New tunes 5/22/13: Deathcult, Deuil, The Infernal Sea

Deathcult- The Test of Time CS (Caligari Records)
Deathcult is a one-man thrashy death metal band from Chicago who plays with the intensity of a full band. The album is loaded with eerily catchy leads and galloping riffs that are perfectly tailored for headbanging. The vocals at times remind me of the legendary Don Tardy from Obituary, so expect a really throaty attack. One hundred copies of this tape are available here, which is the debut of both band and record label. The label is rooted here in my current home of Tampa, FL and seems set to release more quality stuff in the very near future. With addictive songs like "Mutant Generation" and "Hail the Antichrist," this will be a hit at your next party.

Deuil- Acceptance/Rebuild CDr (Self-Released)
Deuil are one of those bands that totally caught me off guard. I've been receiving many emails from bands seeking review, (which is why I'm now doing these abbreviated posts in the first place--to catch up), and these guys instantly stood out. The album begins with a rather peculiar yet intriguing vocal drone that leads into filthy sludge that reminds me of the ferocity of groups like Amenra or Fall of Efrafa, with all the dynamics, peaks, and valleys you'd hope to find. These Belgian maniacs absolutely crush from start to finish with this album, which you can either download for the price you'd like or purchase on a beautifully packaged and screen-printed CDr. It's limited to 50 copies, so I'd hop on it quickly.

The Infernal Sea- Call of the Augur CD (Self-Released)
The Infernal Sea are probably the only band in this post that fit into the black metal spectrum, but they are vicious enough to cover all three slots in blackened fury. These guys have a very precise and well-executed brand of black metal that is not exclusively rooted in any one subcategory of metal. Drums are aggressive and perfectly placed, the vocals are truly ravenous, and the guitar tone is rooted in classic black metal while the riffs tend to meander through whatever territory The Infernal Sea deems necessary. It's solid, aggressive, and instantly memorable black metal with strong elements of death metal that never quite overpower the darker side of the music. Purchase a download from their bandcamp or do the right thing and order the actual CD for your collection.

Free Music Friday: Mion's Hill- "Festering Curses" Cassette

This week in Free Music Friday, we examine a throwback slab of classic black metal ferocity, courtesy of Norway's own Mion's Hill. When some people talk about "old school" black metal, it's more of a reference to the sounds of Transilvanian Hunger-era Darkthrone or the majesty of Emperor's In the Nightside Eclipse. While those albums and groups are absolutely part of my personal collection and have been long-standing favorites, the true origins of black metal are often forgotten by journalists and newer fans of the genre. Mion's Hill's debut demo brings us back to the days of Celtic Frost and Bathory, when thrash was king of the metal world and death and black metal were just beginning to separate from the greater masses of the heavy metal world.

In no way would I label this tape a thrash album, mind you, but the influence is quite apparent. Instead, this is some of the fastest, most vicious black metal I've heard in a while. The production isn't slick, but it isn't muddy either. This is the perfect documentation of a raw and aggressive band that's hellbent on tearing the listener to pieces. The vocals are howled with an evil intent somewhere between a yell and a scream and the music backing them is driving and punishing. Riffs vary from Sabbath-inspired doom to the blistering madness of some of the rawer second-wave black metal groups. If you've ever worn a vest covered in patches or spent time dissecting the musical roots that led to the current state of metal, this album is absolutely written for you. There are echoes of most classic forms of metal at various points in this demo. Rather than sounding like some of these sloppy retro-obsessive bands that just rip off the classics without carving their own style, Mion's Hill have created something unique and timeless here. It's rare that I hear a new band worshiping the old school groups that captures my attention, but they've done it. Each song is perfectly crafted for headbanging, drinking beer, and circle pits.

If you're into these descriptions, check out the Mion's Hill bandcamp for your free download. If you're dedicated to the music, buy a tape and help fund more madness from them. I also noticed they've finally got t-shirts available, so if you're really into it, grab a shirt and tape by sending them an email.