So. obviously the world stops and takes notice when FROM ASHES RISE releases any music. And that is the news i bring. I felt a little disappointment from the fact that this will only be a 7". my stomach rolls more when i hear that it is only two new songs on that 7 inch circle of vinyl. But i am a miserable prick.
the optimist standing next to me says, "better the 2 songs than none at all". "This is true," i begrudgingly acknowledge. "But it would be cooler if it were 3 songs" i cynically add. because i realize that the acrimonious package of grit and fire, Nightmares on Jade Tree, was released in 2003. that is 9 long years of no new material. 9 frigging years.
the inevitable question arises, "how do they sound?" well, differently is my response. and this is why i wish i had a full length. Could this be a teaser; a la Reaper or Bridge 9 - when they release a MADBALL, AG FRONT, TERROR style seven inch whose songs will appear on an upcoming full length? That question has not yet been answer. this is more important with these two songs because they do sound differently.
these slower, cleaner songs are not different from some past tunes of FROM ASHES RISE; but out of context - not being placed as a lull in the 40 minute speed frenzy of the usual album - they feel quite different from the known FROM ASHES RISES song.
as i listen to these 2 songs again for about the 10th time each, and have gone back to crank older FROM ASHES RISE; they may not be as foreign to the FROM ASHES RISE sound as my initial impression.
"Rejoice the End" this song begins with a typical FROM ASHES RISE rumble. it begins looming. The menace approaching chills you as a black storm cloud on the horizon would a hiker lost in the woods. This song never reaches the speed or heaviness of the band's earlier albums. and that is the impetus for my surprise. However, this tune still is delivered with familiar ferocity and urgency. Listening to this repeatedly and eschewing expectations, I realized the darkness still inherent. The key to the sound of this is the battering of the drums and the small melodic hook of the guitar among the chaotic, loose, thick riffs. Again, i think after full side of an LP, this song would flow fine with their sound, allowing a breather. You can catch the climactic pummeling unleashed upon the ears after the second break. A good solid groove of a riff is carried throughout the song. And the strained screamed vocals surely still secure this song's place in FROM ASHES RISE discography.
"Rage of Society" MOTORHEAD. plain and simple. they put their twist on the sound; it still sounds like a FROM ASHES RISE song. but this is the mandatory d-beat/crust full steam ahead nod to Lemmy & Co. It pushes at 3/4 speed of a usual FROM ASHES RISE song. it certainly rips. Vocals screech in anger demanding vengeance for another of society's selfish mistakes. There is a melody in the break that stamps FAR's sound on it. A great rock and roll feel to this joint will get the kids chanting along to the chorus.
Southern Lord, again, cannot release a bad album. The offer quite the gamut in their sonic offerings; and despite some major variety, the ear of Greg Anderson is on point each time.
FFO: TRAGEDY, VICTIMS, HIS HERO IS GONE, CURSED, DISFEAR, WOLFBRIGADE, MOTORHEAD, GBH, DISCHARGE, THE EXPLOITED, (1st) BATHORY ...but you knew all of these. TOUCH BASE: FAR FB FAR audio Southern Lord
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