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At the moment, Chicago’s in the news for all the wrong reasons, so here’s a right one. Thrive and Decay is a split 7″ between two young, potent bands. Chicago’s Black September harkens back to the crust punk/death metal of old Bolt Thrower and the rough majesty of old Amon Amarth. Yes, that’s a lady on vocals, and she’s as leather-lunged as they come. “Under the Rising” journeys up and down rugged terrain, culminating in a mammoth, doomy denouement.
Black September – Under the Rising (excerpt)Thou – Smoke Pigs (excerpt)
Baton Rouge’s Thou, whose Peasant I reviewed here, contributes the meanest track I’ve heard in a while. The drums are big, cruel body blows. Guitars grumble acridly below sandpaper-grade howls. In keeping with the band’s lyrical acumen, “Smoke Pigs” (as in verb-object) examines police brutality from two sides – the “Fool” and the “Sage.” Reading the lyrics is necessary to grasp the dual voice, but they, as well as Thou’s trademark woodcut artwork, come with the 7″. So does a free CD of its MP3’s. Small vinyl, huge impact.
Buy:
Black September
Here’s some reasons why Doom Metal is kind of getting big in Chicago:
-Chicago has the highest sales tax in the entire country at 10.25%.
-Chicago has harsh winters every year.
-Chicago has probably the most corrupt city goverment in the entire country.
-Chicago is constantly getting gentrified. Neighborhoods like Logan Square and Wicker Park, where they used to be artist friendly scumholes, now have some of the highest rents in the city.
-Trouble is from Chicago. And also after Katrina hit New Orleans, some members of St. Vitus sought refuge here.
I could probably think up more, buuuut that would make it too long.
By the way, I saw Black September at Clitfest (it’s this all girl Metal/Punk fest I guess) last September with Witch Hunt. They threw an awesomely heavy set.
Local knowledge is the best knowledge – thanks for the 411, bacon.