Oh my, it’s been a little bit, hasn’t it? Well, it’s me, your boy Waldo, pecking up right where I left off, spouting all the stuff about new releases that are fit to line the bottom of my cage.
So, ABBATH releases Abbath on Season of Mist. Most people know Abbath from his previous jawn, Immortal. So, if you know anything about that, this is black metal-ish. You know, that kinda proto-black metal that has elements of “modern” black metal, and elements of death rock. I’d really like to start out by saying I have tremendous respect for Abbath, and this record doesn’t suck. Let’s start out with the production: there’s something here that isn’t, I don’t pecking know, “evil” enough. Or not mean enough for this birdbrain. There’s also a weird trigger on one of the drums (which otherwise sound great), but the kick is mixed high or doesn’t really sound like the rest of the kit. “OK, Waldo, OK, we know you have discerning ears, but what about the songs?!” Well, I’ll tell you, the songs are pretty good. There’s really not a lot shocking here, with the exception of not a lot of real variation, down to an “interlude” section in almost the exact same point in every song. 7 Fucking Pecks
Is it really fair for me to review AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED’s new foray, Arc? Well, I’m going to do it. This is the first of five EPs based off of each member’s preferred sound or general interests musically. Gone this time are ANb’s furious stabs of punk/violent grind, to be replaced by a sort of sludge/stoner/doom amalgam that works really well. This is heavy as hell, and certainly a departure from ANb’s “normal” material, at times downright groovy. Kat Katz’s vocals are front and center here, and her screaming howls gave my feathers goosebumps. I dunno, people are going to hate on this, but it works and it works well. 8 Fucking Pecks.
Well, I can’t really seem to find out much more. Hating on the new MEGADETH seems WAY too easy (and I’m a bird). I mean, this time of year is usually pretty barren as far as notable releases go. SEVEN SISTERS OF SLEEP is pretty damn ripping, but hey, I’ll be back. If not just to shit all over when the Josh Homme/Iggy Pop collaboration comes out. Until next time… Waldo Out!
