Fuck The Facts: New EP, New Songs, New Label!

Some of my favorite Canadians are at it again and are going to blow the beginning of Autumn to billions of pieces when their new EP drops on October 1st. I don't think I have to re-familiarize many of you with my affection for this band. One of the best and tightest bands I've had the pleasure of seeing live, and they haven't put out a single dud record in the past decade. The two currently released tracks from their upcoming EP, "Abandoned", do absolutely nothing to get in the way of that streak. These three new songs were originally written for the 2011 album "Die Miserable", but for whatever reason were cut from the batch. Now reworked, re-re-recorded and polished to perfection. 

"Disabused", the 2nd track on "Abandoned", is Fuck The Facts at some of their craziest and tech-heavy. In true "Die Miserable" fashion. Dissonant chord rhythms and eerie/Gorguts-y tapping riffs swarm and carry this whole track, and it's seriously fucking heavy. FtF really haven't sounded this "metal" so consistently in a while, and it carries over into the third and final track, "L'impasse". A song that seems to tell me that they've been listening to a ton of bands like Wormed lately. The way it descends and breaks down, and the incredible harmonics and guitar frapps and buzzes scream insane technical deathy metal. Of course while they seamlessly interject their trademark melodic side. I know I say this with every new Fuck the Facts release, but they really just keep getting better and better. 

And on the last and equally exciting note, the band has officially and completely made themselves a total autonomous and DIY unit by starting their own label, Noise Salvation Records. Of which "Abandoned" will be the first release in a limited run of 100 tapes and digital download. These guys have always had a real thing for doing as much of the business side of this band themselves, and I think that this is a very bold and righteous move for them. Especially considering they had the major label backings of Relapse less then 5 years ago. Just goes to show I guess. If you can do it yourself, do it yourself. "Abandoned" is up for pre-order now (click HERE), and you can stream both of the new tracks below. 

Stream "Disabused": HERE

~VII

The New Iron Lung 7" Sounds Amazing

Iron Lung are really in no position to prove anything to anybody, their status as one of the top powerviolence bands going right now is pretty set in stone. A duo that has stayed comfortably with their own signature sound, but are not afraid to step outside of it and elaborate on the formula just a bit. Take their last full-length LP, "White Glove Test", for example. A double-magnum opus of synchronized hardcore and industrial noise (on two separate records if you picked up the special addition), was an ambitious effort, but one that was lost on me unfortunately. To me if felt like a ton of the excellent song-writing and even a bit of the aggression was drowned out on that record, it was just an in one ear-out the other listening experience. 

But from the two songs that I've heard from their new EP, "Savagery", Iron Lung seem to have stripped away any hint of playing around for a straight arrow, full on attack mode record. These tracks sound mean, really mean. A reply to the the rampant stupidity of the world manifested in a focused session of making the most savage songs they could, on purpose. The description on the Iron Lung Records bandcamp says everything I need to hear for me to become fully on board with this release. Twelve songs, 6 minutes, some crazy artwork and packaging (to be revealed), and some ruthless jams. Could this become one of my favorite Iron Lung records? I'm leaning towards yes, but boy am I eager to find out for sure. 

"Savagery" is set to be released in August on Iron Lung Records. Stream the two new songs from it down below.

~VII

Stream Two New False Light Tracks! They're Back!

South Carolina finally gave us something really great two years ago, when a little band called False Light emerged from the muck and graced us with some of the gnarliest, filthy powerviolence to come out that year. They firmly planted their foot down and made their presence known in the underground with their debut "S/T' EP (later reissued as a 7" by Dead Chemist and Headfirst! Records). And if you're like me, you've been sitting pretty and waiting patiently for any talk or samples of new material from these guys to come up on the internet. Desperately hoping that False Light was not just a "one-record-then-break-up" band. Well I am very happy to say that now, after two years, the boys are coming back with a new 7" EP entitled "Forced By Flame"! Teaming up again with Headfirst Records! for the pressing, this new EP will be a thirteen song, thirteen minute distortion orgy of powerblasting destruction, and are now streaming two of them on CVLT Nation! I'm delighted to say that False Light really have stuck with the sound that attracted me to them, and these songs fucking bring the pain!. The only sort of polish you'll hear on these songs are the drums and vocals, which are practically swallowed by the tidal waves of bass and guitar beef. No easy listening here, just carnage.  I'm so happy that I'm able to write about these excellent dudes again! "Forced By Flame" is tentatively scheduled to come out this summer, I'll be keeping up as close as I can with updates. Check out the new songs HERE.

~VII 

New Phobia 7" EP To Be Released! Gee, Wonder What It Will Sound Like.

West Coast grindcore legends in the flesh, Phobia, are spearheading what I'm sure will be one of several releases for 2014. One of the longest running and most consistent bands in grindcore, almost reaching 25 years of existence. Phobia always have been a band that I can rely on to supply me with a very solid, easy to get into bunch of songs with every release. It's a tried and true formula of just 100% no bullshit grindcore that they've stuck with through it all. So why not just cut to the chase, drop any bits of pretense they had to begin with, and just flat out call your new EP "Grind Core"? That's "Grind (space) Core". Not even gonna give this title any shit. It's fucking Phobia, I can give them a pass this kind of stuff. Need I remind you that this is a band that's put out records called "Grind Your Fucking Head In" and "Loud Proud And Grind As Fuck". "Grind Core" seems totally fitting at this point. Honestly, I'm excited to hear this. Phobia really have been doing some quality work lately. Their last record, "Remnants Of Filth" was excellent, and I've enjoyed all their recent splits. I'd bet money that this record also features the guitar wizardry of Mr. Dorian Rainwater and either Danny Walker or Bryan Fajardo on the skins (can't go wrong with either). "Grind Core" will be released on Deep Six Records sooner then later I assume. No release date or any songs have been posted yet. There also seems to be talk of a full-length as well, we'll see what comes of that. And in addition, Willowtip Records will be reissuing remastered versions of "Means Of Existence" and the "Destroying The Masses" EP. I think I remember seeing on the Jesus Crøst Facebook page that they're doing a split 7" with Phobia too, damn right!

~VII

New Music Round-Up: Standing On A Floor Of Bodies, Backslider, Damaged Goods

The spring season is quickly closing in, which means new music is starting to come at us faster than a Bryan Fajardo blast beat. The middle part of this year is sure to be an absolute clusterfuck of new releases, some of which I'm very highly anticipating. Such as this new split from the best grindcore husband and wife duo ever, Standing On A Floor of Bodies. These guys released as absolutely killer record last year, and they've told me that they were working on this other split with their friends, Man Among Wolves. Well out of no where, I find out that a new track was posted and that it's coming out on a 10" record! Way to keep me informed guys, gawsh. Nah, but seriously, this new song, entitled "Nothing Wounded Goes Uphill", is a crusher. This is definitely their best and most fleshed out recording yet, and the song is probably one of the best they've written so far. From the length of the track, and the number of songs on their side, it definitely looks like they toy'd around with their trademark brevity, and maybe added a few new ideas to the mix. Can't wait to hear the whole thing and see.

Another 10" release, another duo; the best Philly fastcore band, Backslider, is right on the cusp of releasing their new record, "Consequences", which will be put out by the veteran west coast label, Six Weeks Records. Two new, but unmastered tracks from the record have been put up by the band. The first, "Born Annoyed", is probably one of the most reserved and straight forward songs that the band has done (as in most of the riffs go on for more than one measure). I was actually pretty surprised at how un-technical the song was. Not that it's a bad thing, just unexpected. The nest song, "The Lords Work" has more of the traditional Backslider insanity, and has a couple of the southern sludge-influenced riffs that they bring out every now and again. Both the tracks are bangers, and I'm very excited to hear the rest of the album.

Finally, we have a new track from my homies, Damaged Goods. Another duo too, what a nice little coincidence. These young lads, who released an excellent demo last year, are gearing up to release their new EP, "Terminal", on cassette and (fingers crossed) a 7" record. This new track, "Resolutions", which opens the EP, is a fucking slammer. The slow intro, the drum fills that lead into the blast riff, the breakdown at the end, it all kills. These kids play powerviolence/hardcore like they've had 10+ years of experience under their belts, it's sickeningly impressive. I've heard the full EP, and expect a very positive review when the time comes.

~VII

Updates On The New Rotten Sound EP

Remember earlier this year when Rotten Sound just threw the new's out there that they had a new EP coming out? Well, after not many updates (kinda forgot about the whole thing, honestly), a whole bundle of details have been announced regarding the new release, entitled, "Species At War".

This new 6-track EP will be released on CD and a single-sided 12" with a B-side etching. From the sound of it, this whole EP was apparently recorded, mixed and mastered by the band. Interesting to see how this DIY approach will sound, maybe a rawer attack from the band this time around? In addition to that, this will be the first release the band puts out since signing on with Season Of Mist for exclusive European distribution, with Relapse Records handling the rest of the world. The EP is actually available for pre-order right now, here, and will be officially released on January 22nd. I expect a few tours in support of this, and hopefully a new full-length isn't far away. Can't wait to go ape shit to these guys at MDF!

~VII

There's New Column of Heaven Music On the Horizon.

I do want to make it perfectly clear that I do not dislike Column of Heaven, I actually rather enjoy them, and "Mission From God" will most likely be making my year end list. It's the hyperbole around the band that I thought I was too much, but I don't want to rehash old and tired debates here. The point I'm making is that I'm super pumped on any new music from these guys. With that being said, here's new music from these guys! Two new releases are in the works right now, a lone 7" for Iron Lung Records, and a split 7" with Radioactive Vomit. The song that's been put up is from the latter, and it's pretty damn good. This track, entitled "Aubade II: The Trident of Light and Decay", definitely displays a more "metal" influence that people seemed to pick up on "Mission..", that I never really heard. The usual grinding with well orchestrated noise and samples is still present, thought it's not as harsh this time around. Still no word on when this or the other 7" will be released, but a cassette collection of all the new tracks will be floating around in some select distros. Collectors scum, be on the look out (you know I will be). Check out the new track below.

~VII

Well Look At That, A New Rotten Sound EP Is Coming Out!

Well, this sure is awesome. Hot off of a very successful not-really-a-reunion tour with Nasum featuring vocalist Keijo Niinimaa, and a year after the release of their excellent full-length, "Cursed", it appears that our favorite Finn's, Rotten Sound, are nearing completion of a new six-track EP! According to a very non-schelaunt post on their Facebook wall, they seem to currently be in the mixing stages.

So yeah, I had no idea that they were even writing new material, so this is a very nice surprise! Hopefully it's all original material this time around. Their "Napalm" EP was cool, but I'm sure we can all agree that we would have rather had 3 more Rotten Sound songs instead of the covers. No word yet on when this new EP will be released, or any other details like that. Hopefully sooner than later!

~VII

Water Torture - "Shellfire!" EP Review

Well, it's finally here. After post after  post of me hyping it up, the new EP (and vinyl debut), "Shellfire!", from one of my favorite new powerviolence bands, Water Torture, is finally upon us. You should all know how I feel about this band and their previous self-titled EP by now, and I've been excited for this EP for a long time. So, what do I think of it? FUCKING SUCKS!! Nah, man, I kid, of course it doesn't suck, it kicks some serious fucking ass! For any band, coming out with a satisfying sophomore release, especially after a debut as beloved as Water Torture's first, is no small feat. But, I'm happy to say that Water Torture have met that challenge. 11 tracks this time around, keeping the sound they had on their first release, but introducing a few new things to the mix. Starting off with the actual sound of the EP; it's flipping excellent. The overall tone is a little less murky, mostly due to the brighter distortion used on the bass guitar. But the riffs come out clearer and more more intense and cut throat. They've also fixed one of the few issues I had with their first EP, which was the long gaps in between the songs. Smooth transitions via harsh noise and feedback are used, keeping the intensity going and non-stop. And speaking of noise, that track "Drowning", holy shit what an intense piece of ear shredding chaos. The band just sounds better than ever; the songs are excellent and performed perfectly. The riffs, both fast and slow, are perfect. Heavy, intense, dirgy, grimy, powerful, and still catchy as hell. Moezes vocals are still a delight to listen too, perfectly suited for the band. I think I'm just starting to ramble now, but I'm really trying to mention every detail about this new EP. What more do I have to say to get you to buy this EP?? There's a creepy organ intro and outro that are pretty damn interesting. Need I say more? Fans of Water Torture's previous EP will definitely not be disappointed with "Shellfire!", there's no need to worry. Please please please buy it at Diseased Audio Records. One of the best thing's I've heard all year.

Rating: 9/10

And Now, Here's A New Water Torture Song!

Seems like I can't stop talking about this band, but the news just keeps coming! This time, Diseased Audio was kinda enough to debut a track from the upcoming Water Torture 7", which is entitled "Shellfire!" Do I even need to tell you what I think of it? You all should be able to guess my opinion by now. I'm so fucking excited for this to come out, you guys have no idea! It should be available by the end of May/early June. Listen to the track here, and tell us what you think.

~VII

Studio Teaser For The New Water Torture 7"

One of my favorite grind/powerviolence bands going right now, yes indeed, have finished recording new material for their new 7" EP. As of yet, the EP doesn't have a title, or an official released date. But! I do know that it should be released in the next couple months on Diseased Audio Records, which is a fantastic Chicago based label you should all check out. The teaser/trailer below doesn't show much in terms of new music, but it does hint at some very interesting musical touches like piano and some more noise. Honestly though, I know this shit is gonna be great. These guys could put out a double album of Madonna covers and I would be happy, beyond stoked for the new jams!

~VII

New Cripple Bastards Song, Still Hateful!

This month will see the release of a brand new 7" EP from the legendary Italian hate-grind band, Cripple Bastards. This is new's that I'm sure a lot of you will be overjoyed about, since we haven't gotten a CB release of new material since their 2008 full-length, "Variante Alla Morte". Relapse Records has just debuted a new song from the EP (which you can listen to below) called "Agony Of A Reformed Band", and I think it shows a lot of promise for this release. Honestly, Cripple bastards are a bit hit-or-miss with me; their previously mentioned 2008 album had a lot of pot holes and dull moments for me to get fully into it, but when it was good, it was really fucking good. This new song displays the things I like about the Bastards; fast drumming, some interesting riffing, varied vocals, it definitely pleases my ears. But who am I to say what's good, listen and judge for yourself. The 7", entitled "Senza Impronte" will be released by Relapse Records on April 26th, in what looks like a very nice gatefold sleeve. You can pre-order it now.

~VII

Holy Fuck, Why Haven't I Talked About The Drip Yet??

Ummm, yeah, my bad guys. I really don't know how a band this gnarly was able to slip by this blog for this long. I've heard the name a lot, but for some reason never decided to pay much attention to them. Possibly because their band name never really appealed to me. But anyways, last year they released a stupidly good "s/t" EP, which had I heard would have definitely made my "Favorite EP's/Splits/Demos of 2011" list. If you like your grindcore razor sharp, metallic, and overflowing with seething aggression, then The Drip should please you for quite some time. Their EP shows incredible talent and a very professional approach to releasing music. They also have a new EP, called "The Wasteland" (see the awesome cover art by Arif Rot below), which should be released next month. I definitely won't sleep on that one!! Listen to their "s/t" EP here. Oh yeah, and that snare drum KILLS!!

~VII

Antigama Are Releasing A New EP!

I'm so glad Antigama are back, and apparently stronger than ever! Along with the split with Noisear and The Kill, they are also apparently working a new EP entitled "Stop The Chaos". Both are expected to be released sometime this spring. Below is a video of their new drummer Pawel Pawulon recording drum tracks for the EP. Honestly, I'm pretty bummed that founding drummer Krzysztof Bentkowski is out of the band. I always refered to him as the "Neil Peart of grindcore" cause of his great technical ability and all the unusual percussive sounds he added to the band. Pawel is no stranger to the extreme music scene though, playing with many many bands(including the Polish band Vader), and judging from the video he'll do just fine with Antigama!

~VII

New Eddie Brock Song!

Big news from Baltimore bruisers Eddie Brock! Fresh off of releasing and awesome split with Lapse and playing the A389 Anniversary Bash, they have in fact signed to A389 and are going to be releasing a new 7" sometime in March. Crazy cool news from a band that totally deserves all the benefits. They're streaming a track from the EP "Brain Squad", which you can listen to here.

~VII