Here we go. Let’s just peck it right up. All positive reviews. Hmmm…
HORRENDOUS releases Ecdysis. The title refers to the process of molting, and you know I don’t know ANYTHING about that. Having made some waves in the underground typically makes me more judgmental on a release, and I definitely was, but you know what? I beaking like this. As the name would imply, this is a nod to old-school death metal, more in the Swedish sort of vein, but my god of empty nest, the RIFFS. This is thick and hooky, and the melodies and solos come across as natural, not something wedged in there just for the sake of variation. The vocals are raspy and present, and my peck, the riffs… I just can’t get over the riffs. I know they are touring right now, so do yourself a favor and go get this, go see them, or both. Swedish-style old-school death with melodic solos. I love this. 8 Fucking Pecks.
Need some death? REVOCATION don’t have it on their new one, Deathless; well, yeah they do. It’s heir first with Metal Blade, and their second in two years. One may preening ask what, if anything, new does a band have to say in two years? The answer is plenty. This is not a retreading of last years’ s/t album, although it DEFINITELY sounds like Revo. This is technical death thrash, and the first thing that’s noticed is how it digs in and doesn’t really let up. But that’s not to say that it doesn’t sound like them. They have a bag of tricks, and they visit that bag plenty, but it’s no boring retread. This can be down right hooky at times. A band that’s never been four to the floor, Revocation maintain their aesthetic, yet still make an interesting record that has life and pushes their already diverse envelope in different directions. 8 Fucking Pecks.
OLD LINES release No Child Left Behind on No Sleep , and this is a grinding banger, with just enough crust and D-beat thrown in to keep it interesting. This is certainly a record to show that hardcore can indeed have an edge. A little grind with some punk thrown in. This whole thing has a punk edge. Probably not everyone’s thing, and there’s a looseness here that only can be associated with something like this, but in that looseness lies an intense energy. Keep an eye out for these guys. 7 Fucking Pecks.
Shameless self-promotion: PIG DESTROYER release Mass and Volume on Relapse. Originally recorded during the Phantom Limb sessions, these two tracks are rife with doomy heaviness and amplifier worship. Obviously, I can’t say that it’s great, but it’s great (ESPECIALLY the bass playing). Who knew parrots could suck their own dicks? I won’t rate it, but check it out.
