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Apocynthion - Sidereus Nuncius
| Post Black Metal |
27.04.2013
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Following on from my most recent staff pick, Vallendusk, here is another great debut Black Metal release from the Pest Productions label. This time it is of the Post Black Metal variety.
Listen here.
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Vallendusk - Black Clouds Gathering
| Atmospheric Black Metal |
20.04.2013
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The Indonesian metal scene is more known for its brutal death metal but Vallendusk try and break that mould by showing that the scene has a lot more to offer by serving up some seriously high quality atmospheric black metal. Unlike the majority of atmospheric black metal bands that operate with that more depressive mid-tempo sound, Vallendusk differentiate themselves by employing a faster & more upbeat tempo with undoubted post & folk influences. The standout element of this record is without a doubt the excellent guitar work. Whether it's the melodic hooks or acoustic folk passages, it will grip you throughout.
Black Clouds Gathering consists of 7 tracks with the shortest track being 8 minutes long and is admittedly not the most varied record out there, so it will not suit those with a short attention span. But if epic melody-driven atmospheric black metal is your thing, I seriously suggest you give this a spin.
Listen here.
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Anciients - Heart Of Oak
| Progressive Metal |
10.04.2013
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Anciients employ an extremely varied and eclectic mix of styles, from blues rock to black metal, that combine together so effortlessly to form what is surely one of the best debut albums of 2013 so far. Heart Of Oak is as unique & ambitious as it is memorable, and will undoubtedly be a hit with any fan's of progressive, expansive music.
Listen here.Read review ››
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Xanthochroid - Blessed He with Boils
| Epic/Melodic Black Metal |
01.01.2013
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Interesting, innovative, engaging, diverse & technically proficient. This Epic/Melodic/Progressive Black metal release takes influences from many different genres & combines them together so well to form an absolute gem of a debut album. Xanthochroid are going places, and wherever they go you should follow.
Listen here
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Skogen - Eld
| Atmospheric Black Metal |
05.10.2012
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Atmospheric black metal of the highest quality!
These Swede's don't try & reinvent the wheel, but they know what they are doing & do it well. This is a multi-layered, mid-paced black metal record that incorporates acoustic passages and clean chants with a beautiful yet sombre atmosphere. With a total running time of 60 minutes & with only one track clocking in under six & a half minutes it won't suit everyone's tastes, but If you are willing to invest the time & soak in all the layers on offer you will be rewarded with a truly great listening experience.
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In The Silence - A Fair Dream Gone Mad
| Atmospheric / Progressive Metal |
06.07.2012
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Whoa! Where did this come from?!
What In The Silence have managed to achieve with this, their self-financed & independently released debut is nothing short of remarkable. The beautiful yet haunting atmosphere, intricate songwriting & talented musicianship displayed throughout this album will leave you spellbound. This may well just be one of the best debut albums of the year. A must for all fans of progressive metal.
Go check them out. Read review ››
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Waning - The Human Condition
| Progressive Black Metal |
24.04.2012
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Modern progressive Swedish Black Metal packed full of great riffs with a cold, bleak atmosphere. What is there not to love?
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Nervecell - Psychogenocide
Arabian death metallers Nervecell have returned to attack our senses with this, their second full length album entitled 'Psychogenocide'.
Brutal, thrashy & progressive yet refined, this album is a natural progression from 2008's 'Preaching Venom' and stands out as one of the best death metal releases of 2011 so far.
Featuring traditional arabic instruments such as the 'Oud', arabic & english lyrics (a rarity in extreme metal), fantastic guitar work and a guest appearance by none other than Karl Sanders from Nile, this is an album that all death metal fans should check out and is a nice example of what talent there is to be found in the Arabian metal scene. Read review ››
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Forgotten Tomb - Songs To Leave
| Black Doom metal |
31.01.2011
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Italian band Forgotten Tomb released this, their debut LP, back in 2002. It remains not only their best release to date, but arguably one of the best black/doom metal releases ever made.
This album is a mix of utterly depressing modern day doom and black metal fused together to create an intense, cold atmosphere. It is an absolute masterpiece and a must have for fans of early Katatonia, Shining,, or anyone looking for something bleak but heavy and forward-thinking. Read review ››
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