Devastating News

Update 16/09/09

2009-09-16T16:37:00.001-07:00

Fall of Efrafa - Inlé CD

The long awaited final chapter in The Warren of Snares trilogy is now released on CD and up for pre-order NOW. Fall of Efrafa conclude their mythological tale based on Watership Down with a crushing and beautiful 80 minute opus; for fans of Neurosis, Envy, Buried Inside and GSY!BE. Thanks to all who have ordered the 2xLP. All the colour copies (Clear+Black Haze, Clear & Brown) have SOLD OUT. We still have plenty of black copies left which look and sound amazing. We couldn't be happier how this turned out.

Now is the time to buy the CD and complete your set. Another reason being that the CD features an extra track entitled 'The Burial' that couldn't be fitted onto the vinyl version due to time contraints. According to the band the track is an integral part of the album and trilogy overall. 4-panel digipak with 8-page booklet, that will fit perfectly alongside the previous albums on CD.

Year of No Light / Karysun - Split 7"

We are delighted to announce that we have teamed up with two amazing French bands for a rocking 7". If you're unfamiliar with Year of No Light by now then, frankly, you must have been living on the moon. Kind of The Cure jamming with My Bloody Valentine, if they'd grown up on Neurosis. Their excellent debut album 'Nord' was greeted with critical applause and was in most people's Top Albums of 2006, released by Radar Swarm in Europe and the ever awesome Crucial Blast in the USA. Well, after line-up changes, lots of time writing and in the studio, this is the first track to surface from the band since the album's release.

The other side is occupied by ex-Amanda Woodward stoners Karysun, who previously released the debut album 'Interceptor' on Sound Devastation in the UK (which is still available from the webstore). Finishing off this release is iconic artwork from Ryan Patterson (Coliseum, Young Widows, Lords). We have a tiny amount of limited colour copies, all others are on black. You can pre-order this NOW.

It's A Lunken - It's A Lunken CD

This amazing debut album from the UK's finest new doom/noise act is sure to set both scene's alight. Twelve tracks, with a monster 17 minute epic, this is sure to test listener's ears, musical open mindedness, and endurance. We have been literally foaming at the mouth to get this beauty out, but alas, when one is so pumped for a release it seems that the fates decide to intervene. Luckily, we now have this beast back on track with the manufacturers, and should have it in our hands soon. It's been up for pre-order for a long time, but if you haven't bagged it yet, then do so ASAP!

Each copy of the album comes with an individual photographic slide. These range from amazing pictures of the moon, to epic shots of waterfalls, to 'what the hell is that?!'. We may boast, but it's a really great touch to the record and something that makes each copy of the CD unique - which is unusual to find with that format these days. On top of all this - and we literally have forgotten to mention it at all up until now, due to all the excitement in the office - is that the CD is 'enhanced' which means that not only will you be lucky listeners, but also lucky viewers. The CD will feature a mind-fuck music video for lead track of the album 'Mk2'.

Actress / Celestine - Split 7"

This split, which is now being jokingly (but affectionately, understand) dubbed the Chinese Democracy of all 7"s between the bands and the label, is finally coming to its release. Actress are from Germany, and deliver two songs. Grindy hardcore taking cues from Converge, Botch and Orchid! but having a distinct European sound. On the other side of wax we have Celestine from Iceland, who deliver one track. Don't expect any Sigur Ros here though - they take more cues from Cult of Luna, The Psyke Project and so on.

Pressed on heavyweight 7", this will come packaged in a specially printed cover. We have the covers already and the look superb. As previously stated, we have been putting together this release for some time now, so we are dancing about, waiting to finally put this out to the masses. The bands recently toured together across Europe, so if you went and liked what you saw, then this little 7" will hopefully remind you of how awesome these two bands are. Pre-Orders for this will go live September 29th.

Blackstorm - Blackstorm 7"

Yes, another 7", and yes, another 7" we're really excited about. Featuring ex-members of Fall of Efrafa, and with vocalist extrordinare Karl Middleton (earthtone9, The Blueprint, :TwinZero) this is a mind blowing release. It is a vinyl version of the band's late 2008 self-titled demo. It features one track either side: 'Weakened By Division' and 'Closing In' which we are sure will become classics for the band. With a feature already in Rock Sound and a forthcoming feature in Metal Hammer (as well as an appearance on the covermount CD), we're predicting big things for this band.

The 7" will be on heavyweight vinyl, and come in packaging similar to the aforementioned Actress / Celestine split. Previews of the artwork look great, and we should be getting the materials together for this little gem very soon. The official release date for this is 9th November, and Blackstorm will be celebrating this with a gig in Brighton (more details to be announced). Pre-Orders for this will be up on the Sound Devastation webstore two weeks before the release.

Out of Office

The Sound Devastation office will be empty from the evening of the 18th to the afternoon of the 28th this month. This unfortunately means that no orders or wholesales will be sent out and no emails will be responded to. We will get back to you and send orders out ASAP on our return.

Fall Of Efrafa's 'Inlé' 2xLP, It's A Lunken CD up for pre-order AND a special CD offer!!

2009-07-17T12:06:00.000-07:00

New additions to the Sound Devastation webstore!
http://sounddevastation.co.uk/shop.htm

Fall Of Efrafa - 'Inlé' 2xLP:
£17/€24/$35 (inc.p&p)

The long awaited final chapter of "The Warren of Snares" trilogy, Fall Of Efrafa conclude their mythological tale of an uprising against an oppresive regime, based upon an interpretation of the classic novel "Watership Down" by Richard Adams.

'Inlé' is crushing yet beautiful; ambient and atmospheric heavy post-hardcore, bringing to mind the likes of Neurosis, Buried Inside, Envy, Earth and Godspeed You! Black Emperor.

2xLP in deluxe gatefold packaging.
200 on Clear, 200 on Clear+Black Haze, 200 on Brown, 1400 on Black.

It's A Lunken - 'It's A Lunken' CD:
£10/€13/$15 (inc.p&p)

The eponymous début album from this amazing new UK act. Twelve tracks of caustic noise meets suicidally doomed out guitars and harsh desolate atmospheres. The soundtrack to a cursed horror movie... or something like that.

A nasty, vicious release. Think Khanate gone even more wrong. One of the heaviest things coming out in 2009. Six page fold out booklet in a jewel case. Each copy of the CD comes with an individually unique photographic slide!

___________________________________________________

SPECIAL OFFER:

At the moment we have a very limited offer on in the shop on Sound Devastation releases. We don't mind saying that it's quite a deal.
It features a slew of some of our great releases. Go check it out. It could mean you get some of our releases for as little as £2.50. Bargain!

3 x CD = £10/€12/$15
5 x CD = £12/€14/$20

Postage & packaging fixed @ £2/€4/$10.

This deal will cease to be on August 31st, so start choosing your CDs now!

Exchange Rates!

2008-12-19T04:33:00.000-08:00

So we've just realized (we're a little slow), that after this current shitstorm of an economic crisis and the ramifications thereof, that the hugely changed exchange rates have made our webstore prices a little out of date.

It's a little too late in the day to be working now, so close to Xmas, so we will be editing them in the New Year. Hopefully this may coincide with a new store, but it's taking rather longer than expected, so it may be a bit of a quick edit of the current one.

Also, please note that the dates for Xmas post have been and, more importantly, GONE. Please do not email us asking "Where the hell is my package?! I bought it as a Christmas present... You totally ruined Christmas!! We all just sat about in our ruined shack and cried until it got so cold that our tears froze...", etc.

SD Records is closed for the holidays from tomorrow at noon until Monday 5th January. All outstanding orders will be sent out on this day. So you can expect your order to arrive from then onwards, factoring in delivery times depending on where you are in the world.

Christmas Post

2008-12-16T04:53:00.001-08:00

UK customers - Last post date that we will be sending out and can 'guarantee' (as far as one can in this festive period) your order getting to you before Xmas is Thursday 18th.

European customers - Last post date for you is today, Tuesday 16th.

Rest of World customers - I'm afraid that from today we can no longer guarantee that you will receive your post for Christmas.

To buy: SD Shop!

Happy holidays from SD.

Email Problems & General Confusion

2008-12-16T04:52:00.000-08:00

Hey all,

It's been brought to our attention that when trying to email us some people have been receiving a reply that amounts to something along these lines;

"Message failed to deliver and returned. Reason: recepient's inbox is full."

This is not correct. Our inbox is not full, and we are still receiving emails from about 80% of you as far as we can gather.

We have no idea why this is happening, but we are currently trying to resolve the matter. Please check your own email provider, but it does seem to be something going awry on our side. As far as we can tell this isn't limited to one provider (e.g. gmail or yahoo).

If you have been trying to email us and have received this automated response, then please message us here on myspace and we will get back to you ASAP. If you have emailed us recently and not had a reply in a long time, but without the automatic response, it has probably not got through either, so please message us here too.

Please DO NOT keep resending the same email.

Thank you to those that alerted us to this fault, and apologies to all concerned.

Calling all promoters!

2008-12-16T04:46:00.002-08:00

Ehnahre are going to tour the UK & Europe in April 09, in support of the critically lauded The Man Closing Up, their debut album. Plane tickets have been booked, VISAs and so on are being worked out, and Sound Devastation, the band and Manus Booking are in the process of organizing dates.

The boys are planning a short UK jaunt, then a number of dates in Europe before coming back to the UK for possibly another day before returning home to Boston, USA.

Ehnahre feature ex-members of Kayo Dot, Biolich and forcefedglass. Their sound has been likened to Khanate, Kayo Dot, Asva, Neurosis, with a brutal injection of death metal and a twist of orchestration and improvisation!

Please get in touch now for a promotional copy of The Man Closing Up, information on the band, press and so on, or if you want to organize a date now.

Europe 2009

Ehnahre are making the journey to spread their ugly aural concoctions and they need your help. If you want to learn how to get flyers to inform your area and get into a free show or two, ask them how: ehnahrebooking@gmail.com

Here is where we will be playing.
*** indicates booked dates.

9th - Brighton UK

10th - Nottingham UK ***
11th - Aberdeen UK ***
12th - Edinburgh UK
13th - Sheffield UK

14th – Brussels BE
15th – Frankfurt DE
16th – Rotterdam NL
17th – Malmo SE
18th – Gothenburg SE
19th – Oslo NO
20th – Jonkoping SE

21st – Copenhagen DK
22nd – Hamburg DE

23rd – Berlin DE

24th – Prague CZ

25th – Brno CZ/Bratislava SK
26th – Budapest HU
27th – Vienna AU
28th – Ljubljana SI
29th – Munich DE/Salzburg AU
30th – Bern SW/Milan IT

1st – Milan IT/Bern SW

2nd – Lyon FR

3rd – Nantes FR

4th – Paris FR

Are you interested in booking them? Please contact:

manus.booking
c/o Jan Manus Leupert
Wolfram-von-Eschenbach-Str. 24
65187 Wiesbaden
Germany

Phone: +49 (0) 611 - 50 45 488
Fax: +49 (0) 611 - 50 48 060
Email: manus.booking@googlemail.com
Web: www.myspace.com/manusbooking

Refined Demo Policy

2008-12-16T04:46:00.001-08:00

To all those who potentially want to send a demo to Sound Devastation in the future. We know what we say in our Biography, and we still hold to that, but on the other hand, we want those who desire to be signed and released, to note the following few points.

I've completely knicked this from Ellen @ Holy Roar Records' blog, because I totally agree with it, and both labels seem to be in a similar position of receiving a vast number of demos per month. It is very flattering to receive 2/3 per day, but there needs to be some quality control here! I've meant to write something along these lines for a while now, but seeing it so eloquently put, I decided to lift it as it mirrors SD's position exactly, and edit it just a little.

1. SEND IT TO THE RIGHT GODDAMN LABEL. If, as your bio says, you are a pop rock boyband who could appeal to McFly's fans, maybe sending it to a label which has a lot to do with noisy, heavy new music and is staunchly independent just might be a complete waste of time. Spamming people and sending your demo to everyone possible always crops up in some really naive bands' strategies to get signed. The whole 'it can't hurt, one must like us' mentality is a waste of everyone's time. Do some research into who you're sending it to, think of labels you actually like, and show you actually have a clue. For example, we get tonnes of shit pop-punk bands sending us stuff. We have and will NEVER release pop-punk. To those post-rock bands constantly sending us demos... Yes, we have released some like minded bands, but please note that they are in the minority when refering to our roster.

2. ONLY SEND A DEMO WHEN IT'S RUDDY WORTH IT. You recorded 3 songs in your mum's garage and haven't played a gig yet. Maybe wait a few months, heck even a year, before thinking someone will want to release anything by you. I blame Myspace for this whole mentality of bands who think they should be signed way before they're actually ready. Send a demo when it's good and you're good, why bother with something crappy? I'm almost tempted to change our policy on demos entirely on this point, and state that any unsolicited demos will not be listened to. But I'm not that kind of person, and SD is not that kind of label. However, please note the above. Don't send us a recording of your first practice.

3. DO NOT SEND A LENGTHY 2 PAGE 'BIO' WHICH IS ACTUALLY JUST A LIST OF WHO MET WHO WHEN AND THEN A LIST OF ALL THE GIGS YOU'VE PLAYED. We barely acknowledge bios unless it's clear from the offset it's a band we're potentially interested in. This usually comes down to picking out your influences and what you might sound like. That's why it's worth attempting some kind of description. We really can't be fucked to read 600 words which tell us nothing about you because 'you're so impossible to describe because you're so unique, man'. Get over yourself. List a couple of influences if you want, a couple of genre reference-points, and that's usually enough.

4. DO NOT USE ANY OF THESE PHRASES IN YOUR BIO/LETTER:

i) 'The band was formed with the sole intention of playing great music and having a good time' (As aside to what exactly? Yeah, I formed a band to play shit music and be unhappy...)

ii) 'We've spent the last year gigging constantly and building up a devoted fanbase' (Your definition of gigging constantly might be different to ours; and do make sure that your devoted fanbase isn't your mates and the kids that constantly turn up to the one local venue in your town).

iii) 'We don't fit into any genre/we're truly unique' (Ha! Of course we look for a certain degree of uniqueness, but as stated before, you have influences and you have consituent sounds that you must recognize as 'sounding like...')

iv) 'Now we want to take things with the band to the next level and release an album' (What next level would that be? Super stardom? I don't think so. Don't be fooled. Being signed is good, and we'll work hard for you, try and get you better gigs, your release in stores, etc, but you'll still have to work bloody hard. Good on the album though - SD will hardly be releasing any EPs unless we are TOTALLY blown away.)

v) 'Sign us' (I hate this - don't do it).

5. DO NOT PAY FOR GLOSSY BAND PHOTOS TO SEND WITH YOUR DEMO. Sending these is so unnecessary and something very few people will be interested in. In fact, sending any kind of photos is, in our case, completely pointless. Do NOT do it. Half of the ones are so fucking 'arty' we can't even see your faces anyway, so what's the point?!

6. DO NOT RECORD AND SEND COVERS. Don't even mention covers at all, let alone actually send a CD of you playing a few Nirvana songs. What's the point in that? Why would a label be interested in the fact you only started writing your own songs a month ago? It's ridiculous. DON'T DO IT, EVER.

7. DO NOT DECORATE YOUR JIFFY BAG TO MAKE IT LOOK 'EYE-CATCHING'. Actually it just looks 'annoying'. The whole 'we're going to stand out with a funky purple print-out and a pink jiffy bag' idea is worrying, shouldn't your music stand out?

8. DO NOT SEND A SCREEN GRAB OF YOUR MYSPACE PROFILE. Never had this done to us, but don't. Just don't...

9. DO NOT MAKE AN AWFUL CLIP-ART/MICROSOFT PAINT COVER FOR YOUR CD. No cover is better than that awful font you used for your logo and the hurriedly copied + pasted 'arty' photos. I've seen a couple of covers I've liked, which can work in your favour if it's genuinely good, but if you haven't got one, don't sweat. I do like to see an effort having been put into a demo though, so do have a go, but don't rush it, and if you haven't got the time, don't do it.

10. DO NOT KISS ARSE. You do want us as a label to take a risk and invest money in your band and release something, so yes, you want us to like you, but don't go overboard. Keep things simple, we are not mystical fairy creatures from the far away land of A&R. We are just normal people, so it's usually the simple CDs in plain plastic wallets with a short decent bio which wins over any extravagant attempts to grab our attention and win us over.

Next to no bands get signed from a demo submission anyway. I think we've signed one, maybe two bands from demo submission. So what's the point in all of this then? Well, send it if you want, but much more importantly is to get out there and play gigs. Record decent material at a good studio and when it's ready put it online and get people interested in you first, rather than thinking the label should do it once you're signed! Pro-activity in the real world, rather than the fact you can be bothered to post us a CD, is much MUCH more important.

We at SD try to listen to every demo sent, but due to the amount mentioned above, we simply can't give feedback to all. If you get a message saying we liked it, but can't work with you, don't be downhearted. This will probably mean that we really liked it, but just don't have the time/money to work with you. However, if you do get a message, then it's always a good idea to keep in touch now and again, and to send any future material to us. If you don't get a message at all, take a hint.

On the issue of unsolicited demos: You can of course send us your demo. Our address is on our website and on our Myspace page for all to see. However, we are MUCH more likely to take note of your demo and perhaps listen a little more intently if you message us on here or by email BEFORE you send it. IF you get messaged by us for a demo please do NOT think that it is an indication that we are going to sign you! It obviously means that whilst browsing the internet you sparked our interest or perhaps even impressed us, but it guarantees nothing. It is an indication, in some way, that you have moved to a next 'step' as it were, of consideration for a release, but this does not mean to say we will.

OK, this is all sounding rather sombre and serious. We do of course enjoy getting lots of demos and, as stated before, find it flattering that so many regard SD as somewhere they would like to call home, so thank you to all those that have. I can tell anyone waiting for some kind of response that at the present time, nothing we've been sent that we aren't ALREADY in discussions with, is or will be considered for release.

More news soon, including new releases, updates on when vinyl versions might arrive, and so on.

Chickenhawk in stores!

2008-11-17T13:38:00.000-08:00

Although we've have had this for sale for a while now, the official 'shop' release was today.

The album has garnered some delightful reviews so far:

Times Online 'Track of the Day':
'The Let Down'

New Noise:
"This is weird. This is odd. This is strange. And not that fake kind of wacky or just a little bit unusual either, but totally balls-out batshit insane. There are so many ideas splurging out across this record!"

Organ Magazine:
"We've been waiting for this one to drop though and we're pleased to say they haven't let us down.

This just might be the British metal album of the year. Oh yes, that good, a therapeutic scrape across your mind that'll trip you up and skin you knees."

Decibel Magazine:
"'My Name is Egg' and 'Kerosene' will make you the Fred Astaire of the pit!"

Sonic Minefield:
"Chickenhawk's self titled album is one monstrous slab of brutality filled to the brim with ideas."

Die Shellsuit:
"This album probably isn't for everyone because, frankly, you're probably not good enough to appreciate it."

Get involved, this represents 3 years work.

Available from Hmv, Zavvi, Amazon, your local indie and from us or the band.

Future Chickenhawk live ventures are as follows:

November
22nd - Dog and Partridge, Bolton
28th - Rockbar, Doncaster
29th - Redhouse, Sheffield (Album Release Party)
29th - RCP, Leeds (Subculture Alldayer)

December
12th - Brudenell Social, Leeds

January
9th - Escobar, Wakefield
10th - Descent, York (All Dayer)
30th - Royal Park, Leeds (w/ Take A Worm For A Walk Week and Lavotchkin)
31st - TBC, Norwich

March
1st - The Old Angel, Nottingham (Rottingham Weekender)

Vantage

2008-09-14T15:22:00.000-07:00

Analysis Of Bison Kills' debut mini-album, entitled 'Vantage' is out now. This release has been a long time coming for all involved - us, the band and most importantly those waiting to hear the new sounds by a loved underground sludge/doom act formerly known as Tear Gas & Plate Glass.

With 'Vantage' the duo of brothers - Matthew and Nathan Dick - have once again worked with Dutch jazz/death-metal/technically amazing drummer Andries v.d Boom. They expanded their line-up further on 'Vantage' with Scott Tyrrell playing bass. Their sound has progressed, retaining their heavy roots of classic doom and sludge but incorporating other sounds and experimentation to fashion a four-track, plus 30 minute adventure in sound. Some will note more technical guitar and more delicate, subtle phrasing and crescendo in their music. All in all, 'Vantage' is a highly mature and developed work.

Some reviewers have chosen to place it in the seemingly undefinable ever-growing 'post-metal' genre tag game, comparing it to ISIS, Pelican, Tool, Shora and many others. It IS these things, but so much more. New sounds and layers seep through to make 'Vantage' undefinable.

Artwork was done by underground comic legend Danica Novgorodoff. 'Vantage' was mastered by SD favourite and friend at the moment, Nick Zampiello (ISIS, Mare, Knut). Packaged in a gorgeous CD gatefold wallet. Get this quick!

The Man Closing Up

2008-08-31T14:01:00.000-07:00

Ehnahre's debut album 'The Man Closing Up' is available now from our shop! Featuring ex-members of Kayo Dot, Biolich and forcefedglass (members of which went on to form Converge), the album is one piece split into five tracks spanning forty-five astonishing minutes.

Legendary vocalist Jonah Jenkins of Rawradarwar and Only Living Witness lends his vocal talents to a guest appearance in 'Part II'. Similarly celebrated producer Nick Zampiello (ISIS, Pelican, Mare, etc) mastered the record. Other ex-members of Kayo Dot also appear throughout 'The Man Closing Up'.

Combining death, doom, sludge, orchestration and pure improvisation, Ehnahre usher in a new era of what it means to be heavy. A crescendo of unique musical ability, the album is already gaining rave reviews and the band can already celebrate a rabid fanbase. Ehnahre's debut album is a punishing yet rewarding attack on the eardrums. The band will be touring extensively worldwide in support of the album over the latter stages of 2008 and throughout 2009.

Updates all round!

2008-04-07T09:00:00.000-07:00

CHICKENHAWK - We're afraid we've encountered delays with the Chickenhawk album, this is due to our usual manufacturers closing. A new manufacturing company has risen from it's ashes, and due to the great service we've always received from them, we are sticking with them. Things are being sorted and will resume normal service in no time! We apologise for the delays, but it will be worth it!

FALL OF EFRAFA - Have been playing some dates in Europe! hopefully some of you managed to catch them in Denmark, Germany and Sweden this week. For UK peeps they will be playing with the awesome Attack! Vipers! and Plague Sermon in London on the 14th and Brighton on the 21st April. I'll be at the London show.. say hi! Thanks to everyone who has already ordered the Owsla and Elil CDs/repress, we will post news on progress as we get it!

KONGH - Are playing this years Roadburn festival alongside Cult of Luna, Isis, Celtic Frost, Year of No Light etc.. According to the Roadburn website they will be in the Small Hall at about 00:45 Saturday night/Sunday Morning... if you'll be there, don't miss them!

AMENRA - Have announced a large tour in May covering the US and Europe, including two UK dates. We're excited! full listings available on their myspace.

FLATLANDS & MONTANA - Cheers to everyone that went along to one of the Flatlands/Montana shows! We hope you enjoyed both bands as much as we do.. keep checking back for more info on upcoming albums from both.

till next time...

xxx

FALL OF EFRAFA - Owsla and Elil

2008-03-17T09:37:00.000-07:00

Finally we are filling the gaps in 'The Warren of Snares' story so far..

Elil has been available on vinyl on SD since November, and received stunning feedback. We are now re-pressing it on CD (you may remember we stopped selling the first press as it was poor quality packaging) for those of you who are either completists or unlucky enough not to own a record player!

[this isn’t post-rock, post-metal, post-hardcore, or even progressive metal. It is a grandiose tale of mankind’s most pitiful disease, told through tormenting sounds of raw intensity and aggression - Sonicfrontiers]

We are also re-pressing Owsla on both CD and LP format, as we know that many people missed it the first time around! The CD version also includes the bonus track 'No Longer Human' which originally featured on the split LP with Down To Agony. The LP version is on brown heavyweight vinyl..

SD in Decibel Magazine

2008-03-14T16:32:00.000-07:00

So, the lovely guys in So Is The Tongue have managed to scan us a copy of the elusive SD feature in Decibel magazine!

Here's what they had to say, complete with American grammar and two-word sentences...

--------------------

The UK's Sound Devastation Records specializes in bands that I've never heard of. Which is good. I like new things. Just the other day i tried some of Ciao Bella's natural mint chocolate chip gelato for the first time. Hated It! Bring back fake mint! who wants their ice cream to taste like a herb garden? In the UK they pronounce the h in the word herb. In the states you dont want to be known as a herb. Oh no, you don't! Did i mention that Throw Stephanie in the Incinerator are on Sound Devastation? Never heard of them. But they could be the next Brit thing, so let's test the waters. - SCOTT SEWARD

KIDS WITH GUNS FOR HANDS - Your Daughters are Divine
These dudes are from Australia, but they have that US spazzcore/mathcore thing down, my homies. All the way down to the wacky band name and EP title. Random for the sake of randomness. I like this alot. Great guitar tones. Not abstractly math-y or anything. The band can play their butts off. They Zig. They Zag. They lurk on myspace to see if anyone has heard of them yet. I have. I have!

SONS OF ALPHA CENTAURI - Sons of Alpha Centauri
Sons of Alpha Centauri are from the Thames Gateway Swale area. No shit. Thats where I have my suits tailored. The Sons have manifesto-like ideas and have been 'anti-profit' since 2001. Which is fine, but do they have any chance of making a profit? Why yes, they do! They ain't bad at all. Their clean and modern instrumental riff/stoner rock is a cool breeze indeed. Remember the Fucking Champs? Sadly, I do, too. Well, you can forget all about them now. This is some brainy rocking stuff.

ZONDERHOOF - Zonderhoof
Europe's Zonderhoof live in Wales, recorded this album in Norway and sound like they are from Seattle. Or somewhere like Seattle. Wherever post-rock Melvins worshippers come from nowadays. [missing bit] ..you'll like it. No, I know you, you'll really like it. All instrumental too. Yay! We just know your guitarist wants to sing a little, but dont back down; we all know he blows! Great gangsta doom song title too with 'All your witches and bitches'. Onward, Zonderhoof!

THE PIRATE SHIP QUINTET - The Pirate Ship Quintet
This EP made some year-end prog/post-rock best-of lists, but, sadly, it's where I get off the boat. I dig Sound Devastation's roster of post-everything American-influenced heavy stuff bands, but the PSQ's crescendo-rock a la Godspeed, Mogwai, Mono does absolutely nothing for me. Its a carbon copy of a carbon copy. But hey, if you love those three bands beyond reason, you might love this band as well.

THE CLAUBERG OPERA - New Folk Devils
THIS is more my speed. Quirky, creative, progressive, weird, challenging and just downright cool, The Clauberg Opera are addicted to all kinds of strange noises and sounds and they are a treat to follow from song to song. And i never really know where I or they are going. The wobbly bass, the dubby drums, the impossibly wasted slash of guitar and feedback - this is post-post-punk metal for a new era. Its a keeper. [missing bit]

Aotea's brand new EP!

2008-03-11T10:17:00.000-07:00

Aotea's second recording.. spazz-jazz-grind-pop at its best! This EP is even more chaotic than the highly loved (and hated) 2005 debut Apocalypse in Transmetropolita. Enjoy with cake and tea.

Fall of Efrafa available in the US

2008-03-09T13:05:00.000-07:00

Fall of Efrafa's magnificent second album Elil is again available in the United States thanks to the awesome Halo of Flies, and in the rest of the world from us, of course!

Fall of Efrafa's frontman, assemblage artist Alex CF, has kindly designed some ads, so post them anywhere and everywhere!

Pre-Orders galore

2008-03-05T15:52:00.000-08:00

Three new items up for pre-order today!

Firstly, it's the absolutely brilliant Chickenhawk album! Twelve tracks of swaggering hardcore with the best metal tinged stoner riffs you'll hear all year. Think slapstick Melvins or High on Fire and you're there. Truly awesome artwork and packaging design by Chris from defunct UK grind heroes Narcosis.

You can listen to two tracks from this very exciting record on Chickenhawk's Myspace.

Secondly, we have the new EP from SD first ever signees Aotea. Unfortunately this is their last ever recorded material as they have disbanded since their last show. We have however, made it super-special by pressing it on transparent coloured CDs, with hand-made printed acetate overlays. We've yet to see the finished product but the CDs look something like the picture below! Each colour is limited to only 10 copies, and unfortunately we can't offer the option of specifying which colour you want. However, if you order more than one copy we'll make sure you get different ones!

Last but certainly not least, we are very proud to announce that we will be covering the UK and Ireland territory release for the debut album from French power-rock duo Karysun. Karysun feature a member of legendary (in screamo circles anyway!) band Amanda Woodward. 'Interceptor' is a colossal piece of work that sounds something like a more high-powered distorted Torche. Have a listen for yourself on their myspace to make you're own mind up! Either way... it's immense. Ten track album in a 4-panel digipak.

Distro Mania!

2008-02-20T09:30:00.001-08:00

We have removed our distro items from our site. We are going to take some time to restock and improve our distro selection to re-launch it, most likely under a new name and new website, some time later this year or next. (Ed. As you can see, we've put it up for the moment, with some new titles. We'll hopefully take it down again soon, and act on this plan at a later date).

In the meantime we ARE still interested in TRADES and WHOLESALE!

Also... sorry to anyone who has tried to buy from us but found the buttons don't work. I am currently re-doing all Paypal buttons on the site, but please let us know if this happens again.

Cause we love our vinyl...

2008-02-15T05:51:00.001-08:00

After taking pictures of the lovely Pirate Ship LP, i thought it would be nice to have some photos of our other releases. Here they are!

Amenra - Mass III *please note this version is sold out*

Cleric - Cumberbund

Kongh - Counting Heartbeats *please note, this version is selling FAST*

Fall of Efrafa - Elil [limited poster included]

Pirate Records...

2008-02-15T05:46:00.000-08:00

FINALLY! we have in our hands, the long-awaited LP version of The Pirate Ship Quintet's stunning debut EP. The LP comes on heavyweight solid white vinyl, in a gorgeous 12" wallet with brand new artwork and a soft matte finish.

All single orders will be sent out today. Orders that were placed alongside other LPs or CDs will be sent either this afternoon or tomorrow morning. Hope you enjoy it! xxx

Naked Shit available now.

2008-02-12T06:56:00.000-08:00

Naked Shit's eighty minute, one track debut album is available NOW!

Some of you may have managed to see them supporting Wolves In The Throne Room on Sunday and I think everyone would agree it was a great night! Cheers to everyone that came and said Hi.

On to other news, we are expecting the TPSQ LP's to be delivered on Thursday. We are very excited and getting ready for the mass sending out! If you have ordered a copy, expect to see it soon. Please be patient - don't email us if it doesn't reach you on Monday, it may take longer. Just wait it out.

In other news, SD are going to be interviewed for a small documentary about the music scene in Nottingham. It'll be shown on some obscure Sky channel, though we'll see if we can put it up on our YouTube channel. There's nothing on it now, but hopefully we'll have some videos to put up there soon.

Things to look forward to.

2008-01-31T08:56:00.000-08:00

The Pirate Ship Quintet
LP version is being pressed as we type. Should only be a few weeks now. Sorry to those that pre-ordered it months ago, but it'll be worth the wait.

Analysis Of Bison Kills
Finished their 4-track mini-album and it's breathtaking. Just sorting out manufacturing of CDs and a limited run of LPs. Expect a March/April release. In the meantime we have a sneak preview of the first track 'Honest Broker' up on myspace and the band have got a whole new shiny website to promote the release. Check it out: www.analysisofbisonkills.co.uk

Ehnahre
Are almost finished in the studio recording their release 'The Man Closing Up'. Things have slightly overrun in the studio but you can't put a time limit on quality. Prepare yourselves. More news soon.

Seven Nautical Miles
Are also putting the finishing touches to their album, and finalizing artwork details. Hope you're as excited as we are. These guys have been sheltered from gigs for a while now, but recently make it out to play a festival with their kin brothers Cult of Luna (of whom drummer Magnus Lindberg has mastered the album).

Naked Wolves?

2008-01-30T12:26:00.000-08:00

It has been announced that our very own Naked Shit are to support the awesome Wolves in the Throne Room (SOUTHERN LORD) at their one and only UK date at the London Underworld on Feb 10th.

We heard the set is going to be "loud and slow" so it sounds good to us.

Come and show your support and say hi. Helen will be there. Hopefully the Shit's long-awaited 80-min 1-track epic 'The Legend of the High Town Crow' will be available too, otherwise it will certainly be up for pre-order.

See you there?

Flatlands update

2008-01-30T12:20:00.000-08:00

Flatlands have been recording their follow-up to the awesome Vermuyden. I went to visit the old mostly-abandoned warehouse in the back streets of Nottingham (otherwise known as Stuck on a Name studios) to have a listen and take some moody band pictures.

New songs sound HUGE. You will love them.

We Disappeared

2008-01-30T12:01:00.000-08:00

Some of you may have noticed that our website disappeared on the 28th January until the evening of the 30th January. Our email server was also down at this time. If you sent us any emails over those few days, please re-send as we may or may not have got them!

Really sorry for the downtime!

To make it up to you we have some AWESOME new additions to our ever-expanding distro, including some lovely releases from Land o' Smiles. Numbers are limited so get in quick.

Earthride - 'Earthride' 10" LP
Middian - 'Age Eternal' 12" 2xLP
rawradarwar - '==' 12" LP
Rwake - 'Voices of Omens' 12" 2xLP
Solace - 'The Black Black' 12" LP
Unearthly Trance - 'Eleven are the Voices' 10" LP

An Apology.

2008-01-02T21:18:00.000-08:00

Hello bands, fans, its Helen here.

I just want to post a quick apology to you all, as its mainly my fault why all things SD have become a bit behind schedule.

2007 was the worst year of my life so far. After messing about changing my university degree in February, I decided after going back in September that I couldn't carry on.

Everything had got too much and after weeks of feeling like shit I finally went to the doctors to be diagnosed as clinically depressed, as well as suffering from high levels of anxiety and partial insomnia.

Although SD was a contributing factor, my heart is still in it and I love you all. I will be back selling you all awesome records very soon!

That's more than I can say for my degree. It's looking unlikely that I'll return to Uni. You can see where my priorities lie! ;)

Again I am sorry to anyone who has been affected by this.

Take care,
H xx

Limited amounts of Amenra!

2007-12-30T09:59:00.001-08:00

Some of you may have noticed that we took down the limited Amenra vinyl down a while ago. That's because we have a very small amount of copies left. Copies may still be available from the band, and Conspiracy Records' distro should have a few to sale in a few weeks. If you wish to purchase a limited version of the album then please email us at: info[at]sounddevastation.co.uk.

We're talking 5/6 copies here, so not that many, and once they're gone, they're gone. Please email and wait for us to personally reply back confirming that you may send the money. DO NOT send money before this, as it will get very confusing, and you won't be guaranteed to get the limited copy you wish to reserve.

Just to remind any of you what the limited version includes:

2xLP on heavyweight (180g) translucent green vinyl.
Manufactured printed gatefold cover - thick 300gsm reverse whiteboard.
Gatefold then screenprinted on both sides.
Unlike the standard black version the album plays on Sides A, B and C only.
Side D features further silkscreening.
An exclusive two-colour silkscreened poster on thick card comes with the package.

Here's a picture:

Thanks to all who have ordered this. We hope you all enjoy it. It's been great to hear back from some of you. We worked really hard on this project and for some to call it their most prized and impressive looking record in their collection makes it all worthwhile!

To those who have missed out - don't worry! The standard, black 2xLP is still available and sounds just as huge as the limited version. You can buy directly from us here.

In the studio...

2007-12-30T09:18:00.001-08:00

A fair amount of SD bands are gracing studios worldwide very early next year.

Ehnahre will be in the studio between the 4th and 27th to record, mix and master their début opus The Man Closing Up, a record featuring five orchestrations. Featuring ex-members of new Hydra Head signees Kayo Dot, as well as featuring guest appearances from further former members of the aforementioned band, Ehnahre will be carving a new sound out of the very own in 2008.

Mixing abrasive death metal with the art-metal classical leanings made popular with KD, Ehnahre are a band for those who sometimes wish bands featuring classical instrumentation would destroy their stereo stystem from time to time. The five epic tracks on the album have lyrics inspired and based on the texts of Donald Justice. Expect CD and 2xLP versions of the album to surface Spring 08.

We're happy to announce that Like A Kind Of Matador have finished recording their side of the split 10" we've had planned for what seems like a lifetime. Now those lazy goons from Belfast (Ed: Lazy?! They've put out an album and a split CD this year!) will finally enter the studio in January to put down three new tracks. Safe to say this will be awesome. Heavy tunes deserve heavy vinyl in a thick gatefold sleeve. Two UK doom juggernauts battling against your volume and bass switches to cave in your cranium. Nice.

As well as that we've recently learnt that the sneaky fiends that are Red Paper Dragon are entering the studio in the latter half of January to record some new material. We're excited to hear the results, as we're sure you all are. Initial reports are that it blows earlier material away - so you better get ready. See the great review of Songs of Innocence on Sonic Frontiers here and whilst you're at it you may as well read the glowing review of Kids With Guns For Hands' début record here.

Lots more recording will be going on throughout the year and we'll be sure to keep you all updated! So much is going to happen next year for Sound Devastation. Keep in touch and keep checking back here for news. Exciting times!

TSB - End of Year Poll

2007-12-30T08:41:00.000-08:00

The lovely people at The Silent Ballet (www.thesilentballet.com) have awarded The Pirate Ship Quintet's debut record the honour of 13th Best Record of 2007, beating the likes of Battles, Eluvium and 65daysofstatic to such a high position.

As well as this, central track I Kina Spiser De Hund received the accolade of 8th Best Track of the year! Thanks to all at The Silent Ballet for their continued support.

The self titled record by The Pirate Ship Quintet is available now to buy on CD from the website or in stores nationwide.

The EP is also available for pre-order on heavyweight white vinyl with alternative artwork for the sleeve. This has been a little delayed - sorry guys! - but should be with us and being sent out late January/early February.

Welcome / End of 2007

2007-12-28T08:49:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome to Sound Devastation's blog.

For too long now we haven't been updating the website/myspace or doing the mailing list as often as we should. So here's this, which hopefully will prove to be a little more serviceable and easy to update.

We've had a bit of an up and down 2007 if we're honest. Some great moments and some we'd rather forget. But that's the way of the world, and we've come through the year that was 2007 pretty much unscathed and with a bunch of awesome releases out to boot.

Due to the year ending on a bit of a low note (Ed: many of you will know, but Helen is currently very ill, and I'm on my own for now), some of the most recent releases may have slipped you by due to the aforementioned lack of updates. So here's a pretty picture to remind you of what's out and we encourage you (well, of course we would) to get any of the releases that you currently have missing from your record collection:

As the picture says we have a ridiculous amount of stuff coming out in 2008, and we'll be updating this page informing you of each one.

Releases on CD and Vinyl; releases from ex-Kayo Dot members (Ehnahre); releases featuring collaborations with doom experimentalists Nadja (Black Boned Angel); releases with production work by Magnus Lindberg of Cult of Luna (Seven Nautical Miles) and Nick Zampiello (Analysis Of Bison Kills), as well as a host of other treats and surprises up our collective sleeve!

Hope you all had a great festive season.
Thanks for all your support over 2007. See you in 08.

Happy New Year!