Skullthrone - Demo

London two piece Skullthrone are a burst of black metal that's had plenty of years to fester in punk's corpse. Their demo, recorded throughout 2010 and '11 is a nice mixture of aggressive and raw black metal which falls upon melodic and recognizable refrains yet attacks with a hardcore sense of energy.

The band's eight song demo covers a broad spectrum of approaches and does well to incorporate a slew of distinct tropes and ideas in order to create a filthy mix that strays just enough from the beaten path to keep you attentive. Opener "I" has an awesome mid song break that spins out to this hypnotic snakelike tremolo riff. It's sections like that and the midsection of "IV" that really get me going. The punky bursts in between, like the main section of "II" doesn't get me the same way, but I do like some of the curve ball sections like "III's" shamble and the d-beat urgency of "VI."

While the band's articulation and wealth of ideas does well to keep the demo varied, each track feels a bit too separate in terms of momentum. I can really dig on a track or two at a time, but with the demo playing  in full, the abrupt shifts from one track to another makes it feel a bit too unfocused. Where "I" relies heavily on blast beats and a dizzying tremolo refrain, "II" breaks into a mid-pace punk thud that doesn't connect so well. This flopping between attacks continues from one track to the next. It does show the band's prowess in terms of approach and ability to mix things up, but it feels like they're not picking the bone clean of a good idea when they find one.

But, enough complaining. I'm thankful the band doesn't suffer the opposite and run an idea into the ground. Skullthrone's demo is a promising piece of filthy black metal that should appeal to fans of Horna and similar Finnish acts, 2nd wave acts, and current raw black metal acts that offer a touch of filth and punk to their mix.

Deism - Deism

A constant plucking bass, a floor tom build up and a sheet of feedback introduce Alabama's Deism and their 5 minute demo by the same name. Deism's approach is undoubtedly oldschool, although the slightly effected vocals detract from this nostalgic sound, the band's of a particular ilk that I don't come across too often.

The guitar's thin and hazy without too much distortion and the drums ride comfortably below everything else. While Deism's "to the point" they find enough time within their minute long songs to switch up tempos, energy and approach. What they most remind me of is a time when hardcore was only know as punk. A touch of    Die Kreuzen, a smattering of early NYHC, and a touch of the new and I think I've created a vague idea of what Deism are all about.

5 minutes of material does leave a lot to be desired, but Deism is a refreshing look at a style I don't come across too often. The cassette itself looks awesome (I've only got a promo download).

Up the punx.

Demo Fodder: Meth Lab

While many might think of TV's most dominate force Breaking Bad when they see  the words "meth lab," I think this Richmond act paints a far more gritty and chemically clouded sound that is truer to its name. The demo, while short (as it should be), contains a rough production that fits with its knuckle dragging splendor of basement power violence. Constant shifts in speed and attack paired with vocals akin to Infest (after a couple crystal hits) and you've got a brand of aggro ridden and attention challenged power violence that will never be content with more than 10 seconds at the same pace. Heavy, dirty, and overall smothering, Meth Lab are deceptively tight and right on the money as their demo has found itself to be a consistent listen since I received it.

Check out the demo below and follow the link to their bandcamp. This is hot off the presses, so get on it.

Cerebrate -Demo CS

The current old school death metal revival is a trend I fully endorse. It's a bit funny to call it a trend as metal, especially death metal such as this, is pretty obscure in the larger picture of things; but it's gained momentum nonetheless.Cerebrate's a pungent musk of 90's Swedish death metal dragged through a dense fog of retrospect and admiration. Comprised of Ash Borer members, Cerebrate have all but a sold out demo cassette to their name (there's a promise of a pro edition to come soon). The demo itself is two tracks of cavernous death metal that's full of riffs, solos, brooding atmosphere and concrete gurgling vocals drenched in the reverb that's to be expected of such an act.

So much more than shameless homage, Cerebrate capture the magic of analogue and a time before "core" was the appropriate suffix to almost everything. Much like the band's black metal project, Cerebrate's cassette contains the bare minimum in terms of information and aesthetic; the track titles as well are simply "I" and "II." And while the production's stripped down, the music itself is dynamic and cataclysmic as songs are aren't content to just rely on one gimmick or one section.Dark tremolo sections lead to punky like stomps and thrashy midpaced sections with some seriously sinister riffs that'd make Incantation proud.

I by cerebratedeath

Demo Fodder: PILGRIM- Forsaken Man

When a band's name is Pilgrim I think you know what you're in for; the long list of cross totin' 17-18th century iconography filled bands begins and starts under the banner of doom metal. Pilgrim's not so different, their slow, warm and fuzzy style of doom fits right in with big boys Witchfinder General, Reverend Bizarre, or Saint Vitus yet it thankfully contains it's own, unique murky sound.

 With the lengthy intro aside, "Forsaken Man" carries along a catchy vapor-like melody that slithers through the repetitive ritualistic drums. Chants reminiscent of pagan rituals, distant haunting vocals sung in a brazen style and an eventual mid-tempo breakout halfway through "Quest" rounds out this two song cassette. Our main concern, as doom loving metal heads, are the riffs. How many riffs? Are they good riffs? WWIW? (what would Iommi write) and can I slowly nod until I pass out from a pool of blood forming in the back cavity of my burned out brain? Well the answer to all is yes (even if it doesn't make sense, I don't care). Pilgrim lets the doom riffs slide and repeat when needed, much like buttering hot corn.

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All of that inane banter aside, the riff work fits right where it needs to; catchy and melodic enough, heavy and distorted enough, and nothing too over the top or boring. Pilgrim hit all the right parts of the doom palate.

Traditional doom never really gets me. I love Sabbath of course, but bands like Witchfinder General, St. Vitus, Pentagram are enjoyable, but never compelling enough for me. Thankfully, Pilgrim escapes this as they know every important note, sequence, and mood to create a fulfilling two song tape that makes any sane person demand more. 

Note excessive beard hair and polarized effect. DOOOOM
Listen to the tracks here, then buy the tape through Electric Assault Records