TOP 16 ALBUMS: The Sour 16 for November 2016

It is that time once again people to cast our minds back, and digest the 16 albums that would become November’s most viewed albums and form the basis for our sacrilegious ‘Sour 16’, the finest and most profane riffs around bundled together into a premium sized sonic soufflé.

You know the drill, each month; you the reader are unwittingly compiling a list of the top 16 records that we featured in November, covering all genres of metal.  Is it not a chart, in which reviewers or contributors extol their opinion about their favourite music.  The ‘Sour 16’ are the records that have been trending the most at Sludgelord Headquarters.

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

16). Spirit Adrift - "Chained to Oblivion” (380)

This album is elegantly forged from beginning to end, and has no definable weak chinks in its armour.  Overall, this is likely to be an AOTY candidate for me, and one I have found myself returning to again and again in a variety of moods.

15). Superjoint - "Caught up in the Gears of Application" (381)

This is gnarly and nasty music made by a figure that is both revered and reviled. Through all the controversy, one thing keeps me coming back to listen to Anselmo: the quality of the music. And the music is as potent as ever. A storming return.

14) Animals As Leader - "The Madness of Many " (388)

Tosin Abasi and company find expressionism through mathematic complexity.

13) The Judge – “The Judge (399)

This one is crazy good, and crazy Sabbath inspired too. Give this band a listen, you’ll dig it.

12). Wasted Theory - “Defenders of the Riff (417)

11). Desolate Pathway - "Of Gods & Heroes" (420)

Make no mistake, Desolate Pathway have delivered an epic doom record of epic proportions: light and shade, massive riffs, great performances, a downcast atmosphere... it's all here

10). Fvnerals - "Wounds" (443)

“Wounds” is a captivating set of songs that are simultaneously heavy and delicate. FVNERALS unique brand of doom-filtered slowcore creates a powerful feeling that stays with the listener long after the final note has rung out.

09). Holy Serpent - "Temples" (473)

All in all, “Temples” is a great record.  Holy Serpent nailed it.  The songs are well crafted, well-structured, the vocals are right on and the music is perfect parts psych, doom, sludge and out right heaviness.  Don’t hesitate, buy “Temples” immediately.

08). Dusteroid – “To Fathom Hell” (475)

They serve up a king size slice of skull crushing, heavy Sludge that feels like being hit with a sledgehammer repeatedly. Job extremely well done and then some

07). The Dead At Sea - "The Dead At Sea" (479)

A potent blend of early-Pelican crunch and Kyuss-style riffage, The Dead At Sea distil the sound of desert rock sinking into a cold watery grave.  “The Dead At Sea” is a compelling combination of killer riffs and hushed menace that perfectly evoke the bottomless depths of the ocean

06). Ortega - "Sacred States (500)

Ortega are not the first band to fuse post metal, doom and spaced-out sludge but they succeed by doing it bigger, better and heavier than most.  Sacred States” sees Ortega take their sound to the next level, delivering on the promise of previous releases and stretching out towards bold new horizons.

05). Call of the Void "A.Y.F.K.M." (508)

Call Of The Void’s sound is a potent cocktail of punk attitude and rock’n’roll swagger coated in a thick layer of sludge aggression. “AYFKM” is an intoxicating adrenaline rush that will keep you coming back for more.

04). 11Paranoias - "Reliquary for a Dreamed of World" (512)

What sets 11PARANOIAS apart from other bands operating in the realms of psychedelic heaviness is the otherworldly atmosphere they conjure. Every note is enshrouded in a hazy fog that lends their music a darkly unsettling feel.

03). Ghoul – “Dungeon Bastards” (828)

So many bands try to do what Ghoul is doing and just can't fucking get it right. This is a perfect storm. Superior song writing, technical prowess, and an awesome aesthetic.

02). Mother Mooch - "Nocturnes" (991)

Their blend of psychedelia with grunge and stoner rock/doom is a highly sought after formula and Mother Mooch are keeping the secret closely guarded - and rightfully so.  ‘Nocturnes’ is an astounding album from a band that have the potential to conquer the world.

1). Metallica - "Hardwired…To Self Destruct" (1565)

Metallica have rediscovered their mojo, brought the heavy and most importantly appear to be enjoying themselves. An album, of two halves, with a cracking opening salvo on side “A” and “B” side, marred only by one throwaway track.  If not perfect, it is the best music they have produced in over two decades and is the natural successor to the Black Album. 

A big thank you as always to our amazing writers, your dedication knows no boundaries and for that I am truly grateful.  September’s “Sour 16” features reviews by:  Richard Maw, Theron Moore, Charlie Butler, Conor O’Dea, Jake Wallace, Eric Crowe, Rick Ahmed, Bobo Coen & Phil Weller

ALBUM REVIEW: Tombstoned - "II"

By Theron Moore

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 22/04/2016

Label: Svart Records

Tombstoned works.  It’s unlike anything I’ve heard in a while but it’s catchy and it’ll stick in your head.  It’s doom but a different kind of doom I’m used to listening to.  Give it a listen, I think you’ll enjoy it.

“II” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Pretending to Live
2. Brainwashed Since Birth
3. Time Travels
4. And I Told You
5. Haven’t We Seen All This Before
6. You Can Always Close Your Eyes
7. Remedies

The Review:

I’ll be honest with you.  I had to listen to this record several times to really get the feel for this band.  Musically I like what they’re delivering.  But the vocals I couldn’t figure out.  As strange as it may seem I heard influences like The Cure as well as Trouble, Candlemass and Cirith Ungol coming through.  I couldn’t figure out if I liked the vox on this record or not but they finally grew on me.  I think Tombstoned is best described as early 80’s straight doom, straight fuzz. 

“Brainwashed Since Birth” should’ve been the record’s opening track but I’m not complaining, I dug the vibe of “Pretending to Live” which sounds like a fusion between 80’s era Cure and the band Trouble.  Weird, right?  But it works. 

Tombstoned aren’t heavy in the same vein as Holy Serpent, or Sleepor Cathedralbut more in line with, say, Trouble meets The Cure meets Candlemass.  Clear as mud?  But it works.  “Time Travels,” track three, picks up where “Brainwashed Since Birth” left off and continues this journey of cosmic strangeness.  Track four, “And I Told You,” is a cool little gem of heavy Cirith Ungol inspired madness.  That’s where the aforementioned early 80’s doom inspiration was kinda apparent. 

One of the best songs on this record is “Haven’t We Seen All This Before” that features, of all things, a Smashing Pumpkins inspired guitar groove combined with a traditional Trouble inspired doom breakdown.  But, damn if it doesn’t jam.   Look, without going into the rest of the songs I can tell you this.  Tombstonedworks.  It’s unlike anything I’ve heard in a while but it’s catchy and it’ll stick in your head.  It’s doom but a different kind of doom I’m used to listening to.  Give it a listen, I think you’ll enjoy it.

“II”is available here

Band info: facebook

TOP 16 ALBUMS: The Sour 16 Chart for October 2016

By: Aaron Pickford



Alter Bridge

It is that time once again people to cast our minds back, and digest the 16 albums that would become October’s most viewed albums and form the basis for our sacrilegious ‘Sour 16’, the finest and most profane riffs around bundled together into a premium sized sonic soufflé.

You know the drill, each month; you the reader are unwittingly compiling a list of the top 16 records that we featured in October, covering all genres of metal.  Is it not a chart, in which reviewers or contributors extol their opinion about their favourite music.  The ‘Sour 16’ are the records that have been trending the most at 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 is highlighted in red). 

16). Headless Kross - "Projection I” (377)

 

15). Holy Serpent - "Temples" (404)

All in all, “Temples” is a great record.  Holy Serpent nailed it.  The songs are well crafted, well-structured, the vocals are right on and the music is perfect parts psych, doom, sludge and out right heaviness.  Don’t hesitate, buy “Temples” immediately.

14) Truckfighters - "V" (406)

All in all, a solid offering; a sound that is current; one that rocks effortlessly and one that proves regardless of line-up changes Truckfighters continue to be strong.

13) Zaum – “Eidolon (423)

“What makes Zaum’s music so intoxicating is the sheer density of their sound. Layers of synths, sitars, flutes and who knows what else, build up to create a foundation of all-encompassing drone for the bands epic compositions.  Prepare to be transported to a higher realm.”

12). Various Artists - “Meantime (Redux)” (442)

Meantime (Redux)” is a face-melting reinterpretation of what many consider Helmet’s finest hour, it   pulls off the tricky balance of paying respectful tribute to a classic album while being an excellent listen in its own right. Hopefully it will introduce long-term Helmet fans to some exciting new bands and make any other people with their ears stuck in the underground realise that Helmet were great all along.

11). Charred Wall of the Damned - "Creatures Watching Over The Dead" (460)

Richard Christy & Co have created something special with “Creatures Watching over the Dead.” It needs to be heard and talked about.  This is metal with heart.  Metal with soul.  And most of all?  Metal that’s larger than life.

10). Vermin Womb - "Decline" (541)

Vermin Womb succinctly distill the essence of their sound into one word: “Violence”.  It is a grimly exhilarating ride, but an oppressive racket that is hard to resist.

09). Yawning Man - "Historical Graffiti" (563)

“Historical Graffiti” is a drug that calms the soul of the listener”

08). Obsidian Kingdom – “A Year of No Summer” (578)

 

“This record is well constructed and the instrumentation is very impressive. But for those looking for similar fare to their previous work, they’d best keep looking.”

07). Black Tomb - "Black Tomb" (585)

 

06). Fistula - "The Shape of Doom to Cumm)))" (612)

The Shape of Doom to Cumm)))” is dripping with sardonic hatred for scenesters and fad chasers, scrapping rusty barbed wire across the speakers as if to wound those who listen. They bring the noise, the hate, and will tell you to your face if there’s even a hint at being a douchebag.

 

05). Witchthroat Serpent - "Sang-Dragon" (640)

This is a dominating record and something which the band can be sure will appeal to all kinds of fans of stoner doom and sludge. Witchthroat Serpent have left a deep scar in the genre and it will take a long time to heal with a record so devastatingly heavy.

 

04). Watchtower  - "Concepts of Math: Book One" (781)

The guitars crunch, the vocals bite, and the band chemistry shines through on each song, almost as if they know what each other’s gonna do before they do it. A near perfect record, which for Watchtower, is pretty much par for the course.

03). 40 Watt Sun – “Wider Than The Sky” (827)

Although the record may find itself on the fringes of metal, the empathetic feelings Walkershares over soaring ten minute tracks should cause anyone who has felt anything before to reflect in some meaningful way. “Wider than the Sky” challenges its listeners to reflect for themselves, because after all it’s important to remember where one stands. 40 Watt Sun’s latest record is likely to find itself among the best records released this year.

02). Asteroid - "III" (1716)

 

It is a hugely diverse record and shows the advanced musicianship between the band, blending all kinds of stoner rock and fuzz. This is a band who are firmly on the rise to the top and know exactly how to get there. One of the best releases of 2016 without a doubt.

 

1). Alter Bridge - "The Last Hero" (20494)

If you have any interest in the more commercial end of the rock and metal spectrum i.e. Metallica, Maiden, Soundgarden and so on then this album could be a fine intro to the band. If you are a fan already you will enjoy this one immensely. Alter Bridgeare leading lights in modern rock and may well be the last of a dying breed.

 

A big thank you as always to our amazing writers, your dedication knows no boundaries and for that I am truly grateful.  September’s “Sour 16” features reviews by:  Richard Maw, Theron Moore, Charlie Butler,  Victor Van Ommen, TJ Kliebhan, Jake Wallace, Hunter Young, Kat Hilton, Stiq & Jay Hampshire







ALBUM REVIEW: Holy Serpent - "Temples"

By Theron Moore

Album Type:Full Length
Date Released: 30/09/2016
Label: Riding Easy Records

All in all, “Temples” is a great record.  Holy Serpent nailed it.  The songs are well crafted, well-structured, the vocals are right on and the music is perfect parts psych, doom, sludge and out right heaviness.  Don’t hesitate, buy “Temples” immediately.

“Temples” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1. Purification By Fire
2. Bury Me Standing
3. Toward The Sands
4. The Black Stone
5. Sativan Harvest

The Review:

The snake is writhing; the storm is brewing from beginning to end with “Temples.” Clocking in at 43:19 seconds, Holy Serpentdelivers five songs the way music was meant to sound – heavy, psychedelic, fuzzed out sludge. And the Serpent, on this their second record, have seemingly perfected their sound.  I point this out because it usually takes most bands several records, maybe three or four, to truly dig deep within themselves and pinpoint their musical identity and really work that out on a sonic level.  Holy Serpent managed to do just that right here. 

The band is re-inventing the wheel with this record, they’re making said wheel much more efficient and effective.  Its better parts Cathedral and Sleep, fused together, performed as only Holy Serpent can.  The bass and guitars drive this record.  Heavy wah-wah, down tuned, low end, that dance and play around a wall of distortion, mapping song routes and musical direction for singer Scott Penberthy’s hypnotic, almost dream-like vocals that define and carry each song.  “Temples” isn’t doom or sludge for the sake of such.  The songs are well done, well structured, that speak to you on visceral levels, stimulating cortex and neurotransmitters.  They’re easy to connect with and stay connected with.   

“Purification by Fire” opens the record with a somewhat sinister, ominous vibe, building and prodding along, laying the foundation of what to expect with “Temples.”   Slow, methodical and dirge-like at times, is a great way to describe second song “Toward the Sands,” however, there’s a buried gem at the 6:25 mark with an up tempo Sabbathmeets Cathedralboogie-groove type section, which quite frankly, I’d like to have heard more of, but, what a cool way to cap off the end of this song, I really dug it, it fit perfectly. 

“Bury Me Standing,” track three, reminds me a lot of Sleep but changes tempo and goes full on Serpent.  The guitar parts on this song are remarkable, they really guide this track from start to finish.  “Sativan Harvest,” like “Toward the Sands,” hits that melancholy, dirge like vibe again, but harder, slower, allowing Holy Serpentto showcase that sheer wall of sound technique they’ve been developing throughout this record. 

Capping off “Temples” is “The Black Stone,” a dreamy, psychedelic slab of distortion laden goodness that properly ends the record.  All in all, “Temples” is a great record.  Holy Serpent nailed it.  The songs are well crafted, well-structured, the vocals are right on and the music is perfect parts psych, doom, sludge and out right heaviness.  Don’t hesitate, buy “Temples” immediately.

“Temples” is available here

Band info: bandcamp|| facebook

FFO: Sleep, Black Sabbath, Cathedral, Electric Wizard