Saturday, March 7, 2009

日本の音楽 Week 7: Church of Misery


Hope you like your music heavy, because Church of Misery is thicker than an anvil to the face.

Inspired heavily by the likes of early Black Sabbath and many other 70s psychedelic, stoner and doom metal bands, Church of Misery isn't exactly the kind of underground band from Japan you'd expect to find, but my experiences have long since taught me not to expect anything in particular when it comes to the Japanese underground.

The vast majority of Church of Misery's songs are named after, and written about, heinous serial killers of the not-so-distant past such as Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy, Aileen Wuornos and Ed Kemper, to name but a few. It's somewhat of an odd theme for a band, especially one from Tokyo, but it works. The band isn't necessarily glorifying the actions of these individuals, but rather invoking a sinister atmosphere that blends so naturally with their psychedelic, groovy offerings.
Notice the above image of the band, specifically the band shirts they're wearing - you got Nebula, The Stooges, Burzum and Corrupted - four dramatically different inspirations that nonetheless all come through in Church of Misery's music.

They sure ain't for everyone, but Church of Misery personally remains one of my very favorites. I think it's safe to say that most fans of Black Sabbath and ultra-heavy music will find plenty to like in these guys.

Church of Misery - Filth Bitch Boogie (Aileen Wuornos)

Recommended Albums:
  • The Second Coming
  • Master of Brutality

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

great band! didnt knew they were japonese =D