Mini Reviews From Around the Bowl (2/20/25)
Eat up
Vimur – The Timeless Everpresent
Avantgarde Music | July 5th, 2024
Remember when that giant betentacled space lion took a spear right to the face? I remembered, so Vimur’s newest went right on the wishlist, where I found it some six months later. Shame, because the band’s sharp, melodic black metal need not hide behind contemporaries like Spectral Wound, Kvaen, or even that Aklash record that you still haven’t listened to, although Vimur aren’t quite as adventurous apart from the occasional flourish of acoustic guitar. Rather, they establish a theme for the song and proceed to alternate it with ferocious blast beats (or not, as in the slow jams “Wound Window” and “The Embrace…”). “Sons of Another Light” is probably the best at this, but the whole album is well worth investing a reasonable 40 minutes into, even if you won’t see any wheels reinvented. The gloriously hideous vocals alone should provide a pleasant sense of catharsis. – Hans
Dripped – Utopia of Euphoric Envisionment
Ungrateful Dead Promotions | January 17, 2025
That kinda logo and that kinda word salad can surely only mean one thing: we’re in for some brutal death metal, baby! Brutal death metal that’s light on the slamming, I might add. Sorry to the breakdown enjoyers, but this is pretty much all blasting, all the time. Does that take away from the heaviness? Not really; the guitars are thicc, the guttural vocals are absolutely vile, and those parts where they do slow down a tad are filled with bits that are actually interesting rather than trying to get you into martial arts. As a cherry on top, this being a sci-fi-themed release, there’s no gross samples apart from a bit of undefinable squelching at one point. All in all, a hugely satisfying 20 minutes of catharsis for your commute or when there’s no chance for a power nap. In case you’re still unsure if this is for you, just check out “Stagnant Insurrection” and tell me that shit isn’t energizing. Might loosen your bowels, too! – Hans
Swimming– Old
No Funeral & Barely There Records | February 21st, 2025
On Old, Swimming nails a retro emo/alt-rock vibe but gives it a little twist with math rock guitar virtuosity. Though I never really had an era with this music, it still manages to trigger a massive nostalgia bomb. I love that it sounds like something that three guys could make in a garage after school. It’s got gang vocals, memorable choruses, and riffs that are fun as hell. Old is incredibly lean with nine short tracks that fly by and absolutely no filler. It’s happy, and we all need a little more of that. Let’s go swimming. – Joaquin
Lammoth — Tales of Treachery
Independent/Fiadh Productions | July 12, 2024
Filed under “cool shit I slept on like a huge dork, 2024 ed’ish” and “SHELOB SUMMER” is the absolutely bonkers debut full-length from Asheville, North Carolina’s Lammoth. Their particular strain of Brandywine blasphemy is the result of a cross between blue castle shred and Ulver’s “Of wolves & vibrancy”. Moonlight Sorcery with breakcore. Talk about some trve hybrid vigor, cuz idk how this works so well. Also while it’s ostensibly hobbit-themed it samples a uhh, “beloved” vidya game fairy companion from Legend of Zelda. Said fairy is blue tho, so idk maybe they work at the blue castles or something 🤷♂️ Anyways go listen to the sick sword unsheathing sound effect -> spicy guitar lead transition @ 6:06 ov “Ungoliant’s Last Child” and join me in wallowing in our collective failure to acknowledge how much Lammoth kicks ass. – Megachiles
Goblin Soap – Goblin Offensive
Axle Steel Records | July 17, 2024
I’ve always been partial to goblins. My first EDH deck was Krenko, Mob Boss. My first D&D character was a goblin sorcerer named Kraddard. When I watched the 1977 animated version of The Hobbit, my favorite part was the goblin cave. Naturally, I was a little more than intrigued when one of my favorite labels dropped a 15-minute blackened punk demo themed after my beloved pointy-eared stinkers. Goblin Offensive (which yes, they certainly are) does not disappoint. With all the raw, gnarly riffs that it throws at you, accompanied by intermittent dungeon synth/noise interludes and PLENTY of amplifier feedback, this demo feels longer than it is. That’s a good thing. With 7 tracks in 15 minutes, these dudes are wasting no time. It’s all killer, no filler, and I can’t recommend it enough. -Reliquary Tower
Merzbow – Tsubute Mosaic
Modern Obscure Music | April 19, 2024
Just as I sat down to write this review, I discovered that—despite only being added to Spotify about three weeks ago—this album actually released back in April of 2024. Oh well. If you’re upset about it, send strongly-worded emails to toiletovhell@gmail.com, or contact your local congressman.
I’m sure all three of our harsh noise-loving readers (and Aaron) are excited to see some more Merzbow content. I get this itch every 4 months or so that can only be satisfied by Akita’s shrill, ear-piercing audio assaults. While I admit that I’m not especially well-versed in Merzbow’s discography (I’ve only heard about 10 albums), Tsubute Mosaic has quickly become a favorite. One of Akita’s more comfortable, meditative works, there’s a lot of low-end on this record with plenty of dentist drill sounds that stab through the rumbling to deliver what we know and love from a Merzbow release. If you’re a fan of noise music, check this one out. And if you’re not a fan of noise music? Well, I just want you to know that I’m genuinely happy for you. Go now. Be free. Do what I cannot.
