Noisecreep

Twilight's Sanford Parker: We're All 'Really Into the New Sound'

Geoff Summers — 2010-07-20T10:00:00+00:00

Anna Cerniglia

There's a phenomenon sweeping the nation -- and it's called Twilight. No, not the kiddie vampire series of books and movies. We're talking about the veritable super group of underground American black metal luminaries, Blake Judd (Nachtmystium), Jef Whitehead aka Wrest (Leviathan, Lurker of Chalice) and N. Imperial (Krieg). The trio joined with Aaron Turner (Isis), Stavros Giannopolous (the Atlas Moth) and Sanford Parker (Minsk) to write and record 'Monument to Time End.' With so many talented cooks in the black metal kitchen, there could have been one of two outcomes: either the album would be a mishmash of the members' respective influences and ideas, or it would be downright breathtaking.

Thankfully, the result is unarguably the latter. 'Monument to Time End' is surprisingly and impressively coherent and the ideas presented are well integrated. Noisecreep caught up with Parker, who also handled recording and mixing duties on the album, and Judd to get the inside scoop.

Indian Join Relapse Roster, New Album Due Early 2011

Geoff Summers — 2010-06-29T12:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, New Music

When I saw Indian live a few months ago in their hometown of Chicago, I was thoroughly impressed. It seemed like a completely different band from the one that recorded 'Slights and Abuse/The Sychophant' and 'The Unquiet Sky,' their two previous full-lengths. The new material seemed significantly more violent and aggressive than the old.

"The change in our sound has been due to a few things," guitarist Will Lindsay (Nachtmystium, ex-Wolves in the Throne Room, ex-Middian) tells Noisecreep. "For starters, it's the first material I've been involved in writing for the band. Also, the band isn't interested in rehashing old records or being concerned about staying confined to a certain genre. I feel that the differences between 'The Unquiet Sky' and 'Slights and Abuse/The Sychophant' has shown that in the past. After some of the music I've been involved with in the last few years, it's a very liberating feeling to not be concerned about genres or previous releases."

Castevet Push Physical, Intellectual Boundaries With 'Mounds of Ash'

Geoff Summers — 2010-06-29T10:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, New Music

New York trio Castevet are not an easy band to wrap your head around. Ask five different people what their music sounds like and you'll get five completely different answers. "Considering that there is a wide array of comparisons being thrown at us," percussionist Ian Jacysyzn comments, "it seems that most listeners are not being alienated by what is written about our music, and listening subjectively. We could not be happier about this."

Castevet's new album, 'Mounds of Ash,' is rhythmic, angular and agile. Much of what distinguishes the band's sound can be attributed to Jacysyzn's inventive, accurate performance on the record (which he recreates masterfully live). Jacysyzn is a treat to watch, not just for drummers or musicians, but for the layman as well. They way he moves around a drum set is obviously well-rehearsed and efficient, and it's impressive to witness.

The Body, 'All the Waters of Earth Turned to Blood' -- New Album

Geoff Summers — 2010-06-25T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: News, New Music

The Body -- no, not wrestler-cum-governor Jesse Ventura, rather the Providence, R.I.-based experimental doom duo -- have dropped a new album, 'All the Waters of Earth Turned to Blood,' via At a Loss. The limited-to-500, double-gatefold vinyl edition is available now, and a CD version should be available soon.

The album's second cut, 'The Curse,' is also available for download. The track begins with a staticky sample and a steadfast drumbeat before evolving into a full-on assault of the senses complete with callous, distant banshee wails. There's also piano on the track, but not in the way you might think.

Coffinworm Put Hole in Wall of Studio While Recording

Geoff Summers — 2010-06-23T16:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, New Music

Misanthropic doom purveyors Coffinworm -- hailing from the unlikeliest of places, Indiana -- have unleashed one of 2010's most vicious record recently via the en fuego Profound Lore. The album is entitled 'When All Became None,' which I can only assume is a reference to human extinction. And with song titles such as 'Start Saving for Your Funeral,' 'Strip Nude for Your Killer' and 'High on the Reek of Your Burning Remains,' one has to wonder whether these Hoosiers are just trying to make grandmas' jaws drop or if they really find death, murder and suffering so appealing.

Noisecreep interrogated percussionist Carl Byers about 'When All Became None.' "Being in a real studio and having a substantial amount of time to focus on the recording process was a new experience to all of us," Byers explained. "However, hearing the mixes back after Sanford [Parker] worked his magic was like hearing the songs for the first time. It's certainly the best musical document I've been a part of, and I think the others would say the same."

U.S. Christmas Defy Convention with 'Run Thick in the Night'

Geoff Summers — 2010-06-17T15:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview

Appalachia's U.S. Christmas are a band that defy convention. They have what some consider a quirky name. They have a violin player and not one, but two drummers. They don't play metal, but they can often be found sharing stages with metal bands such as Baroness, Weedeater and Saviours.

With their latest album, 'Run Thick in the Night' (out this fall via Neurot), the band has crafted a masterpiece of swampy, expansive modern Americana. Noisecreep spoke with the band's six members to get to the bottom of what comprises the USX sound.

Zoroaster, 'Black Hole' -- New Song

Geoff Summers — 2010-06-07T17:00:00+00:00

Filed under: New Music

Well, the new Zoroaster track, "Black Hole," is 'black' not only in name, but also in sound. The song retains much of Zoroaster's signature southern-fried sludge demeanor, but unexpectedly features a layer of reverb-soaked black metal riffing. If the galloping, in-your-face "Black Hole" is an accurate representation of Zoroaster's forthcoming 'Matador' as a whole, we are all in for quite a treat. You can head over to BrooklynVegan, who premiered the track, to hear 'Black Hole.'

For the recording of 'Matador,' Zoroaster -- guitarist-vocalist Will Fiore, bassist-vocalist Brent Anderson and percussionist Dan Scanlan -- flew engineer extraordinaire Sanford Parker (Yob, Unearthly Trance, Nachtmystium, Twilight) down to Atlanta, the band's base of operations. The album was recorded at Glow in the Dark Studios and The Living Room, and mastered by Parker's usual partner in loudness, Collin Jordan, at The Boiler Room in Chicago.

U.S. Christmas, 'Run Thick in the Night' -- New Album

Geoff Summers — 2010-06-02T18:00:00+00:00

Filed under: News, New Music

Appalachian troubadours U.S. Christmas will be releasing 'Run Thick in the Night,' their fifth album, this fall via Neurot Recordings. The band, whose quirky name is pulled from the 1973 Sam Peckinpah film 'Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid,' peddle a "unique brand of psychedelic, high-volume blues rock," according to their bio, but the description sells U.S. Christmas short. The new album, recorded by in-demand engineer Sanford Parker (Unearthly Trance, Samothrace, Nachtmystium, Pelican, Twilight), is breathtaking in its expansive, haunting, and cinematic composition, defying lazy attempts at classification.

U.S. Christmas have been busy lately, especially since their third album, 'Salt the Wound,' caught the ears of Neurosis' Scott Kelly a few years ago, leading to USX being tapped to support Neurosis at one of two now-legendary shows at Brooklyn's Masonic Temple in early 2008. Later that year, U.S. Christmas released their fourth LP, 'Eat the Low Dogs,' on Neurosis' proprietary label, Neurot.

Endless Blockade Frontman Couldn't Play in 'Minimum-Wage' Band

Geoff Summers — 2010-01-21T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview

Canadian powerviolence purveyors the Endless Blockade are a busy bunch. They have a split with Bastard Noise out via 20 Buck Spin/Deep Six, a forthcoming split with Unearthly Trance, a discography CD on the way, a death metal side project called Slaughter Strike and several live shows booked including an appearance at SXSW. How do they do it? Noisecreep spoke with bassist/vocalist Andrew Nolan to find out.

"I perceive the bands and noise projects I'm involved with to be manifestations of different aspects of my internal life, so it's not something I have to think too hard about. It's just something I do, [just as] some people play sports or go to church," Nolan told Noisecreep.

Nachtmystium Recording Album With New Rhythm Section

Geoff Summers — 2010-01-18T23:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, New Music

Chicago's finest (some might even say America's finest) black metallers, Nachtmystium, recently entered Semaphore Recording Studio to record 'Addicts: Black Meddle Pt. 2,' the follow-up to 2008's 'Assassins: Black Meddle Pt. 1.' Noisecreep caught up with engineer Sanford Parker (Pelican, Samothrace, Unearthly Trance) to get the inside scoop.

For the recording of 'Addicts,' Nachtmystium's "rhythm section is composed of Jeff Whitehead on drums and Will Lindsay on bass," explained Parker. That's an entirely different rhythm section from the one that recorded the much-lauded 'Assassins,' but most would agree that it's not an unwelcome change: Whitehead, better known as Wrest, is well-known for his work as one-man black metal machine Leviathan, and his percussion prowess is not to be trifled with. And Lindsay has done time in bands as varied as Middian, Wolves in the Throneroom and Indian.

High on Fire Premiere New Song, 'Frost Hammer,' From Upcoming Album

Geoff Summers — 2010-01-14T21:00:00+00:00

The words High on Fire are practically synonymous with the phrase heavy metal at this point. Matt Pike (ex-Sleep) and his band of not-so-merry men have been slinging heavy metal thunder since 1998, and they've continually set the bar higher and higher for not only themselves, but for the metal community at large. When the trio dropped Arik Roper's gorgeous album art for their forthcoming LP, 'Snakes for the Divine,' we could hardly wait to get our first taste of the accompanying audio that was sure to soon follow.

Well, that day has arrived. Yesterday, High on Fire released a track from 'Snakes' to connoisseurs of heavy around the world. And let us be the first to tell you: this is heavy as heavy was meant to be. The track, 'Frost Hammer,' is just as primal and pounding as fans of the band have long been conditioned to expect.

Priestess 'No Longer Dead Last' on a Roster With American Idol Contestants

Geoff Summers — 2010-01-13T21:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, New Music

Despite their effeminate name, Montreal, Canada heavy rockers Priestess are anything but polite. They hit hard with their 2005 debut, 'Hello Master,' and they hit even harder with their follow-up, 'Prior to the Fire,' which is out already in the band's native Canada via Indica and due out next month in the U.S. via Tee Pee Records.

'Prior to the Fire' has been a long time coming for the band, who started writing songs for the record in the summer of 2007 and finished the recording process in the fall of 2008. Why the delays? The band spent a the better part of 2005 through 2007 on the road supporting 'Hello Master' alongside bands like Dinosaur Jr. and Mastodon, so they didn't have a lot of time to write. Then, when they did finally begin work on a follow-up to 'Hello Master,' their efforts to move forward were continually hampered by their label, RCA, which was anticipating a radio-friendly single that was never to be.

High on Fire Release Artwork for 'Snakes for the Divine'

Geoff Summers — 2010-01-06T19:00:00+00:00

Filed under: News, Design

Heavy metal titans High on Fire have just released the stunning cover art for their forthcoming full-length, 'Snakes for the Divine.' The cover image was conjured by longtime High on Fire cover artist Arik Roper in his signature painterly style, and it really brings the album's title to life.

Founded by ex-Sleep guitarist Matt Pike in 1998, High on Fire have released four full-length records since their inception. Each High on Fire record has topped its predecessor in quality and intensity, and we're sure 'Snakes for the Divine' will be no exception. Besides Pike, the trio currently consists of founding drummer Des Kensel and bassist Jeff Matz (ex-Zeke).

Howl In Studio Recording Debut Full-Length

Geoff Summers — 2009-12-30T16:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, New Music

Providence, R.I. metallers Howl recently finished work on their full-length debut for Relapse Records, and the follow-up to their self-titled EP. "The new album is, if anything, more extreme than the EP, moving from aggression to slow doom, through both black metal atmospheres and blues-based harmonies," guitarist Vincent Hausman told Noisecreep. "We really tried to incorporate the various styles in metal we love, though never losing sight of what this band is ultimately about: the almighty riff. We hope people will hear this and throw up their horns."

The band opted to work with engineer Keith Souza (Disappearer, Cable, Battles) at Machines with Magnets Studios in Pawtucket, R.I., and the still-untitled record will see release via Relapse in the spring of 2010. "Recording with Keith and Seth Manchester at Machines With Magnets was great," Hausman said. "The guys are super talented and easy to work with, and they helped us lay down a brutal-sounding record."

Eyehategod Vocalist Releases Seven-Inch Record

Geoff Summers — 2009-12-17T22:00:00+00:00

Filed under: News

Mike IX Williams, best known as vocalist for New Orleans hardcore sludge heavyweights Eyehategod, has released a limited-edition, seven-inch record via Chrome Peeler. Side 'zero' of this odd record features 'That's What the Obituary Said,' a spoken (i.e. screamed) prose piece with ambient support courtesy of Ryan McKern (the Guilt of ...). The other side of the record -- 'the other zero' -- contains a remixed, minimalist version of 'Ten Suicides,' a track originally electronic band Bloodyminded. The track has been remixed by Bloodyminded's Mark Solotroff for this release.

Mike IX himself created the cover art for this release, which appears very textural, even as a two-dimensional digital image. There are torn paper edges and multiple layers of images including a clock, some Arabic script and a Hannibal Lecter figure in a straight jacket and muzzle with deer antlers atop its head.

Shrinebuilder Release Double LP

Geoff Summers — 2009-12-17T20:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, New Music

Shrinebuilder -- the much-hailed supergroup consisting of Scott 'Wino' Weinrich (the Obsessed, the Hidden Hand, St. Vitus), Dale Crover (Melvins), Al Cisneros (Sleep, Om) and Scott Kelly (Neurosis) -- recently unleashed their self-titled debut album upon the world. The record, which was released on Oct. 12 via Neurot Recordings, is now available in an audiophile-approved double-vinyl LP version, mastered at 45 RPM for maximum fidelity.

For such a celebrated release, the band wanted nothing less than the best artwork. So they hired artist Josh Graham, best known for his work as the visuals designer for Neurosis.

The Sword Announce Southern Tour

Geoff Summers — 2009-12-15T20:00:00+00:00

Filed under: News, Tours

Austin, Texas riff masters the Sword report that they will break from writing their third studio album in late January for a short regional tour with the aim of "showcasing the new songs." The brief tour includes stops in Corpus Christi, Houston and Denton in the band's home state of Texas, as well as shows in Baton Rouge, La., Memphis, Tenn. and Oklahoma City. Austin psych-proggers Woodgrain will support on all dates.

The Sword are currently writing a follow-up to their acclaimed 2008 album, 'Gods of the Earth.' The forthcoming album is a major shift in lyrical direction for the band: the album will contain sci-fi-themed songs in contrast to the fantasy and medieval themes that have been central to the band's first two albums.

Tombs Frontman Mike Hill Recaps European Tour

Geoff Summers — 2009-12-15T17:00:00+00:00

Filed under: News

Brooklyn, N.Y.'s Tombs recently returned home from a month-long tour of Europe alongside labelmates Buried Inside. Mike Hill, who handles vocal and guitar duties in the trio, kept an extensive journal while his band was on the road, in which he detailed the highs and lows of being in a working, touring band.

"The shows have been small and promoters have to be losing money on this tour," wrote Hill. "Someone thought it was a good idea to put two bands that shouldn't be headlining out on a European tour together ... because I am also responsible for the tour management side of this operation, I had to listen to the promoter tell me how he's losing money on all of our shows in Spain."

Laudanum's Malevolent Doom Crushes Souls

Geoff Summers — 2009-10-23T09:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, New Music

Oakland's Laudanum recently dropped a mammoth slab of bleak, atmospheric, soul-crushing doom in the form of 'The Coronation,' their debut full-length for 20 Buck Spin -- and also their first release to feature vocalist Nathan Misterek (ex-Graves at Sea). Riffs are few and far between on 'The Coronation' -- separated by lengthy, well-developed dissonant atmospheric noise passages -- but when they hit, they hit hard.

The majority of the noise was created and composed by guitarist Judd Hawk and bassist Greg Wilkinson at Greg's Earhammer Studios. "Our source material is created using field recordings, circuit bending and instrumentation," Hawk explained to Noisecreep. "Once we have a large enough palette of sounds, we dissect and manipulate those individual parts into some sort of a cohesive whole.

"We usually start with a very basic outline of what we are trying to create, and from there the piece slowly unfolds and takes on a life of its own. Other times we book studio time with the sole purpose of making instrumental noise and abstract riffage. [Drummer] Becky [Hawk] (who's married to Judd) and Nathan have added detail elements on their instruments and will probably expand more on future recordings."

Krallice Up the Ante on 'Dimensional Bleedthrough'

Geoff Summers — 2009-10-19T10:00:00+00:00

Filed under: Interview, New Music

Brooklyn-based post-black metal quartet Krallice boast a formidable lineup that includes guitarists Colin Marston (Behold ... the Arctopus, Dysrhythmia) and Mick Barr (Orthrelm and Ocrilim), alongside drummer Lev Weinstein (Bloody Panda) and bassist Nick McMaster. And all that talent focused on a single goal has led to a strong outing in the band's sprawling, ambitious sophomore record, 'Dimensional Bleedthrough.'

"We worked on these songs for a lot longer than the last album, and as a full band [this time], in addition to touring for three weeks right before we recorded," Barr tells Noisecreep. "Colin and I wrote three basic song arrangements each. We then fleshed them out as a band, with everyone contributing some arrangement ideas and bass and drum ideas. Nick wrote ['The Mountain'] solely by himself. The lyrics and vocals were added dangerously close to when we left for tour, and some things got changed and worked out while performing."

The album's stunning multi-layered cover art befits the title, and was designed by bassist Nick McMaster. "We had talked about having a cover kind of like Incantation's 'Mortal Throne of Nazarene' or 'Decimate Christendom,' explains Barr. "Then he surprised us with that."