Latrina Do Chifrudo

One of the best parts of doing this blog is the privilege of being exposed to all kinds of crazy and amazing music from around the world. I recently received a package form Portugal, of all places, from this independent label called Latrina do Chifrudo, which is apparently putting out some great and truly weird music.

One of the highlights of said package was this EP from Portuguese Death Metal band Ossarivm.  Killer riffs, repetitive, machine-like percussion, and filthy, guttural vocals made this supremely enjoyable. I don't personally get into a whole lot of death metal, but this was too good to ignore.

I also enjoyed this EP from the mysterious Two White Monsters Around a Round Table, who create an interesting and highly experimental amalgam of black metal and jazz, heavily focused on the jazz. The black metal influence is there, but the music can't really be called metal; regardless, this is something I strongly urge you to check out.

So do yourself a favor and head here to check out this label - there's way too much good stuff emanating from it to ignore it.

More from Utech Records

In addition to the Locrian items, three new releases also be available from Utech Records on March 26. The three new releases include self-titled discs from Surface of the Earth, Graves and Orchestra Pits, and Oikos' Ecotono. Ecotono is limited to 200 copies, 100 printed on charcoal brown stock with black ink and 100 printed on black stock with a custom-mixed metallic ink, with artwork from Reuben Sawyer at Rainbath Visual.

The descriptions on Utech's website provide much more insight than anything could come up with, so check their site for samples and more information.

New Locrian wares from Utech

The vinyl edition of Locrian's The Crystal World is almost here. This version of The Crystal World does not include the 60-minute instrumental, "Extinction," which is exclusive to the 2xCD edition of the album that was released by Utech Records last October. This is Utech's first vinyl release. Here's hoping there will be many more to come.

And if having gatefold-sized Justin Bartlett artwork wasn't enough, Utech will also be carrying full-sized back patches for the battle jacket-wearing Locrian fans out there. They are printed with metallic ink on black fabric.

Both will be available for purchase from the Utech Records website on March 26.

Hammer Smashed Facebook

I've created a Facebook fan page for Hammer Smashed Sound. You can "like" HSS by clicking the Facebook box on the right of the page. Updates from HSS will now appear in your Facebook news feed, giving you quicker access to the latest information that appears on our blog.

2011 Releases from Fen

Early 2011 sees the release of two new albums from the UK's excellent atmospheric black metal band Fen, their first releases since 2009's beautiful album The Malediction Fields.

First, the full-length, titled Epoch. As I mentioned, The Malediction Fields was beautiful, but this release sees Fen involving more keyboards in the production of their wonderfully-crafted songs. The sadness and feeling of despair invoked by the keys and guitar tones is increased since their earlier works, and gives the album an atmospheric chill that we've not really heard before from Fen. The vocals add another texture to the album, and give the songs the bitter edge that keeps this in the realm of black metal. I have not been able to find this in any US distros yet, but you can preorder the artbook edition, which features a 40-page book with photos and other artwork in it, as well as two bonus songs, from The Omega Order. They won't have many, so if you want it, act fast. If you're desperate and can't wait for a US distro, you can also go to code666 to order it now.

Fen has also recently released their first split album, with Sweden's De Arma. I haven't heard this one in it's entirety, but the snippets I've heard are promising, and I'm anxiously awaiting this one. Also not available yet in US distros, but it can be ordered from Nordvis.

New Bloody Offerings from Gnarled Forest

Two new slabs of wax from the always terrifyingly harsh Gnarled Forest, featuring the coarsest, most discordant of noise from Blue Sabbath Black Cheer.

First, Blue Sabbath Black Cheer's LP with Irr. App. (Ext.), Skeletal Copula Remains (pictured above). Part 2 in their 4-5 part collaboration (NOT a split) series. Expect danger, expect fear. Expect the unexpected. Limited to 500 copies on black vinyl, with pro-pressed covers, center labels, inserts and an 18" x 35" poster. Cover and poster by Stan Reed, insert and labels by MS Waldron.

Second, the Blue Sabbath Black Cheer split LP with caustic doom band Wicked King Wicker. Another soundtrack straight from the depths of hell.  This is limited to only 300 copies on black vinyl, with inserts, hand-stamped labels, and screen-printed covers.

Both of these are available now from Gnarled Forest, the first for $18 ($29 overseas), the latter for $16 ($27 overseas). Or, be a friend and buy both for only $34 ($45 overseas). Paypal payments and/or inquiries go to gnarledforest@hotmail.com.

Mamiffer - Mare Decendrii

Faith Coloccia's wonderful project, Mamiffer, has a new album coming out soon.

On Mare Decendrii, Faith Coloccia and Aaron Turner are joined by a wealth of other talented musicians, including Don McGreevy (Master Musicians of Bukkake, Earth), Brian Cook (Botch, These Arms Are Snakes), Eyvind Kang, Timb Harris (Master Musicians of Bukkake, Secret Chiefs 3), Moriah Neils, a small group of additional vocalists that include the likes of Jessika Kenney, Sera Timms (Black Math Horseman), and Joe Preston (Thrones), and auxillary percussionists Aaron Harris (Isis), Travis Rommereim (Everlovely Lightningheart) and Randall Dunn, who also serves as producer and engineer on this recording.

Mare Decendrii will be available on March 15 from Faith and Aaron's own Sige Records in North America, March 22 from Conspiracy Records in Europe, and March 23 from Daymare Recordings in Japan.

News from EEE Recordings

Lots of new stuff from our friends over at EEE Recordings, including a newly designed website which makes ordering from them easier than before.  The website is very simple and straightforward - no gimmicks or flashy colors or flash presentations... just the bare necessities.

New music includes CDs from Funeral Eclipse, Oaks of Bethel, Aptrgangr, Dark Procession, and of course, Njiqahdda. There was a very limited CD from Wheel Within Wheels available as well, but that one sold out very quickly.

One of the new Njiqahdda works is a box set for the album The Path of Liberation from Birth and Death. It includes the CD, DVD, a 16-page booklet, another book of 40+ pages explaining the concept of the album, a t-shirt, a patch, stickers, and a meditation kit with incense, stones, and dirt, all housed in a hand-numbered kraft box. These will be available to order until the CDs arrive at EEE, so if you want one you'd better act now. $85 and worth every cent. Visit the new website here, and check out the Njiiijn Arts blog here.

Xasthur, Portal of Sorrow 2xLP

What has turned out to be the swan song of the mighty Xasthur was supposed to be issued on vinyl by Hydra Head; maybe it still will be, or maybe they chickened out. Whatever the case, it is available now from NYC's Kemado Records. One of last year's best and most unique records, Portal of Sorrow provided the soundtrack to Xasthur's farewell , and a fitting one at that. While Malefic made many dark, eerie and downright haunting records, Portal of Sorrow was perhaps his most musically accomplished work, and may even provide a hint as to what Malefic's future holds, musically speaking; Xasthur is no more, but Scott Conner has said that he will not quit making music.

I don't have any details as to the specs of the vinyl, but can provide them when I receive my copy.

Sleeping Peonies, Ghosts, and Other Things CD

The second EP offering from Sleeping Peonies is now available from Starlight Temple Society offshoot Khrysanthoney. Less black metal this time, and more shoegaze... an infective group of songs to say the least. Blissed out, but still retains that dark edge that makes Nic's music so catchy and amazing.  Available as a digipack CD or if you act fast, an "Ambrosia" edition packed in a 6x6 envelope, with a hand-written lyric sheet (limited to 30). Go here or here to order it now.

Deafheaven, Roads to Judah LP

The debut full-length from San Francisco's Deafheaven, titled Roads to Judah, is now available for pre-order from the good folks over at Deathwish, Inc. Deafheaven create a dizzying array of black metal, hardcore, and shoegaze that will not only knock you on your ass, but mystify and hypnotize you as well. These guys are getting a lot of press of late, and they totally deserve it. Their live show has a reputation of being quite intriguing and intense as well, so if you happen to be out west, you should check them out ASAP.

Roads to Judah will be available in LP and CD formats, and if you order it now, you can get an instant download of the album. Deathwish always does a good job with their vinyl pressings, so that will be what I encourage, but you can't go wrong supporting this band however you can.

Mamaleek, Kurdaitcha LP

The wonderful bastards at Enemies List Home Recordings have struck gold again, this time with the newest album from San Francisco black metal band Mamaleek. The album, titled Kurdaitcha, is really a gem, as you would expect. Black metal swimming in all kinds of other influences. This band is surely one of the most original and inventive black metal acts you'll find, and that's what makes Mamaleek a breath of fresh air. This is available as a pay-what-you-want download, or if you want to really support the band and label, you can order the vinyl edition, limited to 150 copies and pressed on heavy wax.  If you're asking me, music always sounds better on wax, so go that way. And since this is a record you've got to hear, you may as well hear it in the best possible manner.  Go here to check it out and order.