Chelsea Wolfe - "Abyss" (2015)

For quite some time, Chelsea Wolfe has been changing the game, when it comes to singer-songwriters.  Her mix of folk, doom, and electronics, have been a breathe of fresh air.  Her last 3 releases have been unique, so I was really stoked to see where she was going with Abyss.  Little that I know, that Abyss was gonna be Chelsea Wolfe's heaviest album.  But then again, the album was inspired when Chelsea was going through sleep paralysis.  I would think that would make quite the heavy and dark record.

The album starts off with "Carrion Flower", a heavy-bass, electronic track.  If you enjoyed "Feral Love" from Pain Is Beauty, then this song takes it to another level.  Pretty much this song sets up the entire album.  "Iron Moon" can be considered the best doom song that Chelsea Wolfe has composed.  And the same could be said about "Dragged Out".  That guitar tone on the chorus sounds wicked.   "Crazy Love" is a nice look back at her early sound.  And by the end of the album, we hear more electronic-based stuff..  And how can I forget about her haunting piano in songs such as "Maw", "After The Fall", and "The Abyss".

Abyss is definitely a step forward to Chelsea Wolfe's sound.  The heaviness of the music is what really made this album enjoyable.  But don't worry, she still sounds beautiful on this album.  Of course there's songs where she sings through reverb, which gives that haunting atmosphere.  And there are songs where she doesn't, and still sounds great.  Not sure if she'll ever go back to the heavy sound on her next record.  Especially since I mentioned earlier, this was all due to Chelsea's sleep paralysis.  I've always heard stories where people have said that when they go under sleep paralysis, that there are times when they feel that someone is pressing down on them.  And to me, that's how I see those heavy parts on the album.  So don't be afraid to jump into the Abyss, and just let it sink in.  It will be quite the experience

Rating: 5 Hitlers Punched in the Face

Girlflesh - "Almost Human" (2015)

I swear it seemed like it was yesterday, when "Nudes" came out.  An album that has been getting a lot of great feedback.  And of course brought attention to the one-lass juggernaut known as Girlflesh.  In January, Girlflesh's Roxxi Wallace released her 2nd full-length, "Almost Human".  Of course this was released on her birthday (Jan. 27), and it's pretty sweet that Ms. Wallace celebrated her birthday by sharing her art.

The first track, "I Want To Believe", starts off with Wallace singing through a reverb effect.  To me, those few first seconds does have a loneliness feel to it, before the beats start kicking in.  "Sad Birthday" is a song I wish I would hear on the radio.  The chorus is really catchy and does stick to me.  "I'm a Whore For the Fourth Reich" is definitely step forward to the Girlflesh sound.  A song that I know will be accepted at goth/industrial bars in L.A.  And I have to say I enjoy the Nazi-xploitaton- esque song title.  I wouldn't mind hearing more of this on the next Girlflesh album.

From the lyrics to the music, "Almost Human" does have a darker vibe than "Nudes".  Which is what I really wanted Girlflesh to go for, since there's more places to explore on that side.  And according to Girlflesh's bandcamp page, "Almost Human" is a "conceptual album telling a story of confusion, isolation and existential dread", which is a good way to describe this album.  Especially when hearing "I Want To Believe". That's a perfect track to start off this album.  For sure, Roxxi's production skills have improved.  And only 21 yrs old, the young Aussie still has plenty of time to grow even bigger.  But right now, I really enjoy where Roxxie is taking Girlflesh.  And I wonder, by looking at the first two album covers, if on the third album, will the torso be fully clothed.  Sort of a closure to this era of Girlflesh.  But anyways, if you enjoyed "Nudes", then you're really gonna enjoy "Almost Human".  Roxxie Wallace earns herself another "5 Hitlers Punched in the Face".

You can purchase "Almost Human" at the link below:

https://officialgirlflesh.bandcamp.com/album/almost-human

Highly recommended if you're into dark electronic music.

Girlflesh - "Nudes" (2014)

When I heard the name Girlflesh, the first thing that comes to mind is a female version of Godflesh.  Sort of how Gallhammer are seen as a a female version of Hellhammer.  Even though Girlflesh have a electronic sound, Girlflesh is nothing like Godflesh.  

Roxxie Wallace is the mastermind behind Girlflesh.  And I have to say that this Aussie sure knows how to create some killer beats.  Everything that I love about experimental/electronics are on her album, "Nudes".  From trip hop to dark ambient, "Nudes" is quite the musical experience.

Another thing I like about "Nudes" are the song titles.  "Bass-Moi" sounds like a play-on-word of the French film "Baise-Moi".  And Lilya 4-Ever comes to mind when I saw the song,"Ennui 4EVA".  But "Gore Habit" is the most creative song title I've ever heard.  And probably my favorite.

It's nice to see another musical artist from Australia, since I really don't hear many bands from Australia.  Or at least introduced to any Australian bands.  Only a few.  I know back when Roadrunner had that SignMeTo page, there were some cool Australian bands there.  But lost contact from them when the site was shutdown.  Anyhoo, if you enjoy some electronics, then "Nudes" by Girlflesh might be the album for you.  These sick beats gets "5 Hitlers Punched in the Face".

To purchase "Nudes" got to https://officialgirlflesh.bandcamp.com/album/nudes