As We Draw – Mirages [France, Sludge / Hardcore]

Throatruiner Records | 10-4-14

Before we begin, it is important to note that As We Draw is not like many things on this site. Sure, this French band has elements of atmospheric sludge and could draw their lineage to bands like Neurosis but other than that things get blurry. As We Draw fits into the disputed territories which lie in the middle of metal, hardcore, and heavy experimental music. In these borderlands are things which sort of resemble traditional genres but have long gone feral. Mirages may have been a sweet record at one point but is now rabid and out for blood.

Fórn – The Departure of Consciousness [US, Sludge Doom] (2014)

Vendetta Records | 7-22-14

We need to get this done as Fórn’s debut is nearing a month old. While many bands slip past notice, The Departure of Consciousness is so heavy, it is near impossible not to notice its presence. Sludge doom can take many directions whether it be stoner, hardcore, or just downright anguish. There are other times sludge doom’s low end can be emphasized with a record which bears weight of the world on the shoulders of transcendental misery.

Crown of Asteria – Sol [US, Black / Ambient] (2014)

Self Released | 8-11-14

Before I start this review, I must state that atmospheric black metal is something that is used by a lot of people. Because of this, its potency is less compared to black/thrash or death/doom. This is frustrating as decent atmospheric black metal bands get lost in the dissing array of records and bands. Additionally, atmospheric black metals preoccupation with nature, space, and non traditional heavy metal themes become the new norm. Crown of Asteria does not make itself known because it breaks any conventions on black ambient and atmospheric black metal rather because it invests itself so fully into music that Sol seems to be a reasonable end to a style experiment started over a decade ago.

Endlichkeit – Endlichkeit III–V [US, Black] (2014)

Fallen Empire Records |9-9-14

This truly is a style that is very personal and dear to my heart. Raw black metal, released on cassette, titled sequentially, and perhaps made by one person. This music is usually densely layered and has little concern for being accessible to anyone outside a narrow audience. It is a style which is easily lampooned for its inaccessibility, acquired taste, and similar imagery in album art. It is also a style which is as refreshing and cleansing as bathing in a natural waterfall in Autumn.

Nolti Nan Gana Nan Nolta – Death by the Venomhammer [UK, Black / Thrash] (2014)

Self Released | 8-1-14

Yes. Yes. Yes. This is another band I am going to sort of muffle when I try to say their whole name. Thank the gods the band sometimes go by their shorter acronym NNGNN which still sound like you are muddling words. Regardless of any pronunciation, Nolti Nan Gana Nan Nolta is a British black thrash whose dedication to the sound of Celtic Frost, Abigail, and Bathory, could come off as worship if the band was not so capable of making a solid debut EP. If one enjoys riffs, attitudes, and a release with the name “Venomhammer” in the title, then Nolti Nan Gana Nan Nolta will be the best thing you hear this week.

Petrychor – Makrokosmos [US, Black / Ambient] (2014)

Self Released | 7-10-14

Scouring Bandcamp has its benefits. While there is the inevitable burnt feeling when encountering the 100th atmospheric or second wave black metal record, there can be deep feeling of gratitutde with records which break formation. This is not to say all left field metal records are good rather they benefit from uniqueness when compared to the heavy metal norm. There is an expected loss of traditional harshness when traveling so far away from the expected but sometimes one can find something truly interesting with the right sense of adventure. Makrokosmos is the second true full length record from Petrychor and offers something that is truly cosmic and transcendental. I do not think it is anything you are expecting.

Kvlthammer – Kvlthammer [US, Black / Speed / Punk] (2014)

Self Released | 7-15-14

Alright. I like every single thing about this band aside fromt he name. The artwork. The style. the fact that is pretty much a self released. Everything except for the name. Shit, if it was “Culthammer,” I would be fine but the use of KVLT just makes me cranky. Perhaps it is all apart of a tongue in cheek atmosphere which is suppose to distract you from the hay-maker aimed at your jawline. whatever it is, Kvlthammer follows in step with bands like Midnight and Speedwolf and offers a biker bar full of demons with chains wrapped around their scaly fists. Hold your breath and wait for the madness.

Mortals – Cursed to See the Future [US, Black / Sludge] (2014)

Relapse Records | 7-8-14

Relapse Records was one of the first large record labels that got me into many bands. I think many other people can claim this as well, as the label has been operating since the early 90’s. Though Relapse releases a variety of different material, for the past couple of years there has been a focus on sludge / doom / crust and some vault surfing, with extensive reissues of older albums. To be quite honest, Relapse is larger than any other label covered on Tape Wyrm. If it were not for the complete enjoyment with Cursed to See the Future I do not think Mortals would make it here. Thank the gods for violent rock and roll.

Ad Infinitum – Woven Within [US, Black] (2014)

Self Released | 2-11-14

Atmospheric black metal can be instantly engaging. Unlike its stylistic cousins, atmospheric black metal has a dramatic sound and aesthetic that most people could see themselves enjoying. This has lead to a flooded market of bedroom productions stacked high to the ceiling. While it is daunting that this musical style is so popular, certain music shines through these pillars of demos and self released digital EPs. For music to do this however, it must be highly engaging and powerful. Ad Infinitum is the work of one man from Kentucky with no discernible connection to any other metal project. I know I just made mention of all those bedroom black metal releases but Woven Within is something demands its own attention, even if you are not already a fan of deep astral black metal.

Dying Sun – Transcendence [US, Post Metal] (2014)

Self Released | 1-7-14

I use the word “post metal” with very specific definition. Post metal, as I have come to understand it, represents two branches of music. One is instrumental metal and the other is an artistic extension of elongated sludge. Dying Sun is apart of the later with their release Transcendence apart of a fraternal order of music which celebrates the slow crawl of catharsis. Transcendence was released earlier this year but is seeing a tape distribution from the very lovely Grimoire Cassette Cvlture. By Tape, vinyl, digital, or 8 track Dying Sun’s release is demanding to be experienced by those who are willing to listen.