Brutality Will Prevail - Sleep Paralysis EP (2011)

In 2011 via Holy Roar Records, Brutality Will Prevails 'Sleep Paralysis' EP is the best Doom/Sludge infused Down-tempo Hardcore recording out. Hailing from Wales, BWP formed in 2006 and have since released 3 full-length LP's, 'Forgotten Soul' (2006), 'Root Of All Evil' (2010) and 'Scatter the Ashes' in (2013), conquering the UK and Europe playing shows and festivals like; Outbreak Fest, Download, Ghost Fest, Leperfest. etc etc

'Sleep Paralysis' is 18 minutes of the hardest, 'doomiest' tracks the band has recorded till today. The off-tone guitars and hard-hit drums make the EP sound so gritty and angry. The intro the 'Heavy Eyes' is a prime example of this, when the guitar finally kicks in its nigh on impossible not to get into the slow hard tempo beat.

Another great thing done throughout the EP is the contrast between the heavy chugging riffs and the clean/off-tone guitar interludes. In 'Heavy Eyes' the guitars trail off into an interlude, midway through the song, and when it comes back in it hits like thunder, the Doom/Sludge influences ringing stronger than ever.

The title track, 'Sleep Paralysis', is a slow, creepy very 'metal' instrumental with excerpts of phone calls complaining of experiencing ''sleep paralysis'' (a state of dreaming where you're conscious yet unable to move). The excepted phone calls talk of seeing "A shadow...of and old woman...with grey hair''. Even further through the track, there is a girl screaming and what sounds like the girl from 'The Exorcist' shrieking. The whole 8 minutes achieves 'scaring' or making the listener feel uncomfortable and on anyones first listen (especially if alone) it can come as a shock.

The heavier guitar parts, like the start off 'Heavy Eyes' and the end of 'Cursed', really stand out and come alive live, the crowds reaction from 'Metalheads' to 'Hardcore kids' and everything in between is incredible.

The EP really gets you worked up, its aggression a contagious temporary infection. It can be hard to listen to for first time BWP listeners, but once you break through the barrier, there is no return from the addiction.
9/10


Video: Brutality Will Prevail Live Outbreak Fest (Euro Edition)

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Sonic Youth - Goo (1990)

Post-Punk influenced '90's Grunge' band Sonic Youths album 'Goo' was released in 1990 via DGC Records, the first release through a major record label and yet their 6th studio album. At the time its rating on the 'Billboards' were very average, peaking at 96th on the top 200 in the States, yet at the time it was an important album for the scene, along with releases including;
Nirvana - Nevermind
Soundgarden - Badmotorfinger
Alice In Chains - Facelift (Debut)

The album its self consists of 11 songs and they're all different in there own way, songs like ''Tunic (Song for Karen)'' are slow and have more of a spoken word feel to the vocals with the guitars slurred in that ''typical grunge sound''.''Scooter + Jinx'' is just feedback and guitar noises for 1:05, unlike the singles "Kool Thing'' and ''Dirty Boots'', that have edgy 'power chord' guitar riffs and catchy hooks.

Live, SY (at the time) played the songs aggressively with their feedback ringing louder than on the album, almost like bands from the Hardcore/Punk uprising, their attitude helping to shape grunge and 90's alt rock.

The album itself is very dull at points, yet interesting to listen to in a way that is hard to put into words. Although it is definitely an album to listen to late at night or on the road, by yourself to really immersed yourself into that whole other world, where nothing but music matters.

7.5/10

Video: Sonic Youth - Dirty Boots live '91

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Wavves - King Of The Beach (2010)

San Diego Surf Rock band, Wavves formed in 2008 and via Fat Possum Records  in 2010 released there 3rd album 'King Of The Beach'.  With success in touring and playing a festivals like SXSW and Lollapalooza. This year on July 26th, Wavves, are playing at Splendour In the Grass (Sold Out) in Australia so if you have a ticket be sure to see them.

The album is generally a classic summer beach time album but it has its sombre moments. Songs like 'Mickey Mouse' really differ from songs like the title track, 'King Of The Beach', but it creates a nice contrast throughout it. The tracks that stand out are, 'Super Soaker', 'Idiot' and 'Post-Acid' all nice and upbeat with simple positive messages.

The guitar tone is really good but if the guitar were to be turned up a little and made clearer in the studio (even if they were going for a rawer, grittier, 'grunge' sound) it would be just that little bit easier to listen to. The melodies/twin vocals work well but again the drums need to be toned down a bit so the bass is more prominent, especially as they are a 3-piece.

A fun, positive, 'hanging out with friends' record that puts a smile on your face. Every listen.
8/10
Video: Wavves - King Of The Beach (Official Video)

Buy Here: http://www.fatpossum.com/products/king-of-the-beach

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Iron Mind - Hell Split Wide Open (2011)

After the release of the EP 'The Sun Has Set' in 2009, and signing to Dead Soul Records, in 2011, Iron Mind  released the Hell Split Wide Open LP. The Melbourne based band have toured with some of the biggest and best names in hardcore (Terror, Backtrack, Cruel Hand ect) and played festivals like Break The Ice Fest, Iron Mind are on there way to becoming a name that will go down in Australian hardcore history.

Hell Split Wide Open is an all killer no filler album and has you hooked right from the start. Songs like "Look Into My Eye', 'The Calm and The Storm' and 'Nail Becomes The Hammer' stand out with catchy hooks and side to sides everywhere you turn. The guitar tone, drums and vocals are perfectly balanced and recorded, and the intense riffs come on after the other till the albums end.

Some of the themes explored throughout the album are the struggles of a man, growing up and realising the world isn't what were told and front man, Sam's issues with controlling his anger.
Live is when the songs really come alive and it's well received, judging by the audiences response.
An incredible album that will be stuck in your head for hours after listening.
8.5/10

Video: Iron Mind live, The Iron Mind (The Sun Has Set EP) and Guilt (Hell Split Wide Open)\

Download: http://www.mediafire.com/download/l8fq36drw9f4eup/Iron+Mind+-+Hell+Split+Wide+Open+soundfromthesewers.blogspot.com.zip

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Expire - Pendulum Swings (2012)

'Pendulum Swings' is Expire's debut album and was released in 2012 through Bridge Nine Records.
The band hailing from Midwest, America, has been successful very quickly after releasing only a Demo in 2009 and a 7'' in 2010 and playing festivals including; Sound and Fury, This is Hardcore and Rain Fest all without a full length record.

After signing to B9 Records in 2012, with a half written LP they toured internationally playing in Europe with co-label Foundation.
With the LP, Pendulum Swings, released Expire continued to tour relentlessly through 2012 even passing through Australia early 2013.

From start to finish this record is near perfect. The mix of aggression and emotional release is well balanced and works well live. Songs like, 'Just Fine', 'Spit Out' and 'Bark' really stand out with catchy riffs, beats and vocal hooks.

There is no dipping point in the album and is easy to listen to from Track 1 the whole way through.
9/10

Video: Expire live at a Portland Burgerville

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