Füneral Rain Press Cörps

Genre: Black Metal
Label: Hexakosioihexekontahex Records

Some very vicious metal is being put onto another limited tape from our favorite Nevada tape label that I can’t pronounce for shit. This time it’s a band called Christian Theology, and they are made out of Hell’s fire itself, it would seem.
Very dissonant, noisy, and at times depressing, Seven Crowns reminds me of Xasthur especially, but with some UKBM elements as well. They’re apparently inspired by Blasphemy and Katharsis, so that already adds an element of awesome.
Sadly, this tape only features three songs, but that just means you’ll have to listen to it more. Get it.
7.5 out of 10.

Genres: Desert Rock, Grindcore, Sludge
Label: Hexakosioihexekontahex Records

Inspired by Pungent Stench, Kyuss, and Xysma, Groover lay down some really odd shit to tape. And when I say tape, I mean it’s only available on tape, limited to 100 copies.
As an added bonus, it’s really fucking cool too.
Long wah solos and rock riffs with a funky bass line and dirty sounding vocals that switch between death growls and bluesy desert howls are then mashed up with fast grind drumming or medium rock drumming to create something that is, for me at least, completely unheard before.
It’s like watching a slow moving lizard monster drag itself out of the desert and into the city to devour all it sees, then just for fun leave a big turd in the middle of the highway, laughing as it retreats to it’s underground home for another spell of hibernation.
7.5 out of 10.

Genre: Black Metal, Melodic Black Metal
Label: War Productions (CD), Depressive Illusions Records (Tape)

Starting off with a soft, slow guitar, “Echoes in the Abyss” starts off Nox Illunis’ first full length album, quickly shifting into inanely fast, razor sharp black metal.
Not a band to fuck around, In Sideris Penumbra is definitely a straight forward melodic black metal, with what seems like progressive death metal, and thrash influences. The songs are a bit in the longish range, with most of them seven minutes or longer, and not a single one of them are filler.
Emotionally charged and emotion-changing, Nox Illunis are a fucking fantastic band, and I definitely recommend you get this amazing gem of an album.
8 out of 10.

Nox Illunis on Facebook.
Nox Illunis on MySpace.

Genre: Death Metal
Labels: Dark Descent Records, Skeleton Plague Records

In only five songs Horrendous have not only caused scar tissue to form on my eardrums, but they’ve also played pretty much exactly what I wanted to hear today. This is DEATH METAL, uncompromising and brutal, and full of those gross and sickly lyrics fans of death metal love. Like me. Throw in a little bit of Christian bashing and you’ve got a fucking gem of a tape.
Yeah. That’s right. TAPE. That’s the only way you can get this release, through Dark Descent or Skeleton Plague, and don’t expect to pay much to get it into your grubby paws either; they’re only five bucks per tape.
This thing is for fans of Darkthrone’s Soulside Journey, Nihilist, Entombed, and similar old school death metal.
9.5 out of 10.

Horrendous on MySpace.
Originally posted on MySpace.

Genre: Death Metal
Label: Dark Descent Records, Skeleton Plague Records

Those familiar with Funeral Rain may remember The Wakedead Gathering’s track on There Are Pleasures in the Darkness, the first free download comp (which you can download here). For those that aren’t familiar with this track, you’re missing the fuck out.
These guys bring a slightly doomed atmosphere to their death metal, and it’s goddamn wonderful to hear. They remind me a little of Carcass and My Dying Bride coming together, with of course more obvious nods to Death, Immolation and Incantation.
Coming from Ohio, The Wakedead Gathering is one guy, Drew, but it sounds like a full band playing this stuff. And despite not playing shows, Wakedead is selling out their releases, which goes to show the fucking quality of this music.
Favorite tracks are “The Jury”, “Caterwaull”, and the faster-than-hell “Wasps from the Chamber of the Divine”.
And like their labelmates Horrendous, this is on TAPE! One of the best formats ever to listen to music with, and it’s only five dollars from either Dark Descent or Skeleton Plague.
8 out of 10.

Wakedead Gathering on MySpace.
Originall posted on MySpace.