Galloping black metal, thrash influences, blastbeats anyone? Iron Bonehead Productions has an interesting release for fans of raging, uptempo black metal with a mix of elements, namely a self- titled cassette tape release by a band called Mouth of Madness.
Always headbang-friendly, never boring, rampaging like a rhinoceros on steroids, Mouth of Madness’ self-titled release is a fun listen for Cvlt Nation maniacs who want something to headbang to. It’s penultimate black metal with strong hints of thrash. Caffeine junkies know what this rush feels like.
All tracks rule, and all do a fair amount of thrashing and blasting. The tremolo-riffs are neatly packaged with downpicks and uppicks. Not quite prototype blackened thrash, perhaps more black metal in their sound, Mouth of Madness all-out rock on their self-titled release. This sounds like blackened thrash on a mission to enter ear canals like you have an ear infection as the result of a metal addiction, so let’s get this party started!
Even with riffs that sound familiar to those well-acquainted with old thrash bands in the 80’s, Mouth of Madness incorporates them very effectively so listeners won’t notice a great deal. Bands who play black/thrash frequently go thrash pace often, and sound particularly uninspired during the slower segments, but Mouth of Madness doesn’t. With goats bleating in the background, occasional ambient music strikes a balance with the aggressive parts. They never last too long, and the band frequently likes them to pace the songs so you appreciate the breakneck speeds on the blast sections.
One of the better tape releases I’ve heard this year, it comes as no surprise that Iron Bonehead Productions is releasing this. The vocal roars are also a highlight, as they sound perfectly attuned to the music, complementing it, like a sore throat to your influenza.
No highlight tracks of special mention. You can listen to the release in a short sitting, and the music is addictive for repeat listens. Have tape lovers on your holiday shopper’s list? Make this band’s release a stopover at their webstore, and give your friends something better to look forward to this year than another lousy sweater. The record sounds louder on headset than it does on most records, so don’t bust your eardrums turning this all the way up. I love it. Cvlt Nation loves it. If you don’t feel the same way, get yourself acquainted with proper holiday music – Mouth of Madness via Iron Bonehead Productions.
