Finally, A New Loveliescrushing

Shiny Tiny Stars is the latest album from this great two piece.

This is the NEW album from darkwave/drone pioneers lovesliescrushing, and the most recent installment in our Dark Icons Series.

"Shiny Tiny Stars" is a milestone in more ways than one: all of its material is new to release, and contains both songs written and recorded as recent as this year, alongside lost tracks originally intended for the first album that have not surfaced until now. Due to its canonical nature, this album truly is an accurate representation of one of the most powerful and innovative forces in experimental music.

From ALL MUSIC "The duo known as Lovesliescrushing first came together in the early '90s, when vocalist Melissa Arpin and multi-instrumentalist Scott Cortez decided to try their hand at the emerging dream pop scene. They began to send out demo tapes of their bizarre, heavily layered music to labels until Projekt finally contacted the band about releasing a single. 1994's Your Eyes Immaculate was the result, a single that so impressed the label that a year later they released the full-length Bloweyelashwish. The album was a mix of ethereal textures, wordless female vocals, and repetitive droning that set them apart from many of the label's gothic artists. Cortez would speak out loudly about how the music was all formed from guitar sounds, something that he was proud of if only because he was accused so much of using keyboards on the album. The band was back the next year with Xuvetyn, another complicated album of lush sounds that moved the sound further in the direction of experimental music. But the band would drop off after promoting that album, working on a new studio album for years and years while still promising that they were together. They finally announced in 2001 that they were ready to edit and release the album, although the year went by without any news outside of that tidbit. The next year proved golden for fans: Arpin and Cortez remerged with a third album. Intricate and glossy, Glissceule was issued on Sonic Syrup in March 2002." 

Edition: 300 LP, 180 gram. First 100 orders get a limited edition 5.25"Floppy Disk with an exclusive lovesliescrushing track.

Order here

Pinkish Black Debut LP...

...is now available from Handmade Birds.

Simply put, this one of the best albums you will hear this year-- we really mean this decade, but will try to maintain some modesty. Monstrous doomwaves of texture and deathrock coming from just two people that crushes in both a live setting and in the studio. Though this is the debut full length from a relatively new outfit, the decades spent refining their art in various other bands (including dark Denton icons Pointy Shoe Factory, and the wall of sound that is Yeti) has all culminated into a refined, dark opus, that is utterly the most innovative and refreshing music you'll have heard this side of Suicide.

From the ominous cloud of post melodic sludge (Bodies In Tow) to the raging fanaticism akin to the best moments of classic The Birthday Party or Filth era Swans (Fall Down), Pinkish Black offer a true homage to the album as entity. Bow to the sonic shrine that has been so carefully constructed. Weep and rage. This is the sound of true musicianship from two people that live for their craft. Do yourself a favor and pick this one up.

From Ft. Worth, TX, Pinkish Black is Daron Beck (Pointy Shoe Factory) and Jon Teague (Yeti), continuing the musical evolution they began as The Great Tyrant (with the late Tommy Atkins). Their music is in turns abrasive, turbulent, darkly melodic, and hauntingly beautiful -- the soundtrack for a fever dream. Fans of Suicide, Magma, and Scott Walker should lend an ear. Mastered by James Plotkin. 

Edition: 250 LP, 180 gram. First 100 orders get a limited 5.25" Floppy Disk with an exclusive Pinkish Black track, and a download code for a PB Christian Death cover and digital copy of the album.

Order here 

Circle Of Ouroborus Returns...

... with The Lost Entrance Of The Just via the always impeccable Handmade Birds. 

The Lost Entrance Of The Just follows the 2011 modern classic Eleven Fingers, and finds the band continuing their exploration of textures that are at once muffled and cathartic. Layers of sound conditioned in a womb-like reinvention of texture that is truly unlike anything else currently available from any other artists, anywhere. This one is sure to sell out as fast as the Eleven Fingers LP.

Edition: Limited to 500 copies, 180 gram, Booklet designed by Rauta, and mastered for vinyl by James Plotkin.

Pick up a copy here 

More On Sutekh Hexen's Larvae

So, pre-orders for this sucker start next week; and I just finished my forthcoming review for Larvae (that will be posted over at scene point blank), but I keep thinking, "isn't the middle of January a bit premature to be calling Larvae the album of the year"... Probably, but this record is great. Sutekh Hexen outdid themselves for certain.

From the looks of this the vinyl is limited to 100 on clear with pink splatter and 200 on black. It will go fast. I will post here when the pre-orders go live over at Handmade Birds. They are also putting the album out on CD as well.

Handmade Birds Breaks All Our Banks

Handmade Birds caps off an insane year of releasing with one last batch of 5 releases (brutal but hey it's Christmas... now you know what to ask for from your loved ones) that range all over the musical spectrum.

And it looks as though they will be slowing down the production schedule this coming year, but there are some doozy records coming:

Coming sometime this upcoming spring (2012)

SUTEKH HEXEN "LARVAE" LP/CD

YES!!!! SUTEKH HEXEN



PANOPTICON "KENTUCKY" LP

Following on the heels of Social Disservices



BLOOD OF THE BLACK OWL "LIGHT THE FIRES!" LP/CD

YES!!! the new full length finally.



CIRCLE OF OUROBORUS "ELEVEN FINGERS" CD

The CD press of the lauded LP out recently on Handmade Birds.

LOOKING AHEAD:

NEW full lengths from Locrian with Christoph Heemann, Utarm, lovesliescrushing, Our Love Will Destroy The World, Jason Zeh, and vinyl issues of The Autumns classic "Angel Pool" and the Celestiial masterwork "Where Life Springs Eternal"

Love Demian Johnson's work (Great Falls, PLaying Enemy, Hemingway, the almighty Kiss It Goodbye, to name a few), grab this (artwork above) while you can because his releases never last long.

You may know him as the artist that did the cover for many of your favorite albums and/or tour posters. Or maybe you are a long time patron of the Dead Accents label, where Demian continues to remain king of innovative packaging ideas. Or maybe you have caught wind via his Handmade Birds artist page that he has a slew of solo releases under his belt, most of which are long sold out. Or maybe you just know him as an artist (visit demianjohnston.com to check out his current prints for sale) Whatever you may or may not know about Demian, there are only 77 copies of this new solowork, "If They Even Find Me", and the one thing we know is they won't last. Solid packaging design that includes a cassette booklet full of orginal art by Demian, and his best music to date, without question.

Edition: 77; The first 17 copies are black ink on white shell, and the other 60 are white ink on black shell.

Order here



























This is a new act, sounds are just below for you to check out.

Formed in 2000 as Kafka Dreams, the trio quickly began a sister project to KD under the Dreamless moniker. A blistering wall of sound envelopes infectious melody akin to no less than the absolute best moments of classic HUM, which are then buried within an incredibly dense sonic wall too delicious to describe (yes, delicious). We cannot get enough of this record, a classic in every way from the album title to the complexity of texture and quality, this is one gem you should not be afraid to sample on the band's page before grabbing a copy (stream the entire album at dreamless666.bandcamp.com).

First 100 pre-orders will get a complimentary copy of the Kafka Dreams "Threnodic" CD.

Order here





























Personally interested in this record following my being drawn in with his split with Celestiial (another band that Handmade Birds introduced me to in the first place) Blood of the Black Owl comes with this single track on a split.

Since 2005, collaborators Chet W. Scott and James Woodhead have fashioned incredibly moving and innovative music as The Elemental Chrysalis. During this time, each has made his mark exploring a deeply personal journey as solo artist- Chet as Blood of the Black Owl, and James as At the Head of the Woods. With both projects creating incredible snapshots into their respective journies, here, on a split crafted over a long period, and arriving at the cusp of new full length material from both, the presence of these long time pioneers could not be felt in a more rich and inspiring way. This is a limited release, featuring art by James Woodhead and design by Chet W. Scott.
SIDE A: AT THE HEAD OF THE WOODS "HERE I STAND" 24:12
SIDE B: BLOOD OF THE BLACK OWL "VISIONS OF STRIX NEBULOSA" 25:19

Edition: 500 copies total, first run of 300.

Order here




























TRVTH was one of those special albums this year. Don't miss out on the follow up.

Summer Solstice, 2011, Servile Sect released the "Trvth" LP, to tremendous critical acclaim, and it sold out rapidly. Winter Solstice, 2011, they return with a companion to the "Trvth" LP. "Svrrender" is the most exciting material yet from SS, and dare we say it...our favorite. If you are still hunting for a copy of "Trvth," don't miss this one.

Edition: 250 copies; art by Demian Johnston.

Order here

Servile Sect founding members Luke (aka Sadness Saturn) and Nhate (aka Golden Raven, also of Ash Borer fame), come together with their respective solo projects to offer this split cassette.

Edition: 100, Art and design by Jon Clue and Jeremy Dyer . When they're gone, they're gone...

Order here

Handmade Birds Latest Batch Vol. I

Something new from White Ring

While musically, White Ring is far removed from being anything close to a rock band, the intention to have an original spirit and push things forward- much like Neil Young and Kurt Cobain- is very much present. This is light + beauty. This is White Ring arranging and recording their very first cover song- a crushing rendition of Neil Young's "Hey Hey, My My". Backing this is the song most requested at live shows, "Felt U", which, despite being their most popular track, has never been officially released on an album.

Edition: 180 gram, 45 rpm, this is the second installment in our ultra limited White Label Series. One of the loudest piece of vinyl you could slam on the deck. Unmarked white labels, white dust sleeves, black jackets with image of a shrine to Cobain created by K. Malia herself.

Order here

Handmade Birds Latest Batch Vol. II

This is the latest from Preterite called Pillar Of Winds

Collaboration between Genevieve Beaulieu (Menace Ruine) and experimental pioneer James Hamilton (Column, Nebris, Dystonia EK) has resulted in this absolutely breathtaking masterwork. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Edition: 500 copies in Stoughton old-style tip-on mini gatefold including large fold out insert.

Order here

Handmade Birds Latest Batch Vol. III

This is the latest release from Aeltor aptly entitled, III

Solo project of Blake Green, one-half of dark sound shifters Wolvserpent. A brilliant record in both its song driven and ambient facets. Split release with Eternal Warfare.

Edition: 300 copies (100 white, 200 black), 180 gram,with insert. Art designed by Blake Green himself. Mastered by Mell Dettmer

Order here

Handmade Birds Round 66.6

...or it certainly seems that way as this prolific label with impeccable taste launched pre-orders for its three newest releases (and a recent one that I shamelessly forgot to mention here).





























First up is the incredibly large 4xCD package from Sun Devoured Earth:

Without a doubt, the bleakest collection of songs ever brought together in a single release. Seven albums on four discs: "Good Memories Are The Hardest To Keep," "I Wish I Would Never Wake Up," "All Things Come And Go But We Won't Break," "Untitled," "The Sunshine Always Fades," "Apathy And Hopelessness," and the brand new "Day After Day, Year After Year, When Will It End". Hours of music, each song capturing the true emotions of this obscure prodigy from Latvia.

Edition: 100 copies, SEVEN OFFICIAL RELEASES on FOUR DISCS. Each disc comes in its own sleeve, then stacked in a 5" reel box and hand numbered.

Intense... order here

Listen here:
































Next up is Crooked Necks... two options with this release.

The first full length, Alright Is Exactly What It Isn't, alone:

Following one of the strongest split releases in recent years- the 2010 CD split on Cocainacopia with like-minded genre smashers Circle Of Ouroborus, and six years after the band's inception, the long awaited first full length album from Crooked Necks is finally here.

Edition: 250 copies (100 deep purple and 150 classic black), with full color insert, art designed by Andy Krupinski, and mastered for vinyl by James Plotkin.

Order here.

Or the awesome package deal:

BONUS PACKAGE INCLUDES:

Crooked Necks "Alright Is Exactly What It Isn't"
Crooked Necks "Something Must Break" limited 12"
Hostage Pageant "Abuse Generator" CS (solo noise project from Shane of CN)

Personal tragedy lead to the band recording the most honest Joy Division covers we have ever heard. Absolutely true to the spirit of the originals while adding the perfect balance of Crooked Necks style, the EP is available on wax in honor of the release of their debut full length, six years in the making (more like, waiting). "Something Must Break" also marks the beginning of our White Label Series, as the EP is presented in a printless white label on black vinyl in a white dust sleeve and solid black single jacket. Songs include the Joy Division classics: Isolation, Day Of The Lords, Something Must Break, New Dawn Fades, The Eternal

Edition: This offer is limited, and is well worth it. All packages include the deep purple version of "Alright..."

Order that here

























The last preorder is the vinyl version of the latest album from The Human Quena Orchestra, A Natural History Of Failure which also has two options:

The record by itself (orderable here)

Originally released on CD by Utech Records in 2010, this is an absolutely essential, definitive moment for an artist that is a true manifestation of the current paradigm shift. Issued on vinyl for the first time by Handmade Birds, featuring new cover photo by Olli Kekäläinen and special packaging design by Keith Utech. Remastered for vinyl by Noah Brodsky.

Edition: 250 copies, LP, two colors available (150 classic black, 100 ox blood)

And the package deal here:

BONUS NOISE PACKAGE:

The Human Quena Orchestra "A Natural History Of Failure" LP
The Human Quena Orchestra "Means Without Ends" CD
The Rita "The Rack" CD
Hostage Pageant "Abuse Generator" CS
Swamp Horse "Winter Ghost" CS

Take advantage of this special offer, collecting some of the richest noise releases in recent years, in honor of the LP issue of The Human Quena Orchestra's landmark album "A Natural History Of Failure"

Edition: THIS PACKAGE IS ULTRA LIMITED, AND COMES WITH THE OXBLOOD RED VINYL OF "ANHOF"

Lastly, we have Eleven Fingers, the latest from Circle Of Ourborus

In a complete reinvention of what is comfortable, CoO produce a landmark album within their already prolific catalogue that ranges from moments of post-punk atonality, to subtle melody countered by calculated agression. ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL.

Edition: 500 copies, Black vinyl, gatefold reverse board jacket, two pockets, 12 panel booklet with silver and gold pantone detail, and hand-inked artwork by artist Alexander Brown, and mastered for vinyl by James Plotkin.

Order that here

New Circle Of Ouroborus LP from Handmade Birds

Handmade Birds continues to impress with their latest offering that is now available for Pre-Order from the label. Eleven Fingers is the latest from Circle Of Ouroborus.

In a complete reinvention of what is comfortable, CoO produce a landmark album within their already prolific catalogue that ranges from moments of post-punk atonality, to subtle melody countered by calculated agression. ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL.

Edition: 500 copies, Black vinyl, gatefold reverse board jacket, two pockets, 12 panel booklet with silver and gold pantone detail, and hand-inked artwork by artist Alexander Brown, and mastered for vinyl by James Plotkin.

Order here

Latest Handmade Birds Pre-Orders

Handmade Birds has two new limited releases available for pre-order now. The first is the latest from Ten Horned Beast, Ten Horned Moses Descended The Mountain.

The paradox at the heart of the shamanic/trance state - that the shaman travels without moving, that his spirit/will is sent out into the Now and that it travels outwards and inwards, up and down whilst s/he remains rooted.That paradox is evident here, in this three disc, three + hour opus and the product of multiple years under the steady direction of Chris Walton, aka TenHornedBeast, where the stillness and the movement of the pieces are tantamount. This is not drone in a traditional sense. Picture a monolithically slow Philip Glass composition, where the movements are so subtle you aren't aware of them until they have already happened. The passivity of such a piece requires all the more aggressive listening. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Edition: 3xCD, each disc encased in its own artwork and placed in its own plastic slip cover, held together by a custom band printed by authentic letterpress. Limited to 150 copies.

The second is the live album from Gates, They Hide In The Shadows.

Gates bring a refreshing sound to the dark landscape, documented here in this enormous live performance from The Music Gallery in Toronto, Canada on 11/3/11. Those of us that were not present to bear witness to this epic performance are still experiencing regret. Thankfully, the performance was archived here; a perfect segue into their forthcoming Handmade Birds full length due late 2011.

Edition: 40 copies!!! This is by far the most limited item we have ever pressed, and will sell out.

Hear some sounds from Gates:

Servile Sect Pre-Orders Are Live

Servile Sect is another band that I had previously not heard of until this release on Handmade Birds. This Pre-Order is for their latest album, TRVTH.

Servile Sect's last full length "Realms Of The Queen" was released on Thurston Moore's Ecstatic Peace label, and Handmade Birds is proud to release their next new full length, TRVTH.

The sound of Servile Sect is epic, and majestic, the guitars glistening sheets of sound, the surface of that sound peppered with bits of electronic shimmer, causing the long drawn out riffery to reflect and refract, tiny little sonic events occurring every second, the surface alive and constantly squirming and changing color, but viewed from afar, it's simply a blown out undulating buzz. Those guitars are digitized and processed, spread into thick smears of warm glowing whir, the riffs barely discernible beneath the constant roar of Servile Sect's sonic swirl The vocals add just more buzz to the mix, howling and wailing, but stretched into streaks of sonic violence, and drums, assuming there are any, are buried, festering beneath layer after layer of crushing guitar fuzz, emitting noxious rhythms that don't so much blast or pound as they do explode into tiny squalls of still more buzz. Occasionally, the buzz abates, leaving the guitar to sway lazily, the notes ringing out, the guitars lurking in the distance, but it's never long before the lilting melody is engulfed by a colossal buzzing roar, and the band locks into another extended psychfuzzblackdrone.

-Aquarius Records

Here is a treat. Click here to download the debut EP from Servile Sect for free to check them out.











Edition: 250 (125 classic black, 125 pink with mint green splatter), insert. Since 2006, everything Servile Sect has released is sold out, minus the few remaining copies of last year's "Realms Of The Queen", which we have secured and are offering to ALL preorders of "TRVTH". Preorders will get a free copy of the 2010 Servile Sect masterwork "Realms Of The Queen" CD along with their order.


And then Pre-Order TRVTH here

Der Blutharsch Pre-Orders Are Up Now

This retrospective in the Handmade Birds Dark Icon series looks to be one hell of a release. Prior to this, I had never heard of Der Blutharsch; and thankfully Handmade Birds is doing this otherwise, I would never have heard the strange and far out sounds from this outfit.

24 tracks spanning the first thirteen years of this innovative band, including material from nine full length albums curated especially for this release by R. Loren (Pyramids, Sailors With Wax Wings, White Moth), and mastered for vinyl by James Plotkin.Those new to the music of Der Blutharsch will find this collection essential, and existing fans will appreciate the cohesive retrospective that samples the best songs DB has constructed over their first thirteen years.

Edtion: 500, archived on 180 gram black vinyl. ALL inserts hand numbered, and the first 250 signed by Albin Julius himself. Original artwork (also by Julius) features black and red foil stamping on exterior.One time pressing, Handmade Birds Dark Icons Series. When they are gone, they are gone.

Pre-Order here


To hear some of these mutant sounds, head to Handmade Birds, click on the Dark Icons link and then Der Blutharsch.

Swans, Crass, Nick Cave, Dead Can Dance, Death In June; all of these iconic acts have displayed unprecedented innovation destroying genre barriers and pushing music forward. Within the fold of this tradition are unsung pioneers Der Blutharsch, whose music spans more than a decade and has evolved from being a raw, Earthy neofolk controversy to a rich, psychedelic, sonic revolution. Handmade Birds will be issuing a one time, limited pressing of a Der Blutharsch retrospective, sampling an average of three tracks from each record between 1997 and 2010.

From the liner notes:

"There is a delicate balance that few seem to own- the dialogue of timbres, choice of instrumentation, layering of textures- the manipulation of sound that, at its lowest point can still sway emotion, and at its highest point leads to a rethinking of traditional song structure. Der Blutharsch embodies sonic innovation. If one looks at the songs on this retrospective as mathematical equations, and peels back each layer of the musical text, what can be found is a thoughtful scaffold constructed with the care of a watchmaker’s hands. Free of presuppositions, controversy, and pretension, these songs stand erect as pillars of sonic strands pioneered by a brilliant, albeit unorthodox, musical mind, Albin Sunlight Julius, whose prolific history of genre defying masterworks has had an enormous impact on countless musicians who are all still humbly seeking that delicate balance- something that Julius both owns and continues to refine. Please enjoy playing witness to the progression of this important band, the first fifteen years of which are documented on these two records."
-R. Loren (Pyramids, Sailors With Wax Wings, White Moth)

Swamp Horse Pre-Orders Are Live

Swamp Horse join the Handmade Birds roster with this cassette as their first release. Winter Ghost is sure to be a further exploration of the harsh noise and experimentation that the these two gentlemen are known for in their circles.

Josh Lay has been a staple in the Kentucky-and-all-noise-blackened for years. Swamp Horse sees him at his most versatile, exploring textures alongside collaborator Morgan Rankin that embody the dichotomy of beauty and that which might truly terrify.

Edition: 100 (20 solid green, 80 smokey clear) with artwork designed by Josh Lay.

Go to Handmade Birds, click on the Cassette Series, and then Swamp Horse to hear some of the sounds that this tape will be cranking out. Order Here

Hostage Pageant Pre-Orders

This Hostage Pageant cassette, (Abuse Generator) is one of four new pre-orders that just went live over at Handmade Birds.


From the Label:

Shane of Crooked Necks is also a full time noise machine, aka Hostage Pageant. Those that have fallen victim to thoughtless noise music, should rediscover the genre through this release- a barrage of sonic density that, despite countless listens, only fosters an increased interest.

Edition: 100 (20 solid red, 80 smokey clear), CS-40 with artwork by Joe Beres.

For a taste of Hostage Pageant here is their split with Deceiver to check out (this is also a free download).




Order Abuse Generator Here.

Label Spotlight I: Handmade Birds

R. Loren (of Pyramids, Sailors With Wax Wings, White Moth, etc) has started up Handmade Birds, a label dealing in smaller but amazing records, and seriously, his lineup for records is already quite awesome, some of which are already sold out through the label's online store (but may be available at record stores and what not).

Currently up for pre-order is the vinyl issue of Desolate North from Atmospheric Doom greats, Celestiial. A haunting record that has been screaming for a vinyl release for sometime that now has one coming. Get it here.

While you are there, look for releases by Key, Evan Camaniti (of Barn Owl fame), His Name Is Alive, The Rita, and the upcoming pre-orders.

This sounds like the label will be extremely meticulous about their releases so try to get in on the ground floor now before the early releases are impossible to find.