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Mighty Sphincter “Resurrection” 7” + bonus 7”

Mighty Sphincter - ResurrectionYet another crazy, unexpected outing from A389 Recordings is a two-song 7" EP of new material from Phoenix, AZ's Mighty Sphincter. Predominantly known for their 80's output, Mighty Sphincter is probably one of the more obscure cult acts associated with the goth/new wave/"death rock" scene—which is another style that I enjoy, but am not particularly educated about. That being said, if you listen back to the band's early classics, their style was always unique in that it was noticeably heavier and more directly hardcore/punk oriented than most bands linked to these sounds, and there were even little tinges of metal in much of the riffing. I have to say, though, more than three decades since the band was formed, this EP could be some of Mighty Sphincter's darkest material to date. "Resurrection" kicks things off with distant, monotone vocals over thick, winding riffs that are basically dark, uncategorizable metal complete with atmospheric reverb, surging bends, and pinch harmonics; while "Inferno of Joy" takes a different turn on side B: Driven by eerie acoustic guitars and accordion with hushed, gravelly guest vocals from Integrity frontman Dwid Hellion. Great cover art, fitting production... yeah, this is a definite keeper. Here's a quick taste of what to expect:

Mighty Sphincter "Resurrection" (excerpt)

I'm not sure what the pressing numbers are for this one, but collectors will be interested in the fact that there's still some purple vinyl leftover from the pre-order phase. Every 7" comes with a download code, but mp3 fans can also buy the tracks digitally for a mere $2.50, which is always a plus!

Get It

A389 Recordings (purple vinyl)
A389 Recordings (black vinyl)
A389 Recordings (mp3)






Pulling Teeth/Mighty Sphincter - splitAlso still available (though I doubt for very long) is this limited edition 7" that was included with the "Resurrection" pre-orders as a bonus, hence the similarly awesome cover art. The first track is Pulling Teeth with Dwid on vocals (dubbed "Integriteeth") covering Mighty Sphincter's "New Manson Family", which comes across as even more chaotic than the original. Expect rumbling percussion, frantic wails of lead bursts drenched in wild effects, and Dwid's patented screams. The overall vibe reminds me of Integrity's "Septic Death Karaoke" EP, but heavier and more unhinged since this is a true cover song. Then you have Mighty Sphincter re-working "Holy Unholy" with Nick Fiction from Pale Creation on vocals (dubbed "Pale Sphincter"), which would've fit in well with the "Resurrection" track since Nick's slightly more melodic take on monotone singing is a good fit for the band's peculiar riffs and droning effects. I never made the connection before, but perhaps those elements of Pale Creation's own approach were partially inspired by Mighty Sphincter in the first place? The excerpts below are very brief, as this is such a special, one-off release, so... get a quick taste and then make the grab while you still can if you like what you hear:

Integriteeth "New Manson Family" (excerpt)
Pale Sphincter "Holy Unholy" (excerpt)

As mentioned, this 7" is limited to a one-time pressing of 300 copies, and while it comes with a download code, you can't purchase the tracks digitally. Very few copies remain, and based on what happened when I posted about Integrity's "Harder They Fall" flexi awhile back, these remaining copies could very well sell out today, so... don't sleep on it if you'd like to get your hands on one.

Get It

A389 Recordings

Comments

  1. Yet another great reviews and albums. Name of the bands, covers and music look/sound amazing and I didn’t want to sleep on this releases as I did with Integrity flexi re-release. Paying huge amounts for records on eBay is lame since most of the people buy their copies just to sell them for profits…

    3.7.2011 | By Carlos

  2. i don’t have anything from this band yet i will in the future i’m not too educated on this genre either i love unruh and gehenna though catharsis is another one of my favorites

    3.7.2011 | By khalil boulos

  3. Doug Clark has been a huge inspiration on me starting initially when I heard Kingdom of Heaven.  He continues to do so with these new releases and I’m glad he’s still releasing great music that challenges mainstream sterile garbage.

    3.7.2011 | By rob orr

  4. Done ordered em both, real quick like.

    3.7.2011 | By Black Bart

  5. Not so into the newer stuff i’ve heard.
    Have to wonder if there’s been a member change, namely the guitars but Ghost Walking/New Manson Family are fucking UNREAL!

    3.8.2011 | By jim fucking winters

  6. Count D Clark has been on guitars since the start and still is

    3.8.2011 | By virus

  7. with that being said i need to add their stuff to my collection thank you guys

    3.8.2011 | By khalil boulos

  8. After downloading a couple Mighty Sphincter albums, I can definitely hear where Pale Creation became inspired for their now trademark haunting hardcore sound. It’s awesome to see things come full circle with PC members intermixed with Mighty Sphincter on this record.  And A389 keep just continue to push the limits while maintaining the quality thanks for turning me on to this

    3.15.2011 | By Sounder

  9. Mighty Sphincter is one of the few bands I can say that I’m actually obsessed with. I can definitely hear the influence they’ve had on the Cleveland sound. The powerful drum sound and guitar soloing on MS’s “The Holy Unholy” album is quite similar to Systems Overload. “Marie Laveau” is a masterpiece of a song.

    I’ve never been disappointed by this band. Glad to hear they’re back together.

    3.16.2011 | By Marq

  10. I’m living in strange and turbulent times for last few weeks and I think Pale Sphincter song Holy Unholy song perfectly suits my situation. Other songs are great as well but this is touching me somehow deeper. The atmosphere, the vocals, everything is perfect. It’s on repeat for last few days. Guess I’m getting crazier every day and the world around me if one of the major reasons for this.

    It’s probably one of my favorite song of Pale Creation member. And I was always big fan of PC, especially S/T7”.

    3.19.2011 | By Carlos

  11. I love the Pale Sphincter song a lot its creepy and cold and haunting and even think its possibly even better than PC s/t.

    Also heard PC have a new record soon? Can anyone confirm this? 

    And when will A389 releasing a Mighty Sphincter full length?

    3.23.2011 | By Segunda Sunrise

  12. pale creation is doing new stuff however it will be in the form of split 7"s with other bands i believe

    3.24.2011 | By khalil boulos

  13. Nice thread! It was an honor to work with my friend, the Count. PC have 2 7” in the final stages of completion. We are also filming a video which should also be done soon, Regards, Nick Brewer

    3.25.2011 | By nick brewer

  14. CAN’T WAIT FOR THE NEW STUFF NICK IT’S GONNA BE AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    3.25.2011 | By khalil boulos

  15. For Fans of Fans!

    3.31.2011 | By Art gallery

  16. hello from Russia fans!

    5.13.2015 | By Anonymous

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