THE SLUDGELORD PREMIERE: Montreal quartet Modern Eyes deliver vicious new video “Hérésie”

“Tragedies Dictate Our Lives” is the first full length by Montreal quartet Modern Eyes and what you get is twelve crashing and gloomy tracks mixing elements of d-beat, crust, post metal, hardcore executed in a very defined and unique way.

Formed in 2015, Modern Eyeshave released two EP’s during which they have experimented with their sound and played various showcases and Canadian Festivals.  Lyrically the new record varies from frustrations with modern systems to emotional distress caused by social oppression and every days ordeals.

Produced by Topon Das “Tragedies Dictate our Lives” should undoubtedly serve as the turning point for this Canadian quartet because on this record it achieves the perfect combination of chaotic intensity and melodic soundscapes.  With a release date set for early 2019, today THE SLUDGELORD is exclusively debuting the brand new video for the track “Hérésie” which you can check out below.  Crank this one up and watch your speakers die!!

Band info: facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Ancst, "Ghosts of the Timeless Void"

By: Conor O’Dea

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 02/03/2018

Label: Lifeforce Records

Ancst have evolved, seemingly effortlessly, certainly gracefully, and sound more like themselves than ever - whatever inner telos they have been moving towards has been realized in this beautiful album

“Ghosts of the Timeless Void” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). Dying Embers
2). Shackles of Decency
3). Concrete Veins
4). Revelation of Deformity
5). Unmasking the Imposters
6). Of Gallows and Pyres
7). Quicksand
8). Republic of Hatred
9). Dysthymia
10). Sanctity
11). Self-Portrait

The Review:

Lex transitum per ignem, in honorem Molechi prohibens

Pure Fucking Hate. As album opening phrases go, this quote from 2017's “Life”is poignant, jarring, and certainly germane to the themes raised throughout Ancst'ssecond full-length album, “Ghosts of the Timeless Void”. Where the film discusses the return of life-form responsible for an extinction avalanche on Martian soil, one cannot help but think that Ancst's object of antipathy may be more earthbound. And while we may speak of dying embers and pyres here, the fires of injustice-fueled rage are an abiding conflagration across the album - there are no coals cooling in the furnace of Ancst's anger, and the insatiable Moloch of capitalism continues to consume endless sacrifices.

The sound that this side of Ancst has been evolving towards, to my mind, first manifested on track two of the 2013 EP, “The Humane Condition”, which was partnered by the first release of their first ambient/drone work, “Lamenting a Dying World”. That track, “Entropie”, captures a sound that eloquently defines Ancst: polished but savage, graceful, commit and unrelenting. And they have been prolific: despite this being only their second full-length, 2017 saw the release of the superb “Furnace” EP as well as two top-notch splits, one with King Apathy, one with Depravation. This is not to ignore 2016's brilliant “Stormcaster”, the most fulsome interlocution of the soundscapes first explored in “Lamenting…”. Across the course of these releases, Ancst have entered the elite pantheon of 'do no wrong' bands for me: I always eagerly anticipate new music from them, no matter what the sonic angle. “Ghosts of the Timeless Void” is no exception.

It's interesting to compare LP openers here: “Moloch”is one of the most explosive album introits that I have ever heard - instantaneous teeth-kicking power unleashed from go. “Dying Embers” starts off considerably more restrained by comparison, even slow by Ancst's punishing pace-standards - until about the 1:00 mark - when everything explodes in dynamic fury. It almost feels like an inversion of the earlier structure in certain ways. This more thoughtful approach allows Ancstto marry the melodic, riff-dense elements of their approach to some mindful sophistication in terms of metrical and rhythmical variety. But it is never heavy-handed, never overly obvious, and at no point loses the plot of what makes Ancst a standout band that places them high in the melodic crust mythos. Poignant exemplars of this maturation are found throughout the album: in the opening riffs of “Quicksand”, in the death-inflected “Unmasking the Imposters”, in the epic “Republic of Hatred”, in the classic blackened tremolo work of “Sanctity”. “Dysthymia”, is the closest I have heard Ancstto creating what almost sounds like post-black/blackgaze ballad. Meaningless subgenre references aside, what I am trying to emphasize is that Ancsthave evolved, seemingly effortlessly, certainly gracefully, and sound more like themselves than ever - whatever inner telos they have been moving towards has been realized in this beautiful album. Listen to it from start to finish and love it. I know I did.

“Ghosts of the Timeless Void” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Coliguns, "Millennials"

By: Charlie Butler

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 23/03/2018

Label: Hummus Records

“Millennials” is a whirlwind of chaos interspersed with periods of hypnotic heaviness. Coilguns have crafted a killer record played with a hunger and venom that leaves all competitors eating their dust.

“Millennials” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). Anchorite
2).  Deletionism
3).  Millennials
4).  Spectrogram
5).  Music Circus Clown Care
6).  Ménière’s
7).  Wind Machines For Company
8).  Self Employment Scheme
9).  Blackboxing
10).  The Screening

The Review:

Fans of the chaotic heaviness of classic Hydra Head bands like Keelhaul and Knutneed Coilgunsnew LP “Millennials” in their lives. The unpredictable Swiss quartet have taken that powerful early 2000s sound, imbued it with their distinct brand of mayhem and dragged it screaming into the present.

“Anchorite” opens proceedings with a slowly unfurling locked groove that sounds like Mastodon’s “Remission” being dragged into a pit of sludge. The uncomfortable, dark atmosphere cast by this track persists throughout this mesmerising record that flits between simmering controlled carnage as demonstrated on “Self Employment Scheme” and brief bursts of head-scratching math-metal like “Music Circus Clown Care”.

The title track demonstrates Coilguns ability to temper their complexity with raw, paint-stripping punk rock intensity. Few bands can deliver this kind of raging adrenaline rush, hurtling into oblivion like their sadly missed Swiss comrades Krugeron a collision course with the sun. A looming doom riff appears to signal a snail-paced climax before the drums thunder back in at full speed to maintain the rapid velocity.

This is just one example that highlights the importance of Luc Hess’ drumming. More often than not, the drumming on these tracks will pursue an unexpected path for a band of this style to great effect. “Spectrogram” is based on an ominous, tom-heavy pattern that has more in common with post-punk than metal or hardcore. Its ominous repetition provides the perfect backdrop for the bands lumbering riffs and slowly building wall of sound. The restrained menace and eerie twinkly keyboard sounds conjure up a claustrophobic mood that brings to mind the underrated Breach. When the band lock into a punishing, Shellacstyle riff on “Deletionism”, the drums shuffle in and around the riff instead of providing the expected punishing groove. This makes it all the more powerful when the beat returns to more traditional heavy territory.

“Millennials” is a whirlwind of chaos interspersed with periods of hypnotic heaviness. Coilguns have crafted a killer record played with a hunger and venom that leaves all competitors eating their dust.

“Millennial” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

VIDEO PREMIERE: Swiss chaotic wrecking crew Coilguns make a statement with "Millennials"

You know that feeling when you discover a new band and they basically knock you on your ass, rewind to March 2012 and by the luck of happenstance I discovered Swiss chaotic hardcore post whatever you want to call it sludge titans Coilguns and their hugely impressed debut EP “Stadia Rods”, a 6 song set all the more bewildering by the fact it was recorded by the band (a then three piece) live in one take with little or no overdubs, it was a hugely impressive debut and left a lasting mark upon me.  Fast forward a year and the band would issue debut full length “Commuters”via Pelagic Records,  an album with its frequent twists and turns, both confused and enthralled me  in equal measure,  resulting in a record that unfolded over time and one that with repeated sessions unveiled yet more intricacies and hidden moments of wonder amongst the chaos. 

Well, after 5 long years Coilguns are back with new album “Millennials”, which is set for release via their own imprint Hummus Recordson 23^rd March.  “Millennials” is a violent and over-the-top distorted record, born in a completely saturated scene and the band are ready to deliver a statement, that this isn’t a band to messed with and is one to take notice of in 2018.

“Millennials” was written and recorded in January 2016 by the band, self-engineered on the inside of the desperate monoculture landscapes of central Germany. What is a breathless, lo-fi and lo-tuned epileptic record that roughly questions their own behavior as partially conscious citizens of a scary weird and exciting globalized music world.

The band commented, "We have this manic habit of using crazy sounding Wikipedia article titles as track names, just to blur our traces and look smart I guess. It always creates a funny gap in between the song's lyrical content and its final title. Our favorite on this album is clearly "spectrogram", one can easily guess why."  You can check out the exclusive  and stellar album title track “Millenials” below and preorders are available here 

Band info: facebook|| bandcamp

FOR THOSE ABOOT TO ROCK: Riffs of Canada with Speaker (Toronto, Ontario)

By: Mark Tremblay

Album Type: EP

Date Released:10//11/2017

Label: Independent

Toronto’s best kept secret come into their own on this release, showcasing the 'core noise they have mastered, as well as incorporating new sounds into their wheel-house.

“Murder and Create” DD track listing:

1). Plaster

2). Bleach

3). Catch 22

4). Conscious Sleep

5). Cocoon

6). Eve

The Review:

Toronto’s best kept secret in metal and hardcore start to come into their own with the release of their new EP “Murder and Create”. The EP showcases the refined metalcore that Speaker has mastered, as well as new sounds that they are incorporating into their wheel-house.

The first half of the EP showcases a master class in metallic hardcore. Songs like “Plaster”,” Bleach”, and “Catch 22” flex a unique versatility in frenetic energy and dissonant guitars. The stop and turn nature of these tracks maximizes the weight of the riffs, and keeps the listener on their feet. The second half of the EP is where we hear the band reach into new territory. “Conscious Sleep” and “Eve” see the band going for more of a Gaza/Cult Leader approach; trading in their hardcore roots for a more atmospheric and doom-laden approach to heavy music.

While not everything lands perfectly on this record, it is great to see Speaker flex their creative muscles, and venture out into new territory. It will be great to see what happens next for the band.

“Murder and Create” is available here

Band info: Facebook || bandcamp

ALBUM REVIEW: Helpless - "Debt"

By: Charlie Butler

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 08/09/2017

Label: Holy Roar Records

Every track on “Debt” is imbued with a captivating air of spontaneity and weirdness, delivered with a terrifying level of intensity.

“Debt’ CD//DD//LP track listing:

1) Worth
2) Out Of Commission
3) Grief Vultures
4) Moral Bankruptcy
5) Sertraline
6) Weightless Prayers
7) Ceremony Of Innocence
8) Sinkhole
9) Manufactured Consent
10) Denied Sale

The Review:

Plymouth trio Helpless look set to let a fire under the UKunderground with blistering debut LP “Debt”.

A number of familiar influences on Helpless’ sound can be detected throughout “Debt”. The furious grind-infused crust of Trap Them, the metallic hardcore experimentation of Converge and the mind-melting math-metal constructions of Botch and Coalesce all make their presence felt. While there are a few current bands mining similar seams for inspiration (excellent Holy Roarlabel mates Employed To Serve for example), the way Helpless execute this combination of elements is something else. Every track on “Debt” is imbued with a captivating air of spontaneity and weirdness, delivered with a terrifying level of intensity.

The majority of the tracks here barely make it past the two minute mark but each one is packed with intricate detail. Furious ragers like “Worth” and “Grief Vultures” sit alongside mini-epics like “Weightless Prayers” where the band manage to navigate slower paced territory without letting up on heaviness.

After a nine tracks of breakneck, relentless attack, Helpless take a slight breath to allow album closer “Denied Sale” to unfurl over five minutes. It begins with their spikiest guitar line scraping over the ominous rumble of the rhythm section and builds to a crushing finale where the band unleash an arsenal of lumbering riffs.

“Debt” is an incredible statement from Helpless. There are few bands out there who can achieve such a perfect balance of spite and creativity.

“Debt” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Geist - "Disrepair"

By: Ernesto Aguilar

Album Type: Full-length

Date Released: 22/09/2017

Label: Vetala Productions |

Wooaaargh

Geist's debut, "Disrepair," sees the quartet alternating effortlessly between genres. Its opening song, "Painkillers," is cut from a strongly crust punk cloth. It is straight up savage from frantic start to grinding finish.  These entries give the listener just the right amount of menace and fury.

"Disrepair" CD//DD//LP track listing

1. Painkillers

2. Dear World…

3. Services Rendered

4. Eyeless Needle

5. Fiction Souls

6. Inkblot Lives

The Review:

Hardcore and metal will always have a kinship, arguably. There are more than a few great crossovers and bands inspired by both styles. In Geist – of the United Kingdom, and not to be mistaken with the German and Israeli groups bearing the same name – you get music that is not afraid to embrace both, and do it impressively.

Geist's debut, "Disrepair," sees the quartet alternating effortlessly between genres. Its opening song, "Painkillers," is cut from a strongly crust punk cloth. It is straight up savage from frantic start to grinding finish. The second and third tracks, "Dear World…" and "Services Rendered" respectively, come at you with a brawny extreme metal undertone. They're tremendous in terms of quality and vocals. These entries as well as the fourth and fifth, the hardcore "Eyeless Needle" and "Friction Souls," give the listener just the right amount of menace and fury. And while Geist foreshadows its sound well on digital, disc and wax, you can almost imagine a sound this large needs to be experienced live.

Geist is most assuredly one of the better young hardcore/punk bands with tinges of metal you may hear this season. Keep your fingers crossed that the band can make it sometime to the States.

"Disrepair" is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

CANADIAN RIFFS: BINGE & PURGE - Lilim - “Lilim” EP & Mad Trapper – “Moments Before Death” EP

By: Mark Tremblay

Lilim - “Lilam” EP (Toronto, Ontario)

The Review:

Lilimare a patriarchy-smashing, all-genre encompassing hardcore band hailing from Toronto Ontario. Lilim have a bit of everything for those into hardcore, black metal and sludge. Lilim switch between all of these genres at hairpin speeds, and in an unpredictable manner.

Lead singer Kirsten White breathes new narratives into the hardcore; writing songs that discuss burning patriarchy, validation of female pleasure, self-confidence, and land rights. Kirsten’s vocals are also well timed and not excessive; filling in the gaps where the music needs it, and at other times letting music breathe. If you are looking for something new in the realm of Hardcore, Lilim’s new EP is for you.

Band info: bandcamp|| facebook

Mad Trapper – “Moments Before Death” EP (Toronto, Ontario)

The Review:

It feels like an end of era with Mad Trapper calling it quits. Although the band only had a run of four years, their body of work is one that will not be forgotten in the swarm of Toronto heavy bands. Mad Trapper have honed a tried and true formula; frenetic dissonance that smoulders into a bludgeoning sludge metal. Listeners of the band know what to expect of Mad Trapper, but the combination is just as satisfying every time.

The EP begins with “Creatures” a track that starts with a black metal riff, that then morphs into a ‘variation on a theme” sludge metal. As the song progresses, the riff keeps getting slower and more sparse. Creating a “slam your head through concrete” kind of heavy experience.

The listener is then taken to “Sad Shit” lending the ears a palate cleanser with a drum solo, before once again beating them down with heavydown-tuned riffs. “Moments Before Death” gives us Mad Trapper’s swan song; “PSP”. The song is their most tense and dissonant as a band, making the end swift and dramatic. Mad Trapper was never a band to tire out a good idea, and it has never been clearer than on this EP.

Although the band may be calling it quits. Expect more music to come out from other members in the near future.

Band info: bandcamp|| facebook