“Beacons in Limbo” is the newest full length from Philly tension rockers Carnivorous Bells and the combustible menace found on their previous releases has fully blossomed into a heaving beast of teeth gnashing intensity. To adequately describe their unique approach to aggressive music is no easy thing but it helps to think of bands that came from the world of hardcore but were never totally of it, misfits who used the raw ferocity of hardcore to explore more adventurous territories, whether it be Saccharine Trust's dissonant jazz leanings, Spike in Vain's bleary chords/bleary rantings, October File-era Die Kreuzen's adoption of melody while still retaining the scathing vocals. or Your Food's high energy, spatially deep post punk. And hey, Carnivorous Bells shares some common DNA with all of them! But I think the most striking aspect of their sound is that no matter what path they take it is always with a tightly coiled sense of grim control.

The titular opening track pairs David Vassalotti’s snake charmer single guitar notes with the omnidirectional rhythms of Leo Suarez before exploding into loud crashing chords. Elsewhere the beginning of "The Preserved" finds vocalist Matthew Adis muttering over Jared Radichel's Prime Time-esque art/jazz/funk bass. "Drop the Reins" features elements of actual beauty (gentle swells of guitar, twinkling piano) as well as relentless cacophony. Or closer "The Puppeteer's Dilemma", which starts with dizzying percussion, fevered vocals, and more piano before growing in power and finally ending with a thuggish lurch that brings to mind both Birthday Party and Jesus Lizard. 

Over these nine tracks Carnivorous Bells strike an anxiety-inducing tightrope walk between the creepy crawl and the lashing out. Neither will make you feel any less uneasy.

• Format Type: 12"
• Year: 2025