Ste's Top 10 of 2011 for B.A.N

10.Opeth -  Heritage

A difficult one to pin down at first, this is one that rewards repeat listens.A move away from the death metal brutality of old into more expansive sonic waters, Heritage  has more in common with the classic prog sound of Emerson Lake and Palmer or King Crimson than say, Emperor, and while the jury might still be out on whether or not this is a good direction for Opeth to take, there's no denying  it's an eminently well crafted album , eclectic but yet still cohesive.

9. Uncle Touchy -  Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Violence

A late enough submission in the year, Uncle Touchy nevertheless impressed with the sheer narcotic violence and grimy fury of  EYEWTKAV, a finger in the eye of modern day punk rock, and a pleasantly unpleasant listen.Taking elements of  bands such as The Jesus Lizard, The Melvins, Tad, and even a little Dillinger Escape Plan, Uncle Touchy are that band your parents forbid you to listen to, the sound of damaged men playing too loud and causing mayhem in the process.In other words, rock and roll at it's finest.

8. Uneven Structure  - Februus

French progressive metallers Uneven Structure gave us all cause to celebrate the rise in influence of the French metal scene with this doozy of a record, combining the mathematically precise riffing of Meshuggah with the atmosphere of bands like Tesseract, and in the process gave the Djent/tech community a new band of heroes to obsess over.Top stuff.

7.Zippo -Maktub

Beguiling, endlessly inventive and yet satisfyingly inventive, this record by Italian prog rockers Zippo captured the imagination in much the same way, for me personally, as Baroness'  Red Album  or even Tool's seminal Lateralus , music as much for the grey matter as the moshpit. Slated to appear at the 2012 Desertfest in London alongside Truckfighters and several others, it seems 2012 may bring some much deserved recognition the way of  these  Pescara noiseniks, fitting when considered in the light of such an accomplished piece of work as Maktub. 

6.Aliases - Safer Than Reality

When UK noisecore legends Sikth split in 2008, many ,including yours truly, pined hard for the demented fury of the Watford sextet , and the online community went into overdrive , creating petitions and the like  to try and entice the band back into action.While it looks as if  a reformation may be some way away, Sikth fans could at least take heart that the band's spirit was being continued on with guitarist Graham 'Pin' Pinney  and the brilliant Aliases. 8 songs packed with feverish invention, technical wizardry , and above all quality songwriting, Safer Than Reality  is a joy from start to finish, a thrilling , no bullshit , bat shit mental record that rewards repeated listens.

 5. Radio For The Daydreamers - Praying For The Be(a)st

Pittsburgh , PA outfit Radio For The Daydreamers  put out one of 2011's most intriguing and unique records in Praying For The Be(a)st,  a warped collection of  menacing sound scapes and experimental, genre bending     pieces that deftly combine elements of electronica, jazz, post rock and others into a fascinating whole.A real 3am ,headphones on sort of album, it might not be the loudest or most accessible record on this list, but it's still well worth your time, fitting more ideas and ambition into single songs than some bands manage their whole careers.

4. I Decline -  Time To Shine

Crashing into Nihilist's inbox , and subsequently our earholes with an album of gloriously OTT, old fashioned heavy metal fury, I Decline combine the melodic values and fist pumping working class ethic of old school hard rock like Thin Lizzy with tar thick stoner rock riffing and irrestistible , arena sized choruses.A favourite with the stoner blogging community on it's release, expect to see more of these guys next year, not least of all on BAN.

3.Luminous Black -Swedish Meadows Of Flaming Monkeys/Cosmic Gnomes/An Ode To Poggie Dillon  

Okay, so I'm cheating a little here, as this isn't really an album as such, but hey,it's my list, and besides, these Co.Kildare, Ireland stoners have produced three Eps worth of quality fuzzed out excellence, everything from riffing monoliths like 'Lateral  Thinking', chilled out , atmospheric groovealongs like 'Meadows Of Kaos' to just straight up weirdness (um,  'Swedish Handjob')is represented here, and they're also a quality live act:support slots in the new year include a set with Shoctopus and Pektop.

2.Sleestak -The Fall Of Altrusia

An absolute monster of a record, The Fall Of Altrusia represented probably the best example of atmospheric post metal last year, with the band's thrilling , emotive noise cutting through a swathe of pretenders and posers to forge their own brutal, unique identity. One of the few records that can legitimately be described as a 'journey', the band's churning maelstrom of noise takes influences from the aforementioned Oakland behemoths, but also contains nods to industrial legends Godflesh and even post punk.Crushing,  bleakly beautiful , and surprisingly addictive,The Fall Of Altrusia  was one of the defining moments of underground metal ,at least for this lowly blog writer.And so on to . . .

1.Mastodon -The Hunter

OK, I know, I know, I've picked the same record as Ed. But before you accuse me of jumping on the bandwagon , let me elucidate.I have been a die hard Mastodon fan for going on eight years, ever since the monstrous Leviathan Blood Mountain, and the monumental power of Crack The Skye make them both modern classics in their own way, powerful , forward thinking metal with a unique identity that elevated the band above the miasma of metal acts, all repeating history and playing it safe by bowing to tradition in the blandest, black clad fashion possible.

And so to The Hunter , the band's most divisive, and most controversial release yet. The most accessible Mastodon record yet, it split fans,and prompted accusations of 'selling out', the band were 'girlfriend metal', 'hipsters', and so on, all from a metal community that still allows crimes like Manowar to go unpunished. And yet,it's also the band's best reviewed album , reaping praise even from those not from a heavy music background.And it's not hard to see why.A lean , mean, monster , and more of a hard rock record this time out, The Hunter  took Mastodon's progressive instincts, and welded them to 13 of the most beguiling, balls out rock songs this year.Sure, there were moments of heaviness , in the monolithic 'Black Tongue', or the riffing juggernaut of 'Spectrelight' ,but there was also moments on this album where even the most open minded of Mastodon fans might have ventured to scratch their heads and wonder about where the band were taking this.The weirdness of 'Creature Lives'.The QOTSA-alike groover 'Curl Of The Burl' and the joyous , almost pop punk of 'Blasteroids'.But after a few listens, it all made sense, and one thing about The Hunter, perhaps even more so than any other Mastodon record, is the emphasis on songwriting, the band not wasting a note .There is no fat here, no bullshit, only great tunes.The only thing now is where do the band go from here?Rest assured that BAN , and indeed this humble writer, will be only too happy to find out.In one word.Awesome.

Edward's Top 10 Records of 2011 for B.A.N.

So, the year of our calender 2011 is nearly over and it's time to take stock of just what we've been through. Arguably I think it's been a fruitful year is all things musical, and lucky me, because I write on a blog I get to assert my opinion as if it's some kind of authority this time of year. So let's get bet right into 'cause we've got 10 records to get through here.


10. Mockingbird/ Red Sun, Split 7"

In at number 10 on the list is the Mockingbird/Red Sun split. At only two tracks long this may seem like an odd inclusion but they're nonetheless, two of the best examples of music from both bands. To quote my own review from a few months back: "If there's one bad thing about this release, it's that there isn't more of it." Mockingbird and Red Sun, both from Ohio, USA, came to my attention just in time for this release and I hopped on the opportunity to review the bastard! If you're into your modern sludge and you haven't heard these two bands, then pull your finger out and sort that out now! Here's a taste of Red Sun live and below is a sample from Mockingbird's previous release on Innervenus Records.

9. Triggerman, 'Brand New Day'

Triggerman, heavy rock mainstays from Derry and the first of two Irish bands on this list. Their record 'Brand New Day' comes in thick and fast like a hit and run from the Clutch tour bus. It's an album made up of simple riffs written in the rarely used key of quality, and played in those lovely smoldering guitar tones that turn heads at the first strike. Some serious drinking and driving music (though not at the same time obviously)!

8. Eggnogg, 'Moments in Vacuum'

This record is just a trip from start to finish. Pure stoner doom at times and psychedelic Sabbathesque riff-fest at others. This record is a collage of so many different colours and shades you're wondering what the fuck is going on half the time, and that's just alright with me! The richness of the album is what sets it apart, between the more than occasional sci fi film soundbytes, the effortlessly heavy tones and grooves and vocals that sound as if you are being beckoned from the far end of the channel tunnel, it all creates a thick bounty of sound with a pace that brings 'The Stars My Destination' back to mind. Listen to Eggnogg!

7. Otis Reaper, 'Self-titled'

Otis Fucking Reaper! A nice bit of filth out of Tennessee. This band tries their hand at all things heavy and to stunning effect. After just the first listen, you begin to get into the record in that grabbing, inexplicable way that has you going 'Hell Yeah!' as it goes on. The raw-as-pounded-meat production of it lends an air of simple purity too. To quote my review:" Pull out Otis Reaper's self titled record, lash it on the stereo, bring the lads over, crack a few cans, sit down, talk shite and bloody enjoy, you won't be disappointed!"

6. Lotuseater, 'Guides Demo'

Lotuseater, a band Nihilist has been following for a few months now and the second of our home grown Irish bands to be featured here. Lotuseater is a sickly sweet blend of several different styles so as my partner in crime Stephen pointed out, specific comparisons with other bands is almost futile. But primarily the band delve into trip hop territory which is refreshing to hear on the Dublin scene which is lousy with British style indie rock and electro pop. Check 'em out!

5. Wino, 'Adrift'

Where would we be without at least one album featuring Papa Wino per year. And just look at how spoiled we've been recently; Shrinebuilder, Punctuated Equilibrium, before them The Hidden Hand. However, an acoustic record was something out of the blue, and what a nice surprise it turned out to be. The Wino sound that I know, bathed in distortion and esoteric in lyric was suddenly stripped down to the simple meat and potatoes. On 'Adrift' our man Wino explored the blues and American folk with bright. loud acoustic guitars and a light seasoning of electric here and there and produced a wonderfully simple and contemplative album of songs. G'wan wino!

4. Eastern Crank, 'Songs From the Suburban Archives'

Eastern Crank, here with a record that can revive faith in instrumental heavy stoner music. 'Songs From the Suburban Archives' comes to us by way of New Jersey and it's pregnant with some of the most original ideas you'll here in instrumental stoner. The band mix elements from several different sources and hit upon some sounds all their own in doing so. Guitar riffs to sink your teeth into are a given, but here you also get extremely inventive beats which are a serious highlight and ambient synth effects that colour the music brilliantly, Steaming Heathen knows what I'm talking about!

3. Aver, 'Self-titled'

If you're a poor musician and you've ever wondered just how good a d.i.y. record could sound, look no further, the answer is here and it is a very good answer! Aver's self titled debut is nothing short of impressive. A thorough exploration of so many different rock influences while always keeping a signature edge, this is a band that is not afraid to properly write songs! Without saying too much, I'll refer you to what my review said months ago which is still true now: "At the end of the day after spending hour after hour in the college library is not the best time to review music; better to be fresh and enthusiastic than tired and looking at the bed with an almost sexual attraction. Yet despite this circumstance, this was still a joy to listen to. This record crosses the borders of smoking music, drinking music and thinking music and that is some accomplishment! All done DIY if you didn't catch it the first time!"

2. Sungrazer, 'Mirador'

This little Swedish gem came by way of Trev of 'Fuzzed Out' and Desertrock Ireland. He asked me to review it, I gladly accepted and as I was listening and writing wasn't I just enthralled! This is the kind of stoner rock that deserves the label of stoner rock, beautifully varied soundscapes and riffs galore from this Dutch power trio. Wonderfully simple throughout but the songs are so well constructed that they demand your attention. Excellent rock hooks, particularly in the vocals, that grab you from the start. Cheers to Trev for turning me onto Sun Grazer, we'll have to have a few drinks to this album!

1. Mastodon, 'The Hunter'

OK, so it's been almost exclusively underground bands on this list so far and now we are faced with a major label band stealing the number 1 spot, well in my own defense, it's fuckin' Mastodon man! It would be simple dishonesty if I did not put 'The Hunter' at number 1, I cannot put the album down! All big Mastodon fans have varying opinions on what their best album and direction has been, and call me a newbie (despite the 5 or 6 years of being a fan) but in this chap's opinion this is their best work so far. Not a fly on this record!

Well how was that then? I hope you enjoyed this little retrospective, I know I have. 2011 was a quality year all things considered. 2012 is already shaping up to be a monster year for new records: High on Fire, Gojira, Lamb of God, Orange Goblin, the list goes on and we can't bleedin' wait! Glady post your comments, let me know what you think and have a Heavy Christmas and a Fuzzy New Year!

Album Review - Mastodon 'The Hunter', Roadrunner.

Mastodon's latest, the hotly anticipated “The Hunter” is out now and everybody is asking 'what does Born Again Nihilist think of that?', well settle down people, let gentle Edward relieve you.

Firstly, a few significant changes with this record: this marks a departure with long-time cover artist Paul Romano, who has been the incomparable talent behind all of Mastodon's cover art with this exception, and at the producer on this one was the surprising choice of pop and hip hop producer Mike Elizondo, who most famously worked on peak era Eminem. Also, although I may be proven wrong, this record doesn't seem to follow on with the elements theme that the previous Mastodon records have used. What hasn't changed? Scott Kelly makes an appearance.

The record opens with the furious 'Black Tongue', and already a new dimension to their sound is apparent. Something akin to the sound that High on Fire are going for on their latest, Snakes For The Divine. However, that's not necessarily a good sign for me since I thought that Snakes was HOF's weakest work. It clearly suits Mastodon better than HOF and we press on with Curl of the Burl. This one is quite poppy, in its vocals more than anything else and with a hip hop producer at the helm, an emphasis on the vocals has to be expected. One thing that I love, and may be down to Elizondo, is how high Troy Sanders' bass is in the mix. All to often he was nearly buried under mountains of guitars on earlier records, but his talent and gorgeous sound shine through on this one wonderfully.

At this stage, it's already apparent that the band's vocals are at the best they've ever been, Brent and Troy and especially Brann, are just excellent. They've come a long way since the half growled half spoken Life's Blood, although on third track, Blasteroid, Brent brings out some old fashioned harsh screams. Indeed there are a handful of harkings back to previous sounds, including but not limited to the Sleeping Giant invoking Stargasm, one of the stand-out tracks on here and the first to indulge the sci-fi sounds that reoccur throughout the record.

Besides the lean towards the HOF style, there is something entirely new that I can't quite put my finger on... which is just what I fuckin' love about Mastodon really! The oddly named Octopus Has No Friends is what provokes the feeling from this blogger, another stand-out, particularly for those who agree that what is best in Mastodon is the fact that they always keep you guessing. When the grapevine first began buzzing about The Hunter, I was expecting something like a return to Remission, due to the talk from the band that this was to be a 'beer drinking album'. Admittedly, it was stupid of me to expect a repeat of Remission; this is something entirely new, and what less should I have expected from the Atlanta heroes. One thing that it does share with Remission is the lack of a definite concept.

Blood Mountain obsessives (like myself) will dig All The Heavy Lifting at track 6, in my opinion, the strongest track here contained. Troy's voice sores like an endangered bird. Crack The Skye fans will dig the immediately following track, The Hunter. It has all that luscious mystery that epitomised CTS, and the first to feature Brent's free-flow soloing, which I think has improved somewhat since it came to the fore on CTS.

All new sound scapes yet again on Dry Bone Valley, a hard hitting all-metal number that opens with almost Popol Vue style chord swells. Not far behind, Creature Lives, is one of the little gems on the album. Entirely composed by drummer Brann Dailor, it begins with one minute of synth sounds (think the old THX trailer at the cinema) and Ming The Merciless evil chuckles. As we get into the thick of it, we are presented with an English folk influenced vocal epic that is totally unprecedented in the Mastodon back catalogue. Not a million miles away from The Wildhearts' 'Geordie in Wonderland'. Things turn all Leviathan on the next track, Spectrelight, with the unmistakable voice of evil genius Scott Kelly rearing its sludgy head before long. To usher us out into the disappointing real world again, The Sparrow closes this latest piece of mastery from Mastodon. Although it's missing about 20 minutes compared to haunting acoustic closing tracks from previous albums, it retains all the dark charm and will probably go down as one of the most beautiful songs they have ever committed to record.

While fans of Mastodon may at first be sceptical, take it from me, this one is a grower! Like all the best albums, it will leave you underwhelmed at the first listen, curious by the second and hooked by the third. If there's one thing I wasn't too impressed with, it was Brann's drumming. Much of the same old I thought, but then being the most amateur of drummers, my opinion on that is not terribly valid. Everything else is played at 11, no doubt about that son!

Mastodon - The Hunter, Roadrunner Records.

Rating – 9/10

Listen to – All The Heavy Lifting, Stargasm, Dry Bone Valley, Spectrelight....or all of 'em!

Edward Gerard Brophy for Born Again Nihilist, 2011.

bornagainnihilist@gmail(DOT)com

New Mastodon Song - Spectrelight!

Yet another newbie track from Mastodon's forthcoming album 'The Hunter', it's safe to say that this is fast becoming one of our most eagerly anticipated releases of the year. Featuring a now obligatory appearance from Neurosis legend Scott Kelly, it's another  balls out rocker, with a relentless, nagging groove to it that just begs for repeat plays, the band's trademark monolithic riffing underpinning some brilliantly old school heavyy metal wizardry.Safe to say, September 27th cannot come quick enough . . .

Stephen O ' Connor, BAN

Born Again Nihilist Moves House on Facebook

Big, big, BIG, well really medium sized news. The Born Again Nihilist Facebook page is moving from a 'likeable' page to a 'friendable' page. The current page, we feel, is too limited and while it's proper FB etiquette to keep blogs confined to likeable pages, it's doubtful that anyone is going to be too upset. To celebrate, here's some old Mastodon!

Edward, B.A.N.
bornagainnihilist@gmail(dot)com

New Video From Mastodon!

Today has been a good day for news! New Black Sabbath record in the works, now a new Mastodon video!

A few days back, post-sludge pioneers Mastodon let out another nugget from their upcoming record 'The Hunter', entitled 'Curl of the Burl'. 2011 ha been a fruitful year for releases so far, but it's only half way through yet. September 27th sees the album let loose, and if you aren't excited...well, I disapprove!

Let's watch!

Incase you haven't yet seen it, here's the previous video release from back in July, 'Black Tongue'.

Edward, for Born Again Nihilist News!

Gig Review Mastodon, Live Stream from Sonisphere 2011

This is a review written on the fly, an opportunity reared it's head this morning and I resolved to take advantage. Credit must be given to Vania Yosifova for the inception of this review. Without her post in the “Heavy Psych Stoner Doom Rock” Facebook page, the event would never have come to my attention. Isn’t the future amazing sometimes?

Mastodon show Knebworth no mercy, breaking straight out with a 'Remission' album heavy set including a bruising entrance with 'March of the Fire Ants', an old fan favourite. It's easy to forget that guitarist Bill Kelliher has a mountainous voice since it is not often used but watch yourself when this track is played, behind that wonderfully groomed moustache there is still a crazed axe murderer of a voice! The lads with guitars hold onto their Silver Flying V's and 1970's Explorer's respectively, all tuned to Drop A to achieve the satisfying low end pummelling that those old Mastodon tracks employ, for almost half of the set. We are subjected to such violence as that of 'Where Strides the Behemoth', followed without pause by the forever crowd pleasing 'Mother Puncher'.

Those chaps from Atlanta bring us chronologically into their breakthrough 'Leviathan' record with the beautiful obscurity 'Aqua Dementia', Troy Sanders brings out the first of his very convincing Scott Kelly vocal impressions for the song's memorable breakdown; a stunning piece of art in the metal medium, it has to be said! We skip the masterpiece that was 'Blood Mountain' for the moment, and head straight for the emotionally cloudy territory of 'Crack the Skye' with the album's namesake track. An almighty display of the band's talent as a live act; no error, no staleness and no boredom here whatsoever! Again Troy brings out that Neurosis inspired voice to great affect, backed up by drummer Brann Dailor, who's voice is noticeably improving. Brent gets his money's worth from a custom First Act 12 string guitar. First Act seem to have become the Stoner and Doom genre's new brand of choice, I guess Gibson had to take a back seat someday.

An utterly haunting rendition of 'Ghost of Karelia' brings us out of Crack the Skye and we head for 'Blood Mountain' for a hefty dose. Orange Amps, who recently endorsed the band, are put to work creating sheer heaviness! That most mysterious track, 'Blade Catcher' appears out of nowhere and the crowd goes a little bit nuts, as if they wished to reflect the spirit of the song. Brann takes a little sneaky drum solo and I think anyone watching was wondering what the hell was Brent saying during the verse of 'Blade Catcher', there were definitely words in there before the casual whistling!

I gotta hand it to Sonisphere, the camera work was unbelievable, worthy of any festival dvd! The low angles made Mastodon look as big as their music and excellent little details and clever cutting between shots made all the difference. Bill looked rather handsome through all of this (from a totally heterosexual point of view...), the “BILL” belt buckle made my day when he lifted his guitar at the end of a faster than normal but no less intense 'Megalodon'. Troy finally says good night (at 4 in the afternoon) to Knebworth and we semi-fortunate few watching at home are wondering if they will leads us out with the recently released 'Deathbound' to go along with the backdrop featuring new artwork. As it turns out they did not, instead we got everybody's favourite 'Blood and Thunder', no disappointment there!

A review of a live stream seemed like an odd idea when I started this review but we do live in the future now and things like this are gonna change the game in unexpected ways so you gotta roll with it. I certainly wasn't upset when I found out I could watch Mastodon online in my bedroom rather than travel overseas to a festival, I already did that once this summer! To wrap this up, the fastest review Born Again Nihilist has ever produced, Mastodon gave an unreal live performance! Their minimum of crowd banter creates extra time to play more music, who could dislike that? Their stage presence has otherwise improved in my opinion: they were all more photogenic and energetic than I have seen them in some considerable time. Mastodon, you fuckin' well rock and that's just the way it is!

Mastodon, live stream from Sonisphere.

Rating: 9/10

Catch the remainder of the streaming here if you hurry: http://uk.sonispherefestivals.com/sonispheretv/index.html

By Edward Gerard Brophy

For Born Again Nihilist 2011