BAZ Underground Updates – IV
Here we are for the fourth instalment of Underground Updates with our writers Julia Katrin and Tom Boatman searching out the latest special offers and general metal things worth having a look at (and listen to) during these strange times. Check out part I, part II, part III to see some of the promotions that are still running. This week there’s quite a mix to get your metal blood pumping.
Let’s see what’s out there…
Label: Southern Lord Records
Founded in 1998 by by the industrious Greg Anderson and Stephen O’Malley (the men behind Sunn O))) as well as a few other killer bands) Southern Lord Records has been home to quite the treasure trove of cult bands like Electric Wizard, Unsane, Sleep (and of course Sunn O))) themselves). Now the label has announced a Spring Sale of up to 40% off, including over 160 releases from their extensive catalogue (on both CD and Vinyl) as well as some merch too. The label has two stores and you can check out the North American offers here, or go to the European store here. Be warned, many a temptation this way lies.
Band: Today is the Day
Formed in 1992 in Nashville, Today is the Day has undergone many a lineup change, but through it all, frontman Steve Austin have managed to deliver 11 studio albums and counting. Their latest album “No Good To Anyone” came out earlier this year. You can read our review here. Six years ago, the 10th album Animal Mother was released via Southern Lord and it is safe to say that the 15 track long album has a strong story behind it as the material was inspired by the declining health of Austin’s mother. Available stock includes orange vinyl in the European store.
Band: Sunn O)))
If you are a fan of experimental metal, and have discovered Sunn O))) then your next step should be to head over to Southern Lord´s web page and check out the list of all sorts of diverse items they have on spring sale from the group. Formed in 1998, all nine studio albums from the band are available from Southern Lord with the majority of them on spring sale. Don’t forget to also check out the countless shirts and hoodies available, as this is the true candy land for the fan.
Band: Nails
Hardcore grind band Nails may not have as many years behind them as the previously mentioned groups, however it didn’t take them long from formation in 2009 to the release of their first full length album “Unsilent Death” in 2010, and in 2012 the EP “Obscene Humanity” was out via Southern Lord. One year later “Abandon All Life” saw the light of day which received extremely positive reactions. All three, along with some pretty nice looking shirts are available now in the spring sale from Southern Lord, and surely there is no better timing to secure the summer outfits than now, right?
Band: Jesus Piece
The hardcore punks of Jesus Piece are one of the younger groups on this list. Signing with Southern Lord in 2018 and releasing their debut album “Only Self” the very same year, the album was hailed for its punishing and heavy sound. While we still wait with high hopes for any upcoming material from this group, we can use the time to head over to Southern Lord´s web page and check out the debut album Only Self now on spring sale and keep an eye on the album related shirt and hoodie.
Band: Wolves in the Throne Room
18 years ago Wolves in the Throne Room began their beautiful atmospheric black metal journey which includes six full length albums along with live albums, EPs and demos galore. The 2007 “Two Hunters”, 2009 “Black Cascade” and 2011 “Celestial Lineage” are now available from Southern Lord during their spring sale along with related clothing merchandise, however, keep in mind that some items appear to be low in stock so be quick, or risk missing out!
Band(s): Thou & The Body
Louisiana’s shapeshifting sludge metalers Thou and bleak, experimental metal head-fuckers The Body have just released a digital version of their collaborative set from Roadburn 2018 “Everyday, Things Are Getting Worse”. All proceeds are going to Electric Girls, a program setup to “develop leadership skills in young girls through their learning of electronics and computer programming skills”. Read more on the Electric Girls website. And get a copy of the album here.
Bravado, We’ve Got You Covered
Bravado (merchandise company for Universal Music Group) have launched a range of re-usable, washable, cloth face masks, with all proceeds supporting the music community through various charities worldwide. Designs include Black Sabbath, Pantera and Slipknot. See the full range here and read more on the mission statement and about the charities included here.
YouTube: Does It Doom?
If you like doom, stoner and sludge metal and especially if you’re a guitar player, Does It Doom? Is a cool YouTube channel run by a guy named Steve Rais. As well including guitar tutorials and live streams, the channel features exclusive, new interviews with people like Jimmy Bower (EyeHateGod, Down, Crowbar), Sammy Duet (Acid Bath, Goatwhore), Bobby Liebling (Pentagram) and most recently Kirk Windstein (Crowbar, Down). Check them out here.
And speaking of Kirk Windstein; for only $40 p/h you can attend 1-to-1 online guitar lessons, learning Crowbar, Down and Kingdom of Sorrow tunes! Head over to Windstein´s Facebook page and PM him if the offer appeals to you. From what we hear, the lessons are worth five times the price!
As you can see, another jam-packed week is up ahead and plenty to choose from. So take time to care of yourself and your desires, just as long as they don’t include injecting yourself with disinfectant!
By Julia Katrin & Tom Boatman
**Please support the underground! It’s vital to the future of our genre.
#WeAreBlessedAltarZine
#TheZineSupportingTheUnderground
