Kaliyuga/Self Titled/Devices Records/2013 7 Inch Review

  KaliYuga  are  a  2  piece  female  duo  from  Tunisia  and  France  with  a  musical  style t hat  I  would  describe  as  being  crust/grind  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2013  7  inch  which  was  released  by  Devices  Records.

  "No  Way"  begins  with  heavy  guitar  riffs  and  bass  before  going  into  blast  beats,  melodic  riffing  and  high  pitched  grindcore  screams  along  with  some  deep  growls  kicking  in  shortly  after  that  which  take  the  song  into  a  heavy  and  melodic  direction  focusing  more  on  mid  paced  sections.

  "Time  To  Change"  begins  with  some  powerful  drums  and  bass  guitars  which  lead  to  some  guitar  riffs,  screams  and  growls  kicking  in  as  well  as  some  melodic  punk  riffing  while  still  focusing  more  on t he  heavy  parts  with  the  song  also  incorporating  blast  beats.

  "Behind  The  Bars"  begins  with  heavy  guitar  riffs,  powerful  bass  playing  and  drums  which  lead  to  some  screams  kicking  in  with  the  heavy  parts  and  after  awhile  the  deep  growls  start  kicking  in  and  mixing  in  with the  screams  and  the  song  closes  with  a  heavy  guitar  riff.

  "Suicide"  begins  with  high  pitched  screams,  dark  guitar  riffing  and  heavy  drums  and  after  awhile  you  can  hear  some  death  metal  growls  getting  into t he  mix

  Song  lyrics  cover  dark  and  everyday  themes,  while  the  production  has  a  very  dark  and  heavy  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that a re  present  on  the  ep.

  In  my  opinion  Kaliyuga  are  a  very  great  sounding  crust/grindcore  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of t his  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out t his  ep.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "No  Way"  and  "Suicide".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.  

Dead In The Dirt Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

We just returned from a three week west coast/southern US tour, and we are gearing for another three week US tour starting Sept.11. We also just released and LP entitled "The Blind Hole" a few weeks ago.

2. How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?

The new LP is definitely the most abrasive material we have to date. I think we were finally able to purge the sound we set out to make since day one. Our previous releases have many of the same elements, but with the help of Andy Nelson, our engineer, we were able to harness our live sound in its truest form.

3. The lyrics cover a lot of straight edge and veganism themes, can you tell us more about your views on this lifestyle?

We didn't discuss very many vegan ideals on this new record, and only a few songs relate to straight edge. We get asked about this a lot. The only thing I can say is that, we are all vegan straightedge, but we all have different paths. I think its important for people who listen to our music know where we are coming from even if not every song relates to those particular views. We are more interested in connecting with passionate people, than someone who is simply straightedge.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

We got the name from one of our favorite bands, The Swarm. We felt it was unique and also directly relates to our lyrical themes as well as our overall view. Our lyrics deal with humbling occurrences, such as death, and the fear it evokes. We try to realize and appreciate every second we have and our name is a constant reminder.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

We have played all kinds of venues, from a basement in Kansas City in the middle of summer with 50 people crammed inside, to a sold out historic theater in Boston to 420 seated people. We have played tons of awesome shows, it's difficult to pinpoint one. I feel like its always a struggle to play on a giant stage, since we came from playing basements and DIY warehouses, I sometimes wonder if there is ever a way to translate the energy from a place like that to a giant stage.

6. DO you have any touring or show plans for the future?

We are about to hit the road again for three weeks in September to and from the west coast. We are also going to be touring Europe and South East Asia in the fall. Both of which we are extremely excited for.

7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to the new album by fans of grindcore?

It's been mixed, I can never tell when we get negative feedback if people don't like our music or the exposure we are getting. Either way, we get a lot of positive feedback, and that's all i concentrate on. Many of the people who have been with us since the beginning, have said nothing but good things about our new material.

8.What is going on with the other musical projects these days?

Right there is nothing to serious just our individual bedroom projects. I am currently working on a doomgaze band and hank is working on a posthardcore/screamo project. Bo is doing an Dischord Recs band. But DITD is all our main focus at the moment.

9. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases/

It's hard to say, we usually realize new ideas over our heavy and lengthy touring schedule. I have begun to think on themes for the next release, but I think it's still much too early to be certain.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your newer music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

We all listen to different music from what we play. Certain elements present themselves in our music with sometimes no clear connection to the influence, but we know its there. We have been jamming Looking for an Answer, Heartless, Bloody Phoenix, Despise You... too much to list.

11.Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Bo and Hank both skateboard quite a bit. Bo draws artwork for bands and for galleries here in town. I garden and spend time with my family.

12.Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Thank you for this interview, and to whoever may end up reading it.

Transient/Self Titled/Six Weeks Records/2013 CD Review

  Transient  are  a  band  from  Portland,  Oregon  that plays  a  very  fast,  heavy  and  brutal  form  of  crust/grind  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2013  album  which  was  released  by  Six  Weeks  Records.

  "Bottom  Feeder"  starts  off  with  heavy  blast  beats,  brutal  guitar  riffs  and  high  pitched  screams  which  speed  up  after  awhile  while  also  slowing  down  towards  the  end.

  "Goad"  starts  off  with  a  powerful  bass  line,  before  the  blast  beats,  fast  grindcore  riffs  and  screams  kick  in  going  into  a  faster  direction  while  also  utilizing  a  brief  use  of  slow  breakdowns.

  "False  Philanthropy"  starts  off  with  a  slow  grindcore  riff  and  powerful  drumming  before  getting  faster  and  brutal  with  a  mixture  of  deep  death metal growls  and   high  pitched  screams  while  also  slowing  down  for  only  a  few  seconds.

  "Narcissus  Nemesis"  starts  off  with  blast  beats, fast  grindcore  riffs,  and  high  pitched  screams  while  also  mixing  in  hardcore  break  downs  and  slow  parts  at  times.

  "Sustain  The  Yoke"  starts  off  with  slow  drums,  guitar  riffs  and  high  pitched  screams  before  speeding  up and  adding  in  blast  beats  as w ell  as  the  switches  back  and  forth  between  the  slow  and  fast  parts.and  towards  the  end  a  powerful  bass  line  makes  its  presence  known.

  "Antipositivism"  starts  off  with  blast  beats,  fast  riffs  and  deep  death  metal  growls  before  going  into  high  pitched  screams

  "Praying  Mantic" starts  off  with  a  powerful  bass  line  before  the  fast  drums  and  guitars  make  their  way  into  the  song  which  leads  up  to  the  high  pitched  screams  and  blast  beats.

  "Waste  Nuts'  starts  off  with  fast  drums,  guitars  and  high  pitched  screams  while  also  mixing  in  mid  paced  parts  at  times.

  "Cataphora"  starts off  with  mid  paced  drums,  guitar  riffs  and  screams  before  speeding  up  and  adding  in  blast  beats  while  also  slowing  down  at  times  and  adding  in  powerful  bass  lines.

  "Phythia  Misunderstood"  starts  off  with  fast  drums,  guitar  riffs  and  screams  before  mixing  in  blast  beats  and  deep  growls  as  well  as  slowing  down  in  some  parts.

  "The  Shape  Of  the  Grind  To  Come"  starts  off  with  powerful  drumming,  hardcore  style  riffing  and  screams  with  the  song  only  speeding  up  for  a  few  seconds.

  "Positivism"  starts  off  with  powerful  drums,  mid  paced  riffs  and  screams  before  speeding  up  and  adding  in  blast  beats  before  going  into  a  slower  direction  before  getting  fast  and  brutal  again.

  "Big  Man  Plick"  starts  off  with  blast  beats  and  fast  riffs  before  slowing  down  adding  in  fast  bass  lines  and  back  to  fast  and  brutal  with  screams.

  "Snoop  Sion"  starts  off  with  heavy  riffs, d rums,  bass  and  screams  before  speeding  up  and  adding  in  brutal  blast  beats a s  well  as  slowing  down  at  times.

  "Swallowing  Androcles"  starts  off  with  powerful  drums  and  bass  playing  before  the  fast  guitar  riffs,  blast  beats  and  screams  make  their  way  into  the  song  as well  as  mixing  in  some  mid  paced  and  slow  sections.  

  "Van  Grinder"  starts  off  with  blast  beats,  fast  riffs  and  screams  before  slowing  down  and  going  into  a  heavier  direction.

  Song  lyrics  on  the  album  cover  violent,  everyday  and  philosophical  themes,  while  the  production  has  a  very  strong,  powerful,  heavy,  brutal  and  professional  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of t he  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on t he  recording.

  In  my  opinion  Transient  are  a  very  great  sounding  crust/grindcore  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out t his  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Bottom  Feeder"  "Narcissus  Nemesis"  "Antipositivism"  and  "Snoop  Sion".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.

Elizabeth/Where Vultures Land/Lost Pilgrim Records/Throatruiner Records/2013 EP Review

  Elizabeth  are  a b and  from  Switzerland  that  plays  a  mixture  of  punk,  hardcore,  grind  and  crust  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2013  ep  "Where  Vultures  Land"  which  was  released  as  a  joint  effort  between  Lost  Pilgrim  and  Throatruiner  Records.

  "Darkness"  starts  off  with  a  powerful  bass  line,  heavy  drums  and  aggressive  crust  grind  screams  along  with  some  melodic  yet  heavy  hardcore  riffing  and  gets  even  faster  as  the  song  moves  on  switching  back  to  slow  and  fast  along  with  some  blast  beats  and  semi  punk  guitar  leads.

  "The  Call"  starts  of  with  some  clean  playing  along  with  some  screaming  vocals  before  the  drum  blast  beats,  heavy  hardcore  punk  riffs  kick  in .

  "Sharp  Teeth  And  Knives"  starts  off  with  some  heavy  riffs  and  aggressive  growls  before  the  drums,  bass  and  faster  crust  punk  guitar  riffing  kicks  in  as  well  as  switching  from  slow  and  fast  with  melodic  parts.

  "Sailor's  Graves"  starts  off  with  some  clean  playing,  heavy  bass  and  melodic  singing  before t he  heavy  riffs  kick  in  as w ell  as  a  brief  use  of  screams  and  the  song  closes  with  the  clean  parts.

  "Candles"  starts  off  with  some  powerful  blast  beats,  heavy/fast  guitar  riffs  and  screaming  vocals  while  also  adding  melody,  powerful  bass  and  shouting  into  the  song.

  "Black  Eyed"  starts  off  with  some  clean  playing  until  the  drums,  heavy  riffs  and  screams  kick  in  along  with  some  post  hardcore  elements  and  then  the  song  speeds  up  to  fast  crust  punk  before  going  slower,  darker  and  melodic.

  "Heartbeats"  starts  off  with  some  fast  and  heavy  riffs  along  with  some  screams  before  adding  in  the  melodic  elements  while  also  remaining  heavy  before  adding  in  slow  parts,  clean  playing  and  whispers  for  a  few  seconds  and  then  the  song  goes  to  slow  and  heavy  hardcore  style  riffing  before  ending.

  "Rising  Kingdom"  starts  off  with  some  heavy  crust  riffs  and  screams  before  going  into  a  more  fast  direction  while  also  switching  to  slow  hardcore  sections  at  times  before  the  return  to  the  faster  riffing.

  "Private  Eye"  starts  off  with  slow  drumming,  melodic  post  hardcore  riffing  and  screaming  vocals  which  lead  to  the  bass  playing  and  heavier  guitar  riffs  until  kicking  into  a  fast  crust  punk  song  while  still  having  slow  hardcore  moments.

  "Buried"  starts  off  with  some  hardcore  riffs,  heavy  drums  and  screams  before  speeding  up  and  going  back  to  slow.

  "Dead  Ends"  starts  off  with  some  fast  riffing,  powerful  drums  and  screams  for a  few  seconds  then  doing  the  switch  back  and  forth  from  being  slow  and  fast.

  "Half  Measure"  starts  off  with  powerful  drums,  fast  hardcore  punk  riffs  and  crust/hardcore  style  screams  and  ends  as  quick.

  "Pouring  Sand"  starts  off  with  mid  paced  drums,  powerful  bass  and  melodic  riffs  before  the  screams  and  heavier  guitars  kick  in  before  hitting  the  mid  paced  parts  for  a  few  seconds  and  then  using  some  melodic  parts  before  the  hardcore  elements  start  kicking  in.

  Song  lyrics  cover  dark  and  everyday  themes,  while  the  production  has  a  very  strong,  powerful, heavy, d ark  and  professional  sound  where  you  can  hear  all  of  the  musical  instruments  that  are  present  on  the  album.

  In  my  opinion  Elizabeth  are  a  very  great  sounding  hybrid  of  hardcore,  punk  and  crust  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check   out t his  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Darkness"  "The  Call"  "Rising  Kingdom"  and  "Pouring  Sand".  RECOMMENDED  BUY.  

  

Miserable Failure Interview

 1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have

never heard of you before?

Rom :We are two losers in their thirties, bound to defeat and going nowhere.
This project (MF) in really young but we have been long time activists in
our local scene. Bleu has been running a record label based in south of
France for more than 10 years and has released a lot of stuff and I have
been playing in various band since 96-97, released several EP, album, toured
a lot accross Europe etc for past 15-20 years.
One day, we decided to finally work together differently than me being a
musician and him being a label / promoter / booker / touring buddy and this
project was born.
It was like : "we should finally do something together as a band"
I said : "ok, I will try something at home tonight". I got home and plugged
my guitar in the amp, tried a bunch of riffs with some drums programming
over it and the day after, I had like 3-4 minutes of music and he said
"thats exactly what I wanted". MF was born.

2. How would you describe your musical sound?

Rom : I would say its grindcore in the sense I think its the kind of mix
that matches what is grindcore for me.
Basically punk hardcore that goes even faster but with something else in the
loop.
An angry mix of fast, over simple and basic punk riffs, mixed with death
metal riffing with an overall punkish and crusty feeling of spontaneity.

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores
with the music?

Rom : Everything that has pissed us off for the past 30 years, from being
surronded by the endless human stupidity, to be understood by nodoby, to
live a life that is bound to impossibility, to have dedicated our existence
to things we believed in and finally realized we were among the few that
really believed in some values, that everything is illusion, that love and
friendship are weakness that the others know how to use to hurt you.Well,
generally speaking, the fact that everything is a fucking joke that doesn't
amuse us anymore.

Yes, we are angry, we are surely weak because we have been disappointed by
life and people, but at least being angry and disappointed produces angry
music.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

Rom : We came up with the idea of this name very simply, It came really fast
because that's the best description we could make of ourselves, a real
miserable, pityfull, pathetic failure.

5.Has the band done any live shows or is this a studio project?
Rom : For the moment, we never did any shows. Its part of our projects but
its not a priority, we'll do when we'll be ready.
At the moment we are focused on our next EP that will hopefully be out
somewhere early 2014

6. Recently Kaotoxin released a 3 way split, what are your thoughts on
the other bands that participated?

Bleu :When we sent our 5 short tracks, Nico instantly wanted to release a
split cd with FSFFY. I know Kevin an Adrien,who both play in Benighted very
well and they were ok to do the split... Nico found a last band with a
background, it was Infexted Society. We are happy to have IS on split cd to
deliver 3 kinds of fench grindcore.

Rom : To me the human aspect is the most important. We both are very happy
to be part of this project with these 2 great bands. Its important to create
bonds with people with whom you have things in common.
Infected society have a past history in various bands and their actual
project is ass kicking. Thats the sound of hate the way I like it. period
F stands for fuck you has a unique approach to the style and they have my
deepest respect because I would never be abble to create such things. This a
really fresh and original take on a style where most has already been said.

7. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by
fans of grindcore?

Rom : To be honest I really have no idea, I spent most of my time cut from
everything and everyone and I don't read the internet, Bleu is the guy for
that.

Bleu : The first reaction are very positive, we are kindly surprised.

8. Are there any other musical projects besides this band or is this a
full time line up?

Rom : I have a lot of projects, but everything must stay at the place it
should. All my projects involving other people than myself ( I mean actual
bands, not the things I do alone in my room) are full time projects. It just
needs a perfect sense of weekly organization, but I think I'm pretty good at
that.

Bleu Still runs a smaller scaled than before record label and is busy as a
familly man

9. What direction do your see your music heading into on future releases?

Rom : Actually the EP we are working on is more straight forward, I really
want it to be a pure agression, an insult, a spit in the face.
Then we have another thing under wraps that we can't talk about for the
moment.
Once these 2 things will be done, we'll start to work on a real album, still
straight forward but with more varied influences to keep things interesting
on a 30 minutes basis.

10. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your
music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Bleu : We are Big fans of Misery Index, anaal nathrak, nasum, pig destroyer,
napalm death, rotten sound, victims, early morbid angel and early sepultura.
We are fans of extreme music as a whole and also other kinds of music like
hip hop, Trip hop....

Rom : Regarding extreme music its basically the same thing as Bleu exept
that I'd have added Phobia as a major influence for MF.
Besides this, I listen to a lot of Hip Hop, movies OST, ambient stuff, old
french songs from my childhood etc...

11.Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Bleu : We like art & tattoo culture. We are Big fan of zombie, horror,  good
super heros movie's...

Rom : I do skateboarding since my teens, I read peotry and do some kind of
sculpture when I don't play music, I try to enlarge my vision of things by
learning from everything I can.
I like to spend time with my friends and share our point of view, memories
or experiences

12. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Bleu : A Big thanks to Nico for releasing this split cd and you for our
first interview. And never Forget :"music before everything".

Rom : This final part is of course for Nicolas, the owner of Kaotoxin, no
need for long speech, he knows how we appreciate is help and support.
I will just say something we don't say very often : Thank you.

And thank you for your interest and this interview.
-