Month: May 2024

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Announcement; TCOR drops a new track

Prepare for yet another offering from the Dutch Zwotte Kring collective. Sharing multiple musicians between them, Meslamtaea and The Color of Rain decided to join forces for a split EP.

Even though both acts have a very different approach to their music, they’ve both proved to bring something new to the table, seamlessly blending different subgenres into a sound that is inherently their own. Lyrically, Nihil Vincit Omnia is a very dark and nihilistic view of the world and humanity. Musically, both bands have furthered their experimental and eclectic style. The Color of Rain have upped the ante and produced an offering that’s even more symphonic and dark than their debut album Oceans Above. Meslamtaea has broadened its jazz-like qualities with dissonant and alienating melodies and rhythmic patterns not unlike those found in fusion. An exciting and brooding offering, showcasing two of the most unorthodox acts in Dutch extreme metal.

TCOR started during the corona pandemic, when life once again proved to be fragile and meaningless. This feeling of insignificance inspired founder Gerhans Meulenbeld to create the band. As a growing contempt for humanity and its ridiculous attempts to understand everything developed, his desire to create was fueled. Using his broad love for different metal styles, The Color Of Rain quickly became an exciting combination of atmospheric black metal and technical death with progressive passages. Floris Velthuis and Devi Hisgen joined and quickly their first offering Oceans Above was written. The album came out in 2023 through Void Wanderer Productions to great critical acclaim.

For fans of: Harakiri for the Sky, Cynic, Revocation, Ulcerate, Deathspell Omega, A Forest of Stars, Mgla

Line up:
Gerhans Meulenbeld – guitars and compositions.
Floris Velthuis – drums, bass and synths.
Devi Hisgen – vocals and keys.

Mixing and mastering by Floris Velthuis and Devi Hisgen.
Logo and artwork by Bram Bruyneel

Album name: Nihil Vincit Omnia
Genre: black metal, post-black, extreme metal
Type: Vinyl / Digital
Label: Zwaertgevegt
Release date: 28/06/2024
Preorder HERE

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Column: To support a label or a band?

In the age of digital streaming, the act of purchasing physical music—be it CDs, tape or vinyl records—has become a statement of support, a tangible connection between fans and artists. But where should one buy these musical artifacts? Directly from the band or through the record label? It’s a question that touches on the heart of the music industry.

Supporting the Band vs. Supporting the Future

When fans buy directly from the band, they’re often under the impression that their money goes straight into the pockets of the musicians they admire. It’s a direct form of support, a way to say “I believe in you” without the middleman. However, this perspective overlooks the crucial role that record labels play in an artist’s career.

Record labels do more than just press albums and ship them out. They’re involved in the artist’s development, promotion, distribution, and often provide the upfront costs for production. When fans purchase music from the label, they’re not just supporting the band; they’re investing in the label’s ability to continue supporting that band—and others like them—in the future.

The Label as a Launchpad

Consider the label as a launchpad for the band’s career. A successful release through a label can lead to more resources for marketing, touring, and producing higher quality music. It’s a cycle of growth: the more successful the label, the more they can invest in their artists.

A Symbiotic Relationship

The relationship between a band and its label is symbiotic. While the band creates the art, the label helps to amplify their voice. Buying from the label ensures that this partnership can thrive, leading to more music and more opportunities for the band to reach new heights.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while buying directly from the band is a wonderful way to show support, purchasing from the label can have a broader impact. It’s an investment in the band’s present and future, ensuring that the music you love continues to find its way to your turntable for years to come. So next time you’re considering where to buy that limited edition vinyl or CD, remember that the label’s role is pivotal in the grand tapestry of the music industry. Your purchase there could be the reason we see more from the band in the future, under the nurturing guidance of a label that believes in their potential just as much as you do.

Columnist: Ward