For over forty years now, Neurosis, has been a legendary heavy band. The amount of influence and inspiration this band has emitted is astounding. Their renowned albums have over time become profound art installations into an intoxicating and dark world. Twelve studio albums that all feel unique and intriguing. Ranking these is extremely hard to do but, I do believe I’ve found a very great way to put them in perspective. That’s not to say there is a bad album in the bunch. With that in mind here’s the definitive Audioeclectica album ranking of Neurosis.
For a while now, I’ve been searching for the a certain type of band to come along and ease my pain of not having Neurosis nor Isis (the band) being active. I know that sounds silly considering there are plenty of bands out there that I’ve heard that could possibly do it but, I’ve been looking for that one band to take that style a bit in a different direction and I found it. Guiltless, a fitting name for a band that definitely has that Neurosis vibe (their album is released through Neurot Recordings and guitarist/vocalist Josh Graham did work with Neurosis creating visual components). Joining forces with Sacha Dunable, Billy Graves and Dan Hawkins, members of Intronaut and Generation Of Vipers, this devastating four piece has taken the good old fashioned doom sound and added some really fun twists, turns and dynamics to push beyond that sound.
The debut album, Teeth To Sky is quite the eruption. Throughout the 8 songs and over 40 minutes of the album, the way it becomes immersive is quite the listening experience. There’s a ton of little nuances found throughout the songs that give Teeth To Sky the charm it has. Mixing doom with post metal, noise rock, ambient undertones and the twist… optimism. The addition of optimism in this style of music is quite interesting and part of the reason why it took me a minute to write this. I’ve been listening to this album for the past few weeks, eating up all the things I was looking for. As I kept listening especially listening with my really awesome headphones on, that’s when I started to figure out this album. There’s a reoccurring theme found on the album of how “one must take advantage of life” and in the times we are in, it’s pretty epic to find that in this style of music.
To describe each song and get into that would take away from the effect you’d have from listening on your own. The bludgeoning aggressiveness that is found throughout propels the album but, Teeth To Sky is more than that. This album is one of those that will grow on you as it did with me. I look forward to hearing more from Guiltless and seeing how they develop and evolve. These songs need to be played live and I would bet that the decibel levels will be astounding. Definitely give Guiltless and this crushing debut album a ton of listens. And if/when they arrive in your town, I’d go see them too!
Last year, Seattle’s own Great Falls released their album, Objects Without Pain. It was one of my favorite albums of 2023 and it’s one of those albums that with each listen, I love more and more. If you are in the mode for something heavy, noisey, sludgey and just a great all around band than I really think you should be listening to Great Falls. Ahead of the band making their way across the pond to be the direct support for Botch’s reunion/farewell tour, Great Falls have released a vide for their song “Trap Feeding.” This video captures the energy of Great Falls live and then some. Brace yourself for what Great Falls brings, it’s one hell of a volatile punch that is greatly needed in heavy music!
As a rabid music fan of multiple genres and styles, I still get excited when I hear a band, album or song that really grabs my attention. There’s something to be said for the way certain bands can pull you in and you are then in for quite a ride. Recently, I finally had the time to check out a band and album that the moment I heard about it really got me interested. The band is Ex Everything and their debut album, Slow Change Will Pull Us Apart is one hell of an album. It’s aggressive, chaotic, heavy and down right pissed off which all this then makes for a cathartic release of thought provoking and compelling music.
Ex Everything is made up of members of Kowloon Walled City, Early Graves and more. While there are tinges of each of the members other bands in this, Ex Everything explores a different side of things by tapping into their inner Fugazi and other similar bands to create a visceral sound that not only grabs your attention with interesting progressions and timings but, also with vocals and lyrics that call for attention. The eight songs on their debut, Slow Change Will Pull Us Apart are armed with a ferociousness that is desperately needed. When you listen to Ex Everything the inner mosh pit in your head goes off and from there, I can’t be responsible for what you do next. I will say this though, an album like this is and at the time of its release was much needed. As I mentioned above there is a catharsis with this album not just lyrically but musically as well. The way the riffs and rhythms shift and pull you in different directions is quite powerful. Not to mention the production by Scott Evans who was able to capture the essence of a band that is quite on fire throughout this impressive debut.
Ex Everything is a band I hope to hear more from. It’s right up my alley of what I enjoy and I have a feeling they’ve only scratched the surface of what they are capable of. There is a volatility to these songs that could ignite a fire and hopefully that fire is within you to fight for what’s right.
The mighty and very awesome Kowloon Walled City have returned with a new track, “Oxygen Tent.” According to the band, “the song is about fearlessness and resilience and not taking shit from powerful men.” This song is shows a very dynamic range of how great of songwriters they are. The production on this song too is exquisite. It’s so great to have new material from Kowloon Walled City. Can’t wait for the album and tour! If you don’t know about this band, now is a great time to get familiar with them.
