LIKE RATS - LIKE RATS

This isn't a new record by any means, but it is a recent discovery on my end thanks to the most recent A389 sampler. Every once and a while a band or song comes along that just catches you right, whether lyrically, a gnarly riff, or anything in-between. "Fire" was that track. Like Rats dabbles in the arts of black-metal laced hardcore and Celtic Frost, although sometimes not in that order.

"Genes" starts off the record immediately with a rush of harsh vocals and fast paced thrashy black-metal. After it pummels you for a solid minute or so, the pace grows slower and dips into the well of doom - without losing the repetitious groove in the background.

"Bogs" is even more aggressive. I love the sound of the drums because they sound larger than life, almost like war-drums pounding. The vocals grow more and more agitated as the track wears on until they are a blood-thirsty howl. "Hunger" starts off with a Tom G. Warrior-esque grunt (Like "Fire") before transforming into a relentless two-and-a-half minutes of awesome Hellhammer/Celtic Frost worship. If "Hunger" doesn't make your blood pump or make you want to head-bang until feeling numb, quite simply you may be dead.

"Fathers" eases the listener with a slower opening (Yet at no time would I consider it a respite though) before the familiar snarling vocals dominate the sound-scape. The guitar sounds completely menacingly in the best imaginable way. It's the perfect blend of filthiness and chainsaw.

The final track "Reproduce" has a much more punk feel, at times sounding catchy. It's not a complete 180 from the previous four tracks so "Reproduce" doesn't sound out of place. When the song hits the half-way mark, the sound is simply immense. The instrumental sections really carry along the weight well; time flies by and the three-and-a-half minutes seem like just thirty seconds.

Like Rats is a heavy band, right up there with Seven Sisters Of Sleep and recent favourite Ilsa. It's music that makes you want to destroy the room and everyone in it... Because of that, I can't wait for the new full-length to come out.

This is still available in various distros world-wide, so if you're like me and just heard Like Rats, you're in luck. If you're tight on cash or are just a skint bastard, the band has it available in a pay-what-you-want format - including free so there's no conceivable reason not to give it at least a listen.

ROT IN HELL x VEGAS

Combining the crushing metallic hardcore of Rot In Hell with the slow, hauntingly ambient side of Vegas this is a split for the ages.

"Armoured Gideon" builds up a lengthy instrumental section before Nate's vitriol-spewing vocals kick in. Whilst I already love the track because of the nod to 2000AD, this is one of their best. The first half sets up this false sense of security and then RIH goes on the attack, throwing the listener to the wolves. Aside from the riffs – which are always on point – the thing that stands out most to me is the lyrics. Each word paints a vivid picture without getting too descriptive without getting bogged down. A couple examples:

“Beneath the surface of routine, a vast and thirsting nothing awaits. Drone sedated, so psychotic. 'Living Free' with our necks in the leash.”

“Nine moons marbled with milk and with blood. My wantonness seeps through, for now as then. It's simple truth, the sweetest tongue hides sharpest tooth.”

The build-up is a trend I noticed with a couple other RIH tracks, most notably “Ishtar's Descent/Between Iron Teeth”; I think it works very well because - while it's a trend - there is always something that keeps it different and unique.

Vegas is a band that defines genres. One record may be an all out blitzkrieg (See the Vegas x Abraxis post); the next is a moving, much mellower affair. Given that fact, I'm always curious what T and company have up their sleeve. For this split, Vegas shows off the acoustic side in the form of "Time." 

There's a mix of guitar piano and various sounds with T's haunting vocals at a harsh and foreboding whisper. This brings to mind Roses Never Fade's creepy,  horror soundtrack vibe. The sound isn't overly optimistic, but there are moments of curiosity and wonder. Opening the track is a quote from Macbeth (Lady Macbeth to be correct) and it perfectly sets the mood. It's three minutes that make you think and question and because of that, I love it.

I think it's the best thing good music does, it makes you provoked – whether for the good or the bad. Gnarly riffs and mindless breakdowns are cool and I'll never tire of them, but when a band or individual comes along with food for the mind rather than just entertainment, that is when I really start paying attention. It's with that in mind that these two tracks, “Armoured Gideon” and “Time” really compliment each other. The music is just the tip of the iceberg and it's up to the listener if they want to really see all of it or just the top layer.

As always, I love a cool story to go along with a record and this one doesn't disappoint. Originally Rot In Hell x Vegas was included with the 2011 OCR Halloween package along with a shirt and some other goodies. Due to the sheer demand, Organized Crime was awesome enough to do a larger press including red and yellow vinyl. Along with more copies, the sleeves are a bit different with each logo dominating a side.

It should also be noted that this is the last record with some of the core members of Rot In Hell; Hans of Liar has since taken the spot at lead singer, but nothing official has come out since the change. 

So I think it goes without saying, but this split is highly recommended for anyone who digs solid music, no matter the genre. And keep your eye on Organized Crime in the near future for some awesome Integrity reissues.

DARKNESS ON THE SABBATH

Alongside TW favourites Seven Sisters Of Sleep, The Love Below, Ringworm, and Young And In The Way, the almighty Integrity played at the first ever A389 Showcase (Sponsored by Scion). Shortly after their set, they played a second a few doors down at Aladdin Jr. Whilst I would've loved to be there, due to geography and work it was a possibility. But thanks to Wayne (The mastermind over at Toxicbreed), anyone who wasn't there can now view the event. It looked like quite the time.

Over the weekend, the man behind Oede curated quite the playlist over at Cvlt Nation featuring tracks from Broken Cross, Vermapyre, Deathchurch, G.I.S.M., Parasite, and even a brand new Integrity number taken from the upcoming split with the Infamous Gehenna. If you have a few minutes, please give it a listen.

Coming up next on Total War are reviews for the Vegas / Rot In Hell split courtesy of Organized Crime Records as well as The Killer, and Australia's finest Kromosom.

As always, thanks for checking out TW! And make sure you download the A389 Sampler (And feel free to read the lengthy review a post or two below)

A389 SAMPER REVIEW - PART II

http://www.a389digitalmixtape.com/

Full Of Hell really caught me off guard with their last record on A389 and they did it again with “The Lonely Path Of The Cestoda.” It's thirty seconds of pure mayhem. It's crazy musically and then the screams, goddamn. The one around the eleven-second mark is just blood-curdling. Vilipend offers up an interesting five-minute track, which picks up a really good pace and sound around the half-way mark. Ancient Shores on the other hand sounds like the equivalent of slamming your head repeatedly in the car-door .”Sinking Ships” doesn't see a change in their sound but if you dug Step To The Edge, you'll really like this. The split with Cynarae will be killer.

Pale Creation sounds as good as ever with Nick Fiction's signature vocals and rad solos. Accept this gift of Art, fans. Chappelle Des Mortes is apparently a new venture by Douglas Clark (Mighty Sphincter). “Blood Stained In White Lace” is a strange acoustic track that brings to mind Ancient VVisdom and Roses Never Fade. I really like this one. “Nail Of Dicara” sounds completely devious and all kinds of deranged. Featuring members of both Skin Like Iron and Pulling Teeth, it just has this evil presence (It reminds me of when Alex does guest vocals on PT's “The New Dark Ages"). The world needs more Virgin Witch.

Pick Your Side recently put your debut full-length Let Me Show You How Democracy Works and it's easily one of the best thus far. Without making lazy Haymaker comparisons, PYS is its own beast of pissed-off fury and vitriol. “New War” starts off with a lengthy sample before launching into a no-holds-barred attack. I love the addition of the guttural vocals and the odd bits of melody. I still regret not going to their record-release show earlier in the month.

Eddie Brock lays down a fast and to the point track in the vein of Weekend Nachos and the like. Fast, snarly vocals accompanied by vicious guitars and pounding drums. Their split with Lapse is really good as is their EP Brand New Day. Penetration Panthers arrive on the scene to “make party.” This is one of my favourite A389 releases because it captures that feeling of skateboarding and partying just right without getting into the silly category. “Perpetual 80s” is the perfect summer jam. Good news is that Penetration Panthers are almost done with a 12” full of new tunes. Once you let this sleazy punk rock invade your ears you'll want to grab a cold one and your board and have fun.

Day Of Mourning crushes the previous vibe with their all-out mind destroying brand of metallic hardcore. Gnarly vocals that sound completely menacing paired with Dom's riffs make for a very rad combination. Word has trickled down that this off a proper Day Of Mourning discography so if it's like the previous discog records (Gehenna, CTO, etc.) - and it will be knowing A389 – it'll be a great look into the past to please both new and old fans alike. Withdrawal contributes a track off their underrated EP Faith Flesh & Blood called “Shapeshifter.” They're a band that continually puts out great tracks without becoming an Integrity clone. The influence is there, sure, but Withdrawal keeps things highly original – and add in some memorable riffs and lyrics. Like Gav said over at Tight To The Nail, the split with Young And In The Way should be beyond good.

Trapped Under Ice's “Death Clock Ticking” is a new track to me (I've only heard the Dirty Money side of the split) and I really know nothing about the band other than Justice was featured on Funerary. Lots of breakdowns, so if that's your thing you'll dig this. In Cold Blood takes us back into the maelstrom with the classic “Straight Flush.” Urgent vocals, killer solos, and just a vicious sound really make this stand out. Mindsnare is up next with “Gather To Decompose” a heavy track taken from their split with the aforementioned Ringworm split. In a lot of ways, the two bands compliment each other nicely, but the one thing I can't get into with Mindsnare is the vocals. It's a minor – personal – quibble, but “Gather To Decompose” is full of awesome riffs and psychotic sections.

“Mud Witch” immediately throws the listener into the mix with a great blend of styles ranging from metal to hints of black-metal. Astronomer is new to me, but if their previous material is anything like this, I have to check it out. You get a three-minute endless barrage that sounds devastating. Following up Astronomer is Masakari's cover of the classic Discharge track “Fight Back.” It's really good in keeping the spirit of the original whilst injecting the band's own brand of crustiness. This is probably one of the best covers of this I've heard in some time (Kegcharge's is still my favourite though). Wisdom In Chains plays straight-forward NYHC that'll get the room moving. Not my thing, but certainly not bad by any means. Different strokes for different folks kind of thing. Mighty Sphincter on the other hand...

“Holy Unholy” is one of the strangest yet awesome tracks on this sampler. This sounds like it's from the same time as New Manson Family so imagine a mix between early Christian Death and The Cramps (At times). Like the Pharaoh track, words really don't do this justice. Earthride, who have a split with Junior Bruce in the works, drop “Something Wicked” on the unsuspecting listener. From the stoned temple of Sleep and Sabbath, Earthride gives us a five plus minute jam that seems like it could go on for days. “Something Wicked” is really well done and the audio opposite of the next track by Baltimore's own Hatewaves. Featuring members of PT, Triac, and Stout Hatewaves' “No Friends” is taken from the great albeit short “The Tombs” 5”. Often tongue-in-cheek, this is crazed music full of breakdowns and energy. At nearly a minute-and-a-half, this is one of the longest Hatewaves songs. Taste the Beast.

Closing out this sampler is Vermapyre, a project that dabbles in harsh noise, black-metal, Japanese hardcore, and much much more. The split with metal-punk group Parasite that really blew me away with their mix of noise, samples, and riffs but “Return Of The Sorcerer” is a more conventional metal track with some familiar vocals. There's also a split with Ides Of Gemini that has Vermapyre in a live setting that's well worth checking out.

Overall this is fifty-two tracks that don't disappoint. The highlights on this for me were Penetration Panthers, Pharaoh, Seven Sisters Of Sleep, Ilsa, Thee High Priestess, Earthride, and Pick Your Side. The thing that has to be said, aside from personal preferences, is that there isn't a dud in the bunch nor does anything seem out of place.

A389 proves again why they're the best around and that my bank account will be annihilated in the coming months.

A389 SAMPLER REVIEW - PART I

Last week A389 Recordings unleashed an absolute monster of a sampler, coming in at a whopping fifty-two tracks from the likes of Gehenna, Young And In The Way, Pulling Teeth, and many many more. And because Dom is the man, he isn't charging a dime for it. You get perhaps the best look into both up and coming groups and grizzled veterans without a single dip into your bank account. Because I love everything about A389, I took the challenge of reviewing this beast, track by track.

http://www.a389digitalmixtape.com

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Seven Sisters Of Sleep start off the sampler with a track off their soon to be released eponymous EP, "Slower Downer." Since their debut, SSOS has gone from "stoner-jams for people with ADD" to something much more; the pace became slower and doomier on the split with Children Of God (Which will get another mention a bit later), but if "Slower Downer" is an indicatior of awaits, I cannot wait. The other aspect I really enjoy about this is the vocal varation. There are moments where the vocalist gets extremely guttural and gnarly a la The Arm & Sword Of A Bastard God. Countdown To Oblivion's "Poster Children For Family Values" has Chris Colohan's unmistakenable vocals whilst the music at times sounds like a much more Slayer influenced The Swarm, which is hardly a bad thing. Their discography has been in constant rotation since the LP came out a while back.

Ilsa is a newer discovery for me. "Deadbeat's Ballad" is in the same vein as their previous material ,eamomg expect brain-melting mixes of sludgy crusty d-beat with nods to the horror genre. Constant riffing, pained vocals that drip with malice and bludgeoning drums really make for a great listen. Ringworm contributes a track from their split with Mindsnare, who will make an appearance down the road. "Leviathon" is a beast, sounding more vicious than even their most recent full-length Scars. The aggression gets your blood to a boiling point and righteous riffs are all over the place.

Homewrecker, fresh off their split with TW favourite The Love Below, gives us "Worms And Dirt" which sounds like the bastard child of Integrity and Infest. Some people have labeled them power-violence, others metallic hardcore yet no matter their genre-tags, this is a great song that gets me hyped on the their new full-length. Any track that starts off with a Tom Warrior-esque grunt is solid so needless to say I dug the Like Rats track "Fire." Repetious black-metal styled riffs with great vocals that'll make you want to head-bang and drink. At least in my case.

Children Of God's "Desolate" comes off their split with SSOS. First off, how fucking good was that record? Both bands gave top performances with some ear-destroying sludgy hardcore. In any case "Desolate" is three-minutes of relentless energy that builds up to a psychotic finale. The Guilt Of are up next, weaving together a chaotic and noisy number in the form of "Social Recall Rewind." Mike IX's distinct vocals sound even more menacing than usual.This doesn't have the groove of Eyehategod or Outlaw Order, but has that same vibe. In stark contrast of 95% of this sampler, Anne is a momentary respite in the form of catchy, poppy shoegaze. Their record isn't always in rotation but it's fun music to chill out and relax to.

Did you ever wonder what it would sound like if Pulling Teeth had more Rorschach in their sound? Well the next track should answer that question. PT's cover of "Lightning Strikes Twice" is just as brutally savage as the original and with the addition of Mike Riley's vocals, it has a very cool sound. Young And In The Way is a band that blew me away in the live setting. I felt as if I was in the midst of a ceremony rather than a show; the lights were dimmed and incense lit; YAITW know how to create a memorable atmosphere. "Death Is Eager To Hold You" is off I Am Not What I Am, my favourite of their records. At times it sounds like if Cursed listened to more Darkthrone.

Junior Bruce adds in their style of punk fused metal that both gives nods to 90s hard-rock (Goatsnake, Kyuss, and Sleep) and 70s rock n' roll. "Lt Fury" is something I want to love more, but I just can't no matter how hard I try. It has everything I love, but... something seems off. God's America bangs out a frantic paced twenty-second track of pure nihilism ("Brain Numb") leading into one of the sampler's gems: The Love Below. Every Tongue Shall Caress is already the year's best record - and I'm not the only one saying that - and "Buyer's Remorse" is a perfect representation why. Fast-paced hardcore with a heavy dose of sludge touches the surface, but there is so much more. Jerry's paniced high-pitched screams add a whole another aspect into their crazy sound. If you haven't already bought or even checked out Every Tongue Shall Caress, do yourself a favor and do it. You won't be disappointed.

Next up is Empire Of Rats. So that this review doesn't turn into a complete novel, "Untitled" is a great mix of metal-punk accompanied by killer solos. I need to check out this band more for sure. Shin To Shin's "Don't Lose Your Way" picks up right where the split with Pulling Teeth ended. If you didn't know, STS is Aaron Melnick's group so you know what to expect: epic solos with nods to early Japanese hardcore and Burning Spirits. Sick Fix features member(s?) of the Magrudergrind camp playing fast as hell Infest styled jams. With the vocals, I'm reminded of the often overlooked Look Back And Laugh.

Mike IX makes his second appearance on this compilation with Kill Life's "Dead End America." This is a mere excerpt from the titular flexi, but it packs quite the punch. Hectic and all kinds of messy. I love it. "All I Am" from Enforcers drips with Cro-Mags worship i.e. "Best Wishes" era. Their record was definitely a grower. After a handful of listens, I really like this and perhaps was a bit too much of a downer on my earlier review. Pleasant Living contribute a catchy number with gang vocals and an overall fun feel. It's not really my cup of tea, but certainly not bad by any means.

Members of Gehenna and Devil (Along with numerous other groups) recorded the next track in a smokey room under the influence of various substances and alcohol and "Death Knell" certainly shows it. This sounds like a more primal, fucked-up version of Hellhammer and I can't get enough. Cynarae is up next with "Prescibed Burn." I'm not too familiar with the group (Which is why I love samplers like this), but at times they sound like a more crazed Converge with a heavy 90s feel. Triac's "Child Thief" is a psychotic burst of grind from Charm City. The drumming is absolutely mental; it feels like someone is hitting you repeatedly with a hammer. I love seeing them live cos it's always a good time.

After Triac's grind attack, Thee High Priestess' "Ekstasis" is a hauntingly beautiful exercise in noise. I love this one for many reasons but the biggest is that it evokes all kinds of thoughts and ideas. The sample is eerie yet at times peaceful. Keep your eyes out for new material from Thee High Priestess in the near future. Nothing gives another brief respite like Anne did way in the beginning. Metal is replaced by catchy pop. It's nice and refreshing, leading into one of my favourite Rot In Hell tracks, "Heraclitus." I remember when this one came out (The split with Horders split courtesy of Feast Of Tentacles Records) right after Deathwish finally(!) released the band's debut full-length As Pearls Before Swine. In contrast to their perfected blend of metallic hardcore, "Heraclitus" has more in common with DI6 than Ringworm. During an interview with Gehenna, Mike Apocalypse once said - and this is paraphrased - "We play whatever the fuck we feel needs to be played at the time" and think that perfectly sums up Rot In Hell. And it's because of this that RIH is one of the best bands around.

Shortly before Unholy Majesty's demo tape came out on Hemlock 13, I had a quick preview and immediately became a fan. "Age Of Affliction" is like taking the best bits of Ringworm and cranking the volume to eleven. Don't be foolish and just write this off as another Clevo-worship band because Unholy Majesty is its own beast. Integrity treats us to a blast to the plast with "Kingdom Of Heaven" off the recent EP A389 just released. This is taken from a session back in the early days of the group featuring David Araca (RIP). Vintage Integrity performing one of their most deranged tracks? Sign me up.

Pharaoh's "This House Is Doomed"

Gehenna's "Disciple In My Own Image" could very well be the soundtrack to the apocalypse or a complete mental breakdown, your choice. The group's breakneck speed is dosed with a heavy layer of psychedelic madness. Each moment is unpredictable and with Mike's vocals sounding even more malevolent than usual, "Disciple In My Own Image" is a very strong track and one of the best on this sampler. The music itself reminds me of a more distorted Witch-Lord, which is a deadly combination. Low Places' "Struggle To Exist" is off their Spiritual Treatment record, but like Junior Bruce, there's just something that prevents me from really enjoying this one. Pharaoh...

Pharaoh delivers a seven-minute epic with "This House Is Doomed." They quietly put out a great debut record (How cool is "I, Murderer, I"?) and with this track it certainly seems like the follow up is going to be just as good. Sludge doesn't do the track justice. Words don't do it justice. Just sit back and listen.

To Be Continued...

TERRITORY - SIC SEMPER TYRANNIS

Territory quietly released an absolutely killer demo a while back that sounded like the bastard child of the Cro-Mags and Kickback. I must've played that thing twenty or thirty times and then for some reason forgot about them (Perhaps my laptop dying - the first time that is - had something to do with it, but nonetheless I digress). Well, Territory is back with their debut full-length, Sic Semper Tyrannis, courtesy of Escapist Records.

The sound is dark with moments of full blown metal breakdowns a la vintage Ringworm. I love the production because everything sounds clear and vibrant yet underneath there is just a hint of filthiness... that and the riffs, which pretty much provoke anyone to head-bang and trash the room. For those who fear tomorrow are familiar with the band's demo, you'll still dig the album but understand the sound is a bit different. The vocals sound more urgent, which really gels well with the record's pace and overall attitude. The other aspect that sounds different to my ears is that this recording is so much more metal than the previous. I'd go so far to as to say this is a metal record with faint hardcore influences (FFO Justice Replaced By Revenge, Crowbar, and Forever War).

At times though I wish they would've kept the cleaner vocals because with these new tracks it would've sounded like Blind To Faith covering Age Of Quarrel. But that's a minor, personal preference. If I had to compare the approach to another band, it would be Harm's Way (No Gods, No Masters era). It's gruff and nasty but not ridiculously low or guttural.

Length-wise, tracks barely pass the minute-and-a-half mark aside from a handful. With the pace at such a breakneck speed, the short songs pack a wallop without turning into misplaced and unneeded solos. For example "Excess Humanity" comes in at around a minute-forty-five, contains just the right amount of "breakdowns" and riffs to really create this misanthropic assault. I can definitely imagine a track like this getting the crowd moving. And how good is that Carcass cover? It's just as mean and fucking gnarly as the original but perfectly gels with the other, original tracks.

More bands need to sound like Kickback so in that vein, Territory is already a favourite, but they bring a unique take on metallic hardcore that should get fans of aggressive music stoked.

Territory's Sic Semper Tyrannis is a solid debut from a band that isn't afraid to wear its influences on their sleeve. So with that, crack open a beer or pack a bowl (If that's your scene), sit back and thrash.

VEGAS x ABRAXIS

Whenever Vegas steps outside the shadows and releases a new record, it's a gift of art and something to behold. Whilst they aren't a prolific band by any means, over the last five or six years Vegas has put out solid material, whether in the form of splits, compilations, and semi-discography collections. The old saying of "quality over quantity" certainly fits. After a period of quiet, they're back in the form of a split with Australia's Abraxis, courtesy of Midnight Funeral.

Before delving into the music, the art-work is something to behold. A quick glance reveals a very busy and chaotic collage a la SKV and Szymon Siech that not only puts a new spin on the Beatles' classic album, but adds in pop culture figures ranging from Michael Jordan, Henry Rollins, and even Nick Fiction of Pale Creation. I like the fact that I can look at this cover and find something new every time (Another reason why I love the Never To Wake cover). There is layer after layer of detail to create quite simply a perfect mind-fuck. Okay, now to the music.

"Ides Martiae (Please Don't Be Free)" is a four-and-a-half minute number that brings out the raw unpredictable nature that is Vegas. Without a moment of hesitation, you're thrown into a deafening wall of sound. The guitar sounds absolutely filthy and deadly; the vocals sound like the unholy mix of Dwid and Sakevi on the verge of a complete breakdown. The track moves very quickly, keeping a very urgent and fast pace. I love the acoustic/instrumental side of Vegas, but I feel they're at their deadliest during their metal-punk assaults. Bottom line is that they've added another fine record to their discography and it makes me crave more.

On the flip-side is Abraxis. I'm not too familiar with the band other than the split with Pale Creation, but I enjoyed their two tracks. "Among Deep Waters" slowly builds up, weaving a nice mix of metallic hardcore with subtle hints of black-metal. It's akin to bands like Homewrecker, who stand on that line of metal and hardcore. The real gem is their second track, "My Friend". This is a really cool, gnarly track that brings to mind the classic On Thin Ice: catchy hooks, breakdowns, and great vocals really make this one stand out.

This split, despite being only three tracks, will most certainly get plenty of plays in the coming weeks. Midnight Funeral has done a mint job with this release; record nerds such as myself will be on the look out for all the variations since the total press of this is under four-hundred copies so don't sleep on this.