FRESH MEAT FRIDAY: April 5th, 2024 Feat. Witch Vomit, Temple of the Fuzz Witch, Funeral Leech, and Lurcher

On the very occasional Friday, a wagon arrives at the Sleeping Village’s crumbling gates, stuffed to the brim with sustenance. 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 choice cuts 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! 
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On the docket for today, April 5th, 2024
Witch Vomit, Temple of the Fuzz Witch, Funeral Leech, and Lurcher

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​Witch Vomit - Funeral Sanctum
(20 Buck Spin)

When I want no-frills Old School Death Metal revivalism, I frequently turn to Witch Vomit's catalog. Previously, I wouldn't classify them as the most of anything, but what they have delivered thusfar is consistently solid and inevitably satiates my appetite. This new entry, however, is a little more special, and has drawn me back in due to a not-insignificant lean into warlike blackened melodic intensity. Funeral Sanctum is sharp and lethal, and I would definitely consider it their strongest and most impactful work to date. If yer looking for 666 levels of riffs on this fine release Friday, you might just want to check this one out first.
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​Find it here!

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Temple of the Fuzz Witch - Apotheosis
(​Ripple Music)
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The second witchy entry in our Fresh Meat Friday oozes what ye might imagine, given their moniker: evil fuzzy doom with a thick and uncanny atmosphere. Although certainly embroiled in doomy and gloomy groove, Apotheosis feels calculating and mean--it is dense as hell, and there's a little blackened bite, a little harsh dissonance to keep things from feeling comfortable. This is certainly more outwardly aggressive than their prior work, with a furious track such as "Ashes" illustrating TotFW's most menacing side. Recommended for anyone who enjoys their doom of the more intimidating variety.

​​Find it here!

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Funeral Leech -​ The Illusion Of Time
(Carbonized Records)

More than any other subgenre, 2024 appears to be a banner year for death/doom. This latest from Funeral Leech is a an absolutely stellar addition. I was a huge fan of their debut effort Death Meditation, and was thrilled to see that they have returned to put their morbid and gloomy stamp on this year's crop. Cavernous is an overused term, but it truly applies in this context: The Illusion Of Time feels expansive, yet darkly subterranean. It balances a grim yearning somberness with a truly gargantuan presence. It's macabre, and morose, and intimidating. If you're a death/doom fan I highly recommend not letting this one slip on by.

​​Find it here!

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Lurcher - Breathe
(Trepanation recordings)

After spending much time with music that sits at the edges of extremity, this 4-track EP felt like a breath of fresh air upon first listen. Lurcher deal in a grungy brand of alt rock that feels more melancholic and introspective than angsty. Each song here feels distinct--take my two favorites, "Breathe Out" and "Blister." The former exists in airy atmosphere, maintaining a floaty feeling despite some genuinely heavy guitar, while the latter is much more urgent and pointed. The vocals are particularly excellent, harkening back to 90's nostalgia while still feeling fresh. Another stellar addition to the Trepanation roster!
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​Find it here!

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