Total Fucking Destruction/Skat Injector- Ubi Nihil Vales, Ibi Nihil Velis

Here we have a split of between Total Fucking Destruction and Skat Injector. I'm sure most of you are familiar with Total Fucking Destruction. For those out of the loop they have been together for quite awhile and have released a few albums and a slew of splits since their formation. Skat Injector is a self proclaimed "electro splatter gore" band from London. They are fronted by a  masked transvestite and have a had their fair share of releases and splits as well. Though the pairing of bands here may seem a bit odd this split is pretty enjoyable.

Total Fucking Destruction's side of the split is completely made up of live material. There are four previously released tracks on their side and they are "Human Is the Bastard", "Monsterearth Megawar", "Wounded Unit", and "Youth Apocalypse Right Now". The fact that there is no new material is a slight disappointment. With that being said the recordings here will make you want to go out and see Total Fucking Destruction live as soon as possible. The sound quality on the live recording is excellent aside from the vocals being a little low in the mix.

Now for Skat Injector, this cybergrind trio is actually more appealing than the others I've encounter since getting into grind. Still nothing overwhelmingly good but it has it's moments, but when compared to my previous introductions to the genre this plays out like Citizen Kane. Skat Injector's side has two tracks and comes out about equal in length to TFD. The first song "Anal Suicide" is an insanely catchy tune. The sickening shrieks of Zara Skumshot fit the music well and the lows on the first track add a solid variety. The electronic elements in both tracks are reminiscent of a soundtrack of some terrible 80's horror flick (which oddly enough isn't a bad thing by any means). Luckily, rather than just coming across as random noise like most of the other bands that fall into this category, Skat Injector actually has a fairly unique sound going on and it is worth a listen.

Overall this split is worth a look for those in search of good electronic influenced grind. Fans of Total Fucking Destruction won't find anything new here but the diehard fans may want to give it a look. As soon as I was told Skat Injector played a "cybergrind" of sorts I wasn't looking forward to hearing this at all but I sucked it up and listened and enjoyed it quite a bit. That should say something I suppose. This is worth at least one listen and has convinced me I need to give some of Skat Injector's other material a look.

Nightbringer- Death and the Black Work

Nightbringer is a black metal band from Colorado that formed back in 1999. This is their first full-length released in 2008 after a slew of demos and splits. As a whole when comparing this to their past work there are obvious similarities. The style itself is pretty much unchanged, but everything has grown. This full-length is a much more dense experience than any of their previous work and it seems to flow without flaw. All the tracks on the album exceed seven minutes in length and the total playtime between the seven songs comes out at around an hour.

The album opens with "Capuf Draconis- Black Saturn" which opens with some subtle sounds that slowly grow more intense, then you begin to hear the distant cries of people in pain. This goes on for about three minutes and then after a brief silence the music comes in. Already, just over three minutes into the album, the tone is set. From this moment on you will be completely infatuated by the sounds coming from the speakers.

Right off the start Nightbringer lets you, the listener, know that you're in for a hellish ride. Some moments featured here are quite haunting but peppered within there are also moments that almost count as relaxing. Though the album never strays away from the grim, evil noise that one would expect it does have quite a bit of variation. The pace changes frequently and there are very doomy moments to be found throughout.

The sound on Death and the Black Work is absolutely gigantic. It is drenched in distortion and reverb but it all comes together perfectly and forms one huge wave of overwhelming black metal mastery. The main thing that makes this so appealing is the atmosphere it creates. Not one track comes to mind in recent memory that matches "Feast of the Wanes" in terms of capturing such a sinister sound. The drumming on this record doesn't call for the typical nonstop blasting. The pace changes frequently throughout all the tracks featured here and this makes the drumming featured a very unique listen. The vocals aren't anything too special, the normal tortured shrieks are used almost exclusively. They are particularly convincing but nothing to write home about.

Overall Nightbringer's first full-length Death and the Black Work still proves to be their best effort thus far. The band still releases quality material but those looking to get into them should start here. Anybody remotely into black metal should give this a listen, fans of black metal with a heavy use of atmosphere should definitely add this to the top of the to get list. Give it a shot.

Bones- Bones

First things first, holy shit! Bones is from Chicago and they are raw as hell. Fans of black/thrash veterans Usurper may notice that this dirty trio is made up completely of members of the now defunct group. Don't go into this album expected a carbon copy of their past work. While some comparisons can be made it is clear when listening that Bones is a very different beast.

This album kicks off immediately and grabs you by the balls and doesn't loosen its grip until you can't take anymore. This isn't just typical death metal it is a melting pot of heaviness. They deliver their music with punk attitude, thrash your brains out and have some crust elements, they are doomy at times and on top of that they are drenched in sludge. Sounds like everything you could want in an album? If so forget about reading the rest of this and just listen to it.

The production for this album is booming and the guitars just roar. The guitar tone is the definition of heavy. The album runs off pure adrenaline and simple riffs that simply tear the listener to shreds. Imagine a concoction of Motorhead, Toxic Holocaust (Evil Never Dies era), and some old school Master thrown in for good measure and you'd have a general idea of what Bones is all about. This is the perfect example of no holds barred metal. There is no comfort zone to be found. Many death metal bands have the ability to be "heavy" but Bones takes it a step further with their brand of aggressive, sickening grime, by incorporating all of the energy humanly possible in this blast of fury.

Though for the most part Bones runs strictly off brute force, when they slow things down and do more riff driven tracks the outcome is just as good.  Necromancer's vocals have that uncontrolled sound. There isn't a huge amount of variation but considering none of the vocals have that generic "fabricated" sound it shouldn't bug anyone in the slightest. He delivers his harsh vocals with a great amount of power and anger. In the end all of the elements featured on this album mesh together perfectly and form the ultimate fit of death metal rage.

Overall Bones rips a solid portion of the competition to bits. This really is a breath of fresh air compared to a lot of the newer death metal bands coming out, they're just here to tear you a new asshole and then leave you there to bleed out. By the end of this album your ears will hate you forever and fear the next time you bring headphones near them. This is the sickest debut of the year thus far, if you don't check this one out you will become the laughingstock of the metal community. Get on it.

The Basement: 5 Films On DVD+VHS Tape

The Flicks:

The Basement (1989):

"MY VISION... MY VISION!!!"

The Basement has a strange story behind it. The film was made back in 1989 and has sat on the shelf collecting dust ever since. It is a shot on Super 8 anthology film directed by Tim O'Rawe (Ghoul School). After the film was made it was planned to be released by Camp Pictures but unfortunately the footage turned out too dark to use. With the technology they had available back then there wasn't much they could do with it but shelf it. The film was recently dug back up by the folks at Camp Motion Pictures and is finally getting a release. They went all out and got Chris LaMartina to create a soundtrack for the release and packed the disc with special features.

The story starts off with a group of four strangers that are all in a basement together. We don't know quite how they got there but they are met soon after by The Sentinel. The Sentinel then proceeds to show them some of the horrible things that will occur in their future. So with that being said we get four stories, one for each of the individuals in the basement. The first tale is titled "Swinging Pool". This segment centers on Victoria, she is a real bitch living the life and soaking up the sun out by the pool. Her significant other dives on in and is soon battling for his life with a strange creature that dwells beneath. After witnessing this, our main lady does what anyone would do and invites all her enemies over so she can sacrifice them to this water demon. Out of all the sections in The Basement this one went by the quickest.

The second part is "Trick Or Treat", it follows a bitter school teacher who absolutely despises Halloween. He might have a sudden change of heart though when a few monsters show up to pay him a little visit. "Zombie Movie" follows the director of an independent zombie film. He doesn't take criticism well and he treats his cast and crew like shit. Luckily for him he has a member of the crew who still cares about him enough to warn him that zombies are roaming the area. The director is too stubborn to listen and continues to go hold "auditions" for two fine young women in his trailer. Sadly the directors cocaine sexfest is interrupted when the zombies finally reach his door.

The fourth and final story follows an ambitious young man who has just purchased his dream house after spending plenty of time searching. He is warned about the haunting past of the house and the torture and killings that occurred there but he still makes the decision to take the place. Immediately when he gets there his mind begins to play tricks on him. Soon after him and his friend start drinking some Jim Bean the blood starts to paint the walls

Given that the film was pretty much worthless due to how dark it was I'd say the picture quality is actually decent. Some moments are still dark and it is most noticeable in the final story "Home Sweet Home". The dialogue is pretty hilarious at times and the dubbing can be a bit humorous. While the stories may not be the most original in the world they still are entertaining enough to get away with it. The attempts at humor are actually funny, like when JR Bookwalter holds up a picture of George Romero and it works as a defense mechanism against zombies, and the gore and creature effects are excellent.

Overall this is a pretty good low budget anthology. Sure it doesn't compete with the huge ones like Creepshow, Tales From the Darkside, and Body Bags but it certainly has that independent charm. If you need a perfect picture to enjoy a film stay as far away as possible but if you are searching for an ambitious early attempt at movie making this is right up your alley. It is clear tons of hard work was put into the making of this movie and it is a shame that it took it this long to be seen by the masses. If you are into any of the other classics that Camp Motion Pictures has released you will dig this just as much.

Captives (1987)

(Mama's Home is the only cover I could find)

Captives is another release featured on the set that is making it's DVD debut. Many of you may know it by the name Mama's Home. This is yet another film that doesn't get as much praise as it should. The movie was directed by Gary Cohen (who is fairly well known in the horror community for the classic SOV films Video Violence 1 & 2) and it is very different than what he is known for. This is a very serious movie when compared to his other films and it is very well done.

When Nicki is released from prison after serving a twelve year sentence for a crime she did not commit she breaks into the house of her ex-husband's new family when he leaves for work. She is looking to get even for all her pain and suffering and she has brought her two brothers with her (one of which is mentally challenged and the other is just a scumbag). Once inside they force the family to watch some home  videos and explain what happened that got Nicki locked up. It turns out her ex-husband started a fire at their house and left their baby behind when he ran from the inferno, but Nicki was blamed for what had happened and was charged with murder.

All is good until the babysitter shows up and sees the family dog dead in the aquarium. After seeing this she attempts to get away but the psychopath, drug dealer brother stabs her in the gut before she even makes it out the door. In order to save her child the mother plots an escape plan with the mentally challenged man who feels bad for the murder that had occurred. Little does she know the other two are hearing the plan over the baby monitor and soon a bloody battle ensues. Meanwhile we see how Nicki's  "clean" ex-husband lives day to day when he is at work, coked out of his mind and beating on hookers.

One pleasant surprise about Captives is the great acting for a low budget flick. This aspect was completely unexpected but each and every actor was very convincing. The story works and keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The character development works and you actually care about the characters when all is said and done. There is a little bit of gore here and there but that isn't what this film is all about. When it does pop up it looks pretty good though.

Overall Captives is an extremely engrossing movie. Don't go into it expecting something like the Video Violence films or an all out gorefest (even though the Majestic Home Video release "Mama's Home" would suggest otherwise). If you are in search of a solid, thrilling film and don't mind a low budget film than this is definitely for you. Check it out.

Cannibal Campout (1988)

"IT'S A SMALL WORLD!!!"

Next up in the set is an absolute classic SOV flick. Cannibal Campout was directed by Jon McBride who also did Feeders and Woodchipper Massacre. I've seen this movie countless times and it is without a doubt one of my all time favorite cheese films. It is the film that got me into shoestring budget movies and fueled my love for all things gory. The film has slowly gotten a cult following and is now one of the most well known out of all the SOV films. Sit back, prepare to laugh, and enjoy the ride!

The story follows four teens that decide to go on a camping trip to escape the stress of everyday life. Even though a few people mention the recent disappearance of a family in the area they are traveling to the group still continues with their plans. On the way into the woods they are blocked by a nearly stopped car, they honk multiple times until the two gentlemen inside get angry and confront them. One of them pulls a knife and the campers speed away to safety. Little did they know the two individuals they bumped into are hungry cannibals in search of their next meal!

When the cannibals come out to play the campers must fight for their lives in order to prevent themselves from being the next dish. More victims are added to the menu as well when a two friends go out to play a prank on the campers. Finally all the campers get rounded up by the cannibals and the gore begins to cover the screen. If you are easily offended the dialogue is packed with offensive things

First things first, this movie is PACKED with gore. The effects are actually pretty well done and there are some very gruesome moments. Also, Chris (one of the campers), is one of the least emotional actors I've ever had the pleasure to witness on screen. The camerawork is impressive too, it isn't often you come across a cheesy gore flick with little to no budget and get something nicely shot. Rich (the cannibal with the gruff voice) has some of the funniest lines in movie history. Whenever he opens his mouth everyone in the room is sure to explode with laughter. Did I mention The Toxic Avenger makes an appearance towards the end of the film (or what appears to be his evil twin at least).

Overall Cannibal Campout is such a fun ride. The movie delivers in every way, the humor works, the gore is served up in massive amounts, and even though the plot is simple and not very original it holds the viewers attention. I can't imagine anyone who isn't a fan of b-movies enjoying this film, but if you're a fan of the cheese this is where it's at. For a film that essentially was almost completely crafted by one person (hell he even did the music) this is a great effort and while it may not be "good" so to speak, it is a ton of fun and really when you go into a movie like this that is what you are seeking.

Video Violence... When Renting Is Not Enough! (1987)

"Cut it clean, and then take it to the slicer and give me a half a pound of arm!"

Video Violence is another of the most infamous SOV horror flicks. Gary Cohen directed this low budget gem. The concept was pretty unique and original for it's time and it goes beyond just being your average slasher flick. The gore is unflinching for the time and the cheese isn't completely overwhelming.

Mr. Emery has just moved into a new town to open a video store. Business is booming and the people in can't get enough of the horror. He normally works alone at the store with Rick who is also fairly new to the town, unfortunately neither of them have gotten a warm welcome from anybody in the neighborhood. Aside from people giving them the cold shoulder everything seems to be fine. That is until a blank tape ends up mixed in the pile of the return drop box.

Rick practically begs Mr. Emery to play the tape and finally curiosity gets to him and they pop it into the VCR. They are horrified when they discover that this tape contains a snuff film of the murder of the local postman who supposedly left for Florida not too long ago. Emery heads off to the police station and Rick stays behind. When he arrives him and the chief head over to the video store and by the time they get there Rick is gone and the tape has been replaced. The chief writes it off as Emery having an overactive imagination and leaves angrily. Soon after another tape of Rick being strangled ends up on the counter and Emery personally takes it to the chief to show him, when loading the tape the officer records over the murder on "accident".

Now that it is clear that he isn't going to get any help from the police Emery takes matters into his own hands and starts an investigation. After digging a little deeper it seems that Mr. and Mrs. Emery might be in over their heads. Some of the scenes of torture in this movie are surprisingly realistic, but you do get the occasional bad gore effect (see an arm turn into what is clearly some kind of lunchmeat). There are a few familiar faces from Captives starring in this movie as well.

Overall Video Violence is actually extremely well done for a no budget flick of its kind. Once you finish this boxset you'll be wishing Cohen would have directed more films. He certainly came out with some solid ones in the late 80's and seeing him have a comeback would be great. Anyone looking to check out some of the SOV horror flicks should be directed towards this or Cannibal Campout. Movies like 555 and Spine are good as well but these two seem to be the easiest to digest for your "average" movie viewer.

Video Violence 2 (1988)

Video Violence 2 basically continues where the first left off. Rather than just having tapes dropped off at the video store this installment focuses more on the actual Howard and Eli show. It is broadcasted on the television now and has blown up in a way. The whole town is involved and things are crazier than ever. Prepare for gore, torture, and heaps of that signature Howard and Eli humor!

The plot here is paper thin. Aside from the torture going down there isn't really much going on. That being said it delivers on the gore (though the eye pop is very funny). The movie essentially is just an entire episode of the Howard and Eli Show with a twist thrown in at the end. There is also a great deal of humor in this one. Much more so than the original. The twist is actually hilarious but I won't give it away here.

Overall this is an entertaining watch if you take it for what it is. Should there have been a Video Violence 2? Probably not. The original stands well enough on it's own but this is by no means bad. The idea of making a Video Violence 3 is mentioned in the special features, which is something I honestly wouldn't mind seeing. There are tons of things one could do with this concept. Video Violence 2 takes the cheese of the first to a new level and is the least serious of Cohen's films. If you dig this kind of stuff, or enjoyed the first this one is definitely good for at least one watch. Not much else to say about it, simple film, simple plot, simple review.

DVD Features:
Each film featured in the set comes with it's own commentary. All the commentaries are very good and informative the only gripe I have (and it is very minor) is that the Captives commentary is just an episode of the Alternative Cinema podcast (which is great but mainly focuses on theatre rather than the film). I'd love to hear more of the story behind Captives from Cohen. The Basement disc is the one that really packs in the features. Included are awesome short films and a few episodes of a tv show produced by Michael Raso, the episodes on the disc all feature ,members of some of the movies in the set, these shows are also very entertaining and contain some very cool music videos (and have me searching like a madman for more of Purple Bishop's material!). The Video Violence 1 & 2 disc contains the same features as the original Camp Motion Pictures release of the movies. If you are interested in SOV films or just independent cheese at all this set is the perfect thing to pick up. Did I forget to mention the bigbox packaging and the VHS copy of The Basement included? Get it.... Now! One of the best sets I've seen in a long time.

Reign Of Vengeance- Disemboweling Swine

Reign of Vengeance brings the chaos with Disemboweling Swine. The band formed back in 2005 and released an EP in 2007. This is their first full-length and it is clear with song titles like "A Massacre Of Mormons" and a cover displaying an officer of the law being robbed of his insides that the band isn't out to make any friends. On top of all that it is released by Brain Damage Music, so,  needless to say this album is a big slab of horrifying brutal death metal. 

Reign of Vengeance music is very complex and technical without a doubt. They don't take it too far like many other bands out today though. They still keep their focus on creating a solid song and not just writing a series of crazy, over the top tapping moments. It can at times be chaotic but it is always very calculated and done with a major amount of precision. The tone works wonders and can be crushing when needed but also very sharp and clear. The solos featured on the album are always highlights. Gibbons can set the frets on fire and he makes it very clear with this release.

Not only does this album feature some great guitar playing, the bass also shines throughout. This is to be expected when you have Nick Schendzielos (of Cephalic Carnage) plucking away. The majority of the tracks wouldn't be nearly as interesting without some of the basslines that are scattered throughout. For the most part the tracks are short and to the point (the longest is 4:14). Even the tracks that break four minutes fly by and the album flows incredibly well. This is one of the rare albums that can be listened to start to finish over and over again without growing old.

There are a slew of different vocal styles used throughout the album. This really adds to the intensity. As does the drumming, the kit is constantly being pummeled throughout and it gives off a very unrelenting feeling when listening. Some of the more tame tracks here are also excellent as well, the first one that comes to mind is "A Tradition Of Bloodshed" which, when compared to the rest of the album is much more traditional. These tracks focus more on crushing the listener rather than melting what is left of their brain. Overall they really help the album flow better and are infectious as hell.

Overall Reign of Vengeance is definitely worth a look. The band is clearly made up of badass musicians and there is not one dull moment on the record. This may not be anything extremely innovative but they do what they do well and fans of the style will enjoy. Any fans of Cephalic Carnage and similar bands should find something worthwhile here. Check it out.

Brutally Deceased- Dead Lovers Guide

Brutally Deceased may come from the Czech Republic but for the most part their music would have you thinking Sweden in the good old days. They have been together since 2007 and this is their first full-length. The band is named after a song from Grave's classic album You'll Never See, so they are setting the bar pretty high for expectations. You get nine tracks of filth packed into this thirty three minute filthfest and it seems to fly by in no time.

If there is one thing that can ruin a old school death metal "resurgence" album it would have to be squeaky clean production. You're not going to find any of that bullshit here, the tone is thick and nasty and everything comes across just as filthy as it should. The riffs are groove based a good portion of the time but there are a also quite a few moments of really fast unrelenting attacks. When the band speeds up at times it can sound pretty bland but for the most part they hit the mark.

There are a few real standout tracks on the album which is always a plus. "Demise Of the Human Swine" has an epic buildup that is unforgettable and "... And Here I Die Forsaken" has some of the best soloing on the record along with one of the catchiest riffs I've heard in a long time. Another thing that increases the replay value of the album is how well it flows. "All That Rots And Withers" seems to pick up right where "Demise Of the Human Swine" left off. The vocals mesh with the music almost flawlessly. There is nothing flashy to be seen here, just that deep, guttural roar that has been heard a million times before. It is done well though and that is all that matters.

Overall Brutally Deceased could very well be lumped in the towering pile of newer old school death metal bands. The fact of the matter is that if you made a blank tape dub of this album and gave it to someone unaware of the band they would have a hard time pinpointing the year it was made. Fans of newer bands like Demonical and Morbider will dig this just as much and obviously fans of old school Swedish death metal (who could give a fuck less about the date it was made and just want great music) should check this out as well. Brutally Deceased is definitely a band to keep your eye on. Let's just hope their next release is up to par with this.

Odinfist- We Are Gods

Odinfist is a four piece power/thrash metal band. They formed back in 2006 and have since released two full-lengths and two EPs. We Are Gods is their second full-length and the band shows some serious promise. Their brand of thrashy power metal isn't quite perfected but they are on the right route. The first thing that sticks out when the album starts is the energy. They capture the old school sound better than most of the competition without a doubt. Obviously there are a few more modern sounding things involved in Odinfist's sound but overall that throwback vibe is always there.

While the music is energetic it never really comes across as "heavy" so to speak. This may be because the guitar tone doesn't pack much of a punch. The album is mainly riff and hook based. In addition to this there is also a vast amount of odd melodies incorporated in sections that at times makes things seem a bit scatterbrained. This may turn many people off at first (as it did with me) but after a few listens these moments grew on me and actually is one of the few things that separates Odinfist from the mass amount of bands that are playing a similar style. The solos featured here melt faces as expected with a band like this. At times the solos seem a tad sloppy but it is never enough to ruin said solo.

The vocals are a healthy mix of clean and harsh, there is a wide range of different styles used and it really keeps the listening experience as fresh as possible. It is amazing that so many vocal approaches could be used on one record and still coming across relatively cohesive. The delivery for the most part is extremely catchy and is the type could imagine a crowd chanting along to.

Overall We Are Gods is a fun ride. The band is clearly having a good time with their music and it comes across when listening. Coming from someone who normally doesn't dig power metal much, this is a solid album. I feel that if they expand on the positive things displayed on this album they could release something superb. Whether you are a thrash fan, a power metal fan, or just a fan of metal in general this one is worth a few listens.