Haa… about a year ago I got Yatra’s debut album “Death Ritual” and now I got their second one, Bloof of The Night, here with me. This latest one is released by STB Records and I chose Obi-version just because it looked nicer than other color-variations. For those who are not familiar with this band, Yatra is a little darker mix of sludge/stoner/doom with a hint of Death metal in their sound. Beautiful album and really nice to see STB Records putting out these jewels once again. Still available from the source, STB and if you’re located on old continent Kozmik Artifactz is the place to visit.
Yeah. Time for some cassette update.. Sorry for those vinyl freaks (like I am) but lately I have found myself purchasing more & more albums in this format. Some of these I also got on vinyl but I love these handy little things as much I love every damn vinyl I have. Mostly stoner/doom stuff but there’s also some stranger tapes listed.
SHROOMS CIRCLE: SHROOMS CIRCLE
Lovely cover! Shrooms Circle with their sludge/doom/stoner release. Really don’t know much about this band but sounds great. Ordered this tape via Golden Dawn Recordings months ago and from that source it’s sold out long ago. Limited to 50 copies and if you ask me, that’s way too limited..
BLOODMOON: SUPER VOID TRINITY
Quite epic stoner/doom cassette, oh I love this. Self released tape limited to only 50 copies. One of my favourite ones lately. Sold out from the band’s BandCamp page but I really hope that they’ll find the way to get this released on vinyl too.
BRUME: ROOSTER
Well, got this on vinyl.. just couldn’t resist purchasing this on tape too. Psychedelic/stoner/doom/sludge/whateveryouwannacallit.. Nice one. Vinyl version still available via DHU Records and cassette (ltd.100) available via Doom Stew Records. Get one while you still can
ELECTRIC WIZARD: LIVE MARYLAND DEATHFEST 2012
Hmm.. Never been a great fan of live recordings but purchased this tape from Electric Wizard via Creep Purple. Limited to 500 copies on this grey colored cassette and just to let you know (if you didn’t already know) there’s a second pressing on black cassette too.. both sold out. Not bad at all.
MEPHISTOFELES: PURE FUCKING NOISE
Have to say that I haven’t had that much luck with Mephistofeles releases lately.. at least I got this cassette via Creep Purple a while ago. It was funny to see how much those flippers asked from this tape soon after release (originally limited just only 50 copies). But here comes the best part.. Creep Purple released a second run few months ago (this time 100 copies) and there’s no differences between these two runs. Well, it’s sold out anyways, both runs.
ALASTOR: BLACK MAGIC
Alastor & Black Magic. Damn good tape this is, honestly. For a moment I couldn’t even remember where the hell I ordered this tape but the place is Graven Earth Records. Psychedelic stoner or something but sounds gooooood… Limited to 200 copies and still available from the source, Graven Earth.
ETERNAL BLACK: BLEED THE DAYS
Of course I had to buy this one too even though I purchased this on vinyl few months ago. Doom/stoner/metal at it’s best. Cassette version is limited to 100 copies and was available via Hellas Records. If you want a copy, Twin Earth still seem to have some copies available. Vinyl version available via band itself on their BandCamp page.
VOID TERROR: SOUL HARVEST
Some death metal to your face. This is Void Terror’s demo tape and I loooovee it. Best thing about BandCamp is that possibility to came across some nice suff, like this tape. Cassette (limited to 100 copies) still available via BandCamp. Check it out.
BEASTMAKER: EP. 1 & EP.2
Beastmaker.. Everyone probably knows this band. Band has released numerous EP’s on digital format recently and 4 first one are released on tape. Here I got first two. Purchased these from Toys of Disharmony Distribution. Following two can be purchased via BandCamp where you can find that first two ones are also released on vinyl. Not bad at all.
SOYUZ BEAR: BLACK PHLEGM
Another doom/sludge beast released by Hellas Records. This time we are talking about Soyuz Bear and their evil sounding cassette. You can grab this one via Twin Earth if you are interested. Hell Yeah!!
CRYPTIVORE: UNSEEN DIVINITY
Haaa.. some death/grind from Australia! I have this thing with Death metal.. I love the genre, mostly bands from the early days but sometimes it’s just great to come across with some new bands and Cryptivore is one of those. Limited to 100 copies, released by Blood Harvest and available for example via band itself
ORYX: STOLEN ABSOLUTION
Blackened doom/sludge and one of my favourite cassette release. Limited to 75 copies and available via Graven Earth Records. One thing about that printed sleeve this cassette was hidden in, it’s so tight that I have to use some violence to get the cassette out (sleeve was left out of the picture above). Evil release indeed.
THULE THULE: UNDER THE SPELL OFF
Have no idea of this band, this release or anything involved Thule Thule. This was released by Golden Dawn Records and is limited to 50 copies.. That much I know about this dark, psychedelic release from some dusty vault. Prizes of this tape on Discogs are hilarious…
SLOTHER: DIE SLOWLY
Yet one nice darkened stoner/doom/sludge release. This time band is Slother and this demo release is named Die Slowly. Band is from Canada and that’s mostly I know about this group. Cassette is released on green (limited to 50 copies) and black (limited to 75 copies) cover. Recommended if you like your stoner/sludge dirty & evil. Available via Toys of Disharmony Distribution.
SHROOMS CIRCLE: ASYLUM
Latest from Shrooms Circle, called Asylum. Band is from Switzerland and really hope that this will be released on vinyl someday. Stoner/Doom/sludge is the concept on this release too. Released by Golden Dawn Reordings & limited to 50 copies..
DANZIG: DANZIG III – HOW THE GODS KILL
Well, we all know Danzig. Found this used tape from some local Facebook marketplace. Don’t even know if this is some bootleg version but I don’t care because I paid 3 euros from it. Nice deal considering the fact that the tape is in quite good condition & sounds good.
LUNAR FUNERAL: SEX ON A GRAVE
If you like your stoner/sludge/doom seasoned with some garage, blues & psych, then you should check out Lunar Funeral’s Sex on A Grave. This is good one and I’ve been listening this a lot (and I really mean lot). Band is from Russia and tape has been released by Hellas Records but I have no idea where to get a copy anymore..
ULVESANG: ULVESANG
Got this on vinyl too but I had to have this on tape too. Acoustic neofolk is the thing here and even though I’m not familiar with this genre I really love this band. Album is sold out on every format nowadays.. Recommended, highly.
ZEAL & ARDOR: STRANGER FRUIT
Second full-length from this experimental so-called black metal outfit. Debut album is one of my all-time favourite This second one is still under closer listening. Cassette version available for example from Earache and vinyl from various stores.
JOEL GRIND: THE YELLOWGOAT SESSIONS
Joel Grind.. Man behind Toxic Holocaust and various projects etc. Obviously this sounds quite like TH in my opinion. Anyways, nice one and came with button & patch. Still available from Joel’s BandCamp site
KOBOLD: THE CURSE OF THE ANCIENT ABBEY & THE CAVE OF THE LOST TALISMAN
And then something totally different. Came across with these tapes via BandCamp and it was love at first sight. Never been fan of Dungeons & Dragons or anything involved with role-playing etc. but these tapes are awesome. 8-bit dungeon synth bringing smile to my face. Just check out Heimat Der Katasthrope, they have tons of awesome tapes available.
HAUNTED: S/T & DAYBURNER
Last but not least, two tapes from this freaking amazing band, Haunted. Perfect name for the band because the music.. it’s haunting stoner/doom with ethereal vocals. Latest one, Dayburner, must be the best stoner/doom record I have heard this year. First one still available on tape & vinyl from Twin Earth, Second one, Dayburner seems to be little hard to find on tape but DHU Records released it on vinyl recently so you can grab this beauty from DHU (I already did).
Really don’t know what to say about this one. Is this Death Metal taken to outer limits, if I may say yes. Even though I was quite a big fan of this genre back in the days it’s funny that even living here in Finland I managed to pass this band totally. Now on my old days I’m trying to fix errors made on that era. This album was released on CD & cassette originally (that might be the reason I never came across it) and 16 years later, in 2009, it was released on vinyl (finally). What makes it so special to me are those vocals… and the fact this is Finnish band. Quite disturbing record and oh yes, I love it. If you wanna ruin your weekend, I honestly suggest you to check out this abomination. Repress (2018) available via Svart Records on few different color options.
I’m not that good at purchasing re-issues butsometimes there is noother choice.My history with Death is confined to three albums, Leprosy, Spiritual Healing & Human.When this album appeared I was already moving forward in my adventures in the miraculous world of music. Few years back I started hoarding these treasures of my own time back and I found this masterpiece “again”. The fact was, however, that the original version was beyond my reach because of those prizes they are asking for it at Discogs & Ebay. Few months ago I found this re-issue via Discogs and was forced to order a copy (actually I bought black version but got white one instead). Since I heard “Leprosy” at the first time I knew that this band was (and still is) the king of its genre. Awesome album this surely is and have been spinning under the needle almost daily last few months.
Hah! I blame this record for my addiction for Death Metal. I remember buying this record (in 90’s) just because the cover looked so awesome (and was stupid enough to sell it years ago..). Oh boys & girls.. On that moment started my on/off relationship with older Death Metal. Awesome collection even though there are few more-like Thrash metal bands included like Exhorder & Cerebral Fix (and even Sepultura). This has been on my wantlist for years and now I got me a decent version for decent prize. Hell Yeah!!
Hey, that’s not a stain nor fault on the vinyl you see on the picture, it’s just a reflection of ceiling lamp. To the point -> Been hunting down these early nineties death metal releases for some time now and weeks ago I managed to grab this one from Malevolent Creation. Never managed to hold this release on my hands back then, actually I only read some reviews from Metal Hammer but never came across with a physical copy. Can’t say what is it with these ancient releases, maybe it’s kind of nostalgic feeling around these albums. Or maybe is just the fact that in my opinion Death Metal was at it’s best around those years. Great album.
Hmm.. this is frightening record, like their previous ones. This Australian group takes you on the journey between dimensions, leaving you to float alone in the void just to tear you back to their chaotic realm. Still remember watching their video of “Swarth” years ago and I was just… wow! And with this new one the reaction is still that same. Like I said, frightening record. Ordered this copy (ltd.100) from Profound Lore when it was announced and it’s no surprise that all those colored variations are long gone by now.. But hey, it’s not about the color of the vinyl, it’s all about the music. Still you can purchase this one on regular blackened wax for example from the source, Profound Lore or for example from HR Records.. choice is yours. Excellent album.
Don´t know about you but I think that this album by Incubator, “Mc Gillroy The Housefly”, goes straight to my top ten of early 90′ death metal albums. I came across with this album few weeks ago, never heard about this band before. I was checking out my “wantlist” on Discogs and somehow I found myself listening to this album via Youtube. Bought the vinyl via Discogs while it was available and now it has been spinning on my turntable daily. Death/Doom (seasoned with some twisted psychedelic elements) at it’s best if you ask my opinion. Now I’m forced to hunt down their debut.. damn it!
Yeeeeeessssss… after years & years hunting process is finally over. This brilliant album has found its way to me. Bought this from some Discogs seller because he had quite reasonable prize on it. Records are in damn good condition and even cover.. well, it could have been in perfect condition before this seller decided to ship it with those worst ever mailers (I have talked about in few of my previous posts). Some corners of the cover has taken some hit during shipping but I decided to keep this one. Thing that pisses me most is that I asked the seller to secure those corners of the mailer and he decided not to. Well, here it is and I love it, even with smashed corners. Few more original copies from Entombed and my heart is filled with looooove. Actually at this very moment “Same Difference” in original format is on the way to me.. I think.
Haa.. somehow I have purchased great pile of cassettes during last few months. Never thought that I would turn back to this format but here we are. There is more than one reason why cassettes have found their way to my heart.. This format is way more cheaper, these arrive without a doubt in much better condition than vinyl records and most of all, in some cases cassettes are the only physical format available. Some of these albums I already have on vinyl format but I just couldn’t resist getting those on cassette too..
MEPHISTOFELES: WHORE & (((I’M HEROIN)))
Let’s start with these two tapes from Mephistofeles, stoner/doom outfit from Argentina. I bought these two cassettes from Creep Purple Records (nice job, once again!). Even though I have that “Whore” also on vinyl I just had to have it on cassette too. These two are sold out by now. “Whore” have been released on cassette format by few other labels too but all copies are sold out and Discogs prizes of those are ridiculous!
OLDE: TEMPLE
Old good OLDE and their latest album on cassette format. Stoner/doom is the thing here and vinyl version of this album is still available from STB Records (BandCamp). If you fancy this more on tape, I suggest you to check out Medusa Crush Recordings. MCR also have some other items for sale there..
UNREQVITED: DISQUIET
Let’s jump right to atmospheric/blackened/depressive/metal. I found this record via BandCamp and I really like it. Also just found out that this has been released on vinyl too.. Cassette version can be ordered via Fólkvangr Records, vinyl version via Ordo MCM. Nice recording indeed.
DÖDSRIT: S/T
Let’s continue with little rougher stuff. This is Dödsrit from Sweden and this cassette kicks ass big time! Blackened metal mixed with crust/punk. This is concept that just can’t go wrong if you ask my opinion. Available from Bloodsoaked Records. Recommended release!
ELECTRIC WIZARD: WIZARD BLOODY WIZARD
Latest from all mighty Electric Wizard. I purchase this on cassette & vinyl (more about that vinyl version later..). Wizard is wizard, what else can I say? This was available via Spinefarm Records but seems that it’s sold out (but I think there’s more copies to come).
CONCRETE / FIELD & WOUND: CONCRETE / WOUND
Ambient, drone, minimal are those words best to describe this one. Some of you may already know that I love to listen soundscapes like this cassette is providing. Music for dark rooms. Still available from Invisible City Records. Lovely.
YELLOW EYES: IMMERSION TRENCH REVERIE
The main reason purchasing this on tape was the prize (and shipping costs). Would love to own this one on vinyl too but at the moment I settle for this cassette format. It’s nice to see that these tape releases are selling out quite fast, does that tell something? Good record and someday I gonna get my hands on that vinyl version too.
BATTLE HAG: TONGUE OF THE EARTH
Back to psych/space/stoner/doom genre. Just have to wonder why this hasn’t been released on vinyl? This cassette has been released by Transylvanian Tapes and it was already sold out from the source when I heard about this band the very first time. Anyways, I was lucky enough to grab a copy straight from the band though (seems to be sold out from that source too..). Hope that some awesome DIY label would give this one good vinyl treatment.
CEPHEIDE: SAUDADE & RESPIRE
And back to the darker side. I came across with this band while surfing around Bandcamp. First I wasn’t that interested but after listening “Saudade” few times I just had to purchase it and their previous one, “Respire”. Black metal is the thing here, you don’t have to like it but I do. Both tapes available from their BandCamp site.
OWL COVEN: COSMIC VOID
Yet one recording that should have vinyl treatment. This band from France has managed to create awesome sounding stoner/doom tunes and I really hope to hear more from them as soon as possible. Tape has been released by Transylvanian Tapes and is still available from the source. Recommended highly if fuzzed stoner/doom is your thing!
DEMONSMOKE: MORPHINE MOONSHINE
And another album waiting for someone to release it, surprise, on vinyl. This cassette was the reason I found out Transylvanian Tapes and all those delicious releases the label has put out. Evil sounding tape, I like it. Transylvanian has sold this out, and seems that band has too (good for the band, not that good for possible fans who missed it). At least you can support the band buying the album on digital format.
COSMIC REEF TEMPLE: AGE OF THE SPACEBORN
Oh I love these releases Transylvanian is putting out. Cosmic Reef Temple with their album “Age of The Spaceborn” blew my mind. You better check this out because this is awesome! Saxophone here is something I haven’t heard before and have to say it works. And yet another recording I would love to buy on vinyl format. Available from the source, Transylvanian Tapes. Highly recommended one.
CAFFA: MENTAL ENSLAVEMENT
Filthy death metal from Caffa. This tape came along my order from Transylvanian Tapes, so it was like a gift. And I really like this gift too. Even though I’m more into early death metal I really enjoy listening to this one too. Pity that this is sold out from the source (well, if I got a copy so there must still be some copies left..). Thanks to Transylvanian Tapes, I really appreciate this!
HELL: S/T
This is Hell. Freaking brilliant. Sold out but sounds like this..
LIGHTSABRES: DEMONS
Lightsabres, my favorite one. Got all Lightsabres albums on vinyl but some strange way I thought that I have to purchase those albums on cassette format too. Actually I was after his latest release (split with Blissful Stream) and these previous tapes I just ordered to cover those shipping cost.. Hey, it’s me here trying to justify these purchases to myself. Tape is still available from Medusa Crush Recordings if you are interested.
LIGHTSABRES: HIBERNATION
Same thing with this one as that one above. Lightsabres forever! Medusa Crush still having some copies if you lack one.
BLISSFUL STREAM / LIGHTSABRES: DEVIL’S NIGHT TO ALL SOULS
And here’s the reason for buying all those tapes from Medusa Crush. I was after this split release with Blissful Stream. Now that I have been lisening to this release I just have to say it was worth every penny I spent. Great thing here is also that I’m in love with Blissful Stream now. Brilliant release indeed! Still available from Medusa Crush Recordings so what the hell are you still waiting for?
FORDELL RESEARCH UNIT: ETCHES OF PAIN
Here’s some drone to your ears. Excellent release. Painting soundscapes and this surely is one hell of a soundtrack for these late hours. If you want a copy of this you better hurry because Invisible City Records have on two left at this very moment I’m writing this.
Some older death metal on cassette format. Hammerheart Records have re-pressed these two albums on vinyl & CS. Those vinyl versions are already sold out but there’s these tapes still available like Malleus Maleficarum, Consuming Impulse, Testimony of The Ancients, Spheres and even the newest one called Hadeon. Great work from Hammerheart!
BLACK THREAT, DANNY CLAY & GREG GORLEN
Three cassettes filled with experimental/drone/ambient/noise… aah, now I can close my tired eyes and let these soundscapes take over. These tapes are sold out but that should not prevent you to check out these, some of you might even like these tapes.
Never been a big fan of technical death metal (well, I have one Portal record in collection..) but listening this record via BandCamp blew my mind. I just had to purchase a copy because this sounds nuts. This band with this record shows how far this genre has evolved since those early days of death metal. Luckily I’m quite open-minded so I decided to give this record a chance.. Relentless Mutation is filled with so much energy it’s like to blow. Everybody should have at least one technical death metal album in their collection (now I have two) and this could be the one. This album is released by Season Of Mist and their EU store has some silver versions available (limited to 300 copies), US store has this blue colored one (limited to 100 copies) still available. I got my copy from HR Records. What else can I say? I like this one, you don’t have to. Choice is yours.
As some of you might already know I’m a huge fan of early death metal (mainly from late 80’s & early 90’s) and I’m trying to hunt down those treasures from that era. Few weeks ago I got this pile of LP’s from my secret source (once again) and there was this one and only full-length from Funebre called “Children Of The Scorn”. I’m really ashamed that I have always skipped every Finnish death metal bands since I started listening this genre.. don’t know why. Maybe I have kept thinking that the crass is greener on the other side of the fence. This freaking album proves me that I have been so wrong, so long. Damn good death metal album and the band picture on the back of the cover brings a smile to my face.. remember looking just like those guys back then (well, not quite like that one on the middle).
