Predictable! Within two seconds -- literally -- of the bass intro kicking off on this album I can tell exactly how the riff's going to develop. Hoping for a pleasant surprise, however, is short-lived. The riff does, indeed, pan out exactly as I had imagined; as does the entire song. Not a good start. By third track, "Who you are", this has become a cringeworthy affair, not only because of having to endure a poor attempt at some sort of Zakk Wylde in-rhythm pinching, but also due to what can best be described as a collection of schoolboy riffs. "Honesty" almost redeems itself with a decent chorus reminiscent of something on Anthrax's "The sound of white Noise", but the remainder of the song is entirely forgettable. Guys, I'm really sorry, but this isn't doing it for me at all. As you say in the song "Get out", I've tried to understand. And in all the metal that I have reviewed this year alone, within every subgenre under the sun, this is down there with the worst of them. It's not for the lack of effort, I'm sure, but if one positive thing is to be taken from this it's that there's obvious potential here. Closer "Enemy within" is actually well done and easily the best on the album. Too little too late this time, but it's more attention to detail and composition in the future that could find Zero Illusions release something noteworthy. - John Norby
Hebosagil's new album "Ura" finds them realizing the progression hinted at on their various recent splits (w/Viisikko and Two Beats Off), fully shedding their metal skin and emerging as a dangerous Noiserock beast. Still heavy as hell, just in a different way: less low end and screaming leads, more dissonance and jarring rhythms. Still a great band too, now someone just needs to step up and press all their full-lengths to wax (not it!).
Swedish Noise/experimental label is doing a big clearance sale since they will be closing Utmarken (their physical location) at the end of the month: http://www.releasethebats.com/rtb.html
I'm not usually a big proponent of drone/noise music delivered via the self-imposed limits of a 7", but since these two cuts both have a heavy rhythmic/cult vibe and go straight for intensity over distance, I think it works. Make that one cut actually, the flip is exactly that: a backwards version of the a-side "Ill grande architheft" redubbed "Tfehtihera ednarg lli" ala Napoleon XIV's classic "They're coming to take me away, ha-haaa!" single. Anyhow, much like Tremoro Tarantura's previous material, the music here is primarily constructed of mutant noise looping over steady pounding and devilish mutterings, bound together by uneasy chromatic melodies, but without the slow burn afforded by lengthier formats. It rips right through and then it's over, only to flip, rewind and start all over again. All designed to leave you wanting more, I suppose. I know I do. - Avi Roig
Finnish Noiserockers Fun are heading abroad for some shows this month:
05/16 - Le Rigoletto, Paris (FRA)
05/17 - Chez Jules, Nantes
05/18 - tba (FRA)
05/19 - Les Toqués, Perigueux (FRA)
05/20 - Gaztetxe, Getaria (ESP)
05/21 - Wurlitzer Ballroom, Madrid (ESP)
05/22 - Sala Soviet, La Línea de la Concepción (ESP)
05/24 - Incivic Zone, Sant Fellu De Codines (ESP)
As first revealed here, has officially signed long-running Swedish indie act Tennis Bafra and will be releasing their debut album in fall: http://nomethod.se/?p=494
As the label so wisely states, "If you're a fashionblogger writing music reviews for a big Swedish paper, you'll probably hate them. If you're into Sonic Youth, Polvo or Archers of Loaf (for example) you´ll love them." Wise words, sample tunes here: http://www.tennisbafra.org/
Swedish Noiserockers ÅBE will be touring to France and back this summer -- help them out with shows and floors to sleep on: http://aabe.se/?p=109
They're also working on a new record which should be out around midsummer, expect more details as they progress.
A brand new video clip from Swedish Noiserock duo Åbe, off their fresh album "In 30 years when only trash has survived". Direct link: http://vimeo.com/22339114
has added a couple new Downstairs tunes to SoundCloud from the Finnish Noiserock band's upcoming cassette/download EP "Ekto the Firstborn", due out in May: http://soundcloud.com/fullsteam/sets/dwnstrs/ Apparently, said EP is the first of three due out in 2011.