“And I know that I won't escape. My remaining faith is draped/Like my hurt and my fleeting grace in this numbing empty space…And I know that I have no home. I can feel the pain take a hold again.” - Celtic Frost
 |
| Horns Up |
New Horizons
After a decade of producing mediocre albums designed to get them on tour, Prong are back with their best album since 2007’s ‘Power of the Damager’. Songs like ‘The Descent’ are Invigorating thrashers while ‘Non-Existence’ and ‘Obeisance’ work within Prong’s formula of groove metal but are memorable headbangers. A downbeat cover of Rush’s ‘Working Man’ sounds suitably resigned.
The album can be streamed and purchased here.
Final Gasp – Mourning Mood
Describing themselves as a death rock/hardcore punk band from Boston, Final Gasp’s debut LP is reminiscent in places of UK goths Play Dead (which of course is no bad thing), particularly with opener ‘Climax Infinity’. ‘Blood and Sulfer’ is very Motorhead and ’14 Gates’ is a cracking song that begins ominously and builds to a moody climax. Perfect record for soundtracking the winter months.
The album can be streamed and purchased here.
The Rolling Stones - Hackney Diamond
I do like the run of LP’s from ‘Steel Wheels’ on, so I'm not going to say this is a return to form. What it is, however, is a revitalisation. Producer Andrew Watt (Post Malone, Ozzy Osborne) has upped the tempos and given the band a modern sheen that they've lacked in a while. The songs are solid and the performances are full of gusto. If this ends up being their last album, they've ended well.
The album can be streamed and purchased here.
Reverend Kristin Michael Hayter - Saved!
Her first album under this banner since retiring the Lingua Ignota name carries on in the vein of the astonishing ‘Sinner Get Ready’ by mining American folk and gospel music to create something utterly demented. Akin to listening to shellacs from the 1940's, the terror is never far from the surface and there are moments where Kristin's delivery epitomises the thin line between fervour and insanity.
The album can be streamed and purchased here.
Crime and the City Solution - The Killer
Ten years on from the brilliantly raucous American Twilight (and an underrated solo LP), Simon Bonney and co return with a much more atmospheric work, similar to their earlier records. Bonney's voice is still marvellous and the focus on mood means a return to the band's roots in post punk, resulting in a dark and brooding record that wipes the floor with the last few Nick Cave records.
The album can be streamed and purchased here.
Shan – Knotweed
From Newcastle Upon Tyne, this two piece (guitar/vocals and drums respectively) take Melvins style riffage and combine them with an outpour of self-loathing and rage akin to Buzzoven. Although it takes a few minutes to adjust to the lack of bass, riffs like ‘Disciplinary’ and ‘Medicate’ cannot be denied their status as sludgy and filth ridden.
The album can be streamed and purchased here.
Tibshelf - Understander
Described in the press notes as “…twisting and screwing funk hip-hop techno, film dialogue, noise rock and a smorgasbord of every sound from under the sun into a fresh sonic glory…”, this album demonstrates just how malleable hip hop can be. One minute it’s funky, the next it’s psychedelic then it’s noise driven. Thoroughly invigorating listening.
The album can be streamed and purchased here.
Golden Oldies
Carcass – Heartwork
Although given a somewhat lukewarm reception upon its initial release in 1993 and derided in some circles today for spawning a series of terrible bands, ‘Heartwork’ still stands tall today as a pinnacle of melodic death metal. Taking inspiration from classic acts like Iron Maiden and Trouble, songs like ‘No Love Lost’ epitomised the new sound in that it was somewhat palpable for mainstream ears while retaining the tone and ferocity of classic death metal. Oh, and the HR Giger cover rules.
Gary Numan – Strange Charm
Written and recorded during a period of dire financial circumstances, ‘Strange Charm’ is a somewhat confused album due to the mix of the atmospheric (‘My Breathing’, ‘This is Love’), the blatantly commercial (‘I Can’t Stop’, ‘New Thing from London Town’) and the camp (‘The Lead’). However, these differing elements, combined with a cold production sound, combine to make it an oddly satisfying record and proof that Numan, even on his off days, makes compelling music.
Blakroc – Blakroc
Ostensibly a collaboration between former Jay-Z collaborator Damon Dash and The Black Keys, featuring a revolving door of rappers/singers (such as RZA, Mos Def and Nicole Wray), retrospective listening reveals not just what an excellent record it is, but also one that flows seamlessly. By accepting their role as a backing band, the Black Keys create a groove and space for their guests and allow them to shine. Listen to ‘Dollaz & Sense’ as proof of this claim.
⏩ Christopher Owens was a reviewer for Metal Ireland and finds time to study the history and inherent contradictions of Ireland. He is currently the TPQ Friday columnist.
No comments