Holy Mountain

Former Combat Wounded Veteran sometimes singer/sometimes bassist Ponch returns with his new unit (featuring members of the Blackout Terror). And despite their moniker, they share few commonalities with the slowed Sabbath-ian bong loads of Sleep — their name instead taken from the 1973 film. While elements of Combat’s abrasive, psychotic hyper-noise (circa I Know A Girl Who Develops Crime Scene Photos) are evident, the Holy Mountain incorporates more old school hardcore punk and thrash influences into the beats, structures, riffs and vocals, abandoning the near-grind obliteration of Combat’s older endeavours but saving the frenetic, imprecise attack. It’s simpler in its assault, which may broaden its appeal, but the Holy Mountain are about noise, speed and brutality. Collecting the Holy Mountain’s vinyl-only releases (two seven-inches and a twelve-inch), and featuring familiar but riveting Combat-style art, Bloodstains Across Your Face In Decline may not instantly appeal to Combat vets, but their harsh battering will convert the faithless.