Back From The Fuckin' Dead

I haven't forgotten about this place, time is just nonexistent at the moment. Lately, my time has been consumed with work and hockey (Not to mention buying a car put a huge dent in the wallet). I was able to snag a couple of gems including On Thin Ice's demo tape, Vegas records, and even some Gehenna vinyl. No pictures at the moment - other than the ones I used on my other site (VVake was something to keep me writing even if I really didn't feel like it) so you can ignore the watermark.


Anyway, this was one of my favorite records in quite a while:




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Rot In Hell / Horders Split "The Omega Suite"

  "The Omega Suite" is the latest release from Rot In Hell and it doesn't disappoint. Whilst "As Pearls Before Swine" was a take no prisoners hardcore album, this shares more in common with artists such as Boyd Rice and Death In June. RIH's signature sound is stripped down to a pair of acoustic numbers that are both interesting and melancholic. On the flip-side, Horders contribute two tracks in the same instrumental manner as their other material. More on the music below. 

The vinyl is housed in a nice sleeve with artwork from the one and only Give Up. This isn't the first collaboration between the two; Give Up provided the artwork on the US record release version of "APBS" along with a handful of t-shirt designs. I don't know an artist - perhaps Nabbe - that can capture the feel of RIH's music as well as he can. The artwork itself isn't overly busy or messy yet its chaotic enough to set a good mood for the four tracks. 

Much of the same can be said regarding the inside; Give Up artwork, complete with wolves and a Ouija board. It has a very clean look but remains grim and ominous. Overall, it's probably one of the best looking releases as of late - although the VVegas / Gehenna split certainly comes to mind; Rot In Hell always has a knack of well packaged vinyl/tapes. There is a level of detail and creativity that is severely lacking in hardcore (Again there are clear exceptions like A389 and Vedavu), but I think that's what makes a release like this all the more unique and special. 

Rot In Hell starts things off with Das Tierdama, an acoustic track of woe and tragedy. Focusing on god's destructive nature - and man's link with the aforementioned deity - the words are simple yet paint an apocalyptic picture. Listening to "Das Tierdama", I imagine a world full of violence and strife. The second track, "Heraclitus" perfectly continues this theme. It's equally savage with promises of fire consuming all things. The sound may differ from the usual Integrity-esque sound but "The Omega Suite" still contains the band's aggression. 

Recent fans brought in by the recent success of "APBS" will probably be left scratching their heads wondering 'What the hell?'; "The Omega Suite" is a different beast that continues to reinforce the fact Rot In Hell are one of the best bands out there. There may be more acoustic releases but nothing is set in stone. If the neo/apocalyptic folk theme isn't your thing then shame on you don't fret, the band has a handful of releases in the pipeline, including but not limited to the almost mythical Integrity split and a new EP from A389. 

If you're obsessed with the band like I am, check out their tumblr, where never before released tracks can be heard, including a great SOB cover. It's also a great source of pictures and news so definitely check it often. 

Horders' side of the split isn't to be overlooked. After releasing a self-titled tape/CD and a split tape with Pink Priest, Give Up's solo project provides another two tracks of music that straddles the line between folk, ambient, black metal, and drone. "Iron Monument"'s sound-scape is dominated by repetitious and poignant soft guitars, building and building to the second track "Iron Mountain". Both may be instrumental numbers but they can just as much sadness, aggression, and loathing as the Rot In Hell side. The music is akin to walking down the street in the middle of a rain storm, contemplating life's greatest mysteries. 

I love the tone and production; its grimey and depressing for sure yet Horders is clear and crisp. Same could be said about RIH's contribution. When I mainly focus on the pure sound of "The Omega Suite", I think of Boyd Rice And Friends' "Music, Martinis And Misanthropy" album. It's dirty and raw, almost seeming like it was recorded in a dark basement. That style just can't be beat. 

You can check out Horders over at Give Up's site. While you're there, take a gander through his catalog and pick up a beautiful piece of artwork in his shop. I'm very interested in seeing what the next Horders release is. 

Feast Of Tentacles did an outstanding job with "The Omega Suite". Pre-orders went up promptly and within a couple weeks they were shipped out. Perfect practices for a great label/distro. The pre-order version, pictured above, was limited to a hundred copies on blue vinyl - along with a blue sleeve and planchette - but the regular variant, on black vinyl, is available through a host of distros including A389, Deathwish, and Feast Of Tentacles. 

Both bands put forth a handful of tracks that will be sure to please both old and new fans alike. I cannot recommend it enough.