IRON WITCH - Post Vegas Blues 7"

IRON WITCH * Post Vegas Blues 7"

Thirty Days of Night Records (2012)

These UK lads play some punishing crusty sludge, and yeah they get compared to EHG a lot, but these guys can stand on their own, without question! So lay off the constant comparison and hear them for what they truly are, amazing! After hearing the “Single Malt” release I have been hooked on these guys and couldn't wait to get my hands on this 7”. After pre-ordering and delays, that’s exactly what I had to do…wait. But, the wait was well worth it. Pressed on transparent green vinyl, I was stoked to finally hear this. Post Vegas Blues kicks in with some murky clean bass (Rick Owen), then the sludgefest begins when it all comes in! This track moves along like trying to run through a pit of quicksand, thick, powerful and pulls you under, the way crusty sludge should. It picks up pace a bit with a bluesy jaunt, but only for a moment before weighing you down again. Side B punches you in the face with Gunshot Residue / Exceed The Dose with crusty punk dirty filth which reminds me of DOOM and LEECHMILK. Dan and Sams guitar tones are thick and dingy, setting the tone for aural decay and tonal misery, with Will pummeling the absolute crap out of his kit the entire time. Chris' vocals are the icing on the cake for me, throaty dirges belted out with such disgust and urgency! Post Vegas Blues is a must for any Doom / Sludge vinyl collector, and anyone into this style of dirty delta southern sludge! This album is a must across the board!!

http://www.facebook.com/ironwitch1977 

http://ironwitch.bigcartel.com/

A STORM OF LIGHT * As the Valley of Death Becomes Us, Our Silver Memories Fade

A STORM OF LIGHT * As the Valley of Death Becomes Us, Our Silver Memories Fade

(2011) Profound Lore

Late, yes, but still necessary none the less. This is still a highly needed album, even if it is from 2011. I am amazed by the diversity of this band as a whole. I initially went into this album kind of expecting at least some sort of carry over from "And We Wept The Black Ocean Within", this was not the case. Instead I found it to be a brilliant album capturing the days gone by of metal. At times reminding me of the Industrial edge of Ministry and a whole lot of Metallica, and the direction they should have taken! The guitar and drums working together with amazing gallops and thrashy riffs just made my heart race and head swim, I was surprised and excited to be listening to this album! I do love when I hear an album that recaptures something for me or lights a fire in me again for music. A good deal of today's music is stagnant and mundane, but A STORM OF LIGHT have the balls to create each album different from the last, and I down right admire that! So many bands recreate the last album, or albums, in their catalog, and it happens so much; so this was a gutsy move and a breath of fresh air! Looking forward to the next step in the journey.

Ghulheim - Demo

GHULHEIM * Demo

(2012)

I recently saw this demo posted on Facebook, so I downloaded it to check it out, and afterwards, glad that I did. The demo opens with “Echoes of Ancient Skies” with a slow Saint Vitus type riff, then opening up to a thicker powerful sound plotting along with a good chill pace. The vocals are sung out strong, more of a traditional doom style but mixed with some good grit. “The Jabberwocky” has a sick little groove to it with some dirty blues riffs with a great drive to it. Bass and Rhythm reminds me a lot of Spiritual Beggars. Closing out the demo we have “Warriors of Steel” which has a strong straight up metal appeal, full of guitar galloping and cowbells. It’s thick and heavy with a little more of a power metal vibe. So give ‘em a listen and see what you think.

http://ghulheim.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/9swordsband