Review: Xasthur - Portal of Sorrow

“Portal of Sorrow” has been released as an alternate swansong for XASTHUR and although I believe the full-length predecessor “All Reflections Drained” has its merits, “Portal of Sorrow” is most certainly a superior release. The album is interesting firstly in that it combines recognisable song structures that hark back to the earlier days of XASTHUR whilst also encompassing new ideas and techniques. For example; I am reminded of early albums such as “Nocturnal Poisoning” as “Portal of Sorrow” features similarly unsettling compositions that take those unexpected paths that makes XASTHUR such compelling and obsessive listening. This is where “All Reflections Drained” was not so successful as despite it being a well-composed and thoroughly listenable release, the sense of character was not so prominent. I remember reading an interview with... Post Continued Here

Review: Velnias - Sovereign Nocturnal

“Sovereign Nocturnal” consists of three epic nature-inspired tracks of Pagan / Down-tempo / Folky Black Metal. Although this looks like an EP (and is also priced as an EP), it is actually more like a full length album as the tracks are such lengthy compositions. However, it is easy to see why the tracks had to reach such proportions of length. The emphasis here is most certainly on gradually building towards Post-Rock / Post-Metal style crescendos whilst also creating a sombre and majestic atmosphere. The subtle development of the shadowy atmosphere here is something that certainly can’t be achieved through break-neck speeds or crudely thrown together melodies. VELNIAS use mature song-writing techniques (border-lining on progressive), making use of many moody acoustic passages and slow, sorrowful riffs that gradually build and shift throughout each track. Although it is possible... Post Continued Here

Podcast: KZ from Ghast - Recently Playing

I’ve approached this podcast in a similar way that I would have approached many of the mix tapes I made during the 90s. With musical addiction! It is music that I’ve been listening to recently. I’ve omitted the over played, like songs from Appetite For Destruction, Denim & Leather, Earth A.D, Highway To Hell, Volume 4 or Wish You Were Here. I also haven’t put any of the ‘drone’ bands I’ve been listening to on here. The original playlist had about forty bands on it. I’m sure a lot of you will have already heard most of these songs, so you’ll already know their good! Click ‘DOWNLOAD’. Warning – Footsteps The vocals and lyrics on this wrench at the heart. It’s also a fine demonstration of how to use reverb on toms! A great song and more than a decent opener I thought. From the album ‘Watching From A Distance’. Negura... Post Continued Here

GHAST on the BBC airwaves.

Ghast featured on Adam Waltons BBC radio show of the best Welsh music of the year [broadcast on BBC Radio Wales last night, Sunday December 28th] . Friends and past gigging pals Black Cesar also featured in the same show. The Ghast track played was Give Your Wrists from the album May The Curse Bind. Listen again here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00g4w1p/Adam_Walton_28_12_2008/ Catch Ghast live in January: Fri 16th Jan at The Junction, Bristool, England, with SALUTE! Thurs 29th Jan at The Croft, Bristol, with WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM! Sat 31st Jan at The Duke, Neath, Wales, with JAGERMONG! Ghast are still booking shows for January and February, email souldustblack@yahoo.co.uk to bring the grim.