Lawnmower Deth / Metal Duck - Mower Liberation Front / Quack 'Em All

You may not believe it possible, but Lawnmower Deth is one of my favorite bands. Yes, it is true. I love their unique humor, and obsession with lawnmowers, and of course their awesome riffs and hooks.

This is a supremely rare split, Lawnmower Deth and Metal Duck that I found in a used record store in Minneapolis on Lake Street. It is not their best material, but I am posting it as it is very rare and mostly unknown.

Here's to the flying killer cobs!

More info HERE and download HERE

I.S.S. - Forget About The Girl

I.S.S. or Ideal Social Situation has only released this one album, published in 2002. The band is lead by Estradasphere bassist Tim Smolens, it is his nod to Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys, as well as the whole boy band phenomenon.

For those familiar with Estradasphere, perhaps you are also familiar with the songs where Tim comes out front and croons, if you are, this is for you.

It is rather hard to describe this music, as it is so well constructed and executed, that calling it a joke or a parody seems to fall short of what is actually delivered. I am sure that some is tongue in cheek, but you can also tell that Tim has a deep love for the music, but can also poke fun at it.

Definite must listen for Estradasphere fans or those who love The Beach Boys.

More info HERE and download HERE

Schloss Tegal - Black Static Transmission

This is one of my absolute favorite experimental/electronic/ambient noise whatever you want to call it albums. When this was released in 1999, I used to take my lunch breaks at work, lay down on a couch in the break room with my headphones on, close my eyes and be terrified.

This, along with projects like Contagious Orgasm, are the ones I refer to when people claim noise or experimental electronics has no organization, and has no craft involved. When done right, music like this is more difficult to compose well than any metal band. There is no framework, no structure, no blue print to guide you.

If you are a fan of industrial/noise/ambient, and you do not have this, do yourself a favor. If you never cared for the aforementioned genres, do yourself a favor and try this album. It may change your mind.

More info HERE and download HERE

Forced Entry - As Above, So Below

I am not the biggest thrash metal fan. Sure, I like most of the classics, but for me, Thrash Metal was merely a stepping stone to Death Metal. But Forced Entry's 1991 album "As Above, So Below" is a groundbreaking and mostly unrecognized classic with thrash.

This has the usual humor and good time feelings that is inherent in most thrash, but it is also wholly unique in the fact that it sounds like no other band. This band was fairly short lived, had only two full length albums, this one being their last. Check this out if you are not familiar, it is undoubtedly worth it.

More info HERE and download HERE

Godkiller - The Rebirth Of The Middle Ages

In 1996, this EP absolutely blew me away. Burzum or early In The Woods style screams with the blatantly synthesized horns of Norwegian bands like early Enslaved mixed with the melody of mid '90s Dimmu Borgir, and yet more raw than was the style at the time. At this time, Symphonic Black Metal was the flavor of the month, and albums became more and more slick and polished. This EP came out of nowhere and made a small, yet indelible mark.

After this EP the band released two strong albums, and hasn't been heard from since. It is easy to forget this band is a one-man band, as it does not sound like it in the least. Also surprising is the fact Godkiller is from Monaco. Not exactly the first place you think of when it comes to awesome black metal.

This is really a must have. A blazing gem from a time when metal was really exciting, and unfortunately, this one was passed over by many.

More info HERE and download HERE

Cultus Sanguine - Cultus Sanguine EP

I got such a positive response from my Ras Algethi and Monumentum posts, that I thought I would throw out another heavy hitter, my personal fave next to Ras Algethi, Cultus Sanguine.

Momumentum leader, Roberto Mammarella goes by the name Aqua Regis in Cultus Sanguine, and with his involvement, you pretty much know what to expect from this Italian group; lush atmospheres, heavy heavy dread and oppressing sadness.

The band released only two full length albums, all of which are decent, but my favorite is this EP from 1995 released before any of their full length efforts.

More info HERE and download HERE

Soundgarden - Screaming Life/Fopp

I was talking to a friend today and the subject of Soundgarden came up and I mentioned these two EPs "Screaming Life" and "Fopp" and he had heard neither. So, I thought this post was necessary.

People who recognize how great this band are, are usually stuck in the "Superunknown" or "Badmotorfinger" crap, which is ok, but that stuff is fairly useless. Moments here and there, but overall a snooze fest. The REAL Soundgarden exists only on "Louder Than Love" and earlier. These two EPs are from '87 and '88 respectively, and this compilation of both EPs on CD came out in 1990.

Think Soundgarden aren't cool, are posers? Perhaps too weak, too poppy, too commercial? Listen to this, you can hear the influence of Melvins, Minor Threat as well as some serious doom moments and Chris Cornell can scream like no one else. So get a brain and check this out.

More Info HERE and download HERE