MiXE1 - Lights Out - 6 Track Promo - Static Distortion Records - To be released July 27th 2013

MiXE1

Lights Out

6 Track Promo

Static Distortion Records

To be released July 27^th 2013

Out Soon!

Written for www.Graveconcernsezine.com

MiXE1 – Hertfordshire, England

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/mixe1

Genre: Electronica

In the bands own words:

“MiXE1 (pronounced: Mikes 1) is an electronic project founded by songwriter Mike Evans boasting a wide range of influences from pop through to metal. Passionate vocals, hooky melodies and synth layered backdrops make up the distinctive sound with all songs set in a futuristic city of the same name - neon dreams and haunting emotions. This is MiXE1.

During 2010 the band started as a solo project by songwriter Mike Evans (at the time, guitarist of alt-metal band Broken Butterfly X). Mike began experimenting with electronics and laying down vocals himself resulting in the debut E.P 'Module 01' which featured one of the band's most successful tracks - the emotional and trance-inspired 'Breathe'. This led to the signing with UK label, Static Distortion Records, becoming one of the first bands on the roster. Subsequently, the sophomore EP 'Module 02' which was released in summer 2012. The E.P told a very personal story, each song representing a chapter relating to some big events in Mike's personal life around that time. 'Module 02' produced the standout song (and video) "This Is Not Goodbye" - once again showcasing passionate vocals, addictive synth hooks and a new aggressive element. In late 2012, the band switched from solo endeavour to full on band. Lee Towson joined on guitar, bringing his unique style and take to the strings. No stranger to MiXE1, Lee had already appeared in the music video for 'This Is Not Goodbye' and also produced the lyric video 'A Spark in the Air' (a song released for free to celebrate signing to SDR). Lee O'Brien (formerly of Indie-Rock band Load) joined the mix on drums - adding a fresh energy, technique and dynamics to the rhythm section. Finally talented musician Marcos Farias joined as the live bassist - rumbling the stage at the live shows. Now, in 2013, the group are set to release their first effort as a band the "Lights Out" EP - featuring re-vamped songs penned in-between the first two E.P's but given the full band treatment. And the debut album "Starlit Skin" currently being mixed for a predicted release before the end of the year”

 MiXE1 in action

Lights Out

Forceful and noteworthy, blending seamlessly with a soft melodic vocal edge that weaves a groove of haunting energy that turns the track into a full on infectious and catchy array of rich sonic textures.

Part of Me

Stunted synth notes turn wild and uncompromising here with Mike’s voice turning from smooth to malevolent at the click of a finger. This track really has a biting content and holds plenty of vigour with captivating change of vocals making it deliciously gnarly and a really interesting composition.

Pulling you back to my World

Superb synth sounds are intense and catchy with a hint of sinister. Shards of crisp melody flow freely and are seductive and along with Mike, Amie Morandarte-Evans vocal addition really enhances the beauty of the track which is in its own right a compulsive listen.

Find You

A bubbling synth opens up a sonic array of electronica amid the deftly executed vocal accompaniment and is certainly a mesmeric track that captures a real solid essence of caress and a powerful and full bodied composition that offers a ton of imagery.

This Time

A rather grisly opening and a diverse change from the previous track.  The ravaging synth is consistent and free flowing with a powerful vocal rampage allowing the listener to immerse themselves in the savagery, although saying that it holds a deep beauty also within its confines and a very cleverly written track.

Part of Me (Defeat Remix)

Defeat have done a superb with this, harnessing deep and mesmeric beats and urgent synth.  It is a dominant track and one that you can’t stop moving to, which is always a winner.

To Sum up:

A really superb E.P that much is evident by the choppy synth and deep beats that grab you as soon as you press play but nothing of a surprise to me really as MiXE1 has everything wrapped up, with their alluring persuasive sounds that in turn send you on an escapade of synthesised caresses, powerful and compelling vocals and dark rhythms that really hits the aural cortex like a brick to the head.

Impossible not to like this if you are a big fan of electronic music, as it just sweeps you along and is an impressive release from start to finish, and thoroughly inspiring too. This preys on the weak and literally makes them succumb to the dark haunting electro force with powerful promise, devouring the senses and leaves one basking in the bands delights - and what’s more? – MiXE1 delivers this in abundance!

9/10

Track List:

Lights out

Part of Me

Pulling you back to my World

Find You

This Time

Part of Me (Defeat Remix)

Members:

Mike Evans – Vocals/Synth

Lee Towson – Guitars

Lee O’Brien – Drums/Percussion

Inverted Pussyfix - Repugnant - 8 Track Album - Torn Flesh Records - Released 13th July 2013

Inverted Pussyfix

Repugnant

8 Track Album

Torn Flesh Records

Released 13^th July 2013

Out now! - Superb new album by Inverted Pussyfix

Inverted Pussyfix – Split, Croatia

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/invertedpussafix

Listen here:

http://www.reverbnation.com/invertedpussyfix

Genre: Hard Core/Grind/Pornogrind

In the bands own words:

“Inverted Pussyfix is a band from Split, Croatia. Closest musical description is grind core/metal although their music has a lot of different styles mixed up. The band has been active since 2007 formed by Djogo and Ticha, when they managed to call upon their fellow band members the idea was to play classical grind core music with pig squeals that wasn't popular in our region, but the idea wasn't fully realised until they formed their own style of music that is somehow different than typical grind core. After the first gig in hometown Split, they got an offer to perform in Sarajevo, Bosnia Herzegovina where they left a good impression. Since then they have played a lot over the 2 countries as support to various bends, such as Warbringer (USA), Poppy Seed Grinder (CZE), etc. The band remains with the same members and still rages on with their wild scene performance and groovy rhythms.”

And just when you thought the heat could not get any more virulent Inverted Pussyfix send over their new album – well thanks alot guys my temperature has gone totally off the scale now and I may have to go sit in a bath of ice!

A superb cover from Inverted Pussyfix and created by Boris Veronica.  Stunningly repugnant is the term one should use as it really sums up the dark side to the bands musical prowess.

Pneumonia

This blistering scorcher kicks off with a towering and irresistible riff and insatiable vocal array of high pitched pig squeals which are a real turn on :D and low growls, all glued together to form a strong and challenging track that will definitely add more heat to the soaring temperatures.

Gudura

This track will pull you into its murky depths of deprivation and debauched rhythms although I am already there... having an insatiable appetite for the extreme grind. This is just a mere slice of the sheer malevolence the band have invested in this album – deliberately emotive and will quicken the heartbeat.

This just sums it up nicely

Koliba

Dark, brooding and stunning in delivery and holding a masterful quality it literally commands your attention. It soars high and chews on the aural cavity like a rat on a human bone! Contagious and a fantastic track that literally feeds the soul – even if it is with maggots! Definitely dynamic on all accounts.

Debuleca

Creating an atmospheric mood, the rhythms twist and turn like a tornado in full throttle! Plenty of throaty lures and squeals to keep me satisfied, a very demonic sound, rich in menacing beats that show a darker side to Inverted Pussyfix.  

Gadeca

Another distinct track that grinds the light fantastic, really scathingly evil and malicious with its towering riffage and face melting rhythms that take you on a fantastic journey of savagery. It certainly provokes a certain mental imagery that suggests – hell!

Repugnant

The title track to the album this thunders into the limelight and smacks you in the mouth with more guttural secretive vocals and damming drum beats – as you would expect, but with the added kick to the derriere as it beckons you to become a slave to its dark powers and is just a sensational track with stunning displays of vocal ravaging... bring it onnnnnnnnn!

Eksifiksup Detrevni

Another incendiary device this track goes Boom! It scales the heights and very rarely comes down but when it does, it will suck the air from your lungs as you try and compete with the vocal savagery – give up trying to move your head to it as it is likely to give you a brain hemorrhage! An emotional brawl with the senses this gives you as it scathes and leaves blisters on the inside of your skull.

KadTePilan (Bonus Track)

Another nasty little encounter with the dark side, this is phenomenal – like a plague of locusts coming to feast on the bones of humanity it will leave nothing left as it drives a forceful riff and vocally gut you like the proverbial fish!

To Sum up:

You certainly know you have listened to hard core grind as after listening to this little baby your ears will be tingling if not bleeding and you may need hospital care for a few weeks after! Totally engaging and scintillating from start to finish and leaves no stone unturned. It does battle with the soul and you know you won’t win.  The album is fierce and shows no mercy as it swoops and attacks you right between the visual cortex and then comes back to feed festering malevolence into the aural cavities – in other words – you are fucked! But what a way to go! It has me reaching for the replay button in order to get another fix of its damming brutality as the silence now hurts.

Definitely a superb album that deserves your full on attention for the savagery alone and those pig squeals – fook, that’s powerful aural listening – I may just switch the headphones on and get embroiled in more hideous grind core for the rest of the evening! It brings on a new meaning of “Eat me Alive!” Just boil me in grind core and I shall die happy!

10/10

Track List:

Pneumonia

Gudura

Koliba

Debuleca

Gadeca

Repugnant

Eksifiksup Detrevni

KadTePilan (Bonus Track)

Members:

Krolo and Djogani - Vocals

Shilyo - Drums

Ticha - Bass

Bumbak - Guitars

Smogi - Guitars

Session: Luka Brodaric (Bass) & Bruno Bilic (Guitar)

Downfall 2012 - Everyman for Himself issue 2 - 6 Track E.P - Released July 2013

Downfall 2012

Everyman for Himself - Issue 2

6 Track E.P

Released July 2013

Out now! - Everyman for Himself - Issue 2

Written for www.Dementedmagazine.com

Downfall 2012 – Texas

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/DF2012

http://www.reverbnation.com/downfall2012

Genre: Metal/Punk

In the band’s own words:

"Everyman For Himself: Issue 2" is the second part of a concept record created by Houston metal/punk trio Downfall 2012. All three band members play giant vocal roles while pounding hard technical musical licks, riffs, and rhythms on each of the 6 songs.  The story has been broken into three separate releases. Each part comes with a comic book to illustrate its position in this broad and vibrant story.  Issue 2 is technically the climactic point and is charged with an overall "driving" and "aggressive" feel with moments of quiet and melodic pieces that tie this sonic landscape together.  It is a great 23 minute straight listen that will leave you wanting more!  Vote Mr Everyman!

Downfall 2012 has shared the stage with Hed (pe), The Hunger, Twisted Sister, Alice Cooper, The Damned Things, and Fair to Midland, Dirty Wormz, and numerous other national acts. The band has won metal band of the year from Houston’s Radio station 94.5, and has been nominated for multiple categories yearly from The Houston Press Music Awards.

The first single from "Everyman for Himself", “Divinity”, is currently in rotation across the US and Canada, on FM, satellite, college and Internet radio stations with the video for "Divinity" already out middle of March 2013”

The cover of this superb E.P is as colourful as the lyrics and music contained within in it and sums up the bands efforts to the max!

Gone for Now

Showing their obvious strengths Downfall 2012 kick off with this all- encompassing track, supporting a chanted vocal that is carried by strong harmonies and a good solid metal beat. Whilst basking in their particular brand of metal just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Divinity - no need for ear syringing!

Quicksand

Quite a quirky track vocal wise but as the track unfolds it becomes more extreme showing a superb range from clean vocal to predatory growls together with a weaving, twisting riff and a melodic rhythm – this is one track that oozes with passion!

Heckler

Lively and vibrant this track comes screaming into the world kicking and screaming its intentions. The vocals are simply mesmeric in delivery, and wrapped in a blanket of subsonic riffs, beats and hooks. Great lyrics too! This track gets 10 out of 10 on its own for being powerful, savage and quirky all at the same time.

Downfall 2012 - Photo courtesy of steveshoots.com

Behind the Mirror

Beautiful stringed arrangement begins and a soft whispered voice lies over the top with incidental little tweaks adding intrigue and interest. Further on the track is awash with a sea of voices all adding their bit. Again the word quirky springs to mind and very diverse in approach.

Transformed

Is there no end to Downfall 2012’s diversity? Answer – obviously not as this track holds a bubbly rhythm that is catchy and addictive. It swaggers with a certain pride and rightly so. Again the harmonies come into play and give a solid depth to what is another infectious winner from the band.

Picture Perfect

A strong rhythmic beat ushers forth with some superb scathing vocals from all the members of the band as they complement each other superbly well. Musically fast paced and strong with cheeky bass hooks.

To Sum up:

Versatile, alternative, quirky and heavy with it – these three guys don’t just play they simply explode! They have produced some of the most amazing tracks that are extremely diverse and interesting to listen to, in fact thoroughly captivating and leave one inspired.

There are some scathing moments and also some more mellow offerings as well as the surprises in between that you do not expect at all like in “Picture Perfect” I am sure that is a sax playing...

Listen to “Heckler” this is one badass beauty that has been repeated... and repeated – although a lot more within my comfort zone (and I do love the vocals so it helps)

It has its punk elements, but I would say they were more metal orientated, although the softer elements blow that theory out the water, but no matter the whole of this E.P is steeped in diversity and will no doubt be favoured by everyone who listens.

Whatever your mood this E.P will lighten the load, it’s sultry, precise, diverse, manic and energising. Yes it is a metal orientated E.P but the added extras that are slightly warped, really give this a boost and shows all sides of the dice at the same time. A well rewarding listen and one I can thoroughly recommend.

10/10

Track List:

Gone for Now

Quicksand

Heckler

Behind the Mirror

Transformed

Picture Perfect

Members:

Danny Gil- Vocals/Guitar

Boo Rogers – Bass/Vocals

Casey Bowen – Drums/Vocals

The Jeffrey Uppercut - Live Hard - 7 Track E.P - Released 16th June 2013

The Jeffrey Uppercut

Live Hard

7 Track E.P

Released 16^th June 2013

Live Hard - Out now!

The Jeffrey Uppercut – Widnes, UK

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/TheJeffreyUppercut

Buy the CD – T Shirt – Patch here:

http://thejeffreyuppercut.bigcartel.com/

Genre: Punk/Hardcore

Angry, Skinhead, Hard-core, Pissed off, Punk, Bollocks – definitely sums up The Jeffrey Uppercut very nicely, although not wanting to spoil their rep in any way shape or form – they are superb guys with a great sense of humour! Like the two sided coin, and just as the two faces on their EP. On stage you get the angry pissed off skinhead who swears and shouts and off stage you still get the skinhead but with ability to communicate on a human level.

The CD is portrayed in an artistic way with the two outer covers simply drawn in black and white, with a superb pic of Azzy on the last page, (created by Jack Moss, who also created the band's T-Shirt design) doing what comes naturally. Whilst the inside covers contain some interesting photographs of the band collectively and sold with a brilliant T shirt and Patch to compliment the bundle all for a tenner!

From Order to Disorder

No matter what musical genre you like I think everyone will love this track simply as it is steeped in rhythmic urgency and quite a unique blend of shouty violence that is easy to lose yourself in especially if you like your music extreme.

Streetlights

Hard hitting ‘Street-lights’ is a totally badass track that contains a sinister beginning and ignites into a more drastic edgy texture with punk intent of course! The chorus is particularly catchy and intense.

Ripped Open

Vocally superb as well as musically it gets under the skin and festers with malevolent intent. Seriously immense and will tear your ears off! If you are easily offended best not to listen as the swearing is rife, but what’s a good track without a bit of sweary violence?

Live ‘ard

Fast and uncompromising the beats to this are superbly crafted around more shouted punk violence! Potent and poignant it hits hard right between the eyes but not before gouging them out with a metal fork first!

Get the fuck outta my way

I don’t think anyone would get in Azzy’s way to be honest.  This is one dynamic track that lingers long after it has finished playing. Gritty and compelling. Live it’s a crowd puller as the chorus is catchy and a good strong track that cannot be ignored.

Naïve

Dirty rhythms proceed they don’t hide behind anything and scathe ferociously.  Quite an impressive and again catchy track that brings more sweary, shouty violence, hatred and anger to your aural cavities and associated with the punk generation – naturally! 

Cunt

Sinister and slow a rather doomy approach but the words say it all! There is nothing flaccid and limp about this track as it scathes the airwaves and tells it straight. It houses crucial rhythms and repetitive lyrics, however, it holds a certain charm.

To Sum up:

This is one CD that does not last long enough if you ask me. Live the band are something else, you really lose yourself in their world of sweary antics and the CD just gives you a glimpse into it as they are definitely a live experience. Quite scary if you are not prepared for it, but do not expect something romantically soothing because you will be disappointed.

The Jeffrey Uppercut are a hit with the metal crowds and quite surprisingly enough there was not many punkers, well, ones that dressed like punks at the last two gigs I have seen them at, but believe me when I say “Punk is not dead!”

The music contained within this CD really outs the mood of violence, hatred, pissed off and angry to the absolute maximum, all shouted in time to some fast paced crazy rhythms, that in this day and age instigate a pit instead of pogoing on the spot! Despite my love of hair I can not help but love these skinheads as they have brought to life something extremely interesting and have definitely kept the punk scene alive the only way they know how and that's kicking, screaming, and biting.  

9/10

Track List:

From Order to Disorder

Streetlights

Ripped Open

Live ‘ard

Get the fuck outta my way

Naïve

Cunt

Members:

Azzy – Vocals

Shaun – Drums

Andy – Bass

Twigg - Guitar

Excessum - The Battle has Begun - 11 Track Album - Released 3rd October 2012

Excessum

The Battle has begun

11 Track Album

Released 3^rd October 2012

Excessum - The Battle has Begun

Written for www.Dementedmagazine.com

Excessum – Mobile, Alabama

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Excessum

Genre: Groove/Thrash Metal

In the band’s own words:

“Excessum isn't another run of the mill local band. We aren't here to make anybody happy but ourselves. With that being said, we love that our music has reached the ears of fans that know good music when they hear it. We are always happy to hear that we have changed a life in whatever small way.

Excessum formed in early 2011 with a much different line-up and no idea how bumpy the road to success really is.

The band started when guitarist, Tim Holloway and drummer, Dillon Winstanley met via a mutual friend. Although originally, the band had 2 guitarists, Zach House alongside Tim. But, because of creative differences, Zach decided to part ways with Excessum. So, with Bryant Payne on vocals (and no set bassist), Excessum started recording their first album in late 2011 on through to early 2012 and released it shortly thereafter. About a month before the band went on their first tour to promote The Battle Has Begun, Travis Hamlett was picked up to fill the role of bassist and has stuck with the band ever since. Now working on the second studio album titled To Hell We Fall, the band is now operating with Anthony Hare on vocals and going harder than ever! After just finishing their second national tour, the band now plans to soon start recording the material they have for their next album which should be released in late 2013-early 2014”

Excessum live but a stone's throw from Demented Magazine’s owner the mighty Jeff Grissett who has done so much for local bands by offering them a platform to be seen and heard through “Demented” – a metal magazine that gives you bands - not just from the USA but also around the world, with plenty more besides.

The Battle has begun

A compelling opening from the band as a determined voice of what is an Amy General’s powerfully compelling motivational speech to his troops declaring “The battle has begun!” And so it has - in the shape of Excessum.

The superb - Excessum

God Forbid

The thrash element of Excessum is apparent as this track thunders into action.  Its resonating rhythms pound furiously and holds within it a superb guttural growl that sits on a tempestuous, rapturous beat and more than releases a hungry insatiable groove to compliment it.

Be gone

A mesmerising run of fast and powerful riffery comes into play here with a fierce chugging that simply ignites its own spark as the gravelly vocal chants out the lyrics in a grazing tone of destructive intensity, which is quite intriguing in its own right.

Outcast

Explores a slow plodding chug amid scintillating vocal flexibility and a corrosive energy that works in perfect unison. It wraps itself around solid bass hooks and fluidly expressive drum beats, although it isn’t a fast paced track to whirl the hair to, it still has a good strong quality within its muscle bound structures.

War

A seductive and compelling track that impressively gives the listener a gnarly beginning to chew on. It is a very imaginative track with its deep grooves resonating powerfully, building to a wonderful infusion of mesmeric hunger. Further on it turns into a rabid and exhausting flurry of riffs that drive the track to its limits and very addictive too!

Vicious Cycle

Enduring a more fast paced rhythm this track does more than bruise as it explodes violently into a distinctive melodic journey of rapturous grooves, that turn even feistier further on in the track, and provides a suitable passionate savagery of assaulting vocal splendour.

Ball of Clay

Another turbulent track that feasts on the aural cavities, drenched in a powerful array of constant rhythms. The predatory riffage will seduce you and carve a grisly path of taunting infectiousness as the melodic strong arms open up to the catchy grooves that in turn work towards the charging bull of blast beats and meets you head on, to conclude its scorching intensity!

Take to the Grave

This track has a primal instinct as it malevolently moves prominently into attack mode, however subtle! It certainly houses a dark side that is imposing as it is powerful.  The riffs flex like cheese wire as the vocal compels with deadly ferocity.

Blessing in Disguise

With a brewing madness this track smothers you in building rhythms and infectious groove. Bristling with a passionate scathing vocal and hard edge bass hook it raucously delivers a striking and enjoyable track.

To Sum up:

A strong compelling album that possesses a keen depth of punchy rhythms, scintillating vocals, edgy bass hooks and skilfully created riffs that all come together producing an unrelenting and energetic, fuel injected array of unbridled passion.

It is typically ‘thrashy’ and bites deep with a professional quality about it.  Delivering with impacting creativity, even acidic in places and vocally unleashing a caged animal.  Although there are deep thrash melodic grooves contained within some of the tracks, it does however, hold a more ambiguous side to slower, more brooding moments as in “Take to the Grave” so it is slightly diverse and not just stuck in the groove element, which does give the listener food for thought.

However, the album more than attacks the surface, so it will be good to hear how their next outing will sound, but there is little doubt that this is a killer album that has got a lot of potential to garner high scores across the board. Weaving its quality thrash grooves and commanding riffage to a high point and wastes no time in showing its virulent edge that has been an enjoyable and abrasive listening experience.

9/10

Track List:

The Battle has begun

God Forbid

Be gone

Outcast

War

Vicious Cycle

Ball of Clay

Take to the Grave

Blessing in Disguise

Members:

Bryant Payne - Vocals,

Tim Holloway - Guitar,

Dillon Winstanley - Drums,

Travis Hamlett - Bass