Progressive Death Metal from Bordeaux, France. GOROD (formerly 'Gorod' & 'Goregasm') released their latest album ('The Orb') in March of 2023, after a brief lapse since 2018. Just thought I would give a quick shout-out for this album, not much else to say aside they've been one of my favorites in the genre since their inception (late 90's/early 2000's for their first studio release). GOROD just explores some avenues of DM that many don't, from occasional clean vocals to more experimental songwriting, and a strong yin/yang of technical bombast with brightness to the darkest dungeon. As far as I can tell this was only released digitally and on CD.
Pre-release on Bandcamp: June 29, 2024.
Release date: July 20, 2024.
KASHIWA Daisuke's 10th original album, "Ice," is set for an early release on Bandcamp on June 29 (general release on July 20).
The album is based on the concept of emphasizing clear melodies and is a work that pursues expression through melody.
It features songs with beautiful melodies played in various styles.'
The first single/title track "Ice" can be heard below as well as a short preview of the album.
* I also found the track "EBV" on Kashiwa's personal YT channel:
Just a heads-up on an upcoming release from Writhing Squares; 'Mythology' comes out on April 26th. Excited to see where this duo goes next, following their last double-album 'Chart For The Solution'. The track "Barbarians" is available to check out now.
Was perusing my bandcamp 'following' section and realized Azat released a new track, "Cycle Time", his first release since 2017. Thought I'd re-emerge from the internet depths to spread the word. His entire discography is on sale for 25% off (I think it was ~$35)...a pretty good deal considering the amount of releases (around 5 of them are basically full lengths).
Good sign to come, show some support at his bandcamp if able (all his releases are digital).
H E X are from Geneva, Switzerland. Their self-titled debut released in 2018, and I've frequently re-visited the four tracks that are a brilliant blend of electronic/post-rock/industrial stylings. I'd first heard of the band through my admiration for Shora, whom years after their defunct status announced a new project featuring the former guitarist (H E X).
Shora was a hardcore/noisy screamo group also from Switzerland who relatively flew under the radar, even while having a split record with noise staple Merzbow. The final album in Shora's lifespan was a departure from their previous records -- the singer had left the group making concluding 'Malval' a foray into instrumental, electronic-driven post-rock. While also massively overlooked in post-rock circles, the debut album from H E X seems to have in large part picked up the reins of where Shora left off. The difference being that H E X has a bit of a darker edge, occupying the same futuristic electronic space but in a much more grimy and industrial landscape and sound. There are flashes of vocals throughout the four tracks, great drumming, and overall just a cool mixture of electronic and industrial tropes within the frame of guitar-backed post-rock nuances.
The vinyl and CD/merch can be found on Hummus Records, who recently acquired publishing rights and released Shora's two hardcore records (minus their demo) on vinyl for the first time ever. The digital album is also available on Bandcamp as a name-your-price release, but definitely show them some love if you like what you hear. I have a hunch you will, as like Shora they are definitely fiercely unique to their associated genres.
"N0V3L’s debut full-length, NON-FICTION, comprises 11 tracks that function as a treatise on modern existence and the perverse parameters within which it’s experienced. It’s a collection of agile, carefully-constructed post-punk, new wave, funk, and garage rock that’s been zapped and warped by an opioid overdose crisis, mental illness, populism, and the merciless onward march of time. Intimate sadnesses and structural violences are blurred to the jagged quirk of sharp guitars, commanding bass, acrid saxophone, and mournful keys, all propelled ever forward by nimble drumming. It’s dark and occasionally danceable, a macabre late-capitalist disco under a pall of confusion.
NON-FICTION was written between 2017 and 2020, and recorded on a Tascam-388 in the band’s since-torn-down rental home. Bryce Cloghesy (Military Genius, Crack Cloud) produced and mixed the record, which trades in the first EP’s martial rigidity for a broader approach to actualizing the band’s tensions. The Vancouver tear-down, previously the band’s headquarters for producing music, videos, and clothing, was slowly evacuated, as members moved out in advance of the inevitable; another casualty of Vancouver’s merciless housing market. N0V3L, once a concentrated machine, is now spread across the western province of British Columbia." - Bandcamp
Cool post-punk/new-wave album from Vancouver, B.C. Have especially had the single "FALLING IN LINE" on repeat listens, but the entire album is solid. The album released in May, but only a few tracks are available for preview on their Bandcamp/YT, but I imagine the whole album can be listened to on Spotify. Only two current vinyl copies remain if looking for a physical copy.
