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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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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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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Vex - Sanctuary (1984)

Artist: Vex
Album: Sanctuary
Release: 1984
Label: Fight Back Records


Tracklist:
1. Sanctuary
2. It's No Crime
3. World In Action
4. Relative Sadness


'Sanctuary' is the only release ever purveyed by this goth-tinged post-punk outfit. On this EP, Vex fuses early 80's anarcho guitar tone and atmosphere with prominent pop sensibilities, fueled strongly by influences from the likes of Joy Division and Killing Joke. Thanks to Ghoul Man for pointing me in the direction of this one. Hear it for yourself:



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Anasazi - s/t 7" (2012)

Artist: Anasazi
Album: s/t 7"
Release: 2012
Label: Toxic State


Tracklist:
1. Bone Collector
2. Samsara
3. Loving You


Great debut 7" from NY deathrockers Anasazi. If you missed it, their demo on Burn Books is killer, and these new three tracks do not disappoint. Continuing their homage to classic California influences (most notably Christian Death), my only disappointment with this release is that it only contains three songs. You can still get your hands on this via Katorga Works, who are carrying a number of new Toxic State releases (which can all be found on icoulddietommorow). They're going fast so get one while they last.


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Deathcharge - s/t (Love Was Born To An Early Death)

Artist: Deathcharge
Album: s/t (Love Was Born To An Early Death)
Release: 2011
Label: Unseen Forces


Tracklist:
1. Untitled
2. Untitled
3. Untitled
4. Untitled
5. Untitled
6. Untitled
7. Untitled
8. Untitled


Formed in the late 90's as an obvious Discharge tribute, Deathcharge are a crust-turned-goth punk band residing in the thriving dark punk scene in Portland. This full length marks a break from their crust roots, and a turn towards goth influences, especially in vocals. Deathcharge still rips though. You'll get lost in this driving torrent of power chords and fist-pumping hooks.


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Cemetery Interview - WLUW 88.7 Chicago Sound Alliance

Cemetery are a great deathrock band out of Chicago. I posted their demo not too long ago, and if you liked it, you'll be excited to know that Cemetery aired two new, unreleased tracks on this interview with 88.7 WLUW's Kenneth W on his program Reality Radio in April. I was lucky enough to catch the show, and even luckier to get permission from the band to post this interview.

Below I've included streams of both the full interview (well worth the listen, as along with the new tracks Cemetery shared some of their favorite gothy tunes), and, for the impatient, the new tracks*, 'Sex Foil' and 'Voices in the Floorboards.' 

True to form, 'Sex Foil' is a straight deathrock anthem. With significantly higher production than the demo, the track is well worth the hellish recording session I've been told it required. 'Voices...' is another installment in the analog synth project singer Danny G contributes to the band. It's less ambient than some of the previous synth tracks Cemetery has released, and is my favorite to date.

If you enjoy this interview then let Cemetery know! They can be found here. And make sure to look out for any new releases. Rumor has it a 12" comp with Cemetery, Autonomy, Staring Problem, and Population will soon be released.

*Unfortunately the label releasing these tracks on the aforementioned comp has asked they be taken down. Lucky for you, the entire interview is great, you'll just have to listen to it to hear the new tracks!

I have no legal right to any of this content. If you do, and want it taken down, just let me know.

Part 1 - Discography (1982-1985)

Artist: Part 1

Album: Funeral Parade EP

Release: 1982

Label: Paraworm Records

Tracklist:

1. Funeral Parade

2. Graveyard Song

3. Tomb

4. Ghost

5. Salem

6. Funeral Parade II

Part 1 are incredible, and at this point an internet phenomena. They've been chronicled as the influential anarcho-punk band that they are on cvlt nation, and are motivated enough by their new audience that they've even discussed reforming and reissuing their small catalog. This is the first of two releases in this discography. Consisting of three trance-inducing, dark post-punk tracks, Funeral Parade is fifteen minutes of impending gloom.

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p.s. Special thanks to Atomic Age Distro for making this available.

Artist: Part 1

Album: Pictures of Pain

Release: 1985

Label: Pusmort

Tracklist:

1. Possessed 

2. Black Mass

3. Pictures of Pain

4. The Corpse

5. Incest

6. Ghost

7. Hymn

Part 1's full length is at least as good as their first release. It's less noisy than the EP, but the songs are more developed. A staple for any dark punk fan.

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PDX Compilation Volume 2

Artist: Various
Album: PDX Compilation Volume 2
Release: 2012
Label: Blackwater Records


Tracklist:
1. Crusaders + Banshees (Arctic Flowers)
2. Tension Building (The Bellicose Minds)
3. With You (Funeral Parade)
4. Mortality (Moral Hex)


Great comp of the best in Portland dark punk. I can't even say there is a highlight on this album, its all just too damn good. All of these bands have other releases, and as you'll definitely be interested in other material by them, you'll be excited to know both Arctic Flowers and The Bellicose Minds put out records last year, Reveries and Whisper in Darkness respectively, that you can still get your hands on. Demos and such from all of these bands are also worth looking into. Unfortunately physicals are harder to come by, but completely worth the hunt. Happy searching.

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Crimson Scarlet - Sanctuary 7" (2012)

Artist: Crimson Scarlet
Album: Sanctuary 7"
Release: 2012
Label: Cool Summer Records


Tracklist:
1. Sanctuary
2. Two Kinds of Red


Debut (?) release from Santa Barbara punks Crimson Scarlet on Cool Summer Records.This 7" sports two excecptionally produced, vaguely danceable tracks of female fronted deathrock. If you're into Cemetery, I would highly recommend it. Cool Summer pretty much sum says all there is to say:


"Forged in hell fire under a full moon, summoned by witches, the embodiment of forsaken spirits of the ancient world.  Echoing the wolves howl, and the banshee’s cry. The sea turns black, the mountains tremble, the dead rise.  The forest floor stirs with unholy life, limbs and branches twist and bend in the still night.  The crow that raps upon the window pane, the dog that stalks the alley, beware the shape shifter.  The lone traveler upon the desert plain beckons, but keep your distance or risk venturing to realms unknown.  The hunter or the hunted, choose, and seal your fate.  The spell has been cast, the spirit world unlocked.  The hollows offer no refuge.  The stones are aligned, the crystal blessed, the blood of the serpent spilled.  All are damned."



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Cemetery - Demo CS (2011)

Artist: Cemetery

Album: Demo CS

Release 2011

Label: s/r

Tracklist:

1. Reptile Walk

2. Cask

3. Voices in the Ceiling

4. State Ward

5. Grave Dance

6. Voices in the Walls

This deathrock outfit from Chicago introduced me to the genre via Terminal Escape.  Obvious Christian Death worship meets a good dose of punk with the product being undeniably catchy, brooding anthems. Also included is the "Voices in the..." series, wandering gothic tracks which act as an outlet for Cemetery's affinity for analog-synth. 

Unfortunately their demo has been sold out for some time (I've yet to get my hands on a copy), but it is supposedly being repressed soon (check vigorously here). New material is also in the works. Cemetery recorded two stellar new tracks that were aired during an WLUW interview last month. I recorded the show and hopefully will have it streaming soon pending on Cemetery's good grace. 

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