EP Review: Final Coil - 1994 (2026, Grunge)

One of the reasons why I love listening to releases by this band is that you never know what comes next.

In recent years Final Coil became well know for the progressive sounds mixed with thoughtful and in-depth lyrics. But between the full albums the band always found time to put together smaller albums that were different of the usual sound.

It has been like this with Somnambulant as well as with the Somnambulant II mini-albums and now we have the 1994 EP in front of us. It's a love-letter to the grunge era of the 1990s. What I love so much about the four songs is the direct sound. It feels like they were done direct at the rehearsal space by the input of all of the band members. No time has been wasted but the band recorded the feeling and spontanity that has been hanging in the air on the recording sessions.

This feels great to me in a time of over-thinking and the "need" to be perfect. I love that it's so raw and not running around trying to archive something. Instead it gives me the feeling of hanging with the band and listening and watching them perform the songs of the EP.  If you've ever been at such a place you surely know what I'm speaking about. It's Grunge like Grunge has been meant to be. Direct and in your face. Nothing else.

Since it's such a great journey back to 90s I recommend to pick up the cassette or CD digipack edition or better the Cassette /CD bundle that are available of the band's Bandcamp page. The tape comes in a coloured case with a NFC chip inside. The Compact Disc has been put into a 4-panel-digipack with liner notes by Phil Stiles. 

Back in those days there was a need to visit a record store in the occassion of such a release but those stores have become rare. It would be great to see a copy of this in a record store anyway.   

Final Coil comes to Europe this December

It's not a huge secret for everyone looking at this blog that progressive Post Rockers Final Coil are one of those bands that I'm excited about. Having put out the third full length album "The World We Inherited" this year I think many people out there have already thought about a tour of the Leicester based formation.

But besides a couple of shows with hand picked bands in England and a first appearance at the massive Bloodstock Open Air no other opportunities surfaced (also it needs to be said that every gig that can be confirmed is already something that needs to be accomplished first). Not until now - in December 2024 this is going to change as the band has finally been able to announce three gigs in Europe. 

Those are going to take place in France in Belgium but who know's maybe there are bookers or venues out there who still look for a band to perform? Don't hesitate to contact the band through the form on the band's homepage or use the links to social sites on the left of the page to get in touch through those services.

Confirmed dates:

December 12th - Fury Bar - Rouen - w/ Once Upon The End, Silent Injury
Event page: https://fb.me/e/5ir7Fev9x
Venue information: https://www.facebook.com/furybarrouen

December 13th - The Crossover - Ghent - w/ Far Beyond
Event page: https://fb.me/e/7l8STBYyL
Venue information: https://www.thecrossover.be/

December 14th - Supersonic - Paris - w/ Homecoming, Vestige
Event page: https://fb.me/e/1KFdSU292
Venue information: https://www.facebook.com/supersonicbastille

*please note shows are free entry, except for Ghent, where tickets are 8 Euro in advance and 10 Euro OTD

If you'd like to know how the band sounds these days please try the newest video, with dark and constant pattern you'll be introduced into the band's world of subtle and intensive melodies that are both relaxing and inciting together.

Tape Review: Final Coil - Somnambulant II (Alternative Prog, 2021)

Maybe you know this feeling of living in uncertainness. You search and search for answers but don't know where to turn to. Music has often shown me a way.

The cover of Somnambulant II reminds me of old black/white movies.

The newest output of UK based alternative progressive musicians Final Coil speaks out of a deep state of emotionality.

In contrast to the more heavier second full length album (The World That We Leave Behind For Others) the band released in 2019 this new EP comes in a far more sensible tonality to the listener.

It's all set in a sounshell that points to a more finetuned look on the inside of a person. To me it speaks like being on a spiritual journey to yourselves. This may sound like it's all just soft toned music but in fact it's not. Already track three"Waste Yr Time (Quills & Trees)" comes also with rougher moments that mix in some heavy distortion at the proper points.

My favorite comes with "Lost Hope (Trip)", a song adding dreaming elements to a midtempo rhythm on a step by step basis. 

While most of the songs follow the typical song structures the band (hopefully) is now known for the new Somnambulant EP also holds some surprises. Make sure to decide before reading on - spoilers will ruin the fun of listening the first time.

"Convinction (Industrial Slaughter)" for instance shows a more chaotic psyched playing around with electronic effects and vocal experiments.

There's also a ballad to be found on this release. "Imaginary Trip (Still)" offers what the song name promises but in a slow and fined tuned way.

Somnambulant II is a journey like no other one before. It feels frail and dark but at times is also makes me dreaming and uplifting. 

I feel well in this world. I feel understood by the music of Final Coil.

Please check out Final Coil's newest songs here and consider a purchase as a download. It's also available on cassette tape in a Maltese Cross packaging for just one more buck compared to the digital copy.

EP Review: Phil Stiles - The Anchorite (Electronic Ambient Rock, 2020)

Some may think that electronics and effects are not for people like me. But I like the atmospheric elements these stuff can add to the music. The new output of Phil Stiles is a good example for how good these pieces of music can fly through the notes of (partly) heavier music.

Cover Photo by Phil Stiles, Layout and Design Jola Stiles.

"The Anchorite" feels like a dark and atmospheric soundtrack to a dystopian reality. Throughout most of the duration of this EP tasty guitar compositions can be heard. They easily find it's way into my ears and let me drift apart into a isolated society. This is simply good music that touches the soul.

It's the simpleness of the songs that grab's me. In contrast to many of today's bands Phil Stiles concentrated on the main theme of the song and works it out throughout each track's duration. It feels as if each song evolves over time.

Sadly the start is a bit complex. "A Nation's Trust" is a rough and hard to grab song. I recommend starting with the first single "A Slide Into Depravity". It has a bit more of sound thickness inside that enriches the music's message.

Same goes for the excellent "Antipathy" - a riff hacking ride backed by a electronic drum pattern. Great - finally someone dares to go a fresh and different way these days by using the snare a unusual way.

Cold elements also find it's way through the mentioned effects and electronic gimmicks into the four tunes plus the intro of the offering. They point to a society being in chaos. "Critical thinking" perfectly matches that in music form. With it's nearly robotic rhythm pattern topped with riff arrangements floating through the song it gives this "Lost World" flair to me.

Make sure to get the limited tape from Bandcamp. It has a impressive bonus track that's more intensive than the previous five numbers. This song goes beneath the skin more than ever before and is not available for streaming. The silver sparkle cassette tape only costs few more than the download of the song package.

Finally keep in touch with Phil Stiles through Facebook or Twitter or have a look on the homepage from time to time.

CD Review: Final Coil - The World We Left Behind For Others (Progressive Metal, 2019)

Finally a album that gives a carthasis! That's what I thought when I finished listening to the newest output from England's prog heads Final Coil. It's like a rollercoaster ride to a inner fight between good and bad. Happily at the end you'll feel fine and refilled with new energy to move on with your own life.

The cover of the new Final Coil album was created by Andy Pilkington, (c) by Final Coil.

 
Changes in the band's sound
But what happened since the first full length album "Persistence Of Memory"? I think most of all the sound has taken a more sharper and clearer form. All of the sound ingridents come out strong and direct to you. The most remarkable sign speaks of the drums that set the beat heavier this time.

The new album also see's a lot of progress on the vocal site. Phil Stiles and Richard Awdry outworked their parts much more. You can feel more of the story through the vocal performance. Last of all the guitars show up more diverse than ever taking it with more surprise. The silver disc holds much moments that will have you raise an eyebrow since sounds come in you won't expect. Finally all the tracks vary. It's never a montone record but always one that keeps you on the stereo. Each song feels like a journey in itself.

More changes? Yes, "The World We Left Behind For Others" features intermissions. Some tracks seem to be composed as bridges between tracks so it will be one big artwork in the very end.

Track Overview / Analysis
It's hard to pick favorites for me but "Scattered Dust" was the most emotional moment for me. I love the softness mixed up with hammered powerparts that have been worked in. "Keeping going" comes around a bit like a electronic effect ladden song with open minded style. It's catchy and a bit of Depeche Mode shines through.

Some tracks are softer, feel dreamlike. Take "Imaginary Trip" and it will send you to a land far away. The title track is a good mixture of soft and slightly heavier parts. The ten minutes duration are gone before you'll notice it. The monotone setting of "Convicted Of The Right" is great along with the more creepy rhythm.

Conclusion / Purchase-Link / Stream
Finally if you're after a good progressive rock/metal album that is diverse and gives great feelings while listening you've found it. Be sure to pick the Deluxe Bundle. It has a bonus cassette tape with it holding not only three demo tracks of album songs but also one additional one not used for the record that is not available anywhere else. I bet this is going to be a collectors item many people will hunt after one day. All formats are available directly from the Bandcamp page of Final Coil.

Final Coil to document journey and recordings for upcoming second album

Sometimes it's crazy what happens in your life. This morning I held the "Persistence Of Memory" CD of Final Coil in my hands. The constantly evolving sound of the alternative / dark grunge band as well as the special artwork keep me coming back to this record again and again. The following exciting news piece reached me as well today. Sometimes it feels as if things should be this way...

In just seven days the band will be heading out to Italy, more specifically to Real Sound Studio in Langhirano, where they will begin recording their second full length album. We've (Imperative PR) heard the rough demos for the new tracks and can assure you that this album is going to be nothing short of spectacular. 

The band Final Coil, Photo credit Ester Segarra

The band will be documenting the whole recording process - including the journey to Real Sound - and will be keeping you all updated with regular video posts from the studio and the road. Front man Phil sent us these few words about the upcoming adventure...

"We're incredibly excited to announce that, next week, the band will be relocating to Real Sound Studio in Italy to continue the creative partnership we began with Persistence of Memory. Watch this space for regular updates, video clips and more from the studio and join us as we begin this next chapter of our journey together as Final Coil."

So stay tuned and follow Final Coil every step of the way as album number two is brought to life!  

CD Review: Final Coil - Persistence Of Memory (Alt-progressive Metal, 2017)

A dark toned alt progressive album with lots of details to discover and a lyrical concept
that provides a critical look upon our technical overloaded existence.

This album comes around a bit different than the previous recordings. The first full length goes a different way to keep you on the stereo while listening.

The artwork of Final Coil's debut full lenth "Persistence Of Memory", (c) by Final Coil, used with kind permission

Summary and Track by track review
First of all it kicks in with the well known heavyness of the previous EP "Closed To The Light" just to throw you into cold water with softer and fragile vocals. These elements need a moment to sink in but we'll see later why it makes sense to be this way. "Corruption" is a great opener and introduction anyway.

The following "Dying" comes around with a simpler structure and feels familar, yet it also is not so straight as other tracks of Final Coil. The more rounds you'll give this the more you'll enjoy the atmosphere and details in this song.

"Alone" variates a lot throughout it's duration, while the basic riff is kept simple. It reminds of the first ever EP of the band but with better vocals.

A touch of Depeche Mode reaches your ears with the next one. The second single "You waste my time" comes with pop appeal yet it's much more dirty and rough than songs from that style.

A surprise is send our way with "Myopic". This is going back to the heavy formula, yet it's structure builds tension just to stop at it's climax. Great tune and fat production.

A band picture of the Leicester based band Final Coil, (c) by Final Coil, used with kind permission

If you started to discover the band while they put out the "Live with doubt" EP you'll love "Spider Feet". It has lot's of the music of that release. A hard tonality mixed with soft notes in the verses just to give you a blast with it's long and stretched refrain. One of my faves of the record.

The best is yet to come. This saying comes true with "Failed Light". It's epicness is a love letter to the beginnings of progressive music in days when Pink Floyd started to record music. It's giving me chilling freeze and lot's of noise tension in the end. One of the best tracks ever written IMHO.

"Lost Hope" provides what the song title promises. Sweet and slow suffering mixed with melodies sounding like lost in the haze.

The rough edge returns with "Moths to the flame". A cutting riff runs through this one. It's definitely for the fans of early material of the band.

Want more riffs? You got it! "In silent reproach" has a propeller rotating riff shaker with it. The drums kick heavier in here. Something less often to be found on "Persistence of Memory".

The album is closed with a silent number called "Alienation". Musically I would compare it with the "Somnambulant" accoustic sessions. A piece of music deeply rooted in thoughts and emotions yet the end holds something like a "won't give in" sound with it.

Finally the question: has the band become soft and are the vocals too easy?
I think it was the best decision to keep a eye on change and progression. Life is change. Everything is changing. I would've been silly to keep it all the same. As for me the band has found a way to maintain the hard riffs but to build  them into the music a intelligent way to give room for atmosphere and darkness.

The vocals are lighter most of the album but looking at the lyrical concept of digital distortion and destruction of humans (my interpretation of the lyrics) other styles wouldn't have fit. It's about hurt and regret so this needs to be expressed properly in my ears.

Finally I would recommend this record to you but listen to it on a real stereo system. The full ingridents only come to life with a extended sound system. All the laptop and smartphone stuff I tried never provided the full listening experience. Don't worry: a normal stereo system of a basic range already fit's your needs. Just make sure it has sharp sound and good bass sound available.

Album Stream / Purchase Link / Contact Data
It's a treat of great music recorded and mixed for full audio pleasure so it's worth giving back with some money. Remember that music can give you enjoyment for years if treated a good way. Few things in life will do the same for you.

The digital release is available via Bandcamp as of today. The CD version looks gorgeous but will be released September 22th. Pre-order packs of the physical edition with T-Shirts and more goodies will be set up earlier to the release date of the CD version. Just make sure to like the band's Facebook page to be notified or have a look on their homepage the good old way.

Final Coil reveal bombastic lyric video along detailed album info

This particular day I've been gifted with the great news that Leicester based alt-prog formation Final Coil give us the first insight into what is going to be their debut record. Being a band that's been on my radar for a long time now they pushed me a bit further into their sound with every release. It's amazing to feel how much music can move in your mind and this band has brought a lot of topics to the table that I think need to be discussed. 

But enough of my intoduction let's have it. It's a long read but one worth it. The band reveals a lot of snippets and details that I hope you people out there will find as exciting as I am about it. If you prefer listening to music over reading just scroll down to the very end of this article - there's a massive lyric video worth every second of your time there for you.

The bandmembers of Final Coil, (c) by Final Coil, used with kind permission

Signing to Label, Cover, Release Date and Tracklist
 
Final Coil have signed a deal with WormHoleDeath records for the release of their debut album "Persistence of Memory".

Final Coil Persistence of Memory album cover, (c) by Final Coil, used with kind permission

Release dates
Digital release date : 23rd June 2017 (Wormholedeath/The Orchard)
U.S.A : 14th July 2017 (Wormholedeath U.S.A.)
CD release date : 22nd September 2017 (Aural Music Group)
Japan : TBA (Wormholedeath Japan/DiskUnion)

Tracklist
1. Corruption
2. Dying
3. Alone
4. You Waste My Time
5. Myopic
6. Failed Light
7. Spider Feet
8. Lost Hope
9. Moths To The Flame
10. In Silent Reproach
11. Alienation

About "Persistence of Memory" - Lyric Concept about the impact of modern technology

Produced by Italian producer Wahoomi Corvi (CreTura, The Way Of Purity) at Real Sound Studios and mastered by Magnus Lindberg (Cult of Luna, Heads, Closet Disco Queen) at Redmount Studios in Stockholm, Persistence of Memory is the debut album from UK alternative rock / prog band Final Coil set for release via Worm Hole Death Records.

An eleven-track album loosely based around the theme of lost communication and dehumanisation in the face of an ever-increasing wave of technological innovation, Persistence of memory is a dark, hallucinatory journey into a world of broken familial ties, savage regret and seething rage against the dying of the light.

Song description
 
Moving deftly from the sonic firestorm of opening number Corruption (a song juxtaposing physical and moral corruption set against crushing, juggernaut riffs) to the Floydian disquiet of Alienation, Persistence of memory is an album of contrasts which finds its centrepiece in the progressive epic Failed light, a song that focuses on finding hope amidst the desolation.  A deeply personal piece of music, frontman Phil Stiles states simply that “failed light is the best thing I have ever written – of all the songs on the album, this was the one we had to get right.”  At ten minutes, it is a lengthy work that ebbs and flows beautifully and it sees Phil and lead guitarist Richard Awdry trading solos and vocal harmonies in a manner that will have fans of Anathema and Pink Floyd in raptures.

Other highlights on the album include the synth-infused you waste my time with its stinging lyric focusing on self-absorption, the brooding Spider Feet (one of two songs written by guitarist Richard Awdry) and the desolate finale of alienation, a track that shifts from Phil’s heart-broken and vulnerable lyric to a truly gargantuan tsunami of arcing riffs that close the album with dizzying power.

Album tracked through analogue equipment
 
Another aspect of “getting it right” was the band’s insistence on keeping the use of computers to a minimum. The band tracked the album through a beautifully restored analogue mixing desk at Real Sound Studios in Langhirano (Northern Italy) under the guidance of Wahoomi Corvi. “Wao was totally understanding from the start” says Phil of his relationship with the producer. “He was more used to producing metal bands, but when we played him the demos he realised straight away that we needed a warmer, more analogue sound and he worked hard with us to get good takes rather than edit us into perfection.”

Mastering done with a different intention
 
Similarly, the choice of mastering engineer was crucial. For Phil, there was only one choice: “I’ve been a huge fan of Cult of Luna for a long time, and last year I discovered albums by the bands Heads and Closet Disco Queen pretty much because they had worked with Magnus. Magnus understands the importance of a dynamic master and that was essential to me. So many records now are mastered to be as loud as hell, whereas I wanted people to be able to enjoy the space in the music and, if they want it loud, all they have to do is turn it up!”

Music as a journey
 
An emotionally-charged debut album, Persistence of Memory is the work of a passionate, sonically ambitious band who draw upon elements of progressive, post-rock, metal and alternative rock to create something truly innovative. For Phil the album “was the chance of a life-time. We worked incredibly hard to make the album flow from start to finish because we want the music to take the listener on a journey. Since I was very young, I would get goose bumps listening to records and just letting the music take me away from the real world for a short time, and I hope that our listeners can find the same escape in our music.”

Video single in a most expressive combination of words, music and pictures
 
Can't wait to hear something for yourselves? Have a listen right here right now with the opening track "Corruption" packed in a beautiful picture and expression-ladden lyric video. Make sure to follow Final Coil on Facebook.

Final Coil release thought-filled animation lyric video

Lyric videos have become something that a lot of bands do these days. It's simply cheaper than doing a full blown video but at the same time is not as boring as a standing picture with sound in the backround would be.

But how about making the best of it and do something with a message that goes a bit over the obvious animated lyrics that come with every of these vids? At least there is room to show something off if you really want to.

The metallic-grunge band Final Coil have let this idea become reality. In collaboration with Andy Pilkington they created a lyric video that comes with a message and some visual expression of the lyrics as well as putting in the rawness of the music in wave-forms. You can not only hear but see the tension that the ripping guitars and tight drums create. It really leaves something behind once you've watched it.

"Daylight Fades" is taken from the band's current output "Closed to the light". You can download the whole EP for free from Bandcamp. It's also one of the releases that's worth some money and while I'm typing these lines a limited edition CD is still up for purchase for a fair price on Bandcamp. 
 
Don't forget to follow the band on Facebook and check them out live at TBFM’s Christmas party at Duffy’s Bar in Leicester, England on Dec 3rd 2015. No entrance fee will be taken so it sounds like it could be a great chance to check them out along with two more bands on the billing.

CD Review: Final Coil - Closed To The Light

Band Introduction

Final Coil are a metallic grunge band located at Leicester, England. They've put out various EPs / albums on Bandcamp which all represent a own style the band is capable to play so if you listen to the various stuff you'll be surprised to hear how different they can sound like.

The "Somnambulant" record they've put out in 2014 saw the band going into a acoustic direction offering very sensible and deeply-emotional songs. In the time between "Failed Lights", a brand new and in my ears excellent acoustic song saw the light of day on YouTube, it's a recording of a web-broadcast the band did a while ago.

Only few details on the next record were spread through Facebook in the meantime. But this will end today....

(c) by Final Coil, used with kind permission

Summary / Purchase-Link

Having heard the songs I've talked about above I was absolutely sure that the band would come around with another acoustic record. The new track sounded like a perfect fit, a bridge between the "Somnambulant" tunes and the beginning of a more progressive era of new longer acoustic tracks held in the typical Final Coil style.

The cool thing is: everything about this was totally wrong. :-) In fact what can be heard right here is the heaviest stuff the band has come up with today. I would call it the heaviest songs the band has put out up to this point. The guitars are absolutely sharp and ripping everything to pieces that stands in their way. Meanwhile the drums and bass guitar maintain a fine note of rhythm, giving in a hard, dry and deep punch into the sound. The vocals put a perfect layer over this, transporting much of the emotions of the tracks.

Everything is held in a very tight style, it's crushing heavyness coming from every corner of the sound. It doesn't even leave a single chance of easy sound on most of the tracks (the last song is a exception from that). If you like your music heavy and ultratight this EP will make you more than happy.

In fact I would call this a mixture of the first EP "Goodbye to all that" and their second effort "Live with doubt". Don't miss out this gem. The EP will be released on 2. November 2015. You'll be able to get a free listen / download for a first spin over at Bandcamp starting at that day. There will also be a limited edition CD available. Please buy one of the CDs so underground bands can keep making music and move on. It's worth listening to it numerous times, a EP mixing up all the various styles of the band and bringing them out in the most beautiful form. Progression and heavyness in all of it's beauty.

Player 

The fine thing as of today is that Heavy Metal Underdogs can give you exclusively a first listen of one of the tracks of the brand new EP. I'm very proud that the band picked my blog for this song premiere. It's a honour for me. So without further ado enjoy the track "Daylight Fades" right here.


Track-by-track review

A short intro called "Close to the light" gives in some atmospheric touches with guitar effects and some vocal extracts before a sharp guitar cut comes rushing in quickly leading over to the first full track.

While the first track "Daylight Fades" starts with a simple rhythm it becomes quickly clear that the band had a hard sound in mind when writing this track. The repeating of the text is a kicker in my ears. Especially the second "can't" repeated several times makes this harking back to your mind. Some of the guitar sounds even remind me of good old Jimi Hendrix and his special sound effects. The bridge between the first refrain and the second refrain could easily be described as a sonic guitar bomb. I love this effect! The end of this first song offers a compressed part that only slightly let's room for variations but those played kick the number up even higher. it's like a glimpse of light falling out of a dark mass shaping a form into the darkness for just a few moments but long enough to keep you longing for more.

"Goodybe to all that" picks up where "Daylight Fades" left off, showing what the band is able to do with re-writting a classic track. This incarnation of the track features a much more compressed and heavy guitar sound compared to the original track. Besides that it leaves away most of the playing effects of the 2010 release giving a sharper focus on the main-theme of the song. It shows impressively that reduction can be a fine way of giving a track a new and much heavier interpretation. Nevertheless it doesn't mean the song works only with cutting away things. Moreover these elements were added back again but in a different and harder format. It's now all distorted, yet you will need some fine playing skills to get to replay this I'm sure.

The final track "Closed to the light" is a surprise to the listener. It stands out of the other material giving some redemption after the brutal heavyness that stormed through your ears before. The song starts out softly with some drums and few vocals. The volume is rising all the while as the music slowly starts to build up more. The tonality is set softer, more dreamingly at this point. Much room for the more progressive site of the band on this one. This touches softly the "Somnabulant" era but with more punch and drums before some slightly heavy guitars keep coming in. The vocals are very intense with much drum fills performed to the last silent corners of the song. The last third brings in some heavyness in the guitar section giving some thoughts to the legendary Pink Floyd. A epic masterpiece in my ears. After all I'm listening to the whole record on repeat. It's a big pleasure to have the chance to listen to such a talented band.

Final Coil reveal new acoustic track

Sometimes there are videos out there that give you this feeling from the start that something special is hanging in the air. It's as if a certain feeling or moment has been captured within a melody or the full song. This track then stand's for something and more than anything that could ever be said with a million words it tells you a story that you can re-feel.

That's what happened to me when I first heard and saw the brand new Final Coil song for the track "Failed Lights". It's starting with this soft melody and starting to drift onwards from there before coming to a rougher climax towards the end that you nearly have the feeling as if you'd been on a journey to a place far away. The last soft notes give it something even more special when returning to the soft style of the beginning letting you alone with your thoughts. Just try this out for yourselves in the video below.



Keep a eye on the band's Facebook page so you won't miss out on the further activities of them. The band is also playing a one-off acoustic date at Duffy's Bar on Thurs 8th October. so you might be happy to catch them live.

Final Coil thanks fans with free download of first EP

Final Coil have recently decided to hand out their very first EP "Goodbye to all that" as a free download. The band describes themselves on Bandcamp as a "(...) a metallic grunge band incorporating the harmonies of Alice in chains, the twisted dynamics of Tool and the droning heaviness of Swans."

The band has been on hold for some time due to health problems of vocalist Phil Stiles. Happily those days are gone now and the band is back doing shows again and writing songs for a new release.
In the period while it wasn't sure if Phil would recover from his issues the band received many positive vibes, wishes and most of all advice from the fans on Facebook, via Email and so on.

So in the end the band felt the need to give back for what they've received and has put out that record as a gesture of gratefullness. Also it shows Final Coil in their early stages the EP is well worth checking out in my eyes since it has some fine melodies and great groove in them.
Plus it has this exta when it comes to agressive elements and hunger that ist mostly captured the best in the early times of a band. So pick up your copy or listen to in the stream below.

Review: Final Coil - Somnambulant

Note: If you have a own band or project that you think might fit in well here for a review or as a presentation / introduction please do drop me a line or two here in the comments section or please see my profile for my E-Mail adress. I do appreciate new suggestions very much!

Short introduction

The band describes themselves as "(...) an alt-rock band with increasingly progressive overtones Final Coil are the link between the harmonies of Alice in Chains and the rhythmic pulse of Tool. (...)". This description fits in very well for the band. They are already around since 2008 and this year they've decided to give us a acoustic album entiled "Somnambulant". I've already posted about them here before so might want to check out my previous post containing info and music about their heavier output "Live with doubt" that's still up for free download (and maybe a little donation afterwards...).

Short Summary / Player / Download Link

The album is a very melancholic piece of music. It's very organic and you can hear very well through all the emotions that the musicians might have gone through in the last couple of months. The band writes on his Bandcamp page about this album that  it "(...) is the result of too many nights without sleep, too many days spent dreamily walking towards an unknown future. (...)". This sentence brings the things up for thought for me. It has all there trademarks plus some Pink Floyd feeling every here and there. I suggest you listen first but be warned: once heard the tracks won't leave your ears so fast. ;)

It's available for only 3 GBP on the Bandcamp page of Final Coil and it's well worth the money in my eyes. It comes as a mp3 download that you can choice from various formats along with the cover of the record. Also make sure to check out there Facebook and official website for additonell info on the band.






Track by Track Review

This Love (Part One)
Perfect start into the album. It has this typical feel that I love so much about this band. The melancholic vocals fit so much into the melody. Later on some reverb and electric guitars add to the song and give it a bit chaotic feeling. The song closes the way it startsa bit more calmly. The last notes already point over to the following track.

Myopic
A fast start into the song. Same feelings in this track but much faster rhythm. Very catchy chorus along with a follow up melody that remaind for quiet a long time on my mind. Some final notes again lead over to track three.

Three 
A fast beginning at the start. Very catchy again, but also this track goes by quickly. The end leaves you with some reverb back with the feeling that something quickly came, shaked you through and leaves you a bit asking what that was behind. Strange but cool feeling. :-)

This Love (Part Two) 
We return to where part one left off. Like that vibe in there. After some mixed emotions a much harder electric guitar part is mixed in adding a slightly heavier feeling to the easy note. The track takes over to a very different direction. Exspect a bit of Pink Floyd feeling here. Hard to take but the end gives back some relaxed melody again.

Demons
Starts with electric guitar melody. Then goes over to a soft guitar play and very soft vocals. Maybe a bit of suffering feeling in here. Heavier guitars keep rushing in after some time, some nervous feeling and reverb to the end of it.

Feeble Minds (Quiet)
Beginning with vocals only. A bit of guitars and percussion join in followed up by some keyboards. Vocals are the center of this track, the other instruments fade away again just to return after a short while. Like the slowly moving atmosphere in this one. Keyboards add to the sound and it fades away with a little acoustic melody in the end.

Lullaby
A very colourfull beginning of the song. Rhythm adds to the track, giving it a bit punchy feeling. A soft melody in the first part of the song is replaced by a much heavier distortion packed part in the second half of the track. It gives it a bit of heavyness but the acoustic sides remain in there. Lullyby ends with quiet a climatic ending that bursts out all of the energy that has been builded up before. A very remarkable track.

Closed to the light
The album ends in the same mood as it began. Also the guitars on this one are a bit harder and straighter forward. A fast change between softer parts and the harder played acoustic guitar riffs. Some soft notes leave you a bit of dreaming behind. Let's hope for a continue sometime in the future...

Final Coil giving out upcoming EP already today for supporters at facebook

I already introduced you to this band on my Christmas 2013 blogpost.
Check these guys out and don't miss the chance to get a free copy of their forthcoming EP.

The band writes about the upcoming release:

"On May 1st the long delayed 'Somnambulant' will be released digitally via bandcamp. Collecting seven acoustic and radically reworked tracks, the EP is not a change of direction, but a chance to hear the more progressive side of Final Coil.
Today we are giving away 5 download codes free to the first five people to like and share this post online."

Update: there's still a chance to get a copy of the EP since the band has set up five more downloads for the next sharer on Facebook. Don't let this chance slip away!
All you need to do is to click the like button at this Facebook post and share the picture of the EP with the info:

Update 2014/04/01: Not a april fools joke- there's still one more code up for grabs. So be fast and it could be yours...

Beitrag von Final Coil.

Final Coil giving away EP for free

So the end of the year is drawing near and today it's christmas. The day with the tradition of handing out proper gifts to your beloved ones. Well Final Coil are currently handing out their newest EP "Live with doubt" free of charge on bandcamp. The band describes theirselves as "(...) a metallic grunge band incorporating the harmonies of Alice in chains, the twisted dynamics of Tool and the droning heaviness of Swans." (quote taken from the bandcamp page of the band).

I like the way they do play their songs. Sure it has this grunge style in it but attached with a lot more of heavyness in it. Plus the vocals give a proper atmosphere to the tracks ranging from depressive to agressive but always proving to expressing what really has been felt by the band.

Check them out right here and head over to bandcamp to grab the EP as a free christmas gift. But remember that christmas also means giving back on what you've taken, so you might give some bucks for the songs. The choice of the price for this recording is up to you....
To stay in touch with the band head over to facebook, Reverbnation or the bands website.

Happy Christmas to each and everyone of you people out there visiting my blog. You know who you are and rule! Please keep coming back and let me know what you think of this site or if you have any suggestions please don't hesitate to drop me a line or two in the comments or via Email - check my profile for the adress.