Shudder to Think - Live From Home LP

Shudder to Think's "Live from Home" LP is up for pre-orders from Team Love Records. This live album is a recording of a one of the reunionshows they played in 2008. Shudder To Think were always something of an odd band. In their early days they were on the legendary DC Hardcore label Dischord, but had little common with their labelmates.

It is hard not to mention Shudder To Think when thinking of the early emo-bands such as Rites of Spring, Hoover or Husker , so that should give you an idea what to expect. Then again, they were always much more melodic, one might even say melodic punk rock, but with some Sunny Day Real Estate thrown in there, as well as Dinosaur Jr. post-rock.

Not a big fan of live-albums myself, but those of you who are, head over to Team Love and pre-order this 180g vinyl.

These Arms Are Snakes - Washburn LP

Seattle's These Arms Are Snakes are getting ready to release their new LP called "Washburn" on Suicide Squeeze Records. I'm excited, so without any word on ordering information yet, I figured this might be the time to report about the TAAS Top 500 songs of the decade. Brian Cook of TAAS, Botch and Russian Circles fame devised this list of songs to give a well meant and well deserved 'up yours' to Pitchfork and that crappy list of theirs. So, enjoy the These Arms Are Snakes Top 500 list!

Circulatory System - Signal Morning 2xLP

Circulatory System's new full-length "Signal Morning" was released earlier this month after being in the making for 8 years, and Cloud Recordings are now also taking pre-orders for the vinyl version. Circulatory is a psychedelic rock band fromed around Will Cullen Hart, who used to serve time in the Olivia Tremor Control, along with his Elephant 6 peers who went on to form bands such as Neutral Milk Hotel and of Montreal. Hart however, never made to such levels and was rather busy fighting multiple sclerosis. Now, Hart is back, 8 years after his last output with his ensemble Circulatory System.

"Signal Morning" is a surreal document of deamy pop, lo-fi rock, urgent noise and lonely neo-psychedelica, and will please fans of both Acid Mothers Temple, Phil Elverum and Brian Wilson. The new album features the entire Olivia Tremor Control line-up by the way, as well as contributions by Jeff Mangum and Julian Koster of Neutral Milk Hotel.

Pre-order the "Signal Morning" gatefold 2xLP from Cloud Recordings

Gorath - Misotheism LP

Speaking of Enslaved, Belgian technical black metal act Gorath are finally seeing their last album "Misotheism” getting the vinyl treatment. And with me being from Belgium and all, I figured this release deserves some attention.

Gorath's third album containing 7 gnostic black metal gospels deals around a concept about "heresy throughout history, mythology, legend and lore." Yeay! As for references, Enslaved is probably your best bet, or try Satyricon for some of the riffing. Oh yeah, "Misotheism" was produced by Dan Swanö, who also worked with Opeth, Dissection and others.

Pre-order this LP+7", limited to 300 copies from Eisenwalt Tonschmiede for only €15,90, S&H included.

Enslaved - 8xLP Wooden Boxset

Germany's Viva Hate Records have started taking pre-orders for the Enslaved Wooden Box Set last week, and the first 100 and most limited copies are already gone. Want to know what the fuss is all about? Well, this is a Wooden Box of Norwegian's cult metal act Enslaved, containing 6 long time out of print and sold out albums with alternate layout:
-Enslaved “Frost” LP
-Enslaved “Eld” 2xLP
-Enslaved “Blodhemn” LP
-Enslaved “Mardraum” LP
-Enslaved “Monumension” LP
-Enslaved “Below The Lights” LP

If that's not enough, the box also has the following extra goodies:
-A reissued demo tape version of the original demo: YGGDRASSILL
-An exclusive one sided record with rough instrumental recording of “Hal Valr”, never before released…(recorded in 1992!!!)
-An exclusive Enslaved belt buckle
-An exclusive Enslaved military cap with embroidered logo

So, in total, you get 8 out-of-print tru kult records, all pressed on thick 180g vinyl and a nifty packaging which will fit perfectly on your ikea furniture. The 2 remaining versions are either on Green vinyl (200 copies) or Tru Black vinyl (400 copies)

I've ordered from Viva Hate before, and these guys are the real deal. Deluxe packaging, fast delivery, excellent music, just look at the pictures of this box and be dazzled! Get yours for €160 from Viva Hate

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes (turn and face the strain)

- New: Hex went white. It might become pink one day. I feel like white today.
- New: History of Hex.
- New: Comments are on display. Be nice. Or brootal.
- New: I'm thinking of writing reviews again. If I get a new job I won't, those things take time.

Black Feelings - Black Feelings LP

Black Feelings are a new Canadian outfit, and I'm guessing their upcoming debut album is bound to make some waves. You see, they have some benefits working out just fine for them and which works perfect for every lazy reviewer out there who either waits for Pitchfork to give their albeit subjective two cents, or just quickly scans the press release / onesheet to see what to copy-paste.

Well, here you have it:
-1) Canadian. I don't know why, but it makes bands nicer.
-2) Band name with Black in it. Always works.
-3) Featuring Former Members of. A big plus sometimes, in the case of Black Feelings I must confess I've never heard of their previous band Les Angles Morts.
-4) Drop some influences, in this case This Heat, Gang of Four and the Pop Group although the tracks on the stream sound much more psychedelic than aforementioned bands.
-5) Hire a cool producer for extra references. Mark Lawson, who’s worked with Arcade Fire, Beirut, and Final Fantasy should do the trick.
-6) Remarkable artwork. I'm not the biggest fan of the cover, but hey, at least it was designed by ex-Aids Wolf guitarist Chris Taylor and it's sure to attract your attention when browsing through the new releases shelves.

I'm pretty sure once I get this album I'll be just like the next guy and will give it quite some rotation, it's just that I'm a bit suspicious of bands that seem to follow everything in the 'How To Become a Bestselling Billboard Indie Artist Whilst Having Credibility 101" handbook, probably written by one of the Pitchfork editors. Nothing wrong with that, and if Black Feelings are the real deal, we'll soon enough find out!

Get into the pre-order madness over at Alien8 Recordings and while you're there, take some time to browse through the extensive and impressive back catalog.

Thee Oh Sees - "Blood in Your Ear" b/w "Friends Defined" 7"

Thee Oh Sees have a new 7" up for pre-order, and better get it immediately because these retro psychedelic puppies will go fast. This 7" is limited to 650 copies and comes in silkscreened fild-out covers. 4 different vinyl colors are available: black, white, green, blue. Choose your color and order at Rock Is Hell

Ancient Sky - s/t LP

I just stumbled upon the self-titled debut album from Ancient Sky. This Brooklyn -based band goes all out on a psychedelic rock trip, definitely worth checking out for those into the likes of Black Mountain, Ancestors, Witchcraft or Cream.

Ancient Sky have quite an impressive line-up by the way, featuring current and former members of Darkest Hour, City Of Caterpillar, Majority Rule, Verse en Roma and many others. Definitely worth checking it out, so get one one of these LPs which comes packaged in a full color jacket with a printed inner sleeve and full color labels, available on 300 White, 300 Clear w/ Pink Haze and 400 Black copies. Order yours from The Perpetual Motion Machine

Virgin Witch - s/t 7"

Virgin Witch are a new hardcore outfit featuring members of Pulling Teeth and Skin Like Iron. Up for pre-order is their debut 7", featuring 2 songs on a 1 sided 7" limited to 666 copies.

First 100 orders will receive the limited version which features a limited vinyl color, an alternate cover as well as an alternate screen print on the B side.The standard version also features a screen print on the B side, so any fans of aforementioned bands or the heaviness of Burning Witch or the intensity of Ringworm, get your pre-order from Free Cake Records

Thou - Tape Boxset

Thou are one of the heaviest band out there, no wonder they'll be releasing their next album on the dark lord's label aka Southern Lord. And being fully aware that this blog is called "Hex Vinyl", I'm making an exception for this killer tape boxset release, spanning pretty much their entire discography. Here's the info:

cassette 1 - tyrant full length + The Retaliation of the Immutable Force of Nature EP
cassette 2 - peasant full length
cassette 3 - To Carry a Stone EP,We Pass Like Night, From Land to Land EP / Leech split tape
Thrive & Decay EP / Black September split
Malfeasance / Retribution EP

The boxset comes with pro printed pro audio cassettes, silk screened on the divisions style cassette cases 100lb epic black linen paper, a 32 page booklet with all song titles, lyrics and images included, a sticker button and patch that are all exclusive to the boxset, a glass 'potion' bottle with mixed brazilian pepper seeds inside of it, all resting on a bed of moss in a jet black silk screened 4x4x4 box. strictly limited to 300 copies. This is a split release between Drugged Conscience and Peasant Magik.

Ordering is via paypal only, while confirming your order put "Thou Boxset Paid" in the title of the mail.
US orders: - $20ppd
canada - $23ppd
world - $29ppd
paypal to burnxnaples@yahoo.com

Grand Archives - Keep in Mind Frankenstein LP

Sub Pop are now taking pre-orders for the Grand Archives sophomore effort "Keep in Mind Frankenstein". Grand archive hail from Seattle, WA Brooke and was founded by Mat Brooke, who used to be in Band Of Horses before that. He enlisted some friends such as drummer Curtis Hall (the Jeunes), bassist Jeff Montano (the New Mexicans), and guitarist/keyboard player Ron Lewis (Ghost Stories).

Grand Archives play bittersweet indiepop or as Pitchfork puts it "hayseed indie, bashful singer-songwriter comedowns, and sunny, orchestral pop." How about you stream the entire album on Spinner and check it out for yourself? Then, head over to Sub Pop and pre-order it already!

Ruiner - Hell Is Empty LP

Pre-orders are up for Ruiner's "Hell Is Empty" LP, and it looks like the people at Bridge 9 Records did a fine job with it. Ruiner are a Baltimore hardcore band, reminding of a slower version of Modern Life Is War with a little hint of melody and decent lyrics about broken hearts and despair in the American Nightmate Vain. "Hell Is Empty" was produced by J. Robbins, who also took care of recordings for MLIW, as well as Against Me! and Jets To Brazil among many others.

"Hell Is Empty" could be one of the better hardcore albums of the year, so if that's what you're waiting for, head over to Bridge 9 and get the LP on coloured vinyl, either on clear (rarest) or on pink&blue marble.

The Feelies - Crazy Rhythms LP

It's hailing re-issues lately, but The Feelies debut album "Crazy Rhythms" is definitely one worth the effort.

Here's some info:
"Formed in Haledon NJ in 1976, The Feelies released 4 albums- including their critically acclaimed and influential debut "Crazy Rhythms", which was voted 49 in the top 100 albums of the 1980s by Rolling Stone magazine and chosen by Spin Magazine as 49 of the best alternative records of all time. The twin-guitar attack of songwriters and founders Glenn Mercer and Bill Million is the infectious sound of the group.

Paired with driving drums and percussion, it has left an indelible mark on the landscape of rock and roll. According to legend, the band played infrequently (usually on national holidays); however The Feelies performed several American and European tours in support of their records The Good Earth, Only Life, and Time For A Witness, which created a large cult following. The band also appeared on the The Late Show With David Letterman and in concerts with Lou Reed, The Patti Smith Group, REM, and Bob Dylan."

"Crazy Rhythms" comes on limited 180 gram LP and includes a download card. Pre-order it from Bar None Records before the September 22 release date.

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."

Sufjan Stevens - The BQE LP

Sufjan Stevens is back with a new project called "The BQE", a cinematic suite inspired by the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and the Hula-Hoop.

Orginally performed 2 years ago live "The BQE" is about everything you can imagine, in the words of Asthmatic Kitty: " ...best described as a grand creative franchise-incorporating movie, symphony, comic book, dissertation, photography, graphic design, and a 3-D Viewmaster® reel-in which a songwriter's interrogation of one of New York's ugliest landmarks expands athletically to forums and formulas outside of the song itself. In fact, the BQE is everything but a song."

Sounds intriguing right? Well, this limited edition vinyl is available as a double gatefold and includes the soundtrack on 180-gram vinyl, a large-scale 32-page booklet with liner notes and photographs, and a black-and-white version of the 40-page Hooper Heroes comic book. Pre-order it for $25 (S&H included) from Asthmatic Kitty

Drive-By Truckers - The Fine Print LP

Drive-By Truckers have a rarities album comin up called "The Fine Print". Most of these tracks come from "The Dirty South" era.., plus also four covers including 'Rebels' by Tom Petty and 'Like A Rolling Stone' by Bob Dylan. Put on your cowboy hat, strap on your boots and pre-order if for €23,98 from New West Records

Fresh and Onlys - Grey Eyed Girls LP

Fresh and Onlys are the newest band on the Woodsist roster. This SF lo-fi band is prepping up to release their "Grey Eyed Girls" LP, just before their move to In The Red Records.

Fresh and Onlys aren't just another band in the recent wave of lo-fi bands, but are definitely more moody and eerie. Besides, Tim Cohen, who used to be in Black Fiction is frontman of this band, and his solo-work is quite remarkable as well, so give it a shot okay?

As Woodsist are on holiday or so, pre-order yours from Recordstore.co.uk

Boduf Songs - The Strait Gait LP

Boduf Songs is the latest artist in the infamous "Latitudes" series, and "The Strait Gate" is definitely one worth a try. Boduf Songs aka Mat Sweet is a new-folk singer-songerwriter who creates a depressive mix between avant-folk midnight music and eerie soundscapes. Released somewhere in May by Southern, it's one of their featured releases at the moment, and will only set you back £9.

"The Strait Gate" comes on grey vinyl, limited to 300 copies. The regular edition is black vinyl and is limited to 700. Listen to one of these 2 tracks here and buy it here

Gossip - Long Love Distance 12"

Not as good as their other single "Heavy Cross", but nonetheless Gossip's newest single "Long Love Distance" comes on limited 12" vinyl, and since all their old vinyl is pretty rare and expensive, it still might be worth buying. Limited to 1000, get yours from Banquet Records before the September 14 release date.

Ween - 1996 - 2000 3LP Boxset

Aural Exploits are offering pre-orders for the "1996 - 2000" 3LP Boxset by weird indie-rockers Ween. This pre-order has been online for some time now, but as it's reaching the release date of September 22, I figured it might be worth mentioning.

This exclusive limited edition boxset of 1000 individually numbered copies, features 3 LPs pressed on 180g colored vinyl and comes in a slip case style box. The Ween albums are "12 Golden Country Greats", "The Mollusk" and "White Pepper". The box also comes with a 12" x 12" print of the front cover from each album, a sticker and a postcard. Order it from Aural Exploits

Boredoms - Super Roots 10 2xLP

The vinyl version of the already sold-out Boredoms record "Super Roots 10" is upon us! This is the 10th volume in their line of "Super Roots" records and the CD-version was sold out in days, so it's best to get in shape and get this 2xLP before is also becomes unavailable.

This new record features 6 tracks, actually 2 new tracks calld "Ant" and "Super Rooy", the remaining tracks are remixes by Altz, Dj Finger Hat and Lindstrøm. I havent heard "Super Roots 10" yet, but this vinyl version due soon on Thrill Jockey Records we without a doubt, will see Boredoms further explore their trip of weird, psychedelic, noisy, droney, krautrock infused craziness.

Bound to become out-of-print, hard-to-find, and on many many wishlists, make sure to get your copy from Rough Trade

Boris - 8 7"

I heard some rumours about a new upcoming 7" by Boris on Southern Lord, but no official information has been released yet, let alone a preview of the artwork. However, Norman Records have the details, and already have the "8" 7" up for pre-order. Here's the info:

"For over 15 years Boris has lead the charge as Japan's most exciting experimental rock act. Considering their peers and countrymen this is no easy feat. Even stacked up against a lot of their Southern Lord brethren (a roster including some of the hardest-working, forward-thinking artists in music) Boris always stands out as some of the biggest risk-takers, with a voluminous catalogue to back up that reputation.

This fall marks yet another first for the band as they release Japanese Heavy Rock Hits, a series of 7 inches showcasing their wide-reaching, genre-smashing sound.Volume One titled 8, features two newly recorded EXCLUSIVE tracks.

On Side A, the title track "8" continues the spacey hard-rock sound established on their classic albums Pink and Smile, building from a mono, lo-fi wall of feedback into a ripping, slab of lush vocals, crunchy guitar and thunderous drums.Things get switched up on Side B with "Hey Everyone", a chewy bit of power-pop bubblegum that sees the band mining a much lighter source for their s$most daring thing this band can do is record something so straight-forwardit could easily be misconstrued as "alt-pop".

This all-new 7 inch, along with the rest of the Japanese Heavy Rock Hits series are gonna be must-have's for all fans of Boris, Southern Lord and all things heavy."

Pre-order it from Norman Records

God Help The Girl - Stills 10"

God Help The Girl, you know, Stuart Murdoch's side-project have a new EP out called "Stills". This band formed while recording for his other band Belle & Sebastian, featuring vocals by Catherine Ireton for the "White Collar Boy' single. Apparently, this collaboration went so well, that they started their proper band, and their debut album, obviously strongly reminding of Belle & Sebastian, is definitely an easy-listening gem, perfect for a chill Indian Summer evening.

This "Stills" 10" features 5 tracks from the recordings of their debut album, and was previously only available for subscribers of the album on the band's site. Limited to 500 copies, so get it from Rough Trade and get it fast, these will be gone in no time.

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

Kurt Vile - Chilidsh Prodigy LP

Kurt Vile's new album 'Childish Prodigy" is now up for pre-order from Matador Records, due October 6. Kurt Vile is a recent discovery for me, because I aslo only recently discovered his band The War On Drugs. His solo-work as displayed on "Constant Hitmaker" released last year and re-released on thé lo-fi label Woodsist, sees him having as much in common with labelmates Ganglians, Wavves or Woods as with the great american songwriters like Neil Young or Bob Dylan. Recently signed to Matador, home to a diverse mix of bands where Vile will fit in perfectly, the "Chilish Prodigy" album is bound to become a landmark in his career.

So, up for pre-order now from Matador is the "Chilish Prodigy"LP which comes with a free 7" for a total of $18,00. I'm guessing this 7" will be the upcoming "He's Alright" 7", also availabe as seperate pre-order.

Appleseed Cast - The End of the Ring Wars 2xLP

Appleseed Cast's debut album "The End of the Ring Wars" has finally been repressed on vinyl after being out of print, hard to find and extremely expensive for many years. Their first album sees the band playing more straight-forward emo compared to their later records such as the Low Level Owl volumes, but back in the 90s this album managed to put them on the map next to legendary acts like Sunny Day Real Estate or Mineral. Actually, the vocals remind a lot of SDRE, which is a good thing right!? Right!

I have no idea when this 2xLP re-issue came out, but Deep Elm report that they only have 29 copies left in stock, so hurry up and get your hands on this classic emo record over at Deep Elm Records

Outbreak - Outbreak LP

Think Fast! Records have started taking pre-orders for the new self-titled album by Outbreak due November 10. I didn't know these guys were still around, I figured they disbanded and started Cruel Hand in stead, but once again I was wrong...

Outbreak's debut album on Bridge 9 was released ages ago, after that they released a split with Only Crime and somewhere along the road lost my attention. For those of you into fast paced, hard hitting hardcore punk with breakdowns, crazy riffing and the pile-on sing-alongs that we all love, you probably can't go wrong with this band. Like I said, I kind of lost track of Outbreak, but I do remember extremely enjoying their first efforts, so will definitely be giving this new record a chance.

Back to business. Pre-order this album on limited vinyl, one can choose between Picture Disc (out of 100), Red/Black vinyl (out of 300), or Green/Black vinyl (out of 700) versions. All LP's come with a free, full color, 11" x 17" and a download coupon. You can also get the full pre-order package including an exclusive t-shirt, so make up your mind over at Think Fast!

Monsters Of Folk update

Monsters Of Folk have revealed the cover artwork for their self-titled debut due September 22. It's better than the previous reported artwork but still looks pretty ... shabby to me. Be your own judge, stream 2 tracks from the album at Pitchfork, and get if from your favourite recordstore.

Striborg - Roaming the Misanthropic Forests 3LP Box Set

Striborg a.k.a. Sin Nanna is a longrunning Tasmanian Black Metal artist, with a career spanning over a decade although at first only releasing demo's and the last 5 years or so he's been putting out full-length albums. Well, apparently these are hard to track down, but now Australia's Asgard Records has compiled some of Striborg's early works, thus demos, and pressed them onto a limited edition of 300 copies of vinyl. The 3LP Box Set contain the "Misanthropic Isolation", "In The Heart Of The Rainforest" and "Roaming The Forests" records, comes with an exclusive t-shirt and an A2 poster.

This Box comes at the whole AUD100 (about €59 or $84) + postage from Asgard

Thom Yorke - Feeling Pulled Apart By Horses 12"

And again more Thom Yorke output, this time around in the form of a 12" entitled "Feeling Pulled Apart By Horses" written and recorded by Thom Yorke and Johnny Greenwood (Radiohead). Side A features the title song, side B has a left-over track from the "The Eraser" sessions called "The Hollow Earth".

This 12" is now available for pre-order via w.a.s.t.e. and comes with a free download code.

Sleepy Sun - Sleepy Son 10"

San Francisco's Sleepy Sun are back with a new 10" called "Sleepy Son" (sic). Their debut album "Embrace" was good but not brilliant, and whilst recently seeing them live a few months ago I pondered that even though they're a light version of Black Mountain now, they have the potential to grow into something great. So, let's hope that this new 10" confirms this, and here's also hoping that there's no flute on thenew track. I don't like flutes.

ATP Records put this new 10" up for sale this week, which features the "Sleepy Son" track which was already on "Embrace", and a previously unreleased track called "Sandstorm Woman" and comes on coloured vinyl. Get it from ATP

A Place To Bury Strangers - Exploding Head LP

NY's loudest A Place To Bury Strangers are back with a new album "Exploding Head" - I wonder if that's a warning of what the new tracks will do to us? APTBS are an incredible band, who play a heavy, discordant, at times even droning tribute to Joy Division, My Bloody Valentine and Ministry and actually pull it off to sound overwhelming both live as on record. "Exploding Head" is the much anticipated and difficult sophomore album which will either make 'em or break 'em, I'm definitely hoping this is just the beginning of more noise to come.

Pre-orders are popping up all around the globe; I'm getting mine before the early October release date from Saki

Fever Ray - Limited Tour 7"

Fever Ray is working on a new 7" dubbed "Seven", but in the meantime a limited edition tour 7" has just come available on the band's webstore, so this might be a nice little goodie if you care about Fever Ray / The Knife. My friends are heading to Denmark to watch a The Knife opera, I don't even want to know what that's all about, but Fever Ray can do little wrong.

Anyway, this 7" basically features covers which she usually plays live, performed together with Van Rivers and The Subliminal Kid. The 2 covers are "Stranger than Kindness" by Nick Cave and Anita Lane and "Here Before" by Vashti Bunyan. The 7" is limited edition and numbered, so better get it fast from Fever Ray

Grizzly Bear - While You Wait for the Others 7"

"While You Wait for the Others" is a new EP by Grizzly Bear, featuring 2 tracks named "While You Wait for the Others" and "While You Wait for the Others". Seriously? Yeah, seriously, but it's not just the same track twice, as the B-side version features Michael McDonald of the late Doobie Brothers.

The pre-order was supposed to come out 3 days ago, so I'm not sure if it's already sold out or that we'll just have to wait a bit more to get the 7" version, because it's definitely available on iTunes already. So, check the Grizzly Bear site regularly.

Mature Situations - Cracked Pelvis 7"

Still up for pre-order is the debut 7" by Mature Situations, a new band featuring Chris Colohan, who used to front such legendary Canadian hardcore acts such as Cursed, Left for Dead, The Swarm and Ruination.

The label describes "Cracked Pelvis" as "Blitz meets Cocoon in the debut EP from this Toronto three-piece with an entirely geriatric theme. If you're a fan of dementia, incontinence, kids not staying off your grass when you clearly tell them to, or forgetting where you put things - don't sleep on Mature Situations." So, don't sleep on it, and get it while supplies last from Free Cake

Hello=Fire - s/t LP

Hello=Fire = Dean Fertita. Nuff Said. I never really liked his first band The Waxwings, but every band the man has been in since deserve nothin' but respect. Which bands you say? Well, how about Queens Of The Stone Age? The Raconteurs? The Dead Weather? Yeah, that Dean Fertita! Apparently between and during touring with all these bands, he managed to record his first solo-album under the moniker Hello-Fire, with a little help from his friends of course. Almost everyone in QOTSA lends a helping hand, Brendan Benson of The Raconteurs contributes on half the tracks and there's even someone from Afghan Whigs on here! Sounds good to me. On this self-titled debut album, Fertita is supposed to bridge the gap between rock! and spacey melody! I guess that would be progrock then, but we'll just have to wait and see. For now, pre-order "Hello=Fire" on limited 180g vinyl edition from Rhythm Online or don't.

Kowloon Walled City - Gambling On The Richter Scale LP

The Perpetual Motion Machine are taking pre-orders for the upcoming Kowloon Walled City debut full length LP called "Gambling On The Richter Scale" - love that title! Their bandname will no doubt trigger some curious minds to do some searching, it's definitely interesting so I won't spoil it. What I will say though, is that this SF outfit are bound to get heavy rotation here at Hex Vinyl. You see, they combine the old AmRep sound with the gritty take-no-prisoners music of legendary acts such as Melvins and Unsane and the southern dirge of Eyehategod and Cable. Their first EP "Turk Street" was mighty impressive, so "Gambling On The Richter Scale" will hopefully be the same or more. Oh yeah, the featuring members of search is also quite fun, but once again I'm not going to spoil it.

This LP is limited to 500 copies, and comes on two color schemes, clear (limited to 300) and black/silver mix (limited to 200). All copies come packaged in heavy, full color jackets and include a CD version of the album, packaged in a seperate silkscreened chipboard cd sleeve. What more can one need? Grab it now for only 11$ from The Perpetualmotion Machine, or go all out and get the pre-order package of LP and CD and limited edition T-shirt for only $19. Good deal!

Port O'Brien - Threadbare LP

Port O'Brien's new album "Threadbare" is besides the new Dodos album, definitely the most eagerly anticipated new album for my girl, and how right she is. Apparently, this follow-up to their amazing "All We Could Do Was Sing" record will be more introspective and cathartic, as it's inspired by the death of founding member Goodwin's younger brother.

For those of you unfamiliar with Port O'Brien, these guys create intense indierock, with anthemic chorusses and bittersweet lyrics, definitely recommended for fans of Modest Mouse, Arcade Fire or even Fleet Foxes (yeah, they grow their beards as well). My girlfriend discovered this band only a few months ago, and we've both become devoted fans, suffice to say we were extremely pissed to not only miss them on their recent passing through Belgium a few weeks ago, let alone that they have a Two Gallants member in their touring line-up. Dammit.

So, here's hoping that they'll tour Europe again soon, and in the meantime, I'm not sitting on this and getting the pre-order of "Threadbare" from Insound, even more so because it comes with a free 7" on top of the regular record. Yes! Yes! Yes! Yes!

Starkweather - LP Test Presses

Todd from Starkweather is getting rid of some of his private vinyl collection, including test presses of the "Crossbearer" LP and "Into The Wire" LP. For more information, read their Myspace blog

Kongh - Shadows Of The Shapeless 2xLP

Kongh's sophomore album "Shadows Of The Shapeless" has finally been released on vinyl. Kongh are definitely one of Europe's finest metalacts, gradually working towards the same status as Amenra or Switchblade. Speaking of those 2, and if you're unfamiliar with Kongh, imagine the droning, repetitive sludge riffs of Amenra with the nationality of Switchblade (yeah I know, just saying they both hail from Sweden), and add just a pinch of melodic vocals that Mastodon could come up with, and you get a pretty good idea of what "Shadows Of The Shapeless" sounds like.

This brandnew 2xLP features 5 songs, covering over an hour worth of music, so don't expect to get happy by listening to this. Music Fear Satan are responsible for this vinyl pressing, which looks really well done, I'm just hoping they used the heavy cardboard for the gatefold and not the cheap soft ones. Anyway, "Shadows Of The Shapeless" comes in a limited edition of 800 copies, of which 200 copies on bloodred vinyl. Definitely keep your eyes peeled on the MFS label by the way, as they have (split) LP's coming between acts such as Year Of No Light, Fear Falls Burning, Lesbian, Conifer, Nadja, Starkweather, Overmars, etc. Cool!

For now, get your bloodred Kongh 2xLP Here. I'm picking my copy up on their show with Switchblade in Belgium this saturday, stoked!

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

The Cribs - Ignore The Ignorant LP

The Cribs are about to release their 4th album "Ignore The Ignorant", and it's probably best to wisen up and not remain one of the ignorant, because with their newest album they're most likely to blow to astronomic levels. You see, they've always sounded like The Strokes, and probably still do, but this time their record was recorded by Nick Launay (Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Arcade Fire) and features Johnny Marr from The Smiths on lead guitar. Yes, as permanent member. Johnny that is. Yes.

Smiths fans, Strokes fans, Cribs fans, pre-order "Ignore The Ignorant" from Eil.com

The Mars Volta - Octahedron 2xLP

"Octahedron", the fifth studio-album by The Mars Volta is finally seeing the light of day on vinyl. Not only is "Octahedron" somewhat a return to form for them, meaning one of their most accesible albums since "Deloused", this is also a band that has a lot of attention for detail and quality, which always shows on their vinyl releases, so the "Octahedron" 2xLP is a safe buy. I always end up getting my Mars Volta LP's from my grandma for christmas - although i to have to buy it and wrap it first of course - so I'm guessing this will once again make my day on jebus day!

This time around the LP comes on white vinyl and is housed in a double gatefold sleeve, with deluxe spot-gloss printing on gatefold. Limited edition custom-made printed outer "orange peel vinyl" sleeve, full color inner sleeves and full color labels. This 2xLP is supposed to be pretty limited, but no further pressing information has been disclosed, but don't worry about that and just get yours from Insound

Isis - Panopticon 2xLP repress

Robotic Empire just released the 5th repressing of "Panopticon", the 3rd full-length album by the mighty Isis. If you don't own this yet, here's your chance to get one. The pressing information is as follows:

- Clear w/ Orange Splatter - 120 copies

- Blue/ Black Swirl - 209 copies

- Black w/ Orange Splatter - 289 copies

- Black - 1400 copies

If I didn't already own this record, I'd definitely go for the clear/orange splatter version, those things look sweeeeeeet. Get yours from Robotic Empire

Carry On - It's All Our Blood LP

Time for some good old hardcore! Remember Carry On? They released the incredible "A Life Less Plagued" album on Bridge 9 Recs a few years ago, which was an absolute bomb. It was actually the first full-length album which the now prolific hardcore label released, and remains a classic amongst all fans of West Coast Hardcore (although sounding more East Coast). Carry On were a postive straight edge hardcore band with a typical 90's sound comparable to In My Eyes, whose members went on to bands such as Terror, Betrayed and Blacklisted.

As of today, September 1 - somewhere in the PM I guess - React and Youngblood Records will be taking pre-orders for their "anthology" which was previously only available on CD. This vinyl edition combines both Carry On EP’s as well as the track from the “Memories of Tomorrow” comp and an alternate version of “Pushing Forward”.

A limited, one-time-only pressing of 1500 copies, with 250 on red vinyl (REACT!), 250 on white vinyl (Youngblood). The remaining 1000 copies on black vinyl will be available from both labels, and from your neighbourhood recordstore if it doesn't sell out immediately - which it will most likely will. So, don't miss out on this piece of essential hardcore history, and get it from React or Youngblood

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

Ancestors - Of Sound Mind LP

Tee Pee records are finalizing the release of the sophomore effort by LA's Ancestors. a progrock-stoner-doom quintent. Yep, these guys manage to pay tribute to both Sleep's "Holy Mountain" and Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here" and get away with it. Their debut was very impressive, so I'm definitely looking forward to hearing their new effort. The preview which is available from Stereogum definitely sounds promising.

On their new album, which is recorded by Pete Lyman, known for his work with Mars Volta andNo Age, they also get a little help from their friends, such as David Scott Stone (Melvins, Unwound, Slug) and Sera Timms (Black Math Horsemen).

"Of Sound Mind" is due 10/06 on Tee Pee, but already up for pre-order from Norman Records