'kirchenkampf' - "Lowland" CDR

Experimental music from Monticello, Indiana? Most certainly, and micro-indie label Cohort Records, owned by John Gore, has been behind it for years now. 'kirchenkampf' is Gore's primary musical project, and it's been his most prolific outlet for audio collage since the late eighties.
"Lowland" is his latest collection of ambient soundscapes, and this set is an evocative and subtle set of darkened vapor-clouds of sound. And while most of "Lowland" seems relatively formless, the air of mystery and tension is palpable, and worthy of soundtrack consideration. There are seven tracks here, all titled with map references, but that's no consequence, as "Lowland" flows together as a unified whole. Sometimes relaxing and other times uneasy, this album functions well as a meditative background listen, and ideal for reading (or reflecting) alongside.
The handsome packaging and handmade slipcase (painted and stamped by the artist himself) elevates this release into the realms of visual art, as well, and anyone with an ear for the obscure and the subtle should find this to be a fascinating and worthy piece for the collection. (Cohort Records)

Killing Joke - "Absolute Dissent" CD

It's been said that in times of worldly distress, the mighty Killing Joke reconvene to ignite the fires of dissent. Their voice is one founded upon the reactionary climate of punk, and tempered by literature, poetry, and ancient history (and prophecy). They're a powerful conglomerate of influences, and "Absolute Dissent" is the band's most aggressive, emotional, and fearless release in some time.

The original lineup of Killing Joke assembled for the first time in 25+ years for this recording, and the intensity and unbridled passion are as strong as ever. Lead madman (and sometimes-classical composer) Jaz Coleman spouts off intelligent political discourse and borderline demonic ranting like no other. The opening title track recalls the band's early days, with Geordie Walker's distinctive grinding, choppy guitar and a a walloping, catchy chorus. That's not to mention the huge drums, courtesy of Big Paul Ferguson. Bassist (and now name producer) Youth returns with his dub-inspired low-end. It's crowned with Coleman's caustic seething rants (and his well-honed melodic voice as well). An effective lead-off track, for certain.

"The Great Cull" is a monster of sludgy grind and pound, with a vision of a Malthusian future where behind-the-scenes players manipulate the general masses via food, immunizations, and other means to control the overpopulation zeitgeist. Ominous, scary, and, unfortunately, likely very real conspiracy. There are no easy answers, but within the context of rock music, Coleman and Killing Joke stand head and shoulders above the rest, intellectually if not musically. "In Excelsis" is one of my favorites, being a spirited wall of noise that can't obscure an unmistakably sorrowful (yet simple) two-chord melody. Another brilliant track. "European Super State" needs no explanation, but the group here explores a club-worthy proto-industrial groove, and it works beautifully, coming across as more intense and aggressive than anything Ministry have done in years.

"The Raven King" honors former KJ bassist Paul Raven, who unexpectedly passed away in 2007. This is the emotional highlight of the record, and a touching tribute to Raven's swaggering persona and the love his friends had for him. Swells of guitar and keyboards amplify Coleman's poetic reflections. Other strong points include the fiery "Depthcharge", and the dubby closer, "Ghosts Of Ladbroke Grove". I could go on and on, as this is among my most-played releases of the last year. Amazing, brutal, intelligent, catchy, and monumental, "Absolute Dissent" is a triumph however you cut it. (Spinefarm Records)

Killing Joke official site

Weedeater - "And Justice For Y'All" album

Rising from the burnt-out ashes of legendary scuzz-dirge metallists Buzzov-en, Weedeater emerged with an even slower, lower, and dirtier metal assault. This is a reissue of the band's 2000 debut album, with a couple of live tracks tacked on as a bonus. And, to use a well-worn cliche, it smokes.
Carrying on with it the same ragged, stoner rock ferocity as their previous incarnation, Weedeater seems to be having a measure more fun here. Witness their tongue-in-cheek cover of the Crosby, Stills, and Nash song, "Southern Cross". Nonetheless, that track is followed by the spooky cemetary-on-acid "#86". It's a weird, down-tuned slice of hallucinogenic reverberations like prime-era Butthole Surfers as seen through a funhouse mirror in a haunted house. I say it's bizarre, scary, and perplexing. Another standout is the slow-and-low basement-noise-blues of "Monkey Junction, which appears later in a live version, too. Grimy, dense, and murky sludge metal for antisocial miscreants? Surely, and good fun it is, too. (Sleeping Village Records)

Weedeaterspace

"Suor Sorriso (Sister Smile - The Tragic Tale Of The Singing Nun" DVD (director: Roger Deutsch)

A liberal retelling of the story of Belgian nun Jeanne Deckers (who, in the early 1960s, achieved a major international pop hit as "The Singing Nun"), "Suor Sorriso" succeeds on just about all levels. Despite penning this light, feel-good pop music sensation, Deckers' life was plagued by inner turmoil and personal demons. Deutsch examines her life after leaving the convent, as Deckers (played convincingly by Ginevra Colonna) becomes romantically entangled with another former nun, and delves into a world fraught with careless drugs, alcohol, and sex. Deckers' slow collapse is tragic and gradual, with Colonna more than proving her chops in this difficult and heavy-duty role. Visually superb, with some trippy hallucinogenic sequences, this 2001 Italian-language film (with English subtitles) is a curious, interesting, and engrossing watch. "Suor Sorriso" deserves much better than "B" status. There are a couple of short bonus films from the director, both of which are worthwhile slices of experimental cinema, with heart and soul. Superb set, and worth your attention! (MVD Visual)

The Ballad Of Genesis And Lady Jaye trailer

An interesting new film on the way, focusing on the infamous "cultural engineer" Genesis P-Orridge and his sadly-departd wife, Lady Jaye, and their unusual and creative life partnership. I will be anxious to see this one, as Gen is a seriously influential person, with both Throbbing Gristle as well as Psychic TV, and when I interviewed him for nearly 2 hours back in 1995, he was quite a chatty gentleman!

The Ballad of Genesis and Lady Jaye // Trailer from Marie Losier on Vimeo.

Genesis Breyer P-Orridge website

The Low Anthem - "Ghost Woman Blues" on Letterman

Here's a new clip of one of my favorite "new" American acts, The Low Anthem, who Goatsden first encountered (and was mesmerised by) when they opened for Lisa Hannigan. Check this new song from their upcoming album, "Smart Flesh", then check their website and order their stuff! Cool people and amazing music.


The Low Anthem site

Atlantean Kodex - "The Golden Bough" CD

This German band's first studio full-length is a harkening back to the days of denim and leather, with the sound of classic melodic metal, and extravagant fantasy/sword & sorcery imagery. The music is pure, rooted-in-the-80s, and old-school, with superb production and Markus Becker's melodic vocals. Some call this 'epic metal', and I could agree with that description. There's nothing too harsh or ear-damaging on "The Golden Bough", just a series of galloping guitar rockers with complexity and Tolkien-esque imagery. The band is definitely tight and qualified, and fans of big stadium metal "like they used to play" will certainly enjoy Atlantean Kodex. (Cruz Del Sur Records)

Atlantean Kodexspace