harsh noise

Rainbows in the Dark: Lung Knots — “Golden Dirges, Molten Larynges”

IanLeave a comment

I can’t say that I really saw it coming, but I guess I’m on something of a harsh noise kick lately.  Not that things have been going particularly poorly or my mental state is deteriorating (well, any more that it usually does), but I guess I’ve just been in the mood to expand my horizons.  I’m starting to get a feel for nuances of the genre, how it carries emotion and tension that is much more complicated than just “loud.”  But then, there’s Lung Knots, and their newest release Golden Dirges, Molten Larynges, that just want to annihilate your eardrums sonically.  That works too, I guess.

Continue reading →

Rainbows in the Dark: Great Dismal Swamp — “Virginia”

IanLeave a comment

I can’t say I’m overly familiar with harsh noise, especially considering the harshness of said noise is not something that I’m always in the mood for.  It’s different than listening to extreme metal, despite what some might say.  You have to be willing to put yourself into something that throws out any sense of musicality in favor of pure atmosphere.  However, picking up this column last year did me well in terms of broadening my horizons, and Great Dismal Swamp have the kind of name that immediately draws me in, so I took a chance on Virginia.

Continue reading →

Album Review: Fange — “Pudeur”

Ian1 Comment

If you’re familiar with my work around here, you know that I have a specific philosophy when it comes to death metal.  I like my death metal like I like my steak: thick, beefy, juicy and I need to be left sweating and nearly comatose after consuming it.  That being said, there’s always room for improvement on the original recipe, a little twist of seasoning to zhoozh the whole affair up.  Enter Fange and their fourth full length Pudeur, who effortlessly take the tried and true death metal formula and pepper in a whole mess of electronic noise goodness. Continue reading →

Album Review: american – “Violate and Control”

Vincent1 Comment

american Violate And Control digi cover 1500x1500

Black metal and noise have always been strange bedfellows.  Both, after all, seek to test the boundaries of what would be considered “listenable” in various capacities.  It stands to reason, then, that the combination of the two genres would be the ultimate essence of this desire to make the darkest and harshest music imaginable.  Enter american, and their new album Violate and Control, which sees the band utilize these concepts to create something truly menacing. Continue reading →