YOUR FUNERAL: "Volume Machismo" Year Seven

7.2.08

"Volume Machismo" Year Seven

It's real!

Nothing against the leaked version (what was going around was unmastered) but the actual LP is done and sounds pretty boss. OK'd the test press the other day, SAMO did a bang-up job of the vinyl. Thanks Paul, Adam and everyone there, and Ali - as always. The official release is tomorrow (March 11) for indies and the 25th for the big bastards. As for the dates listed below, second (late) shows have been added to Ottawa and Montreal. And even more new shirts are coming in time for this weekend and this whole run of spring/summer shows. Also, hey - a bunch of people seem to be driving from different parts of the States and other provinces. If this is you and you're coming a long way, leave a comment with your names and I'll make sure there are tickets held for you at the door where there's still room. Some shows are sold out but move fast on the 2nd shows (MTL/OTTAWA) because these are primarily small venues and house shows.

Heads Up...

...Here's the final Europe/Scandinavia/UK list:

(UK dates sponsored by Rock Sound)

24-4 Tilburg/Netherlands @ 013

25-4 Brighton/UK @ The Engine Room

26-4 Newport/UK @ Le Pub

27-4 Durham (City)/UK @ Neville's Cross WMC

28-4 Glasgow/UK @ Barfly

29-4 Leeds/UK @ Brudenell Social Club

30-4 Birmingham/UK @ The Factory Club

01-5 London/UK @ The Underworld

02-5 Caen/France @ L'Excuse

03-5 Lyon/France @ Warm Audio

04-5 Milan/Italy @ The Garage

05-5 Vienna/Austria @ Arena

06-5 Prague/Czech Republic @ 007

07-5 Nurnberg/Germany @ K4/Zentralcafe

08-5 Dornbirn/Austria @ Schlachthaus

09-5 Karlsruhe/Germany @ Jubez

10-5 Meerhout/Belgium @ Groezrock Festival

11-5 Groningen/Netherlands @ Vera

12-5 Hamburg/Germany @ Hafenklang

13-5 Gothenburg/Sweden @ Sticky Fingers

14-5 Oslo/Norway @ Garage

15-5 Stockholm/Sweden @ Debaser Slussen

16-5 Malmo/Sweden @ Debaser

17-5 Berlin/Germany @ Cassiopeia

18-5 Mulheim/Germany @ AZ

19-5 Amsterdam/Netherlands @ Bitterzoet

...and the final Canadian ones (note Sarnia/NF venue change & added late shows):

03.14 Sarnia @ RCN Hall (1420 Lougar) w/Nailsplitter, CA13, Weakness, Our Father

03.15 Niagara Falls @ 4555 Queen St w/Our Father, SAW (AA)

03.16 Etobicoke @ Brickyard BBQ w/Vilipend, Titan, Strawman Fallacy ($8/AA)

03.22 Toronto @ Lee's w/Career Suicide,50WattHead, Living Darkness (19+/$8)

03.23 Burlington @Pomona House w/Our Father, SAW, Eating Glass, Titan

03.28 Hamilton @ Casbah w/Taken (Reunion Show), VCM, HP, To The Lions

03.30 Toronto @ Sonic Boom (In-Store. Free w/NP Food Donation) 5PM

04.04 Ottawa @End Hits Records w/Riot Service. $10 8PM (407 Dalhousie)

04.04 Ottawa @End Hits Records - LATE SHOW w/Vatican Chainsaw Massacre
04.05 Montreal @ The BlackDot w/Black Ships, Barnburner, Kraken. $8

04.05 Montreal @ The BlackDot - LATE SHOW w/Bionic +1

04.06 Peterborough @ Underdog w/LivingDarkness, Eating Glass, Titan (9pm)

04.11 Windsor @ Coach & Horses w/Endless Blockade, XBrainiaX (19+)

04.12 London @ Wippet Lounge w/EndlessBlockade,Nailsplitter,Black Ships,Midwives

04.13 Kitchener @ Cory's House w/Endless Blockade, Black Ships, Father's Day, VCM

New shirts. Relapse has one up there now (it's a 16th Century woodcut - who the fuck is Machine Head?), Reflections has a new exclusive one too, and our friend Brody will be making our new ones for these shows and be selling them (as well as all High Anxiety band shirts) afterwards. Link coming soon. Sean Pearson is making a video for the III intro, pretty cool so far. I'll post it here when it's done.

Exclaim Magazine has a Cursed story up right now. With the exception of the part about Donny (he's independent, not inexperienced), it's pretty thorough. So thanks Keith and The Grza. There's also a Decibel Piece by Shane from Playing Enemy, and there's Big Cheese, ChartAttack, Give Me Back, Rock Sound and a bunch of zine interviews coming out, and we're going to be doing a BBC Radio One Session on April 25, before the Brighton show. Do It To It.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...: Is the Lee's show sold out?!; 11.3.08
CC said...: We decided not to make tickets for Lees, it's huge in there but the door is $8, so you should be okay if you don't get there too late.; 11.3.08
Ancient Shores said...: my friend Jeff and i (BJ) are coming from west virginia (near PA) to the 4/11,4/12,4/13 shows. are tickets still available? how do we get them?; 11.3.08
Anonymous said...: Cool. The 13th is a house show, it'll be slammed so just show up early. I'll tell the promoters of the other 2 so they hold you tickets at the door.

CC; 12.3.08
Anonymous said...: Will you have CURSED III on wax at these upcoming Toronto shows, and if so possibly also be dropping them at the prominant indie shops in Toronto?; 12.3.08
Anonymous said...: Anyone know about hotels near lee's place? I'm driving up from new jersey and needa place to crash afterwards.; 13.3.08
Sarajevo Rose said...: Hey Chris, I've been advised that it would be wise if I were coming from out of town to ask that you hold two tickets for me for the London, ON show on 4/12--is that a possibility?
Thanks either way.; 13.3.08
CC said...: -The vinyl is slightly off time, it's not gonna be done for this weekend but should definitely be there for next weekend, so the Lee's Palace show and on, we should have them. CDs we'll have as of tonight.
-Hotels near Lee's? There are hostels in the city, lots of them, probably your best bet for cheapness (google Toronto Hostels, there's a recommended one on Augusta ave). As for regular motels, there's a Holiday Inn on...King Street I think, not too far by transit from the club.
-Dave, cool, I'll get you 2 tickets held for London.; 13.3.08
Anonymous said...: Is there tickets available for the hamilton show? or is it all at the doors?; 13.3.08
Anonymous said...: you need to get your asses to the states and play another cornfield. -andrew aircraft; 16.3.08
Matt said...: Hey Chris, I'm going to ride up from WV with BJ and Jeff and was wondering if you get another ticket held for the 14th and 15th shows. Thanks.; 16.3.08
Anonymous said...: What time does the show at lee's get goin?; 18.3.08
Anonymous said...: .yeees! cant wait for your show in prague. 3 fuckin years! good luck on the road and please take care of tomas the biggest driver. ondra.; 19.3.08
Anonymous said...: Hey I'm coming from australia to quite a few of the uk/europe shows. Do you think I'd need to get tickets held? I've got my UK tickets sorted through friends, but none for any of the europe shows. OR if they can be bought online I can do that?
thanks!
Lyndal
lyndal.alleyn@gmail.com; 19.3.08
xvanx said...: hey chris, unfortunately i cant make it to the MTL, but my lil sister is probably taking the bus from quebec to go to the MTL show, so if it would be possible to hold a ticket for her it would be amazing since she cant afford to spend that much on the bus and not get in haha

her name is Karolane Cantin
thanks alot
essa; 19.3.08
Matt said...: Chris,

so am I straight for having tickets held for the 14th and 15th? Just checking cause I don't want to ride up 7 hours then get stuck outside. Thanks dude.; 7.4.08
Anonymous said...: do you dudes know the address for the kitchener show on the 13th?
thanks; 10.4.08
WHIPS! said...: im trying to complete my cursed collection! do you still ahve anything left i manage to get the hell comes home test need the other test and the demo cd!

thanks !!!; 16.10.08

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Some Reviews for III

Now Magazine (4/5)

"It would be hard to find another band in our own backyard as consistently bludgeoning and intense as Cursed. On their third album, Cursed remain true to their last two musical pummel-fests with a potent mix of hardcore, metal and doom.
Some genuinely fierce and dense production helps the band sound remarkably huge, while the songs themselves are quick, focused and determined to push the level of aggression as far as it can go. Occasionally, Cursed draw things out a little, as they do on Friends In The Music Business and closing instrumental track Gutters, offering momentary relief from the otherwise relentless pacing. Raw emotion is their greatest asset, and they’ve successfully channelled it here." (Evan Davies)

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Lambgoat (9/10)

"The following statement is far from a secret: Cursed fucking rules. As arguably the best act in the modern hardcore scene, the Canadian foursome has unleashed another installment in their appropriately named full-length series and the result is yet another half hour slab of pissed off mayhem. And in a heavy music world where bands seem to have the tendency to get caught up in lackluster melodic experimentation after a few releases, Cursed has kept their sound exactly where it belongs: deeply rooted in sludgy, crust-tinged hardcore.
So while Three might not pack any major musical surprises, the execution and songwriting is nearly flawless. The one-two punch of the noisy, quote-filled intro, "Architects of Troubled Sleep," and the blazingly fast, blast-beat heavy "Night Terrors" is quick to display that Cursed hasn't lost a step. And just like prior releases, intelligent lyrics reflecting complete political disdain continue to anchor the band, easily distancing them from the abundance of mundane lyrical topics in the rest of modern hardcore. Cursed's ability to avoid repetitive songwriting also sets Three apart from the pack. The His Hero is Gone lean of songs like "Magic Fingers" and "Hegel's Bastards" might be the best representation of the band's sound, but this album is far from eleven identical tracks. "Unnecessary Person" is a slow paced, meandering catharsis of dirty guitar hooks and Chris Colohan's downright depressing vocals. When coupled with the preceding instrumental interlude, "III," the pair of tracks gives an added dimension to a band known primarily for their up-tempo intensity. And then there's "Friends in the Music Business," a track so abrasive and punishing that even veteran listeners desensitized to many things heavy will find it impossible not to appreciate the thick, sludgy bass lines and Colohan's coarse screams of "Don't call me, I won't call you."
Three rarely misses throughout its duration. Cursed's mixture of sludge, crust, and hardcore was certainly to be expected, but the band's songwriting variation and ability to simply do what they do better than anyone else make this album a must have. "Gutters," the record's closer, might be a bit excessive as it drones on for over seven minutes, but the potential misstep is saved by the stellar analog recording that allows the song to flourish due to its great guitar tone. And after the destruction that the first ten tracks provided, a subdued closer actually feels quite fitting. Bottom Line: Three is just one more reason why Cursed sits atop the modern hardcore scene. As a perfect extension to the rest of their catalog, it's the sludgy hardcore that past fans deserve and that new fans need". (Nick)
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The PRP (4/5)

"Cursed's unrelenting virulence has yet to offset the stereotypical politeness Canadians are branded with, but damned if they don't try. While there has been some subtitle deviation in the bands album naming scheme this time out, the music itself remains business as usual. A raw gritty downwash of acidic guitars, bestial vocals and crushing rhythmic intensity that revels in conveying evil intentions. Simply put, Cursed continue their reign as one of Canada's most vicious exports. As evidenced by their "Blackout At Sunrise" EP, Cursed haven't been sitting on their laurels however and while the group still sonically resemble the blackened fury of a gutter dwelling Converge, their interest in sludge and ambient experimentation has begun to seep through the cracks more and more. In turn, while generally an unrelenting metallic juggernaut of an album, "III: The Architects Of Troubled Sleep" has some much-appreciated depth and downtime. Unlike most bands who get the itch to broaden their horizons, Cursed shift the balance towards doing what they do best, utterly tearing the listeners face off track after track. But with the added maturity and the occasionally explorative breather, their malevolence now takes on a more human nature, making it even deadlier. Routinely harsh and discordant, the fury that this band so ably capture remains intoxicating, authentic and pumped straight from their bitter, diseased hearts". (Wookubus)

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"Just sold one of their records on Ebay. Made a FORTUNE."

-Chadster (Lambgoat)

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Stereokiller (92/100)

"Put down whatever garbage you are currently listening to and get on this. I picked up Cursed II after reading a review on this site around the time it was released and it was probably the best CD purchase I made that year. This album is follows suit opening up after the intro track with a ferocity that demands attention from anyone within hearing distance and carrying that energy throughout the entire length of the album without ever getting boring. That being said this album has already become my #1 contender for Hardcore album of 2008 and is definitely one you are going to want to get your grubby broke hands on. BUY THIS SHIT. Lyrically, Colohan shines as always and like previous albums you can expect more "Blah blah blah, Freemasons are taking over the world. I hate work. Life sucks." to take the words from Colohan's own mouth, but perfected to a new level and coupled with his most pissed off delivery yet making this a very notable step up from II. Night Terrors now reigns as new favorite "pissed off at work song", surpassing Another day an older gem of theirs off of I. Other memorable tracks include Into the Hive and Friends in the Music Business, showcasing some of the best riffs their dirty sound has to offer you as of this point. I highly recommend both these tracks as well Night Terrors to anyone who hasn't had a chance to hear them yet. 100% pissed off exactly how I like my music and this album delivers. If you have ever liked Cursed, Hardcore, or heavy music for that matter you will want to get your hands on this. I'd give it a higher rating but there is no category for pure awesome so keep that in mind. End jerkoff". (Shit)

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"A nine? Are you fucking kidding me? This shits boring as hell 2>this shit." (LG)

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Montreal Mirror - Disc of the Week (9/10)

Toronto’s Cursed stormed the gates of aggressive music with 2005’s II, but on this follow-up, they snag the hardcore crown with a brutal beatdown. Providing the calm before the storm, things start off with a musique concrète piece before heaving out the blast beats in the 90-second “Night Terrors.” The band is at an adventurous peak here, eager to pull hardcore out of the mire with the doom/noise epic “Friends in the Music Business,” and although they touch on hardcore
lyrical staples like organized religion and the drudgery of blue-collar life, singer Chris Colohan serves it up with intelligence and honesty. Just fucking amazing.
9/10 (Johnson Cummins)

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NoneLouder

"I know it’s early in the year to start throwing around the term “Best Record” but the third Cursed record, “III: Architects Of Troubled Sleep” has bashed down my door and beaten me to death with the steel bat of excellence until my freshly crushed skull lay limp and bleeding. This is not a record so much as an explosion, a channeling of negative poisons throughout the world and the funneling of those poisons into a sonic format so harsh, so brutal that the mind reels...I suppose I get all gushy over a band like Cursed because they mean what they say and play what they mean. Being in the metal world you get a lot of posing, a lot of bands that either suck and won’t admit it or are so busy posturing how “true” or “evil” they that they lose focus on the records they make. Cursed are a band that seem focused only on writing albums that exhaust the limits of where heavy music can go. With so much music marred by faux rebellion, scene-fueled rock-stars strutting rather than creating, a band like Cursed is a small miracle."
(Iann Robinson)

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7.2.08

"Volume Machismo" Year Seven

18 comments:

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Some Reviews for III