RUNNING GUTS/FLATULATION split 7” EP (Evil Biker/Bleurk Prod.)

Running Guts is perhaps the most ’sparse’ grind band on earth. I mean, their Alien grind core burst into every direction, hinting, and, err; humiliating; every bit of musical direction in the grind core way. Certain part chaotic, but not without its charm. There might be only one Running Guts in the world. Good production too. Flatulation again offers what they’ve proposed in the split 7” EP with Atavism (not the same songs, same direction I mean), so I think I shouldn’t elaborate further. Another slab of brutal sound once again, and still very ‘mechanized’ in its feels. Have I told you that the guitars sound very much like those in the first album of Angelcorpse? I need a more punishing production for such a blasting piece of music, so Flatulation guys; please heed my call.

SOLDABLEURKTHAL “Insectophily” (Evil Biker/Bleurk Prod.)

This is the most exciting release I’ve got from Bleurk Prod. so far, “Insectophily” is one slab of furious and blasting brutal death/grind album. And a fucking heavy production too. It’s not that hard to make it clear anyway; just imagine the heaviness of Mexican Disgorge in a more grind-oriented direction; and throw in some humor and hilarious moments here and there. That should sum it up pretty nicely. Great band, with a great name(!) indeed. Brutal and grind freaks alike, you shouldn’t miss “Insectophily”. Such a music that devours a certain kind of greatness in all its disgust, but only when it’s done right. Send me more Soldableurkthal in the future. And, before I forget; there’s some bonus live tracks available in the actual album version.

CHALICE “An Illusion To The Temporary Real” (Modern Invasion)

Female fronted bands, if we look into the situation these days; are rather to be admired than shunned. It’s apparent that more qualities have stem from this part of the scene, perhaps lesson learnt from the earlier crappy ones. One vital point is to make sure that the female vocalist can really sings, as in the case of Chalice; where she’s more than up to that. Shiralee’s  voice are both powerful and wonderfully controlled, resulting in a convincing delivery. Such a strong appeal of her vocals that Chalice doesn’t need a contrasting male-vocals to help shaping their songs. As much as the female vocals being the important focal point, the music compliment it just right. It’s some lightheavyweight Metal with lots of varying emotions, emphasizing on the feelings of melancholy and sadness. But no dirgy, monotony ‘true’ doom techniques are utilized (only a few band can give you that ‘majestic’ true doom resonance, mind you). Chalice avoids the trap by variating  the compositions, where solemn; melancholy moments are interwoven with the more uplifting ones. It all sounds more wonderful with the keys and flutes nevertheless. With a strong sense of direction and a great vocalist, nothing should go wrong with Chalice.

OBSCENITY “Cold Blooded Murder” (Morbid Records)

Courtesy of Morbid Records again, here’s another of my chance in checking out bands that I’ve known their names (and only names…) for quite some time. Death Metal it is, obviously. “Cold Blooded…” is rather a standard death Metal release. Absolutely not bad, but not overwhelmingly exceptional either. I’ll not label it as trying to ‘play it safe’, I think that Obscenity is a band that’s pretty sure on how their death Metal should be played. And there’s nothing else that they try to prove, perhaps. Slightly capturing the US-band vibe ala Malevolent Creation, Cryptopsy whenever blastbeat occurred; and a pinch of Bolt Thrower massive soundwalls. But Obscenity is at its best when those cunning melodic solos intrude, and the epileptic double bass drumming neckbreaking parts. Those solos, however short they could be, managed to alternate the moods stylishly. For utter neckbreaking experience aforementioned, I suggest “Alien Hand Syndrome”, and try to prove me wrong if you dare. It’s either you’re a deformed creature with no neck structures or just plain stupid if you’re not moved by the said song. This is an enjoyable standard death Metal release overall.

HAEMORRHAGE “Morgue Sweet Home” (Morbid Records)

Puke! It’s the fuckin’ new Haemorrhage album. And most of you might have already known what to expect. I could finish it off easily by saying that it’s another great, sickening pathological gore grinding death, but let’s delve a bit further ok. Luisma and co. have been messing around in the scene with 3 albums already, and yet still haven’t lost their ‘putrid’ touches. Any self-respecting grind gore enthusiasts will not avoid those insane fast passages and rotten groove. As for personally speaking, I’ve never heard those gorepounding Haemorrhage madness better than what’s portrayed in “Morgue Sweet Home”. ‘Emetic cult grind’ whatsoever, who gives a shit on how they labeled their music, as long as it’s brilliant. Veri-ly Carcass influenced of course, but His Majesty (I mean Carcass) should’ve been proud for devouring such fine bastards like Haemorrhage. Nothing to be ashamed of for being such a brilliant son of a bitch, isn’t it? 

IMMERSED IN BLOOD “Relentless Retaliation”  MCD (Downfall Records)

Before anything, I’d like to make it clear that IIM is the logical continuation of Inverted (RIP). Three of those guys are in IIM at the present. And I totally agree with their decision to lay Inverted to rest and to continue with IIM. Simply because IIM is a much better formation. We all know that Inverted played some decent death Metal in the past, so no surprise on how promising this MCD sounds. They’re more inclined with the US bands now, this is something that fans of Dying Fetus and alike would kill themselves for. Brutal yet catchy, technical and interesting compositions. Gone are the primitive evilness in Inverted, in comes a reality check on brutality. This is one of the best US-influenced Swedish death Metal release for sure. I’m eager to rank them alongside Soils Of Fate in spearheading the Swedish brutality assault of the new generation. I guess this is the best Downfall Records release by far.

HANDFUL OF HATE “Death From Above” 7” (Downfall Records)

Did I tell you that Downfall Records is getting better? Forget the lacklustre CAD CD, here comes another fine release from them. Handful Of Hate is a recognizable name if you’re familiar enough with the underground black Metal scene, and here’s another slab of their hateful extreme black Metal. Fast, extreme black Metal in the vein of Marduk and Dark Funeral, and they’re pretty good at it. Gratitude shall be given to Nicola and his creation, he hasn’t change his perspective in their music after a demo and a couple of CD, and it has been around since 1993. This is a fine black Metal vinyl limited to 666 copies, so act fast.

KAIZEN “Supporting Continual Improvement” MCD (self-release)

This is a pummeling, pumping mean Metal machine that criss-crossed Meshuggah and Fear Factory to a staggering result. Yes, you got it right that this is heavy, modern sounding bulldozing musical extremities. And what a powerful ‘in your face’ production it possesses too. If the term NU Metal should ever exists, at least I think this is how it should sound, and not overcrowded with annoying rapping all over the place. It’s a very good release for sure. Hybrid of death, industrial and just plain heavy music that’s hould be coined modern Metal (or call it NU Metal if you wish, just make sure that it’s from the likes of Meshuggah, Fear Factory, Strapping Young Lad, etc; not just another Fred Du(mb)rst clown). Hard hitting music for the modern society.

THE FORGOTTEN “L’ Aldila” (Paragon Records)

Raw. And it’s done intentionally. That’s the most obvious aspect of “L’Aldila”. And the m usic sounds pretty simple too. Releases that sounds raw and simple often don’t have much to talk about, but what if it’s done intentionally to be that way? Well, that’s the case with “L’Aldila” (I like the title!). As raw and as simple as it is, it still has its certain charm. It’s like they know how to make it raw, and I bet your life on it that The Forgotten can simple pull out a more clean sounding output if they want to. I’d like to see it happens and evaluate the outcome. But for now, you can stick to this rather primal black (&) Metal that’s, shall I put it again, honestly raw and primitive with some nice ideas.

TERMINAL DESCENT “Manifesting The Present” (self-release)

Terminal Descent is the creation of sole Tony Mikkelson. It’s death metal, something like in the US old school tradition. Being a one man band is quite a risky business, albeit enjoying the 100% creative expression. Again the drum-programming disappoints me, although I’m more ‘at ease’ with programmings nowadays. And terminal Descent death Metal hasn’t much to be adored either. Here’s a brief synopsis of a particular song in “Manifesting…” : the vocals follow closely in rhyme with the guitar-riffs, and so do the programmings. This continue throughout the said release. Very scarcely  I find any  interesting passages or simply engaging hooks,. I do find a number of squeaking though. The guitars take the central role here, everything is heavily based on it. It’s rather a one dimensional listening. Too personal sounding for me? Perhaps. A little bit off from being a good, standard release? Most probably. I wish to hear a better Terminal Descent in the future, it’s up to Mr. Tony Mikkelson to decide on.