Apr 252021
 

 

Much like yesterday I got a very late start this morning, having enjoyed a long night of virtual carousing with a big group of co-workers at my fucking day job. Like yesterday I thought I’d just pull together a couple of things for this usual Sunday column so I wouldn’t be too late in posting it — and again reconsidered. Just too much stuff I want to share.

This two-part post thus provides a lot to take in. I’m confident that few people will enjoy everything I’ve chosen — though I’m equally confident you’ll find at least something to enjoy if you at least taste-test everything I’m recommending.

I organized this collection by beginning Part 1 with two singles that I thought were great companions for each other and then following them with a stylistically very different EP. Part 2, which I’ll post tomorrow, will include streams of five complete releases that I will only have time to introduce briefly.

DJEVEL (Norway)

Like the cover art for Djevel’s new album Tanker som rir natten, the second advance track released last week is lunar in its atmosphere, a wintry nightside excursion that’s deeply immersive. In its manifold sensations it’s dreamlike, depressive, menacing, and I’d go so far as to say romantic. But it’s as visceral as it is mesmerizing, thanks to Faust’s gripping drum performance (the vibrant timpani-like booming is an especially nice touch) and the warm companionship of the bass, performed by new member Kvitrim (Vemod, Mare), who also handles the harsh vocals. Continue reading »

Jan 222020
 

 

It’s early days yet, but if you’re keeping track of the best metal song names of 2020, “Skullcomet Sorcery” absolutely must go on the list. And in addition to being a fantastically evocative name, it turns out to fit the music like a finely tailored suit.

This song, which we’re delighted to present today, comes from the self-titled debut album by the Argentinian band Medium, which will be released on March 6th by Transcending Obscurity Records. That album presents an electrifying amalgam of grindcore, crust, punk, and death metal that’s capable of leaving a listener battered and bruised, but does more than deliver physical assaults with palpable fury — as “Skullcomet Sorcery” ably demonstrates. Continue reading »