RIFF REWIND (18/05/2013): Sadgiqacea - "False Prism"

Sadgiqacea is/were a two piece hailing originally from New Jersey from their humble beginnings in March of 2010, they took hold of the metal scene by the throat with every mind-altering note they play.

Playing almost every show they were offered and rumoured to always have a smile on their faces. They were grateful to play and be heard.   This obviously did not go unnoticed, because they would go on to  have share the stage with 40 Watt Sun, EYEHATEGOD, Floor, Tombs, Cough, Weedeater, Fight Amp, Mose Giganticus, ASG, Funeral Pyre, Hull, and many many others.  They have toured extensively throughout the United States and allow the current status of the band seems to be currently on hold; Sadiqaecea released one of the great albums of 2013.  So let us rewind the riffs to this day 4 years ago, with a review of their debut album ”False Prism” which you can check out below.

By: Steve Howe

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 07/05/2013

Label: Anthropic Records |

Candlelight Records

The production is superb throughout, the range of emotions and styles of riffs are incredible, so just press play and let Sadgiqacea take you to hell and back. It is a journey that will last long in the memory.  Sadgiqacea have matched their full potential. I cannot wait to see where they go from here as they could be on the verge of greatness.

“False Prism” CD//DD//LP track listing:

1). False Segments

2). False Cross

3). False Prism

4). True Darkness

The Review:

Sadgiqacea are a band who feature two highly talented individual individuals  who know how to write & perform a bone-crunching riff. Band Member, Evan is also a member of Ominous Black, Hivelords and more recently Tombs

Sadgiqacea’s  blend of hard-hitting blackened sludge doom is present here, as they are about to release their debut album “False Prism”, a 4 song 40 minute assault on the senses.

Sadgiqacea harness the power of legendary bands such as ISIS and Neurosis but match it with their own sludgy progressive genius that would make the likes of Mastodon and Baroness blush. That is only half the story though, because Sadgiqacea add ambient style noises to the mix along with a dose of black metal gloom  to the mix.

“False Prism” demonstrates that Sadgiqacea have finally arrived in a big way. After a string of acclaimed EP’s and live performances, with this album Sadgiqacea will leave you in little doubt that a truly important band has arrived.

Opening  track “False Segments” is an epic beast full of snarling sludge/post-metal riffs that will tear at your very soul. It is unrelenting in its brutality but still has quite a groove to it. Some superb psych based riffs  also come into play, demonstrating that Sadgiqacea are a band that is not afraid to experiment with their own sound.

“False Cross” is where things start to get heavier, Sadgiqacea throws down the riffs in a big way. Vocals are screamed at a frightening pace to match the loud carnage destroying everything around them. It is loud from the word go and it feels like this band have the potential to destroy everything in their wake. Do I hear a black Metal vibe coming into play? Maybe. However, it does not matter as Sadgiqacea prove with “False Cross” that this album is something special indeed.

The title track “False Prism” is the shortest track on the album. A mere 6:06 minute song, which is played at such an intense rate you will be gasping for breath. This is probably the most accessible track on the album but it still packs an almighty punch. Vocals are screamed at a harsh level to match the intensifying riffs on display and it has a great psychedelic vibe running through its veins. Just close your eyes and be ready to be transported to the harsh world that is Sadgiqacea.

Well all great albums need an epic track to end things on and “False Prism” is no different. Sadgiqacea have now entered the darkness with the brilliant almost 15 minute epic “True Darkness”.  Sadgiqacea throw caution to the wind and blast their way into your subconscious. The track takes what has came before it and turns it on its head. The drumming is simply astonishing on this track. Full of hard-hitting power that feel like they could start a war of their own. It feels like the drums and guitars are in a battle with each other, both vying for supremacy. I have to say on this song the drumming is the overall winner, fast, loud, angry and all played with a just cause. “True Darkness” is where Sadgiqacea embrace the darkness with relish and this track is a fitting end to an astonishing record.

The production is superb throughout, the range of emotions and styles of riffs are incredible, so just press play and let Sadgiqacea take you to hell and back. It is a journey that will last long in the memory.  Sadgiqacea have matched their full potential. I cannot wait to see where they go from here as they could be on the verge of greatness.

“False Prism” is available here

Band info: Facebook || Bandcamp

The Sludgelord "Sour 16" - The Most Popular Albums of Year 2015

By: Aaron Pickford

With just 2 days to go until December 25 and the prospect of an avalanche of presents bestowed upon us all, it would seem wise to reflect upon another fantastic year of music and the one thing that keeps us sane, ‘heavy music’.  Whatever is going on in the world, in our personal lives, at work and at home, music is a constant source of escapism and as one year ends and another begins, the prospect that 2016 will bring another batch of fantastic releases is a mouth watering prospect. 

2015 has been no different in terms of quality music, has it been better that 2014, who can say, music is about a moment in time, it is about art ensnaring us in its web and creating an emotional response to it.  In much the same way Damien Hurst provokes a positive and negative reaction, you can’t fail to have an opinion and music generates the same debate, the only difference here at The Sludgelord, is that we concentrate on the positivity rather than the negative, a band may not be to our taste, but that is not to say they’re bad.  So when reflecting upon 2015’s releases, we have concentrated on what we view as the good, you may view them as bad and ugly, however because each of us will have our own personal favourites, subjectively when compiling our year end lists, no two lists of records will be the same.  That doesn’t mean that mine is better or worse, it is just indicative of personal taste. 

To highlight some of the best music of 2015, towards the second half the year, we introduced the idea of The Sludgelord “Sour 16”, the purpose of which was to present a fair representation of what our readership was interested in over the month, however at the same time, it was a method of providing a little validation to our talented bunch of writers, after all it is nice to know, someone is actually reading our ramblings.  If truth be told, they don’t really care how many people read their reviews and like musicians as many of our writers are, they don’t necessarily create something for the purpose of amusing other people, but create something for themselves, and indeed you could argue that the articles and music they create is a reflection of themselves.  At the end of the day, we all love music and we all create lists, therefore with that in mind the “Sour 16” draws those two things together and was simply a fun way to present good music to the readers over the latter part of 2015. 

So, with 986 published articles in the bag for 2015, today we present the culmination of our efforts and present The Most Popular Albums of 2015 for your viewing pleasure.  I hope you had as much fun checking out the new music as we did presenting it to you. I’d like to bestow an immeasurable amount of gratitude to the contributors, who made this year our best yet. 

The Sludgelord’s ‘Sonic 6’ for 2015 is compiled based upon page views alone and calibrated into the list below.  See you in 2016.  (Full reviews can be viewed by clicking the artwork and total views since the date of publication are highlight in red). 

16). Sacri Monti – “Sacri Monti” (1100)

Sacri Monti's debut album is one that surprised me in a big way. Yeah it did take around 4 to 5 listens to fully appreciate the whole experience. So expect to take your time with this album. All in all Sacri Monti have created a stunning debut album.

15). Belzebong – Greenfero (1213)

‘Inhale in Hell’ honestly is just one massive slow chug fest, filling every available space with some ridiculous throbbing string torture with a sweet backing beat. It sounds akin to a giant walking the earth, simply moving things aside without noticing. True evil blues this band has summoned, and you the listener, shall reap their rewards! From that slow, massive chugging into feedback and staccato wah picking, they have no problems slamming you up against the wall and rifling through your pockets for some loose cash.

14). Danzig – “Skeletons” (1256)

“Skeletons” would have been an awesome opportunity to work with a variety of musicians, those better equipped to handle specific songs and play up their advantages.  The recording quality varies wildly from song to song, as does the overall execution of each song. The strength of Danzig’s vocal performance is pretty consistent with where he was at on ‘Deth Red Sabaoth’, perhaps even a bit better which, sadly, makes it the album’s only consistently positive attribute.

13). The Body/Thou – “You, Whom I Have Always Hated” (1289)

It’s exceptionally rare that an album, or a work of art for that matter, can effectively convey terror, but throughout this release I was struggling to think of comparable works of art and kept returning to masters of horror fiction: Poe, Lovecraft, Thomas Ligotti. Like each of these authors, The Body and Thou manage to create concise, compact stories of horror, which, when collected, should be seen as guidebooks to human terror and masterworks of nuanced, unbridled genius.

12). Marduk – “Frontschwein” (1441)

This black metal of the highest quality and of the most palatable type to a casual fan such as myself, all elements are present and correct with the band on great form. Looking for something to compound your winter blues? Look no further.

11). My Sleeping Karma – “Moksha” (1428)

What can I say? My SLeeping Karma are one of those rare bands who follows their own path 100% and that's called freedom and liberation. Add excellent instrument skills to this and you have 'Moksha'. Rarely will you find a band or an album this good. We all make our own decisions but I urge you to seek out this band and follow in their footsteps. Your life will be so much better for it!

10). Dopethrone – “Hochelaga” (1608)

The album is, in a word, massive. Beware the listener that clicks play on this with cheap speakers. You'll soon need to replace them simply because of the sludgy, waxy build-up their riffs will leave on the speaker material. They play some of the nastiest blues you'll find outside of Satan's record collection, focusing on booze, rebellion, occult, sex, and of course, drugs.

09). The Sword – “High Country” (1628)

The length of the album, at 15 tracks, does make getting acquainted with this record a slow process, but in the end you’ll discover there aren’t any dips in form. ‘High Country’ is rich in consistency and across its span, Cronise, Shutt and co. dispel any fears you may have about this release all the while oozing a slick professionalism. They’ve been at this song writing malarkey for a while now, they’re hardened pros and this stands testament to their brilliant legacy.’

08.) SUMAC – “The Deal” (1717)

What SUMAC have come up with, sounds like a band that has been playing together for years, which is completely at odds with the fact that up until a month ago, all three of the members hadn’t had a chance to jam together for once. Despite such an arrangement, ‘The Deal’ really is everything we could have imagined, yet the resulting creation is no less astounding.

07). Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats  - “Nightstalker” (1746)

If the record will be met by their adoring fan base with the same hype and admiration 2011’s insatiable ‘Blood Lust’ was, or be deemed as an adequate successor to the robustness of ‘Mind Control,’ only time will tell. What we do know, however, is that it’s another impressive release from this consistently unique and enrapturing Cambridge quartet.

06). Mutoid Man – “Bleeder” (1751)

I can’t see many other records released this year being as abused as this in my music collection. It’s short, sharp and inarguably enthralling, simplistic yet over-the-top at the same time. If there’s two things in life I love it’s rock n’ roll and beautiful contrasts, this album has both of those ingredients…and it can improve the blood flow to an old man’s cock to boot. 

05). Faith No More – “Sol Invictus” (1791)

You could sit and list every element of spectacle about this album, every moment that grips you vice-like – such is the attention to detail here. But all you really need to know is this: ‘Sol Invictus’ sounds like Faith No More and no one else. It’s diverse, thrilling. The burdening weight of expectancy may have hinged on their shoulders, the desperation from the fans of this record being worth the slow and painful wait, but Faith No More didn’t even seem to notice. They perform like they never went away and, when it sucks you in, it honestly feels like they never did.  

04). Paradise Lost – “Plague Within” (1912)

As usual, I cannot categorize them- there are elements of doom, death, goth, even classical- and once again I have been reminded that they are one of the best bands that the British Isles has to offer. You will miss them when they are gone, so get on board with their career now. Whether you be a prodigal son or a new convert, you won't be disappointed as this album is superb.

03). With The Dead – “With The Dead” (2326)

It's evident that Bagshaw has acquired a few new fuzz pedals since the last Serpentine Path album as opening track 'Crown Of Burning Stars' is so oppressive, fuzzy and dense that it made my teeth itch. After the backwards speaking samples, the crunch of the guitar is incredible. The vocals are classic Dorrian and the bands sound on a whole is somewhere between Serpentine Path, 'Dopethrone' era Electric Wizard, early Cathedral and 'Misanthropic Alchemy' era Ramesses.  This for me is an album of the year contender, the kind of thing you'd expect from 3 of the scene's most influential figures. All expectation has been lived up to. Prepare to be blown away.

02). Elder – “Lore” (2948)

It’s a perfect album for us keen on escapism as marvelling at the end result is bound to remove you from your daily experience and carry you off into Elder’s epic tales of yore, the intricacies of which really only start revealing themselves on many a repeat listens. I’m sure we’ll be absorbing this one for some time to come, until they decide to take us along on another odyssey.

01). Ghost – “Meliora” (5785)

‘Today, Ghost still manage to shock and surprise us in a society where we’ve seen and heard it all before. People are fascinated, fixated even with finding out their true identities. Their music is more powerful than it ever has been too. ‘Meliora’ is a spellbinding listen and one which will see them elevated to greater plains of existence. It affects you, leaves you shaken. They can make you laugh or cry without so much of a flick of the wrist and, although the music we love is basking in something of a purple period right now, a band as potent as this is still a rarity.’

This list features reviews by, Chris Bull, Philip Weller, Hunter Young, Richard Maw, Daniel Jackson, Joosep Nilk, Hakan Nyman, Steve Howe

A Year in Review: The Psychedelic Sonic 6 of 2015

By: Aaron Pickford

The Sludgelord’s ‘Sonic 6’ for 2015 is compiled based upon page views alone and calibrated into the list below, so check out the Psychedelic “Sonic 6” for 2015 (full reviews can be viewed by clicking the artwork and total views since the date of publication are highlight in red). 

6). Snail – “Feral” (597)

As far as tone and mood are concerned, “Feral” is far from untamed. To the touch, these eight cuts are smooth, the production doing what it needs to do to keep this beast domesticated. At the end of the day, though, this beast is hard to ignore, which is the justification for the album’s name.

5). Colour Haze – “To The Highest Gods We Know” (879)

Whether the band is up on stage nonchalantly kicking ass or their records are spinning on a turntable, Colour Haze is one of few bands that has consistently produced music of quality and integrity. “To The Highest Gods We Know” is no different. Though this album may not fully exemplify the band due to its short running time, it is an album that will stand proudly as the latest addition to the Colour Haze discography.

4). Weedpecker – “II” (913)

Weedpecker have created a sonic experience that demands your full attention as this is one of the most powerful Stoner Metal albums you'll hear all year. II is a contender for one of the albums of the year. Brilliant.

3). Sacri Monti – “Sacri Monti” (1091)

Sacri Monti's debut album is one that surprised me in a big way. Yeah it did take around 4 to 5 listens to fully appreciate the whole experience. So expect to take your time with this album. All in all Sacri Monti have created a stunning debut album.

2). My Sleeping Karma– “Moksha” (1421)

What can I say? My SLeeping Karma are one of those rare bands who follows their own path 100% and that's called freedom and liberation. Add excellent instrument skills to this and you have 'Moksha'. Rarely will you find a band or an album this good. We all make our own decisions but I urge you to seek out this band and follow in their foot steps. Your life will be so much better for it!

1). Uncle Acid & The Deadbeats – “Night Creeper” (1737)

If the record will be met by their adoring fan base with the same hype and admiration 2011’s insatiable ‘Blood Lust’ was, or be deemed as an adequate successor to the robustness of ‘Mind Control,’ only time will tell. What we do know, however, is that it’s another impressive release from this consistently unique and enrapturing Cambridge quartet.

Reviews featured in this article were written by: Victor Van Ommen, Steve Howe, Hakan Nyman, Philip Weller

‘Riding a horse called War’: Q & A with Dave Vickers (A Horse Called War)

By: Steve Howe



Occasionally a band comes along and then disappears just as soon as they emerge, indeed it is only after they are gone, that you realise what an incredible band they were and that is case with today's guests, A Horse Called War. 

Releasing a well received demo in 2006 and a brilliant debut album one year later, A Horse Called War sadly split.  Fast forward 10 years and they are back, refreshed, rejuvenated and set to hit the road for some upcoming shows in November.

In one of his last articles for The Sludgelord, Steve Howe hooked up Dave Vickers from the band, following the announcement of their reformation, so if you're a fan of Eyehategod, Corrosion Of Conformity, Pantera, Weedeater, perhaps now is the time to acquaint yourself with A Horse Called War. 



SL). A Horse Called War, welcome and thanks for taking the time to talk to us. How are things at HQ?

Dave Vickers). No, no, no, thank you for putting this together!  Things are good, it’s the weekend, it’s Saturday.  It’s been a fairly chilled day and I’m now relaxing for the evening, tunes up, beer in hand, it’s all good!

SL). Let’s kick things off then, could you give us the lowdown on the band?  How did you guys come together? 

DV).  Back in 2005 four of my best mates and I started a band to rip off our favourite bits from the bands that formed the soundtrack to the smoking and drinking sessions of our teenage years.  We recorded a demo, our original bassist left, we got a replacement (none of us had ever met him at the time and we’ve been stuck with him ever since).  We recorded an EP and hooked up with Calculon Records for the release.  We played shows and kicked arse up and down the country, received good reviews/good press etc… split up in 2010.  Reformed in 2015.  Boom!  We’re back motherfuckers!!!

SL). Quite the history already then. When you began writing and recording original music, what sound were you going for and how would you describe your music in your own words for those unfamiliar with the band?

DV). Despite the usual Iron Monkey/Eyehategod references we’ve always tried to do something not completely generic, but it is a tough question,  to make it sound interesting and not sound like a dickhead at the same time, but I’m going to anyway…  Perhaps a thick slab of a disgusting sludgecore in a nasty stoner bun with a filthy crust dressing, hardcode punk sauce and a little doom on the side.

SL).  You mentioned earlier that you guys split in 2010.  I know myself running The Sludgelord, there are many conflicting demands that can make it difficult to juggle everything, such work, relationships, children etc.   Obviously it would have been a difficult decision, can you tell us about that? 

DV). I was working away a lot, cancelling practice/shows/etc… it was really shit.  I think that contributed a lot to the overall atmosphere within the band.  Shane and Cooper weren’t getting on for whatever stupid reasons.  Cooper left (what a cunt).  We got a new drummer but it wasn’t the same.  I think we all kind of lost interest after that.  

SL).  Sorry to hear that man, but I completely understand, often there just isn’t enough time in the day and invariably something has to give. Moving on then, despite the obvious pressures you highlighted, you released an incredible debut EP back in 2007 called ‘Stumble At Every Hurdle’, which received a ton of great reviews. Did that surprise you at the time? The praise you received must have been flattering for such a young band.

DV). It did and it didn’t.  On the one hand, fuck yeah we were surprised at just at how well it was received, who wouldn’t be, it was kind of hard to believe?  We got a ton of awesome press and we were blown away.  But on the other hand, we always felt like had a decent release on our hands and we had confidence in what we were doing (not that we really knew what that was).

SL). Fast forward to 2015 then and A Horse Called War are back. What was the motivation to get the band back together, The Sludgelord are particularly excited to hear of your return.    

DV). Thank you very much, that means a lot.  It nice to hear.  January time maybe..?  I was at Cooper’s house, we were reminiscing about the “good old days” and talking about how brilliant the scene seems these days.  The idea of a reunion was floated about between the two of us. I asked the other guys if they were up for it.  Simple as that really.

  

SL).  So what's the plan for A Horse Called War in 2015, any tours planned, new material coming soon?  

DV). We’ve been incredibly lucky this year and played with some awesome bands at some excellent shows, it’s been a blast.  I can’t thank those involved enough, cheers guys you know who you are!  Actually, I’d like to take this opportunity to announce a little 4 date tour/weekender coming up in November with our brothers in Burden Of The Noose and support from SYP.  It’s all been arranged by South Cost Noise Society.  Check the flyer!  We’re recording new music right now!  We should have some release details for you soon.

SL). What can people expect from the forthcoming UK tour?  

DV). The five of us rocking out as hard as we can and having as much fun as we can!  That is all your gonna get.  Nothing more, nothing less.  The horse giving 150% and destroying all in its path! 

SL).   I think it is fair to say we have a thriving underground scene at the moment and much has changed since your time away.  Have you been actively involved with the scene during the last 10 years or so? 

DV). Nope, I kind of lost all interest in the scene and anything new.  I was still listening to music, but just the same old shit! The break has done me good. I’ve had a lot of caching up to do. There’s so many great bands out right now killing it!  Carter and Shane have been playing in William English for a few years now so they’ve stayed a little bit more in touch with things than I did.

SL).We mentioned that the UK and Ireland scene is thriving at the moment and for me is probably one of the best. Are there any bands you like or would like to perform with?  

DV). We’ve probably played with most of them that were on our wish list this year.  There’s still a few more I can think of off the top of my head, Diesel King, Iron Witch, Bong Cauldron, and Harrowed would all be nice!  I’m sure there’s loads more if really put my simple mind to it.

SL).  With new material on the horizon, what is the band’s approach to song writing, is it a collective approach or is it down to one individual?

DV). In the past it was always a collective, but to be fair I would say I contributed the most.  I’d often come to practice with an outline for a song or a few riffs and then everyone would chip in to get shit finished.  The new stuff has mainly been me but its early days yet.  We’ve only got a couple of new tunes.   We are due a big writing session soon with input from everyone.

SL).  It is probably fair to say the low point for the band was disbanding, but what have been your own personal  highs and lows during your time with the band and what would you change if you could do it all again?

DV). Highs… Calculon helping us (cheers Podge), that was quite a big deal for us at the time when you consider Calculon had been putting out stuff from bands like Sourvien, Church of Misery, Charger, Black Eye Riot and Lazarus Blackstar.  All the great press, all the great reviews, the few awesome shows, the people we met.  It was all brilliant.  To be honest, wouldn’t change a thing. I’m not sure about the others though!   It’s made us the band we are today and I think we’re enjoying ourselves more today than we ever did.

SL).  Let’s talk about your studio and live set up, what are you playing? 

DV). Simple, stage and studio. I don’t think you’ll see us rocking a pedal board with five different fuzz pedals and three vintage/boutique amp heads into four cabs coloured anything but black anytime soon.  Coopers the only one that likes to mix it up a bit.  He places a five piece kit on the latest stuff we’re recorded, whereas he’s playing a four piece on the road.  He uses a few more cymbals in the studio too.  Everything else stays the same.  Bass into overdrive pedal, into head.  Guitars direct into heads.  We play around with vocals a bit in the studio, layering and stuff, chucking in the odd whisper and shit like that.

SL).  Who are some of the bands influences?  Any particular band or album that stands out.  

DV). Raging Speedhorn’s first album.  I heard that and I was like “what the fuck is this? I’ve never heard anything like it”.  I was soon dialling up on freeserve and asking Jeeves what band’s sound like Ranging Speedhorn.  That opened me up to “sludgecore”.  Of course you then get into Iron Monkey and Eyehategod from that.  There’s loads of bands that stand out, Charger were a massive influence in the early days, as were Mistress.  But bands like Palehorse, Murder One, My War, Matter, Lazarus Blackstar, Labrat, Dukes Of Nothing, Cathedral, and Orange Goblin have all inspired us in one way or another

SL).  Thank for you David. Do you have anything to say to your fans before we go? 

DV). We’ve got no fans!  But Party on dudes!  And… be excellent to each other!

Band info: facebook | bandcamp | twitter