Agorapocalypse

Last updated

Agorapocalypse
Agoraphobic Nosebleed - Agorapocalypse.jpeg
Studio album by
Agoraphobic Nosebleed
ReleasedApril 14, 2009 (2009-04-14)
RecordedVisceral Sound studios, October 2007 – December 2008
Genre Grindcore
Length28:31
Label Relapse
Producer Matthew F. Jacobson
Agoraphobic Nosebleed chronology
Split with Insect Warfare
(2008)		Agorapocalypse
(2009)		Split with Crom
(2009)

Agorapocalypse is the fourth full-length studio album by American grindcore band Agoraphobic Nosebleed (ANb). It was released through Relapse Records on April 14, 2009, in the United States, and April 20 internationally. [1] The album was recorded by ANb's guitarist Scott Hull at his Visceral Sound studios; Hull also wrote the drum parts using Toontrack's Drumkit from Hell in his digital audio workstation. [2] This is also the band's only album with vocalist Katherine Katz. [1] Agorapocalypse's cover artwork was designed by German illustrator Florian Bertmer.

Contents

Artwork

The cover art for Agorapocalypse was drawn by German illustrator Florian Bertmer, who had previously designed the covers for ANb's Bestial Machinery (Discography Volume 1) , Agoraphobic Nosebleed / Kill the Client and the inner-sleeve illustration for the group's 1999 split with Converge, The Poacher Diaries . [3] Bertmer, vocalist J. Randall, and guitarist Scott Hull discussed the themes of the album art by phone and agreed to give it an "old-school thrashcore vibe", because of ANb's new musical direction. Agorapocalypse's design was also inspired by the Mad Marc Rude illustration for the Misfits' Earth A.D. , which Bertmer defined as "insanely detailed". [3] Bertmer also explained that "[he] tried to incorporate as many iconic characters to give the whole piece a claustrophobic appearance." [4]

Bertmer initially created an outline black-and-white ink drawing measuring 14 inches (36 cm) square; he spent about two weeks sketching and one week drawing, then colored it on a computer. [3] He stylized depictions of "nuclear war, drug use, police brutality, and a greedy businessman—the art is less shocking to the senses by its vivid colors and comic-like appearance." [4] The green head in the middle of Agorapocalypse's cover art is based on a photo of Bertmer himself. [4]

Release

To promote Agorapocalypse, ANb made the album available for streaming in its entirety at www.agorapocalypse.com on April 13, 2009. Agorapocalypse was released through Relapse Records, on April 14 in North America and April 20 internationally. The album was issued on CD, a limited edition LP packaged with a 12 inches (30 cm) square full-color, 28-page booklet, and a mailorder-only longbox CD set limited to 1,000 copies that includes a 18 in × 24 in (46 cm × 61 cm) full-color poster, four-piece pin set and 5 in × 2.25 in (12.7 cm × 5.7 cm) embroidered patch. [5] According to Nielsen SoundScan, Agorapocalypse sold around 1,300 copies in the United States in its first week of release, and peaked at number 41 on the Billboard's Top Heatseekers chart. [6]

The Japanese edition included four bonus tracks, taken from their split with Insect Warfare. [7]

Reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
About.com Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [8]
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [9]
Baltimore City Paper favorable [10]
Decibel Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [11]
Exclaim! favorable [12]
Eye Weekly favorable [13]
The Maine Campus A− [14]
Pitchfork Media 5/10 [15]
PopMatters 8/10 [16]
Washington City Paper mixed [17]

Greg Pratt of Exclaim! magazine defined Agorapocalypse as "shockingly straight-ahead", [12] while About.com summarized the album by saying "Agorapocalypse might lack a bit of the deviant vibe of ANb's past work, but there's still thrash, grind and a liberal dose of madness." [8]

Unlike ANb's previous releases, on Agorapocalypse the group slowed down its sound to a thrashcore style of the 1980s. [8] With this shift in sound, Cosmo Lee of Pitchfork Media was more critical, stating that "Agorapocalypse is disappointingly listenable. Song lengths are up, exceeding two and three minutes, and the songwriting has diversified. Instead of simply beating listeners into a pulp, songs now speed up, slow down, and breathe." [15]

Track listing

All songs written and composed by Scott Hull.

No.TitleLength
0."Timelord Zero (Chronovore)" (hidden track in pregap)3:23
1."Agorapocalypse Now"2:25
2."Timelord One (Loneliness of the Long Distance Drug Runner)"0:56
3."Dick to Mouth Resuscitation"1:16
4."Moral Distortion"2:00
5."Hung from the Rising Sun"2:10
6."First National Stem Cell and Clone"3:19
7."Question of Integrity"2:30
8."Timelord Two (Paradoxical Reaction)"3:03
9."Trauma Queen"1:51
10."White on White Crime"3:19
11."Druggernaut Jug Fuck"2:23
12."Ex-Cop"0:59
13."Flamingo Snuff"2:20

Personnel

Related Research Articles

Grindcore is an extreme fusion genre of heavy metal and hardcore punk that originated in the mid-1980s, drawing inspiration from abrasive-sounding musical styles, such as thrashcore, crust punk, hardcore punk, extreme metal, and industrial. Grindcore is considered a more noise-filled style of hardcore punk while using hardcore's trademark characteristics such as heavily distorted, down-tuned guitars, grinding overdriven bass, high-speed tempo, blast beats, and vocals which consist of growls, shouts and high-pitched shrieks. Early groups such as England's Napalm Death are credited with laying the groundwork for the style. It is most prevalent today in North America and Europe, with popular contributors such as Brutal Truth and Nasum. Lyrical themes range from a primary focus on social and political concerns, to gory subject matter and black humor.

Agoraphobic Nosebleed is an American grindcore band. Its line-up has changed often over the years, with guitarist and drum programmer Scott Hull being the only continuous member. The current line-up includes vocalist Jay Randall, and Richard Johnson of Enemy Soil and Drugs of Faith, along with John Jarvis of Pig Destroyer and Fulgora on bass guitar.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pig Destroyer</span> American band

Pig Destroyer is an American grindcore band formed in 1997 in Alexandria, Virginia. The band was formed by vocalist J.R. Hayes, guitarist Scott Hull, and drummer John Evans. Pig Destroyer is one of the most well-known grindcore bands due to Hayes's poetic lyrics; Hull's incorporation of thrash, punk, and doom influences in songwriting; and technical drum work.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Relapse Records</span> American record label

Relapse Records is an American independent record label based in Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania. It was founded by Matthew F. Jacobson in 1990. The label features many grindcore, death metal, metalcore and sludge metal artists.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scott Hull (musician)</span> American guitarist

Scott Hull is an American grindcore musician, and the current guitarist and producer for Pig Destroyer, Agoraphobic Nosebleed, and Japanese Torture Comedy Hour. He has been part of many other projects including the controversial band Anal Cunt. Aside from his music works, he currently works as a government computer specialist. Hull is noted for his experimental style of guitar playing that incorporates various influences, as well as for his use of eight string and seven string guitars.

<i>Bestial Machinery (Discography Volume 1)</i> 2005 compilation album by Agoraphobic Nosebleed

Bestial Machinery is a double-CD anthology by the American grindcore band Agoraphobic Nosebleed. The album contains all of the material the group recorded prior to their Relapse Records full-length album Honky Reduction, much of which was only released on vinyl 7-inch EPs or compilations.

<i>PCP Torpedo</i>

PCP Torpedo is a 6" vinyl EP by American grindcore band Agoraphobic Nosebleed. It was released in 1998 on Hydra Head Records. PCP Torpedo was pressed on assorted colours, including black, black/red mixed, red, and orange/red mixed. The opening sample on "Thanksgiving Day" is Richard Pryor as Zeke Brown in the film Blue Collar.

<i>The Poacher Diaries</i> 1999 studio album by Agoraphobic Nosebleed and Converge

The Poacher Diaries is a split album released by the bands Agoraphobic Nosebleed and Converge in 1999. It was remastered by Scott Hull in 2006 and re-released by Relapse Records.

<i>Altered States of America</i> 2003 studio album by Agoraphobic Nosebleed

Altered States of America is a 100-song 3" mini CD and the third studio album released by grindcore band Agoraphobic Nosebleed. The album's songs cover a variety of topics, with many referring to violence and drug use. Several songs consist solely of a vocal delivery of the title on top of noise, such as "The Tokyo Subway Gassing" and "The Star of David". The album is divided into movements, some of which are titled. "Wonder Drug Wonderland", which is credited as track 00, can be found on the CD by holding rewind at the start of track 1; it is the first song on the LP. The cover art was created by Jeff Gaither.

<i>Book Burner</i> 2012 studio album by Pig Destroyer

Book Burner is the fifth studio album by American grindcore band Pig Destroyer. It was released on October 22, 2012, through Relapse Records. The deluxe edition includes a short story by J.R. Hayes entitled "The Atheist" and an EP of hardcore punk covers. Vocalist J.R. Hayes stated that the band's only goal for Book Burner was "fast/brutal" and expressed happiness over the abundance of songs on the album with shorter lengths. Guitarist Scott Hull also affirmed that the band's goal was "shorter grind" on Book Burner in contrast with the preceding full-length album, Phantom Limb.

Benümb was an American grindcore band from Millbrae, California.

Florian Bertmer is a German illustrator from the hardcore punk, grindcore and metal scene. He has done artwork for bands and companies like Converge, Napalm Death, Danzig, Black Sabbath, Puscifer, The Hope Conspiracy, The Dillinger Escape Plan, Agoraphobic Nosebleed, Pig Destroyer, Doomriders, Kirk Hammett, Lucasfilm, Alamo Drafthouse, Netflix, Funko and others. His early works were reminiscent of Pushead while his later works have become more influenced by Art Nouveau and Occultism. He fronted the band Cheerleaders Of The Apocalypse. He has also created several official movie posters in collaboration with Alamo Drafthouse Cinema and has designed deck art for skateboard companies such as Creature Skateboards or Substance Abuse.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Powerviolence</span> Music genre; subgenre of hardcore punk

Powerviolence is a chaotic and fast subgenre of hardcore punk which is closely related to thrashcore and grindcore. In contrast with grindcore, which is a "crossover" idiom containing musical aspects of heavy metal, powerviolence is just an augmentation of the most challenging qualities of hardcore punk. Like its predecessors, it is usually socio-politically charged and iconoclastic.

<i>Traitors</i> (album) 2008 studio album by Misery Index

Traitors is the third studio album by American death metal band Misery Index. It was recorded by Kurt Ballou, mixed/mastered by Steve Wright and released through Relapse Records on September 30, 2008. A video was released for the song "Traitors".

<i>This Comp Kills Fascists Vol. 1</i> 2008 compilation album by Various Artists

This Comp Kills Fascists Vol. 1 is a compilation album released by Relapse Records focusing on grindcore and powerviolence bands. The LP was released by Deep Six Records. A limited edition box set of 7 7" records was released in January 2009. The album features 14 bands, 51 tracks and has a total running time of 57 minutes and 4 seconds. The album was compiled by Scott Hull of Pig Destroyer/Agoraphobic Nosebleed fame.

<i>Bridges to Burn</i> 2009 studio album by 16

Bridges to Burn is an album by American sludge metal band 16. It was released January 20, 2009 through Relapse Records.

<i>Arc</i> (EP) 2016 EP by Agoraphobic Nosebleed

Arc is an EP by Agoraphobic Nosebleed, featuring vocalist Kat Katz. It was released on 22 January 2016 via Relapse Records. It is the first in a 4-part series of EPs representing each individual member of the band's vision and influence.

<i>And on and On...</i> 2011 studio album by Despise You and Agoraphobic Nosebleed

And on and On... is a split album by powerviolence band Despise You and grindcore band Agoraphobic Nosebleed. It was released on April 26, 2011, through Relapse Records. It includes the first material written by Despise You since their 2007 reformation.

<i>Head Cage</i> 2018 studio album by Pig Destroyer

Head Cage is the sixth studio album by American grindcore band Pig Destroyer. The album was released on September 7, 2018 through Relapse Records. The album features vocal cameos from Richard Johnson and Kat Katz from Agoraphobic Nosebleed, along with Dylan Walker from Full of Hell.

Insect Warfare was an American grindcore band from Houston, Texas.

References

  1. 1 2 "Agoraphobic Nosebleed unveil details for Agorapocalypse". BW&BK . January 22, 2009. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved April 18, 2009.
  2. ↑ "An interview with Scott Hull (Pig Destroyer / ANb)". BrooklynVegan. February 23, 2009. Retrieved November 20, 2009.
  3. 1 2 3 Bennett, J. (August 2009). "Visions of disorder". Revolver (83). Future: 82. ISSN   1527-408X.
  4. 1 2 3 DiNitto, Jay (April 14, 2009). "Album art of the week". Noisecreep . AOL. Retrieved November 13, 2009.
  5. ↑ "Agorapocalypse limited edition longbox". Relapse Records. Retrieved August 13, 2010.
  6. ↑ "'Agorapocalypse' First-Week Sales Revealed". Blabbermouth.net. April 22, 2010. Archived from the original on September 8, 2012. Retrieved August 13, 2010.
  7. ↑ jupitreas (April 14, 2009). "Agoraphobic Nosebleed – Agorapocalypse review". Metal Storm . Retrieved April 10, 2013.
  8. 1 2 3 M. Norton, Justin. "Agorapocalypse review". About.com. The New York Times Company. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved November 13, 2009.
  9. ↑ Prato, Greg. "Agorapocalypse – Agoraphobic Nosebleed". Allmusic. Retrieved June 25, 2011.
  10. ↑ Gardner, Lee (May 6, 2009). "Agorapocalypse review". Baltimore City Paper. Archived from the original on April 6, 2012. Retrieved November 11, 2009.
  11. ↑ Harvell, Jess. "Agoraphobic Nosebleed". Decibel Magazine. Archived from the original on June 8, 2009. Retrieved June 25, 2011.
  12. 1 2 Pratt, Greg (May 2009). "Agorapocalypse review". Exclaim!. Archived from the original on January 15, 2013. Retrieved November 11, 2009.
  13. ↑ Hughes, Brian (April 14, 2009). "Agorapocalypse review". Eye Weekly. Torstar. Retrieved November 11, 2009.[ permanent dead link ]
  14. ↑ Page, Ryan (April 6, 2009). "CD Review: Agorapocalypse". The Maine Campus. Archived from the original on October 7, 2011. Retrieved June 25, 2011.
  15. 1 2 Lee, Cosmo (April 17, 2009). "Agorapocalypse review". Pitchfork Media. Archived from the original on November 4, 2009. Retrieved November 13, 2009.
  16. ↑ Begrand, Adrien (June 10, 2009). "Reviewed: Agoraphobic Nosebleed's Agorapocalypse". PopMatters. Retrieved November 14, 2009.
  17. ↑ Wu, Brandon (April 10, 2009). "Agorapocalypse review". Washington City Paper. Archived from the original on May 24, 2011. Retrieved June 25, 2011.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.