A few weeks ago I tuned into a documentary a called "Something in the water" about the Perth music scene. Given the isolation of Perth and the AC/DC connection I was expecting that there would at least be a mention of the Metal scene in some form or another. Alas, I was dissappointed! Despite raising some interesting questions about how isolation can be both a hindrance and a help to a music scene the makers of this documentary seemed happy to concentrate of the JJJ fodder of Jebediah, Eskimo Joe, Little Birdy etc.
Being a long-time Melbournite I admit that my knowledge of the Perth extreme music scene is lacking and having watched "Something in the water" I was left wondering if a Metal scene even exists in Perth. Therefore, over the last couple of weeks I have made it my mission to sample the wares Perth has to offer.
One such offering that I was impressed by is the debut full length album by Chaos Divine -Avalon. The album comprises of 10 tracks of melodic, progressive metal with excellent production value and plenty of hooks. Standout tracks for me are the anthemic "Cages" and "Refuse the sickness" which highlight the excellent set of pipes possessed by singer David Anderton. The guitar work on the album is equally impressive and the rhythm section solid and complimentary.
Running at almost 50 minutes there is a sense that the album could have been distilled slightly, however one might also view this as value for money! The album is currently available through Firestarter Music and Distribution and itunes.
http://www.myspace.com/chaosisdivine
http://www.firestartermusic.net/
http://www.chaosisdivine.net/
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Hotel Wrecking City Traders - Black Yolk
Hotel Wrecking City Traders are a duo who have been gigging around since 2006. Their most recent album Black Yolk contains a heady mix of stoner rock, metal and blissed out psychedelia which is constantly on the move. Consisting of just one drumkit (played by Ben) and one guitar(played by Toby) they turn the classic two guitars, bass, vocals and drums band model on its head. On listening to their album one would not suspect that such a lush and heavy sound could be produced with these two instruments alone.
With no need for vocals, these two musicians bounce off each other and fill all the gaps around a strong backbone with heavy riffs and competant soloing. Despite all that is going on in these songs they re-create the sound live in a seemingly effortless fashion. If you haven't seen these guys live yet you should definately check them out!
Their brightly packaged digipack is available from their myspace for $20 including postage. Their previous self titled EP is also available from their myspace. You can buy both using the handy paypal facility.
With no need for vocals, these two musicians bounce off each other and fill all the gaps around a strong backbone with heavy riffs and competant soloing. Despite all that is going on in these songs they re-create the sound live in a seemingly effortless fashion. If you haven't seen these guys live yet you should definately check them out!
Their brightly packaged digipack is available from their myspace for $20 including postage. Their previous self titled EP is also available from their myspace. You can buy both using the handy paypal facility.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Carcharoth
I can think of no better way of starting this blog than with one of my favourite independent releases of 2008 Carcharoth - From The Cavern Come.
From The Cavern Come was recorded over the course of a few months in 2008 by (then) sole member Chris Doig. Chris wrote all the songs and played every instrument on the album apart two guest appearances, a violin solo by Tim Charles (Ne Obliviscaris) and cello on four songs by Sebastian Simpson. The result is a hybrid of progressive and epic death metal which is both crushing and melodic.
This album really works as one you will want to listen to from start to finish with musical and lyrical themes that continue throughout. It could be categorised as a concept album, in the vein of Opeth's Still Life, with similar influences of jazz and folk.
The lyrical themes explore death, rebirth and exploring the world in solitude. These themes unfold in the form of a morbid fairytale about a boy left in a cave left to fend for himself. The musicianship and song structure is solid and the recording is of such a standard that its difficult to believe this is a self funded project. Its great to see such an ambituous project being undertaken by one person.
Carcharoth in its new incarnation as a band have already written 6 or so new songs and will soon begin rehearsal for their live shows. Chris is also working on other projects such as Throes, Rainshadow and Atlas.
From The Cavern Come is available from directly from the Carcharoth myspace for $15AUD, $20US, $10euro and 10GDP. The first demo from Carcharoth 'The Raven's Cry' is also available for download from the Carcharoth myspace.
http://www.myspace.com/carcharothaus
From The Cavern Come was recorded over the course of a few months in 2008 by (then) sole member Chris Doig. Chris wrote all the songs and played every instrument on the album apart two guest appearances, a violin solo by Tim Charles (Ne Obliviscaris) and cello on four songs by Sebastian Simpson. The result is a hybrid of progressive and epic death metal which is both crushing and melodic.
This album really works as one you will want to listen to from start to finish with musical and lyrical themes that continue throughout. It could be categorised as a concept album, in the vein of Opeth's Still Life, with similar influences of jazz and folk.
The lyrical themes explore death, rebirth and exploring the world in solitude. These themes unfold in the form of a morbid fairytale about a boy left in a cave left to fend for himself. The musicianship and song structure is solid and the recording is of such a standard that its difficult to believe this is a self funded project. Its great to see such an ambituous project being undertaken by one person.
Carcharoth in its new incarnation as a band have already written 6 or so new songs and will soon begin rehearsal for their live shows. Chris is also working on other projects such as Throes, Rainshadow and Atlas.
From The Cavern Come is available from directly from the Carcharoth myspace for $15AUD, $20US, $10euro and 10GDP. The first demo from Carcharoth 'The Raven's Cry' is also available for download from the Carcharoth myspace.
http://www.myspace.com/carcharothaus
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