It’s been a minute, but, it’s your old boy Waldo here to spout off about some upcoming releases here. You know, “I’m not elitist, you just have terrible taste.” This is my favorite intro I’ve ever pecked, so I’m sticking with it. So, stay tuned, see what the fellas get into, you might just learn something…
This may not be “metal” in the traditional sense, but Ministry is back at it with Moral Hygiene. First of all I have to say, this is not the best Ministry record, and while definitely NOT the “classic” Ministry, it’s probably the best since the Bush trilogy released in the ’00s. There are samples, duh, heavy chord riffing, duh, machine like drums, duh, political songs, duh, and heavily effected vocals, duh. So, in essence, this is a Ministry record. The production here is a little toothless, which is kinda surprising since half of the band’s charm is all in the “bite” of the sound. Don’t get me wrong, this is a solid record, but it’s kinda hard for this birdbrain to get really excited about the 19th (or wherever) release by this band. Moral Hygiene really seems to basically be a record to facilitate a tour. Not really the “Ministry morphed into a thrash band with a drum machine” but more like “Ministry as a messed up industrial band.” 6 Fucking Pecks.
More “not metal” but heavy: Texas’s Cherubs hit hard on their new ep Slo Blo For Frnz & Sky on Relapse. Describing this band is tough; it’s “noise rock” but only in the simplest sense. This group has hit hard since the earlier days on their Heroin Man era, and this is no exception. I love this, heavy distorted bass over rhythmic, pounding drums. The very vocals themselves are howled and screamed with a strange ferocity. Cherubs isn’t afraid to let their freak flag fly and be even weirder and throw in basically whatever they want. These guys are pecking underrated. Punk, noise ear fuckery. NOT for the faint of heart. Jesus, when they posted the new video, it instantly got like 30 dislikes, if that gives you a clue how this sounds. Killer. 8 Fucking Pecks.
Wow, I’m on a not-traditional-metal roll here! Lair of the White Worm (named after the surreal movie of the same name) features John Cooke from Napalm Death and Corrupt Moral Altar, and well… EP1 is just some pecked up, messed up stuff. Layers and layers of droning, but punishing guitar noise, mixed with samples, with a healthy dose of industrial music thrown in REALLY harken back to the early days of the more experimental Earache era. Think Scorn, but DON’T think Scorn. This is its own thing and it’s mean and unsettling, and, well… mean. Can’t wait to hear more. 8 Fucking Pecks.
Well guys, I’m back and I will be back. Waldo out!
