Chelsea Wolfe is an American singer-songwriter and musician that blends elements of gothic rock, doom metal, and folk music. The combination of her striking soprano voice and strong aesthetic sense has lead to a fierce fanbase across many underground scenes. 2011’s Apokalypsis was hardly more than voice and electric guitar, 2012’s Unknown Rooms was fully acoustic. 2013’s Pain is Beauty saw the introduction of eclectic, ethereal electronics with moments that are reminiscent of Chromatics and Zola Jesus. Hiss Spun was her most metal-influenced record yet, and featured performances from members of Converge, Queens of the Stone Age, and Isis. 2019’s Birth of Violence is a return to her neo-folk roots and is a weary and haunted affair overall. “The Mother Road” begins the album with eerie violin and reverberating guitar strums, thunderous percussion cut through by her fierce voice. “Deranged for Rock & Roll” has vocals sung and growled alike among guitar squall and blown-out drums. “Highway” is barely more than voice, guitar, and abstract atmospherics - synths warbling away in the margins. The album ends with a field recording of a storm, a reminder of the brutally cleansing power of nature. Recommended.

• lavender eco-mix colored vinyl (please note: eco-mix vinyl production uses leftover wax that would have otherwise been thrown away, meaning each record is different and the color is random. it’s more environmentally friendly and every copy is unique)
• printed inner sleeve
• indie exclusive
• housed in gatefold sleeve w/ lyric booklet
• digital download included
• limited edition
• original release year: 2019
• music label: Sargent House 2024

reviewed by YOUNG STEWART 09/2019

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• Chelsea Wolfe: Hiss Spun - Indie Exclusive Colored Vinyl 2LP