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*NOTE BEFORE ORDERING: All prices are in US dollars and include shipping costs. If you have any questions or problems concerning an order, feel free to send us an email at murkhouserecordings@gmail.com. We are happy to help! If ordering multiple copies of an item, please email us before ordering to check on availability. We have very limited quantities of some items!
Murkhouse Releases
Selaxon Lutberg + Subinterior - The Meeting 2xLP PREORDER
Description: Finally up for preorder - the 2xLP set compiling 2 1/2 years and four mini-albums of collaborations between these two Italian ambient artists! This is a very special release for Murkhouse Recordings and we are honored to be able to present this high-quality 2xLP in conjunction with Denovali Records from Germany! Originally released on Selaxon Lutberg’s own label, Cold Current Productions, each part is dedicated to a season and was released separately on 3″ CD-R in an edition of only 50 copies. We just thought this was too good to be heard by so few people and limited to the CD-R format, though. Beginning with Winter Meeting and going through the seasons in order to end with Fall Meeting, each part is given one side of 12″ vinyl and was remastered specifically for vinyl by Andrea Marutti of Amon, Sil Muir, and many others, who is also the owner of Afe Records and Lips Vago Digital Studio. The mood on each part is slightly different, reflective of the mood or feel of its respective season, ranging from cold, icy textures to warm, soothing ambience. In order to honor and do justice to this release, this special 2xLP set will be pressed on 180 gram vinyl housed in thick, sturdy gatefold jackets with printed inner sleeves for the records. Limited to a total of 500 copies, there will be an edition of 200 on a clear/grey vinyl mix and 300 on classic black vinyl. The entire package/layout can be seen here with an image of the special clear/grey vinyl. Eight of the twelve tracks on the release can be streamed here. These are in stock and ready to ship now, but we are offering them at the preorder price until the street release date on April 6th. Order now and save a little money! After the preorder is over, we will raise the price of these by $2. Keep in mind when ordering that these prices include the cost of shipping!
ATTENTION EUROPEAN CUSTOMERS: If you are preordering this 2xLP and live in Europe, in order to save yourself money on shipping costs (note the steep increase in price we must charge for orders outside of North America), we recommend that you order from Denovali Records in Germany. Unless you are ordering other items from our webshop along with this 2xLP, it would be unfair towards our European friends and partners at Denovali Records for us to accept European preorders for this item. Again, if you are ordering other items from our webshop along with this item, we will process your order like normal. Otherwise, please visit Denovali to preorder. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at murkhouserecordings@gmail.com. Thank you for the cooperation and understanding!
North America:
Black Vinyl: $20
Clear/Grey Vinyl: $21
Rest of World:
Black Vinyl: $28
Clear/Grey Vinyl: $29
Gathiens + Vaka combo package
Get both the Gathiens Nesh CD and Vaka Kappa Delta Phi CD together and save!
North America: $20
Rest of World: $24
Vaka - Kappa Delta Phi CD
Description: Epic and heavy doom rock with a slightly progressive twist from Sweden. With inventive drumming and heavy use of piano, this is a fresh take on the post-metal style that has quickly become overrun by Isis and Pelican clones. On this album, mainman Karl Daniel Lidén is joined by an array of guest musicians from around the world to make this a highly collaborative venture. Mastered by John Golden, who has done mastering for such bands as the Melvins, Neurosis, Weedeater, and Primus. This should appeal to fans of bands like Isis, Neurosis, Mare, Opeth, and even Nine Inch Nails. Packaged in a gorgeous 6-panel digipak made of recycled and environmentally friendly materials and printed using soy-based inks! Audio samples can be heard on our releases page.
North America: $12
Rest of World: $14
Gathiens - Nesh CD
Description: Heavy, psychedelic, instrumental rock music. Recorded in the summer of 2006, this gem sat dormant for some time before we picked it up as our first full-length release, though it briefly attracted the attention of Battle Kommand Records. Strong guitar playing with big chords and memorable melodies is paired with a backbone of sweetly technical drumming, with a delicate layer of cinematic ambience over the top. The whole album has a strong sense of dynamics, having an almost classical feel to it. Compared to bands such as Isis, Boris, Pelican, Tool, and even Pink Floyd; Gathiens possess a delicacy and intricacy that many post-metal bands lack. Packaged in a deluxe 6-panel folding CD wallet made of 100% recycled materials and printed using soy-based inks. Audio samples can be heard on our releases page.
North America: $12
Rest of World: $14
Antilles/Trifle Tower split 7” EP
Description: A match-up of 2 old-school screamo bands in the vein of such greats as Pg. 99 and City of Caterpillar. Antilles have a jagged and damaged sound with aggressive drumming, jangly guitar playing, and vicious vocals with an almost jazzy vibe at times. On side B, Trifle Tower assault the listener using layered melodies and strong dynamics, giving off the impression of an almost black metal approach to songwriting. Limited to a total of 500 copies, presented in hand-silkscreened jackets made of 100% post-consumer recycled paper stock. Murkhouse customers get black vinyl. Audio samples can be heard on our releases page.
North America: $6
Rest of World: $8
Distributed Titles
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Aalto - Aalto CD-R (Centre of Wood, 2008)
Description: Is there any end to the amazing and weird music that comes from the mysterious forested country known as Finland? On this disc, Aalto offer up some diverse folk music as only the Finns can create. Combining elements of music from many different cultures, the Tuvan instruments Igil and Doshpuluur are used in addition to sitar, guitar, didgeridoo, clarinet, jew’s harp, throat singing, and traditional percussion. This release is really a combination of two different sets of recordings - the first being done by Aalto in it’s current incarnation and the other being done by founding member Sampo Salonen did under the name of Aalto before the current line-up was formed, which provides an interesting and insightful glimpse into the evolution of the group’s sound. Aalto perfectly manage to blend the unique voices of all instruments used to create a sound that is full, melodic, interesting, complex, and addictive. Listening to this, it almost makes you feel like you are next to the band, hearing them perform in the middle of the northern Finnish wilderness by the light of a fireplace in a cabin with no electricity. This really takes you out of the normal mode of living and transports you elsewhere for a while. Released by Andrea Penso’s (Selaxon Lutberg) label Centre of Wood and packaged in a recycled paper sleeve with a hand-made stamp that is then housed in a full-color folding sleeve with a cotton string tied around it. Go to www.myspace.com/etnoaalto to hear audio samples.
North America: $8
Rest of World: $10
Ishai Adar - Beaufort: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack CD (Ak Duck, 2007)
Description: Beaufort is the name of an Israeli war film that received several awards and nominations around the world when it was released in 2007, including being the first Israeli film to be nominated for an Academy Award since 1984. The film chronicles the daily routines, fears, feelings, and moral dilemmas of a group of soldiers positioned in the 12th century crusader stronghold of Beaufort Castle during the days preceding the end of the 18-year South Lebanon conflict. The soundtrack, composed by Israeli electronic music pioneer Ishai Adar, is an absolutely brilliant combination of ambient, subtle electronic noise, and contemporary minimalism. Gritty textures, warm tones, warbly synthesizers, and various samples are all expertly pieced together into a magnificent piece of musical art. Ishai Adar has done exactly what a film score composer should do - awaken our emotional and sympathetic side with music. Some parts of this CD are truly scary to listen to while others are intensely sad, frustrating, or simply peaceful and beautiful. A fantastic and engaging album, this is serious listening for fans of Phillip Jeck, Biosphere, and William Basinski. Samples can be found here. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
North America: $10
Rest of World: $12
Allseits - Hel CD (Cyclic Law, 2009)
Description: Allseits is the ambient project of German instrumentalist Nina Kernicke, who’s known for her work with German drone pioneers Troum. On Hel (the Norse mythological term for Hell), Kernicke takes us on a journey to the underworld, starting at the foot of the world tree Yggdrasil and taking us through the various places on the way to Hel, as described by Norse mythology. Each track on the album is named after a stage on the journey. The music is dark, rich, and full of texture and atmosphere; this is the kind of ambient music that draws you in and demands attention from the listener instead of being a medium to help the listener drift away. Kernicke tells Allseits’ tale using heavily effected guitars, bass, percussion, and samples, all with masterful skill. For fans of Kammarheit, Procer Veneficus, Subinterior, and similar dark ambient projects. Samples can be heard here. Limited to only 1000 copies in an oversized folding cardboard sleeve with artwork by Pär Boström of Kammarheit and Cities Last Broadcast - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! The price is, admittedly, a bit steep, but please note that they include shipping costs.
North America: $15
Rest of World: $17
Antilles - Antilles CD-R EP (Kid Sister Everything, 2009)
Description: Four songs of damaged and chaotic screamo as only Antilles can create. Super fast, frantic parts collide with desolate dirges, occasional jams, and odd moments of beauty while the whole thing is wrapped in a crunchy shell of confusion and discomfort. The track they contributed to the split 7″ with Trifle Tower is relatively tame when compared to the songs on this EP. The disc and the package it’s housed in are spray-painted, silk-screened, and assembled completely by hand. Samples can be found here. This release is limited to only 100 copies!
North America: $6
Rest of World: $7.50
Maor Appelbaum + Hollowing - Collaborating Torture CD (Heart & Crossbone Records/Topheth Prophet, 2008)
Description: One 54+ minute track of blackened ambient/industrial music and one of the last known recordings made by Matt Gibney, AKA Hollowing, who died in January of 2006. Gibney, a member of SoIHadToShootHim, also ran the Rectrix label. On this recording, he was joined by the prolific Maor Appelbaum, who has worked with Grave in the Sky, Poochaltz, and Maurizio Bianchi, to name just a very few. Industrial drones, metallic textures, and hypnotic swirling passages are all used to create an oppressive piece of pitch-black ambient. The feeling is a bit like being trapped in a blackened cave, always seeing the light from the exit, but never being able to reach it. The listener here is left completely hopeless. Recommended for fans of Wilt, Brighter Death Now, Z’ev, Daniel Menche, and New Risen Throne. Samples can be found here. Limited to 1,000 copies!
North America: $10
Rest of World: $12
Archgoat - Whore of Bethlehem CD (Hammer of Hate, 2006)
Description: The 2006 album that marked Archgoat’s return from the grave! Finnish bestial black metal for fans of Beherit, Blasphemy, Morbosidad, Black Witchery, and the like. Archgoat sound just as filthy now as they did more than 15 years ago. Some tracks from the album can be heard here.
North America: $10
Rest of World: $12
Maurizio Bianchi & Sparkle in Grey - Nefelodhis CD (Cold Current Production/Musica di un Certo Livello, 2007)
Description: A true pioneer of the noise/extreme industrial genre, Maurizio Bianchi is largely unknown in the USA, except perhaps to those in noise music circles. Beginning his experiments in noise in the early ’80’s, Bianchi was just as innovative as his contemporaries, among whom included the likes of Whitehouse and Throbbing Gristle. He left the music industry from the mid ’80’s until the late ’90’s and, upon returning, his 2nd (and much more prolific) artistic period has been one of noticably subtler and more textural music. He has also taken to collaborating with others frequently, of which Nefelodhis is a fine example. On this album, Bianchi collaborates with Italian experimental/post-rock band Sparkle in Grey and the result is a listen that is at once challenging, engaging, and rewarding. Based around the theme of clouds (which are used as a metaphor for the troubled times in which we currently live), the album consists of spacious textures, odd concrete sounds, and all manner of electronic noises upon which the more focussed sounds of guitar, piano, violin, and other instruments are applied like strokes of a paint brush. This is truly an album that reveals more layers and is more rewarding with each listen. Co-released by Cold Current Productions (one of the 2 labels run by Andrea Penso from Selaxon Lutberg) and Musica di un Cero Livello with assistance from Grey Sparkle, this is the first chapter of the Between the Elements quadrilogy and is the sister album of Erimos, a collaboration between Maurizio Bianchi, Hue, and Fhievel. The CD is packaged in a cardboard sleeve with a full-color printed insert. One track from the album can be found here.
North America: $9
Rest of World: $11
Bohemian Grove - Age of Retrogression CD (Hyperblasted Recordings, 2008)
Description: Epic, forward-thinking black metal from Greece. Bohemian Grove play a really interesting mix of styles, blending classic 90s Norwegian-styled black metal and more contemporary black metal a la Watain and Ondskapt with folk/viking and classic rock elements, all with a distinctly Greek flavor. Despite the range of influences heard here, Bohemian Grove manage to blend everything into one unique sound and set themselves apart from every other band out there. Epic, melodic guitar playing meshes perfectly with a strong rhythm section and an excellent vocal performance. Packaged in a nice digipak with stunning visuals by Justin Bartlett (who’s done work for Sunn O))), Aura Noir, Gorgoroth, Watain, Moss, Nadja, and many more) in his signature style. The entire album can be heard here. Limited to 1,000 copies!
North America: $10
Rest of World: $12
Celeste - Nihiliste(s) CD (Denovali Records/Sons of Vista, 2008)
Description: Furious, ugly, and dischordant black metal-stained sludge/hardcore from this French horde. Imagine something like an unholy union between Overmars, Watain, Amen Ra, and Converge. This CD is limited to a total of 1,500 copies and we have copies of the edition limited to 1,000, which is packaged in a nice, thick folding cardboard sleeve. The full album can be heard here.
North America: $10
Rest of World: $12
Chartreuse - No More Paths to Sounder Sleep CD (Thor’s Rubber Hammer Productions, 2008)
Description: Deep, dark, trance-inducing ambience. Somber, emotional ambient swells slowly rise up to create backdrops for other sounds ranging from cymbals and percussion to delicate, spidery guitar melodies. This is the perfect soundtrack for daydreaming, reading, contemplating, and interesting night-time dreams. For fans of Eluvium, Tim Hecker, Emvelope Nine, M. Kourie, and the like. An excellent album; it’s truly hard to listen to this and not feel moved. Gorgeously mastered by Shelby Cinca of the Washington, DC band Frodus. Hear samples here. Limited to a total number of 1,000 copies, this is the digipak edition that is limited to 800.
North America: $10
Rest of World: $12
Rest of World: $17
The Coma Lilies - Memento Mori CD EP (Denovali Records, 2008)
Description: Re-release of the third and, sadly, final release by California’s The Coma Lilies. This EP has 2 main songs of notable length (each well over 8 minutes long) which are followed by 7 tracks (of which one is a bonus track for this reissue) of a less serious nature - studio experiments of sorts by the band and songs that the band played live but that wouldn’t necessarily have fit on a proper Coma Lilies album. In total, the disc adds up to nearly half an hour of music. The two main tracks are simply stunning - expertly crafted instrumental rock epics with a very clear sense of direction. Truly poetic and expressive melodies soar over beautiful chords and dynamic rhythms. The song structures are detailed and complex, yet the Coma Lilies skillfully manage to avoid the pitfall of sounding pretentious - there is a real honesty and emotional quality in this music that is humbling to behold. Transcending beyond what can be called rock music, the band’s standard rock instrumentation is augmented by a myriad of instruments including, among others, a string section, trumpets, clarinet, piano, and mandolin. The additional tracks feature much of the same fantastic musicianship and compositional skill as the first two, but also showcase a variety of other styles and influences, ranging from jazz and classical music to even grindcore. Although this is only an EP, it is one of the finest examples of what might be called “art rock” that we have ever heard. The entire disc can be heard here. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
North America: $9
Rest of World: $11
Corpoparassita - Inesorabile CD (Final Muzik, 2007)
Description: Utterly disturbing dark ambient/industrial music from Italy. Having been around since 2002 and being fairly well known in dark ambient and industrial circles for an extensive and ongoing list of CD-R and tape releases, this is Corpoparassita’s first professional CD release. Final Muzik describes this, not incorrectly, as something like 70s Italian horror movie soundtracks mixed with dark ambient and black noise. Despite being an intensely dark album, there are moments of beauty present for the attentive listener, as well. This should appeal to fans of Wraiths, Subinterior, and even Gnaw Their Tongues (on more of an atmospheric level). Packaged in a cool folded poster with a little hub attached for the CD and sealed in a plastic dust sleeve; limited to only 500 copies! This is excellent night time music to get lost in along with a glass of wine; visit www.myspace.com/corpoparassita to hear samples. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
North America: $10
Rest of World: $12
Cortisol - S12 CD (D7i Records/Prodisk Music, 2006)
Description: Heavy, extreme sludge/doom for fans of Khanate, Corrupted, Fleshpress, Monarch!, Noothgrush, Esoteric, and the like. This is punishing and crushing, but still accessible in a way - the album has a powerful sound and the songs have enough things happening to keep the listener engaged all the way through. Includes a bizarre, but fantastic performance by French-Canadian female vocalist Arianne Fleury. Limited to only 500 copies, this release is now out of print and freshly sold out from the label that released it, so this is one of the last places you’ll be able to purchase a brand new copy! Listen to samples on the band’s myspace page here.
North America: $10
Rest of World: $12
Dhul-Qarnayn - Jilwah CD Single (Shaytan Productions, 2008)
Description: One nearly half hour-long track of humbling middle-eastern folk and dark ambient music coming from the Kingdom of Bahrain! Although this is listed as a single, it should be noted that this one track is almost long enough to be considered a full album. According to Dhul-Qarnayn, the concept of this track is from the holy book of theistic Satanism, which is said to have been dictated to the Yezidi prophet Sheikh Adi through a revelation of Melek Taus (the Peacock Angel) in the 12th century. Do a little research; this is really interesting stuff. Musically, the track shifts between moments of middle-eastern folk music and dark ambient, with occasional samples, noise elements, and snippets of spoken dialogue (presumably in Arabic) thrown in. As a whole, this is an intensely fascinating and moving piece which is made all the more interesting by the fact that Dhul-Qarnayn is in fact a one-man black metal band. We can only be thankful for whatever inspired him to do this release in the form that he did. The release is limited to 1,000 copies and a sample from it can be heard here.
North America: $9
Rest of World: $11
Emvelope Nine – Melt Canal CD (Split Femur Recordings, 2007)
Description: Chilled out ambience for fans of Tim Hecker, Christian Fennesz, Oren Ambarchi, etc. A very personal and moving album from start to finish. Samples can be heard at www.myspace.com/emvelopenine.
North America: $10
Rest of World: $12
Ender - Ender CD (Darkroom Recordings, 2008)
Description: Epic, beautiful, and glacial drone-doom/post-rock from New Zealand. Long, sustained tones give way to massive low-end chords and soaring lead guitars on this well-crafted album of 4 songs and 40 minutes. Despite the relative slowness and straight-forward nature of the music, a lot of it goes between odd and compound time signatures, which somehow gives the music more of a weightless and flowing feel, allowing it to breathe more. Stylistically, fans of Pelican, Gathiens, Isis, Mono, Cult of Luna, and the like should enjoy this, but Ender manage to play this style without the pitfalls of sounding unoriginal or pretentious. This is great soundtrack music. Although this was released by the small New Zealand label Darkroom Recordings, it’s distributed worldwide by the Belgian Consouling Sounds label. Samples can be heard here. Packaged in a nice digipak with some beautifully stark photography.
North America: $10
Rest of World: $12
Fistfuck - Rock’N'Roll Nightmare CD (D7i Records, 2009)
Description: Third (and, sadly, final) full-length of fast, thrashing crust/grindcore from these French-Canadian veterans. With themes centered around pro-wrestling, prepare to be body slammed by some seriously thrashing grindcore in the vein of Napalm Death and the like. The album features one cover song each of legendary grindcore bands Disrupt and Rupture, and it should also appeal to fans of these bands. Great performance by the band and great production on the album - samples can be heard here.
North America: $10
Rest of World: $12
Forteresse - Métal Noir Québécois CD (Sepulchral Productions, 2006)
Description: Classic debut album from these French-Canadian patriots. This is raw, epic, black metal in celebration of Québec’s history and culture. The sound is grim and frosty, straightforward and simple, but still dense and heavy. Epic guitar leads soar over blasting drums and buzzing guitar riffs in a fashion that is reminiscent of 90s German and Scandinavian black metal, but still unique and original. This is one of the finest examples of melodic, epic black metal that we have ever heard. Forteresse have made a powerful statement, in deed. Two tracks from the album can be found here. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
North America: $10
Rest of World: $12
Guy Gelem – Works CD (Split Femur Recordings, 2008)
Description: The debut album of this London-based producer/composer. Reverbed clean guitar melodies play almost poetic passages as cello strings sing sweetly throughout, all placed neatly on a foundation of minimal electronic beats and occasional synth lines. Compared to Fridge and Tortoise, go to www.myspace.com/guygelem for samples.
North America: $10
Rest of World: $12
Gris - Il Était une Forêt… CD (Sepulchral Productions, 2007)
Description: Gris is the Canadian band that used to be known as Niflheim. On Il Était une Forêt…, we hear depressive atmospheric black metal that shows a strong balance between dark and light. Although it is mostly depressive, there are many joyous and uplifting parts to be found, as well. This is a very special album that should be heard by all fans of depressive and unique black metal. Recommended for fans of Xasthur, Summoning, Silencer, Alcest, and perhaps early Opeth. Two tracks from the album can be heard here.
North America: $10
Rest of World: $12
Herem - Pulsa diNura CD (Rusty Crowbar Records, 2008)
Description: Interesting mix of melodic death/doom metal and stoner doom from Finland. Heavy and punishing, but still beautiful, this is doom the way it should be. The combination of styles from the two different schools of doom metal works quite well and Herem have developed quite a nice balance. Imagine something like a combination between Electric Wizard and Ataraxie, and you’re not far from Herem’s sound. This band only adds to Finland’s already rich contribution to doom metal. Three songs from the album can be heard here.
North America: $10
Rest of World: $12
Heretoir - .Existenz. CD EP (Pest Productions, 2009)
Description: Debut release of this German one-man project. Despite having very few releases available, Heretoir seems to be getting quite a bit of attention, and for good reason. The music here is well-written and effective, truly capturing a pure and honest expression of the artist and speaking to the listener in a very real way. This is a re-release of the demo released in 2008 with one additional track and an extra hidden track included. This is isolationist black metal existing somewhere between Xasthur, Silencer, Alcest, and Amesoeurs - containing emotions of despair and nostalgia, but also a bit of hope. Limited to only 500 copies, samples can be heard at www.myspace.com/heretoir.
North America: $8
Rest of World: $10
Hinsidig - Bak og Forbi… CD (Pest Productions, 2009)
Description: Norwegian/German black metal featuring Winterheart (Nyktalgia, Armagedda, Krieg, Marblebog) on drums. Hinsidig play a mostly straightforward and mid-paced style of black metal that should appeal to fans of Ulver, In the Woods…, and Eljudner - depressive and nostalgic, yet still full of beauty. Samples can be heard here. This CD is limited to 1000 copies!
North America: $10
Rest of World: $12
Korinth & Phragments- Mysteries of the Greylands CD (Greytone, 2010)
Description: First release from the interesting new Greytone label in Italy, and it’s a good one. Korinth & Phragments, two ambient projects from Slovakia, collaborate on this album to create an interesting and unique take on dark ambient. Dark and scary textures similar to New Risen Throne or Kammarheit mix with odd melodic phrases and orchestral samples - choirs, bells, strings, and more are at times juxtaposed with stark contrast against the dark ambient backdrop, while at other times they are blended in to add to and build off of what is created from the dark, minimal atmosphere. Samples can be heard here. Packaged in a deluxe digipak with artwork from the always outstanding Toluen.
North America: $10
Rest of World: $12
M. Kourie – The Dreams of… CD (Chrome Peeler Records, 2006)
Description: Deep ambient music. This is the debut solo album of Nathan Berlinguette, who is known for his work in Creation is Crucifixion and 5/5/2000, and also runs the record label Daft Alliance. This is a very expressive album throughout and, though it’s ambient music, it has an emotional quality to it that much ambient/drone music lacks. A very rewarding and enveloping listen. Features guest appearances by Tim Green (The Fucking Champs) and Tomo and Ryan Unks (Creation is Crucifixion, Circadia). Housed in a simple, yet beautiful black folded card package printed with metallic gold ink, sealed in a plastic dust sleeve. Samples can be heard at www.myspace.com/mkourie.
North America: $9
Rest of World: $10.50
Kraken - Kraken CD EP (D7i Records, 2007)
Description: Hailing from Quebec and featuring members of Milanku, Kraken pummel the listener with the crushing force of no less than three guitars. This EP is their first official release and features an honest style of modern heavy music with punk rock and hardcore influences. This should appeal to fans of the likes of Doomriders, Neurosis, Cult of Luna, and Isis. Samples can be found here.
North America: $8
Rest of World: $10
Líam - Journey… Two Years and a Fragment CD (Pest Productions, 2008)
Descriptions: Interesting post-rock from Germany with funeral doom and black metal influences. This CD combines their two EPs from 2007 and 2008 and makes them publicly available for the first time outside of Germany. There is a really genuine atmosphere here and these guys truly succeed in being more than just another post-rock band. Sound-wise, think of regular post-rock a la Explosions in the Sky or Red Sparrows, but with a darker atmosphere and more melancholic sound. Also, there are some occasional heavy guitar parts that wouldn’t fit in many other post-rock bands’ sounds. There is a slight new-wave influence at play here, too. This would certainly appeal to fans of post-rock bands such as Explosions in the Sky, Red Sparrows, and This Will Destroy You as well as stuff like Amesoeurs and Alcest. Features members of Lantlôs. Samples can be found here.
North America: $10
Rest of World: $12
Long Legged Woman - Newtown Nights CD-R (Thor’s Rubber Hammer Productions, 2008)
Description: Intimate pseudo-acoustic basement recordings from this typically psychedelic noise-rock band. Usually a four-piece, Long Legged Woman consists of just two members on this disc performing dreamy acid-folk tunes that seem to echo straight from some lone valley on the other side of reality. This release has been compared to Sic Alps and Spectre Folk, and might also appeal to fans of Radiohead at times. Packaged in a folding chipboard arigato pack with black and white glossy stickers attached and printed card insert; hand-numbered and limited to 100 copies! This release is now sold out from the label that released it, so this may be the last place to get a new copy. Hear an audio clip here.
North America: $8
Rest of World: $10
Mariae Nascenti - Raise Your Paw to the Sky and Break the Truce CD (Final Muzik, 2007)
Description: 2nd full-length album from this interesting Italian project. The album features a wide range of sounds, feelings, and ideas; some tracks are full songs while others seem to be almost fragmental excerpts of what could have been songs - little moments of inspiration preserved into their own poetic passages. This is a really personal and emotional work full of lonely and dream-like sounds and might appeal to fans of Coil, Current 93, and Radiohead. Features an enormous list of guest musicians including members of Gullinkambi, Blind Cave Salamander, Femina Faber, Ludmila, Maison Concett, Everything is Fine, Heavy Lids, Satellite Happy, DsorDne, 9cento9, Larsen, (r), Northgate, as well as many other musicians and friends of main member Angelo ango Visone. This release is limited to 1,200 copies and comes packaged in a very nice digipak with a lyrics booklet full of drawings by Angelo Visone. One track from the album can be found here. The album also includes a stirring rendition of “Dagger” by Slowdive.
North America: $10
Rest of World: $12
Milanku - Convalescence CD (D7i Records/Le Tigre Records, 2007)
Description: Super heavy and emotional music from Quebec that lies somewhere between post rock and post hardcore. Beautiful, repeated melodies stand against epic walls of gradually evolving heavy guitars and pained vocals. There are a lot of bands doing music similar to this right now, but these guys do it so well and definitely manage to set themselves apart from the rest. Milanku includes members of Kraken and Autumn Picture. This would appeal to fans of Gathiens, Isis, Mono, Explosions in the Sky, Red Sparrows, and Neurosis. Mastering on this was done by Ryan Morey (who has done mastering for the Arcade Fire, among many others). Housed in a gorgeous folding cardboard package and limited to only 500 copies, samples can be found here. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
North America: $10
Rest of World: $12
Mourning Dawn - Mourning Dawn CD (Total Rust Music, 2007)
Description: Very strong debut album from this French suicidal black/doom metal band. Released by the fantastic Israeli doom label Total Rust Music, this album is based on the work and the way of life of First World War writers. Has a very strong hopeless atmosphere to it and should appeal to fans of Shining, Bethlehem, Deinonychus, early Katatonia, etc. Strictly limited to 1,000 copies and almost sold out from the label! Hear samples at www.myspace.com/dawnmournsagain.
North America: $10
Rest of World: $12
Necro Deathmort - This Beat is Necrotronic CD (Distraction Records, 2009)
Description: This is the powerful debut album from this London-based duo. Standing in direct opposition to genre conformity, Necro Deathmort sounds something like a mix between Sunn O))), Neptune Towers, and Aphex Twin with all sorts of additional noise elements, ambient textures, heavy guitars and glitchy beats thrown in. Some tracks are purely ambient while others are beat-heavy and some more drone/doom oriented. There’s really too much to be said about this album - trying to describe it in detail here wouldn’t do it justice. Visit the band’s myspace page here to get an idea of what this album is about. Comes in a cool folding package with really interesting artwork. Limited to 500 copies and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
North America: $10
Rest of World: $12
Onirot - Deus ex Machina CD (Inner Gravity Records, 2006)
Description: Deep and beautiful dark ambient music from this extremely obscure Italian duo. Combining spacious swathes of dark ambience with melodic segments of classical instrumentation such as harp, strings, and voice, Onirot creates huge expanses of deep star-filled landscapes which reflect the mysterious depths of the soul. This is the third part of the Onirot trilogy and it seems this may be their final release ever, sadly. This is truly more than just another dark ambient album - something meaningful, awe-inspiring, humbling, and thought-provoking. One can’t help but be still and listen to this album. Another gem coming from Italy’s rich dark ambient tradition, Onirot can definitely hold their own with the likes of Elegi, New Risen Throne, Subinterior, and Corpoparassita, despite their relative Obscurity. Limited to only 500 copies worldwide, this is absolutely HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! 3 tracks from the album can be heard here.
North America: $10
Rest of World: $12
Paganus - Paganus CD (Total Rust Music, 2008)
Description: Crushingly extreme sludge/doom metal from Finland! This is Paganus’ debut full-length and features 4 intense tracks stretched out over 48 sick and punishing minutes! Boasting an extremely powerful sound, disgusting vocals clash with heavy guitars and chaotic drums as you’re pummeled into a bloody pulp. For fans of Khanate, Burning Witch, Monarch!, Eyehategod, Grief, etc. Hear samples at www.myspace.com/paganusdoom.
North America: $10
Rest of World: $12
Phoenix Bodies - Too Much Information CD+DVD (Shove Records, 2008)
Description: This release compiles all of Phoenix Bodies’ releases that came out prior to their Raise the Bullshit Flag full-length, most of which were previously only available on vinyl. Also included on the CD is a live set from Dude Fest 2004. The DVD features live sets from Dude Fest 2004 and Summerslam 2004 as well as a band interview. The releases found on the CD are their splits with Enkephalin, Shakiri, Tyranny of Shaw, Raein, and The Dream is Dead along with the band’s very first demo and a song included on the Pacemaker Compilation. Owning this is essential for all fans of these Indiana legends of chaotic and brutal hardcore and is also a good place to start for those newly discovering the band. This is the European version released by Shove Records; we’re not sure if these differ in any way from the American version on Init Records. Although these are European, the DVDs are regionless and should play in all DVD players.
North America: $12
Rest of World: $14
The Pistil Cosmos - A Long Figure in a Dreamlike Place CD-R (Thor’s Rubber Hammer Productions, 2009)
Description: The Pistil Cosmos is one of several projects by Vincent Caylet, who is known for his acid folk drone duo, Monks of the Balhill, and his solo recordings which he releases under the name of V. With the Pistil Cosmos’ A Long Figure in a Dreamlike Place, Caylet creates a gorgeous album of dense lo-fi ambience permeated by heavily effected acoustic guitars, wordless vocals, and sheets of feedback; everything working together like paint on a canvas to create a beautiful abstract work of art. The title of the album is perfect; the six tracks found on this disk stir up images of foggy worlds and lost, forgotten creatures and places. Longing, sadness, beauty, fear, and wonder all mix together into an intoxicating sonic brew. Presented on pro-printed CD-R housed in a mylar sleeve with a vellum insert, this should appeal to fans of We Wait for the Snow, Sea Zombies, Jefre Cantu-Ledesma, Grouper, Fabio Orsi, and the like. An audio sample can be found here. Limited to only 100 copies and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
North America: $8
Rest of World: $10
Romance of Young Tigers - Live CD-R (Allergic to Fun, 2010)
Description: Intimate live recording from this magnificent, but sadly defunct, Ohio quartet. Creating dense swells of crushing ambience from the use of guitars, bass, and Rhodes piano, Romance of Young Tigers made a name for themselves with a string of well-received releases on the Magic Bullet label before disbanding in mid-2009. This limited CD-R release showcases live versions of music from their Marie EP and the I Have Supped Full on Horrors full-length, as well as two previously unreleased tracks exclusive to this release! This recording was made in Bowling Green, Ohio on the last night of the band’s early 2009 east-coast tour. We’ve praised them before when we carried the Marie EP, and this is no different. The sound is huge and open, due to the live nature of the recording, and the noise of the bar they performed in is as much a part of the music as the instruments are. The sound of bar regulars idly chatting starts the recording, but one can hear the bar gradually turn silent as the band begins to play. Throughout the performance, during quieter sections, one can hear miscellaneous noise from the bar come back into focus in a very textural and fitting way for the music and then die back down as the band swells in volume again. In a way, it’s a reminder of the mindlessness of humanity - it takes something huge and serious to make us stop and think about things, either personally or as a species, and cause us to truly ponder how we should act, treat each other, and think about how our actions affect other people and the world around us. This is one of those releases that demands to be heard from start to finish without interruption multiple times. Our description is, of course, a feeble attempt at conveying the beauty and power of this album; it must be felt before it can be understood. This was one of the most intense and powerful bands we’ve ever seen live, and this CD-R does a great job at capturing the somber, humbling mood that their performances evoked. Absolutely HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to all fans of expressive ambient music as well as fans of the band new and old. Self-proclaimed philosophers, artistic elitists, etc: this will shatter all hints of pretension and tear you down to your core. The exact number of these produced is unknown to us, but they’re on CD-Rs in hand-screened paper envelopes, so we assume they’re quite limited. We have very few available. Samples can be heard here.
North America: $8
Rest of World: $10
Noah Saval – Songs for Tanyua 3” CD-R (SMTG Limited, 2008)
Description: 5 pieces in roughly 20 minutes of intense and beautiful atmospheric music created mostly by layered harmonica. Part of SMTG Limited’s Richmond Ambient Series, Noah Saval has also contributed to such bands as Souvenir’s Young America. Recorded by Jonathan Lee of Anduin who also contributes organ and electronics to further fill things out, these are now sold out from the label and this may be the last place you can get them. Packaged very nicely in little folded sleeves on which a small black-and-white square photograph is affixed, no two are the same as each has a different photo on the cover. Samples can be heard at www.myspace.com/noahsaval.
North America: $6
Rest of World: $7.50
Simulacra - There is a Fountain Filled with Blood CD (Consouling Sounds/No Angels Productions, 2010)
Description: Haunting minimalist dark ambient music from Belgium. After a couple limited EPs and a split cassette with Wereju, this is Simulacra’s first full-length album, a harrowing depiction of all of life’s negativities and the ultimate end we all must face: death. Fear and isolation reign supreme in Simulacra’s world. This is DARK ambient for fans of Aleph-Naught, Raison D’Etre, Luasa Raelon, New Risen Throne, Subinterior, and Konau. One track can be sampled here. Comes packaged in a slightly oversized folding sleeve and limited to only 500 copies!
North America: $11
Rest of World: $13
Sink - The Process CD (Kaos Kontrol/Kult of Nihilow, 2008)
Description: Existing somewhere between dark ambient, drone/doom, and experimental music with occasional classical and choral influences, the Finnish band Sink lies beyond classification. At times, this album contains moments of epic, heavy grandeur and at others, painfully oppressive ambient that’s been charred a shade of black. Extremely well put together, the album just plays as though it’s supposed to be experienced from start to finish. 5 tracks of varied minimal and ambient music are bookended by 2 of the blackest, most devastating pieces of audial sludge that could possibly exist. Massively heavy guitar chords pummel you from below while waves of choral monk-like chants wash over you from above. Listening to this album is like watching the apocalypse come from above, experiencing the nuclear bomb drop, being destroyed in the Great Flood, etc. Beyond words. This band is also responsible for a split 7″ with Marzuraan. Though any description or comparison falls short of what this band truly accomplishes, this should appeal to fans of Khanate, Sunn O))), Attila Csihar’s collaborative material with Stephen O’Malley, Svartsinn, New Risen Throne, Amon, Temple of Not, Adam Flynn, Mare, and many more. For a better idea, please go here for samples. Limited to 1,000 copies and packaged in a gorgeous full-color folding carton sleeve. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
North America: $12
Rest of World: $14
Rest of World: $12
Vanessa Van Basten - Psygnosis CD EP (Consouling Sounds, 2009)
Description: Amazing new EP of material from these Italian instrumental psych-prog-post-metallers. Vanessa Van Basten have built upon the foundation laid with their debut full-length from two years ago and have really taken their music to a whole new level with this release. The band brought in a technician to help with recording this time and it certainly shows; this EP has a fantastic sound that is a huge improvement over the last album. Also, a live human drummer plays with the band this time, replacing the programmed drums used in the past and adding a whole new dynamic feel to the music that wasn’t present in the past. If this is a taste of what is to come on Vanessa Van Basten’s eagerly anticipated forthcoming full-length, these guys are sure to become a household name among psych and post-metal fans before too long. Features two epic songs clocking in at over 20 minutes. These guys show great attention to detail; these songs are arranged exceptionally well and have many elements such as synths and samples that really help to bring the music to life in a way that few bands manage to do. The CD is housed in a beautiful oversized folded cover with a 16 page booklet and is strictly limited to only 500 copies! A short clip from one of the tracks can be found here. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
North America: $8
Rest of World: $10
———————- Vinyl ———————-
Antilles - Antilles one-sided 12″ EP (Allergic to Fun, 2009)
Description: Vinyl version of the CD-R EP released by Kid Sister Everything with brand new artwork exclusive to this version. Here’s what we said about the CD-R version: “Four songs of damaged and chaotic screamo as only Antilles can create. Super fast, frantic parts collide with desolate dirges, occasional jams, and odd moments of beauty while the whole thing is wrapped in a crunchy shell of confusion and discomfort. The track they contributed to the split 7″ with Trifle Tower is relatively tame when compared to the songs on this EP.” Limited to only 300 copies total! Samples can be found here.
North America: $12
Rest of World: $15
Blueneck - Scars of the Midwest 12″ LP (Denovali Records, 2008)
Description: Dark, desolate, and moody piano-based post-rock from the UK. This was self-released by the band back in 2006 after spending a year and a half locked away recording in the hills of deepest Somerset. Features stark piano arrangements with strong drumming, smooth male vocals, and epic guitars, all with a tasteful dose of ambience to give the album a very cinematic feel. Recommended listening for fans of Radiohead, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Library Tapes, Mogwai, and the 28 Days Later soundtrack. Limited edition pressing of 300 copies on heavy clear vinyl. Preview four of the nine tracks here.
North America: $14
Rest of World: $17
Copeater/Murder of Crows split 7″ EP (Scenester Credentials, 2007)
Rest of World: $8
Elektronavn/Exquisite Russian Brides split 7” EP (BSBTA Vinyl, 2007)
Description: Split 7″ vinyl release between two of Denmark’s finest meditative drone/avant-psych artists. Absolute bliss is achieved using loops, zurna, bansuri, cello, bells, vocals, and xylophone on this. This is a very unique concept for a vinyl release as the RPM is not specified; it is left up to the listener to listen to the record and decide which speed they like best. Decide what you like for yourself, but we like 33 RPM on side A and 45 RPM on side B. Very plain, yet very neat, hand-printed covers with some interesting resulting variations in the cover image. These are limited to only 270 copies and were imported from Denmark, so the price reflects that. This is still the cheapest price you’ll be able to get one for if you’re ordering from within North America. An audio clip of the Elektronavn side can be heard at www.majmon.com/Elektronavn/elektronavn_albums.html. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
North America: $8
Rest of World: $9.50
Oiltanker - s/t 7″ LP (Bullshit Propaganda/Spicy Soup Productions, 2008)
Description: Fast, heavy, fist-pumping crust punk/hardcore from Connecticut on this 9-song 7″. Furiously thrashing d-beat hardcore and heavy jams combine with an excellent production sound for one of the most pummeling releases we’ve heard in a long time. Compared to Disrupt, State of Fear, Man the Conveyors, etc. Limited to 500 copies and pressed on black vinyl, presented in a folding sleeve with the lyrics printed on the inside. These are almost completely sold out from the 2 labels that released it. Samples can be heard here.
North America: $6
Rest of World: $8
Steeples/Trifle Tower split 7” EP (These Family Jams, 2007)
Description: Great match up on this 7″ piece of vinyl. On side A, Steeples offer up one long song of some kind of dark and desolate, apocalyptic post-doom. White-hot vocals rage over a sea of heavy, distorted guitars; sometimes dischordant, but never without reason or good taste…. Sounds sort of like a grand piano being dropped on your soul. On side B, Trifle Tower offer up more of their crushing brand of punk/screamo; well-structured, heavy, desolate, and totally energetic. Really hits you where it counts, these guys just play like they mean it. Tracks from both sides can be heard at www.myspace.com/thesefamilyjams. Black vinyl, packaged in totally DIY hand silk-screened jackets!
North America: $6
Rest of World: $8
Un Quarto Morto - Annusarsi, Scegliersi, Lamentarsi 7″ LP (DIY Conspiracy, 2008)
Description: Fast, intense, and aggressive Italian hardcore punk with a slightly metallic edge. The lyrics (sung in Italian) are political, yet personal, and focus on communication issues. The record features a total of 9 songs fit onto 7 inches of vinyl and includes a cover of “Distruttore” by 80s Italian hardcore legends Nerorgasmo. Features a nice package/layout with some cool artwork; released by a “DIY Conspiracy” consisting of 15 Italian DIY labels: TDD Records, Frohike Records, Equal Rights, Rimini HC, Respira DIY, Shove Records, Denial of Service, Dying DIY, Piccole Speranze, Sopravvivo, Unnamed, S’accabbadora, Narvalo Suoni, Columna Hardcore, and Calimocho DIY. Samples can be heard here.
North America: $6
Rest of World: $8
V/A – Vinyl Beards 12” LP (BSBTA Vinyl, 2008)
Description: Eight mostly collaborative tracks of lo-fi noise/avant-psych/folk music from underground artists all around the world. Side A is more noise/psych-oriented while side B is mostly folk/psych music. Includes a track that features We Wait for the Snow, a project by the same man behind Selaxon Lutberg. The full list of artists involved in the Vinyl Beards LP is: Sea Zombies, We Wait for the Snow/throuRoof, Cones, Family Battle Snake/Sarah’s Charity, Donato Epiro/Vanessa Rossetto, Shiggajon, The End Springs/A Man and a Guitar, and Fabio Orsi/Valerio Cosi. Packaged in neat individually-stencilled and printed jackets. Limited to only 200 copies and imported from Denmark, the price reflects that. This is still the cheapest place you’ll be able to order one of these LPs if you live in North America. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
North America: $15
Rest of World: $17
——————– Cassette ——————–
Aleph-Naught - Le Langage des Fleurs Tape (Moribund Tree Records, 2009)
Description: Haunting black atmospheres from this obscure Honduran project. Calling this “ambient” music kind of misses the mark. Instead, Aleph-Naught creates on this tape blackened atmospheres using mostly non-tonal sounds such as wind-type noises and various other bizarre and unidentifiable sounds, which at times act as a backdrop for odd melodic phrases to come in. Despite the relative obscurity of this project, Aleph-Naught is truly in a league of its own. The most similar project we can think of is the equally-obscure Defiler, but this should also appeal to fans of New Risen Throne, Konau, and Sunn O))). This is music for the black of night. Put this tape on and allow yourself to be transported to even darker realms. Limited to only 20 copies total, this release is now sold out from the label that released it and this is probably the only place you can find it anymore! Both sides of the tape can be heard here.
North America: $5
Rest of World: $6.50
Yuko Imada - Untitled (Moon) Tape (Moribund Tree Records, 2010)
Description: Limited tape release from this California-based ambient artist. This is beautiful, peaceful music best listened to in solitude. Sounding like a combination of electronics and guitars, this is great night-time music recommended for fans of Tim Hecker, Christian Fennesz, and Oren Ambarchi. One track from the release can be heard on Yuko Imada’s myspace page. Limited to only 40 copies!
North America: $5
Rest of World: $6.50
Ives - Burial of the Modernized Soulless Demo Tape (Primal Vomit Records, 2009)
Description: Intensely raw and thrashy black/punk from Florida’s filthiest mongrels. Aiming straight for the jugular of modern society, Ives’ weapons of choice are buzzing guitars, howled vocals, and pounding drums. Featuring members of Vomikaust and Talk Sick Earth, this should appeal to fans of Bone Awl, Darkthrone, Beherit, Amebix, and Discharge. Samples can be found here; these tapes are hand-numbered and limited to 400 copies!
North America: $5
Rest of World: $6.50
Selaxon Lutberg/The Six Mystic Points - Covered in Snow and Rain Split Tape (Moribund Tree Records, 2010)
Description: New split tape between the ambient/minimalist master Selaxon Lutberg and little-known ambient artist Steven H. Antonio, also known as The Six Mystic Points. The Six Mystic Points side, “Cumulonimbus Rain,” is made up of mostly watery, reverb-heavy guitar; minimal, primitive percussion; and some wordless, chanted vocals. The sound lies somewhere between ethereal ambient and outsider folk music… dense, yet sparse at the same time. The Selaxon Lutberg side, “Covered in Snow,” is a calming minimal piece made of mostly piano and field recordings/samples of some kind. To those who are familiar with Selaxon Lutberg’s Think EP, this track is done in a very similar style to the music on that EP. This is an extremely obscure release limited to only 30 copies! A clip from the Selaxon Lutberg side can be heard here.
North America: $5
Rest of World: $6.50
Vomikaust - Filth Demo Tape (Primal Vomit Records, 2009)
Description: Raw and disgusting blackened thrash metal from the decaying swamps of Jacksonville, Florida! This 2-man juggernaut of putrid flesh assaults with an arsenal of simple, primitive drumming; buzzy, thrashing guitars; and howling, tortured vocals. This really hearkens back to the days of classic thrash and black metal from the ’80’s and early ’90’s. The raw sound on this tape perfectly compliments the insanely catchy riffs contained herein. Contains members of the similarly primitive band Ives and is sure to appeal to fans of the likes of Destruction, Slayer, Darkthrone, Von, and Sarcofago. Hand-numbered, limited edition of only 100 copies; hear samples here.
North America: $5
Rest of World: $6.50