Short review about one of the releases in an interesting ‘package’ by No Sides Records. It’s an effort by Madison-born Anthony Bradshaw Schmitt, released posthumously (this human being left earthly life way too soon; he was only 39 years old when he passed away in early Summer 2023) – yet let’s focus on the sonic content.
The German rulers MNHG return with their second album, about three years after their fine debut Mundare (link for the review: see below). Like the debut, this one gets unleashed via Belgium’s premium Black Metal label Immortal Frost Productions, and it’s quite evident that it gets released on compact-disc (including a twenty-page booklet; 500 copies), and on vinyl in two different editions / colors (250 copies, with a poster and a lyric sheet included).
(probably one of my shortest reviews in years - but then again: so what???)
No need this time to introduce this Iranian project by Mehdi Saleh, nor the long-time label behind it. I go over to the sonic content of the album immediately. I’ll be brief and concise.
Even-though this recording got released half a year ago, I will still write down a couple of words about it. Okrütnik (which apparently means ‘cruel man’ in Polish) is quite a young band (formed in 2018) with an acceptable yet not memorable (personal opinion, so don’t shoot me) first full-length in 2020: Legion Antychrysta, released via Poland’s finest Ossuary Records.
Ominous Sounds is a meeting space between artists passionate about dark ambient and ritual sounds. Interested in the ancestral and the ominous. This introduction drew my attention a short while ago. Shortly after, I got in touch with Juan Carlos Toledo, the very sympathetic and kind guy behind this totally new label from Spanish soil.
Country (for what it’s worth): Russian Federation
Members: SAA (‘sermons & fuzzmagic aka guitars & vocals), PAN (skullhammers = drums & percussions), KKV (thunderbass, i.e. bass guitars & double bass)
Recording: Temple Of Silence Studio (Autumn 2021) (except drums: Wildboar Studio)
An ‘older’ release, but who cares?...
Acoustics Of Shadows is a collaborative work of two persons who do know each-other well (no further comment), yet above all, it’s a mutual work by two beautiful, sympathetic people with a cool vision of / on sonic finesse. Both Oleg and Sasha are known for their subtle yet intriguing recordings, and this mutually recorded effort strengthens their connection.
Slithering Black Records is quite a young label, but it fastly grew up to be(come) one of the most important and influential labels within the worldwide Industrial / Ritual / Dark / Martial Ambient scene. Handalien, Scott Lawlor, Mike Benoit, Omensworn, Fabio Keiner, Maris Anguis, Her Menacing Pet; it’s just a small selection of fabulous artists involved with this label from Rhode Island (the smallest state, by the way, from the U.S. of A.).
[review for an older release (November 2022) yet of such high qualitative level]
This review does not deal with a new recording. It’s all about a physical re-release of an album from just a few minutes ago (ironic-looking smiley included); a release by an act that might be, for what it’s worth, one of my personal greatest surprises / experiences lately: the Brazilian, or is it Canadian, outfit Móđir, curated by Lady IO.
