Embers
Shadows
Independent (2011)
Embers is a grouping of people from Oakland California and while most of what their area is known for is being dangerous hip hop tends to be the best known export of the city. Meanwhile in the shadows Embers have built something that may be more reminiscent of their hometown. A four piece that, at least on recordings, includes more than a few auxiliary instruments including viola and piano. While, at one time, the inclusion of these instruments would seem strange it now seem incredibly normal in black metal to include these things to help create atmosphere. Unfortunately this too can be taken too far (I'm looking at you Dimmu Borgir). The band play with atmosphere throughout their work not relying on the classical instruments but rather on the drone and sludge that seems to permeate their overall sound. This helps to make the band sound much nastier than their classical instrument using counterparts. The basis of Embers' sound is simple on its own but the band uses these simple pieces to build an encompassing whole. After a short introduction things get off the a nasty start with the 10 minute "Eucharist". This song exemplifies the bands overall style. Changing … Read more
Coathangers
Larceny & Old Lace
Suicide Squeeze (2011)
For a city its size, I know next to nothing about the Atlanta, GA scene. For some reason I think … Read more
Cloudkicker
It's Inside Me, And I'm Inside It
Independent (2011)
Ohio prog-metal artist Ben Sharp, moniker Cloudkicker, has been in the forefront of the Internet-based free music community since the … Read more
Deadverse Massive
Takeover
Deadverse (2011)
Deadverse Massive is a group of sorts headed by the duo of Dalek and Oktopus, who also make up the … Read more
