Ninkharsag - Destroyed By Design

Self Released 2011

1.Introduction (The Anunnaki) 2.The Dawn Of The Age Of Aquarius

3.Destroyed By Design

Black metal horde Ninkharsag have only been together as a band since early 2011 but already have a 2 track demo written, recorded and released; and what an impressive introduction to the band this is. Lurking firmly in the ‘old school black metal’ vein, the band has produced some absolute quality old school, grim, necro black metal. ‘Destroyed by Design’ opens up with ‘Introduction (The Anunnaki)’, an eerie ‘backwards talking’ intro with screams and industrial soundscapes, it sounds like someone (or something) is being tortured to death, a good start! First ‘actual’ track, ‘The Dawn of The Age of Aquarius’ is next up, the bands influences instantly obvious as there is an overall feeling of ‘Mayhem’ (De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas era) here, the guitar sound, the drum sound all suggesting that the afore mentioned masters of black metal are a massive influence on the band. Having said that the bands aren’t just Mayhem clones, they hold their own brilliantly, crafting some very memorable songs which really grab your attention. Vocals are scathing and hateful as you would expect, spouting demonic tales of woe.

 ‘Destroyed By Design’ then follows, slightly more melody on show than with the previous track, the riff which ends the track is so catchy and so fucking black metal. Within this track there’s definitely a hint of Enslaved on show, especially with the opening riffs. However, it’s a strange beast of a track, only lasting 1:53 which is really disappointing. No sooner has the track found its footing, and then it has ended. As mentioned, the riffing in this track is really catchy, an all-out black metal masterpiece, but unfortunately the track ends up sounding like the band have run out of ideas, hence the short time scale. Showing so much promise, it really should have lasted a lot longer and there are obviously reasons that only the band knows as to why the track is so short. Having said that, this 2 track demo is amazing, for such a young band they show a great deal of promise. They are ticking all the right boxes and have definitely found ‘their sound’ which yes, may be drenched with the Mayhem sound, but is very unique to the UK underground.

Ninkharsag need to get an e.p. or full length out soon, because if the band continues to write such well-crafted black metal songs, they can’t fail to impress, unless impressing people is un-kvlt of course! Disregarding the shortness of the tracks, it’s a very impressive first release.

7 out of 10

Foul Body Autopsy - Pathology

Self Released 2011

1.Left To Rot 2.Exhumed 3.Reduced To Puss 4.Mince The Flesh 5.Pathology

6.Flayed And Displayed 7.Mutilating 8.To Dismember

**BONUS TRACKS**

1.The Beholder 2.Synthetic Esistence 3.What Ever May 4.Deception 5.The Eternal

Another one man band hailing from the UK, this time it is Foul Body Autopsy, the man behind this killing machine being Tom Reynolds. Right from the outset FBA are taking no prisoners at all, brutal and blasting death metal driving hard from the speakers at full force. For all the brutality on show, there is also a massive dose of melody, the guitar riffs to opener ‘Left To Rot’ being very memorable and catchy. Second track ‘Exhumed’ lasts all of 43 seconds and has black metal written all over it, guitars shredding ice cold riffs supported by blasting drums. Very different to the opening track but it certainly doesn’t feel out of place. Vocals are changed to harsh black metal screaming throughout the songs short, but violent length.

 The death metal barrage is then resumed over the next few tracks, especially on ‘Pathology’ and ‘Flayed and Displayed’, being only 50 seconds and 20 seconds respectively. Tom is obviously at great ease producing these short, sharp slabs on precisely executed death/grind because they work really well and add variety amongst the longer lasting tracks. ‘To Dismember’ takes the grind element to the extreme, being only 6 seconds long, hardly worth the bother you might think, but it works amongst all of the brutality and chaos! Musically there is a heavy U.S death metal influence to the sound with the guitar work being very intricate and technical at times and with an added progressive edge there’s no danger of predictability creeping in. The only predictable slant being the excellent delivery of each track. There is also a European feel to a lot of the riffing, similar to bands such as Hour of Penance. However brutal proceedings become, Tom always manages to include some melody into the tracks which allows the tracks to open up and not become one dimensional.

Foul Body Autopsy - Left To Rot

The vocal delivery helps to add to the brutality, on the whole being guttural but with added screamed, backing vocals which adds variety and increases the overall appeal. Drum programming can often be an issue with the whole one man band thing. However, the production of the drums is excellent. Yes, it does sound like programmed drums, but only every so often, especially when the double kicks go into overdrive. Other than these few exceptions, they sound reasonably ‘human’ and it wouldn’t be hard to imagine a talented extreme metal drummer joining Tom to cause havoc. Thirteen tracks in only 20 minutes – a whirlwind of precisely played, technical death / grind all executed by one man, impressive stuff! More impressive is that Tom reproduces this destruction live, gigging a lot and even winning a place at Bloodstock 2011 for his efforts. Well worth your time and support.

7.5 Out of 10

Depraved Plague - Promo 2011

Self Released 2011

1.Self Conceited 2.Deviant

For a 2 track promo this cd has an excellent production, opening track ‘Self Conceited’ hits you in the face full force, brutal death metal from the offset. Bass heavy, every instrument is worked to maximum effect. The guitars are a mix of U.S and Swedish death metal inspired riffing. These two tracks would sit comfortably on a full length cd, the production matching anything on offer from more established bands with labels and studio budgets. The Guitar tone is first class and suits the more melodic riffs prefectly. Tempos are changed in an instant, flashing from all out brutality to a sludge infested crawl yet still remaining extreme. Musicianship is first rate, all handling their instruments well. Second track ‘Deviant’ is very similar to the opening track, with some added melody, one of the main riffs to the song is so catchy, the guitar work reminiscent of some of the older Swedish death metal bands such as Dismember and Hypocrisy. But, this isn’t old school at all, it has a real modern sound and feel, intelligent song structures which aren’t overly complicated but very enjoyable nonetheless.

 Vocally it is a no frills affair, a rasping death metal voice which suits the music perfectly, no dual vocal overuse here. It’s just a real shame DP only have two tracks to tempt us with because the songs are really good, but aren’t very long, so no sooner have you pressed play then you are pressing eject (or play again, depending on how much you like it). Hopefully DP are busy writing new material, because if it’s as good as these two tracks, their next releases promises to be something special. Definitely a band to keep an eye on.

7.5 out of 10

Dr.Aids - Drive Me To Kill You

Fred Westlife Incorporated 2011

1.Shit Eating Freak 2.Simply Cunt 3.Drive Me To Kill You 4.Fellate My Phallus

5.Stiff And Blue Screw 6.Thats Why Dads Go To Iceland

7.Katie Price Fuck Off To Jordan 

Dr.Aids, possibly one of the UK’s most un-pc bands, but bands of an extreme nature tend to throw two fingers up towards the politically correct elite. ‘Shit eating freak’ opens up this festival of bad taste. Punk in essence, simple guitar structures are based around simplistic, caveman drumming. Elements of death metal and grind are also present drum wise, blast beats used sparingly to add variety and pace to the tracks. ‘Simply Cunt’ lowers the tone even further, but in a good way. Its crude, its rude, plenty of swearing to be had from the dual vocals of Agz and Butch. The vocals are a real highlight, varying styles used, from shouting, to guttural death metal growls, to screamed high pitched insults.

There are definite hints of Macabre to Dr.Aids sound, although they are just hints, nothing more. Its in the way the songs are structured, both musically and vocally where the band are reminiscent of Macabre. ‘Drive Me To Kill You’ has an excellent main riff, fast and furious it gives the song a real brutal feel, the bands grind influence on show. ‘Stiff And Blue Screw’  has a real punk / crust feel to it, setting a blistering pace to start but then venturing into the more familiar punk orientated riffing. ‘And That’s Why Dads Go To Iceland’ is probably the most Grind orientated track, blast beats used to end the track in a grinding haze of crudeness. The lyrics to all the tracks are truly inspiring and amusing, Agz being the author of these slices of utter depravity (“Katie why don’t ya fuck off and die, or I can shoot you in the eye, but not with my cum. I’d rather fuckin die than sleep with you”).

Production matches the lyrical theme, being dirty and nasty but clear enough for each instrument to hold its own. The band have a real D.I.Y work ethic and this shows through on the cd, punk as fuck but with enough bite to hold the attention of extreme metallers. ‘Katie Price Fuck Off To Jordon’ is inspired, not only for the lyrics, but the overall delivery of the track, the dual vocals working excellently on the choruses. The easily offended should stay well clear, all others should give this a listen. It reminds you of why you got into extreme music in the first place. Its not politically correct, its really fucking crude, its punk/death/grind nastiness. And it has a song with ‘Cunt’ in the title, worth the cost of the cd alone! You will feel used and abused, dirty and humiliated after listening this, but I have a feeling that’s what the band want – dirty c***s (that’s for Agz!!) Recommended.

7 out of 10

Not Above Evil - Deification

Self Released 2011

1.Singularity 2.Jacob's Ladder 3.Seven Broken Halos 4.Terra Nova 5.Into The Mist

6.Deliverance 7.Tusked In The Throat 8.Rise To Fall 9.The Crown Of Lead 10.Atropos

11.Beneath The Surface 12.Of Stars And Shadow

Right from the off there is an intensity surrounding NAE, a foreboding atmosphere created and maintained throughout the entire cd. Opener ‘The Singularity’ setting the tone, heavy blackened death metal with some added melody to spice things up. It works perfectly, especially the use of scathing, screamed black metal style vocals. An ominous mood is set. ‘Jacob’s ladder’ continues the theme only with a more melodic edge, guitar solos used over the more melodic, slower passages. There’s a real feeling of sorrow when the pace is slowed, the band sounding like they have just been told their mothers have been murdered and then deciding to write a song. ‘Seven Broken Halos’ starts very melodically, but then thunders in with chest rattling heaviness, the song been worked to a crescendo of frantic and intricate riffing. 

‘Terra Nova’ opens up in a whirlwind of pinch harmonic riffing and blasting drums. There’s a sense of urgency with this track, it feels as though NAE want to get their message to you as brutally as possible, which they definitely manage to do. When the track slows and the melody is introduced it again feels like the band are telling you their bad news of the loss of a loved one. Compelling stuff! This track also introduces some black metal ‘tremolo’ styled riffing which only adds to a growing sense of despair. Although there is a sense of melody to the guitars, they manage to retain that heavy as fuck death metal feel which is really appealing. I was very surprised to read that the drums aren’t actually drums, but a drum machine. They sound very natural, very drum like (which is rare, as drum machines very often sound like drum machines on a lot of releases – too clinical, too precise). You could imagine a human behind the kit drumming to this, as the drum patterns used don’t take advantage of the fact it is a machine playing them by playing at inhuman speeds or stupidly precise rolls and fills.

‘Deliverance’ showcases the bands more technical edge, the guitar work first class, the fret board obviously taking a beating! What works so well with this cd is the mix of brutality and melody, NAE finding the perfect mix, never over-doing one against the other. ‘Tusked In The Throat’ shows a different edge to the band’s sound, introducing industrial tinged vocals with ‘sing-along’ choruses which to my surprise, works well and doesn’t sound out of place which you might expect given the differences in sound. Is it possible for a band to have a nasty and evil sound, yet be catchy at the same time? I believe it is. For all the melody on show, NOE never lose that sense of despair, the evil sound crafted well to include melody but to never lose its edge. ‘Atropos’ even shows a groovier edge to the band’s sound, the track almost ‘bouncing’ along in a cess pit of groove inspired nastiness. This is a monster, coming in at 60 minutes over 12 tracks, every track offering a great listening experience. Never becoming repetitive or uninteresting, 60 minutes might seem a long time, but it will be time well spent if you’re listening to this! Procceedings are ended with an 8 minute instrumental track ‘Of Stars And Shadows’ incorporating all of the bands influences and sounds, a fitting finale to what is a very impressive cd. Heavy as fuck blackened death metal. Brutal and melodic; catchy yet evil. Well recommended.

8 out of 10

Wolfcrusher - Virgin Tapestry

Casket Music / Copro 2011

1.Reborn 2.Skeletonizer 3.Lost At Sea 4.All Shall Pass 5.Insuperabilis 6.No Chance

7.Moving Mountains

Death metal with a touch of groove is where Wolfcrusher sit amongst the plethora of genres within extreme metal. First track ‘Reborn’ showcases the bands groove element alongside the melodic framework to which the track has been set. There is a great amount of variety to the opener, especially from the vocal department, with everything from guttural death metal vocals, to rasping black metal type vocals to sung ‘Fear Factory’ style vocals. Second track ‘Skeletonizer’ is very catchy, the bands melodic edge again used to great advantage, the chorus riff a fine example. Wolfcrusher obviously have a wide variety of influences as many of them are on show within this track, even dipping into metalcore style breakdowns – but don’t let that put you off, they retain an element of heavy death metal to them.

‘Lost at Sea’ shows another one of the bands influences, opening up with a doom rock feel, which feels totally out of place, as they mix the sung ‘rock’ passages with the rasping black metal style vocals and they just don’t sit comfortably together. The whole song feels out of place, losing the heavy, yet melodic death metal feel to the two previous tracks. ‘All Shall Pass’ feels even more out of place, very very melodic American style rock singing over acoustic guitars and soft drumming, very radio / Kerrang & Scuzz TV friendly – this track couldn’t be further away from the death metal shown on ‘Reborn’ and ‘Skeltonizer’ – very disappointing. Obviously aimed at the kids and the girlies, cos I’m sure hairy arsed death metallers like me will be cringing and have sick buckets at the ready!

 Normal service is resumed with ‘Insuperabilis’, a Pantera style groove opens up, the heaviness to the guitars brought back, the extreme vocals also brought back. A good start, but the tempo of the track lets it down, giving the track a doomier feel but ultimately leading the track nowhere. The pace is upped towards the end of the track, but by then it’s too late, interest has sadly been lost. ‘No Chance’ is another strange track, opening up with an AC/DC style guitar solo, the band choosing to mix things up again, doom rock sitting uncomfortably with rasping black metal style vocals, then adding spoken and sung passages for variety – a little too much variety! Wolfcrusher show moments of promise when they speed things up and get the double kick drums into action, but sadly this doesn’t happen very often. Final track 'Moving Mountains' ends the cd as it began, heavy groove orientated melodic death metal, a welcome relief from the ‘normality’ of tracks two to six. The production is good, when the guitars are playing death metal they are heavy. The drum sound is good as well, but they never really get going enough, the faster tempos few and far between. This CD is a strange beast and I know this won’t appeal to the majority of extreme metallers. Rock and metal fans may appreciate it more. A melting pot of influences which when mixed, don’t always work. If you’re like me and you like your metal EXTREME, stay away from this, if your open to suggestions, give it a spin, there may be some good you can find from it. Not extreme and not for everyone.

5.5 Out of 10

Morbid Atrophy - Grist 'N' Grind

Self Released 2011

1.Stout Pout 2.Story There? 3.A Porter Too 4.Extract Attack 5.Ownes On The Ale

6.Mash Tun 'Til It's Gone 7.Lagers For Lighties 8.Pillow Talk 9.Dry Hop 10.Yar Bru, Yar Bru

11.A Porter Too (Blench Mix) 12.Lagers For Lighties (Wifebeater Mix)

13.Story There? (Blench Mix)

Another one man band hailing from the UK, this time it’s Morbid Atrophy (Sacha Varwin the man behind this project). A Short sharp film clip intro starts things off, then it’s a filth ridden blast into opener ‘Stout Pout’. Although Sacha classes his music as grind, "with splashes of death metal and punk" there’s definitely an underlying element of horrible black metal. I was instantly reminded of dirty Finnish black metal, Archgoat and early Impaled Nazarene sprang to mind. Good reference points for when the songs are in ‘blast mode’, horrid scathing riffing supported by neandethal, brutal drumming.

This is very impressive for a one man band, for rather than relying on a drum machine, Sacha clatters away at the kit like a man possessed as he is primarily a drummer, having sat behind the kit for previous musical ventures. But he has also played guitar and been the voice for other bands, so to bring his talents in to a solo venture is a good move indeed. Song lengths are typically very short, averaging around the 1:00 minute mark, but any longer and I don’t think they would work as well as they currently do. Vocal style suits the music well, Sacha’s dirty, filth ridden higher pitched gargle complemented by some real ‘from the depths of hell’ guttural growls, used sparingly throughout, but to great effect. Tracks 2 – 10 are over in a whirlwind of filth, depravity and beer (song titles such as ‘Lagers For Lighties’ and ‘Dry Hop’ explain the reference to beer!).

The production is great, being dirty, heavy and very organic sounding. Track 11 ‘A Porter Too’ (bench mix) offers up a surprising change in proceedings, the track still retaining heavy guitars and tortured screaming vocals, but the drums have been replaced by a techno style drum machine. This gives the track an extreme dance / techno edge whilst retaining its metal extremity.  Last two tracks ‘Lagers For Lighties’ (Wifebeater Mix) and ‘Story There’ (Blench Mix) are the same, techno mixes of tracks already featured earlier on the cd. They also sound extreme, and although a surprising change, offer little to the disc, the ‘normal’ metal versions of the songs outclassing the mix versions hands down. The mixes may appeal to the more open minded extreme metallers out there, but failed to impress here. Three different tracks rather than three re-mixes might have been a better choice. Having said that it shows a willingness to experiment and to ‘not give a fuck what narrow-minded reviewers think of It’ ;) Thirteen tracks lasting 14 minutes – you get the idea. It’s raw, it’s dirty, it blasts, and it grinds…its 6.66% nasty blackened grind. Its genius! Well recommended

7.5 Out of 10