Have A Nice Life - Deathconciousness (2008)

Artist: Have A Nice Life

Album: Deathconciousness

Release: 2008

Label: Enemies List Home Recordings

Tracklist:

Disc 1: The Plow That Broke The Plains

1. A Quick One Before The Eternal Worm Devours Connecticut

2. Bloodhail

3. The Big Gloom

4. Hunter

5. Telephony

6. Who Would Leave Their Sun Out In The Sun?

7. There Is No Food

Disc 2: The Future

1. Waiting For Black Metal Records To Come In The Mail

2. Holy Fucking Shit: 40,000

3. The Future

4. Deep, Deep

5. I Don't Love

6. Earthmover

I was introduced to Have A Nice Life by a friend who was sad and wasted lying on a hardwood floor. This is the only way one should be introduced to Have A Nice Life. This project's foray into industrial, shogaze depression is beautiful, melancholic, and isolating in the most comforting way. Sharing labels with the likes of Planning For Burial (a slowcore/shoegaze act you might know from Terminal Escape), a similar slowcore mood permeates Deathconciousness. In the same way that atmospheric black metal and slowcore can be both suffocating and cathartic, this release will have you consumed by your own thoughts, leaving you an empty husk with nothing left to do but appreciate the lush textures and lilting melodies that fill this fantastic double disk.

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Sisters of Mercy - First and Last and Always (1985)/Floodland (1987)

 

Artist: Sisters of Mercy

Album: First and Last and Always

Release: (1985)

Label: Merciful Release

Tracklist:

1. Black Planet

2. Walk Away

3. No Time To Cry

4. A Rock And A Hard Place

5. Marian (Version)

6. First And Last And Always

7. Possession

8. Nine While Nine

9. Logic

10. Some Kind Of Stranger

Artist: Sisters Of Mercy

Album: Floodland

Release: 1987

Label: Merciful Release

Tracklist:

1. Dominion/Mother Russia

2. Flood I

3. Lucretia My Reflection

4. 1959

5. This Corrosion

6. Flood II

7. Driven Like The Snow

8. Never Land (A Fragment)

Dim candles, occult rites, red roses, blood filled chalices, ridiculous sunglasses: Sisters of Mercy.

Rivaling The Cure's self-pity and brooding, Sisters of Mercy are a pillar in the goth canon, and have stood as a high water mark for this particular brand of darkwave since the early 80s. Mind-blowing bass tone, deep crooning vocals, goth synth love, and expansive atmosphere make both of these LPs a must have for anyone who doesn't give a shit that the New York Times won't shut up about "goths" with pastel hair, and just wants to brood alone in the dark. Grab a bottle of blood red wine (at least one per person involved) and start with "Marian," you won't regret it.

Downloads in comments.

Natural Law - Slump 7" (2010)

Artist: Natural Law
Album: Slump 7"
Release: 2010
Label: Katorga/Deranged

Tracklist: 
1. Hand and Foot
2. Poor Taste
3. Slump
4. Persona
5. Acclimate

Another polarizing hardcore band due to hype (Katorga and Deranged will do that to a band). But at the end of the day, sometimes hype is warranted  and in the case of this Natural Law 7", that's definitely the case (so ignore the griping punks in the corner and listen to the internet). Buzz saw guitars, catchy riffs, drowning vocals, five and a half minutes of great hardcore, its all there, its all good, so check it out. Especially recommended if you liked that Cult Ritual LP.



Unfortunately this 7" is way too old to buy from the label.
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Horror Vacui - In Darkness You Will Feel Alright (2012)

Artist: Horror Vacui
Album: In Darkness You Will Feel Alright
Release: 2012
Label: AVANT! Records

Tracklist:
1. Intro
2. Black Rivers
3. I Like It When A Soldier Dies
4. Corvus Corax
5. Everytime
6. In Darkness
7. Yersinia
8. Arabian Spring
9. Leave Me Alone
10. Outro

I was watching the horror flick Susperia (1977) a few nights ago with some friends, and this being my second viewing of the movie, I came to the conclusion that it was surprisingly goofy. My first run through I was entirely enamored with the surreal lighting and over the top soundtrack, and somehow the horrific acting (uninspired, not scary) was missed while immersed in the film's fantastic atmosphere. But you know what? I don't think this realization has moved Susperia from my list of movies I would recommend to anyone. I don't care that there are awkward transitions meant to build failed suspense, or that some of the more terrifying moments of the movie really are more laugh worthy than gasp worthy. I choose to appreciate the world of Susperia for what it is: a place filled with inexplicable colored light, and beautiful visuals composed of corpses lying in their own blood, impaled by broken stained glass.

Why is this relevant you ask? This is a music blog after all. Partly because I felt like trying something new and self-indulgent when introducing this record, but also because my relationship with this record, Horror Vacui's new LP, is much like my relationship with Susperia. I know that many of my friends would listen to a track off of this record and think the vocals were melodramatic, or the execution more theatric than dark. But those friends are obnoxious and missing the point. This record, In Darkness You Will Feel Alright is a wonderfully executed addition to the current 80's/goth/punk revival festering in punk circles abound. The melodies are catchy and driving, and the vocals right out of Romeo's Distress. If your looking for good atmosphere and feeling like you need more teased black hair in your life (who doesn't?) then this is for you. Now that you got through my bull shit go listen to it:



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The Misfits - Night Of The Living Dead (1979) & 3 Hits From Hell (1981)

Artist: The Mistfits
Album: Night Of The Living Dead
Release: 1979
Label: Plan 9

Tracklist:
1. Where Eagles Dare
2. Night Of The Living Dead
3. Rat Fink
-------------------------
Artist: The Misfits
Album: 3 Hits From Hell
Release: 1981
Label: Plan 9

Tracklist:
1. London Dungeon
2. Horror Hotel
3. Ghouls' Night Out

Sadly, on this day of all days, November 1, Halloween has ended, and you are no doubt in a hungover haze (no matter whether mini candy bars or brass monkey is your vice). But if you're ever down, oppressed by the the beautiful memories of Halloweens past, incapacitated by the anticipation of another year of throwing rotten eggs at kids, smashing empty 40ozs on passing cars, and vomiting in your ex-girlfriend's bushes (pained that she never did dress as Woody Allen to your Dianne Keaton) then throw these on. Without a doubt they will soothe your brooding soul, and all-in-all prepare you for many All Hallow's Eves to come.


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Cult Ritual - LP (2009)

Artist: Cult Ritual

Album: s/t LP

Release: 2009

Label: Youth Attack

Tracklist:

1. Holidays

2. Horror Sale

3. Ugly Years

4. Nailed

5. Failed

6. Saturday's Blood

7. Last Time

8. Cancer Money

Cult Ritual is another David Vassalotti outfit (see previous rant about Merchandise), and is unfortunately now defunct. Not to say he's all that went into this band, but damn, it seems like every band he's in rules, so at this point I'm just put two and two together. Seriously though, David and his buddies down in Florida killed it with this LP. Those following hardcore the past few years will surely have heard of this band, if not heard this record. Front to back it engulfs your pitiful little brain with sharp, noisy, unforgettable hardcore riffs, and keeps you in that unhealthy headspace where singing about crucified cops (their words not mine) makes the day that much easier to get through. This band doesn't lay directly in the wake of many of the older bands on this blog, but they are without a doubt dark in the sense that plenty of pent up aggression went into making this record. Check it out, and then wish you could find an affordable copy of this LP:

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Autonomy - The Art Of Work In The Age Of Digital Reproduction (2012)

Artist: Autonomy
Album: The Art Of Work In The Age Of Digital Reproduction
Release: 2012
Label: Dirt Cult

Tracklist:
1. Homostasis Stasis
2. Public Faith
3. Dumb Punk
4. Contemptus Mundi
5. Library of Alexandria
6. No Need
7. Kistvaen
8. Gods Die
9. Work Order
10. Monuments Men
11. Fear Hate
12. Culture Tomb

I've been anticipating this LP ever since I first got my hands on Autonomy's 2011 demo and it was well worth the wait. The production is more clear, the songs more polished, and the energy and atmosphere of the demo intact. Frantic and dancable, this record takes from a spectrum of punk and post-punk influences, landing somewhere between the fuzzed-out, political Crass records tradition, and more dark atmospheric new wave. Don't pass this one up, you'll regret it:


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Merchandise - (Strange Songs) In The Dark (2010)/Children of Desire (2012)

Artist: Merchandise 
Album: (Strange Songs) In The Dark
Release: 2010
Label: Katorga Works, Drugged Conscious

Tracklist:
1. Loss
2. I Locked The Door
3. Foolish (Her Song)
4. I Get Lost
5. Worthless Apology
6. In The Dark
----------------
Artist: Merchandise
Album: Children Of Desire
Release: 2012
Label: Katorga Works

Tracklist:
1. Thin Air
2. Time
3. Become What You Are
4. In Nightmare Room
5. Satellite
6. Roser Park

So to say I've been slacking hard on this blog is an understatement. I appreciate all of you that have dug through past posts in my absence. Focusing on such small niches of music so intensely for a while has burnt me out  a bit, so what I plan to do is open the scope of this blog a bit (don't worry, 80's punk in all its various forms will still rule). To start here are two albums from a band very strongly influenced by the goth movement, but who have done something refreshing in a period where Christian Death and Discharge clones roam abound. I mean lets be serious, not everyone can pull it off like Deathcharge. This band, Merchandise, is probably not new to you, as even hoards of Pitchfork followers are discovering them, but I highly recommend both of these releases if you haven't given them the chance they deserve.

The first, '(Strange Songs) In the Dark', is more outwardly influenced by many other bands on this blog. Depressing, synth heavy, drum machine, dark crooning, its all there. But something else puts this band a step above many other contemporary acts. In fact two somethings. The first is that, while definitely residing in the wake of Ian Curtis, Adrian Borland (The Sound), etc, the vocalist for Merchandise, Carson Cox, has an identifiable, heart-wrenching voice in his own right. The second is that guitarist David Vassalotti writes guitar riffs of all kinds, so good they'll make you dumb. And when I say all kinds I mean it. Check out the last song on the Merchandise demo (pure 90's gold), his solo work under monikers Dads, D.Vassalotti (lo-fi noisy pop), or his work with Cult Ritual (riff dominated hardcore). All fantastic, and I haven't even delved into the Neon Blud discography quite yet (another solo project).

These two records will make you sad, they will make you sing along, they will make wish you could ever write a song so fucking good. Start with my favorite below. In my opinion the best of many great songs they have written. If you like what you hear, watch Katorga for represses, 'Strange Songs' already has been repressed once, and I'm sure Children of Desire isn't too far off.



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DEEP HEAT - Low Lights (2011)

Artist: DEEP HEAT
Album: Low Lights EP
Release: 2011
Label: s/r (as far as I can tell)

Tracklist:
1. Sideways
2. Green Box
3. When It Hums
4. Low Lights
5. Clean Break
6. Negative Though
7. Tangent Circles
8. White Light

Sharing several members with the recently toured Infinite Void, these Australians came through Willimantic, CT for round two last night. They played at Willimantic Records as before, and were equally as kick ass under this moniker/line up change. DEEP HEAT's frantic brand of dark pop is outwardly darkwave influenced, filled with fast paced hooks and dreamy atmosphere. Vocal duties are shared between three members, imparting some diversity to their sound. And the ever-grooving base lines are sure to please. Check it out, you surely won't be disappointing:
 

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Sin Dios - Alerta Antifascista (1993)

Artist: Sin Dios
Album: Alerta Antifascista
Release: 1993
Label: Potencial Hardcore

Tracklist:
1. Alerta Antifascista
2. La Huelga
3. Hambre Negra, Expolio Blanco
4. Cancion De Amor (Celda De Aislamiento)
5. Las Carceles
6. Poema
7. Imigrante Ilegal
8. Unas Flores Con Sorpresa
9. La Historia Que No Cuenta
10. Actua
11. Nuevas Generaciones
12. No Queremos Paz Sino Victoria

Sin Dios are a hardcore/anarcho outfit from Spain that formed in the late '80s and have been around through the aughts. This particular full length was released in '93 and is mostly full of straightforward hardcore. Here and there other influences will peak from behind the torrent of power chords, a bit of ska here, a dark riff there. Even some traditional Spanish guitar finds its way onto this release. While I'm not always in love with these departures, when they work they work well, and they definitely bring a diversity to this release that sometimes is lacking on hardcore LPs. Check it out:



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Haldol - Demo (2011)

This hardcore/deathrock demo was submitted to me by way of Nashville, TN. Self-proclaimed influences include Japanese hardcore legends active in the Burning Spirit scene, which is evident in their murky, riff-filled sound. Tracks surge between unsettling, slow-tempo builds and noisy hardcore. This EP is a solid first release, and Haldol will be releasing an LP followed by two EPs in the not so distant future, so for now head over to their bandcamp for a pay-what-you-will download, and watch out for new material to come. Check it out:


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Crass - Stations Of The Crass (1979)

Artist: Crass
Album: Stations Of The Crass
Release: 1979
Label:  Crass Records

Tracklist:
1. Mother Earth
2. White Punks On Hope
3. You've Got Big Hands
4. Darling
5. System
6. Big Man, Big M.A.N.
7. Hurry Up Garry
8. Fun Going On
9. Crutch Of Society
10. Heard To Much About
11. Chairman Of The Board
12. Tired
13. Walls
14. Upright Citizen
15. The Gasman Cometh
16. Demoncrats
17. Conaminational Power
18. Time Out
19. I Ain't Think, It's Just A Trick
20. System
21. System/Big Man, Big M.A.N./Banned From The Roxy/Hurry Up Garry [Live]
22. Women/Shaved Women/You Pay/Heard To Much About [Live]
23. Angels/What A Shame/So What/G's Song [Live]
24. Do They Owe Us A Living? [Live]
25. Punk Is Dead

Obviously Crass needs no introduction, so I'll forgo the usual background and simply point you towards the omniscient Wikipedia. I would do such an influential band no justice anyhow. What I can say is that 'Stations Of The Crass' is the band's second full length LP, and is full of the noisy, hectic, politically obsessed sound that has made the group so iconic. I'm still exploring their vast discography, so I can't really accurately rank the release, but if you're like me, and have put off Crass for too long, this is definitely a great place to start.


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Dirt - Object Refuse Reject Abuse (1981)

Artist: Dirt
Album: Object Refuse Reject Abuse
Release: 1981
Label: Crass Records

Tracklist:
1. Hiroshima
2. Unemployment
3. Democracy
4. Dolls of Destruction

Four tracks of muddy, unrelenting early 80s anarcho punk from Crass contemporaries Dirt (Death Is Reality Today). Nothing much more to say than that. Highlights on this debut include squealing female vocals and the fact that there's not one dud on this thing. Not one to miss.

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Infinite Void - s/t LP (2012)

Artist: Infinite Void
Album: s/t LP
Release: 2012
Label: Poison City Records

Tracklist:
1. Creeping Symmetry
2. These Days
3. Pull Apart
4. Give Up
5. (You're) Still Sour
6. Pay For What Its Worth
7. Still Waiting
8. The Weight
9. Distant Light
10. Something is Lost
11. What's Left

Saw these guys last night at Willimantic Records, home turf in Willimantic, CT. They're in all the way from Melbourne, Australia, touring the US supporting their new debut s/t full length, so I was really excited to catch them. Infinite Void plays a melodic brand of dark post-punk with dancey beats, female vocals,  and swirling 80's guitar riffs that impart a dreamy element to the sound. All in all the band's aesthetic is borrowed from all the 80's regulars, but not definitively derivative of any one act I can think of. Great stuff, look out for tour dates near you, and if there isn't one, but you're dying to get your hands on a copy of the LP, head over to Poison City Records. Links below.

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The Estranged - The Subliminal Man (2010)

Artist: The Estranged

Album: The Subliminal Man

Release: 2010

Label: Dirtnap Records

Tracklist:

1.The Subliminal Man

2. Lunacy

3. Doubts and Regrets

4. Faces Stare

5. Testify

6. Wicker Man

7. Perfection

8. Statue In A Room

9. Love And A Molotov Cocktail (The Flys Cover)

10. Choke

More great 80's throw back from Portland, this time in the form of straight forward dark post punk/new wave. Catchy chord progressions, plenty of flanger/chorus guitar tone, and dancey rhythm are to be found on this LP. The album gradates in pop sound, ranging from mid-Husker-Du influenced post-punk to new wave hooks via The Sound, and is devoid of any disappointing tracks. The LP is out of stock for now, but according to Dirtnap this is temporary. The album is still available in CD format however, for those interested. The links below. Try it out:

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Grave Babies - Pleasures 7" (2011)

Artist: Grave Babies
Album: Pleasures 7"
Release: 2011
Label: Hardly Art

This release comes our way from Hardly Art of all places. And while Grave Babies is suited for this label in some respects, 'Pleasures' is an entirely different beast than the usual forgettable indie-pop fare that constitutes its peers. Blown-out, containing great hooks, and taking strong cues from The Jesus and Mary Chain and The Cure, this 7" is some quality goth-pop. Grave Babies also have a new full length out if you're interested, although I personally am much more impressed with this EP. Watch out for shows if your near their home-base Seattle. Until next time:


*This file has been suspended via copyright law. I assume this means someone with legitimate claim would like this link taken down. I have obliged.*

Conflict - The Serenade Is Dead (1983)

Artist: Conflict
Album: The Serenade Is Dead EP
Release: 1983
Label: Mortarhate Records


Tracklist:
1. The Serenade Is Dead
2. The Positive Junk
3. The System Maintains

Conflict is a classic UK anarcho punk band that first put out material in the early 80s, starting with their debut, 'The House That Man Built,' on Crass Records. Although the band has seen many line-ups, they continued to put out records into the early aughts, and are still together today. 'The Serenade Is Dead' is one of their earlier releases, and was put out on Conflict's own Mortarhate Records. While Conflict has always been a proponent of animal rights, anarchy, and peace, this EP focuses solely on frustration with the larger social system that surrounds us. Enjoy the numb hymns kids.



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Lost Tribe - Tour Tape CS/Lost Tribe 02 (2012) [updated*]

Artist: Lost Tribe
Album: Lost Tribe 02 CS
Release: 2012
Label: s/r


Tracklist:
1. Psychic Death 
2. Life Prison
3. Asylum
4. Coma
5. Darkness


*The download link on this post now includes the full tape. Also, I have a few extra copies of the tape for sale. If you're interested, you can contact me at maloney_andrew_t(at)yahoo(dot)com.


Lost Tribe are a peace punk/goth project out of Richmond, VA. In 2010 they released The Dawn CS, a demo that would constitute much of their excellent s/t full length on Blind Prophet (you can still get it here!), as well as their Unsound 7" single, which includes possibly the best song from the demo, Unsound (hear it below).

Now they are touring, and soon, lucky for all of us, they will be releasing a tour tape, also s/t. Three of the five tracks on this tape are already available to your welcoming ears on their bandcamp (and below). The new material is less frantic and more synth heavy than previous releases, bringing a more prevalent goth tone to the tape, reminiscent of classics such as Bauhaus. Also added to this new sound is a dark psychedelic dimension that makes these five songs much more atmospheric and brooding than previous efforts. Keep an eye out for upcoming tour dates so you can get your hands on one of these. Lost Tribe may be coming to catacomb near you.





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Population - s/t 7" (2011)

Artist: Population
Album: s/t 7"
Release: 2011
Label: BLVD Records

Population are a post-punk/darkwave outfit out of Chicago. I especially like this 7" of theirs, as it simultaneously showcases pop sensibility, and maintains a certain dark atmosphere reminiscent of the dark punk scene that revolved around the Batcave club in London during the early to mid '80s (Alien Sex Fiend, etc.). I don't always enjoy this particular brand of goth sound, but the Ian Curtis vocals bring these tracks together in a tasteful way, not always achieved by bands of that bygone era. Recommended for any fans of the usual dark post-punk/goth staples. 


Bonus: There are still copies left, you can check them out below.



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Kalashnikov - s/t EP (1984)

Artist: Kalashnikov

Album: s/t EP

Release: 1984

Label: HUB Records

Tracklist:

1.Læderhalse

2. Schlüters Kabinet

3. Ødelæg & Hærg

Female-fronted Danish outfit Kalashnikov play a dark brand of hardcore-influenced post-punk. Their s/t EP, clocking in at less than seven minutes, covers a fair amount of ground, beginning with the danceable, almost darkwave 'Læderhalse', proceeding to a straight punk track, and ending with something in between. Its short and sweet, and will leave you wanting more.

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