1 RECORD REVIEW: Vultures 2012 - "Bare Your Teeth"

Fittingly titled “Bare Your Teeth”, this snarling beast of a record by Seattle’s own Vultures 2012, sounds like the musical equivalent of a demolition derby-- an uninhibited and ferocious debut. Musically speaking, Vultures 2012 use many time honored metal styles to their advantage. Taking cues from the genre-defining Swedish juggernauts Entombed, the 7 tracks on “Bare Your Teeth” feature throaty death metal vocals and are heavy on a mid-tempo variation of that infamous “buzz saw” guitar sound. Also apparent are the bands classic metal influences, as Jeremy Lawless and Danny Even nimbly interject frequent NWOBHM-esque guitar fills between those savage riffs, a good example being the standout track “Everyone’s Your Stepping Stone”.

Just as notable is the talented rhythm section of Tony Rodriguez (drums) and Chico King (bass) whose King Kong-sized foundation sits front and center in the mix; really maximizing the records intensity. It’s a chest beater folks, through and through.

“Bare Your Teeth” also doesn’t waste any time conveying its lyrical message of anger and displeasure with the world around us. On the surface is the internalized struggle of someone totally fed up with life’s never ending bullshit-- the feelings of a person on the brink of violently lashing out at society. Have you seen that flick “Falling Down”, where Michael Douglas flips the fuck out and takes “matters” into his own hands? You get the picture.

When all is said and done, Vultures 2012 have released a primal slab of brutal metal in “Bare Your Teeth”. It’s a record that should not only get your adrenaline pumping, raise the hair on the back of your neck, but also seriously be a call to arms for local metal fans first and foremost. It’s a record that has real crossover potential and could appeal to genre extremists, stringent metal connoisseurs, or even the mainstream, and it’s coming from right here in our own backyard.

A little over a month ago, ever so quietly, Vultures 2012 released “Bare Your Teeth” as a very limited physical release. The band has also conveniently placed their record for sale on two popular online digital music repositories. So right now, for the measly price of $6.93, you can own this local metal gem.

I’ve provided links:

Amazon
iTunes

Words by Nik Christofferson

0 [VIDEO] Converge / Black Breath @ Neumos (5/13/10)

Words and Videos by Nik Christofferson

Converge was in town on May 13th and sharing a stage with them was a stellar supporting cast that included Coalesce (who played their first Seattle show in 8 years), current local metal saviors Black Breath, hardcore outfit Touché’ Amore, and local noise addicts Great Falls. Black Breath stirred the pot with their scorching brand of blacken thrash, turning the floor at Neumos into a sea of hair and limbs. This was their night, their show-- easily overshadowing Coalesce’s return and Converge’s legendary status. Converge frontman Jacob Bannon even proudly stated that Black Breath was his current favorite band, a nod they certainly deserved after their 30 minutes left the pit a huddled mass of destruction. Converge came out swinging of course, inciting the pure riotous mayhem that is only available during a Converge performance. The stage divers took over and even Himsa/Heiress frontman John Pettibone hopped on stage after Bannon dedicated the set to the revered local screamer. Metal shows of this caliber are unfortunately few and far between, and some pretty chaotic and amazing shit went down. If you missed it, here are a couple videos to prove my point.

0 [NW NOISE #9] Mico De Noche (Seattle) - Your Village Sucks! Fest Preview

Words by Nik Christofferson

Your Village Sucks! Fest Preview:

Mico De Noche

(Set Time: 11:40PM - Jewelbox Theater Stage)

Mico De Noche is: Donovan Stewart: Vocals, Guitar, Chad Baker: Bass, Michael Crum: Vocals, Guitar, Reno Dave: Drums

Metallic heavy metal wrecking crew Mico De Noche has been jarring brains out of their skulls locally since 2001. Over the years they opened for such bands like High on Fire, Jucifer, and Big Business. Further down tuning their sound all the while becoming a highly respected, monstrously sludgey favorite on the Seattle metal circuit.

In 2009, Mico was featured on the b-side of a mighty 10”split opposite Tad Doyle’s Brothers of the Sonic Cloth. The crushing track “Ganges” in particular, elevated their status as four musicians that can and will shake you right out of your boots with sonic mind numbing power.

In 2010, Mico De Noche sits with 4 releases under their belt and easily their most anticipated record on its way. Word on the street is that some initial promos have been released and the response to the new material has been a resounding two horns up. If it’s a good metal bludgeoning you are looking for, Mico De Noche will be surely oblige your request.

DO NOT MISS Mico De Noche as part of the Algerbay / Rocket Queen / SRG sponsored YOUR VILLAGE SUCKS! FEST, May 8th @ Rendezvous. Get Your Tickets Now!

0 [NW NOISE #8] Vultures 2012 (Seattle) - Your Village Sucks! Fest Preview

Words by Nik Christofferson

Your Village Sucks! Fest Preview:

Vultures 2012

(Set Time: 12:30AM - Jewelbox Theater Stage)

Vultures 2012 is: Jeremy Lawless: Guitar/Vox, Donny Even: Guitar/Backing Vox, Chico King: Bass, Tony Rodriguez: Drums

Initially brought to my attention by Your Village Sucks! Fest mastermind Andrew Chapman prior to their Audioasis benefit appearance back in December of 2009, Vultures 2012 has earned steady rotation and quite a bit of local praise due to their massive hybrid of crust punk, death and stoner metal. Vultures 2012 possess all the elements of an extremely heavy metal band, and these former and current members of Flamethrower, Murdock and Hearseburner certainly lather it on thick.

Their dense and devastating sound has propelled them relatively quickly to the top of the local metal food chain, having even been featured live on Hannah Levin hosted KEXP radio shows twice. She’s a fan, Andrew’s fan, and I’m a fan -- what else do you need?

Vultures have been working in the studio laying down tracks for their debut full length, and their Conrad Uno produced 4-track demo EP s available on Amazon.com. Now is the time to catch these guys in an intimate setting as they fill the headlining slot of our little festival. Before they join the big boys of the metal world, a level they certainly have the chops to reach.

DO NOT MISS Vultures 2012 as part of the Algerbay / Rocket Queen / SRG sponsored YOUR VILLAGE SUCKS! FEST, May 8th @ Rendezvous. Get Your Tickets Now!

0 [VIDEO] Dog Shredder @ Comet Tavern (5/6/10)

Words by Nik Christofferson

Let me just preempt today’s Your Village Sucks! Fest coverage for a moment to bring you a quick video of the mighty Dog Shredder from last night’s show at the Comet Tavern. The Bellingham trio started making waves locally in 2009 by basically sucker punching unsuspecting local metal fans with blinding speed and substantial rhythms. Even I was left slack jawed and dazed the first time I saw their Molotov cocktail of prog-infused speed metal. In Dog Shredder, ex-BENt guitarist Josh Holland has mastered a frenzied and unrelenting style of playing, and with unbridled intensity and certifiable chops he brings something very unique to the table. Not to mention he is ably backed by rhythm section Jeff Johnson and Noah Burns, who not only maintain the rapid pace but skillfully lay down some rolling thunder of their own. Last night Dog Shredder once again defied typical metal logic, puréeing my brain with unadulterated talent, and pure fucking adrenaline.

I snagged a tour EP which includes two of the Shredder’s newly recorded tracks -- "Boss Rhino" and "Heart of the Sunrise", both which should appear on their debut record due later this year. For those interested in how DS’s sporadic and sometimes off putting vocals turned out in the studio. You should be pleasantly surprised to hear they have become much more realized after a little studio time and magic. Just take my word for it.

0 [NW NOISE #5] Throne of Bone (Seattle) - Your Village Sucks! Fest Preview

Words and Video by Nik Christofferson

Your Village Sucks! Fest Preview:

THRONE OF BONE

Set Time: 10:15pm on Jewelbox Theater Stage

Throne of Bone is: Michael Freiburger: Vocals, Josh Patten: Guitar,

Billy Hamilton: Bass, Jeffery Posso: Drums

While boasting a rip-roaring blackened thrash guitar attack, beastly rhythm section, and a guttural black metal-style vocal delivery, not to mention tirelessly playing shows, sometimes a few a week. Seattle’s Throne of Bone have made a name for themselves relatively quickly as a local metal band to watch, and certainly a must see live act as well.

Last Sunday they opened for Red Fang at the Funhouse. Black hooded vocalist Michael Freiburger took to the floor with his signature bone chiseled microphone in hand. The exuberant frontman reared the crowd with dramatic showmanship, wicked screams, and a reasonable amount of microphone overspray. The trio of musicians on stage provided the torrid metal backdrop Throne of Bone has become known for, while guitarist Josh Patten at one point even burned through not one but two guitar strings during some particularly fierce riffage. Throne of Bone are real "charmers", and even though tongue-in-cheek metal clichés’ are at an all time high, I agree wholeheartedly with Your Village Sucks! Fest co-conspirator Hannah Levin -- "Bone is easily one of the most compelling metal bands playing in this city right now."

DO NOT MISS Throne of Bone as part of the Algerbay / Rocket Queen / SRG sponsored YOUR VILLAGE SUCKS! FEST, May 8th @ Rendezvous. Get Your Tickets Now!

All hail the mighty Throne of Bone!

0 [NW NOISE #4] Madraso (Seattle)

Words and Interview by Nik Christofferson

YOUR VILLAGE SUCKS! FEST Preview:

MADRASO

Set Time: 10:25pm in Grotto

Madraso is: Jeremy Curles: Vocal/Guitar, Chris Jager: Drums, Doug Owen: Bass

I caught Madraso’s blistering live show for the first time at the Brothers of the Sonic Cloth / Mico De Noche split LP release back in 2009. You could say I was a little late to the party being that band had existed since 2006, but none-the-less the crushing magnitude of their jagged hardcore infused noise rock made me a fan instantly. My initial thought during that first of now many Madraso experiences was pretty much, “Amp Rep eat your fucking heart out, this band destroys.” Madraso’s singer and guitarist Jeremy Curles played with chaotic fury, while drummer Chris Jager and bassist Doug Owen laid down the massive foundation on killer cuts such as “Daisy Cutter” from their debut full length “Van Horne”. This is an “unfuckwitable” power trio, and are easily one of premier bands currently at large in Seattle’s heavy music scene. The moral of the story here is Madraso owns, you must seek this band and they will destroy you. Frontman Jeremy Curles was cool enough to answer some of my lame ass questions via email, thanks for being a good sport man and we’ll have to do this proper some other time!

See Madraso TONIGHT as part of an excellent bill at Comet Tavern with Sandrider, Salvador (PDX), and Valis. DO NOT MISS Madraso as part of the Algerbay / Rocket Queen / SRG sponsored YOUR VILLAGE SUCKS! FEST, May 8th @ Rendezvous. Get Your Tickets Now!

Here’s our chat:

Nik: Where did name “Madraso” come from? How about “Van Horne” for that matter?

Jeremy: Madraso is Spanish slang for either: 1. bitch slap or sucker punch. 2. It also is a saying you would use if you hit yourself in the head or something. Van Horne is the last name of a few friends of ours (Brad and Brian) we like their last name and they are great guys.

Nik: Speaking of “Van Horne”, it’s a damn fine record, what was the recording process like for you guys?

Jeremy: it was nice. We tracked with Justin Weis at Trakworx studios in SF. All takes were done live and went to 2" so it was a nice fit when it came time to release it on vinyl.

Nik: Who or what are Madraso’s musical influences?

Jeremy: Tough question. There are a lot of things outside of music that influences this band. As far as bands go, there are some common "influences", but the musical tastes of the members varies quite a bit.

Nik: Lyrically are any there any reoccurring themes and/or ideas that come up more than others in Madraso songs.

Jeremy: You can throw a dog in the oven, but it doesn't make it a biscuit.



Nik: Who writes the music and/or lyrics for Madraso?

Jeremy: The band writes the music. I writes the lyrics, they usually happen after the fact and tend to be constructed around the music.

Nik: Who are you favorite bands to play with-- locally or otherwise?


Jeremy: Hmmm.... locally, we really like doing shows with the Ruby Doe, Brothers of The Sonic Cloth, Black Elk and Mico De Noche. Not only are those all exceptional bands, but they are good friends and make playing shows even more fun. Non-local, check out the Rye Wolves and Kowloon Walled City. Both kill it.

Nik: What is your favorite part about playing live?

Jeremy: The live experience. Taking songs that were written in a small cold basement and playing them in front of a small cold crowd.

Nik: What are your thoughts on the state of our current local music scene? Positives? Negatives?


Jeremy: It could use a better sense of camaraderie I guess. There are a lot transplants these days, and that sometimes gives a disjointed feeling to the whole thing. I remember growing up here myself and even though I was too young to go to a lot of "good shows" I do remember it being a bit more cohesive.

Nik: If you had the chance to open for one band past or present over all others, who would it be?

Jeremy: Loaded Question. Jager: Keelhaul. -- Jeremy: Burning Witch. -- Doug: The Jesus Lizard. But, Above all, we all agree on: Michael Jackson.

Discography:

Van Horne (2009)

The Theme of Consequence (2006)

#1 (2005)

Links:

Official Site
MySpace

0 [TOUR ANNOUNCEMENT] Lesbian's "Rainbow Urine Snake Attack Tour"

One of Seattle's most dynamic metal powerhouses Lesbian, are about to embark on a 12 date West Coast tour entitled the "Rainbow Urine Snake Attak Tour". Last night they kicked it off in style up in Bellingham as part of a local metal dream bill consisting of Black Breath, Heiress, and Dog Shredder. Actually, I can't help feel a little jealous that not only did we not get that show here in town, but the fact that I had to be at work this morning instantly slammed the door shut on any pipe dreams of a trip north.

Good news though, Lesbian is playing the Funhouse this Saturday the 27th with Samothrace, Labyrinth and the Desert, and Anhedonist before making their way south to Oregon and Cali. Should be a doozy, so get out and support local metal.

Tour Dates:

Mar 25 2010 8:00P
Karma’s Place with Black Breath, Heiress, and Dog Shredder Bellingham, Washington
Mar 27 2010 9:00P
Funhouse with Samothrace, Labyrinth and the Desert, and Anhedonist Seattle, Washington
Mar 28 2010 7:00P
The Know - early show with The White Mice Portland, Oregon
Mar 29 2010 8:00P
Tube with The White Mice Portland, Oregon
Mar 30 2010 7:00P
Monstro’s Pizza with La Fin Du Monde, Guests (Early Show, All Ages!!) Chico, California
Mar 31 2010 9:00P
21 Grand with The White Mice Oakland, California
Apr 1 2010 8:00P
Hemlock Tavern with The White Mice San Francisco, California
Apr 2 2010 7:00P
Vacation Vinyl - early in-store Los Angeles, California
Apr 3 2010 8:00P
Mountain Bar with Black Math Horseman and the White Mice Los Angeles, California
Apr 4 2010 5:00P
The Knockout - Early Show with Grayceon and Hazzard’s Cure (featuring members of Walken) San Francisco, California
Apr 5 2010 8:00P
Jambalaya - with Snail Arcata, California
Apr 6 2010 8:00P
Oak Street Speakeasy with RYE WOLVES!! and H.C Minds Eugene, Oregon