Tim Linghaus - About B. (Memory Sketches B​-​Sides Recordings)

A nice gem from the ever expanding Sound In Silence label, containing seventeen short yet playful ambient pieces. With the piano as central instrument and gently synths freely floating, Tim Linghaus delivers something I can only compare to the "nouvelle cuisine" of ambient. The tunes are delicious and highly enjoyable but oh so short. Fans of Olafur and Nils will definitely enjoy this and so will everyone who is need of a little breather once in a while. My advice? Purchase this album and let these tunes become your tiny moment of serenity during your busy day. You deserve it, and so does Tim Linghaus.

Antoine Panaché - Endling

The bizarre world of Antoine Panaché is as enigmatic as it's uncomfortable. This project has often found a way to be featured on this pages and with its new output, 'Endling', Panaché once again deals in the opposite of normal. Basically driving on noise, the six tracks on this tape are audio experiments in old fashioned musique concrete style, here and there also influenced by everything Cold Meat Industry has ever barked out. My favorite is closer and title track 'Endling', a mysterious and angsty piece of music. On the other hand, if you like angst, you should certainly start with 'Zwarte Agnes'.

Misty Bliss - Misty Bliss

Right, time for some good old fashioned rock 'n roll, courtesy of Swiss duo Misty Bliss. Inspired by the extravagance of classic rock and the gloomy overtone of gothic rock, this duo throws four great songs in my speakers. Opener 'Misty Bliss' is a strong, anthemic piece of rock music, something fans of everything between Led Zeppelin and PJ Harvey can appreciate. Blues fans will drool over 'Love Confession', at least if they can also appreciate post punk and garage rock. Then there is the punky closer 'Take On The World', the fastest song on the EP but a trustworthy rock 'n tune. Heel yeah!

Thecodontion - Jurassic

Hailing from Rome, Thecodontion comes up with something they call "prehistoric metal of death". This four track EP, 'Jurassic' contains four tracks, created by bass, drums and vocals only, with lyrics about fossils and prehistoric creatures. Yet, they do manage to create a rough, chaotic and primitive version of death and black metal, not so much old school as well, pre-school. Then again, back in the glorious days of Pangaea, there was no melody, no flashing guitar solos and no professional recording studios. So, if you like your metal obscure and chaotic, Thecodontion definitely deliver the good.

Wang Wen - Endless （theme song for "Space Challenge"）

Chinese post rock juggernauts Wang Wen surprise their fans with a ten minutes lasting anthem, a  genre defining theme song in two sections. Kristian Karlsson (PG Lost) produced the song and Magnus did the mastering. Along with Wang Wen's elaborate crew list, the addition of these seasoned craftsmen turns this music into a baffling group effort, one that every post rock fans will surely appreciate. Balancing on the edge between post rock and score music, 'Endless' is yet another one of those beauties by Wang Wen, a long, anthemic and immersive piece of music that can stand the test of time.

Blair Coron - On The Nature Of Things

A beautiful and immersive album by Scottish pianist and sound sculptor Blair Coron, 'On The Nature Of Things' narrates the splendor of contemporary classical music. For the most part, this album brings a minimal but soothing listening experience. It's quiet and gentle but is also contains a few dreamy ambient anthems, like 'R/B/G/' or poetry like 'Ode To The Cimmerian' or the folkiish 'Olives and Marzipan'. In all, this is a surprisingly interesting album and quite varied for something that roams in the world of classical music. My advice? Check it out, you'll definitely found something you like here.

A Vintage Death - Acrid Death Fragrance

Hailing from Italy, one man doom metal band A Vintage Death unleashes a first EP, titled 'Acrid Death Fragrance'. Founded by solo member Carmine, this project combines melodic doom with elements of black and death metal. The result is a rough, harsh version of bands like Saturnus, November's Doom and so on. The four song are decent, excellent at some points but the production value somewhat diminishes the experience, which is too bad. It's obvious that Carmine is a talented musician with good ideas and great songwriting abilities. All he needs now is a professional producer and, why not, a live band. But for now, this EP is an excellent debut.

Ûngrûn - Demo 2019

Dutch/Frisian black metal outfit Ûngrûn (featuring (ex-) members of Verwoed / Dool / Kjeld and Lugubre) comes up with two ferocious, skull battering pieces of black metal. Titled 'It Hiele Brânoffer' and 'De Oanstjit Ta Hjar Ûngerjuchtichheit' these tunes will pierce your eardrums and destroy the the final signs of sanity behind it. Mostly driven of hyperspeed drums and shrieking guitars, these tunes are instant favorites for fans of Dodecahedron and many other avant garde black metal acts. This is simply another one of those brutal forces from the Netherlands, which comes highly recommended.

Anna Havoc - Anna Havoc

Don't let the band name and the lovely painting on the cover fool you, Russian combo Anna Havoc will rip your eardrums apart and you will love it too. That is, if you're into harsh, intense and chaotic hardcore. In five tracks, Anna Havoc bashes a tremendous amount of stinging riffs, battering drums and fierce vocals through your speakers. The tempos are suffocating and the abrasiveness is pulverizing. Their furious hardcore is infused with elements from sludge metal, noise rock and a hint of black metal or grindcore. The result is one baffling five piece EP with heaps of brutal energy.

Beyond Our Sight - The Void Within

New band from Ghent, Belgium, deals in thick as fuck riffing, serial killing drums and ferocious growls. Plus, here and they doomy clean vocals appear, along with a load of other influences, all brutal, obviously. If you're into bands like Lamb Of God, Gojira, As I Lay Dying and Machine Head, you might want to lend these guys an ear and get your hands on a copy of this seven track EP. Personally, I'm not a fan of this stuff, but I know the genre well enough to consider Beyond Our Sight a force to be reckoned with in the near future. Just listen to the pulverizing single 'Strenuous' and you'll know what I mean.

Split/Cross - Rise Of Discontent

Pennsylvania trio Split/Cross is seriously pissed off. Formed by members of The Human Race Is Filth and Bittered, Split/Cross delivers eight ferocious tracks, ranging from blackened crust punk over sludge doom to grindcore and even the harsh industrial sound of Nailbomb (in opener 'Blindspot'). That level of variation is not only very welcome but also gives the EP the feel of a concept album. The concept here being "fuck politics, fuck religion, fuck society, fuck humanity", something like that. Fact remains, this eight track is a tremendous kick in the nutsack, aggressive and raging, thus recommended!

Wan - Gammal är äldst

More fearsome aggression, this time from Swedish black metal quartet Wan. Formed in 2009, Wan have one mission: hail Satan in the most vile, raw and old school way possible. This five track EP is exactly that. Without any form of compromise, Wan unleash their grinding sound, bases on ear piercing riffs and murderous drums. If you are one of those people who wander through record stores, feeling nostalgic about the nineties and its harsh, gritty and chaotic sound, you definitely need to check out this EP. No doubt, Satan will be extremely pleased with this offering.

BufferState - Anthropy

Hailing from the city of Ghent BufferState delivers a very decent mix of stoner rock, alternative rock and metal. Although this is a mix that has been done before, BufferState does manage to create something rather exciting, something you need to listen more than once to fully appreciate. Inspired by bands like Tool, Deftones, Opeth and Alice In Chains, this is one of those Belgian bands to keep an eye on. Perhaps not on this EP but one day they will write and record and huge hit in the alternative scene, I'm certain of that. So, get your hands on this rocker so you can  later tell your friends that you were a fan from the very beginning.

Doomcult - Life Must End

Dutch one man act Doomcult returns with a good old fashioned doom metal album. Inspired by everything between Trouble and Mournful Congregation, this act delivers an interesting take on the age old genre. In a way, you might compare most of these tracks to funeral doom, slow, melodic and dark. Yet, the vocals are rough, without really grunting, something near sludge doom and those in Cathedral, for example. The result is a satisfying piece of doom metal, highlighting in songs like 'Sulphur' and the cool rocker 'Ashes'. Don't expect anything earth-shattering but an excellently executed set of slow heaviness, which is certainly good enough for me.

Hey Life - Masquerade

Ever wondered what a good version of the Spin Doctors would sound like? Well, here are French funk rockers Hey Life and their surprisingly infectious debut EP, 'Masquerade'. Opening with the butt-shaker 'Likeholic', this five track is pure pleasure. Although this delves deep into the funk and groove rock of the nineties, there is a high Michael Jackson level in this music, combined with heavy rocking guitars. 'One More Dollar' is one of those tunes that can every festival goer on his feet and shouting 'hey, hey, hey' along with the music. Yeah man, this is pretty darn cool.

Geostygma - The Die Is Cast

Here is a lesson in dealing with an album I do not like. French death metal combo Geostygma delivers furious modern day death metal with deathcore elements, tempo switches and pig squeals. Those things are not my favorites. I simply don't like it. However, I do recognize influences from bands like Aborted or Dying Fetus and I do hear that everything on this four track EP is executed to perfection. Within its scene, this definitely is a band to keep an eye on. They know what they're doing and how to maintain a certain quality. The fact that it's not my cup of tea is not Geostygma's fault. Recommended? Sure, if you're into this stuff.

Two Trains Left - Sorry & Pathetic

We're still in France but with something more catchy and listener friendly. Two Trains Left is a relatively new band in the French punk scene, delivering the lighter side of the genre. Think Blink 182, Sum 41, Paramore or Green Day and you're pretty close to what Two Trains Left sound like. Rapid pop punk with melodic grooves and heaps of energy, plus the possibility of having a few fan favorites, that's what you can expect. Besides, while many punk rock bands drown in onesidedness, these dudes manage to be quite diverse and varied. So, punk rockers, put this in your ears and shake that booty.

Liya - Listen

Right, enough with the guitars for now. Let's check what the electronic scene has to offer. Hailing from Israel, singer songwriter Liya comes up with a four track EP, titled 'Listen'. While opener 'Holding On' is a radio friendly EDM track, Liya mostly loves to wander in the regions of synthpop and darkwave. 'No Meaning' showcases that brilliantly and the enigmatic 'Always About You' is a possibly fan favorite. Trip hop act Monophona comes to mind here, which surely is a huge compliment. In all, this is highly enjoyable synthpop, suitable for fans of everything between Depeche Mode and Eurythmics.

I Ya Toyah - Code Blue 

Another interesting piece of electronic music comes from I Ya Toyah and her in-your-face album 'Code Blue'. With hypnotic beats, harsh synths and gritty electronics, I Ya Toyah brings a somewhat listener friendly version of acts like Atari Teenage Riot or Ambassador 21 and I think Lords Of Acid fans might also enjoy these tunes. Elements of electronic dance music meets with old school industrial and drum & bass, all accompanied by strong vocals. This album contains ten tracks, all coming with a familiar electronic sound but also with some unusual twists and sounds. So yeah, this might be an interesting album to check out if you're into pungent electronics.

Wozniak - The Space Between The Trees

Hailing from the beautiful city of Edinburgh, Wozniak comes up with a captivating six track EP, loaded with elements from dreampop, psychedelic rock, postpunk, post rock and shoegaze. Yet, for an EP, this thing is quite long, thanks to the massive and mesmerizing track 'Deceiver'. In all, there is forty minutes of pure shoegaze bliss to be found here, from the gloomy opener 'Slacker' onward. So I guess this thing could count as an album and in that case, 'The Space Between The Trees' is a highly promising dreampop album, somewhere between Slowdive and The Jesus And Mary Chain. Shoegazers: you know what do.

Federico Dal Pozzo - Untitled_VNZ

Italian musique concrete composer Federico Dal Pozzo delivers a strange but enigmatic track, dedicated to the city of Venice and it's sound. The result is not so much a relaxing ambient album but an exploration of sounds from rocks, metal, water and so on. It resembles the beautiful city with its gondolas, romantic bridges and canals. In a way, Dal Pozzo takes you along a lesser known guided tour through the cities, blindfolded and only focusing on the aural aspects of the city. This tour is 49 minutes long, constantly moving and evolving. It carries a strange atmosphere but is definitely worth your attention.

Deadsmoke - Forest Of The Damned

Receiving something from sludge doomers Deadsmoke is always fun and with this two-track 7" it is no different. Halfway through opener 'Forest of the Damned II: Enter the Forest' I'm already in awe. What a delightful krautdoom this track is, uptempo, melodic and showcasing ferocious butt shaking qualities. Side B, 'Forest of the Damned III: Gray Ashes of Hope' then grabs everything that survived the wild party and mangles it into fertilizer for the ever expanding and all devouring forest. With twisted doom riffs and the power of a heavy rainfall of steamrollers, Deadsmoke once again delivered sheer awesomeness.

Antoine Panaché - Pleasures

Dutch avant garde sound art performer Antoine Panaché also returns with a two track EP. Released by Barreuh Records, this tape contains two covers, 'Forever Young' (Alphaville) and 'Nocturnal Me' (Echo & the Bunnymen). However, both tracks are performed in Panaché's strange, out of this world tradition which makes them barely recognizable. They're noisy, strange and unusual but they're both highly adventurous musical experiments. Fans of so-called "outsider music" definitely need to check out these tunes. It rarely gets any odder than this, I promise.

Misantronics - Zührpruym

Belgian drone experimentalist Misantronics in his turn surprises with this one-track release which perfectly fits into his 'Contraformance' series. 'Zührpruym' is 23 minutes long and explores the regions of ambient, drone, noise, jazz, darkwave and electronic music. Although this is one track, you can distinguish different parts, ranging from ambient noise over downtempo electronics to glitchy jazz drums and pounding techno beats. All come together in a frenzy of soundscapes, flutes and dark electronic percussion. Of course, the overall atmosphere is rather gloomy and even somewhat dangerous sounding. Check it out!

Woes - The Coldest Place Is Within Myself

Danish noise makers Woes deliver a fierce and brutal eight track album, loaded with blackened hardcore, sludge metal and crust punk. Yet, the whole thing opens quite peaceful with a plunky intro before hell breaks loose. When the brutality finally occurs, it gnaws, claws, pierces and punishes with sheer ferocity, not always on hyperspeed but that isn't necessary. In fact, 'The Cold Wind Whispers Your Name' is quite slow for crust punk but it is one of my favorites here. In all, this is a great piece of aggressive no-nonsense extremism, well varied, massive intense and earth shattering...

Brass Owl - Brass Owl

For some good old fashioned rock 'n roll we turn to Ohio residents Brass Owl. Formed and fronted by shredmaster Brian Tarter, this trio brings the jam back into psychedelic rock with flashing solo work, immersive bass lines and drums directly from rock 'n roll paradise. This four track EP is a neat warming up for when the band comes to conquer the world with their blues inspired stoner rock. Fans of everything between Led Zeppelin, Cream and ZZ Top better start paying attention to Brass Owl because soon you'll be shaking your ass to 'State Of Mind' and 'Mushroom Sally', I promise you.

Dead Man's Eyes - Words of Prey 

Germany's Dead Man's Eyes do something highly enjoyable with rock music. On one hand they seem to be inspired by the English indie rock scene but on the other hand they  apparently have a massive background in psychedelic rock. The result is a nine track album loaded with neat, immersive and hip shaking rock tunes that bring everything between The Beatles, Jefferson Airplane, White Stripes, Ween and Lemonheads to mind. Highlighting in opener 'Radiant Smiles', the gloomy blueser 'Be Good' and 'Two Dozen Eyes' this album is an absolute must-have for old school rockers and psych-fans.

Jübl - Thinking Sweet

Jübl is the new band from Rudy (A.R. Kane), featuring Maggie Tambala and Andy Taylor. On this debut EP you can find two brand new tracks and one nine minutes lasting remix. What to expect exactly? Well, opener 'Thinking About You' does something Tricky meets Slowdive meets Sonic Youth and immerses you into a vast universe of electronically driven dream pop. 'Sweet Dreams' does something similar and in my opinion even better. On one hand this single could be a smash hit but on the other hand, today's smash hits don't have this kind of musical quality anymore. So yeah, check it!

Autger - Eucharistia, Praedestinatio Gemina

Russian act Autger seems incredibly busy, having appeared in our previous edition of Brieviews. Now, he delivers a three track EP, based on Christian aesthetics. The result is an impending, dark and eerie piece of music that ranges from neoclassical music to gothic electronic and even harbours elements from dark jazz. Opener 'Pater' is currently one of my favorite tracks from this project, one I suddenly compared to a very, very, very dark version of Enigma or a more experimental version of Diary Of Dreams perhaps. My advice, give it a shot, it's certainly a unique entity in the dark music world.

Dr Space - Dr Space's Alien Planet Trip Vol 1

Right, time to close your eyes and embark on a journey through time and space with Oresund Space Collective's own Dr Space. On this record you can find five sonic adventures, ranging from bluesy guitar ambient to seemingly neverending krautrock grooves. Mostly live improvised these tracks definitely grab the listener's attention while showcasing an immersive set of jams, soundscapes and guitar solos. Yet, there is also something dark, lurking behind these musical alien planets. I like that and I surely like this album, it's as if Santana is chill-jamming with Ozric Tentacles.

A Scar For The Wicked - The Unholy

This is weird. This EP was presented as something for fans of Aborted, Black Dahlia Murder and Whitechapel and yes, there is plenty of death metal and deathcore galore to be found here. Yet, somewhere in between the pummeling drums, the brutal growls and the fierce riffs I hear elements from Children Of Bodom and even Cradle Of Filth screams. I'm not really a fan of deathcore but this EP is a real stand-out, well-varied, aggressive as fuck and loaded with metallic brilliance. So either the deathcore scene has grown up or we're dealing with a band that's too talented to be put in a box. You decide...

Stelios Ventas - Faded Flower 

Greek solo artist Stelios Ventas treats his listener to some good old fashioned rock songs. Being a guitar player, Ventas focuses on rough, bluesy rock tunes with plenty of solos and a load of playing joy. The songs on this EP are basic and stripped down to the bare necessities, being guitars, bass, drums and vocals. I don't think that any of these five tracks will ever become huge hits but that doesn't mean that they aren't enjoyable. Besides, 'Faded Flower' and 'Alone In The Desert' are great tracks in vintage blues rock / hard rock tradition. They'll do good in your day-to-day playlist.

Feelament - Hate Delivery

How is Moscow still standing with a band like this residing there? Feelament harbours tonnes of aggression, fronted by the undoubtedly dangerous Masha. While she spills her guts in a wide variety of vocal performances, the men behind her throw a neat mix of groove metal and metalcore under her feet. The result is something massively impressive, often melodic, often a sheer beatdown, often simply insane. I hear elements of Pantera, Arch Enemy and Lacuna Coil but most of all I hear a band that might as well become a force to be reckoned with. Fucking awesome!!!

An Evening With Knives - Serrated

"Dutch three-piece band jumps on post-metal bandwagon", that would be the most negative way to describe this album by An Evening With Knives. But that would also be a bit lazy. I mean, everything Tool and Amenra inspired is popular these days and thus many musicians give it a shot. In this case, the result is an interesting set of songs, slow, doomy, fuzzy, somewhat psychedelic and bloody intense. I'm sure that fans of the aforementioned bands will appreciate these guys, even though I think they yet have to reach their best possible sound. An interesting future might lay ahead for them.

Autger - God Kissing Carrion​

Russian one man act Autger returns with a new full-length, a personal story based on Dante's 'Inferno'. With a captivating mix of dark jazz, trip hop and what feels like ritual dark ambient, this album is something quite unique within the dark jazz world. The music here seems to come from a completely different dimension, even though that old "sax player under a bridge" atmosphere is still present. My advice? I urge everyone who is into strange, unusual and mostly electronic music to give this a shot. I bet you have never heard anything like this before. This definitely nudges the bizarre, and that's a good thing.

Lamirāl - This EP Has No Name And It's Alright

Right, time for extremities, courtesy of Belgian hardcore combo Lamirāl. On this EP, they catapult six heavy rocking hardcore tunes to your face, stuffed with broken glass, needles, sulphuric acid and bile. The overall tempo is suffocating, the riffs feel like sounds from behind the gates of hell and if that vocalist stands in front of you, you have exactly six seconds left to live. So if you want your miserable life crushed by the sheer intensity of music, this EP is an absolute must have. This is about as intense as a concrete boot to the teeth...

Gray Dog - The Deal

Now I need something to calm down and relax a bit. This five track EP by Belarus/Poland duo Gray Dog. Their music is a mix of blues and southern rock, brought to you in a minimal, acoustic setting. The result is an interesting late night bonfire soundtrack, best to be consumed with a cold beer. By the way, the fact that this is acoustic music doesn't mean that it lacks power. 'Why Did You Fuck Me And Leave?", for example is a damn heavy tune. Fans of everything between Muddy Waters, Johnny Cash and Pearl Jam can easily appreciate this. My favorite? 'The Pray Of Hangover'.

Paulie Jan - Yukio (A Brief Sonic Evocation)

Composed as a tribute to Japanese writer Y. Mishima, 'Yukio (A Brief Sonic Evocation)' by French act Paulie Jan is a gloomy, haunting and often remorseless dark ambient release. These are deep sonic introspections, arranged by eerie soundscapes, deep but slow beats and a fearsome atmosphere. At first, I found it hard to get into this music but gradually the whole thing grew on me like only the best dark ambient anthems actually do. Now I can't get enough of these noisy skincrawlers. My favorite remains opener 'Kimitake' with title track 'Yukio' being a brilliant second. Recommended stuff!!!

Lachrymose - The Unseen

Hailing from Greece, Lachrymose delivers an occult driven version of female fronted melodic doom metal. With influences from bands like Moonspell, Paradise Lost and Avatarium, these Greeks dwell in a dark and almost operatic region of the doom metal scene. Besides, 'This Sickness' rocks like hell and is a definite fan favorite. In all, this might best be compared to a heavy metal version of Inkubus Sukkubus or a female fronted version of Lacrimosa perhaps. All I know is that this is pretty interesting, mainly because it isn't overwhelmed with bombastic symphonic elements. This is raw gothic doom!

Disowning - Battle of Neverness

I don't often pick out death metal albums to review so when I do something special must be going on. On this EP by French combo Disowning I'm extremely impressed by the old school sound and the by the vocals. I hear elements from some of my favorite bands from back in the day, including Suffocation, Dying Fetus and Carcass, but mostly I hear those awesome growls over a punishing array of drums and riffs. Opener and title track 'Battle Of Neverness is a massive kick in the cojones and my personal favorite 'Inner Emptiness' doubles the torment. So, old school death metallers, I think you need this.

Gravecoven - Coughing Blood

Some more vicious torment comes from Californian duo Gravecoven and their aptly titled EP 'Coughing Blood'. On this EP you will find four eerie and fearsome blackened death/doom metal tracks, mostly coming at high speeds and with a gruesome atmosphere. Personally, I would categorize this under black metal, especially the chaotic, occult driven version. I mean, with songs like 'Furious Fires' and 'The Ecstasy Of Hatred' leading the way, the path is one of total annihilation and utter destruction. So yeah, this is a massive, chaotic and punishing EP that deserves a place in every extreme collection.

Vandal Moon - Wild Insane 

Also hailing from California but residing in a whole different musical universe is synthpop duo Vandal Moon. If you love acts like The Human League, Modern English or the synth pop escapades by The Cure, you have to check out this album. Eighties synths, romantic themes and a new wave breathing guitar, everything you love about the gloomy eighties dancefloors is here. My personal favorite is 'Computer Love' but I'm sure that every old goth, new waver and synthpop adept can easily add this album to his collection. This truly is as close as it gets and comes highly recommended for blackdressers

Sense Fracture - In My Escape I look For A Weapon

Still completely electronic but from a copletely different level comes this little gem. Haunter Records co- founder, DJ, producer and writer Francesco Birsa Alessandri delivers a mindblowing EP in which "unpredictability" is a keyword. With harsh electronic beats, uncategorizable noises and eerie samples Sense Fracture creates a unique sonic universe, inspired by dark ambient, industrial, noise and breakcore. The five tracks on this 12" are relentless, harsh and abrasive. They remind me of something between Author & Punisher and Bong-Ra. Recommended? Only if you get stand musical insanity.

Richard James Simpson - Sweet Birds Of Youth

... or dare we call them the bitter-sweet birds of youth? On his debut album, a compilation of older and more recent work, American guitarist and singer Richard James Simpson collaborates with friends (Joey Burns, Dustin Boyer and Theo Welch). He kicks the listener back in time to their wonder years, where one day you feel like an adult in a child's body and the other day things are vice versa. The variety in musical styles reflects this unsteady period; the majority of the songs has a stingy bluesrock feel but there's also a fantastic shoegaze track, some haunting dark ambient, some post-neofolk, experimentality in the

Nhung Nguyen – Oblivion

And we finish this edition of brieviews with a one-track EP by experimentalist Nhung Nguyen. In this twelve minutes lasting track, Nhung Nguyen explores everything from ambient soundscapes and loops over field recordings and found objects to weird electronics and noise. Needless to say then perhaps, but this composition is a complex and mesmerizing sonic journey. Don't expect sweet and comforting ambient, much like the real world, this track is full of grittiness and strange elements. So, this comes highly recommended but only for seasoned ambient experimentalists.

These Brieviews have been written by Serge. If you like what you read here, be sure to check out his book, 'Cecilia's World'. It's about music, life and love.

Owl - Orion Fenix 

Owl, the solo project of Valborg frontman Christian Kolf, delivers an overwhelming piece of music. Post metal, ambient and doom meet and alternate in one massive track, clocking off at 22 minutes. The track was written and recorded in eighteen hours over three days, which definitely explains the organic flow of the whole thing. In a way, this track feels like a concept album, revolving around dark and haunting emotions. Calm ambient and modern classical passages make way for intense pieces of doom inspired metal and vice versa. For fans of decent narrative music, this is certainly a must-have, and that includes sludge metal aficionados.

Stonemule - Dystopian State

Speaking of sludge metal fans, they might as well throw their ears at these noise makers from Koksijde (Belgium). What Stonemule delivers is a massive blast of hardcore infused stoner metal, laced with grunge and doom and flirting with the extreme. How they do that? Well, first of all by a solid background of drums and bass, then by face melting riffing and finally by having three vocalists showing of their respective talents in singing, growling and screaming. The result is quite impressive, a blast of sheer energy. Eventually, they top it off with excellent musical skills by flashing some delicious solos. Nice work.

Ritual King - Earthrise

Speaking of delicious guitar work, here is the new EP by English stoner rockers Ritual King. On 'Earthrise' they come up with three energetic songs. 'Ideology', 'Tides' and my personal favorite 'But Anyway' are uptempo psychedelic blues rock tunes that seem to come right from the early seventies. The jam-calibre is very high on these, making them all perfect candidates for live performances on sun lit (and probably smoke filled) music festivals. I wouldn't be surprised to see these guys appear on Desertfest, Up In Smokes and everything else stoner rock related in the near future.

Wykan - Solace

A strange and bewildering piece of psychedelic doom metal, inspired by both old school doom and black metal, this debut by Canadian act Wykan is certainly something special. On one hand you get the classic riff worship, supported by methodical drums and clean vocals. Yet, on the other hand, there is that cold, eerie and vile atmosphere of extreme metal, enhanced by screams, growls and occult imagery. Needless to say perhaps but this EP is so varied that it almost sounds like a split-release. This is intriguing, to say the least and I am already extremely curious for what this act comes up with in the future.

Soft Science - Undone / I Don't Know Why I Love You

Hah, I doubted this single for exactly four seconds. I didn't know what to think about the jangling guitars at first, but then, when the rolling bass and the propelling drums came in, I became interested. Then the vocals of Katie Haley and I was sold. Now, Soft Science has a place in my shoegaze folder where it appears alongside acts like Belly, The Cranes and Slowdive. 'Undone' is my favorite here but 'I Don't Know Why I Love You' is in no way inferior. Both are energetic dreampop tunes, there is very little else to say about that. So get them, on April 6, if you're a shoegazer. Of not, check it out as well.

Maff - Melañiña

Then, where you're in a good shoegazing mood, you certainly have to give Chilean collective Maff a listen. I remember being rather impressed with their 2015 album. Now they return with a five track EP, blending shoegaze, dreampop, post rock and noise rock into another heap of delicious atmospheric rock tunes. In fact, opener 'Act 2' might soon prove to be one of my favorites in that genre. I love those howling, lingering guitars and that almost industrial beat. And then there are still four more awesome tunes to go. So yeps, shoegazers of all ages, you definitely need this one.

Nostalgist - Disaffection

Some more eighties inspired music comes from Seattle residents Nostalgist. Their music reflects the dark corners of that era, the one where The Cure, Killing Joke and Joy Division ruled. However, Nostalgist has also been listening to bands like Deftones and Alcest and they're not afraid to throw some distorted guitars into the mix. The result is a brilliant EP, containing six gloomy tracks which perfectly combine these two styles, or eras. Actually, I'm quite impressed by this effort. I didn't know this kind of awesomeness was still being made today. I'm sure that the old school goths will easily appreciate songs like 'Pendulums' and 'Present Tense'. Highly recommended !!!

Amusement Parks On Fire - All The New Ends

English art rockers Amusement Parks On Fire return with a three-track EP which is as simple as it is brilliant. Opener 'All The New Ends' blends post rock with britpop as only the British can. 'Temporal Rinse' is a drone ambient creeper Godspeed! You Black Emperor wished they had recorded. Finally, 'Infernal Flame' picks you up and drags you to the dreampopping dancefloor where you will gaze at your shoes for what feels like hours and hours. To be honest, apart from the name I didn't really know these guys. Now I'm a fan. They only needed three songs to convince me, isn't that neat?

Grift - Vilsna Andars Boning 

Hailing from the lonesome woods of Scandinavia, Grift delivers two enigmatic neofolk songs. This Swedish poet/songwriter has been around since 2011 with several albums and a split-record with legendary act Drudkh. ​On this two track, he comes up with two acoustic songs. I think fans of acts like Sol Invictus, Wardruna and Darkwood can easily appreciate these stripped down folk sounds. 'Bortom Berget' is my favorite on this two track, a solid neofolk track about nature and culture.

Giovanni Verga - Sylphic

A more haunting and otherworldly musical view on solitude and loneliness comes from composer/experimentalist Giovanni Verga. With field recordings, no-input mixers and other kinds of sound manipulation, Verga created an alienating ambient adventure, on that delves deep into the avant garde. The line between music and incomprehensible noise is very thin. There are howling wolves, industrial soundscapes, vocal samples and mysterious drones but there are also tiny hints of melody. And obviously, there is this allover gloomy atmosphere which makes you imagine alien worlds and underground tales. Awesome

TRI:.OBYTE - STAR ⠃⠊⠗⠞⠓ KIC 8462852

Speaking about sounds from alien worlds, this album certainly is an interesting one. With a mix of dark ambient, cosmic noise and tales about UFO sightings, this album takes you to new dimensions. I can easily see this music as the soundtrack for new episodes of the X-Files, or any other sci-fi series for that matter. Opener 'Some Kind Of Reflective' is haunting ambient gold and the rest of this record graciously follows it example, except maybe 'Visitation'. This one doesn't just take you to outer space, it places you right on the operation table in one of those abduction stories. This is a great release, certainly recommended.

Bloodkry - Dark Paradise

Even more darkness comes from Finland, where Bloodkry reveals a new EP. 'Dark Paradise' contains four tracks, beginning with the hypnotic title track. I love the percussive elements in this one, it feels likes descending into an underground industrial complex. 'My Shelter' is a bit more friendly, melodic but also glitchy and unusual, like a post rock track that's falling asleep. 'Nowhere' is my favorite track here, a genuine dark ambient piece that brings many of the great names to mind. Closer 'Don't Forget Me' eventually comes up with repetitive industrial beats, along with hypnotic drones. Awesomeness.

Kloob - Remarkable Events

Dani Kloob has been making music for twenty years, from underground dance tunes to atmospheric ambient. With this album, he seems to investigate where ambient turns into dark ambient, balancing on the edge between the two. The result is an immersive ambient album, minimal but rich in both sound and atmosphere. 'Remarkable Events' is a perfect album to play late at night, warmly tucked in bed, reminiscing about your life. It will guide you into pleasant and adventurous dreams. I can't pick out a favorite track, because that's a hard thing to do with this kind of minimal music but rest assured, this is definitely worth your time.

Widow's Peak - Graceless

Right, time to blast some relentless death metal through my speakers. Here is Canadian horde Widow's Peak and their suffocating debut EP 'Graceless'. That title fits the load quite well. This thing is raunchy, filthy and gore, a blend of death metal, hard & grindcore, complete with deep growls, harsh screams and pig squeals. Fans of Aborted or Cattle Decapitation will undoubtedly get a hard-on from this stuff. I don't but I'm old, don't mind me. I know for sure that contemporary death metal, deathcore and metalcore fans will absolutely adore this. So, if you are one them, you'll have to check this out. Period!

Cult of Extinction - Black Nuclear Magick Attack

We end this edition of Brieviews with one of the most menacing, unpredictable and chaotic releases I have heard in a while. German extremists Cult Of Extinction release a thunderous tape, loaded with a filthy and vulgar mix of death, black, grindcore and whatnot. Quite often driving on inhumanly fierce tempos, this four track aims for nothing less than your rotten soul itself. The result is a massive cesspool of noise, hammering and screams that will drain the last bit of hope for humanity out of your miserable life. I think I made myself clear. This comes highly recommended only to the most seasoned extreme metal heads out there.

Happy new year, dear reader, and welcome (back) to Merchants Of Air. To kick off the year in style, we prepared another heap of Brieviews and once again we're exploring many corners of the musical universe, from the heavy jazz of Dead Neanderthals over the fun folk metal of Nordheim to the soothing downtempo electronics of Build Buildings. Enjoy the read and let us know in the comments if you found something interesting.

Planetariet - Planetariet

An infatuated, but deeply calm and resourceful cosmogony amazingly inserted in an overwhelming ocean of clarifying thoughts, S/T by Planetariet, is an amalgamation of underlying vicissitudes brilliantly crafted at the harmonious line of a delicate and sensible planet of sonorous isolation. With a gentle touch of eternity, this interesting and refreshing EP is an intensely reverberating enigma of homogeneous synchronicity, that seems to revolve around the soul of its own reflexive and protuberating sincerity. With a calmer sound that apprehensively feels the underlying eccentricity of its profound and

Dead Neanderthals - Organ Donor

Dutch heavy jazz duo Dead Neanderthals come up with a late Christmas present: a fifteen minutes long improvisation with sax, synths and drums, accompagnied by some delicious looking artwork (unless you're vegan, obviously). Expect brutal sax drones, gloomy soundscapes and René's repetitive, almost ritual drums. I know, those are Dead Neanderthals' usual ingredients but like many bands they're getting better and better at this. So if you're a fan of these two deviant jazzists, you have absolutely no excuse not to download this track. Tip; serve loud !!!

Brosandi - Music For An Unknown Galaxy

Canadian one-man project Brosandi comes up with a sweet EP, containing three gentle post-rock tunes (and an intro). The music here is not overly complex. Instead it feels like watching and listening to a guitarist on stage, armed with only a few effects and loop pedals. The result is something gentle, something perfectly suited for these cold winter evenings. The artist claims to be inspired by Sigur Ros, Explosions In The Sky and so on, and yes, those references certainly apply, be it in a minimal, introvert and intimate way. I wonder how this would sound with a full band but this already comes highly recommended.

Boltzmann Brain - Sentences

This German band has so much fun recording and release their debut in October 2017 ('Sind Die Echt') that they immediately decided to record another EP. What to expect? Well, something between Red Snapper and Add N To (X) or Black Dice getting a go at jazz and rock music. Jazz, noise, rock, soundscapes and psychedelic music come together in a weird but exhilarating orgy of indefinable music, perhaps that is the best way to describe this thing. The second track 'Come Join My Religion' is simply awesome, reminds me of Haus Arafna a bit. Not many jazz rock bands can do that, you know?.

Knight ‎– High on Voodoo 

Heavy metal is far from dead and this band from India once again proves that. With flashing guitars, methodical drums and potent vocals, these guys deliver a solid EP. Think Iron Maiden, think Manowar, think Judas Priest think Helloween and you come quite close to what Knight sounds like. Everything about this album sounds and feels vintage, as it if comes directly from the eighties. For old school metalheads, this certainly is a band to keep an eye on, especially since there is still room for improvement, room to grow as musicians and as a band. I curious to where this leads to.

False Flag - EP

Here is a pulverizing three-track EP from Indian extreme music horde False Flag. Although the lyrics seem to be philosophical in nature, the music here is a scathing blend of crust punk, hardcore and black metal. Yet, in all their ferocity, they also leave some place for melody and variation, which is a huge plus in this genre. Now, don't get me wrong, this music will still torment you to the point where you can't take it anymore but I'm 100% sure that every fan of extreme punk will adore this. I mean, if both Oathbreaker and Exploited come to mind in only three songs, we're dealing with something promising!

Scarlet Phantom - Singleness

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Haiming from Saint Petersburg, Russia, Scarlet Phantom delivers some interesting metal instrumentals. Although the music is based on black and death metal, you can easily classify this as progressive metal. Personally, I'm quite fond of this, partially because of its instrumental approach. It's as if Meshuggah, Opeth and Dream Theater gather in a recording studio and everybody keeping their mouths shut. I like that and I will definitely recommend this album to all you metalheads out there. If you want something refreshing, varied and impressive, you'd want to check this out.

Akadama Bros - Sunshine

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And now for something completely different. We don't often review hip hop albums here but this one is neat. Akadama Bros deliver some decent and well varied J-rap. "J" stands for Japanese, should you not know that. On this 12", you get some well varied tunes, each obviously driving on hip hop beats and raps. Yet, they also seem to throw in some different influences, ranging from classical music over dubstep to indie, dub, noise and post-rock. The result is something intriguing and quite often surprising, reminding me of anything between Manu Chao, Cypress Hill and Xzibit. Hip hop yes, but rather enjoyable.

Build Buildings - Glass EP

New York electronic music producer Build Buildings returns with a massively enjoyable EP, containing four new and well varied tracks. Opener 'Hebei Victory' is a brilliant blend of Autechre and Miwon while follower 'Honey Locust' brings Plaid to mind. So yes, downtempo electronics with heaps of microsounds, clicks, soundscapes and poly-rhythms, exactly the way I like my electronic music. 'Glass' is an odd ambient tune which could have been on Aphex Twin's ambient collection. Finally, there's a song called 'Cecilia' which is my favorite here, a slow but immersive piece of old school electronic music. Awesome EP.

Vantablack Warship - Abrasive Pulmonic Speak 

Back to the extremes where we find a pulverising hybrid between black, thrash, death and hardcore. Vantablack Warship hails from Canada and deliver some in-your-face riffs, some methodically tormenting drums and a bunch of fierce screams. The endresult is an intense and overwhelming album. Fans of bands like Gallows and Everytime I Die can surely find some fingerlicking good tunes on this one, like the brutal headbanger 'Blood On The Mat' for example. With short but abrasive songs, Vantablack Warship are certainly making a name for themselves and soon metalheads from around the globe will be onboard.

Mist of Misery - Fields of Isolation

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Swedish atmospheric black metal act Mist Of Misery has been around for a while and have always delivered high quality music. On this EP that is no different. In fact, with eight songs and over half an hour long, this EP is a sonic blackened adventure on its own. Unfortunately, I don't think I have a lot to say about this EP. It's top level extreme, depressive, atmospheric and somewhat progressive black metal and it would fit perfectly between your Dimmu Borgir, ColdWorld, Summoning and so on. If you're a fan of Mist Of Misery, you should already have gotten this EP. If not, check it out.

Hundred Year Old Man - Rei

A harsh and somewhat chaotic blend of doom, sludge and post-metal, coming at you with severe intensity, that is what English sextet Hundred Year Old Man delivers. If you are into bands like Isis, AmenRa, Cult Of Luna and so on, this EP would definitely not misstand in your ever growing collection. 'A Year In The North Sea' is probably my favorite here, a dark and noisy piece of music that serves as a breather between the two massive slabs of slow musical aggression. For the record, closer 'Rei' is a brilliant piece of sludge doom, and I don't say that very often. So yeah, this comes highly recommended.

Obscene - Sermon to the Snake

Indianapolis based quartet Obscene claims to have been influenced by all the greats in the metal scene, including Death, Morbid Angel, Edge Of Sanity and Asphyx and yes, I have to admit, I hear all of them in these four tracks. Not that Obscene does not have their own sound. With thick riffs and deranged vocals, these guys deliver some good old fashioned death metal, something I can only applaud. Songs like 'Shadow Burial' and 'Blood Moon Rats' can easily make you bang your head and scream along. So yeah, this is some sick and twisted stuff, suited only for the seasoned death metal fans and thus recommended.

Nordheim - RapThor

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Hailing from some ancient forest in Canada, Nordheim simply wants to play folk metal and have fun with it. And there is no better description for this EP. This is a fun folk metal album with titles like 'Boobs And Bacon' or 'I Wish You Were Beer'. I guess all you can do is join the party, grab a beer and scream along with these tunes, just like you do when you listen to bands like Ensiferum, Finntroll or Korpiklaani. Although, I have to say, Nordheim take their black metal influences quite far and quite ferocious too, raging at high speed. So yeah, perhaps you should drink a bit more while listening to this awesomeness.

Project Renegade - Cerebra

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Female fronted alternative metal from Greece, and I must admit that the first band that came to mind was Lacuna Coil, even before I actually listened to the songs on this EP. Although that reference still stands, I'm very glad I discovered this band. The music is interesting, laced with some mild electronics and it comes with excellent vocals by frontwoman Marianna. Opener 'Pressure' surely has hit potential, especially in the alternative charts. 'Natural Born Killer' grooves and crawls and 'One Of The Crowd', my personal favorite, is an irresistible headshaker. Buy this, it's awesome.

Cryptae - Cryptae

Two guys from The Netherlands, one being the drummer for Dead Neanderthals, wanted to try their hand at death metal. So they got into a recording studio, made heaps of noise and barfed the result on bandcamp. That result is a think, chaotic and brain scattering array of riffs, drums and growls, with the sole intention of decapitating its listener. This is probably what the Dutch call "teringherrie". It's relentless, confusing, intense and harsh. Does that make it recommended? Well, only if you're a seasoned extreme metal fan. If you're not, you might want to stay away from this. It's just not safe...

Clckws - Counter Clockwise

Speaking of things not being safe, here is the debut EP by Zoersel residents Clckws. With fierce, rabid and foaming female fronted hardcore punk, this quartet might want to shake hands with acts like Oathbreaker soon. I mean, the music is as energetic as a Tesla coil and frontwoman Eva barks out her soul with sheer intensity. On this EP they throw eight songs in your face, each one being a severe attack on your sanity. The 17 seconds long 'Blow Up The Boiler Room' almost feels like a Napalm Death song and, like everything else here, this is another brilliant example of "Brutal Belgium". You've been warned.

Lump Hammer - Lump Hammer

On the other side of the Channel, more specifically in Newcastle upon Tyne, we find another noise-dragging combi, named Lump Hammer. Think Godflesh on meth, think Napalm Death on LSD, think Conan in a basement instead of a recording studio. These tracks are slow, massive and brutally intense, like a steamroller with spikes driving over your private parts. Something like that, I don't know. All I know is that each second of this EP is a gigantic hammer-blow, driving on swampy guitars, harsh screaming and tormenting drums. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go murder something...

Pile of Priests - Tenebrous Labyrinth

Nope, we're not slowing down on the intensity on this edition of Brieviews, not yet. First, I'd like to crush your cheeks and eardrums with this magnificent set of progressive death metal songs by Pile Of Priest. Somehow it seems that this trio gets better with every release, and this time their evolution results in a highly interesting EP. With the speed of Krisiun, the progressive nature of Death and the melodic approach of Edge Of Sanity Pile Of Priests should be on their way to the top of the death metal industry. Besides, the EP contains three thrash metal covers, which are all delightful assaults on your neck muscles.

Horror God / Techne - Split

Some more death metal, less progressive and more destructive than the previous one. For this compilation, Horror God and the retiring Techne delivered four blasting tracks each, mosty fast, accompagnied with deep, evil growls and a decent dose of technicality. Fans of bands like Immolation, Suffocation, Gorguts and Autopsy should definitely consider getting their hands on a copy of this split. The tracks by Horror God are simply murderous while Techne adds a dark, mysterious and downright haunting atmosphere to the whole thing. Nope, death metal adepts, there is no reason not to check out this album.

Diary Of My Misanthropy - Leviathan

After all that brutality, I need something to calm my nerves and strangely enough I found that with Czech trio Diary Of My Misanthropy. On this EP, the band comes up with a fantastic approach to post rock and post metal. Fantastic because it contains elements from doom and the icy cold atmosphere of depressive black metal. That, and the complex, almost jazz like drums, really make this EP a standout in today's post-whatever scene. Yep, I think this is one for the future but we can only know for sure when we see these guys perform. I sure I hope I'll be able to experience this live one day.

Noydem - A Time Will Come 

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Another great example of excellent modern day rock music comes from French band Noydem and their impressive EP 'A Time Will Come'. With immersive, catchy alternative rock songs, this guys once again proves how good that country can rock. A decent bunch of rock history comes to mind when I listen to songs like 'Welcome Home', 'Stay' or 'A Place To Live', including Velvet Revolver, Incubus, Foo Fighters and Audioslave. My favorite track is 'Bring Me Down', a potential smash hit but then again, all these songs have a certain hit potential, especially in the alternative music scene. So check it out, this definitely rocks!

Clint Maedgen - cmradio​.​tv #1

Time for something completely different. Clint Maedgen is an American electronic music composer, singer songwriter and visual artist who comes up with weird but infectious pop tunes. One this album you can find eleven experimental and lo-fi trip hop songs. Sometimes Prince comes to mind, sometimes it's Archive-ish and again sometimes I'm reminded Tricky's weirdest moments. Oh, and Ween. Yet, it all comes in a whole different, somewhat silly setting, not necessarily suited for the biggest of festivals. Recommended? Sure, if you like the unusual and absurd regions of the musical universe, you need this

Ric Gordon - Standing Here

Hailing from Kansas City, Ric Gordon delivers another EP is vintage acoustic rock songs with this new EP. It's a welcome deviation from all the heavily distorted guitars I have been through in the past few days. The songs on 'Standing Here' remind me a bit of acts like Lemonheads, R.E.M. and perhaps the Pixies. Indie rock, folk and Americana are the main influences but you can also find a touch of post punk and alternative rock. My favorite track here is 'Rise Above' but I'm sure every fan of good old fashioned acoustic pop rock can easily enjoy this whole EP.

Misto - Helios

In April I discovered the talented Italian one man post rock band. Now he returns with a beautiful full-length. In six tracks Misto easily manages to keep the listener interested. Opener 'Buried Under Remote Lands' is a brilliant post rock tune, reminding me of God Is An Astronaut while 'Polemic Guy Wants To Fight' seems to combine space rock with punk rock. This is just awesome, daring and inventive. Title track 'Helios' is an instant post rock classic and everything else is just breathtaking. Nah, for real, 'Helios' is simply a perfect and well varied post rock album, one I will be listening to a lot this winter.

Necrodancer - Void

French/Belgian horde Necrodancer comes up with a filthy, rough and raunchy approach to evil music. The band claims they play "funeral grunge" and yeah, why not. There is indeed something grungy about this whole thing, like in Nirvana being buttfucked by Satan himself. But for the majority, this album is a punkish version of old school black metal, resulting is heabanging blasters like 'The Necrodancer' and 'The Turning'. So if you want your music pretty and clean, this album will do very nasty things to your sanity. However, if you are one of those filthy, rotten souls who like ass sounds nasty and vile, you need this.

Malefic Levitation - The Ancient Plague

More putrid insanity comes from Fresno, California evildoers Malefic Levitation and their obliterating debut EP. After a short intro, the duo rages on with chaotic black metal with the melodic sense of a dead rat. For real, this is brutal stuff, often alternated with skull crushing doom metal passages. Yet, most of it drives on pounding blastbeats, insane guitars and haunting screams. As a black metal fan, what else could you possible want? Forget about atmospheric passages or inventive folk stuff, this music represent a set of axes thrown to your head at hitting the spot each and every time. Awesome.

Wren/Slabdragger - Mothers Of The Beef And The Magic Of Invention

This is so cool, Slabdragger and Wren releasing a split where the first turns Frank Zappa's 'Muffin Man' into a psychedelic sludge metal experience while the other krautrocks and post-metals the hell out of Captain Beefheart's 'Electricity'. Not only that, but they make it look like fun too, like they had a hell of a time recording these two tracks. So, obviously, you need to check this out. I think it is already my favorite split release this year.

Stefano De Ponti | Eleonora Pellegrini - Physis

Sound sculptor Stefano De Ponti and vocalist/body performer Eleonora Pellegrini deliver a strange, ritualistic album, divided into two parts. With minimal drones, noises and soundscapes, plus Pellegrini's strong vocal performances, the duo delivers an alienating sound, inspired by the sounds of nature. The result is something that quickly grabs your attention. It's not very comparable to most ambient music but it fits right into the world of the avant-garde where people like Diamanda Galas and Nurse With Wound like to dwell. So yes, if you want your music a bit strange and unsettling, this is the one you want.