Noteworthy Albums of No Renown: Avangard - Presently

'Presently'

Artist: Avangard
Album: Presently
Year: 2011
Label: Self Released

I stumbled upon this very eclectic progressive metal album months ago, and though it became lost in my never ending to-listen list, the quick impression it left on me lead me,  eventually, enthusiastically back.

I can find no information on this album outside of a single forum post on a Russian forum (Google it). It might be easier to find the album directly in the comments section, however.

I hate the band name, and while this album's innovative qualities may be debatable, 'Presently' is a pretty diverse metal-genre feature. As one big guitar feature, the primary guitarist - and I assume principle member - finds any and every excuse to shred over every style of metal he can think of. Progressive, heavy, technical, black, death, brutal black, brutal death - all conveniently tagged on the files for the album in advance just in case you were wondering. More succinctly, Avangard sounds like Sleep Terror after kicking its cocaine with Adderall habit and really finding a groove.

As I look over my previous paragraph, I realize how negative I'm sounding. This is a really good and long album (over 75 minutes). I have no idea where one could purchase this album and I know and can find nothing about the artist. So, until someone tells me otherwise, check the album out and let your friends know.

For fans of: Sleep Terror, Carcariass, Aeon of Horus, heavier melodic black metal.

Noteworthy Albums of No Renown #4: Zelophilia - Lust, Loathing, and Love

Artist: Zelophilia
Album: Lust, Loathing, & Love
Year: 2011
Label: Noydian Records





The video above is the official press release from Noydian Records for Lust, Loathing, & Love. I appreciate a band that makes fun of themselves and their potential fans.

I don't remember where I came across Zelophilia for the first time (thank you unfortunately forgotten blog!), but they definitely rekindled my appreciation for Patton-esque metal a couple of months ago.

LL&L is full of raw frustration and angry, sexual energy.  Dancing in Bloody Leather is probably my favorite track on the release and is a great introduction to Zelophilia's sound. The breakdown at 1:30 in Deconstruction evokes an almost road-rage level of pent-up aggression. The Fornicator's Suicide Note is a fantastic display of the vocalists melodramatic flair and range, audibly representing the depressing consequences of uncontrollable human urge.

The general song and album structure of LL&L remains interesting, unexpected, and keeps the listener off-kilter without feeling forced - a common problem I find with bands that try to capture a sound like this. In addition, this album is also fantastically produced.

And remember: you can stream/download Lust, Loathing, & Love for free through Zelophilia's bandcamp site. The album is definitely worth tossing a few dollars at, however.

For fans of: Hunab Ku, Cephalic Carnage, and everyone else named in the promotional video.