Ashenspire - Hostile Architecture ALBUM REVIEW

[@JonSudano]

All the shouted vocals of Chat Pile and IDLES, all the disorientating prog flavor of Captain Beefheart, all the blast beats of your favorite atmoblack, all the violins and anti-capitalism of GYBE

[@eliasE989]

This album hits you like concrete. "Always three months to the gutter Never three months to the peak"

[@macintsoh_]

As if, for hunger, we yearn… As if To cauterize A burn

[@estebanmendez4277]

I didn’t expect you to review this album and I’m so happy you did

[@br0sine]

Yeah, some Bandcamp stuff is really good and sadly goes under the radar most of the time. The composer of the original Lego Rock Raiders Videogame OST (LRR being a big part of my childhood) for example released cool, experimental tracks over at Bandcamp recently. Artist: "Templesound" | Album: "The Fractal Shoreline EP" Given them a listen if you're up to it :3 (NO AD, this is just me recomending stuff c:)

[@ComposerKuandohan]

@@br0sine hello. I just tried looking this up, and there are 3 composers for that game (John Saull, Jon Harrison, & Joseph Harper) and none of them have Bandcamp pages from my searches. Could you please tell me the exact name of the Bandcamp page or the composer? Thank you.

[@br0sine]

@@ComposerKuandohan I wish I could send you a link of some sorts but my comments always get deleted. I propably should have been clearer. It's the PC OST I was talking about. The composer were "Maryl Boonyer" and "Alan Boorman". So maybe this will work: Artist: "Temple Sound"/"Maryl Boonyer" EP: "The Fractal Shoreline EP"

[@ilsaorollins7302]

Seriously, was so hyped to see this

[@jamesmoore3879]

Ashenspire's fantastic. I was VERY happy to see their name pop up under Fantano's beautiful smile and VERY happy to see the yellow flannel alongside

[@JB-bi4lf]

These guys are about to get a boost in popularity

[@turboshazed7370]

Kinda like when he reviewed Fire Toolz.

[@Frdnnd]

I wonder if it's the same case with DDS

[@MNTNPG]

I hope not. Getting exposed to Fantano fans is never a good thing

[@MelMelodyWerner]

one of my buds is friends with them (he toured with them) and he was gushing about how they're some of the nicest folks in Scottish metal. they've deserved it.

[@idontcheckmynotifications]

They deserve it, this was criminally overlooked earlier

[@fa2lemuelm2]

I am not someone who actively searches for metal albums, but this man's enthusiasm was damn infectious than I am definitely going to give this a shot. It's very entertaining when Anthony clearly loves the work and is quite strong in his reception to an album

[@MostlyLoveOfMusic]

Same, the concept and execution sounds too compelling to skip

[@GlazeonthewickeR]

It’s an amazing record.

[@ryansheehy7368]

I hate metal and I still thought this album was fire

[@dylandagnall2135]

Someone in this band was my chemistry teacher. Glad you're doing well Mr Dunn.

[@nopizzawithoutpineapple]

This album kinda makes me wanna redistribute wealth and seize the means of production

[@TheSurrealist.]

🤘🏻✊🏻

[@karlbenedictperez8655]

now THAT is metal as fuck

[@Miloun]

lol

[@Neophoenix89]

It's like Black Country, New Road's older angry brother

[@sebastianzanzinger]

Exactly what I thought aaah!

[@lasen_]

This album deserves all the attention in the world, I am super glad you decided to review it, Anthony! Hoping I'll get to see them live sooner rather than later.

[@pisces_mysticus]

Lyrics shown in this video go hard. Checked the album and hooked from the first track. Thanks, Anthony, hopefully this review will bring them more audience!

[@gerontion1011]

Incredible album, haven’t heard metal like this in years. The bandcamp description says they are inspired by the late Mark Fisher, who has inspired musicians like Burial, Kode-9, The Caretaker and William Basinski. I recommend everyone read Ghosts of My Life.

[@nikolademitri731]

I second that, excellent work! Also, they should read Capitalists Realism, which I’m fairly certain you can find on KZbin even in audio formats. Also, Exiting The Vampire Castle… just read Mark Fisher, period. ✌️

[@Whocares1987]

I have Fisher’s K-Punk too

[@aufhebenx3662]

Mark Fisher, Nick Land, and the CCRU are phenomenal and got me into electronic music

[@Whocares1987]

@@aufhebenx3662 nick land’s early stuff is great not too familiar with his strange later material

[@aufhebenx3662]

@@Whocares1987 i treat post breakdown land like i do post-danzig misfits....it doesn't exist haha

[@OtreborBotanist]

So stoked to be on this record (and to have the first few seconds be the dulcimer 😜)

[@clokwerk]

This is far and away the best metal album I've heard in the last decade. I love the instrumentals on most metal but they lose me on the vocals. Not here. Ashenspire's vocalist has more emotion than any metal vocalist I've ever heard. He sounds like he's crying out of anger and fear, ready to jump to his death at any moment. So *fucking* impactful.

[@haideral-baldawi2857]

If you haven't checked out A Forest of Stars already, definitely do so. They're very similar to Ashenspire, but have a bit more black metal than avant-garde/jazz in their sound.

[@R-H-B]

Well it’s official. This is the most 9/10s that Melon has ever given in one year

[@turboshazed7370]

And 1s

[@R-H-B]

@@turboshazed7370 there’s only been 2 1/10s tho right?

[@raihanrazak2743]

And loved list also

[@wojteksocha2002]

How many 9's there are in 2022?

[@R-H-B]

@@wojteksocha2002 11 so far. The previous record was 2019 with 10 9s

[@ShreyasKr...]

Every 9 Anthony gave this year was a goddamn firework...

[@alphabetadams1024]

Wow, I finally heard an album before Fantano reviewed it! I love this album a lot and I hope they get more attention from this. This album should be the blueprint for political rock music in Britain.

[@oh718]

Oh baby, a metal album getting a 9? Gotta check this one out

[@LucasStrandell]

I was pleasantly surprised by the vocals. They're incredibly emotive and every word seems to cut through the mix perfectly.

[@K1LLtheSWITCH]

The moment they came in I was really shocked and didn't think they were working. Then after the second song I was fully on board. The vocals are really what make feel extra special.

[@lucara8618]

This is such a cool album, all their songs have the coolest intros.

[@TheMightybraa]

I am so glad you reviewed this. Best metal album in a while

[@initializesahib]

geogaddi pfp, nice

[@samhinder2224]

My Chemistry teacher is part of this band

[@CCL1603]

Amazing album, and the drummer of this band has an incredible more straight forward black/death project called Tyrannus that’s worth checking out for sure!

[@locajoji8315]

He looked so happy, I almost thought it would be a 10.

[@hudsonbarth5641]

I discovered this record on Bandcamp when it first came out and ordered a CD while halfway into my first spin. The opening track is especially remarkable. Such a unique album; theatrical, chaotic, desperate, mournful, and hungry for war. All hail Scottish Socialist Imperial Triumphant!!!

[@JavierJimenez-eg6bn]

"Scottish socialist imperial triumphant" is perfect

[@jcr6311]

I’m Scottish but hadn’t heard of this band before, God damn it’s a good record. Reminds me of the jazz in the Lynch film Lost Highway. Thanks for the recommendation, Melon 🤩

[@supersts7628]

Anthony Jambotano

[@j.s.7894]

Amazing soundtrack

[@capricorncreature5809]

I love this comparison

[@BrotherIleri]

For a Black Nigerian Man to LOVE a Metal Record on first listen. You KNOW it has to be GOOOOOOOD!!! Nice One, I agree 100%. Thank You Melon!!!

[@digadeh]

How do skin color and nationality has anything to do with loving a metal record on first listen

[@BrotherIleri]

@@digadeh Because, WE DO NOT listen to Metal.

[@phothewin6019]

Go to sleep, Anthony.

[@chris71873]

Best comment I’ve seen in a long time 😂

[@beauaIloevv]

and hopefully he doesn’t wake up

[@deejbrah]

Mans not sleepy

[@Gabe-zm9vh]

@@beauaIloevv bro

[@lukahmei2000]

Exactly why is he up?

[@dawntreaderuk]

easily one of the best albums of the year, and a lovely bunch of people too!

[@dandmwg]

I saw Ashenspire in Glasgow in 2016. Got alcohol poisoning and a twisted testicle. Decent 9.

[@Wasyashock]

I'm so glad you liked this album, I've been really enjoying this one since its release, an amazingly put-together album

[@githeriandrice]

Damn i wasnt expecting this album review so late and im glad more people are introduced it through you

[@Aurongroove]

Hostile Architecture is the album title everyone wished they thought of first.

[@MelMelodyWerner]

not really. hostile architecture is an actual real world occurrence and it'd be tactless to put that on any record not dealing with these themes.

[@Aurongroove]

@@MelMelodyWerner … yes… I know that.

[@Maxlovy0]

@@MelMelodyWerner this reply is really funny

[@stephen_stig_p]

@@MelMelodyWerner hahahahahahahahahaha

[@The.church.of.scientology]

@@MelMelodyWerner hostile Infrastructure would be a good name though

[@rgt2003]

Decided to check this album out after seeing Tony praise it. I’m only a couple tracks in but this is one of the best albums I’ve listened to this year. Wow. Edit: Just finished the whole record. What a powerful experience. Just amazing. Such potent, timely lyrics. Powerful performances from everyone involved. The vocals are just pure and righteous rage.

[@qpoqiuqytqrewq]

I love the lyrics on this album as much as the music and it's rare for me to care about lyrics that much

[@VladBieber]

I'm not the biggest fan of metal in any sense, but this came out to surprise me as a contender for my album of the year.

[@NobodyMoves777]

Ayy glad you were finally able to cover this one! It’s definitely the most unique metal record I’ve heard all this year, and I’m absolutely with you on how razor sharp and poignant the lyrics/poetry on this record were. That being said, the ranting-style of vocals is almost a bit too much for me at times. Don’t get me wrong- it’s cool and extremely well executed, but I’m still trying to get used to it. I pitched it to my friends as Daughters meets Imperial Triumphant but Scottish, and I stand by that generalization lol

[@TimberPuppers]

Heck yeah!! I'm so glad you did a review of this album! Definitely my favorite of the year, and I'm glad you seem to have enjoyed it so much as well! This really is a very special album. I don't think I'll ever forget the lyrics "Always three months to the gutter, never three months to peak! Another day to grind your fingers, for the simple right to eat!" Truly hard-hitting, magical stuff here~

[@richardlambeth8991]

Kayo Dot are doing 20th anniversary shows of the best avant-garde metal album ever, Choirs of the Eye. We need a classic review.

[@spooty75]

Thanks for the recommendation. Picked up the vinyl on my first listen, and I also see they're coming to Denmark in February. Ticket booked!

[@GabeNode21]

So happy to see you got hold of this album and liked it! It's superb.

[@wheelsofmercury]

This is one of the best metal albums I have heard this year. So glad you gave it a shot, Anthony! It's like the band A Forest of Stars, but better and focused on real life struggles (unlike the 1800's cosplay of AFOS). I recommended this record over this past summer to The Metal Meltdown and he featured it and shouted me out on his Albums I Missed segment at the end of that month (I think it was July?).

[@cadenmeyer414]

Just listened for the first time and ohhhhh boy it's gonna be a while before I shut up about this one. Thanks Anthony

[@mvcj]

I remember seeing this on RYM and wondering why you hadn't reviewed it. it's an amazing record and hopefully more people will listen to it after you shined some light on them! great great record

[@noctaroh5121]

I only started getting into metal a couple of years ago, but when this record came out and I stumbled upon it on RYM, it instantly became my AOTY, and has yet to lose that spot

[@iomproirbais]

wow, seen them live twice in the last 6 months, incredible band, incredible album, lovely people

[@sunsetsoverlavenderfields]

Holy shit I did NOT expect you to review this. It's my AOTY by far and I am so happy it's getting attention!!!

[@sergiorojas7430]

OMG ANTHONY I BEEN LISTENING TO THIS FOR THE LAST 3 DAYS NON STOP IT'S SO GOOOOOOOOD AAAAAAAAAAAAA

[@Catastrophist]

This album is so damn incredible, definitely one of the best this year.

[@kelleyreeves965]

So happy to see this getting talked about !

[@beauaIloevv]

no time stamps on the video? jobless clown

[@Rachel-Pham]

Me too Reeves (I have never heard of this album or band in my entire life up until now) !

[@jeremiahmitchell800]

Just give it a 10 Anthony, idk why you’re lying to us and yourself… we both know it’s a 10 Anthony, make this a 10 man.

[@Naikich0]

Fuck yeah!!! Awesome album!! Happy that you reviewed it. Sounds like metal Black Country New Road

[@ss-aalltt]

This is up there with most unexpected reviews. Found this album through AngryMetalGuy and im so glad you gave it a needed boost! Such a great album!

[@sebastianvonp1467]

glad you did found this one. Their style reminded me of A Forest of Stars, especially the vocal delivery. a hidden gem this one.

[@omarislas26]

Curious how in the same year Imperial Triumphant, White Ward and Ashenspire set as the same "style" black metal/jazz and a bunch of other elements, end up with such a different sound from each other and yet these three bands put further extreme music itself. I´m pretty sure there´s tons of band doing incredible music we just need to find them.

[@davids.7885]

This album felt like White Ward meets Whitehouse, in all the best ways.

[@FingeredCrosses]

less nazi though

[@davambs]

I was thinking white ward and Glaciation

[@ttnn7480]

So glad this album is getting the attention it deserves!

[@projectno5]

Wasn't expecting you to review my friend's band.

[@R-H-B]

And gave it a 9/10 too :)

[@turboshazed7370]

Foreal or cap?

[@NeutralMjolkHotel]

congrats to ya friend for the strong melon review

[@MelMelodyWerner]

@@turboshazed7370 Ashenspire are some of the nicest people in Scottish metal, as I understand it. everyone loves them.

[@propergeyser4076]

The drummer, Mr Dunn, ran our Dungeons & Dragons campaign. He was a teacher at my school

[@jacobballance117]

Didn’t think you would review this album as it came out a few months ago, thoroughly surprised to see it get such a high score and I hope a lot more people check it out because it is a beautiful work of art.

[@alexsinnamon]

Great review, watched the whole thing and I loved it!

[@SPACECOWBOY705]

Like and Subscribe 👍🏿

[@zngd]

Hey anthony, I love the metal reviews :) dont really listen to any rap, but I still hear your reviews, its good to find new good metal stuff from your channel

[@tpags7398]

Such an awesome black metal record. Been repping it since it came out and I’m glad this review will get it more exposure

[@lucabonasio3143]

Best metal album since liturgy's Haqq

[@maladjustedmoon5200]

If u hear someone being derogatory towards houseless people just immediately punch them in the eye as a reminder that they don’t know what that person has been thru who now has to try to survive freezing temperatures outside in the richest country in the world

[@astral_plane_crash]

Sure but if I get harrased by a "houseless" person I won't hesitate to punch them in the face.

[@maladjustedmoon5200]

@@astral_plane_crash clearly this has never happened to you (and I don’t really believe that’s how you’d respond if it did) maybe next time someone on a street corner asks if you can spare anything to help, just take a deep breath and remember no one is harassing you and that it’s ok to feel sympathy for other human beings even though the constant right wing propaganda says it’s all their fault and that they deserve to die in the street

[@astral_plane_crash]

@@maladjustedmoon5200 Nah man. Not like that. Asking for a handout isn't harassment. I live in a pretty shitty city and the houseless/homeless whatever people will follow you around and persistently ask for stuff, if you say no or fuck off or something there is usually escalation. I agree that some people are just trying to survive but some of these people are homeless for a reason.

[@maladjustedmoon5200]

@@astral_plane_crash yeah fair enough, I get that it’s outta control and some of these people need so much help that the desperation can become a problem too. I just get worried about the blame being placed on them when there are plenty of wealthy countries where it’s barely an issue cause they at least have social programs and ways to help the people left behind by our greed based economy.

[@GlazeonthewickeR]

@@astral_plane_crash What a disgusting thing to say.

[@jotarokujo3870]

If this LP has Twin Flame, this would be a Light to Decent 7

[@manufacturingdiscontent8829]

Damn, Fantano giving a wildly positive review to one of my favorite underground gems? I hate when the lesser known artists I enjoy Garner praise they deserve!!!!!!

[@cogito919]

Fuckin finally. This album came out in July and I kept waiting for a review. Also love anarchist black metal, reviewers need to take more notice.

[@Negative_plane]

Always three months to the gutter. Never three months to the crown Another deep breath of asbestos in a godforsaken town

[@high_tension_house]

I didn' t expect this review after 4 months. Great album

[@baronvonbeandip]

Damn, this sounds like a sick album. Thanks for the recommend.

[@louis44]

this album is my AOTY

[@kiwrinmusic6704]

same, so glad he reviewed it as well

[@luismata7743]

It was about time! I already knew this was my AOTY in July!!!!

[@sweetpotatodato6068]

He actually reviewed it?! Dude this has been one of my favorite albums of 2022 so far!

[@goosebandit69]

Thanks so much for reviewing this album melon man. Love it when you turn me onto awesome new music, these guys are sick

[@MrScottDougherty]

Yes!!!!! I rucking love this album and was waiting for you to review it. Didn’t think you would at this point

[@KipOnDaFlip]

YES DUDE YES this thing slaps. I've been excited since The Law Of Asbestos dropped its so incredible

[@sleepyburrito6348]

You should definitely check out their first album, Speak Not Of The Laudanum Quandary. Slightly different vibes, but still an absolutely gorgeous album from start to finish.

[@etqz680]

Such a good album. I don't listen to that much metal but this I'm really into. They manage to create an atmosphere that grips me and doesn't let go until the album ends.

[@BradCynical]

Just gave it a listen. It was very intense musically, thematically, and emotionally. Very impressed

[@Njuyboy]

Listened to the record maybe 2 minutes into the review and did not regret it. Absolutely insane album. Would recommend

[@thevis5465]

I really appreciate you calling them what they are and not British. When I hear Scottish bands called British it feels just as weird as someone calling a Portuguese band "Iberian."

[@cdizzy42069]

This album rules, excited to listen to it more. Reminds me a bit of the band A Forest of Stars with those wild vocals.

[@brianhunt4335]

Grave Mounds and Grave Mistakes by A Forest of Stars is an unbelievable record. Dudes a masterful lyricist.

[@nikolademitri731]

Awesomeness, I definitely wasn’t expecting Antny to review this one. I love it so much, definitely one of my favorite albums of the year, genre be damned. Thematically it’s very much like another fav this year, Chat Pile’s “God’s Country”, just coming from a very different place instrumentally.. Easily a 9 for me! I’d kill to see this band live, dude….

[@fullmetalguy8357]

Been listening to this one since release, it's definitely a dense and tough one to digest after just one listen, but it's a fantastic, harrowing album. Very, very bleak and powerful.

[@osso321]

Always love it when you recommend some good stuff, thanks!

[@cardlordm]

This thing is very close to my favorite album this year. White Ward - False Light is right up there with it.

[@MinorCirrus]

It's a really great blend of several genres and influences (and I'm allergic to black metal so that's something coming from me). The only problem is, with that much happening in the soundbox, the mix tends to become muddy, with some typically lound instruments sounding unnaturally quiet (drums and guitars mostly).

[@Criiies]

I agree, some of the instruments sound way too levelled out with the rest of the sound in the album, as though everything is playing at the same volume. Besides that one gripe i loved this album.

[@danieladams5132]

Very cool you reviewed this. Absolutely one of my favorites of the year.

[@PolliHyla]

my favourite part of this review is when tony drank tollens reagent so he could finally shine inside. he's really going out of his way to get tollens reagent and drink it just for us? good job tony

[@dirtyrat7181]

thank u for recommending this antonín ❤️ this album goes CRAZY

[@dclarkmusic]

Glad you got to hear this one! It’s very likely my aoty unless the chariot gets back together and adds a free jazz horn section to their sound or some shit

[@nicolasmaturana6281]

the year of the UK sophomore’s: BCNR, ants from up there 9/10, black midi hellfire 9/10, ashenspire, hostile architecture 9/10

[@nicolasmaturana6281]

just remember hellfire is black midi’s third, but idc

[@Juli_is_Online]

AVANT-GARDE METAL REVIEW THAT'S ALMOST A 10/10 NEW FAVOURITE ALBUM DETECTED LET'S GOOO

[@WritingOnGames]

Yassssssss, amazing album

[@circle275]

Refreshing to see you give this album a 9/10 after you gave the new Weyes Blood a 14/10!

[@AdamThomasMason]

Hell yeh this one fucxing goes. Top ten of the year easily

[@LeBeautiful]

A Fantano Album about rock just don't miss man. Avant Garde too? dope.

[@ethanglasgow7612]

This album’s lyrical content is really what did it for me. The line “those they hold in contempt still need somewhere to shelter” really highlight the overall message of the album. The rich treat housing as almost a “necessary evil;” willing to put their workers in horrible conditions as they believe them to be almost sub-human

[@TheSurrealist.]

This exactly

[@angryamygdala1588]

Incredible record, glad to see it getting some love.

[@johnt.k.scherchbass6787]

Thanks for reminding me that I listened to this album and didn’t note it in my to-list list

[@idontcheckmynotifications]

LETS GOO this album is so awesome heard shortly after it came out so happy to see you give it some love ❤️