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

By: Mark Tremblay

Album Type:EP

Date Released:10/11/2017

Label:Medusa Crush Recordings

For those of you who long for the days of “Blessed Black Wings” era High on Fire, this record is the perfect trip down memory-lane.  If you dig thick and dirty riffs, you’ll dig Pale Mare.

“Pale Mare EP” CS//DD track listing:

1). Descolada

2). Carthage

3). Hoplite

The Review:

Toronto’s Pale Mare has finally released their long awaited self-titled EP. After making a name for themselves locally opening for acts such as Windhandand Weedeater, Pale Mare have unleashed their well-honed brand of sludge metal. For those of you who long for the days of “Blessed Black Wings” era High on Fire, this record is the perfect trip down memory-lane.

The EP comes out of the gate swinging with “Descolada”; a song built upon a heavy riff that would make Matt Pike smile. Where Pale Mare break from the pack, however, is this jazz break they’ve fused into the middle of the song. The clean shimmering guitar chords and wah-tinged bass give them a nuisance and balance not often found in riff-driven music.

 “Carthage” is a straight out banger that page homage to early BaronessEP’s “First” and “Second” while adding their own twists. Luke Roberts’ drum fills on this track are particularly jaw-dropping. Given the fact that he is also the guitarist and main creative force behind Ayahuasca, it begs the question “Is there anything Luke Roberts can’t do?”.

The albums closer “Hoplite” is continuation of all these elements mashed together in one riff-crammed magnum opus. Pale Mare is a throwback to the hey-day of the Savannah sludge metal of the early 2000s, only with a twist. If you dig thick and dirty riffs, you’ll dig Pale Mare.

“Pale Mare EP” is available here

Band info: bandcamp || facebook

ALBUM REVIEW: Olde - "Temple"

By: Mark Tremblay

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 11/08/2017

Label: STB Records |

Medusa Crush Recordings

Olde’s “Temple” is doom metal done the way it should be. It is well-crafted, forward-thinking, and a contender for one of the best records of the year.

“Temple” CD//CS//DD//LP track listing:

1). Subterfuge

2). Now I See You

3). The Ghost Narrative

4). Temple

5). Centrifugal Disaster

6). Maelstrom

7). Castaway

The Review

Oldecan be best defined as “Efficient Doom Metal”; creating atmospheric and riff-centric music without wasting time. Olde’s “Temple” showcases their most refined music to date; there is not another doom band that understands how to write great riffs, without them overstaying their welcome. Olde runs the gamut of everything the genre offers; from Kyuss-y blues, to darker and more punishing in bands like Yob.

The album starts with two quick stoner metal tracks; “Subterfuge”, and “Now I See You”; hypnotic riffs by riff-master Greg Dawson. Ryan Aubin’s familiar groove oriented drum style is particularly highlighted on these tracks, showing why he is the best drummer in the genre. The album takes a darker turn with more plodding dirge’s in “The Ghost Narrative” and “Temple”. Not only do they create a necessary balance in the records pace, but also show off some of the best lead guitar work on the record. The guitar solo on “The Ghost Narrative” is particularly brain melting.

The album concludes with their best track “Castaway” a very Baroness infused track filled with huge open chords, and interplay between major and minor keys. This song also flexes their atmospheric muscles; utilizing faint guitar feedback and other sound clips in a much more advanced manner to their previous release. This song concludes the album on an interesting footnote of what is to come for Olde.

Olde’s“Temple” is doom metal done the way it should be. It is well-crafted, forward-thinking, and a contender for one of the best records of the year.

Band info: bandcamp|| facebook

LABEL INTENSIVE: Christine Kelly of Tridroid Records Lists her Top 10 Labels to Watch in 2017

Tridroid Records is an independent metal label launched in July, 2012 by original owner Andrew Rehberger and was one of the earlier labels responsible for the metal tape resurgence in the US. In 2016, after 4 years and around 80 releases to their name, the label would change hands and who better to take over than self confessed Tridroid fan Christine Kelly.   Having been involved in underground metal for about 15 years and with a desire to run a metal cassette label for years taking over at Tridroid Records seemed like hand of fate had dealt a winning hand.

Tragically Andrew would suddenly and tragically pass away, so what better endorsement to his memory than to continue what he created, indeed under Christine’s tenure the label is going from strength to strength.  So with recent releases from  Heavy Temple, Unand the forthcoming album from our own Daniel Jackson via project Void Ritual,  we have invited Christine to talk about 10 labels she digs and one’s you should to watch out for in 2017 and beyond. 

Before the days of Bandcamp, I mostly just looked for label owners who shared my taste and bought up anything they put out.  It's easier to pick and choose these days, but I still value finding labels that I can blind-buy from and trust that the release will look and sound amazing. Here's a few that I'm keeping my eye on this coming year: (click on the labels name for web links)

1). Graven Earth Records

Graven Earth came from nowhere in 2016 and put out 100% quality releases straight outta the gate. Sarcoptes, Possessor, and the cassette version of Khemmis – “Hunted”are just 3 of the things that caught my eye.  I can't wait to see what comes from this label in the New Year, because if I don't know the material, I know I should.

2). Small Doses

Full disclosure: Label owner Joe Beres does a lot of design work for Tridroid, but that's because I saw his work while I was in Minneapolis and liked his clean style and taste so much that I pulled him into my camp. Small Doses releases material more on the drone/industrial/noise side of the spectrum but also represents the diversity of those genres, with everything from Locrian to Bastard Noise to Whitehorse released under his aegis. You can be sure that anything coming out of Small Doses looks amazing, too, because Joe's aesthetic sense and knowledge of packaging ensure that his output is nothing short of stellar.

3). Werkstatt Recordings

If you're even remotely into electro-synth music, Werkstatt is a label to seek out. I'm a relative newbie to the new wave of electro, so I value someone who can sift through the glut and present the best of the best. The excellent art and design on Werkstatt'sreleases is something that inspires me, especially with their high level of output.

4). Sylvan Screams Analog

Sylvan Screamsis the only label I've made it my business to own every single release by. To me, Mitch King at Sylvan Screams represents everything good about DIY cassette culture – he's a maniac, he knows his shit, and his releases consistently introduce me to bands I need to hear. It ain't an easy gig owning a tape label, and his devotion to it was one of the reasons I got into the biz. His stuff sells out pretty quick, so make sure you follow him on Facebook if you don't already.

5). Foreign Sounds/Children of the Night

The level of quality cassette releases on this label is just unprecedented. In 2016 they put out some of my favorites, including I Shalt Become – “Wanderings”, Krieg – “Blue Miasma”, and Onirik – “Casket Dream Veneration”. All have great packaging without being over-the-top. As a label owner, you want to see what other people are doing, and I'm always paying attention to FS/CofN.

6). Medusa Crush

Medusa Crush has been on my radar for a while. Their releases definitely don't adhere to a genre, and I know I'll hear something new and different every time. Then, MCreleased one of my favorite albums of the year with Lightsabres – “Hibernation”. Now I'm keeping an even closer eye on 'em, because, while they're not the most prolific label on my list, there's a lot to be said for quality over quantity.

7). Bindrune Recordings

The only reason this label isn't #1 on my list is because, if you're anything like me, you already know Bindrune. I've been blind-buying from Marty for over 10 years now, and his releases are the pinnacle of musical taste and design. I hope to still be buying everything he puts out 10 years from now.

8). Caligari Records

This is another one that's lower on the list because, again, you probably know Caligari. When it comes to US tape labels that brought the format back to the fore, Caligariis one of the biggies. If it's a metal release on tape, Caligari has it. Not to mention that the label name belies a love of Weimar cinema that I very much appreciate.

9). Grimoire Records

Grimoire Recordsis another label I'm always watching. Genevieve, Torrid Husk, Myopic, Barbelith, and Dendritic Arbor are just a few of the reasons why. It's also nothing short of remarkable to me that the owner does all the recording, mixing, and mastering for all of his own releases. This level of involvement is a rare thing these days, and I give huge props to his vision.

10). Broken Limbs Recordings

Broken Limbs can do no wrong. Wode, Our Place of Worship is Silence, Thrawsunblat, Cara Neir, Crowhurst, Sea of Bones, Immortal Bird... I'm gonna be honest, every single release is a worthy listen. And the artwork? Simply amazing. Definitely one of my biggest inspirations.

For more information on Tridroid Records check out the link below

Label Info: bandcamp || facebook