FRESH MEAT FRIDAY: April 9th, 2021, Feat. Gangrened, Heavy Feather, Onward We March, and Sublation

Every Friday, a wagon arrives at the Sleeping Village’s rusted palisade, stuffed to the brim with musical sustenance. Today is the day we must offload this week's new and noteworthy 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 at the Village HQ. We hope you join us in doing so! 

​On the docket for today, April 9th, 2021:
​Gangrened, Heavy Feather, Onward We March, and Sublation

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Gangrened - Deadly Algorithm
(Trepanation Recordings)

Week after week, it seems like there is always a Trepanation Recordings album in the mix--and for good reason. This latest from the fold is another feather in their cap. On Deadly Algorithm, Finland's Gangrened deliver some high-caliber experimental sludge. Rather than adopting a policy of death-by-riffage, this crew cleverly implements a more expansive approach, weaving in elements of noise rock and even a lil' ambient. For a prime example of this fusion at work, I recommend checking out lead single "Triptaani."

​As a whole, this album is undeniably a challenge, but a welcome one at that. Over repeat listens, the intimidating dark edge and atmosphere becomes a little more welcoming. This scribe's advice? Give it time to gestate.

Find it on bandcamp here!

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Heavy Feather - Mountain of Sugar
(The Sign Records)

​I've been excited about this album for a good long while. Why? 'Cuz it's damn good, that's why.  Heavy Feather nominally play roots rock, which, as far as I can tell, constitutes a hearty blend of blues, folk rock, and classic rock. On Mountain of Sugar, their sophomore effort Heavy Feather consistently deliver upbeat tunes with a delightful olde-timey charm. There's a strong Jefferson Airplane aesthetic at play--take the killer "Bright in my Mind" as a prime example. This is an album that my father will love, and that, my friends, is nothing but a compliment, considering his profound love of the era that Heavy Feather emulate. Sure, it's been done before, but there's no reason this crew can't do it again. If you enjoy deep of the 60's and 70's retro vibe, listen to this.

Find it on bandcamp here!

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The final two entries today are singles, rather than full releases--but we're still listenin' to 'em in earnest! -Ed.

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Onward We March - Come Hell or Valhalla
(Single)

Dallas' own death proggers Onward We March have dropped the second single for their forthcoming Identity, and it's been on pretty steady rotation all morning here at ye olde slumbering township. There's a really nice balance struck between punishing groove, spiteful vocals, and an engaging chorus and bridge that wouldn't go amiss on an  early Gojira album. The instrumental midsection fits particularly nicely. It's a very well constructed track, and succeeds quite well at doing what a single needs to do: namely, get the audience hyped for a forthcoming album. Mission accomplished. If you enjoyed Come Hell or Valhalla but wonder what Onward We March would sound like with cleans, I highly recommend you check out the previous single.

Find it on youtube here!

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Sublation - Haunted Shores
(Single)

And we close out this week's edition of Fresh Meat Friday with a new single from Philedelphia's
Sublation (née Fisthammer.) 
Haunted Shores 
represents a fast 'n' loose iteration of blackened death metal, punctuated by rolling drums and a consistent forward momentum. Imagine the lovechild of Belphegor and, I dunno, Dying Fetus, albeit a lot more frenetic. The vocals, inflected with just enough sneer, are quite legible compared to the typical death metal roars and howls, and the guitar itself doesn't stand too far in the limelight, with the notable exception of a quick but excellent solo. The track is ever-so-slighty tinged with a progressive flair, but it never veers away from the path it establishes. Give it a listen!

​Find it on bandcamp here!

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