Written by:	Nefarious, X-Ray Rod
Published:	March 25, 2017

Clandestine Cuts Volume 7, Issue #1
The Metal Storm Demo/EP Spotlight



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. 6 #5
Clandestine Cuts Vol. 6 #4
Clandestine Cuts Vol. 6 #3



And now to the new music...

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Yugen - Stillness Disturbed Listen at Bandcamp Comprising of 4 tracks & clocking in at under 14 minutes, Stillness Disturbed is the short yet incredibly promising debut EP from Australia's Progressive / Technical Death Metaler's Yugen. Although not technically an instrumental EP as there are vocals, they are very minimalist & are in the form of groans/chants that stay in the background helping to create a rich atmosphere & allowing the brilliant musicianship to really shine through as the fantastic rhythmic guitars & technical bass lines steal the show. The talent showcased on Stillness Disturbed's short run-time really whets the appetite & gets you hungry for more. So if this is an appetizer of what's to come, let's hope we don't have to wait too long for the main course. by Nefarious

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Crackhouse - Crackhouse Listen at Bandcamp Featuring two tracks spread over a 17 and a half minutes runtime, this self-titled debut EP from French duo Crackhouse is a fantastically heavy yet groovy ride into the world of unadulterated sludgy stoner doom goodness that ticks all the right boxes & leaves you wanting more. If you're looking for something addictive to give you a short but intense high, then this is the Crackhouse you need to visit. by Nefarious

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Easy Death - Nothing Grows Here But Stone and Marrow Listen at Bandcamp California's Easy Death play a mix of riff-driven Stoner metal & old school doom with a hint of sludge enveloped with a 90's grunge vibe. Although a little rough around the edges, that actually adds to Nothing Grows Here But Stone and Marrow's charm as the reverb heavy vocals, bluesy riffs & unpolished production blend together perfectly to create a grimy yet intoxicating atmosphere that makes the entire 24 minute runtime a compelling & enjoyable listening experience from start to finish. by Nefarious

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Scars Divide - Sons of Terminator Listen at Bandcamp As a follow-up to their self-titled debut EP released in 2014, Sons of Terminator is the sophomore independently released EP from Switzerland's Scars Divide. Combining elements of progressive death metal, metalcore & a hint of Swedish melodeath, this 2 track 14 minute EP is a short yet enjoyable roller coaster ride of energy, melody & aggression that should appeal to any fan of the aforementioned genres. by Nefarious

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Obsolith - Obsolith EP Listen at Bandcamp Featuring 4 tracks of up-tempo stoner/alternative metal with an infectious groove, there's just something inherently fun about Obsolith's self-titled debut EP. Although not breaking new ground in originality, especially during the third track New Tongue which branches away from the stoner vibe of the other songs into a form of alternative/rap metal that wouldn't feel out of place on a Rage Against The Machine record, the fantastic musicianship & Obsolith's inherent sense of rhythm & ability to conjure up riff after riff make this an EP that's worth your time. by Nefarious

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Green Fiend - Higher Than Heaven, Heavy as Hell Listen at Bandcamp At first glance, stoner metal and hardcore seem like an odd combo. How is it possible to chill while getting pumped with energy? Green Fiend apparently found the way and the results are not only original but also rewarding! The riffs are chunky and bassy, grooving their way throughout the whole EP. The slow and hard-hitting moments are perfectly balanced with sharp, fast-paced hardcore frenzy with aggressive vocals to go with. Green Fiend is the perfect break in between joints. by Mr. Doctor

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