Flip The Goat Podcast - 002

Playlist:

Black Vulture Conspiracy - "Psychosphere" (album: Black Vulture Conspiracy)

Yidhra - "Cult of Bathory" (album: Cult of Bthory E.P.)

Misery Ritual + Wreckage - "GLOW" (single)

The Coathangers - "Nosebleed Weekend" (album: Nosebleed Weekend)

Akem Manah - "From Hell They Ride" (single)

Witchcraft - "Nucleus" (album: Nucleus)

Flip The Goat Podcast - 001

Today's Playlist:

Muscle and Marrow - "Black Hole" (album: Love)

Muscle and Marrow - "Help Me" (album: The Human Cry)

The Body - "The Wandering" (album: No One Deserves Happiness)
The Body - "A Curse" (album: All The Waters of the Earth Turn To Blood)

Magrudergrind - "Relentless Hatred" (album: II)
Magrudergrind - "The Protocols of Anti-Sound" (album: Magrudergrind)

Nails - "You Will Never Be One of Us" (album: You Will Never Be One of Us)
Nails - "God's Cold Hands" (album: Abandon All Life)

Nothing - "Vertigo Flower" (album: Tired of Tomorrow)
Nothing - "Get Well" (album: Guilty of Everything)

Medicine Moon - "Hey Apparition" (album: Tales of an Umber Earth)
Medicine Moon - "Blue Juice" (album: Medicine Moon E.P.)

Sloth/See Through Buldings - The Greatest Noise on Turf (2016)

Being a metalhead, most of my peers didn't take to kindly that I enjoyed sports.  Especially football.  I always hear how football is "gay" and "it's a bunch of guys getting in top of each other.  And of course these are people who love Judas Priest and listen to Korn (Jon Davis being bi-sexual).  So imagine how excited I was when I saw hnw project, See Through Buildings, doing a football themed split with Florida's Sloth.  This split is gonna take "team spirit" to a whole other level.
Sloth (of Gulf Coast Florida) start things off with what sounds like a industrial drum line.  Then the distortion just rushes at you like James Laurinaitus.  Sacking your eardrums onto the ground.  You can just imagine the crowd going wild on that.  Then we got See Through Buildings' side, which kicks off with the Lion's fight song (I believe it is).  And just like Barry Sanders, See Through Buildings blast into the field with it's devastating harsh noise, and into the end zone. I would like to think that See Through Buildings' track would have been good enough to demolish the Pontiac Silverdome, this past spring.
If you're a fan of both projects, then you will definitely dig this split.  For a sports fan like myself, I really enjoy this because I hardly come across sport fans in the underground music scene.  Sloth sounded wicked as always.  And I totally loved See Through Buildings using a clip of a Lions game, while a wall of noise is blaring in the background.  Both of these noise artist showed what they are capable with their craft.  They really do bring a punishing sound that will crush your mind and soul.  Hope to hear more sports themed splits, because this is really a fun idea.  Huge kudos to Ben and Brandon.

To purchase The Greatest Noise on Turf, visit:  https://seethroughbuildings.bandcamp.com/album/the-greatest-noise-on-turf

And visit them on facebook:

See Through Buildings:
https://www.facebook.com/seethroughbuildings/?fref=ts

Sloth:
https://www.facebook.com/Sloth-of-gulf-coast-florida-1599972390285627/



I rate this: 5 Hitlers Punched in the Face

Mire of Despondency - Sorrow Is A Void (2015)

For a while now, Black Metal has definitely been a force to be reckon with.  From Venom's raw-thrashy sound to Dimmu Borgir's epic symphonic tunes, Black Metal has always found a way to stick around, by evolving and taking things further.  Around the late 90's/early 00's, the sub-genre was taken to a whole other level when Krieg, Leviathan, and Xasthur came to the scene.  And because of them, we have what the Black Metal scene is today.  And one of those bands that represent today's Black Metal scene is Mire of Despondency, who consist of one member, Nokturnus Megrothas   Last year, Mire of Despondency put out 9 tracks up on Soundcloud, called Sorrow is a Void.  A perfect blend of raw Black Metal and ambient/experimental music.

Sorrow is a Void starts off with a very haunting piano, which is then followed by a very wretched sound.  Then "My Cold Embrace" comes in, with some mid-paced riffs and a very cold shriek.  Then a acoustic guitar comes in to close that track. "Disintegration" has a nice Scandinavian folk vibe.  The whispering vocals adds a nice touch and brings out a nice atmosphere.  "Moonrise"is a nice ambient track.  It definitely reminds me of some of the ambient stuff that Burzum does.  If there was a track that will define Mire of Despondency, it will be "Shadowed Earth".  Love the piano intro with the strings in the background.  Then the guitar and drums come in for a killer Black Metal song.  "Desolate" is also a great track.  Love the rawness in the Black Metal part.  And then we got "Cold Autumnal Winds", pounding away to close Sorrow is a Void.  This one really steps it up and makes sure that when it's over you'll come back for more.

A great Depressive Black Metal release that captures a raw sound and a ambient/atmospheric sound.  Nokturnus is definitely someone who knows this sub genre very well.  And because of that, I am able to enjoy Sorrow is a Void.  I don't know if there's a physical release or a download, but you can stream it on Mire of Despondency's soundcloud page.  On the facebook page, there was mention that Nokturnus was working on another project.  That I'm looking forward to.  And then of course there's plans of making Mire of Despondency a full band.  But what ever happens, I'm up for hearing anything that Nokturnus Megrothas performs in.

Stream Sorrow is a Void at: https://soundcloud.com/nokturnus-megrothas

I rate Sorrow is a Void: 5 Hitlers Punched in the Face

We Are Stil Here (2015)

Hardest thing that can happen to a parent is losing their child.  As the old saying goes, "a child should never go before their parents".  Probably one of the toughest thing someone can overcome.  I always hear about how it leaves a void when someone's child dies.  And it's really heartbreaking to hear.  In Ted Geoghegan's We Are Still Here, our two main characters go through that struggle.  And also have to deal with something just as worse.
The movie begins with Paul and Anne Sacchetti moving in to their new home, hoping to start a new life after the death of their son, Bobby.  Once they settle in, you knew something wasn't right with the Sacchetti's new home.  We then meet Dave and Cat McCabe, who welcome the Sacchettis to the neighborhood.  The Sacchettis invite them inside for a drink and get to know each other.  Dave tells Paul and Anne about the family who use to live there, and the tragedy that happened.  As it turns out, every 30 years, the house needs a family to feed upon.  If not, the house will swallow the whole town.  The house is also haunted by the ghost of the family who use to live there.  This gave Anne the impression that her lost son's spirit, followed them to the new home.  So she invites her friend May and Jacob, along with their son and his girlfriend Harry (who was a long time friend of Bobby).  While spending the night, May had a nightmare which involved the house and it's dark history.  This concerned her husband, Jacob, so the next day, Jacob decides to have a seance with Paul.  They make contact with the spirits living in the house, and then things get crazy.  The ending should satisfy some horror fans who want blood.  Definitely some crazy kills.
One of the things I loved about We Are Still Here, is the atmosphere.  Especially that basement.  When they talk about how "hot" it is, I can just feel it a bit.  The story is well done.  Two couples lose their son, then move into a house that's haunted.  You can only guess that this flick is gonna be one hell of a ride.  And then of course you got Larry Fessenden, who is always fun to watch  Seeing him play Jacob, you just can't help but love the guy.  I do have to say that the beginning is a bit slow, but the movie does pick up very well.  So if you're seeking a haunted house/supernatural flick, totally check out We Are Still Here.  You'll get a kick out of the final scene.

             

Through These Gates - In The Eyes Of The Prophet (2013)

The destruction that one grand sound can create.  It can make the floor crumble, and have people running for cover.  It can turn the sky black, and have make everyone cry for salvation.  But sadly, that punishing sound will crush them to oblivion.  Well that's what Through These Gates has created with In The Eyes of the a Prophet, the second album by the one-man Blackened Death Metal band, created by Michael Pendergrass.  The 11 track album feature some blistering riffs,  blast beats that keep pounding away, and some keyboards to expand Through These Gates' sound.

On "Distant Shadows Arise", we are greeted by a deep/hellish voice, before our face is ripped by the relentless guitar work of Pendergrass.  The onslaught continues on "Dreaming In Darkness", as the blast beats get more intense and those blackened-death riffs continue coming at you like the horde of the unholy.  The slow melancholic strings fit perfect to end the track.   Then we got "War", a nice short track with a great epic sound.  Of course "Legion" follows next and continues laying waste.  I really love the riff in 1:20, it was really catchy.  And by the 3:00 mark, those riffs start getting crazy.  "Demons of the Rising Sun" is by far my favorite track.  It's everything that I love about blackened death metal.  The part in the 2:00 mark, reminds me of Rotting Christ.  Or at least gives me that vibe.  The piano in the end just came out of nowhere for me, and that I find awesome.  "Enslaved" ends the album with a dark ambient soundscape.  It definitely feels like a journey into the abyss.  Or if you just walked into a cult performing a ritual.  Some singing in the middle, but done in a melancholic way.  And the whispering adds a more brooding atmosphere.

In The Eye's of the Prophet is very well made album that doesn't need to be overly produced, or overly polished.  I'm really impressed in how the sound feels so huge.  Like, how there are parts where it feels very cinematic.  I like to think that Through These Gates is more than just trying to be brutal.  There are a lot of dynamics and layers in Through These Gates' sound, which makes it stand out.  Especially in a live setting.  And don't expect some shred fest.  Everything doesn't need to be super technical to be "metal".  As long as you give it some heart and power, then you'll totally get something that feels real.  And that's what I really love about In The Eyes of the Prophet.  As awesome the production and mix is, it doesn't have that trendy/generic sound that I hear at Hot Topic, or on Uranium and the new Headbanger's Ball.  What a lot of young musicians can learn from Pendergrass, is that if you work really hard on creating your craft, you can come up with something that really sticks out.  And what is more awesome is that Michael Pendergrass didn't need a full band to create such a killer album.

You can purchase In The Eyes of the Prophet at http://www.throughthesegatesofficial.bigcartel.com/product/in-the-eyes-of-the-prophet

This album gets "5 Hitlers Punched in the Face".

And here's some live footage of Through These Gates.

              

TOP 20 ALBUMS OF 2015

*NOTE* I wish I was able to publish this way sooner, but I had a issue with my laptop and I had to get ready for a Diclonius gig.  Thanks for being so patient.  I was really bummed out that I didn't post anything in January.  But hope to make it up.

This year we've seen albums by bands we haven't heard for many years.  Bands trying to break the sophomore jinx.  And bands trying to catch a break.  I've been very active on Bandcamp this year, and found a lot of great bands on that site.  Sadly, from out of all the music that I've purchased and listened to, I can only pick 20 that stood out to me.  There's also some smaller bands that I feel like they should get some attention.  Hopefully with their name being on the same list of a major act, some people will check those unheard artist.  So with that being said, I present to you, my "TOP 20 ALBUMS OF 2015".

#20 BLEAK - WE DESERVE OUR FAILURES

Right when I was about to do my list, this album just comes charging at the "TOP 20" list, full speed ahead.  An album full of intensity and creativity, We Deserve Our Failures isn't your typical Metallic Hardcore record.  Bleak is a huge reminder of why I love this music.

#19 INSECT WORSHIP COLLECTIVE - AL AZIF

What the Insect Worship Collective have accomplished is getting a few experimental/noise artist, with different sounds, and making them become ONE.   What is presented on Al Azif is a World of darkness and anarchy.  Or at least that's what I hear.  Looking forward to seeing some of the artist at Insect Worship Fest in January.

#18 SLANDERS - FLANDERS' DOZENTUPID F

One of the most funnest albums I've heard in 2015.  As I've mentioned on my Flanders' Dozen review, this ska band from Fullerton, CA, bring back some awesome memories from my high school days.  Highly recommend some Stupid Flanders for your New Year's Eve party.

#17 GIRLFLESH - ALMOST HUMAN

2015 was a busy year for Girlflesh mastermind, Roxxxie Wallace.  And it all started with Almost human.  Applecart and OZZLE were great entries, but I always come back to Almost Human.  It was a fun year to see Girlflesh growing up with it's sound.

#16 JOY SHANNON AND THE BEAUTY MARKS - MO ANAM CARA

Wish I had spoken about this project, a long time ago.  I didn't get to hear Mo Anam Cara til I bought it (along with The Oracle) at the OCCCA in Santa Ana.  It's a well written album with a a well composed atmosphere to accompany it.  Need something to listen to around the fireplace?  Mo Anam Cara is perfect for this winter.

#15 LIGHTS AND THE WINDOWS - LIGHTS AND THE WINDOWS "EP "

Lights and the Windows came in to the game to start a "New Rock Revolution", and are doing just that.  Despite losing two members, later n the year, LATW are continuing to finish what they started.  Their s/t EP is something that today's rock scene needs.  And it's bands who play with heart.  Fuck your cookie cutter standards. 

#14 SWARTWOUD - NUSQUAM

One of Lord Orgun's best work to date.  This is what experimental Black Metal should be about.  Not afraid to mess around with different sounds, what Ogun did with Swartwoud is create a atmosphere so dark, that you might get lost.  What ever Ogun was feeling, he sure let it out with Nusquam.

#13 KANTATION - NEPHILIM

One of the my most anticipated albums of 2015, and Kantation's sophomore album did not disappoint.  Nephilim did get things started with me with songs like "Walk Through Desire", "Tragedy", and their kick-arse cover of Saxon's "The Power and The Glory".  Traditional Metal is very strong with this one.

#12 DEAFHEAVEN - NEW BERMUDA

Despite the tag "Hipster Black Metal", Deafheaven's brand of Black Metal and Shoegaze was a breathe of fresh are for me.  Especially when it comes to American Black Metal.  New Bermuda may not be Sunbather, but it sure takes things to a much heavier level.  Once you get this album spinning, you can't help but start headbanging.

#11 J.C. SATAN - J.C. SATAN

J.C. Satan was an awesome find this year.  These guys have been rocking out for a while now, and I'm glad that they've found their way into my ears.  Their s/t album is a great slab of catchy tunes and attitude.  If you never heard anything out of France, J.C. Satan is a perfect gateway.

#10 MYRKUR - M

For Myrkur, 2015 was a great year and a tough year.  M as been getting a lot of phrase by Metal publications and blogs.  M has also been getting a lot of criticism by a lot of "trve" Black Metal fans.  Calling Myrkur "generic" and "hipster".  For me, Myrkur brings a ambient atmosphere to it's sound, which I'm a huge fan of.  And that's why M is in my year end list.

#9 PUBLICIST UK - FORGIVE YOURSELF

Never knew that someday, I'll have a huge love for Post-Punk.  And Publicist UK takes it even deeper.  As soon as I heard "Levitate The Pentagon", I knew that Forgive Yourself was gonna be a special album.  A great Post-Punk album done by members of Revocation, Municipal Waste, and Goes Cube.

#8 ROYAL THUNDER - CROOKED DOORS

It may not be CVI, but Crooked Doors is still a rock'n album.  The songwriting is very well done.  Mlny tells one hell of a story with her lyrics.  With album #2, Royal Thunder showed everyone that they are here to stay.

#7 BEHOLD THE MONOLITH - ARCHITECT OF THE VOID

When you lose a bandmate, you also lose a friend and a brother/sister.  Yes, this may have been said about Behold! The Monolith many times, but I'm so glad they were able to put out one of the most heaviest records of 2015.  Void of the Architect is everything you expect from a B!TM record.  When you put the volume way up, it feels like a horde with their swords and axe, are about to charge you.

#6. SHEPHERD - STEREOLOTHIC RIFFPOCALYPSE

Who would have known that the most talked-about band in 2015 came from India.  Shepherd got many praises by The Sludgelord, Doomed & Stoned, and I believe made the Doom Charts.  And because of this, I had to take a listen to Stereolothic Riffpoclaypse, which has been blasting in every metalheads headphones.  Make room, everyone.  Shepherd is here to stay.

#5 GOATSNAKE - DARK AGE BLUES

Goatsnake continue to kick arse with their brand of Doom & Blues.  The songwriting for Dark Age Blues is just amazing.  A lot of stuff here to sing along to, also.  If you call yourself a fan of music, then you should really dig this album.  Goatsnake really do have a awesome sound, and I hope many people will start taking notice.

#4 CHELSEA WOLFE - ABYSS

Who knew that sleep paralysis would be responsible of making Abyss, Chelsea Wolfe's most darkest and heaviest record.  As soon as you give this a spin, you know that Wolfe has created an album that will be passed around from generation to generation.

#3 GHOST - MELIORA

If there's one thing that Meliora says about Ghost, it's that Ghost are gonna be here for a long time.  As long as they continue to write songs that we can bang our heads and sing along to.  Their 3rd album may not be Opus Eponymous, but as soon as I heard "Cirice", I knew that Meliora was gonna be a enjoyable hard rock album.

#2 RUBY THE HATCHET - VALLEY OF THE SNAKES

Oh, such a voice.Jillian Taylor has.  And it meshes really well with the psychedelic sounds that her bandmates in Ruby The Hatchet churn out.  Valley of the Snakes is everything I like about the whole psychedelic rock/vintage revival.  But trust me, they don't sound like everyone else in that scene.  That modern touch is what makes Ruby The Hatchet stand out.  And "Tomorrow Never Comes" is such a crushing track.

# 1. LEVIATHAN - SCAR SIGHTED

One of the most personal records I've heard in 2015.  I was really glad to see that Wrest was in a good place when recording Scar Sighted.  Because of that, he was able to focus on making the next Leviathan record very crushing and intense.  What ever True Traitor/True Whore lacked, he was able to make up for it on Scar Sighted.  You can hear that so much was put forth to make what the album is.  And for that, Scar Sighted is my top pick for 2015.