BAZ Underground Updates XXXVIII

It really feels as if we keep saying that with every day, we draw closer to the holidays, however, the holidays don’t seem to draw any closer, and neither does it appear as if this hell of a year is going to take an end. But as always before, our writers Julia Katrin and Tom Boatman are here to make the illusion of time going faster as they bring you information of upcoming events, live streams and of course, fabulous merchandise and music.

So, let’s see what’s out there…

Band: Spelljammer

Sweden’s Spelljammer deal in the kind of tripped out, hard-rockin Stoner/Doom Rock/Metal that sounds like a fitting branch along the family tree 90s desert titans Kyuss. Riding Easy Records have just announced the release of the band’s latest album “Abyssal Trip” on February 26th. There are about half a dozen varieties of vinyl you can pre-order (as well as CD and digital) at least one is already sold out, so best not hang about too long. Pre-order here and you can also check out new pressings from the band’s back catalogue here.

Band: Astral Tomb

GUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGHHHHHHHH! Having already featured on the excellent “Chasm of Aeons” split release earlier this year, Astral Tomb are again being released on Sweden’s Blood Harvest label. “Degradation of Human Consciousness” is just a three track EP, but this limited cassette (or digital) release is well worth checking out if you like savagely rough and lumbering Death Metal that sounds like an ancient, malevolent beast just woke up from a 1000 year slumber and is now on the prowl for some fresh entrails to gobble up. Snap up a copy here.

Band: Novae Militiae

Sentient Ruin Laboratories continue with their dependable procession of releases that sound like they were sourced from a demonic abyss with “Topheth” by French satanic Black Metal terrorisers Novae Militiae. The release date is January 20th, but hey, what could be more appropriate as a late Christmas present for yourself (or a loved one) than pre-ordering a copy on cassette or double vinyl? This is about as far from “jingle bells” as you’re likely to get, so if that’s the tonic you’re after, step this way. Copies are available here.

Band: Wheelfall

Ok, so we (alright I, Tom) have really been going hard on the Wheelfall promotion this month, but that’s just how it is. Aside from repeating that there’s no excuse not to check out their excellent latest album, the Industrial/Sludge Metal “A Spectre that’s Haunting the World”, the band have also made all of their catalogue name your price on digital for two weeks, up till January 4th. (you can even download for free: just be decent enough to leave them a good review on bandcamp). Looking for a recommendation? Grab a download of “Glasrew Point”, it’s an absolute beast of an album. Go to the band’s bandcamp page, peruse their catalogue, check out all the merch and download away to your heart’s content.

With Christmas happening just this week, it does not appear that too many live streams will be going on. Assuming that most artists just like us fans want to spend the holidays with their families, we will respect that and look even more forward to what will come our ways next week. We here at BAZ would like to take this opportunity to wish you all happy holidays, and remind you to take it easy and of course, stay safe!

By Julia Katrin and Tom Boatman

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