SMC: Blessed Black Wings ~ High on Fire

transplant

hello group. I don't think we have had a metal release yet so what the hell. I picked this not only because I think it kicks all kinds of ass however it has a familiar producer (Albini) and Preston (ex Melvins) plays bass on this I believe (they seem to go thru them often). If there are metal fans among us, you probably have this. If not, I think these guys are one of the most important metal bands today. I have seen them live twice and did not leave disappointed. I think they give a good taste of what is out there. They have 3 discs, and the lead singer Matt Pike's previous band Sleep is basically your stoner metal start point IMO.

I surely don't expect all to like it, even a little. I find this release somewhere lumped between doom and stoner metal I suppose. Regardless, it is relentless, not much room to breathe. Vocals are not to the point of death metal but you won't get much out of them. They are a 3 piece that simply makes a lot of noise. If you like Kill 'em All Metallica you will get a feel on Silver Black. Make no mistake though, these guys are heavier than Metallica at their best.

My favorites off here, though I can honestly say there isn't a weak link here are Devilution, Anointing of Seer (the riff around the 2:30 mark as noted in the Pitchfork review is f-ing killer), the Face of Oblivion and To Cross the Bridge.

I am enclosing the pitchfork link because I think they nailed this one. Though I like this better than Surrounded By Thieves, you can't go wrong checking that one out if this appeals to you.

Also, if you think this sucks balls, go crazy and let me know about it. I understand this is somewhat a gamble. I do hope you all give it a listen.

http://pitchforkmedia.com/record-reviews/h/high-on-fire/blessed-black-wings.shtml

What's up Viggs?

Echoes

Sleep was awesome. I'm gonna like this one I think

burnin-candle

Fuck yeah transplant!

This is last year's release, right? I have their previous shit, including that Sleep monster album, Dopesmoker. I'm gonna diiiiig this.

intodeep

I am not in the group but i just saw these guys a few weeks ago and this album ROCKS!
just had to add that

transplant

intodeep wrote:

I am not in the group but i just saw these guys a few weeks ago and this album ROCKS!
just had to add that

don't need to be in the group did you see them headline? I saw them on that Sounds of the Underground last year and just a couple months ago saw them headline a little club out here. My buddy recorded the show, it was his first attempt at doing so.

hell yeah this album rocks. Ok, I figured most would have HoF than Sleep so I am fired up.

transplant

burnin-candle wrote:

Fuck yeah transplant!

This is last year's release, right? I have their previous shit, including that Sleep monster album, Dopesmoker. I'm gonna diiiiig this.

yeah, it came out in '05. I think you will dig it for sure. cool.

viggs20

I'm getting in on this.

swede

FARK ME

how good is the intro to the first song? - ok i just put it on but HOLY SHIT BALLS ITS ROCKIN MY FRIGGEN SOCKS OFF!!!

btw im sorry if this is a play-by-play review for this cd - this is the first night ive had off since i promised to get better by gettin back to u guys - so much for that :( sorry!

swede

ok one thing i like about thrashy metal - such as the first tune - i can get into it on the first listen - and then in later listens im still not sick of it. that was one wild tune!

this second one will take more listens to really get pumped by it but damn what a nice heavy riff!

btw i am liking the solo - then the rhythm that kicks in just after is UNREAL!

ok sorry but this album is gettin me so friggen pumped up. ive gone from sleepy to jumpy as!

swede

ok cometh down hessian - the opening riff reminds me of a metallica song like crazy but i cannot pin point it yet - mmm my thoughts are going crazy

intodeep

transplant wrote:

don't need to be in the group did you see them headline? I saw them on that Sounds of the Underground last year and just a couple months ago saw them headline a little club out here. My buddy recorded the show, it was his first attempt at doing so.

hell yeah this album rocks. Ok, I figured most would have HoF than Sleep so I am fired up.

Yeah i saw them headline in a tiny club. It was nuts. goatwhore opened and they were pretty cool live too.

I like this album a lot. Their I like how it jams. Plus the sounds they make with a three piece is awesome. The riffs on the album are massive at times.

transplant

swede wrote:

this second one will take more listens to really get pumped by it but damn what a nice heavy riff!

the last 1:30 of that one, holy shit. I also couldn't agree more with how this CD starts. that slow build up and then the double bass kicks in and so the CD starts......I listened to this 4 times yesterday.

Glad you're diggin it.

intodeep

I actually did not own Blessed black wings when i saw them. I was a fan of sleep and i had surrounded by thieves. I actually bought blessed black wings at the concert because when doing the song Blessed Black wings it was awesome live everyone had their horns out chanting the chorus with them. Lots of movement in the crowd.

There are so many heavy riffs on that album. I have the chorus of blessed black wings stuck in my head. I'm going on a road trip and will have to throw that album in on my way out of town this afternoon:)

transplant

intodeep wrote:

There are so many heavy riffs on that album. I have the chorus of blessed black wings stuck in my head. I'm going on a road trip and will have to throw that album in on my way out of town this afternoon:)

good road trip choice. that is exactly how I broke in Surrounded by Thieves, driving through scenic I-80 thru Nebraska.

Echoes

I really like this album. More on it when I feel like typing, but now I just kinda feel like playing videogames.

I like the heavy fuzz tone, and some of the monster riffs

transplant

Echoes wrote:

I really like this album. More on it when I feel like typing, but now I just kinda feel like playing videogames.

I like the heavy fuzz tone, and some of the monster riffs

cool! look forward to your comments.

alobar

Damn, it's been awhile. It feels great to come back to see an album on here that's got everyone excited. I'm impatiently waiting for the sucker to download right now. And a metal album couldn't be more perfect for me right now. I've been delving into metal recently (and reluctantly) picking up some classics (Black Sabbath's Paranoid and Vol. 4, Judas Priest's British Steel) some newer stuff (Mastodon, Goblin Cock) and apparently I haven't truly experienced metal until my co-worker burns me all of his Pantera albums and I listen to them on headphones full blast. So, I'm going through changes (in Ozzy's words). High On Fire sounds very promising, especially since I'm a sucker for anything Albini touches. Hopefully I'll get some listening in tomorrow.

I feel like I've missed a lot, but would love to get thrown back in the mix of the SMC somewhere. I finally broke down and paid for my damn internet service (does anyone else here think it should be free? Cable too.) Sooooo, just wanted to say, it's good to be back. cheers.

transplant

Alobar, nice to see you back!! Judas Priest is my band basically. they are who I grew up with and I will defend them til the day I die. fucking love them to no end. Nice to see you getting into the classics. vol 4 is amazing. hopefully you will agree and then you will pick up Sabotage and blow your mind. Hole in the Sky, Meglomania are monsters. Same for Priest and you will listen to Sad Wings of Destiny.

hey, I just picked up the new Black Heart Procession. Wouldn't have known jack about them if it wasn't for your pick. Sounds great! nice little selection from back in the day eh?

We got a couple more people left in this 'round 4' so if you want in at the end, say the word (Viggs our leader is on break) and you are in. If you want to hold off, round 5 should be on the way shortly.

Ok, I just got back from the NIN show at Red Rocks and trying to wind down. Even though they can't put on a show like they did back in the early-mid '90's (can't blame them) they still can play a damn fine show.

transplant

the link probably expires today, so uh...... last bump before moving on.

StoneG82

shit....I must have missed this one...I'm sorry transplant...I got way behind lately with studying for finals and all that lovely bullshit.

I'm not a big metal fan (or one at all for that matter) so there's a 75% chance I wouldn't have liked it much anyways. oh well. I'll get on the next one.

edit: looks like I'm up! this is a tough decision.....wrens.....bonnie prince billy....

karma defect

Well for me in was pretty much the same thing. I don't really like metal so I thought the chance was too big I would be wasting the little download capacity I have. Sorry. It is about time we get a unlimited download capacity. By the looks of things that will happen in Augest so that isn't too long anymore.

Again sorry I skipped it.

burnin-candle

Sorry I'm late, but I've been listening to this quite a bit.

And man, this is a "monster" of an album. It's been a while since something this thick and roaring and aggressive and jusrt plain awesome has hit my ears. (metal-wise anyway). I don't really like metal that's too melodic (like some Euro stuff) or too death (like some Euro stuff. lol) but this is the kind I love. Technical, progressive, yet so fucking rocking at the same time. Very very tight stuff, and love the fuzzed out tones. High on Fire, Isis, Mastodon, Pelican...wow, some great talent in the metal scene, eh? (I don't know how popular each of them are, but...)

I can't pick out a particular favorite. I think this one just rocks from start to finish. All the riffs are just massive! Man, great, great stuff.

Thanks transplant, I'm definitely gonna go out and buy this one myself, and support the artist.

Cheers!

alobar

transplant wrote:

Alobar, nice to see you back!! Judas Priest is my band basically. they are who I grew up with and I will defend them til the day I die. fucking love them to no end. Nice to see you getting into the classics. vol 4 is amazing. hopefully you will agree and then you will pick up Sabotage and blow your mind. Hole in the Sky, Meglomania are monsters. Same for Priest and you will listen to Sad Wings of Destiny.

hey, I just picked up the new Black Heart Procession. Wouldn't have known jack about them if it wasn't for your pick. Sounds great! nice little selection from back in the day eh?

We got a couple more people left in this 'round 4' so if you want in at the end, say the word (Viggs our leader is on break) and you are in. If you want to hold off, round 5 should be on the way shortly.

Ok, I just got back from the NIN show at Red Rocks and trying to wind down. Even though they can't put on a show like they did back in the early-mid '90's (can't blame them) they still can play a damn fine show.

O.K. High On Fire sounds so friggin' aggressive, I love it! It's got just a bit more chunkiness than most metal I've heard, which I expect is the Albini influence. Song 2 is incredible as well as the title track (track 5). I love how it sounds like the drummer is soloing mad through every song- he's just that intricate. And the vocals aren't annoying like a lot of stuff I've heard out there.

Transplant, I'll make sure to check out those other classics you mention....all in due time. Vol. 4 is my favorite as of now. I've also got a couple Budgie albums, and I especially like their album Bandolier. Great stuff.

I picked up the new BHP as well and loved it from the very first listen. Glad you like them.

I'd be into contributing this round if possible, just let me know (pm or on here) when my turn is up.

transplant

burnin-candle wrote:

Thanks transplant, I'm definitely gonna go out and buy this one myself, and support the artist.
Cheers!

I'd say that is a good sign! Highest compliment. No question it is indeed a monster.

StoneG82 - I had to switch with Swede this round since he was busy so I just flipped with him....so you have one more week to decide what you want to throw out there.

Alobar - to tie High on Fire and Priest's British Steel, when I saw them last year they encored with Rapid Fire. Awesome. British Steel is supposed to be one of their Classics however I don't have it near the top of the heap. Solid for sure but not the greatest indication of their ability IMO. I'll stick you at the end of this round, I think there are 3 in front of you. I'll for sure let you know when it is your turn. I *think* it goes like

Swede
StoneG82
Karma Defect
Alobar

thanks for the comments folks (keep 'em coming if you got more to say) and no worries for those who didn't get to it.

StoneG82

transplant wrote:

StoneG82 - I had to switch with Swede this round since he was busy so I just flipped with him....so you have one more week to decide what you want to throw out there.


Swede
StoneG82
Karma Defect
Alobar

thanks for the comments folks (keep 'em coming if you got more to say) and no worries for those who didn't get to it.

ok thats good....I was having a tough time deciding my pick

Echoes

I'm not going to say it is the heaviest metal album I've heard, because it isn't, but it does have a great heavy fuzz tone attached to it. I love the monster riffs and the swamp-thick sound coming from their instruments. I mean the lyrics are kind of silly (but that was how Sleep was too), but it is still a great ride. THe vocals were decent enough, but at times they annoyed me (chorus to the title track was probably my least favourite part), but the rest of it was pretty tight. The last track built up well, but when it starts it starts too slow for my liking and ruins an otherwise great flow.

Great album. riff city. Love it.

alobar

Echoes wrote:

I'm not going to say it is the heaviest metal album I've heard, because it isn't, but it does have a great heavy fuzz tone attached to it. I love the monster riffs and the swamp-thick sound coming from their instruments. I mean the lyrics are kind of silly (but that was how Sleep was too), but it is still a great ride. THe vocals were decent enough, but at times they annoyed me (chorus to the title track was probably my least favourite part), but the rest of it was pretty tight. The last track built up well, but when it starts it starts too slow for my liking and ruins an otherwise great flow.

Great album. riff city. Love it.

That last song conjured up thoughts of Sonic Youth in my head for some reason........I think it was the starting too slow thing.

thanks for the heads up, Transplant, I'm O.K. with the last spot.

viggs20

Hmm...I'm not sure about this one yet. Need to listen to this without thinking of Motörhead who I feel are guilty of having that sameness in their sound. I would have liked some more dynamics and flexibility in the song-writing like on the second half of 'A Face of Oblivion'...it felt like another track had started and it was later that I realised that it was still track # 2.
'Brother in the Wind' and 'Blessed Black Wings' are classic metal tunes and got me pumped up and the last song 'Sons of Thunder' would make a great driving song.
No doubt this album is loud and heavy but somehow I'm not digging it as much as I should...it might have to do with the chuggy production and we all know Steve Albini is renowned for that, but in that wall of metal there lacks that intricacy and subtlety that Mastodon achieved without comprimising on churning out their mammoth riffs. And I think that made Leviathan such a powerful album and made me come back to it again and again. I'm not sure if that will happen with Blessed Black Wings but I guess its too early to judge.

burnin-candle

And indeed I went out and picked up a copy of this. I totally forgot they were a three piece! And all that heaviness from just the three guys. And Mr Albini behind the boards! NO wander they have such a thick punkish sound!Cool!

Anyway, I managed to get one with a bonus DVD with live footage. Not really intersting visually (not much action), but they reproduce their sound pretty awesomely (is that a word? lol). Only five songs, but really really good stuff.

I agree with viggs that the songwriting isn't as complex or intricate as Mastodon, but I think this is more of a "fuck it, let's just rock out" kinda album.;)

transplant

burnin-candle wrote:

I think this is more of a "fuck it, let's just rock out" kinda album.;)

I didn't know about the DVD. I saw them live a little while back and there is NO movement whatsoever. I wish someone would have nudged the bass player a little to see if he was still alive. But wholly shit do they make a lot of noise. Loved it.