Author & Punisher – Beastland

When it comes time to record a new album, it's a pretty safe bet to say that the majority of artists and bands will call upon those handy endorsement deals that come with success, or use a faithful old guitar or synth that holds some sort of inner magic for the player. Not Tristan Shone. The former electrical engineer and sole member of Author & Punisher creates his own “drone machines” to obtain the sounds he desires.

“I built new machines for this album to make more aggressive and dynamic music,” Shore explains in the album's accompanying press release. “These devices are compact and powerful, made from robotic components, intended for high energy repetition.”

Beastland is his first release since leaving Pantera frontman Phil Anselmo’s label Housecore Records, marking this album the debut venture from Author & Punisher’s new home Relapse. Opening track, Pharmacide delivers a dark groove, heavy distorted synths mixed with harsh, barely audible vocals. From here, the listener is taken on an industrial journey through screaming voices and dissonant chords. Ode to Bedlam has faint traces of Nine Inch Nails, whilst Nihil State has underlying tones of industrial kings, Godflesh. This is not a direct lift from these bands however, more evidence of influence.

Title album's title track is led with a simple but powerful drum and bass combination, more distortion than notes at times. Though the vocals are indistinct, this track is perhaps the most "sing along" of the release, the chorus digging it’s catchy hooks in from the first listen.

Beastland creates a want to witness this music live, with the impression that a live environment will bring just a little more power and life to these harsh soundscapes. Chaotic structure and tormented screams make it feel more like a journey than a collection of songs. Though there are no real striking differences to previous releases, Beastland is a continuation of what has been described as Author & Punisher’s "special type of doom metal." Fans of extreme metal will be satisfied with the intense journey they will undertake when hitting play.

Listen to: Beastland