THE CASKET Zombified (Earblast Records 2021, ER023)

I have to congratulate THE CASKET for being the Malaysian band with the most elaborate Zombie-themed band in the country, couldn’t think of any other more prevalent than them as yet. As for the music itself, in short this is still in the ‘’you know it thus you will expect it’’ kind of old school death Metal entrapped in the 90s, veering more towards the build-up heaviness of mid-tempo horrors rather than speed or blast-beat. The feel-good kind of death Metal, if that is ever permitted in the death Metal dictionary. And by dear zombie, “Zombified” clearly is much more better in every aspect than its predecessor “Rise The Undead” which I am fortunate enough to get the opportunity to review it a certain while ago. Which is good, isn’t it? Why shouldn’t it. THE CASKET aim and purpose is as clear as an abandoned ruins after a zombie rampage, so clear that I will take the audacity of not explaining it further. No confusion is necessary. The theme is proudly declared, so is the music. That niche is yours THE CASKET, held it firmly. That (un)comfortable zone is proudly yours. Another congratulation is due for being loyal to the cause you have always believe in. Time and again in the long process it will pay its due as witnessed so many times before. You will also get a nice sticker and a button badge with the cd, rather than depart with your money for some questionable and curious purchase, “Zombified” is a safe bet if you know what’s on the plate.

www.facebook.com/thedeadcasket

earblastrecords@gmail.com

 

KILATUS The Return And Darkness It Shall Be (Evil Dead Production EDP089, 2021)

The album, and even the song-titles might give you the assumption of being slightly unimaginative and more than obvious adherence to the band’s influences and admiration, but please; just leave your prejudgment there and dive into it before making any conclusion. Sure, KILATUS offers nothing but the tested and tried European black Metal epiphanies, yet they know how to do it quite well I have to say. You know what’s being served on the plate, and you know how to consume it, thus there will be nothing you could complaint about. The songwriting is solid, always reminds you of a certain song or certain band here and there, but still, you will hear them until the very end. The third song (unsurprisingly bearing the album title) demonstrate this with confidence and without even an ounce of guilt. I highly regard the instrumentalization throughout the album, they are obviously well prepared. KILATUS is blazing through the soundscapes that shaped what the band is, tracks like “Kilatus Barzakh” for example seems like being taken out straight from “Panzer Division Marduk”, while “Thy Light After Several Thunder” clearly reminds you that KILATUS originates from this part of the world’s extreme Metal scene. I could go song by song and going on dropping names, but I leave it to your listening pleasure right there. As being stressed earlier, nothing at fault if you know what you listen, for these are no sloppy, half-arsed homages.

evildeadproduction@yahoo.com

facebook.com/SandakanWarDemons

 

 

VRYKOLAKAS “Unleashing Vrykolakas Upon Mankind” (EGP005)

VRYKOLAKAS is nothing new in the Singapore extreme underground Metal scenery. The fact that they have existed since 1991 is well documented, and the transition from a black death Metal act to the present brutal death Metal guise will not go unnoticed. And it is also a fact that their black death moments are short-lived, discovering brutal death Metal is their chosen path. This, ”Unleashing Vrykolakas Upon Mankind”, is the second full-length effort, recorded way back in 2006. Due to several circumstances it was only released in 2013 on cassette tape by Atomik Nuclear Desolation Productions, Chile. What I have here however, is the 2020 re-release on tape and CD by East Gothic Productions (EGP), the wrinkled old goat of Malaysian underground bastion since 1993 which has resurrected into life again recently. As the first track commence, it is all apparent of its brutal death lunacy. And it is also all apparent where their brutal death qibla’ is. VRYKOLAKAS nods towards the US brutal death legacy, more on this side of NY’s rather than Florida’s (as expected). I will not drop names, you know the usual suspects. Yet, as the proceeding continues, you will notice that VRYKOLAKAS didn’t intend to limit this album to just that.  As they go about throughout the whole 8 compositions, VRYKOLAKAS knowingly injected various elements into their music, wherever the songs allow them to. There are some breaks and parts which will remind you of certain influences as well, a welcoming trait that avoid Unleashing Vrykolakas Upon Mankind” turning into an endless barrage of brutality within the same spectre. Listen to the opening of ”Upcoming Sandstorm Devastation”, and don’t tell me you couldn’t find even an ounce of reminiscing a certain UK death Metal legends. The brooding, punishing of a crawler “Doom Upon Mankind” ends it all up fittingly. ”Unleashing Vrykolakas Upon Mankind” really deserves this revamped, revisited re-release, I suspect the initial release didn’t do them quite the justice they deserved, hopefully this EGP effort will rectify that in some sort. This will stand as one of the better brutal death Metal album to come out from Singapore, the way it holds ground since getting recorded way back in 2006 backs it up. Still brutally relevant. Choose either the tape or the CD, or might as well get both. The way EGP represented them smells awfully 1993 too, the way they did it back then; with ethics and stylization that I still holds high until today.

facebook.com/vrykobrutaldeath

facebook.com/eastgothicprod

SICKNESS "Necrosymphonies of Necropsy"

SICKNESS "Necrosymphonies of Necropsy" (Grundar Productions)

One look, just one look at the cover and you might have guessed it right where SICKNESS adhered to inspirational-wise, haha. After so many years lurking in the underground, amassing countless of releases, I am quite positive that this is their first proper full length output ever. Thanks to the hardworking guys of Grundar Productions there has been a healthy run of releases of local acts in the grind/death territory, let's just hope that will continue as long as it takes. And while the cover might reminds you of a certain legendary act, the similarities stops there, I reckon. While there's still some reminisce they're all that miniscule. And with SICKNESS, expect nothing else than prescribed. formulaic good old grind death forte being served on your palatable plate. The only qualms I have with "Necrosymphonies..." is the seemingly weak productions for such a hard hitting musical direction. I don't know it if my ears are deceiving me as ages go by, but every time I am listening to this I always weighing in on the possibilities of a fuller, more pronounced production for it, and what it could do to the album instead. Any seasoned or conscious musicians in some of you might argue that it needs some kind of more 'layers' to the recording to make it sounds more menacing sort-of, but as a listener I know nothing but the quest for eargasm with anything I listen, and "Necrosymphonies..." falls short on that aspect. I even found their split with DAMOKIS to be more ferocious than this, that is certain. The average death grind freaks might have no issues on this, so just take it as it is. I have absolutely no question on the band's abilities, they've been doing it since some of you are still wearing diapers and suckling on momma's tits, I just think that a band with such a stature deserves a far better recording results.

www.grundar.com

ANGUISH "Abstract Decomposition"

ANGUISH "Abstract Decomposition" MCD (Foundead)

Soldiering on with perseverance intact, Malaysia's very own ANGUISH puts out another slab of brutal-concocted soundscapes with "Abstract Decomposition". This mini-album, totally financed and released by the band's own Foundead label, proves to be the most challenging and adventurous outing for them to date. "Abstract...", while still delving in the soaked brutality that the band has grown accustomed to, sees the band branching itself a bit further into the unexplored territory and tapping on the vast potentials of expanding their musical horizons. There is lots (I mean LOTS), of interesting ideas here and there scattered out through the whole program that you can surely delve deeper if you could stay a bit longer. You wouldn't call this a straight up brutal death Metal release, it is brutal death Metal that is not shying away from mingling with other outwards musical anecdotes that will either makes you dizzying or found wanting, depending on what your aural observation state is. The comfort which has been found within the brutal death Metal allegory has been molested here with copulation of twisting influences, an action that equals 'progression' for the band if you may say so. Don't be surprised, you will find varying degrees of emotions and atmospheres within. However, one massive obstacle that you are forced to endure is the lukewarm production in it. It is certainly not deserving for the material as they require a more adequate one for the trickery to get heard of effectively. There is certainly much to savour within but the production just hamper it down a bit. Which is a bit of a loss to be frank since there's so much to be dug out here. I wish the band a better production next time around, there are endless possibilities to their music, let it finally presented in the manner it really deserves. Nice presentation of the MCD in elastic 'Anguish' pouch.

magicbards@yahoo.com

SUCCUBUS "Descend Unto Gehenna"

SUCCUBUS "Descend Unto Gehenna" MCD EP (Slaughterhouse Records)

Been waiting for their next output since the demo (the vinyl with the bonus tracks is another story, by the way), here it is the MCD of Malaysian SUCCUBUS, released by Slaughterhouse Records USA. In a minimalistic digipack packaging, "Descend Unto Gehenna" belches out 5 uncompromising tracks including a decent cover of INCUBUS classic "Reanimator's Mutilation". To those still unfamiliar with the band, SUCCUBUS stands for heavily rabid early thrash infested death Metal, to which the comparison with the gritty Swedish sounds of true death Metal surfaced, and this is the explanation too as to why the band is linked with the Swedish hordes, since those kind of undiluted morbidity is what some of the acts from the ever fertile Metal landscapes have devoured and decimated us for quite some time. I can't help but comparing this to their already mentioned (and already reviewed) demo, and to me this lacks a bit of the impact of the demo itself. Do not be discreetly subjective though, this is not to be taken wholly as something negative. The demo, under several reason and circumstances, had stirred the Malaysian scene quite convincingly when it is released I might add. "Descend..." proves to be SUCCUBUS in their more thrashier bit, but the speed indicator has been cranked up a notch too. This is where the loops surfaced its relevance to me, where in more than once I find the instrumentations, notably the vocals, guitarworks and the drums patterns (especially), tend to be choking a bit for breath on keeping up with the intensity. The intention is clear, the band aims to maim you like a Panzer tank (thus the song "Panzer the Iron Grave" is the opening track for this mini album), yet some tightening on several loose ends are warranted, clearly. The productions tend to sound a bit 'safe' too, the 'uncontrolled' vibe of the demo productions hasn't lose it charms definitely. But no matter how the comparison with the demo appears to be, "Descend..." is still some of the better assault of tested and tried unrelenting old thrash smeared death Metal madness you can get from Malaysia.

bandcamp.com/SlaughterhouseRex
facebook.com/succubusdeaththrash

BLASPHMACHINE "hell : demo"

BLASPHMACHINE "hell : demo"

I think Kelantan has become the deathbed for some seriously fukked up and intense bestial black death exploits. Enter BLASPHMACHINE which, with their "hell : demo" provide the scene with probably one of the most unrelenting bestialised release so far. This, and the DARKREGIME demo, unleashed the fury of the Kelantanese scene, a pattern of which remains to be seen whether it will keep on the savagery or pointing towards another direction. This tape is so full of anger, there is nothing else to be felt upon listening. It's hate, hate, hate evaporating all over it. It's a single-minded aim for the kill. It is that singular and focused. Such is to the point that these 3 tracks seems like one sole opus divided into three parts, and with one single mission, which is to maim and crush. They're very similar and closely connected to each other. Whether this formula does it again for their longer playing release, we have to wait on that. It's a waste of time if you're looking for adventurous listening here ( I'd welcome a little, just very little, BLASPHMACHINE), this is geared to the final ratio of absurdity. I suggest you get the CDr version of it, my tape got chewed quite a bit by the player ("Sincere Musical Trading" cassette tape used, where the hell did they get this tape, which totally fails in quality, haha).

blasphmachine@gmail.com

DEATHEVOKER "Towards Nothingness"

DEATHEVOKER "Towards Nothingness" (Envenometal Records)

"Towards Nothingness" is basically can be divided into two parts. The first 3 songs are totally the "Towards Nothingness" demo 2013 session, and the later 4 is taken from their demo 2012 "Eternally Rot" with new mix. I can understand why Envenometal decided to release them in this pro CD format, DEATHEVOKER is currently one of the more honest and straight blatant old school death Metal worship from the local scene. One tone of the guitars rumble, you already know they're nodding towards the filthy sides of Sweden. That crunching, menacing unmistakable tone. These 7 songs here are all that, the only way to divide them might be the more enveloped, fuller sound of the newer tracks of "Towards Nothingness", as "Eternally Rot" already confirming the band's damned destiny. I could use a little more shapes and moulds in DEATHEVOKER materials though, the vocals could be a bit more imaginative, the drums could be a little more tighter, blablabla;  perhaps a bit too straightforward and going by the ruler rigidly at times, but "Towards Nothingness" is good enough if you need some rotting death Metal with less of a headache to tinker with the instrumentations. Just let it ro(t)ll. Ahh, with a fitting artworks nevertheless.

Envenometal@yahoo.com

Blaspherione@gmail.com

JUGRA "Promo 01"

JUGRA "Promo 01"

Infusing RAC and Oi! nuances into the Metal frame is what JUGRA came out with in this "Promo 01", probably their first release to the masses whilst limiting it to 30 promo pieces as the cover suggests. Well, it should be an announcement of their arrival, methinks. As RAC synonymously stands for, you know what the image and stand of the band would be like, and while this review is entirely focused on the musical materials, it is nice to slot in some inherent informations as well. An intro and two songs here is predominantly rock soaked street Metal kind of, always dependent on the trusty 3-chords ingredients of the Oi! and punk genres, with the always conscious decision to have that remarkable own identity, portrayed with the always existing eastern Metal characters in the music. Sharp, short, simple, to-the-point kind of music, with more than once of thoughts that these might be aimed more towards the band's own circle, something that if you wish to find out more, could be directed to the band's contact. Musically speaking this could attain the interest of the punkish crowd as well, and metal maniacs who like it simple and not short of rocking tendency.

antichristwar666@yahoo.com

NECROMATION "Extinction and Wretchedry"

NECROMATION "Extinction and Wretchedry" EP CDr (Earblast Records)

Another ultra fine death Metal release from Sabah, it is getting better and better with every releases coming out. NECROMATION stands for stout death Metal worship, mostly in the US kind of brutality, and they will remain in it forever. And I don't see any objection on that, since what we have here in "Extinction..." is just some loyal death Metal offerings done the right way with no other peculiar intention. Nothing goes far beyond the tenacity of, let say; CANNIBAL CORPSE, DEICIDE and SUFFOCATION, in the whole proceeding. And they needn't to, the intention is clear and the execution is justified. They do it rock solid, you wouldn't ask for anything else, just stay in that cocoon forever if the quality is to be preserved. "Extinction and Wretchedry" is highly recommended for that 'you know what to expect but you will still enjoy it' kind of listening. On the right (left) path indeed, NECROMATION. And keep on trodding it all the way. Keep it coming. Here's some no nonsense death Metal for you. Like I said; solid in an established blueprint. Fukk maybe I need to push that play button again.

www.facebook.com/page/Necromation

DeadCrepit@yahoo.com

facebook.com/earblastrecords

TRIUMPH OV FIRE "In The Name Of Black Principle"

TRIUMPH OV FIRE "In The Name Of Black Principle" CDr (Trooper Art Regime Distro)

I finally managed to obtain this, as the name has somewhat been thrown around quite a bit, reasons of which I have no interest to plough into. Notoriously known as master of dissing controversies as I am, haha, let's delve into what they have to offer right away then. "In The Name Of Black Principle" is porously can be classified as melodic black Metal, and please emphasize the word 'MELODIC' in bold. They make full use of the keyboardist here, quite an important instrument for T.O.F to tell you the truth, it does create the atmospheres. And by listening to this I can fully understand why they're able to generate the crowd interest whenever they play live, their 'melodic-ness' is closely resembles those of Malay rock balladry, things that can only be understood if you live and breathe the local music scene of Malaysia. This will result in instant chemistry for the more open, on-the-fence type of listeners, thus the familiarity will become at ease. Catchy melodic-soaked black Metal with an unmistakable local rock flavour, will you accept that kind of tepid description? Ok then, maybe with a bit of tendency on the widely accepted modern melodic black Metal these days, DIMMU BORGIR et al. Colourful, plentiful Malaysian scene.

thetruetriumphovfire666.blogspot.com

KREMATION "Let Them Hate And Fear!!"

KREMATION "Let Them Hate And Fear!!" Promo 2011 (Eastern Voice Production)

KREMATION is a household name in the Sarawak Metal scene. Probably one of the earliest death Metal bands from that part of proud Malaysia. I won't go into such reminiscent of their history, as I think there're plentiful out there to be found. This 2011 Promo finally damaging my ears in 2013, nothing to blame on except on myself as to why it is taking that long indeed. Right from the start it is clear that KREMATION is aiming for total punishment. The two songs here are fast death Metal with very little to let off. If you judge it for the punishing level alone, then it serves its purpose here. Recorded probably as a two-piece outfit with the aide of the ever static drum-programming, some instance of playing catching-up with the latter instrumentation is pretty obvious to my ears, and that is probably what prevails most if you wish to nag on things here. And on parts things seem to go a bit too overboard while showcasing their apt musical capabilities, where the compositions will then flew over your ears like there're nothing to be attentive about. KREMATION should (must?) find a decent human drummer, I bet there're lots of talents there in Sarawak ready to be armed and go berzerk with their annihilating death Metal rammifications. And then, perhaps, we could witness one of the deadliest Sarawak death Metal release, ever.

kremation2011@gmail.com

facebook.com/kremation(malaysia)

www.myspace.com/kremation

eastern.voiceprod@gmail.com

www.myspace.com/eastern_voiceprod

facebook.com/easternvoiceproduction

HAFYUKAL "Amalan Pemandian Keris"

HAFYUKAL "Amalan Pemandian Keris" Promo 2012

This promo is limited to 33 copies, and I got the copy numbered 01. HAFYUKAL is (most probably) a project by the member(s) of AJAL (excuse me if I'm wrong on this, just my own pure speculation), and as such, as witnessed with the sole song herein, still retains that stubbornness on eastern Metal. However it is not that hard to differentiate both, since HAFYUKAL is clearly more melodic and less black. It is more like some eastern melodic dark death Metal doses, and with a title as such, rest assured that they praise nothing but the pride and valour of the eastern ancestors. TASYIM, now you got another assuring companion here, haha. The black Metal traits is not entirely cleansed however, especially in the way the vocals are delivered. Drums programming are utilised I think, and while not being a fan of those, I do think that they could be arranged tighter though. Why not a full blown complete line-up band then? It is not bad, but not exactly mindblowing too. I await the next releases, with a couple had already been planned if I'm not mistaken.

hafyukal@yahoo.com

www.facebook.com/hafyukal

JAHILIYYAH "Aiyyame Jahiliyyah"

JAHILIYYAH "Aiyyame Jahiliyyah" CDr (MTD Production)

JAHILIYYAH is another venture of the guy from ETERNAL ARMAGEDDON, and while E.A is nodding towards the melodic blackened side of Metal, JAHILIYYAH confronts the death-lier ventures of it. Being death Metal infested as it is, "Aiyyame..." is plodding through the darker realm of the untouchable genre, and I am not to be surprised if it is in fact digested through the current death Metal concurrence of the day, where there always be flirtations on the borders between death and black Metal. It has its moments here, where the arrangements are pretty engaging and somewhat feels 'just', in fact some passages are seriously tact and interesting. Some straying is still unavoidable, unfortunately, where you seems to lost the focus in listening to it. I have no reservation that JAHILIYYAH could only get better, in fact I do think this sounds better than ETERNAL ARMAGEDDON. It's just this one thing that bugs me: that annoying drums sound. I am almost sure that there is actually no 'real' drums in here, just programming or some sort of it. So... plasticky, and numbingly sterile. This is the case with ETERNAL ARMAGEDDON too, I'm afraid. Just get rid of that awful drums production, please. This Malaysia edition is limited to 66 copies.

mtd_prod666@yahoo.com
www.facebook.com/MTDProduction
loki_jahiliyyah@hotmail.com

AJAL "Jahannarakah"

AJAL "Jahannarakah" (MTD Production / Eastern Voice Production)

"Jahannarakah" booklet says it all. Eastern black Metal. Loud and proud of it. Right even to the all-Malay lyrics. As the numbers of eastern black Metal bands has considerably wane a bit currently (though not that 'dwindling', I might say so), there will always be aspiring new bands more than ready to hold the banner. AJAL is one such band from the current crop. And considering the effort here, they might as well stay put rather than vanishing in the thin air. Though nothing hasn't been done before in "Jahannarakah", at least AJAL shows a great deal of having the knack to write decent songs. Gathering all that eastern black Metal has to offer via the conventional instruments, AJAL is aware enough of the importance of being focused in the song-writing. The songs don't fall into the 'dragged' trap that easily, they are aptly, justly finished before it is able to make its dreaded presence. The productions are being done roughly on purpose I guess, even if I did entertain the thought of hearing them being more properly produced. If you haven't had it enough with untouched, virgincunt eastern black Metal yet, "Jahannarakah" should be one of your prime source target. 

Mtd_Prod666@yahoo.com

Bandajal@yahoo.com

www.myspace.com/ajaldajal

Eastern.Voiceprod@gmail.com

UNITHEISM "Behind The Cracked Idols"

UNITHEISM "Behind The Cracked Idols" (RDL Distro)

Yes, it is a 2009 release (I think). And yes, it was recorded in the year 2000. As you approach the review, it is wise to concur the local scenery back then and stride along with the words and lines. UNITHEISM was probably among the earlier generation of death/black Metal bands from the Sarawak scene, and if my rustic memories doesn't deludes me, they're not short of controversies and raised more than a few eyebrows during the years. This recording was 'frozen' due to circumstances, until RDL took charge and finally got it released. UNITHEISM is (probably) no more, so this is probably their last epitaph to the scene. "Behind The Cracked Idol" reeks and permeates all that is engulfing the Malaysian extreme Metal scene back then, the typical myriads of death and black Metal with that always distinct far eastern melodic caches. These darker ancient death Metal flirtatiously aggravated with black Metal charm, and concocting it the eastern way. UNITHEISM did concentrates more on the melodic side of it, as these 4 compositions shows. It is quite worthwhile at the time they were recorded, and on present days these will be quite, nostalgic. Not to say that it is extravagant, yet it would be totally wrong to just ignore it. It is perfect in the sense that this is how UNITHEISM was immersed in the musical landscapes of those times, and this is how they translate it with their music. It is essential for your own collection of local releases, and considering it has been years since it was released, do enquire to RDL in case they still have copies of it.

www.facebook.com/rdldistro

darklegendzine@yahoo.com

unitheism78@yahoo.com

NEGATION "With His Own Eyes What The True Enemy Of Mind Is"

NEGATION "With His Own Eyes What The True Enemy Of Mind Is" (Grindpeace / Schizosound Records)

NEGATION, as they seems to be, have always being able to stay just under the radar. Whether it's a conscious move or not, that's not for me to determine. What matters is every time they came out with a material or so, you can't avoid to notice. The consistency of their standard, at least; is very well preserved. "With His Own Eyes What The True Enemy Of Mind Is" is the long awaited and well deserved full length from these long-standing grind assembly. And as long as the title itself, this album fairly demands long(er) praises. I dare not say that this is NEGATION at their finest, but it is considerably very close to that. Let's settle for them peaking at the right time, yez, that shall do it. This album is one monstrous, monolithic grinding effort. Evolving the edges squarely within the grind spectrum, yet the probing of other extreme Metal measures in the mix proves the point for NEGATION. I keen on likening the assault with the way the Czech Republic scene is doing it, but that is merely for those who needs comparison amongst you. NEGATION's grind is one that is ever shape-changing yet preserved well in the grind conundrum. This is a must for any grind freaks, or even for anyone who dwells in and yields unbriddled passion for the local scene. It is one prime speciment of extreme music documentations and a fine step of immortality in the history.

negationgrindcore@gmail.com

VILTHRONE "The End Ov Nasrani"

VILTHRONE "The End Ov Nasrani" (Earblast Records)

VILTHRONE might be a rather new, recent band; but the personnel behind must have been engulfed with the underground Metal extremities for quite a while. This is to be confessed upon listening to "The End Ov Nasrani", the debut release from this, I'm quite sure; devastatingly emerging Malaysian black Metal act. Herein lies three precise desecration of European influenced fluid, sleek black Metal lacking none of its vital characters. The seamless flows and executions clearly indicates the vast abilities of the band members as I have suspected. There certainly is no need to be otherworldly or ever out-there to stand out from the herd if the essence is within the deeper conscience, for the channeling will be right where it ought to be. You already know what to expect, but you won't be complaining about it either. VILTHRONE decapitated all the right heads effortlessly. Even when they go for a bit of dirge like the second track, VILTHRONE confirms to the limits and the shards and shapes of their compositions are a landscape well endowed for them. Convincing and deadly. Herald the coming, as the sigil on the cover has warn you. 

www.facebook.com/vilthrone

www.facebook.com/EarblastRecords

MACARONI "A Gift For Corpse"

MACARONI "A Gift For Corpse" 

Thailand's death Metal band MACARONI unveiled their latest full length "A Gift For Corpse", which I think is a self-financed release. Had a brief encounter previously with the album "Cremation" before, but so brief that I can't decide on a logical conclusion for it. Courtesy of Grundar Production which is the official distributor for their albums in Malaysia, this well presented CD flew over into my battered player. MACARONI stands for death Metal, no doubt; but instead of bowing towards the brutal tenacity of the genre, they opted for the slower, mid-paced heaviness. The blast is there, but not as overpowering, so to say. They appear whenever the needs be, as MACARONI keeps the composition flows in check with heavy riffages more than anything else. They stop and start as the songs intended, and at times this distract my focus on the listening. Add up bits and pieces of creativity in the arrangements, then you will have a complete control of them. The productions aid the heaviness well indeed. And MACARONI did tries to make the journey varied, so to say. The duration is a bit too long for my senses, but perhaps those variations will help you on this. The Siamese growlings tend to appear exotic too. As I praise the heaviousity, I missed that hard hitting, spitting venom in your face kind of impact though.

www.facebook.com/macaroni.band

macaroni.band@gmail.com

grundar.com

TUSSOCK "Out Of Rhyme"

TUSSOCK "Out Of Rhyme" (Grundar Production)

I am almost 100% sure that I still have the cassette tape version of this release, back in 2003 when this was released. In fact the first song is so catchy that I could hum its riffs from the back of my head. Grundar Production decided to re-release this in CD version this time, not sure if I have already review it though, but there's nothing wrong for a re-visit isn't it? "Out Of Rhyme" is, simply put a grind release in the old ways, sort of. And by that I don't mean the pioneering "Scum" or "Horrified" albums. They're old in the sense when grindcore is beginning to be infused with death Metal nuances, when it's not about speed all the time, when the word 'variety' emerged to describe a grindcore release. Thus explaining the catchiness that I find in "Out Of Rhyme". And it results in a far more bearable grindcore session for the moderate listeners of extreme music. It's a keeper for me, both the tape and now this CD version. Good for those who missed out on the tape release prior to this CD. It contains the same songs and a similar lay-out, probably to keep with the spirit of the initial release. The band is currently back in action after a long hiatus, not sure how they sound like nowadays.

grundarprod@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/grundarproduction

www.grundar.com

www.twitter.com/grundarprod