It’s Monday and Mondays suck, so let’s grind it out with a full album stream of Endless Swarm’s Imprisoned in Skin.
Is it Monday already? Feels like the weekend was just getting started. Well, if you’re feeling the same way, I have something that should send this weekday trudge hurtling forward.
If you listen to enough grind and powerviolence, you’ve probably come across the name Endless Swarm before. The Edinburgh, Scotland four-piece has been honing their craft since 2013, creating some deadly fast grinding powerviolence. Splits with bands like the mighty Gets Worse, Pavel Chekov, Forged, Concussive, and Brainshit are a few highlights of their discography. But they also have a few solo releases to their name. However, today they’re ready to unleash the force of their first full-length, Imprisoned in Skin onto the world.
Over nineteen-tracks, Endless Swarm reign in that grinding powerviolence sound they’ve showcased in the past. No, it doesn’t sound like it was recorded on a fuzzy condenser mic this time, but it still sounds just as raw. Opening with “Ether” we get exactly what we’re promised: blasting powerviolence and plenty of groove to go around.
A lot of powerviolence can feel like it’s pulling towards the slower or faster, and Endless Swarm definitely err on the faster. While never sacrificing heaviness (see: “P.T.M.” or “Fissure”), the band is often drunk on blasting. Tracks switch up their riffs constantly, and Endless Swarm utilize their instruments for more than just constant chaos. The fuzzy/buzzy bass riffs add a lot of meat to the bones. “Redesigned” comes to mind when it comes things kicking it quick, thick, and fast.
After a few tracks, you’ll know if this is for you or not. Endless Swarm is top tier powerviolence, and with Imprisoned in Skin, they’re setting a pretty damn high mark for themselves. Start to finish this beast is a banger. But don’t take my word for it. Click play on that stream and get grinding on this.
Scottish Grindcore/Powerviolence
Members:
Graham – Vocals
Alex – Bass/Vocals
Dave – Drums/Brass/Organ
Niall – Guitar
Recorded and mixed at the Broken Drum Studio, Edinburgh in 2018 by James McDonald, Alex Sharp and Dave Taylor. Mastered by Nathan Campbell Audio.
Artwork by Steve Myles
CD released by Mind Ripper Collective (UK) Out October 1st.
Tape version by Bloody Scythe Records (USA) release date TBC.
12" version out early 2019.
Japan/South Korea tour October.
