Clandestine Cuts #14 - Hot demos and EPs for a cold autumn night...
| Written by: | Susan, Troy Killjoy, X-Ray Rod, BloodTears, Account deleted |
| Published: | 27.11.2011 |
Clandestine Cuts #14
The Metal Storm Demo/EP Spotlight
Your favorite part of the month has finally arrived and we bring you a delicious variety of up-and-coming bands. Support the heart and soul of the metal scene and give these guys a listen NOW before they hit the big time. Then you can say you knew them when. Don't forget to vote at the end of the issue: the top bands from this year's Clandestine Cuts will be competing in the Metal Storm Awards for Clandestine Cut of the Year 2011.
Voting Closed on January 10, 2012
In case you're new at this, you still have time to go back and give our last few issues a listen:
Clandestine Cuts #10
Clandestine Cuts #11
Clandestine Cuts #12
Clandestine Cuts #13
Think your band has what it takes to be featured in the Cuts? Contact Susan via PM or email Susan @ metalstorm . net to find out.
| Humanity's Last Breath - Structures Collapse EP http://www.facebook.com/humanityslastbreath Swedish deathcore. I know what you're thinking: "But Troy, you hate deathcore. You're part of the trve krvsade!" True. Ish. But Humanity's Last Breath found an amazing formula - not a new formula, but one they definitely know how to manipulate. And it's pretty awesome. Structures Collapse is an extremely technical, extremely well-produced, extremely tight, extremely extreme album of extremity. With a ton of extreme atmosphere to boot. Breakdowns are sparse (but obviously not absent), drums are constantly blasted, melodies are given an appropriate amount of attention, and the growls? Ya, they're of the throat-shredding variety. It's almost not deathcore, that's how good these Swedes are. They use their time well too, which is a major positive. Songs seem direct, focused - purposeful. You can mosh, headbang, or just plain hardcore dance. What more could you ask from an EP? by Troy Killjoy |  |
 | Sjuk - Time Has Come? http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sjuk/291048094214?sk=app_2405167945 From the first confidently epic moments of this pagan/folk EP I knew something sweet was about to happen. Sjuk alternates between an intense, more extreme folk metal vibe and a really beautiful, mellow, flute-laden landscape. They combine these two atmospheres like pros, though, and it never feels jarring to move along the spectrum. Skillfully growled vocals (almost black metal-ish at times) appear on three songs and let me just say this: there are NO cheap drinking songs. Everyone knows this folk/viking scene is bursting at the seems with bandwagon-jumpers. Sjuk just doesn't fall into that category. They sound like skillful enough songwriters and professional enough players to stand side by side with your favourite classic acts of this genre. Hope to hear more from them. by Susan |
| Dead Existence - Born Into The Planet's Scars Download the EP from their bandcamp site. Yo dawg, I heard you like aggression and sickness. So I put some death in your sludge so you can get fucked up while you get fucked up. Okay, maybe not THAT crazy but this is definitely a toxic and relentless EP. Two tracks clocking around 26 minutes of crushing, filthy groovy music. The death influences make everything more suffocating together with intense riffs, fast sections making your blood pumping and some of the most pissed-off vocals I've heard in this disgusting genre. Some calm sections appear every now and then but only as a reminder that danger is around the next corner, waiting to punch you in the throat. The crazy squad that is the British Dead Existence knows for sure how to play sludge the way it should be: Filthy and violent. Both tracks are featured on their bandcamp so there's no excuse for not blasting their music, drinking some cheap vodka and getting the party started. by Mr. Doctor |  |
 | Last Eternal Breath - From A Tormented Soul demo https://www.facebook.com/lasteternalbreath Allow me to point out the obvious: Italy's death metal roster is stacked. Fleshgod Apocalypse, Hour Of Penance, Sadist, Corpsefucking Art, Septycal Gorge, Vomit The Soul, Gory Blister (among others), make for a pretty commendable team. Last Eternal Breath are here to compete for a spot in that line-up, and their demo debut is worthy of a starting position. From A Tormented Soul contains insanely catchy melodic riffing even Malmsteen would praise, Inferno-like drumming, and best of all, the songs actually flow incredibly well together. This is 20 minutes of pure tech-death momentum, produced masterfully, and waiting patiently for you to bask in its glory. by Troy Killjoy |
| Ivy Garden Of The Desert - Docile http://www.myspace.com/ivygardenofthedesert With a heavily acoustic and thoughtful vibe, Ivy Garden of the Desert plays what could only be described as 60s & 70s influenced stoner rock, which teeters on the edge between rock and metal. The classic aspect of their sound is predominant, though you can hear the intensity and visceral nature of the modern stoner metal bands they cite as influences. And can I just say this band has really mastered the art of the build-up. The 4-song EP seems to come in pairs, with "Enchanting Odyssey" and "I" (each clocking in around 11 minutes) containing the crest of the waves we've happily waited so long to relish in. Listen, be lured in, hooked in the gut and slowly pulled through their Docile landscape. by Susan |  |
 | Black Oak - Black Oak Download the EP from their website. If it would be possible to peel Black Oak's music into layers, each new layer you discover would bring a new pleasant surprise. Black Oak play progressive metal, but this is not the kind of progressive metal where the technicality show-off superimposes itself over the songs themselves. The production is reasonable and it makes the music seem like it is coming out in its purest state. You'll find calm beautiful sections and laid back moments that move between more harsh vocals (both female and male), crunchy build ups, and even sporadic weird robotic voices. All of this gives the songs a heavy dimension. But the biggest highlight is really the vocals and boy, does the lead singer have a good set of pipes. She steals the show. But more importantly, the music is heartfelt, stimulating and vibrant. And sometimes you don't have to search for good music, it comes to you spontaneously. All you have to do in this case is take it all in. by BloodTears |
| Human Sculpture - Our World / Torn Down EP https://www.facebook.com/HumanSculpture Human Sculpture play that kind of modern melodic death metal a lot of people used to simply refer to as "Gothenburg metal", but they're from Finland and the modern metal of today is a lot different from the modern metal of 2001. Our World / Torn Down is an extremely catchy version of what Arch Enemy and Insomnium would likely produce if they were to mate, focusing on whimsical melodic leads countered by some heavy chugging riffs. The atmosphere is rather typical of a metal band from Finland, in that you're left with a sense of sorrow in spite of the high-octane assault - which can be attributed to the rather simplistic drum patters and higher pitched growls. Normally you expect to hear clean singing in the mix with this style of metal but Human Sculpture have opted to stand by their harsh vocals and their overall sound is in no way diminished by that choice. Don't be surprised if these guys are eventually picked up by Lifeforce Records. by Troy Killjoy |  |
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Comments: 40
Visited by: 155 users
| Troy Killjoy perfunctionist staff Posts: 21306  |
I vote shamelessly for my own endorsement, Human Sculpture. Really good stuff that people like MechanisT would enjoy. 
---- "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."
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| Sjuk Lord Of Jörg Posts: 71  |
I vote for Sjuk... because it's my band  Thk you for this amazing review !
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| BloodTears ANA-thema elite Posts: 11835  |
Cheaters! Anyway, some of these look interesting. I'll look into them and then come back and vote for my band Black Oak. Joking 
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| X-Ray Rod Skandino staff Posts: 18274  |
Not like I want to jump in the bandwagon but I just really love dirty sludge so I have to vote for Dead Existence. It's just the kind of stuff I always end up loving. This ep in particular quite the thing...
---- Written by BloodTears on 19.08.2011 at 18:29 Written by Milena on 20.06.2012 at 10:49
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| Susan Smeghead elite Posts: 6941  |
SO hard to chose this month. Though I think I've narrowed it down to 4 or 5 favourites  Damn good group of bands this month! I honestly don't know how I'll choose... 
---- "A life all mine Is what I choose At the end of my days" --The Gathering "A Life All Mine" from Souvenirs
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| JÄY Metal slave Posts: 1567  |
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| Troy Killjoy perfunctionist staff Posts: 21306 |
Written by JÄY on 28.11.2011 at 02:32 If you liked the Omnium Gatherum release this year, then you'll definitely like it.
---- "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."
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| JÄY Metal slave Posts: 1567 |
Written by Troy Killjoy on 28.11.2011 at 02:49 I did like it... hoping this is a little more aggressive. Is it?
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| Troy Killjoy perfunctionist staff Posts: 21306 |
Written by JÄY on 28.11.2011 at 02:53 Way more, and less atmospheric. It's kind of like... I dunno, At the Gates? And Mors Principium Est without as much cheese.
---- "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."
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| Doc G. Full Grown Hoser staff Posts: 9718  |
Whoa. Dead Existence is awesome.
---- "I got a lot of really good ideas, problem is, most of them suck." - George Carlin
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| Troy Killjoy perfunctionist staff Posts: 21306 |
Written by Doc G. on 28.11.2011 at 03:56 As soon as I saw the little Doc's write-up I immediately thought of you. 
---- "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."
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| Susan Smeghead elite Posts: 6941 |
Human Sculpture, Humanity's Last Breath, Last Eternal Breath... anyone noticing a theme with band names this month? 
---- "A life all mine Is what I choose At the end of my days" --The Gathering "A Life All Mine" from Souvenirs
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| Troy Killjoy perfunctionist staff Posts: 21306 |
Ya, they're all reviewed by me! An odd coincidence though in all seriousness.
---- "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."
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| Doc G. Full Grown Hoser staff Posts: 9718 |
Written by Troy Killjoy on 28.11.2011 at 04:00 How strange, this made me think of you: Quote: That line was a little presumptuous, especially considering this is the part of the month where Troys period sets in. In all seriousness, though, this is one of the best issues yet.
---- "I got a lot of really good ideas, problem is, most of them suck." - George Carlin
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| Susan Smeghead elite Posts: 6941 |
Written by Doc G. on 28.11.2011 at 08:48 I KNEW someone would take it that way... but went with it nonetheless
---- "A life all mine Is what I choose At the end of my days" --The Gathering "A Life All Mine" from Souvenirs
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| X-Ray Rod Skandino staff Posts: 18274 |
Written by Doc G. on 28.11.2011 at 03:56 Glad that someone else dig it the same way that I do. It's just the kind of violent shit I always like. Definitely one of our best issues indeed.
---- Written by BloodTears on 19.08.2011 at 18:29 Written by Milena on 20.06.2012 at 10:49
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| Doc G. Full Grown Hoser staff Posts: 9718 |
Written by X-Ray Rod on 28.11.2011 at 21:28 It's just fucking gruesome, but still very accessible and catchy. I always appreciate that nifty little corner where raw aggression and catchiness meet.
---- "I got a lot of really good ideas, problem is, most of them suck." - George Carlin
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| Edmund Fogg Posts: 1752  |
Dead Existence or Ivy's Garden. I don't know. At least I was able to narrow it down a bit. I'm stiil stuck tho.
---- You cannot sedate all the things you hate - MM The Observer is the source of reality - Bloom God damn it!! What did Diddy didn't do? - Satan
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| Troy Killjoy perfunctionist staff Posts: 21306 |
Written by Edmund Fogg on 29.11.2011 at 07:14 Either way you're looking at a pretty good release; you can't go wrong. Heads or tails?
---- "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."
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| Edmund Fogg Posts: 1752 |
Written by Troy Killjoy on 29.11.2011 at 07:23 Yeah i think i'll rest on it. Give it another go tommorrow. But then again, my mood will change and I might have two completely differen finalist. Arrgh. MS y u do this to me?
---- You cannot sedate all the things you hate - MM The Observer is the source of reality - Bloom God damn it!! What did Diddy didn't do? - Satan
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| Troy Killjoy perfunctionist staff Posts: 21306 |
Written by Edmund Fogg on 29.11.2011 at 07:51 We like torturing our victims first. And the next issue will only cause you more grief.
---- "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."
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| Edmund Fogg Posts: 1752 |
There made my final descision on Ivi Garden... Who should I pm for sugestion of eps and demos
---- You cannot sedate all the things you hate - MM The Observer is the source of reality - Bloom God damn it!! What did Diddy didn't do? - Satan
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| BloodTears ANA-thema elite Posts: 11835 |
Written by Edmund Fogg on 29.11.2011 at 18:27 "Think your band has what it takes to be featured in the Cuts? Contact Lyrinan via PM or email lyrinan@metalstorm.net to find out. "
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| Edmund Fogg Posts: 1752 |
Written by BloodTears on 29.11.2011 at 19:19 Ah, thank you for pointing out my lazyness miss Tears.
---- You cannot sedate all the things you hate - MM The Observer is the source of reality - Bloom God damn it!! What did Diddy didn't do? - Satan
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| BloodTears ANA-thema elite Posts: 11835 |
Written by Edmund Fogg on 30.11.2011 at 05:23 My pleasure. Miss Tears is so formal lol
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| Bad English Tage Westerlund Posts: 61010  |
It wa shard to choose between Sjuk and Ivy Garden Of The Desert I vote for Ivy Garden Of The Desert
---- I stand whit Ukraine and Israel. They have right to defend own citizens. Stormtroopers of Death - ''Speak English or Die''  apos;'[image] I better die, because I never will learn speek english, so I choose dieing
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| malaikat Posts: 405  |
Humanity's Last Breath sounds pretty kickass, judging from that couple of songs they put on their FB page. They could survive without those few breakdowns, but pretty decent stuff nonetheless.
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| Troy Killjoy perfunctionist staff Posts: 21306 |
Written by malaikat on 02.12.2011 at 00:27 Honestly I think they could make it as a deathcore band or even a melodic death metal band. They have the talent to lead the deathcore genre though, whereas they might fall victim to being an "average" melodeath band. I say good on them if they keep with their style and achieve success as a result. Deathcore needs more talented bands to give it a good name.
---- "Wise men talk because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something."
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| X-Ray Rod Skandino staff Posts: 18274 |
Written by Troy Killjoy on 02.12.2011 at 01:56 Exactly, there are way too many big names on MDM as it is. Deathcore is in need of these bands.
---- Written by BloodTears on 19.08.2011 at 18:29 Written by Milena on 20.06.2012 at 10:49
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| Sjuk Lord Of Jörg Posts: 71 |
Written by Bad English on 02.12.2011 at 00:26 
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