Sonic Cathedrals Vol. XV
Curated by KEN MODE

CVLT Nation is extra ultra stoked to announce that the Sonic Cathedrals Mixtape Series Vol. XV Curated by KEN MODE goes live today! They really did a killer job on their song selection – it’s a great balance between 90’s bangers and some rad dark shit. After you hear this mix you will be able to realize some the influences that went into making the latest gnarly album Venerable. KEN MODE also broke it down to the nitty gritty about why they picked the songs they did and what each songs means to them. So fuck it, let’s hear their story about curating Sonic Cathedrals Mixtape Series Vol. XV…download it after the jump & blast this axe factory beyond loud…MAKE YOUR EYES BLEED!

Stream Sonic Cathedrals Vol. XV Curated by KEN MODE
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DOWNLOAD Sonic Cathedrals Vol. XV Curated by KEN MODE HERE!

Sonic Cathedrals Vol. XV Curated by KEN MODE
Track List

Cows – Chow

This song by the Cows has always been a classic to me and thanks to the power of the internet I can listen to it anytime I want. When I was a kid, the only version of this song I had was a live one from the ‘Nuggets and Doozies’ VHS as I could never find a real version of the 7″ nor ‘Daddy Has A Tail’ LP, as at that point it was likely out of print for a few years. Kevin Rutmanis was always an inspiration to me on the bass (which is my original instrument of choice), and this song displays the Cows’ bass driven steamroll approach at its finest.

TAD – Ictus

TAD is a band that I feel not enough people talk about these days. They had it all. Melody, crushing heaviness, and pin-point accuracy in their playing. This is from their last full length, which I think was largely swept under the carpet despite potentially being their finest work.

Cop Shoot Cop – Shine On Elizabeth

I’ve wanted to cover this song for years, but I fear I wouldn’t do it justice. One of my favourite CSC songs…it’s just such a violent beat down of 90s noise rock.

The Love and Terror Cult – Jeffrey Jesus, Son of Jesus

A severely under appreciated Canadian band that unfortunately broke up shortly after this record came out.

Thumbnail – Superhero’s Trick

I revisited Thumbnail a few years ago, after having been a fan since I was a teenager, picking up their final record “That Static” which for some reason I avoided back then. This is one of my favourite songs by this band ever.

Entombed – Say It In Slugs

One of the heaviest songs of all time. Entombed’s rock and roll years are very polarizing, and I for one feel they were at their best on this album.

Hide Your Daughters – Ex-Gymnastics Instructor

This is a side project of Shane and myself from 2002-2010 with some friends in Winnipeg. For most people around the world the lineup will be meaningless, but for Winnipeg, Canada, it’s somewhat of a heavy music super-group containing members of KEN mode, Electro Quarterstaff, Meatrack, Kittens, Malefaction and Swallowing Shit. This is from our ‘Teen Girls’ Guide To Social Success’ record, the final recording the band ever did, unfortunately.

Rollins Band – Love Song

Not a lot of people talk about this period of Rollins Band, nor really even talk about Rollins Band anymore. I know I’ve gushed over this record and song specifically with my friends Chris Gramlich of Canadian noise mongers Vilipend and Mike Hill of Tombs; they know where it’s at. This is Rollins at his most disturbing, just the way I love it.

Deathspell Omega – Dearth

Noise. Atmosphere. A little black metal. Fuck I love this band.

Drive Like Jehu – New Math

One of my favourite bands of all time. They’re the only reason I’ve ever entertained having any second guitar in my band ever.

Early Graves – Give Up

The first time I even heard of Early Graves was when a wild Swiss man was trying to set up an extremely pie in the sky style tour with KEN mode, Early Graves, the Secret and Swarm of the Lotus. Needless to say, the tour never materialized, but it got me in touch with the EG fellows and when ‘Goner’ came out it tore me up. It had the desperation and despair of Cursed, but with a dirtier and more frantic feel to me. Tim Green’s production accented their sound just perfectly. This song makes me want to destroy humanity.

Faraquet – Cut Self Not

To me, this is what all three piece indie rock should sound like. Such cutting guitar work…I wish I could do this.

Gloriar Belli – Deadly Sparks

Southern french fried black metal. Love it. Get on it.

Kiss It Goodbye – Watching Hellraiser

Kiss It Goodbye are one of those bands that people don’t care enough about, and of the people that do, this EP is the release that people don’t care enough about. Maybe my man crush on Demian Johnston blinds me, but ‘Choke’ and ‘Watching Hellraiser’ are my two favourite KIG songs.

Malfunkshun – My Only Fan

Noise-glam-rock with a sense of humour. I’ve loved this band since I first heard the Deep Six comp when I was 13. The ‘Return to Olympus’ was released the following year, which seemed to be amazing timing since the band had been defunct for at least a decade at that point. I know most people cared about Andrew Wood because of Mother Love Bone, whom I never cared for; but this band was the shit.

Melvins – Mombius Hibachi

My favourite band. Not enough people give ‘Honky’ props. This is one of the best Melvins songs ever.