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Baphomet by Florian Bertmer

SWORDS OF TEXAS: Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die

ITALIAN VERSION

DOOM - SLUDGE - PSYCHEDELIC

The EP we're talking about is the first solo work of Schmoog Lebowski, already founding member of "13 Bags of Dick". In this self-produced record you can find sludgy riffs, sometimes in jazz style, with dark and disturbing lyrics. This all was created by Schmoog in the middle of the night in Hamilton, Ontario, with his faithful fellows: "5-string bass, a 4-track recorder, beat software, and an old keyboard leaning up against the wall" - as his Bio describes. Add to this something good to smoke to open mind and spirit and you'll see this five-tracks EP taking shape from the cloudiest sludge.

Schmoog is the force and mind behind the project, even though he sometimes gets some help for his live performances. He is then "Swords ox Texas'" core.

Unlike the most of the records included in this genre, "Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die" has quite short tracks, but their intensity is really deep. Slob sludge alongside dark and space-atmospheres lead us in this trip to the centre of the Universe, where, along with a very "well-charged"* bong and sorrounded by the deepest darkness, we will make a hours-long trip meeting the strangest space-creatures you've ever imagined.

Vocals are smooth, full of psychedelic effects, hence of great impact and able to perfectly fit into the sounds of this work, from its beginning till its end.

First track "A trip with El Cid" starts with a kind of countdown prepearing us to be launched into the unknown, while "The Majestic Purple Bastard" is with no doubt the most remarkable track in the EP: it's an almost entirely instrumental track with a really goddamn sludgy bass line...and that's why we like it ‘assai’**! Closing track "Valkyrie Hymn" is the most ‘space’ track of this EP: its smooth sound and the peculiar effects on the vocals are the features of the interstellar trip offered by this space-cowboy named Schmoog. Its closure is with no doubt ideal for this work, which we're not tired to praise describing it as "SLUDGY".

The only flaw is the lack of a real drummer. This would have made this work even more valuable, but we have to give Schmoog all the credits for having produced a really well-done EP, which, fortunately, distances itself from the classic way of making music.

We wait for the next interstellar trip offered by the Lebowsky Spaceways, in the meantime enjoy!

*in Italian ‘carico’: when you fill your bong/joint with allllllot of grass!

**from Naples dialect, meaning “alllllllot”!

TRACKLIST:

    1.A Trip with el Cid

    2.El Cid Zombie Chase

    3.The Majestic Purple Bastard

    4.The Microwaveclock is stock on 12

    5.Valkyrie Hymn

 INFO:

Myspace: Swords of Texas

Anno: 2012

SWORDS OF TEXAS

ZOROASTER

BIO:

With Matador, ZOROASTER dares to defy genre-classification and proves that the band’s formidable reputation precedes it for a reason. Produced and engineered by Sanford Parker at Glow in the Dark Studios and The Living Room Recording in Atlanta, GA and mastered by Collin Jordan at The Boiler Room in Chicago, IL, Matador is a magnetic tour-de-force, blending vivid rhythms and radiance with the band’s classic use of dynamics and power. Creative, distinct, graceful and strong, Matador features the traits of a benchmark release. From the cosmic march of album opener “D.N.R.” through to the leviathan-like closing title track, it is immediately evident that ZOROASTER have joined friends – and fellow Atlanta natives – Mastodon and new label mates High on Fire as a unit determined to push modern heavy music into new and uncharted realms.

ZOROASTER’s heady mix of mammoth metal and psychotropic shoegaze has seen the trio hailed as "one of the U.S.'s most promising metal bands" and it has receiving shining praise for its explosive power, intriguing mysticism and unique take on heavy music. Summoned by the mighty sludge of The Melvins, the mysticism of Celtic Frost and the nihilistic blues of Black Sabbath, ZOROASTER formed in 2003 out of “the need for sedation by high volumes and low frequencies". The band immediately began creating devastating, dirge-ridden doom that erupted into heavyweight grooves and transcendental musical atmospheres. ZOROASTER's early sound was compared to "having 10,000 ton granite slabs dropped on your head from a height of several miles".

In 2005, ZOROASTER released its first recorded music, which quickly drew the attention of Nachtmystium frontman Blake Judd’s uber-kvlt underground label Battle Kommand Records, who re-released the tracks as the band's eponymous debut EP. The 2007 LP Dog Magic took ZOROASTER’s deafening sound to powerful new highs and spectral, heavy lows with the addition of left-of-center instrumentation (including Moog synths, theremins, ominous vocal choirs and a brass section to boot) which allowed the record to “simultaneously crush, swing and spook,” seducing primal urges while inducing dark dreams of a David Lynch-ian world. In 2009, the band self-released the critically acclaimed Voice of Saturn which pushed its sound to skyscraping new heights. From the galloping post-Sabbath rock of the roll out track “Spirit Molecule” through to the tribal percussive vertebrae of the album’s “hidden” closer, Voice of Saturn administered in-the-red levels of both the band’s mysticism and barbarism in spades and also featured a guest appearance from friend -- and fellow Atlanta native Brent Hinds of Mastodon -- who contributed a searing guitar solo and backing vocals to the song “White Dwarf”. ZOROASTER headlined the U.S. in support of the album (with The Gates of Slumber and Serpentcult in tow) as its “North America is Doomed” tour converted hundreds of new followers each and every night.

In celebration of Matador’s impending release ZOROASTER has announced a summer, 2010 U.S. tour. Presented by Brooklyn Vegan and Roxwel, the “SUMMER SOUTHERN BURN” tour will kick off on June 15 in Birmingham, AL and will include stops in NYC, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Austin and more. Joining ZOROASTER on the road will be Savannah, GA metallers Black Tusk and fast-rising Florida-based “gloom metal” duo Dark Castle.

ZOROASTER (zohr-oh-as-ter) features guitarist / vocalist Will Fiore, bassist / vocalist Brent Anderson and drummer Dan Scanlan. The trio’s live show has been described as "an obliteration of the senses", earning it the distinction of “Atlanta’s loudest band". The trio has toured relentlessly and met to shining praise from both metal and indie rock press alike since its formation, receiving accolade for its psychedelic, deafening power and unique take on heavy music.

Source: Facebook Page

VOICE OF SATURN (2008)

YOB

BIO:

The journey began back in 1996 when vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Mike Scheidt began composing classic doom metal riffs in the vein of his heroes, Sleep, Cathedral, and Black Sabbath. By the turn of the millennium, the band had recorded debut album Elaborations of Carbon, and was rapidly growing from a NW secret, to a highly sought after support act for tour stops by luminaries like High on Fire and Isis. By 2003, Candlelight had the rights to sophomore album Catharsis, a record with a side-spanning title track that breaks twenty-three minutes into a heartbreaking odyssey. Upon completion of Catharis, Scheidt invited drummer Travis Foster to join the band, and Foster’s immaculate percussive force became a signature element in YOB, as fundamental to the sound as Scheidt’s alternately monstrous growls and triumphant, soaring wail.

Full US tours commenced due to a symbiotic partnership with then-fledgling Nanotear booking agency, and YOB proved to audiences night after night that it had chops and sonic glory to deliver that exceeded the promise of its albums. Brian Slagel of Metal Blade records took note, and the man who discovered Metallica, Slayer, and Voivod took YOB under his wing. Two fantastic albums were released, 2004’s The Illusion of Motion, and 2005 masterpiece The Unreal Never Lived. By this time, YOB had shed the sound of its early influences, and was in turn creating a new and original doom sound that would in turn inspire others, from young upstarts around the world, to avowed YOB fans Tool. (Tool drummer Danny Carey went so far as to proudly sport his YOB t-shirt in promotional photographs).

Then YOB went into reclusion as the line-up shifted, and Mike Scheidt took several years to regroup and try his hand at other projects. Scheidt is a family man living in a small town, and in the real world, there are bills to pay. He trained hard in a form of Israeli self-defense called Krav Maga, eventually becoming an instructor. Between teaching this grisly martial art and reading extensively in eastern philosophy, Scheidt struck a fine spiritual balance which has led to seemingly endless creative inspiration.

In 2009, YOB re-awoke from its slumber, releasing the surprising and long-awaited The Great Cessation (it’s debut for Profound Lore records), which proved the band retained every ounce of inspiration, and accrued recognition on nearly every year-end list, from the Village Voice to Terrorizer. More surprising still was how much YOB’s legacy had grown during its hiatus. Invitations to perform at Scion Rock fest between Shrinebuilder and Pelican were followed by the unprecedented response at YOB’s first European appearance at the fabulous 2010 Roadburn festival in Holland.

By 2011, YOB stood at a crossroads. Would a world hungry for doom support the band, or would YOB remain cloistered in the grim northwest, appearing only when the moons align? The choice was taken from the band’s hands as sixth album ATMA was released to massive critical acclaim. Lengthy tours of the US and Europe followed, and YOB’s popularity went from speculative to soundly proven. Fans quickly lost count of year-end list appearances for ATMA. And at the dawn of 2012, something magical happened: TOOL called…

Source:  Facebook Page

CATHARSIS (2003)

THE UNREAL NEVER LIVED (2005)

CLEARING THE PATH TO ASCEND (2014)

SONS OF OTIS

BIO:

Sons of Otis are a stoner rock/doom band from Toronto, Canada. Sons of Otis was formed by Ken Baluke in Toronto sometime around the years 1992 and 1993. Strongly influenced by the underground heavy music of the time (Melvins/Fudge Tunnel/Shallow N.D), their first release, "Paid To Suffer", came out in 1994.

The band went through about 11 drummers until May of 2001 and has at times resorted to a drum machine for recordings as well as performances. Every record released by the band to date has been distributed by now defunct labels, leaving the band's back catalog consistently out of print. The band's first three releases (Paid To Suffer, Spacejumbofudge, and Temple Ball) are being re-released on vinyl through various European labels in 2012.[citation needed]

Source: Wikipedia

SPACEJUMBOFUDGE (1996)

TEMPLEBALL (1999)

SEISMIC (2012)

RAMESSES

BIO:

The psychedelic doom trio RAMESSES were spawned in the woodland of Dorset, England in 2003, and have been brutalizing their devoted fanbase ever since, unleashing a rash of EPs and demos, one full-length release, splits with Negative Reaction and Unearthly Trance and more over the past seven years. They’ve ripped a wound in the UK and across Europe with brutalizing live shows alongside some of the best and heaviest names in the extreme metal world.

2010 brings the next slab of raging doom from RAMESSES, in the form of their second mammoth full-length release Take The Curse, which is set to infect the general public on the 2010 Summer Solstice, June 21st. Releasing the album is new label Ritual Productions; the label formed by the band’s management. The beast will see worldwide release on CD and digital download formats through Ritual, as well as a 2xLP version to be released by Scottish label At War With False Noise.

On Take The Curse, mournful harmonies are the backdrop to the ever-increasing influence of The Occult on the band. Although a riff tsunami remains the centerpiece, the RAMESSES sound is refracted through even more circles of hell; of dirge-sludge, of rhythm, of Lucifer himself. Grim melodies, blistering spaced-out guitar solos and atmospheric samples add depth to the tracks and display the band’s eclectic traits and 70’s influences.

Source: Facebook Page

WE WILL LEAD YOU TO GLORIOUS TIME (2005)

MISANTHROPIC ALCHEMY (2007)

BAPTISM OF THE WALKING DEAD (2009)

CHROME PINEAL (2011)

PURPLE MERCY (2009)

OMEGA MASSIF

GEISTERSTADT (2007)

MELVINS

BIO:

The Melvins formed in Aberdeen/Montesano, WA in 1983 the founding members were Buzz, Mike Dillard (drums), and ex-Mudhoney bassist Matt Lukin. Buzz, Mike, and Matt all went to high school in Montesano. The name Melvins came from a grocery clerk at the Thriftway in Montesano where King Buzzo served as clerk and vandal. Melvin was the most hated fellow employee and they felt it to be an appropriately ridiculous name.

When Mike couldn't cut it, as rumor has it because the songs were getting too mathematically complex, Dale was recruited out of the Iron Maiden cover band he played in at the age of 15. Matt was replaced byLori Black (Lorax) (Shirley Temple's daughter) when they left Aberdeen for San Francisco.

The Melvins have had quite a few bass player changes during their tenure. Check out the Melvins Bassist Morgue to learn more. The Melvins live in Hollywood, CA right now.

The Melvins Discography is an exhaustive resource of their many releases. They were on a major label Atlantic Records for three albums, although most would agree they're not the type of band that would appeal to a major label. They are often quoted as knowing this while they were on the label and just took advantage of the drunken blitz the record companies were on in signing any band connected to a supposed Seattle "grunge" sound. Melvins have also released music on Ipecac Recordings, Boner Records, Alchemy Records, Amphetamine Reptile Records, Alternative Tentacles Records, and numerous others in the manner of 7"s and whatnot.

Buzz has a side project called Fantômas with Mike Patton (Faith No More/Mr. Bungle) who is also owner of Ipecac Recordings the label the melvins are currently releasing material through. He also played guitar in the hardcore/grind "supergroup" Venomous Concept, featuring members/former members of Napalm Death and Brutal Truth (also released through Ipecac).

Dale filled in for Nirvana when they were between drummers, he appears on Incesticide and Bleach as a result of those sessions. Dale has two major side projects one called Altamont in which he sings and plays guitar. The other he drums in and is known as PORN (The Men Of) or just PORN.

Melvins have toured with KISS, White Zombie, NIN, L7, Primus, Tool, and Rush, among others and were also on the Ozzfest tour in 98. They toured with a second guitarist at one point David Scott Stone (a great noisician). Former bassist Kevin Rutmanis (1998 - early 2005) used to be in the band Cows, he was also in another Mike Patton project along with Duane Denison of the Jesus Lizard called Tomahawk. If you ever get the chance to see them live be sure to give them gifts, they prefer Cracker Barrel gift certificates.

Source: Official Website

GLUEY PORCH TREATMENTS (1987)

LYSOL (1992)

IRON CLAW

IRON CLAW (1970-1974)

GODFLESH

BIO:

Godflesh are an industrial metal band from Birmingham, England. They were formed in 1988 by Justin Broadrick (guitar, vocals, andprogramming) and G.C. Green (bass) and disbanded in 2002. Godflesh's innovative music is widely regarded as a foundational influence on industrial metal and post-metal.[1] Broadrick and Green reformed Godflesh in 2010.

Source: Wikipedia

STREETCLEANER (1989)

US AND THEM (1999)

THE DEEP BLUE

ANTARCTIC ABYSS (2007)

ELECTRIC WIZARD

BIO:

Formed in Wimborne,Dorset, UK in 1993 by three archetypal potheads with a shared appreciation of vintage amplification and instruments, marijuana and Black Sabbath.

Initially conceived as 1970s styled doom metal their sound quickly developed a more aggressive and heavier style drawing influences from early black metal, detroit garage, acid rock ,hardcore punk and even electronic music. It was also due to their rural isolation, drug abuse, police harassment and a general escalation in violent lifestyle and environment that this style developed and also spilled over into their live performances and personalities.

Yet despite these self-destructive tendencies (including poorly explained injuries, arrests, court appearances, the infamous debauched and demented US tours, alcoholism and the inevitable acrimonious and public line-up shuffles) and a perceived paranoiac media/industry unfriendly attitude, the band and their sound has risen to dominate and define the doom metal, stoner and sludge metal music scenes. They are now commonly referred to as 'the heaviest band in the world' with at least, three of their seven LPs widely recognised as genre benchmarks and heavy metal classics(1996's 'come my fanatics…', 2000's 'dopethrone' and 2007's 'witchcult today'). Also their lyrical and stylistic obsessions (the 70s, weed, horror films, the occult, HP Lovecraft, witchfinding, 70s porn, psychedelic art etc) have had an undeniable influence over modern doom metal and how it is perceived today.

Electric Wizard are a modern day cult and phenomenon with an aggressive, fanatical and ever-growing fanbase. Their uncompromising style continues to inspire every new generation of disenfranchised long-haired dropout/stoner metalheads and seekers of extremity in music sick of genre raping 'product' spewed out for weak minds and feeble ears. 

They are currently writing and recording material for their ,as yet, untitled eighth LP.

Source: Facebook Page

COME MY FANATICS (1997)

     

SUPERCOVEN (1998)

LET US PRAY (2002)

TIME TO DIE (2014)

EARTHLESS

BIO:

Formed in 2001, EARTHLESS prides itself on creating energetic, utterly unique and free thinking instrumental music inspired by an eclectic mix of German krautrock and Japanese heavy blues-rock. The Californian trio has dedicated itself to mastery of the mind-bending jam session, evoking the spirits of Jimi Hendrix and Black Sabbath in equal measure. Named after a song title from vintage New York garage-psych band The Druids of Stonehenge, EARTHLESS' sound has been called "A sonic kaleidoscope of lava and lightning", earning it the title of "California's loudest band". The group delivers "one of the best live shows in all of modern, heavy rock," leading to one reviewer stating that the band's "epic shredding harkens back to the days were psychedelic rock had balls the size of grapefruits and wasn't afraid to take its listeners on a ride for which they may never return." 

Each member of EARTHLESS has done time in many other bands. Drummer (and former pro skater) Mario Rubalcaba currently plays in the hardcore punk band OFF! and has also occupied the drum throne in Rocket From The Crypt and Hot Snakes amongst many others. Bassist Mike Eginton played with Electric Nazarene and guitarist Isaiah Mitchell was most recently in Howlin' Rain, has played with Nebula and Drunk Horse and also heads up the Bay Area band Golden Void. In the end, EARTHLESS is the musical rock that grounds the three musicians and now, after more than half a decade since the release of their last studio LP, EARTHLESS has returned and is out to prove -- through sheer rock power -- why they are considered the cream of the modern day heavy psych scene.

Source: Facebook Page

RHYTHMS FROM A COSMIC SKY (2007)

FROM THE AGES (2013)