Brace yourselves! This week we have a convergence of extremes, where sacrificial stage performances appear alongside evil riffs with demonic tongues, and profound explorations of darkness. If this sounds up your alley, you might be getting coal this year. In this week’s edition of PUNK REPORT RVA we’ve got new music by locals The Saturn Death Cult, Ulamog, and Terror Cell.
Are you a local punk/metal/hardcore band with new music, or are you an enthusiastic listener with suggestions? Perhaps you would just like to say hi! Send an email to cj@rvamag.com
Ulamog – In The Shadow of Iron (Track)
This year marks the first full length release by Crossover Thrash Metal band Ulamog. Hailing from Hampton Roads, the band has recorded 8 songs that perfectly encapsulates their talent for writing old school evil riffs. You need look no further than the first track on The Hungriest Of The Old Ones to understand these guys are not messing around. Prepare for a relentless onslaught of riffs, blistering solos, and a rhythmic assault that will transport you back to the golden age of Thrash while injecting a fresh contemporary edge.
Terror Cell – The End of All Things (Track)
Blending sludge, noise rock, post metal, and mathcore, Terror Cell paints a grim picture of the world with their sound. Their song “The End of All Things” showcases the band’s prowess in crafting a sonic experience that is both punishing and thought-provoking by tackling themes of religion, depression, and loss. For fans of extreme metal and those willing to explore the darker realms of musical expression, this band is worth exploring.
Shows
DOWNFALL, REGULATE, BLIND JUSTICE, KILLING PACE, WASTED SPACE
Friday, December 22 @ The Warehouse
Doors: 7:00 pm
DESOLUS, NUCLEAR TOMB, HELLION CHILD, VIGIL
Wednesday, December 20th @ Bandito’s
Doors: 7:00 pm
What I’m Listening To
MOONLIGHT SORCERY
Horned Lord of the Thorned Castle (Album)
Sometimes you just need a guilty pleasure to take your mind off the world and currently this is mine. Finnish trio, Moonlight Sorcery, tell a tale of castles and sorcery with their over the top form of Melodic Black Metal. The album has a frenetic energy that rarely takes a break and is bursting with riffs, blast beat drums, synthetic strings, organs and screeching vocals. Honestly, what has me so hooked here is the guitar playing, which takes center stage for most of the record. The guitar tone has a lighter distortion than most other Black Metal projects, providing a much easier listening experience. On the record’s numerous guitar solos the tone is kept clean and triumphant with melodies requiring Neo-Classical speed and dexterity. Most of the record does sound quite similar and the band has even said their debut LP could have been a single 44-min song. Despite this monotony, each time I put on a track like “In Coldest Embrace” I can’t help but crack a smile and headbang, it just rocks!
Favorite Tracks:
- “To Withhold the Day”
- “In Coldest Embrace”
Top photo of The Saturn Death Cult courtesy of David Morton
