mirgilus verdict of 2023

seven that spells - seven vinyl from last year that I listened the most and other musical madnesses

 
Black Magick SS - Burning Bridges LP/CD (Creep Purple)
Another gold record from this unknown band (or solo project) from Tasmania (who knows?). Psychedelic Occult Rock on highest level, this time the guys are going to space, on lyrics, on themes, artwork and music style as well. By the way lyrics, no lyrics are printed on releases, so we have just what we heard on stereo. For me personally this band is the missing link between The Devil's Blood and Ghost, because their name, they never ever have the chance to rich the mainstream recognition, but this fact does not detract from the value of their music. On the previous album "Rainbow Nights" they set the bar high, and on this new record the bar is much higher, here we don't have just songs, we have hits with the best 70's, 80's traditions. From the first album they have experimented with elements of everything from Psychedelic Rock, Black Metal, Doom Metal, Electronics, NWOBHM even Disco, now it's time for Space Rock, New Wave, and Synth-Pop, so put this vinyl on player, volume up and let's start the dance! Amazing cover artwork again!

David Eugene Edwards - Hyacinth LP (Sargent House)
DEE's first full length solo album much more Woven Hand than the last Woven Hand album (Silver Sash), I'm totally confused with this fact. In 2018 DEE released an album with Alexander Hacke, Risha, too much connections is not between that record and Hyacinth, maybe the electronic parts, maybe.
Hyacinthus is derived from a Greek, the flowers supposedly having grown up from the blood of a youth of this name killed by the god Zephyr out of jealousy. Hyacinths are often associated with spring and rebirth. The hyacinth flower is used in the Haft-Seen table setting for the Persian New Year celebration, Nowruz, held at the spring equinox. The Persian word for hyacinth is sonbol that means cluster. In Roman Catholic tradition, H. orientalis represents prudence, constancy, desire of heaven and peace of mind.

Dødheimsgard - Black Medium Current DLP (Peaceville)
I'm not a DHG fan, the classic black metal era (first 2 albums) just glided past me, the "666 International" was not my cup of tea, and after I forgot this band. I have seen live 2 or 3 times the band after the "A Umbra Omega" and I really enjoyed the band on stages. First just seen the cover of this new album, than got the music and I was shocked! Seriously, such an amazing masterpiece, a perfect combination of Norwegian Black Metal, electronic madness and real avantgarde metal, and everything is so organic, perfect sound, and the feeling which is coming from this songs are indescribable. when I heard first the intro of the "Et smelter" I was on their side. Vicotnik is a real genius, how he's playing with his voice is just fantastic, stellar! Long journey in Vikotnik's mind and spirit but worth every single moment. Masterwork, we will talk about it in years to come, about the songs, about the clear and organic sound, and about the dramatic feeling which embraces the entire album.  

King Dude - Songs Of The 1940's -Part One & Two- Double 7" EP (Raubbau)
After the final KD album Death, Cowgill released 2 cover albums, Nursey Rhymes LP contains child songs for his daughter ("A collection of nursery rhymes and lullabies done in my own style as I would sing them to my own daughter. She's the primary reason I wanted to record them. The secondary reason would be to re-introduce many of the original verses to the listener, provided without context or revision.") and this 2x 7" EP Songs Of The 1940's, well known songs by King Dude's special interpretations. If you are into American country, folk music, even gospel, blue grass & cowboy songs, etc. you will love it like me. How King's singing those songs is pure magic!  

Loth - 616 LP (Specific / Vendetta Records)
Loth coming from Metz, France, the lead singer is Flo from the very best Specific Recordings. The band playing a very atmospheric type of Black Metal with long songs, like a painting about the untouched nature made by musical intruments. The first album from 2016 was a very promising debut album, the 2nd "Apocryphe" album was just an ok release, but nothing special. Accidentally got this record and really liked from the first listening sessions. Nothing is new under the sun, but the atmosphere and the emotional themes, riffing and unusual tempo changes and rocking attitude making this album very great! The sound is so natural, nothing trendy here, but everything is organic, powerful and clean!  

Swans - The Beggar DLP (Mute / Young God Records)
In 2010, Michael Gira re-formed the band Swans and this is the 6th studio album from reformation, all in all "The Beggar" is the sixteenth studio album from Swans long career, impressive. All albums from reformation are long albums and every album was supported with huge world tours, so Gira don't stop. Some people say, that's the latest Swans albums are Gira's solo albums, but we know Swans is Gira and Gira is Swans. If I remember well, this album was promoted as the final Swans album. Few months ago I read a statement that will be a new album this year too, so who knows?! Musically following the Leaving Meaning. album with the well known Swans atmosphere and sound. Pos-rock compositions and very repetitive with beautiful voice of Gira, The Beggar contains Gira’s most self-reflective lyricism, just listen "Michael is Done" or my personal favorite "No More of This" which is a good by song, very dramatic and heartfelt. The CD version contains a bonus track "The Beggar Lover" which is a 44 minutes long song, like a full length album, experimental and very Swans.

Urfaust - Hoof Tar LP + CD (Ván)
Urfaust ended their journey with not the best album, Untergand was a real disappointment for me, but this EP, is full with urfaustian magic and special atmosphere which was only theirs. Special packed one side LP + CD combo, one short ambient intro and a long almost 15 minutes, one of the best Urfaust song "Authentic Psalm". An epic total Urfaustian doom hymn with the well known Urfaustian vocals. Ritual, black magic, pure gold!


best re-issues:
Beherit - Messe Des Morts LP (Werewolf Records)
First time on 12" LP, 3" CD and cassette. Original artwork everything is perfect, the red vinyl edition stunning!

Scanner - Hypertrace LP (Rock Of Angels Records)
Limited to 500 copies in transparent violet vinyl. First time released with the songs in correct order. A real fan edition! Justice for one of the best heavy metal album ever recorded!


best live:
Emperor (@ Artmania), Midnight & Obituary (@ Rockstadt EF)
Zemial & Butcher (@ Old Grave Fest)


best music related book:
Rick Rubin - The Creative Act: A Way of Being


best record label:
Glitterhouse Records & Creep Purple


Missed record, need to listen:
Stargazer - Bound By Spells MLP

by mirgilus, March 2024