Decibrity Playlist: Sadgiqacea

For Fred Grabosky and Evan Void, the dudes behind Philadelphia-based Sadgiqacea, music is only one, albeit rather large, part of their lives. Each is also into art as Grabosky is a freelance illustrator (drawing and inking) while Void, when not also playing in Hivelords and Ominous Black, tattoos at Living Out Loud Tattoo in Lindenwold, NJ (shout out to PATCO). While it’s been a little over a year since it released debut full-length, False Prism, the duo is set to hit the road for the next month-and-a-half or so starting tomorrow. Before they left, Grabosky (drums) and Void (guitars/vocals) were kind enough to tell us about some records that fuel their drawing, inking, painting, sketching and related endeavors, some of which you can check out below. Pick up a copy of False Prism, whose artwork Fred and Evan did, here.
<a href="http://sadgiqacea.bandcamp.com/album/false-prism">False Prism by SADGIQACEA</a>

Kylesa–Static Tensions (2009)
I’ll kick this off with an album I believe to be one of Kylesa’s strongest and compositionally sound. Don’t get me wrong, To Walk a Middle Course and Time Will Fuse Its Worth are both such amazing albums to me as well, but when it comes down to it, this is where I considered Kylesa’s songwriting to be in its prime. The overall production quality is increased and feels “cleaner” than the other albums, but that is not why I chose it. From the first second of the first track to the last bit of the final track, this album produces such a lively energy. Every song feels so cohesive with one another, and it’s so damn catchy in a brutally heavy way. I remember hearing “Running Red” for the first time and being like, “Whoa, this roars. That fat palm mute! That mid eastern lick! These tribal drum fills!” I’m a huge fan of the groove aspect of heavy music and this album encapsulates that description entirely. This album also features the artwork of John Dyer Baizley, whom has been an influence on my work.–Fred Grabosky

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OM–Pilgrimage (2007)
Speaking of groove, OM are the kings of heavy grooves. I can’t get enough of it, and can’t play enough of that snake-like time signature in my spare time. I find it’s perfect to make art to. It keeps me fluid with the motion of my pencil while I’m sketching and puts me in a meditative zone that drives me to keep working. They serve as a great influence in writing for Sadgiqacea.–F.G.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jt3rUA5iHEU

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Wolves In The Throne Room–Black Cascade (2009)
This album speaks to me in ways I cannot necessarily explain. For one thing, the direct reference to the Caspar David Friedrich painting Wanderer above the Sea of Fog for the opening track is something I feel personally close to. I share an interest in Romantic era poetry and artwork, and that’s enough for me. Wolves have always been able to move me with their exploration in atmosphere and mood through black metal. I feel there is no other band out there that pulls it off as well as they do.–F.G.

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Cult Of Luna–Eternal Kingdom (2008)
This album is only one of the many that Cult of Luna has produced that I am seemingly drawn to, like a high powered magnet. They have such a way of composing songs. Though much simplicity is at play, every instrument brought into the mix is tastefully placed and layered. I enjoy their cohesive writing qualities throughout each piece, paired up with vein-bursting vocals.–F.G.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voCLHHCa1as

recent work shot

Lantlôs–Agape (2011)
This was a recent discovery that I found myself playing front to back on repeat. As much as I am a fan of straightforward doom or black metal or sludge bands, I can really appreciate a band that is not afraid to step outside of its expected sound barriers, especially lately. This album tends to weave between heavy/punishing long winded howls and hits, to black metal tendencies, to slowed down, heartfelt, clean atmosphere, even some jazz and much more. It’s all wildly entertaining and beautiful. Its composition feels more like a soundtrack than an album, almost as if there was a movie that went along to it. You have to hear it to understand what I’m babbling about. I strongly recommend it.–F.G.

Neurosis–The Eye of Every Storm (2004)
Of course Neurosis will make the top list of my picks, and even though I find Times of Grace to be one of the most influential and heavy/amazing albums, many others have featured it in interviews like these. I’ll say I saved the best for last with absolute conviction here. Something extremely powerful resonates with me upon listening to this incredible spiritual dreamscape of an album. My pen seems to ebb and flow just as the music does. I specifically tend to forget everything and fall away from the earth for the title track. It is at this point I’m subconsciously stippling my life away into oblivion. I absolutely love that windpipe/keyboard melody that creeps in at…well…4:20 as things would have it, haha. This album was the first that Neurosis took matters of recording into their own hands. I’ve always admired their ambition and this album makes it clear that their hard work paid off. It is so beautifully composed front to back.–F.G.

Valdur–At War With (2013)
I don’t think many people heard about this record because it came out a few days before the end of 2013, but I actually discovered it by reading one of the “Call and Response” segments of Decibel. This is a superb release that showcases a brutal black metal band with all my favorite elements of death metal and a chilling atmosphere, especially from the guitars–great production.–Evan Void

<a href="http://valdur.bandcamp.com/album/at-war-with">At War With by VALDUR</a>

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Sorcier Des Glaces–Snowland Reprise MMXII (2012)
I wasn’t familiar with this band until about a year ago, when Sadgiqacea was on tour with our buds Haethen, but this album made quite an impression on me, and quickly found its way into my music library. The re-recording and reissuing of this album was a really nice touch. I’ve heard the original version, and it has its moments, but the 2012 version is definitely sweet as fuck.–E.V.

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Falls Of Rauros–Hail Wind And Hewn Oak (2008)
I discovered this band via our friend Brian of the now defunct San Antonio band Ecocide, while staying with him on tour. This album is so majestic, and cleverly and effectively makes use of acoustic/folk instruments, choral vocals and an almost classic rock/vintage production style. The sadness is overwhelming in some of their melodies. It’s full of great surprises and really fun to listen to! Sadgiqacea, Haethen, and Lonesummer will be opening for Falls of Rauros on August 20th at Millcreek Tavern here in Philadelphia.–E.V.

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Across Tundras–Sage (2011)
A great record from a great band. It sounds incredible, and the amazingly organic production is backed by great songwriting. I love how they incorporate the Western elements, both sonically and aesthetically. We’ll be playing with Across Tundras and Brother Ares in Nashville on July 16th at the pseudo-legendary Spring Water Supper Club.–E.V.

<a href="http://acrosstundras.bandcamp.com/album/sage">Sage by Across Tundras</a>

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Ulcerate–Vermis (2013)
I heard about this band from our friend Alyssa who I tattoo with at Living Out Loud. She’s also the one who designed the promotional tour poster we’re using for this tour. I love how Ulcerate has that “spiral” sound–churning, angular riffs over super brutal and super precise drums. It’s surprisingly atmospheric, too! I had the pleasure of seeing them with our friends Inter Arma here in Philly, and both bands absolutely crushed!–E.V.

<a href="http://ulcerate.bandcamp.com/album/vermis">Vermis by Ulcerate</a>

Thantifaxath–Sacred White Noise (2014)
I heard this band’s debut EP a few years ago, and it most definitely left me wanting more. Thankfully, their new LP is amazing, and I’ve already devoured it with my eardrums. They incorporate odd time signatures and serpentine chromatic passages with a seemingly inhuman level of finesse. I think it’s safe to say that this album has already made it into my favorite albums of 2014.–E.V.

<a href="http://darkdescentrecords.bandcamp.com/album/sacred-white-noise">Sacred White Noise by Thantifaxath</a>

*Top photo by Dante Torrieri of Useless Rebel Imaging

**Order a copy of False Prism here and catch Fred and Evan on tour on the following dates with Hivelords:

Friday, June 20, 2014 – Lindenwold NJ – THE SEX DUNGEON (w/ Windmill of Corpses, Coastal Plain)
Saturday, June 21, 2014 – York PA – THE DEPOT (w/ Police State, Windmill of Corpses)
Sunday, June 22, 2014 – Providence RI – DUSK (w/ Leukorrhea & Coffin Birth)
Monday, June 23, 2014 – Boston MA – O’BRIENS (w/ Lunglust & Plagues)
Tuesday, June 24, 2014 – Portland ME – ST. JOHN (w/ Sylvia, Eastern Spell)
Wednesday, June 25, 2014 – Portsmouth, NH – HOUSE SHOW (w/ Ramlord, Northern Curse, Guilt)
Thursday, June 26, 2014 – Worcester MA – RALPH’S DINER (w/ Krakatoa, +1 TBA)
Friday, June 27, 2014 – Syracuse NY – GORHAM BROTHER’S MUSIC (w/ TBA)
Saturday, June 28, 2014 – Rochester NY – THE BUG JAR (w/ Blizaro, Fox 45 & The Highest Leviathan)
Sunday, June 29, 2014 – Buffalo NY – THE LAIR (w/ Enthauptung & Ancients of Earth)
Monday, June 30, 2014 Pittsburgh PA – THE SHOP (w/ Slaves BC, Night Vapor)
Tuesday, July 01, 2014 – Kent OH – STONE TAVERN (w/ TBA)
Wednesday, July 02, 2014 – Port Huron, MI – SCHWONK SOUND STEAD (w/ TBA)
Thursday, July 03, 2014 – Covington, KY – THREE KINGS BAR (w/ Coelacanth & Drowner)
Friday, July 04, 2014 – Indianapolis, IN – HOUSE SHOW (w/ Windmill of Corpses)
Saturday, July 05, 2014 – Chicago IL – COBRA LOUNGE (w/ Demonitron, Dia Rrhena)
Sunday, July 06, 2014 – Madison, WI – DAS GEWOLBE (w/ Poney, Red Museum)
Monday, July 07, 2014 – Milwaukee, WI – FRANK’S POWER PLANT (w/ Northless & Asatta)
Tuesday, July 08, 2014 – Wausau WI – THE STANK (w/ TBA)
Wednesday, July 09, 2014 – Minneapolis MN – THE TOILET STORE (w/ Morality Crisis, Aziza)
Thursday, July 10, 2014 – Des Moines IA – HULL AVE TAVERN (w/ Agrinex)
Friday July 11, 2014 – Kansas City MO – VANDALS (w/ Keef Mountain +1TBA)
Saturday, July 12, 2014 – Columbia MO – PESTE DE MERDE (w/ TBA)
Sunday, July 13, 2014 – Saint Louis MO – FUBAR (w/ Requiem, +1 TBA)
Monday, July 14, 2014 – Lexington KY – SIDECAR (w/ Arktos & Sonic Altar)
Tuesday, July 15, 2014 – Huntington WV – HOUSE SHOW (w/ TBA)
Wednesday, July 16, 2014 – Nashville TN – THE SPRING WATER (w/ Across Tundras, Brother Ares)
Thursday, July 17, 2014 – Atlanta GA – 529 ROOM (w/ The Dirty Magazines, Crawl)
Friday, July 18, 2014 – Knoxville TN – THE POISON LAWN (w/ TBA)
Saturday, July 19, 2014 – Asheville NC – THE ODDITORIUM (w/ TBA)
Sunday, July 20, 2014 – Charlotte NC – THE MILESTONE (w/ Highchair Tyrant)
Monday, July 21, 2014 – West Columbia SC -NEW BROOKLAND TAVERN (w/ Darkentries)
Tuesday, July 22, 2014 – Richmond VA – EMPIRE (w/ TBA)
Wednesday, July 23, 2014 – Roanoke VA – TBA (w/ TBA)
Thursday, July 24, 2014 – Washington DC – THE PINCH BAR (w/ TBA)
Friday, July 25, 2014 – Baltimore, MD – TRON’S HOUSE (w/ Lotus Fuckers)
Saturday, July 26, 2014 – Brooklyn NY – THE ACHERON (w/ Insect Ark & Sangharsha)
Wednesday July 30th, 2014 – Philadelphia PA – JR’S BAR (w/ Zafakon (Puerto Rico), Meddlesome Bells)