EARTH – The Bee Made Honey in the Lion’s Skull – February 2008
Earth’s latest incarnation has arrived. After re faceting some old gems for greater illumination on Hibernaculum, the band returns one again to it’s continuing evolution. Where Hex… reveled in dark Satanic twang and austere American beauty, The Bee Made Honey in the Lion’s Skull finds Dylan Carlson and the band growing into a harder, more rock and American Gospel-oriented and improvisational direction framed by truly psychedelic production and blazing guitar sounds. Earth show’s it’s affinity with a nod to the best elements of the more adventurous San Francisco bands of the late 60’s and 70’s, and the more spiritually aware and exciting forms of Jazz-Rock from the same era. This is no nostalgia trip but a thoroughly inspired and original metamorphosis. Earth is honored to be joined on this record for three songs by legendary virtuoso guitarist Bill Frisell (John Zorn, Elvis Costello, Ginger Baker, etc.) showcasing some of his most fuzzed out playing in years! Frisell adds a brilliant texture and counterpoint to the scintillating and inspired riffs of Dylan Carlson and the band. Adrienne Davies joins again on drums, lending a classic and steady feel to the proceedings. Steve Moore also returns adding heavy Hammond organ and his intense jazz inspired piano playing. Live bassist Don McGreevy also makes his full-length Earth debut on this record. Earth will begin touring throughout the world when the album is released, Australia, Europe and a full US campaign and on from there. The new songs are equally compelling live where Earth takes the vehicles and expand and explore them for further musical and meditative exploration.
Earth West Coast December dates
12/27/2007 Dante’s – Portland, CA
12/29/2007 The Blue Lamp – Sacramento, CA w/Giant Squid
12/30/2007 Brookdale Lodge – Santa Cruz, CA
12/31/2007 Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA w/ Neurosis
www.thronesanddominions.com
LAIR OF THE MINOTAUR – War Metal Battle Master – March 2008
Chicago’s beastmasters Lair of the Minotaur recently finished recording for the new album War Metal Battle Master, out on Southern Lord Records in March 2008. They also just wrapped up filming a video for the title track of the new album with director Gary Smithson, (who has directed videos for Exodus, Goatwhore, High on Fire, etc.), due to premiere in February. A trailer and some behind the scenes footage available before then. They hit the road this week for the East Coast with more dates to follow in the new year.
www.lairoftheminotaur.com
Boris – Smile – April 2008
A brand new, full-on studio album shall arise from the Japanese trio once again on Southern Lord. Featuring guest appearances from Michio Kurihara, Stephen O’ Malley and others, and including some new formations within the band’s sound (as always…) such as some amazing vocal work by Takeshi and even by guitarist Wata, Smile will continue to perpetuate the ongoing spirit of the entity known as Boris. More info to follow on a pre-album released CD/7″ single, new video and even more in the coming weeks…
www.inoxiarec.com/boris