The Black Map #274: Virology from Cardiff!

It’s been a minute but a new year is a good opportunity to bring back one of our favourite features in The Black Map; a look at some of the lesser lights of heaven in the United Kingdom Underground Metal scene. So armed with a cup of Malty Biscuit Brew, a tea which tastes just like tea and biscuits (not an endorsement but a point of fact) it’s time to get right in about it with Virology!

Those not based in the scientific community or having some kind of Biology degree might not be aware that Virology is the scientific discipline concerned with the study of the biology of viruses and viral diseases, including the distribution, biochemistry, physiology, molecular biology, ecology, evolution and clinical aspects of viruses. The name might give you a clue but it certainly doesn’t give you the depth. That’s the moniker that a trio of seasoned musicians from Cardiff in Wales have chosen for their latest project and based on their bruising debut EP “Programming Sentiency“ they have done so in order to focus the lyrical narratives of their offerings. Science Fiction based Death Metal sounds far less complex? Well yes, but it’s nowhere near as fun, is it? A completely DIY or DIE project, their work has been proudly recorded, mixed and mastered in house by guitarist and programmer Jonathan “Fan” Evans, a mythological creature known for prior convictions in Coedwig Machen, Diafol, Gates of Carpathia. He is joined by fellow former Necrocest member in bassist James “Bunny” Bunsworth, a beast who has also been a key part of The Drowning in his time. Note, all their prior bands have had neo classical Death Metal names which probably means they’re hardened criminals at this point in time. That just leaves vocalist and lyricist James Birkett of Blind Divide fame to add his hellish screams. No they don’t have a drummer but as Vast Slug ask; Does anybody really need a drummer? They have quotes from films like 1997’s Starship Troopers to give a sense of devilish humour to cuts like “Planetary Hive, The Extinction” and if you like “Soul Of A New Machine” era Fear Factory then you really can’t go wrong with their output.