Gendo Ikari – Rokubungi

Glasgow, Scotland based grindcore/noise quartet Gendo Ikari (got its name from the character from Neon Genesis Evangelion) released their debut album, Rokubungi, independently on CD, cassette, and digital, earlier this year. The band consists of Hamish Black (bass guitar, guitar, vocals), George Henry (drums), Gerald Chau (guitar, bass guitar) and John Steven (vocals). Founded in 2016, Gendo Ikari unites members from diverse acts; Civil Elegies (Glasgow noise rock), Ashenspire (avant-garde black metal), Haar (Edinburgh atmospheric black metal), and Hard Stare (Glasgow hardcore). So, we’re dealing here with very skilled musicians who know exactly how to compose a decent grindcore track.

Rokubungi contains 11 very short angular and chaotic, but quite catchy and sheer brutal and furious tracks at the same time. It’s a deadly and ferocius blast of grindcore, reminiscent to the scene and most acts of the early 2000s. Apart from obvious grindcore elements, one can also hear traditional hardcore, death & thrash metal, mathcore, punk and noise rock influences. It’s filled with chainsaw guitars, bludgeoning gurgling basslines, savage and merciless drumming, and brutal yet emotional vocals.

According to this charismatic and unconventional band, ‘…lyrically, the album itself is not a concept from any idea. It’s a forced emotional conscription through society’s last hope, being your last chance to be heard.’ The songs definitely delve into a range of aspects that shape human existence, from the ever-changing nature of modern culture to the emotional bombardment that we all experience. There’s almost an unpredictability to the songwriting where the tracks move from one to another without any deeper connection. It’s a piece of controlled chaos delivering many surprises and unexpected moments. It’s already perfectly exemplified with an opening track called “Abhorrent” (see the music video below).

Cover artwork (by Arif Rotworks, ex-Wormrot) is worth a thousand words, stylistically and artistically having high value. When it comes to the production I think it’s just as it’s supposed to be from a grindcore band. The overall sound is punishing and unhinged. Everything is done like in the good old days, where the band was responsible for the recording, mixing and mastering entirely themselves. Furthermore, the band has embraced electronics and samples on Rokubungi to expand their sonic palette, adding an extra dimension to their warped soundscape.

Due to the short nature of the songs, and of the album, there is no moment whatsoever of dullness. It’s incredibly varied record with app. 25 minutes of furious noisy grindcore. Thus, Rokubungi is a strong statement from a grindcore band releasing their debut album. It’s a quick and ferocious blast of aggressive metal that leaves no doubt that the band are playing at the top of their game. If you’re a fan of the extrem, brutal and aggressive music and acts such as Discordance Axis, Pig Destroyer, Fantomas, Agoraphobic Nosebleed, Antigama, Noisear, Total Fucking Destruction, then Rokubungi is an essential listen for you. Don’t miss out.

For more info go to https://gendoikari.bandcamp.com/album/rokubungi