Top Records of 2010

These records immeditatley stood out as my favorites over the past twelve months:

- Ash Pool, For He Who Plies the Lash CD/LP (Hospital)
- The Bastard Noise, A Culture of Monsters CD/LP (Deep Six)
- The Bastard Noise/The Endless Blockade, The Red List CD/LP (Deep Six/20 Buck Spin)
- Double Negative, DayDreamNation LP (Sorry State)
- Innumerable Forms, Dark Worship 7” (Hell Massacre)
- Pollution, Smut LP (c6 Recordings)
- Slaughter Strike, At Life’s End 12” (Cyclopean)
- Swans, My Father Will Guide Me Up a Rope to the Sky CD/LP (Young God)
- Unearthly Trance/The Endless Blockade – Split 12" (Chrome Peeler)
- Vegas Martyrs, Vancouver’s Missing Women CS (Hospital)

Also Noteworthy:
- Joshua Norton Cabal, Between Two Fires CS (Swim Harder)
- Rotten Sound, Scum CD+DVD/12” (Relapse)
- Slices, Cruisin’ LP (Iron Lung)
- Society Nurse, Society Nurse 7” (Iron Lung)
- Trap Them, Filth Rations 12”/CD/CS (Southern Lord, Quarantine House)
- Unearthly Trance, V (Relapse)
- Weekend Nachos, Bleed 12” EP (Relapse)

I had been looking forward to hearing some of these albums before their release, some hit me by surprise. Among the latter I"d say the Pollution LP (and their Drugs EP before it) was easily one of the best hardcore releases in recent memory.

Though Unearthly Trance (the NY doom outfit which gave birth to Pollution as a side-project) have been on my radar for a number of years already, I only really got into them after hearing their side of the split with The Endless Blockade and enjoyed their fifth full length pretty immensely, (even if it was on Relapse.) Same with the Weekend Nachos 12", though it was much more of a departure from the bands' usual fare (the band shifted from powerviolence influenced hardcore to Grief worship with more finesse than I could have possibly imagined, especially with a name like theirs.)

This fall I snagged a batch of cassettes for my distro from Hospital Productions, all of which were great, but the Vegas Martyrs cassette blew away what little material I'd previously heard from them and stood out as an immediate favorite among the lot. In a similar fashion the Innumerable Forms 7" (Justin/DFJ from Mind Eraser and pretty much every other band ever) was an unexpected rager. I had enjoyed the Deth Warr (Chris from Mind Eraser/Painkiller) demo when it came out, and expected something similar here (an overt hommage to Terrorizer, Repulsion, and early Napalm Death,) but Dark Worship shows more depth than 99% of the metal bands currently helmed by reformed hardcore kids (a FAR cry better than the shallow/uninspired attempts at metal by Nails, Black Breath, etc.) The I.F. 7" offers three tracks of largely Swedish influenced death in the vein of Crematory, Unleashed, Grave, Autsopsy, and Incantation. In a more directly Dismember and Clanestine-focused manner, Slaughter Strike's At Life's End 12" was also excellent beyond expectation, though I was less surprised (and no less impressed) having known the background of their members. Very much looking forward to hearing new material from both in 2011.

It should also be said that Swans' "comeback" album was worlds better than I thought it would be, and Gira & Co. easily pulled off the #1 spot for the best set I saw this year. Though I'm getting out less and less over the years, I also caught sets that still stand out by Moutheater, Druglord, Cough, Double Negative, and Ocean this year.

All Fizzy Fuzzy in a Col' Wizzy Wuzzy.

Friend of mine is going through a divorce and I'm helping him sell some stuff. Trying to do this in lots where possible... Any help is appreciated.

IRON BOOTS





s/t Demo '04
- Record Release (#8/75) Brain Grenade
- (/220 Gold) Brain Grenade
- (/225 Black) Damaged Records
Weight of the World
- Record Release (/100 Black) Bordeom Kills
- (/100 White) Boredom Kills
- (/400 Black) Boredom Kills
Easy Green
- (TEST PRESS; #4/24) Grave Mistake/Brain Grenade
- (Posi Numbers Press; #40/500 Black) Grave Mistake/Brain Grenade


HORROR SHOW




Our Design
- Summer '02 Tour Cover (/200 Green)
- (/400 White)
- (/1500 Pink)
Holiday E.P.
- (/125 Dark Pink/Marble)
- (/300 White)
- (/1000 Clear Red)


H2O - Old School Recess (x4)


(Clear, Pink, White, & Black)

MENTAL



- And You Know This (2nd Press; /850 Blue) Lockin' Out
- Get an Oxygen Tank (1st Press; /700 Yellow) Bridge 9
- Yo! (2nd Press; /500 Clear Red) Lockin' Out


WAR HUNGRY



- Divine/Demonic (1st Press; /700 Black) Brain Grenade
- Cold World Split (1st Press; /662 Black) Six Feet Under
- Return to Earth (1st Press; /560 Black) 1917

Feel free to either msg me on here, or email ryanaircraft@hotmail.com for questions. Thanks again.

Even more new shit...

+ MIKE IX WILLIAMS – Southern Nihilism Front: “That's What the Obituary Said” b/w “Ten Suicides” (1st Press; /500 Yellow/Black Splatter) Chrome Peeler $9
+ THE ENDLESS BLOCKADE/UNEARTHLY TRANCE – Split 12” (1st Press; Black) Chrome Peeler $12
+ THE ENDLESS BLOCKADE/UNEARTHLY TRANCE – Split 12” (1st Press; Black) Chrome Peeler $12
+ THE ENDLESS BLOCKADE/UNEARTHLY TRANCE – Split 12” (1st Press; Black) Chrome Peeler $12
+ THE ENDLESS BLOCKADE/UNEARTHLY TRANCE – Split 12” (1st Press; Black) Chrome Peeler $12
+ MERZBOW/THE GUILT OF... - Split 12” (1st Press; Black) Chrome Peeler $11
+ MERZBOW/THE GUILT OF... - Split 12” (1st Press; Black) Chrome Peeler $11

The Mike Williams 7" is an EP featuring one new power-electronics song exclusive to this release and a song only released on CD-R demos in 2005 on yellow/black splattered vinyl. Strictly limited to 500 copies with 11x17" poster and all original Mike Williams (EyeHateGod, Outlaw Order, Arson Anthem, etc.) art.

The Guilt Of... is also the bastard son of Mr. Williams and his noise accomplice Ryan McKern. Layers of noise and intrument abuse building to a droning cacophony. Their split is shared with longtime king of the modern noise/power-electronics scene, Japan's Merzbow and his contribution, "Oh Lucy." Absolutely crushing.

NY's Unearhtly Trance offer up new school doom, countered by Toronto's Endless Blockade and their always interesting take on power-violence by means of near-grindcore drumming, power-electronics interludes and segues, and judgmental/jaded harcore and punk veteran lyrics. Much to the dismay of Ceremony and Mind Eraser fans everywhere, they have also included a cover of Slogun's "I Just Kill." Great fucking record.

Distro Update

I've added a bunch of stuff to my distro in the past few weeks. Everything from a bunch of new vinyl from Southern Lord, Deathwish, and High Anxiety 416, to long out print and rare shit from my own collection.

Discounts for those able to pick up their records, or buying in bulk.

Feel free to contact me, with even your most meager offers: ryanaircraft@hotmail.com

7”
ABOUT TO SNAP - s/t (Silk-Screened B-side) Specimen 32 $4
ABOUT TO SNAP - Already Dead (1st Press; Grey) A389 $4
ADAMS, RYAN – “Hey Parker, It’s Christmas” b/w “Ah Life” – Lost Highway $7
AGAINST ME! - The Disco Before the Breakdown (4th Press; /440 Cherry) No Idea $5
AGAINST ME! - Sink, Florida, Sink/Unsubstantiated Rumors (3rd Press; /1000 Grey) No Idea $5
AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED/THE ENDLESS BLOCKADE – Split 7” (1st Press; /500 Black) Relapse $7
AMMUNITION - s/t (1st Press; /321 Blue) Western Front $2
APARTMENT 213/FORCED EXPRESSION - Split 7” (Purple) Clean Plate$5
THE ASSAILANT – The Nurse EP (Picture Disc) Init $7
BLACK SHIPS – Low (Black) New Romance for Kids $5
BONES BRIGADE - Nothing Changes (Tour Press; /500 Yellow, One-Sided) Mind Warp
BONES BRIGADE/D.F.A - Split (Tour Press/Lucas Korte Art; Black) Still Holding On
BOOKBURNER - s/t (1st Press; /445 Clear) 16Oh $5
BRACEWAR – Whatever It Takes 7” (1st Press; /700 Black) TWGG $6
BURNING LOVE – s/t 7” (1st Press; Black) Deranged $5
BURNING LOVE – s/t 7” (1st Press; Black) Deranged $5
BURNING LOVE – s/t 7” (1st Press; Black) Deranged $5
BURNING LOVE – Don’t Ever Change b/w Jack the Ripper (1st Press; Black) Deranged $6
CALIFORNIA LOVE/GEHENNA – Split 7” (1st Press; Black w/ Download Slip) A389 $6
CIPHER – Burnt Halos 6” (Red/Black) Double Down $2
C.R./MILHOUSE - Split (Black) CI $4
CRIME DESIRE - In Lucifer’s Grip (1st Press; Black) Life’s a Rape $5
CURRENT - s/t (/200 Black) Council $12
CURSED – The Last Session (1st Press; /650 Salmon) High Anxiety 416 $10
CURSED – The Last Session (2nd Press; /500 Red) High Anxiety 416 $10
DEATHCYCLE - s/t (1st Press; Black) 17 cm $3
THE DEDICATION - Youth Murder Anthems (1st Press: /848 Clear) Deathwish Inc. $4
DEFEATIST - Thanatonic State (1st Press; /800 Black) Level Plane $4
DEFEATIST - In Praise of False Hope (1st Press; Black) Chainsaw Safety $4
DEVOUR – Insect Circuitry (1st Press; Red) Headcount $5
DOUBLE NEGATIVE - Raw Energy EP (1st Press; /1500 on Clear/No Labels) Sorry State $5
DOWN IN FLAMES - Start the Fucking Fire (Record Release/Weekend Tour Cover; #42/100 Black) Gloom $5
DOWN IN FLAMES - Start the Fucking Fire (1st Press; /300 White) Gloom $4
DOWN IN FLAMES/GATECRASHERS - Split (1st Press; Black) Broken Glass $4
DRAGNET - s/t (Black) Deadalive $3
EARLY MAN/RAMMER - Speed and Spikes: Vol. III (1st Press; /1000 Gold w/ Green Splatter) Relapse $5
EATING GLASS – Feed Them… to The Vultures (1st Press; Lime Green) High Anxiety 416 $3
EATING GLASS – Feed Them… to The Vultures (1st Press; Lime Green) High Anxiety 416 $3
EATING GLASS – Feed Them… to The Vultures (1st Press; Lime Green) High Anxiety 416 $3
EATING GLASS – Feed Them… to The Vultures (1st Press; Lime Green) High Anxiety 416 $3
FEVER - South End Style / SES (1st Press; /236 Grey) 16Oh $4
FUCKED UP - Year of the Pig (1st Press; Black) Matador $5
FUCKED UP - Year of the Pig (1st Press; Black) Matador $5
GOOD CLEAN FUN - Who Shares Wins (Black) Phyte $2
GUILT TRIP – s/t (1st Press; Black) Absent $4
HATRED SURGE/INSECT WARFARE – Split 7” (4th Press; /500 Minty Green Clear) RSR $6
INDIAN SUMMER/ORDINATION OF AARON - “Speed Kills” Split (Black) Inchworm $12
INNUMERABLE FORMS – Dark Worship 7” (1st Press; /400 Black) Hell Massacre $6
INNUMERABLE FORMS – Dark Worship 7” (1st Press; /400 Black) Hell Massacre $6
INTEGRITY – Walpurgisnacht 7” (Black) A389 $6
THE LOCUST - s/t (5th Press; Clear Red/Black /1000) GSL $5
LOGIC PROBLEM - s/t (1st Press; Black) Sorry State $5
LOGIC PROBLEM – No Center 7” (Black) Grave Mistake $5
MIDDLE AMERICA – s/t (aka “It Repeats”) 7” (Black) Home Invasion $5
THE MISTAKE – How Could Life Be Any Worse? 7” (#46/50; Bad Religion Ripoff Cover) Prime Directive $3
MOTHER NIGHT - s/t 7” (1st Press; /300 Black) MNG $1
MOUTHEATER – Lot Lizard 7” (1st Press; /100 Green) Thrashed! $4
NEWGENICS - Every Girl in the World 7” (Black) Level Plane (ex-In/Humanity/Guyana Punchline, Anakrid) $2
NEWGENICS - Eraser/Symbionistas 7” (Black) Shock Value (ex-In/Humanity/Guyana Punchline, Anakrid) $2
NO REPLY - s/t (Black w/ Red Lettering on Cover) Mankind $4
NO IDOLS - s/t (1st Press; /100 Clear Blue) Grave Mistake $2
NORA - Kill You for a Dollar (1st Press; White) Heartsdown/Ferret $6
NOTHING PERSONAL - s/t 7” (1st Press; /300 Clear) Nightstick $10
OBLITERATION – This Is Tomorrow 7” (N.I.T.A.) $5
OBLITERATION – This Is Tomorrow 7” (N.I.T.A.) $5
OMEGAS – Sonic Order 7” (1st Press; /Purple) High Anxiety 416 $4
OMEGAS – Sonic Order 7” (1st Press; /Purple) High Anxiety 416 $4
OMEGAS – Sonic Order 7” (1st Press; /Purple) High Anxiety 416 $4
OWEN HART - s/t (1st Press; /550 Black w/ Screen-print on B-side) Dood $5
PELLINORE - Memento Mori (1st Press; /325 Grey) Free Cake $5
POLAR BEAR CLUB – The Summer of George 7” (Bridge 9) $6
POLICE AND THIEVES - s/t (1st Press; /722 Yellow) Higher Conscience $1
PRESSURE - Beasts (1st Press; /900 Red/Black) Burn Bridges $4
PRESSURE - Death’s Head (1st Press; /400 Butterscotch) 6131 $4
PROJECT 208 – One Thousand Yesterdays 7” (1st Press; Black) Confined $4
PROTESTANT - s/t (1st Press; /437 Black) Halo of Flies $3
Q AND NOT U – Hot and Informed (Black) Dischord $5
QUILLS - s/t (1st Press; /250 Grey, One-Sided) Burn Bridges $5
RAMBO/CRUCIAL UNIT – “Sea of Steel, Vol. I” Split (Ed Walters) $5
REVENGE THERAPY – s/t (Dec 23rd, Steppin Out; #8/33 Black) Custom Made Music $3
RUINATION – Dead Horse EP (Green) No Idea $3
RUINATION – Dead Horse EP (Green) No Idea $3
SEQUIOA - s/t (Black) $3
THE SHOOK ONES - Slaughter of the Insole (2nd Press; White) Revelation $5
SICK OF TALK - s/t (1st Press; Black) Chainsaw Safety $2
SHAPE SHIFTER - s/t (1st Press; /300 Black) Don Giovanni $3
SOJOURNER - Tour Single (Tour Press; /343 Black w/ Silk Screened Cover) 16Oh $5
THE SPARK - Fashion Rats and Status Whores (1st Press; Black) Mike Fitzgerald $2
THE SPARK/DEATHCYCLE - Split (1st Press; Clear Red) Complete Distort/Burn Bridges $4
SPITTING COBRA – Love Shield 7” (Gold) $1
SPLITTING HEADACHE - s/t (1st Press; /500 Black) Collapse $4
STREETCLEANER - Mother Curse EP (Black) Give Praise $5
TERMINAL YOUTH/FRUIT SALAD – Split 7” (Red) Moo Cow $2
TERROR – Life & Death: The Demo (Black) Reaper $6
THIS FLOOD COVERS THE EARTH - Drawing a Line, Building a Wall (1st Press; /500 Lime/Black) Dood $4
UNBROKEN – Absentee Debate b/w Crushed On You 7” (Black) New Age $5
UNDERTOW/THE STRUGGLE – Split 7” (Black) Bloodlink
VICTIM/TARPIT – Split 7” (1st Press; /400 Black) Last Anthem $5
VIPER – Committing the Seven Deadly Sins (1st Press; ) 540 Records $7
WAR HUNGRY - Divine/Demonic (1st Press; /700 Black) Brain Grenade $8
WAR HUNGRY - Return to Earth (1st Press; /560 Black) 1917 $6
WAR HUNGRY/COLD WORLD - Split (1st Press; /770 Black) Six Feet Under $15
WARKRIME - Give War a Chance (1st Press; /800 Black) No Way $5
WARKRIME - Tighten Up (1st Press; /800 Black) No Way $5
WASTE MANAGEMENT - Get Your Mind Right E.P. (1st Press; /407 Black) Painkiller $5
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? - Brutiful Fearing 6” (1st Press; /1200 on Black) Six Weeks $5
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? - Ahora Mas Que Nunca 7” (1st Press; Black w/ Pop-Up Insert) Lengua Armada $5
WOLF WHISTLE – Demo 2007 (1st Press; /500 Black Ft, Sticker, Patch, & Button) Troubled Mind $7
WOLF WHISTLE – Demo 2007 (1st Press; /500 Black Ft, Sticker, Patch, & Button) Troubled Mind $7
V/A – No Bullshit, Vol. III 7” (Black) No Way $4.00 [ft. Life Trap, Socialcide, Double Negative, Out Cold, Acid Reflux, Chronic Seizure] $4
V/A – No Bullshit, Vol. IV 7” (Black) No Way $4.00 [ft. Citizens Patrol, Anti-You, Born Bad, Civic Progress, Logic Problem, Violent Arrest, Insomnio] $4
V/A - “People Don’t Take Photographs of Things They Want to Forget” (Clear Blue) Broken Press [TRANSISTOR TRANSISTOR, BACKSTABBERS INC, PURITY’S FAILURE, TRAP THEM & KILL THEM, ADVOCATE] $3
V/A – The South Will Rise Again 7” (Black) Cowabunga [ft. Bomber, HRT, Reason of Insanity, The PMRC, Cult Ritual, High Life, Ugly Law, Socialcide, Archaic] $5
V/A – The South Will Rise Again 7” (Black) Cowabunga [ft. Bomber, HRT, Reason of Insanity, The PMRC, Cult Ritual, High Life, Ugly Law, Socialcide, Archaic] $5

10”
ABSINTHE - s/t 10” (White) King of the Monsters $6
CUT THE SHIT - Marked for Life 10” (1st Press; /1000 Black) Gloom$13
DAS OATH (THE OATH) - s/t 11” (1st Press; Black) Youth Attack $15
GRAY GHOST - s/t (1st Press; /200 Green) Copper Lung $10
OIL – Electric Tongue EP (US Tour Press; #74/77 on Pink) Coalition $8
PELLINORE/SURROUNDINGS - “World Darkness” Split (1st Press; /400 Gold) Free Cake $10
PULLING TEETH – Vicious Skin (2nd Press; Clear) A389/Chainsaw Safety $20
SEASICK - s/t (1st Press; /250 Yellow/Black Splatter) Brain Drain $8
THANK GOD/TIGERSHARK - Split (1st Press; /495 Black) Perpetual Motion Machine/Mol Sook/Tick Tock $6
V/A - The Philadelphia Sound (1st Press; Clear) Chunksaah [ft. THE CURSE, PAINT IT BLACK, KNIVES OUT, GO! FOR THE THROAT] $8

12”
108 – 18.61 (1st Press; Green) Deathwish Inc $12
108 – 18.61 (1st Press; Green) Deathwish Inc $12
108 – 18.61 (1st Press; Clear) Deathwish Inc $12
108 – 18.61 (1st Press) Deathwish Inc $12
ANNIHILATION TIME – s/t (Black) Deadalive $8
ANTISCHISM - Still Life (Black) Prank $9
A-TEAM - A is for Asshole (1st Press; /800 Black) Stab & Kill $9
BARONESS/UNPERSONS – “A Grey Sigh in a Flower Husk” Split LP (At a Loss; Comes w/ Download Card) $20
BLACK BREATH – Razor to Oblivion (Black) Hot Mass $11
BLACK BREATH – Heavy Breathing (1st Press; 180g Black) Southern Lord $18
BLACK BREATH – Heavy Breathing (1st Press; 180g Black) Southern Lord $18
BLACK BREATH – Heavy Breathing (1st Press; 180g Black) Southern Lord $18
BLACK EYES – Cough (1st Press; Black) Dischord $6
BLACK KITES – Advancement to Ruin (1st Press; /400 Black) Ride to Fury $8
BLANK STARE - s/t (US Press; Black) No Label $11
BLANK STARE - s/t (US Press; Black) No Label $11
BLANK STARE - s/t (US Press; Black) No Label $11
BREATHER RESIST – Charmer (1st Press; White) Level Plane/Jade Tree $17
BREATHING FIRE - Years of Lead (1st Press; /168 Clear) Painkiller $20
JEFF BUCKLEY – Grace *2004 Repress w/ “Forget Her” Single (Blue) Columbia $60
THE CANCER KIDS - The Possible Dream (1st Press; /700 Black) Youth Attack $15
THE CATALYST - Marianas Trench (1st Press; /350 Blue w/ Silk-Screened B-Side) Perpetual Motion Machine $8
CATTLE DECAPITATION - Homovore (Black/White “Cow”) Three One G $10
CAVE IN – Planets of Old 12” (Hydra Head) $19
CEREMONY – Rohnert Park (1st Press; Blue) Bridge 9
COALESCE – Give Them Rope, She Said 2.0 (/300 Forest Green) No Idea $9
COLISEUM - No Salvation (1st Press; Silver w/ White Splatter) Auxiliary/Relapse $16
CONVERGE – No Heroes (1st Press; /1000 Brown/Red) Deathwish Inc/Epitaph $15
CUT THE SHIT - Harmed and Dangerous (1st Press: /200 on White) Gloom $12
DANZIG – I (Picture Disc) Def American $45
DARKEST HOUR – So Sedated, So Secure (#335/750 Silver) Victory $20
DEAD CHILD – s/t (1st Press; /500 White) Hawthorne Street $9
DEAD NATION - Passing Phase (1st Press; /650 Black) Six Feet Under $10
DEATHCYCLE - s/t (1st press; /700 Clear) Lifeline/Chainsaw Safety/17cm $8
DEVOUR – s/t (1st Press; #28/100 White w/ Silk-Screened Cover) Sorry State $12
DFA - Defy False Authority (Black) Deep Six $8
DFA - Destined for Assimilation (Black) Ugly Pop $8
THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN – Calculating Infinity (/1000 Picture Disc) Relapse $25
DOOMRIDERS – Darkness Comes Alive (1st Press; /714 Black & Tan) Deathwish Inc.$12
D.S. 13 – Vad Vet Vi Om Kriget (Black) Deranged $8
ED GEIN - Judas Goats and Diesel Eaters (1st Press; Clear/Red Splatter) Hanging Hex $10
FACEDOWNINSHIT – NPON (Black) Relapse $10
FUCKED UP – The Chemistry of Common Life 2xLP (1st Press; Sealed, 180g Black) Matador $23
FUCKED UP – Year of the Rat (1st Press; Black) What’s Your Rupture $12
GEHENNA - Upon the Gravehill (Black) King of the Monsters $10
GHOSTLIMB - s/t (1st press; /500 Black w/ B-Side Etching & Silk-Screened Cover) Vendetta/Adagio 830 $9
GHOSTLIMB - Bearing & Distance (1st Press; /800 Red) Adagio 830 $9
GIVE UP THE GHOST – Background Music LP (Clear) Equal Vision $45
GRAF ORLOCK/GREYSKULL – Split 12” (3rd Press; Clear w/ “Metal” Backpack) $10
GRINNING DEATH’S HEAD – No Afterlife (1st Press; White) Youth Attack $20
HANK III – Straight to Hell (Picture Disc) Bruc $10
THE HELM - Grim Harvest (1st Press; /500 Black 200g Vinyl) Rome Plow $13
HOLYGHOST - s/t (1st Press; Grey/Black Swirl) A389/Deathwish Inc $11
INSECT WARFARE – Evolved into Obliteration (Sealed) Rescued from Life $17
INSECT WARFARE – One-Sided s/t 12” (/650 Pink) 625 Thrash $13
INTEGRITY – The Blackest Curse (1st Press; Sealed) Deathwish Inc $13
INTEGRITY – The Blackest Curse (1st Press; Sealed) Deathwish Inc $14
IRON AGE – The Sleeping Eye 2xLP (Tee Pee) $19
ISIS – Wavering Radiant 2xLP (1st Press; Black) Ipecac $25
KARP/RYE COALITION – Split 12” (Black) Troubleman Unlimited $12
MAGRUDERGRIND – s/t LP (1st Press) Six Weeks $13
MAN IS THE BASTARD/CAPITALIST CASUALTIES – Split 12” – Six Weeks $11
THE MINOR TIMES - Making Enemies (1st Press: /300 White or Red, Sealed) Level Plane $10
MXPX – Life In General (Black) Tooth & Nail $25
NAILS – Unsilent Death (1st Press; /820 180g Black) Six Feet Under/Streetcleaner $14
THE NOW - s/t (2nd Press; Black w/ Silkscreen Poster) Ohnono! $20
PAINT IT BLACK - New Lexicon (1st Press; /1180 White) Jade Tree/Rivalry $10
PANIC - Strength in Solitude (1st Press; /500 Black/Green Swirl) Bridge 9 $10
pg. 99 – Document #08 (Black) Robotic Empire $10
PIG DESTROYER – Terrifyer 2xLP (1st Press; /600 Black, 180g) Relapse $24
PROTESTANT – The Hate, The Hollow (1st Press; /1000 Red/Black) Halo of Flies/Rust Machine/Rimbaud $8
PUNCH – s/t LP (Six Two Five) $13
RAMMER - Suffer (1st Press; /1000 Black) Slasher [Ex-Chokehold, Union of Uranus] $7
THE ROLLING STONES - Between the Buttons (Black) London $8
RUINER - I Heard These Dudes Are Assholes (1st Press; Sealed) Bridge 9 $10
SEASICK - Ouroboros (1st Press; /500 Black w/ Etched B-Side) Soul Rebel
SEX VID – Communal Living (1st Press; Black) Dom America $12
SOCIALCIDE - Unapproachable (1st Press; Black) Kangaroo/Even Worse $11
SOCIALCIDE - Unapproachable (1st Press; Black) Kangaroo/Even Worse $11
SOCIALCIDE - Unapproachable (1st Press; Black) Kangaroo/Even Worse $11
SOCIALCIDE - Unapproachable (1st Press; Black) Kangaroo/Even Worse $11
SOME GIRLS - All My Friends Are Going Death (1st Press; Colored Vinyl, Sealed) Three One G $20
SOUL CONTROL - Involution (1st Press; /600 Red) Rivalry $10
SPLITTING HEADACHE – Night Terrors (1st Press; /300 Red) Collapse $12
STARKWEATHER – This Sheltering Night (1st Press; /White) Deathwish Inc $12
TAYLOR BOW – Thin Air LP (1st Press; Black) Youth Attack $19
TEAR IT UP - Just Can’t Stand It (Blue) Deranged $12
TRAP THEM - Sleepwell Deconstructor (1st Press; /750 Black 180g) Trash Art $13
TRAP THEM – Filth Rations 12” (1st Press; /550 Black w/ B-Side Etching) Southern Lord $16
THE TROUBLE - Nobody Laughs Anymore (1st Press; /325 Red) Painkiller $9
WAINWRIGHT, RUFUS – Want Two (Black) Geffen $30
WARKRIME - Get Loose (1st Press; /300 “Grey”/Green/Vomit) No Way $12
V/A - A Tribute to ANTI-CIMEX (1st Press; Black) Dead City / Pelea [ft. DRILLER KILLER, WOLFBRIGADE, DOOM, INEPSY, RATOS DE PORAO, NAILBITER, DISCLOSE, AVSKUM, SINERGIA, LOS REZIOS, WARCOLLAPSE, SCUM NOISE,DISKONTO, AUTONOMIA, BOXED IN, O ANJO EXTERMINADOR, CROSSING CHAOS, DETESTATION, DRASTIKA, VIIMEINEN KOLONNA, STRAIGHT TO HELL (Ex-Dropdead)] $6

CD
108 – 18.61 – Deathwish Inc $10
ANNIHILATION TIME – III: Tales of the Ancient Age – Tee Pee $6
BELPHEGOR – Bondage Goat Zombie – Nuclear Blast $2
BEOWOLF - Lost My Head - I Scream $3
BLACK BREATH – Heavy Breathing – Southern Lord $15
THE BLACK HAND – War Monger – Chainsaw Safety $5
DAUGHTERS – Canada Songs – Robotic Empire $6
DEATHCYCLE - Prelude to Tyranny - Lifeline $5
DOWN TO NOTHING - The Most - Revelation $6
THE ERGS - Hindsight is 20/20, My Friend - Dirtnap $11
FEIST – Let It Die – Polydor $5
FUCKED UP - The Chemistry of Common Life - Matador $12
HOT CROSS - Fair Trades and Farewells - Level Plane $2
LIFE LONG TRAGEDY - Runaways - Deathwish Inc $5
MAXAMILLIAN COLBY – Discography – Lovitt $5
MENTAL – Get an Oxygen Tank – Bridge 9 $6
NECROPHAGIA – Season of the Dead – Red Stream $6
PULLING TEETH – Paranoid Delusions/Paradise Illusions – Deathwish Inc. $8
Q AND NOT U – On Play Patterns – Dischord $2
RAMMING SPEED - Brainwreck - Teenage Disco Bloodbath $10
RED SPARROWES – At the Soundless Gates of Dawn – Neurot $7
RED SPARROWES – Every Red Heart Shines Towards the Red Sun – Neurot $7
SAVIOURS – Worship – Level Plane $5
VERSE - From Anger and Rage - Rivalry $5
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? – Standfast Armageddon Justice Fighter – Sound Pollution $5
WITCHCRAFT BY A PICTURE - CD + Ouija Board (Magic Bullet) $5
YOU AND I - You & I - Alone $2
YOU AND I – The Curtain Falls – Level Plane $5
YOUNG WIDOWS - Old Wounds - Temporary Residence $14

Record Shopping

Scored some cool shit in Newport News last week. I went to Fantasy and American Oldies with a new friend, and in the same week got packages from Hear More and Deep Six, as well as some other random stuff. Pretty great week.



Cassette
GODFLESH - Merciless - Columbia/Earache (1994)

CD
AUTOPSY - Dead As Fuck (Live in '91+'93) - Necroharmonic (2004)
BASTARD NOISE/CHRISTIAN RENOU - Brainstorming (2002)
GLAZED BABY - Squeeze the Tail, Suck the Head EP - Allied (1993)
GLAZED BABY - Karmic Debt - Red Decibel (1994)
GLAZED BABY - Ancient Chinese Secret - Atomic Action (1996)
GLAZED BABY - Atomic Communists - Red Decibel (1996)
TWILIGHT - Twilight - Southern Lord (2005)
XASTHUR - Telepathic with the Deceased - Moribund Cult (2004)

7"
THE CANDYLAND CARCRASH/SERAPHIM - "A Rocket Trip to the Moon" Split 7" (Black) Small Craft Advisory
GLAZED BABY - Squeeze the Tail, Suck the Head 7" (Black) Allied
LOW THREAT PROFILE - Product #1 7" (Pre-Order; /100 Red) Deep Six/Draw Blank
PEDRO THE LION - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen b/w Silent Night 7" (1st Press; /2000 Purple) Suicide Squeeze
PIG HEART TRANSPLANT/JUHYO - Split 7" (1st Press; #173/300 Black)


LP
THE BASTARD NOISE/THE ENDLESS BLOCKADE - "The Red List" Split 12" (Pre-Order; /100 Red) Deep Six/20 Buck Spin DAVID BOWIE - Let's Dance - EMI
THE POLICE - Outlandos d'Amour - A&M
LYLE LOVETT - Lyle Lovett and His Large Band - MCA
THORR'S HAMMER - Dommedagsnatt - Southern Lord
U2 - New Year's Day 12" (US Single) Island


Also grabbed more than a hundred new comics and have records on the way by Innumerable Forms, Middle America, Slices, and Society Nurse. Amped.

Top Ten of 2009?

10. Nihill, "Grond" CD/LP (Hydra Head)

When describing black metal, I find myself thinking the word "brutal" is often over-used. The term makes me think of hardcore kids, or death metal fans getting rowdy as shit, breaking things, and hurting each other. For that, there is a time and a place, sure (Posi #'s, Maryland Deathfest, etc.) but in the case of black metal albums, this notion of "brutality" has always seemed (to me) a stretch. Sure, there are bands, albums, and songs that make me want to smash shit (Craft and Leviathan come to mind first,) but I'd be listening to Mind Eraser or Entombed if I was looking for something to obvious as that. No, when I listen to Black Metal I'm looking for unadulterated hatred. Anger that cannot be quelled, but with a sense of misanthropy rather than incited rage. I want to feel like I'm listening to a bunch of outsiders, not kids who host parties or were popular in school.
I don't really think there's anything wrong with this new school of Black Metal that's emerged over the past three years. I think bands like Deathspell Omega have worked long and hard at their craft and are pushing the envelope, perhaps in ways that purists aren't quite comfortable with, but Nihill (hailing from the Netherlands) exhibit the writing skill, the desire to push their music forward, and the lyrical spite that I feel benefit metal rather than holding it back in desperate mimicry.
It's arguable that better black metal albums dropped last year, but this one appealed to me immediately, and despite myself, production value goes a long way for my ears, so forgive me for choosing a sleeper on a "bigger" label (Hydra Head) over something by Volahn, Ashdautus, or Bone Awl, as good as they each are in their own right. I'm not trying to prove that I have the most underground taste or wildest collection of demo tapes. I'm just typing (in a slightly more masturbatory manner than usual) about last year's best records.
A musician I have a certain respect for was recently mentioning in his own blog that the top albums in any given year are not necessarily those I deem best as of January first the following year... time will prove a much better judge than myself, this serves best as a notion of what I could recall enjoying as the year wrapped.
Anyhow...

... also recommended Wolves in the Throne Room, "Black Cascade" CD 2xLP (Southern Lord)

09. Screen Vinyl Image, "Interceptors" CD/LP (Custom Made Music/Safranin)
Dreamy synth-pop with a dark edge. This brother and sister based band from Maryland recorded with a drum machine, played live with a drummer, and then gave him the boot after a Japanese tour. Can't say I have a preference for the live act with the drums, or the album with the drum machine, but either way I found myself surprisingly into this debut full length (after an EP, and split LP with Virginia's Ceremony). Swirling, shoe-gaze guitars mixed with a driving rhythm section and layers of sound loops. Catchy as hell, and kind of spooky at times. That is, spooky like that cute chick with the black hair and pin-striped jacket in your coffee shop, not like an episode of Celebrity Ghost Sightings. Perfect for driving late at night, and highly recommended for fans of My Bloody Valentine, New Order, and Depeche Mode.

... also recommended (on a more psychedelic tip), Warlocks, "The Mirror Explodes" (Tee Pee)

08. Cult Ritual, "Cult Ritual" LP (Youth Attack)

The best, fucked up punk album to drop in a while.
Sadly, it's potentially ushered forth a horde of imitators, citing Sonic Youth, Flipper, and later Black Flag as influences while they ride the wave that Pissed Jeans, Sex Vid, Total Abuse, Clockcleaner, and these dudes towed in, but the weak and lame, like always, will fall by the wayside and the true innovators will be remembered. This album was a high point for hardcore in a year that wallowed in mire.
Probably best that they broke up at their arguable peak, but it appears (from the Nazi Dust demo and Slave Scene 7"), that the Kvlt Ritval dudes aren't really calling it a day just yet.

... also recommended Taylor Bow. "Taylor Bow" LP (Youth Attack)

07. A Storm of Light, "Forgive Us Our Trespasses" CD/2xLP (Neurot)

Saw these dudes open for Wolves in The Throne Room this summer and they might have stolen the show. Perfectly executed, noisy, heavy, and forward-thinking. It was like seeing a three-piece version of Neurosis (which makes sense, as their frontman has done lights/visuals for The Tribe of Neurot for more than a handful of years and later formed the much acclaimed Red Sparrowes.) This new album picks up right where they left off with on their split LP with Nadja, melding lush melodies with pounding bass and drums.
Great band with consistently solid output. Get into it.

... also recommended, "Primitive North" split CD/2xLP with Nadja (Robotic Empire)

06. Swallowed Up, "This Is, And Goddamn Is It!" 10" (Self Released)

No image here, but this is (for me, at least) all I hope for in modern hardcore. Well executed, intelligent, and thoughtful.
The members of Swallowed up live in a collective outside of New York, and live and breathe DIY. They hand-screened and hand-sewed every copy of their 10", and refuse to let a[ny] label get their hands on their music, despite several offers.
Musically similar to Panic, The Hope Conspiracy, and even Trial or Catharsis at times, but in theory and practice reminiscent of Reversal of Man, Fugazi, pg. 99, or Born Against.
PC, against the grain, and 100% serious about every word they say. Jah bless, this is an offering from the Hardcore Gods, whether or not modern hardcore knows it.

... also recommended, Pulling Teeth, "Paranoid Delusions/Paradise Illusions" CD/LP (Deathwish/A389)

05. Sunn O))), "Monoliths & Dimensions" CD/2xLP (Southern Lord)

Easily my favorite Sunn album to date. Anderson and O'Malley find themselves accompanied by (for all intensive purposes) a stringed orchestra, and frequent collaborators like Oren Ambarchi and Attila.
They begin with the haunting "Aghartha," and so shall you.
Let the music speak for itself. This is the album that takes minimalism up a notch, and proves that drone is indeed "music."

... also recommended, Khanate, "Clean Hands Go Foul" CD/LP (Hydra Head), and The Bastard Noise & Christian Renou, "Brainstorming II (House Pig).

04. Converge, "Axe to Fall" CD/LP (Epitaph/Deathwish)

Won't bullshit. Not my favorite Converge album, but when these dudes drop a new album, it will inevitably be one of the year's best. A few power-metal influenced tracks; a Jesus Lizard-esque romp; two longer, slower numbers, one reminiscent of Tom Waits (and featuring Steve Von Til, of Neurosis), and a handful of songs that will be played at every Converge show for years to come.
You've probably heard how everybody else in the God-forsaken world of metal and hardcore plays on this record. Uffe from Entombed and Disfear, most of Cave In, some jerks from Ghengis Kahn, George from Blacklisted, Triv from 108, etc. It's not a collaboration album though - this is a Converge record, and a good one, the guys just decided to try something new, and on most fronts they succeed. Even their short-comings outshine the majority of their peers however, so how much do I really give a shit?

... also recommended, Doomriders, "Darkness Comes Alive" CD/LP (Deathwish)

03. Tombs, "Winter Hours" CD/LP (Relapse)

Not usually that into the Relapse stuff, save for maybe Pig Destroyer and ANB, but I couldn't wait for this fucker to drop. Mike Hill (Anodyne, Versoma, etc.) has compiled another full length of his paranoid isolation, lack of understanding the rest of humanity, and musical fucking prowess.
The dude has a great tone, and a way of playing that I can't recall hearing from anyone else, but without being flashy or full of shit. He just knows when to restrain, when to rage, and who to fill out his band with. Since their debut "EP," Tombs have obtained a new drummer, and (to my understanding?) bassist as well.
Not a whole lot to say here. I like the way Mr. Hill writes and plays music, I like the things he has to say, and I think this band smokes live. At times this album borrows heavily from black metal pioneers like Darkthrone and Burzum, but Tombs take heavy cues from The Jesus Lizard, Swans, Rollins Band, and many, many more punk, metal, and noise-rock bands. Thankfully though, they know better than to borrow and steal, and have crafted a brainchild of their own.
I expect no less from a veteran like Hill at this point, but it's nice to be pleasantly surprised, isn't it?

... also recommended, Shrinebuilder, "Shrinebuilder" CD/LP (Neurot)

02. Hatred Surge, "Deconstruct" LP/Cassette (RS/Financial Ruin)

It pleases me greatly to see hope for grindcore beyond rehashing the best albums and bands of the 80's and 90's. Hatred Surge take a highly power-violence influenced approach to the trade, which has tied them to bands like Iron Lung and The Endless Blockade, but hold true to their Gulf Coast roots (Insect Warfare, Mammoth Grinder, Faithealer, NIBIRU, War Master, etc.)
With last year's "Servant b/w Bestial" EP, the band took their no-bullshit, 1000mph assault to a lower gear, and churned out two heavier-than-hell monsters. With their full length, momentum has again been gained and the band rages through seventeen songs in just under nineteen minutes. After all, why change one of the best parts of grindcore?

... also recommended, Iron Lung/Walls/PHT "Public Humiliation" Collaboration LP (Iron Lung)

01. Moutheater, "Ornament" CD (Thrashed!)

Heavy, dirty, rock and roll highly influenced by hardcore. Seven stellar tracks of Am-Rep friendly dirge and three noise pieces compile this stellar debut of a full-length. I don't think I listened to another album for two weeks after "Ornament" came out.
I won't drag this one out. If you don't know the record, order a copy, go see the band live when they come through your town this summer, and like myself, you'll eagerly await their next effort. For fans of Nirvana, The Melvins, Tad, The Jesus Lizard, Helmet, Deadguy, Unsane, etc.

... also recommended, Fight Amp, "Manners and Praise" CD/LP (At a Loss/Brutal Panda)

With that said, some great EP's from last year included...
- Ash Pool's, "Saturn's Slave" 7" (Hospital Productions)
Two raging black metal tracks highly influenced by Oi and Hardcore.
- Slices (Two self-titled 7"s, one on 16Oh, and another on Home Invasion)
"If Crossed Out played Side B of My War." Awesome, noisy hardcore from Pittsburgh.
- Low Threat Profile - s/t 7" (Deep Six)
Dudes from No Comment, Infest, and Lack of Interest. They've still got it.
- Nazi Dust - Demo (Self-Released)
Members of Cult Ritual. Sounds like Life's Blood, but new. And frankly, better.

New Tunes

Went on a record-hunting expedition with Andrew yesterday and picked up some cool shit.

Anodyne - Quiet Wars CD - Escape Artist
Ash Pool - Saturn's Slave 7 (Blue) Hopsital Productions
The Bastard Noise/Malachi - The Immortals CD - House Pig/200mg
The Bastard Noise & Christian Renou - Attached at The Skull: Brainstorming II CD - House Pig
Brown Jenkins - Dagonite CD - Moribund Cult
Burning Star Core - Body Blues 7" - Hospital Productions
Burning Star Core - Challenger LP (2nd Press) Product
Entombed - Monkey Puss (Live in London) CD - Earache
Entombed - Out of Hand CD EP - Earache
Malachi & The Bastard Noise - The Immortals CD - House Pig/200mg
Nihill - Grond CD - Monumentum
Prurient - Fossil CD - Truculent
Raspberry Bulbs - "Finally Burst" Demo 2009 CS - Self-Released
Rotten Sound - Cycles CD - Spinefarm
Slogun - ... Kill to Forget CD - Jinx
Violent Ramp - Strange Notes CS (#63/77) Fag Tapes
Winter - Into Darkness/Eternal Frost CD (Gold; #1663/2000) Metal Mind Productions
Wolf Eyes - Always Wrong CD - Hospital Productions

... and a few albums I'd already had downloaded or needed to replace (Melvins, Slayer, Terrorizer, etc.)

Altogether, a pretty awesome day.