Posted in Reviews on January 31st, 2010 by General Blaspheme
Genres: Black Metal, Crust, Thrash
Label: Abstract Terror Records
Messy blackened thrash seems to be the Modus Operandi on Anicest’s fifth outing. Punk elements abound, and the playing is nicely done.
Ultimately, since I actually listened to the sixth demo first, this stuff reminds me of it, but it should be the other way around.
Either way, Machette has been paying attention to his elders, and listening well to thier lessons. Everything is here, if you want to hear it. Metallica from ’86, Darkthrone from ’93, and a dash of early 80′s Amebix.
Fans of more blackened metals should like this disc a little more than the newer one, but I still give it a 7 out of 10, with standouts being “Barbituates” and “Percieving My Seed Now Past To You”.
Assemblage 23′s 2007 album Meta is an amazing album, and it wasn’t until after my wife bought it did we realize that two of our favorite songs that got regular play at the club we go to are from Assemblage.
“Damaged” and “Binary”, those two songs, are amazing lyrically, as is everything Tom Shear does it would seem. He could have a spoken word poetry album and it would kick ass, but thankfully he also has good dancing tunes too. In fact, the music grabs you by the hand and pulls you to the dancefloor.
Like I said, the lyrics are amazing and this album seems to be thematic around aging, and it’s effects on you and the people around you as you age. Also, “Binary” seems to be encouraging humans to be humans again, while “Madman’s Dream” and “Truth” seem to point at today’s modern society’s ills.
My absolute favorite track is “Old”. It’s so powerful lyrically and the music is perfect for it. It literally almost brings me to tears when I listen to it, it’s so relatable for me.
So, after all that introspection on my part, the rating: 9 out of 10. Another flawless victory for Tom Shear.
Blooddawn’s war on religion continues in The Enlightenment, and it seems the supply line may have gotten to Paul and Donn since Funeral for a Despised Icon. A tighter, brighter sound lies underneath this monster, and it’s gotten a lot bigger too.
It also seems Blooddawn may have made themselves a bit of a sound change. It’s still evil black metal, but sounds less like Marduk and Bloodthrone, and more like Blooddawn. They’re coming into their own now, and I’m happy as hell about this.
Some experimenting in the vocal department is present, and it helps to net this album a win. I like it, and fans of older Blooddawn should too.
8 out of 10.
Opening with the title track, which is in itself a total drone masterpiece, Blooddawn’s Funeral for a Despised Icon is an old school styled UKMB album in the veins of Marduk (whom Blooddawn cover), Darkthrone, Bloodthrone, etc.
There’s nothing really new or groundbreaking here, but that doesn’t stop the CD from being really good.
The production is a little dirty, the sound a little muddy, and the mastering a little quiet. It’s best played loud to hear everything in it’s vile, evil glory. And when it’s loud, it’s great.
Donn’s vocal on “Redeemer”, on of my favorite tracks, are just tortured and full of antichristian vitriol. Love it.
Lord Afflictis did vocals on the Marduk cover (“Panzer Division Marduk”) and he fucking nails it.
Blooddawn have something here that I think any black metal fan should like – speed, anger, and sweet riffs.
7 out of 10.
Posted in Interviews on January 29th, 2010 by General Blaspheme
First up, tell me about yourselves. What kind of journeys have the individuals in the band made to end up on the same path of 13th Sky?
13th Sky was originally formed and based in the San Fransisco Bay Area. The original line up split in two. Myself (Steve Jennings), and original keyboardist Ken Ginnard moved here to Los Angeles in 2001. The other half of the band stayed in S.F. and wanted to pursue a more electronic sound.
You define yourselves as Goth/Rock on MySpace, with influences that are definitely in that area of music, as well as an (amazing) sound that is so goth it hurts. But what else influences the sounds and styles of the individual members of 13th Sky, as well as collectively
Our sound is based on our musical influences. The bands that we like and listened to growing up and still enjoy today. Richard Coal is the newest member and does most of the lyrical content based on his own experiences and reflecting the emotions our audience.
How does being from Los Angeles contribute to the sound of the music? Do you feel that being from one of the most important cities in music is an influence in itself?
Living in Los Angeles definitely creates a vibe to the music. There are a million bands around you and it keeps you active to promote and keep going.
Are there any side projects readers should look for? Or are all the band members 110% committed only to 13th Sky?
Side projects or cover bands etc., are PROHIBITED in 13th Sky. Side projects are a sure way to confuse the audience and become lost in your own work.
What bands in your numerous shows across the U.S. have you shared the stage with, and are there any cities in particular that are a pleasure to do shows in?
13th Sky has played a lot of shows over the years. It’s always a blast to get out of town regardless of where we are headed. Over the years playing in the South (Texas especially) has been very rewarding and well received by the fans. San Fransisco, the old hometown, as well.
In touring, have you ever gotten the pleasure of sharing stages with any personal or professional heroes?
In 2004 we had Bari Galvin (Christian Death, Mophisto Walz) filling in with the band. He had worked with us in the studio and did a magical job. That was a special time.
In respects to the making of 13th Sky’s music, what kind of gear do you use? I myself am particularly interested in Brian’s gear, as I am a bassist primarily. But by all means, if you wish to share any insights into particular effects, amps, guitars, etc., please do.
We use Fender, Gibson, and Gretsch guitars and basses. We also stick with the old Boss effects. There is a lot of killer new stuff out there but we tend to stick with what we know.
Why is it that Hollywood and the Sunset Strip seems to be a breeding ground of industrial, goth, and hard rock bands?
A lot of bands aren’t from here and they come from all over to showcase their band because this is the music capitol of the world. There are a lot of clubs and venues in the area that cater to Industrial, Goth, and Hard Rock music.
Finally, what can present and future fans of 13th Sky expect for the next 12 months?
13th Sky is writing and recording new music as well as pushing our CD, The Sin Sessions (you can purchase it on our MySpace profile or Amoeba Hollywood). Along with that, we are working on a few videos showing some of our past performances.
