FRESH MEAT FRIDAY: April 10th, 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, April 10th, 2020:
Like Rats, CURSE, Benighted, and the Women of Doom compilation

---

Like Rats - Death Monolith
​(Hibernation Release)

Desperate times call for death metal. This, I’m fairly sure, was written as gospel at some point in the past 30-odd years. In any case, Chicago death outfit Like Rats are here to crush, mush, and otherwise pulverize this release day with their hardcore-tinged brand of OSDM. Offering up a hearty stew of Immolation riffage and Morbid Angel ‘tude, the groove is predictably strong with these guys, with every single track herein delivering an opportunity or two for a behemothian fit of headbanging.

​If you’re in the mood for death without a jangly assortment of bells and whistles, I highly recommend you give Death Monolith a shot during your release day shenanigans. ​

Find 'em on bandcamp here!

---

CURSE - The Awakening..and the Old
​(Redefining Darkness Records)

We’ve got two offerings from the consistently amazing Redefining Darkness Records today--the first being this tasty blackened thrash EP from Sweden’s CURSE. Those of ye who know me very well will know that I have a fondness for the black(ened thrash) arts, and these five tracks are no exception to the rule--although I will say that the general approach in a tad slower than genre convention might dictate. As a result, we’re presented with a surprisingly atmospheric assault, with the trashier elements feeling particularly visceral when they do unsheathe their claws. It’s as if the lovechild of Urgehal and early Watain were left to rot for a decade or two before being abruptly awoken. In other words: good stuff. ​

Find 'em on bandcamp here!

---

Benighted - Obscene Repressed
​(Season of Mist)

Here’s an indication of how good this album is: I received promo at 11:18 yesterday morning, and have listened to it five times since. These French death-grinders are relentlessly consistent in their delivery of (convincingly horrifying!) meld of horror and extreme metal--to paraphrase fellow Villager Loveloth, Benighted are to grind what Aborted are to death metal. While the deranged brutality herein is akin to what you’d expect by this point, Benighted have really stepped it up in the experimental department, layering every track herein with some oddity or another. The high-octane grind is also a more significant element than in previous efforts, which coats the entire affair in a deliciously dark patina. If you know Benighted, you’ll like this album. If you don’t, this is a stellar intro.

​Find 'em on bandcamp here!

---

Various Artists - Women of Doom
(Desert Records and Blues Funeral Recordings)

Who doesn’t like comps? This guy, usually--alas, various artists all-too-oft turns into a “too many cooks” scenario. But when those cooks are all great at what they do...rest assured.
Women of Doom is more than good. Boasting an impressive roster of women who have made (and continue to make!) a mark on heavy music, this compilation's cohesive element is, simply enough, quality. There's not a skippable song on this thing, and the dynamic between gentler tracks and bruisers provides an immersive experience wherein no one gets lost in the fray. Alongside some lesser-knowns, members of (the illustrious) Year of the Cobra, SubRosa, Heavy Temple, Frayle, Nighthawk, Deathbell, and more make appearances. All undeniably stellar musicians in their own rights. As a celebration and a testament both, Women of Doom succeeds masterfully.

Support women in heavy music. Check this comp out on bandcamp here!

---

---