Review: Dystopia/Suffering Luna Split

Proof That Diverse Splits Work

Its always a gamble releasing a split where the two bands don't really sound anything alike. On one hand it could open up listeners of the other band up to a whole new style of music. It could also cause listeners who got the split because they are fans of one of the featured bands to feel alienated by the other. Although these two songs sound nothing alike, they seem to mesh pretty well. The only parallels I am able to draw is that Suffering Luna's song has some very vague similarities to Dystopia's song "Sleep" (the version off The Aftermath.) Dystopia play their trademark fusion of crust and sludge, while Suffering Luna provide us with an interesting mix of dark psychedelia and ritualistic music.

The split kicks off with Dystopia's "Diary of a Battered Child." With both vocalists singing from the perspective of an abused child, this truly is a harrowing journey into the eyes of a victim of unforgivable cruelty. The lyrics are extremely potent, ending with the line "when I die, don't come to my funeral." The sludgy main guitar riff is what really makes this song so memorable. It basically is the definition of simple but effective. Instead of ending abruptly after the vocals stop, we are treated to a fantastic bass outro. Hard-hitting and heavy enough to crush stone, this is an excellent way to end the song.

Most fans of Dystopia are more familiar with the version of the song that appears on The Aftermath (which although technically a compilation is widely regarded as their second album.) These two version are basically the same, except for the sampling in The Aftermath version. That version samples The Breakfast Club. The sample in the into features Bender mocking Andy's loving family. The outro features Bender losing it and furiously ranting about his abusive father. Many fans dislike this version and deride the samples as silly. I, however, kind of like them. They undeniably fit the theme of the song and they're entertaining. In my eyes, the only downside to them is that they slightly obscure the bass outro. Many fans are actually unaware of the version of the song that appears on this split, as was I until someone mentioned it. Before that, I assumed that this version is exactly the same as the one that appears on The Aftermath. If the samples bother you, listening to this version would be the simple solution.

Starting off with some strange psychedelic bleeps and noises, Suffering Luna's track bears little resemblance to Dystopia's. Not long into the track, ritualistic tribal drums enter the soundscape. The track for the most part is subtle and low key. Sometimes it gets slightly heavier, in a wall of sound meets psychedelic swirl. Incoherent mumbles frequent the song, adding to the strange atmosphere. If you are open to weird music coming from left field, then this track may be of interest. The track's bizarre atmosphere can bring you into another world if you're in the right mood.

What we have here is a split by to very different but equally interesting bands. Both bands are in the crust punk scene (although the crust sound is much more prominent in Dystopia's works) and are doing something different. The second track serves as an intriguing (yet undeniably dark) cool down from Dystopia's memorable crusty sludge song. Both songs on this split are fantastic and it would be a wise decision to explore both band's discographies.

90/100

Classics: Kyuss - Demon Cleaner

Kyuss, grandfathers of the desert rock and stoner metal scenes, was the band where Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age, Them Crooked Vultures, Eagles of Death Metal, Desert Sessions) first cut his teeth. With Brant Bjork's infectious drumming, Josh's killer riffs and John's whiskey-drenched croons, Kyuss were a force to be reckoned with. The black and white video for this is quite an unorthodox beast - creepy, bizarre and unique.

Top 5: Songs By The White Stripes

The White Stripes were always a band that held integrity above all else. For example, look at their reason for breaking up. It wasn't because they were sick making music together - it was to preserve the spark the band always had. This is especially respectable seeing as that continuing to tour would bring them millions of dollars. While I'm sure we all would have loved another album, they have a fairly large discography with every single album being great.

5.  Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground

Relatively early in their discography, this song proves that their back catalogue is worth looking into. While White Blood Cells did fairly well, it was its successor, Elephant, that really pushed them into the spotlight. An emotionally honest song that is simultaneously gritty and beautiful, this is certainly one of their bests.

4. I Just Don't Know What To Do With Myself

This song has been covered by everyone from Dusty Springfield to Elvis Costello, but this version really stands out. The loud soft dynamic is exceptional - the quiet parts are really pretty and when the dirty distortion-laced guitars come in your really in for something else.

3.  Conquest

Another cover, this time of an old song made popular by Patti Page way back in the 50s. Completely different than the original, this is a testament to Jack's vision. Also, they somehow manage to make trumpets sound completely convincing in a rock song. 

2.  Blue Orchid

The lead single off Get Behind Me Satan, this song simply kicks ass. About as simple as they come, but making simple sound great is the band's strong point. The powerful repetitive guitar is really what makes this track. Undoubtedly one of their finest moments.

1. There's No Home For You Here 

A bitter look at a failed relationship, this is very emotionally charged. A very diverse song, it includes their trademark gritty blues riffs, soft parts and a raging unorthodox solo. Infectious, different and highly memorable, this is incredible. 

Honourable Mentions: Little Acorns, 300 M.P.H Outpour Blues, The Hardest Button To Button,   Icky Thump, Little Cream Soda

Unexpected Cover: Ghost - Here Comes The Sun

Everyone who hasn't been living under a rock for their entire lives obviously knows who the Beatles are. Most people in metal circles are at least aware of the occult rock/metal band Ghost. Many love them. However, they have many detractors who say their music is to polished, poppy and clichéd.  I kind of think these people are over thinking it - they are good simple fun.

It may come as a surprise that they chose to cover the Beatles, nevertheless one of their most upbeat and happy songs. A band that is good at doing covers can change the song into something else while not making it sound silly or out of place. This is exactly what Ghost does, turning it into creepy keyboard driven occult rock, which turns out to be highly enjoyable.

Check Out : Radio Moscow - Hold On Me

This tune is from their sophomore album - one of those rare releases where every song is great. Its some ass kicking bluesy rock with strong Jimi Hendrix vibes. Seriously, if you dig the song check out the whole album, it won't disappoint.

May Releases And News

Naam - Ballad of the Starchild

After a spectacular album of doom drenched in dark psychedelia and a two song release that contained their unique perspective on two classic Nirvana tunes, Naam are back with a new EP. This ones a little less dark, but don't worry - they haven't completely abandoned doom metal. Theres a lot of different stuff going on here, besides the mandatory doom songs we have one that consists of strange percussion and a sitar as well as one that sounds a bit like some of Pink Floyd's more warm psych-laced acoustic stuff.

Ahab - The Giant

While not as good as masterpiece The Call of the Wretched Sea (come on, did anyone expect them to surpass that one?) or their sophomore, this is still pretty enjoyable. While the debut was bone crushingly heavy, this one features lots of clean singing and some passages that border on post-rock. Thankfully they do this well, and aren't one of the legions of metal bands that add some shitty post-rock to appeal to the hipsters. Speaking of hipsters, thats who I assumed they were trying to market themselves to when I saw the god-awful album cover. I mean seriously guys, how hard is it to pick out another classic ocean themed painting? Whatever, this is solid.

Anhedonist - Netherwards

So this debut album has been getting a fair amount of underground press lately. They totally deserve it. This is some pretty original doom/death sort of stuff, but not at all like old Anathema or My Dying Bride, if thats what your picturing. This is sludgy, hard hitting and full of dark atmosphere. 

Some News

So heres a song off new Star Fucking Hipsters/ Jesus Fucking Christ split. Hey, with two bands with "fuck" in their name, it must be, uh, interesting. So Leftover Crack spinoff Star Fucking Hipsters describe themselves as "Bubblegum Crust". This is definitely one of their crustier moments; hell the intro/outro even sounds like a drone metal song. The link can be found here.

Metal visionaries Neurosis are set to release a new album this year. A new interview with member Steve Von Till can be found here. Both Steve Von Till and fellow member Scott Kelley have acoustic based solo albums. They are teaming up with former Saint Vitus singer Wino, who also does acoustic stuff, to do a split of Townes Van Zandt cover songs. I'll leave you with a classic Van Zandt song:

Something Different: Goddess - Digital Veil

So I just discovered one man Romanian psych band Goddess on Stonerobixxx. Although this band is lead by a single individual doesn't mean it comes across like that in its sounds - this definitely sounds like the work of a full band. While most of the album is sun-drenched mind melting psychedelia, this tracks a bit different. A bit darker, a bit electronic - the beat is almost industrial. Jangly guitars loiter and swelling leads hypnotize.