SOM-The Fall LP (2018)

Country: USA
Genre: Post Metal, Shoegaze, Dream Pop, Indie Rock
Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 9
Length: 34.30'

SOM is a three piece band from CT who formed in 2017, from the looks of things.  SOM play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of post metal, shoegaze, dream pop, and indie rock within their sound.  Musically, SOM can be loosely compared to bands such as Nothing, Alter, True Widow, Spotlights, and other like-minded bands.  The Fall is SOM's debut LP, which was released on November 8th, 2018.  On The Fall, SOM offer up nine tracks of killer post metal, shoegaze, dream pop, and indie rock.  Overall, The Fall makes for an awesome listen and definitely should not be missed.  Great stuff!  Enjoy!

Som on Bandcamp
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Heel Turn-Territories EP (2018)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Metal, Noise Rock
Label: Red Truth/Cut Short/Last Light Records
Tracks: 6
Length: 16.0'

Heel Turn is a four piece band from Huntsville, Alabama who formed in 2017, from the looks of things.  Heel Turn play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of hardcore, punk, metal, and noise rock within their sound.  Musically, Heel Turn can be loosely compared to bands such as Axis, Black God, Black Cross, Breather Resist, Fight Amp, and other like-minded bands.  Territories is the band's debut EP, which was released via Red Truth, Cut Short, and Last Light records on April 21st, 2018.  On Territories, Heel Turn offer up six tracks of brutal as fuck sounding hardcore, punk, metal, and noise rock.  Overall, Territories makes for an awesome listen and definitely should not be missed.  Great stuff!  Enjoy!

Heel Turn on Bandcamp
Heel Turn on Facebook
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Veuve S.S.-TRÂITRE À TOUT LP (2018)

Country: France
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Experimental Noise
Label: self-Released
Tracks: 12
Length: 29.20'



Veuve S.S. is a four piece band from Lyon, France who formed in 2010.  Veuve S.S. features members of 12XU, Flying Worker, Overmars, Moms On Meth, Ayatollah, Dead Snow, Sport, and Morse, so going on that alone you know you're in for something truly special.  Musically, Veuve S.S. can be loosely compared to bands such as Hoax, The Lowest Form, Gay Kiss, Rash, Intercourse, and other like-minded bands.  Since forming in 2010, Veuve S.S. have released a self-titled demo in January of 2011, a six song EP titled Viscerers in March of 2012, a split with Muerthe in July of 2012, a six song EP titled O.P.L.T. & O.S.C. in February of 2014, a two song EP titled Descente in September of 2014, and a spit with Drux in July of 2016.  TRÂITRE À TOUT is Veuve S.S.'s debut full-length LP, which was released on February 16th, 2018.  On TRÂITRE À TOUT, Veuve S.S. offer up twelve tracks of scathing and vicious sounding noise damaged hardcore/punk.  Overall, TRÂITRE À TOUT makes for an awesome listen and definitely should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

(Band Submssion)

Veuve S.S. on Bandcamp
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Jesvs Carrera-Nuestra Vértebra Doblada LP (2018)

Country: Guatemala 
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Crust, Black Metal, Powerviolence
Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 10
Length: 17.0'

Jesvs Carrera is a three piece band from Guatemala City, Guatemala who formed in 2014, from the looks of things.  Jesvs Carrera play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of hardcore, punk, crust, black metal, and powerviolence within their sound.  Musically, Jesvs Carrera can be loosely compared to bands such as Hexis, Erosion, Cursed, Rise And Fall, and other like-minded bands.  Since forming in 2014, Jesvs Carrera have released a self-titled demo in January of 2015.  
Nuestra Vértebra Doblada is the band's debut full-length LP, which was released on November 1st, 2018.  On Nuestra Vértebra Doblada, Jesvs Carrera offer up ten tracks of killer hardcore, punk, crust, black metal, and powerviolence.  Overall, Nuestra Vértebra Doblada makes for an awesome listen and definitely should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

(Band Submission)

Jesvs Carrera on Bandcamp
Jesvs Carrera on Facebook
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(U.S.)Great Falls-A Sense Of Rest LP (2018)

Country: USA
Genre: Post Hardcore, Hardcore, Punk, Sludge, Noise Rock
Label:  Corpse Flower/Init Records
Tracks: 8
Length: 49.40'

Great Falls is a three piece band from Seattle, Washington who formed in 2010, from the looks of things.  Great Falls features members of Playing Enemy, Jesu, Kiss It Goodbye, and Undertow.  Great Falls play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of post hardcore, hardcore, punk, sludge, and noise rock within their sound.  Musically, Great Falls can be said to be influenced by bands such as Harkonen, Fight Amp, Engineer, and Breather Resist.  Since their inception in 2010, Great Falls have released an impressive amount of material that includes a split cassette with Japan's Kenji Siratori in May of 2010, a split with Tonal Pastor in May of 2010, a nine song LP titled Fontanelle in July of 2011, a two song single titled Bank Agnostic/Frank Apple in May of 2011, a split Cdr with A Death Cinematic in October of 2011, an eight song demo in July of 2011, a single titled Everything But Lightening in February of 2014, a cover of Robocop's battle theme in February of 2014, an eight song LP titled Accidents Grotesque in February of 2014, a split 7" with Thou in May of 2015, and a seven song LP titled The Fever Shed in November of 2015.  A Sense Of Rest is Great Fall's latest full-length LP, which was released via Corpse Flower and Init records on December 21st, 2018.  On A Sense Of Rest, Great Falls offers up eight tracks of dirty, noisy, and completely blown-out sounding post hardcore, hardcore, punk, sludge, and noise rock.  Overall, The Fever Shed is an amazing LP and should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

 Great Falls on Bandcamp 

Great Falls on Facebook 

Corpse Flower Records on Bandcamp 

Init Records on Bandcamp 

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CRAP I BOUGHT THIS YEAR

So i thought id try something this year and see how it went. We're all nerds here. i think we can freely admit that. and nerds like to buy crap that most normal people don't give a shit about. so i thought i'd throw up some of my favorite purchases this year. and also i'm curious what you a-holes bought as well. so feel free to comment, make fun of, or say whatever else your blackened hearts desire.

Warrel Dane "Shadow Work" vinyl

if you read my year end list, then this should be obvious.

Caleb Scofield Benefit Zozobra Vinyl

this was such a huge loss for the hardcore community. glad i could get in on this and help out.

Killing Joke 40th Anniversary Tour Concert tee

 i waited a long time to see these guys. finally got my chance back in september at skully's in columbus. the same place i had tickets for 3 years prior when the whole u.s. part of the tour was canceled.

Tool "Undertow" vinyl repress

Faith No More "Angel Dust" vinyl repress

White Zombie "La Sexorcisto: Devil Music Vol.1" purple vinyl, numbered

no 3 albums more represent 1993 for me. they were, and still are, a huge part of my life. 

Nevermore "Enemies of Reality" and "This Godless Endeavor" represses

these were a no brainer for me. i also have the "Politics of Ecstacy" RSD press from a couple years ago. hoping they do "Dead Heart in Dead World" and "Dreaming Neon Black" soon

The Secret "Lux Tenebris" black and silver vinyl

yes i bought both. no i haven't opened the silver copy.

Dead Cross 10" EP swanp green

this was a surprise release. i had it ordered within seconds of receiving the email. the only other record i ordered quicker was the gold repress of "Jane Doe" last year. also should be noted that i have the gold version of the dead cross full length and no i won't open that either.

i bought a lot of shit this year, but these were just some of my favorites. also 2 purchases that should have made the list but were pulled by amazon at the last minute were the nevermore cd box set and the type o negative "Bloody Kisses" silver vinyl repress. fuck you amazon

CHRISTOPHER / VVIEZ PHOTOGRAPHY'S TOP ALBUMS 2018

Hey guys, work and life have been pretty nuts, but I wanted to be sure to contribute to all of the year end list fun. Without further delay:

1. DAUGHTERS - "YOU WON'T GET WHAT YOU WANT"

2. UADA - "CULT OF A DYING SUN"


3. PREOCCUPATIONS - "NEW MATERIAL"

4. UNIFORM + THE BODY - "MENTAL WOUNDS NOT HEALING," plus I will cheat here and include their individual full lengths in this slot.





5. BAMBARA - "SHADOW ON EVERYTHING"

6. CULT LEADER - "A PATIENT MAN"

7. OF FEATHER AND BONE - "BESTIAL HYMNS OF PERVERSION"

8. JAYE JAYLE - "NO TRAIL AND OTHER UNHOLY PATHS"

9. A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS - "PINNED"

10. INFERNAL COIL - "WITHIN A WORLD FORGOTTEN"

Honorable mentions (aka I also listened to a ton of the releases from these bands as well): 

NOTHING, MAMMOTH GRINDER, LACE, JUDAS PRIEST, OUR PLACE OF WORSHIP IS SILENCE, STREET SECTS, TOMB MOLD, HOT SNAKES, SUMAC, OH SEES, BIRDS IN ROW, KEN MODE, IMPERIAL TRIUMPHANT, HORRENDOUS, YOB, CITY HUNTER, CONVULSING, THOU, and honestly many more.

It has honestly been a great year for music. I am definitely looking forward to 2019, hopefully more great tunes and more shows to go to. I'll likely be posting a year end wrap up  of some of my favorite live photos I captured, playing a little catch up. 

I cannot end this post without mentioning the Caleb Scofield Tribute Show that Cave In released from their Roadburn performance earlier this year. I didn't include it in my top ten because I just wanted to make it a special separate inclusion. No musician's death has hit me the way Caleb's did. I am still crushed by the fact that he is gone and we will no longer be graced with his music. I was fortunate enough to go to the benefit show in Boston earlier this year, and I can say without a doubt that it was one of the best shows I have ever been to. If you are a Cave In fan then put on some headphones and listen to this performance. RIP CALEB SCOFIELD.

(U.K.) Vessel Of Inequity-S/T 12" (2018)

Country: United Kingdom
Genre: Black Metal/Noise
Label: Sentient Ruin Laboratories/Xenoglossy Productions
Tracks: 4
Length: 14.40'

The life-shattering debut album of UK-based one-man black/death/noise monstrosity Vessel of Iniquity. Fifteen minutes of unfathomable audial terror designed to disintegrate existence directly from within. Fifteen minutes of inconceivable sonic trauma administered through the unholy abuse of the most blighted blackened death metal and of the most anti-human and liminal strains of noise, drone and power electronics. A sensorially annihilating and humiliating sonic holocaust that has brought together the diverse but equally decimating aesthetics of extreme acts like Gnaw Their Tongues, Impetuous Ritual, and Teitanblood to conceive the most absurd and completely unthinkable realms of musical devastation. 

(Press Note)

*Damn, this is some seriously filthy, harsh, and abrasive sounding black metal/noise.  Vessel Of Inequity's debut was released via Sentient Ruin Laboratories and Xenoglossy Productions on January 19th, 2018.  Overall, Vessel Of Inequity's debut 12" makes for an awesome listen and definitely should not be missed.  Great stuff!  Enjoy!

Sentient Ruin Laboratories on Bandcamp
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Big Water-Drink More Water EP (2018)

Country: USA
Genre: Post Hardcore, Punk, Sludge, Screamo
Label: The Ghost Is Clear/Zegema Beach
Tracks: 6
Length: 11.25'

Big Water is a three piece band from Kansas City, Missouri who formed in 2017, from the looks of things.  Big Water play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of post hardcore, punk, sludge, and screamo within their sound.  Musically, Big Water can be loosely compared to bands such as Capsule, The Catalyst, Yaphet Kotto, and other like-minded bands.  Drink More Water is the band's debut EP, which was released on cassette via The Ghost Is Clear and Zegema Beach records on December 14th, 2018.  On Drink More Water, Big Water offer up six tracks of chaotic, volatile, and sludgy post hardcore, punk, and screamo.  Overall, Drink More Water makes for an amazing listen and definitely should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Big Water on Bandcamp
The Ghost Is Clear Records on Bandcamp
Zegema Beach Records on Bandcamp
Purchase via The Ghost Is Clear
Purchase via Zegema Beach
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Struck Nerve-Demo (2018)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk
Label: Walk A Mile/War Records
Tracks: 4
Length: 8.10'

Struck Nerve is a five piece band from Philadelphia, PA who formed in 2017, from the looks of things.  Struck Nerve features members of Jesus Piece, Agitator, Uzi Kids, and Pain Strikes, so going on that alone, you know you're in for some killer tunes.  Struck Nerve play a killer style of brutal/no-frills 80's influenced hardcore.  This is the band's debut demo, which was released via Walk A Mile and War records on December 7th, 2018.  On their debut demo, Struck Nerve offer up four tracks of killer bare bones 80's influenced hardcore.  Overall, Struck Nerve's demo makes for a great listen and definitely should not be missed.  Great stuff!  Enjoy!

Struck Nerve on Bandcamp
Walk A Mile Records on Bandcamp
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Eva Ras-Proliferation Of Broken Dreams LP (2018)

Country: Serbia
Genre: Hardcore,Punk, Screamo, Emoviolence
Label: Confusion Specialist Records
Tracks: 11
Length: 15.40'

Eva Ras is a band from Serbia who formed in early 2016.  Eva Ras play a chaotic, volatile, and abrasive style of music that incorporates elements of hardcore, punk, screamo, and emoviolence within their sound.  Musically, Eva Ras can be loosely compared to bands such as Orchid, Jeromes Dream, I Not Dance, June Paik, and other like-minded bands.  Proliferation Of Broken Dreams is the band's latest LP, which was released via Confusion Specialist records on November 28th, 2018.  On Proliferation Of Broken Dreams, Eva Ras offer up eleven tracks of harsh, abrasive, volatile, and chaotic tracks of hardcore, punk, screamo, and emoviolence.  Overall, Proliferation Of Broken Dreams makes for an awesome listen and definitely should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Eva Ras on Bandcamp
Confusion Specialist Records on Bandcamp
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(U.S.) U.S. Christmas-Prayer Meeting Reissue LP (2018)

Country: USA
Genre: Stoner Metal, Death Rock, Psych. Rock, Noise Rock
Label: Hypershape Records
Tracks: 11
Length: 60.30'

Seven years following the release of their last full-length album "The Valley Path" (2011, Neurot Recordings), American pastoral psychedelic congregation U.S. CHRISTMAS return with a newly remastered version of their awe-inspiring debut studio offering "Prayer Meeting".

Echoes and Dust and Metalitalia are streaming the new revamped edition of the record, now available via Hypershape Records. 

"Prayer Meeting" was originally the very first unreleased record by U.S. CHRISTMAS, hailing from Marion NC, in the middle of the Appalachian region.

USX have a long career and several released on the mighty Neurot Recordings, published just after an ultra-limited demo batch of "Prayer Meeting" was around.

“Some bands make demos. We made a record. We didn't do this for a label, an agent, or anyone but ourselves. It was the first step toward what would become a series of connected works. This record marks a special time in my life, and I'm sure the other dudes agree. Those days in the little trailer in Marion, NC were electric and filled with building power. Listen up, these are the sounds of our foundation.”

"Prayer Meeting" finally has been rediscovered, professionally remastered, and found its home in a ltd series of handmade and firebranded wooden boxes at Hypershape Records. Each box will be strictly unique and different from the previous one and will contain postcards and special gifts of nature collected by Nate himself on the Appalachian mountains, other than a luxury 8-panel digipack with visuals reboot at HPS headquarter. Honest and sincere record, it represents how the USX path started back in the days.

U.S. CHRISTMAS, active since 2002, has released 3 full length albums on Neurot Recordings, has performed across Europe and Nate himself performed at Roadburn Festival, they toured extensively US in the past and collaborated with musicians like Scott Kelly of Neurosis, Brett Netson of Caustic Resin and later Earth, Mike Scheidt of Yob...

(Press Note)

U.S. Christmas on Bandcamp
Hypershape Records on Bandcamp
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Genosha-Our Conspiracy LP (2018)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk
Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 10
Length: 25.0'

Genosha is a five piece band from Virginia who formed in November of 2014.  Genosha playa killer style of chaotic and volatile metallic hardcore.  Musically, Genosha can be loosely compared to bands such as Shai Hulud, 7 Angels 7 Plagues, Botch, Coalesce, and other like-minded bands.  Since forming in 2014, Genosha have released a five song EP titled Out Condolences in December of 2015, a nine song LP titled Our Contempt in October of 2016, a nine song LP titled Our Conviction in September of 2017, and a split with Treble Lifter in August of 2018.  Our Conspiracy is the band's latest full-length LP, which was released on December 14th, 2018.  On Our Conspiracy, Genosha offer up ten tracks of chaotic and volatile sounding metallic hardcore.  Overall, Our Conspiracy makes for a great listen and definitely should not be missed.  Enjoy!

Genosha on Bandcamp
Genosha on Facebook
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Soaked In Disillusion-Counter LP (2018)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Metal, Sludge, Grindcore, D-Beat, Noisecore
Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 10
Length: 25.20'

Soaked In Disillusion is a three piece band from Culver City, CA who formed in 2016.  Soaked In Disillusion play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of hardcore, punk, metal, sludge, grindcore, and d-beat within their sound.  Musically, Soaked In Disillusion can be loosely compared to bands such as Converge, All Else Failed, Vein, Sectioned, Frontierer,, and other like-minded bands.  Since forming in 2016, Soaked In Disillusion have released a five song EP titled Reasons in October of 2016 and a split with Life/Fail in April of 2017.  Counter is the band's debut full-length LP, which was released on September 28th, 2018.  On Counter, Soaked In Disillusion offer up ten tracks of volatile, chaotic, and vicious as fuck sounding hardcore, punk, metal, sludge, grindcore, and d-beat.  Overall, Counter makes for an awesome listen and definitely should not be missed.  Great stuff!  Enjoy!

Soaked In Disillusion on Bandcamp
Soaked In Disillusion on Facebook
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ILS-Pain Don't Hurt EP (2018)

Country: USA
Genre: Punk, Grunge, Sludge, Noise Rock
Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 5
Length: 13.40'

ILS is a four piece band from Portland, Oregon who formed in 2018, from the looks of things.  ILS play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of punk, grunge, sludge, and noise rock within their sound.  Musically, ILS can be loosely compared to bands such as Jesus Lizard, Unsane, Steel Pole Bathtub, Flipper, Drive Like Jehu, Whores, Bummer, and other like minded bands.  Pain Don't Hurt is the band's debut EP, which was released on December 17th, 2018.  On Pain Don't Hurt, ILS offer up five tracks of killer punk, grunge, sludge, and noise rock.  Overall, Pain Don't Hurt makes for an awesome listen and definitely should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

ILS on Bandcamp
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MASS-Miserere Mei LP (2018)

Country: Germany/United Kingdom
Genre: Black Metal, Doom, Sludge, Crust, Noise Punk
Label: An Out Recordings
Tracks: 4
Length: 47.35'

MASS is a band from Berlin, Germany and Glasgow, United Kingdom who formed in 2013, from the looks of things.  MASS play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of black metal, doom, sludge, crust, and noise punk within their sound.  Musically, MASS can be said to be loosely compared to bands such as Thou, Barghest, A Year Of No Light, Hexis, and other like-minded bands.  Since forming in 2013, MASS have released a four song self-titled EP in May of 2013, a split LP with RVNES in February of 2015, and a remixed version of their track Robespierre by Great Grief from their split with Great Grief in February of 2017.  Miserere Mei is MASS's latest LP, which is slated for release via An Out Recordings on December 25th, 2018.  On Miserere Mei, MASS offer up four tracks of killer raw black metal, doom, sludge, crust, and noise punk.  Overall, Miserere Mei makes for an awesome listen and definitely should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

(Band Submission)

MASS on Bandcamp
An Out Recordings on Bandcamp
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Femur-Red Marks LP (2018)

Country: Canada
Genre: Hardcore, Post Hardcore, Posr Metal, Grindcore
Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 9
Length: 40.0'

Femur is a three piece band from Thunder Bay, Ontario who formed in 2018, from the looks of things.  Femur play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of hardcore, post hardcore, post metal, and grindcore within their sound.  Musically, Femur can be loosely compared to bands such as Coalesce, Burnt By The Sun, Botch, Suicide Note, Jesuit, Playing Enemy, and other like-minded bands.  Since forming in 2018, Femur have released a two song Summer Sampler EP in July of 2018.  Red Marks is the band's debut LP, which was released on December 15th, 2018.  On Red Marks, Femur offer up nine tracks of brutal and vicious as fuck sounding hardcore, post hardcore, post metal, and grindcore.  Overall, Red Marks makes for an awesome listen and definitely should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Femur on Bandcamp
Femur on Facebook
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Catholic-Self-Flagellation LP (2018)

Country: Sweden
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Noise Rock
Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 8
Length: 19.05'

Catholic is a two piece band from Stockholm, Sweden who formed in late 2017, from the looks of things.  Catholic play a harsh, abrasive, and completely blown-out style of music that incorporates elements of hardcore, punk, and noise rock within their sound.  Musically, Catholic can be loosely compared to bands such as Pollution, Cult Ritual, Church Whip, and other like-minded bands.  Since forming in 2017, Catholic have released a four song demo titled I in January of 2018.  Self-Flagellation  is the band's debut LP, which was released on June 19th, 2018..  On their debut LP, Catholic offer up eight tracks of harsh, abrasive, and completely blown-out sounding hardcore, punk, and noise rock.  Overall, Self-Flagellation makes for an amazing listen and definitely should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

(Band Submission)

Catholic on Bandcamp
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(U.S.) Deth Crux-Mutant Flesh LP (2018)

Country: USA
Genre: Post Punk, Death Rock, Dark Wave
Label: Sentient Ruin Laboratories
Tracks: 10
Length: 37.55'

After debuting in 2015 with their staggering first EP "Pears of Anguish", Los Angeles deathrock night stalkers Deth Crux (who feature in their ranks members of US doom legends Buried at Sea and of L.A. black/death heathens Lighting Swords of Death) return with their long awaited debut album - the haunting and chameleonic "Mutant Flesh", forty minutes of shapeshifting and deviant horror punk/gothic rock soaked in neon, blood, sex, and perversion. Shrouded in an aura both erotic and extraterrestrial, "Mutant Flesh" is a modern post-punk juggernaut in which Deth Crux have distilled the most tumultuous, unclean, and eclectic aspects of their home town Los Angeles to create a dark punk opera of unparalleled seductiveness and darkness. Theirs is not the Los Angeles we all know. Instead it is a city they have transformed and reimagined through sound with its most dysfunctional and cinematic traits exaggerated and pushed to the forefront, haunted by neon-hungry ghosts and mutated subhuman creatures hiding behind black sunglasses among the surface population, where strange flesh is sold to fulfill unearthly desires. In "Mutant Flesh" Deth Crux channel the grandiose majesty and gloom of iconic UK goth bands like Bauhaus, Fields of the Nephilim, and Sister of Mercy, with the spooky and feral irreverence of Christian Death, projecting it all against their own personal audio-visual backdrop of decaying urban madness and sinister body horror to yield something truly both unseen and marvelously unsettling and seductive. Recorded and mixed by famed sound designer Sanford Parker (Leviathan, Wovenhand, Nachtmystium, Voivod etc.) in 2017 at Big Band Sound in Los Angeles, "Mutant Flesh" features contributions also by saxophone legend Bruce Lamont (Yakuza, Corrections House) and is already slated to become a classic dark goth/horror punk opera of our times. Long live the Mutant Flesh.   

(Press Note)

*Damn, This is some really dark, gloomy, and tense sounding post punk, death rock, and dark wave.  Mutant Flesh is Deth Crux's debut full-length LP, which was released via Sentient Ruin Laboratories on December 7th, 2018.  Overall, Mutant Flesh makes for an awesome listen and definitely should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Deth Crux on Bandcamp 
Sentient Ruin Laboratories on Bandcamp 
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Permission-Drawing Breath Through A Hole IN The Ground MLP (2018)

Country: United Kingdom
Genre: Hadcore, Punk
Label: La Vida Es Un Mus
Tracks: 8
Length: 13.10'

Permission is a United Kingdom based band who formed in 2017, from the looks of things.  Permission play a scathing and unhinged style of hardcore/punk.  Musically, Permission can be loosely compared to bands such as Hoax, The Lowest Form, Rash, S.H.I.T, and other like-minded bands.  Drawing Breath Through A Hole In The Ground is the band's latest MLP, which was released via La Vida Es Un Mus records on July 1st, 2018.  On Drawing Breath Through A Hole In The Ground, Permission offer up eight tracks of scathing and unhinged hardcore/punk.  Overall, Drawing Breath Through A Hole In The Ground makes for an awesome and definitely should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

(Re-Post Request)

La Vida Es Un Mus on Bandcamp
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Permission-Contagious Life EP (2017)

Gulch-Permission To Draw Last Breath EP (2018)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Metal
Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 6
Length: 11.40'

Gulch is a five piece band from Santa Cruz, CA who formed in 2017, from the looks of things.  Gulch play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of hardcore, punk, and metal within their sound.  Musically, Gulch can be loosely compared to bands such as Converge, Sectioned, Frontierer, Kiss It Goodbye, Nora, and other like-minded bands.  Since forming in 2017, Gulch have released a three song EP titled Demolition Of Human Construct in January of 2017.  Burning Desire To Draw Last Breath is the band's latest EP, which was released on May 23rd, 2018.  On Burning Desire To Draw Last Breath, Gulch offer up six tracks of chaotic and volatile sounding hardcore, punk, and metal.  Overall, Burning Desire To Draw Last Breath makes for an awesome listen and definitely should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

(Re-Post Request)

Gulch on Bandcamp
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Chained To The Bottom Of The Ocean-I Carry My Awareness of Defeat like a Banner of Victory 12" (2018)

Country: USA
Genre: Post Metal, Black Metal, Doom, Sludge
Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 3
Length: 19.40'

Chained To The Bottom Of The Ocean is a four piece band from Springfield, Massachusetts who formed in 2016, from the looks of things.  Chained To The Bottom Of The Ocean play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of post metal, black metal, doom, and sludge within their sound.  Musically, Chained To The Bottom Of The Ocean can be loosely compared to bands such as Thou, Barghest, Moloch, Hell, and other like-minded bands.  Since forming in 2016, Chained To The Bottom Of The Ocean have released a 6 song LP titled  Decay And Other Hopes Against Progress in September of 2017.  I Carry My Awareness of Defeat like a Banner of Victory is the band's latest 12", which was released on December 14th, 2018.  -I Carry My Awareness of Defeat like a Banner of Victory,  Chained To The Bottom Of The Ocean offer up three tracks of raw and filthy sounding post metal, black metal, doom and sludge.  Overall, I Carry My Awareness of Defeat like a Banner of Victory  makes for an amazing listen.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Chained To The Bottom Of The Ocean on Bandcamp
Chained To The Bottom Of The Ocean on Facebook
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Chained To The Bottom Of The Ocean-Decay And Other Hopes Against Progress LP (2017)

(U.S.) Plagues-I LP (2018)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Powerviolence
Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 10
Length: 16.35'

Plagues is a four piece band from California who formed in 2011.  Plagues play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of dark/metallic hardcore, punk, and powerviolence.  Musically, Plagues can be loosely compared to bands such as Tragedy, Cursed, All Pigs Must Die, Weekend Nachos, and other like-minded bands.  Since forming in 2011, Plagues have released a three song EP titled
I: Age Of Viral Origin in February of 2012 and a six song EP titled Perfect State in June of 2013.  I is the band's debut LP, which was released on November 23rd, 2018.  On I, Plagues offer up ten tracks of dark and vicious as fuck sounding hardcore, punk, and powerviolence.  Overall, I makes for an awesome listen and definitely should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Plagues on Bandcamp
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(U.S.) Graf Orlock-Examination Of Violent Cinema Volume I LP (2018)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Grindcore
Label: Vitriol Records
Tracks: 12
Length: 29.10'

Fuck yeah.  Here's the latest installment from Los Angeles, CA's Graf Orlock.  Most readers of this blog are probably familiar with these dudes, so I keep this description relatively short.  Graf Orlock is a four piece band from LA who formed in 2003.  Graf Orlock play a mind numbing, chaotic, and brutal as fuck sounding style of hardcore, punk, and grindcore. Since their inception in 2003, Graf Orlock have released a self-titled EP in 2004, an EP titled Corpserate Greed in 2004, a split with Hurry Up And Kill Yourself in 2004, a split with Greyskull in 2005, an album titled Destination Time Yesterday on 2006, an EP titled Destination Time Tomorrow in 2007, an LP titled Destination Time Today in 2009, an EP titled Doombox in 2011,  a 7" titled Los Angeles in 2012. and a ten song LP titled Crime Traveler in February of 2016..  Examination Of Violent Cinema Volume I  is Graf Orlock's latest full-length LP, which was via Vitriol records on December 7th, 2018. On Examination Of Violent Cinema Volume I , Graf Orlock offer up twelve new tracks of killer hardcore, punk, and grindcore peppered with brilliant sound samples that the band has become known for.  Overall, Examination Of Violent Cinema Volume I makes for an amazing listen and definitely should not be missed.  Highly recommended! Enjoy!

Vitriol Records on Bandcamp
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Spotify Best Of 2018 Playlist

I updated the "Best Of 2018" Playlist on Spotify to reflect everyone's year-end lists. 

Check it out if you have 6 hours to kill.

BiteMarks-Sucia 12" (2018)

Country: USA
Genre: Post Hardcore, Punk, Post Punk
Label: Belladonna Records
Tracks: 6
Length: 12.0'

BiteMarks is a four piece band from Gainesville, FL who formed in 2016, from the looks of things.  BiteMarks play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of post hardcore, punk, and post punk within their sound.  Musically, BiteMarks can be loosely compared to bands such as early White Lung, Brain F, Whore Paint, and other like-minded bands.  Since forming in 2016, BiteMarks have released a self-titled four song demo in October of 2016 and a six song EP titled SAWWY in November of 2017.  Sucia is the band's latest six song EP, which was released as a one sided 12" via Belladonna records on August 1st, 2018.  On Sucia, BiteMarks offer up six tracks of tense, angular, and discordant sounding post hardcore punk, and post punk.  Overall, Sucia makes for an awesome listen and definitely should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

BiteMarks on Bandcamp
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BiteMarks-SAWWY EP (2017)

(U.K.) Irk-Recipes From The Bible LP (2018)

Country: United Kingdom
Genre: Punk, Grunge, Noise Rock
Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 9
Length: 36.10'

Irk is a three piece band from Leeds. UK who formed in 2014, from the looks of things.  Irk play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of punk, grunge, and noise rock within their sound.  Musically, Irk can be loosely compared to bands such as Unsane, Sinking Suns, Christian Fitness, Tongue Party, and other like-minded bands.  Since forming in 2014, Irk have released a three song EP titled Bread And Honey in May of 2014, a split LP with Wren, and contributed a cover of Unsane's Disdain to the Shattered, Flattered, & Covered: A Tribute To Unsane in September of 2017.  Recipes From The Bible is the band's latest full-length LP, which was released on December 7th, 2018.  On Recipes From The Bible, Irk offer up nine tracks of weird and off-kilter punk, grunge and noise rock.  Overall, Recipes From The Bible makes for an awesome listen and definitely should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Irk on Bandcamp
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(U.S.) Godcollider-S/T EP (2018)

Country: USA
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Metal
Label: Indecision Records
Tracks: 5
Length: 19.30'

Godcollider is a four piece band from Los Angeles, CA who formed in 2017, from the looks of things. Godcollider features ex-members of Darkest Hour and current members of Hope conspiracy, Suicide File, and Narrows.  Godcollider play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of hardcore, punk, and metal within their sound.  Musically, Godcollider can be loosely compared to bands such as Heiress, The Hope Conspiracy, 108, Kiss It Goodbye, Yashira, and other like-minded bands.  This is the band's debut EP, which was released via Indecision records on December7th, 2018.  On their debut EP, Godcollider offer up five tracks of brutal and heavy as fuck sounding hardcore, punk, and metal.  Overall, Godcollider's debut EP makes for an amazing listen and definitely should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Indecision Records on Bandcamp
Godcollider on Facebook
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Ona Snop-Geezer LP (2018)

Country: United Kingdom
Genre: Hardcore, Punk, Fastcore, Grindcore, Powerviolence
Label: Lixiviat/Rip Roaring Shit Storm/Here And Now/No Bread! Records
Tracks: 18
Length: 15.50'

Ona Snop is a four piece band from Leeds, UK who formed in 2015, from the looks of things.  Ona Snop play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of hardcore, punk, fastcore, grindcore, and powerviolence within their sound.  Musically, Ona Snop can be loosely compared to bands such as Boak, Tired Of Everything, Despise You, Realize, and other like-minded bands.  Since forming in 2015, Ona Snoop have released a split 7" with Nothing Clean in December of 2015, a six song EP titled Tempestuous Grinding Insolence in December of 2016, a split 7" with Chinsniffer in February of 2017, and a live cassette titled Geezer, We're Going Down: Live At The 1in 12 Club in July of 2018.  Geezer is the band's debut 12", which was released via : Lixiviat, Rip Roaring Shit Storm, Here And Now, andNo Bread! records on August 24th, 2018.  On Geezer, Ona Snop offer up eighteen tracks of scathing, vicious, and completely unhinged sounding hardcore, punk, fastcore, grindcore, and powerviolence.  Overall, Geezer makes for an awesome listen and definitely should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

(Band Submission)

Ona Snop on Bandcamp
Ona Snop on Facebook
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DeadWinterMoon's Personal Preferences of 2018

1. Thou - Inconsolable (and just Thou in general)

Hard to argue against Thou winning 2018. Release after release of fucking magic. My personal favorite was Inconsolable. It's been a rough year, and I cannot express how much this album helped soothe my troubled psyche. I am reminded of the first time I heard Jar of Flies, and how blown away I was by the change in sound/direction. As I said, it was all magic, and I could've gone with Magus or Rhea Sylvia, but Inconsolable was just perfect for this time of my life.

 2. Portal - Ion

This band has been an absolute monster in my speakers/head for almost a decade now. Australia really does have a lot of great bands in many genres, and this is one of my absolute favorites. I feel Portal are kings of this demented Death Metal I have grown so fond of. Ion is easily their most accessible album to date, and it still won't make much sense to anyone who isn't completely damaged.

             

         3. Noose Rot - The Creeping Unknown

2018 will go down as the year I became enamored with Sentient Ruin Laboratories. This beast started that (Thanks GODSCOLDHANDS). Featuring members of such incredible bands as Wolvhammer & Gatecreeper (as well as others) this caught me off guard, and in the best ways possible. A volatile mixture of genres that combine to form one of the heaviest fucking albums this year had to offer. If you are into OSDM/Death Doom, this is an absolute must hear.
   
       

         4. Conjurer - Mire

Another album/band that came outta nowhere, and delivered one of the tastiest offerings I heard this year. I kept reading people comparing this to Mastodon, and not that I have anything against Mastodon, but I just don't hear it. This is one massively aggressive form of Sludge/Doom/Etc. These mad lads from Rugby are ones to keep an eye/ear on from here on out.

                                    

  

    5. City Hunter - Deep Blood

Holy fuck! Have you heard this insanity? As an old school Horror fan, and one who has a seriously macabre mindset a lot of the time, this is the kind of stuff that speaks to my darkest nature. I dig everything about this band. It's like the film Maniac (1980) became a Hardcore band. I absolutely must see this live.

    6. Cult Leader - A Patient Man 

Been a fan of the members in this band for some time, and though I love their previous projects, I feel Cult Leader might very well be the best thing they have done to date. Venomous, and dark. This album appeals to my many manic mood shifts.
            


   7. 夢遊病者 (sleepwalker) - 一期一会

I love this band. Absolutely unique stuff. I kinda wish this was around back when I would consume psychedelics on a regular basis. I can only imagine how much more head-fuckery would occur while listening to this genius album. Something for those who like their heavy a bit more experimental.

             
8. Møl – Jord

What was old is new again in the world of Blackgaze/Post Black Metal. One of those albums that manages to be heavy while also being uplifting. A light in the darkness, if you will.

 

                                                 9. Dopethrone - Transcanadian Anger

Took a while, but Dopethrone finally returned with another narcotic-fueled destroyer. Druggy Sludge/Doom doesn't get much better. The songs are varied, and are all pretty damn memorable.



                                                   
    
                                                      10. Mortuous - Through Wilderness

In a year filled with incredible releases in the genre, I feel this might have gotten a bit overlooked. As I age I find I appreciate my Death Metal more towards the muddy/raw vein. This is a great example of that. An ugly, and brutal album.

Okay. I won't lie. It was a pain in the ass to assemble even a Top 10 at this chaotic time of year, and I could easily move some of these around. When you hear as much music as some of us do, it can be easy to space on something truly deserving of recognition. With that said, here is a list, in no particular order, of other releases in 2018 that truly did something for me. This was my first attempt at anything so cohesive, and I am hoping to improve as I do it more often. Enjoy.

Virginia Creep - Dark Corners

No/Más - Raíz Del Mal

Recluse - Half Life

Nadja - Sonnborner

Atrament - Scum Sect

Assumption - Absconditus

Rolo Tomassi - Time Will Die, And Love Will Bury It

Panopticon - The Scars of Man on the Once Nameless Wilderness (I & II)

Wolftooth - S/T

Graf Orlock - Examination of Violent Cinema Vol. I

Those Poor Bastards - Inhuman Nature

GUNSHIP - Dark All Day

The Borkenlayne - Pain is the Fear Minder

The Body - O God Who Avenges, Shine Forth. Rise up, Judge of the Earth; Pay Back to the Proud What They Deserve

Anaal Nathrakh - A New Kind of Horror

Tomb Mold - Manor of Infinite Forms

Evoken - Hypnagogia

Mournful Congregation - The Incubus of Karma

Genocide Pact - Order of Torment

Jesus Piece - Only Self

Primal Rite - Dirge of Escapism

Phantom Winter - Into Dark Science

Ails - The Unraveling

Super Unison - Stella

CHRCH - Light Will Consume Us

So there are 35 things for y'all to consider. I wanna end this by thanking the clergy for bringing me on, and I wanna thank all of you in the chat who have been so kind. What a fucking year, eh?