REVIEW + TRACK PREMIERE: Ghastly Sound - "The Bottom" [EP]

By: Ernesto Aguilar

Album Type: EP

Date Released: 15/12/2017

Label: Magnetic Eye Records

The band returns with its second offering of 2017, and it gets back in the mud with this ridiculously catchy EP.  It will leave fans wanting but "The Bottom" closes out the year for Ghastly Sound in grand style.

“The Bottom”DD track listing

               

1. Waves

2. The Bottom

3. Holy Serpent

4. Deadtooth

5. Sink

The Review:

In February, Vermont sludge metal trio Ghastly Sound offered their self-titled debut to big fanfare. The band, composed of just a bass, drum and vocal, generated buzz for its metal roots that integrate hardcore, noise and dashes of dream-pop into the songs. And when a follow-up was announced, hype for the young band was building.

Besides recording, it's been a busy few months for the three-piece. Over the summer, Ghastly Sound bassist T. J, Maynard gained viral notoriety for outing white supremacist Ryan Roy to his Vermont employer. Roy, part of the white power metal band Hate Speech, was among hundreds of participants in Unite the Right protests in Charlottesville, which resulted in the death of a protester and a national outcry. In an interview after Roy's termination, Maynard said, "“They didn’t fire him because he went to the rally or exercised his right to freedom of speech. They fired him because when the community saw that he was there they told his employer that they would lose business if they kept him around. It was that free market conservatives love to tout at its best."

Regardless of where you fall on the political spectrum, in addition to liking the music, you might want to give points for being willing to call folks out.

Ghastly Sound's members didn't let the media attention go to their heads, clearly. The band returns with its second offering of 2017, and it gets back in the mud for clanking, yet ridiculously catchy, metal on "The Bottom."

What makes Ghastly Sound such an intriguing group in the metal ecosystem is how fluidly it incorporates inspirations into a sound that is squarely hard rock/metal in breeding. Not having a guitarist makes the trio far more innovative than a lot of bands, and vocalist Tyler Gurwicz is versatile enough to hit a range of notes and emotions with his singing. "Waves," its opener, hooks you with both melodies and driving volume. It's a rollicking cut, where Gurwicz goes from shouts to soaring vocals over its two minutes and change. On the title track, Maynard and drummer Ryan Lewis provide a charging backdrop for Gurwicz to flex his diverse approach.

Ghastly Sound count bands like Unsane and Torcheamong its influences, and those among others are flags flown high on songs like "Deadtooth." Additionally, Ghastly Sound's aesthetic very strongly merges touches of more mainstream music with metal. Acts from Word Alive, Myrkur and The Devil Wears Pradahave created releases in not dissimilar ways, to both love and hate. And while Ghastly Sound is unlike all of them, the Vermont team's savvy feels familiar, in a good way. Lastly, you might expect a song named "Holy Serpent" or something else might explicitly address the Roy incident, or white power bands, but it doesn't, at least directly.

By the time you finish the EP, your main complaint may well be that "The Bottom," at just over 15 minutes, is simply too short. Perhaps it is better to leave fans wanting more than wanting less. Regardless, "The Bottom" closes out the year for Ghastly Sound in grand style.

The title track from “The Bottom" is streaming in full below and the EP available to pre order/buy hereand via bandcamp here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

TOP 16 ALBUMS: The Sour 16 for March 2017

Yes, it is that time again O ye lover of riffs, “The Sour 16” returns.  You know the drill by now, each month, you the reader are unwittingly compiling a list of the top 16 records of the month, covering all genres of metal.  Is it not a chart, in which reviewers or contributors extol their opinion about their favourite music.  To put it simply, “The Sour 16” are the records that have been trending the most at The Sludgelord Headquarters.

The results are compiled based on page views alone and calibrated into the list below.  All reviews can be viewed by clicking the artwork and we have included album streams wherever possible. (Total views since their publication are highlighted in red)

16). Deadwound - "Identity Shapes" (533)

The South-West London quintet deal in a compellingly nasty blend of filthy sludge riffs, jarring discordance and searing bursts of d-beat fury. Tracks like “Crucifixed” and the crushing dirge of “Witch” come out of the blocks like “Remission” era Mastodon locked in a sweaty basement with His Hero Is Gone.  The band deliver twenty minutes of exhilarating noise that is equal parts barbed complexity and raw simplicity.

15). Benighted - "Necrobreed"(556)

Benighted are the equivalent of a gargantuan, hyperactive monstrosity, hybridizing the manic-spastic energy of a joyous slasher rampage with the gurgling insanity of some cthonic abomination. 

14). Power Trip - "Nightmare Logic" (557)

All in all, you would be pressed to find a weak link in “Nightmare Logic”'s sound or mix. It's a pinnacle album for those who need their metal fast, violent, and up in their face like a full scale riot.

13).Stinking Lizaveta - "Journey to the Underworld" (558)

Stinking Lizaveta’s new album “Journey to the Underworld” finds the band in deadly form, crafting music that is seriously weird and complex yet still delivers an addictive riff high.

12). Hey Satan! - "Hey Satan!" (617)

Overall this is a very impressive debut by very talented musicians.  Superb songwriting and extremely catchy rock and roll filled with dueling fuzzed out guitars, loud drums and a dynamic singer.

11). Rezn - "Let It Burn" (630)

REZN relies on hefty passages of music but the key to the band’s sound is how they combine this heft with a droning melody. Imagine Velvet Underground wrapped up in a Mars Red Sky jacket and you’ll understand why these Chicago boys are worth your attention.  This is a gem of a debut and albums of this quality don’t come around very often

10). Ghastly Sound - "Ghastly Sound" (EP) (646)

The Worst” sounds like Torche playing Truckfighters with the ghost of Dio on vocals while “Where The Ghosts Hide” and “Cape Buffalo” bring to mind Big Business indulging in secret stadium rock fantasies with hints of the Deftones in the melodic choruses given free reign with vocalist Tyler Gurwicz doing his best Chino Moreno impression over foundation-shaking riffs.  This EP is a tantalising glimpse of what Ghastly Sound has to offer. Hopefully it won’t be long before they return to show what fist-pumping destruction they are capable of over the course of an LP.

09). Thorr-Axe / Archarus - "The Hobbit" (Split) (678)

From deep within the fires of Mt. Doom comes one of the best releases of 2017 – a Tolkien-themed split from Indiana riff-smiths Archarus and Thorr-Axe.  It spans the whole spectrum that stoner/doom metal has to offer, with each track bringing a fresh sound to the table.

08). Telepathy - "Tempest"(704)

A monsoon of riffs, from slow, knuckle-dragging doom moments to the calculated chaos of Mastodon, spinning on a huge axis with their long, winding loops, this album it hits you like a drug, freewheeling into your body.

07). In The Company of Serpents - “Ain-Soph Aur” (714)

“Ain-Soph Aur” is a heavy experience on all levels. The band have dialled back the volume and slowed the tempo from previous releases which has unexpectedly resulted in increased impact. This album is  towering achievement from In The Company Of Serpents. It is a fine addition to an already distinguished discography and an inspiring work that sets the standard for heavy music in 2017.

06). Hyenas - "Deadweights"(768)

Deadweights” is an exciting opening salvo from Hyenas, it is an exhilarating hit of chaotic hardcore, metal fury and punk’n’roll that takes me back to the early to mid-2000s

05).Obituary - "Obituary"(971)

Obituary haven't sounded this deadly and taut for a long, long time, this is even better than “Inked In Blood”- itself an impressive record, A unique band in the genre.  Obituary have always stood apart from other death metal bands. They now stand above them again, too, because this is a death metal tour de force

04). Fen - "Winter"(987)

When this album is on fire, which is often, it’s absolutely some of the best atmospheric black metal you’ll hear this year. While the build to those big moments can be over-stretched, the payoff is absolutely worth the wait.  But even when accounting for its biggest flaw, I believe that ‘Winter’ will end up as one of the year's best albums. There’s simply too much fantastic material here to be denied.  

03). Dopelord - "Children of the Haze" (1329)

“Children of the Haze” is defined by loose grooves, ghoulish riffing and a very vintage sense of wickedness. Dopelord prove that, unlike many other stoner metal bands, they are not content to just create the same song several times over and call it an album.

02). Hour Of Penance - "Cast the First Stone" (1399)

01). Pallbearer - "Heartless" (1642)

“Heartless” is an incredible achievement from Pallbearer, a set of huge songs that consolidate the best elements of their previous releases while moving into fresh sonic territory. This is the album that should see the band make the transition into stadium-bothering all-time greats, and deservedly so.

A big thank you as always to our amazing writers, your dedication knows no boundaries and for that I am truly grateful.  March’s “Sour 16” features reviews by:  Richard Maw, Theron Moore, Charlie Butler,  Phil Weller, Victor Van Ommen, Jay Keche, Ben Fitts, Daniel Jackson, Michael Pagos,  Hunter Young & Conor O’Dea

11 IS ONE LOUDER: TJ Maynard (Bass) of Vermont Bass-Only Sludge trio chooses his top 5 Noise Rock Albums

Ghastly Sound are a gritty, loud, unforgiving and uncompromising trio focused on guitar less volume worship and a love for high-energy riffs.  The band began writing songs as a two-piece around the foundation of childhood friends TJ Maynard (bass) and Ryan Lewis (drums), who soon attracted the straightforward candor and raw power of vocalist Tyler Gurwicz.  Sounding like Torche playing Truckfighters with the ghost of Dio on vocals and also bringing to mind Big Business indulging in secret stadium rock fantasies.  Ghastly Sound’s presence is as large as it is loud:  rolling, thunderous tones blended with splashes of groove, sludgy bass riffs merging with spiraling time signatures, burning screams interwoven with anthemic melodies and pummeling hooks. 

Drawing influences from contemporaries like Kylesa, Torcheand Every Time I Die as well as pioneers from Helmet to Unsane, Ghastly Sound’s debut EP is here to remind listeners of a time when bands and people lived authentically and loud.  Welcome Ghastly Sound and prepare to worship at the altar of volume, as we invite them to take us through their top 5 noise rock records, as we take our weekly trip into the extreme and turn the volume all the way up to 11.  Why do we go to 11,  because “It’s one louder, isn’t it?” Over to TJ Maynard for all the details

I’m TJ, and I play bass guitar for Ghastly Sound. When The Sludgelord approached us about doing a piece on Noise Rock, we all got really excited and sat down to come up with this list of bands. Since we recently our EP, we thought it would be fitting to select other EPs to talk about. While this isn’t really in any particular order, I’m going to talk about my personal favorite first.

These Arms Are Snakes– “This Is Meant To Hurt You”

Off the shelf, this record draws you in. With a title like that, how could you not want to listen? One of the great things about this band is how bold they were willing to be; they don’t sound like anyone but themselves. It’s completely genuine. They’re able to craft such dense songs that it takes a few passes to really pick up everything. As a listener, this band can take you as deep as you’re willing to go with them, and it’s a rewarding experience. Right up to now, Brian Cook remains one of the most stand-out working musicians.

Cave-In – “Planets of Old”

We’re citing this album, but let’s be honest — Cave-In is one of the most widely influential bands in heavy underground rock. Even if you’re not still listening to Cave-Inrecords specifically, you’re likely listening to Mutoid Man, Old Man Gloom, or Clouds. If you’re not, you’re screwing up. Hard. Cave-In’suse of effects and willingness to go from atmospheric post-rock to hardcore to doom-caliber heavy riffs make them one of those bands that can serve as a default no matter what your current mood might be. 

Daughters – “CanadaSongs”

This might be cheating because there are 10 tracks on this record, but with a total run-time of 11 minutes, 11 seconds, we’re calling this an EP. When talking about Daughters, we’ve got to address presentation. I was a sophomore in high school when this record came out, and we were all lucky enough to see them perform it at the iconic 242 Main. I remember they loaded in a shit-load of cabs wrapped in animal prints instead of tolex. They started to perform, and it was the most tightly-knit mess we had ever heard. In between songs, Alexis has this just complete-asshole character. Again, the willingness to be that bold and committed is something we all admire. The atmosphere in the room that night still sticks with all of us.

United Nations – “Never Mind the Bombings, Here’s Your Six Figures”

This is another example where presentation becomes just as important as content. When you first hear this band, you immediately think “Geoff Rickly.” Then you look a little deeper and find that none of the other members are actually able to reveal their identities. The mystery of it is kind of captivating! From a songwriting standpoint, United Nations’ ability to fuse ugly-to-pretty passages together is something that has a big influence on what we try to do. Especially vocally. Again, this is one of those bands that you hear, you know it’s familiar-sounding, and you know you like it, but you can’t really stuff them into one specific genre. I think that’s how most bands end up with the “Noise Rock” moniker, haha.

Glassjaw – “Our Color Green”

Glassjawis instantly recognizable, another band that can only sound like themselves. For this EP to be as great as it is as a follow-up to - and with the gap in time between - “Worship and Tribute” is nothing short of extraordinary. I have no idea of the details of what went on between Glassjawand Roadrunner Records, but whatever it was cost modern Rock & Roll in a huge way. Had Glassjaw gotten the support they needed, I think it would’ve completely changed the landscape as we know it today. We would have genuine, scary, rock bands. Instead, alternative rock radio basically consists of a bunch of bands that either sound like they’re recording b-sides for the lion king soundtrack or NASCAR commercials.

“Ghastly Sound” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

REVIEW: Ghastly Sound - "Ghastly Sound" (EP)

By: Charlie Butler

Album Type: EP

Date Released: 10/03/2017

Label: Magnetic Eye Records

“The Worst” sounds like Torche playing Truckfighters with the ghost of Dio on vocals while “Where The Ghosts Hide” and “Cape Buffalo” bring to mind Big Business indulging in secret stadium rock fantasies with hints of the Deftones in the melodic choruses given free reign with vocalist Tyler Gurwicz doing his best Chino Moreno impression over foundation-shaking riffs.  This EP is a tantalising glimpse of what Ghastly Sound has to offer. Hopefully it won’t be long before they return to show what fist-pumping destruction they are capable of over the course of an LP.

“Ghastly Sound” DD track listing:

1). The Worst

2). Where the Ghosts Hide

3). Cape Buffalo

4). Cuttlefish

The Review:

Ghastly Sound deal in a very distinct brand of low-end riff attack on their self-titled debut EP, equal parts dirty noise-rock rumble and party stoner rock. This combination of gnarly underground sounds and smoother heavy rock lends the Vermonttrio a unique sound but what really stands out is TJ Maynard’s bass. No doubt there is a phalanx of bleeding amps and pedals involved in creating the monstrous racket that brings this EP to life and more than compensates for being the sole stringed instrument present.

“The Worst” sounds like Torcheplaying Truckfighterswith the ghost of Dio on vocals while “Where The Ghosts Hide” and “Cape Buffalo” bring to mind Big Business indulging in secret stadium rock fantasies. The latter culminates in a particularly sweet galloping riff that almost has an air of NWOBHM about it.

“Cuttlefish” brings the EP home in crushing fashion, slurring the tempo to a doomy crawl to powerful effect. Hints of the Deftonesin the melodic choruses of the previous tracks are given free reign here with vocalist Tyler Gurwicz doing his best Chino Moreno impression over foundation-shaking riffs.

This EP is a tantalising glimpse of what Ghastly Sound has to offer. Hopefully it won’t be long before they return to show what fist-pumping destruction they are capable of over the course of an LP.

“Ghastly Sound”is available here

Band info: bandcamp|| facebook