Filthy Review - 'Lethe: When Dreams Become Nightmares'

Lethe - When Dreams Become Nightmares  (2014)

Debemur Morti Productions

Review by Trevor Proctor

When Dreams Become Nightmares is the debut album from Lethe - an experimental side project from Tor-Helge Skei (Manes) and the exceptionally talented Anna Murphy from Eluveitie, whilst also including close collaboration from Eivind Fjoseide alongside a plethora of guest musicians. Lethe started work on their music during late 2012 as a portal for musical experimentation between the ingenious couple, stating from the off “no rules, no expectations, no compromises.”

Filthy Music Review - 'Year of No Light: Tocsin'

Year of No Light - Tocsin (2013)

Debemur Morti Productions

Review by Trevor Proctor

Hailing from Bordeaux, Year of no Light have been active since 2001 but Tocsin is only their third full length release – the first being “Nord” which was released in 2006. Significant personnel changes in 2008 led to the band becoming an instrumental six piece featuring two drummers, three guitar players and a bass/keyboards & synth player. Their second album, Ausserwelt, was released in 2010 and saw the band bringing more black and doom influences to their simmering melting pot of ideas – whilst 3 albums over a period of 12 years may seem slack to some the band have been quite prolific in releasing split LPs and have also released a live recording from Holland’s revered Roadburn festival. Tocsin is Year of No Light’s first release with Debenmur Morti records and sees the band explore more musical worlds with even more influences and variation than ever.

Filthy Interview - 'שְׁאוֹל (Sheol)'

If you've read Trevor's review of Sephuchral Ruins Below the Temple, from UK band Sheol, you'll know that it is an EP that is demanding of your attention. It's an outstanding slice of death fucking metal that just gets better with each listen. Recently, Trevor had the chance to interview the 2-piece band, about Sepulchral Ruins, touring and much more. Read, enjoy, then grab yourself a copy of the EP!

Filthy Music Review - 'Carcass: Surgical Steel'

Carcass – Surgical Steel (2013)

Nuclear Blast

Review by Trevor Proctor

Releasing a new album is a daunting prospect for any band after a 17 year break from the studio and, some might argue, it's actually 20 years since Carcass had any release of note (Heartwork).

Wayne Simmons' Top 20 Albums/EP's/Demo's of 2013

After having posted both Trevor's and my lists of music that floated our respective boats in 2013, it's the turn of Lair contributor and horror novelist extraordinaire, Wayne Simmons to throw his picks into the hat! Enjoy!

Filthy Music Review - 'Necrotherion: Novus Ordo Seclorum'

Necrotherion – Novus Ordo Seclorum (2014)

Independent

Review by Jude Felton

Blazing a trail straight out of the black metal stronghold of Martins Ferry, Ohio, comes Necrotherion; a four piece who deliver some truly caustic musical savagery. Now, whilst I may well joke about the black metal output of their hometown, I am not joking about the musical content that this band have delivered on this album.

Before 'Bedlam Stories' there was 'Project Alice'!

Following hot on the heals of the rather excellent Bedlam Stories, by Christine Converse, comes the prequel tale, entitled Project Alice. As you can probably tell, if you have got this far, The Lair of Filth is a proud sponsor of this new tale, which is also written by Christine Converse and expands on this sinister world. You can download the book at the link below. These tales all originate in the delightfully twisted mind of Pearry Teo, who will be bringing Bedlam Tales to life in a film in the not so distant future!

Filthy Music Review - 'Legion of the Damned: Ravenous Plague'

Legion of the Damned: Ravenous Plague (2014)

Napalm Records 

Review by Trevor Proctor

Dutch thrash band Legion of the Damned will release their seventh full length album via their new label, Napalm Records in January 2014 – it’s the first to feature new guitarist Twan Van Geel and also their first since the suicide of bass player Twan Fleuren in 2011. The album was produced by Andy Classen at the Stage One studio in Germany – new guitarist Van Geel assumes all guitar duties on Ravenous Plague with Hein Willekens assisting for live performances – the album’s lyrics will concentrate on apocalyptic themes and the dissolution of society.

Trevor Proctor's Top 20 Albums/EP's of 2013

By Trevor Proctor

This has been another year filled to the brim with some seriously excellent metal releases, that’s why it’s been so difficult to pick a top twenty and also why there’s no such thing as an end of year list that’ll please everyone. I’ve never read any myself that I’ve totally agreed with – there’s always someone left out or someone not featuring as highly as you’d place them. This list is by no means perfect or comprehensive; it’s merely the recordings that I’ve enjoyed most throughout the year.

Filthy Review - 'Trap for Cinderella'

Trap for Cinderella (2013)

Review by Jude Felton

As far as quantity of output goes, director Iain Softley is not exactly prolific. He’s not quite in the same league as Terrence Mallick’s snail-like pace, up until recent years, but since his cracking debut, Backbeat, in 1994 you can count the number of films he’s directed on both hands. This year, however, he’s back with a sly little thriller that is truly quite engaging.

Pearry Teo and Chad Michael Ward want us to Fear the Cure in the upcoming 'Strange Blood'

Currently in production is the new horror film, Strange Blood, which is directed by Chad Michael Ward. Produced by Pearry Teo and Rosie Zwaduk, the film is about a scientist who gets infected with a parasite, whilst developing a cure for all disease. All going well, the film should see release at the end of 2014. In the meantime, you can check out the teaser trailer below!

Filthy Music Review - 'Patrons of the Rotting Gate: The Rose Coil'

Patrons of the Rotting Gate - The Rose Coil (2013)

The Path Less Traveled Records 

Review by Trevor Proctor

Patrons of the Rotting Gate is basically a one musician band, namely Andrew “Manshrew” Millar who’s originally from the city of Belfast but now resides in London – Adam “Arc” Irwin assists with additional guitar work but pretty much everything is the creation of the extremely talented Millar. 

Filthy Music Review - 'Scorned Deity: Adventum'

Scorned Deity – Adventum (2013)

Review by Jude Felton

Prepare to be swept up into a tornado of symphonic blackened death metal, as Detroit’s Scorned Deity lay forth Adventum for all to marvel at. For what we have here is an exercise in the grandiose and epic, with more than enough savagery to satiate the most bloodthirsty.

The Lord of Filth's Top 10 Films of 2013

So another year slowly draws to a close, and I've actually not seen all that many films that I truly loved (aside from the list below). There were one or two that didn't quite make it, such as A Field in England, Junkie, This is the End and New World, that were also fantastic, but on the whole this wasn't as hard to compile as previous years. That being said I will admit to having watched far less new movies than in previous years, with a lot of older titles being re-issued and re-released. The below Top 10 (of which I have cheated on by including 11 films) though are my personal favorites of the year, and as in previous years I do not state it to be a "best of" list; this is just what floated my proverbial boat. I've also included the format on which I watched them. Enjoy.

Jude

Filthy Music Review - 'Valdur: At War With'

Valdur - At War With (2013) 

BloodyMountain Records.

Review by Trevor Proctor

Valdur are a three piece black/death group from Mammoth Lakes, California and this is only their third full length release despite enjoying their tenth anniversary during 2013. At War With was recorded at California’s Earhammer studios with Greg Wilkinson in charge of production.

Filthy Music Review - 'Suffering in Solitude: A Place Apart'

Suffering in Solitude – A Place Apart (2013)

Domestic Genocide Records

Review by Jude Felton

If there’s anyone out there that would like to send me a complete and detailed list of all the sub-genres within “Metal”, I’d be eternally grateful. On a serious note, I believe there are only two sub-genres, and that is good and bad; although I suppose you could add mind-numbingly average into the fold. Suffering in Solitudes debut album, released on Domestic Genocide Records, falls firmly into the good category.

Filthy Music Review - 'Falkenbach: Asa'

Falkenbach – Asa (2013)

Prophecy Productions

Review by Jude Felton

Such has been the quality of output in 2013 across the board, in terms of extreme metal, that I have only just got to this fine album. It was released at the beginning of November, and I’m still kicking myself for not getting to it sooner. The sixth album from German outfit, Falkenbach, but first to my ears, is an epic, sweeping thing of beauty.

Filthy Music Review - 'Immortal Bird: Akrasia'

Immortal Bird – Akrasia (2013)

Closed Casket Recordings

Review by Jude Felton

We are all obsessed with quite where a band “should” fall in terms of genre, whether we admit it or not. It can be a help, and it can all be quite the hindrance, with bands crossing borders between this, that and the other. The open-minded rejoice, whilst the purists plot world domination from behind their keyboards, although at the end of the day all that really matters is whether the tunes are any good. Right?

Filthy Music Review - 'שְׁאוֹל (Sheol): Sepulchral Ruins Below the Temple'

Sheol - Sepulchral Ruins Below The Temple (2013)

Iron Bonehead Productions/Invictus Productions 

Review by Trevor Proctor

Roughly translated from Hebrew Sheol means grave or place of the dead and December sees the release of Sheol’s eagerly anticipated debut EP – “Sepulchral Ruins Below The Temple.” Consisting of only two members, A.B.S. (vocals, guitar, bass) and A.H.S. (drums and guitar) Sheol play a brutal, coarse, raw style of death metal interspersed with occult themes.

Filthy Review - 'The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones'

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2013)

Review by Jude Felton

Book adaptations are certainly nothing new, in the world of movies but, thanks in part to the combined box office slaying by the Harry Potter and Twilight flicks, they can be huge business. The combined returns of those two franchises must be well into the billions. The target audience is definitely of a younger variety and savvy old chaps, that the film studios are, they are always looking for the next big franchise.

Filthy Review - 'All the Boys love Mandy Lane'

All the Boys love Mandy Lane (2006)

Review by Jude Felton

And you kissed me and stopped me from shaking, and I need you today, oh Mandy. Where the fuck have you been, oh Mandy. Ladies and Gentleman, Mr. Manilow has fortunately left the building, although the question still remains as to where the hell Mandy Lane has been? The film hit festivals in the States a few years ago, the film having been made in 2006, and has also since seen Blu-ray and DVD release in the UK, among other territories. Here though? Nothing. Until now.

Filthy Music Review - 'Fallen Joy: Inner Supremacy'

Fallen Joy – Inner Supremacy (2013)

Spread the Metal Records

Review by Jude Felton

There’s a word kicking around at the moment, and it’s one that is as annoying as hell. The word Melodeath, which is lazily used to describe Melodic Death Metal, pisses me off no end. What next? Brudeath? Technideath? No fucking thank you, that is the one and only time you’ll see me use that god-awful word in print, I promise you that.

'Against' Magazine #3 now available!

The latest issue of Portuguese metal mag, Against, is now available for your reading pleasure. You can check it out online or you can download it (links etc. below). This issue, #3, features Malevolence on the cover, as well as articles on Chastain, Ephel Duath, The Ocean and many more. So, raise your horns and dive in!

Filthy Music Review - 'Lvcifyre: Svn Eater'

Lvcifyre: Svn Eater (2014)

Dark Descent Records

Review by Jude Felton

It seems like 2013 has flown by, and with it a barrage of excellent music releases, and so I find myself taking a look at the first album of 2014 to cross my desk, with Lvcifyre’s Svn Eater. If you haven’t heard of this UK based band, whose first album didn’t really get any sort of push, you certainly will do when this monster hits. Joining the already impressive roster of bands on Dark Descent, Lvcifyre have rallied a war cry to all with Svn Eater; an album that is absolutely devastating.

Filthy Music Review - 'Finnr's Cane: A Portrait Painted by the Sun'

Finnr's Cane - A Portrait Painted By The Sun  (2013)

Prophecy Productions 

Review by Trevor Proctor

Finnr’s Cane is a three piece doom/ambient/atmospheric black metal band from Sudbury, Ontario – its members are anonymously named the Slave, (cello and keyboards) the Peasant (drums) and the Bard who assumes vocal and guitar duties. This is their second release following their 2010 debut, “Wanderlust” with the line up being unchanged since then.

The Lord of Filth's Top 10 Vinyl, Cassettes and Demo's of 2013

Having already posted my Top 20 albums of the year, I thought I should also give a shout out to some of my favorite other releases of the year. So, singles, EP's, demo's etc, all of which I picked up on either vinyl or cassette, are getting some love in this list. 

Filthy Review - 'The People Under the Stairs'

The People Under the Stairs (1991)

Review by Ken Kastenhuber

In Wes Craven's The People Under the Stairs (1991) we find ourselves in the L.A. ghetto with a young boy named "Fool" (Brandon Quintin Adams, The Sandlot) who lives with his sister Ruby (Kelly Jo Minter, The Lost Boys) and their cancer stricken mother. Times are difficult and Fool and the family are on the cusp of being evicted by their landlords, the Robesons, a very strange couple known as Mommy (Wendy Robie, The Dentist 2) and Daddy (Everett McGill, Silver Bullet). From the outside they appear a pretty straight couple but they're harboring a few shocking secrets, they have a daughter named Alice (A.J. Langer, Escape from L.A.) who is never allowed to leave the house, the neighborhood is full of gossip about what goes inside the home but it's way worse than anyone could have imagined.

Italian masters set to bring us 'The Book'

I'm a little late on posting this news, but if you're a fan of Italian cinema you'll either already know, or you'll be damned glad that you now know! Regardless, this is news that is well worth sharing. Actually, scratch that; this is news that needs to be posted. The Book is coming, and with it comes attached 12 greats in the world of Italian genre cinema. Full details after the break. Be prepared to drool.

Filthy Giveaway - 'Eye of Solitude: Canto III' Promo CDs - Closed

If you have seen my Top 20 albums of 2013, you will know that my pick for the number one spot was the epic Canto III from funeral doom monsters, Eye of Solitude. The album is released by Kaotoxin Records and, since posting my album choices of the year, head honcho Nico has generously offered us 5 promotional copies of the album for a giveaway. You can't go far wrong there, as this truly is a wonderful album.

Filthy Music Review - 'Obliteration: Black Death Horizon'

Obliteration – Black Death Horizon (2013)

Indie Recordings/Relapse

Review by Jude Felton

Back in my teens, death metal was new; I bore witness to its messy birth, following bands on both sides of the Atlantic, saw the trends come and go, and have followed its bloody path ever since. One thing that stills rings fresh in my mind though, was how damned exciting it was, moving as I was from a Bay Area Thrash fixation through to this ugliest of music. Listening to the latest album from Norway’s Obliteration triggered that excitement once again, all these years later.

Filthy Music Review - 'Ephel Duath: Hemmed by Light, Shaped by Darkness'

Ephel Duath - Hemmed by Darkness, Shaped by Light (2013)

Agonia Records 

Review by Trevor Proctor

Hailing from Padova in Northern Italy, Ephel Duath are pioneers of Italian progressive metal, their music is a bizarre blend of many different influences including avante garde, progressive rock and metal. This is their first full length release since their 2009 album “Through My Dog’s Eyes” apart from last year’s EP “On Death and Cosmos.” Eccentric musician Davide Tiso is the only original member, with this line up being constructed mainly with members joining post 2011, the most interesting addition being Tiso’s wife, Karyn Crysis, to assume vocal duties.

Filthy Music Review - 'Ereb Altor: Fire meets Ice'

Ereb Altor - Fire meets Ice (2013)

Metal Blade/Cyclone Empire.

Review by Trevor Proctor

Viking inspired metal is a sub-genre that to many listeners has become a little tired, exhaustive and perhaps a bit “samey” with many bands having quite a few similarities in both sound and song structure. Thankfully Sweden’s Ereb Altor has more than enough musical differentiation in their melodic arsenal to enthral the listener and elevate their sound above most of today’s Viking inspired metal.

The Lord of Filth's Top 20 Albums of 2013

It has to be said that 2013 has been an incredible year for music, and this list has been very tough to compile; I could easily have stretched it to a Top 50. That being said, this list represents my personal favorites of the year; we'll be posting lists from Wayne Simmons and Trevor Proctor in the coming weeks. 

Cheers, Jude

So, counting down from 20 to 1, here are my favorites from 2013:

Drafthouse Films unleash notorious thriller 'Ms.45' back into theaters!

On December 13th, Drafthouse Films will be releasing Abel Ferrara's notorious Ms.45 back into theaters. The film, which was originally released in 1981, has been remastered in HD from the original negatives, and is a cracking movie. As well as the theatrical release, Drafthouse are also releasing the film on VOD on March 25 2014, with an uncut Blu-ray and DVD release to follow. More details, including trailer and theatrical listings, can be found below.

'Antisocial' to hit VOD in December

Cody Calahan's Antisocial, which has being hitting the festivals of late, is all set to hit VOD and will be streaming on December 10th (with a DVD to follow in January). The release is courtesy of Breaking Glass Pictures, Vicious Circle Films and Monster Pictures. More details, including the trailer, can be found below.

Filthy Music Review - 'Deicide: In the Minds of Evil'

Deicide - In the Minds of Evil (2013)

Century Media

Review by Trevor Proctor

It’s hard to believe that it’s nearly 24 years since Deicide burst forth from the burgeoning Floridian death metal scene with their self-titled debut. Courting controversy and using every means of garnering publicity - Glen Benton’s famous squirrel interview was carried out by the UKs’ premier indie mag NME. It wasn’t long before they had become standard bearers for death metal worldwide. Deicide released two iconic albums in their formative years, albums that went on to become influential, worldwide bestsellers, highlighted by their occupation of spots two (Deicide) and three (Legion) in Nielsen’s Soundscan charts for best-selling death metal albums.

Filthy Book Review - 'Death Metal Epic I: The Inverted Katabasis'

Death Metal Epic I: The Inverted Katabasis (2013)

Dean Swinford

Review by Jude Felton

It wasn’t all that long ago that I was thinking that the world needs a good novel based around the world of death metal. I shit you not! Although, I will admit, my line of thought was more behind the graphic imagery behind the subgenre, and based in a more fantastical world, but that’s just me. However, Dean Swinford, with his first novel, has taken death metal and incorporated it into a thoroughly engrossing novel.

Filthy Music Review - 'I Exist: From Darkness'

I Exist – From Darkness (2013)

Prosthetic Records

Review by Jude Felton

It’s not always easy for bands to blend different styles and sub-genres into their music. It’s even harder within the same album, as it often results in a mess of sounds that lack cohesion and flow. So, it was with a little trepidation that I approached the third album from Canberra’s I Exist. I needn’t have worried though, as this platter of grimness ticks all the positive boxes and leaves very little space for negatives.

IFC Midnight set a 'Trap for Cinderella'

December 13th will see Iain Softley's Trap for Cinderella hit theaters and VOD from IFC Midnight. The film focuses on a "young girl suffering from amnesia after surviving a house fire" and you can check out the trailer and stills below. 

Filthy Music Review - 'Nocturno Culto's Gift of Gods: Receive'

Nocturno Culto’s Gift of Gods - Receive (2013)

Peaceville Records

Review by Trevor Proctor

Gift of the Gods is a side project from the incredibly talented and prolific Ned Skjellum, half of Norway’s extremely influential black metal band “Darkthrone.” It’s a thirty minute EP release on which Nocturno performs all tracks, and all instruments himself. It was also recorded at Nocturno’s own studio, with his “musical partner in crime” KA Hubred assisting with practicing and rehearsing over a two year period. Developed as a “labour of love” over many years, Receive finally gets its release via the Peaceville label and it has been well worth the wait. Nocturno draws many influences from his vast career to hone this extra special concoction of straightforward, up-front, head banging heavy metal.

Filthy Review - 'The World's End'

The World’s End (2013)

Review by Jude Felton

Upon learning that Messer’s Wright, Pegg and Frost were making the third film in their Cornetto Trilogy, following Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, the expectation level shot through the roof. The previous two movies, both excellent in their own right, set the bar incredibly high as they delivered riffs on zombies and Michael Bay style cop movies (with far more fun and gore), among others. They couldn’t fail, right?

Filthy Music Review - 'When the Deadbolt Breaks: Drifting Towards the Edge of the Earth'

When the Deadbolt Breaks – Drifting Towards the Edge of the Earth (2013)

EarOne Productions

Review by Jude Felton

In the December 2013 issue of Decibel magazine, Inquisition main man Dagon makes a comment about listeners only needing 30 seconds to decide whether or not they like something. It’s a statement which I believe to be very true, and a little sad, because more often than not I find that I really need to digest an album in order to fully appreciate it. Yes, I might think I like it on an initial listen, but there are other factors to be taken into account.

Filthy Music Review - 'Ulcerate:Vermis'

Ulcerate -  Vermis (2013)

Relapse  Records

Review by Trevor Proctor

Vermis is the fourth album from New Zealand’s death metal forerunners and their first since being signed to the excellent Relapse Records. Prior to its September release Ulcerate’s drummer Jamie Saint Merat stated they wanted to explore “the over-arching theme of spinelessness and oppression” with “many different types of oppression being explored on the album” whilst returning to a level of unpredictability he felt had been missing from their previous release “The Destroyers of All.”

IndieCan snap up 'Motivational Growth' for Canadian Distribution

Don Thacker's Motivational Growth has just been snapped up by IndieCan Entertainment for distribution in Canada. They'll be looking at a release date sometime in 2014 for the film which stars Jeffrey Combs and Adrian DiGiovanni. The film itself follows the exploits of Ian, a young man who ends up taking advice from a growth in his bathroom after a failed suicide attempt. Sounds like a mental movie to me, and one I shall be looking to catch as soon as possible.

Filthy Music Review - 'Ihsahn: Das Seelenbrechen'

Ihsahn - Das Seelenbrechen (2013)

Candlelight Records

Review by Trevor Proctor

Mention Ihsahn and most people automatically think “Emperor,” even more so recently with a number of high profile Emperor dates announced for next summer, during which they will play the legendary album “In the Nightside Eclipse” in its entirety. With Ihsahn’s solo output now outnumbering Emperor (studio) albums by five to four I feel it’s well overdue that people start to identify with Ihsahn as much as a solo artist as of that with Emperor. A musician from the age of 7 Ihsahn is an extremely talented musician and uses this album to further showcase his musical ability and prowess.

Filthy Review - 'Corruption'

Corruption (1968)

Review by Jude Felton

The late 1960’s London, the scene was swinging and the heads were rolling in this gruesome little gem from director Robert Hartford-Davis and starring the late, great Peter Cushing. Thanks to Grindhouse Releasing we get to see this movie in two different edits; the US/UK version and the “International” cut.

Filthy Music Review - 'Below/Anguish' Split 7" EP

Below/Anguish Split 7” EP (2013)

Dark Descent Records

Review by Jude Felton

There aren’t many labels that consistently release the quality that Dark Descent have, over the last year or so. I’m pretty sure that I have bought just about everything they have released recently, whether it be on CD, Cassette or Vinyl, and this split 7” was a blind buy, due to this very fact.

Filthy Music Review - 'Gorguts: Colored Sands'

Gorguts - Colored Sands (2013)

Season of Mist

Review by Trevor Proctor

Returning to the studio after a long hiatus can produce mixed results, even for some of the best bands of our time. Stray too far from the well beaten track and you could produce a work that divides and disappoints (Morbid Angel) but stick too much to the formulae of previous output and you could be seen as stagnating and lacking any significant musical progression (Pestilence).

Filthy Review - 'Resolution' (Blu-ray/DVD)

Resolution (2013)

Review by Jude Felton

Back in February of this year I watched and reviewed this film, from directors Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, and it instantly became a favorite of mine. In fact, you can be sure that it will feature very highly when it comes time for me to knock up my year-end list next month. So, when it came time to check out the Blu-ray release, I jumped at the chance.

Filthy Music Review - 'Bonesaw: The Illicit Revue'

Bonesaw – The Illicit Revue (2013)

Unholy Anarchy Records/At War with False Noise

Review by Jude Felton

Although I am not too familiar with the output of Scottish label, At War with False Noise, I plan on checking out some of their past releases, on the strength of this second album from death metal miscreants, Bonesaw. Unholy Anarchy, on the other hand, I am more acquainted with, having reviewed, and thoroughly enjoyed, their last few releases. What I am sure of though is that between the two of them they have a real monster with Bonesaw’s The Illicit Revue.

Filthy Music Review - 'Pestilence: Obsideo'

Pestilence - Obsideo (2013) 

Candlelight Records

Review by Trevor Proctor

Since entering the studio in 2009 after a 16 year break Dutch tech death metallers Pestilence have failed to impress as much as they did earlier in their career with genre busting albums such as Testimony of the Ancients & even Spheres, though in fairness Spheres & it’s jazz fusion caused a bit of a stir on its release. Produced by vocalist/guitarist Patrick Mameli Obsideo is the 3^rd studio album since ’09 & features a new bass player, George Maier & also a new drummer, David Haley from Australian technical death band Psycroptic.