Written by: The Administrator
Look. This one came out a while ago and I am extremely and unfashionably late. There's no time nor reason for a meandering introduction: we're dealing with a bayou blastbeats recommendation featuring some sick as fuck cover art. Which is, frankly, already a winning combination in my book. Let's get into it, shall we? On the five-track Black Starless Sky, Lafayette, Louisiana's own Pale Misery play a unique brand of second wave black metal that revels in doomy dourness. Sonically speaking, this release does feel quite dismal and dreary compared to their 2019 EP Black Candles and Gutter Scum, which was generally more crusty, more explosive, more outwardly incendiary. In contrast, the tracks lurking herein center an overwhelming ominous gloom that melds with the harsher elements, lending the entire package a notably dark and caliginous aura. I wouldn't consider this "atmospheric" per se, but they have certainly done well to establish an atmosphere. This is depressing stuff, as morose as plumbing a decrepit well and finding nothing but the reflection of the titular black starless sky.
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Written by: Blackie Skulless
Ever since its inception, Norway’s Dødskvad have held my interest due to their rough and primal doses of death metal that has yet to surpass the EP format. Every other year tends to see another release now, and their latest, Krønike III, rages forward with the naming structure of simply “Krønike” followed by which “chronicle” number it is. Once more going through Caligari Records, this delivers a very familiar approach. Cavernous howls, a degraded overcast, and pummeling rhythms that have a sharp edge are once more the name of the game. And if I’m being honest, the first two tracks “Dodens Sverd” and “Lenket Til Bunnen” work in exactly the same way as what we’ve seen before. Neither track distinguishes itself very far from the powerhouse that was the first two EPs, and while they’re both executed with a murky gradient that’s fun to submerge in, I struggle to conclude that the songwriting on either is as good at capturing me as before. Both do work in their dungeon-like tricks and unsettling bottom, however, which fit nicely with the massive closer “Ved Manas Bredd.” Opting for a long closer like in the first EP, this ten minute rumbler sneaks in higher lead guitar wails to contrast the harsh and unforgiving ground. Extra bounciness with such a raw reflection bounces off of the percussion, and it’s this track that makes the third EP worth visiting. In my humblest of opinions, I think it’s time Dødskvad reaches for an album. They’ve got a healthy blend of doom and death metal that very much has a unique identity, and I think that Krønike III would have worked better with a few more songs turned into a full-length. Everything the band has done thus far has been great in terms of conjuring up striking ideas, but I think we’re ready for a full ride. Basking in and cleaning up the general direction of the third track should set some masterful groundwork. Dødskvad - Krønike III was released July 26th via Caligari Records. Find it here! 
Written by: The Administrator
Full disclosure: I have very little frame of reference for the thematic content that informs the Stormland brand. Gundam remain a mystery; my knowledge in this particular department is regrettably nonexistent. That said, I am a sucker for art that serves as a lens and love letter to something that the artist is clearly passionate about. Indeed, sole member Justin Pierrot has successfully imbued Stormland with an immediately recognizable sense of excitement. I've always loved that the project has a lot of charisma and character, regardless of my personal connection (or lack thereof) to the subject matter at hand. And, of course, Stormland serves as a reliable delivery agent for my most favorite subject of all: sick fuckin' riffs. The Altar of War, Stormland's new-ish EP, pretty much picks up right where 2022's The Human Cost left off, with the first three tracks exemplifying the solid foundation of combat-ready riffage upon which the band is built. 
Written by: The Administrator
A quick stroll through the archives will indicate that we slumbering and ink-splattered scribes are no strangers to hosting a good ol' Through Mists premiere. Back in 2022 we dropped a couple if 'em back-to-back, writing about the both the overtly referential "Awaken The Sleeping Village" and the epic bird-centric concept album "Mindless Automations." Since then, Through Mists has proven prolific to an intimidating degree, releasing a frankly astounding six(!) albums in 2023. Of these, I was a particular fan of Starkiller, which embraced an aggressive yet proggy sonic palette and a distinctly mythical lyrical direction. Perhaps the best album from the project to date, in my opinion. Time moves on, and the Through Mists machine churns ever onward, albeit with a slightly longer timeframe separating the old and new material. And so here we are, with a new Through Mists release on the cusp of official droppage. The appropriately entitled Prolific--a four track EP--will be available tomorrow, April 25th. In the hours preceding, we are honored to host a premiere of the EP in full here in our less-than hallowed halls. Give it a listen below! As always, we'll meet ye on the other side to discuss.
The Sleeping Village has been around for a few years now, and during that time, a lot of reviews have unceremoniously disappeared into the dark confines of our archives, destined to never see the light of the front page again. Music appreciation, however, is a timeless affair, and in that spirit, here is a review retrieved from the deep dark depths.
Written by: The Administrator (originally published Jan. 5th, 2020)
If medical waste is unceremoniously disposed, as I like to imagine, in a dumpster out back behind the hospital, San Jose's Aseptic is the resulting viscera stew that oozes from bio-hazard bags and pools in the bottom. Not sure what I mean? Just imbibe in the sluicing juices and slimy riffage of the intro to Cascading Fluids. If you're still having trouble painting said picture--and god help you if that's the case--it may help to take note of the irrefutable fact that this EP legitimately sounds like it was recorded in a dumpster. Hyperbole aside, this is good stuff. If you happen to be familiar with Aseptic’s stellar Senses Decay EP, just know that this is an entirely different kind of beast. Same killer riffs, but the aesthetic is stripped to the bone.
In a continuing attempt to cover more music that would all-too-oft slip through the very large cracks, we slumbering scribes are making an effort to publish the little one-off reviews that were previously (and arbitrarily) deemed too short for publication. Here's a mini-review of one of Hus Kingpin's many, many 2023 releases.
Written by: The Administrator
The tree has, alas, been discarded. The strands of light coiled in storage. The stockings haphazardly--carelessly, even--crammed in a drawer. Despite a distinct lack of holiday decor 'round these parts, I'm not ready to let go of that alleged magical Christmas spirit quite yet. Hence today's spotlight on Holiday Hus 2: Cocaine Christmas. This seasonally appropriate soundtrack, courtesy of the ridiculously prolific Hus Kingpin, provides a short and sweet lingering taste of the most wonderful--scratch that--worst time of year. Featuring no features and seven tracks across a delightfully brisk eight minutes, this project shows Hus Kingpin's characteristically confident raps over some tastefully dusty, chilly, and occasionally eerie instrumentals. Hus eschews hooks and classic song structure in favor of quick coke rap snapshots, giving the whole affair a laissez-faire and airy feel that contrasts wonderfully with the subject matter. It's a fun juxtaposition, and he plays into the implicit humor of the contrast--the entertainment factor is high. Had I heard this prior to publishing my EPs of the year list, it would most certainly have made the cut. I've had this on repeat for the past few days, and it has yet to grow stale. If forced to pick, my favorite tracks herein are the debonair yet somber "Fireplace" and the calmly menacing narrative of "Snow White." With that said, every song here, including the intro and outro, are absolutely worth your while if you enjoy--casually or otherwise--the allure of underground hip hop. Despite already dropping two (!) additional projects since this EP was released, Hus has another new LP coming in just a few weeks. Before the next in a looooong line of quality releases arrives, I recommend checking out this one out. Listen below and find it here! Hus Kingpin - Holiday Hus 2: Cocaine Christmas was released Dec. 15th, 2023. 
Written by: The Administrator
Yes. I can confirm that the rumors are true. We inksplattered inhabitants of the Sleeping Village's drafty scriptorium are, indeed, a bunch of big nerds. If a band backs their conceptual premise and presence with a lil' academic garnish, my interest is piqued. Enter Sublation. Great music aside, this Philly duo--who are responsible for 2022's outstanding The Path to Beldam--has the distinction of making death metal that feels clever. While many bands that choose to explain the thematic undercurrents of their work often feel like they are overcompensating, the ideas that inform Sublation's work are truly thought-provoking. Beyond that, the conceptual structure feels integrated and essential to the music itself. It doesn't get much better than that. If you are one of the (glorious, godlike, exceptionally well-read) few who checked out my list o' favorite 2023 EPs, you're likely already aware of my overall thoughts on the appropriately entitled On The Advancement of Decay. In interest of leveling the playing field, here's my conclusion in advance: I really like this project. It is clever, it is unique, it presents a cohesive voice. The individual songs are highly enjoyable on their own merits. The lyrics are some of the best in the business. Above all, this release is immaculately crafted--it is more than apparent how much care went into the final product. 
Written by: The Administrator
Another year, another batch of outstanding EPs! I personally have a strong affinity for releases of the short, concise, and otherwise succinct persuasion, and so my weekly listening is often informed by what new EPs have dropped. The following includes those that made a significant impact and stuck around in my rotation. This list--although perhaps a term such as "loose collection" or "heap" would be a better choice--has not been trimmed or edited to meet a specific quantity. I just kept adding stuff until I hit 23 entries, which felt like an appropriate number, and so here we are. Like last year's extravaganza, this list features a bunch of different genres but is not sorted by genre. My year is defined by eclectic listening habits, and while my albums lists will be divided into hip hop and metal for sake of reading convenience, no such editorial courtesy is reflected here. And lastly, this is utterly unranked. If something appears here, please know that it comes highly, highly recommended. Without further ado, let's dive in!
In a continuing attempt to cover more music that would all-too-oft slip through the very large cracks, we slumbering scribes are making an effort to publish the little one-off reviews that were previously (and arbitrarily) deemed too short for publication. Here's a mini-review of a delightfully slimy death metal EP.
Written by: The Administrator
The roster of underground death metal bands that deserve more attention is nigh-infinite, and while underappreciation is inevitable, everyone needs to stop sleeping on Cork's own Bodydrinkers. In an attempt to remedy this scenario, we slumbering scribes try our hand at rousing the masses. Wake up! Plug this into your earholes! A mere three tracks, Swamp Hammer is nonetheless a beast. The titular track kicks things off with glorious belligerence, a churning muscular barrage accompanied by an engaging range of vocal delivery. The riffage roils with pythonian strength, and while delivering an effective bludgeoning, the track does not overstay its welcome. My personal favorite track, the follow-up "Byzantine Blinding," opts for a slower yet no less pugilistic angle. The vocals here are truly monstrous, and play inordinately well off the massive surge of instrumentation. Closer "Bio Terroristic Occult Sermon" threads the needle between the two extremes, delivering a slightly more grindy and unhinged take on Bodydrinkers' apparent trademark aggression. The variety presented herein is quite enjoyable, and the short runtime simply isn't enough. I crave more. Given the EP title and slimy descriptor, I was admittedly expecting a little more sludgy lumbering and dripping riffage, but as a fan of the mire, that's on me. What we get instead is top-notch stuff, no bones about it. Swamp Hammer is delightfully aggressive and takes no prisoners in the sonic bombardment department. I highly recommend checking this one out! Listen here and snag a tape from (the illustrative) Fiadh Productionshere. Bodydrinkers - Swamp Hammer was released January 20th, 2023 (Digital) and June 2nd, 2023 (Cassette) via Fiadh Productions 
Written by: Blackie Skulless
Charonyx are an Indianapolis-based thrash metal band that have been around for nearly a decade. Being one of the many projects of frontman Max Barber, their releases are rather sparse, but often worth the wait. Their 2019 debut full-length The Ultimate Judas was a serviceable enough dose of thrash metal, but it’s this year's EP Persistent Soul that actually hooked me. In a world of constant thrash by the numbers, hearing something a little more unique is refreshing. Naturally, its strengths lie in the combination of advanced song construction with several faces meeting a very precise mixing and transitional style. Cleaner vocal approaches meeting growls work as the main ingredient over bubbly bass hooks paired with tech-thrashy chops. You’d be hard pressed to say it moves into death metal territory, but these harsher sections mold into the cracks of the melody-drenched areas better than you’d expect. Packing all of this into a rather short release is if nothing else, impressive. |
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