Category: Fresh Meat Friday

FRESH MEAT FRIDAY - May 7th, 2021: SPECIAL BANDCAMP DAY EDITION

5/7/2021

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 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--and have been--listening to this week at the Village HQ. We hope you join us in doing so!

As today is Bandcamp Friday, alongside our standard mini-reviews, we've added a bunch o' releases at the bottom that you should check out (and purchase, if yer so inclined.) If ye missed it, check out our merch roundup here!

On the docket for today, May 7th, 2021:
Dread Maw, Herzschlager, Kataan, Book of Wyrms, Empty Throne, Osiah, Chronic Lethargy, Cainhurst, Eliot Vernon, Desolation Plains, and Nehushtan

FRESH MEAT FRIDAY - May 7th, 2021: SPECIAL BANDCAMP DAY MERCH EDITION

5/7/2021

Every Friday, a wagon arrives at the Sleeping Village’s rusted palisade, stuffed to the brim with musical sustenance. Typically, today is the day we must offload this week's new and noteworthy music, but this morning, we're shaking it up a bit by turning our focus on the merch. Fear not: a music portion cometh.

As today is Bandcamp Friday, instead of our typical four mini-reviews, here's some cool merch released today that we recommend you check out (and purchase, if yer so inclined!) Music reviews to follow!

On the docket for today, May 7th, 2021:
Body Void, Almost Honest, Order of the Wolf, Hidden Mothers, and Fuzznaut

FRESH MEAT FRIDAY: April 30th, 2021, Feat. GOREGÄNG, Greyhound, Becerus, Bevar Sea, Order of the Wolf / Pessimista, and Alpha Boötis

4/30/2021

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 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--and have been--listening to this week at the Village HQ. We hope you join us in doing so!

We slumbering scribes were slightly more productive this week than normal, so enjoy an additional two mini-reviews!

On the docket for today, April 30th, 2021:
GOREGÄNG, Greyhound, Becerus, Bevar Sea, Order of the Wolf / Pessimista, and Alpha Boötis

GOREGÄNG - Long Live The Grime
(Blood Blast / Listenable Insanity Records)

Now this...this is how you do a damn EP. This highly palatable appetizer from GOREGÄNG features four new tracks, four live tracks, and, as if that weren't enough, a White Zombie cover. For those unfamiliar, this particular GOREGÄNG presents an unholy combination of crust-infused Swedeath with the blatant brutality and swagger of their Floridian environ. In other words, they revel in filth, be it by benefit of the gross guitar tone or, well, the grosser vocal tone. This duo excels at the kind of high-energy pit-worthy performance that inevitably results in sweat and blood--a quality, of course, shines brightly on the live tracks contained within.

In terms of New Stuff, the fantastically dynamic "Farm The Mother" is possibly my favorite, but realistically, nothing here is worth skipping. If this unique brand of crust-punky death is your speed, I highly recommend you check this one out (as well as their excellent Neon Grave, which came out back in 2019.)

Find it on bandcamp here!

Greyhound - Dennis Exists
(Independently Released)

Wow. This is an album that I checked out due to a well-timed reminder email, and I'm really glad I did. This Aussie doom/ gothic rock/post-rock crew excels at constructing an atmosphere to a glorious crescendo--in their words, music "shimmering until it explodes into apocalyptic heaviness." Dennis Exists is primarily instrumental, which allows ample space for exploration and slow-burning evolution. It's a celebration of the landscape, and, as such, feels tangible and grounded in a way that music under the "post" umbrella typically is not. While the instrumentation that makes up the majority of Dennis Exists is quite intriguing, the spoken word narrative on "Riverbend" serves as the album's centerpiece. It's an excellent piece on it's own, and fits into the framework of the album surprisingly well. All told, this is a lush and gorgeous album that rewards attentive listening. I highly recommend throwing on a pair of earphones and letting the music take over for the duration.

Find it on bandcamp here!

FRESH MEAT FRIDAY: April 23rd, 2021, Feat. Frog Mallet, AntiMozdeBeast, Akiavel, and The Last Martyr

4/23/2021

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 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--and have been--listening to this week at the Village HQ. We hope you join us in doing so!

All of today's releases are independently released, so show 'em some support!

On the docket for today, April 23rd, 2021:
Frog Mallet, AntiMozdeBeast, Akiavel, and The Last Martyr

Frog Mallet - Dissection by Amphibian
(Independent Release)

Never before have I stated that the ribbits go hard as fuck, but here we are. On their debut album, Boston's own Frog Mallet promises, to quote, "mallet slamming death metal fit for only the beefiest of frogs." And, I am happy to report, they ain't joking. The excellent Dissection by Amphibian is a delightfully enjoyable experience, defined by a good-humored self-awareness that is rivaled only by the sheer quality of the tunes themselves. Utilizing frog-centric samples to their fullest extent, Frog Mallet seamlessly weave the overt thematic content with riffage of the highest neanderthalian order. Having your skull bludgeoned into pulp whilst wearing a grin isn't a particularly common experience, but these guys pull off the balance between brutality and fun with great aplomb. Of particular note is the impressive cast of featured musicians--from Undeath to Bodysnatcher and beyond, the talent pool/swamp represented on this release is pretty damn deep. Check it out!

Find it on bandcamp here!

AntiMozdeBeast - The Ritual
(Independent Release)

It ain't a successful Fresh Meat Friday, I've always said, unless it features an entry that deliberately defies categorization. This latest experimental experience from AntiMozdeBeast fits the bill more than adequately. Indeed, across these wild and wacky five tracks, one never knows what to expect. A flurry awaits: a frenetic barrage of harsh electronics, pulsating percussion, cacophonous murmurs, unhinged screams, The Ritual is a deeply intense and immersive listening experience--there's something unsettlingly hypnotic about the sheer sonic and aesthetic chaos. Strange is still the best descriptor I can come up with, which, if we're measuring success by existential befuddlement, seems like a big win.

Perpetually unpredictable by design, The Ritual sounds like the soundtrack to sci-fi hell. If you like experimental or avant-garde stuff, you will undoubtedly enjoy what AntiMozdeBeast has to offer.

Find it on bandcamp here!

FRESH MEAT...erm, SATURDAY: April 17th, 2021, Feat. Bushido Code and Mother Anxiety / S H R I E K I N G

4/16/2021

Every Friday (erm...or Saturday, folks), 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!

This week marked the release of a whole lot o' stellar music, but we opted to focus on two albums rather than our typical four. As such, please accept these delayed-albeit-longer-than-usual reviews. - Ed.

On the docket for today, April 17th, 2021:
Bushido Code and Mother Anxiety / S H R I E K I N G

Bushido Code - The Ronin
(Upstate Records)

Before we get too far into it: how 'bout that opening riff? Muscular, pugilistic, and delightfully earmwormy. Needless to say, The Ronin's title track is exactly what ye might expect from a band that bills itself as a hearty metal/thrash/hardcore crossover conglomerate. The tracks that hit do so with a notable gusto, and the energy contained within the first half of the album is quite infectious, coated with an unexpectedly fun and groovy patina. As such, Bushido Code operate best when they embrace the intrinsic physicality of their work.

While one might expect a typical bruiser-ish crossover lyrical route, "The Ronin" opts for character-driven storytelling over tough guy posturing, which is always a bonus in this line of work. Critically, the album does lose a little steam and sheer headbanging energy in the back half after interlude "Prelude to Battle," and makes me wonder if it would have landed even harder as an EP with all the fluff neatly trimmed away. But let's be real: for a 29 minute album, I ain't complaining all that much. Listening to this thing inevitably results in a whole lotta sweat and a very sore neck. It serves as prime "get pumped" music, and, as such, has found itself employed in mighty fine service down at the ol' home gym. If yer on the hunt for the juiciest cuts, give "Ronin," "Aftermath," and "Relic of War" a listen, and throw 'em on your workout playlist for good measure.

Find it on bandcamp here!

Mother Anxiety & S H R I E K I N G - Isolation Diary
(Independently Released)

Confession time: I went into this release with a certain trepidation, despite a favorable familiarity with both artists featured. The trepidation came from the subject matter itself, and the prospect of immersing myself fully. In a not-yet-post-COVID-world, the impact of isolation is a sore subject, and living through the eyes of not one but two distinct projects was intimidating. After many, many listens, it still is. I think that's a good thing.

Like unto the best of experimental music, this stellar split between solo acts Mother Anxiety and S H R I E K I N G is not immediately digestible. Given the complex arrangement of ambient, drone, post metal-- punctuated by the occasional blackened outburst or assorted spoken word samples--each of the nine tracks herein takes significant time to explore. As someone who thrives on releases that merit multiple listens in a variety of environments, I feel fully consumed by this split in a way that is equally satisfying and confusing.

The first half, home to Mother Anxiety, presents a largely half-conscious atmosphere and ambiance, featuring a quiet cacophony of hushed voices and assorted electronic noises. Listening to these four tracks feels intrusive in a wholly unique fashion: this is like listening to the inside of my own skull, witnessing undeveloped thoughts tumble and collapse. "Entry 4" is the culmination, and it illustrates the yoke of anxiety with frightening accuracy. These entries are not meditative; Mother Anxiety's half feels like a reflection of a consciousness under constant duress. In contrast, S H R I E K I N G's contribution feels more outward--its (frankly indescribable) confluence of genre allows for more sonic range. That said, it still feels intensely individual, which, given the overarching theme of loneliness, indicates a Job Well Done. While the first half feels inwardly panicked, S H R I E K I N G somehow uses chaos to impart a deep sense of heart wrenching sadness. This is genuinely tear-inducing stuff, and I don't have the words to articulate why. That's uncomfortable, but it is also a demonstration that this split has succeeded enormously at what it set out to do. Bravo.

Find Mother Anxiety here and S H R I E K I N G here

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

4/9/2021

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

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!

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!

FRESH MEAT FRIDAY - April 2nd, 2021: SPECIAL BANDCAMP DAY EDITION

4/2/2021

On (most!) Fridays, 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!

As today is Bandcamp Friday--the day in which our belov'd Bandcamp waives their share of the cut, resulting in artists making a lil' more cash than usual, we're shaking it up a bit! Instead of our typical four mini-reviews, here's a a bunch of cool stuff released today that we recommend you check out (and purchase, if yer so inclined!)

On the docket for today, April 2nd, 2021:
Sea of Snakes, LORD, Pale Ale, Bog Wizard, Reduce Right, Non Serviam, The Sun and the Mirror, Everson Poe, Diplomats, and Hidden Mothers.

FRESH MEAT FRIDAY - March 26th, 2021, Feat. Breaths, Celestial Sanctuary, Dope Skum, and Seven Serpents

3/26/2021

On (most!) Fridays, 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!

It isn't bandcamp Friday, but...
...that doesn't mean it isn't a great day to support musicians!

On the docket for today, March 26th, 2021:
Breaths, Celestial Sanctuary, Dope Skum, and Seven Serpents

Breaths - Lined In Silver
(Trepanation Recordings)

Having premiered
not one but two tracks from this fantastic debut album, you can rest assured that it carries the (very official) Sleeping Village Seal of Approval. I won't delve too far into reiteration--I recommend reading said premieres for a more in-depth analysis--but in sum, Lined In Silver succeeds enormously at melding seemingly disparate genres in a fashion that feels both innovative and sincere. Combining traits of post-metal/rock, doom, hardcore, prog, and blackgaze, this album is all over the map, but manages to find a common aesthetic that perfectly serves the storytelling. Whether engaging in dreamy ambiance, immersive doomgaze, emotive abrasivity, angular aggression, or a general post-rock melancholy, Breaths maintains a wonderfully rare and pure sense of self. There's a tangible emotional weight on display here--the whole affair feels deeply personal. Lined In Silver is an album that rewards (and demands) multiple listens. Don't miss it.

Find it on bandcamp here!

Celestial Sanctuary - Soul Diminished
(Redefining Darkness & Church Road)

A confession: I personally have a really hard time writing about death metal. For whatever reason, my vocabulary simply won't warp to the sights and sounds that the genre typically offers. As such, my thoughts often feel stupidly rudimentary: "the riffs are riff-y, the death growls are death-y, and, by sheer benefit of engaging with this album, my head did much banging." Granted, in the case of an album such as Celestial Sanctuary's latest, that level of description/praise feels like it is enough. If you like death metal, you will absolutely enjoy Soul Diminished. It really is that simple.

That's not to say, however, that Celestial Sanctuary don't provide their own perspective. Among the OSDM are glimmers of more experimental fare--a flash of melody, a glimpse of lumbering doom. Notably, they possess the ability to hit hard while keeping light on their feet, and that alone is a quality worth watching. This crew is going places.

Find it on bandcamp here!

FRESH MEAT FRIDAY - March 19th, 2021, Feat. Clouds Taste Satanic, Seraph In Travail, Egor Lappo, and The Noctambulant

3/19/2021

On (increasingly frequent!) Fridays, a wagon arrives at the Sleeping Village’s crumbling gates, stuffed to the brim with our sustenance. Today is the day we must offload all 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, March 19th, 2021:
Clouds Taste Satanic, Seraph In Travail, Egor Lappo, and The Noctambulant

Clouds Taste Satanic - Cloud Covered
(Independently Released)

The world's singlemost prolific (and consistently good!) instrumental post-doomsters are back in business after a remarkably short break--if ye recall, their singles series dropped, like, um, a month ago. On Cloud Covered, Clouds Taste Satanic deliver ten potent covers of tracks that have had a distinct influence on their craft. This, notably, does not disqualify bands and songs outside of the arena of doom and gloom. As such, tracks by unexpected acts such as Elton John, Bachman Turner Overdrive, Flaming Lips, and Cheap Trick make appearances. By virtue of their intrinsic riff-centric sound, these covers are significantly heftier than the originals, but even with a lack of vocals their spirit shines through across the board. A masterclass in how to deliver a cover album that simultaneously pays homage and feel like a fresh endeavor. If you like these guys--or stoner/doom in general--don't pass this one up.

Find it on bandcamp here!

Seraph In Travail - A Black Death Incense
(Independently Released)

If we're being honest, symphonic blackened death metal is not typically a genre into which we slumbering scribes venture. However, in the midst of extremity, one occasionally craves a lil' melodic effervescence. If you're looking to sample, "Dead Scream Kill" serves as a prime example of what this outfit can do when they are firing on all cylinders. There's a blackened bite, a gothic atmosphere, some death-laden aggression, and, above it all, a fun-loving sense of melodicism.

Plagued by less than vibrant production, however, the symphonic elements on this album lack the spit and polish (and hence the epic quality) that one might expect. Bottom line? Seraph In Travail could use a little refinement, but if you're in the mood for some death with a bit o' flair, A Black Death Incense is a solid choice.

Find it on bandcamp here!

FRESH MEAT FRIDAY - March 12th, 2021, Feat. Underking, Rise To The Sky, Necropanther, and WitchTit

3/12/2021

On (regrettably infrequent) Fridays, 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 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--and have been--listening to this week at the Village HQ. We hope you join us in doing so!

Note: All of today's releases are independently released, which is a direction we're increasingly trying to move with this column. Show 'em some support!

On the docket for today, March 12th, 2021:
Underking, Rise To The Sky, Necropanther, and WitchTit

Underking - Red Sun Rises (Single)

Look, if you're sick of me talking about the majesty that is one-man act Underking, you're just gonna have to get over it. His forthcoming album At Hell's Gate is already one of my most-listened-to albums o' the year, and the track before ye is one of many reasons why. "Red Sun Rises" presents some really nicely paced trad metal, accompanied by the same killer vocals we've come to expect. In classic Underking fashion, this one is inspired by Théoden's speech at Pelennor fields. In other words, it is practically imbued with that sweet, sweet Rohirrim gallop. Bottom line: if you enjoy deep of heavy metal as a general rule, you owe it to yerself to check out this absolute banger of a track.

Find it on bandcamp here!

Rise To The Sky - Let Me Drown With You

I mentioned this over on the ol' Twitter last night, but it bears repeating. Back in January, when we premiered a track from this beast of an album, I was pretty impressed. But after weeks of listening, I can comfortably say that this is one of the best death-doom albums I've heard in a very long time. It's moody, and dense, and emotional, and remarkably intense. I spent last night sitting in the back yard doing the 1000-yard stare with this album cranked to 11, and the experience predictably delivered the perfect blend of thoughtful melancholy and subtle glimmer of triumph that this album is founded upon. Rise To The Sky is the real deal. Let there be no doubt of that.

Find it on bandcamp here!