Metal Storm logo
Clandestine Cuts Vol. 6 Issue #1 - Awesome New Demos and EPs


Written by: Nefarious, D.T. Metal, Abattoir, Susan
Published: 01.06.2016


Clandestine Cuts Volume 6, Issue #1
The Metal Storm Demo/EP Spotlight

Brand New Independent Metal Lives Here.
Welcome to the Clandestine Cuts!


Is independent, unsigned, and underground metal what you seek? Weary traveller of the metal world, rest here a while. Clandestine Cuts are the best demos and EPs from these bands, the heart and soul of metal music. These musicians are slaves to their passions, and their blood keeps the metal machine alive and turning. Support them with a simple listen, and discover the future.

Metal Storm users: you can vote in the poll below to choose your favourite demo/EP of the issue. The winners each year are nominated in our annual Metal Storm Awards so exercise your rights: this is the one category chosen completely by YOU the readers. Make sure your favourite independent metal is recognized each year!

(Think your band has what it takes to be featured in the Cuts? Email demos@metalstorm.net to submit your music.)

In case you're new at this, go back and enjoy our last few issues:
Clandestine Cuts Vol. 5 #4
Clandestine Cuts Vol. 5 #3
Clandestine Cuts Vol. 5 #2




And now to the new music...




Iotunn - The Wizard Falls
Listen at Bandcamp

"Iotunn plays a form of totality metal." The band's own decryption of their musical style just about sums up the what you will hear on The Wizard Falls. While the band is definitely on the progressive side of the spectrum, they are also staunch believers in great riffs and solos. Clocking in at just over 25 minutes, this 5-song EP does a superb job of showcasing each individual style of their "totality metal". From upbeat Katatonia meets a restrained Symphony X all the way to the more traditional power metal sound infused with some great thrash and even black metal riffs. The productions of The Wizard Falls is nothing but flawless and I foresee them going places with this release.

by D.T. Metal





Ghost Witch - Demo
Listen at Bandcamp

Combining elements of stoner & traditional/occult doom, this two track demo EP by California's Ghost Witch may be short but boy is it sweet. Despite clocking in at little over 10 minutes, this demo really packs a punch as the ethereal vocals & fantastic rhythm section combine majestically to form 10 minutes of stoner doomy goodness. There is a strong Pallbearer & Windhand vibe going on here, yet despite the obvious influences they manage to maintain a sound that is distinctly their own.

by Nefarious





Corinth - Corinth
Listen at Bandcamp

Corinth are the representatives of a "middle-raw baked" sludge metal with stoner and psychedelic metal vibes on a side. Their self-titled EP contains three characteristically not that heavy, yet very moody tracks. First track is very dynamic and diverse, alternating combination of fast tempo-mid tempo. The other two are significantly slower, without any major tempo changes, and with more sludge-psychedelic driven, pounding approach. Guitar riffs here are much more down-tuned and have particular raw sound, especially in the last song. So, take 20 minutes and sink into this interesting piece of work.

by Abattoir





The Doomsday Kingdom - Never Machine Demo EP
Listen at Bandcamp

Before even hearing a note, many doom aficionados will have their interest immediately piqued to know that The Doomsday Kingdom is the solo project & brainchild of Candlemass founder Leif Edling, who has decided to release this low-key demo without any label backing. Featuring four tracks of classic mid-temp doom, this 26 minute EP is a solid & memorable effort that starts strong right from the first note, maintaining its quality throughout & capping off a with a hauntingly beautiful ballad to close out the EP. Hopefully it will not be long until we get to hear a full release, as 26 minutes is just too damn short.

by Nefarious





Celestial Ruin - Pandora
Listen at Official Website

Heavy metal and heavy rock come together with symphonic elements to create Vancouver, Canada's next awesome power combo. These five addictive songs of simultaneously vibrant and dark-as-night heavy music have impressed the hell out of me; if melodic metal is your cup of tea, they'll likely please you, too. After this delightful EP, I'll be interested to see where Celestial Ruin leads us. The band's visual aesthetic (album cover, website, etc.) looks almost cliche gothic, so I expected a bit of fluff in this music, and for it to be much heavier on the symphonic elements than it is. However, BIG however, once the music plays you hear excellent straightforward metal with powerful drumming and strong rock vocals. I can't wait for more; whichever path they choose to follow, it will kick ass.

by Susan





The Colossal Dream - The Colossal Dream
Listen at Bandcamp

All of your favorite -core genres threw a party, had a giant orgy, and this is the bastard spawn. And I really mean your FAVORITE parts of all things -core. Because this rocks in each and every direction. Like it heavy, crunchy, grindy? Step right up. Like it melodic and smooth? You'll also fit right in. How do they make all these seemingly disparate elements get along so well, well enough for baby-making? I have no fucking clue.

by Susan







Poll

What's your favorite new release this issue?

Login or register to vote. Results are hidden




Comments

Comments: 6   Visited by: 118 users
01.06.2016 - 19:14
Susan
Smeghead
Wow. Corinth is BRILLIANT! Great find. It's between them, Celestial Ruin, and Colossal Dream for me.

Ghost Witch was very nice; honorable mention.

Great issue, everyone!!
----
"A life all mine
Is what I choose
At the end of my days"
--The Gathering "A Life All Mine" from Souvenirs
Loading...
02.06.2016 - 00:51
Bad English
Tage Westerlund
About German person revive, I really did not like artwork, but music was awesome

Something about spiritual beings demo, well good one, but somehow not good enough

Slovenia - I did not like

Tennessee well old days --- 1th one was awesome indeed, I like it , well singer looks good, but I did listen all and well this time my vote goes for fellow country man what is a bit old ... Swedish metal legends solo album

Maybe bands was not best and its long way but we have not had so good cuts long time and well maybe ppl say I am elitist I think I know what I will vote in MSA 2016 ... I doubt there be better something about Eriksson boat rider
----
Life is to short for LOVE, there is many great things to do online !!!

Stormtroopers of Death - ''Speak English or Die''
apos;'
[image]
I better die, because I never will learn speek english, so I choose dieing
Loading...
23.06.2016 - 01:09
The Evergreen

All stuff, no fluff! Great job!
Celestial Ruin was good. I like the grittier vocals.
Iotunn was EPIC! They shall be receiving some money from me.
Corinth: Awesome, but not my thing.
Colossal Dream: If I was ever going to be a core fan, this is the band that would make do it.
Doomsday Kingdom: everything I expected from Lief Edling.
Ghost Witch: I could get into it. The vocals are outstanding. This was probably my runner up, contested by Celestial Ruin.
In the end, I choose Iotunn if that was not clear.
Loading...
23.06.2016 - 18:38
Sircheesewhistle

I think i'll be keeping an eye on Celestial Ruin from now on haha!.
Loading...
31.07.2016 - 13:09
NocturnalStalker
Metal Addict
A great issue for such a doom metal maniac as myself.
Aside from Celestial Ruin that sounded too much like Within Temptation to me, and The Colossal Dream that I couldn't really get into, the choice was a very hard one. As a big fan of Leif Edling's music I was inclined to vote for Doomsday Kingdom, but, in the end, I gave my vote to Iotunn just because they do a kind of music nobody else does.
Thanks for the authors. My Bandcamp collection have just become bigger by four records.
----
"And we are not who we think we are
We are who we're afraid to be"
- Lux Occulta "The Opening of Eleventh Sephirah"
Loading...
12.10.2016 - 21:32
X-Ray Rod
Skandino
I quite enjoyed Corinth but this time there wasn't a lot to like imo. Great effort though.
----
Written by BloodTears on 19.08.2011 at 18:29
Like you could kiss my ass
Written by Milena on 20.06.2012 at 10:49
Rod, let me love you.
Loading...

Hits total: 6100 | This month: 22