"The function of music is precisely that of a fetish, of some fascinating presence which function is to conceal an anxiety, an opium for the people to help alleviate an unbearable anxiety"
- Slavoj Žižek
Like their old material, but with the addition of ambient keys reminiscent of Burzum. Forteresse are certainly at the peak of the Canadian black metal scene.
Thou are touring with Wolves In The Throne Room. The material they've put out this year is apparently quite impressive, and although I haven't checked it out yet, if it's anything like last year's Summit, then great things are expected.
I saw Gorguts. It was rad. Certainly the best death metal show I've seen in a good long while. The venue was tiny, and the crowd was comprised of a tiny but dedicated fan base.
Obscura is my favourite Gorguts album. I love the production, the odd & innovative guitar-work,the direction they decided to take the band at this point, and it features my favourite Canadian vocal performance. An obscure death metal classic-pun sort of intended.
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Demo Material is ace too. Gorguts may just be the most consistent band in the genre, and yes, I am including Immolation.
Track: . . .And Then Comes Lividity (intro) + Haematological Allergy
Nww YOB album! Just saw them live about a week ago, amazing show. Never thought I'd see the day when I would experience a YOB show. Anyways, the new album is pretty good! The Unreal Never Lived still remains my favourite album of theirs.
As much as I hate to describe anything as "progressive", that's really the only term that springs to mind about the new Peste Noire record. Female vocals, and longer acoustic passages are melded quite expertly with the traditional Peste Noire formula of chilling black metal. With riffs and guitar hooks as memorable as ever, amid new additions not limited to industrial percussion and disco-beats, I seem to have found another contender for black metal album of the year. Yeah, it's that good. Hopefully the cleaner production wont frighten away the black metal militia.
Is it bad that I enjoy hearing more of the French language on this record?
I enjoy some classical music sometimes. This quartet plays songs that are very varied in sound, from different cultures. Really impressed by their live performance.
Track: Astral Path to Supreme Majesties Artist: Inquisition Album: Ominous Doctrines Of The Perpetual Mystical Macrocosm Genre: Black metal Similar Artists: Sargeist, Beherit
One of the bands I had the chance to see at mdf. I'll be posting a few tracks from bands I saw at the fest.
Anyways, Inquisition are one of those bands that you really should see live if you get the chance to. Their newest album is my favourite so far, so many good riffs. This album has been on replay for a bit now.
A local raw black metal band from Toronto featuring members of Sylvus and Thantifaxath. They'll be having their first show tomorrow night! Their first demo 'Pestilent Black Sorcery' will be released soon.
Imagine if Brain Drill could write a song. Not only play quickly, but actually structure a song. That is Monumental Torment in a nutshell. Element of Chaos is my favourite technical death metal album so far this year. Although I'm uncertain as to whether it really appeals to fans outside of the genre, the Decapitated influences and the breakneck musicianship keep me--one not so big on tech. death--interested. Short answer: it's fast, then it speeds up. A solid recommendation for fans of quicker-paced technical metal. The piano interludes are neat too.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
"Without music, life would be a mistake."
-Fredrich Nietzsche, Twilight of the Idols, Maxims and Arrows (33)
Not bothering to properly check out Lifelover until recently, it turns out I'm more familiar with this record that any of their others except the debut. Sjukdom features a few of my favourite black metal tracks this year, which I find odd because this isn't the most consistent of albums. Save a few songs (the closing track especially), I find the first half of the album to be a lot stronger than the last, and for one simple reason: the addition of a sizable offering of low vocals. Needless to say, I don't like them, and find them completely out of place for a band I otherwise extremely enjoy. That being said, they do occasionally find their place, and this is by no means a bad album. On the contrary, standout tracks such as Horans Hora, and the first four tracks (the sample one here being one of them) have seen considerable play time on my stereo. I enjoy the unsettling vocals fans of the genre expect, the piano accompaniment, and especially the guitar-work, being very reminiscent of the rock 'n' roll aspects of Shining, and the new Forgotten Tomb record.
All in all, while not being the solid album one would expect after their critically acclaimed Konkurs (which I really haven't listened to enough to speak to), Lifelover's 2011 offering presents the black metal scene with a couple of stellar tracks, which I'm sure will become classics among their discography. That is, if I'm allowed to use the word "classic" in reference to a tongue-in-cheek band like Lifelover.
Cattle Decapitation were always one of those bands I had on my iTunes but never listened to. That changed recently when I was feeling in a death-grindy mood while scrolling over the letter "c". The Harvest Floor is a fantastic album, and I honestly have no idea what kept me from coming back to this album. It being the most recent work from the Cattle Decapitation discography, it features a degree of variance and experimentation that only comes with years of active participation in the grindcore/deathmetal scene. Experimentation might be the wrong word to use. What I'm trying to draw attention to is that the tracks on this record range from standard radio-length to longer, they all sound different, and even the individual parts of each song are constantly bringing new elements to the foreground. This is not a cookie-cutter grindcore or death metal album.
I urge you to check out the instrumental title track. It's surprisingly beautiful and eerie. Completely different from the rest of the album: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y6Aj0hFnN4
-oh yeah, and they're all vegetarians, but that's kind of apparent
I'm not quite sure what dubstep is, or if I really like it even. From what I've heard (and admittedly it hasn't been much) it all seems pretty generic and fails to keep my attention, even though I harbor a secret passion for next level beats. Case and point: Deadmau5 and most of Justice. I like the couple songs and remixes put out under Skrillex precisely because they keep my attention. More samples than a cyber-grind album, big beats, time signatures reminiscent of the Breakcore I've enjoyed, and hooks catchier than typhoid. I don't care if he used to be in From First To Last; I don't even know what they sound like.
Incantation are one of the darkest, most crushing, gloomiest bands to grace the death metal scene. Taking influence from acts such as Autopsy as well as the budding (at the time) New York death metal scene, Incantation's sophomore album eclipses their debut in terms of atmosphere, and sheer heaviness while retaining the unique, plodding style presented on Onward to Golgothga. The fabulous, bass heavy, production renders this album an instant classic among those who like their death metal doom-ridden and filthy, not to mention the sinister riffs and trademark "o0Oo0o" vocals. This album really showcases why we see so many bands playing in a similar style now (Father Befouled's 2010 LP could have passed for an Incantation album.) Spooky stuff, scooby doom.
Track: La Moisson de La Liberté Artist: Forteresse Album: Métal Noir Québécois Genre: Atmospheric black metal Similar Artists: Monarque, Neige et Noirceur, Walknut Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?x3260qbvjue9vxh
Really impressed by what I heard when seeing them live. Impressive because this is the first time they ever went on a tour. There's something hypnotizing about the riffs. I love this album for the folk elements it incorporates. I've had the beginning jig to this song stuck in my head for days now....it's the song they opened the show with.
Track: Death of the Lizard Queen (Necro Phaanthasma) Artist: Celestia Album: Frigidiis Apotheosia : Abstinencia Genesiis Genre: Black metal Similar Artists: Nehëmah, Mortifera
Another local band that played at the Celestia & Forteresse show this past weekend. I also really enjoy watching them play live, their sound has evolved from folk metal into something more inspired by black metal. They have also just released a demo on cassette.
Track: Ten Thousand Years Of Failure (Intro) + Violently Expanding Emptiness Artist: Thantifaxath Album:Self-titled demo Genre: Black metal, ambient Similar Artists: Sylvus
Download: N/A, a cassette demo is to be released soon via Dark Descent Records (2011)
One of my favourite local bands, just saw them again this weekend at the Celestia & Forteresse show w/ Sylvus.
Thantifaxath is going to be releasing a self-titled demo shortly.
The main riff in this song reminds me of something from Deathspell Omega's music.
Track: Moya Artist: Godspeed You! Black Emperor Album: Slow Riot for New Zero Kanada Genre: Post-rock Similar Artists: Set Fire to Flames, A Silver Mt. Zion
I'm just going to post some tracks from some bands I've had the privilege to see over the weekend.
Gy!be was an amazing show, one that gave me chills. I thought they could have played longer, but hey at least I managed to see them. I find that when going to a post-rock show, you don't really need to look at the band members on stage, you just listen. Beautiful music, it makes me dream.
Krallice's third album is a little bit of a departure from their first two; venturing into more ambient territory. Sludgy vocals abound due to Nick taking over most of the vocal duties. I haven't really had the opportunity for it to sink in, but at first listen it seems to be just (just) trailing behind their previous two albums (which I highly recommend checking out.)
These blokes are amazing live. If you live in the GTA, I urge you to check them out. You shall not be disappointed, especially considering the bands they've supported (Night Birds, Vile Intent, Purity Control, etc.)
Odd Future blew up and Earl and Tyler seem to be getting most of the attention. Domo lays down some important and meaningful tracks on Rolling Papers; an album about smoking weed and eating cereal. wolf gang.
Angry, angry Hardcore from West Massachusetts. From what I can hear, Hoax seems to share my interest in suicide and stomping around. They're playing a $5 dollar show at The Garage (73 Cecil st, just off Spadina) with Direct Approach, somestrapping young lads from Toronto.
I saw White Lung last week for $5 at some guy's garage. Night Birds also happen to be playing at that same garage along with my buddy's band Direct Approach. I'll link to them in the next post, I guess. It's The Evil features some excellent guitar-work that never fails to keep the album interesting. This isn't one of those punk records you can put into a box after the first few tracks. Well executed female vocals are a nice change of pace as well.
This album has been posted on this blog a lot, so I'll keep it brief in saying that this is a must listen for any fan of black metal or technical music in general. Deathspell Omega never fail to disappoint, it seems, continuing to produce albums that stand confidently as pieces of artwork in every respect--be it the bolstering sensation of an engaging lyrical concept or through niceties such as outstanding album art. Cheers to Alphaandomega for getting me to check them out.
Njiqahdda add another fantastic album of other-worldy black metal to their already impressive catalog. Long expansive guitar passages in the vein of bands like Wolves in the Throne Room to be expected. Divisionals culminates in a final 27 minute climax that features some of the greatest riffs in the genre. Vocals are neat as well, like an additional layer of guitarwork.
I like The Knife a lot, and I used to live fairly close to the Sydney Opera house. . .The Opera was only performed once (as in, one tour of Europe) and I consider myself very lucky to have seen the showing in London. I kind of planned a vacation around it. . .Anyways, Tomorrow In A Year tells the story of a young Charles Darwin, struggling with the decision of whether or not to publish his On The Origin Of Species. While dealing with concepts such as the oppression of revolutionary ideas, the contrast and development of noise and "music" (melody may be the word I am looking for), the Opera presents an artistic biography of Darwin, including events in his life such as his expedition to the tropics and the traumatic death of his daughter.
A fascinating album, no doubt partially due to the odd juxtaposition of musical elements, that reveals more with each successive listen. Darwinian Electro-Opera.
I would be lying if I said this album wasn't played at one point during almost every party I attended in 2010. Although a lot of the novelty of Die Antwoord has run its course by now, I am grateful for the humor, fresh cult of personality, and--of course--the next level beats they provided last year with. A fun album with abusable replay value.
Psychedelic/ambient black metal from France. So glad I stumbled upon this project by accident, it's one of my better discoveries. Murmuüre is a one-man project, having released only one self-titled album; it is said to be improvised. Highly recommended!
I like new Darkthrone. Sometimes more than early Darkthrone. No lie. This albums was on my party playlist for the relative entirety of 2010, seeing as it came out early January or something. I am thoroughly convinced that more black metal bands should try and imitate Manilla Road, as it's hard to describe Circle the Wagons as any less than a bloody good time. This album reminds me of when concert venues dj Motorhead between bands and folks get real into it and sing along. Almost 20 years later, Darkthrone are still sounding as pissed off as ever, butperhaps with a touch of self-deprecating humility.
alphaandomega's favourite Albums of 2010: #1 Track: To Drown Artist:Agalloch Album: Marrow of the Spirit Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal/Folk/Doom Metal Similar Artists: Drudkh, Alcest --> Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?1omrirl0itpk0er
Agalloch's newest album is so beautiful. The purely instrumental track is a great way to begin the album, and it ends with a purely instrumental clip too. There are more clean vocals in this album compared to past albums, and the tracks are lengthier. I think that this album has a very haunting quality to it, the ambient elements are a nice touch, as are the sounds of nature. Everytime I listen to their album or any other album of theirs, I envision images of nature, which has a very calming effect for me. That's probably why I love their music so much.
So psyched to hear Agalloch live in March, this will certainly be a concert highlight of the year.
And that concludes my list for my favourite albums of 2010. There are a bunch of albums I didn't get the chance to listen to, so looking back at the list I might have changed a few things. Hope you enjoyed the list!
alphaandomega's favourite Albums of 2010: #2 Track: Truth Won't Set You Free Artist:Ludicra Album: The Tenant Genre: Black Metal/Crust Similar Artists: Krallice, Black Breath --> Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?q4zljmz1zdu
I'll be honest, I really didn't like this band much upon first listen. They've since grown on me considerably, and The Tenant remains my favourite album of theirs. The vocals still impress me, as do the riffs throughout this album. A must listen!
alphaandomega's favourite Albums of 2010: #3 Track: Abyss Hinge 1: Sleeping Birds Sighing In Roscolux Artist:Kayo Dot Album: Coyote Genre: Avant-Garde/Experimental/Instrumental Similar Artists: Toby Driver, Bloody Panda --> Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?3ynny0mfzmz
Kayo Dot's newest album is more jazz-inspired than any of their older albums. I think Toby Driver's a genius- I mean, he's in maudlin of the Well, and his solo project is pretty genius as well. A band you MUST see live to get the full effect of their music.
A concept album about mortality that was originally distributed among a two split albums--one with Skagos, another with When Bitter Spring Sleeps; both recommended.
Both splits constitute the album as well as the sides from the aforementioned bands, so obtaining the files from all three links might prove a tad redundant--unless you're like me, stupidly taking pride in my collection of underhandedly gained files. . .
On The Subject of Mortality features heavy use of clips from Ingmar Bergman's movie, The Seventh Seal, which happens to be one of my favourite movies. Per usual, we are presented with Panopticon's familiar--yet no less outstanding--bag of tricks: grimly-produced blastbeats to rival those of Frost, raw seas of screeching guitars, echoed shrieks, and folky interludes. Worth a listen for anyone who doesn't immediately dismiss usbm (a trend I still fail to understand.)
alphaandomega's favourite Albums of 2010: #4 Track: Have You Beheld The Fevers? Artist:Deathspell Omega Album: Paracletus Genre: Black Metal/Avant-Garde Similar Artists: Blut Aus Nord --> Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?ad0dftsvrn3uqeb
Deathspell Omega are one of my all-time favourite bands. I didn't know what to think of Paracletus upon first listen, but it's grown on me considerably after a few more listens. This album sounds much more melodic in comparison to older albums, but there is still that sound of chaos and intensity that I've come to associate with DsO's music. It's a shame this band doesn't tour, because I'd love to see them live.
alphaandomega's favourite Albums of 2010: #5 Track: IV Artist: Ufomammut Album: Eve Genre: Doom/Sludge Metal Similar Artists: Ramesses, Electric Wizard, Sons of Otis --> Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?f4yzngyytgy
Ok so I admit that this is the only album I have listened to by Ufomammut so far, but I'm glad I started off with this album. It's incredibly crushing.
alphaandomega's favourite Albums of 2010: #6 Track: There Will Be Blood Artist: Menace Ruine Album: Union Of Irreconcilables Genre: Drone/Noise/Experimental/Psychedelic Similar Artists: Aderlating, Ginnungagap --> Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?pgcmqy7yhc4xp92
Yet another band from Québéc. Menace Ruine's music has always struck me as something that is strange, but likeable. The Die Is Cast is my favourite album (listen to a track from that album here), but their new one doesn't disappoint me at all. The eerie vocals and the pure noise creates an atmosphere that's hard to describe. I can't wait to see this band in April, ear plugs would probably be a good idea...
Apologies for the quality of the video. It's from the RelapseRecords youtube channel, so I have no idea how they fucked that one up.
There's nothing like some good olde skool Incantation worship, although I find Father Befouled more prone to doomy sections and spine-chilling pinch harmonics. In the true spirit of oppressive, evil death metal, Morbid Destitution of Covenant features an alternation between quickly paced tremolo chords and blastbeats, to the massively down-tuned trudging of death/doom. The vocals, of course, are foghorn-esque, sometimes barely noticeable among the hypnotic filth.
If you like your death metal plodding and torturous, then Father Befouled are your band.
Features the guitarist from Prosanctus Inferi and Encoffination's side project loving drummer.
This album gives me chills each time I listen to it, and it was even more chilling to hear live. I wish I could go back in time to that show, it was such an intense show.
Anyways, Alcest is by far my favourite project of Neige's. Sure there's Lantlôs, Amesoeurs, and Peste Noire, but this project just has a really beautiful sound to it. Alcest's sound has become increasingly post-rock and shoegaze inspired with Écailles de Lune. There are still black metal elements, but the other elements from the other genres listed are more prominent. Beautiful album overall.
Another black metal band from Québéc that I loved upon first listen. I had first listened to their album from the year before titled Crépuscule Hivernal sans Fin sur les Terres de la Guerre (listen to a track from that album here) This band combines two of my favourite genres, atmospheric black metal and ambient. There are also some folk elements in a track or two, which is a nice surprise. Much of their music is about nationalism, but that seems to be the case with many bands from this region.
The first thing that caught my attention about this album was probably the drumming, but I really enjoy the overall atmosphere of this album. I'm looking forward to hearing more from this band.
Lantlôs's sound has incorporated more post-rock and shoegaze elements into their newest album. It's not pure black metal, but there are some bm elements in there too. If you're looking for a more black metal sound then you hear in this album, listen to their previous self-titled album from 2008.
Neige and Herbst have managed to combine all three influences into the music to create a beautiful album. The vocals and drumming are just great, as are the riffs, which I personally find to have a calming effect. It's one of those albums that I find myself getting lost in whenever I listen to it; I find it has an introspective quality.
I don't find this album to be as impressive as their older albums, especially Dopethrone (my favourite). It's not as heavy sounding as older albums, and the vocals have changed. Still, a pretty solid album overall.
So much love for this album. The riffs slay. That's all I have to say about that. my favourite album of theirs is still Close to a World Below, but I really enjoy this one too. One of those albums that I liked upon first listen.
One of those bands that I wish I had listened to a lot sooner, I really feel like I was missing out on something great. Really impressed with this album, especially considering this was my first time listening to this album.
Imagine if members of Morbid Angel and Incantation got together, did nothing but blaspheme around a word-a-day calender, and produced a demo. Prosanctus Inferi play a strange breed of death/black metal that highlights the drummer's frantic blasting, the guitar's serpentine leads, and vocals which I find hard to describe in a way any other than disgusting.
Oh, and I think one of their drummers may have killed themselves at one point.
Neige(Peste Noire, Alcest, Amesoeurs, etc) seems to be involved with nearly every post-something, shoegazey black metal band not fogging in from Olympia these days. Lantlôs is my favourite Neige-related band, seeing as how I don't consider Peste Noire to be that consistent.
Yes, it's another one of those post-whatever black metal albums (think Wolves in The Throne Room), but Lantlôs are certainly a cut above the rest. Vocals are--of course--excellently performed (courtesy of Neige), the drumming is spot on, and the guitars are layered to perfection. Not an album for black metal purists, but definitely worth a spin to anyone interested in the more atmospheric side of the genre.
Salem make beats. Big beats. When not smoking crack (allegedly), Salem can be found in Michigan, motionlessly placed in front of a pitch shifter and unresponsive crowd. I like this album. I like his pitch-shifted voice, what I imagine are synths, and bootlegged recording software drums. I doubt anyone else will. . .
Sounds like Biggie took one too many swigs of the cough syrup. . .
Speak of the devil. I go through phases of really enjoying this album and being less crazy about it. I like it now, especially what Varg's done with his old man voice. The slower cousin of Fallen.
This death-doom metal band from Finland had me hooked when I listened to their album Fulfill the Curse (see post for that album here). I'm still hooked after listening to their newer album, Never Cross the Dead. It has that crushing quality I enjoy.
Track: Der Zauberer Artist: Urfaust Album: Der Freiwillige Bettler Genre: Black Metal/Atmospheric Black Metal Similar Artists: Walknut, Klage, Sun of the Blind
Urfaust is one of my all-time favourite bands. When I first started listening to them, I just couldn't get into them. But after I listened to Geist Ist Teufel a few more times, I knew I was listening to something great. (Hear a track from that album here) Anyways, I didn't know what to think of their newest album, Der Freiwillige Bettler, upon first listen, but again, after listening to it a few more times, I loved it. The album still has the atmosphere and vocals that I love this band for. I think that this album is somewhat slower sounding than their others, but still really good. Hey, I mean it's 1/2 way between #30 and #1 on my list.
Oh, and on a side note, Urfaust is going to be having a show in Canada this year! No word on the whereabouts yet, but I'd be willing to make the trip to see them!
Another band I've posted about before (see here for other post). I've never heard a band that sounds like this one. I didn't expect doom and folk metal to work together, but it sounds amazing. Highly recommended!
Yup, the Canadian drone duo appears for a second time on my top albums list (see previous post here). I really enjoy their music, in case it wasn't already obvious enough. On a side note, Leah Buckareff's and Aidan Baker's individual projects are worth checking out too.
Ok, so this isn't a full-length album, this is a demo....but it's too good not to include on my list. The founding member of the band John Goassard, has also been a part of bands such as Asunder, The Gault, Weakling, Vomitorium, Dripping Mary, and Iron Vegan. This demo has a very haunting sound to it, atmospheric and doom-y. Now if only a full-length would be released....
Canadian drone/doom metal duo Nadja teams up with German ambient/drone duo Troum to create a magnificent album. Only 3 tracks, but they're each over 10 minutes in length. Drone and ambient are two of my favourite genres, and when combined together, there can be some amazing results. I always say that good drone and ambient will make you feel like you're floating through space. There's something calming about this kind of music.
Couldn't find any tracks from this album, so listen a track each from Nadja and Troum.
Track: Untitled III Artist: Forteresse Album: Par Hauts Bois et Vastes Plaines Genre: Atmospheric black metal Similar Artists: Neige et Noirceur, Walknut, Lustre
Can't go wrong with Québécois black metal! I like their album Metal Noir Québécois better, but this album is enjoyable as well. This album has more ambient influences and I find it to be more repetitive, but I like that it evokes the feeling of being in a forest.
I couldn't find any tracks from this album, so instead, listen to an excerpt from an another awesome album titled Supereclipse II. BBA'S tracks are usually anywhere from 20 minutes in length to longer. This applies to the new album as well. Nothing but pure drone, it's great.
I stumbled upon this band after hearing about Nyctalgia (no, not the dsbm band, that's Nyktalgia.) Nyctalgia and Dopedrone, along with a fair share of other ambient and drone projects, can be found at the following site: http://www.paralucid.net/ Check it out, there are free downloads!
Track: Eat the Witch Artist: Black Breath Album: Heavy Breathing Genre: Hardcore/black metal/thrash/crust/sludge Similar Artists: Cursed, Mammoth Grinder, Ludicra
More odd Death Metal coming out from down under. Australia, that is. I happened to live there for a few years, by the way, and I simply cannot fathom what inspires the filth that oozes from that oceanic cradle. Beaches, sun, beautiful wildlife. . .and Portal, diSEMBOWELMENT, and Stargazer. I suppose grimness is relative.
Retold is an ambient masterpiece. I always feel that ambient music gives one the sensation of floating through space and being in another dimension- this album does just that. Nest's previous albums have a more folk-y sound, but those are enjoyable as well. The split with Agalloch is highly recommended.
Belus doesn't sound anything like older albums such as Det Som Engang Var, which have a more raw sound. This album definitely sounds more produced, but it's enjoyable nonetheless. A new album is currently in the works!
Belenos' music has really impressed me ever since I first listened to their album Notre Amour Éternel. I really think that the best black metal comes from French regions.
Track: Embrace the Madness Artist: Black Tusk Album: Taste the Sin Genre: Sludge/hardcore Similar Artists: Torche, Kylesa, Baroness --> Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?j1j7kzee1jx
I really prefer their older albums but this album is quite good as well. They're one of those bands that sounds even better live.
Darkthrone's sound has evolved from a raw, traditional black metal sound into something more inspired by punk. This album took a bit of getting used to considering their older music, but it's begun to grow on me now. For the record, I still do prefer their older albums.
In a musical career of over 20 years Immolation have yet to release a sub-par album. They are, beyond any shadow of a doubt, the most consistent musical ensemble in death metal. Majesty and Decay certainly takes a high place in their discography. That being said, this is still no standard album and remains a great introduction to their work--just don't forget to check out their opus, Close to a World Below before moving on.
Russia seems to produce a great deal of excellent NSBM as of late.One long track showcasing atmospheric elements as opposed to their original, rawer, style.
This album should probably be a tad lower on the list, but I suppose there's no turning back now. Lightning Swords of Death stick to the building blocks of black metal, despite vocal variation and a thunderous bass tone. If you're looking for some traditional evil, then look no further. I am endlessly pissed that I missed their live show this summer. . .I did order a shirt however, which is excellent.
Described to me as "South of Heaven on cough syrup", and that's not too far off the money. Perfectly mixed Sludge, spare the slightly underwhelming kick drum. Certainly my favourite sludgy album of 2010, and perhaps for a while. Coffinworm melt shit.
Defeated Sanity are the true heirs to Suffocation's crown, presenting an album that features stellar drumming in the vein of Flo Mounier (Cryptopsy), jazzy interludes, surprisingly crisp production, and first class slamz--if such things exist.
Black metal that doesn't resemble Darkthrone in the least. A fascinating album by these relatively unknown Finnish lads. Definitely worth a listen. While the term "Avant-Garde" may be a tad inappropriate, doing your own thing in Black Metal certainly deserves something, funnily enough.
Speed Metal revival? Sounds good to me. I played this album to death this year, this song especially. Olof's vocal performance, the bass lines, and solos are outstanding.
. . .I fucking hate Steel Panther. . .Enforcer bring the subtle satire.
