Church Of Misery
The Second Coming (CD) 2004 Leaf Hound
We've had a gruelling 2 year wait for this album since CoM's debut release, 'Master of Brutality', in 2002. This album's lyrical inspiration comes from the life and times of 5 notorious serial killers and was, I think, hinted at by the release just before this one, a 12" entitled 'The Boston Strangler'. I’d say that this 12" was overall pretty disappointing but what it lacked in innovation, 'The Second Coming' has more than made up for. The first thing that struck me about 'The Second Coming' was the leaps and bounds this outfit has advanced in since their first album. The title of the first track, 'I, Motherfucker' sets the tone for what follows; pure Japanese-style stoner brutality. This is easily one of the heaviest rocky bands I've heard for some time now, and I'd rate them right up there with super heavies like High on Fire, because they really are that good. I'd even say there’s a bit of Cathedral thrown in for good measure along the way. The sludgy, viscous, Sabbethesque assault on my ears was led primarily by guitarist Takenori Hoshi. The sheer heaviness isn't something words can relay – it's something you need to experience for yourself, but despite its doom roots, is best described as a fascinating combination of grooving riffs, psychadelic solos and a hefty dose of power chording. Tracks 1, 2 and 4 are the epitome of what I've just described. They also go to show just how fundamental Hoshi's talent is to the band's sound, but also how important a solid rhythm section (in the form of Mikami and Junji) is. Despite not being quite as blood-curdlingly brutal as his predecessor, Hideki comes up with some fine examples of howls, growls, and even a few howly growls along the way, finishing the CoM experience off in style. Having said that, CoM are just as capable of putting down mooching, laid back bluesey tracks with a psychadelic twist (courtesy of an analogue synth), perfect examples of which are 'Red Pepper Blues' and the outstanding instrumental, 'El Topo'. They're also top notch at doing covers, in this case having come up with a fresh new sound for Cactus's 'One Way... Or Another'. So if you're looking for a release which offers a little bit of everything brutal with some laid back groove thrown into the mix, this is the one for you. The album maintains your attention, even when tracks hit the 7 minute mark, and keep you bopping along to their innovative sound. I’d keep an eye on these Japanese wonders... they're definitely going places! For more info, drop in for a visit here.	1. I, Motherfucker (Ted Bundy) 2. Soul Discharge (Mark Essex) 3. Red Ripper Blues (Andrei Chikatilo) 4. Filth Bitch Boogie (Aileen Wuornos) 5. One Way... Or Another 6. Candy Man (Dean Corll) 7. El Topo (Inst) Approx. 41 minutes
Reviewed by: Keti Tano
Early Works Compilation (2CD) 2004 Leaf Hound
It seems that the spring of 1996 was a very creative period for these doomsters hailing from Japan. Tatsu Mikami formed Church of Misery in order to create a special doom nightmare influenced by Black Sabbath and 70s heavy rock stuff in general and even from psychedelic rock stuff (mostly the German scene with bands such as Can, Aon Duul etc). The main lyrical inspiration of the band was some famous, bloody serial killers. The band got down to work immediately to record their debut album which was finally released as a... bootleg, by accident. However the name Church of Misery was already a strong topic in all doom metal conversations worldwide. The legend had already born. Many official releases have followed with the most important being the killer album 'Masters Of Brutality', their first official full length released through Southern Lord. This double compilation CD includes stuff released before 'Masters Of Brutality' album stuff which owing to the limited edition of the original releases is nowadays hard to find. If you haven't checked Church Of Misery out until now, be prepared for a doom nightmare with heavy and psychedelic touches, inspired by a distinct 70s feel; electrified music which is sometimes groovy, sometimes creepy but always heavy. The band's releases should also be checked out by stoner rock freaks due to its influences from psychedelic rock although I believe that the real power of the band is their creeping doom moments. The lyrics have mostly to do with famous serial killers and other similarly bloodthirsty topics. Even the samplers used during song intros are usually taken from police crimes reports and similar targets, all of which help enforce special atmosphere. This compilation is a great chance for all those that kept on searching out the limited stuff and for all those that want to have a clear picture of their music as they approach it for the first time. 'Retal (Howard Unruh)', an unreleased song from 2000, is included in here as well as some killer covers of  Saint Vitus ('War Is our Destiny'), Iron Butterfly ('In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida'), Trouble ('Come Touch The Sky'), Black Widow ('Accident'), and Death SS ('Chains Of Death'). Well worth checking out! In general, look forward to a massive dose of heavy / psychedelic / doom rock, not bad at all!	Disc 1 1. Spahn Ranch 2. Road to Ruin 3. Reverend 4. War is Our Destiny 5. Room 213 6. Taste the Pain 7. Plainfield 8. In-A-Gadda-Da-Vidda Disc 2 1. Murder Company 2.  Son of a Gun 3.  Where Evil Dwells 4.  Sick of Living 5. Come Touch the Sky 6.  Accident 7. Chains of Death 8. Retal Approx. 109 minutes
Reviewed by: Chris Papadakis