Posted in Whathaveyou on December 9th, 2021 by JJ Koczan
Among the various bits and bobs of good news that have come my way this week is the advent of Mythosphere, who are currently — right now as I write this, I think — embroiled in the recording of their debut full-length. The ostensibly Maryland-based outfit are of immediate note for their lineup, which includes guitarist/vocalist Dana Ortt, bassist Ron “Fezzy” McGinnis and drummer Darin McCloskey of Pale Divine, and lead guitarist Victor Arduini, known for his work in Connecticut metallers Entierro, as well as Arduini/Balich and others. If this band didn’t actually come together at Maryland Doom Fest, it’s nearly impossible to imagine they won’t be on the bill in 2022.
In addition to Pale Divine, one might recall Ortt and McCloskey from the troubled and now-defunct unit Beelzefuzz. Ortt has been playing local-type solo gigs for a while as well, and as he steps back into what seems to be more of a frontman position, I’m curious how much tonally or melodically the new band might have in common with his former outfit. He and McCloskey are well matched for more than just their familiarity with each other as players, and McGinnis (also of Admiral Browning and plenty more besides) is of course no stranger either. The addition of Arduini‘s soaring solo work to that mix is bound to add to any abiding progressive sensibility.
The album — and the fact that such a thing exists is basically all I know about it at this point — is being helmed by the esteemed Noel Mueller of Grimoire Records at his Tiny Castle Recording Studio in Towson, outside Baltimore. No clue when it’ll be done or be out, but I’ll hope to hear more soon. Until then, there’s a page up on Facebook to follow, and that link is below.
Of interest:
We are currently in the process of recording our debut album with Noel Mueller at “Tiny Castle” studio in Towson MD.
The lineup is: Dana Ortt – Guitar/Vocals Victor Arduini – Lead guitar Darin McCloskey – Drums Ron “FeZZy” McGinnis -Bass
Posted in Whathaveyou on July 14th, 2021 by JJ Koczan
Good bill here. I assure you, I’m just about the last person you want to ask concerning anything to do with craft beer — even when I drank I was never that cool — but band-wise, you’ve got a lineup for Doom and Brews III that spans a decent portion of the Eastern Seaboard from the Mid-Atlantic up into New England and beyond. Indianapolis’ Void King will travel the farthest, while Yatra, from Maryland, and Book of Wyrms, from Richmond, Virginia, are set to headline, and alongisde Connecticut natives Curse the Son, Pinto Graham, Afghan Haze, Entierro, Bone Church and Mourn the Light, Clamfight, Thunderbird Divine, The Age of Truth and Almost Honest will be up from PA and Mother Iron Horse and Conclave come south from Massachusetts. Mark it a win.
Goes without saying that everything in existence is tentative, but here’s hoping this one happens. If you’ve been sitting on tickets for the affiliated New England Stoner & Doom Fest 3, you get in free here as well, so, you know, bonus.
Tickets on sale Aug. 6. Here’s info:
SCENE PRODUCTIONS and SALT OF THE EARTH RECORDS are extremely excited to announce the full lineup for DOOM & BREWS III
Altones Music Hall (Jewett City, CT)
November 12 & 13 marks the return of the infamous New England tradition DOOM & BREWS, a gathering of heavy riffs and amazing craft beers… this is an event not to be missed!
2 Days of some of the Best Doom bands in the Northeast & some of the Best Beer New England has to offer!
ATTENTION NESDF3 TICKETHOLDERS!!!!!!
If you purchased tickets to NESDF3 before 2021, you will be on guest list at the door as a thank you for your support and patience.
LINEUP: Friday, Nov. 12: Yatra, Bone Church, Mother Iron Horse, Entierro, Thunderbird Divine, Mourn the Light, Almost Honest
Saturday, Nov. 13: Book of Wyrms, Curse the Son, Conclave, Clamfight, The Age of Truth, Void King, Pinto Graham, Afghan Haze
Entierro release their new EP, El Camazotz, on June 18. At this point, I’ve covered the Connecticut-based metallers for the better part of seven years, going back to the cassette (or k7, if you prefer) of their self-titled EP in 2014, and to be perfectly honest with you, I’ve never really felt like they were a “fit” with the site. Even on El Camazotz, you can hear in the title-track, the riffs are sharp-edged, turning at angles with purpose between the verse and chorus, aggressive. Linear. Adversarial. They back that up with a Judas Priest cover, by the way. So yeah, it’s heavy metal. Heavy metal enough that both Christopher Begnal and Victor Arduini (the latter also of Arduini/Balich) are listed as lead guitarists, and even heavy metal enough that it’s true.
But while “heavy metal” has never really been what this site’s been about, I guess I’m just a sucker for it sometimes, and Entierro fit that bill. El Camazotz, before it gets to that take on “Call for the Priest,” brings four originals in “The Penance,” “The Tower” and “The Past,” the latter of which you can hear premiering in a lyric video below. It’s the centerpiece, the shortest cut at just under five minutes — everything else is a bit over that line, totaling six tracks/26 minutes for the EP — and the catchiest of the bunch, and though there’s a certain letting-loose happening in the cover tune, “The Past” brings into emphasis the band’s own songwriting prowess, with guitar solos used in classic dramatic fashion atop choice riffs, vocalist/bassist Christopher Beaudette (who’s apparently also in Jasta? oh, Connecticut underground, you’re so weird) smoothing out some of the gruffer style in his voice as compares to “The Penance,” which jabs its central riff in an opening aggro showcase. It’s classic hook-’em-and-hold-’em fare either way, and Entierro do it well, propelled by the gallop of Dave Parmelee‘s drums all the while.
The title-track follows the three “The…” cuts, and I suppose is another one if you put it through translation. The title refers to the human/bat creature out of Mesoamerican mythology that has been the subject of many, many clickbait pieces claiming to have unearthed the secret origins of Batman. Yes, we know. And Superman is a Golem. No shit. In Entierro‘s hands, the subject is granted more substance, as well as a mid-tempo chug that’s nothing if not a suitable lead-in for the cover that rounds out as well as a reinforcement of the EP’s intentions in renewing the aggression of the “The Penance” and “The Tower” behind it. It is a short release, but Entierro clearly put thought into its construction, and in following 2018’s self-titled full-length (discussed here), the band’s wholehearted embrace of their roots filters smoothly through their own craft methodology and only suits them. If you’ve ever raised horns in earnest, they’d like to have a word.
Connecticut’s Entierro release their long awaited follow-up to their 2018 Self-titled full length on June 18th. Entitled El Camazotz, after the Mayan bat god associated with night, death and sacrifice, the five song EP represents a new chapter in the story of the band. Recorded just prior to the pandemic at Studio Wormwood in Northeastern Connecticut under the engineering mastery of Dave Kaminsky, the songs harken back to the NWOBHM and traditional heavy metal bands that they grew up listening to. This also marks the first truly collaborative effort with former Fates Warning guitarist Victor Arduini, who had joined the band just prior to the recording of their 2018 full length.
On this release, he was an integral part of the writing process working alongside vocalist/bassist Christopher Beaudette (Jasta, NightBitch,) drummer Dave Parmelee (One Master) and second guitarist Christopher Begnal making it a much more definitive presentation of their creative vision. Together, Entierro is solidifying their ability to create songs that manifest the crushing sound that they hope metalheads can continually find inspiration in.
Track Listing 1. The Penance 2. The Tower 3. The Past 4. El Camazotz 5. Call for the Priest [Judas Priest cover]
Album Credits: Mixed and Engineered by Dave Kaminsky at Wormwood Studios, Mansfield, CT. Album Artwork by Maxwell Aston Art. Mastered by Nick Zampiello of New Alliance East Mastering.
Entierro are: Christopher Beaudette – Vocals/Bass Christopher Begnal – Lead Guitar Victor Arduini – Lead Guitar Dave Parmelee – Drums
Posted in Whathaveyou on February 5th, 2019 by JJ Koczan
It’s time to talk about the real potential of the New England Stoner and Doom Fest. No, I don’t mean the lineup. That’s awesome. You know it and I know it. I’m talking about the acronym. That’s always huge for a festival. How is it abbreviated? Think MDDF or SHoD or any of the DFs spread around the universe. These things matter.
I’ve seen NESDF tossed around for New England Stoner and Doom Fest, and that’s cool, but it’s missing the opportunity. You could have a festival abbreviated NES! Who the hell wouldn’t buy that t-shirt? I hereby cast my vote in the imaginary referendum on festival abbreviations for New England Stoner and Doom Fest to henceforth and forthwith and withhence be known as NES fest. Second the motion?
There’s reportedly one more band to be added and reportedly several in the running for that slot, so this might not be the final update before May 3-5 gets here and NES fest kicks off (see me using the acronym already?), and the lineup for a pre-party at 33 Golden St. in New London has been announced as well, which will be headlined by Fox 45, so, you know, more of a good thing and all that.
The full lineup as has been revealed follows. Note the Wretch reunion. NES fest!
New England Stoner & Doom Fest II
The New England Stoner and Doom Festival will make its return in 2019 on May 3,4, and 5 at Altones in Jewett City, CT.
Earthride Brimstone Coven Wretch Kings Destroy +1 TBA Foghound Pale Divine Vessel of Light Spiral Grave Solace Black Road Curse the Son Shadow Witch Hell Camino Clamfight Eternal Black Thunderbird Divine Stonecutters When the Deadbolt Breaks Mourn the Light Entierro Bone Church Buzzard Canyon The Age of Truth Void King Horseburner Scuzzy Yeti Witchkiss Cortez Benthic Realm Faith in Jane Conclave Set Fire 3 Parts Dead Insano Vision Old Earth Analog Pinto Graham The Stone Eye Sentinel Hell
Pre-party @ 33 Golden St.: Fox 45 VRSA Dark Ritual Owl Maker Feed the Beast
Posted in Whathaveyou on November 14th, 2018 by JJ Koczan
Welp, I guess I know what I’m doin’ on May 3 and 4 next year. Calendar is marked. I was otherwise occupied during the first New England Stoner and Doom Fest earlier this year, but with the usual caveat that a piano might fall on my head between now and then, my plan is to hit New England Stoner and Doom Fest II as a priority, and the first lineup announcement has done nothing to dissuade me from that intention. Shadow Witch, Earthride, and Brimstone Coven are all vets of Maryland Doom Fest — Earthride are of course kingpins of that scene though release through NESDF-related Salt of the Earth Records — but Vessel of Light, Youngblood Supercult, Black Road, Set Fire and others it will be my first time seeing, so all the more reason to look forward to getting to Altones, which I hear kicks ass anyway.
And yes, I’m among the presenting media for the festival, but I don’t have the inside track or anything on who’s playing, so as the announcements come through for the bill, I’ll be just as surprised as everyone else. I’m looking forward to that too. There’s a good bit of diversity of sound already in the lineup, and any chance you get to see Brimstone Coven‘s harmonies in-person, you should do that. Bottom line is there’s a lot to like here so far, so dig in, and when I see the next round come through, that’ll get the same treatment.
For now, here’s the first poster and the list as posted on the fest event page on Thee Facebooks:
The New England Stoner and Doom Festival will make its return in 2019 on May 3 & 4 at Altones in Jewett City, CT.
A little heavy metal now and then never killed anybody, unless we’re talking about a pipe falling on your head or something. Fortunately, we’re not, and instead we’re talking about thrash-inspired Connecticut four-piece Entierro, who will issue their self-titled debut full-length this coming September. They’ve given a first look and listen to the long-player’s wares in a new lyric video for “Cyclonic Winds,” and its darkened, thrashy gallop feels indicative of the band’s style overall. That’s not to say the album won’t have anything else going on, just that when it does, it’ll probably still bear the razor-sharp tones and tight delivery that “Cyclonic Winds” foretells. I’ve had the pleasure of hearing two other tracks from the record in the more straightforward rocker “Dybbuk” and the slower, forward-building momentum bringer “Turn out the Lights,” and while both of those have something distinct from “Cyclonic Winds” to offer, both also hold true to the metallic tonality and aggressive execution of this lead single.
As for “Cyclonic Winds,” it tells a tale of an apocalyptic weather event ravaging a shoreline, and somehow in my head I can’t seem to divorce that from the fact that the band hails mostly from New Haven, which sure enough is on the shoreline of Connecticut. Whether they were thinking specifically of the destruction of their hometown owing to climate change or not, they present the hook of “Cyclonic Winds” in more general terms, with clean and shouted vocals and a mounting sense of urgency that leads them into a slowdown in the song’s second half and a redux of the chorus to suit the new tempo. No less catchy, it bridges a gap between “Cyclonic Winds” and the earlier going of “Turn out the Lights,” and no doubt ties in with other material on Entierro‘s Entierro as well.
And by the way, if you’re saying to yourself, “but dude, didn’t you already review a self-titled Entierro tape in 2014?,” first of all, that’s eerily specific of you to remember, and second, yes, I did. It was an EP. This one is a full-length. Different beast. Also, in addition to being the band’s first album, it’s also the lineup debut with guitarist Victor Arduini (also of Arduini/Balich and Fates Warning) alongside Christopher Beaudette, Dave Parmelee and Christopher Begnal, whose progressive style fits well with the heads-down grooves proffered by the others.
A sampling is provided in “Cyclonic Winds,” which you can stream and view on the player below, with more info from the PR wire beneath that. Please enjoy:
Entierro, “Cyclonic Winds” lyric video
Entierro adds former Fates Warning guitarist to line-up
Releases lyric video for Cyclonic Winds.
New album to be released September 2018
Connecticut Heavy Metal titans Entierro are proud to finally announce the addition of Victor Arduini (Fates Warning, Arduini/Balich, Freedom’s Reign) to its ranks. Arduini will be joining Christopher Beaudette (Jasta, Kingdom of Sorrow, Nightbitch), Christopher Begnal and Dave Parmelee (One Master, Nightbitch) to round out the group. While the newly cemented unit has been performing sporadically around Connecticut, the quartet have spent most of their time over the last year together hard at work on their first full length record to be released in September of 2018. The release illustrates a new chapter in the evolution of the band who, while pushing further into new sonic territory, still maintain a sound steeped in traditional heavy metal.
When asked what led to his joining up with the band in early 2017 Arduini stated “They were the one band from my area I was really digging. Their sound was true old school metal that just had some really cool heavy riffs and songwriting. Chris is a great frontman and after going to see them play a few shows I learned one of their guitarists was leaving and I was asked if I’d be interested in joining them. The timing was perfect. After finishing the Arduini/Balich album I pretty much needed a break from all that writing/producing I did and this allows me to just be a part of a band again without it all falling on my shoulders. With the great writing skills of the others I can focus on putting my style over what they come up with and occasionally add a riff or two when needed. It helped keep me actively playing and I’ve just been having a blast playing these songs with such awesome musicians.
The band has been working steadily over the last year at Dexter’s Lab Studios in Milford, CT with Nick Bellmore once again at the helm. The first single, “Cyclonic Winds,” shows some of the many facets of Entierro from the pummeling opening riff to the slow and low groove that closes the number. The lyric video was created by video production company YOD Multimedia.
Their first single Cyclonic Winds and album pre-order is currently available at entierro.bandcamp.com.
Posted in Duuude, Tapes! on September 30th, 2014 by JJ Koczan
A five-track release of pro-produced, deeply aggressive beer metal, Entierro‘s Entierro EP has been pressed to tape in a limited edition of 50 copies. The tape itself is white, the J-card professionally printed as a one-side foldout, and the five songs included repeat on both sides. Download included. Both the material and its presentation are straightforward — the Connecticut outfit would much rather steamroll than impress with nuance — and as their first release under the moniker after forming as Treebeard in 2010, I’d expect no less from the Waterbury/New Haven double-guitar four-piece. Bassist/vocalist Christopher Taylor Baudette doubles in Nightbitch, but Entierro are a far more down-to-earth project, proffering dudely, metallic chugging and beer-raising groove with more than an edge of East Coast intensity.Baudette, guitarist/vocalist Javier Canales, guitarist Christopher Begnal and drummer John Rowold all feed into a burl that stays consistent throughout and only gets more prevalent as they push toward the thrashy closer “Fire in the Sky.”
Opening with the longest inclusion in the 5:11 “Cross to Bear” (immediate points), Entierro‘s Entierro starts out slow with a rolling, crisply produced riff around which the vocals work in a clean, metallic melody, the pace quickening in the second half to a chugging shuffle. As it should, “Cross to Bear” sets the tone. Guitars trade and combine leads, the tempo builds from slow to raucously fast, and Entierro cap with a big round of riffing, drawing back to the chorus and reinforcing a structure that — while not in doubt — shows they’re coming out of the gate with a good handle on their songwriting. The subsequent “Time Rider” provides the most memorable hook of the tape, and centerpiece “The Mist” opens up the groove and stomps out its rhythm with a sense of foreboding befitting its lyric. Again, Canales and Begnal impress on guitar, as they did in the early going of “Time Rider” as well, and though it seems like “Entierro/More Dead than Alive” is going to be somewhat calmer — the eponymous part of the song seems to be a bass solo from Baudette — it winds up a rager to set up the further aggro-ism of “Fire in the Sky,” which rounds out as if to remind the listener Entierro were a metal band the whole time.
There was no doubt, whatever other heavy elements they worked in, but “Fire in the Sky” is sufficient payoff for the tension of the tracks preceding either way, its lyrics not bothering to look to tales of monsters or horror but focusing on the everyday terrors that exist on the current world stage. What they have to say about it is basically that the situation is grim and we’re all screwed, and it’s hard to fault them the perspective. Four years on from getting together, Entierro have a handle on their sound well enough, but I’d be interested to hear how it sounds live in comparison to the tape, since the clarity of production is such a big part of what makes it sound so particularly metal. I don’t take metal as a negative necessarily, I’m just curious if the band’s next outing will continue down that path or expand soundwise into more of a rock feel in kind with some of the earlier riffing on “Time Rider” or “The Mist.” I wouldn’t speculate, and more importantly for the time being, Entierro‘s Entierro intrigues enough that seems worth waiting to find out.
