Black Sunday: Test Pressings

Once one begins to navigate the world of small labels and limited runs of collectible vinyl, it doesn't take long to run into test pressings. Once just the stuff of collector lore (think the fabled '78 Misfits acetates of "Static Age"/"Teenagers from Mars" that purportedly never made it past five or six copies that went to Glenn, Jerry and jukeboxes in Max's Kansas City and CBGB's with those last two always reportedly popping up in used record stores for a buck, forever taunting treasure-hunting collectors), nowadays test pressings are not at all uncommon on electronic storefronts, nearly always priced at a premium well above the mass-produced counterparts.

It's not exactly a secret but may surprise some record-buyers that, while every vinyl pressing results in a handful of true test pressings to assess the record prior to production (usually around a half-dozen), some plants will produce many more (up to fifty at United Record Pressing) at a relatively low cost. These are nice to share with friends of the bands and label but concern me a bit as one who collects, too, as anyone even a little unscrupulous can post what appears to be a real rarity for sale when, in fact, it ain't that special.

That said, I am about to part with a few test pressings of my own label, Gogmagogical Records. Each record we have pressed had five tests delivered by the plant. Fister got three of theirs, one went to Encapsulated Records (who made the jackets) and I got the fifth. Cold Blue Mountain and Kingsblood each have five members and the bands each got all five original tests. I ordered four extras only with the Kingsblood 7" as we had just partnered with The Black Birch to promote the EP and hoped to use some for contests. As I began working with Bariann and her team I also received my pressing plates and excess labels from the plant for the Fister and Cold Blue Mountain records and, to my surprise, each package contained two additional tests. While I am not exactly sure what I will do with each of these in the future I can pretty much guarantee you will not see them for sale on the site marked up to snag extra dollars. It doesn't feel fair to the bands and it doesn't feel fair to the fans. My guess is that we'll eventually use them for promotional contests or as parts of prize packages associated with charitable events.
 

  

So, I have included a few photos throughout just to share a little more of our DIY ethic here. While we have some fantastic creative partners here, there really wasn't anyone I could ask to create jackets in such small quantities across three sizes. As these tests come in plain white sleeves I wanted to gussy them up so took a trip to Hobby Lobby and bought some heavy, heavy paper, printed up a standard label template and cut, folded and assembled these by hand. I tried to coordinate the colors with at least one aspect of the vinyl and attempted to carry that over even into the Sharpie used to hand-label. While the Fister and Kingsblood tests are very close to an actual color produced, the Cold Blue Mountain is entirely unique as it appears the plant took the split colors and instead combined them in a blend. In each case, though, these are all that exist aside from what the bands hold. I suspect there may be two more Kingsblood tests coming back with their plates eventually but am not certain.

Keep an eye on the label site for any opportunities to grab any of these. Likewise, if you have a brainstorm or a worthy cause to which we may want to use one or more, get in touch. Just because I want these to be free to collectors doesn't mean I want them to be any less special.

Transparent Vinyl: The End of Violence, Mountain for a Molehill, Vinyl Vikings and Coupon Codes.

So, as I like to update every now and then,here's a look at current numbers and the general Gogmagogical Records state of the union, release by release:

Fister - Violence (GOG001)

Violence spoiled me. It's a beast and it has moved quickly. In fact, quantities are dwindling to the "oh, shit, I better get one now" level. I just saw these guys at the last two dates on their summer tour and they deliver the goods live. Fans were drooling over all their vinyl and I restocked their Violence stores with a good portion of my remaining stock.

Here are the facts: 1) these will sell out; 2) any potential re-press possibility is unknown; 3) we will not re-press with multiple jacket variations. Quantities available as of this exact moment are:

I: Artwork by Coby Ellison.  Lavender base with black and white mixed vinyl: 17 remain.

II: Artwork by Clark Medley. Opaque white base with black mixed vinyl: 15 remain.

III: Artwork by Travis Lawrence. Translucent green base with yellow mixed vinyl: 16 remain.

IV: Artwork by Scott Fogelbach. Transparent dark red base with black mixed vinyl: 15 remain.

V: Artwork by Josh Rowan. Transparent blue base with black and white mixed vinyl: 4 remain.

Get one now. If you want a set of five, move even faster.


Cold Blue Mountain - S/T (GOG003)

The Cold Blue Mountain record is fan-fucking-tastic. Press has been overwhelmingly positive. Sales are, admittedly, more sluggish than I would hope. Listen to it. I am convinced that if people hear it, they'll want it. I am likewise convinced that once people handle the artwork from Holy Mountain they'll show their friends. I am further convinced they'll then play the record for their friends. I am finally convinced their friends will then buy it.

Here's a good chance to be that first guy in that chain. Through the end of July use code COLDBLUEMTN and get the record for only eight bucks. That is a huge loss per record for me but I have faith that a little word of mouth is all that's needed.


Kingsblood - Trudging Through the Field of Crows (GOG002)

This little EP is picking up rave reviews. Sales have been brisk though definitely focused in the band's home base of Columbus, Ohio. Watch for more press and a few promotions soon. This is a mean, massive sound in a seven-inch package and three-packs are flying. Like Fister, even with a re-press we won't repeat ourselves, and once these introductory colors are gone, they're gone.

Finally, there are lots of coupon codes still hanging out there on the site. While the Cold Blue Mountain code will only last two weeks, these others never expire. Mix and match 'em and take me to the cleaners:

• GOGPATCH - Add a Free Patch When Buying Two or More Records
• FREETOTE - Add a Record Bag Free When Buying Two or More Items
• VIOLENCE - Spend $20, Get $4 Off a Fister Tee
• COLDBLUE - $2 Discount on a Cold Blue Mountain Tee With the Purchase of a Record

Kingsblood's Trudging Through the Field of Crows Releases

Following an extensive hometown set that covered their entire modern catalogue, Kingsblood's 7" debut on Gogmagogical Records releases today. Preview its contents below:


The band is en route to Nordic Midsummer Fest in Kent, Ohio with a van full of vinyl. The Gogmagogical Records store and bandcamp site are fully stocked and shipping immediately as well.

10 of '12 - My Favorite Records from this Year

It's that time of year again. The release schedules peter out, I get busy with the usual holiday hubbub and my annual music acquisition pretty much dies until January. So, while 2012 seemed kinda weak compared to 2011, I still easily added double-digits worth of excellent albums to the library. From least best to most best and, for this year, a few almost-theres and a couple stinkers, here they are:

Drink in Kingsblood's New "Hordes of the Night"

Kingsblood kicked off the Shrunken Head's Viking Night with a meaty set running through their filler-free repertoire. As usual, the band was utterly fantastic, with a presence nearly too big for the room (and, literally, too big for the stage - it's crowded up there for a five-piece). Experience, if you dare, their newest creation, the goblin-averse "Hordes of the Night:"

Scum Guilt's Enslaved Up for Mass Consumption

Scum Guilt have regurgitated ten more minutes of metal for your pleasure, four of which are ready to sample. These guys are not messing around. Get on board early at facebook.com/scumguilt and scumguilt.bandcamp.com.

Scum Guilt - Scum Guilt - 2012

What's a filthy mess, lasts three minutes but can take hours to penetrate? Yes, an encounter I had freshman year of college with a Greek girl but also, for this blog's purposes, Scum Guilt's eponymous EP.  This unholy amalgamation of factions of my beloved Buckeye metal masters, Dismemberment and Kingsblood, vomit a heap of grind in three violent retches, each serving spewing forth at roughly the same tempo, structure, and preceded and followed by feedback. It's the tiny chunks here that distinguish one sonic heap from another and reward the careful listener: the solitary clean chord struck five seconds before the end of "Ignorance," the drumsticks counting off two seconds into "Filth" and its ramshackle skeleton of a riff, or the presence of actual discernible percussion in the record's 67-second epic, "Fronter." Not for the weak of heart nor anyone desiring melody, this is grindcore cut to the bone, pulverized, marrow sucked clean, regurgitated and fucking reanimated. If this is your thing in any way, the rehearsal demos available are definitely worth grabbing, too. I have to be honest and say I have no idea if these are the same tracks or not but sonically they tilt much more toward the percussion and provide an entirely different experience. Both are available at whatever price you think is fair at Scum Guilt's bandcamp site. Be generous but be forewarned: they may just make more.

A King Reborn - Kingsblood - 2012

I'm been clamoring for a piece of recorded music from Kingsblood ever since seeing them live for the first time in October of 2011. A King Reborn, the debut EP from the revamped lineup (that also debuted live for the first time at that October show), was released last week and not only captures the bulk of Kingsblood's current live set in the studio but whets the appetite for what this fan hopes will be a long and fruitful career for these blackened merchants of Nordic death.

Watain • Black Anvil • Kingsblood • Beneath the Sea - May 17, 2012 - Alrosa Villa, Columbus, Ohio

Thursday night found me back at the Alrosa Villa for the third time in a year, primarily drawn this time for the Kingsblood EP release of A King Reborn. It was a five-band bill and also included Beneath the Sea, another local group I enjoyed at the Metal Massacre show in January of this year. A sunny evening - and Rock on the Range looming over the weekend - must have kept the crowds at bay as attendance, especially early on at the 7:00 showtime, was sparse. Merchandise was a little underwhelming with a handful of shirts available from the two top-billed acts but, frankly, with fewer disposable dollars than usual, I was satisfied to walk away with a nice Watain tee and a couple copies of the Kingsblood EP (you always gotta buy an extra and spread that gospel).

Kingsblood's A King Reborn EP now due May 17, 2012. New Track, "A Warriors Past," Previewed

Kingsblood's long-awaited EP, A King Reborn, was originally due for release on April 15, coinciding with their show with Skeletonwitch. Pushed back just a bit due to unforeseen delays, the new date, May 17, coincides with an opening slot with Watain at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio. While I won't be able to make that show, their EP is one I have been anticipating ever since seeing them open the Jungle Rot/Immolation gig in 2011.

Kingsblood were determined, however, not to let their fans go away empty-handed on 4/15 and had a two-song pre-press demo preview of A King Reborn available at their most recent appearance. Comprised of "A Warriors Past" and "The Creature from the Black Forest," it is absolutely full of promise and sets my hopes even higher for the full EP. The band has also made both tracks available on Soundcloud ("The Creature from the Black Forest" hit the blog on February 23rd). Dig "A Warriors Past" below (and, while you're waiting for A King Reborn, be sure to follow the band on Facebook).


 

Skeletonwitch • Dismemberment • Kingsblood • Arise the Titan - April 15, 2012 - Skully's Music Diner, Columbus, Ohio

artwork by Kingsblood axeman,
Jason 'Mcfly' Kincaid

Words will ultimately fail me when attempting to describe the Skeletonwitch concert I experienced last night. But I'll try anyway. I'll start by planting this flag firmly in the ground: the succession of performances by Kingsblood, Dismemberment and Skeletonwitch on April 15, 2012 at Skully's Music Diner in Columbus, Ohio was, hands down, the best show - of any genre - that I have seen in 17 years. And out of personal concert experiences numbering in the triple digits it ranks in my Top Three of all-time (I'll tell you about the other two some other day).

Driving home, I kept conjuring parallels to Game of Thrones for whatever reason. Two sets of brothers: kings and princes, all. A band of Nordic marauders, either guarding the wall or tearing it down, I'm not yet sure. None born into nobility yet each clawing their way through bone, flesh and sinew to ultimately claim dominion. Overly dramatic? Only if you weren't in attendance.

"Creature from the Black Forest:" Kingsblood post preview track from their upcoming EP

Today is a goddamn wealth of Buckeye metal happenings. Kingsblood just shared a track from their upcoming EP (release show with Skeletonwitch and Dismemberment scheduled for April 15).

Bask in all its metallic glory here and be sure to follow the band's Facebook page for all the latest.

Kingsblood EP release show slated for April 15. Oh, yeah...Skeletonwitch and Dismemberment will be there, too. Ohio may damn well burst into flames.

Another day, another EP release show... if only every week were this glorious. Skeletonwitch confirmed today that they'll be performing in Columbus on April 15 at Skully's Music Diner (yep, that's the day after Death on the Vine). Icing on the cake? Dismemberment and Kingsblood are opening. Icing on the fucking icing? It's doubling as a Kingsblood EP release show. If you haven't yet experienced their full-on Nordic soul-ravaging, make this a priority. Just bought my own ticket (go here) and am gearing up for a kick-ass weekend come mid-April. Check out the equally kick-ass artwork brewed up by Kingsblood's own guitar slinger, Jason "McFly" Kincaid.

Hell, yes. New Recordings Underway for Dismemberment, Kingsblood

The Christmas season always seems slooooooow for new releases but I am heartened as I follow two of my local Ohio favorites, Dismemberment and Kingsblood, and read that both are busy at work writing and/or recording new material due in the new year.

Just two weeks ago Kingsblood posted:

KINGSBLOOD will be hitting the studio in mid Jan. to record a 4 or 5 song EP. So far KINGSBLOOD has a full 4 songs now clocking in at 30 minutes of epicness and with a 5th probably around 36. The hits keep coming so prepare thyself. This shit is just getting more brutal.

The composition should be up for download on iTunes at the end of Jan and will be sold at shows as well. (Then shirts).

Dismemberment aurally kicking my ass back on 10/14.

Dismemberment's recording progress for their new EP can be followed both on the Facebook page and on the blog for Paper Tiger Studios. There are fabulous photos and videos here and I cannot wait to hear what these guys are cooking up for the follow-up to the magnificent The Condemned.

And, for those within any reasonable driving distance of Columbus, this weekend will see both bands onstage at a Very Bless the Child Christmas. Work schedules will keep me away (stupid sustenance...) and I am devastated that I'm going to miss this show, scheduled for 7:00 PM at The Dude Locker, 527 East Hudson. Only three bucks to get in or $2 a single canned food item to be donated to the Mid Ohio Food Bank. The massive lineup will be as follows:

The Beast and His Image
Kingsblood
Domestic Terror
Shall be the Conqueror
Dismemberment
Bless the Child

I would love to hear from anyone who attends as I am sure it will be absolutely excellent. To add insult to injury, I had planned a trip to the Alrosa Villa for this Wednesday's birthday to treat myself to Kingsblood opening for Korpiklaani and read this morning that Kingsblood canceled this one last month due to conflicting work schedules (hey, Alrosa, update your website...). Sounds like work is fucking us all over. So be it. Rock and roll will endure.



Kingsblood. they get up at seven and go to work at nine.
seems to me they could live their life a lot
better than they think they am.



Exhumed • Goatwhore • Havok - November 1, 2011 - Alrosa Villa, Columbus, Ohio

First things first: I missed Exhumed. I hadn't planned to. A text from home close to eleven o'clock let me know one of my children was ill and sent me packing early. Parental responsibility vs. metal...it was a tough call but the right one. My wife's willingness to care for the kids solo on any given weeknight while I drive ninety minutes away for a metal show is one perk I do not want to endanger.

So, no Exhumed for me but, goddammit, what a hell of a show the rest of the bill was. This was my second trip to the Alrosa Villa and I am hooked. Good folks on staff, great crowd, "regulars" I already recognize and, I must point out, some of the most simultaneously loud and clear amplification I have ever experienced in a small venue. The volume, skull-splitting, never gave way to distortion of any sort and much appreciation is reserved for the folks who make that happen.

Kingsblood & Havok (oh, yeah, and Exhumed, too...)

Is Tuesday the new Friday? Just read Columbus-based purveyors of metallic excellence, Kingsblood, were added to the Exhumed/Goatwhore/Havok (and, apparently, no longer Cephalic Carnage) stop at the Alrosa Villa in Columbus, Ohio on Tuesday, November 1. I think I need to be there. Praying for more than three songs this time and, Crom willing, merch. And, goddammit, I gotta see Havok.

November 8 is Priest in Cincinnati and as long as Halford doesn't lay the Harley down I have faith it may rock as well.

Immolation • Jungle Rot • Gigan - October 14, 2011 - Alrosa Villa, Columbus, Ohio

Friday the 14th saw a marathon of metal invade the infamous Alrosa Villa as six bands lined up to deliver a bill headlined by Immolation, Jungle Rot and Gigan. I'd never been to the Alrosa before and was excited to make the 80-mile trek to see my own metal saviors, Jungle Rot, as close to home as possible. Of all the bands on the bill I was lucky enough to be excited to see three as The Metal Advisor had recently turned me onto Immolation and local (Laurelville, Ohio) band Dismemberment have a phenomenal EP up on Reverbnation that I couldn't wait to hear live.

The Alrosa Villa is your typical unassuming metal venue on the overgrown outskirts of town. Given its tragic spot in metal history you almost expect the place to be somehow sinister but, on the contrary, it was absolutely fine. Nice, even. Staff from security to the bar was friendly, there was ample parking, plenty of space and, above all, more than enough sound to go around.

Have I Mentioned Lately How Great This is Going to Be?