Final & Fear Falls Burning - s/t LP

My boss is killing me, no time to post, but I owe you something, so hot off the press at Conspiracy:

Dirk Serries (Fear Falls Burning) and Justin Broadrick (Final) are both musicians with an impressive discography that spans over 2 decades. They both emerged from the same underground scene in the early eighties, releasing small print tape releases, often on the same labels. When they finally met for the first time in 2007 on a Jesu / Fear Falls Burning European tour they hit it on straight away. Their common love and interest in the avant-garde drone, experimental music scene resulted in Final's stunning contribution to the epic 'Once We All Walk Through Solid Objects' 5lp set by Fear Falls Burning. A full-length collaborative album was only a matter of time. About a year in the making this collaborative album showcases Final and Fear Falls Burning's ability to expand the drone genre with allowing power chords, figurative plucking and electronic-esque soundscapes to lead the 4 songs on this album. The collaboration is much more than just a sum of both their projects together but it realizes an entity on its own. In your face, metal-esque and avant-garde at the same time, Final and Fear Falls Burning took the leap forward in creating a intriguing variation on drone music.

This lp is limited to 500 copies (75 on clear, 125 on silver and 300 on black). Order now at Conspiracy

John Duncan - The Nazca Transmissions LP

Must be the weather, because I'm seriously into drones today. This new release really caught my attention, not only because it's by experimental legend John Duncan - who's also collaborated with Aidan Baker and did one of those Melvins remixes - but just check out his inspiration for this album:

On Christmas Eve, 2004, John Duncan received a mysterious email from an archaeologist working at the site of the Nazca Lines in Peru. He claimed to have discovered, and over time recorded, a variety of sounds actually generated by the enigmatic lines themselves. Familiar with Duncan’s “Infrasound-Tidal”, composed from source recordings taken from tides, seismic activity and barometric data from the Australian coastline, he suggested to Duncan the composition of a piece with these sources. All of the sources were modified in the studio of John Duncan, some radically, to bring out an unsettling, haunting quality. In mid-June 2005, the glorious 5-track piece was finally ready. John Duncan sent several messages to the archaeologist, none of them ever answered or returned. A hard disk crash effectively destroyed all of the email correspondence between them. What remains are the notes he sent that ostensibly describe the details of sites and times for the source recordings. Those notes have been reproduced on the insert included in this edition, also presenting John Duncan liner notes.

Intriguing or what? "The Nazca Transmissions" vinyl is limited 380 copies, with embossed total-black cover, insert and full-color inner sleeve with space images of the Nazca Lines. Order it from Drone Records in Europe, or from Fusetron in the US. Expensive but worth it.

Seht - Hrry LP + 3"CD

An unknown artist from New Zealand to me personally, but apparently one that's been going strong for many years already, Seht now has a new LP out called "Hrry", it's limited, it's droney, you want it. Apparently, the mind behind the mask used to play with Birchville Cat Motel, and has now developed an ambient drone style of lucious soundscapes and mellow electronics. A bit too much use of bits and bytes for my personal taste, but definitely recommended for anyone into drone.

Order the "Hrry" LP which comes in silver & black fold-out poster sleeve and is strictly limited to 150 copies from Boomkat in the UK, from mimaroglu in the US, or all the way from New Zealand at Digitalis.

Daniel Menche - Odradek 2xLP

Daniel Menche is like Portland's Fear Falls Burning: has been going for years, has more releases under his belt than my number of one-night-stands, and is only inspired musically by himself. Daniel Menche makes harsh ambient structured in layers and layers of drones, and has released albums on Important, Utech and many other labels, so if you're afraid of the drone, leave this one alone!

His new 2xLP "Odradek" will be released in December, and is limited to 200 handnumbered copies on 220g vinyl in a book bound sleave and features "a 20 minute track that will have a spoken word (in German) reciting the Franz Kafka story of the creature." Available for pre-order now from Beta-Lactam Ring

Fear Falls Burning - The Rainbow Mirrors A Burning Heart LP

Here's a litte heads up! I'm not sure how, but ConSouling Sounds Records have some copies available of "The Rainbow Mirrors A Burning Heart" LP by Belgium's drone pride Fear Falls Burning. This record was originally released in 2006 and captures a live performance of FFB in Germany somewhere late 2005.

This LP is/was limited to 300 handnumbered copies and as far as I know has never been repressed, so I'm guessing these guys won't have that many copies either, so just to be on the safe side, get it immediately from ConSouling Sounds.

Nadja / Kodiak - Split LP

Also up for pre-order from Denovali, but worth a separate entry as I'm thinking of changing the name of this blog to "Hex - the complete works of aidan baker - Vinyl", is a new split release between Nadja and Germany's Kodiak. This 180g LP comes in a gatefold cover, and is limited to 180 copies on clear vinyl with black.bkue splatters and 320 copies on black vinyl.

Nadja needs no explanation. Kodiak are new too me, but judging by the songs which you stream on the pre-order page sound pretty good. Kind of like a slower, heavier version of Earth or so. Nothing too exciting, a bit too repetitive at times but definitely worth following.

If I'm correct, we get 1 new Nadja song here, and 3 Kodiak songs, so for the sake of completing your Nadja collection, pre-order this little gem as well from Denovali. I'm not a big fan of the colorways on this LP myself, so I'll wait until I come across a pyhiscal copy of this split to see it broad daylught before I actually purchase this. Too expensive too buy everything Nadja related, it sickens me.

PS: No, I do not get endorsed by Denovali. Neither by Nadja. I should though, haha.

Boris - Boris At Last / Feedbacker LP

Belgium's one and only almighty Conspiracy Records are now taking pre-orders for the re-issue of the amazing "Boris At Last - Feedbacker" LP by, well, Boris ofcourse. This re-issue comes on 200 copies on limited red vinyl, the rest will all be pressed on black vinyl.

By far my favourite Boris record, I'm lucky enough to own a copy of the original pressing, but that won't stop me ordering this again. Be fast and pre-order directly from Conspiracy Records

Grief No Absolution - Eurostopodus Argus/Crypsis 10" + 7"

Grief No Absolution is a solo drone project from some remote place in Australia, who recently released two bundled vinyl releases: The "Crypsis" 7" and the "Eurostopodus Argus" 10". Though the music on these 2 formats is quite different, what you can expect is bleak metal, noise and drones. This is what happens when you put Wolf Eyes in the same room as Khanate with Nadja in the background. Scary stuff, so check out the track "Bewildering Predation" and if you hear what you like, order this limited 10"+7" (500 copies) and get a free download code as well, from Flingco Sound
BewilderingPredation by GMJOhn

Oren Ambarchi / Lasse Marhaug - Devil Wolf Men 7"

Oren Ambarchi is back, this time collaborating with Lass Marhaug, one of the most prolific Norwegian noise makers. The "Devil Wolf Men" 7" is a documentation of Ambarchi and Marhaug's tour of China in 2005 and was recorded live and in the studio. Haven't heard any of this yet, but definitely sounds and looks interesting. Get it from Pica Disk

Boris - Japanese Heavy Rock Hits 7"series update

As reported yesterday, Boris are gearing up to release a new 7", apparently not called "8", but "Japanese Heavy Rock Hits Vol. 1" which turns out to be only the first installment in a series of 7" releases. Here's what the Lord has to say:

"For over 15 years Boris has lead the charge as Japan’s most exciting experimental rock act. This fall marks yet another first for the band as they release Japanese Heavy Rock Hits, a series of 7″s showcasing their wide-reaching, genre-smashing sound. The band has been locked in the studio over last few months and in association with Southern Lord they are ready to bring to you their latest offerings. Over the course of the next 3 months 3 brand new exclusive vinyl 7″s will be released.

September - Japanese Heavy Rock Hits Vol. 1
Side A: “8″

Side B :” Hey Everyone/ねえエヴリワン”

October - Japanese Heavy Rock Hits Vol. 2
Side A: “H.M.A. - Heavy Metal Addict”

Side B: “Black Original/黒い点滅”

November - Japanese Heavy Rock Hits Vol. 3
Side A: “16:47:52… / 16時47分52..”

Side B:” ..and Hear Nothing/きこえない”

The 7″s will be available individually or you can pre-order the series as a set and receive a exclusive bonus 7″ (only available if you buy the set) and exclusive Boris t-shirt. Full details and ordering info will be up on the Southern Lord site very shortly."

Nadja / Armchair Migraine Journey - Transmit Acoustique Abstraction One 10"

Another Nadja output, oh yeah! I haven't been able to post much these last few days due to work and other commitments, so I figured I'd might as well piss you off even more by announcing yet another Nadja LP you want, just for the sake of wanting them all. So, this time around Aidan Baker shares the vinyl with Armchair Migraine Journey, a band of which I've never heard before. Both bands deliver one brandnew track on this 10" album, limited to 200 copies which comes in custom made sleeves with hand printed artwork, numbered and signed.

This split 10" only comes out in December, so this is an extremely early pre-order, but as it's a vinyl only release, and extremely limited, it might just be worth the $30,00 (seriously?) from Beta-Lactam Ring Records

BLR are offering 10% discounts on all pre-orders though, by simply using this code: pr10%. Thus, also valid for the previous reported Troum LP and Nadja LP.

Om - God Is Good LP

The new OM "God is Good" LP has finally become available for pre-order, I've been waiting for months to check out this new record, so this is definitely one of the must-haves of the year. On "God Is Good", Om return with 4 brandnew tracks, one of which I was fortunate enough to hear during their show at this year's Roadburn festival, which sounded pretty much amazing. 2 others tracks (or excerpts) can be streamed on their myspace so definitely check them out if you're unfamiliar with them. I won't waste your time, nor mine, by describing how good OM are, just grab the $14 out of your wallet and order this LP from Drag City

Nadja / Datashock - Collaboration 12"

A Nadja/Datashock collaboration 12"...déjà-vu or what? Well, apparently, some copies of this 2007 12" were accidently repressed, so now Bis Aufs Messer & Vendetta have some spare copies, with self-made covers. This album is actually a recording of a live improvisation between Aidan Baker and Leah Buckareff (together called Nadja) and Datashock. Nadja doesn't need an explanation, Datashock are a German "free psych droneband".

So, up for sale now this is this one-sided 12" in the "Nadja-edition", limited to 40 copies, handnumbered. The first original pressing on Meudiamerte/Hlava only had 93 copies, so I guess an additional 40 won't hurt anyone. The picture above is of the original artwork, no idea what this new version will look like. Anyway, if you're looking to complete your Nadja collection, you can order it now from Bis Auf's Messer

vidnaObmana - 1984-1986 Testament Of Tape 3LP Box

Fear Falls Burning has been getting some well-deserved appreciation from the doom/Drone scene after all those years of hard work. Maybe lesser known is Dirk Serries other, older project, called vidnaObmana.

Vinyl On Demand Records decided to turn this around, and recently released a 3LP box set of of recordings previously only available on tape, all issued between 1984 and 1986. Apparently quite different from Fear Falls Burning, the music here alters between harsh noise, drones and industrial. The first LP of the box set apparently reminds more of early Blackhouse or even Esplendor Geometrico, while the 2 others LPs already hint at his Fear Falls Burning days.

The 3LP Box Set is limited to 477 copies, with 300 copies for VOD members only, the remaining 177 copies are for wholesale/distribution/regular folks like you and me. Get this - and while you're there, there's also a Nurse With Wound box set up for sale - for $49,99 from Vinyl On Demand

Transitional - Stomach Of The Sun 2xLP

Transitional is a supergroup of sorts, featuring the core-members Kevin Laska (Novatron) and Dave Cochrane (Jesu, Grey Machine, Head Of David), who on this new record get drumsupport from Phil Petrocelli (Trey Gunn, The living Jarboe, Fear Falls Burning). The new album "Stomach of the Sun" is up for pre-order now at Conspiracy Records , available on limited Gold (100 copies) or White (400 copies) 180gr vinyl for €16. Or, for €25 you get the pre-order pack containing an exclusive t-shirt as well.

For one week only, "Stomach Of The Sun" can be streamed here

Conspiracy comments: "Stomach of the Sun" serves up as an excellent full length reply to last years debut release " nothing real, nothing absent ". Over an hours journey through a sonic universe of 9 tracks all of which give you different possibilities and range of what this band can produce. From devouring linear drones, lush melancholy to pure unadulterated rage experienced through a back drop of churning rhythms, using Cohesive experimental recording techniques combined with discordant world eating riffs enveloped in a signature approach to atmosphere and interspersing melody making a truly individual record. The line up consists again of musican/producer Kevin Laska on guitar/voice/electronics/synth and drum programming, who's probably best known work before transitional was with Anthony Di Franco ( ex- skullflower ) as Novatron. Dave Cochrane( who's past and present credits to name a few include Head of David, jesu, Greymachine and God) on Basses. This record also sees the introduction of Phil Petrocelli to the band (whos past and present credits include, to name a few, Trey Gunn, The living Jarboe, fear falls burning and Bill Laswell) appearing on drums on several tracks throughout the record. Mastered by Justin K Broadrick."

Troum - Eald-Ge-Streon 2xLP

Troum are an ambient-drone duo from Germany, who were active before in the influental ambient industrial group Maëror Tri. You know the deal, drones, feedback, the odd melody thrown in, pretty great stuff!

This 2xLP edition packaged in a full color book bound gatefold sleeve with design, layout and artwork by Stephen O'Malley. All copies from the label directly will be on colored vinyl and limited to 400 copies. Available November 18, but already up for pre-order.

Here's what the label has to say: "Welcome to the Thunderdome. Troum’s bone-cracking reverberations respirate with such ferocity that all non-Troum molecules are blown away. Eald-Ge-Streon is a massive, rising beauty. It is a great becoming, and we are nothing but an ant in the afterbirth. Troum has set its controls beyond the heart of the Sunn. The pulsating inferno of these 7 drone concertos may require an insurance adjuster, but what a lovely way to burn. It is in your nature to do one thing correctly. Before Troum, you rightly tremble. But fear is not what you owe Troum. You owe Troum awe!"

Get your copy for $25 Right Here

Nadja - Under The Jaguar Sun 2xLP

What did I say about Nadja last week again? There's no keeping up with Aidan Baker. Available now to order is the new 2xLP called "Under The Jaguar Sun" from Beta-lactam Ring Records - now there's a mouthful...

The 2xLP edition is due late August 2009 (thus now) and is packaged in a full color custom made book bound gatefold sleeve with 180 gram vinyl. Note: The vinyl version features three mixes by Nadja and one mix by Edward Ka-Spel (that's right, the guy from The Legendary Pink Dots) using the 2xCD set as source material so the music is very different from the CD version.

Get if for $25 from BLR Records

Black Boned Angel - Verdun LP

Well hell, speaking of Black Boned Angel. Turns out Riot Season are taking pre-orders for "Verdun", the new album by Black Boned Angel! Hooray!

Here's the release info from the label: "The eagerly awaited and much delayed (our fault!) new studio album from Black Boned Angel. Described by Rock-A-Rolla magazine as the bands "most sombre and realised work to date", and who are we to argue ?

Sharing a similarly bleak ground to Corrupted, Sunn 0))) and Earth, New Zealand's Black Boned Angel return with their fourth full length album 'Verdun', and perhaps their most sombre and fully-realised work to date.The Battle of Verdun was fought between the German and French armies, and was one of the critical battles during World War 1 on the Western Front. It resulted in more than a quarter of a million battlefield deaths and at least half a million wounded. Verdun was the longest battle and one of the most devastating in World War 1 and indeed in history. Over the course of 50 minutes, BBA soundtrack that brutal conflict with their trademark dark ambient drones and doom-laden riffs."

Limited edition black and colored vinyl LP, available for pre-order from Riot Season

Nadja / Black Boned Angel - Split LP

Back to the metal. Or sort of. This is a release I'm definitely spending my money on: the collaboration between Nadja and Black Boned Angel. Nadja are in my book similar to Boris, meaning that it's quite impossible to own all their records because they seem to release something every month. Black Boned Angel is also known under his other monniker Birchville Cat Motel. These 2 drone/metal soloplayers actually collaborated before on the one-sided Christ Send Light LP (which is still available from Conspiracy by the way), and as far as I've understood, this is more material from these recording sessions. To top things off, the artwork is also a collaboration between two heavyweights; David D’Andrea and Stephen Kasner.

20 Buck Spin don't have the LP available online, but you can order yours from Insound

Shit And Shine - 229 2299 Girls Against Shit 2xLP

Shit And Shine return with their fourth Riot Season album after a link-up with the Load Records stable for their last release. Definitely one of the most notorius acts in the drone-scene, these guys offer a loud mix of drone, kraut-metal and noise, and expect nothing else from their latest "Girls Against Shit"

Riot Season states: "Continuing in their usual Riot Season style, what we have on offer here is the bizarre, the puzzling and the downright groovy. The epic, drawn-out single-riff jams that make up their legendary live shows are replaced by their trademark off-the-wall lunacy, making for a fun-packed adventure akin to biking trips with friends, and the local mental as a child.
'229 2299 Girls Against Shit' could be the soundtrack to that summer, the beating of rats with sticks, the shooting of girls with gat guns, swimming in a mang ridden cut and the discovering of dead dogs and maggots. Ah, those were the days my friend ...

Available from the good folks at Boomkat