ninehertz

Today I bring you a review of the upcoming split release from California based progressive blackened doom metal cocktail Bloodmoon and their Moreno Valley sludge metal cousins Trapped Within Burning Machinery.

Consisting of only one track from each band the record begins with the aptly titled and equally misanthropy soaked opus Nothing is Special, Nobody Cares from Bloodmoon.

Growling bass guitars and a guitar riff one can only describe as "seismic" begin this 11:40 deluge of abject misery. The vocals carry the same quality as the likes of the Texan death/sludge/grind outfit Mammoth Grinder, specifically Paragon Pusher from 2013's Underworlds release.

Smattered with the pain and anger reminiscent of Imprint-era Vision of Disorder, before descending into a dreamlike passage of clean vocals that sound like the haunted whispers of forgotten spirits. All the while set to the backdrop of the same, grinding, repetitive motifs.

All of this changes yet again around the 5 minute mark before a perfectly DSBM sounding guitar passage into cavernous nothingness takes over, bringing the song yet another dimension and complexity.

Jason Goldie's powerhouse drum grooves set and keep the pace for an astonishing aural journey into the depths of blackened sludge.

Side Two introduces Abysswalker from Trapped Within Burning Machinery. A slow, dragging, bass-driven doom mantra. At a staggering 17:32 in length the track serves more as an emotive trance inducing exercise in ritual sacrifice. Something that should be listened to in a dark room without any distraction. The chanting vocals being reminiscent of Monoliths & Dimensions era Sunn O))).

Four minutes go by that lure you into a false sense of security before guttural roaring emits through your speakers courtesy of Zak Esparza. All the while set to a backdrop of dissonant black metal guitar harmonies and high pitched screeching not too dissimilar to Sammy Duet of Acid Bath fame. The duelling guitar harmonies once again make a return towards the climax of the track. They seem to fight with one another to come to the forefront from beneath the colossal deluge of sonic torment. The lead guitar again demonstrates clearly that each member of the band are consistent quality musicians. There's nothing within the track that falls flat or seems out of place in any way. The ability to maintain a steady pulse throughout such a long track without becoming stagnant or boring is a welcome change.

Having had no prior knowledge of either band outside of this release each track is a welcome and very worthy introduction to each artist. I for one wouldn't hesitate to pick this up from a record store. There may well only be two tracks but they both present themselves as a well rounded and concise package.