The Black Map #220: Ashenspire from Glasgow!

“‘Hostile Architecture is a sonic exploration of the ways that subjects under late capitalism are constrained and set in motion via the various structures that uphold stratification and oppression in urban contexts. It is inspired by brutalist, postmodern and utilitarian architectural structures that are found throughout post-industrial cities, hauntological in nature, being designed to provide for the populace through affordable housing but ultimately cost-cutting exercises and unfit for purpose. The term hostile architecture refers to design elements in social spaces that deter the public from using the object for means unintended by the designer, e.g. anti-homeless spikes, which the album presents as emblematic of a foundational contempt for the poor and working class, an exemplification of a status quo fortified in concrete. The album invites the listener to explore the dissonance of these contradictions in their own circumstances and perhaps consider possibilities for a world beyond what Mark Fisher called “Capitalist Realism.”’ ~ Ashenspire

The growing Scottish Metal scene hasn’t gone unnoticed on the rest of Skull Island so for the second week in a row for this weekly feature that puts the blinding FBI interrogation lamps on bands in the United Kingdom, we stay in Glasgow for the second week on the spin. Why? Well aside from Whisky, Shipbuilding and Architecture there is an Avant-garde Black Metal band called Ashenspire who have spent the past nine years creating, crafting, moulding and shaping the kind of hellscapes that should make the nation proud. Forming in 2013 they took four years to bring their debut album “Speak Not of the Laudanum Quandary” to the King’s table and then another five to return with “Hostile Architecture” but remember kids, it’s all about quality over quantity so it’s better to take your time to create the best thing possible rather than half a*** something just to get it out there and then regret it later *ahem*

While on their debut the seven piece denounced the atrocities of British Imperialism giving us something of a history lesson with extended pieces that brought elegance with violins and poetic narratives drawing attention to how the past is often viewed through rose tinted spectacles by those committing what might now be considered crimes against humanity, their new burnt offering takes a more brutal approach. “Hostile Architecture” finds vocalist and drummer Alasdair Dunn spitting fire and fury with a theatrical quality as he exposes a society of exploitation against a soundscape of modern Black Metal that has evolved significantly since their debut. The struggle against fascism, capitalism and imperialism will continue long into the night as flames kiss the sky, so if you’re looking for a thinking mans record, this one is for you…