Top Five Records - The Zine

NEWS FROM RISE ABOVE RECORDS

2011-10-19T23:24:00.001+02:00

Received a newsletter from Rise Above Records earlier today, with lots of exciting news. Might as well give it to you in full so nothing is left out.

MELLOW CANDLE - Swaddling Songs PLUS Deluxe vinyl set
Apologies to everyone that has pre-ordered this set and is still waiting. Due to the nature of the contents and packaging of this item, it has taken longer than expected to manufacture.

We were expecting this to have been delivered and shipped by now but have been informed by the pressing plant that it will not now be with us until the second week of November. Of course we will start shipping them as soon as they come in, but please allow at least a week after then until they are all shipped. Any inquiries please email sales@riseabove records.com

INCREDIBLE HOG - Volume 1 +4 Vinyl COMING SOON!
We have been told by the plant that this will be ready and with us by late October/early November. The regular version comes with a an added 10" EP, featuring the four killer previously unreleased studio tracks recorded in 1973 and a 16-page LP sized booklet.

The die hard edtion will be 300 copies on pink vinyl and also includes a picture sleeve 7" featuring alt takes of the lost studio sessions and an embroidered iron-on patch.

BANG - Death of a Country first time on vinyl!
Yes, also due in at the same time as Incredible Hog vinyl will be the first time ever vinyl release of Bang's legendary (unreleased at the time) debut album. Available for pre-order soon.

CATHEDRAL Anniversary, A New Ice Age and Farewell
We are delighted to announce the release of the first ever official live Cathedral album. Recorded at the bands 20th Anniversary concert in December 2010, it comprises of two sets, spread over two separate discs. The first disc contains the one-off performance featuring the original Forest of Equilibrium line-up, in which the album was played in its entirety. The second disc is a rollercoaster doom ride through the bands following years of hard-rocking diversity.

The set comes in two editions, the special edition containing mini LP replica's of each set, a 40-page booklet and gig poster. This edition is strictly limited to the UK/Europe and is a limited one-off pressing. Japanese and American editions will vary.

Unfortunately, again due to manufacturing issues, the European release date for Anniversary has been forced to be put back until November 14th, though we will most likely have copies in before that ourselves. Vinyl box set for Anniversary will be released next year.

On another note, we are also excited to be releasing a brand new 2-track 12" EP by Cathedral entitled A New Ice Age. Featuring exclusive Dave Patchett artwork, this release comes in a series of limited colours and features two monstrously heavy tracks - Open Mind Surgery & Sabbadaius Sabbatum.

Special editions of 100 white and 200 transparent blue, both including A2 poster will be on sale exclusively at the bands Farewell show (plus Grand Magus, Comus & Gentleman's Pistols) on Saturday December 3rd at London's HMV Forum, Kentish Town.

HORISONT album coming soon & EXCLUSIVE UK appearance with Pentagram!
Yes, we are very pleased to announce the signing of this promising Swedish band. Second full-length coming early 2012. In the meantime, catch them with Pentagram - a show not to be missed!

Coming in 2012
Angel Witch - brand new studio album
Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell - debut studio album
Astra - The Black Chord (second full-length studio album)
Brân - Rise Above Relics CD Box & Vinyl reissues of all three studio albums
Comus - Out of the Coma 12"/mini LP brand new recordings PLUS the infamous unheard Malgaard Suite.
The (original) Iron Maiden - Maiden Voyage (remastered from original tapes)
Purson - debut 7" ltd to 300
Rog & Pip - Our Revolution. Amazing release for Rise Above Relics featuring tons of previously unheard studio recordings from this heavy early 70's duo of ex-Sorrows members.

www.riseaboverecords.com

DEATH IN JUNE Helsinki, Finland, October 12 2011

2011-10-19T00:27:00.001+02:00

Last time Death in June performed around my parts was in 2003 when they played in Stockholm. That time I missed out on the whole thing, and I never thought I’d get another chance. But then, all of a sudden, Death in June felt like celebrating their 30th anniversary, and a bunch of dates in Europe started to surface. Of course nothing in Sweden, but Finland is not that far away so it was a no brainer to go.

So there we are, at the DOM venue in Helsinki, and finally the intro starts and Douglas P enters the stage. People are starting to cheer, but he waves at us as to stop. He places a couple of incense sticks on his monitors, puts his guitar in place, and then quickly leaves.

After about 15 minutes or so, Douglas Pearce and John Murphy (SPK, Current 93, NON and plenty others) make it to the stage, with their trademarked masks on and in full camo gear. “Death of a Man” starts it all off and I instantly feel I’m in for a very special night.

After the first song the masks are off and a trip down memory lane begins. Apart for some new tracks from the latest album, “Peaceful Snow” (we get to hear them as they were originally written and we are among the first in the world to hear them this way, Douglas assures us), we are showered with almost all the songs I was hoping for. I mean, how can you go wrong with “All Pigs Must Die”, “Kameradschaft”, “Rose Clouds of Holocaust”, “Little Black Angel”, “Runes and Men”, “But, What Ends When the Symbols Shatter” and “She Said Destroy”? You can’t of course.

Death in June end the night with “C’est un Rêve” and the words; “Thank you and goodnight… and goodbye I guess…” It looks like he’s about to say something more, but makes a gesture with his hand as if to say, “no, it doesn’t matter”, and leaves the stage.

It was truly a night to remember, and as I’m pretty sure I’ll never get another chance to see Death in June live again, I couldn’t be happier that it was such an amazing performance.

Text and photos by Mattias Andersson.

ROADBURN OFFICIAL ARTWORK + TICKET INFO

2011-10-18T19:02:00.001+02:00

The official artwork for Roadburn Festival 2012 has been unveiled. It's made by Voivod's Michel "Away" Langevin, and as you probably can see, inspired by 50's and 60's sci-fi art in combination with 80's computer game aesthetics.

More ticket information has also come our way. The much sought after tickets will go on sale (as you already know) on November 26, at 10:00 CET. The prices for the 2012 fest are as follows:

3-day passes: € 177,50 + service fees (1000 available) 
4-day passes, including Afterburner: € 197,50 + service fees (1500 available) 
Single tickets for the traditional Afterburner event: € 32,50 + service fees (500 available)

ULVER TO HEADLINE ROADBURN 2012

2011-10-18T17:13:00.000+02:00

We've waited some time for this, and finally it has come true; Ulver to Roadburn 2012. The Norwegian act will headline on Thursday April 12. Apparently they are going to time travel back to the 1967 edition of the festival, what this is all about we just have to wait and see. Knowing Ulver, anything can happen.

The following is from Roadburn.com

Ulver cleave to a path of their own making, constantly carving out new sonic territories. They are by turns brilliant, perplexing, disconcerting, soothing, brooding, cogitative, thrilling and vexing. During the 1990′s they started with their “Black Metal Trilogy” (Bergtatt, Kveldssanger, Nattens Madrigal) which managed to run the gamut from primitive sounding black metal to folklore-inspired acoustic songs. They made their first major style shift with Themes from William Blake’s The Marriage of Heaven and Hell in which they incorporated elements of industrial and electronica and melded them to texts written by Blake.

The 2000′s found leader Kristoffer Rygg (Garm) assembling a completely new lineup based around programmer / keyboardist Tore Ylwizaker (who joined the band for Themes…) and Ulver was free to go off on their own unique musical path that resulted in an amazing array of styles: minimalist ambient works (Teachings in Silence), full-blown techno / electronica (Metamorphosis), electronic post-rock / trip hop (Perdition City), symphonic soundtrack music (A Quick Fix of Melancholy, Svidd Neger), complex psychedelic / avant-garde rock (Blood Inside) and finally, a more traditional band-playing-instruments approach on 2007′s haunting Shadows of the Sun.

Ulver‘s latest record, Wars of the Roses, adds multi-instrumentalist Daniel O’Sullivan (Guapo, Æthenor, Miasma & the Carousel of Headless Horses etc.) to the lineup and they are now a seamless amalgamation of the enormous spectrum of sounds that they have prospected during the last decade. It promises to be a wild musical ride at their 1967-performance, we can hardly wait!

JUSTIN K BROADRICK NAMED ARTIST IN RESIDENCE FOR ROADBURN 2012

2011-10-18T16:42:00.000+02:00

He did an amazing set with Godflesh at the 2011 edition of Roadburn, and was supposed to perform with Jesu last year but had to cancel. In 2012 he will be back as artist in residence, performing three different sets as White Static Demon vs. JK Flesh, Final and Jesu. Broadrick, being a personal hero for as long as I can remember, this is almost too good to be true.

The following is from Roadburn.com

Broadrick’s distinctive style involves coupling minimalistic drones with melodic, darkly layered, psychedelic guitar textures. He has an obvious willingness to experiment, as his influences range from shoegaze to dark ambient, from grindcore to industrial, from drum ‘n bass to power electronics. The styles he manifests by creating all-encompassing, yet devastatingly claustrophobic visions from minimalist means are all elements whose fumes have pervaded countless different acts at Roadburn over our many years.

Justin K Broadrick will carry on a tradition that began in 2010 with Enslaved (performing the Armageddon Concerto together with Shining, Norway as part of their residency), followed by Circle in 2011. Justin will play 3 different sets during Roadburn Festival 2012, starting off as White Static Demon vs JK Flesh on Thursday, April 12 at the Midi Theatre. That is Broadrick’s power electronics project followed by JK FLESH, his heavy electronic based project which encompasses dissonant textures coupled with post hip hop / dubstep / drum and bass stylings.

On Friday, April 13th, Justin will perform as Final. Initially started as a two-piece punk band with a drummachine in 1982, the group recorded its first demo when Broadrick was thirteen years old. The project developed to embrace electronics and dark ambient throughout the years. Justin revived Final by himself in 1993.

Broadrick’s residency will lead into his main project, Jesu, performing on Saturday, April 14th. Named after the last song on the final Godflesh release (Hymns), Jesu (i.e. Broadrick) quickly got established as one of the seminal post-rock pioneers. Since the release of 2006’s Silver EP, which gained comparisons to My Bloody Valentine or Slowdive, Broadrick’s sound evolved further into pop and indie sounds, while maintaining the claustrophobic sonic density his work is renowned for.

DOPETHRONE TO ROADBURN 2012

2011-10-06T14:34:00.000+02:00

And yet another very welcomed addition to the 2012 Roadburn Festival. I've been listening a lot to Canada's Dopethrone the last year or so. If you haven't heard them you can probably guess from their name what you are in for; extremely heavy sludgy doom of course. Check out their two albums, "Demonsmoke" and "Dark Foil" immediately!

Dopethrone will play Voivod‘s Au-delà du Réel on Friday, April 13th at the 013 venue in Tilburg, Holland.

FIRST TWO IDEOLOGIC ORGAN RELEASES IN STOCK

2011-10-02T23:45:00.000+02:00

The first two releases from Stephen O'Malley's (Sunn O))), KTL, Khanate etc) Ideologic Organ label are now in stock.

The first one is Phurpa - Trowo Phurnag Ceremony 2xLP (SOMA001)

Stephen O'Malley comments: "Russian group led by the contemporary artist Alexei Tegin take on a traditional and ancient form of Tibetan ritual music by the name of Bon. While many familiar aspects will be revealed to the informed listener, the group PHURPA takes the polyphonic singing style to a lower key and a slower pace. Over the course of 4 LP sides this meditative listen unveils many spectral illusions and invigorating evolutions in sonic possibilities."

The second release is Jessika Kenney & Eyvind Kang - Aestuarium LP (SOMA002)

Stephen O'Malley comments: "Amongst many other amazing pieces Jessika & Eyvind collaborated on SUNN O)))'s "Monoliths & Dimensions" album, Jessika leading the choir on the piece "Big Church" and Eyvind composing the acoustic arrangements for "Big Church" & "Alice". I learned an immense amount about music through these collaborations, specifically the idea of Spectral music through research and discussion/reference points of composers such as Grisey and Murail. Aestuarium is a beautiful piece of minimalist spectral music which has brought great pleasure to my ears over the years."

Next up on the label is SUNN O))) Meets Nurse With Wound - The Iron Soul of Nothing 2xLP (SOMA005). More info on that one here.

BONGRIPPER TO PLAY SATAN WORSHIPPING DOOM AT ROADBURN

2011-09-30T20:10:00.001+02:00

Ok, this is too good to be true. I knew that Bongripper would make their way to Roadburn eventually, but what I would never have dared to hope for was this. Hold on to yourselves; yes, Bongripper are going to play at the festival. Not once, but twice. First on the Saturday and then, here it comes, on the Afterburner performing their latest album, "Satan Worshipping Doom" in its entirety. Yes, we're going to see one of the best albums of 2010 come to life on April 15 2012.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

FLESHPRESS, NECROS CHRISTOS AND NECRO DEATHMORT TO ROADBURN

2011-09-30T19:59:00.000+02:00

Damn, I can hardly keep up with all the greatness the Roadburn crew keep firing away at us. Three new bands confirmed; the awesome Fleshpress have been booked for the Afterburner. Germany's Necros Christos and UK's Necro Deathmort will play at the "regular" festival.

The following is from Roadburn.com

Indomitable sludge / doom behemoths Fleshpress will be playing a one-off show at Roadburn 2012's Afterburner, set to be held on Sunday, April 15th at the 013 venue in Tilburg, Holland. Combining massive riffs, searing vocals and tense atmospheric interludes, Finland’s Fleshpress is a must-see for the misanthropically inclined.

Fitting for a band named after a song on a Grief record, Fleshpress make malevolent, crushing music punctuated by snarling screams of pure hatred. Interspersing noise-riddled, forbidding ambience between bouts of neck-snapping riff assaults, they provide no solace for the timid and spasms of delirium for fans of filthy sludge and doom. We look forward to seeing the smoking crater they leave behind…

Necros Christos will be bringing their atmospheric doom / death metal to the Roadburn Festival on Saturday, April 14th, 2012.

Germany’s Necros Christos invoke ancient necromantic death metal rites thick with foreboding and sinister purpose. The band has built a rabid cult following in their 10 years of existence due to their unique blend of catchy old-school, mid-tempo death metal riffs, doomy textures and acoustic interludes.

Combining poisonous and massive riffs, dirty beats and crushing low end with huge banks of distorted synths, a touch of psychedelia, plus experimental, ambient soundscapes, UK’s Necro Deathmort has equal passion for electronic and extreme music. This London based duo have released two striking albums offering a new soundtrack to your nightmares, This Beat Is Necrotronic and Music of Bleak Origin — both are disturbing and soothing in equal measure.

If the names of Neurosis, Ulver, Atilla Csihar or Lustmord mean anything to you, then Necro Deathmort deserves to be on your radar as well, as their mix of the subtle and the extreme, the sublime and the physically repellent is just as remarkable as their peers. Necro Deathmort will perform on Saturday, April 14th.

GNOD AND SPIDERS TO ROADBURN

2011-09-28T21:00:00.000+02:00

And they keep on giving and giving. Our long time favourites Gnod (well, if by long time you mean since their 2009 split 7" with Bong) and our fave Swedes Spiders has been confirmed for the 2012 festival. Last time I saw Spiders was when they opened for Pierced Arrows a few months ago, and they pretty much owned the room. A band not to be missed.

The following is from Roadburn.com

It’s really hard to pin down Salford UK’s psych/metal renegades Gnod, as their their distinctive take on psychedelia is not just otherworldly, but also grounded in terrestrial styles like Afro-beat, krautrock, drone, jazz, space rock and even dance music. Gnod excels at the illusion of repetition whereby its motorik rhythms underpin a myriad of shifting hypnotic textures. As of now, Gnod have released approx. twelve full-length albums, each seemingly materializing from the aether, as the band is surrounded in mysticism. Their lengthy live-jams are created by an ever changing cast, of which there is hardly any information available.

However, Gnod will leave their collective residency at Salford’s Islington Mill — a creative arts space where they live and rehearse — to fog our brains and eyeballs with a wash of hallucinations, while enticing our bodies to lose control to the propulsive, repetitive beats at the very same time. Gnod will play Roadburn 2012 on Friday, April 13th.

Fronted by Ann-Sofie Hoyles, along with Witchcraft-guitarist John Hoyles, Matteo Gambacorta (bass) and Ricard Harryson (drums), Gothenburg’s Spiders mix garage punk and hardrock with bluesy melodies, mining a vein of late 60's psych that gets bulldozed by early metal and progressive rock. Spiders’ self-titled 10-inch (recorded with Graveyard’s Axel Sjöberg on drums) was very well received by Record Collector, and sold out almost immediately.

With our fondness for Swedish rock (we have invited the likes of Witchcraft, Graveyard, Dead Man, Horisont and Troubled Hourse et al, to previous festivals) it’s not surprising that Spiders are appearing at this years Roadburn… and not just because they are Swedish, because they are that good! Spiders will appear on Thursday, April 12th.

ANEKDOTEN TO VOIVOD'S CURATED ROADBURN EVENT

2011-09-27T19:55:00.000+02:00

The first band to Voivod's curated event at Roadburn Festival 2012 has now been confirmed, and it's none other than Sweden's prog heroes Anekdoten. It's going to be a real treat seeing them at the festival.

Voivod has named their very own day after the 70's TV show The Outer Limits; Au-delà du Réel and it will take place on Friday, April 13 at the 013 in Tilburg.

It's going to be really exciting to see which other bands Voivod will choose to appear alongside Anekdoten. Feels like anything can happen.

CORONER TO HEADLINE ROADBURN AFTERBURNER

2011-09-26T22:40:00.000+02:00

Legendary Thrash act Coroner will headline the Afterburner at next years Roadburn Festival. Not too bad, eh? I realize that I've used the word 'legendary' a lot when writing these festival news, but that's Roadburn for you.

The following is from Roadburn.com

Swiss legends Coroner picked up the thrash metal mantle in 1987 when Metallica went in a more pop direction and Megadeth began to succumb to their vices. They advanced the genre through amazing musicianship and by adding complex progressive / jazz musical elements like odd time changes and unusual modes, but always stayed true to the metal.

So advanced were the musical concepts that Coroner brought into their world of thrash metal, that their five records not only stand the test of time, but they transcend and expand the boundaries of the genre. Listening to them today is just as exhilarating and relevant as they were 20 years ago.

Not too bad for three guys that started out as the road crew for Celtic Frost, a band that got so good that they eventually had Tom G. Warrior do vocals on their Death Cult demo in 1986. By the time they switched to Ron Royce (bassist) handling the vocals, they were ready to unleash their first full-length R.I.P. onto the eagerly awaiting metal world. They followed that up with the classics Punishment for Decadence, No More Color, Mental Vortex and finally Grin.

Their sound evolved as they went along, eventually (on Grin) approaching Industrial metal territory, and they helped prolong the relevance of thrash metal in a world quickly turning its attention to grunge, grindcore, Swedish death metal and black metal. Coroner pushed the musical boundaries and kept their sound fresh and evolving, always displaying their amazing technical abilities and their memorable songwriting.

There is no doubt at all that Coroner will bring supreme metal chops as well as arsenal of amazing songs to their Roadburn show. For those that never got to to see them, this will be an education. For those that did, this should bring near-delirious anticipation of hearing some amazing metal.

LEAF HOUND TO ROADBURN 2012

2011-09-26T15:24:00.000+02:00

The legendary British rock band Leaf Hound will make a return for the 2012 Roadburn Festival. Celebrating 40 years since its release, Leaf Hound will play "Growers of Mushroom" in its entirety.

I missed out on their set at the 2006 festival, but having heard the live recording I know that this is something you do not want to miss out on.

VIRUS, HEXVESSEL AND DARK BUDDHA RISING TO ROADBURN

2011-09-22T21:07:00.000+02:00

A trio of Scandinavian bands will find their way to Roadburn 2012. We're talking Norway's avant-garde rockers Virus, and two bands from our other neighbour Finland; psych folk act Hexvessel and the drone metal band Dark Buddha Rising. A very welcomed addition.

The following is from Roadburn.com

Avant-garde rock maestros Virus, led by former Ved Buens Ende mastermind Carl-Michael Eide (a.k.a Czral), are one of the finest, most exquisite musical exports Norway has to offer at this very moment. Its very hard to describe the musical universe of Virus… think a vast spectrum of genres, ranging from psychedelic to krautrock and from rock via jazz to avant-metal, but all weird and trippy in an inexplicably elegant way… and then at the same time it’s really catchy, too!

Virus either smothers your inner demons, or gives them new life, as they pull you in all different directions. Their latest album, The Agent That Shapes The Desert, ranks amongst the very best metal albums of the year. To hell with the term progressive, what Virus does is beyond even futuristic — they are otherworldly, sublime.

Gavin Turner said: “Sometimes you hear an album for the first time and just know instantly that the music contained within is going to stay with you for the rest of your life. Dawnbearer is one of those albums.” Hexvessel released Dawnbearer in March with the cult, underground Finnish vinyl gurus Svart Records and since then it’s been making a fervent buzz in the music underworld, already scoring high on most people’s top ten lists of the year.

A psychedelic, haunting, folk rock band, founded by Englishman Mat “Kvohst” McNerney, known previously as a vocalist for avant black metal bands Dødheimsgard and Code, now living in Helsinki, Finland and joined by a coven of musicians from Tampere that feature members of Galacticka and Dark Buddha Rising. As Aquarius Records quite rightly said “his talents were wasted screeching and shrieking over black buzz,” and now he is deeply embroiled with his death-hippie cohorts in creating a witches brew of acoustic balladry and heavy tripped-out atmospherics that fuses late 1960s and early 1970s English folk and psychedelia with a love for Finnish nature, folklore and pagan mysticism.

Recalling the vibes of brethren like Woven Hand, Comus, Sixteen Horsepower, Burial Hex, Espers, Six Organs Of Admittance and Mellow Candle but also forging their own unique and uncanny own special atmosphere where nature, magic and the wonder of the universe are called forth in a passionate, urgent and gorgeously strange musical spell. They dub their band The Death Magicians, they call their sound “Interior-world-music for secret ceremonies and forest rituals,” and they cite Captain Beefheart and The Magic Band and the Isle of Wight Festival 1970 as some of their biggest influences. Expect a wild trip that embraces the true nature and spirit of the Roadburn Festival.

Shrouded in mystery, with no biographical information available, Dark Buddha Rising are known only by their musical output. Their latest LP, Abyssolute Transfinite is an immense, sprawling dirge of doom metal and myriad cryptic incantations. Their unrelenting riffs underpin a variety of vocal intonements (choral singing, chants, screams, throat singing), luring the listener into a trance of doom-induced sensory depravation.

DEVIL TO ROADBURN 2012

2011-09-20T19:50:00.000+02:00

Norway's very own Devil have been confirmed for next years Roadburn Festival. The band that in 2010 released the excellent demo "Magister Mundi Xum" via Iron Bonehead and this year we saw their debut album "Time To Repent" on Soulseller. I personally love their old sound and being a huge Witchfinder General fan this can't go wrong with me.

Really looking forward to seeing them at Roadburn. Devil will play on Saturday, 14 April at the 013.

NEW RELEASES FROM IDEOLOGIC ORGAN INCL. SUNN O))) VINYL

2011-09-15T19:54:00.000+02:00

Ideologic Organ, the label run by Stephen O'Malley in cooperation with Editions Mego, have a couple of new releases coming this fall.

First up, in November, is SUNN O))) Meets Nurse With Wound - The Iron Soul of Nothing 2LP (SOMA005). This is Nurse With Wound's take on the 00 Void album and it can previously be found on the Japanese CD reissue of said album which was released by Daymare Recordings in 2008.

Next, in December there's Eyvind Kang - With Visible Breath (I Am Walking) LP (SOMA004).

The two previous releases on the label are still available for purchace; Phurpa - Trowo Phurnag Ceremony 2LP (SOMA001) and Jessika Kenney & Eyvind Kang - Aestuarium LP (SOMA002).

Editions Mego
Ideologic

THE OBSESSED TO REUNITE FOR ROADBURN

2011-09-15T14:05:00.000+02:00

The Roadburn crew just keep on giving. It is now confirmed that The Obsessed will reunite for the 2012 festival. Now how awesome is that? It will be the line-up from the last album they did, "The Church Within"; Scott “Wino” Weinrich on guitar/vocals, Greg Rogers (Goatsnake, Sonic Medusa) on drums and Guy Pinhas (Acid King, Goatsnake and Beaver) on bass.

From Roadburn.com

There is no debating the impact that Wino has had (and continues to have) on the stoner scene, and The Obsessed is the band with which he developed his signature doom song writing and guitar sound. Formed in Maryland in 1976 as Warhorse, they soon changed their name to The Obsessed. The original four man line-up was pared down to a power trio and they spent several years playing shows and honing their sound, culminating in the release of the Sodden Jackal 7" in1983.

The band then went on hiatus as Wino joined Saint Vitus for a few years in the late ’80s. They reformed in 1990 with Wino joined by a rhythm section of Greg Rogers and Scott Reeder. The new line-up released Lunar Womb before Reeder left to join Kyuss. At that point Guy Pinhas joined as the bass player and the band was signed to Columbia Records and went on to release The Church Within.

The Church Within was Wino’s most critically hailed album. Despite being co-released by Hellhound Records and the major label Columbia Records, the music-buying masses were not ready to embrace doom in 1994 and instead fixated on buying records by rehashed pop-punk bands. Several factors led to The Church Within becoming The Obsessed‘s last full-length album. Despite not becoming a top-seller, the album remains hugely influential.

Wino has appeared at Roadburn in a number of guises, including: Saint Vitus, Shrinebuilder, Spirit Caravan, The Hidden Hand, and his eponymous band, Wino. His distinctive style of guitar playing and his seemingly endless supply of great riffs has earned him a place on the Mount Rushmore of stoner rock, and now we at Roadburn are thrilled to give you the opportunity to experience the band that started the legend.

WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM EUROPEAN TOUR

2011-09-14T20:30:00.000+02:00

American Black Metal act Wolves in the Throne Room will head out for a tour of Europe in October/November. All the dates can be found here. Support act will be fellow American Doomsters Wolvserpent.

When I found out that there's a Stockholm date in the bunch, and at the Fylkingen venue I almost lost it. Maybe an overstatement, but still. It will be awesome to see the band at that place since it's pretty small and it's going to be a very intimate show. See you there on November 11.

NEW SUNN O))) MERCH FOR EU TOUR

2011-09-14T19:54:00.000+02:00

As we reported a few months ago, SUNN O))) will head out for a short EU tour in September/October. SOMA has posted previews of the tour merch on his site, and what more can I say than that they look amazing. They are designed by Stephen O'Malley as well. If you can't make it to the shows, the left overs (if there are any) will be available via day after prints. Also, if you missed out on the "AGHARTHI 09-10" LP+7" release at Roadburn there will be copies available at the shows.

AGALLOCH, SÓLSTAFIR AND 40 WATT SUN TO ROADBURN

2011-09-14T19:38:00.001+02:00

More bands are being confirmed for Roadburn 2012, and this time our favourites Agalloch are among them. Our wish list seems to be the festival organizers check list for the 2012 festival. Also confirmed are Iceland's Sólstafir and UK's own 40 Watt Sun. All three are bands you don't want to miss out on.

From Roadburn.com

Portland, Oregon’s Agalloch will bring their sweeping sonic landscapes conjuring desolate forests, icy waters and fire emerging from fog to Roadburn‘s main stage on Thursday, 12 April. The band’s highly atmospheric touchstones, which are equal parts dark ambient, drone, Nordic folk-infused black metal and dark wave, are as much a cinematic experience as a musical one. Agalloch‘s releases – four full-length albums and several EPs over the last 15 years – are a feast for the ears in the same way that Werner Herzog’s and Alejandro Jodorowsky’s visual imagery is a feast for the eyes. Marrow of the Spirit (2010) is a healing, spiritual journey through the forests of the Pacific Northwest, and one of last year’s most stunning statements in metal.

Iceland’s very own Sólstafir will appear on Friday, 13 April as part of the Roadburn Festival. Having emerged with a sound as dark as the volcanic ash spewed by their homeland’s volcanoes, the band has evolved to excel at blending atmospheric, angst-fueled post rock with their blackened heritage, underpinned by psychedelic phrasing and an eerily, hypnotic groove for a truly mind-expanding experience. Iceland’s endless white landscapes, glowering peaks, empty valleys and shrieking winds can be heard and felt through the band’s moving, sonic elements, too.
Sólstafir have come a long way much in the same way that Enslaved has progressed, albeit somewhat differently, as showcased on Köld (hailed as a true masterpiece) and the forthcoming Svartir Sandar, the emotional equivalent of the stormy North Atlantic.

After calling it quits in 2009, Warning’s Patrick Walker returns with his new band 40 Watt Sun and we are really pleased to welcome the band for a one-off show on Saturday, 14 April. 40 Watt Sun‘s stunning debut album, The Inside Room, ranks among the very best Roadburn-related albums of 2011, and offers Walker’s distinctive melancholic voice a more prominent role. His soaring and somber pipes bless the album’s burning tracks. 40 Watt Sun‘s emotionally charged, slowcore hybrid of Jesu meets a harder edged Red House Painters put the band in a class of its own.

d.USK (diSEMBOWELMENT) AND SAVIOURS TO ROADBURN 2012

2011-09-13T17:08:00.000+02:00

Legendary doom act diSEMBOWELMENT, now known as d.USK will make their first ever European performance at Roadburn 2012. And, hold on to your horses, they will perform the classic album "Transcendence into the Peripheral" in its entirety.

From Roadburn.com

Commented guitarist Matthew Skarajew, “We feel that presenting “Trancendence into the Peripheral” in its entirety is a very unique opportunity and that Roadburn will be the perfect vehicle to realize it. I expect it will be the one and only time that it will ever happen!”

Says drummer Paul Mazziotta, “Although we cannot give the fans 100% of the original lineup, Matt and I have put together a band we are very proud of, and is committed to delivering the classic material with pure integrity, energy, passion.”

Timeless, classic, and immeasurably influential, Transcendence into the Peripheral remains a groundbreaking work that typifies the Roadburn Festival’s love of the powerful and ambitious. d.USK is pleased to present this celebrated body of work to Roadburn’s mainstage on Thusday, 12 April, 2012 at the 013 venue, Tilburg, Holland.

It was also recently announced that Oakland's Saviours will perform at the festival. They recently released their latest album, "Death’s Procession" via Kemado Records. There's a live show you do not want to miss. Saviours will perform on Saturday, April 14.

SLEEP AND OM TO ROADBURN 2012

2011-09-06T21:05:00.000+02:00

Finally we don't have to sit on these awesome news any more. It's now official that the legendary Sleep will perform at next years Roadburn Festival. And if this weren't enough, OM will also perform. I couldn't be more excited about this! Lost for words...

From Roadburn.com:

Roadburn headquarters are in a euphoric state as we report that West Coast stoner metal legends Sleep have been confirmed as the headliner at Roadburn Festival 2012. Sleep are irrefutably a seminal band of the stoner rock scene and to our elation they are coming to their spiritual home of Roadburn to anchor the 2012 festival.

Featuring original members Al Cisneros and Matt Pike together with drummer Jason Roeder of Neurosis, Sleep will be playing (a one-off show) on Saturday, 14 April 2012. Al Cisneros will also be appearing with OM together with Emil Amos and Robert A.A. Lowe, bringing their hypnotic vibrations to Roadburn‘s mainstage on Thursday, 12 April.

“Sleep are honored to attend the Symposium of Iommic Research, Tilburg at the 17th Annual Roadburn Festival” – Al Cisneros.

VOIVOD TO CURATE ROADBURN 2012

2011-08-23T21:30:00.000+02:00

The countdown to Roadburn Festival 2012 has begun (well, for me it began when this years festival ended, but still), today it was announced that Voivod will curate one of the days (Friday 13 April), and also play a second set on the Saturday. Great news for me since I pretty much missed out on them this year. Can't wait to see which bands they'll bring to Tilburg.

The following is from Roadburn.com

As curator, Voivod will personally select the bands that will play during their special event at Roadburn and perform a special headline show. We had a revelation this year: namely, that Voivod and Roadburn are not only kindred spirits musically and artistically, but also on the same wavelength in other ways, too. Voivod personifies the laid back Roadburn vibe. Respected by fans and bands that span the festival’s sonic spectrum,

Voivod is the ideal pick as Roadburn’s fifth curator. The band will carry on a tradition that began in 2008 with David Tibet, followed by Neurosis in 2009, Triptykon’s Tom Gabriel Warrior in 2010 and Sunn 0))) aka Greg Anderson and Stephen O’Malley at this year’s festival. After Voivod agreed to curate the Friday, we could not resist asking them to stay for a second show. It’s on! The band will appear on Saturday, April 14, 2012, too.

Away comments: “We are truly honoured to curate the Roadburn Voivod day on april 13, 2012. We will make sure that the whole spectrum of experimental music influential to Voivod is represented.Thanks to the Roadburn folks for inviting us, we’re already counting the days in anticipation of the event !!”

We are overjoyed to join forces with Voivod for the upcoming Roadburn Festival. The band’s take on thrash metal, hardcore, prog rock, avant-garde and punk has been honed to perfection for almost three decades. Captured in various stages and formations on more than 13 albums, including the legendary Killing Technology, Dimension Hatröss and Nothingface trilogy, the chilling Phobos and 2003's high energy self-titled release, what began as a desire to do their own thing is now recognized as ground breaking. The band has strongly influenced scores of musicians practising the kind of sonic alchemy that defies simple tags like “heavy metal” or “psychedelic.”

We are truly looking forward to the new ideas and visions that Voivod will bring to the festival next year. If asked to sum up Roadburn in one word, “progressive” would be a fitting choice. Evolution is a big part of this. The festival is a tribute to the open-mindedness of its bands, curators and audience. The joy comes from expanding musical horizons and looking at familiar territory from new angles. We will definitely be in for some artistic surprises with the always intrepid Voivod as our curator. We are excited to find out what they have in store for us!

Roadburn Festival 2012, including Voivod’s special event, will run for four days from Thursday, April 12 to Sunday, April 15 (the traditional Afterburner) at the 013 venue in Tilburg, Holland. Pre-sales will start Saturday, November 26th, 2011.

THE TOP FIVE RECORDS ROADBURN EXPERIENCE FANZINE

2011-08-17T23:38:00.003+02:00

From the foreword:
"We thought we’d do something special with our Roadburn Festival report this year, so here you have it. This is basically me (Mattias), re-living my youth of a fanzine maker; Nitad only came out with two issues in the mid 90’s (the first one can actually still be bought at www.topfiverecords.se) but at least I got a mention in Ekeroth’s Swedish Death Metal book. This zine will be an annual thing though. We are by no mean journalists, we just love music and the Roadburn Festival (which we are not in any way affiliated with by the way). And of course this “zine” is free so you’ve got nothing to lose, except maybe 10 minutes or so of your life.

To keep up with what all you pretentious record collecting assholes love (myself included), it’s of course hand numbered, and the fancy goat on the front is hand coloured."

So there you have it. Get your free copy by dropping a mail to info[at]topfiverecords[dot]se
The zine is limited to 500 copies, but we will save some copies to hand out at the 2012 festival.

Like I said, the zine is free of charge, but if you should feel that you want to donate some postage money (a Euro, a GBP or a couple of USD), feel free to do so via Paypal, to paypal[at]topfiverecords[dot]se

TOP FIVE RECORDS STORE UPDATED WITH LOADS OF VINYL

2011-07-25T00:16:00.000+02:00

It was a pretty slow start of the summer for the Top Five Records online store, but I think we have compensated for that now. Just head over to www.topfiverecords.se and see for yourself. We've updated with a great mix of old and new releases. The stunning new Bathory 7xLP Box set for instance, the two new Boris releases, the Sabbath Assembly LP (1st press on gold vinyl), reissues from Beherit, Reverend Bizarre and Katatonia as well as old rare stuff from Grotesque, Disrupt, Bathory, Obituary, Morgoth, No Security, Totalitär, The Mahavishnu Orchestra and much much more.

Like I said; see for yourself at www.topfiverecords.se

Also, later this week we will receive the much longed for vinyl reissue of EyeHateGod - Preaching the "End-Time" Message as well as some releases from Martyrdöd, Poison Idea and more.

SUNN O))) EU TOUR THIS AUTUMN

2011-07-12T20:00:00.001+02:00

SUNN O))) will do a short European tour this autumn. Here are the dates:

mon 26/09/2011 De Dresden Beatpol
tue 27/09/2011 De Karlsruhe Jubez
Wed 28/09/2011 Ch Fribourg Fri-son
Thu 29/09/2011 It Torino Carceri
Fri 30/09/2011 It Rome Circolo Degli Artisti
Sat 1/10/2011 It Bologna Tpo
Sun 2/10/2011 De Essen Denovali Swingfest

ROADBURN FESTIVAL DAY 4 - Afterburner (April 17 2011)

2011-07-10T21:21:00.001+02:00

The fourth and final day of the festival started a bit early for us. At about four in the morning the phone starts ringing. First we ignore it, but after a while it gets a bit annoying and we answer, it’s the receptionist, she says “oh, isn’t this Greg Andersons room?” About 30 minutes later we are woken up by some random dude walking in to our room and starts taking his shoes off. “Uhm, sorry man, I think you got the wrong room.” The next morning the phone rings again, this time it’s one Stephen O’Malley asking for Greg. “No sorry, it’s the wrong Anderson.” “Ah ok, I guess that’s been happening a lot?” I guess the hotel staff must have been confused with two Andersons at the same time...

The Afterburner seems to slowly but steady becoming a regular fourth day of Roadburn. This year they had upgraded it by using the Main Stage and the Green Room, as compared to last year when it was the Green Room and the Bat Cave, and there are a few more bands playing as well. One part of me likes this as you actually never want to leave, but on the other hand the Afterburner works as a great closure with an even more relaxed atmosphere than the first three days. That’s actually what all great festivals need; a relaxed after party that lasts for an entire day.
Unfortunately the whole day is pretty much a haze for some reason. And no, not because of various substances mind you, but probably because this in fact day number four of a festival where there is so much to take in and process, and a festival where I like pretty much all of the bands performing. I guess that’s a lot for my brain to handle. When I look at the notes I wrote down while watching the bands perform I’m starting to question myself quite a lot. But yeah, I remember some things, so here we go.

First band for me was the classic American doom act Blood Farmers. This was their second set at the fest, they also played the first day but I couldn’t see them then since they clashed with Wovenhand. They were really impressing on stage with killer riffs and a very strong repertoire. They even played a new song, called “1000 Yard Stare”. Don’t know exactly how “new” this song is by now, but it sounded like something they could have written back in the day. Awesome stuff. Why this band hasn’t produced more music is beyond me.

Blood Farmers

Next up was Japanese death metallers Coffins. I was really looking forward to seeing them as I like Autopsy as much as they do. Well, maybe not that much, but close. It was great to see how much they enjoyed being up on the Main Stage, Uchino’s (guitar/vocals) smile when he took pictures of the crowd lit up the whole room. Their old school Death Metal (or Death Doom as they call it) is pure excellence and they delivered a very tight set that more people should have seen. Oh, and it was almost impossible to reach their merch table afterwards...

Coffins

For some reason I missed out on Dead Meadow, which I regret now. Next up on the Main Stage was Black Mountain, but fortunately I had seen them a few months earlier in Stockholm so I could avoid the agony of choosing between them and Black Pyramid. Knowing myself I would probably have chosen Black Pyramid anyway. I fell in love instantly with their debut album from 2009, and they were actually just as good live as on my turntable at home. This band has a way of producing great riffs and melodies that other bands would kill for. Their second album due out this fall is at the top of my list for most anticipated albums of 2011.


Black Pyramid

I stayed in the Green Room to check out Germany’s Samsara Blues Experiment. They in fact turned out to be one of the biggest surprises of the festival. I had of course heard their debut album, “Long Distance Trip”, and really liked it, but seeing the band live was something else. It was like one long jam in the vein of bands like Earthless for instance. Very groovy space-riffs that you never wanted to end.

Samsara Blues Experiment

Unfortunately it had to end, because I had promised myself to end the evening with Sourvein over at the Main Stage. Not a bad change of venue though since Sourvein showed us all what sludge is all about, as they were supposed to have done last year, but for reasons you know, cancelled.

Sourvein

And then, all of a sudden, Roadburn Festival came to an end. I know that there’s of course always a lot of hard work when organizing something like this, but this year must have been a vacation for Walter, Jurgen and the rest of the crew compared to last year. The only change in the schedule that I noticed was the delay of Earth that I mentioned on day two, and that was no biggie.

What more can I say? Awesome festival as usual, and oh yeah, a great place to spend your hard earned cash as you can see below.

BURNING WITCH BOX SET NEWS

2011-07-08T13:14:00.001+02:00

Yes, finally we got some more news on the Burning Witch vinyl box set which we've been waiting for for quite some time now (understatement of the decade). It will be released via Southern Lord this autumn. Stephen O'Malley posted the following statement on his site:

The BURNING WITCH 4LP boxed set is finally in production after various delays for various reasons. 4LPs will be contained in a black slipcase (heavy printed and side loading black box), with a 42 page 30cm square perfect bound book of artwork and photos, and a few texts.

Towers... & Rift.Canyon.Dreams LPs will have cloned covers (and identical track listing) from the original Slap-A-Ham & Merciless LPs, but printed as Stoughton tip-on style sleeves (and sans inserts).

Towers... LP is cut from the original 1/2" master tape that somehow was missing in all the years between its recording and post 2008 Crippled Lucifer release. Stuart Dahlquist at last managed to unearth said tape a few years ago and the resulting test pressing of this record sounds absolutely incredible. I dont know if I've been involved in a recording before or since which gives me the tactile, tangible satisfaction of said album.

Rift.Canyon.Dreams LP benefits greatly from a remastering for vinyl by Mell Dettmer (who mastered all 4 LPs in fact) and a great cut. Clarity is much improved to these 4 abstruse tracks.

The third vinyl in the set is a 12" with Bleeder & Rift.Canyon.Dreams (2008 mix version) tracks. Fourth LP is an amazing sounding recording of the 1996 live concert at Pioneer Theatre in Seattle (with Greg Anderson also on guitar) with an insert of photos from said concert. That was pre-Towers.. 3rd and 4th vinyls are housed in direct to board sleeves by Stoughton.

We are pleased to announce that Alan Dubin is involved in the project, he is authoring a DVD which contains the 2 known video recordings of the band live: 1996 Pioneer Square Theatre (from original super 8 videotape) and 1997 on Public Access channel 29 "29 Live" (from original super VHS). This DVD will be inserted into a pocket in the perfect bound book. Here is a photo of the capturing process...

All in all this is the complete (and final) retrospective of material from this long defunct group who survived a near miraculous afterlife and memory amongst the faithful. We neglected to include the demo or any rehearsal material as it's not worthy... you can find this all online anyway. We attempt to present it all in its original intention, and the supplementary pieces, in my opinion as art director of the Witch's releases over the past 16 years, follow that original aesthetic closely.

The boxed set will be manufactured in an edition of 1500 copies and available from Southern Lord Recordings this Autumn.

And so, after these long roads, the nails are in the coffin.

—Stephen O'Malley, Paris, July 2011

ROADBURN FESTIVAL DAY 3 (April 16 2011)

2011-06-26T18:18:00.004+02:00

Day 3 is also the last regular day of the festival, although, with the expanding Afterburner you might call this a 4-day fest, but more on day number 4 later. You might think that nothing can top SunnO)))day, but I mean, this day I’m finally going to see Shrinebuilder, Weedeater, Stone Axe and Swans... April 16 is also Record Store Day, and I took the short walk from the hotel to the Sounds record store. I was hoping to buy the Nirvana “Hormoaning” 12” and the Neurosis “Sovereign” 12” but they were nowhere to be found. I did however walk away with the Sonic Youth “Whore’s Moaning” 12” and the 2010 reissue of the self titled Grand Magus LP (clear vinyl, and not a RSD release, but still). On a side note, when I got back to Stockholm there were lots of RSD vinyl still available, so no harm done.

Why not start the third day at the Midi Theatre with the, apart from Sunn O))), best performance of the entire fest. The air in the venue is thick with incense smoke and the stage looks like... well, it looks like Master Musicians of Bukkake are about to enter, and they are, and I am blown away. Such an amazing performance, performed by amazing musicians. I know some people think their theatrics on stage are a bit much, but I like it, it fits with the music perfectly. And you don’t have to take everything 100% serious all the time either. I mean, come on, the guy has glowing fingertips, lighten up. They start by calling our attention with a dungchen, you know, those big ass Tibetan trumpets, and give us new songs from their excellent latest album, “Totem Three”, including favourites like “Prophecy Of The White Camel / Namoutarre” and “In The Twilight Of Kali Yuga”, as well as the awesome krautrock gem “Failed Future”. The Master Musicians played a free show a couple of weeks later in Stockholm, and it was just as good that time around as well. Hope to see them again soon.

Master Musicians of Bukkake

On to the main stage to catch the last 30 minutes or so of the Candlemass set. I walked in just as they were finishing the “Epicus Doomicus Metallicus” set with Johan Langquist on vocals. Would have been great to see the whole thing, but you can’t be everywhere at once. Especially when you’re attending an amazing Bukkake session. Langquist, although perhaps not much of a stage persona, still has that amazing voice that made me fall for Candlemass in the first place. Luckily for me he enters the stage once again, this time alongside Robert Lowe performing “Don’t Fear the Reaper”.

Candlemass

Finally it’s time for Weedeater. Dixie was in great form, informing us that “There are usually only two people in the audience, one with weed and one with coke. I’m sure those people are here tonight as well though, we’ll meet up later.” He of course drank whiskey all through the set, washing it down with beer, but he managed to not puke, probably to some people’s disappointment. The new songs from “Jason... the Dragon” have really grown on me and they were even better live. The first couple of times I listened to their latest album I thought it was good, but felt that they could do better. After about a week of listening to it I loved it! And after experiencing the songs live in their right environment I love them even more. We also were treated with their cover of the excellent Lynyrd Skynyrd track “Gimme Back My Bullets”. The only thing I’m missing now is a Barstul performance, man that would have been great for the Afterburner...

Weedeater

Unfortunately I didn’t see much of Voivod at the main stage. I thought though that they were a bit uneven in the beginning but it took on after a while. From what I could gather later on their set at the Midi the night before was much better. Should have been there...

We’ve waited a year for the mighty Shrinebuilder, and fuck was it worth the wait! As you probably know they had to cancel last year because of Iceland and them not managing to keep control of their volcanoes. It was really an overwhelming experience to see these four dudes on the same stage. Anyone doesn’t know by now who they are? Ok, for the last time; Scott Kelly, Al Cisneros, Dale Crover and of course, Wino. There, what more do you need? I can admit though, that somewhere in the middle of the set they faded a bit, only to regain strength after a while and finishing in great form. I also wish that Al had more time on the mike, not that I complain when I hear Scott or Wino. It’s hard to describe Shrinebuilder without writing cliché after cliché. But yeah, they were heavy as fuck and I guess we could be glad that another volcano didn’t erupt during their performance. What a way to go though.

Shrinebuilder

After this I literally ran over to the Bat Cave to witness the last half hour or so of Stone Axe, who had finally made it over to Europe. I’ve been a big fan ever since their first 7”, “Riders of the Night”, in 2008, and am a fan of Mos Generator as well of course. The first thing that struck me is that damn what a great vocalist Dru Brinkerhoff is. I mean, of course I knew the man could sing, but to manage to make it sound exactly like on record is rare. I could tell that they gained a lot of new fans that evening. Overheard several people who had just walked in not knowing who Stone Axe are bursting out their love for them. The show ended quite abruptly though; the band was having so much fun on stage that they didn’t notice they were out of time. They promised to come back next year, don’t know if they meant Roadburn or Europe in general, either way, be sure not to miss them. And buy all their vinyl records. I have.

Never thought this day would come, but there they are; Swans entering the main stage. They start off with the intro to end all intros. We’re talking 20-30 minutes of pure bliss. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any louder it does, and drumsticks are flying all over the place. I’m not the only one finding myself just standing there staring with an open mouth in complete awe. The high point of the concert is an amazing performance of “Sex, God, Sex” from the 1987 album “Children of God”. I guess I can die now. The new songs from the “comeback” album “My Father Will Guide Me Up a Rope To the Sky”, like “Jim” and “Eden Prison” are experienced in their right element. There seems to be some tension on stage from time to time, at least it looks like Michael Gira tells off the band on a few occasions, maybe it’s just the perfectionist in him, I don’t know. There are some laughs on stage as well though, like when Gira introduces the band and turns to the long-haired caveman-like Thor Harris and says, “This is Thor, he looks like one of you.”

Swans

The next morning Michael Gira comes down to the breakfast buffet at the hotel, of course with his big white cowboy hat on. He walks around, carefully looking at the various dishes, and then leaves. Maybe he wasn’t hungry, or maybe it was because the rest of us stopped eating and just started staring at him in awe again...

ROADBURN FESTIVAL DAY 2 aka SUNNO)))DAY (April 15 2011)

2011-06-03T12:11:00.001+02:00

Yeah, we’re pretty slow over here from time to time. But here we go; day two of the fest. As you probably have figured out, this was the day curated by Greg Anderson and Stephen O’Malley, aka Sunn O))). Weather was awesome and after the breakfast buffet at the hotel a few beers were enjoyed at one of the great establishments close to 013.

There was not much time to spare though as the first act out on the main stage was none other than Keiji Haino. This amazing man who’s been in the music industry for something like 40 years, and finally he’s standing on a stage in front of me. He started out the concert with his guitar, producing amazing sounds and proving that it’s not just a riff making piece of equipment. After a while he put the guitar away and went nuts on his machines. At times he seemed to disappear from the stage without me noticing, but all of a sudden he popped up like a jack-in-a-box from behind the table with his gadgets. He closed with more guitars accompanied with his very impressive voice; that man can scream like no other. It was an amazing concert, really experimental as you would expect, and well, everything I was hoping for actually.

Keiji Haino

I’ve said it before; if you’re enjoying a Big Kahuna burger with a beer and you’re arriving at the Green Room when a show is about to start you’re basically too late. At least I managed to hear Trap Them, and see the top of their heads from time to time. Needless to say, they ripped the whole place a new one and sounded crushingly awesome. I took comfort in the fact that I was going to see them in Stockholm a week later. But did I? Of course not, I missed out on the whole thing, probably for some really stupid reason, but hey, they will come back right? Right.

When I first found out that Winter was going to perform at the festival I almost couldn’t believe it. It had been in the back of my head though ever since news got out that Southern Lord was going to reissue their one and only album “Into Darkness”. But I didn’t really dare to hope for them to reform, and especially not to perform in the same venue where I happened to be present. How was it then? Well, they sounded like it was still 1990 and they really tore it up on that stage. I heard a few people complaining afterwards that they could really improve on their stage presence. Who cares with material like that? It was a great concert with great music and they seemed to really enjoy themselves on that stage. Left me more than satisfied.

Winter

Unfortunately Earth arrived in Tilburg a bit late, so they had to move them to the Midi Theatre instead of the main stage. I really like the Midi though, so no complaints from me, but a few people didn’t find out in time and missed out on the whole thing. Too bad for them since Earth delivered like they always do. I didn’t get to see the whole set though, and once again took comfort in that they would play in Stockholm when I got home. And this time I didn’t miss out. I’m guessing the two shows were pretty much the same. They played a new song from the upcoming part 2 of the “Angels of Darkness, Demons of Lights” album, with the introduction: “I know you’re going to laugh, but this is a waltz, so pair up and enjoy”. We also got to hear “Ouroboros is Broken” which was very much appreciated as well as the closing song, the Jimi Hendrix cover “Peace in Manhattan” from the “Pentastar...” album. Going to the Stockholm show I also got to see the amazing Sabbath Assembly as I didn’t get to see them at Roadburn. They played the same time as Winter; ah all these clashes!

Earth

The last time I saw Corrosion of Conformity was in Göteborg in 1996 when they opened for Metallica. I honestly don’t remember much of that show except that James Hetfield joined them for the last song (I’m guessing it was “Man or Ash”). I bet though, that their Roadburn performance was slightly better. Performing was the “Animosity” line-up, which meant no Pepper Keenan. I’m guessing he’s pretty much busy with Down anyway. Still, C.O.C. managed to squeeze out an album as good as “Animosity” without him, and they managed to pull off an amazing live set without him as well. I’m a big Keenan fan though, so I’m not saying their better off as a trio, only that they’re a pretty damn good trio as well.

Corrosion of Conformity

The highlight of the day for me were about to take on the main stage. Well, not only the highlight; if it weren’t for Stephen O’Malley and Greg Anderson this day would have turned out completely different. Not that a regular day in Roadburn land is something to complain about, but you know what I mean. Going to see Sunn O))) made me miss out on fantastic bands like Hooded Menace, Grave Miasma and Incredible Hog. Worth it? Oh yes. This evening’s concert turned out to be something really special as the band was joined on stage by Keiji Haino to my great surprise and enjoyment (as you might figure out from my ramblings above). Attila Csihar was of course present as well, so was T.O.S. Attila and Keiji Haino ended up having what could best be described as a screaming battle. Those two incredible voices at once on the same stage were completely overwhelming. The whole show was of course extremely heavy on the bass, just as much as one would expect, or perhaps more, so much in fact that I think my insides shifted place. I can say without exaggerating that it was the best two hours one could have.

Sunn O)))

The Secret; this crusty Italian outfit that I might had missed out on if it weren’t for Southern Lord releasing their latest album, “Solve Et Coagula” last year, took on the Bat Cave in full force. It felt like people were a bit tired at this point, or maybe they’d lost their hearing at the Sunn O))) concert, because how you can stand still to the crushing sound of The Secret is beyond me. “Solve Et Coagula” was one of my favourite albums of 2010, and this being the first time seeing the band live I instantly became an even bigger fan than I was before.

For some reason I had pretty much forgotten about Scorn. I listened to their first three albums a lot back in the early 90’s when Earache ruled the world. Then, from ca 1995 when Mick Harris was the only member left, Scorn somehow escaped my radar. They/he is a very welcomed return to my life though, Harris alone on stage presenting a great mix of dub and industrial with lots of bass. A perfect way to end the second day.

Scorn

STEPHEN O'MALLEY TO NORBERGFESTIVAL

2011-05-21T12:34:00.003+02:00

Stephen O'Malley (Sunn O))), Khanate, Æthenor, KTL etc etc etc) will do a solo performance at this years Norbergfestival in Norberg, Sweden.

Other confirmed artists include Lustmord, Cardopusher, Sickboy, FFF, Kondens, Twice a Man, :zoviet*france, Tapes and Dopplereffekt.

The festival will be held on July 28-30. For more info, go to www.norbergfestival.com

Photo: Top Five Records

ROADBURN FESTIVAL DAY 1 (April 14 2011)

2011-05-16T10:37:00.000+02:00

We arrived in Holland the day before the festival, and not a volcano in sight. Roadburn is by far the highlight of the year, and this time we planned ahead a bit more than last year. Resulting in a room at the Mercure Hotel, just a block from 013 and the Midi Theatre, perfect.

The first day of this riff filled event started out strong with the Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble at the Midi Theatre. I’d wanted to see them for quite some time, well; I actually want to lay my hands and eyes on everything that Jason Kohnen aka Bong-Ra produces. I mean, just listen to the Killahman Machine 7” singles for instance and try to prove me wrong. TKDE performed an excellent set, with their great combination of violin, horn, trumpet, soft vocals and lots of bass from Kohnen. The bass almost takes over at times; don’t know if this is intentional or if it’s just too high in the mix. Either way, I liked it!

The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble

After this perfect festival opener all we could do was to stay at the Midi. Why? Because Ghost were about to enter the stage. The place was packed of course, since the Ghost hype is far from over. When the robe clad members walked on stage you could barely move up front without being elbowed by some dude with a camera. Does the band deserve all this fuzz then? I guess you know where I stand on this. Last time I saw them was when they opened for Watain in October 2010. That whole night was one of the highlights for that entire year, and the Roadburn set worked as a great reprisal of said night. I saw them again a few days ago (May 13), and they managed to make me like them even more by adding the Beatles’ cover “Here Comes the Sun” to the set list.

Ghost

Over to the main stage at the 013 where Wovenhand had taken the stage. I was really glad that Roadburn finally booked them to play. And what a set they did. David Eugene Edwards owns the stage like no one else. I found myself almost paralyzed, just standing there staring at him where he sat on the side of the stage on a chair with guitar in hand. It was pretty overwhelming at times and I almost couldn’t take it anymore. Strange feeling that; one part of me wants to stay, taking it all in, wanting more. And one part just wants to flee, longing for something easy to absorb...

Wovenhand

Staying in front of the main stage waiting for band I’d wanted to see for, well, it seems like forever. I’m talking about Pentagram and I was trying not to get my hopes up too much. Back in my mind I was sure that they weren’t going to show up, but all of a sudden Bobby Liebling and Victor Griffin are right in front of me. Bobby is running around on stage in his high heels and seems to be in a very good mood, joking with the audience in between songs. It was a good show, but it was nothing mind blowing I have to admit. I heard later on that the band weren’t that satisfied with the Roadburn set and that they could do a lot better. I believe them, but still, it was Pentagram and I got to finally see them.

Pentagram

Had to miss the last bit of the Pentagram set and head over to the Green Room to catch Today is the Day. That’s of course the thing with Roadburn; it’s all about compromising. On the other hand, on most occasions I’m satisfied with a 30 minute show, so this luxury problem isn’t really what I would call a problem. Still, you can’t see all the bands no matter how much you run around between the stages, but going to see TITD was a no brainer. It was an awesome set, and I didn’t expect less from these guys. For some reason I don’t remember much of their show, and my notes are extremely cryptic, even for me. Maybe it was because what was about to hit me on the main stage...

Today is the Day

Godflesh! Never thought this day would come. But here they are; Justin Broadrick and G.C. Green right in front of me, ready to perform their entire debut full length “Streetcleaner”. Knowing what a great musician Broadrick is, and what an excellent album “Streetcleaner” is this could in no way go wrong. Of course it didn’t either. Godflesh really gave it all on stage. Even after the first track, “Like Rats” it looked like Justin Broadrick was about to collapse of exhaustion. But he just kept going giving it more and more for the entire hour and a half.

Godflesh

The first day was almost over and I tried to decide which of last bands I was going to see. Carlton Melton, Count Raven or Soilent Green. I chose the latter, and well, the band and the crowd seemed to be as tired as I was. Ben Falgoust made excuses to the crowd that they were suffering from jetlag, but still I think they did a good show. It was a great ending to an awesome day.

Soilent Green

MELLOW CANDLE REISSUED BY RISE ABOVE

2011-05-11T11:49:00.001+02:00

The legendary "Swaddling Songs" album from Irish acid folk band Mellow Candle will be reissued on vinyl on June 27. And which label is more fitting than Rise Above Relics to handle this, as they did a fantastic job on Comus "First Utterance".

The reissue will be a pretty massive release, with two LP's and two 7" singles. The first LP is of course the "Swaddling Songs" album, and the second is a compilation of demo tracks, including some unreleased ones, from the 60's and early 70's. The two singles are replicas of the bands 1968 and 1972 7" singles; "Feeling High" and "Dan the Wing", where the latter comes in a rare promo sleeve.

As if all this wasn't enough, you also get a booklet with lots of rare photos and such. The release is of course 100% official and is an analogue transfer from the original tapes.

Swaddling Songs original 1972 LP
Side One
1. Heaven Heath
2. Sheep Season
3. Silversong
4. The Poet & The Witch
5. Messenger Birds
6. Dan The Wing
Side Two
7. Reverend Sisters
8. Break Your Token
9. Buy or Beware
10. Vile Excesses
11. Lonely Man
12. Boulders on My Grave

Bonus LP Demos 60s/early 70s
Side One
1. Dan The Wing (demo)
2. Waterman Weatherman (demo)
3. Buy or Beware (demo)
4. Heaven Heath (demo)
5. Sheep Season (demo)
6. Break Your Token (demo)
7. Lonely Man (demo)
Side Two
8. Silver Song (demo)
9. Poet & The Witch (demo)
10. Boulders on my Grave (demo)
11. Crabtree (unreleased demo)
12. Pretty Polly (unreleased demo)
13. Faustus (unreleased demo)
14. Mobile Line (unreleased)

Bonus 7" (1968)
1. Feeling High
2. Tea With The Sun

Bonus 7" (1972)
1. Dan the Wing
2. Silversong

PIERCED ARROWS LIVE REVIEW FROM 2009

2011-04-28T00:30:00.000+02:00

While we're on the subject. Here's a review I wrote after Pierced Arrows' last Stockholm visit. On September 11 2009 to be exact. Complete with a couple of crappy mobile phone pictures. Can't wait to see them again in May.

Pierced Arrows – Debaser Slussen, Stockholm, Sweden September 11 2009

Opening act Masshysteri is a tight jeaned Swedish punk band, and they can count to 1-2-3-4 as well. Cool stuff if you’re up for it. But now on to why we’re here, Dead… I mean, Pierced Arrows. Not much have changed since the days of Dead Moon. Married couple Fred and Toody Cole is still here, with drummer Kelly Halliburton (Severed Head of State, Defiance) in between, forming a splendid garage punk sandwich.

I met Fred and Toody when they came out from toilet, and minutes later they rocked my ass off. The very same ass that lead me into the toilet in the first place. Debaser Slussen is really the place where fanboy fantasies come true. Not that I dream of meeting rock stars in the toilet all day long. Although I can think of a couple… Anyway, I digress. I guess a lot of people came to see and hear Dead Moon, wishing for a greatest hits set or something. But that’s not why we or Pierced Arrows are here. Debut album “Straight to the Heart”, released on the bands Tombstone label can really stand on its own. To be honest though, of course I shine up a little when they play “It’s Ok” towards the end.

Pierced Arrows deliver an excellent set, garage punk at its purest. The chemistry on stage is almost overwhelming. When I see Fred’s smile every time he looks over at his wife, I suddenly understand where all those great songs come from. And there’s more to come, the band are working on a new album with working title "Descending Shadows". Hopefully they’ll be back soon.

PIERCED ARROWS EUROPEAN TOUR

2011-04-27T23:04:00.002+02:00

American rock n' rollers Pierced Arrows, with former Dead Moon couple Fred and Toody Cole will head out for a European tour in May/June. Here are the dates:

May 06     Mylos     Thessaloniki
May 07     t.b.a.     Larisa
May 08     Tiki     Athens
May 12     Hirscheneck     Basel
May 13     Eden Club     Ulm
May 14     Alte Hackerei     Karlsruhe
May 17     Sonic Ballroom     Köln
May 18     Muziekodrome     Hasselt
May 19     Ponyhof     Frankfurt
May 20     Rambler     Eindhoven
May 21     Little Devil     Tilburg
May 22     DB     Utrecht
May 24     Crystal Club     Berlin
May 25     Rosenkeller     Jena
May 26     Hafenklang     Hamburg
May 27     Private party     Kopenhagen
May 28     Strand     Stockholm
May 29     Sticky Fingers     Gothenburg
May 31     John Dee     Oslo
Jun 03     DOM     Helsinki
Jun 04     Stengade     Kopenhagen
Jun 05     Vera     Groningen

BELZEBONG GIVE AWAY NEW ALBUM FOR FREE

2011-04-23T13:56:00.000+02:00

The Polish act Belzebong were new to me when I first heard them a couple of days ago. I loved them right away. Their four track album, "Sonic Scapes & Weedy Grooves" is an excellent slab of stoner doom which reminds me a lot of the latest Bongripper album, and that says a lot! Also, if you have the good taste to take a sample from the 1968 flick "Alice in Acidland", then you're more than ok in my book.

"Sonic Scapes & Weedy Grooves" can be downloaded for free here (it was by the way of course released on April 20). And please guys, put this out on vinyl!

WE'RE OFF TO ROADBURN

2011-04-12T22:00:00.000+02:00

Finally! At this very moment I'm packing my bags to head off to Holland in the morning. To Holland to do what? We're gonna get our doom on at the Roadburn Festival of course. We're going to see bands such as Sunn O))), Swans, Weedeater, Shrinebuilder, Candlemass, Master Musicians of Bukkake, Stone Axe, Ghost, Godflesh, Pentagram, Voivod and well, many more. We're gonna spend all our money on merch, records and beer.

To support us in our time of need, go to www.topfiverecords.se and buy some records while we're away. We won't process any orders while on the road, but your orders will be reserved for you. We've recently added loads of great records, go check them out.

BORIS EUROPEAN TOUR WITH RUSSIAN CIRCLES

2011-04-08T11:43:00.000+02:00

Japan's heavy rockers Boris will head out for a European tour this summer. Support act will be none other than Russian Circles. The two new Boris albums, "Attention Please" and "Heavy Rocks" will be out on May 24.

Here are the dates:

Jun 17, 2011 Tilburg, Netherlands, 013 Popcentrum
Jun 18, 2011 Brugge, Belgium, Entrepot
Jun 19, 2011 London, United Kingdom, ULU
Jun 20, 2011 Manchester, United Kingdom, Islington Mill
Jun 21, 2011 Bristol, United Kingdom, The Fleece
Jun 22, 2011 Paris, France, La Maroquinerie
Jun 29, 2011 Barcelona, Spain, Apolo 2
Jun 30, 2011 Zurich, Switzerland, Rote Fabrik
Jul 1, 2011 Karlsruhe, Germany, Jubez
Jul 2, 2011 Munich, Germany, Feierwerk
Jul 7, 2011 Vienna, Austria, Arena Vienna
Jul 8, 2011 Leipzig, Germany, UT Connewitz
Jul 9, 2011 Prague, Czech Republic, Matrix Klub
Jul 10, 2011 Berlin, Germany, Festsaal Kreuzberg
Jul 11, 2011 Hamburg, Germany, HafenKlang
Jul 13, 2011 Oslo, Norway, John Dee
Jul 14, 2011 Stockholm, Sweden, Strand
Jul 16, 2011 Dortmund, Germany, Fzw

NEW 7" FROM NITAD OUT SOON

2011-04-06T19:00:00.000+02:00

Stockholm punks Nitad have a new 7" out on April 16. It's called "En Ding Ding Värld" and will be released via Adult Crash Records (AC#14). The EP includes four tracks and there will be a limited version with silk screened cover. Nitad will have these with them for sale when they play at the Sound Pollution record store in Stockholm on Record Store Day (April 16).

http://www.adult-crash.com/

ROADBURN SPECIAL ON RADIO TONIGHT

2011-04-06T18:47:00.000+02:00

Tonight, on Netherlands' Majjem Radio there will be a four hour long Roadburn special. It's on at 21.00 CET and will include a one hour interview with Stephen O'Malley from Sunn O))) as well as music from the new Sunn O))) live album, "Agharthi Live 09-10", exclusive track from Void Ov Voices, a track from the forthcoming Master Musicians of Bukkake album, "Totem 3" and loads more Roadburn 2011 music.

You can listen to the stream here.

HENRIK FRYKMAN OF DISFEAR HAS DIED

2011-03-31T00:12:00.001+02:00

The very sad news reached us today, via Blabbermouth, that Disfear bassist Henrik Frykman has passed away after a battle with cancer. The band has released the following statement:

"It is with heavy hearts we inform you that on Friday the 25th of March Henrik Frykman passed away in his home after a long battle with cancer. Henrik will be greatly missed by family and friends."

NEW MUSIC FROM EX-CHURCH OF MISERY MEMBER

2011-03-24T22:43:00.000+01:00

Tom Sutton (that's Tom second from left), formerly a member of Church of Misery has posted some new music online under the name The Order of Israfel. As for now, it's a solo project, but the plan is to make it a proper band in the future. There's two demo tracks on Youtube, and they're, well, they're really good. Have a listen below. And here's what Tom has to say about the recordings:

"This is a demo I made on my computer. I play everything, and the drums are a drum machine. The intro has been shortened for time, but it's from the Omen III. I'm planning to move to Europe (Finland or Sweden perhaps), and will join or start a new band once I get there. It's me singing on this, but I'm not intending to sing in any bands proper. I've given the recordings the name 'The Order Of Israfel', Israfel being the angel of music, but we'll see what the band name becomes once it's really started.

The main influences are Cathedral, Candlemass/Krux, Reverend Bizarre, Place Of Skulls, Dio-era Sabbath, with a bit of Metallica or Entombed riffage.

Doom or Doom not. There is no try."

BUZZOV*EN CANCELS EUROPEAN TOUR

2011-03-24T22:19:00.000+01:00

Buzzov*en has unfortunately cancelled their European tour, including their Roadburn performance.

From Roadburn.com

We are sorry to announce that Buzzov*en has cancelled their European tour for spring 2011. Kirk Lloyd is currently undergoing medical treatments which prevent him from touring. This has the very regrettable result of meaning the band will not appear at this years Roadburn festival. We really sympathize with you as we were all were looking forward to experience the band’s vitriolic riffs and rage-filled performance gracing the Roadburn stage.

“First off, we’d like to thank you all for your support over the last year. It was a warm welcome back to the arena and everyone in the Buzzov*en camp appreciated every minute of it. Now, on to the bad news. Unfortunately, Kirk is having some health issues that need to be resolved before he is able to tour again. Hence, it is with heavy hearts that we must announce the postponement of Buzzov*en’s European tour in April and our appearance at Roadburn.

We will have rescheduled dates booked and posted ASAP, and the fine folks at Roadburn have already been gracious enough to invite us to play next year’s event. Once Kirk has completed his treatments over the next several weeks, all should be well and he is expected to make a quick recovery, so the Maryland Deathfest and Hellfest appearances are both still on. soon. We’ll have another update for you shortly. Thanks for your understanding and continued support” –Buzzov*en.

We’re pleased to report that US doom legends Blood Farmers will be playing their first ever European show on Thursday, April 14th. The band is also slated to perform at the Afterburner on Sunday, April 17th. Both sets will be slightly different.

APHEX TWIN TO SWEDEN IN JULY

2011-03-16T12:35:00.000+01:00

Electronic music legend Aphex Twin, aka Richard D. James will do an exclusive live set at this years Arvikafestivalen in Arvika, Sweden. The event takes place 14-16 July and tickets are out now at 595 SEK. That's for all three days and includes camping.

Other confirmed acts are Front 242, Digitalism, Hocico and Covenant.

http://www.arvikafestivalen.se

LOTUS EATERS "WURMWULV" OUT ON VINYL SOON

2011-03-16T00:55:00.003+01:00

The 2007 album from Lotus Eaters, "Wurmwulv", previously released on CD by Troubleman Unlimited, will soon be out on vinyl via Taiga Records.

The album has been rearranged, remixed and remastered by James Plotkin, and it also includes material from their self-titled Drone Records 7". The D-side vinyl features an etching by Aaron Turner and the packaging is designed by Stephen O'Malley.

The vinyl variations are 100 on transparent cola bottle green, 300 on opaque metallic silver and 600 on black 200g virgin vinyl. The vinyl records are pressed and ready, the label are just waiting for the Stoughton tip-on gatefold jackets to be manufactured, so any day now.

Lotus Eaters are Aaron Turner, James Plotkin and Stephen O'Malley.

http://www.taigarecords.com/

ROADBURN RUNNING ORDER FINISHED

2011-03-15T23:58:00.002+01:00

The dreaded moment is here; the running order for this years Roadburn Festival is finished. You know with this festival, where you like, well, almost all the bands, that there's going to be some major clashes. The biggest one for me is probably that Shrinebuilder and Stone Axe play at the same time. Almost at least. If I leave the Shrinebuilder set 10 minutes before it's over, I can catch the last 30 minutes of Stone Axe.

I have a few weeks of hair pulling to make this work. But this is of course nothing compared to what the festival organizers must have felt when putting this together.

http://www.roadburn.com/2011/03/roadburn-festival-2011-the-running-order/

BAD BRAINS TO SWEDEN IN JUNE

2011-03-15T23:49:00.001+01:00

Legendary DC hardcore act Bad Brains will be a part of the West Coast Riot festival in Göteborg, Sweden on June 16. Other confirmed acts are The Dwarves, Kvelertak, The Gaslight Anthem and Hårda Tider. More acts to be confirmed.

Tickets will be out tomorrow on March 16. The first 1000 tickets will go for 650 SEK, and the rest for 750 SEK.

In related news, Bad Brains are also working on a new album which will hopefully be released late summer 2011.

http://www.westcoastriot.se/

FINAL BAND TO ROADBURN CONFIRMED

2011-03-03T00:11:00.000+01:00

Norway's Summon the Crows are confirmed to play at the Roadburn Festival. They will be a part of the day curated by Sunn O))). This completes the line-up for the 2011 fest. Now all we can do is wait for 14 April to come. By the way, Southern Lord will soon release the CD version of Summon the Crows' latest album, "One More For the Gallows".

In related news, Stephen O'Malley, Keiji Haino and Oren Ambarchi will perform the day before the festival at OCCII in Amsterdam. Be sure to go if you have the chance.

PHIL VANE OF EXTREME NOISE TERROR HAS PASSED AWAY

2011-02-24T22:24:00.000+01:00

The terrible news of Phil Vane's death reached us a couple of days ago. He was a founding member of Extreme Noise Terror and in the mid-nineties did vocal duties for Napalm Death.

On February 17 Phil Vane died in his sleep. He was only 46 years old. The band has released the following statement:

"The rumors are true. We're sorry to announce that Phil passed away recently. The band will make a full statement soon but for now we need to take the time to come to terms with this terrible loss."

MELVINS LIVE ALBUM IN MAY

2011-02-24T22:12:00.001+01:00

Melvins will release a live album, entitled "Sugar Daddy Live" on May 31 via Ipecac. It was recorded at The Busta-Guts Club in Downey, California, and includes the following tracks:

1. Nude with Boots
2. Dog Island
3. Dies Iraea
4. Civilized Worm
5. The Kicking Machine
6. Eye Flies
7. Tipping The Lion
8. Rat Faced Granny
9. The Hawk
10. You’ve Never Been Right
11. A History of Bad Men
12. Star Spangled Banner
13. Boris

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE PERFORMS DEBUT ALBUM ON EURO TOUR

2011-02-24T22:04:00.001+01:00

Queens of the Stone Age will perform their self titled debut album from 1998 in full during an upcoming European tour. The album will be reissued in March via Josh Homme's Rekords Rekords as a 180 gram double vinyl with bonus tracks; "The Bronze", "These aren't the Droids You're Looking For" and "Spiders and Vinegaroons".

Here are the dates:

May 02 - Cologne, GER - E-Werk
May 03 - Brussels, BEL - Ancienne Belgique
May 04 - Groningen, NET - Oostersport
May 06 - Stockholm, SWE - Cirkus
May 07 - Oslo, NOR - Sentrum
May 08 - Copenhagen - Vega
May 10 - Munich, GER - TonHalle
May 11 - Zurich, SWI - Komplex 457
May 12 - Graz, AUT - Schlossberg Castle
May 14 - Eindhoven, NET - Effenaar
May 15 - Amsterdam, NET - Paradiso
May 17 - London , UK - Roundhouse
May 19 - Dublin, IRE - Olympia
May 20 - Glasgow, UK - Academy
May 21 - Manchester, UK - Academy
May 23 - Paris, FRA - Olympia
May 24 - Antwerp, BEL - Trix
May 25 - Strasbourg, FRA - La Laiterie
May 26 - Dudingden, SWI - Kilbi (Festival)
May 28 - Budapest, HUN - Petofi Hall
May 29 - Prague, CZE - KC Vltavska
May 30 - Warsaw, POL - Stodola

SOUTHERN LORD TO RELEASE OFF! 7"

2011-02-18T22:46:00.003+01:00

In April, Southern Lord will release a new 7" with hardcore punk act Off! The single includes the two new tracks "Compared To What" and "Rotten Apple".

There will also be a limited pressing of the vinyl, with the Vans shoe design. These will be sold during Off!'s US tour with Trash Talk.

EYEHATEGOD DVD TRAILER + NEW SONG LIVE

2011-02-18T18:57:00.000+01:00

In case you've missed this, Eyehategod will release a live DVD on March 21. Check out the trailer below for more details. Also, while we're at it, check out the live clip where Eyehategod performs a new song, live in Philadelphia a couple of nights ago. Great stuff as usual.

SHRINEBUILDER CANCELS STOCKHOLM GIG

2011-02-18T13:11:00.000+01:00

The Shrinebuilder concert, that was going to take place on April 13 in Stockholm is unfortunately cancelled. This is due to some changes in the bands tour schedule, which makes it impossible for them to travel up to Stockholm.

For those of you with tickets, you'll of course get your money back from where you bought them.

CATHEDRAL RETIRES FROM THE SCENE

2011-02-07T23:18:00.000+01:00

Doom veterans Cathedral, who recently celebrated 20 years as band, has decided to call it quits. Well, not at this exact moment, but some time next year. The band are planning several final performances during 2011, as well as a farewell show in London. We'll keep you updated when dates becomes available.

We can also look forward to a new album to be released in 2012. It's really sad to see Cathedral go, but I absolutely respect their decision.

GRAILS NEW ALBUM IN FEBRUARY

2011-02-04T02:35:00.000+01:00

The new album from Grails, "Deep Politics", will be out via Temporary Residence on February 22.

Here's what the label has to say about the album:

Deep Politics was conceived during the lengthiest gestation period between Grails albums, and reflects a deeper, more educated level of concentration. In their ongoing exploration of occult/fringe culture and the rich history of film music, they have cultivated a unique environment that inspires both an eternal sense of longing and an indelible sense of dread. Produced by the band, as always, the most immediately noticeable advances are the lush string arrangements (courtesy of acclaimed composer Timba Harris) and increasing use of the same kind of fetishistic cut-and-paste production techniques that made producers like RZA and MF Doom hip-hop legends. It's a seemingly unlikely twist to the Grails aesthetic, but not unusual given the size of the pot in which they've stirred just about every genre imaginable. Through tireless exploration and awe-inspiring execution, Grails have found their true calling as purveyors of a new kind of library music, to be discovered by future generations of crate diggers and curious forward-thinkers.

GRAVE MIASMA AND TRAP THEM TO ROADBURN

2011-02-04T02:23:00.001+01:00

Both Grave Miasma and Trap Them has been confirmed to the Roadburn Festival in April. They will play on the day curated by Sunn O))). This means, by my count, that Sunn O))) has one more act to confirm, and then the line-up will be complete. And what a line-up!

By the way, the first image above is the official Roadburn artwork, made by David V. D'Andrea. Nice one!

BURZUM NEW ALBUM IN MARCH

2011-02-04T01:40:00.001+01:00

A year after last album "Belus", Burzum brings us another new release. "Fallen" will be out on March 7 via Back on Black. Varg Vikernes seems to be very productive now after his stint in jail. If you liked "Belus" you will definitely not be disappointed with "Fallen", as it sounds like the natural follow-up.

The album will be released on 180 gram black vinyl, limited edition 180 gram clear vinyl (3000 copies) and digipak CD.

Tracklist:

SIDE A
1. Fraverdenstreet (1:03)
2. Jeg Faller (7:50)
3. Valen (9:21)
4. Vanvidd (7:05)
(Total side length 25:19)
SIDE B
5. Enhver Til Sitt (6:16)
6. Budstikken (10:09)
7. Til Hel Og Tilbake Igjen (Frahel) (5:57)
(Total side length 22:22)

CHURCH OF MISERY REISSUES FROM RISE ABOVE

2011-02-04T00:55:00.004+01:00

Rise Above presents some excellent news. On April 11 they will reissue two very sought after releases with Japan's Church of Misery; their first two albums. They will be released both on CD and limited edition vinyl.

Debut album, "Master of Brutality" was originally released by Southern Lord in 2001. This reissue comes re-mastered, re-packaged and including bonus tracks.

The second album, "The Second Coming" was originally released in 2004, and this one also comes re-mastered, re-packaged and with a bonus track.

Church of Misery will also head out for a full European tour to coincide with these releases. More details about this later on.

Full track listings for the two albums looks like this:

"Master of Brutality (RISECD/LP134)"
1. Killfornia (Ed Kemper)
2. Ripping Into Pieces (Peter Sutcliffe)
3. Meglomania (Hurbert Mullin)
4. Green River
5. Cities on Flame
6. Master of Brutality (John Wayne Gacy)
Bonus Tracks
7. Boston Strangler (Albert De Salvo)
8. Candy Man (Dean Coroll)
9. Lucifer Rising (Live)

"The Second Coming" (RISECD/LP135)
1. I, Motherfucker (Ted Bundy)
2. Soul Discharge (Mark Essex)
3. Red Ripper Blues (Andrei Chikatilo)
4. Filth Bitch Boogie (Aileen Wuornos)
5. One Way Or Another (Cactus cover)
6. Candy Man (Dean Coroll)
7. El Topo
Bonus Track
8. For Madmen Only (May Blitz cover)

EYEHATEGOD EURO TOUR

2011-02-01T23:21:00.000+01:00

Eyehategod just posted a few European dates on their site, and from what I can gather there are more in the works. These dates are confirmed so far:

Jun. 17 - Val de Moine (Hellfest) - Clisson, France
Jun. 18 - Kristonfest at Bilbao - Bilbao, Spain
Jun. 21 - La[2] - Barcelona, Spain
Jul. 09 - Club YK - Helsink, Finland
Jul. 10 - Lutakko - Jyväskylä, Finland

WEEDEATER NEW TRACK POSTED ONLINE

2011-02-01T23:11:00.000+01:00

Brooklyn Vegan treats us with a new track from the forthcoming Weedeater album, "Jason... the Dragon", to be released in March via Southern Lord.

Listen to the track here.

VENETIAN SNARES EURO TOUR

2011-01-28T00:58:00.001+01:00

Venetian Snares aka Aaron Funk visits our shores in February and March. Of course there are no Swedish dates, why break a pattern? Or maybe I should stop complaining and start booking bands myself?

Anyway, here are the dates:

February 23 Xoyo - London, UK
February 24 Coalition - Brighton, UK
February 25 Crawdaddy - Dublin, Ireland
February 26 Jabez - Manchester, UK
March 2 Channel Zero - Ljubljana, Slovenia
March 3 Batofar - Paris, France
March 4 Petrol - Antwerp, Belgium
March 9 Palace St Gallen - St Gallen, Switzerland
March 11 Row 14 - Barcelona, Spain
March 12 Bloc - Minehead, UK

Also, if you're lucky enough to be in Winnipeg, Canada in May you're in for a real treat:

Merzbow with special guest Venetian Snares and Not Half
22 May at The Royal Albert Arms Hotel in Winnipeg

SHRINEBUILDER TO STOCKHOLM IN APRIL

2011-01-26T02:37:00.000+01:00

Shrinebuilder, yeah you know who they are by now, if not, look at the picture, will perform in Stockholm in April courtesy of the good people at Blod & Svärd. The place to be is Strand, and the date is 13 April.

Of course it's the same date we fly away to Roadburn. I guess I'll just have to see them there or something...

Get your tickets here.

NEWS FROM DE:NIHIL RECORDS

2011-01-26T02:24:00.001+01:00

The next release from Sweden's De:Nihil Records will be a 7" with Austrian punk/hc band Anstalt, with Dan from The Accidents and Genocide Super Stars as well as members from Demenzia Kollektiva.

Also in the works is a new EP by Kvoteringen. This will be released later this spring with D-Takt & Råpunk Records. We will of course have both these releases in stock as soon as they are upon us.

We still have a few copies left of De:Nihil's first release; a 7" from Nitad called "Den Gudomliga Världen". Get it here.

Speaking of Nitad, they will play at Debaser Slussen in Stockholm on 5 February, supported by Optic Nest.

WEEDEATER CHASING THE DRAGON

2011-01-25T02:42:00.002+01:00

Southern Lord just posted the finished album artwork for the new Weedeater record, and I just had to share it with you. "Jason... the Dragon" will be out in March, and as you already know, the band will play at Roadburn.

AMEBIX NEW ALBUM IN SEPTEMBER

2011-01-25T02:32:00.000+01:00

The legends that are Amebix will release their new album in September. It's a while away, but my guess is that it will be worth the wait. Entitled "Sonic Mass", it will be released on CD by Alternative Tentacles and on vinyl via Profane Existence.

Alternative Tentacles, of course, put out the debut full length by Amebix; "Arise!". While Profane Existence released "Redux" last year, an EP with three re-recorded old tracks, plus a live one.

"Sonic Mass" was recorded in Derbyshire and Northampton, and engineered, mixed and produced by new Amebix drummer Roy Mayorga (Nausea, Crisis, Soulfly, Stone Sour).

Photos by Fin McAteer

A FEW MORE ROADBURN ACTS CONFIRMED

2011-01-25T02:13:00.001+01:00

Yeah I know, it's been kind of slow over here at Top Five Records. I've been moving to a new apartment, and those things apparently takes some time. Anyway, here we go.

Ufomammut's 2010 album "Eve" was voted 'album of the year' by Roadburn.com visitors, and now they are booked to play said album in its entirely at this years festival. Why "Eve" wasn't mentioned on my 'Best of 2010' list? I have no excuse.

Ufomammut commented on Roadburn.com:

"Since our “Eve” album was voted best of 2010 by Roadburn readers, playing it at the upcoming festival will have a very special meaning for Ufomammut! It’ll be our chance to properly say thanks to all the people who have supported us throughout the years. See You in April!"

Sunn O))) has chosen two more acts to their curated event at Roadburn 2011. First up is Keiji Haino. Stephen O'Malley commented on Roadburn.com:

“We are nearly beyond words regarding the honour and pleasure of Mr. Haino accepting our invitation to perform at SUNN O)))s curated Roadburn.

One of our heroes, teachers and certainly masters will appear. We have been following Mr. Haino’s music and witnessing his incredible energy for many years now. The impression that this energies have made and can reflect upon us are undeniable.

It’s forming an super-real evening! Carlson, Brötzmann, Haino! High philosophers of the six strings”.

Next up is Jesse Sykes & the Sweet Hereafter. I'm really looking forward to seeing here perform. Such a voice! Stephen O'Malley commented on Roadburn.com:

“We are pleased to announce that our great friends in the Sweet Hereafter will be joining at Roadburn next April. Jesse Sykes is one of the most beautiful chanteuses of recent times, and our collaborations have been most interesting, beautiful and arcane in their essence. Full respect!

Also of note: The magister of Seattle: William Herzog operates as bassist in this outfit and must get honourable mention. Bill has played with O))) many times in the past years as well, including on SUNN O)))s first “comeback” show at SXSW in 2003!

Sweet Hereafter guitarist and co-leader Phil Wandscher is one of my favourite guitar players as well… and a close comrade, especially in all things ALTAR related. Another officer in the guitarist army of our curated day!”

YOB CANCELS EUROPEAN TOUR INCL. ROADBURN

2011-01-10T12:50:00.000+01:00

Unfortunately Yob has cancelled their entire European tour of 2011. Which means that we won't be seeing them at Roadburn Festival either, where they were going to perform their entire 2005 album "The Unreal Never Lived". The Roadburn organizers are working hard on a replacement and says that they will have one by this Wednesday (the 12th).

Here's a statement from Mike Scheidt as published on Roadburn.com

“We regretfully must announce that YOB cannot appear at the Roadburn Festival in April 2011. We are heartbroken to not be in attendance. Roadburn 2010 was and is one of the highlight experiences of our lives, as a band and individually as people. We do intend to come to Europe sometime in 2011 and hope to be invited to Roadburn 2012. Until then we want to thank Walter, Jurgen, and everyone who makes this incredible event possible. We also wish to apologize to anyone who wanted to see YOB there this year. We promise you we will be back. Be Well – Mike S/YOB.

BONGRIPPER NEW 7" IN THE WORKS

2011-01-08T01:03:00.000+01:00

Chicago's Bongripper are heading to the studio in January to record a new 7" single. Titled "Sex Tape/Snuff Film", the band are hoping to have it ready for a May release. Their latest album is "Satan Worshipping Doom", and it's one of our favourites of 2010.

www.bongripper.com

NACHTMYSTIUM LIVE AT ROADBURN 2010 LP OUT IN FEBRUARY

2011-01-04T22:24:00.000+01:00

Roadburn Records will release Nachtmystium's excellent live set at the 2010 Roadburn Festival on vinyl in February. On the 17th to be exact.

The following is from RoadburnRecords.com:

Nachtmystium‘s Blake Judd commented: “Our experience at Roadburn was truly one of a kind. Never have we been treated so well by organizers of any festival or tour we have been a part of, and it was truly a blessing to work with the kind folks behind this amazing festival. I’d also like to thank Ron van Herpen from Astrosoniq / The Devils Blood and Teun van der Velden from Astrosoniq for stepping in on very last minute notice to help us out with the lead guitar and synthesizer duties for this performance. Without these two gentlemen, our show would not have been what it was.

For your information, readers, these two guys had THREE HOURS of practice with us EVER, on the day of the show none the less. We had not met them in person previous to the day of the show. They’d been asked to help us out (due to some unfortunate circumstances with a member of Nachtmystium having to leave for home mid-tour) about nine days before our performance at Roadburn. Both of them learned the entire set from the album recordings of the songs we played in these nine days, and then had a three hour window in the afternoon on show-day to rehearse with us as a full band.

I was (and still am every time I listen to this recording) completely blown away by how well both of these guys played. Their attention to detail was incredible, and we the band are eternally grateful for their services for this performance. So, we hope anyone listening to this recording enjoys it as much as we enjoyed performing it!

Thanks again to Walter, Jurgen and the rest of the Roadburn staff for their efforts with us directly, and for putting on what is, undoubtedly, the best heavy rock music festival in the world. If you’re a fan of festivals, be sure that at some point in your life you get to Tilburg for Roadburn. There is nothing quite like it and you will not be disappointed! Cheers and thanks to everyone who helped out and thanks to the fans who watched our set at Roadburn 2010!”

Tracklist

Away From The Light (Intro)
Your True Enemy
Ghost Of Grace
Life Of Fire
A Seed For Suffering
Chosen By No One

Hellish Overdose
Cry For Help (Intro)
High On Hate
One Of These Nights
Assassins

Line up:
Blake Judd – Rhythm and lead guitars, vocals
Ron Van Herpen – Rhythm and lead guitars
Teun van der Velden – Synthesizers
Andrew Markuszewski – Bass and vocals
Charlie Fell – Drums and percussion

MAMIFFER TO ROADBURN

2011-01-04T22:12:00.000+01:00

Another great band presented by the Sunn O))) boys. Last saw Mamiffer in Stockholm when they and Dälek opened for Isis. They're a live act you don't want to miss.

From Roadburn.com:

Mamiffer will be part of Sunn O)))‘s curated event at Roadburn Festival 2011, set for Friday, April 15th at the 013 venue in Tilburg, Holland.

Mamiffer, formed in the desert of California and realized in the forests of Seattle, is based around piano compositions of Faith Coloccia, formerly of Everlovely Lightningheart. Mamiffer’s debut album is titled Hirror Enniffer.

Mamiffer is a move away from a close collaborative process to one of solitary composition and exploration. A move to Seattle completed this process with a rotating cast of collaborators such as Aaron Turner (ISIS), Brian Cook and Chris Common (both from These Arms Are Snakes) providing arrangement, production and instrumentation.

EARTH TO ROADBURN - THE POSTER

2011-01-04T00:11:00.003+01:00

We've previously reported that Earth will play at Roadburn, as part of the day curated by Sunn O))). The poster for the concert was nowhere to be seen back then, and we just wanted to share it with you.

The new album from Earth, "Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light: 1" will be out in February via Southern Lord. And yes, it's more amazing than you could hope for. Earth will also head out for a five week tour of Europe with Sabbath Assembly. A few UK dates has been announced, but there's still more to come.

http://thronesanddominions.com/

SOME GOOD STUFF ABOUT 2010

2011-01-03T01:11:00.000+01:00

Ok, so 2010 came to an end and we've been flooded with lists over the best records of the year. I really hate doing Top 10's (or maybe it should be a Top 5 in my case), but I have to contribute with something right? So, here it goes; here's a bunch of records and live shows that was released/happened during 2010 that I liked, in no particular order.

RECORDS
NAILS Unsilent Death (Southern Lord)
THE SECRET Solve Et Coagula (Southern Lord)
GHOST Opus Eponymous (Rise Above)
ELECTRIC WIZARD Black Masses (Rise Above)
STONE AXE II (Music Abuse)
MELVINS The Bride Screamed Murder (Ipecac)
AGALLOCH Marrow of the Spirit (Profound Lore)
BONGRIPPER Satan Worshipping Doom (Self Released)
WATAIN Lawless Darkness (Season of Mist)
BURZUM Belus (Byelobog Productions)
HIGH ON FIRE Snakes For the Divine (Century Media)
CATHEDRAL The Guessing Game (Nuclear Blast)
BLACK BREATH Heavy Breathing (Southern Lord)
KVELERTAK Kvelertak (Indie Recordings)
DEATHSPELL OMEGA Paracletus (Season of Mist)
KYLESA Spiral Shadow (Season of Mist)

SHOWS
GOATSNAKE Roadburn Festival, Tilburg, Holland
GHOST Klubben, Stockholm, Sweden
MF DOOM Strand, Stockholm, Sweden
EYEHATEGOD Roadburn Festival, Tilburg, Holland
KTL Kägelbanan, Stockholm, Sweden
RED SPAROWES Debaser Slussen, Stockholm, Sweden
MONO Strand, Stockholm, Sweden
CHURCH OF MISERY Roadburn Festival, Tilburg, Holland
MERZBOW Kägelbanan, Stockholm, Sweden
THRONES Fylkingen, Stockholm, Sweden
THORR'S HAMMER Roadburn Festival, Tilburg, Holland
COMUS Roadburn Festival, Tilburg, Holland
EARTHLESS Roadburn Festival, Tilburg, Holland
BONG Roadburn Festival, Tilburg, Holland

There you have it. I'm sure I've forgotten some, but needless to say it was a good year. I already know one album that's going to make my 2011 list. Listening to it right now...

CASPAR BRÖTZMANN MASSAKER TO ROADBURN

2011-01-03T00:36:00.000+01:00

Forgot to write about this, and I'm sure that you already know by now. But just to be sure, Caspar Brötzmann Massaker will play at Roadburn as part of the day curated by Sunn O))). Great news!

From Roadburn.com

Stephen O’ Malley comments: “Greg and I are proud and honored to announce that Caspar Brötzmann Massaker will be performing set during the Sunn O))) curated day at Roadburn Festival, April 15th 2011. Brötzmann and his band have been a major source of inspiration on both of us over the years and we are very enthusiastic about the booking.”

SOUTHERN LORD VINYL NEWS INCL. BURNING WITCH BOX INFO

2010-12-11T23:09:00.001+01:00

The Southern Lord label has offered us some great vinyl releases this year, and there's no sign of slowing down during 2011. Lord of the label, Greg Anderson posted a blog entry summing up 2010 and giving us some teasers on what's to come. And yes, it includes an update on the Burning Witch box set we've been longing for for quite some time now. Here's the post in its entirety:

As the year comes winding (crashing) down I recently was reflecting on the amazing amount of incredible vinyl releases we had this year.
First off is the list of the releases that were included in the 2010 Southern Lord Vinyl Subscription Series (subscriptions are still available for sale but act fast as we don't have many!)

1. Black Cobra-”Chronomega” LP
2. Ascend-”Ample Fire Within 2xLP
3. Pelican- What We All Come To Need” 2xlp
4. Trap Them-”Filth Rathions” LP
5. Twilight-Monument To Time End” 2x LP
6. Yob-”The Great Cessation” 2xLP

and these were also released in 2010 on Southern Lord:

7. Boris - Absolutego 2xLP
8. Boris - Amplifier Worship 2xLp
9. BXI - S/T LP
10. Black Breath - Heavy Breathing LP
11. Goatsnake - Flower of Disease LP
12. Goatsnake - 1+Dog Days 2xLP
13. Corrosion of Conformity - Your Tomorrow 7"
14. Righteous Fool - 7"
15. Earth - A Bureaucratic Desire for Extra Capsular Extractions 2xLP
16. Nails - Unsilent Death LP
17. the Secret - Solve Et Coagula LP
18. Thou - Summit LP
19. Lebanon - Overdose/Overload 7"

19 different vinyl releases!!!! Holy fuck that's a lot! hahahahahhah. The majority of these vinyls are still available within the Southern Lord store. The Boris lps (Absolutego & Amplifier Worship), and Righteous Fool 7" are sold out. Yob and Pelican lps are now ONLY available via the Southern Lord vinyl subscription series.

While on the subject and within this space I wanted to spread some info about upcoming releases and post info on the “infamous” Burning Witch- Box set that has sparked alot of heated interest via the net!

the following are forthcoming vinyl releases we're excited to announce:

- sunn 0))) - Agharhi 09-10. This is a live sunn 0))) album and is ONLY available via the Southern Lord Vinyl subscription series or at sunn 0)))'s Roadburn performance April 15th 2011, @103 in Tilburg, Holland. More info about this release is on the previous blog posting!

- Baptists - 7". Absolutely raging, chaotic, punishing hardcore from Vancouver, Canada. This is the band first release and we guarantee it will completely flatten you. FFO: Cursed, Converge etc..

- Earth - Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light 1 2xLP w/ etching on 4th side. The brand new studio album from Earth. Haunting, beautiful and epic!

- Weedeater - Jason The Dragon LP. Brand new studio album from the filthiest, sludgiest mongers to ever crawl out of the South. Done with Albini again!

- Winter - Into Darkness LP. Deluxe reissue of this essential classic slab of crust-ridden doom! Will feature many unseen photos, flyers etc..

- Early Graves - Goner LP. Exclusive vinyl release of this raging album. Singer Makh Daniels was taken from us too early. This release is a memorial to him.

- Misantropic - Insomnia LP. Raging crust-metal from Sweden. TOTAL Sacrilege-UK Behind the Realms of Madness worship!

Finally…here is the deal with the Buring Witch - Rift Canyon Dreams/Towers 4xLP box set. We got test pressings for this back around February 2009. They sound incredible and have been approved by all parties! Unfortunately due to the very elaborate packaging that this release has the overall price is extremely high! We’ve been having a very difficult time finding the money and time to dedicate to seeing this project through. We would very much like to see this finally come out but at the moment we really cant positively say when that will be! Bottom line is that the release has not been “canceled” but it is on hold at the moment.

In closing, …Thanks for your support. Without we are nothing. LONG LIVE VINYL!

HENRY & GLENN FOREVER FIRST ANIMATED CARTOON

2010-12-10T23:56:00.000+01:00

You've read the comic book, now watch the cartoon. Based on the Henry & Glenn Forever comic book created by The Igloo Tornado; here's Henry & Glenn Forever starring in "A Very Special Anti-X-Mas Special." Written, directed and animated by Tom Neely (www.iwilldestroyyou.com).

MELVINS SPACELAND RESIDENCY DETAILS

2010-12-10T23:49:00.002+01:00

As some of you probably already know, Melvins will play a Friday residency in January 2011 at Spaceland in Los Angeles. Now, LA Weekly has released the details on the different themes for the four shows. Man, I wish I could go...

First show (1/7) is:
Melvins set.
(Colossus of Destiny)
Lysol record
Eggnog record...

Second show (1/14):
Melvins 1983.
Melvins set.
Houdini record.

Third show (1/21):
Melvins Lite.
Melvins set.
Bullhead record.

Fourth show (1/28)
Melvins set.
Stoner Witch record.

LUSTMORD TO STOCKHOLM

2010-12-08T12:48:00.001+01:00

When Lustmord (Brian Williams) performed in Krakow a couple of months ago, it was his second live performance in 29 years. On January 15, 2011 Lustmord will perform in Stockholm as part of the annual Art's Birthday Party at Södra Teatern. And you know what? The event is free, so no excuses.

While in Stockholm, Brian Williams will also be doing a seminar at Elektronmusikstudion EMS. More details about that as we have them.

http://www.sodrateatern.com/
http://www.lustmord.com/

TEE PEE RECORDS EURO TOUR

2010-12-08T02:00:00.001+01:00

Tee Pee Records, you know, the label which has trademarked good taste, presents a European tour with some of their finest acts. Naam, Quest For Fire, Mirror Queen and The Atomic Bitchwax are all heading our way in April 2011.

Here are the dates:

TUE   05. Apr   GER   Wiesbaden   Schlachthof
WED   06. Apr   A   Vienna   Arena
THU   07. Apr   GER   Würzburg   Cafe Cairo
FRI   08. Apr   GER   Dresden   Groovestation
SAT   09. Apr   GER   Hohenstein   Schützenhaus
SUN   10. Apr   GER   Berlin   Magnet
MON   11. Apr   GER   Hamburg   Molotow
TUE   12. Apr   GER   Marburg   KFZ
WED   13. Apr   GER   Dortmund   Piano
THU   14. Apr   NL   Tilburg   Roadburn
FRI   15. Apr   GER   Jena   Rose
SAT   16. Apr   A   Salzburg   B. lack
SUN   17. Apr   A   Millstatt   Bergwerk
TUE   19. Apr   ITA   Torino   United Club
WED   20. Apr   ITA   Brescia   Latte & Live
THU   21. Apr   CH   Luzern   Sedel
FRI   22. Apr   CH   Winterthur   Gaswerk
SAT   23. Apr   GER   Weil der Stadt   JH Kloster
SUN   24. Apr   F   Paris   Nouveau Casino
MON   25. Apr   NL   Rotterdam    Baroeg
WED   27. Apr   UK   London   Underworld

TOP FIVE RECORDS NEW STORE ONLINE

2010-11-28T17:26:00.001+01:00

Our new store is finally online. We haven't added all our stock yet though, but records are being added daily, so keep checking the site. If you find any bugs, please let us know.

The address is the same as before: www.topfiverecords.se

ÆTHENOR DECEMBER TOUR

2010-11-28T12:20:00.003+01:00

Droners Æthenor are heading out for a short tour in December. The band will perform as a trio: Steve Noble (percussions), Daniel O'Sullivan (keys) and Stephen O'Malley (guitar). Kristoffer Rygg will unfortunately not be joining the tour due to health issues.

Here are the dates:

DEC 2010
7 Chateau Rouge / Prague / CZ
8 Arena / Vienna / AU
9 Unwound / Padova / IT
10 Teatro Rasi / Ravenna / IT
11 Sala Teatro Espace / Torino / IT
12 La Casa / Milano / IT
13 Mono Spazio Bar / Pescara / IT
14 Galleria Toledo / Naples / IT
15 Init Club / Roma / IT

Pictured right is the tour shirt that will be available at the concerts, the new album, "En Form For Blå" will also be available for purchase.

MELVINS LATEST ALBUM ON VINYL + A LIMITED TEST PRESS

2010-11-27T16:02:00.002+01:00

Finally a vinyl version will be released of the Melvins latest album, "The Bride Screamed Murder". It will be out via Amphetamine Reptile Records some time in January, if everything goes as planned. If you can't wait, you can spend your life savings on a test press of the record, limited to 5 copies. How, you ask? Straight from the Melvins' mouths:

"In the meantime we have a special TEST PRESSING release. A special sleeve (pictured here) made for the ...Test Press ONLY. There are only 5 TP's and Retardist artist HAZE XXL screwed one of 'em with spray paint!. Only 5 made and heading to eBay soon to fund the splatter vinyl and special Letterpress printing used on the regular edition!

eBay auctions begin Nov. 29- Monday"

SABBATH ASSEMBLY TO ROADBURN

2010-11-27T15:45:00.000+01:00

The following is from Roadburn.com

We’re excited to report that Sabbath Assembly will be part of the 2011 Roadburn Festival lineup, set for Friday, April 15th at the Midi Theatre, Tilburg, Holland.

Sabbath Assembly is a modern response to the musical activities of a cult known as The Process Church of the Final Judgment.

In the late 60's and into the 70's, The Process opened chapters in London, Europe and across the United States. Processians dressed in black cloaks, walked the streets with German Shepherds and sang of the gnostic reconciliation of Christ and Satan. Sabbath Assembly has re-charged the cult’s original hymns for the current generation.

ROADBURN SOLD OUT IN 20 MINUTES

2010-11-27T15:37:00.000+01:00

Another record for the Roadburn Festival. The tickets for the 2011 fest sold out in approx. 20 minutes. There might be a few tickets left though, since some payments are still pending. Head over to ticketmaster.nl to see if you're lucky. In case you missed out, there's still tickets left for the Afterburner on April 17. The Afterburner tickets go for 25 Euro, and you'll get bands like Black Mountain, Dead Meadow, Coffins, Black Pyramid and many more.

Hope to see you all in Tilburg in April!

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY TO ROADBURN

2010-11-26T00:22:00.000+01:00

Corrosion of Conformity reunited a while ago with the classic "Animosity" line-up, and now they are confirmed to play at the 2011 Roadburn Festival, as part of the Sunn O))) curated day. The line-up is of course: Mike Dean (bass, vocals), Woody Weatherman (guitar) and Reed Mullin (drums).

The last time I saw Corrosion of Conformity live, they opened for Metallica during the "Load" tour in 1996. James Hetfield even joined them on stage when they did "Seven Days" from the "Deliverance" album. It was a great show, but I bet the Roadburn performance will be better.

MORE AFTERBURNER BANDS

2010-11-26T00:05:00.000+01:00

Even more bands has been confirmed for the Roadburn Afterburner event. That is, the day after the festival, or the fourth day, as it now seems to be almost as big as any of the other three festival days. Sourvein, Coffins and Samsara Blues Experiment are all booked for the fest.

The following is from Roadburn.com

Featuring former members of 13 and Buzzov*en in their ranks, Sourvein offers low-tuned, balls out, southern sludge metal. Word on the streets is that they have been slaying audiences across the US for the last couple of years with their heavy-as-fuck assault.

Influenced by old school 80s and 90s doom and thrash, Japan’s Coffins death metal onslaught also shows some heavy and oppressive sludge metal tendencies keeping them somewhere near the doom category, despite the band’s occasional upbeat parts or outbursts of speed. Since 1996, Coffins has put out crushing release after release culminating into 2008's Buried Death, a punishing masterpiece of death doom (think Come my Fanatics-era Electric Wizard playing death metal, and you get Coffins).

Roadburn is very pleased to announce that Samsara Blues Experiment will be part of the 2011 Afterburner lineup. Originally scheduled to play this years Roadburn Festival in April, guitarist Christian Peters was rushed to the hospital only seconds before the band got on stage. The remaining band members ended up jamming with David Eering from The Machine.

Utilizing both heavy riffage and psychedelic blues-jamming, Samsara Blues Experiment offer 21th Century Krautrock that will appeal to doom and stoner fans alike. The band caused quite a stir with their debut full-length Long Distance Trip, and we’re very happy that these spaced out cosmonauts will be part of Roadburn Festival 2011.

WINTER REISSUED BY SOUTHERN LORD

2010-11-24T12:39:00.001+01:00

As we already have reported, doom legends Winter are confirmed to play an exclusive special performance at the 2011 Roadburn Festival, as part of the day curated by Sunn O))). Now, Southern Lord lets us know that they are planning a special vinyl and CD reissue of Winter recordings. Their plan is to have it ready for the festival in April next year.

We for one can't wait. More about this as it becomes official.

EARTH FINISHED RECORDING NEW ALBUM

2010-11-21T01:48:00.002+01:00

Seattle's Earth has finished the recordings of their next album. Entitled "Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light 1", it's the follow up to 2008's "The Bees Made Honey in the Lion's Skull".

The album was recorded in Seattle with producer Stuart Hallerman, who also worked on the band's 1993 album "Earth 2: Special Low-Frequency Version", as well as the 1995 album "Phase 3: Thrones and Dominions". "Angels of Darkness, Demons of Light 1" will be out in February 2011 on Southern Lord.

In related, and previously reported news, Earth will play at the Roadburn Festival next year, as part of the day curated by Sunn O))).

SUNN O))) PRESENTS THEIR FIRST BANDS TO ROADBURN

2010-11-19T11:23:00.000+01:00

Finally the first batch of bands for the Sunn O))) curated day at Roadburn 2011 are here, and it was worth the wait. We get the Southern Lord related bands, like the mighty Earth, The Secret and Atilla Csihar's Void Ov Voices. The biggest thrill though is the legendary Winter! There's been rumours floating around for quite some time that they would play, and now it's finally confirmed. We'll also get to see Scorn, Beaver, Menace Ruine, Aluk Todolo and Hooded Menace.

As previously announced, Sunn O))) themselves will also perform, and there's more bands to be confirmed.

The following is from Roadburn.com

As curator, Sunn O))) (Greg Anderson and Stephen O’Malley) are personally selecting the bands that will play during their special event, as well as performing a headlining show. Sunn O))) is Roadburn’s fourth curator, following David Tibet in 2008, Neurosis in 2009 and Triptykon’s Tom Gabriel Warrior at this year’s festival in April.

Sunn O))) comments: “Sunn O))) is honoured to present the first part of our guests for the curated day at Roadburn, April 15th 2011. They represent a broad range of bands we are fans of, and in many cases some of our closest friends and collaborators. We hope you appreciate the selection, and look forward to announcing more of our selection and allies… we will follow up soon with some words on each band specifically, so watch this space.”

TODAY IS THE DAY TO ROADBURN

2010-11-19T11:06:00.001+01:00

The following is from Roadburn.com

Some bands like to present the façade that they are evil because it makes them seem more exciting, more counter-culture, more metal. Today is the Day mastermind Steve Austin has no such need. Despite
traversing a wide musical territory (much of it not easily describable as metal) over the course of 19 years and 8 full length albums, Today is the Day stands as one of the most truly evil, misanthropic and disturbing bands of our time.

Today is the Day make “cerebral” metal bands like Tool and Mastodon seem like knuckle-dragging mouth breathers with shear scope of their musical vocabulary and their relentless exploration of the weirdest, bleakest, darkest corners of the metal universe. The Today is the Day catalog includes at least three masterpieces, Temple of the Morning Star, Today is the Day, and Willpower which run a dizzying gamut of musical styles from Slint-ish indie-rock to experimental soundscapes to kraut-metal and do it all in a way that seems completely logical and consistent even if it is infused with evil purpose and darkest intent. One of the most consistently challenging and interesting bands of our time and someone that we are truly overjoyed to welcome to the Roadburn line-up.

BLACK MATH HORSEMAN Wyllt

2010-11-15T12:53:00.000+01:00

Album. Tee Pee 2009
"Wyllt" is the debut album from this American act fronted by bassist/vocalist Sera Timms and produced by one time bassist of Kyuss and The Obsessed, Scott Reeder. We're talking post rock here I guess, but before you start yawning and complaining about yet another band trying to be Pelican, here me out for a minute. Sure, the resemblance is there, but Sera's vocals add another layer to the outcome. She sounds like a mix between Jarboe, Elizabeth Fraser of Cocteau Twins, Lisa Gerrard of Dead Can Dance, and throw in a bit of Nico as well. If these four ladies could have a child, maybe they can, I’m no scientist, her name would be Sera Timms.

The music then? I mentioned Pelican, maybe a bit hastily, on the other hand I was only trying to figure out what you were thinking. Black Math Horseman is a lot doomier and mellower than said band, sometimes too mellow though. Towards the end of the rather short album, just when I'm starting to think; "oh come on, do something", they do something. In the middle of the eleven minute closing track "Bird Of All Faiths And None\Bell From Madrone" it sounds as if the roof fell in and the band reach a potential I wish to hear more off. Hopefully on the next album.

And to the gear heads out there; yes, guitarist Ian Barry is the same Ian Barry as the custom motorcycle builder. Now you know.

www.myspace.com/blackmathhorseman

BLACK MATH HORSEMAN TO ROADBURN

2010-11-15T12:49:00.000+01:00

Yet another band that had to cancel Roadburn 2010 due to the much talked about volcano has been confirmed for the 2011 fest. Black Math Horseman is a very welcomed addition to the line-up. Now, I'm basically only missing Jesu. On the other hand, we get Godflesh, and maybe Justin doesn't wanna be all over the place.

The following is from Roadburn.com

As you all may have noticed, the line-up for Roadburn Festival 2011 has been shaping up nicely. In addition to the bands previously announced, we are very happy to report that Black Math Horseman will be part of the 2011 festival line-up. Originally scheduled to perform at this years Roadburn Festival in April 2010, Black Math Horseman ended up stuck in LA due to logistic complications arising from the volcanic eruption in Iceland. Black Math Horseman is now scheduled to play on Saturday, April 16 at the 013 venue, Tilburg, Holland.

LA’s Black Math Horseman live somewhere between the psychedelic world of 70's stoner and contemporary shoegazers which they adorn with touches of goth and post rock to create their mind altering sound.

SECOND TRAILER FOR SLOW SOUTHERN STEEL

2010-11-13T16:27:00.002+01:00

A second trailer for the upcoming movie Slow Southern Steel has been posted online. We've been waiting a long time for this documentary to be released, and now it seems as it's finally coming together. The goal is that the editing will be done by January 2011 to have it ready for the summer film festivals etc. In case you've missed the background, Slow Southern Steel is a documentary directed by CT of Rwake, about southern metal. We get bands like Weedeater, Eyehategod, Torche, Kylesa, Zoroaster and many more. CT has this to say about the film:

"The film is about underground heavy bands south of the Mason Dixon. It will have intense live performances from some of the crustiest, doomiest, and most progressive of heavy bands from the south. As will include interviews from the dirtiest and smelliest musicians, promoters, and fans from this genre about living and growing up in the bible belt, and other beautiful shit hole christian ran towns, as well as drugged out road stories, and other uncouth happenings."

Here's the latest trailer:

And here's the first one in case you missed it:

SHRINEBUILDER Shrinebuilder

2010-11-11T12:27:00.000+01:00

Album. Neurot 2009
It finally came; the album we've all been waiting for since this band was just a sparkle in Wino's eyes. Shrinebuilder is the super group of super groups. Throw in Scott "Wino" Weinrich (Saint Vitus, The Obsessed), Al Cisneros (Sleep, Om), Scott Kelly (Neurosis) and Dale Crover (Melvins, Porn) in the same room, and what do you get? One of the best album of 2009, all categories, that's what. Since the anticipations for this album was high to say the least, it was kind of scary to listen to it at first. Thoughts like "will I like this just because of who's in the band" used to keep me awake at night. Well, kinda. When the band gave us "Pyramid of the Moon", the second track via their MySpace, I wasn't too worried any more. It can only go downhill from here, I thought. It didn't.

Scott, Al and Wino all sing on the album which is a stroke of genius. They're all great singers and it gives the album a variety that is very welcomed in the genre we call doom metal. Also, because when Scott Kelly sings it sometimes becomes too much of Neurosis. And if he'd sung on the entire album it wouldn't be the same. On the other hand, I'm not the kind of person who thinks anything can be too much Neurosis, but you probably know what I mean. It's the same with Al of course; the mind automatically wanders to Sleep and Om. Wino sounds better than ever and it would have been great if he'd sung more on the album. That's probably my only complaint.

As it seems, Shrinebuilder is not just a one-off project. The band has said that this is a real group, from whom we can expect a lot more in the future. I for one can't wait.

www.myspace.com/shrinebuildergroup

YOB The Great Cessation

2010-11-11T12:12:00.000+01:00

Album. Profound Lore 2009
Things were looking bleak for Mike Scheidt. I mean, imagine breaking up a band and wanting to start fresh with a new act. An act that were very promising and their only album showed extreme potential. Then imagine some mediocre band filing a lawsuit over name similarities. I'm of course talking about Middian and their debut album "Age Eternal" (Metal Blade). Life is really shitty sometimes. This time though, it all has a happy ending and Scheidt has the last laugh. He reforms Yob and they release "The Great Cessation", probably their best album.

When the first track, "Burning the Altar" begins I think I'm in for some black metal in the vein of Wolves in the Throne Room. But things turn for another direction and I'm hit with very, very heavy doom metal. Twist and turns seems to be the key here. Yob can go from sounding what I imagine Sir Lord Baltimore would sound like if they would have released their debut album in the 21st century, to an early incarnation of the Melvins. And that's just within one song.

The album clocks in at about an hour, and within that time we are given five epic tracks, which works together very well. Even though I said that the music takes many different directions it still follows a red line, so it's not like you think "where are they going with this?" Mike Scheidt's vocals have to get a mention as well, since he sounds better than ever. This is proven in "The Lie That is Sin" which is the strongest track on the album. Hopefully Yob doesn't call it quits again. We need them to hold the flag high in this doomed world.

www.myspace.com/yobdoom

VOIVOD TO ROADBURN

2010-11-11T01:50:00.000+01:00

Legendary metal heads Voivod will play not one, but two shows at next years Roadburn Festival.

The following is from Roadburn.com

Roadburn is also extremely happy to announce that the legendary Canadian avant-metal quartet Voivod will be performing two separate shows at Roadburn 2011 (one in the 013 venue, and one at the Midi Theater). The band have the core line-up of Away, Snake and Blacky, and guitarist Daniel Mongrain who has done an exceptional job filling in for the late, great Piggy. Both shows will be different, so that diehards can look forward to two full sets.

Formed in 1981 by KISS-worshipping French Canadian teenagers Denis “Piggy” D’Amour and Jean-Yves “Blacky” Thériault, Voivod soon transcended their humble origins and have been on the cutting edge of metal almost ever since – first on the extreme edge of raw, bestial thrash, then (astonishingly) just a few years later as technical, progressive metal masterminds, inhabiting a strange sci-fi universe based on the ideas and artwork of the band’s resident graphics genius and conceptual visionary, drummer Michel “Away” Langevin. Over the course of their nearly 30 year career, Voivod have never stopped venturing boldly into new sonic realms, brilliantly incorporating everything from industrial metal to alt-punk pop and of course Pink Floydian psychedelia into their unique sound…

But they should need no introduction at all to most metalheads, really – if you’re into metal, chances are you’re a Voivod fan, and mourned when founding guitarist Piggy tragically succumbed to cancer in 2005. In a perfect world, Piggy would still be with us, and also in a perfect world, Voivod would be a household name, rather than just mega cult heroes. It’s saying something though, that when Jason Newsted left Metallica, the band he decided to join was Voivod!

Roadburn is pleased to have the latest edition of Voivod but rather than Jason Newsted they’ll have original bassist Blacky in the band, alongside original vocalist Denis “Snake” Bélanger, and touring guitarist Daniel Mongrain (Martyr, Gorguts, Cryptopsy) to perform exclusively material from when Blacky was in the band, from their 1984 debut War & Pain through to 1988's Dimension Hatröss, which would also encompass such classic albums as Killing Technology (1987) and possibly their ultimate statement, Nothingface (1989).

MASTER MUSICIANS OF BUKKAKE, LUDICRA, IMAAD WASIF AND RWAKE TO ROADBURN

2010-11-11T01:37:00.003+01:00

Master Musicians of Bukkake, Ludicra, Imaad Wasif and the awesome Rwake have all been confirmed for the Roadburn Festival. I missed out on the Bukkake crew this year, so I'm thrilled they're coming back.

The following is from Roadburn.com

Master Musicians of Bukkake excels at acoustic ethnic drones, outerwordly chants, and ventures into uncharted Hawkwind, Gong and Magma waters by pairing spacey guitar leanings, Tibetan bells, chimes and gamelan percussion with electronic FX. Totem One could easily be the soundtrack to a fucked-up underground movie as weird and compelling as Alejandro Jodorowsky’s Holy Mountain or El Topo. Crazy!

Since 1999, San Francisco’s progressive black metal act Ludicra has been one of the best live metal bands on the planet. The group released its massively acclaimed fourth album The Tenant on Profound Lore in 2010 and is now set to make its European debut at long last.

Conceptually, Ludicra draws inspiration from the squalor of urban living in the Bay Area and this dark, yet life-affirming agenda finds an unparalleled voice in singer Laurie Sue Shanaman. Her vocals issue from a body wrecked with emotion and terrifying honesty. Guitarists John Cobbett (Hammers of Misfortune, ex-Slough Feg, ex-Amber Asylum) and Christy Cather provide duelling riffs and leads. Bassist Ross Sewage is known for his work in Impaled, Ghoul, and a stint in Wolves in the Throne Room. And the drum throne is filled by none other than Aesop Dekker of Agalloch, and Worm Ouroboros.

Ludicra’s first album Hollow Psalms was originally released on the cult hardcore label Life Is Abuse in 2002 and was finally set to a gorgeous hand-made vinyl edition in 2010. Subsequent albums were handled by Jello Biafra’s Alternative Tentacles label also known for its work with Amebix and Neurosis. Now with Profound Lore Records and Nanotear Booking, Ludicra is outgrowing its cult status and taking its rightful place in the metal pantheon. Few bands can touch the powerful live presence that this band of brothers and sisters wields.

“Guitars sound like guitars, not digital chunks, twisting around each other in mournful wails, triumphant resolutions, and dreamy chords. Ludicra balance the beautiful and the ugly like few can” – Alee Karim, Invisible Oranges.

From his folky debut through the harder-rocking follow-up to his current album, The Voidist, Imaad Wasif (who has worked with the likes of Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Folk Implosion) proves himself to be a singer extraordinaire. Elements of mysticism pervade his music, as does a penchant for traditional rock riffs and the folksy plucking of bands like Led Zeppelin. Wasif’s guitar work — whether it be chugging riffs, fuzz-wah leads, or gently shimmering notes, comes straight out of the psych-rock handbook as well (think Nebula as a point of reference). However, it’s Wasif‘s smooth voice and his ability as a songwriter that sets him apart from his peers, whether he’s playing no frills rock and roll, or ghostly folk tunes.

Arkansas’ Rwake represent the next step in southern sludge / doom. They take the musical style of trailblazers like Eyehategod and Buzzov*en and crush it in a metaphysical direction — creating a frightening vortex of intensity, massive riffing and epic song writing. This is raw, savage and heartfelt music from the dirty south, but don’t think for a second that it isn’t sophisticated and complex. They seamlessly combine virtuosity with intensity to deliver the highest quality headfuck possible — a seething, swirling, smashing, sweating affirmation of life.

DEAD MEADOW, DRAGONTEARS AND GOMER PYLE TO ROADBURN AFTERBURNER

2010-11-11T01:10:00.000+01:00

Oh no, we're stopping there. Dead Meadow, Dragontears and Gomer Pyle have all been confirmed for the Afterburner event.

The following is from Roadburn.com

LA’s Dead Meadow generates a unique brand of earthy, heavy psych that moves far beyond any generic Sabbath-riffage or stonerrock gimmickry. The most fragrant ingredients of Dead Meadow are the band’s meandering, grooved-out riff- heavy journeys, and the ability to fuse their obvious appreciation of 60’s psychedelia, vintage hard-rock, blues-folk tunes, ambient space-rock with the the literary excesses of H.P. Lovecraft or J.R.R. Tolkien, and all at considerable volume! Distant, high pitched vocals evoke a deliriously eerie atmosphere that plays off well against the band’s smouldering jamming style.

Dragontears, revolving around Lorenzo Woodrose and members of Baby Woodrose and On Trial rarely perform live, and besides a few shows in their homeland, the band’s only performance outside of Denmark took place at Roadburn 2009. Dragontears has a penchant for mining the psychedelic sounds of the late ’60s (think the 13th Floor Elevators meets Syd Barrett or The Silver Apples meets MC5), as showcased on much acclaimed albums like 2000 Micrograms From Home and Tambourine Freak Machine.

Needless to say that we’re really excited about Dragontears performing a second show at Roadburn 2011, throwing the afterburner attendees into a vortex of fuzz fueled riffs, and bubbly wah-wah guitars, all manipulated to take us into a hypnotic journey through the centre of the mind. Or as the band puts it on their latest album — Turn On, Tune In, Fuck Off!!

Holland’s Gomer Pyle have caused quite a stir with their latest album, Idiots Savants and stunning live performances. Featuring former 35007 drummer Sander Evers, and firmly rooted in Grunge and Stoner, the band tends also to veer off into heavy rocking jamming psychedelia and full blown 35007 Krautrock territory. Deep space liquid trip guitars and killer riffs lead the way as they travel roads paved by acid drenched rock and old time psych. Things get rhythmically cosmic, keeping a nice rolling groove going as the dual, heavy fuzz guitars and drums explore the cosmos in a high intensity workout.

BLOOD FARMERS AND BLACK PYRAMID TO ROADBURN AFTERBURNER

2010-11-11T01:00:00.000+01:00

The Roadburn bookings just keep on coming, and the Afterburner event is shaping up nicely. Both Blood Farmers and Black Pyramid are now confirmed for the event.

The following is from Roadburn.com

With just one official record, the Blood Farmers established themselves as America’s pre-eminent horror doom act. Released way back in 1995 on the legendary doom label Hellhound, their eponymous record became an underground legend and kept their name alive for years until they reformed a few years ago.

Their brand of muscular-vocalized classic heavy doom is equal parts New York swagger, supercharged Sabbath riffage, dark and smoky atmosphere combined with a penchant for horror themes (the band is named after a 1972 horror movie Invasion of the Blood Farmers). This is a combination that proved irresistible to doom-heads everywhere. Their record became a touchstone of U.S. doom legend right up there with the Obsessed and Saint Vitus, at least among the hardcore followers of the genre. In 2010, they will be gracing the Roadburn stage in one of the most long awaited shows in memory.

Black Pyramid play psychedelic doom metal, with the thick, down-tuned tones of their amplifier worshipping stoner metal contemporaries, but the epic arrangements and classic song writing of vintage doom acts. The band juxtaposes crushing, triumphant riffs that ring like battle cries with keen instincts for melody and dynamics that showcase their more introspective nature.

BLACK MOUNTAIN HEADLINE ROADBURN AFTERBURNER

2010-11-11T00:52:00.000+01:00

Psych heads Black Mountain will headline Roadburn's Afterburner event next year. I saw the band when they played in Stockholm a few weeks ago, and they are not to be missed.

The following is from Roadburn.com

Roadburn Festival is elated to announce that Vancouver riff-machine Black Mountain will headline this years Afterburner event on Sunday, April 17th at the 013 venue, Tilburg, Holland. This means that we’ll be using Roadburn‘s main stage for the Afterburner as well. In fact, we can’t think of a better place than 013 venue’s large sized, sloping auditorium to witness Black Mountain, and rock out to their classic psychedelic rock.

Black Mountain‘s take on late 60's / early 70's rock echoes both Black Sabbath and early Pink Floyd. They begin with smoking Marshalls and spooky organ sounds, build into lengthy freakout jams spiced with stomping boogie and ambient melodies and crown it all with twin male/female vocals from Stephen McBean and Amber Webber. “It’s heaviness with fragility”, according to frontman Stephen Mcbean in Rolling Stone. “Anyone can slam out a Black Sabbath riff, but nobody else can do it with Amber’s beautiful voice on top of it.”

Black Mountain go beyond mere demin-clad revisionism with the release of Wilderness Heart, the band’s latest album, as they stunningly juxtapose tender, pastoral balladry with some of their heaviest songs yet, while showcasing a very confident sense of originality.