Posts from — October 2008

My first introduction to Dax Riggs was through the dark Louisiana sludge of Acid Bath. However, it was actually his next band Agents of Oblivion that really caught my attention. Their lush, psychedelic sound may have lacked some of Acid Bath’s heaviness, but it did allow Dax’s unique voice and lyrics to stand front and center. The band’s one and only self-titled album is highly recommended.

Dax’s next project, Deadboy & the Elephantmen expanded even more on the sounds mapped out with Agents of Oblivion. Their first album If This is Hell, Then I’m Lucky was a dark, layered affair that utilized a number of instruments and sounds. While it’s follow-up We Are Night Sky was more stripped down with a focus on guitar, drums and voice.

After announcing any future projects would be put out under his own name, Dax released his first solo album, We Sing of Only Blood or Love in 2007. It continued down the same path explored with We Are Night Sky, only with more of a full band feel.

Do yourself a huge favor and check out all of the above mentioned bands. If you are on this website, then there is something Dax Riggs released you will like. He is a great talent, who has flown under the radar for years and deserves to be heard.

If you like what you hear or are already a fan, here is a recording of one of Dax’s solo shows from February 23, 2008:

1. Intro
2. Stop, I’m Already Dead
3. Dethbryte
4. Dax Don’t Make Sense
5. Wall of Death
6. Living is Suicide
7. 13 Cannot Be Divided
8. Dressed in Smoke
9. Terrors of Nightlife
10. Misadventures of Dope
11. Perfect Dreaming Skull (Partial)
12. Dog Headed Whore
13. Fly on the Eye of the Lamb
14. Night is the Notion
15. Sleeping With the Witch
16. No Train to Stockholm
17. Andy
18. To Hell With the Moon
19. Thing in a Jar
20. If You Go Away
21. Andy’s Drum Set
22. Radiation Blues
23. Skulls

Download Dax Riggs - Live February 23, 2008 (zip-96mb)

It’s official. Montreal’s Trigger Effect rule.

I was out to check out Iron Giant on the weekend, but it was Trigger Effect’s set that totally floored me. Normally my tastes tend to lean toward slow, thick heaviness rather than brute force. But I’ll always have a soft spot for a fast, in your face live show and Trigger Effect brought that big time.

Ceilings were punched, projectiles were thrown and the line between the stage and dance floor was non-existent.

I picked up their full length Dare to Ride the Heliocraft before leaving and guess what? It’s damn near as good as their live show.

Go listen to this band or see them live now.

Many within the underground doom scene have praised Eugene Oregon’s YOB for their unique take on the genre. In their world, molten riffs spiral into epic psychedelic tinged soundscapes that simultaneously crush skulls and warp minds.

The past couple of years have been full of ups and downs for YOB founder and guitarist/vocalist Mike Scheidt. First after the departure of bassist Isamu Sato and drummer Travis Foster, Mike officially disbanded YOB. He then went on to form a new trio under the name Middian. Their Metal Blade debut Age Eternal was released in March of 2007 and things were going well. Or so it seemed.

Late last year a band from Milwaukee who go by the name Midian, filed a federal law suit claiming ownership of the name Middian. During this ordeal the band were dropped by Metal Blade and after looking into their options, they decided the costs involved in fighting the law suit weren’t worth it. So in hopes of resolving things, they offered to stop using the name Middian. Unfortunately the other band refused to settle the matter out of court and demanded tens of thousands of dollars.

Eventually their legal troubles were resolved. However only after a very rough year for the band members. After briefly re-surfacing as Age Eternal, they decided to go their separate ways.

But now the good news. Mike has decided to reform YOB. Joined by former drummer Travis Foster and new bass player Aaron Reiseberg, the band will be releasing their next release via Canada’s Profound Lore Records.

Unfortunately because of the above mentioned legal problems, Middian’s one and only release has virtually dropped off the face of the earth. So while we await the return of YOB, enjoy a track off the now mystical Age Eternal.

Middian “The Blood of Icons” From the Album Age Eternal

I heard the rumor of its existence over half a year ago. I looked for it each month since then and nothing. Finally it has arrived. An eight page feature in Decibel Magazine detailing the making of Welcome to Sky Valley by Kyuss.

For those not in the know, each issue of Decibel contains a feature called the Decibel Hall of Fame, which details the making of landmark metal albums. No matter who the band or album is, the features are always a great read.

For an album to be inducted, everyone who was in the band when it was recorded must be interviewed. So the making of Welcome to Sky Valley article includes conversations with Brant Bjork, Josh Homme, John Garcia and Scott Reeder.

Go pick up a copy of the November 2008 issue of Decibel or order a copy online. If you’re a fan of Kyuss, you won’t regret it.