Review: Under The Church – s/t (Tape Worship 2014 MC)

 The early 90's may be long gone, but as we all know the notorious Swedish death metal lives on. The question is though, is there any more authentic sounding band around than Under The Church? I don't think so, can't find a single trace of awareness about anything that has happened the last 20 years. The logo, the cover, the sound and the songs, it's like they've used a time machine. Which probably ave been said about thousands of retro-bands by now, but this is the first time I truly gets that particular feeling. Even the most old school sounding bands always show the slightest signs of external influences or rethinking. One of these rare occasions where the label's description is actually true (“Amongst the countless SweDeath-worship bands everywhere, UNDER THE CHURCH distinctively separates themselves from the pack and remains to be the true originators of Swedish Death Metal!”).

 The fact that two out of three members actually contributed to the establishment of the genre in Nirvana 2002 probably means a lot, I assume they just think the way they did back then. Under The Church is way more than the mega old-school sounding production though, the songs are ridiculously strong as well. It's off to a slightly weaker start though with two mid-paced songs. Not by any means bad, but I think that the order of the tracks might could have been better, you get the feeling that they're holding back a little bit. From Digging In The Dirt and onward though it's full speed ahead, along with the following songs Under The Church (modern classic-warning) and Burning, it's the definite peak. But as I said, this is nothing but high quality all the way. 7.5/10

Review: Capilla Ardiente – Bravery, Truth and Endless Darkness (LP 2014 High Roller)

 I know I'm definitely not alone to have been absolutely blown away by Procession's last album To Reap Heavens Apart released last year, such a monumental creation of doom. So the news that half of Procession apparently also are in Capilla Ardiente were very well received. Thus the similarities between the bands are of course many, still you're absolutely able to tell that they are two different bands.

 

 As Procession are slightly more melody driven with a distinct heavy metal influence constantly present, the feeling you get when the tones of Bravery, Truth and Endless Darkness blasts out through the speakers is that this is more riff oriented, and only about 100% pure doom, and nothing else. Although it's a very strong album, it doesn't really have me by the throat the same way that the last Procession-album, but it's not far behind. Both bands are are simply responsible of creating some of the absolute best doom that you'll find these days. 7.5/10 /H

Review: Martyrdöd – Elddop (D-takt & Råpunk 2014 LP)

 Well, the autumn is here, and what would be a better soundtrack to its arrival than the bitter sweet tones of the new Martyrdöd-LP? Even though they might not be that similar musically, I kind of have the same feeling for this one as I had about the last Bombus-album. The spectrum of influences is so wide, and the result is an album that simply should appeal to anyone who likes some kind of heavy and melodic music.


 The fact that it's one of the most consistent albums I've heard in a while is also worth pointing out, I don't even think I can pick any highlights. The phenomenal beautiful piece Martyren stands out a bit from the rest, otherwise it's more or less the same d-beat driven, and at times heavy, punk/metal all the way. Martyrdöd has delivered a very impressive effort that without a doubt makes its way to the absolute top of the 2014-releases. 8.5/10 /H

Hypertension - Distant Thunders Call & King Malice - s/t MC's OUT NOW!



That's right, our first two releases are now available! Details on how to order can be found in the SHOP-section, and more details in the RELEASES-section.

Hypertension: Swedish speed/thrash metal, second album.





King Malice: Swedish doom/stoner, first demo.

Review: Demon Bitch – Death Is Hanging... (Dying Victims 2014 MC)

 From Detroit, Michigan, comes this heavy metal outfit that brings us four new tracks in form of their new EP. I suspect that I'm not the first to make this comparison, and that they might be tired of hearing it, but it does sound a lot like fellow local band Borrowed Time (I even think I've read that they share(d?) some band members). But since their mighty first album was one of my top five releases last year (which was an unbelievably strong year) it's shouldn't be taken as anything but positive feedback.

 Both bands features the same kind of timeless heavy metal, analogue sounding production, and most of all the incredibly charismatic and kind of theatrical vocals, that stands out in a way that is very rare these days. The first album by Sweden's Portrait also comes to mind. Might be regarded as a bit strange and weird to some at the first acquaintance, but just listen to it twice, and hopefully you'll see the uniqueness and brilliance in this. I'll add that I really hope we've haven't seen the last of this band yet, the though of what Demon Bitch could be able to achieve in the full-length format is stunning. 7.5/10 /H

First two releases out soon!

That's right, our first two releases arrived today, which means that it won't be too long 'til they're out! For further information, see the releases-page.

Review: Brottskod 11 – Demokratisk Kontroll (LP 2014 Phobia)

 After already having released the great Suffer The Pain-EP, Phobia continues to deliver great stuff in form of the long awaited debut LP from Brottskod 11, which sadly also seems to be their last one.

 Anyway, Demokratisk Kontroll is no exception from their earlier stuff, the razor sharp riffs, filthy production and super pissed of vocals are all there. Tempo changes are rare, but the ones that they have are just enough to make the album fell varied enough, since it can't be no longer than 20-25 minutes. The short lyrical explanations that comes with the insert are also something worth pointing out, knowing more detailed what the songs are about definitely makes them more interesting. 7/10 /H