Nest is helmed by multi-instrumentalist John Jarvis of Agoraphobic Nosebleed and Scour. Given his connection to Phil Anselmo through Scour, it only makes sense for this project to be on Housecore Records. Endeavors marks the third full-length album of the project. They opened select dates for Pantera’s recent tour; they are at least heavy enough to warrant having a slot on that run. Continue reading
Heavy metal icons Pantera will return to the stage this February on the second leg of their North American headlining tour with special guest, Lamb Of God. Much like last Summer’s run, each show will feature an opening performance by one of three Housecore Records recording artists on select dates. Housecore Records was founded by Pantera frontman Philip H. Anselmo in an effort to release material by his many side projects and from other bands he’s supported throughout his career. Joining this leg of the tour will be St. Louis-based metal trio and recent Housecore Records signees Nest, featuring Scour/Agoraphobic Nosebleed bassist John Jarvis, as well as two Detroit juggernauts – art punk/noise metallers Child Bite and hardcore punk/thrashers Snafu (Situation Normal All Fucked Up) — both of which opened for Pantera in 2023.Continue reading
Music reviewers are inherently sceptical and often contrarian creatures, so when an artist arrives carrying plaudits from the grandees of heavy music, it’s hard not to default to cynicism. You’d be especially forgiven for hanging onto that cynicism with both hands when metal’s own great soothsayer, Lars Ulrich, adds his own recommendations to the mix – Ulrich labelling Arctic Monkeys as his favourite Metal band in 2012 still raises some serious questions about his take on the heavy music zeitgeist.Continue reading
Belgian headbangers Brutus are dropping their new album Next week via the Sargent House label. The band and die-hard genre smashers blending post-rock, hardcore, metal and pop together as one. Check out their new single ‘Django’ right now!Continue reading
I mean we all love a good wash and the occasional shower from time to time, don’t we……?! After all, as they say “cleanliness is next to godliness”, which is where Nest come in with their record Metmepsychosis (Sludgelord). This is the total antithesis of the aforementioned phrase and an absolutely gloriously wretched listening experience for anyone who chooses to partake of it.Continue reading
Since his departure from Gorgoroth, Einar “Kvitrafn” Selvik set about creating a project steeped in the heritage of Nordic spiritualism which swept away any preconceptions the scene may have had when this release reared its head back in 2009. The initial chapter in a trilogy of albums based on ancient the Elder Futhark; the oldest form of runic alphabet popularised by northern European tribes, Runaljod Gap Var Ginnunga (Indie) is a compdlling journey throughout its fifty two minute duration.
That an album which features no distorted guitar, drums or modern instrumentation of any kind could capture the imagination of so many metal fans seems curious on the surface, but the nocturnal nature of compositions such as ‘Thurs’, with its mouth harp and homemade percussion delicately embellished with gorgeous hardanger fiddle, creates an experience which transcends genre. The ethereal vocals of Linda Fay Hella are breath-taking, yet over-shadowed by the sinister shaman that is Kvitrafn’s former Gorgoroth colleague Gaahl, whose trance inducing chanting lures the lister into the primordial depths of pre-Christian Norway.
The most apparent aspect of Runaljod… is how authentic it is. Much of this can be attributed to the use of real recordings of wind and other atmospheric effects which Einar himself acquired, rather than relying on synths. Acts like Finland’s Nest may have a similar approach but this work has more in common with the dark ambient genre.
Able to shift mood from menacing to enchantingly beautiful, the album has many stand out moments but is most rewarding when experienced in a single sitting and its strength lies in retaining a uniquely Norse atmosphere throughout which allows these unique compositions to really stand out. The instrumentation here shows a remarkable sense of commitment to recreating the sounds of the early Norse tribes and throat singing, goat skull percussion instruments and all manner of curious items are employed here to great effect. Witness the foreboding ‘Thurs’, for proof.
A majestic journey into bygone times, Runaljod… is a stunning piece of work. This vinyl re-issue should only serve to whet the appetite of fans awaiting the forthcoming third chapter of this epic trilogy.
9.0/10
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