Terra Tenebrosa - The Tunnels (2011)

Band: Terra Tenebrosa
Album: The Tunnels
Year: 2011
Country: Sweden
Some people like to dress up as spooky creatures, run around in the woods, and rehearse in a studio full of dead rats and mould. Include a concept involving a main character with the hazardous name The Cuckoo - an enlighted spirit who tries to bring justice to this world, with help of his two assistants Risperdal and Hibernal (which are also two types of drugs used by patients with mental disorders). Didn't thought such a band existed? Well, let me introduce you to Terra Tenebrosa.
The band members have decided to be anonymous, but it's no secret that two of them were members of the old hardcore band Breach. The idea about Terra Tenebrosa actually started when one of the members rediscovered two songs he wrote for Breach that never got recorded. They experimented a lot with these songs, because they didn't wanted them to sound "too Breach". One of Breach's characteristics is still there in most of the songs though - the heavy cooperation between drums/guitar that will hammer into your head like ten thousand tanks. Other than that, it's not so easy to figure out the influences behind this. It has some really good drone-parts, but other than it's hard to categorize. The overall mood is dark and atmospheric, sometimes actually a bit disturbing. The vocals are haunting and barely there, in fact Terra Tenebrosa was supposed to be an instrumental project from the beginning.

Song(s) you should listen to: Well, if you haven't gotten into a state of apocalyptic headbanging after the first track The Terranbos Prayer, you're simply not human. But if I would have to chose a favourite track, I would probably chose The Mourning Stars, which is actually pretty pleasant to listen to during the first half of the song. Then it makes me almost a bit nauseous, but in some kind of sick sadistic good way, which develops in the following track The Arc Of Descent.

MYSPACE / DOWNLOAD

CELESTE - NIHILISTE(S)

Band: CELESTE
Album: NIHILISTE(S)
Year: 2008
Country: France
Those who know me in real life will probably go like "FINALLY, she's uploading it!" when they read this post. I heard this album short after it's release in 2008, and since then I've been really nagging for anyone to listen to it. Everyone knows that CELESTE is one of my favourite bands, and this album is very close to my heart.
And why? It's not just only because CELESTE is formed from the ashes of Mihai Edrisch. It's also because this shit is so fucking intense that you need to grab on to your seat while watching your whole life passing by. I have no idea about how, but in some way they make the most raw and evil pieces of music I've ever heard. They use very sludgy guitars most of the time and the drums often set the intensity-level. The reason I talk about that intensity all the time is because they are masters of build ups. First of all there can be a small change of pace to a slower direction to catch your attention. Then it builds up, and creates a tension making movie writers jealous. And all of a sudden hell breaks loose and you're about to have an epileptic attack. They're not called "Hell's Choir" for nothing.

Song(s) you should listen to: Mais encore faut-il pouvoir renier tout un programme is the song that I think represents the build ups I was talking about earlier the most. It's so intense that it makes me want to slam my face to the wall until it's gone. Literally.

MYSPACE / DOWNLOAD

In The Hearts Of Emperors - Tour EP (2010)

Band: In The Hearts Of Emperors

Album: Tour EP

Year: 2010

Country: Sweden

I don't know much about this band except that they are from a town here in Sweden called Nyköping and that they have just released a split LP with the mighty Downfall Of Gaia. This quartet is really a gem among the less known names of the Swedish post metal-scene. There is some good bands that have started to pop up that I'm sure I'll review here sooner or later, but lets get back to dissecting some royal hearts shall we? The music is somewhat floating between post-rock and sludge, there is some screamo-elements in there as well as some drone ala thisquietarmy but the focus is mainly on the sludge-aspect, slow and dreamy songs that progress to become powerfull and emotionally anthems. It all floats together really great and after listening to this EP a few times I'm very eager to hear the split and how they will progress in time. I can definitely see this band playing at big festivals in Europe and perhaps even cross the sea to the U.S in the future.

Song(s) you should listen to: Both the first and third songs are really good post-metal songs with a lot of highs and lows, layered instruments and great vocals. However i really like the second song which is more of a dronish/ambient song. It kind of serves like a interlude from the first song to the third but in itself it's a good and mellow soundscape similar to acts such as Impregnable and Secret Abuse.

MYSPACE/DOWNLOAD

Morne - Untold Wait (2009)

Band: Morne
Album: Untold Wait
Year: 2009
Country: USA
If you check this band's profile at lastFM you will see that people think this album is either very good, or that it's just a waste of time. I like this album though (and my bunny rabbit too apparently, he jumped straight to the computer and started too sniff it when I was listening to it). Parts of this album reminds me a bit of a sludgier version of Fall Of Efrafa's Owsla, so it has some sort of rabbit connection.
Anyhow, Morne also consists of band members from former bands such as Grief, Disrupt, Filth Of Mankind, and many more. These guys have been in the game for a long time, and you can tell while listening to the music. Partly because you can hear influences from older bands, but also because they're very skilled with their instruments.
If you have a thing for heavy sludgy music, you should listen to this. I told you before that this album reminds me a bit of Fall Of Efrafa (mostly the Owsla album, when they weren't that complex), but it also reminds me of Tragedy (powerful D-Beats, and the vocals and lyrical themes are very much alike), and I Would Set Myself On Fire For You (probably just because of the the cello which is used quite regularly, but still). If you're into something of that, I could imagine that you will like this.

Song(s) you should listen to: The first track Eyes, is the perfect way to start an album. The last track Sorrow, is the perfect way to end an album. The tracks in the middle you have to decide whether they're really good, or barely worth listening to, for yourself.

MYSPACE / DOWNLOAD

Vestiges - The Descent of Man (2010)

Artist: Vestiges

Album: The Descent of Man

Year: 2010

Country: United States

I first heard about this band some months ago from a guy I bought some Fall of Efrafa-records from. After a little bit of smalltalk he then says that he and his band are soon about to release their debut album and that if I like Fall of Efrafa then I might like what they had to offer. That got my attention and I was looking forward to hearing this new mysterious band. During the weeks that past i read about the band on their homepage to see if I could find more information about them. It didn't take long to realize that this was a band that was about more than music and selling records. The record was going to be a storyline describing the creation and downfall of man and the damage we have caused on this earth through industrialization, militarization, theism and so on. Since I'm a sucker for bands that has a story behind their music my expectations was quite high when I finally got a hold of the album, but I did not expect to be blown away the way I did. The record started out with an intro with some distorted noise and a voice which I couldn't interpret. Then, slowly but steady, a guitar sneaks up on me while playing a really cozy melody, then some bass and some drums joined the mellow dance. So far so good. Then suddenly the music smites me down like lightning and the post-metal appocalypse is upon me. I could not believe what I was listening to. This did not sound like a new band whom are just trying out their new wings, it sounded like a band whom has been around and developed for quite some time. The range of different genres that were thrown at me was amazing. One moment I was being cradled by sweet and mellow post-rockish tunes only to be thrown into a hail of speeding Black Metal-riffs and relentless Crust and in the next turn I was being crushed by epic post-hardcore build ups with sing-along parts that stuck inside my brain like glue.

Some months have passed since the first time I listened to The Descent of Man and it has only grown on me. Two more albums are planned to follow the narrative and I for one can't wait to see how Vestiges will progress from here.

Song(s) you should listen to: If I had to choose one song that stands out from the rest it would probably be IV. It's a solid song that has about everything a good post-metal song should have and to please all the crusties out there you find a really good D-Beat part about 5 minutes into the song. This song also contains the best sing-a-long part of the record at the end, it's impossible to not get swept away in the lyrics and I can only imagine how good that particular part must be live. However this record is supposed to be seen on as a whole rather than individual songs. They all connect and it gives a whole other perspective of the message that Vestiges are trying to give across.

HOMEPAGE/DOWNLOAD

Fall Of Efrafa - Elil (2007)

Band: Fall Of Efrafa
Album: Elil
Year: 2007
Country: United Kingdom
This is one of my all time favourite albums. I've been listening to it pretty much regularly since I discovered Fall Of Efrafa about 3 years ago, and I've never ever for a second got tired of it. And still, after our 3 years together, I can still fall in love with new things or parts I've never noticed before. Elil will forever be the love of my life.
So, what is so special with this album? Frankly, I don't know. It consists of 3 songs, each one being about 20 minutes long. "20 MINUTES?! THAT'S LIKE... FOREVER!" people not used to this post-kind of music will say. But the thing with these songs is that they are so well written that you will never understand how those 20 minutes past by. The general pace of this album is quite slow, but just before you get tired of the slow part, one of these amazing build ups kicks in. Then there's a minute or two of "swing the hand your having your beer in" D-Beat. The anthem-like lyrics will also cause any person to transform into an anti-religous bitter anarchistic freedom fighter.

Song(s) you should listen to: Once you've started to listen to one of the songs, there is no return. You won't be able to skip the track. Therefore I recommend you to listen to the whole album while traveling by train or bus. By the time you get off your ride you will be so inspired by all the genius samples featured on this album. How about:
"People sometimes says "there must be more than just this world, and just this life". But how much more do you want? We are going to die, and that makes us the lucky ones. Most people are never going to die, because they're never going to be born. The number of people who could be here, in my place, outnumber the sandgrains of Sahara. If you think about all the different ways in which our genes could be provicted, you and I are quite grotesquely lucky to be here. The number of events that had to happen in order for you to exist and in order for me to exist. We are privileged to be alive, and we should make the most of our time on this world."

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Bongripper - Satan Worshipping Doom (2010)

Band: Bongripper

Album: Satan Worshipping Doom

Year: 2010

Country: United States

Probably the record with the most colourful album-cover we have uploaded on this blog so far. Suits the name of the band and album as well, I can imagine that this is how a LSD-trip to the depths of hell must look like. But if you look at the music this is probably the heaviest and darkest album on this blog as well. Chicago's Bongripper has been around since 2005 and with their latest release they sure make a mark in today's Sludge/Doom-scene and it's easy to see why. Bongripper manages to pull off an entirely instrumental album that sounds both fresh and raw at the same time. Given that they play a genre of music where it takes knowledge and skill to stand out from the rest makes this an impressive effort to say the least. The riffs are refreshing and the build ups is woven into the songs so good that you barely notice them. As the icing on the cake you also get some moments with a clear Black Metal-touch.

To summarize: Satan Worshipping Doom takes you to the middle of a 54 minute long Satanic ritual that will make you bang your head for hours to come.

Song(s) you should listen to: The song conveniently named Satan is by far my favorite song of the record and it's here that you will find those Black Metal-touches I spoke of earlier. After briefly two minutes of build-up to set the mood the song kicks of with a fast and well played Black Metal-riff which then makes a leap into the far borders of Doom-land. About halfway through the song it turns into a groovy session of chugging riffs that gnaws right into you're ears and makes you want to go rampage. This is definitely the song that stands out from the rest but it suits really well and maintains the feeling which is present throughout the whole album.

MYSPACE/DOWNLOAD

Of Legend - Cleric of Samsara (2010)

Band: Of Legend

Album: Cleric of Samsara

Year: 2010

Country: United States

Of Legend from Atlanta is a 5-piece band which, according to their lastfm, uses "the loudest sound equipment they can afford". Although the album-cover looks like something suitable for a power metal/viking rock-band you won't find any of that stuff here. Well I guess that if you use your imagination the vocals could resemble the sound of Thor riding across the sky hailing down thunder at the world, or the sound of a mountain crumbling to dust, whatever you find most appealing. Cleric of Samsara is as loud and dynamic as it is melodic and mesmerizing. The songs are long and has a variety of peaks, fleeting between soft mellow parts to loud and heavy parts. Although the songs can be repetitive there is always something waiting around the corner that keeps it fresh and interesting. Together with the really strong and passionate vocals it makes Of Legend a band that you definitely should not pass on.

Song(s) you should listen to: The Cleric is the last song of the album and starts off strong right away rather than gradually go from soft to strong. It relentlessly keeps pounding it's sludginess on you until it fades out and all is quite once more. A solid end to a solid album.

MYSPACE/DOWNLOAD

Irreversible - Age EP (2006)

Band: Irreversible

Album: Age EP

Year: 2006

Country: United States

Just like with all genres you have leading giants in the form of bands who carries the genres flag forward. In the sludgescene these giants are without a doubt Neurosis, Cult of Luna and Isis (yeah I know Isis disbanded but that doesnt make then less crucial to the scene). But every now and then a band from the underground reaches out and shows us that they can do just as good music. Irreversible's "Age" is just that kind of album. Four songs plus an intermission packed with just about everything you can ask for in a sludgeband. Crushing guitars, heavy drumming, layered melodies, eery atmosphere and a hint of darkness sprinkled on top, the recipe for a delicious sludgecake.

Song(s) you should listen to: 8:22

Probably my personal favourite of the album. Slow layers of heavy melodies that fades out into a down tuned and soothing interlude just to explode in a burst of emotion, just the way I like it and a perfect ending for a near perfect album. And if you ever doubted that this band took it's name from the french film with the same name just read the lyrics to this song, "Time has ruined me. Time destroys all things."

MYSPACE/DOWNLOAD

Suffocate For Fuck Sake - Suffocate For Fuck Sake (2004)

Band: Suffocate For Fuck Sake

Album: Suffocate For Fuck Sake

Year: 2004

Country: Sweden

Thought i'd upload this since the 2008 LP already is up and running. The main theme is the same as on the LP, epic post-rock and heavy sludge fused togethet with a storyline told through samples in the songs. This story I think is a bit sadder and darker than the LP. We get to follow a man named Hasse who has a very serious condtion, he cant sit down.

Song(s) you should listen to: Just like before you really should listen to the whole album from the beginning to the end to get out the most of the experience. But if you just want to listen to a song because you want to hear good music i especially like the first song "Hospital/H/The Social Worker Dragon" and "Promenade".

MYSPACE / DOWNLOAD

Palehorse - Habitual Linestepper (2008)

Band: Palehorse
Album: Habitual Linestepper
Year: 2008
Country: United Kingdom
I came across this band when I was supposed to find some music by the hardcore band Palehorse from Connecticut, USA on Spotify. But I found this band instead, which I've never heard of before.
Anyways, I liked their music, and thought their album title was pretty clever, so I did a checkup on the band. Turns out that they are a pretty known band in the sludge scene of UK. And they are sure playing sludge. Their music is fairly slow and very heavy. One thing that surprised me was the vocals that sounds a lot that something that could fit in any screamo band. If you gave the drummer some POWERTHIRST so he would drum more energetic, maybe this would be liked by all the skramz kids out there.
The band consists of a drummer, two vocalists, and two bass players. Nothing more, nothing less. Who need guitars anyway?

Song(s) you should listen to: We Cannot Love You
This song starts out pretty slow and sad, and with a really catchy bassline, that continues pretty much through the whole song. Then the sludge will squirt all it's juice over you.

MYSPACE / DOWNLOAD

Year Of No Light - Ausserwelt (2010)

Band: Year Of No Light

Album: Ausserwelt

Year: 2010

Country: France

Since my better half posted the Suffocate For Fuck Sake Lp and since I've been listening to this album alot recently i thought it would be in place to post it here. I actually think this album has alot of similarities to Suffocate For Fuck Sake, both when it comes to harmonies and feeling.

This album is slightly different from Year Of No Lights previous record "Nord". The first thing that comes to mind is that this record is entirely instrumental and tends to drift more towards a drone-like style of music. The light harmonies together with heavy bass, guitars and slamming drums create a massive wall of sound that makes it impossible to keep your head still.

Song(s) you should listen to: Perséphone I

There couldnt be a more perfect way to start off this album than with this song. It starts off a bit slow but soon builds up and unleashes upon you like a tidal wave. The harmonies are without a doubt some of the most beautiful stuff I've ever heard and it really moves you in a way thats very hard to describe. Just sit back and relax and let the song speak for itself.

Hiérophante

If Perséphone I is a song suitable for a yoga session Hiérophante is the exact opposite. When this beast comes on its like getting hit by a steam roller.

MYSPACE/DOWNLOAD

Suffocate For Fuck Sake - Blazing Fires And Helicopters On The Frontpage Of The Newspaper. There's A War Going On And I'm Marching In Heavy Boots (2008)

Band: Suffocate For Fuck Sake
Album: Blazing Fires And Helicopters On The Frontpage Of The Newspaper. There's A War Going On And I'm Marching In Heavy Boots
Year: 2008
Country: Sweden
Once upon a time about two years ago, I was sitting by the computer, and a friend who I hadn't heard anything from for a while wrote "HAVE YOU HEARD THIS EPIC SHIT?!" on msn. This guy was the one who once introduced me to Mihai Edrisch, so I was pretty eager about his new discovery. He sended me the album, which has the longest name I've ever seen, and I cranked up the volume. Since then I've never been the same.
Suffocate For Fuck Sake is a pretty decent band mixing a lot of different genres. But the way they're doing it is really extraordinary. This album follows the narrative of a depressed woman, starting around the time she tried to comitted suicide for the first time. She, her mom, her best friend, the doctor etc. are talking in between the songs, with the music going in the background as some kind of soundtrack. So we get to follow this girl through years of depression, from hospitalizing to recovery.
This maybe doesn't sound like much of a deal, but it's really hard to describe this album in a fair way. Just listen to it, you will get blown away.

Song(s) you should listen to: The album itself is a story, so if you're just listen to a track here and there in no particular order, it will turn out to be nonsense. But, the storytelling is in Swedish, so if you don't know the language the telling will be nonsense anyway (but there should be an english translation to be found somewhere, they printed translations in the booklet). But I will still recommend you to start with the first song Blue Lights And Sunshine. It still gets me to poop in my pants at occasions.

MYSPACE / DOWNLOAD