BEASTMILK

I've been meaning to write about this odd band for a while but, of course, I slept on it. Fenriz of Darkthrone featured these guys in his blog a few weeks ago but they were so good to my ears that I just had to put them here, for whatever it's worth. I just ordered their cassette tape just now which I highly recommend you doing. Basically, there's no accurate way for me to describe them. Imagine Samhain (a favorite of mine!) mixed in with the classic post-punk sounds of Joy Division and Killing Joke, but in a super gritty manner. Listen closely for some not-so-obvious influences... Oh, and can you ask for more reverb? The spirit of the late-70's and early-80's lives on through BEASTMILK!

THE WANDERING MIDGET

Guess what? I have some more doom for y'all! And this band is yet another fine doom group from the land of a thousand lakes (AKA Finland). Here we have THE WANDERING MIDGET, and they pretty much play traditional, Candlemass-y doom very, very well. Listen to Samuel Wormius' singing...the music wouldn't be complete without 'em. They only have one album (so far, hopefully) called The Serpent Coven and it's worth a couple of listens, and more. Thanks to Pat from Theater of the Absurd for the tip!

LORD VICAR

Last night, while I was out with a friend, we were talking about doom metal and Finland's LORD VICAR came up during the conversation. Talk about a doom metal band. You might recognize some of the names in this band, particularly guitarist Peter Inverted from Reverend Bizarre (RIP) and singer Chritus from Count Raven. That in itself is worthy of praise as both bands are simply incredible. If you like your doom melancholic, depressing and, above all else, doom, look no further. You'll get some rocking Pentagram stuff and gloomy Candlemass stuff, all in one band...and still sound unique. The band's debut album, Fear No Pain, is out now and you really need it. Like, really.

PHLEGETHON

It appears that Hooded Menace's highly-talented multi-instrumentalist Lasse Pyykkö is in every kick-ass Finnish death metal bands these days, and PHLEGETHON is no exception. No sirree. In fact, this is one of Lasse's earliest bands (dating back to 1988), which explains why he can't do wrong in the death metal realm.

Basically, what we have here is pure fucking death metal, just the way all of us real death-freaks like it: organic, raw and putrid as fuck. I mean, look at the band name. The band's latest offering, a discography disc entitled Drifting in the Crypt, is the perfect gateway into Lasse's sick history and it even includes the group's latest demo track, "Circle of the Hybrid Statues," which shows the band still going strong with fresh ideas. This is worth checking out!

MAUSOLEUM GATE

I'm not exactly sure of what to say about Finland's latest NWOBHM-inspired speed demons MAUSOLEUM GATE. They're just fucking awesome! They kind of remind me a bit of their neighbors in Enforcer - fast, catchy and heavy metal as all fuck. I stumbled upon these guys while browsing Shadow Kingdom Records. I guess I found something to put in my shopping cart. They have a demo out (on CD) so you best get it.

Finnish Progressive Rock

Pretty lazy Sunday afternoon today. Here are some cool Finnish prog bands.







And of course...

Never Cross The Dead

You know the drill... BUY THIS!



Never Cross The Dead, the new LP from Finland's HOODED MENACE, is out today via Profound Lore Records. Seriously recommended for everyone into Autopsy, early Cathedral, early Asphyx, Candlemass, Swallow The Sun and Opeth (though, if you only heard of the last 2, you're probably new so prepare yourself for a real experience in filthy fucking death/doom). You can read the review for this record over at MetalKult.

Please note that the first link directs you to Relapse's E-Store where you can purchase the album in a package (w/ either a shirt or a hoodie). For all of you price-conscious, deal-seeking people out there...

Mandatory Suicide

Listen up, you demons: the legendary crust punk band from Finland, RIISTETYT, is playing an early show at ABC no Rio in the Lower East Side. Check out the flyer below.



The Rockstar Bar in Brooklyn will have the late show. Why not go to both?

SWALLOWED

Yet another young death metal band in the vein of Autopsy from northern Europe, this time it's SWALLOWED from Finland. I think you know the drill by now. They have a 7" out so definitely contact them if you're interested!

It always amazes me how every band within this field sound so unique and execute the doom-laden death metal sound so well...

Heavy Metal Morning

Ain't nothin' like some Armour to start your day off right!



I love how Vince "Werewolf" Venom (yes, you might know him from Satanic Warmaster) has a bit of an Udo Dirkschneider thing happening. It's never a bad thing, if you ask me.

Be sure to get their self-titled debut LP at Hells' Headbangers when it drops later this month, ya metal maniacs!