Feb 26, 2014
Gridlink creates a full-on grind masterpiece – full of different treats. Wait, that sort of rhymes.
Look to Windward: Gridlink (NJ, Texas, Japan) (0:28-3:38)
Gurgling vocals here are not my fave, but this band is SO frigging tight and satisfying in melody and riffs, I proceeded to listen to their full album. Their second vocalist is awesome. Revocation guitarist.
Hormone's Echo: Artificial Brain (NY) (4:53-11:03)
Crusty, classic and death all in one package.
Ancient Rites of Buried Evil: Coffin Dust (Philadelphia) (11:20-16:55)
Atmospheric death from some weirdo Texans.
The Eye: Škan (Austin) (17:20-22:14)
First awesome 70’s retro psychedelic rock album of the year.
Waterfalls: Doctor Cyclops (Italy) (23:03-29:12)
Masterful grind from old farts Cripple Bastards.
Occhi Trapiantati: Cripple Bastards (Italy) (29:39-33:26)
If you can catch Thou live, do it. Their black metal will not exhaust you. The vocalist really keep you focused.
In Defiance of the Sages: Thou (Baton Rouge) (33:49-39:22)
Next (3) bands from the French hardcore scene:
Noise and violence from Paris, and Remote.
Faith. Lame: Remote (Paris) (39:52-43:37)
2 piece with some math-y hardcore.
Wrong Way/Nice Trip: Piece of Map (France) (43:44-46:59)
Lodges manages to infuse melody without it being sappy.
Downward: Lodges (France) (47:10-50:55)
Filthy breakdowns galore. Great name for a band.
17.5 Dead Air: Secret Cutter (Pennsylvania) (51:08-54:16)
Bast is the first band signed to Conan’s lead singer’s record label Black Bow Records, and they ROCK IT, totally Conan-style; riffy and catchy.
Spectres: Bast (England) (54:53-END!)