Swartwoud - Hexental (2014)

When you put on "Hexental", you might think it's just another one-man band, creating black noise in his bedroom.  But once you go deeper into the tracks,  it's definitely a journey into misanthropy.  The best way I can describe  Swartwoud's latest effort is misery, agony, nihilistic, and very anti-sound.  An appreciation to the lo-fi production is needed, as "Hexental" isn't meant to be a glamorous record.

"Morvandus" has a great doom riff going on, that I think people who love a heavy minimalism sound will dig it.  The same can go with "Consoling a Crying Water Giant", with it's doomsday chugs.  "The Calm" is probably my favorite and the evilest track on "Hexental".  It's a track that does lo-fi black metal, proud.  I love how"Only Deamons Play this HAARP" starts off almost a bit Neurois-ish, before going into full black metal assault.  And speaking of Neurosis, Swartwoud goes in tribal mode with "Exploding Heads".  "Crush the Cockroach" is also a well written track.  Pretty much Lord Orgun's best vocal performance.

Seeing that this is the sixth release by Swartwoud, I guess I have a lot to catch up on.  I did listen to Sex Daimones (Six Demo[n]s) and a couple of tracks from Lokval on Reverbnation.  Really looking forward to listening to the other releases.  I give Lord Orgun lots of credit for doing something different, vocal-wise.  To me, that what gives Swartwoud their own sound.  I highly recommend checking out "Hexental" if you want to get your lo-fi fix.  I rate this "5 Hitlers punched inthe face".

You can download "Hexental" for free at http://www.reverbnation.com/swartwoud/album/85084-hexental

Hellbeard - "DARK/LIGHT E.P." (2014)

Hellbeard are back.  And what a fuck'n e.p. they put out.  Ever since I heard "Black Snail" on youtube, I've been waiting on some new Hellbeard.  Their first album, "Scarecrow" was a solid album.  And with Dark/Light, they take their sound to a whole other level.

Dark/Light features 3 track, which are the best and heaviest songs that Hellbeard have played.  Once the first track, "Maiden of Mercy", starts to play, you knew that this is going to be a totally different Hellbeard.  The one thing that I like about this song is during the middle, they play a really nice doom riff, which then goes to something more ambient.  "Light" is probably my favorite.  When I hear this song, there's a "Time & Grace" feel to it.  And of course I loved those tribal-esque drum beats during the end of the track.  And then we have "River's End" to finish up.  Has a nice 90's hardcore metal riff and then a sweet guitar solo.

The production was well done.  The vocals have gotten very intense from the last album.  Great guitar work and of course the rhythm section sound great.  I would have loved to hear a studio version of "Black Snail",  But after hearing the new e.p., I really don't know how it will fit.  For sure this is a whole new Hellbeard.  And this new Hellbeard makes me want to punch Hitler even harder.  A awesome e.p. if you enjoy post-metal, sludge, and doom.

To purchase Dark/Light, go to https://hellbeard.bandcamp.com/album/dark-light

Akem Manah - "Demons of the Sabbat" (2014)

Even though Doom Metal is becoming very popular in the underground scene, the number of Doom Metal bands that are coming out is very steady. which is why I'm still a fan of the sub-genre.  Unlike most musical genres that become very poplular, a shit load of bands come out of the woodwork, trying to catch in on the trend.  It also helps that a lot of Doom Metal bands mix some Death, Black, and other experimental music.  Which can sometimes keep things interesting.

When I read online that Akem Manah is coming out with a new alubm, I know that I'm gonna hear a awesome Doom record.  On the last one, "Night of the Black Moon", main man, Dead Nedry added some layers to the Akem Manah sound.  On album #3, to me, the Akem Manah sound has been defined.  As soon as I hear the first chord, I know it's Akem Manah.  Also Nedry was able to get Chris Lollis (ex-Nile/Lecherous Nocturne) on bass and Ivan de Prume (ex-White Zombie) on the skins.  As much as I hear Lollis bass, I do have to say that de Prume did a great job on the drums.  Head guitarist, Scott von Heildt, makes a appearance on two tracks and keeps things interesting.  Also Ramesses' Adam Richardson does vocals on "Demon Rise", which was also fantastic.

I love the piano intro on "Dark Ritual".  "Reign of Terror" is probably the best song that Akem Manah has recorded.  Scott von Heildt's lead also makes that track awesome.  I wouldn't be surprise if the title "Possession Of Nun" was inspired Haxan.  And "The Twisted Rites of Satan's Bride" is also one of my favorite tracks.

If you're a fan of "The Devil is in All of You" and "Night of the Black Moon", Then you're really going to enjoy "Demons of the Sabbat".  It's a huge step forward but still the Akem Manah that we know and love.  Very heavy.  Very dark.  Very Akem Manah.  This album gets "Five Hitlers Punched in the Face".

Chelsea Wolfe - "Apokalypsis"

 

In this day and age, it's really hard to be original.  All we can do is make the best art that we can.  If it sounds good, then hopefully that will be enough.  But Chelsea Wolfe has created something so unique, some of us have a hard time to label her music.  And when you can't put something in a box and put a tag on it, then you've created something very original.

The best I can describe Chelsea Wolfe is that it's a cross between folk and doom metal.  Her vocals are very lovely, but also have a haunting feel, thanks to the reverb.  You can also say that there is also a Black Metal influence.  Especially her shriek on "Pale On Pale".

Other than "Pale On Pale", "Demons" is also a great track.  Of course "Demons" is a re-recorded track from Chelsea's first album, "The Grime and The Glow"  I do have to say that I enjoy the "Apokalypsis" version.  "Tracks (Tall Bodies)" is also great.  That's a song I like to put on when I just want to relax.

Of course by now, you've hear many awesome things about Chelsea Wolfe.  Especially since she had some sessions on PBS.  So if you're looking for some new music, I recommend "Apokalypsis" by Chelsea Wolfe.  And if she is coming to a town near you, totally go and check it out.

This album gets "5 Hitlers Punched in the Face"

The Code 415 Podcast ep. 2

Tonight's podcast will be short due to a cold.  So hopefully you enjoyed today's football game, tonight's episode of the Walking Dead, and if you bought the ppv, Hell in a Cell.  Now it's time for some awesome music.

Akem Manah- "The Black Flame" (The Devil is in All of You)
Purchase "The Devil Is In All Of You" Here

Lush- "Hypocrite" (Split)
Purchase "Split" Here

Flesh Parade- "Coping With It" (Kill Whitey)
Buy or Download "Kill Whitey" Here

Mike Patton- "A Perfect Twist (Vocal)" (A Perfect Place OST"
Purchase "A Perfect Place" Here

Blood Red Shoes- "You Bring Me Down" (Box of Secrets)
Purchase "Box Of Secrets" Here

"LIKE" these bands on Facebook:

Akem Manah fb

Blood Red Shoes fb

Mike Patton fb

Podcast Powered By Podbean

HELLBEARD "SCARECROW" (2010)

For a couple of years, I've been a huge fan of Oakland's Hellbeard. Their take on the sludge/post-metal sound almost has a very 80's Bay Area sound. In 2010, they released their debut album, Scarecrow, which I've been playing on rotation in my car for many years. The album starts off with "Locomotive" which is a awesome opener. Very Neurosis-esqe with a lot of steam. By the end of the song, you wish the song continues because that drum part was great. The title track is a also favorite of mine's. But the one that I enjoy the most is "Colloused", which also has a great ending that you don't want it to stop. As a matter of fact, I always press the repeat button. Usually while listening to a full album, I like to keep the flow going. But can't help myself but to hear that song one more time. So in conclusion, Hellbeard's "Scarecrow" gets "5 Hitlers Punched in the Face". Believe me, after listening to this album, you just want to punch 5 Hitlers in the damn face. -Mikey O)))-

  www.facebook.com/hellbeardband
  http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/hellbeard