Recorded in July 2021 at The Crypt South, Psychic Contortions (I, Voidhanger) is the fourth studio album from Minnesota duo Feral Light, aka Andy Schoengrund (vocals, guitars, bass) and Andrew Reesen (drums), who have previously been involved with bands such as Wolvhammer and Empires and features seven tracks of obscure and experimental crust-infused black metal, with a distinct originality that sets them apart from the pack.
Idlehands. Photo Credit: Erik Bardin
Idlehands is currently on tour with Geographer and Empires on a North American tour with dates posted below. They are streaming “El Shakes,” off of Dena Mora, out May 19, 2015 via Headphone Music/Equal Vision Records here.
Geographer w/Empires and Idlehands
May 15: Blind Pig – Ann Arbor, MI
May 16: Sneaky Dees Concert Venue – Toronto, ON
May 17: Theatre Fairmount – Montreal, QC
May 19: Brighton Music Hall – Allston, MA
May 21: Music Hall of Williamsburg – Brooklyn, NY
May 22: Union Transfer – Philadelphia, PA
May 23: U St. Music Hall – Washington, DC
May 24: Local 506 – Chapel Hill, NC
May 26: The Earl – Atlanta, GA
May 27: Gasa Gasa – New Orleans, LA
May 28: FItzgerald’s – Houston, TX
May 29: Trees – Dallas, TX
May 30: The Mohawk – Austin, TX
Idlehands
Jun 02: 51 West – Tempe, AZ
Jun 04: Eagle Aerie Hall – Henderson, NV [w/CHON]
Jun 05: House of Blues (Voodoo Room) – San Diego, CA
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![[Empires]-Cover1500x1500](https://i0.wp.com/ghostcultmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Empires-Cover1500x1500.jpg?ssl=1)
TAPED is a metalcore/hardcore band from a place in the world rarely considered when it comes to heavy music: Lichtenstein. For a group that comes from such a small country, they have grand ambitions. [Empires] (Redfield Records) is their attempt to reach a bigger audience.
Opener ‘New Chapter’ is a piece that is meant to pump up the listener and slam into the next song ‘Turn the Page.’ The energy dies off after a while though and it all starts sounding like any average American band in the metalcore and hardcore genres. One wishes that ‘Turn the Page’ was a twist on Bob Seger’s classic instead.
This mood continues throughout most of the album. The interludes: ‘Rise’ and ‘Head Up’ are the most engaging part of it all. They have the most energy of all the tracks. ‘Convictions’ is closer to the end of the album and serves as a break from the monotony of everything else; it offers a glimpse at what could have been. The guitars and vocals sound balanced and infused with spirit. Overall, it is the most developed sounding song. With the next track, ‘Behind the Mask,’ it goes back to the same noise. It feels as though the album was uninspired and that nothing different is being done.
Credit should be given to TAPED for even attempting to break out of their small corner of the world. They would feel right at home in the hardcore American scene, but that is not a good thing when it comes to being noticed. [Empires] may be interesting to those who are looking to expand their hardcore and metalcore tastes beyond America. Otherwise, it may be better to look elsewhere.
3.0/10
MELISSA CAMPBELL
Idlehands. Photo Credit: Erik Bardin
San Diego post rockers Idlehands will be releasing their debut full length release Dena Mora on May 19, 2015 via Headphone Music/Equal Vision Records. Dena Mora was recorded in Portland, OR with producer Kris Crummett (A Lot Like Birds, Closure In Moscow), and is the follow-up to the band’s 2013 EP, Common Soul. Idlehands is comprised of Johnny O’Hagan (vocals), Michael Brekka (guitar), Seancarlo Ohlin (guitar), Phil Di Raffaele (drums), and Isaac White (bass). Stream “Filthy Doves” below.
Dena Mora Track Listing
01: Youth, Too Late
02: Floor of Tradition
03: El Shakes
04: Why We Leave
05: Filthy Doves
06: Krampus
07: Mellow Christ
08: Mid-Brain Reward System
09: Dena Mora
10: Nomad Motto
11: Decathect
The band has an extensive schedule of tour dates.
May 01: The Britisher – Lancaster, CA
Geographer w/Empires and Idlehands
May 06: Doug Fir Lounge – Portland, OR (Geographer w/ Idlehands only)
May 07: The Big Dipper – Spokane, WA (Geographer w/ Idlehands only)
May 08: The Pub Station – Billings, MT (Geographer w/ Idlehands only)
May 10: The Aquarium – Fargo, ND (Dempseys upstairs)(Geographer w/ Idlehands only)
May 11: 7th Street Entry – Minneapolis, MN (Geographer w/ Idlehands only)
May 12: Lincoln Hall – Chicago, IL
May 13: Rumba Cafe – Columbus, OH
May 15: Blind Pig – Ann Arbor, MI
May 16: Sneaky Dees Concert Venue – Toronto, ON
May 17: Theatre Fairmount – Montreal, QC
May 19: Brighton Music Hall – Allston, MA
May 21: Music Hall of Williamsburg – Brooklyn, NY
May 22: Union Transfer – Philadelphia, PA
May 23: U St. Music Hall – Washington, DC
May 24: Local 506 – Chapel Hill, NC
May 26: The Earl – Atlanta, GA
May 27: Gasa Gasa – New Orleans, LA
May 28: FItzgerald’s – Houston, TX
May 29: Trees – Dallas, TX
May 30: The Mohawk – Austin, TX
Idlehands
Jun 02: 51 West – Tempe, AZ
Jun 05: House of Blues (Voodoo Room) – San Diego, CA
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Idlehands on YouTube
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