboarder Abraham and Drummer/Percussionist Yussuf they create a cryptic and powerful atmosphere. Most of all, unlike many other fellow bands they play a straight and yet upbeat tune. They won’t fiddle around much for minutes but go right for it, thus making even tracks with over ten minutes duration greatly diverting. Jess’s voice strongly relates to the other instruments and ranges somewhere between clear and itchy, sanity and complete madness or just driven by emotions.

JATAO’s debut single “13th Breath of the Zodiac” was released in October 2011 and it’s B-side contains a cover of Coven’s “White Witch of Rose Hall”, pointing out one band that could be named a main influence. Furthermore the lyrics are based upon the personal occult experiences of the writers. The seven musicians and their respective share work together like spices in an experimental recipe, where each ingredient adds to the whole taste and still one is able to taste it. Direct comparisons with other groups, I will spare you, because each one is unique and special in their own way and in the field of female singers, everyone should be credited for their very incomparable quality! Anyway I shall list a few as in “If you like one of these, you should check out JATAO”:

Blood Ceremony with whom JATAO already shares stages with, Jex Thoth, The Devil’s Blood, Purson, Vinum Sabbatum and I could go on for quite a while but I rather you just listen to it yourself.

The debut album is available on Vinyl as a six-track version and CD, with “13th Breath of the Zodiac” as a bonus track via Svart Records. My personal favourite is “Sulfur Giants (Red King)”.

Tracklist:

1. Prayer for Death and Fire

2. Twilight Witchcraft

3. Sulfur Giants (Red King)

4. Ghost Riders

5. 13th Breath of the Zodiac (CD bonus track)

6. The Devil (in G Minor)

7. Come Crimson Death

___________________________________________________________________

JATAO Homepage

JATAO Facebook Page

JATAO YouTube Channel