From MRR #342 – Nov 2011

NUX VOMICA – “Embrace the Cycles / The Two” 7″

So I’ve seen NUX VOMICA live, and own a 7″ and their split with THE MAKAI, so I thought that I had this band pretty much figured out but they hit me with kind of a sucker punch with this record.  There are only two songs, but they offer a departure from the offbeat crust I’ve heard this band do in the past, especially the song on the first side.  It builds from a drone into some kind of atmospheric crusty black metallish thing that I wasn’t expecting.  It’s a little weird in a good way.  Kind of an abrasive-to-listen-to good way if you know what I mean.  The other song is more like what I remember with a little more death metal guitar leads added.  There are also viola parts in both songs as well, for that classical crust feel that the kids seem to like these days.  I’m not really a fan but it doesn’t hurt this recording.  This one caught me flat footed.  I guess I’m going to have to pay more attention to this band in the future. (BL) (Aborted Society / Active Rebellion)

ORDER OF THE VULTURE – “Martyr for Nothing” EP

I hadn’t heard anything recently from OOTV so was excited to listen to this and hear where the band has gone.  Turns out these are older tracks (recorded in 2004) that never saw the light of day until now.  This Portland, OR band does blackened crust thrash well.  I also enjoy these older tracks a bit more than their more recent stuff, because the tracks are more to the point.  Fewer drawn out intros and samples.  Just raw buzzing guitars, basic mid-paced drumming and black metal style vocals all of which would make HELLHAMMER proud.  The crust influence is minimal and the lyrics are vague enough to read more like death metal lyrics than pro-Satan / anti-Christian. (MH) (Aborted Society)