"Born unto a gasping sun, we all find solace here."
There's a new project a brewing and it's soooo damn metal \m/ Underling is an Atmospheric Black Metal project formed by members of Fallujah, Arkaik, and Sidian. Their objective? To elate then destroy you.
So far this Californian Black Metal three-piece has released two official tracks and some demos. The official two were just put out in the last three days (most recent one being 6 hours ago). Give "My Bones Lay Bare" and "Guided" a good listen below. You can listen to the demos on Youtube.
Oh my god... Atmospheric death masters Fallujah are offering up their "Nomadic" EP for FREE! Grab it with a "name your price" download on Bandcamp. This is for a limited time only, so get on it! Wednesday is your last chance.
Fallujah's "Nomadic" is nothing short of perfection. If you don't take advantage of this, you either a) own the EP already and are too awesome for this shit, b) want to give the band money for their efforts and are too awesome for this shit or c) should give up on listening to music... seriously.
Yeah, we're a bit late on this one but shit happens. FALLUJAH is the name. Get with it or get lost. This band is Atmospheric Death Metal greatness coming straight from San Francisco, CA. Expect next level skill, heaviness, extreme technicality, forward thinking creativity, and of course mind swallowing atmosphere.
We were proud to host them as Artist of the Week and of course we gotta celebrate. So here's a chance to win some free stuff! Read the contest details below and you might just walk away with a Fallujah shot glass or a free download on the incredible EP "Nomadic". By the way, I personally own a Fallujah shot glass and it has served me well \m/
Also be sure to check the interview we conducted with vocalist Alex Hofmann for all kinds of in-depth info on Fallujah.
ENTER TO WIN
1. Must like Fallujah
2. Must like The Circle Pit
3. Must share this post and tag both Fallujah and The Circle Pit
BONUS
1. Like the post for a second vote
2. Comment on the post for a third vote
This contest ends Sunday 8/4 at 9 PM EST!
*We will contact the winner.
*By
participating, you acknowledge that you completely release Facebook of
all responsibility. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed,
administered by, or associated with Facebook.
MT - Let’s start from the beginning. How did the band get started up?
AH - Scott and I (Alex) met in high school, we jammed once freshman year then chilled for a bit, then later on in sophomore year got back together and wanted to make music still. Our bassist, vocalist and drummer were all other guys at our schools; and things simply went form there.
MT - Moving forward, you dropped a monster of an EP called “Nomadic” this year. What went into creating that beast?
AH - Basically we wanted to release new tracks to hold people over until the full length comes out. Our label (like most metal labels) doesn’t exactly like to stray from the path on release formats, so the tracks had to be turned into an EP, so we wrote them both and realized the best way to savor both songs is to add an intermission or palette cleanser of sorts in the middle that harnessed the more atmospheric qualities. It got turned into an EP and we called it Nomadic for a number of reasons. Both tracks were a bit longer than the songs on the Harvest Wombs as we wanted to achieve more with the songs and give people a more dynamic product.
MT - What was it like transitioning between an album like “The Harvest Wombs” and “Nomadic”?
AH - There really wasn't much of a transition in the terms of our writing style and mentality. A lot has happened in our lives and experiences, so the new material is a reflection of natural transition as oppose to a demand to “sound different” as some bands are pressured to do.
MT - Does “Nomadic” hint at the direction of your future music?
AH - Yes and no, I can say now that nothing that Fallujah does will ever recycle from the old. In a certain way we want Nomadic to stand on its own. Id be greatly disappointed if our next album was just a longer Nomadic. What it does hint at is the more melodic, atmospheric and clean elements that the music will harness. The extremely brutal elements become a bit stale to us, even in the live environment. The music will still be death metal, but dont expect brutal slams or technical riff salad without direction or melodious structure.
MT - Who or what inspires you?
AH - This questions depends on who you ask, personally the most musically inspiring thing for me us music that isnt metal. I think the best way to make fresh sounding songs, progressions or melodies Is by looking where no one thinks to look or inspiration. Right now, I dont think metal bands can afford to be incestuous with their influence if they hope to have anyone caring 5 years from now. Looking to a fusion track, a shoegaze track, or a house track opens up way more doors than going back to what you know; no one ever reinvented the hamburger with meat, cheese and bread.
MT - What are your plans for the rest of 2013?
AH - Basically we are finishing the new album up, trying to get it done by winter time and have it out early next year, but who knows if that will happen. We are touring through the US and Canada through November with bands I cant really announce yet.
MT - What’s your favorite song to play live?
AH - Hard to say, The Dead Sea is really fun in my opinion. If not that then we would probably all agree Assemblage of Wolves we really enjoy, thats why we end with it. Were always eager to play new music though.
MT - What is the craziest thing that has ever happened to you at a show or on the road?
AH - I drunkenly danced in front of a crowd of gay dudes, drag queens and transexuals at a speakeasy in Lake Charles Louisiana when I was 19. Fallujah was on tour with Diskreet and we accidently stumbled upon the place after leaving this other bar/nightclub on a day off. Twas a liberating experience.
MT - Sounds like it. If you could tour with any bands in the world, who would you hit the road with?
AH - Deftones, The Smiths, Converge, Animosity, Steve Vai, and personally someone ridiculous like Skrillex or Ltj Bukem.
MT - Now for a serious question... WHY IS THE RUM GONE?
AH - Because Beer is better.
MT - Have to agree with you there. Speaking of beer, it's Friday and our work here is done.
It’s the start of July already. We’re already over halfway through 2013. Jeez time really does fly. The amount of metal of the highest quality that has hit the stores already is astounding. We've been doing our best to keep up with all the notable releases of the year and I think we've been doing a pretty decent job. Not too much has flown under the radar and I’ve personally had time to digest mostly everything I was excited for at the beginning of the year. I’ve been surprised by a lot of the music I’ve really been enjoying, some of which is a lot lighter than I ever would have predicted. Without further ado, here are the Best Of lists and some song highlights from our four main writers starting with my own (albums in no particular order). If you’ve missed any of these, definitely check em out.
Trisolino's List
Albums
Intronaut - “Habitual Levitations (Instilling Words With Tones)” [LISTEN HERE]
Coheed and Cambria - “The Afterman: Descension” [LISTEN HERE]
Wormed - “Exodromos” [LISTEN HERE]
Anciients - “Heart of Oak” [LISTEN HERE]
Leprous - “Coal” [LISTEN HERE]
Arsis - “Unwelcome” [LISTEN HERE]
Heaven Shall Burn - “VETO” [LISTEN HERE]
The Ocean - “Pelagial” [LISTEN HERE]
The Monolith Deathcult - “Tetragrammaton” [LISTEN HERE]
A Pale Horse Named Death - “Lay My Soul to Waste” [LISTEN HERE]
Tesseract - “Altered State” [LISTEN HERE]
The Black Dahlia Murder - “Everblack” [LISTEN HERE]
Scale the Summit - “The Migration” [LISTEN HERE]
August Burns Red - “Rescue & Restore” [LISTEN HERE]
Palms - “Palms” [LISTEN HERE]
Fallujah’s visionary release, “Nomadic,” flaunts intense forward-thinking with respect to death metal and genres alike. The 3 grand tracks that make up this EP could easily be described as groundbreaking, but the title “Nomadic” may relate properly to the massive amount of musical ground being ‘covered’ in these eighteen minutes.
Jumping in with my perception of track “Venom Upon The Blade,” in a visual sense is a vast and complex mural painting that spans the length of a city block. Walking alongside the mural parallels the song’s progression; however, the luxury of being able to slow your pace in attempt at maximum appreciation fails to exist. Intricate artistry warps by; prohibiting distinct satisfactions. At best, the aftermath is a blurred panoramic memory of the experience. Fallujah forms an overwhelming sensation of wicked atmosphere that encompasses the attention, thought and rationale of the listener.
“The Dead Sea” induces similar effects to “Venom Upon The Blade” but I’ll continue with the heavy metaphor theme nonetheless. Dually, both tracks challenge the limit of comprehension, but “The Dead Sea” hones a darker and faster quality. As opposed to being hurried through an art gallery, “The Dead Sea” is like trying to remember the faces of the people in an amusement park from the confines of a top speed roller coaster ride. And, like a roller coaster to its passengers; the song locks the listener in tight, permitting no escape. Furthermore, despite being trapped in Fallujah’s grasp, one is still free to admire its surroundings. This track is dense and controlling, but the thrill rises from the multitude of musical pleasures that simultaneously beg for attention.
“Silent” is an extended ambient track that cushions between the two monster tracks. Uncharacteristic it may be to feature a track of this fashion on an already abbreviated EP but no qualms stem from me regarding the song’s role. “Silent” portrays the abilities Fallujah has outside of instrumental shredding. Fallujah is capable of briefly detach the listener from existence with tranquil sounds commonly associated with deep space. There are people who get paid “the big bucks” to produce similar ideas for movies and video games who fall short of “Silent” and its supremacy. Interesting will it be to see how Fallujah will make use of this element.
“Nomadic” is an obvious statement of Fallujah’s growth and a strong indication of how much potential exists. I am however slightly thankful in a sense that “Nomadic” is only a small window into Fallujah’s factory…When gifted with a full length I foresee errors relating to explosions and minds…and of course ‘the all time beloved favorite’ of youtube commentators…some issue concerning uncontrollably J-ing in my P. They may actually be right on this one.
Not to be confused with the Fallujah in Iraq, this band is one of the most respected names in the west coast underground. Creating a fresh take on
Technical Death Metal by adding atmospheric, progressive, fusion, and
even some faint Black Metal elements, San Francisco's Fallujah is
definitely a band to keep your eye on.
The group has been around since 2007 but didn't make a name for itself
until the 2009 EP "Leper Colony". Their first full length, titled "The
Harvest Wombs", was released in 2011. It's easily one of my
favorite Death Metal records.
Now they are looking to make yet another return with their brand of heavy music. Fallujah will be dropping a brand new EP, "Nomadic" on April 2nd via the heavy as hell Unique Leader Records. And if their recent single "The Dead Sea" is any indication, the album with be AWESOME. Pre-orders are now available. Grab yours here. And while you're waiting for the release, blast the single and check the artwork down below!
In the weeks leading up to the end of 2012and our top 10 list of the year, we're giving credit to the past couple years as well. 2011 was a landmark year for music, making this list the hardest to construct so far. Without further adieu, here are the top ten albums of 2011, no shits given about whiny elitist opinions. Also check out our top 10 of 2009 and 2010.
1 UNEVEN STRUCTURE - FEBRUUS
This album is too good for words. It is the definition of ethereal beauty with an intelligent, heavy groove laced throughout. Uneven Structure's full-length debut "Februus" is an hour and a half long masterpiece spanning across two discs. This French musical unit put 2 years of meticulous effort into constructing "Februus", making for one of the most surreal packages to ever bless human ears. Everything about this record is perfect. There's a vast amount of ground across the uneven soundscapes for ears and brains to explore. Every single track on this album is huge and awe-inspiring. "Februus" gets the award for 2011's album of the year.
Tesseract's debut full-length "One" is easily one of the best records to drop in 2011. Actually almost the best. With genius level songwriting and the magical vocal work of Daniel Tompkins (now ex-Tesseract), this record excelled in every way. From the huge amounts of deep groove to the fascinating use of atmosphere within the music. All the tracks coalesce into a haunting, modern masterpiece. Ones such as "Lament", "Nascent", "April", "Eden", and the six phenomenal parts of "Concealing Fate" stand out especially. After giving this album a good listen it's hard to resist the urge to listen again... and again.
We we're lucky enough to be in the first crowd to ever see this band preform in the U.S. It was shortly before this record struck, but we got an early glimpse of the genius to come. "Dualism" is an absolutely brilliant addition to the archives of heavy music. With the addition of new vocalist Daniël de Jongh to the mix, the band really stepped up to create this work of art. Textures have already earned their place as Progressive Metal gods. This album backed up that position 110%. Huge tracks like "Arms of the Sea", "Singularity", "Reaching Home", and "Sketches from a Motionless Statue" are all reasons why this album is a modern metal classic.
Yet another modern masterpiece comes from New York City's Ever Forthright. Their self-titled debut feels far ahead of it's time. It is a technical mind fuck with serious musicality to boot. There's a very unique, ambitious feel to this record with the inclusion of jazzy segments and mind bending, chaotic, shreddy composition. Chris Baretto (ex-Periphery) even whips out the sax at points when he's not singing / screaming his lungs out. This album has a very addictive quality to it. For example, "All Eyes on Earth", "The Little Albert Experiment", and "Screen Scenarios" will have you hooked. Add it all together and BOOM! You have a classic.
Neo-classical titans, The Human Abstract, came back stronger than ever with their third studio full-length, "Digital Veil". One of the biggest game changers with this record was the return of the classically trained, genius guitar virtuoso A.J. Minette. With his influence, this record took that classical influence and blended it with a very modern, technical sound, making for some insanely good music. "Digital Veil" is filled with aural pleasures and mind bending composition. "Complex Terms", "Digital Veil", "Horizon To Zenith", "Faust", and "Holographic Sight" are some great examples. All in all, "Digital Veil" is a must listen.
To start with... THALL. Needed to get that out of my system. Hailing from Sweden, Vildhjarta's full-length debut "Måsstaden" was one of the most evil, heaviest, strangest metal records ever conceived \m/ It is one helluva experience to say the least. Packing in coldly calculated musical segments with a deadly edge, the sensation of just being surrounded by this unnaturally heavy music is an experience within itself. Some highly recommended tracks include the lethal "Dagger", updated "Traces", heavy edged "All These Feelings", and eeevil "Benblåst". If you managed to miss out on "Måsstaden", you need to get some thall in your life... now.
Californian Death Metal innovators Fallujah were a must for this list with their legendary record, "The Harvest Wombs". This extreme metal experience is easily one of the best to come out in 2011 with it's face smashing edge and impressive display of musical command. Fallujah has the ability to seamlessly transition from heavy as hell Death Metal segments into an explosion of utterly beautiful, inspiring music. There are several "holy shit!" moments on this one. A couple examples can be found in the tracks "Alpha Incipient", "Cerebral Hybridization", "The Flame Surreal", and "Assemblage of Wolves". Highly recommended \m/
After the godly Animals As Leaders debut, the band took a side step that almost no one expected in "Weightless". This album is an experimental tour de force which moved away from their original "djent" influence and brought out amazing results. It's hard to imagine this music was actually written by human beings as it offers a virtuosic detour into previously unexplored grounds of extreme technicality, fusion, and out of the box songwriting. "An Infinite Regression", "Odessa", "Do Not Go Gently", "Isolated Incidents", "Cylindrical Sea", and "Weightless" are just a few of the incredible experiences on this album.
Protest The Hero is a god damn insane band. The high level of talent here is hard to believe. And just like themassive "Fortress", "Scurrilous" delivers on so many fronts. From the seemingly constant shredding and next level musical command from the instrumental corps to the Dio-esque vocals and damn near limitless range of Rody Walker, this record is a mind shattering experience. Among many greats, some favorites include the shreddy "C'est La Vie", "Hair-Trigger", "Sex Tapes", and "Tongue Slipper" with it's hilarious outro (Speak! Ohhh yeeaaah). If you're jonesing for some shred heavy goods, Protest The Hero is sure to satisfy.
The third and longest full-length album from Born of Osiris may also be their best to date. "The Discovery" is a heavy, punishing listening experience filled with shreddy goods and acute technical flair. Not to mention it also has some awesome album artwork! The collision of minds between Lee McKinney, Cameron Losch, and Jason Richardson (ex-Born of Osiris) was a HUGE one. They displayed much growth in their songwriting and execution, cranking out greats such as the visualized perfection of "Recreate", hard hitting "Two Worlds of Design", directional "Follow The Signs", and massive closer "Behold". Follow the signs to The Discovery.
Not to be confused with the Fallujah in Iraq. Creating a fresh take on Technical Death Metal by adding atmospheric, progressive, fusion, and even some faint Black Metal elements, San Francisco's Fallujah is definitely a band to keep your eye on. The group has been around since 2007 but didn't make a name for itself until the 2009 EP "Leper Colony". Their first full length, titled "The Harvest Wombs", was released in 2011. Sounding like an atmospheric take on The Faceless (new album review coming soon), it's easily one of my favorite Death Metal records. Now one of the more respected bands in the west coast metal underground, Fallujah took part in a leg of this years Summer Slaughter Tour and Slaughter Survivors Tour. They put on an incredibly tight, technical, entertaining live performance. I highly recommend looking into Fallujah.
The Summer Slaughter Tour kicks off tonight with a sold out show in Los Angeles, California! Headbangers best get your tickets ASAP for the heaviest tour of the season, cause rumor has it they're going fast. See you in the circle pit.
07/20 - Los Angeles, CA – House of Blues (with Fallujah) (Sold Out)
07/21 - San Diego, CA – SOMA (with Fallujah)
07/22 - Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues
07/23 - Scottsdale, AZ – Venue of Scottsdale
07/25 - Dallas, TX – House of Blues
07/26 - San Antonio, TX – White Rabbit
07/27 - Mission, TX – Pharr Events Center
07/28 - Houston, TX – House of Blues
07/30 - Tampa, FL – The Ritz
07/31 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Revolution
08/01 - Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade
08/02 - Knoxville, TN – The Valarium
08/03 - Charlotte, NC – Amos Southend 08/04 - Baltimore, MD – Sonar (feat. The Contortionist) (Canceled cause the venue's owner was part of a $30 million dollar drug ring. Dead serious.)
08/05 - Philadelphia, PA – The Trocadero (with The Contortionist)
08/07 - Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom (with The Contortionist)
08/08 - New York, NY – Irving Plaza (with The Contortionist)
08/09 - Albany, NY – Northern Lights (with The Contortionist)
08/10 - Worcester, MA – The Palladium (with The Contortionist)
08/11 - Montreal, QC – Heavy Montreal
08/12 - Toronto, ON – Heavy Toronto
08/14 - Cleveland, OH – House of Blues
08/15 - Detroit, MI – St. Andrew’s
08/16 - Chicago, IL – House Blues
08/17 - Milwaukee, WI – The Rave
08/18 - St. Paul, MN – Station 4
08/20 - Denver, CO – Summit Music Hall
08/22 - Seattle, WA – The Showbox Sodo
08/23 - Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
08/24 - San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore
08/25 - Anaheim, CA – The Grove
"Born unto a gasping sun, we all find solace here." 
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