Life Pilot - Self Titled - Instrumental

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Life Pilot from Adelaide, Australia released the instrumental version of their self-titled album last month. Twelve tracks of chaotic metalcore without vocals - just heavy riffs and relentless aggression. The band has been around since 2012, building a reputation for writing heavy, angry songs and this instrumental release strips everything down to the core: the dissonant guitars, crushing rhythms, and noise metal textures that define their sound.

FFO: Coalesce, Norma Jean, Converge

SOARS

synth driven instrumental post rock. just came out a few days ago and i've listened to this 6 or 7 times all the way through. shit's so good. side note, pelagic is very quickly becoming one of my favorite labels. no less 3 and possibly up to 5 releases from this label will make my list this year.

name yo price

pelagic records

 

(U.S.) Manslaughter 777-World Vision Perfect Harmony LP (2021)

Country: USA
Genre: Electronic, Breakbeat, Experimental 
Label: Thrill Jockey
Tracks: 8
Length: 32.0'

 Manslaughter 777 is the musical project of Lee Buford of The Body and Zach from MSC, who began collaborating for this project in 2020.   Manslaughter 777 play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of electronica, techno, and breakbeat electronics within their sound.  World Vision Perfect Harmony is  Manslaughter 777's debut LP, which was released via Thrill Jockey records on March 26th, 2021.  On World Vision Perfect Harmony,  Manslaughter 777 offer up eight tracks of hypnotic, ambient, and atmospheric sounding experimental electronic music.  Overall, World Vision Perfect Harmony makes for an awesome listen and definitely should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Manslaughter 777 on Bandcamp

Thrill Jockey Records on Bandcamp

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The Kronk Men-2 EP (2021)

 Country: USA
Genre: Post Hardcore, Post Punk, Surf Rock, Noise Rock, Instrumental
Label: Forbidden Place Records
Tracks: 10
Length: 38.50'

The Kronk Men are a three piece band from Bend, Oregon who formed in 2017, from the looks of things.  The Kronk Men play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of instrumental post hardcore, post punk, surf rock, and noise rock within their sound.  Since forming in 2017, The Kronk Men have released an eight song LP titled I in February of 2018, a four song EP titled II in February of 2018, a four song EP titled Cornucopia Of Evil in July of 2019, and a ten song LP titled III in April of 2020.  2 is the band's latest EP, which was released via Forbidden Place records on April 2nd, 2021.  On 2, The Kronk Men offer up five tracks of tense, discordant, and driving instrumental post hardcore, post punk, surf rock, and noise rock.  Overall, 2 makes for an awesome listen and definitely should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

The Kronk Men on Bandcamp

Forbidden Place Records on Bandcamp

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NGC 2020-Bloom/Wish EP (2021)

Country: France

Genre: Shoegaze, Dream Pop, Synth Pop, Electronic, Instrumental

Label: Self-Released

Tracks: 4

Length: 13.30'

NGC 2020 is a band from Paris, France who formed in 2020.  NGC 2020 play a killer style of industrial music that incorporates elements of shoegaze, dream pop, synth pop, and electronic music within their sound.  Since forming in 2020, NGC 2020 have released a six song self-titled EP in December of 2020.  Bloom/Wish is the band's latest EP, which was released on February 9th, 2021.  On Bloom/Wish NGC 2020 offer up four tracks of killer instrumental shoegaze, dream pop, synth pop, and electronic music.  Overall, Bloom/Wish makes for an awesome listen and definitely should not be missed.  Great stuff.  Enjoy!

(Band Submission)

 NGC 2020 on Bandcamp

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Jandreau-Atë EP (2021)

 

Country: USA

Genre: Darkwave, Industrial, Instrumental

Label: Self-Released

Tracks: 8

Length: 21.20'

Jandreau is a musician from Albany, NY who began composing music under the moniker Jandreau in 2015.  Jandreau plays a dark and ominous style of instrumental and experimental darkwave and industrial.  Since starting out in 2015, Jandreau has released a ten song LP titled Stratum in June of 2016, a twelve song LP titled Atavism in October of 2016, a digital single titled Psychosis in December of 2018, an eight song LP titled Theurgy in February of 2019,  a two song EP titled Hemlock in April of 2019, a two song EP titled Tribute in April of 2019, a digital single titled Unearthed in July of 2019, a digital single titled Immortality in November of 2019, a digital single titled Paraphasia in December of 2019,  a digital single titled Incarnate in January of 2020, a digital single titled Torment in February of 2020, a six song EP titled Paramnesia in March of 2020, a digital single titled Nihilism in March of 2020, digital single titled Monomania in May of 2020, a two song EP titled Sundowning in October of 2020, a twelve song LP titled Dysfunction in September of 2020, and a three song EP titled Drown in November of 2020.  Ate is the band's latest eight song EP , which was released on January 11th, 2021.  ON Ate, Jandreau offer up eight tracks of dark and ominous sounding darkwave, and industrial.  Overall, Ate makes for an awesome listen,  Great stuff!  Enjoy!

Jandreau on Bandcamp

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Shed-Demo (2021)

 

Country: USA

Genre: Experimental, Shoegaze, Desert Rock, Instrumental

Label: Self-Released

Tracks: 8

Length: 37.30'

Shed is a three piece band from Rhode Island who formed in 2020.  Shed play a psychedelic sounding style of experimental improvisational/instrumental shoegaze and desert rock.  This is the band's debut demo, which was released on January 26th, 2021.  On their debut demo, Shed offer up eight tracks of psychedelic sounding instrumental experimental shoegaze and desert rock.  Overall, Shed's demo makes for an awesome listen an/d definitely should not be missed.  Great stuff!  Enjoy!

Shed on Bandcamp

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The Kronk Men-3 LP (2020)

Country: USA
Genre: Post Hardcore, Post Punk, Surf Rock, Noise Rock, Instrumental
Label: Forbidden Place Records
Tracks: 10
Length: 38.50'

The Kronk Men are a three piece band from Bend, Oregon who formed in 2017, from the looks of things.  The Kronk Men play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of instrumental post hardcore, post punk, surf rock, and noise rock within their sound.  Since forming in 2017, The Kronk Men have released an eight song LP titled I in February of 2018, a four song EP titled II in February of 2018, and a four song EP titled Cornucopia Of Evil in July of 2019.  III is the band's latest full-length LP, which was released via Forbidden Place records on April 19th, 2020.  On III, The Kronk Men offer up ten tracks of tense, discordant, and driving instrumental post hardcore, post punk, surf rock, and noise rock.  Overall, III makes for an awesome listen and definitely should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

(Label Submission)

The Kronk Men on Bandcamp
Forbidden Place Records on Bandcamp
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The Kronk Men-Cornucopia Of Evil EP (2019)

Darius-Voir LP (2020)

Country: Switzerland
Genre: Post Hardcore, Post Metal, Post Rock, Noise Rock, Instrumental
Label: Hummus Records
Tracks: 8
Length: 40.30'

Darius is a five piece band from Bulle, Switzerland who formed in 2014, from the looks of things.  Darius play a killer style of  instrumental post hardcore, post metal, post rock, and noise rock.  Since forming in 2014, Darius have released a nine song LP titled Grain in October of 2015 and four song EP titled Clôture in March of 2018.  Voir is the band's latest full-length LP, which was released via Hummus records on April 17th, 2020.  On Voir, Darius offer up eight tracks of atmospheric and heavy sounding instrumental post hardcore, post metal, post rock, and noise rock.  Overall, Voir makes for an amazing and truly unique listen.  Seriously, I can't begin to describe how good this album is.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Darius on Bandcamp
Hummus Records on Bandcamp
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(U.S.) El Drugstore-The Golden Age of Bad Ideas LP (2019)

Country: USA
Genre: Instrumental Metal, Sludge, Noise Rock
Label: Nefarious Industries
Tracks: 8
Length: 35.50'

El Drugstore is a three piece band from Middletown, New Jersey who formed in 2008.  El Drugstore play a killer style of instrumental metal, sludge, and noise rock.  Since forming in 2008, El Drugstore have released a split LP with A Fucking Elephant titled Silver Medals For Everyone in July of 2011 and a ten song LP titled Plague Ship in December of 2013.  The Golden Age Of Bad Ideas is the band's latest LP, which was released via Nefarious Industries on November 15th, 2019.  On The Golden Age Of Bad Ideas, El Drugstore offer up eight songs of tense, angular, and discordant sounding instrumental metal, sludge, and noise rock.  Overall, The Golden Age Of Bad Ideas makes for an awesome listen and definitely should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

El Drugstore on Bandcamp
El Drugstore on Facebook
Nefarious Industries on Bandcamp
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Frvctures - Bloom EP (2019)

From: Mesquite, Texas
Genre: Melodic Hardcore, Instrumental Emo
Released: July 9, 2019
Tracks: 5
Length: 20m 10s

frvctures on Instagram
Name Your Price on Bandcamp

Buoyant - Demo EP (2019)

From: Leeuwarden, Netherlands
Genre: Instrumental Melodic Metalcore
Released: June 29, 2019
Tracks: 4
Length: 13m 25s

Buoyant on Instagram
Buoyant on Twitter
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Brutalist-S/T EP (2019)

Country: Switzerland
Genre: Post Metal, Noise Rock, Experimental
Label: Self-Released
Tracks: 5
Length: 30.40'

Brutalist is a four piece band from Geneva, Switzerland who formed in 2015, from the looks of things.  Brutalist play a killer style of music that incorporates elements of experimental post metal and noise rock within their sound.  This is the band's debut EP, which was released on March 2nd, 2019.  On their debut EP, Brutalist offer up five tracks of sludgy and dirty as fuck sounding instrumental post metal and post rock.  Overall, Brutalist's debut EP makes for an awesome listen and definitely should not be missed.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!

Brutalist on Bandcamp
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OPHIDIUS

epic instrumental tech death from a couple guys from hath,  whose "of rot and ruin" will probably be my album of the year, inspired by skyrim. what part of what i just just typed have you not understood well enough to mash that download button? stop staring at me. it makes me uncomfortable. and this is amuuurrrica. we dont like being uncomfortable.

name yo price

Watered- Split With Terraformer (2017)

Country: Germany
Genre: DoomGaze, Post Metal
Label: Wolves & Vibrancy Records /  Time As A Color
Tracks: 5

This year has been and will continue to be a fucking great year for the Doom end of the heavy music spectrum.

With releases from Bongripper and Conan, as well as the relatively new releases of Spotlights and Pallbearer, I think it is safe to say there is no shortage of slow ominous riffs, fuzz and feedback to satiate the most chronic Doom and Post-Metal leaning hunger pangs.


With this review I am going to focus on the Watered side of the split which, at just under 23 minutes, sees the band exploring a wide range of sounds and styles.
It is very much in their writing style to explore, for example, a heavy sludge riff,  then seamlessly transition into a more minimal and melodic area, only to build up to another crushing atmosphere of huge guitars and drums.

The songwriting is gripping in the sense that there is no identifiable predictors of where they might go next at any particular moment. Watered has a special way of being completely non-linear and keeping your attention while simultaneously leaving you guessing about what it is to come next.
Fifty three seconds into the second track " Garden Of Cyprus" is a great example of what I am attempting to show you with words.

These transitions and moments are undoubtedly executed with great skill reflective of the extremely strong musicianship.  As the listener is pulled further into the atmosphere of these songs, you can't help but start to listen for the coloring and layering of the fucking fantastic bass playing, the many moods of the drummer and his great compositional dynamics.
Not to say that the guitars themselves are not equally as impressive, as they masterfully drive the songs forward while exploring a wide range of playing styles and tones that sound full and organic.
From beautiful and glass-like cleans a la Explosions In The Sky, to blown out fuzz, where you can feel the soap bar pickups reacting to the mechanical pressure of the guitar strings parading through your ears.

Like on previous releases, Watered also has incredible production qualities that strengthen their performance. The incredible dynamic nature of this genre is wielded greatly by Watered, and is furthered by production that is very organic with plenty of headroom to hear the layers with great depth and also retaining the stomping low end heaviness that really makes this band worth repeated listens.

FFO: Pallbearer, Cult Of Luna, Explosions In The Sky, This Will Destroy You, God Is An Astronaut 

NY In 64 - The Gentle Indifference Of The Night (2017)

Rel. Date: May 26, 2017
Format: 12''
Origin: Keyport, New Jersey (USA)
Genre: Post Hardcore, Post Rock, Instrumental
Label: Dark Operative Digital

                    




NY In 64 is a 4-piece instrumental band from Keyport, New Jersey that features Justin Hock & Thomas Schlatter of 90's screamo band 'You And I' and Chris Alfano & Seth Rheam of post metal band 'East Of The Wall'. Completely void of vocals, the raw energy of 90’s hardcore supplied by Hock and Schlatter, mixed with the refined technical aspects of progressive metal Alfano and Rheam deliver, were like two worlds colliding. However, it resulted into something that seamlessly blended the two contrary styles. 'The Gentle Indifference Of The Night' is the 2nd album from NY In 64 and the follow-up to the 2015’s self-titled debut album. It documents the band pushing their sonic template to new heights, realizing an even more refined and uniquely inspired style of instrumental hardcore aggression. The hooks are big, the dynamics are deep and textured. 'The Gentle Indifference Of The Night' is a killer album that truly sounds like no other. It's almost comparable to movie soundtracks. Even if you don't like instrumental music, you'll definitely enjoy this fine tune. Highly recommended.!!

NY In 64 - NY 64 (2015)
NY In 64 - The Gentle Indifference Of The Night (2017)

SATURN'S HUSK - Marée Noire (2017)

Instrumental Sludge / Doom trio from a dusky and grim Latvian capital.

Saturn's Husk on Bandcamp

Saturn's Husk on Facebook

Saturn's Husk on Instagram

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Jon Shuemaker- Shadows Of The Mind EP (2017)

Country: USA
Genre: Post-Metal, Instrumental Rock
Tracks: 5
Label: Self Published


Multi-Instrumentalist Jon Shuemaker has been slowly and steadily releasing completely DIY albums over the last few years.
He first appeared as a drummer on the debut album of a progmetal band called Mind's I.
Since their dissolution, he has explored many different styles and genres; all centered around being somewhat left-of-center.

The music on 'Shadows Of The Mind' is rhythmically engaging while retaining a great sense of melodic direction. It is hypnotic without feeling pointless. It is hard to categorize in any particular category as it might bend genre from riff to riff.
Definitely a good palette cleanser, and definitely some of his heavier output.

Jon Shuemaker On Bandcamp

FFO: Dead Letter Circus, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Acid Jazz

Mutilation Wave-S/T LP (2016)

Country: USA
Genre: Post Metal, Post Rock, Instrumental
Label: Pluto Records
Tracks: 6
Length: 43.0'

Mutilation Wave is a two piece band from Austin, Texas who formed in early 2016 from the looks of things.  Mutilation Wave features Stephen Sanchez and Keith Hernandez who are best known by their work in Austin Tx's noisecore band DSGNS.  Mutilation Wave play a killer style of instrumental post metal and post rock with killer sound samples that completely accentuates the band's sound and style.  Mutilation Wave features angular, precision drumming, and riff heavy post metal which makes for a tense, urgent, and belligerent listen.  To be honest, I'm not a huge fan of instrumental music, but Mutilation Wave offers up an album that's compelling, unique, and thought provoking.  Overall, Mutilation Wave offer up a killer six song LP for their debut.  Highly recommended!  Enjoy!  Mutilation Wave's debut LP was released via Pluto records on March 18th, 2016.

Pluto Records on Bandcamp
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GENKI GENKI PANIC

LOCATION: CHATTANOOGA, TENNESSEE

FFO: HALLOWEEN, SURF ROCK

I must be getting old. 10 or 15 years ago I wouldn't have liked this. now...I love it. basically this is a modernized Halloween themed version of the ventures. if quentin tarantino did a horror movie, this would be the soundtrack. cant think of a better description than that. for anyone interested, this has one of the guys from uncle touchy which was a great noisy punk band along the lines of quicksand or helmet, with a sense of humor. give it a shot.

g.g.p. bandcamp

u.t. bandcamp