Joaquin’s Rapid Review Roundup 3
I’m back again to bring your attention to a few recent releases that I enjoyed that didn’t get a ton of attention (points finger partially at self for letting promo inbox get flooded).
Closet Disco Queen & The Flying Raclettes – Omelette du Fromage
Hummus Records | September 3rd, 2021
Luc Hess and Jona Nido from Coilguns and The Ocean joined up to create… whatever this is. According to their promo materials, Closet Disco Queen originally started in 2014 with the pointless ambition to become a less talented version of the iconic progressive rock group known as The Mars Volta. They have evolved a bit since then, but it’s still a frantic instrumental album that fits the bill. For an album that was allegedly written and recorded in 15 days, it’s pretty cohesive and a lot of fun but occasionally hypnotic to the point of annoyance. I think their track names are funny too, but I can’t be sure since we hardly learn one language in this country.
A Secret Revealed – When the Day Yearns for Light
Lifeforce Records | October 29th, 2021
A Secret Revealed somehow mix black metal with a post-metal tone and some core- tendencies, and… it kinda works I think? I was a fan of their 2019 release which had a few more memorable hooks that this one is missing; however, they really nailed down a unique sound here that hits a lot of my buttons. It’s solid, but without those hooks, it’s a transient thing that exists only when it’s in front of you.
Anti Ritual – Expel the Leeches
Interdisciplinarian | September 29th, 2021
We love our anti-capitalist metal here in the Toilet (well, the cool listeners at least) so be sure to add Anti Ritual to your political bands list. These blackgrindy comrades from Denmark rip it up for 30 minutes in a surprisingly melodic, post-hardcore way. I have as much experience talking about grind as Manchin does serving the American people, so I’ll just say I enjoyed it.
She Said Destroy – Succession
Mas-Kina Recordings | October 15th, 2021
She Said Destroy is one of my favorite finds this year so far. It’s one of those genreless things that I can’t seem to get enough of, like Sinema and horrendous outfits. The fact that there’s material on this record that has been in the works for 12 years really adds to the wild variety. This is a truly capital P Progressive record that is somehow both unpredictable and catchy. From nasty dissonant death on “Our Will Be Done”, to the mathy-post rock hardcore of “To Ourselves the World Entire”, to the goofy melodic black metal riff on “Sharpening the Blade”, this thing has it all.
Rongeur – Glacier Tongue
Fysisk Format | November 5th, 2021
Rongeur does a sort of sludgy hardcore thing most of the time, except when they aren’t doing that, then it can be a stoner doom or post rock thing, then maybe opera for a second, or just whatever feels good at the moment I guess. I don’t know, man. It rules though. It’s experimental but stays cohesive enough to not feel disjointed. Fysisk just keeps adding really cool genre-bending stuff and I am thrilled.
Illudium – Ash of the Womb
Prophecy Productions | October 15th, 2021
Illudium is like if Chelsea Wolfe or ERR were far more influenced by alt rock but stayed in the doomy folk fold. You’ll get big crunchy doom riffs and emotionally heavy vocals that build into ferocious crescendos. You’ll get stripped down contemplative melodies and a vocal range to match the full spectrum. It’s a great chunk of pure mood, perfect for the short days and falling temperatures.
