SPOTLIGHT 433
09/01/2014 16:24
Welcome to the first Spot Light of 2014! Check out the latest releases from the best labels around! Psych, prog, garage, beat, rock'n'roll, soul, metal, stoner, experimental, pop, folk and beyond!
PSYCHEDELIC/PROGRESSIVE
ABRAMIS BRAMA/BLACK DEBBATH - SPLIT (BLACK) (7"/TRANSUBSTANS)
New split 7". So new that there's no further info available yet!
ASIMOV - OVERSEAS (LP/BLACK CAT)
'OVERSEAS' marks the return of psychedelic warriors ASIMOV. Dwelling in Portugal's own Vietnam, the Overseas War, the heavy psych duo from Cacém venture in themes of longing for the departed, love, death, desillusion and hopes for a better life. Housed on a beautiful gatefold sleeve, 'OVERSEAS' is limited to 300 hand numbered copies on white vinyl. Don't miss out on embarking on this perilous trip through ASIMOV's suburban jungle. "Sophomore effort from this Portuguese psychedelic outfit is full of fuzzy, wah-wah guitars, chunky drumming, and hallucinogenic, chanting vocals. Simple, minimalist rhythms pump through the opener, which seems to be two disparate songs strung together to form a cohesive whole: 'Running Around In Circles/This City Is Dead'. The first song is a Hawkwind-inspired brainmelt while the latter is a pure punk adrenaline rush, a la Motörhead on speed (admittedly an oxymoron!). Their improvisational skills are to the forefront on the incredibly hyperdriven (mostly) instrumental 'Kingsize Mark', nearly nine minutes of swirling fuzz fading softly into a crystalline guitar solo. Astute listeners may hear vestiges of the insane psychedelic excursions of Acid Mothers Temple in some of the remaining track, from the screaming punk bordering on heavy metal speedcore of 'Stars Are But Wishes' to the epic 15-minute closer, 'Grim Harvest/If Home Is Where The Heart Is Then I've Been Homeless For A Long Time.' Even that title is pure Makoto Kawabata! You get everything from Sabbathian sludgehammers [sic] ['Grim Harvest'] to Floydian atmospherics (the chirping birds are straight out of 'Grantchester Meadows'!), a haunting, Morriconiesque female vocal perfectly suited for a Leone western, and a tender, ruminative coda based around a lazy guitar solo thats a perfect background to your next siesta. So to say this is all over the map stylistically is an understatement, but when was the last psychedelic album from Portugal that you heard? Asimov has set a new standard and I'm curious to hear where they go from here." ~Jeff Penczak/psychedelicbaby.blogspot.pt
Listen to 'Overseas' HERE.
COSMIC DEAD - INNER SANCTUM (2LP) (LP/EVIL HOODOO)
Reissue on vinyl of the 'Inner Sanctum' cassette from April 2013. Said to be The Cosmic Dead's best material to date, it's only fair it gets the vinyl treatment. Limited to 250 copies on black vinyl. All come in the signature Evil Hoodoo handmade fabric sleeve. Tuned into the same interstellar pulse as Hawkwind, 'TAB'-era Monster Magnet and Ash Ra Tempel, The Cosmic Dead bring four sides of intense, propulsive kraut/psych bliss. Tracks: 01 Gustav Björnstrand 13:17 02 The Mass Of Betelgeuse 21:28 03 Inner Sanctum 20:03 04 Hello, Satan 18:41.
Listen to 'Inner Sanctum' HERE.
ELECTRIC CRAYON SET - WHAT A ROTTER OF A DAY (LP/PSYCHOTRON)
Timo Paako named his band after Rubble 5 and this limited edition (300) blue-vinyl reissue of the Finnish bands 2007 release revisits that series groovy combination of garage fuzz and pop-psych, with the occasional proggy keyboard and New Romantic sheen tossed in for good measure. It also continues the ecstatic barrage of radio friendly ear candy begun on their sold-out 2001 debut, One Mans Trash. Theres a distinct Martin Fry shade to Paakko's powerful vocals , which are equally adept with the Tull-ish acoustic folk of Morning Of Magicians, the cockney affectations of the giddy Kitty Ruxpin and the smooth crooning of the dreamy, Ferry-worthy Angel Of Mons. As implied, Spacedust is effervescent, floating psychedelia, Initiate is perfect, guitar-driven skinny-tie pop, and Key To The Sacred Pattern is powerpop nirvana. Album of the day on the Shindig! editors' blog and 4 stars from Record Collector magazine!
GLENNGARD, MATS - KOSTERLAGE (LP/SUBLIMINAL)
First ever vinyl reissue of rare and sought after Swedish psychedelic / progressive / folk underground treasures from the early 1970s. From Swedish folk to epic full tilt fuzz guitar jams its all in here. Originally released in 1972 on the obscure Swedish Gump label with many talented musicians of the time on board. Led by Mats Glenngard on guitar and fiddle, the album shows an interesting musical transition period before he joined the legendary Kebnekajse. One time only limited pressing of 600 copies. From the original master tapes and with the original artwork, including previously unpublished archival pictures and liner notes by Reine Fiske.
GNOD - THE SOMNAMBULIST'S TALE (LP/AGUIRRE)
Re-release of this early and one of the most special Gnod recordings on the Belgian Aguirre label. 'The Somnambulist's Tale' consists of two sidelong adventurous pieces which are carried by an incredible loop. The haunting ambience in combination with electronics, distant guitar layers, conversations between the band members, a typewriter, and other sounds from found objects makes this quite an atypical Gnod release, but definitely a great one. Influenced by early Krautrock bands like Can, Hawkwind and Ash Ra Temple, Gnod brings us back to those days, add twisted sounds and strange lyrics to the whole and deliver a truly mesmerizing psychedelic drone record. Gnod is a British krautrock band from Salford, England. Formed in 2006, the band is a collective from Manchester with an ever-rotating list of members. They run experimental electronic live nights in Salford called Gesamtkunstwerk (German for "whole arts work") where they offer "outsider electronics, hardwarped machine rhythms and analogue debauchery all reflecting the postindustrial mill space". They have a punky belief in the dissolution of the boundary between artist and audience to the extent that it is not unlikely to find gig-goers onstage, adding to the instrumental melee. Limited to 500 copies.
Listen to 'The Somnabulist's Tale' HERE.
GUDARS SKYMNING - (BLACK) HOJ ERA GLAS (LP/TRANSUBSTANS)
5 years after Gothenhurg band released their debut 'Dansa tillbaka till din grav', the band strikes back with their 3rd effort after the second album 'Morka Vatten' released on Italian Bloodrock Records. Again, the band takes the best out of the old blues, and the old classic hardrock, and delivers a heavy powertrio alike music with outstanding guitar licks. Easily compared with other Swedish veterans such as ABRAMIS BRAMA and MAGNOLIA. Includes a cover of CORNELIS VREESWIJK's 'Sluskblues', a move that is dared, but resulting in a very fine outcome!
MEN OF FORTUNE - TIME LOVINGLY BLED (LP/BIRD DIALECT)
From the terrestrial base of Peoria, Illinois, Men of Fortune craft galactic battle hymns for the next millennium. Smokey and dense, their debut full-length is a hypnotic sojourn through rock, prog and psychedelia thats both cosmic and muscular, ethereality tethered to the beating heart at the center of all. Marrying feral odes and dark lullabies, its a seduction consummated on wax as a sacrament for your own astral travels. "Voices from the Void" begins somewhere between Santana and Queens of the Stone Age, a call to arms reminding us that men have always authored their own stories. From there we journey time and space, stabbing prog opera with a visceral metal assault, bleeding Red-era Crimson, laying siege to the inhuman bonds of ideology. With bassist Mike Willey joining the rhythmic force of Andrew Sledd and trance-inducing riffs of Joel Madigan, Men of Fortune have become the power trio they always were. An epic passage of spirit, Time Lovingly Bled launches heavy cosmic jams far from the safety of Earth, but its weightless freefall never wears out its welcome.
Listen to 'The Passing Shame' HERE.
MOON COVEN - (BLACK) AMANITA KINGDOM (LP/TRANSUBSTANS)
Swedish MOON COVEN takes everything you ever knew about psychedelic rock, stoner and space rock and transforms it into a completely new concept. This is their debut EP "Amanita Kingdom", a record that for sure will make its mark in modern stoner history. With their entangling, hypnotic wall of sound, MOON COVEN allows the unaware listener to sink into their world of depth. On only these five tracks you can fully appreciate the variety of the band - from the sludgy, droned-out zombie tunes of tracks like "Ruler Of Dust" and "Amanita Kingdom" to the harmony and beauty of tracks like "We Were Conquerors".
Listen to 'Ruler of Dust' HERE.
PERSSON, BO ANDERS - LOVE IS HERE TO STAY (2LP) (LP/SUBLIMINAL)
The early works by Bo Anders Persson presented on this record were written between 1965 and 1967, before he started the experimental rock band 'PARSON SOUND'. Collected on 2 LP disc and housed in a gatefold sleeve including booklet with in depth informative liner notes and pictures. All but one track is previously unreleased. What is the origin of this strange, unplaceable music? What is its place in history, in the unfolding of important conceptual ideas, turning musical modernism into something wider, more mysterious and blurred? From where comes the lightness of touch, and how does the transient nature of the sounds correspond to the sense of mourning hidden within the music? What makes the music so exciting and loaded is the feeling of change, both in the actual performances and in the atmosphere of the rooms where the pieces are played. The sounds move freely within the minimal, repetitive structures. There are spaces for breathing and dreaming, turning inside and outside, and a sense of being in between positions. Suddenly the doors are wide open and radical experiments can take place.
PRIMEVIL - (BLACK) SMOKIN' BATS AT CAMPTON'S (LP/ANAZITISI)
This is the first ever official vinyl reissue of this Indiana based heavy psychedelic band's LP. Originally released in 1974 on 700 West, the small label that also was responsible for the releases of Zerfas, Dan Modlin/Dave Scott, Mo, etc. Expect heavy dual rock riffing by excellent guitarists Jay Wilfong (responsible later for the Buccaneer LP from 1980) and Larry Lucas, manic hard-kicking rhythm base composed of Mark Sipe and Mel Cupp and wacky, tough lyrics spit out by singer Dave Campton. One of the best examples of '70s heavy rock and a clear precursor of stoner-rock. For fans of Sir Lord Baltimore, Leafhound, Black Sabbath, Captain Beyond... This issue is limited to 200 copies on 180-gram black vinyl and includes one bonus track and a 4-page LP sized booklet with bio, photos and notes.
SATURN - SATURN (LP/SUBLIMINAL)
Limited edition 500 copies reissue of rare and very special US 70s LP. Includes an insert with the previously untold band history and interviews by Patrick Lundborg (author of The Acid Archives and Psychedelia). Saturn; 1970s "Rhinestone Rock", featuring an expressive disco-influenced female vocalist, invoking powerful visions of 70s couples under mirrored balls in downtown velvet sofa nightclubs decorated with huge day glow zodiac wall- paintings. Mystic sideshow undertones of occult and science fiction.
VANDROOGENBROECK, JOEL - BIOMECHANOID (LP/AGUIRRE)
'Biomechanoid' is the classic 1980 album by composer and flautist Joel Vandroogenbroeck. It's 1980, in Munich, Germany, upstart production music label Coloursound Library releases their debut album. Capitalising on the success of Ridley Scott's 'Alien' film, the label dropped 'Biomechanoid', featuring cover art commissioned by H.R. Giger - whose horrific 'Necronom IV' lithograph served as the basis for the design of 'Alien' - and the music of the relatively unknown Joel Vandroogenbroeck. Comprised of bleak, cinematic synth soundscapes and percussion, the album served as an inaugural calling card for what would be a decade of dizzying solo releases by Vandroogenbroeck for Coloursound, running the gamut from Mesopotamian ethno-folk to synth sequencer funk to electro drum breaks to in-utero ambient delights. Though the Belgian-born Vandroogenbroeck, 74, may not be a household name; in an ideal world, he would be. As the founder, flautist, harpist, sitar player and keyboardist of the seminal acid-fried Swiss psych outfit BRAINTICKET, he spearheaded the group's three main (and collectible) releases in the early 70s - 'Cottonwood Hill', 'Celestial Ocean' and 'Psychonaut'. Combining a love of exotic instruments coupled with mind-bending out-of-body excursions, the ever-changing collective developed something of a cult following throughout Europe and earned a reputation as one of the heavier psych outfits on the circuit - which was something of a double-edged sword. While their experimental sound resonated with hippies everywhere, it didn't with the authorities, who associated the act with heavy drug consumption and subsequently began a ban of their music, especially the 'Psychonaut' album, if for the title alone. After that bitter brush with censorship, the group quietly disbanded in 1972. 'Biomechanoid' stands after all these years as an album full of dark, strange, disturbing soundscapes, the obscure side of Brainticket, proving how Joel was still a creative artist.
WILL Z - 12 VISIONS (BLACK) (LP/69WATT)
The second solo album composed, played and produced by Will Z (Cosmic Trip machine) about Alchemy, Satanism, occult underworld, black mass, Christianity and faith featuring Majnun and oG (also Cosmic Trip Machine) and Alice Artaud and Juan Arkotxa (of the cult acid folk-band Book Of AM). Recorded and mixed between 2012 and 2013. Limited to 200 copies on black vinyl.
Listen to '12 Visions' HERE.
FOGGY - PATCHWORK ALBUM (CD/BIG PINK MUSIC)
British folk duo Foggy's sencond album on Canon Records in 1976. In some ways the duo reminds of famous Amazing Blondel of the 70's. The album includes nice remakes of well-known classic folky tunes. First release on CD!
MCCULLOUGH, HENRY - MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS (CD/BIG PINK MUSIC)
Henry McCullough is a very well known guitarist in the U.K. for his career with many major British rock bands including The Wings and Spooky Tooth in the 70's. This is his first solo effort released in 1975 and it is now available on CD for the first time.
PYRIOR - PULSAR EP (CD/SELF RELEASE)
In 2009, the 'Pulsar EP' was released as the first publication of the Berlin stoner rock trio PYRIOR. More thought as a demo it was within a short time sold out and no longer get a long time. After almost five years, this pearl appears new. As Florian wrote so beautifully by Electric Magic: "Purest Electric Magic! Even on first hearing one feels transported directly into the desert or on such superb events such as the Duna Jam. Fat Kyuss riffs, dreamy playful jams à la Colour Haze and never relaxed from the eye Groove make 'Pulsar' a real jewel in the German heavy rock underground." Limited edition of 200 copies! Digipak, analogue remastered!
Listen to 'Pulsar EP' HERE.
GARAGE/BEAT/PSYCH/MOD/ROCK & ROLL
GOON MAT & LORD BENARDO - WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT/STAY ON ME (7"/VOODOO RHYTHM)
Raw wild stomp juice harp stranglers with a boogie trash blues beat from Liège, Belgium.
SENSATIONAL SECOND COUSINS - CRUEL BABY/WHY DO WE DO? (7"/KURIOSA)
Here it is, the sensational second single from Klazienaveens Krazy Kombo. The Sensational Second Cousins are at it again, pairing the a-sides alarmingly crude tribute to all the nice gals with a superbly pounding but philosophical anthem on the flipside. Instant party favorite for kids of all ages.
Listen to 'Cruel Baby' HERE.
KAVIAR SPECIAL - KAVIAR SPECIAL (LP/HOWLIN' BANANA)
Kaviar Special is a four-piece band from Rennes, France. Their lo-fi sound is a mix of Garage, Power Pop and Flower Punk. This LP includes the instant garage-pop hits 'Summer' and 'Paradise', the killer fuzz-drenched punker 'Sabadidon', a wicked intrumental 'Petit Cul' and a slice of surf-punk, 'Poison Cake'. Limited edition of 300 LP's on white vinyl.
Listen to 'Kaviar Special' HERE.
MOURNING AFTER - TALL, DARK & GRUESOME (LP/SCREAMING APPLE)
The return of the knights of fuzz!!! 27 years, countless 45s and one classic album release after they first started, THE MOURNING AFTER are back on the track with their brandnew longplayer "Tall, dark & Gruesome" A passion for 60s Garage/Beat/R n B was the catalyst that bonded the band in 1987. This passion was evident at their debut gig at The Take Two club in Sheffield after which they were offered a residency playing with all the charting indie bands of the time...PRIMAL SCREAM, PSYCHIC TV, SPACEMEN 3, MY BLOODY VALENTINE etc. They quickly became THEE live band to watch in the north of England and in one case literally brought the house down when a show at The Broken Doll in Newcastle had to be stopped after the ceiling caved in from the weight of the crowd jumping around. As reputation of their frenzied gigs spread Captain Sensible came to see for himself. As the band staggered off stage he immediately asked them to record an LP for his DELTIC record label.
NOX BOYS - NOX BOYS (BLACK) (LP/GET HIP)
Top quality contemporary garage rock from Pittsburgh, tapping into the spirit of the Sonics and Swamp Rats. Recorded and produced by Jim Diamond (White Stripes, Dirtbombs), this release features a guest appearance from Gregg Kostelich (The Cynics) playing fuzz guitar on the track 'Military School'. Great stuff! Edition on 180-gram black vinyl!
KICKSTART - NAON RULES! (CD/PAISLEY ARCHIVE)
The history of this band can be traced back as far as 1977 when all the members were in their teens and embraced the explosion of PUNK ROCK. In fact, they formed one of the earliest Punk bands .. HITLERSS. With no clue of Politics, this was the most shocking name they could come up with. Then came the next instalment of their music legacy, TAMPAX were born! The sleeve to the Tampax album was so shocking it made it into the Museum of Art in their home town. Fast forward 20 years through numerous other bands. KICKSTART were born. Their music is fast and energetic and could be compared to The Chords, The Purple Hearts, The Jam, The Circles, The Killermeters, Back To Zero...
METAL/STONER/HARDROCK
INTO DARKNESS - TRANSMIGRATION OF COSMIC CREATURES (7"/DOOMENTIA)
To say that INTO DARKNESS came crashing down on the death-metal scene like an H-bomb on unprotected civil grounds is quite an understatement. Their blend of ASPHYX-like crushing dirges and suffocating doom parts simply hit a spot right from their start and less than a year after they had formed, their self-titled demo was pressed on three different formats (!) by three different renowned labels. And their fantastic set at this years KILL TOWN DEATHFEST last August did nothing but keep the buzz going. Particularly striking is guitarist Doomed Warrior shrieking vocals who sounds like Martin Van Drunen reincarnated in the body of twenty years old woman and extreme metal fanatic. Even if they had their fair share of line-up changes over the last two years, the trio hasnt slowed down a bit. As a matter of fact, now backed up by IMPETIGO worshippers NECROs drummer (Pide Guts) and bassplayer Ken Hunakau (also member of Fuoco Fatuo), theyre out for blood and got even meaner and nastier in the meantime, as proven by their first ever 7 inches, proudly released by DOOMENTIA.
Listen to 'Transmigration of Cosmic Creatures Into the Unknown' HERE.
RAPID TERROR - (COL) SPEED METAL BASTARD (7"/TO THE DEATH)
Limited 200 copies YELLOW vinyl. Manic speed metal in the vein of old Razor. Members of Necrocurse/Runemagick. Side A: Rapid Terror Speed Metal Bastard Side B: Chasm of dementia Rapid Invasion (Faster Master)
Listen to 'Speed Metal Bastard' HERE.
SABBAT/MORDANT - (GREY) SWEDISH DEMONSLAUGHT (7"/TO THE DEATH)
Limited 200 copies GREY vinyl. Japanese Sabbat - the undisputed masters of blackend speed thrash teams up with swedish Mordant. Comes with OBI. Sabbat with a live soundboard recording. Mordant treats with an exclusive track "Satanurai" + ""Lord of evil blood" - previously only released on the 'Nidingsdad" compilationtape. Side A: Satanurai Lord of evil blood Side B: Witchflight Root of ultimate evil.
Listen to 'Swedish DemonSlaught' HERE.
MALFEITOR - TO HELL, FAREWELL (10") (10"/DOOMENTIA)
Transparent orange vinyl limited to 300 copies / printed insert. Initially launched as a way for three veterans of the Swedish scene (EXCRUCIATE, MASTICATION, GODHATE, BLOOD MORTIZED etc.) to simply get together and bash some good old death-metal together for their selfish pleasure, MALFEITOR has quickly acquired a quite unique status in the scene. Definitively old-school in spirit yet not a simple exercise in nostalgia, as the band isnt afraid of throwing into the pot few black-metal elements or some quirky riffs here and there, this was clear right from the start that this wasnt just another retro band. And while the band is working on their second album, its now time to go back to where it all started. Already released in 2011 by TILL YOU FUKKIN BLEED productions in only 66 copies on tape and with a cover by David Devilish, their first six racks demo To Hell, Farewell is now available again on a lavish 10", including bonus track "The Pain Collector".
Listen to 'To Hell, Farewell (demo 2011)' HERE.
AVENGER - DARK BEHEMIAN METAL (LP/DOOMENTIA)
Luxurious casewrapped jacket with hot foil stamping / printed inner sleeve. The fifth and definitely the best sounding Avenger album ever, celebrating 20 years of the bands existence.
Listen to 'Bohemian Dark Metal' HERE.
BELZEBONG - DUNGEON VULTURES (LP/EMETIC)
This LP is limited to 500 copies on smoke haze green vinyl. This set contains the nearly 15 minute long 'Dungeon Vultures', and the B-side includes the 2009 demo tracks as bonus.
Listen to 'Dungeon Vultures' HERE.
CELOPHYS - PHOBOS ELEVATOR (LP/EMETIC)
the music here is slow and heavy with great riffs. To get an idea, imagine a mix of Winter and Weedeater! Limited to 250 hand numbered copies.
Listen to 'Phobos Elevator' HERE.
IRON CLAW - IRON CLAW (2LP) (LP/ROCKADROME)
2LP has heavy duty gatefold cover double album with poster and insert. Re-mastered for vinyl release. Early 70s underground hard rock recordings from this Scottish group who were stomping around the UK with the likes of Black Sabbath, Hackensack, Pink Fairies, Juicy Lucy and others from the time, but never released a proper album. In the beginning, Iron Claw probably became the world's first Black Sabbath tribute band, as they incorporated the entire first Black Sabbath LP and single into their set! This collection of sixteen original studio tracks documents their existence from 1970 thru 1974 and features extensive liner notes, lyrics and photos, including a poster and insert! For fans of Tear Gas, Leaf Hound, Jerusalem, Ancient Grease, Toad, Incredible Hog, Elias Hulk, etc!
LEVIATHAN - A SILHOUETTE IN SPLINTERS (LP/FUNERAL INDUSTRIES)
This is a journey. It is psychologically charged, and provides what we think to be a very up close and personal view of the artist himself. It is also an extraordinarily beautiful album, and the brooding elements only add to the incredible atmosphere it conjures. This is a stunning black metal album, and if you're lucky enough to acquire this on vinyl, you will not be disappointed. Clear vinyl.
Listen to 'A Silhouette in Splinters' HERE.
LEVIATHAN - HOWL MOCKERY AT THE CROSS (2LP) (LP/FUNERAL INDUSTRIES)
This is an album that people can take a listen to and see how this type of black metal should be done. White vinyl.
Listen to 'Howl Mockery at the Cross' HERE.
LEVIATHAN - MASSIVE CONSPIRACY AGAINST ALL LIFE (LP/FUNERAL INDUSTRIES)
"Massive Conspiracy Against All Life is aptly-titled; Wrest sounds like he's throwing everything and the kitchen sink against the world. His are the bitterest symphonies-- in a past life, he was probably a composer whose works caused riots-- and Conspiracy is his rage writ large. Leviathan's discography (three full-lengths, numerous demos and splits) has varied widely in production values; Conspiracy is the first time his apocalypse has had a sound to match." - 8/10 on Pitchfork! Blue vinyl.
LEVIATHAN - TENTACLES OF WHORROR (2LP) (LP/FUNERAL INDUSTRIES)
Leviathan returns and your Whorror is about to begin! Prolific madman Wrest again challenges both his creative capabilities and the conventional trappings of "black metal". Witness what happens when the "rules" of black metal are thrown out, yet its true artistic essence is upheld. Witness what it’s like within the Tentacles of Whorror. "The Future of Black Metal." – ANVIL MAGAZINE
"Simply, the most mesmerizing, transcendental Black Metal ever put to tape."- TERRORIZER
Red vinyl.
LEVIATHAN - THE TENTH SUB LEVEL OF SUICIDE (2LP) (LP/FUNERAL INDUSTRIES)
""The Tenth Sub Level Of Suicide" is a bloodstained sparkling diamond in the darkness, an album every black metal fan should own, but beware, by the moment the album reaches the end one thing is for sure, you have reached the place of "scenic solitude and leprosy" staring "at the door of the tenth sub level of suicide", the path lies up ahead, make your choice..." 9.4/10 - Metal Storm. Black vinyl.
MEGASLAUGHTER - (COL) CALL FROM THE BEYOND (LP/TO THE DEATH)
Limited 200 copies WHITE vinyl. Classic swedish death metal release originally released by Thrash Records back in the days. For the first time with lyrics and photocollage. "Yeah, this is the shit. Megaslaughter were a Swedish band from the heyday of Death Metal, back in the late 80s, and this was their one and only full-length album. "Calls From The Beyond" is a meaty slice of old-fashioned Death, flavored with a slight touch of Thrash and then blistered to perfection by a grungy, underground recording job. There isn't really a whole lot more to say about this except: rules. Nothing groundbreaking or inventive, just visceral and mean. The drummer here would go on to play in both Hammerfall and Lost Horizon, but that's about the only brush this band will have with enduring fame. Underground, underrated, and overlooked. A Death Metal gem." - The Metal Crypt
YIDHRA - HEXED (2LP) (LP/STONE STALLION)
The spectacular debut album by US doom-gods YIDHRA from Hollywood, 'Hexed' is the long awaited 9-song follow-up to 2009's critically acclaimed self-titled EP. It was recorded at Skull Seven Studios in North Hollywood, CA by legendary producer Bill Metoyer (Slayer, Corrosion of Conformity, D.R.I., Sacred Reich etc.). Gold vinyl.
Listen to 'Hexed' HERE.
AUSTRASIAN GOAT - PRINCIPLES OF DISILLUSION (2CD) (CD/MUSIC FEAR SATA)
With all the singles, splits and collaborations (like the ones with NEIGE MORTE, L'ACEPHALE, HABSYLL, HOLLOW SUNSHINE, etc.) released by THE AUSTRASIAN GOAT since 2008, a record to compile all these strewn tracks was necessary. This double CD brings together 19 songs composed during the "Stains of Resignation" (released on Music Fear Satan in 2010) era with a mix of pure blasted black-metal tracks and mid dark-folk mid funeral-doom ballads and there is also a surprise on the record.
Listen to Principles of Disillusion' HERE.
HIDDEN TIMBRE - TRIANGULATION (CD/KALINKALAND)
Kalinkaland goes prog metal... be prepared! Hidden Timbre plays virtuoso prog metal, with passion, dedication, and a strong belief in salvation through guitars, leading to impressive experimental compositions. These are epic and pulsating headbanging showpieces that include flashy riffs, complex structures and great melodies.
MATERA, JOE - TERRA FIRMA (CD/W.A.R.)
'Terra Firma' features nine songs plus a bonus track. The music features both instrumental and vocal rock tracks, including the new single 'Shining Star'. Guests include Pete Lincoln (THE SWEET), on bass and Martin Bullard (SMOKIE) on keyboards. Digipack limited to 300 copies only!
SUBHUMAN - TRIBUTO DI SANGUE (CD/SUBSOUND)
SUBHUMAN is considered to be one of the best bands to rise up from Italy's flourishing thrash-death metal underground movement. Formed in 2001, the band was inspired by early Bay Area legends, but has consistently aimed to stand out above their peers, embodying the savagery of death metal and modern technical elements in the vein of Meshuggah and Nevermore.
Listen to 'Tributo di Sangue' HERE.
ROCK/POP/WAVE
TIGHTROPES - 3D MUSIC (10") (10"/DRC)
Limited edition 10" vinyl version . Debut by Dutch trashy blues-rockin' garagy trio with distorted riffing and some lead outbursts and with a devastating live reputation. After a year of rocking and rolling the road, three piece band The Tightropes explodes with a call to arms for party animals everywhere: 3D music! This new EP is bound to make the rock and roll juices flow and before you realize it, youre on your way to the nearest pub, club or bar-dancing to have the night of your life. The group consists of Marco Boers, Daniël Cats and Alan Luring, and their decision is final: living for the music, and this definitely shows in their exhilerating live preformances and new recordings. The analog warmth and blasting energy of 3D Music will find its way into your home and hearts. Theres time to sleep when your dead and gone, but for now: 3D music!
Listen to '3D Music' HERE.
NAIVE SET - RECLINING NUDE (LP/SUBROUTINE)
Amsterdam's Naive Set started in 2012, but the band's melodic, harmony-rich pop sounds like it could've originated 25 years earlier. Or 25 years before that. Or 25 years in the future. The music is dense with 4-part harmonies and quick changes, while at the same time succinct (no song passes the 3-minute mark). During the recording of their first album 'Reclining Nude', producer Jan Schenk compared them to The Feelies. Others have drawn comparisons to The Beach Boys or classic Dunedin bands like The Clean. Naive Set's members also play in Amsterdam bands Moon & Sun and Spilt Milk. "They were charmingly naive and I taught them some worldly things." ~Ian Svenonius.
Listen to 2 tracks from 'Reclining Nude' HERE.
FORD, DWAYNE -& BEARFOOT- - PASSING TIME (CD/BIG PINK MUSIC)
A Canadian singer songwriter Dwayne Ford's second album with help of Bearfoot in 1975. Unlike the first album 'Passing Time' is nicely polished AOR and SSW album of the mid 70's. First release on CD.
RHEAD BROTHERS - DEDICATE (CD/BIG PINK MUSIC)
Rhead Brothers' only album in 1977. This tasteful album highlighted by nice harmonies and melodically swaying tunes. A pleasant collection of pop/rock and soft rock! Tracks: 01. Woman Of Soul 02. Don't Hold Back 03. I Have My Pride 04. Love Has Its Hour 05. Don't Lose The Rhythm 06. Mend Your Ways 07. Want You All Day 08. Let Me Love You 09. Rothesay Bay.
TALBERT, WAYNE - HOUSTON NICKLE KICKS (CD/BIG PINK MUSIC)
The keyboardist of Sir Douglas Quintet, Wayne Talbert released three solo albums before he joined the Quintet. 'Houston Nickle Kicks' is his 3rd album released in 1970 full of gruff voice back up with heavy swamp rock. First relase on CD!
ELECTRONIC MUSIC
MICK MILK - WAIT FOR GO EP (7"/ATTRACTIVE CO-O)
MICK MILK was the early '80s musical outlet of DIY-synth master and guitarist Mick M., back then hailing from New York City. Mick recorded a few dozen of incredibly amazing tracks which cannot be described other than superbly creative in terms of using analogue synthesisers for sound design and song arrangement in electronic pop music, while adding brilliant and unique vocal moments to the whole. In 1982, Mick recorded his one and only vinyl release, 'Half Life' for Cyclops Records, a 12-inch single which also featured famous names Man Parrish and Raul A. Rodriguez as producers. In 2012, Anna Logue Records has carefully selected and compiled the 14 obscure, electronic and label-fitting tracks from his '82 demo tape 'Songs For Citizens' and a batch of previously unreleased tracks from the early '80s. This EP compiles another three tracks from that era, yet even more obscure and perfectly fitting the Attractive Co-ordinates label.
Listen to 'Wait for Go' HERE.
SLEEP MUSEUM - WHITE LIKE SUMMER SUTURES (LP/ANNA LOGUE)
This is SLEEP MUSEUM's second vinyl album on Anna Logue Records. While SLEEP MUSEUM/Robert Anthony's output has been quite genre-breaking over the last years, 'White Like Summer Sutures' combines some of their more rhythmic, sequencer-driven dark minimal electro tracks, recorded between 2009 and 2012. Musical references range from early Front 242 to Portion Control and Skinny Puppy, or contemporary Martial Canterel, yet it is always clearly just SLEEP MUSEUM. Edition of 400 copies on 180-gram black vinyl. Includes A2 poster and double-sided postcard.
Listen to 'Heroes' HERE.
VARIOUS - TUNES THAT R... ATTRACTIVE! (LP/ATTRACTIVE CO-O)
'Tunes That R... Attractive!' features a wider range of electronic underground music styles, focusing on minimal synth tunes mainly. Synth veteran PAUL CHAMBERS (UK) kicks off the album with some sharp-edged electronic instrumental, followed by stomping dance beats from LE CHOCOLAT NOIR (CRO), then more electronic madness by the infamous RED FETISH (UK), superb minimal electropop by duo HALF A TWIN (D), electronic sound design by the mysterious FUTURE COMMUTER (UK), another marvelous new electro pop pearl by the well-known POEME ELECTRONIQUE (UK), an exclusive remix by THE PHONE (UK), a scarce 90's synthpop tape recording by BELIEF (UK), pure and raw early analogue minimal synth by SHIBUYA STATION (D), an original 80's minimal synth tune by THE PERFECT DAY (UK), rather experimental andn very entertaining electronica by BETHELL & HOUNDS, deep electropop by THE SOULLESS PARTY (UK), heavenly dreampop by CERATI & DI ANGELO (US/I), an ultimate minimal electropop hit by NINE CIRCLES (B/D), at lastly ZEIT ECHO (SE/B) which also features Lidia Fiala of NINE CIRCLES on vocals again. Definitely very... Attractive! Limited edition of 500 copies in 140-gram vinyl. Full colour sleeve and double sided info sheet.
FOLK/ACID FOLK
SHANNON, JOY -& THE BEAUTY MARKS- - THE ORACLE (CD/KALINKALAND)
Joy Shannon and the Beauty Marks are a Celtic pagan folk/neo-folk band fronted by the Irish multi-instrumentalist and singer Joy Shannon on Celtic harp, cello and harmonium. Known for her spellbinding alchemy of goth rock, Irish folk and cinematic drama, Shannon concocts albums that brim with rich, melancholic lyricism. Her tunefully deliberate vocals allow you to catch every word. Brushing up against the subtle flourishes of her band, the Beauty Marks, Shannon's smoldering songs of sin, lust, redemption and destruction have continued to be a recurring force.
Listen to 'The Oracle' HERE.
SVARTI LOGHIN - SKOG (CD/FUNERAL INDUSTR)
This is not metal, but it is metal, this is dark but it is bright. This one is not to describe. Johnny Cash with the atmosphere of early Mayhem.
NEOFOLK/DARK FOLK
ALLERSEELEN - STIRB UND WERDE (2LP) (LP/AHNSTERN)
The Allerseelen double LP 'Stirb Und Werde' was released during winter solstice 2013. Three sides of the vinyl contain the digitally remastered songs and acoustic landscapes of the almost sold out CD-version. The four unreleased songs on Side A are collaborations between Allerseelen and Aima, Fräulein König and Ianva Divisione Archeomeccanica.
INDUSTRIAL/DARK AMBIENT
TROUM - MARE MORPHOSIS (CD/TRANSGREDIENT)
'Mare Morphosis' is the third and final part of TROUM's so called 'Power Romantic' trilogy that started with 'Mare Idiophonika' in 2010. The basic material and the arrangements for this one long epic piece were created from 2009-2013 (partly based on the recordings for the 'Bach Eingeschaltet, Dritter Band' 7-inch, dealing with experimental reworkings of J.S.BACH pieces) and to some extent used in different live-programmes. A piece like an 'Ocean Of Transformations', morphs through various stages of intensity. 'Mare Morphosis' stands out in the history of TROUM studio-albums as their most symphonic, refined and orchestral effort so far. Comes in an 8-panel fold out digipack. First edition of 1000 copies.
Listen to 'Mare Morphosis' HERE.
EXPERIMENTAL/SOUND ART
ORPHAN FAIRYTALE - MY FAVOURITE FAIRYTALE (2LP) (LP/AGUIRRE)
Welcome to the wondrous world of Eva Van Deuren's one-girl project Orphan Fairytale. She creates a fairylike, mystic and hypnotizing sound world using only self-made electronics, toy instruments, cassette loops and small keyboards. The music shows a great deal of playfulness. Dreamlike patterns are enriched by carefully placed notes and tones. After almost 10 years of performing and recording, the time has come for a round-up and Aguirre is happy to present a wonderful set of four sidelong pieces. The 2xLP set consists of delicate twinkling tunes recorded during the period of 2008-2011 wherein Eva shows an admirable creativity, coalescing minimalism, new age, psychedelic and repetitive sounds. Not always too far away from contemporary fellow artists like Dolphins Into The Future, Innercity and Panabrite with whom she shares a certain ambience. Originating from Antwerp, Belgium, Eva Van Deuren grew up in a flourishing Belgian music scene. Releasing cassettes on numerous independent cassette labels Audiobot, Beniffer Editions and Sloow Tapes just to name a few. In the summer of 2007 she was even asked to open for Sonic Youth (!). It was Thurston Moore who was very fond of her music. After that she has released full albums on Ultra Eczema and Blackest Rainbow and now we like to welcome her to Aguirre! Limited to 500 copies.
Listen to 'Neverending Waves' HERE.
SENGA ETNA - SENGA ETNA (LP/ZESDE KOLONNE)
Senga Etna is one of many projects of Rik van iersel. Especially for this release he dug deep in his archives to compile a steaming funking, grooovy record. Together with a group of guest musicians we swing through one big collage of sounds. Handmade cover. More info later.
Listen to 'Senga Etna' HERE.
SLUMBERLAND - SLUMBERLAND (LP/ZESDE KOLONNE)
Installation music too arty farty? Jochem Baelus of Echo Beatty lets us hear it can be done an other way too on his self titled solo debut album of his nom de plume Slumberland. With Echo Beatty he already proved song orientated music can be made with objects. On 'Slumberland' hairdryers, mouth organs, a kalimba of knitting-needles and an assemblage of drum and sewing machines are enriched by the raw guitar guitar parties of Baelus. This reminds a bit of Efterklang, but musically/vocally it's more in line with Alan Vega (Suicide), Mark Sandman (Morphine), Michael Gira (Swans, Angels of Light) and Rudy Trouvé. Long live the original, penetrating sepulchral voice and the dark, alternative and repetitive sound of Slumberland. ~BVM/Riff Raff). Silkscreened cover.
SOUL/FUNK/DISCO
WONDER, LITTLE STEVIE - THE JAZZ SOUL OF LITTLE STEVIE (LP/RUMBLE)
Detroit, Michigan's own Stevland Hardaway Morris - known to the world as Stevie Wonder - burst onto the scene in 1962 with this, his debut album, after being discovered by Ronnie White of The Miracles. Though it did not produce a hit, 'The Jazz Soul of Little Stevie' showcases the immense songwriting and instrumental chops of the then 12 year old Wonder. Wonder plays keyboards, harmonica, and percussion here and the album includes the original studio version of 'Fingertips', whose live version ('Fingertips Pt. 2') would become his first major national hit a year later. Own a piece of early Motown history with this glorious LP reissue of the debut LP from the legendary Stevie Wonder.
WONDER, LITTLE STEVIE - TRIBUTE TO UNCLE RAY (LP/RUMBLE)
Wonder's second LP, recorded and released when he was only 12 years old, is a tribute to Ray Charles. As the original liner notes state, "Little Stevie Wonder, Tamla's 11-year-old musical genius, is blind, a similarity he shares with a famed musician and vocalist of today." Though this is perhaps not the most subtle of tribute albums and a clear cash in attempt from Motown, who were still looking for a way to market their new-found talent, the results are still fantastic. Little Stevie powers his way through a grip of Charles' classics as well as some original songs done in the "Charles style" and while the LP failed to score a hit, it's an enjoyable listen that shows a glimpse of the super star talent that was soon to emerge.
WORLD MUSIC/ETHNIC
ESSO TRINIDAD STEEL BAND - ESSO TRINIDAD STEEL BAND (CD/MINKY)
"A wonderfully funky collection of calypso-inspired renditions of pop hits like the Jackson 5's " I want you back" and Simon and Garfunkel's " Cecilia", with a fine version of Mighty Sparrow's Erasmus B. Black' tossed in as well. The sheer magnitude and intricacy of the steel drumming is astounding. The two-dozen percussionists are like cogs in a colossal machine, each working in perfect harmony with the others and all of them essential to the outcome. Park's live, sun-kissed production contributes mightily to the overall party vibe. This music is the tropical fantasia of the collective unconscious" - All Music Guide.
AMBIENT
LOWENRITTER - PRELUDE: TEN SECONDS BEFORE SUNRISE (CD/KALINKALAND)
Löwenritter is the exciting and deeply emotional ambient/avant-garde project of Harald Löwy (Chandeen) and Dirk Ritter (Dark Orange/24 Hours). Dawn, the first light of the day, two figures in the fog, a short breeze, the mist of tears, a look into the distance... These images were the inspiration for Löwenritter when they began to experiment together. Swinging piano compositions and unspeakably gentle and epic guitar sounds that are lost in each other, cheer and crash again.
JAZZ/FUSION
MCDERMOTT, TOM - BAMBOULA (CD/MINKY)
Tom McDermott is simply the best pianist in New Orleans. His fans include " Le Show's" Harry Shearer and Van Dyke Parks, who curated this CD complitation of Tom's best work. The pulse of the street insinuates itself into this collection; rhythms like tango, baion, and samba abound. Tom's compositions read like a good short story, filled with motifs, anecdotes, and suspended sub-plots that all resolve in conclusion. You feel like crunching into your first praline, under a neon-moon lollipop glow.
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