EP REVIEWS ROUND-UP: Mortuary Drape, Greyhawk, and Solicitor


 

Mortuary Drape – Wisdom – Vibration – Repent (Peaceville)

When looking at Mortuary Drape’s latest EP, the thing that immediately draws one’s attention is the cover of Mercyful Fate’s ‘Nightmare Be Thy Name.’ In addition to being the only cover to show up on one of Drape’s proper studio releases, it’s a deep cut from one of Fate’s more overlooked efforts. Thankfully it’s ultimately a solid rendition; the obligatory King Diamond falsetto emulations make it an inherent outlier, but the added grit and ominous guitar acrobatics ensure it isn’t out of step with the EP’s original tracks.

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EXCLUSIVE PREMIERE: Jeff Black – “Silence” ft. James Delbridge of Lycanthro


Proggy Power Meal artist Jeff Black has released a new single, his sixth in recent times, “Silence!” The track features James Delbridge of Lycanthro on vocals, and is a soaring, inspirational track. All the hallmarks of Jeff’s style can be heard here, as “Silence” continues to build on his previous work. Drawing influences from both Power Metal greats and Heavy Metal legends, Jeff’s recent singles have featured guests ranging from Adamantis, Seven Sisters and Greyhawk. He plans to release a new single monthly in 2021! Check out the track here only at Ghost Cult! 

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STAFF PICKS: Chris Latta’s Top Albums of 2020


Every decade has its own set of trends that define it. It normally takes hindsight to see what will make a particular decade stand out but 2020 has already made a horrifyingly immediate distinction for itself. A pandemic-induced alteration of the scene itself has resulted in delayed releases, canceled tours, musicians at near equal ratios of inspiration and burnout, Zoom as a primary means of communication, and livestreams taking the place of proper concerts. All things considered, I am glad that a top albums list could still be made with a multitude of strong candidates. It’s been a shitty year with the light at the end of the tunnel still out of sight, but we still got tunes.

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