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FRESH MEAT FRIDAY - July 17th, 2020

7/17/2020

Every Friday, a wagon arrives at the Sleeping Village’s crumbling gates, stuffed to the brim with our sustenance for the following week. Today is the day we must offload all this new music, and so, in the process, we thought it would be worthwhile to share some of our choice picks from this veritable mass of fresh meat. This is what we’ll be--and have been--listening to today here at the Village HQ. We hope you join us in doing so!

On the docket for today, July 17th, 2020:
Väki, Eremit, Entry, and deathnoisefrequency

Väki - Kuolleen Maan Omaksi 
(Redefining Darkness Records)

The illustrious Redefining Darkness deals pretty exclusively in gritty and grimy death metal, so (on the rare occasion) when they dip their toes into blackened waters, you know the album/artist in question is exceedingly worthwhile. This is certainly the case for the Finnish Väki, who present a delicious brand of chaos-ridden black metal that recalls The Great Old Ones in its telltale complex frenzy. There's a distinct focus on oppressive atmosphere throughout, with little attention given to pleasing melodic or earwormy hooks--despite an admitted penchant for muscular riffage amidst the fray. This album is equally explosive and introspective, and every listen reveals an additional layer of complexity. A must for those in search of quality chaotic black metal...but perhaps not an album intended to entice newcomers into the darkness.

Find it on bandcamp here!

Eremit - Desert of Ghouls 
(Transcending Obscurity)

Eremit--Germany's heaviest doom duo
--are swiftly becoming masters in their own right when it comes to delivering crushing-yet-atmospheric-sludge. Desert of Ghouls is a beast unto itself--easily their most ambitious and technically adept accomplishment yet. The behemothian bass tone is utterly sasquatchian. The drums are forceful and present. The compositions are dynamic and dexterous, at times reaching a near-hypnotic cadence. Sludge lives and dies by an ability to maintain interest, and here, Eremit's songwriting abilities clearly enhance the two tracks beyond the sum of their sonic parts. If you're looking to sample...I recommedn you just listen to the whole damn thing. "Beheading The Innumerous" is plodding and pummeling, whereas "City of Râsh-il-nûm" is more progressive and exploratory. Both are, I humbly submit, essential listening.

Find it on bandcamp here!

FRESH MEAT FRIDAY...erm, SATURDAY: July 4th, 2020

7/2/2020

Every Friday--in today's case, Saturday--a wagon arrives at the Sleeping Village’s gates, stuffed to the brim with our sustenance for the following week. Today is the day we must offload all this new music, and so, in the process, we thought it would be worthwhile to share some of our choice picks from this veritable mass of fresh meat. This is what we’ll be listening to today here at the Village HQ. We hope you join us in doing so!

On the docket for today, July 4th, 2020:
Ancient Hand, Northern Crown, Gramma Vedetta, and Pale Witch

Ancient Hand - Best regards,
(Independent Release)

If you follow our shenanigans on Instagram, you may be aware of (unsubstantiated) rumors that I have accepted a sizeable bribe in exchange for this review. Let me dispel said rumor thusly: I love Ancient Hand's body of work, and Best regards, is his best work yet by a significant margin. Moving away from dungeon synth roots and into increasingly experimentally turbulent waters, this album is a wholly heartfelt exploration of pain, anger, and inevitable catharsis. Sonically, Ancient Hand embraces a palette of heft and aggression, moving into the arenas of dark(er), ambient, boom-bappy hip-hop beats, industrial noise, and EDM. It's a dynamic approach, and one that oozes emotive results--from the hard-hitting "metacognition" and "ORAL," to the reflective Interludes I & II, the intent is clear--but yet remains a joy to experience.

Find it at bandcamp here (for NYOP!)

Northern Crown – In A Pallid Shadow
(Independent Release)

This album, I am pleased to report, has been quite the grower. Occupying a strange space between, the respective mid-eras of Candlemass and Kansas, In A Pallid Shadow takes the traditional epic doom template and amps it up with a significant prog-rock extravagance. One wouldn’t think that the flair of the former former would benefit from, well, the flair of the latter, but here, Northern Crown have found a delicate balance that works remarkably well. Besides the tasteful application of the standard Hammond fare, the vocals are powerful and emotive, and the songwriting, while certainly not trim or restrained, feels meaningful and well-considered throughout the (pleasingly short) breadth. All told, this is an excellent album—almost certainly a candidate for many a doom-laden year end list.

Find it at bandcamp here!

FRESH MEAT FRIDAY: June 26th, 2020

6/25/2020

Every Friday, a wagon arrives at the Sleeping Village’s gates, stuffed to the brim with our sustenance for the following week. oday is the day we must offload all this new music, and so, in the process, we thought it would be worthwhile to share some of our choice picks from this veritable mass of fresh meat. This is what we’ll be listening to today here at the Village HQ. We hope you join us in doing so! Note: there was a veritable horde of excellent music released today. When the wagon overflows with such wealth, it's up to the weary peasants to make sure everything gets delivered. As such, our very own Volt Thrower stepped in to help provide some extra reviews. Enjoy the bounty!

On the docket for today, June 26th, 2020:
Pyrrhon, The Third Kind, Battle Born, Uprising, Green Claws, Pale Divine, Fleshvessel, and Ohhms

Pyrrhon - Abscess Time
(Willowtip Records)

I'll be honest: I genuinely had no clue how avant-garde metal mavericks Pyrrhon were ever going to top 2017's brilliant What Passes For Survival. As it turns out: they don't. But that's okay, 'cuz despite not pushing boundaries when taking their own work into consideration, this crew has once again proven their prowess in the avant-garde arena. This behemoth runs a veritable gamut of genres and influences, from grind, to raw death metal, to overtly experimental noise. The complexity on display is effectively unmatched by...well, anything other than the band's own past work. In sum? While Abscess Time didn't blow my expectations out of the water, it remains a prime example of Pyrrhon's dominance in the game.

Find it on bandcamp here!

The Third Kind - Man vs Earth
(Independent release)

Amen! My kingdom for a 23 minute album! I love frenetically brief onslaughts,
particularly when wrapped up in crossover thrash glory. As a street thrash outfit by trade and ethos, The Third Man is scrappy and tough, albeit with a subtly modern edge. There are skinned knees and elbows a-plenty to be had herein, with an emphasis on fast-paced verve and nose-bloodying groove. Tghe entire affair, of course, oozes NYC hardcore 'tude and swagger.

These guys don't even come close to reinventing the wheel with Man vs Earth, but I sincerely doubt that was ever the point. This is dynamic and energetic music perfect for a mosh or a bare-knuckle streetfight.

Find it on bandcamp here!

FRESH MEAT FRIDAY: June 19th, 2020 (feat. Carrion Vael, Insatanity, Mothers of the Land, and Underer)

6/18/2020

Every Friday, a wagon arrives at the Sleeping Village’s gates, stuffed to the brim with our sustenance for the following week. Today is the day we must offload all this new music, and so, in the process, we thought it would be worthwhile to share some of our choice picks from this veritable mass of fresh meat. This is what we’ll be listening to today here at the Village HQ. We hope you join us in doing so!

On the docket for today, June 19th, 2020:
Carrion Vael, Mothers of the Land, Underer, and Insatanity (and a bonus charity compilation!)

Carrion Vael - God Killer
(Horror Pain Gore Death)

God Killer can get it. Which is to say: this here album fucks.
Carrion Vael
have concocted an expertly crafted blend of death metal motifs, ranging from technical shredding, to pounding riffage, to the melodic leanings of Swedeath's finest. This is like the bastard child of like, Slugdge and At The Gates, with a healthy dose of brutality thrown in for good measure. Rather than overpowering proceedings, the tech elements are incredibly well balanced with the heft of traditional death. Headbanging and air guitar-ing is inevitable--and if that ain't a mark of death metal worth perusing, I dunno what is.

Calling it now: Carrion Vael is responsible for the tech-death metal album of the year. God Killer is an absolute stunner.

Find it on bandcamp here!

Mothers of the Land - Hunting Grounds
(Stonefree Records)

There's something so immensely satisfying about an album where the artwork reflects and mimics the beauty dwelling within. In the case of Hunting Grounds, our heavy psych instrumentalists in question have constructed a truly gorgeous package. Lush melody, organically psychedelic meandering, and vibrant NWOBHM momentum all serve to invite relaxation while maintaining sharp interest in the absence of vocals. Indeed, Hunting Grounds succeeds remarkably well at constructing a world of intrigue--this is an album for people who don't think they like instrumental albums. It's a difficult trick to pull off, to say the least. Beyond that, the guitar tone is beauty incarnate. I'm comfortable considering this a masterpiece, and will revisit it for some quite some time.

Find it on bandcamp here!

Sleeping Village Tips & Tricks: Writing a Band Bio for Press Kits

6/12/2020

Here's a common (and very legitimate) question: “what goes in my press kit band bio?” We here at the Sleeping Village enjoy receiving a solid bio, but, beyond that, we enjoy when bands handling their own PR maximize their potential. As such, here's our advice on how to construct a band bio that does its job.

In short, the press kit bio serves two major purposes:

A. introducing your band in a succinct but curiosity-inducing fashion, and

B. providing useful and necessary info to the reviewer/label/distributor/PR firm/etc.

FRESH MEAT FRIDAY: June 12th, 2020

6/12/2020

Every Friday, a wagon arrives at the Sleeping Village’s gates, stuffed to the brim with our sustenance for the following week. Today is the day we must offload all this new music, and so, in the process, we thought it would be worthwhile to share some of our choice picks from this veritable mass of fresh meat. This is what we’ll be listening to today here at the Village HQ. We hope you join us in doing so!

On the docket for today, June 12th, 2020:
Behold... The Arctopus, Lord, Foetal Juice, DECONSECRATION

Behold... The Arctopus - Hapeleptic Overtrove
(Willowtip / P2)

Time to ruffle some feathers. BTA do
have an endearing shtick, but at this stage in the game, I think we need to address the fact that their brand of progressive metal results in albums that are more a collection of ideas, and less a collection of tracks. Indeed, as fellow Villager Izzy recently argued, this album sounds more like segments from a rehearsal than an album proper. Sure, the hyper-technicality is impressive--it's instrumentally all over the place in the best of ways, something truly to behold--but I fail to see how this album succeeds as an album. If you're here to witness the workshop-esque qualities of BAT, this could very well indeed be the best representation of their baffling sound. All told, I do buy the statement that Hapeleptic Overtrove is at the forefront of prog wackery. I don't however, believe that Behold... The Arctopus are necessarily pushing metal in a new direction.

Find it on bandcamp here!

Lord - Chaos Raining
(Independently Released)

Let's get the obvious out of the way: Lord are an excellent band.
Chaos Raining, despite containing little new content, is no exception to the rule. The title track, taken from their prior album, is offered here in two formats, including the OG ripper and an extended cut. A new track, "A World Insane," helps flesh out the package of this limited edition EP. All told, both (or all three, depending how you coutn it?) are stellar tracks, leaning heavily into both the progressive and power ends of the metal spectrum. Lord employ a potent sense of melodic bombast to great effect, resulting in a predictably ramble-rousing endeavor. If yer unfamiliar with these Aussie stalwarts, I highly recommend allowing this EP to serve as an entry point. If you are familiar, I recommend you check this one out--while unessential, it's an undeniable banger. So, in short...recommended!

Find it on bandcamp here!

Bandcamp Day Donation Roundup

6/4/2020

On a typical Friday, we Sleeping Villagers spend some time looking over new releases. Today, however, is not a typical Friday. Instead, we are opting to focus entirely on bands that are donating today's proceeds to bail funds, mutual aids, and other organizations working hard to bring positive change and assistance to black individuals and communities, who, (as you are hopefully all aware,) are disproportionately impacted by police brutality and racist institutional oppression. Bandcamp is not taking a cut of sales today, so all proceeds will go directly to artists--and, in turn, into the hands of organizations that can turn dollars into action.

If you're looking to donate directly to a bail fund working to support jailed protesters, either in your city or in cities heavily impacted by police brutality and wanton arrest during this past week of demonstrations, here is a link.

FRESH MEAT FRIDAY: May 29th, 2020

5/29/2020

Every Friday, a wagon arrives at the Sleeping Village’s gates, stuffed to the brim with our sustenance for the following week. Today is the day we must offload all this new music, and so, in the process, we thought it would be worthwhile to share some of our choice picks from this veritable mass of fresh meat. This is what we’ll be listening to today here at the Village HQ. We hope you join us in doing so!

On the docket for today, May 29th, 2020:
Xibalba, Atavistia, Paralysis, and Held In Secret

Xibalba - Años En Infierno
(Southern Lord)

We gave this excellent album a lil' love previously, but now that it has been cast into the world for ye to all enjoy, it's worth revisiting. Xibalba play a potent and pissed-off blend of death metal and hardcore, bringing the heft of the former and the aggression of the latter to bear with suitably impressive results. Notably, this latest effort demonstrates a refinement of the downtrodden sludge-like atmosphere that Xibalba have, in the past, approached. As I wrote previously, "This is brutality incarnate." As such, it inevitably has a wide appeal to fans of genres that deal with heartfelt violence and rage--if you're a fan of the take-no-prisoners approach, you'll find something to enjoy herein.

Find it on bandcamp here!

Paralysis - Mob Justice
(Independently Released)

Crossover thrash, we sclumbering scribes are happy to admit, is not everyone's cup of tea. However, if you're in the mood (as ye should be) to throw elbows,
Paralysis' blistering high-octane display of East-Coast-hardcore-by-way-of-Bay-Area-thrash is a solid candidate to serve as your soundtrack. I'm getting a distinctly Iron Reagan vibe from this album, both in terms of the tangibly kinetic energy and the general "fuck around and find out" grit.

Mob Justice is the definition of moshable music, plain 'n' simple. If you're on the hunt for a sample, check out the hard-hitting "Oblivious" for a particularly representative taste. Highly recommended!

Find it on bandcamp here!

REFUSING TO LET GO: A Review of Avril Lavigne's "Let Go" in 15 Parts (4/15)

5/27/2020

We do a lot of ridiculous stuff here at the Sleeping Village--that, I can not deny. However, this mammothian effort on the part of Ancient Hand serves as a response to said frivolity. Nothing--and I mean nothing--is more serious than dissecting, in painstaking detail, the seminal debut of early 2000's pop-punk monarch Avril Lavinge. This, dear readers, is a magnum opus. Also, for the haters: Avril is metal as fuck. There. I said it.

The miniseries before ye is divided into a glorious fifteen parts. Today marks the fourth installment: "Sk8er Boi." If you missed "Complicated" or our introductory statement, check 'em out here! - Ed.

"SK8er Boi"

Written by: Ancient Hand

In the nearly-wholly and disappointingly misguided series finale of the critical darling and money-printing Game of Thrones, we are treated to a monologue from fan-favorite character, Tyrion Lannister. In his monologue, Tyrion discusses the importance of good stories. To many, this was a snide and woefully misplaced self-congratulatory pat on the back for and from the show writers. To others, this was a concession of sorts, detailing the importance of the story itself--not just the disappointing ending. Snide or sorrowful, this monologue does raise some good points. Stories take on a life of their own and can often not be destroyed by anything: man, machine, or …meme.

Avril Lavigne’s profound and prophetic story of the titular "Sk8er Boi" and his numerous female counterparts is the definition of a good story. A good story has many definitions from many different scholars that believe they are the final intellectual to serve the grisly details on what makes the best hero’s journey, or how these specific famous characters from world fiction are the most relatable and original. At the end of the day, though, a good story is simply one that makes the audience feel. I doubt this is something many people would argue with, and I feel comfortable using it as the definition for a good story in the remainder of this review. Stories make people feel in all sorts of ways-- some use spectacle, some use terror, some use sorrow, some use forceful and attention-grabbing imagery, and the list goes on. Our Queen of Music, Avril Lavigne, utilizes multiple storytelling strategies in her conceptual-chart topping single, “Sk8er Boi.”

FRESH MEAT FRIDAY: May 22nd, 2020

5/22/2020

Every Friday, a wagon arrives at the Sleeping Village’s gates, stuffed to the brim with our sustenance for the following week. Today is the day we must offload all this new music, and so, in the process, we thought it would be worthwhile to share some of our choice picks from this veritable mass of fresh meat. This is what we’ll be listening to today here at the Village HQ. We hope you join us in doing so! Note: there was a veritable horde of excellent music released today. As such, we tried to focus on some lesser-known artists for this edition. More reviews to follow in days to come!

On the docket for today, May 22nd, 2020:
Pile of Priests, Molder, Without Light, and Capra

Pile of Priests - Pile of Priests
(Extreme Metal Music)

That band name, right? That album artwork, right?! This looks like an absolute riot, and, thankfully, it sounds like one too. Pile of Priests play a gloriously theatrical brand of (alternately) thrashy and proggy death metal, with ample room for narrative. To their credit, these elements never conflict of clash--indeed, the narrative elements and progressive leanings, which might feel campy in lesser hands, lend the entire affair an oddly addicting charm. It takes guts to inject grunty riff-driven death metal with a soaring epic flair, but this self-titled beast handles the challenges...well, handily.

Pile of Priests is, in sum, a fun and competent conglomerate of independent elements that make death metal enjoyable. This particular scribe shall certainly be listening in weeks (and months) to come.

Find it on bandcamp here!

Molder - Vanished Cadavers
(Rotted Life Records*)

Speakin' of death metal, it's time for one of the underground's hottest acts in OSDM entertain-ment. If you've been following us for a while, you'll know that we Villagers are big fans of Molder's cadaver-licking style of death metal barbarity. As such, the release of the stellar Vanished Cadavers is a cause for much joy and celebration. This is everything I had hoped--big riffs, meaty production, vicious vocal onslaught, and a generally. This album, notably, employs a slightly thrashier edge than what we've seen before, as well as a clearer approach to rapid-fire composition. Fans of Autopsy rejoice. While it ain't fresh, Molder represents the concentrated form of everything we underground and old school death metal fans love about the genre trappings. They are, undoubtedly, going places. (*Also seeing release on Goatthrone and Headsplit.)

Find it on bandcamp here!