Catapult The Dead – All Is Sorrow [US, Atmospheric Sludge] (2014)

Self Released | 4-20-14

When I saw the release date and the genre I thought I had this record figured. This will be a stroll down the stoner sludge trail with fleeting references to wizards or space dragons. However, whatever I just listened to is something different. From band name to album art to music style, Catapult the Dead is odd. This US atmospheric sludge act sits in a strange spot which skirts easy understanding. This is not groovy sludge with lax views on recreational drugs. I thought 4/20 was a day to you know … do something else besides sitting in limbo tortured by the pains of being.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.

Schafott – Satan’s Throne [Germany, Black / Thrash] (2014)

MetalPunxRex | 1-25-14

I try to only review releases from 2014 which gets difficult when the secondary cassette market reprints albums from years prior. Finding first run cassette releases is sometimes difficult. According the liner notes for Satan’s Throne by German act Schafott, the demo was recorded 2 years prior with no explanation what happened in those 2 years and now. I am asking no questions as it seems that the band’s demeanor is slightly drunk and looking for a fight.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.

Yith – Yith [US, Black / Doom] (2014)

Self Released | 3-28-14

Hands down, one of the most eerie covers of the year. Who would have guessed the combination of black and white pencil and white eyed specters could be so unnerving? Yith has spent most of its time releasing demos in sequential order. There is nothing which separates the fourth demo from the previous three aside from the self title. Right now maybe the perfect opportunity to allow Yith to come and darken your heart.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.

LVTHN – Adversarialism [Belgium, Black] (2014)

Self Released | 1-1-14

I have decided to start tagging record labels as I feel it is important to support ones which put out consistent material. LVTHN is a darkhorse as their existence was unknown to many before a few days ago when the very well liked Fallen Empire put up their debut demo for stream. If one needed any more reason to pay attention to lesser known releases, the two song demo for LVTHN serves as a reminder in the form of a punch to the face.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.

Heavydeath – Demo I [Sweden, Death / Doom] (2014)

Caligari Records | 4-5-14

I have already raved about Caligari Records. Not only does this label dedicate their existence to underground black, death, and doom but the quality of material they release is fantastic. Take this demo from the Swedish group Heavydeath, with members from both Necrocurse and Runemagick. If not for Caligari records I would not be aware of this project. Heavydeth comes with much excitement, as every member involved in the process of this record comes from bands with much veneration. Heavydeath’s first of three 2014 demos not only surpasses expectations but shows how much is possible on a cassette series.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.

Lizzard Wizzard – Lizzard Wizzard [Australia, Stoner Doom] (2013)

Self Released

I usually like to focus on music from the current calendar year but something about Lizzard Wizzard spoke to me. I do not know what it was. Maybe it is the cassette package which comes with a d20, doob tube, and patch in addition to a green cassette. Maybe it is because the band seems to give zero fucks about fitting into a serious role. Maybe it is because there are sometimes when heavy stoner doom is the best thing to listen to. Maybe it is because the band does exceptionally well when given a task. Actually, I think it is the d20. That is pretty amazing.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.

Ggu:ll – Waan : Hoon [Netherlands, Sludge / Doom] (2014)

Tartarus | 4-4-14

Yep, Here is a time when I do not know whether to be more confused by the album title or the band name. I can take solace in the fact since there is literally zero information about this Dutch sludge doom band, I will never know how to pronounce this band name. Confusion is apart of the charm for Ggu:ll as the band has proven, to a very small audience, they are capable musicians with a near unsearchable band name.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.

Slomatics – Estron [Ireland, Stoner Doom] (2014)

Head of Crom Records | 2-3-14

There is something completely comforting about Slomatics. Perhaps it is the album cover influenced by vintage pulp sci-fi. Perhaps it is the thundering riffs or the droning atmosphere. Perhaps, even still, it is the levity in which the band seems to sport despite their music being caught in an avalanche of riffs. Whatever it is, Slomatics have descended through the ages to cast the world in hazy yet enjoyable style of cosmic doom.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.

Ritual Decay – The Conquering Darkness [US, Black / Death / Doom] (2014)

Caligari Records | 1-16-14

Holy shit, who knew Caligari Records was releasing such wonderful music? The possibility for exceptional black, death, and doom is very real and just hidden under large rocks in Tennessee. Ritual Decay is a doom influenced black / death act with no ties to established bands nor any preceding qualifications. In fact their resume maybe blank with only an overexposed photograph with a wolf in their promo photo. Regardless, The Conquering Darkness is beyond the qualifications for introductions as Ritual Decay firmly plants themselves as one of the best newcomers for 2014.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.

Devouring Star – Demo [Finland, Black / Death] (2014)

Sarlacc Productions | 3-2-14

Again, I feel that “dates” are sort of up in the air when it comes to demos. Finish black/death act technically self released their demo in December of 2013 but the 2014 pressing by Sarlacc productions feels like an official date. In demo-land, things are hazy and ambiguous but I have a feeling I want Devouring Star’s first demo included in discussions with 2014.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.