Loss of Self: Demo (2012)

"I saw this demo from Melbourne-based metal band Loss of Self mentioned on Forever Cursed but for whatever reason failed to pay attention. Then earlier this week I saw it mentioned again by San Fran-based metal label The Flenser (Wreck and Reference, Bosse-de-Nage) but this time I took the demo a little more seriously. And it’s a good thing I did too, because though it’s only three short tracks, it’s a really interesting release. Let me tell you why. Fusing together aspects of black metal and post-punk, Loss of Self has spit out a nifty little demo here. Sticking to the lo-fi, home-recorded roots of the black metal genre, these guys strut their stuff with your standard tortured vocals and blast beats. But instead of just lifelessly going through the motions of the genre, they stretch themselves by incorporating elements of post-punk music. Rather than employing a usual wall of sound created by furious tremolo picking, the guitar work here is almost melodic and catchy with heaps of crunching distortion. It’s a combo that while not necessarily inspired is still one that works and has me amped for what the band’s next movie might be (a larger release for The Flenser? who knows). Oh, and while you’re checking out the demo (which you can download for free), do yourself a favor and peep the artwork of band member Jacob O. Rolfe. PS, he designed that naked, stretchy-faced cover image" (cactus-mouth.tumblr.com)