Black] (2014)

Self Released | 4-2-14

Sometimes releases are way too short. Actually most EPs and demos are way too short but that is sort of the point right? Act of Impalement’s 4th release follows three other short demos and EPs with their debut demo only 7 minutes long. Echoes of Wrath is at a healthy 11 minutes but I wonder what a full length release would bring. I only bring up length as Act of Implement’s potential in hitting an interesting mix of black, death, and doom is so entertaining, I wonder what the band would do given enough time, money, and a nurtured obsession with death by stake.

Qrixkuor – Consecration of the Temple [UK, Death] (2014)

Self Released | 4-26-14

Oh man, here comes a flood of occult death. Qrixkuor is the name of a bird from a philosophical magic text written by Kenneth Grant. Grant’s work on the Thelemite religion continues the tradition popularized by Aleister Crowley. All of this is pretext to Qrixkuor, who may or may not have gone one step further in their image of obscured occultism. Ancient orders and mystic cults may now come with the cavernous sounds of echoing death.

Black Monolith – Passenger [US, Black / Crust] (2014)

All Black Recording Company | 4-29-14

Trust me, I literally have no idea what is happening in this album art. I would say that the lithograph inspired artwork illustrates the relationship between Black Monolith’s influences but this is wrong. This US based crust act fuses together the styles of hardcore and black metal but that would mean both figures on the cover should be rotting and shriveled. I think this is true unless the nude women is black metal. What in the hell is going on at that campfire? What is that pyramid?

Thantifaxath – Sacred White Noise [Canada, Black] (2014)

Dark Descent | 4-15-14

Adding to the very long line of bands with zero information comes the Canadian enigma Thantifaxath. Aside from a near unpronounceable name, the band has made a conscious effort to keep all information regarding identity, contact, or general inquiry at a minimum. The band members wear hoods on stage, may or may not be apart of another slightly well known metal band, and are probably never available for interviews. I would have gotten long tired of these antics if it were not for the fact that sometimes a lack of information allows records to be independent of connections. All of a sudden there appears this amazing black metal record which rips and scars the earth with smoldering ash.

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.

Sutekh Hexen – Become [US, Black / Noise] (2012)

Sentient Ruin | 5-20-14

For some reason I always thought Sutekh Hexen was associated with the southern California label / black metal cult Black Twilight Circle. Sutekh Hexen, from Oakland California, has been quoted in interviews referencing some of the Crepúsculo Negro bands but there seems to be no association. I need to draw a map to help navigate the strange and wild world of west coast USBM. It is all pretty raw and most of it is amazing.

Triumvir Foul – An Oath of Blood and Fire [US, Death] (2014)

Self Released |4-13-14

Yes. Alright who is ready for some West Coast American death? I just hope you do not want too much information about this group as I have very little. I can promise little aside from menacing joy. From what I can gather, Triumvir Foul is a Portland two piece who has made it their goal in life to worship at the church of OSDM. Armed with influences and a penchant for shredding, this band plans to make its mark with the blood of whoever just got run over by the bulldozer. When madness and destruction are the sermons, devotion becomes a hellish experience.

Ghost Bath – Funeral [China, DSBM] (2014)

Self Released | 2-14-14

Jesus fuck. Alright, well I have already stated my immense interest in Chinese atmospheric black metal even to the point of tracking down the man behind Pest Productions. However, It has been awhile since I checked back into new releases. Before this review, I found some assorted splits such as the Happy Days / Kanashimi release The Great Depression II which suggested a larger Asian Depressive Suicidal Black Metal (DSBM) scene or at least a push happening in Japan. Ghost Bath is the first band I found which has caused enough reason for pause. Whether or not it is the complete veil of despair or the horrific vocals, but Ghost Bath shakes its listeners to their mortal coil.

Demon Eye – Leave The Light [US, Stoner Doom / NWOBHM] (2014)

Soulseller Records | 1-30-14

Okay, I can get down with this sound. Demon Eye proudly states their name was taken from a lesser known Deep Purple song of the same name. I feel the band is proud of this as Demon Eye seems infatuated with he dark side of the late 60’s and early 70’s. In fact, the stoner doom tag could be amended to proto-doom as Demon Eye has decided that 2014 is no time for them and 1971 fits their lifestyle much better.

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.