Thursday, February 17, 2011

Darkthrone (2)


spaceman dave's favourite albums of 2010: #6

Track: Circle the Wagons
Artist: Darkthrone
Album: Circle the Wagons
Genre: Blackened Crust
Similar Artists: Isengard, Manilla Road


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, but perhaps with a touch of self-deprecating humility.

upx the crust

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Agalloch (2)



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!

Ludicra (2)



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!

Kayo Dot



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.

Panopticon


spaceman dave's favourite albums of 2010: #7

Track: A Message to the Missionary
Artist: Panopticon
Album: On the Subject of Mortality
Genre: Atmospheric/Raw Black Metal, USBM
Similar Artists: Ash Borer, Skagos


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.

Split with When Bitter Spring Sleeps: http://www.mediafire.com/?9cvj5zmz282tn77

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.)

Deathspell Omega (2)




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.

Ufomammut (2)




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.

Menace Ruine (2)



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...

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Father Befouled


spaceman dave's favourite albums of 2010: #8

Track: Sacreligeous Defilement of Deranged Salvation
Artist: Father Befouled
Album: Morbid Destitution of Covenant
Genre: Death/Doom Metal
Similar Artists: Incantation, Encoffination, Ignivomous


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.

Alcest



alphaandomega's favourite Albums of 2010: #7

Track: Écailles de Lune pt ii
Artist: Alcest
Album: Écailles de Lune
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal/Shoegaze/Post-Rock

Similar Artists: Amesoeurs, Les Discrets, Lantlôs

--> Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?ldiuawmtihm

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.

Neige et Noirceur (2)



alphaandomega's favourite Albums of 2010: #8

Track: La Seigneurie Des Loups
Artist: Neige et Noirceur
Album: La Seigneurie Des Loups
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal/Ambient

Similar Artists: Forteresse, Lustre

--> Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?xxbjx4xkm55azo4

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 (2)



alphaandomega's favourite Albums of 2010: #10

Track: Minusmensch
Artist: Lantlôs
Album: .neon
Genre: Black Metal/Shoegaze/Post-Rock

Similar Artists: Alcest, Amesoeurs, Les Discrets

--> Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?kjym2nmyzmt

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.

Negură Bunget



alphaandomega's favourite Albums of 2010: #10

Track: Arborele Lumii
Artist: Negură Bunget
Album: Vîrstele Pamîntului
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal/Black Metal/Folk Metal
Similar Artists: Drudkh, Fen

--> Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?t2mln0zz0wj

Vîrstele Pamîntului is not as atmospheric sounding, as their older albums, and incorporates more melodic and folk elements in this album.

Electric Wizard (2)



alphaandomega's favourite Albums of 2010: #11

Track: Black Mass
Artist: Electric Wizard
Album: Black Masses
Genre: Doom metal/Stoner metal/Sludge/Psychedelic
Similar Artists: Sleep, Acid King

--> Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?8t84x086qpztf60


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.

Immolation (2)



alphaandomega's favourite Albums of 2010: #12

Track: Majesty and Decay
Artist: Immolation
Album: Majesty and Decay
Genre: Death metal
Similar Artists: Gorguts, Ulcerate, Incantation

--> Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?jnjtwymzwdz

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.

Cough




alphaandomega's favourite Albums of 2010: #13

Track: Crooked Spine
Artist: Cough
Album: Ritual Abuse
Genre: Doom metal/Sludge
Similar Artists: Ramesses, Zoroaster

--> Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?xaevqeplk2qt10a

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.

Prosanctus Inferi


spaceman dave's favourite albums of 2010: #9

Track: Conjugal Orgy in the Sacred Heart of Vespers
Artist: Prosanctus Inferi
Ablum: Pandemonic Ululations of Vesperic Palpitation
Genre: Blackened Death Metal
Similar Artists: Witch Tomb, Morbid Angel, Incantation


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.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Lantlôs


spaceman dave's favourite albums of 2010: #10

Track: These Nights Were Ours
Artist: Lantlôs
Album: .neon
Genre: Black Metal/Shoegaze/Post-Rock
Similar Artists: Alcest, Amesoeurs, Les Discrets


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


spaceman dave's favourite albums of 2010: #11

Track: Sick
Artist: Salem
Album: King Night
Genre: Witch House/Hip-Hop
Similar Artists: Modern Witch, White Ring


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. . .

Earl Sweatshirt


spaceman dave's favourite albums of 2010: #12

Track: EARL
Artist: Earl Sweatshirt
Album: EARL
Genre: Hip-Hop


Self-produced rappers younger than I am. kill people, burn shit, fuck school, I'm david bowie.


Burzum (2)


spaceman dave's favourite albums of 2010: #13

Track: Glemselens Elv
Artist: Burzum
Album: Belus
Genre: Black Metal
Similar Artists: Sterbend, Nyktalgia


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.

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Burzum


Track: Jeg Faller
Artist: Burzum
Album: Fallen
Genre: Black Metal

Burzum's Fallen leaked, just saying.

Friday, February 4, 2011

Hooded Menace



alphaandomega's favourite Albums of 2010: #14

Track: Terror Castle
Artist: Hooded Menace
Album: Never Cross the Dead
Genre: Doom metal/Death Metal/Sludge
Similar Artists: Ramesses, Coffins

--> Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?iimmkutydxy

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.

Urfaust




alphaandomega's favourite Albums of 2010: #15

Track: Der Zauberer
Artist: Urfaust
Album: Der Freiwillige Bettler
Genre: Black Metal/Atmospheric Black Metal
Similar Artists: Walknut, Klage, Sun of the Blind

--> Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?y459ryvaa61ggt1

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!

The Flight of Sleipnir




alphaandomega's favourite Albums of 2010: #16

Track: Fenrisulfr
Artist: The Flight of Sleipnir
Album: Lore
Genre: Doom metal/Stoner metal/Folk metal
Similar Artists: Zoroaster

--> Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?dnczrtnhw1m

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!

Nadja



alphaandomega's favourite Albums of 2010: #17

Track: You Write My Name in Your Head
Artist: Nadja
Album: Autoperamene
Genre: Drone/doom metal
Similar Artists: The Angelic Process, Methadrone

--> Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?moz2jyjyein

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.

Dispirit



alphaandomega's favourite Albums of 2010: #18

Track: Ixtab's Lure
Artist: Dispirit
Album: Rehearsal At Oboroten
Genre: Black metal/Atmospheric black metal
Similar Artists: Fell Voices, Ash Borer

--> Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?wcnmmiwknzq

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....

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Nadja and Troum






alphaandomega's favourite Albums of 2010: #19

Track: Stays Demons (Nadja); Skaun[Ei]s (Troum)
Artist: Nadja and Troum
Album: Dominium Visurgis
Genre: Drone/ambient
Similar Artists: The Angelic Process, Maeror Tri

--> Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?n59bgo41pljhybd

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.

Forteresse



alphaandomega's favourite Albums of 2010: #20

Track: Untitled III
Artist: Forteresse
Album: Par Hauts Bois et Vastes Plaines
Genre: Atmospheric black metal
Similar Artists: Neige et Noirceur, Walknut, Lustre

--> Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?4e6thv3x59hfvbf

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.

Black Boned Angel




alphaandomega's favourite Albums of 2010: #21

Track: Untitled
Artist: Black Boned Angel
Album: The Witch Must Be Killed
Genre: Drone
Similar Artists: Sunn O)))

--> Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?1zmqkg2wbgz

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.

Dopedrone




alphaandomega's favourite Albums of 2010: #22

Track: I- Signs
Artist: Dopedrone
Album: Apokalupsis Eschaton
Genre: Ambient/electronic
Similar Artists: Nyctalgia

--> Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?rjxxic7gjsc3p15

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!

Black Breath




alphaandomega's favourite Albums of 2010: #23

Track: Eat the Witch
Artist: Black Breath
Album: Heavy Breathing
Genre: Hardcore/black metal/thrash/crust/sludge
Similar Artists: Cursed, Mammoth Grinder, Ludicra

--> Download: http://www.mediafire.com/?jdjmmzylynd

Who knew a mishmash of genres could work together so well?

Nails


Spaceman Dave's Favourite Albums of 2010: #14

Track: Conform
Artist: Nails
Album: Unsilent Death
Genre: Hardcore
Similar Artists: Terror, Trap Them, Insect Warfare


15 or so minutes of frantic, fantastic hardcore. I don't even fucking like hardcore, and I like Nails. Definitely worth your 30 seconds.

Stargazer



Spaceman Dave's Favourite Albums of 2010: #15

Track: Red Antlered Radiant
Artist: Stargazer
Album: A Great Work of Ages
Genre: Avant-Garde Blackened Death Metal
Similar Artists: Atheist, Gorguts. . . (if I had to pick a few)


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.

The bass-work on this album is outstanding.