Live Show Review: Poil Ueda and John Zorn at the FIMAV

FIMAV, photo by Martin Morissette

It is well known that I seldom venture out of the comforts of my abode to seek the fellowship of likeminded individuals in a live music ritual. However, upon seeing the delightful programme that the FIMAV (the French acronym for Victoriaville’s International Contemporary Music Festival) had to offer this year, I was tempted—and later fulfilled these temptations—to journey beyond the borders of my realm and into the unknown. You have to hand it to the organizers of this festival for the awe-striking programme: Poil Ueda (opening the festivities), Ikue Mori, Zoh Amba, Fred Frith, Guy… Read more

Imperial Triumphant, The Callous Daoboys, Schleu, and Jakub Tirco

Imperial Triumphant – Spirit of Ecstasy (Century Media)



Alright, we have to talk about the new Imperial Triumphant. That album is truly something else. Not only does it take avant-garde black metal by storm, comparing favourably to the likes of Thantifaxath, but it does so with style and passion, shining the spotlight on many legendary musicians in the process (including Denis Bélanger, singer of Voïvod)! The music is dirty, oppressive, decadent, jumping from one filthy backstreet to another, and occasionally peeping through the window of an ivory tower to hear some fancy jazz being played at a banquet or … Read more

Best of Tzadik Records 2021


Tzadik Records is a very special thing to me. John Zorn’s label showcases his own compositions, ranging mostly from jazz to classical, as well as other groups and albums who are spearheading their respective genres. It’s often pretty difficult to listen to these albums, since they are usually not streaming online, so I’ve gathered them all here and got the five best Tzadik releases of 2021. This way, you’ll know where to start looking to dive into the surreal world of Zorn.


Number Five: John Zorn – Heaven and Earth Magick


Heaven and Earth Magick is one of the truer … Read more

Best Synth Music 2021


Let’s dive into the electronic world of synth music!


Number Five: Oh Yung – Godless



Oh Yung released Godless in May, and ???? ? ?????? it still is! Every song is worthy of praise, but perhaps none so much as “What U Wanna Do” for its complete bonkersness! The only flaw is its shortness!


Number Four: Big Lad – Power Tools


I’ll always remember the time I saw some dude cover a Venetian Snares song on an actual drum kit. I was so impressed by that! Well, Big Lad have turned that energy into the physical world, and play breakcore … Read more

Best of Mathcore 2021


Mathcore is an amazing genre, full of technicality, creativity, and often also humour and weirdness! But, if you’re here, you probably already know that, so let’s go with our top 5!


Number Five: Pacman, the Movie – 2: Eat Lives


Pacman, the Movie comes to us from Houston, Texas, and their second album is truly one that should be on everyone’s mathcore playlist this year. Check it out!


Number Four: Frontierer – Oxidized


The new Frontierer goes hard!


Number Three: Lou Kelly & Friends – Shriek


On Shriek, Lou Kelly and a bunch of guests came together to release … Read more