Füneral Rain Press Cörps

A long overdue split release, Sri Lanka’s psychotic auditory terrorists and the legionaries of the 666th battalion of the Raavan cult have congregated to create, manifest and aid world spiritual warfare. Released on limited edition vinyl by Dunkelheit Produktionen in December 2011, the seven deranged and trance inducing hymns of tantric mantras – collectively known as Astral Mantras of Dyslexia – are now being released by Dunkelheit on Digipak CD on February 25th with different artwork and a huge booklet!

Included are not only the infamous Stoned Guru Ramblings by Plecto Aliquem Capite and “Buddhang Saranang” by Funeral In Heaven recorded as a tribute to an ancient Sri Lankan cult, the album also contains the byproduct bastard progeny “Crestfallen: Immolating Shakthi” purged into existence by fusing ancestral possessions inherited by both projects. Astral Mantras of Dyslexia is 50 minutes of ominous Sri Lankan ritualistic auditory therapy for mentally deranged ancient worshipers of astral energy. Limited edition hooded sweatshirts featuring the album’s artwork are currently available at Dunkelheit Produktionen’s webstore.

Genre: Progressive Metal
Label: Season of Mist

This happy little EP is coming out on transparent blue 10″ vinyl and CD. And by happy I mean boner-inducing prog metal happy.
Sing-along choruses are put to real effective use on Carbon-Based Anatomy, especially in my favorite track, “Box Up My Bones”, while crunchy heavy riffs are under the leads that soar and spin with grace, beauty, and perfection. The lush sounds, amazing solos, and beautiful singing that Cynic fans have come to enjoy ever since Focus are even more omnipresent here. Synths bubble and churn, with precise drumming that has a real human hand attached to it, and both are still done by Sean Reinert. The bass work is, as usual, amazing, taken care of by Sean Malone, who is no longer in the band.
There is a real sense of wonder with Carbon-Based Anatomy, a feeling of freedom and exploration heretofore only really glimpsed at with Focus and Traced in Air. It is as if the guys picked up their instruments and said “Play. No matter what comes out, if it’s pushing the Cynic envelope, it’s good to go. No limits, no compromise.” It’s inspiring to say the least, and I can’t wait for my record to arrive.
9 out of 10.

Cynic on Facebook.

Genre: Pagan Folk Metal
Label: Napalm Records

Oh Arkona. Where else can an accordion and flute sound so fucking metal? Throw in lightning fast guitars, bass, and drums to create a most unusual – and thoroughly enjoyable – experience.
Despite not having a clue as to what’s being said (it’s all in Arkona’s native Russian), I’m sure the lyrical content is just as epic as the vocals themselves. Sung by Masha, who’s impressive vocals are somewhat chant-like, and hypnotic at times. Her death growls are awesome, and truthfully I thought they were done by one of the men in the band.
The EP itself is to prepare fans of Arkona for a new full length, coming out soon. It’s got a couple new tracks, including “Skal”, which features Varg and an acoustic version of the title track off their last LP, Goi, Rode, Goi! It’s probably not essential unless you’re a big fan, or a more inexpensive way to introduce yourself to the music of Arkona, but I definitely recommend it.
7 out of 10.

Arkona on Facebook.

Genre: Death Metal
Label: Dark Descent Records

Finnish death metal brutalizers Corpsessed are definitely looking to make an impact with this disc. And what an impact indeed.
Picture your face getting ripped off, fucked, then slapped back onto your skull while getting kicked in the nuts. And that’s only the beginning. This is not just some throwback tribute to the old school of death metal, this is a true monster of the old school.
The disc starts off with a slow, doomy intro with growls and some serious atmosphere. It’s menacing as fuck, a feature that continues throughout the CD.
“Crypt Infester” follows, keeping a slightly doomed feel, with some clean lead sections at the beginning, then going for a crushing main riff. Fucking amazing.
“Nameless Cult” is another atmosphere-of-evil covered song, reminding me a little of Morbid Angel’s earliest stuff. It’s definitely slower moving, dragging you along through it’s horrors. When it speeds up the atmosphere doesn’t dissipate, but rather thickens, bringing your head to bang with or without your consent. The only thing I honestly wish was different with this song is it’s length; it’s too short.
“Altar of Worms” is  a heavy assault of metal, picking the pace up a little from “Nameless Cult”, but not by much. The doom feel is a little less pervasive, but still elements are there, which I’m loving.
“Massgrave” is the longest track on the album at 5:15, and it takes over from “Altar…” with barely a pause. It’s so good that even at the five minute mark it’s not getting boring. The doom is back a little, mostly in the vocals, very much reminding me of funeral doom type throatwork.
The title, and final track, starts off all ambient and droning, for almost a minute, then just kicks you down another set of stairs with the fastest, most brutal track on the disc. Pure ferocity, and yet somehow these guys can keep that element of atmosphere, that thick cloud of horror around your ankles. Just great.
In other words, I love this album. I can’t wait for it to be released, I’ve got the CD preordered right now.
9 out of 10.

Genres: Doom, Hardcore, Sludge
Label: Anthropic Records

Philadelphia’s own Anthropic Records lets another free compilation CD out of it’s doors, and it’s chock full of Philly’s greatest doomsayers and sludge masters.
It features tracks from Bubonic Bear (“Throat Cancer Mountain”, 8), Wormrider (“Heroic Brew”, 7), The Green Evening Requiem (“Debilitation Tide”, 9), Ladder Devils (“Pyramid”, 8), Distress Signal (“Untitled”, 7), Thee Nosebleeds (“Fenderhead”, 7), Deathbeds (“Danny Husk”, 9), Vulcan (“Stranger in Black”, 7), and Dirt Worshipper (“The Absence of Color and Light”, 9).
In all, it’s pretty fucking sweet, and a good way to wreck your eardrums. If you’re into doom and sludge, it’s perfect, especially since it has a nice hardcore edge to some of the songs to throw in some variety.
8 out of 10.