The Icelandic music scene has always been an integral part of me that shaped my identity into the person I am today, ever since I was a middle schooler (which is also what got me into learning Icelandic at 12. Who on earth learns Icelandic at 12, in this economy?). The metal festival Eistnaflug and the multi-genre festival Iceland Airwaves have always been on my ongoing bucket list.Continue reading
Tag Archives: Metal
ALBUM REVIEW: Agrypnie – Erg
Fitting right into the Atmospheric Black Metal-heavy label that is AOP Records, Agrypnie are back with a nine-track effort, Erg. Continue reading
INTERVIEW: Mat and Liz of Castle Talk About Their New Album “Evil Remains”
When it comes to craving metal with commanding vocal interplay, Trad Heavy Metal, Doom, and even a touch of Motörhead worthy Rock N Roll influences, Castle will really scratch your frickin’ itch. Even if you are a hairy-ass werewolf under a mind-melting moon, this band has enough brooding yet triumphant riffs, psychedelia, and sheer talent to sate your ravenous hunger like no other. Continue reading
ALBUM REVIEW: Blitzkrieg – Blitzkrieg
Blitzkrieg, the on-and-off NWOBHM veterans much loved by Metallica, are back with their new self-titled album (Mighty Music). Much like AC/DC do and Motörhead, did, Blitzkrieg stick to what they know – which is classic metal of a decidedly eighties vintage that fans of Diamond Head, Judas Priest, and Saxon will know and appreciate.Continue reading
ALBUM REVIEW: Copse – MMXXIV
Much like an anthology of a renowned author’s most acclaimed works, MMXXIV (Church Road Records) is a collection of the first two EPs released by Copse.
And there’s good reason to have the Post-Black Metal band’s five songs in one physical form: they are undoubtedly the gold standard for how the genre should sound.Continue reading
ALBUM REVIEW: Ellende – Todbringerin
If Taylor Swift can do it, so can Ellende.
The longtime Austrian Atmospheric Black Metal outfit have re-recorded their 2016 record Todbringer for purposes of acquiring ownership. That new effort, entitled Todbringerin (AOP Records), is a shining example of Ellende’s innate ability to produce music that is precise and approached with care and balance.Continue reading
ALBUM REVIEW: Black Birch – Black Birch
Incorporating various influences ranging from Crust, Post-Metal, to Black Metal, Swedish Atmospheric Black Metal two-piece Black Birch are crafting an ever-gnarly, meticulously composed debut full-length after having previously released a sold-out EP. Continue reading
ALBUM REVIEW: Uniform – American Standard
New York City’s Uniform’s new album American Standard (Dias Records ) finds vocalist Michael Bearden in a soul-baring exploration of his struggles with bulimia. The album serves as Bearden’s catharsis. The strangled snarl of his yelled vocals paints an accurate picture of the self-loathing that comes with this neurosis. This captures a raw emotional tension that lurks under the mood of the songs. This is delivered through their ability as songwriters, which is a somewhat different story. The album begins with a sprawling opening track. For twenty-one minutes you are hit with a pounding drone, at times this grooves at it drones. This is the first of the sonic dichotomies this album is full of, so if you do not appreciate clashing concepts, it might not be for you.
ALBUM REVIEW: Fohn – Condescending
The worst that can happen by pairing two contrasting ideas is it doesn’t sound or feel pleasing or appropriate.Continue reading
ALBUM REVIEW: Alleviate – DMNS
The two (not entirely insignificant) selling points for Alleviate and their new album, DMNS (Arising Empire) are that the musicians all have credits from other bands and the music is Metalcore, but it’s also technical, has Deathcore influences, and is able to blend all of this together into a forceful display.Continue reading