UNDERGROUND A&R REPORT

For August 2005 Hellzine

Unsanctified - Demons Of My Own Making

Crushing California death metal splitting the pocket, overdosing on
alcohol fueled thrash. Classic in every sense of the word, Unsanctified
are the epitome of death, using ferocious blast beats interwoven with
tempo changing grindcore led by Frank Herrera's devastating drums.
These fuckers are tight as hell, the duo of Carreon and Faber might in
name evoke a fraternity, but in music they call on the hot line
straight to hell with two of the most synched rhythmic leads I've
heard, period. The title track says it all, there's at least half a
dozen changes, wailing lead over grinding thrash, lyrics straight from
the apocalypse, and pure mayhem all around. It it's pure fucking grind
you want "Your Void" is your overdose. The ending sounds like some of
the killer shit the greats used to pull in the day. Like yeah, the
place is burning fucking down Open the pit motherfuckers! Contact:
http://www.unsanctified.com unsanctified@unsanctified.com 4778 Pal
Mal Ave., El Monte, CA 91731

For July 2005 Electroid

Empyrean Asunder - The Human Virus

Whatever the cause, over the years I have gotten killer stuff from Louisville (pronounced lewie vull for those in the know) even if at times it's sporatic. While the name takes some practice and getting used to, the music of Empyrean Asunder hits the mark quick with vintage darkwave industrial. Though they don't break original ground, they have a classic indie release with The Human Virus. Well worth the cost of admission, the band is just dark enough to be deep, and prolific enough to be noticed. Song structure is well worn, something akin to early Laetherstrip, but maybe not because the overall feel is much more sparse, at times going electronic straight up, other times the crunch is prophetic. It takes the band a coupe of numbers to get wound up, and the end of the album is not near as strong as the first half, but within the first three cuts the band sets the controls
on powerglide as "Eyes Of Winter" breaks things open on track 4 and leads into the heart of the album. This song shows the band in top form with a single sure to pack the dance floor, and a synth riff that is of the type that survives well. While bands like this hit and miss with their emotive stabs, Empyrean Asunder cuts the vein and lets you bleed with this one. They then proceed to get gothic on your ass for the next few numbers before cooling things while emptying the minimal garage of suicide and hate ("Suicide" finishes the better stuff for a while). Title track can hold it's own later down the road, feeding the listener an earful of reflective angst that only the green grass and coal mines of Kentucky can muster. Contact: http://www.empyreanasunder.com, 502-379-7609, Eroxthis@aol.com