We’re just 10 days from Leeds-based heavy rockers Gentlemans Pistols releasing their third long-player, Hustler’s Row, which will also serve as their label debut on Nuclear Blast. If that doesn’t feel like an occasion worth marking, you probably haven’t heard the band yet. Their second album, At Her Majesty’s Pleasure, came out in 2011, and they join the classic-heavy-rocking ranks of labelmates Graveyard and Kadavar in proffering natural tones and groovy vibes throughout their boogie-prone tracks, bolstered by the guitar work of Bill Steer, also of Firebird and grind-fiends Carcass, also now labelmates to Gentlemans Pistols.

If you’d like to get introduced to what the four-piece, who were also recently confirmed for an appearance at Roadburn 2016, have to offer on Hustler’s Row, they’ve made it easy with a new video for “Devil’s Advocate on Call.” I’m not entirely sure who the hitman in the video is working for, but he’s pretty clearly intended to be the titular advocate, so take from that what you will and, more importantly, dig into the track itself, which has ’70s swing and bounce down pat in league quality-wise with modern practitioners Spidergawd, which if you know how much I dig that band, you know isn’t a comparison I’m likely to toss around without due provocation.

I’ll admit that the This is England reference is lost on me, but the video follows anyhow, complete with PR wire whathaveyou afterwards, and if you’re down with George Newton, then all the better:

Gentlemans Pistols, “Devil’s Advocate on Call” official video

GENTLEMANS PISTOLS: new video feat. “This Is England” actor premieres online

Retro-infused melodic groovers GENTLEMANS PISTOLS may sound reminiscent of many of the great unsung bands of the seventies, but they present their music with a completely original and organic freshness all of it’s own. This is evident in a new track that the band have just revealed online in the form of an official video. Watch and listen to ‘Devil’s Advocate On Call’ in all its swagger and glory.

Fans of the Shane Meadows British drama This Is England should recognise the knife-wielding moustachioed Banjo playing a lead in the video too! Actor George Newton appears as the hard man who is hunting down the band.

Gents commented on the new track: “It’s a harmony laden boogie about being disillusioned. The performance was shot at Staincross Working Man’s Club just outside of Barnsley and then the other scenes were done in the surrounding area. David Pickering directed the video and did a fantastic job. It’s basically an updated take on the Sweeney and programs of that ilk in which we are wanted, much like the A-Team, for a crime that we didn’t commit.”

GENTLEMANS PISTOLS have been causing a stir on the underground for a while now with their debauched lyrics, killer melodies and general Northern rock ‘n’ roll bravado. Speaking about the new release, James Atkinson comments: “With this album, we tried to make a record that we would want to listen to; one that was heavy but melodic, intense but catchy, thoughtful but unruly. A record for reprobates and romantics, for gentlemen and hustlers.?

GENTLEMANS PISTOLS are:
James Atkinson – vocals/guitars
Bill Steer – guitars
Stuart Dobbins – drums
Robert Threapleton – bass

Gentlemans Pistols website

Gentlemans Pistols on Thee Facebooks

Gentlemans Pistols at Nuclear Blast

When the announcement came out a week ago that Leeds heavy rockers had signed to Nuclear Blast for the release of their next album, Hustler’s Row, it was a little unclear to me whether the album was coming this or next year. I’m sure everyone else got it. I’m just a little slow. Either way, we have our answer. Oct. 16, 2015, is the release date for Hustler’s Row, the cover art and tracklisting for which have been revealed today.

The PR wire has it like this:

GENTLEMANS PISTOLS announce track listing and unveil the artwork for “Hustler’s Row”

“Hustler’s Row is a cathartic journey through the last five years of my life. The album begins with questions of where my life is going and ends with me heading straight down Hustler’s Row; on a turbulent voyage of the sweetest sufferings and the most inexpensive of thrills.” says vocalist and guitarist James Atkinson on the band’s third album released worldwide via Nuclear Blast on 16th October.

“The artwork is by John Pearson and it encapsulates everything I put across in the title track, that Hustler’s Row is a place for freaks, losers, lovers and those searching for something more from life. So we invite you to join us on the Row.. “

The artwork shows a grisly dystopian vision of a British street, overflowing with violence, gloom and insanity. Rabid dogs and Hitchcock-esque ominous birds loom over the flailing limbs and blood red lettering spelling out ‘Hustler’s Row’.

“Our old guitarist, Chris Rogers, lived on a street called Hustler’s Row in Leeds…” comments Atkinson “…it’s actually a really nice place, but to me, the name evoked an image of a place of desolation and despair, so the lyrics I wrote have no connection to that street at all. It was Bill that thought it would make a good album title and it seemed to make sense as it is the final song on the album too.”

Hustler’s Row formats and tracklistings are as follows:
CD
1. The Searcher
2. Devil’s Advocate On Call
3. Time Wasters
4. Private Rendezvous
5. Stress And Confusion
6. Personal Fantasy Wonderland
7. Lady Teaser
8. Dazzle Drizzler
9. Coz Of You
10. Hustler’s Row

Limited Edition Gatefold Vinyl
Side A
1. The Searcher
2. Devil’s Advocate On Call
3. Time Wasters
4. Private Rendezvous
5. Stress And Confusion
Side B
1. Personal Fantasy Wonderland
2. Lady Teaser
3. Dazzle Drizzler
4. Coz Of You
5. Hustler’s Row

GENTLEMANS PISTOLS’ last album At Her Majesty’s Pleasure was released to great acclaim in 2011, the band has performed at UK and international festivals such as Desertfest, Hammerfest, Long Division and Fuji Rock festival in Japan previously toured with the likes of WITCHCRAFT, LEAF HOUND and PENTAGRAM.

GENTLEMANS PISTOLS are:
James Atkinson – vocals/guitars
Bill Steer – guitars
Stuart Dobbins – drums
Robert Threapleton – bass

www.gentlemanspistols.co.uk
www.facebook.com/Gentlemans-Pistols
www.nuclearblast.de/gentlemanspistols
https://www.facebook.com/nuclearblastusa

My prevailing association with Leeds four-piece Gentlemans Pistols is the phrase, “the best band in Britain.” That’s what I was told about them prior to seeing them play at Desertfest London in 2012, and while I don’t know if I could really be a judge of that kind of thing at all, not living there, they definitely kicked all kinds of ass on stage that night at The Underworld. At the time, their second full-length, At Her Majesty’s Pleasure, was still pretty new. It’s been four years now since it was released, so to call them due seems fair — it was a similar pause between their 2007 self-titled debut and that album — and the news has come down the PR wire that, whenever it arrives, their third offering, Hustler’s Row, will be issued via Nuclear Blast as part of that label’s ever-expanding heavy rock portfolio.

Here’s the announcement:

GENTLEMANS PISTOLS sign global deal with Nuclear Blast!

Leeds based riffers GENTLEMANS PISTOLS have been causing a stir on the underground for a while now with their debauched lyrics, melodic groove and general Yorkshire rock ‘n’ roll swagger.

Formed as a three-piece back in 2003, the band has gone through a variety of line-up changes throughout their career and has now stabilized as a four-piece and is prepared to unleash their magnum opus through Nuclear Blast next autumn.

The band comments: “GENTLEMANS PISTOLS are very pleased to announce the upcoming release of their third album, Hustler‘s Row, on Nuclear Blast. The album was recorded by singer/guitarist James Atkinson at Mutiny Studios in Bradford and reflects nearly five years of experience for the band: good times, bad times, boredom, exhilaration, heartache, frustration and wonder. With this album, we tried to make a record that we would want to listen to; one that was heavy but melodic, intense but catchy, thoughtful but unruly. A record for reprobates and romantics, for gentlemen and hustlers.?

GENTLEMANS PISTOLS‘ last album At Her Majesty’s Pleasure was released to great acclaim in 2011, the band has performed at UK and international festivals such as Desertfest, Hammerfest, Long Division and Fuji Rock festival in Japan previously toured with the likes of WITCHCRAFT, LEAF HOUND and PENTAGRAM.

GENTLEMANS PISTOLS are:
James Atkinson – vocals/guitars
Bill Steer – guitars
Stuart Dobbins – drums
Robert Threapleton – bass

Visit GENTLEMANS PISTOLS online:
www.gentlemanspistols.co.uk
www.facebook.com/pages/Gentlemans-Pistols/340601796105
www.nuclearblast.de/gentlemanspistols

Gentlemans Pistols, “Your Majesty”

Leeds aggro sludgers BongCauldron, who made their debut with a blistering EP earlier this year on Superhot Records — speaking of things I should’ve reviewed a long time ago… — will hit the road next month alongside Nomad from Manchester in what’s sure to be a feedback-drenched, tube-blowing showcase of lumbering riffery. The stint is five shows, and the pair are playing with some cool other bands as well — nice to see the name Obiat again, as it’s been a minute — and both will be touring on relatively new material.

In the case of Nomad, who I’m just going to assume take their name from the planet-destroying malfunctioned probe from the original Star Trek, their The House is Dead EP came out in May. BongCauldron themselves have a new song called “Bigfoot Reigns” (what else?) that was released a few days ago and which you can hear below.

Info and links and such, off the PR wire:

BONG CAULDRON – NOMAD UK TOUR

Leeds sludge trio BONG CAULDRON are joining forces with Manchester’s very own worshippers of the riff NOMAD for a 5 date tour of the UK this September.

Bong Cauldron are a 3 piece Doom/sludge band from Leeds. Their debut E.P. Us out now via Superhot Records and was met with critical acclaim. They have had the opportunity to play alongside such bands as, Corrosion of Conformity, Windhand and Desert Storm.

Nomad are a four piece sludge band from Manchester and have just released their debut E.P. “The House is Dead” Via When Planets Collide. Over the past year they have shared the stage with genre giants Church Of Misery, Bongripper and Conan amongst others.

The tour will see them bring their brand of depravity and chaos to the following cities.

September
10th The Fenton – Leeds (W/ OMSQ + Mausoleion)
11th Banshee labyrinth – Edinburgh (W/ Dune)
12th Scruffy Murphys – Birmingham (W/ General and Obiat)
13th Moonclub – Cardiff (W/ Sea Bastard + Hogslayer)
14th Maguire’s Pizza Bar – Liverpool (W/ Wort + Berserkowitz)

BongCauldron (Superhot records)
https://www.facebook.com/bongcauldron
http://superhotrecords.bandcamp.com/album/bongcauldron

Nomad
https://www.facebook.com/Nomaddoom
www.nomaddoom.bigcartel.com
www.nomaddoom.bandcamp.com

BongCauldron, “Bigfoot Reigns”

It didn’t take much more than the swinging, catchy chorus of “Fuck yesterday/Fuck today/Fuck tomorrow” from opener “Lieutenant Wolfhammer” for Kings‘ debut EP, I Trust the Hounds are Hungry, to have me hooked. The leadoff track from the Leeds-based five-piece featuring former Humanfly guitarist/vocalist John Sutcliffe (here just vocals) as well as guitarists Jonty Shaw and Joe Hodgson, bassist Paul Handley and drummer Simon Blakelock — all who formerly worked together under the moniker Shields — establishes the base for the rest of the release in tying together a sharp lyrical wit with weighted but upbeat doom-pop push. At times Kings sound like they’re working within the post-Floor/Torche framework, but Blakelock‘s drumming is coming from someplace more metal, swing though it does, and their take is rawer overall despite the accessibility of their hooks and fervent melodicism.

They do it well, and sound more accomplished on their first release perhaps because four-fifths of the band has worked together previously — Shields had songs recorded and had been playing live — but however they got to cohesion, the important thing is they did. Cumbersome in its title but direct in its impact, second cut “Matron, Hand Me My Revolver, I’m Going for a Walk in the Woods, “I May be Some Time” affirms the quality craft of the opener and overarching efficiency of the release; I Trust the Hounds are Hungry isn’t without atmosphere, but the material is still pretty pointed. A swaying groove leads finishes out and leads to the airy opening of “Fuck Quest,” which has a more manic feel thanks to double-timed hi-hat work, but opens up to a mosh-ready chorus, Sutcliffe‘s vocals further back in the mix but still clean as Shaw and Hodgson play off burgeoning lead/rhythm dynamics. “Helen Earth” is probably their most Torche-sounding, but they maintain a progressive feel leading to a chugging build in the second half that answers back the gulping Hungry Hungry Hippo riffing that capped “Lieutenant Wolfhammer” and moves forward into the instrumental “Shit Leopard” (presumably with its shit spots) smoothly, a cold stop giving way to some sampled crumpling noise and a more mellowed-out progressivism in the guitars.

Rounding out, “P.S. Go Fuck Yourself” brings in elements of post-Mastodon riffy largesse, but Kings continue to keep motion central to their approach, a cyclical pre-chorus opening to one of the EP’s most effective hooks. As one might expect, the finish is big and chaotic, and that adds to the full-length feel of the 25-minute I Trust the Hounds are Hungry and bodes well for the construction of Kings‘ first full-length, making it an impressive first outing for a band who write their potential into each of the six included tracks.

Kings will release the I Trust the Hounds are Hungry EP this Saturday, July 5, but you can hear it in full using the player below. Thanks to the band for permission to host the stream:

[mp3player width=480 height=320 config=fmp_jw_widget_config.xml playlist=kings-hounds-ep.xml]

Kings on Thee Facebooks

Kings on Twitter

Kings on Bandcamp

If the going theme was supposed to be evisceration, then at least BongCauldron‘s brand of sludge stands up to it. The Leeds-based three-piece will make their self-titled debut with an EP on Superhot Records that’s expected to be out on Jan. 13, 2014, and today I have the pleasure of hosting the debut of the art for the release, which appears with a gleefully degenerate sensibility courtesy of artist Smyles (website here).

BongCauldron recently supported Windhand and Pilgrim in Manchester as those two acts made their way through the UK, and on Jan. 24, they’re slated to appear with Wolfshead and Desert Storm at their first show in London, playing The Black Heart in Camden Town.

More to come on these guys, but click on either image below to enlarge it for a hi res view in the meantime, and get some background on the band courtesy of the PR wire below:

BongCauldron, BongCauldron EP info

Since their formation in 2011, BongCauldron has developed a reputation on the local Leeds metal scene as a sleeping colossus. A beast that only ever truly awakens from its slumber when called upon to thrash out a cacophonous amalgamation of torturous sludge metal, old school thrash-pit discord and homegrown haze.

In full flow, the band is relentless. Having shaken gig-goers to the core in support of bands like Sunwølf, Windhand and Trippy Wicked & The Cosmic Children of The Knight this past year their self-titled EP and first outing into the wilderness comes under the watchful eye of the St Albans based Superhot Records. In their quest to, “Bring you the best from all ends of the underground heavy music spectrum” the label is responsible for memorable releases by the aforementioned Trippy Wicked, as well as Groan, Vodun and Stubb.

BongCaludron packs in dirty, bass-heavy riffs and drums that build a punishing wall of noise around the doom metal and crust punk ingloriousness of bands like Iron Monkey and early Crowbar. Rolling out bluesy shifting slabs of guitar that lay waste to any hope of standing still. Gleaning abrasive sludge and choking fuzz from every note, beat and nod this is a collection of guttural and throat tearing songs that revel in the pleasure of good booze and better bongs.

BongCauldron is:
Corky – Bass, Vocals
Biscuit – Guitar, Vocals
Jay – Drums

Track listing:
1. Tree Wizard
2. Pissed Up
3. Vehemence
4. Gimp Rig
5. Gauze Rite

Label: Superhot Records
Formats: CD, Download
Web: www.superhotrecords.com
https://www.facebook.com/bongcauldron

BongCauldron, “Pissed Up” Superhot Session

Ambient duo Sunwølf make it pretty easy to immerse yourself in their debut release, Beyond the Sun (Ark Noise). The album, which hits 26 minutes but is full-length enough at that time, will see a physical release in November but is available digitally now, through Bandcamp and the like as is the way of things these days. Drummer/organist Dominic Deane and guitarist/sampler Matt Carrington hit on a balance not unlike that of Panopticon-era Isis, finding a space to dwell between drone-minded stillness and forceful post-metallic psychedelia.

The six-track outing opens quietly enough with the fade-in feedback of “Genesis” (as appropriate a beginning as any), and gradually reveals its instrumental sprawl in a slow-boiling progression that continues for the song’s six minutes. By my count, it’s the longest of Beyond the Sun (points), but it hardly tells the whole story of what Sunwølf are setting out to accomplish musically. Particularly by veering to and away from Deane‘s drums, the two-piece add a sense of variety to their purposeful lack of movement, so that although “Solar” refuses to pay off its own build, some satisfaction comes as the thicker guitar and insistent percussion of “Morose Land” feeds into an overall heavier vibe. That sensibility continues through Beyond the Sun‘s title-track, though that cut is slower, and soon enough, Sunwølf have momentum on their side as they continue through the rest of their debut.

Production is clear and crisp — they recorded with Ross Halden (Wild Beasts) and had Mell Dettmer (SunnO))), Earth, etc.) master — but as the guitar and cymbal washes of “Inertia” live up to the track’s name, it”s clear Sunwølf aren’t interested in sticking solely to one aspect of ambient heaviness or another. Carrington samples a playground late into the track and “Inertia” winds up evocative as it moves directly into the swell of “Time Stands Still” — take them from their names alone and understand that Beyond the Sun is not an album about movement — which incorporates acoustic guitar over a bed of organ hum, culminating in a feedback outro that offers transition into closer “Home.”

Perhaps its Sunwølf‘s most complex track, perhaps not — depends on the process of crafting the prior drones — but the layering of guitars over each other makes for the most evocative melody here on offer, wistful in a still-ethereal vaguery, sad and hard to pin down. Like most of Beyond the Sun, however, it’s a blip, there and gone, faded out almost as it just seems to have set the foundation for a genuine development. Maybe Sunwølf aren’t interested in that kind of thing, but if they are, they have the groundwork set on a track like “Home,” which just as easily could turn into a nine-minute post-metal build but ultimately remains humble in its scope.

Sunwølf are a relatively new band, and Beyond the Sun is their first release, but as it makes for a solid late-night listen, I thought I’d post the tracks here for your perusal. If interested, you can check them out live Oct. 13 in Leeds (poster above), or find out more about them at their Tumblr, buy Beyond the Sun at their BigCartel store, or just check it out on their Bandcamp, from which the following stream is hoisted:

…Actually, it’s probably somewhat less than 200 by now. Leeds sludge metallers Wizard’s Beard sent over word today that they’re offering 200 free downloads through Bandcamp of their first album, last year’s Pure Filth (review here). The silhouette-ready foursome released the blistering Four Tired Undertakers (review here) earlier in 2012 on Altsphere, but if you haven’t heard the first record yet, there’s nothing like a free download to help get caught up. Here’s what they had to say about it:

Our first album Pure Filth is now available for free download from Bandcamp. There is however only 200 downloads available…..so be quick!

Go here to download: http://wizardsbeard.bandcamp.com/album/pure-filth