fredag den 20. juli 2018

Eye Floater - Cannibal Anthems



Sometimes things get... unknown and scary. Especially when you receive something from your mailbox for you to review, that hails all the way from Costa Rica. Costa Rica? What do I know of Costa Rica? ... Sunshine, lovely beaches, tourists and sunbaked cement which gives up a certain smell the minute the rain falls. But what about obscure and dark music?... No, can´t say I know a single act from Costa Rica doing that. But know I do... Or do I?...There is not a single internet file that can give you a hint or two about this release. Not on Discogs, Bandcamp, Facebook or the World Wide Web. I will try to tell you what I know... So far.

It was recorded back in 2016, in the Devils Workshop San Jose Costa. Made by an E. Valerio, and released on a label called Oido Irritado Records (see label links below!). How limited this BEAUTIFUL release is, the booklet doesn't tell. I can reveal to you that the moldy looking booklet has been inserted into a spray-painted plastic slip/bag, inside there is a kind of fold-out poster/extra booklet with some photos and text, and then the CD has also been beautifully sprayed painted as well. Terrific handwork I say!


The music itself can simply be called as ritualistic and heavy dark ambient. Not in the glossy world of modern dark-ambiance, but more of a step back to the golden primal days of mid-80s Lustmord and Controlled Bleeding to later recordings released on Cold Meat Industry (Raison d´être, Megaptera, Archon Satani). There is not a single synth on this album, we´re dealing only with pure sound. The constant drone of ritualistic church bells, looped and moaning human voices, ceremoniously drums, ghostlike winds... It´s all there. It´s a pure necropolis of sound, the sound for the kingdom of the dead/cannibals. 

It´s heavy shit to review with details from track to track, I will only tell you, readers, out there to seek out this excellent release. Further down I will leave an e-mail add on how to contact the artist!. Also check out his Soundcloud page. The soundscapes within the album are really worth exploring from start to end. Fans of old-times CMI MUST hear this!


Label (Discogs):

Label (Facebook):

E-Mail:
efrainvlerio@gmail.com
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torsdag den 19. juli 2018

Shelob - The Creation Of Shelob



About 6 years ago I got myself a tarantula, a Grammstola Rosea / Chilean Rose Tarantula. I still have it, it´s lifespan can extend to almost 30 years! About the time I got her home, I actually wanted (of course) to call it Shelob, my then GF (soon to be my wife) had other thoughts. If I were to have a tarantula then it would not be with that name! Her name became .. Lotte. Which is a traditional and rather... boring Danish name! Enough of that, the sadness and pain of not having a Shelob-named Arachnid in my house has just diminished a few steps down, and I can thank some dude from France with his (yet another) Tolkien inspired dungeon synth solo project. This time we are (of course) having the focus on the evil Ungoliat offspring spider Shelob. Due to the circumstances regarding the Tolkien movies made by Peter Jackson, the name Shelob may be as known as the name of the king of pop, Michael Jackson. So you should probably know who Shelob is, if not .... well... (no comment). 

Either way, The Creation of Shelob is the very first release/debut with this act. And it was released last year October the 17th. A wonderful atmospheric release that actually needs your attention...especially if you are (as I mentioned before) a fan of Tolkien. 

The first track simply called Shelob being an... interesting merry piece with hidden evil undercurrents. Strange, spidery and evocative ritualistic drums start the track and get accompanied by an epic and monotone adventurous tune. Actually reminds me of another French act called Derniere Volente (Martial-Wave), which in turns takes their ideas from a classic synth-pop band called Orchestral Manoeuvres In the Dark. Is this the French sound, if it is so then I actually like it. As I mentioned earlier, a strangely merry and seductive piece. Second track Web Of The Spider being a hypnotizing piece that just gets you tangled in, and you probably are not going to get out of the mess! Spidery and beautiful string-like tunes caressing your neural spines, fantastic!. Additional added martial drums being added to clearly illustrate the physical, tiresome and senseless struggle to get out of the web. Third track you´ll probably sense a merging (and huge) shadow appearing. Being steady, sure-footed, and slowly getting closer. In this track, Shelob doesn't sound like the ugly brute like in the movies. But more like a fantastic and tantalizing spidery half-god of immense beauty. The track starts with a merry´ish tune... but slowly and surely it crawls into a slithering deep and murky dark tune. 


Fourth creation on this album is about...A Deadly poison. Yes, the two syringe-like Arachnid fangs have reached its goal and pumping the poison inside. The kind of poison which will basically turn you into suckable juice. Again like the first track, a strangely merry slow-building martial pop-tune? I think it wants to illustrate the embracing calmness the poison gives to the unlucky victim... there´s no reason to struggle, just give in and relax. Again, it works in a kind of seductive way. The albums end in the company of another well-known dungeon-synth act which is also French, ElixiR. Spidery strings, martial and evocative tunes wrap it all up rather beautifully. 

What a bloody excellent album!. I don't know why, but I could imagine a nice digipack release would be excellent for this. I really wish a physical release of this, and I am going to check out the rest with this dungeon synth act. Several Bandcamp releases, be sure to check them out!.
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lørdag den 14. juli 2018

Gateway to Apshai


It
The first game to be reviewed on Kalteldur, which isn´t a ZX Spectrum game. This game has been fitted to formats like the ColecoVision and the Atari 400/800, the version I will be talking about would, of course, be the best one which was out on the Commodore 64. This is ALSO one of the first roleplaying-games inspired computer games my too-young virgin eyes laid down upon... that was back in the mid-eighties, and I was around 8-10 years old.

It´s a groundbreaking pioneer when it comes to action-based RPGs, in lots of ways being a godfather for games like Diablo (and the rest)... A simple game with lots of thrills really. You are a warrior. The story of the game goes as follows : 

The player's character is summoned to the chambers of an old priest called Merlis, who informs him that he is the son of the greatest warrior of Apshai, and that it is written in the prophecy that only he can reclaim the fabled Temple of Apshai and rid the land of its monsters and curses. This game covers the Gateway to Apshai, which they have to clear in order to reach the Temple of Apshai.

You start as a warrior seeking riches and thrills. Armed only with a dagger, and wearing only a leather armor for protection. You'll progress into the murky dungeon collecting coins for points, door keys for locked doors and of course better weapons and armors. You will encounter critters like rats, bats, slime, goblins, vampires, ghouls... and an evil wizard!. When you reach level 8, the level just repeats itself until you die! Doom is certain for everyone!. 

I loved this game as a kid, one of the first action orientated games with an element of curious exploration. The thrill of moving into an unknown part of the dungeon and looking face-to-face with a new critter...with a treasure behind it of course. It also pioneered a sense of strategic survivalism, when you´ll use your healing potions and the sense of strategic exploring the perils hidden within. And just have a look at the AWESOME game box-art!. I mean seriously!. I loved the artwork which Epyx made. So what are you waiting for?!. Install that emulator and download the damn game, it´s great!.

Download file:

Wiki:




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fredag den 13. juli 2018

Sea of Poppies - Sea of Poppies



A new noise artist has emerged from the Czech Republic. This time we are dealing with someone who has worked within the boundaries of dark ambient, but recent and tragic incidents regarding not being able to work in front of a monitor have forced the artist to work only on analog equipment. And so he has released his first analog work under the name Sea of Poppies (not Skinny Puppy!), exploiting the challenging fruits of aggressive and metallic-sounding harsh noise. Here are his own words:

"Sea of Poppies" is my first foray into purely analog sound. As such, I wanted to experiment with different sounds and techniques. This album is the result of that - each track is made from different sources and in a different way. It is both a love letter to the old school industrial scene and a document of sorts, of me, exploring a whole new world of sound.

Drinking a strong porter while thinking of sleep deprivation. Yes... we are still in the summertime and the heat is stealing my sleep-hours away from me (as we speak!). That is why it is good to give your ears a harsh treatment to kick the senses alive. 27 minutes, 3 tracks of pure vitality! Out by digital means, and on ltd cassette as well.   

The kind of meat-grinder meets the rusty nails intro greats the listener with the first track. Corrosive and nerve splintering bits of metal shrapnel pierces your thin layers of skin... It could sound just like that, or the sound-wise way of creating the listening experience inside a jet-motor?. Yup, it´s classic harsh noise alright. Leaving that metallic aftertaste on the tip of your tongue. 


The second track starts with a flatline beep which then gets accompanied with a strange... wobbling wall of psychedelic noise. Sounds like sumthing is getting raped in some otherworldly dimension. Third and last track plunges you right into heavily distorted guitar/strings sounds with tons of feedback. Developing into a lovely 8-bit computer game goes haywire...and then goes back to the feedback!. 

A frantic and energetic modern harsh-noise treat which will/can please fans of acts like Body Stress and Government Alpha!. Be sure to get the cassette!.




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tirsdag den 10. juli 2018

Damien De Coene - Springtime Depravity



Yup. Spring... Gotta say I love it! Tired of this burning summer sensation, makes one feel like a jellyfish one a hot burning grill. How one can feel the plants waking from a death-like slumber to a blooming and perfumed sensation. How the radio starts playing uplifting and catchy tunes like Madonna´s ´Holiday´ to classics vintage vibes like the Beach Boys ´Surfing USA´. TV programs about gardening and lifestyle getting more frequent. People smiling a bit more. And of course people in general starting to "un"-dress themselves according to the temperature. Kind of like... feeling like a hungry beer awaking from its long winter hibernation. That´s maybe where the depravity fits in?. The hunger for a successful one-night stand which (maybe) would end somewhere in a soft bed? The need for going out and pour alcohol down your sour nicotine infected throat in company with like-minded minds? Or you could just sit back and smell the flowers, with the blackbird singing its beautiful and intoxicating song with the latest offering from Damien De Coene on your cassette deck. 


A limited 20 copies 1-hour HNW/ANW with field recordings treat, exploring the limits of what still can be perceived as walled noise. The first track sounds like a water tap pouring water into a bathtub, u can sense the echoes of the bathroom while (almost) feeling drips of water touching your skin. Springtime? The sound of the melting snow? Sounds good, ears are pleased and my mind is very stimulated. Next track is 20 minutes long sounds like the insides of the cement mixer... Or could it be the insides of a dryer in the basement?. A hypnotic and soothing brutality. Third tracks return to the dribbling water, rapid moving water-drops... turning the knot slightly more and it would turn into a continuous stream. A rhythmic and hypnotic mysterious minimal piece with an intriguing atmospheric background. The fourth track sounds like the lawnmower getting ready to be pushed over the freshly grown grass, I can smell the petrol and feeling the heat rising from the engine here. I can again sense an almost liquid-like sound-presence in the reverbed background. The last track sounds like a good and decent breakfast. A distorted recording of a coffee-machine while eggs being fried on the pan. Again, an excellent and beautiful way to end the album.   

A beautiful, primal and soothing piece of natural sound-brutality which I will HIGHLY recommend!. The sounds can almost be touched, tasted or felt and it will lift your feet few inches off the ground!. Be quick with this one, I am sure that this will be a cult favorite among HNW/ANW fans. Hungry for more? Be sure to check out his official Bandcamp site (link below). 


Bandcamp (Label):

Bandcamp (Band):




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torsdag den 5. juli 2018

Suture - Target



Yes yes yes ... I do know that we have had the same story been told over and over again. A cover clearly showing a militant lady from the "good" old days, you´ll probably have the same thoughts (and ideas) like me. It must be some kind of sexist/"sexist" macho power-electronics thing out to revolt and shock people out of their Doc Martens skinhead boots!. But hell no!... This is actually something different and really really interesting! I might as well add to those who can get easily confused/shocked by the cover-art, that we are actually dealing with one of the great heroes of WW2. Marina Raskova (as she was named) was the founder of several feminine regiments in the USSR as well. Even persuading Stalin to let women join the war. Just a good-to-know thing to have with you. Anyways!

The fourth release from Suture and the third cassette release. This one is available via Black Ring Rituals Records, limited to 25 copies. 

How to describe this?. We´re kind of (once again last yesterday) back in with the days/sound of the old-school/proto days of power-electronics and experimental industrial. Think early SPK, Nocturnal Emissions, Esplendor Geometrico (early) and Maurizio Bianchi meets the heavy atmospheres of later Anenzephalia. Pretty fantastic stuff, more in the old-school industrial aesthetic than harsh-noise or power-electronics.

First track Failures starts with a hissing deep tone, with hints ritualistic and primitive thumping industrial rhythms. Distorted screeches join the subtle hypnotic and ceremoniously sound-brutality. Almost to the point of giving the listener a religious/spiritual experience. Occasional eerie snare-drums and handclaps heighten the experience. The kind moody electronic snare-drum/handclaps you would hear on Coil´s S is for Sleep.


Second track The World Outside offers menacing looped and warped sound-tones with those minimalistic, martial and ritualistic electronic thumping drums. The wall of moody noise (that goes in the background) almost sound like the spinning propellers from aero-fighters being ready to go (or being in the air!). Again having a very religious and hypnotic vortex of sound which sucks the listener straight in. 

Third track (and last!). Strange samples of recorded radio and tv-voices with minimalist and cold machine rhythms, like something out of the album EG-1 by Esplendor Geometrico. Chunky and atmospheric distorted tones running endlessly in the background. Wonderful!.   

It´s a top star quality stuff for old-school industrial fans, with some minor new-thinking elements attached to it. Pure underground industrial as it should be!. Be quick with the cassette, it´s a damn must!


Bandcamp:
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onsdag den 4. juli 2018

Meadow of Lillies - Genocidal Pleasures



It´s been over 11 years since we lost the genius brutality of Marco Corbelli (R.I.P). In case you don´t know who he is, then I can tell you that he was the ringleader of the defunct cult label Slaughter Productions. He was also one of the most important and interesting blocks within the death-industrial and power-electronics scene. And it is probably true, that old-school remains old-school in a good way. It cannot be spoiled by time and progress, and with this latest (and second) offering from California-based Meadow of Lillies, are here to prove that the mentioned statement being true. Almost running 70 minutes with "only" 4 long torturous tracks of pure industrial/noise sound-brutality.

And it is (as mentioned before) being quite an Italian old-school treat. Could sound like the likes of Maurizio Bianchi, Mauthausen Orchestra and of course Atrax Morque. It´s warped and weird (like it used to be). The first tracks work around an eerie and warped out distorted synth, which gives the track that depressing and Maurizio Bianchi feel to it. The kind of early power-electronics without the screaming vocals, I actually do prefer power-electronics without the vocals since I am way more a sound-guy! This synth is accompanied by analog-mutant sounds (Distorted of course), which basically sounds like a huge meat grinder tearing through flesh and bone! A brutal treat with additional ritualistic elements. Love it!.


Next offering on the meat-grinder menu called Razor Blade Inspection greats you with the sound of a knife getting sharpened while a telephone tone goes in the background. This sound-image gets completely ripped to shreds with the thousand razor blade cuts. Again, the warped out distorted sounds brings you down to your knees. More of a chaotic harsh-noise piece then the former which had that early proto death-industrial sound. 

Implanted Into Earth´s Wounds goes back to the qualities of the first track, that creepy synth. Acid corrosive (and almost rusty) sounds gives the listener an almost metallic taste in their mouths. 

Last track Hypnotic Corpse Malediction has guitars, vocals, and drums in it! Heavily distorted doom´ish black-metal/noise-rock at its best. I am not a true black-metal expect, but I can reveal to you that it also (I think) sounds pretty old-school. The raw and primitive punk attitude is there, and it sounds like it has been recorded in a dark and damp cellar. That kind of black metal, not your polished kind of stuff. The tracks have a kind of dungeon-synth ending, funny thing that you can hear the click of the keys on the synth being pressed (bonus thing really!). 

Time well spent and a release worth spending your time (or money) on!. If you haven´t noticed it is out on a nice looking cassette. Do also check out the cool t-shirt which they also have made. Bon appetit!.



Bandcamp:


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mandag den 2. juli 2018

Aokigahara - All Tomorrow Will Be Over


Someone may have committed suicide, where the spirit endured in the form of a new electronic-synth project called Aokigahara. The name of this new project concerns a certain area in Japan, the forest Aokigahara... also known as "The Suicide Forest". A forest so dense, that the local police force is finding it nearly impossible to locate all the suicides which have/are being committed there!. Located near Mount Fuji on the Northeastern flank, the volcanic soil provides the wild plant/tree-like growth. The artist himself describes this as : 

Depressive ambient music for tormented souls...

Yup, not the kind of dandy and happy love-stuff around the Paris wheel thing. I can describe it as being related do dungeon synth with Asian and neo-classical influences. At times it sounds like the saddest part in some classic Japanese CRPG, and at other times it has that neo-classical Arcana/Dead Can Dance feel to it. I can easily say that if the artist had the idea/intention of doing sad (Like really suicidal sad!) melodic synth music, then I can reveal to you that he succeeded in doing that!. It´s not the grim, cold and blackened death-industrial/heavy-electronics treat like early Brighter Death Now (Which is meant to scare you!)... but more like seeing suicide as the only solution to reach the need for eternal rest, beautiful and almost seductive depressing material. This project hails from France, I wonder if my favorite chef and tv-host Anthony Bourdain (R.I.P), while he was in France gave this project a spin on his iPhone? We will never know, but we will know about this project and it´s several other Bandcamp releases (3 albums plus a cool downloadable hoodie-design as well!). 

It is not the pathetic kind of sad-music for synth emos, it feels genuine, sincere and very well constructed. I dare you! Being in Aokigahara forest with this in your headphones!. Might be a "good" idea... but who cares?! ... It´s fxxxxx beautiful stuff! We need a physical release of this. A cool looking digipack maybe?... I am going to have to follow it up with this cool project!


Bandcamp:


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The Hitcher


The Hitcher is a 1986 thriller and I wonder why is so underrated.
Rutger Hauer plays a road-killer that might be one of the scariest killers ever and it does it, oh, so bloody well. C. Thomas Howell plays his victim, Jim Halsey, whom he will play a sadistic game of cat and mouse.

If you go to the Wikipedia page, you´ll found this: "The original script was not for the faint of heart. An entire family was slaughtered in their station wagon, an eyeball was discovered inside of a hamburger, a woman was tied to a truck and a pole and then torn in half, a graphic sex scene between two teenagers, a decapitation as well as several slashings, shootings and car crashes. In its original form, Bombyk found the script to be "extremely brutal and extremely gory", but he and personal manager Kip Ohman (who later became co-producers of the film) also saw in it "a level of challenge, intensity, and poetry".




Just imagine how this movie would be if the producers went through with the original material.
Nonetheless, it is a pretty violent movie, it does have a couple of scenes that still make me cringe and the ambient is so nerve wrecking. And you gotta love the dialogues.

I do like the soundtrack as well. The editing and photography are great and, Jesus!, Rutger Hauer. Incredible how this movie is so unknown and kinda underrated.
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