This is weekly JAK, where I have to sit through hours of mediocre newly-released music and pick the 10 tracks that suck the least (or the most). In week 42, we have artists from all around the world. Prepare your ears.
Stollgan - Fake Friend
Stollgan is a multi-genre DJ, producer, and artist from Nanaimo, BC (Canada). He's also a self-proclaimed "lofi producer in the sheets", take it how you will. "Fake Friend" is an aggressive trap banger. The vocals have intense delivery, which contrasts with the polite well-mannered lyrics. The instrumental is just your run-of-the-mill cookie-cutter I-II progression with the 808's and all.
Chipper - The Maker of Painted Masks
Chipper is a mysterious man working in the shadows. We could not pinpoint his exact location. There's another Chipper artist that you don't want to know about. This one is the experimental electronic IDM guy. "The Maker of Painted Masks" is a haunting track, with its creepy ambience and chirping fast-paced percussion. Wait for the drums to kick in!
Humanoid - Star Velocity Dispersion
A powerful hi-tech blast from Guadalajara (Mexico). "Star Velocity Dispersion" is the musical equivalent of meth, 10 coffees, or whatever your choice of stimulant is. The bass line is impressive. It has just the right pitch and speed to be both incredibly fast and still distinct. Enjoy, but in moderation, because the shadow people are just around the corner, and their eyes are glowing.
SxMxIxLx3x - The Damned (Pt .1)
SxMxIxLx3x ("SMILE") is another disturbing artist coming to you straight from hell, Michigan. Have some patience and hear the "The Damned" in its entirety. It's a weird blend of gabber, dubstep, and black metal (but without any guitars).
VALLANANASTAJA - Kerettiläinen Messias
VALLANANASTAJA is a black metal band from Helsinki (Finland). They have a very unique sound that you can hear in "Kerettiläinen Messias". The guitars sound like a swarm of wasps, because of the slightly detuned bending bass guitar. The beginning riff in 12/16 is cleverly syncopated and sounds like an odd time signature. The vocals are demonic and authoritative. This is as true as it gets!
Redreigner - Eater
Redreigner is a metal band from Greece. The classic old-school death metal riffs combined with fast thrash shredding make "Eater" a solid neck challenger. But what stands out the most are the vocals that sound like real screams, not just some vocal fry bullshit. You can hear the falsetto in the voice.
HOXSEY - Plastic Man
Hoxsey is an up-and-coming "digital performance" band which started in 2020 out of Austin (Texas). No idea what they mean by that -- probably too humble to call themselves musicians. "Plastic Man" has a raw noise-rock intensity with compelling dark riffs and playful vocals with great dynamic range. It sort of has an early Marilyn Manson vibe, without the artsy pretentiousness.
True Champions of Breakfast - Rose Coloured Glasses
True Champions of Breakfast is a "collective group of people" from Tasmania (Australia). As opposed to... an individual group of people? "Rose Coloured Glasses" is a piece that features energetic guitars, funky bass, and tight drumming. Kind of reminds me of Brainbombs, with those lazy vocals shouting words into the microphone. But it sounds great. The guitar tone is very crisp and you can hear all the chords despite the heavy distortion.
Inter Alia - Quantum Entanglement
Inter Alia is a progressive thrash metal project created by just one guy in, once again, Tasmania (Australia). "Quantum Entanglement" has some very interesting ideas packed inside. Really wish the production quality was better, but even in this shitty recording, you can tell the guy plays well, because the tone of the palm-muted riffs is tight and powerful. Really enjoying the bass climb that goes like "Quando sei lontana sogno all'orizzonte" (those who know, know). The drum machine is too loud in the mix, though, gives me a headache with those mechanical snare fills.
RAUT - ALREADY DEAD
Raut is a new wave "egg punk" project from Warsaw (Poland). "Already dead" sounds like a parody of the "dark wave" movement. Reminds me of "I Screaming Inside My Head" by treatsforbeasts. But the sound is really cool. The music seems to have been recorded on an actual cassette tape. The guitars are funky, and the drum machine is rocking steady!
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