Planks “s/t” 12”

This self-titled 12" EP is the debut release from German trio Planks (on Narshardaa Records), which offers up eight tracks of dark, sludgy hardcore/punk in 22 minutes. The label describes it as "modern hardcore like Old Man Gloom, Coliseum, or Isis meets old hardcore like His Hero is Gone or Union of Uranus", and that's actually not too far from the mark. The backbone has more of a gritty, sinister sort of vibe to it, with lots of discordant chord phrasings and surging midpaced tempos, but the tracks are pretty much all about two to three minutes apiece, keeping things short but sweet and occasionally breaking into a faster and more energetic burst that, like the running times, is indeed more hardcore oriented. The material was actually recorded in the band's rehearsal room, which is an impressive tidbit considering the results sound quite fucking good for this particular style. The mix is well balanced, there's a good amount of forceful low-end, and the guitars—which are the driving force—have a great sense of texture and natural warmth. They also recorded three tracks for an upcoming split with Tombs in this same session, so keep an eye out for that as well, 'cause this is great shit. The 12" is limited to just 500 copies (100 on green, 400 on black), so act now before these cats start catching on a bit more...

Planks "Forgiveness to Tyrants"

Always and always forever. Invoke the collapse. For yours are truly these ruins. Revelation: To flay skin from your neck, tender and lurid as a kiss. Covert prestige forever faceless. Hide behind tranquil eyes. Statues of stone. Losing everything in the end. You brought this on yourself.

Narshardaa Records (MySpace)
Narshardaa Records (eBay)