(one track per each release)
BEST OF 2018 REVIEWS:
(and full album streaming links)
DEADBEAT L.A. - 2018 promo tape CS (Not Kvlt)
Without any doubt, this tape is my favorite release of the year. With a tight and great songwriting topped with a great production handled by their drummer Nick at his Townsend Mastering studios... This tape contains two promo songs for their upcoming LP and three older songs written a couple of years ago. All stitched together, these songs will take you into a journey of power violence madness with furious stop and go, whirlwind ferocity and a great sense of pummeling groove as any great power violence band should have. Seriously this band topped and overcome any expectations they built with their previous awesome releases (check also their debut demo, also released in 7", and a split 7" with the almighty Boak). So what you're waiting for? Don't waste further time reading my useless review... Enjoy your ears and bang your head here:
THE BODY - I have fought against it, but I can't any longer... 2xLP (Thrill Jockey)
I really like The Body. What amazes me the most about this experimental duo is that they always keep changing and evolve within their trademark sound. In other words they always find some ways to keep things fresh and entertaining. For this album they said goodbye to guitars focusing more on drums, samples, keyboards plus extra vocalists, viola and piano thanks to an augmented line up of new and old collaborators among which I'd like to underline the presence of Kristen Hayter (a.k.a. Lingua Ignota whom records you should check right now because she's dark, intense and absolutely great). Once again: The Body.
TRAGEDY - fury 12" (Tragedy)
This new Tragedy release came out out of nowhere and totally unexpected... At least for me... Tragedy don't like to advertise themselves, in fact they refuse all music business blah blah blah and stay true to their DIY ethic. In case you were wondering, these 6 tracks are fast and keep some distance from their previous mid tempo release (which by the way was an absolute masterpiece and if you didn't like it, you should give it another chance because it's an awesome dark and moody recording...). But these tracks sounds different from their earlier releases too. Despite they're pretty straightforward songs, there are some dark parts in them and a wide range of epic influences which is a great evolution of their sound in my opinion... Give those tracks a good dose of multiple listening and you may end loving their multilayered beauty... Good unexpected stuff from the masters of the crusty universe... Loved it.
NEGATIV - projections LP (Byllepest Distro / Sabotage)
Byllepest Distro has quickly become one of my favorite labels of the most recent years... If you take a look at this "end of the year best" list you will find many of its roster's bands... Negativ from Norway is one of the best European DiY punk band around with amazing songs and schizophrenic vocal delivery. So good.
Byllepest Distro has quickly become one of my favorite labels of the most recent years... If you take a look at this "end of the year best" list you will find many of its roster's bands... Negativ from Norway is one of the best European DiY punk band around with amazing songs and schizophrenic vocal delivery. So good.
PIG DESTROYER - head cage LP (Relapse)
Yes, yes there aren't much blast beats in this recording but you know what? Who cares. Honestly the reason why Pig Destroyer are so mind blowing is not only the fact they can be a full on grinding machine but also (and mostly) because they can craft awesome riffage and songwriting. And that's exactly what Scott Hull (Pig Destroyer's deus ex machina guitarist) seemed to focus more on this release. Anyway he does not much care if you like it or not, Pig Destroyer is his project made for his artistic satisfaction and not for paying bills... So he just released the music he wants, the way he wants... By they way this album is brilliant: every song is mind blowing and... groovy! Just try to resist headbanging these tunes! The artwork made by Marc McKoy (of Charles Bronson / Das Oath / Youth Attack Records fame...) gives it an extra spin... Marc crafted some great work that actually gives a more serious feeling to general Pig Destroyer's outputs. All in all this album is a real destroyer... Indeed.
Yes, yes there aren't much blast beats in this recording but you know what? Who cares. Honestly the reason why Pig Destroyer are so mind blowing is not only the fact they can be a full on grinding machine but also (and mostly) because they can craft awesome riffage and songwriting. And that's exactly what Scott Hull (Pig Destroyer's deus ex machina guitarist) seemed to focus more on this release. Anyway he does not much care if you like it or not, Pig Destroyer is his project made for his artistic satisfaction and not for paying bills... So he just released the music he wants, the way he wants... By they way this album is brilliant: every song is mind blowing and... groovy! Just try to resist headbanging these tunes! The artwork made by Marc McKoy (of Charles Bronson / Das Oath / Youth Attack Records fame...) gives it an extra spin... Marc crafted some great work that actually gives a more serious feeling to general Pig Destroyer's outputs. All in all this album is a real destroyer... Indeed.
CREUX LIES - the hearth CD (Cleopatra)
This Sacramento post punk synth wave band really blew me away with an album with many great tunes in it. I've listened to a lot of post punk bands this year and between all the great releases I had the chance to listen to, this is one of my absolute fave.
ENEMIES - no sympathy CS (Demolition)
I've read a lot of excitement about this new release from this Oi influenced hardcore combo from Alberta and now I understand why. They have the capability of nailing down perfect singalong aggro tunes and this CS is great from start to finish.
I've read a lot of excitement about this new release from this Oi influenced hardcore combo from Alberta and now I understand why. They have the capability of nailing down perfect singalong aggro tunes and this CS is great from start to finish.
Backslider is a band that likes to challenge itself. At this point labelling them simply as a fastcore power violence band is too reductive. They throw in the mix many hardcore, metal and punk influences with high care on their songwriting in order to keep it highly challenging and interesting. This EP may have just two songs in it, but it's gold. You guys definitely got me with this...
BLEAKNESS - ruined fate E.P. 12" (Destructure / Sabotage / La Agonia De Vivir / Kinky)
Speaking about worldwide punk bands that blew me away this year, here's Bleakness from France. Damn these gorgeous 4 songs are so good and they are crafted in a single sided 12" with record cover design printed on the other side. Loved it.
THOU - rhea sylvia 12" on Deathwish
These Louisiana's very prolific sludge masters unleashed 6 releases this year... Seems incredible but they're all great and different one from another in terms of sound and musical approach. Among all my favorite is definitely "Rhea Sylvia" 12" released by Deathwish which showcase their sludge attack with epic and dramatic sound and arrangements. All in all Thou continue on challenging themselves releasing varied output while evolving their sound. Premium stuff.
PADKAROSDA - Visszatérő Rémálom CD (Bat-Cave Productions)
Somebody told me that this Hungarian post punk band was one of the high light of this year K-Town festival. After my friend's enthusiastic review of their live show, I checked out their first LP and I immediately bought it. The singing in their native language, their cavernous hypnotic bass lines and twisted guitars really got me immediately. Short after my very late discovery, their new LP came out and yes, it's another awesome release!!!
SUBURBANITE - s/t LP (Youth Attack)
When Youth Attack is involved, we know we may expect some serious good shit. This band from NYC is angry and hostile to the core.
TARANTULA - the very best of sex and violence 7" (Deranged) / CS (Pissed Off)
So this year gave us a shitload of great and interesting punk releases... A lot of great awesome and personal punk bands arose in the most recent years, and this one tops my list... Seriously good stuff from Chicago.
COLD CAVE - you and me and infinity 10" (Heartworm Press)
The song "Glory" came out at the end of 2017 and I initially placed it as one of the best releases of that year, but since it was just one track I removed it at the very last minute... Now that it has finally a proper release treatment, here we are. I still listen to this song today... It's a perfect synth wave tune fueled with sadness and hope as well. This is the kind of songs that are immediate anthem and I really love it. Add three great songs and a picture 10" and you know you're gonna get a great slab of synth goth pleasure....
MAMMOTH GRINDER - cosmic crypt LP (Relapse)
These death metal punx from Texas deliver us a heavy weight dose of groovy madness. Awesome headbanging non stop rentless hemp fueled crazyness from former members of Power Trip, Iron Reagan and Darkest Hour.
PRIMER REGIMEN - ultimo testamento CS (MMM Discos) // LP (Byllepest Distro)
Come on this band is too good. They came from Bogotà (Colombia) and they deliver a great dose of uk82 anarcho punk hardcore with memorable lyrics. I really can't rid of this release and it's definitely another gem in the already mentioned array of great world punk releases of this 2018. Serious good shit issued by two fo the greatest labels around...
EMMA RUTH RUNDLE - on dark horses LP (Sargent House)
Beautiful and dramatic songs. She nailed down another wonderful album full of gems.
BOOTLICKER - who do you serve? E.P. 7" (Warthog Speak / Televised Suicide)
"Lick it! Come on... Lick it!"
"And, O my brothers, would you believe your faithful friend and long suffering narrator pushed out his red yahzik a mile-and-a-half to lick the grahzny, vonny boots..."
"And again... and again... and again... and again..."
HARMS WAY - posthuman LP (Metal Blade)
I just can't help loving this tough guys music. They progress from release to release while they refuse to confine themselves in the same formula. They definitely continue to evolve their blasting sonic violence in many different directions still keeping their own sound. Bravo!
PHANTOM WINTER - into dark science LP (Golden Antenna)
I don't know how much following have these guys. What I can tell you is that you should pay attention to this band. Very dark, cold, dramatic sludge doom tinged post blackened metal aus Germany. Genre definitions always are meaningless with bands like this, just listen to them!
LUCTA - black magic punk CS (Occult Punk Gang)
My hometown Milan (Italy) has witnessed a great resurgence of DiY punk community in the most recent years. Not that it never fade away, hopefully, but in the latest 4/5 years the scene became very exciting. Many collectives and individuals joined forces to do shit together and the obvious result of this humus is the birth of many cool new bands. Something pretty rare in the years before, to be honest. Among all collectives, Occult Punk Gang is a group of open minded punx that are able to organize great and varied events and activities. Lucta are obviously part of this collective and their first demo has been issued just by their own collective's label. But this demo isn't here just for a tribute to a great scene I'm happy to be part of. This demo is brilliant and good and I liked it A LOT. Valentina's vocals are great. Her voice is beautiful and her lyrics are thoughtful and to the point. Giuseppe's riffing leads their post punk sounding hardcore punk supported by the great rhythm session of Clara and Giuditta. Great great great release.
FINAL - obsolescencia humana 12" (Byllepest Distro)
There was nothing more exciting, this year, than Colombian punk scene out of Bogotà. Some great bands, records and lyrics. Byllepest Distro nailed it down again! Gorgeous stuff.
WOUND MAN - prehistory 7" (Iron Lung)
Tight power violence with lyrics revolving around the sadly increasing devolution of the human species. Fuck humanity.
MODERN HEAVEN - midnigh cowboy EP (Burning Rose)
Gorgeous goth new wave. This EP is too good. Five awesome songs. You probably won't be able to pick your favorite. They put extremely care in their songwriting writing different tunes deeply crafted in the goth synthwave post punk aesthetics. And speaking about their singer, come on... She's too good. Amazing voice and vocal talent...
DODSRIT - spirit crusher LP (Prosthetic)
I generally don't like black metal. It's simply not my cup of tea. But as always in music, you can never know. These crusties from Sweden crafted a grandeur of an album. Seriously awesome epic stuff.
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