Monday 17 June 2013

TROLLKRAFTT - Bogs & Brimstone


Trollkraftt are a new UK blackened sludge quartet who have recently released their debut demo entitled "Bogs & Brimstone" which has been released through the label Cosmic Tomb.

Opening track "Trolls of Doom" starts slowly with sounds of the bog filtering through your speakers before the band kick in with full force, fast, grimy and raw. Oozing groove, Trollkraftt play hard and play loud, their sound is thick and viscous, murky and filth ridden. As well as that they are catchy, unbelievably catchy! Everything about the band from the music to the artwork screams putrid filth and decay and their blackened sound just rolls out oh so effortlessly. 


Amusingly entitled "Dragonslag" the bands second song brings the pace right down for some dangerous sounding sludge ferocity, packing an intensely ominous and oppressive feel, an out right aura of doom and death through down tuned grime encrusted riffs, savage gurgling vocals and a thick rumbling bass/drums line. Finishing off this impressive debut demo is the title track "Bogs & Brimstone" which features heavily prominent bass play and an increase in the bands already drawling sound. It isn't a quick demo that's for sure but soon enough you'll be glad of that fact as Trollkraftt pummel and manipulate you for well over half an hour of messed up blackened sludge brutality! Cracking little demo this!

9/10 - Luke Hayhurst




Saturday 1 June 2013

SPACEGOAT - Spacegoat EP


If I'm honest I do have a fair few releases in my Domkyrkan 'To Review' folder but in a session of mindless bandcamp browsing I came across this little gem from Mexico and thought to hell with it, this is perfect for the blog! Say hello to Spacegoat, a psychedelic doom/heavy metal band who will, if you are like me and heavily into female fronted doom such as Jex Thoth, Witch Mountain or Blood Ceremony, completely capture your heart and soul! This is the bands self titled and debut release, a five track EP self released in 2012 and as a debut offering it one of the most accomplished and heart warming releases you are ever likely to hear! 

Take the opening track "Silver Swamp" whose deeply grooved and hypnotic riffs blend effortlessly with the rumble of the bass and drums and then wrap themselves around the beautiful and mesmerizing vocals of front lady Gina Rios! As the track trundles along pleasantly with far reaching atmospheric vibes and nuances you'll find yourself in a relaxing doom laden bubble before the more energetic "Thin Line" kicks in and Rios's vocals increase their intensity and a catchier, bouncier style of riff-age comes into play. Within moments the bands heavenly sounds and easy to pick up lyrics will have you singing along and before you know it you are gliding effortlessly into "Cosmica" and Spanish lyrics which roll off the tongue and add a far more exotic air to proceedings, as does the fast paced more heavy metal leaning sound.



Moving into "Black Glow" and another high temp number moving back into doomier territory and back to English lyrics as the band unleash one of their heavier and groovier tracks, with of course another healthy dose of soaring graceful vocal work. All good things must sadly come to an end but in finale track "Without Ceremony" the band make you want so much more with this huge slice of ramped up psychedelic doom rock goodness. If you have not yet had a taste of Mexican doom lords and lady Spacegoat then get on their bandcamp page and experience tis awesome band for yourself.

[8/10 - Luke Hayhurst]