Band...................................Warcollapse
Album..................................Deserts Of Ash
Year.....................................2019
Genre..................................crust
Format.................................vinyl LP
Country................................Sweden
Label....................................
Phobia Records,
Insane Society,
Bye Bye Productionswhile we are eagerly waiting for a new album from this absolute crust legends which will be out soon, maybe it's a good opportunity to remind us on their last full album released 5 years ago.. "Desert Of Ash" was released on LP vinyl by Phobia Records, Insane Society and ByeBye Productions during 2019, later two times repressed in 2020 and 2021 which means this release was pressed in around 2000 pieces only on vinyl (there was also CD version released in Brazil and tape as well on Phobia rec.) which is more than impressive number for a crust record in this current digital era..
I believe that Warcollapse don't need any special introduction, you already know everything, one of the pioneers of this infamous 90's euro crust sound, pure crust punk without any unnecessary complications, you know the kind of you would recommend to someone that is new in the genre as a classic sample.. they are known as a band who are not really regular into recording new stuff so "Desert Of Ash" comes 8 years after their last release and even 12 after last full length album "Defy" which was released in 2007 on Profane Existence.. even in meantime they approved a lot on this field and these days their already 3rd release in last 5 years is in finishing process and will be out soon..
but let's get back to "Deserts Of Ash", my copy is from this first pressing and on regular black vinyl.. record itself looks quite simple but nice, decorated by already standard amazing artwork by Steve of War, contains inner sleeve with lyrics, band picture and some basic info, few stickers were included as well if I remember correctly..
on one side we have 4 classic Warcollapse songs in just as expected style, short, around 2 mins each, I would say an UK inspired crustcore but they can't escape their rough and cold scandi-crust roots in entirety..
and on other side there is as a little surprise only one lengthy track, kind of Amebix-influenced, almost epic metal punk song which is more than 10 mins long and offers something little different and new but still fits well in Warcollapse style and with all the dirt, heaviness and aggression they don't let it escape outside crustcore shackles..
vocals on this record are as always guttural, rough and aggressive, almost animalistic full of hate but also understandable if you listen closely and if you read the lyrics at least once.. all instruments are also on point, this recognizable guitar sound is here again, heavy and pummeling drums also and all together delivers exactly what you expect, a real crust tornado which will blow you in pieces.. even the production can feel little sterile on moments, especially on the intro in the 1st song but with Warcollapse's heaviness and bulldozer power there's no way sound will be too clean and boring so after few moments everything settles right on its place and furious ride continues until the end of the record.. lyrics are also standard, dark and depressive, about exploitation of nature resources, government control and impossibility of getting out of vicious circle of life in corrupted system and distorted society..
there's always this question what to expect from old or reformed bands doing new recordings, some will say that Warcollapse doesn't bring anything new with this record but I won't agree.. this record is perfect example how it needs to be done and how band should evolve, they still have all you can possibly expect from 90s crust band and this is important because I want my favorite bands to sound like they sounded when I first time felt in love with them and not becoming modern post-something band and here this long title song on B side brings just enough dose of freshness so record didn't end up boring or irrelevant, just on the contrary this one was one of the best records and to me personally one of the most important in last few years..
Warcollapse with this record proves they are still here and still strong and for the end I will just quote just as they finished this record with words:
"Amidst this madness I still stand/Where death occupies all the land"
I'm really looking forward for a new record to come out and I am very curious how the whole thing will sound.. in meantime you can check first single from it on Phobia's bandcamp page and while waiting you can still get this one, it's available from Phobia Records, as well from some other distros..
