The third shipment of vinyl records from Spinda Records‘ massively ambitious seven-inch box set compilation series Grados. Minutos. Segundos. has gone out, and to celebrate, the Spanish imprint overseeing the project bringing together 24 acts from Spain’s native heavy underground is premiering the inclusion from one of the country’s forerunning psych-prog acts: Atavismo. “Psicopatías del 2021” is a reworking of a song by Mind! — in which Atavismo‘s Pow and Pot and Matt played — called “Cucumbers From Mars.” The original track appeared on Mind!‘s 2013 prog opus Stunde Null (review here), and though the Atavismo take is shorter — it would have to be to fit on a 7″ record — the result is no less spacious and the smooth fluidity of the tones, groove and production are definitively Atavismo‘s own. Considering it’s some of the same players, it’s interesting how much it sounds like a different band.

If you haven’t been following Spinda‘s Grados. Minutos. Segundos. series — hey, it happens; everybody’s busy — it is a work of singular passion and regional pride. A total of 12 two-sided 7″s are being included, shipped out in installments of three singles, each one shared by two bands, which adds up to 24 different acts included in a limited one-time pressing and digital release. The art is beautiful and distinct, and the sense of curation that’s overarching for the whole affair is not to be taken lightly. Even amid an always crowded field of releases, it is something special.

As dug in as it is, it’s not going to be for everybody. I know that. But it’s important work, not just for highlighting acts from the Spanish heavy underground — though definitely for that too — but for the dedication to form. Plus it’s got new Atavismo, and as far as I’m concerned, that’s plenty to get me on board with just about anything. The band’s most recent outing, 2018’s Valdeinfierno (review here), is certainly due for a follow-up, and my understanding is that such a thing is in the works even as they unveil this new single. Nice to imagine another record from them coming sometime next year, though of course that’s wishful thinking on my part and I have no confirmation.

For now, I’m happy to host this premiere, and to continue to offer reminders about Grados. Minutos. Segundos. for as long as the series goes.

Enjoy:

Note: this single is part of compilation boxset ‘Grados. Minutos. Segundos.’ (2021, Spinda Records); available at https://spindarecords.bandcamp.com/album/grados-minutos-segundos

After the first 12 stops, this trip around the indie music scene called ‘Grados. Minutos. Segundos.’ continues now with 6 new bands: Atavismo, Mía Turbia, Santo Rostro, Cemënteri, the Soulbreaker Company and Domo.

Grados. Minutos. Segundos.’ will be made of 12x 7″ vinyl records (to be released in 4 batches from June 2021 to March 2022), being each of them shared by 2 bands with apparently no connection at all.

But in this limited-edition boxset you won’t only find bands coming from Spinda Records roster as it is also open to others in order to get a solid project for the fans to enjoy. From the psychedelia of Acid Mess, Atavismo, Arenna or The Soulbreaker Company to the heavier sounds of Rosy Finch, Adrift, Domo or Santo Rostro; without forgetting the alternative rock of Medicina, Habitar La Mar, The Dry Mouths and Laverge; the hard rock of Partícula, Saturna or Kabbalah; the progressive rock of Moura, Pyramidal, Híbrido or Cró!; as well as new bands such us Cemënteri, Here The Captain Speaking The Captain Band, Battosai, Mía Turbia or Mondo Infiel. Fitting 24 bands in the same project can be tricky, and it is; but Spinda Records are here to have fun… Spinda Records is here for “fiesta”.

The project is limited to 240 hand-numbered boxsets, designed by The Braves Church and including 12x 7″ vinyl records, booklet, download code and stickers, as well as a tee-shirt and tote bag on its deluxe and freak editions. There won’t be reissues, so when they’re gone, they’re gone!

Mind!, “Cucumbers From Mars”

Various Artists, Grados. Minutos. Segundos. (2021)

Spinda Records on Facebook

Spinda Records on Instagram

Spinda Records on Bandcamp

Spinda Records website

Look, I’m not gonna sit here and pretend you need me to tell you about Weedian‘s stuff. In the age of the social influencer, Weedian holds a sway that I could never hope to feel anything other than inadequate next to, and the ongoing Trip To… series of compilations is a great way to introduce people to bands they might not have heard as well as the common threads drawing different national/regional scenes together. There are 59 Australian bands on this compilation. It would probably take me a year to write about that many Aussie bands, and even if I did, it still wouldn’t have the same impact as putting them all together like this.

So why post about it at all, if dude needs me to make words like he needs a hole in the head? Well, I asked Weedian to share the Best of 2021 poll link last week through the page and Walid was kind enough to do so, and then he asked me to share this, so of course, yes. Plenty of familiar names here, and if you know Aus heavy, you know it wants nothing for variety. I think this compilation represents that well. It’d almost have to, admittedly, with so much personnel involved. It’s quite a trip.

“You’ve got a killer scene there, mate.”

Dig:

The Australian Stoner/Psych Doom scene has been battering the cosmos from down under with a series of recent releases with enough intensity to shift the Earth’s crust. Heavy, fuzz laden riffs, space age psych jams, stoner Doom and desert rock hymns rising from the crimson Australian sands, sludge from the pits of the primordial bedrock that shape the country provide enough listening material for aeons to come.

What started in the early 1990s through the likes of bands such as Cryptal Darkness and Pod People (to name a few) has now morphed into a fully-fledged assault lead by world class bands covering every inch of the Doom/Stoner/Psych/Sludge spectrum.

Interdimensional Tone Benders such as Comacozer, Pseudo Mind Hive and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard have been enveloping the world with their celestial psych jams. Sludge lords Religious Observance, Whitehorse and Horse Hunter have been moving mountains and widening chasms across the globe with their torrents of noise. Stoner Doom spellcasters Potion, Droid, Lucifungus, Mountain Wizard Death Cult and Yanomamo continue to summon the void with a string of hard-hitting releases while Doom Priestesses Dawn ensorcell the masses with their hypnotic sermon. From beyond the crimson vast lands and sand dunes, heavy doom and desert rock aficionados such as Witchskull, Tumbleweed, Planet of the 8s, High as Hell and Smoke Witch continue to conjure a maelstrom of riffs. Some bands such as drugged out outlaws Jack Harlon & the Dead Crows and the vile Death Doom outfit Carcinoid blur the lines between genres, with Jack Harlon combining the best of Psych Rock and Doom Metal while Carcinoid intricately narrates a tale of destruction by blending death metal and sludge.

Then there are those that are truly unique such as Dr.Colossus, who merge the best of what The Simpsons has to offer with the most intense riffs that will shake you to within an inch of existence. New prospects such as Isua, Kvll & Goat Shaman are a force to be reckoned with and those to check out for an additional bludgeoning of chaos.

This is just a glimpse of what Australia has to offer. The list of amazing bands producing exceptional local music is endless, and I urge you to discover it for yourself. Weedian’s trip Down under provides an exquisite offering of heaviness and a good starting place for you to get sucked into the vortex of everything heavy in Australia.

Words by Amesh W.H of Mammon’s Throne

Tracklisting:
1. Hobo Magic – Follow The Holy Riff 06:44
2. The Marlboro Men – Who Says You Can’t Get High At 95mph 04:45
3. Holy Serpent – Shroom Doom 05:18
4. Sleeping Giant – Serpent 04:17
5. Smoke Witch – Blue Cobra 02:18
6. Planet of the 8s – Green Lake 05:50
7. Rollerball – Lost In Space 03:24
8. Dr. Colossus – Pickabar 04:07
9. Arrowhead – Ceremony Of The Skull 04:53
10. Duneeater – La Brown 07:22
11. Thumlock – Rockin’ Course 03:09
12. Khan – Break Off Your Shells 03:24
13. Pseudo Mind Hive – The Dreamer’s Burning Door 04:25
14. Jack Harlon & The Dead Crows – Langolier 04:18
15. Riff Fist – Push the Button 07:33
16. Frozen Planet….1969 – 900 Mile Head Rush 10:30
17. FOOT – Thunder Cave 07:31
18. Droid – Fertile Crescent 06:44
19. Hypergiant – Island 3 07:24
20. Apollo80 – Lung Beers 09:03
21. Lucifungus – Sloth 04:37
22. Seedy Jeezus – 30 Million Light Years 06:41
23. The Black Heart Death Cult – One Way Through 05:15
24. Comacozer – Axis Mundi 13:40
25. AVER – Acid Rain 05:09
26. Giant Dwarf – The Deluge 06:15
27. Fumarole – Depth Dweller 04:26
28. Vessel – The Void Tempest 07:45
29. Full Tone Generator – Preacher Man 07:38
30. King Cig – The Great Leveler 04:20
31. Elbrus – Break The Machine 07:52
32. Turtle Skull – Rabbit 04:01
33. Motherslug – The Electric Dunes of Titan 02:23
34. Potion – Seven Sorcerers 08:59
35. The Balls – A Little Bit 05:05
36. Robot God – Peyote Sunrise 08:21
37. Devil Electric – Hypnotica 06:26
38. Monarchus – Desert Ways 04:23
39. King Zog – Witchsmoker 05:59
40. Golden Sunbird – Voyage, Pt. 2 08:23
41. Oceanlord – Come Home 07:41
42. EarthOmen – Black Cloud (Part II) 04:54
43. El Colosso – Down to the Stars 05:33
44. Kitchen Witch – Chase the Sun 03:59
45. The Ugly Kings – Black Widow 03:53
46. Mammon’s Throne – The Spectre That Loes Within 08:05
47. Twin Serpents – Smoke & Mirrors 05:04
48. DAWN – Wanting 05:25
49. Goat Shaman – Goat Shaman 06:26
50. The Dirty Earth – I’ve Been Watching You 04:49
51. AstroFuzz – Horror From Space 05:50
52. Sumeru – Om Tathagata 04:32
53. Amammoth – Shadows 07:39
54. Dirty Pagans – Valhalla 04:38
55. Astrodeath – Leviathan Rising 04:40
56. Velvet Elevator – Children of the Sun II 02:24
57. Ohm Rune – Ether 05:44
58. Mountains of Madness – Bitter Pill 06:00
59. Mountain Wizard Death Cult – Thrones 06:10

https://www.instagram.com/weedian.ds/
https://www.facebook.com/Weedian
https://weedian420.bandcamp.com/

Various Artists, Weedian: Trip to Australia (2021)

Way back in June, in this space, Spinda Records brought forth a track-by-track to coincide with the first chapter of its encompassing split-series 7″ compilation box set, Grados. Minutos. Segundos., the second shipment for which reportedly has gone out, bearing new material from Habitar la Mar and Acid Mess, Cró! and The Dry Mouths, and Saturna and Laverge, paired together across three new splits.

If all of this sounds familiar, you might be thinking of last week when The Dry Mouths‘ video for “More Oo Less Fluid” premiered here.

Spain is short neither on heavy nor passion for it, but a project like this comes along once in a generation, maybe, and even as I feel like I can’t hope to keep up with it, I find it deeply admirable. All the more so for the unforeseen circumstances of the world into which it’s being manifest. If you’re one of the lucky 240 who’ve bought in, enjoy it forever. For me, I’m just happy to have an excuse to post the links and note the bands involved and I’ll continue to do so as long as Spinda will have me. My hope is that will be all four parts, 12 splits total with 24 bands.

Huge. With the promise of more to come and continued thanks to Berto Cáceres, here’s the track-by-track for part two, as well as the full release stream:

Purchase here: https://spindarecords.com/grados-minutos-segundos

After the First 6 Stops, This Trip Around the Indie Music Scene Called ‘grados. Minutos. Segundos.’ Continues Now with 6 New Bands: Habitar la Mar, Acid Mess, Cró!, The Dry Mouths, Saturna and Laverge.

‘Grados. Minutos. Segundos.’ is a no-return trip around the four cardinal points of the deepest underground music scenes in Spain. Thanks to a boxset full of previously unreleased tracks of 24 indie Spanish bands you’ll have the chance to understand how’s the sound of this new generation of independent musicians. You don’t want to be told about it, you want to be part of it.

Grados. Minutos. Segundos. Track-by-Track Pt. 2

HABITAR LA MAR – “Enrea” & “Ruina”

“[…] in both tracks we wanted to experiment a bit more with weird and dark sounds; we even broke some cymbals in order to get different sounds… we thought it might be stupid but the final result was interesting with new cool textures. Regarding lyrics, it talks about different people I met in the past in the area where I grow up… you know those guys who wanted to move forward and go out of streets for a better life, but the place sometimes made things difficult and they could even end up being worse than those others who complicated their life at first. It is also a tribute to Madrid rapper Darmo, a nice fella I respect and who’s very close to this idea of going out of the streets “[…]”

This was the first track to be written. Both guitarists Kike and Frego came up with it during the first part of the pandemic, and it was surprising ’cause we could see other musical areas to be explored by the band from now on. The text here is quite depressing… it’s about the idea that the end will be exactly the same for all of us… In fact, the first demo was initially called “Mictlantecuhtli” and it was covering all this stuff about King Mictlan, the dead in Mexican culture and this kind of things. I finished changing a little bit the concept so it was closer to the other track “Enrea” and that’s how I finished writing some lyrics in “calé” (language spoken by gypsies in Spain, similar to Romani) “[..]”

ACID MESS – “Algo grita”

“[…]” this is a song about toxic relationships happening on a daily basis, no matter the context. Do you know when you desperately need to get rid of something which causes you tons of anxiety but you do not know how to? That’s it, but also about the impotence of seeing someone close to you going through a difficult time and not being able to do anything as your advice or opinion won’t be accepted “[…]”

CRÓ! – “Buah”

‘Buah is a spanish word to express astonish, some kind of mesmerizing WTF. “Buah!” describes a laughing psychedelic trip during one (maybe several?) nights with different stops and feels that fit the music and vice versa. The music represents quite well the moment of the band where the multiple influences appear everywhere supporting the band own creativity; everything seems possible from Classical or Electronic to Forest Doom or Constructive Laughing. We would resume this in Galician language saying: “Buah, qué movida neno!”‘

THE DRY MOUTHS – “More Oo No Fluid”

“[…] Similar to our previous instrumental album ‘Memories from Pines Bridge’, this song is based on experimentation and jams, in this case heavily influenced by Middle-East melodies. “More Oo No Fluid” creates that tensed atmosphere in which you can get trapped forever whilst you wait for a storm which is coming but you don’t know when […]

SATURNA – “Volver a empezar”

“[…] “Volver al Final” was an idea conceived by Rod (bassist) some years ago while we were writing our last album ‘Atlantis’. As there were only a few riffs to jam with, the song was kept out because of its Andalusian Rock feel. But when Spinda Records offered us the chance to include just one song for the split series “Grados. Minutos. Segundos”, we began to see it as a particularly suitable track for the project, as well as a chance for the band to record something in Spanish. Actually, we took the chance to explore and pay tribute to all those great Spanish bands from the ’70s, such as Triana.

Based on a 6/8 time signature, we chose softer rhythm guitars to create more layers and breadth for a more open and psychedelic sound, exploring with reverse instrument signals and effects. We also counted with the participation of the amazing Tabatha Puig, whose keyboard sounds helped to achieve that vibe we were looking for.

Vocally, we added some dark poetic lyrics and flamenco influenced melodies and harmonies for a final touch that, for us, keeps the spirit of Saturna, as well having that freedom to to keep exploring “[..]”

LAVERGE – “Y.D.H.A.S.”

“[…] “Y.D.H.A.S.” (You don’t have a soul) exposes what lies under the skin. True intentions are often hidden under flags, signs of identity, social groups, political ideologies, images or simple kind phrases. Authenticity is an expensive thing today. To show happiness when you are sad is to lose your soul. Becoming a star by saying what you know you have to say at every moment with no regard for your own thoughts or emotions reduces your soul. To use anger for no true purpose other than to fit in with the angry people around you because without any ability to see beyond, is to have no soul. The 21st century seems to have been designed to be soulless. “Y.D.H.A.S.” sounds like a knife and hurts like reality [..]”

The Dry Mouths, “More Oo Less Fluid” official video

Spinda Records on Facebook

Spinda Records on Instagram

Spinda Records on Bandcamp

Spinda Records website

For those who’ve already purchased the box set, the second volume of Spinda Records‘ massive split-series compilation project Grados. Minutos. Segundos., reportedly ships out this month. You might recall a few months back, the label here unveiled a track-by-track for the first installment, and once all the songs are out digitally in October, we’ll do that again with the six bands sharing three new split 7″ releases as part of building toward the whole box: strong>Habitar la Mar and Acid Mess, Cró! and The Dry Mouths — whose video for “More Oo Less Fluid” is premiering below as well — and Saturna and Laverge, all of whom are paired thusly.

In the meantime, to herald the arrival of this second of four installments, Almeria three-piece The Dry Mouths are premiering their track “More Oo Less Fluid” in the video below. You’ll see the Tabernas Desert featuring heavily along with some Egyptian imagery and a belly dancer, none of which feels especially out of place with the heavy psychedelic instrumentalism the band bring to bear. One might recall they offered two full-lengths in 2019 with Memories from Pines Bridge (review here) in April followed by Lo-Fi Sounds for Hi-Fi People in November — working with a range of labels in the process — in celebration of the life of bassist Andy Reyes, who passed away early that year. Of the two, “More Oo Less Fluid” has more in common with Memories from Pines Bridge in its sans-vocals psych methodology.

In sharing a 7″ with the exclamatory Cró!, The Dry Mouths find unity in a heavy underpinning even as they complement that band’s more outwardly proggy style. As the curation of Spinda Records plays out over the course of the series, one only continues to look forward to what’s coming in this one-of-a-kind celebration of the modern Spanish underground.

Enjoy the clip:

The Dry Mouths, “More Oo Less Fluid” video premiere

Track extracted from Spinda Records’ compilation boxset ‘Grados. Minutos. Segundos.’

Buy ‘Grados. Minutos. Segundos.’: https://bit.ly/2WDDCnv

Subscribe to Spotify’s official playlist: https://spoti.fi/3jZxrld

Music by The Dry Mouths
Video by Rubo Reugner

Produced by The Dry Mouths
Recorded in 2020 and mixed in 2021 by Christ O. Rodríguez at Desert City Studio (Spain)
Mastered by Pike Cavalero at deLEI Music (Spain) in 2021

The Dry Mouths:
Josh Morales: drums
Víctor Gutiérrez: bass
Christ O. Rodríguez: guitars
Andy Reyes: soul

The Dry Mouths website

The Dry Mouths on Facebook

The Dry Mouths on YouTube

The Dry Mouths on Bandcamp

Spinda Records on Facebook

Spinda Records on Instagram

Spinda Records on Bandcamp

Spinda Records website

As I understand it, this will be a series of benefit compilations, each one dedicated to a different cause. Fuzzwitch Ritual Vol. 1, put together at the combined significant behest of Abraxas Records, Fuzzrious and Bruxa Verde, will donate proceeds to Solidariedade Vegan. It’s got 17 bands from Brazil and beyond, and it costs all of three friggin’ dollars (minimum) through Bandcamp, so yeah, one way or the other the worst that happens is you pay a few bucks and check out some bands you might not’ve heard, even if you’re violently opposed somehow to homeless people eating healthy. Which, if you think about it, it probably a position you’ll want to reexamine at some point.

There’s a lot going on here, sound-wise, band-wise, label-wise, cause-wise, compilation-series-wise, but let the big takeaway be that this is a thing that’s happening, it might happen more, and I think it’s something worth your time and three bucks of your hard-earned. If you can’t donate and just want to listen, well, then you heard some cool tunes. Okay.

Here’s info:

The compilation Fuzzwitch Ritual is the result of a partnership between Bruxa Verde Produções and the labels Fuzzrious and Abraxas Records, three representative supporters of Brazilian’s Stoner related scene working through PR and divulgation activities, label’s releases and more.

Bringing together sixteen tracks from sixteen different bands from countries like Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Greece and the United States the compilation will be released at Bandcamp on August 6th and has as its motto the total reversal of sales values for the social cause of Solidariedade Vegan, a project managed by Brazilian punk rock legend João Gordo (Ratos de Porão) and his wife Vivi Torrico, where they develop a social work dedicated to feeding and supporting vulnerable people in homeless situation and also focused on vegan food.

This first edition of the project has prominent names from the national scene and also foreign bands such as Slow Voyage (Chile), Electric Cult (Mexico) and The Supernauts (Greece). Genres such as Stoner Rock, Doom Metal, Psychedelic Rock and Hard Rock are embraced by the compilation which aims to unite the labels and scenario linked to the social cause, with bands supported/released/published by the participating labels. Check out the tracklist of “Fuzzwitch Ritual Vol.1” below:

1. Korsunnuz – Cruise Control
2. Buzzard – Higher
3. Niles (Wisdom)
4. Electric Gravity – A Hand’s Worth of Dark
5. Space Smoke – Corpo Solar
6. The Supernauts – I Can´t Reach Myself
7. Lagarto Rei – Gardre
8. Desert Druid and the Acid Caravan – Total Madness
9. Mad Monkees – Sem Reação
10. Electric Cult – Sleep Demons
11. Peso Morto – Diante a Sentença do Tempo
12. Gods & Punks – Gravity
13. Weedevil – The Death is Coming
14. The Slow Voyage – Expansion
15. Murdock – Vingança das Bruxas
16. Grindhouse Hotel – Centaurus
17. Rolê da Tempestade – Gibagayte

https://fuzzrious.bandcamp.com/album/fuzzwitch-ritual-vol-i

Solidariedade Vegan: https://www.catarse.me/solidaridade_vegan_maritas_sem_crueldade_animal_9084?project_id=112847

https://www.facebook.com/abraxasevents/
https://www.instagram.com/abraxasfm/

https://www.facebook.com/Fuzzrious
https://www.instagram.com/fuzzrious/
https://fuzzrious.iluria.com/
https://fuzzrious.bandcamp.com/
https://www.fuzzriousrecords.com/

https://www.facebook.com/bruxaverdeprod/
https://www.instagram.com/bruxav/
https://linktr.ee/jacquestonedbruxav

Various Artists, Fuzzwitch Ritual Vol. 1 (2021)

Grados. Minutos. Segundos. is a multi-volume compilation assembled at the behest of Spinda Records, highlighting the label’s native Spanish underground scene across a series of 12 split seven-inch vinyls. Set for release between last Friday and next Spring, the pressing is one-time-only, limited to 240, hand-numbered and though I generally don’t post sale links like, available right here: http://spindarecords.com/grados-minutos-segundos/

I’m not the type to tell you outright to spend your money. I know everyone works hard and cash is hard to come by and capitalism is terrible, etc., but the reason that link is there is because I respect the living shit out of this project and the obvious love that birthed it. Spinda Records is no slouch when it comes to promoting Spanish heavy anyhow, but Grados. Minutos. Segundos. brings that to a different level entirely. Consider — it could’ve probably just been a 3LP box. Or a double-CD or something like that. But the focus here is so much on the lushness of presentation, and on highlighting the work of the bands. Every act is given their own space. It’s a beautiful concept, and if you snag one of these, consider yourself lucky.

My hope is that as each installment of Grados. Minutos. Segundos. comes out, I’ll have a corresponding track-by-track from the bands. You’ll find the first one below. My sincere thanks to Berto Cáceres from the label for putting it — and the compilation — together.

Enjoy:

Grados. Minutos. Segundos. Track-by-Track Pt. 1

MOURA – “Muiñeira da Maruxaina”

“[…] The “muiñeira” is one of the most popular Galician traditional music genres and we wanted to make an approach to it from “krautrock” and psychedelic perspective, respecting some of its characteristics. Lyrically, the song is about the folktale of the Maruxaina, a mermaid who lives in a cave in an island in San Cibrao (north coast of Galicia) and helps or confuse sailors by playing a horn or with her singing, depending on different versions of the tale. Galician traditional percussions were heavily used in the song and an arpeggiator to keep the pulse of the trance along with the guitar riff […]”

ROSY FINCH – “Black Lodge”

“[…] As a big fan of ‘Twin Peaks’, I always had the idea of turning into Laura Palmer and living inside a dark song. In “Black Lodge” you can see many references and symbology of Lynch’s universe. We tried to reflect the anguish but also the seduction undertaken by the characters. But not only the video has been inspired by the TV series; lyrics describe some moments and iconic quotes of the show but always through Laura Palmer’s voice […]”

ADRIFT – “Abracadabra”

“[…] On this track we don’t play around with long progressions as we are used to. Instead we play heavily from the very first second and there’s no time to relax at all. Going against our usual way of writing songs, we chose a couple of riffs and wrote the whole song around them without thinking too much and having fun trying not to get complicated. The lyrics talk about the current situation and how some media and “important” people manipulate the reality in order to control the people and do what they want with them. They’re kind of magicians doing tricks to make you think as they want you to think […]”

ADRIFT – “Lush Lands”

“[…] Inspired by the book ‘Heart of Darkness’ by Joseph Conrad, this tracks talks about a situation in which you decide to go to the deepest darkness looking for somebody and how you can finish feeling attracted by the horror you see on your way to that person. This track stars as a good exercise of space rock, full of delays and reverb, to finish as a huge and repetitive wall of noise. It’s like a mantra to get into trance […]”

MONDO INFIEL – “Estigmas”

This track talks about those close-minded-people who are not able to see further than their own shoes, not being even able to question their way of thinking or understanding that not everyone else will think the same way. This can continue for years and makes them feeling attacked by others just for the fact of them having a different point of view about religion, politics or culture. Type O Negative and Killing Joke inspired the song a lot, although it doesn’t sound to those bands at all – I wish Pete Steele or Jaz Coleman took care of the vocals in the song.

PARTÍCULA – “La Fosa”

From the deepest and darkness roots of heavy psych and the most powerful ’70s hard rock, this track emerges like a cathartic experience, where frustration and hope return to our reality transformed into an authentic iron fist, ready to take you to another dimension.

MEDICINA – “Vilo”

This songs talks about the uncertainty and anxiety caused when things are out of your hands. This can happen on any aspect of your life. We do not attach to any sound in particular when writing but this reminds me to Steve Albini and Big Black.

Spinda Records on Thee Facebooks

Spinda Records on Instagram

Spinda Records on Bandcamp

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Tomorrow, Bandcamp Friday, May 7, marks the digital release of Glory or Death Records‘ Deep Purple tribute, Bow to Your Masters Vol. 2. With a 2LP edition set to follow in November, the release brings together an assortment of established and new names — and stuff like Mothership-offshoot Topsy Kretts, Big Scenic Nowhere and Destroyer of Light-offshoot (also Mothership-offshoot) Temple of Love, which is new names from established names — as well as Mos Generator, Worshipper, Steak, frickin’ YOB and groups from the Glory or Death family tree including Red Wizard, KOOK, Gygax, RedWitch Johnny, and collaborations like High Reeper with Ruby the Hatchet‘s Jillian Taylor, Steak with Vodun‘s Chantal Brown, Francis Roberts of Old Man Wizard sitting in with Great Electric Quest, on and on and on and oh hell you can see the tracklisting below — just go look at it and tell me you don’t want to hear this thing. If you’ve ever EITHER heard Deep Purple OR heard any of these bands who’ve contributed to the comp, then yes, this is probably something that should pique your interest.

And yeah, YOB doing “Perfect Strangers” is a major draw, and as well it should be. It closes out the 15-song/78-minute offering with a duly flowing rendition of the title-track of the 1984 album that brought Blackmore and Gillan back together, albeit temporarily. But there’s more than just YOB going on here. Asphodel Wine‘s “Child in Time,” KOOK‘s “Space Truckin’,” RedWitch Johnny‘s “Maybe I’m a Leo” — also once covered by The Atomic Bitchwax — and Big Scenic Nowhere‘s “Demon’s Eye” are all killer, and from the boogie of “Black Night” as interpreted by Topsy Kretts to the sprawl of Worshipper taking on “Pictures from Home” — perfect band for that song, and they nail it — Bow to Your Masters Vol. 2 is jammed with what should be considered essentials. I know the sphere of heavy isn’t lacking in tributes these days, between Magnetic Eye‘s ever-expanding ‘Redux’ series and Ripple and others getting on board, but hell’s bells, how on earth are you going to deny Great Electric Quest‘s “Highway Star?” The simply answer is you’re not, and you shouldn’t bother to try.

I’ll make it simple. There’s a lot to like here.

The full thing is out tomorrow, and you can get your vinyl preorders in I assume when you do the Bandcamp thing or through BigCartel or however you go. Whatever it is that gets you on board though — whichever name is your pull — or even if its just the artwork by David Paul Seymour and Carin Hazmat that grabs you, don’t be surprised if you hear one track and wind up on board for a whole bunch more. Whether it’s Gygax boldly daring “Speed King” or Saturn doing “Into the Fire” or Steak taking one of the most iconic riffs ever and admirably making it their own, there’s plenty of fodder for a deep-dive.

That kind of makes the six-minute teaser premiering below excruciating, if I’m honest. Because while it features each song on the outing, it’s just enough of it to get hooked and want to hear the whole thing. A true tease, somewhat brutal. Fortunately a bunch of songs from the thing have already been posted and you can find them on the Bandcamp player nearer the bottom of the post.

The order link is down below as well, and the aforementioned tracklisting, which is substantial. I hesitate to call it a premiere for a teaser, but that’s what it is just the same.

Enjoy:

Bow to Your Masters Vol. 2 teaser premiere

FULL DIGITAL RELEASE is 5/7/21, but we have 6 minutes of pure bliss, a snippet of each song on the release in album order! There are a mix of incredibly faithful covers, cheeky tweaks, and full re-imaginings by 15 of the best bands making heavy music today!

ORDER YOUR COPY: https://gloryordeathrecords.bandcamp.com/

Big Scenic Nowhere – Demon’s Eye
Gygax – Speed King
RedWitch Johnny – Maybe I’m A Leo (Ft. Matthew Putman)
Topsy Kretts – Black Night
Saturn – Into the Fire
High Reeper – Burn (Ft. Jillian Taylor of Ruby The Hatchet)
Great Electric Quest – Highway Star (Ft. Francis Roberts)
Steak – Smoke (Ft. Chantal Brown)
Mos Generator – Love Child
Asphodel Wine – Child in Time
Temple of Love – Gettin’ Tighter (Ft. Anton Pukshansky)
Red Wizard – Fireball
KOOK – Space Truckin’
Worshipper – Pictures of Home
Yob – Perfect Strangers

Cover art by Carin Hazmat and David Paul Seymour
Mastered by James Page at Emerald Age Studios

Various Artists, Bow to Your Masters Vol. 2: Deep Purple (2021)

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[Click play above to stream Howling Giant’s “Rooster” from Magnetic Eye Records’ Dirt [Redux] Alice in Chains tribute. LP/CD/DL out Sept. 18 with preorders here.]

Says Howling Giant’s Zach Wheeler:

“To be honest, getting ‘Rooster’ was a bit intimidating as it’s one of their most popular songs. We wanted to pay tribute to Alice in Chains as much as possible while giving the song that special Howling Giant sauce. We changed a few things around, but tried to reinforce the melodies that make the song so memorable in the first place.”

Says Howling Giant’s Tom Polzine:

“When I was growing up in Buffalo, Minnesota, there was a local band called Blood Root Mother made up of some dudes that were probably four or five years older than me. I remember sneaking out of my house to see them perform at this rundown venue called The Vault. The Vault was run by some 20 year olds that skipped college in order to renovate that old antique shop into a dirty DIY venue. If dirty and uncomfortable was the vibe they were going for, they nailed it. Anyway, Blood Root Mother were tight as hell and I’ll always remember their cover of ‘Rooster’ as one of the most moving performances I witnessed from a bunch of local, lovable scumbags. The energy was so raw, and the volume was overwhelming. I think that witnessing those guys performing that song in particular is the reason I started playing in rock bands in high school, and why I still play today.”

—

Released in September 1992, Alice in Chains‘ second full-length, Dirt, is a generational landmark. It remains one of a select few records of its era — along with Nirvana‘s Nevermind, Pearl Jam‘s Ten, Soundgarden‘s Badmotorfinger, and maybe one or two others — that helped define the “grunge” sound for which Seattle, Washington, would become almost inextricably known. With an underlying-and-at-times-right-up-front theme of drug addiction and ensuing personal fallout, Dirt was grimmer and could be more aggressive than most of its still-commercially-viable major label contemporaries, and as a result always had some more appeal to metal fans than, say, Pearl Jam, who were strictly a hard rock band at the time. Guitarist Jerry Cantrell‘s now-classic riffs and vocals, Sean Kinney‘s inventive drums, the fluid bass work of Mike Starr and Layne Staley‘s voice that would prove inimitable despite the attempts of three decades’ worth of singers — these essential elements came together around a group of particularly memorable songs, some radio hits, some B sides, and of course, “Iron Gland” for good measure, and served as the proverbial lightning in the bottle and the standard by which the band’s output ever since has been judged.

In continuing its tribute series of full album releases by embarking on a Dirt [Redux], Magnetic Eye Records takes on a no less crucial album than when the label put together compilation tributes to Pink Floyd or Jimi Hendrix. There are some recognizable acts from the Magnetic Eye stable as well as others clearly given to celebrating the work itself, and those who remain loyal to the original versions of the songs while other groups prefer to bring their appointed track into their own sonic context. Like the original Dirt, Dirt [Redux] of course boasts 13 tracks — it’s a whole-album tribute; it wouldn’t do to leave something out — though its runtime is longer than the original, at 63 minutes as opposed to 57. The tracklisting reads as follows:

1. Thou – Them Bones
2. Low Flying Hawks – Dam That River
3. High Priest – Rain When I Die
4. Khemmis – Down in a Hole
5. These Beasts – Sickman
6. Howling Giant – Rooster
7. Forming the Void – Junkhead
8. Somnuri – Dirt
9. Backwoods Payback – God Smack
10. Black Electric – Iron Gland
11. -(16)- – Hate to Feel
12. Vokonis – Angry Chair
13. The Otolith – Would?

Their take on “Would?” — tracked by Alice in Chains first for an appearance on the soundtrack of the film Singles then reused on the album — marks the debut recording from post-SubRosa outfit The Otolith, and arrives with no shortage of anticipation. Bookending with “Them Bones” as interpreted by New Orleans art-sludgers Thou, the atmospheric breadth brought to the finale is a standout on the release and, at that point, one more instance of a band making the track their own. Thou‘s blend of harsh and cleaner vocals notwithstanding, they largely keep to the original tempo and arrangement of the leadoff track, whereas Low Flying Hawks take the subsequent “Dam That River” — a hooky follow-up to the opener — and turn it into an ambient drone only vaguely related to the original.

And why not? There’s no rule that says a band has to do an impression rather than an interpretation, and as Dirt [Redux] plays out, the likes of Khemmis, These Beasts, Howling Giant, Forming the Void, -(16)- and Vokonis bring their own spin. Khemmis could hardly be a better fit for the emotive doom of “Down in a Hole,” and the crunch These Beasts deliver on “Sickman” is an intense precursor to what L.A.’s -(16)- do with “Hate to Feel” later on. Feeling very much like the vanguard of an up and coming generation of progressive heavy rock, Howling Giant, Forming the Void and Vokonis boldly tackle their respective cuts, with “Rooster” getting a bolstered melody (no easy feat), “Junkhead” receiving a newfound nodder groove, and “Angry Chair” highlighting a rhythmic complexity that is both a late surprise and oh, oh, oh so very Swedish.

To complement these forays, Somnuri find a glorious and elusive middle-ground on the album’s title-track, the Brooklynite trio not giving “Dirt” a total makeover so much as an organic-feeling performance that captures the subtle spaciousness that was so much a part of Dirt‘s lonely feel in the first place — all those sometimes empty reaches of its mix. Earlier, Chicago’s High Priest offer perhaps the most impressive vocal included on the redux with “Rain When I Die,” with the as-yet-underrated, very-much-need-to-put-an-album-out group play to their own Alice in Chains influence. Ditto that Backwoods Payback, who bleed their love of the original through their raw interpretation of “God Smack,” finding a space somewhere between punk, post-hardcore and heavy rock that is theirs alone on this release and in the wider underground sphere. These cuts serve the vital function of bringing Dirt [Redux] its sense of homage, making the tribute a tribute, and giving a listener who might not be familiar with all the bands on the Magnetic Eye roster a chance to reorient before, say, These Beasts unfurl their pummeling rendition of “Sickman” or Low Flying Hawks taffy-pull “Dam That River” to suit their own whims.

One would be remiss not to point out that the 43-second interlude “Iron Gland” is here covered by Black Electric, which features Magnetic Eye Records‘ own Mike Vitali (also ex-Ironweed and Greatdayforup) on guitar. Their version is almost eerily reminiscent of the original, on which Slayer‘s Tom Araya sat in for vocals, and gives way to -(16)-‘s roughed-up “Hate to Feel” with a similar flow to the progression between the two tracks on Dirt proper. If you come out of this Dirt [Redux] with a hankering to listen to Alice in Chains, don’t be surprised. I’ll admit to having an attachment to the album that borders on the familial, and whatever they do with it arrangement-wise, I have nothing but respect for anyone brave enough to cover songs that have so much specific heart and style behind them. Inevitably a listener’s experience with Dirt [Redux] will depend on their own context with the original record as well as with the bands involved, but when all is said and done, it is a more than worthy inclusion in Magnetic Eye‘s [Redux] series — Black Sabbath would seem to be next — and it points to just how broadly Alice in Chains‘ influence has spread over the last three decades. You can’t really go wrong.

Various Artists, Dirt [Redux] (2020)

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