#9

Gorgonized Dorks/xAOAx – Split 3' cd-r

This is, easily, one of the worst releases I've had this misfortune to review. Basically, it's some sort of poorly conceived concept album where these two noisecore bands fuck around, attempting to play some punk and hardcore. This is so miserable that it's not even worth delving into everything that sucks about it. Strangely, the final track by Gorgonized Dorks is a synthed out, instrumental surf rock piece (completely out-of-character with their other half-assed punk tracks) that was mildly enjoyable. Aside from those three minutes, this release is utterly worthless.

Jerkoff Records


Necrocannibalistic Vomitorium/sLoth – Split 3' cd

NxVx start this split out with two tracks of grove oriented rock n' roll topped off by dueling vocals of high pitched shrieks and guttural mumbling. Ok, I wasn't expecting that. It's interesting stuff, a fair bit of C.S.S.O. influence floating around. Up next is sLoth with five tracks of pointless no-wave ruckus. Somewhere in my record collection I have sLoth's splits with Noothgrush & Floor and I don't recall them sounding like this. Despite NxVx bringing it to the table, sLoth tanks the split. Plus when you factor in the outrageous cost of getting this shipped from Ukraine, it's not worth it.

Horns and Hoofs Records


Tortured Voice – A Hate To the Weak c50

Depressive, minimalistic black metal out of Mongolia, Tortured Voice is a pretty grim one man outfit. I wouldn't go as far as calling this melodic, but it's definitely for those who appreciate more atmospheric black metal. You only get three songs, plus a bonus of instrumental renditions of each track on the B side, but it'll be enough to hold you over until Tortured Voice release a full length.

Hellhouse 666


V.A. – European Fastness cd

So, this has been out for a while, but I'm just now getting my hands on it. My excitement at finally receiving a copy was swiftly quelled upon hearing the first band up, Britain's Ocksen. While technically proficient, they lack passion and play a generic style of modern grind. France's Xaros is next and their sound is pretty much interchangeable with Ocksen. A Den of Robbers from Belgium follows with a slightly better sound, but it's still unimpressive. I was starting to think this would be a total loss, but then Britain's The Afternoon Gentlemen were up and let loose with some tracks of epic thrashcore. Finally, Scotland's Ablach round out the cd with some low down, brutal grind. I really wanted to like this, but 2/3rds of the music is mediocre and forgettable. Do yourself a favor and just go hunt down releases from Ablach and The Afternoon Gentlemen.

Junky Monkey