rolling 2024 heavy metal and boutique blast beat thread

wimps and posers leave the hall!

Saguzar's Total Necro D-Beat Desecration sounds exactly like you think it will, but it's doing the job this morning.

https://f4.bcbits.com/img/a1041989003_10.jpg

https://saguzar.bandcamp.com/album/total-necro-d-beat-desecration

lol i love albums that have their genre descriptions in the title

It won't make my playlist of great metal covers of non-metal songs because it's a metal song to begin with, obviously, but this Sershen&Zaritskaya version of "Rainbow In The Dark" is great.

https://open.spotify.com/track/6Wpuzey15pwj1mN0EBRw8s

This week’s post had the coloured vinyl reissues of Ride the Lightning and Master of Puppets. Haven’t spun the latter yet but the former sounds fantastic, far from the crackly experience that is the shitty pressing of From Enslavement to Obliteration that came out a few years ago (I can already hear unperson chastising me, vinyl is a sucker’s name, I know I know).

Also, RTL came with a download card but Puppets didn’t. Hmm. I’ve opened a ticket on the Metallica website and let’s see if that gets anywhere.

*weeks not years (that FETO reissue was in November I think?)

new (old) corrupted incoming. not my fave release but haven't listened to this "much darker" version yet...

Out 26 Jan: CORRUPTED 'Felicific Algorithm / Mushikeras' CD/Shirt

Corrupted is a mysterious Japanese doom metal band, formed in 1994. Immensely downtuned guitar and crushingly slow bass are shrouded under deep layers of feedback. They are rightly hailed as one of the heaviest and darkest doom metal bands of all time.

This is not a simple reissue of the 2018 multi-speed, vinyl-only release "Felicific Algorithim" (Cold Spring). Though the first two tracks were created using the same field recordings / source material captured in Amagasaki, Osaka, and Fukushima, the tracks have been carefully reworked into a much darker sound. The new track titles 'Felicific Algiorithm' and 'Felicific Aligorithm' reflect this; like a mind virus appearing the same at first glance.

The 27-minute track 'Mushikeras' was recorded 2022-23 as a four-piece line-up of Kaz Mike (howling guitar and bass), Rie Lambdoll (vocal and bass), Mark Y. (guitar and bass), and Chew (drum and high carbon steel). A self-released digital-only track in autumn '23, this is the first physical manifestation of this doom metal behemoth, full of loud sludge, funeral dirge, haunting whispers / howling harsh vocals, and atmospheric build-ups.

6-panel flood-printed digipak with striking photography by Rie Lambdoll, Mark Y, Chew, and collage by Hyng Hoian.

Also accompanything this release is a new Corrupted black t-shirt with white print.

Track listing:

1. Felicific Algiorithm (11:15)
2. Felicific Aligorithm (9:34)
3. Mushikeras (27:45)

https://coldspring.bandcamp.com/album/felicific-algorithm-mushikeras-csr333cd

There's a new Ministry album coming in March and it's...almost good? A lot of songs about needing to stamp out Nazis, a lot of samples of January 6 insurrectionists howling stupid shit into hot mikes, big thrash riffs with better production than he's had in several years...and it's pretty short (nine tracks, 42 minutes). On the other hand, Jello Biafra's on one song. Oh, and it's called HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES (all caps in original). So, a mixed bag.

lol, oh Al, never chamge.

ffs, autocorrect lets "chamge" go through?

Not a 2024 release, but just heard that Triumph of Death live album Tom G. Warrior did for the Hellhammer stuff, much better than I expected.

the live set I saw of them in 2019 was incredible. was cool to hear those songs live

just got tickets for the Sepultura farewell tour in.... November. so a way off, but still hyped that supports include Obituary and Jesus Piece.

half expect Ministry to just like do an album of industrial metal version of Beatles songs but just make them all about Trump.

I haven't listened to the three albums(!) he did ranting about GW Bush in at least 15 years, but I remember them being decent.

Lots of good new metal and related this week, but my favorites are the new Leaves' Eyes (symphonic), Vnreal (vaudevillian), Magnum (hard rock), Dead Crown (death metal that sounds like a Big Country b-side) and Dödsrit (black metal that sounds like a Big Country b-side).

Bow before Hoplites!

https://hoplites.bandcamp.com/album/--8

This is a Massive Breakthrough ftr

Here's a list of things I endeavor to listen to.

https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/419722320_10168737295070597_8711372815624815562_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=3635dc&_nc_ohc=sCHcx2wOOecAX9RE7lI&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&oh=00_AfAqkiZtyHIbQwxLdCYq59sQlY0rRI2-9JUxwXZ-IAyThw&oe=65A8B922

I blacked out the non-metal ones; you can guess what they are.
Not as trve or cult as other things here but I listen to those things as well.

anybody got a favorite site for researching older tour itineraries for indie/small-theater/club level artists? setlist.fm is very cool but it doesn’t include dates no one had a setlist for, and I need to play games with drive times and off-days

I'm not sure if there is a better resource than setlist.fm, I'd be curious to hear if anyone knows of anything. Undoubtedly there are probably some artist-specific tour sites that show old itineraries, but not sure if there's another collective place.

I have seen dates listed on setlist.fm for some bands, even if there are no setlists - for example this Boris show I saw at Empty Bottle back in 2008 is listed, but no setlist:

https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/boris/2008/empty-bottle-chicago-il-3bd68c38.html

New Vemod is out. It's good!

It came out towards the end of last year, but I'm still finding new things to enjoy in this Baring Teeth album:
https://everythingisnoise.net/reviews/baring-teeth-the-path-narrows/

I was a huge fan of the progressive turn Lord Dying took with their last album and the new one continues in that vein, though it isn't quite as great. Got a whole new rhythm section, including Alyssa Maucere (Matt Pike's wife) on bass.

The new Vitriol album, Suffer & Become, is absolutely kicking my ass this Friday afternoon. Face-punching death metal of the Vader/Vital Remains/Hate Eternal school...totally merciless. Blast beats and roars and dissonant guitar squiggles and Tom G. Warrior-esque "URGH"s. Loving it.

One of the reasons this album kicks as much ass as it does is that Matt Kilner (aka Nithing) is on drums.

Yeah the drumming is incredible

Spun a few tracks from the Dissimulator debut Lower Form Resistance on 20 Buck Spin and I can dig it. It’s being sold as tech-thrash and I can tell what they’re going for with that description.

ok yeah this vitriol rips

its sort of a given here (mostly) but this thing really is heavy. esp when it slows down a little. also loving the solos and the parts where “i am the black wizards” keys pop up.

It's atmospheric as hell and there's an assload of stuff going on that's going to require several listens to fully appreciate.

Their riffs are so angular

I love the new Lucifer.

Hooky af and Johanna's vocals are still great as always.

Opening track seriously slaps

i checked out that vitriol album now i'm a fan.. i'm still pretty confused about what i'm hearing but it's definitely exciting me. plus the singer is hot.

Anybody who knows what the hell is going on in Spain, let me know, because all of a sudden I am waist-deep in totally rockin' power/trad/speed metal bands from Spain that sound like Accept, like Judas Priest circa 1979, like...everything good in life. This is Savaged:

https://f4.bcbits.com/img/0032148295_10.jpg

Their debut album Night Stealer has songs called "Tons of Leather," "Knights of Metal," "Stealing the Night" and "Running for Your Love (Tonight)." They rule.

https://savaged.bandcamp.com/album/night-stealer

I've also been listening to Iron Curtain's Savage Dawn, their fifth album (and first since 2019), and they do the same type of thing, but maybe even a little speedier, in an early Motörhead/Tank mode:

https://ironcurtainattack.bandcamp.com/album/savage-dawn

I need more of this stuff!

Anybody know how fashy Unaussprechlichen Kulten is or isn't? New one is the sorta of weird chewy death metal I like ... buuuuut it's on Iron Bonehead

and I feel like naming yrself after a Lovecraft thing is distinctly unhelpful, coz, y’know, you can been into the Mythos because tentacled horrors from beyond space are cool .... or because of what the dude named his cat 🙄

My big Bandcamp Friday splurge this month is the whole discography of Lady Beast, a Pittsburgh, PA trad/power metal band who've been around for like 15 years but I just discovered them tonight. I bought a compilation of their first two albums and an EP, their third and fourth albums, and another EP, all for about $20. If you're a fan of Crystal Viper, Christian Mistress, Huntress, and other trad/power metal bands with female singers, this will be your kind of thing.

https://ladybeast.bandcamp.com/

oooh a rainbow cover!

Best album credits of 2024 so far:

L.B. - Six Strings of Doomed Dementia
B.P. - Six More Strings of Delirium, Choir of Madness
L.V.L. - 4 Chthonic Vibrations of the Earth, Blower of the Blossoming Horn, Choir of Blasphemy
T.H. - Beater of Skins from the Depths of Hades to the Heights of Olympus
N.C. - Invocator of the Primordial Fire and Spells of Enchantment

From Dionysiaque's Diogonos, out next month on I, Voidhanger (of course).

I'd been off and on trying to fill a countries-of-the-world bingo card with music and movies to listen/watch, and this thread has been pretty great -- what's the most obscure country or region where you've found metal gems?

sorry this is not exactly within the focus of this thread, but i'm not sure where else to post it. i've been really into that vitriol album, and wanting to know what else sounds like it, i asked my partner's metalhead nephew what else i should check out. i had never heard and now really like hate eternal. i'd never heard gorguts. i like it ("colored sands") but i think i should probably try an earlier record.

he told me he hadn't really listened to them but that he keeps hearing about deathspell omega. so i copped "the last defeat" and oh my fucking GOD it's completely blowing me away. it's just the best thing ever.

I liked some of Deathspell Omega's earlier stuff - Si Monumentum Requires, Circumspice and Fas - Ite, Maledicti, In Ignem Aeternum - but vocalist Mikko Aspa is both a Nazi and a pedophile, so...

ah shit

xpost - unperson, have you heard that Dionusiaque album yet? was considering ordering it with some other stuff from I, Voidhanger but was wondering if it was worth it.

I haven't listened to the whole thing, but the two tracks streaming on Bandcamp are pretty good — I like the prominence of the bass.

Cool, thanks. I liked those two, was just curious if the whole thing held up like that. Usually try to bundle a few things when I order from them since shipping is pretty high.

If there's one thing everyone in the music industry knows, it's Do Not Tempt The Wrath Of Sharon Fucking Osbourne. I almost feel sorry for Kanye West.

. @kanyewest ASKED PERMISSION TO SAMPLE A SECTION OF A 1983 LIVE PERFORMANCE OF “WAR PIG” FROM THE US FESTIVAL WITHOUT VOCALS & WAS REFUSED PERMISSION BECAUSE HE IS AN ANTISEMITE AND HAS CAUSED UNTOLD HEARTACHE TO MANY. HE WENT AHEAD AND USED THE SAMPLE ANYWAY AT HIS ALBUM…

— Ozzy Osbourne (@OzzyOsbourne) February 9, 2024

In case the tweet doesn't populate:

https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:izxpomdyri45gzhppiiyattq/bafkreigvbgkxbklnjpotts5phxt3zrklo43fgowdsscyi2etulmqmpvgwy@jpeg

Was it Iron Maiden that she had people throw eggs at because they outplayed Ozzy at one of his festivals? She should start that up again.

There's a new Chapel of Disease album out today:

https://chapelofdisease.bandcamp.com/album/echoes-of-light

I liked their last one (...And As We Have Seen The Storm, We Have Embraced The Eye, released in 2018) a lot, so this was an instant purchase for me.

got the apartment to myself (well, myself and some sleepy cats), so taking the opportunity to loudly try out the new spectral voice (along with the new kali malone, which is metal adjacent and quite good). i love their demos comp and some of their splits, liked the first full-length tho thought it dragged a bit, and am pretty on board with the new one midway thru. currently at the big payoff moment in “sinew censer” 😈

they def lean more into the disembowelment sound than most of their contemporaries in the very crowded death doom field, which i enjoy

is this band really hyped or something? blood incantation connection? a quick glance at the bandcamp and rym comments is showing more negativity than expected from - i’m guessing - young skeptic types

I need to hear the new Kali Malone before I buy it. I like her organ stuff but this one seems like it might be a little too...active?

i had the same concern looking at the (long-ish) tracklist but the shorter choir pieces work as interludes for me and compliment the longer, slower organ drone tracks well imo

New Coffins album March 29! The first song is so gross (in the best way). I swear their guitar tone gives me literal chills.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6FS5br7MYY

new Necrowretch is really solid blackened death, though it really does lean more on the blackened side

Always happy for more Coffins!

me too. i think Joan Chachi got me into them in one of these rolling metal threads back in the day

Yeah, they're one of those bands I never think about, but whenever I listen to them — especially Buried Death, the first record I heard by them — they give me such pure, simple pleasure. They've really achieved perfection in their sound.

Yeah I wish Buried Death was still in print, I missed that one but have followed them since.

other side of blasphemy -> buried death is my personal coffins sweet spot, but yeah, its all very enjoyable. there isn't a lot that you can count on in this world anymore but you can count on coffins, thats for sure.

This Rolling Stone interview with Kerry King surprised me. I've never read any interviews with him, because he's always given the impression of being kind of a steakhead, and I've never interviewed him myself (though I've talked to Tom Araya and Dave Lombardo). Anyway, Kerry King is not who I thought he was.

And the first single from his solo album (which has Mark Osugueda of Death Angel on vocals, Phil Demmel of Machine Head on guitar, Kyle Sanders on bass, and Paul Bostaph on drums) is surprisingly good.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOwFC56MQgA

That's a really great piece on King, and the new track is really good. Mark from Death Angel really steps up on vocals, wow.

And meanwhile, new High on Fire, at long last!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHOj0O-qkC8

New single from Unleash the Archers! New album in May!

https://open.spotify.com/track/3PFhTnE0mWxkDOOhHDw3ua?si=e4d3f78f534a4021

Given some teases the other day, sounds like a new Witch Vomit might be announced today as well.

Definitely ready for HoF!

yup re: witch vomit

https://20buckspin.bandcamp.com/album/funeral-sanctum

i'm taking one of my spawn to see xentrix tonight. i know nothing about xentrix. excited though!

Oh man. I saw Xentrix at the Marquee sometime in the 90s. I remember two things: 1) Dennis Gasser's hair 2) diving off a bass bin *over* the pit and landing square on my bollocks on the sweaty cement floor. I somehow escaped serious injury.

haha ouch! 'doing a chinaski' definitely not in my plans, but it looks like dennis gasser is still in the band though i think his hair retired some time ago

No word on when it will be released, but apparently Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull is a guest on "three or four tracks" from the upcoming Opeth album.

Well this has gotten ugly

https://lambgoat.com/news/41773/escuela-grinds-guitarist-denies-tour-driver-allegations-while-it-surfaces-drummer-is-a-free-mason/comments/#0

I do not recommend reading the comments under that story; what a cesspit.

i only saw one but really the shitheads acting like this is some minor band that metal media is only focusing on because they're 'woke' is complete horseshit. they're a solid band and went on a headlining tour last year and also played Hell in the Harbor and other festivals.

I can't say I know enough about the ins and outs of NYC venue permits and the like, but it certainly seems like someone has it out to get Saint Vitus shut down:

https://gothamist.com/news/beloved-brooklyn-bars-abrupt-shutdown-sends-bands-scrambling-to-book-new-venues

oh fuck no!

Yeah, the way the actual complaint is phrased reeks of pissed-off neighbor — and this being Brooklyn, it's probably someone new to the neighborhood. Real loser shit that's gonna have major consequences for that business and possibly others, if it inspires a broader Department of Buildings crackdown. 'Cause hey, maybe closing some Brooklyn nightclubs will distract the local media from how badly DOB has been fucking up when it comes to NYCHA (low-income housing, where landlords give low-bid contracts to their cronies who don't even do the work most of the time — there was a huge wave of arrests not long ago).

totally sucks about Saint Vitus. Figured something was up since the last couple of shows I went to there ended around 10PM on Friday/Saturday nights, even with stacked bills, so it certainly seemed like someone was hounding them with noise complaints. But as I am now in my 40s, I really liked being able to go see a metal show and not have to stay out until 1AM to see the headliner.

As a fellow member of the show going 40 year olds club, I too am happy to be done earlier, but this one sucks. I hate when new people come into a neighborhood and decide only they know what should be happening within it.

This reminds me of the new neighbors that tried to get Empty Bottle in Chicago shut down some years ago. Fortunately the venue won that one and it still around, hoping for the same for Saint Vitus.

totally. a mid show shut down on a Friday night is such an unnecessarily dick-ish move, too, especially if this whole thing is just over paperwork.

Fortunately, they've been booking more "Saint Vitus presents" shows at other venues in the greater NYC area so hopefully they can shift some of their shows over without too too much trouble for the time being. My wife and I are actually planning on going to see Vomit Forth and Jarhead Fertilizer at one of em on the Jersey Shore this weekend.

Apparently this is the dude responsible:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GGqwj1kWgAAoy9E.jpg

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GGqwj1kXMAE_iBb.jpg

And yes, this has exactly the backstory you'd expect.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GGqwj1iW0AAoa1X.jpg

If this is to be believed, maybe not a neighbor but a chud who's mad that Saint Vitus is "woke":

Funny how you can randomly stumble upon the guy who got Saint Vitus Bar shut down on Twitter.

You can look up this account’s replies and see he’s done nothing but bother the DOB and others about “exposing” Vitus. pic.twitter.com/ScpZnr6NkW

— a___ b____ (@blckbltnhlst) February 19, 2024

(ha xpost!)

ugh, somehow even worse than a NIMBY noise complainer.

also I see that this coward has already deleted their account.

would support harassing this guy daily

@jgrindstone666 you are a real awesome person and we would love to meet you.

— 𝐕𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐇 (@VomitForth) February 19, 2024

I do not recommend reading the comments under that story; what a cesspit.

you're generally right but the guy claiming to be Mortiis is worth a laff.

Figured something was up since the last couple of shows I went to there ended around 10PM on Friday/Saturday nights, even with stacked bills, so it certainly seemed like someone was hounding them with noise complaints.

i’ve noticed the same but thought it was just part of the general post-covid “we’re the city that does sleep now, and pretty early too” transformation

ugh this really sucks btw

I have just realized that Hoplites is a Chinese one-man band. Also that two millenia ago there was a conflict between the Han dynasty and a Greek kingdom called the War of the Heavenly Horses.

that lasted long

https://www.revolvermag.com/music/slayer-reuniting-2024-louder-life-and-riot-fest

I'm sure the onstage vibe will be just great, given all the shit King just said in Rolling Stone.

Really glad I got to see them twice in the early 2000s, with Hanneman and Lombardo (and once with Hanneman and Bostaph).

five times with Hanneman, twice with classic lineup, 11 times with Holt (nothing more than 'me coming into a lot more money' than intent there)

Araya and Kerry fighting on stage would be pretty hilarious

Araya announcing a song and Kerry launching into a different song to fuck with him

Wow I’m looking at that festival lineup and it’s just Slayer amidst a sea of shit.

Sailing the Seas of Shit

these don't belong in the same post, I know, but:

New Austere!
https://austere-official.bandcamp.com/album/beneath-the-threshold-deluxe-edition

New The Vision Bleak!
https://the-vision-bleak.bandcamp.com/album/weird-tales

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWwAR77hDMo

I like the idea of more new Austere already but, uh, hoping there's a cheaper CD option than that $32 deluxe version!

there doesn't seem to be - https://en.prophecy.de/en/Artists/Austere/Austere-Beneath-The-Threshold.html

(just in case you were wondering: VVK on there means Vorverkauf = preorder in German)

Ugh, thanks, oh well.

saw Tomb Mold on Saturday and they were incredible. Played all of Manor of Infinite Forms which sounded even better live. then they came out and played 2 from the most recent album. was really a great time, highly recommend.

ah, had tix for the NY gig but couldn’t make it for life reasons. did afterbirth open on sat too? how were they if so?

Afterbirth's whole set is on YouTube. Sound quality's not great but people seem into it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WY6FiOYlBkk

oh nice. I'll check that out, thanks!

hyped for this friday - Napalm Death / Primitive Man / Pig Destroyer / Wormrot about 20 mins walk from my house.

excited but also worried for my wallet at those merch tables. do I need a third Napalm shirt?

You need a sixth

saw Hulder last night, seeing Vader tonight.

idk if there are any Hulder fans in here, but I loved her first album, and the live album. the new one is also good, doesn't quite hit the highs of the previous but it's close enough. for anybody wanting a listen, they're (she's) medieval black metal, the kind that doesn't get made much anymore (think like Summoning, or early Satyricon, with the folksy elements and there are subtle keys).

anyway, the show was incredible, the atmosphere was awesome, and the show was ...empty. sad. definitely gonna keep spinning the new one

oh, that’s surprising. vaguely got the sense she’s gotten pretty hyped. see shirts at shows here, the quick 20 buck spin pickup, etc.

anyway, haven’t listened but “summoning” is the magic word to get my ears perked up…

I will say she's not THAT good (yet) but it's a good start.

I honestly was surprised. Saturday night, and when normally there are people standing about fifteen feet from the bar...even on a moderate day.

There were only people in half the venue. My guess is this isn't like this at every stop, but it was at the venue most metalheads don't like because the layout is ass, and the parking nonexistent.

Listening to Hymns For The Lesser Gods, the debut album by one-man tech-death act Fathomless Ritual, which I pre-ordered a long time ago but was just released on Friday:

https://fathomlessritual.bandcamp.com/album/hymns-for-the-lesser-gods

It's pretty good. Alternately chunky and squiggly, with really nice drum programming, broken-toilet vocals and loads of bass. And the cover art is a gouache painting, which is unexpected.

https://f4.bcbits.com/img/a0556850626_10.jpg

Glen Benton and Steve Asheim of Deicide are at this show

I said hello to Glen.

He looked at me like I was a huge dork.

Accurate

I'm looking forward to the new Deicide album.

Vader was incredible last night btw. no idea why they have Origin with them, they stick out like a sore thumb.

Great timing to have an album coming out now, DVNE (a.k.a. Songs Of Arrakis)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjmXEJXInag

that album : Voidkind (out April 19, 2024)

Thanks, I loved the last DVNE record!

Oh, wow, the new Neptune Power Federation album! It’s like a glorious Meatloaf record, but more classic-metal, and Meatloaf shuts up and lets the other voices imagine an acid-rock ABBA.

I am 100% against the idea of "guilty pleasures" — like what you like — but DragonForce really seem like they want me to be ashamed of liking them. I'm listening to their new album right now and this is some of the corniest, uncoolest shit ever. And yet, it's exactly what I want to hear.

New Pallbearer song! Mind Burns Alive comes out in May.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFPSYuLd7WE

Digging that. Lots of good new announcements this week, also excited for new Ufomammut.

This Slimelord record on 20 Buck Spin is great.

https://20buckspin.bandcamp.com/album/chytridiomycosis-relinquished

As is the Brad Moore art:

https://f4.bcbits.com/img/a2422072240_10.jpg

things I liked from last few weeks

latest Necrophobic
latest Aborted

the Aborted is a continuation of what they've been gradually gravitating towards for the last decade or so, basically brutal death with large brushes of cinematic horror. Necrophobic is basically what they're known for (blackened melodic death), in some areas it's more resolute than usual.

digging the slimelord

another DVNE track

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdJzgTQyvjw

Listening to the new Deicide now (out 4/26). I don't think they get enough credit for improvement. I don't like their early albums at all, but starting with The Stench of Redemption they got really good.

Mongolian folk metal band The Hu (never heard of them before today) will be opening Iron Maiden's fall US tour, and they're pretty good!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYD8isM7RH4

Man, the second Chapel Of Disease sank like a rock into the ocean, didn't it? Out in early February and already forgotten, it seems. I'm listening to it again this morning and it's fucking glorious. Reminds me of Ghost, Tribulation, and/or Tanith in its shaggy 70s-ness. Holding a year-end list spot for it.

A gimmicky trad heavy/speed metal concept album about the last day of Dale Earnhardt's life shouldn't be as catchy and legit as this, but I've been enjoying it a bit these last couple of days:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eprtpa5VDcU
https://iamtheintimidator.bandcamp.com/album/i-am-the-intimidator

also been digging this album from Noor, a Canadian 80s style heavy/power metal band, that has a rather inexplicable cover and title, but is riffy and epic as heck:
https://noorband.bandcamp.com/album/mothers-guilty-pleasure-part-one

So The Pit, the metal news aggregator and website that was operated by Elektra/Roadrunner are calling it a day.

Not sure who here cares but I liked the emails, sometimes I got useful news and they put together lists and dug up old things that were entertaining.

Also, my guess is those writing for it are out of work which is never fun.

Debatable as to just how much "metal" they are, but a new album coming out in June from Sumac (Aaron Turner, Brian Cook, Nick Yacyshyn), The Healer.

Also, if you want the CD version, hurry - less than 10 copies left according to Thrill Jockey.

https://thrilljockey.com/products/the-healer

Chapel of Disease is the kind of thing that should make me very happy. Idk, that album doesn't seem to hit for me the way Tribulation or Morbus Chron do.

Got that Chapel of Disease on my "to play" pile, just haven't had a chance yet.

Is Metal Archives purposely trying to make the site look more like Wikipedia, or is broken code or their idea of an April Fools prank?

def an April Fool's prank, they do one every year

Kinda figured since I know they've done them in the past, but this one is kinda lame. Like, haha we made our site ugly?

definitely feels like an 'out of ideas' thing

Going to this on Saturday

https://www.monochromebristol.co.uk

This week's BA newsletter is a Q1 Metal Roundup with my thoughts on Judas Priest, Iron Curtain, Chapel of Disease, Vitriol, and Mean Mistreater. I thought about also including the new albums by Coffins and The Absence, which are both great, too.

NEW CRYPT SERMON SONG

https://darkdescentrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-stygian-rose

Stoked, already smashed the pre-order on that one.

xp- enjoyed that roundup, i need to check out that Iron Curtain record

That song rules.

so happy for Crypt Sermon putting another out. I was just talking about them the other day. they killed at Decibel Metal and Beer Fest back in 2021

xp- enjoyed that roundup, i need to check out that Iron Curtain record

I thought for sure that one or the Mean Mistreater would be the ones my wife would go for, but her favorite turned out to be Vitriol, which I really did not see coming. She also said the vocalist for Chapel of Disease was a total mismatch for the music, which I kinda get.

some recent doom and stoner adjacent stuff I've been digging:

Witchorious - self-titled debut from Paris doom band https://witchorious.bandcamp.com/album/witchorious-2
Hashtronaut - debut album, No Return, from Denver https://wearehashtronauts.bandcamp.com/album/no-return
Wicked Trip - Cabin Fever, latest from Tennessee "heavy occult doom" https://wickedtrip.bandcamp.com/album/cabin-fever

also really happy new REZN on the horizon:

https://rezzzn.bandcamp.com/album/burden

hyped for this friday - Napalm Death / Primitive Man / Pig Destroyer / Wormrot about 20 mins walk from my house.

― Hmmmmm (jamiesummerz), Sunday, 3 March 2024 11:33 bookmarkflaglink

oh how was this btw? was thinking of going but it sold out (and was pretty ill at the time so thought probably for the best I didn't have to get to London and back)

Oh, that new Crypt Sermon album is SO GOOD. Along with the expected Candlemass influence, I also hear King Diamond's band in the 1980s, 80s Savatage too. First class.

Wow, that sounds like my AOTY.

I always like doom with a heavy metal backbone. Having a vocalist that sounds like a neo-Dio helps.

Plus their album covers are dope

in news probably only relevant to unperson and myself, the new Tantric Bile is so far a gleefully horrible listen

https://tantricbile.bandcamp.com/album/cursed-conception

please ignore at least one of the tracktitles

okay but it's kind of hilarious to read all of those other song titles and then see, "The Insidious Lamp That Was There All Those Years".

like, dude, I get it! I need to pull together a garage sale myself to get rid of things like that!

Iron Curtain is sweet, thanks for the rec.

One of my Bandcamp Friday purchases today is gonna be the whole discography (3 albums) from the German band Attic, who play trad shred metal with an extremely King Diamond-y vocalist. They have an awesome band photo:

https://f4.bcbits.com/img/0004303157_10.jpg

the new Austere album is out

file Witch Vomit and Hour of Penance under "bands who are always reliable and knocked it out of the park again".

ok Witch Vomit is an incredible band name

one of the many that lead my friends to say 'you're just trolling now, right'

it always amuses me when bands have goofball juvenile names like that and you expect they're just going to be caveman shit and it's actually well-crafted, like the aforementioned WV, Anal Vomit, and Bathtub Shitter

similar to Detroit's Shitfucker, who are actually really well put-together 80s metal/punk but they're also called Shitfucker so who in the hell am I ever going to talk to them about

Bathtub Shitter is, for real, one of my favorite band names ever. Instantly alienating, instantly memorable, a disgusting but totally vivid image...it's perfect.

It's always hilarious to type, but honestly, big Shitfucker fan right here.

Shitfucker's "Suck Cocks in Hell" is an album title for the ages too

I had a pretty great time at Monochrome, would have been better if I hadn't been struggling with the flu which meant I had reached my limits after Gnaw Their Tongues (so only 10 bands). Pace was relentless though, one thing finished and the next started in the other room immediately afterwards, and there was no neutral space except out in the street so pretty full-on.

Highlights were the absolutely immense Gnaw Their Tongues, who delivered Lustmord death ambience with guttural screeching over the top - let's face it, every music festival needs a 50 year old overweight guy stumbling about on an unlit stage - and the other noise act Distraxi, who were heavily Masonna influenced.

Guttersnipe and Cuntroaches both unfortunately let down by the sound on their stage, the former with not nearly enough top end and the latter with gtr and bass way too low in the mix, but enjoyed both hugely despite the issues. Guttersnipe sound much less like Rudimentary Peni than they used to but also seem less keen on writing things that sound at all like traditional songcraft so very much swings and roundabouts. Cuntroaches are like a crust version of The Ex, and much like them are at their best when they try something totally different - their take on a disco track could have been epic if the mix was right.

I really wanted to like Psudoku a lot, given how they'd been written up but it smacked of jazz guys putting together a grindcore band as an experiment, and reminded me more of Battles than anything else - more interested in the technical difficulties rather than the songs.

Human Leather were my favourite non-noise thing, kind of sludgy but with a sort of Killslug undercurrent. Huge lots of the appeal is down to the singer though who (without wanting to trot out tropes about large non-conventionally-attractive women, but finding them very accurate in her case) has the best personality on stage all day and is funny and disarming in a way that overcomes some of the technical shortfalls (both in sound and ability).

The remainder were fine at what they did but were straight down the line and didn't do anything interesting with it, although thanks to Cavalerie and their bog standard death I did at least have one spell outside.

Would have liked to have stayed for Aluk Todolo but just wasn't up to it.

I really wanted to like Psudoku a lot, given how they’d been written up but it smacked of jazz guys putting together a grindcore band as an experiment, and reminded me more of Battles than anything else - more interested in the technical difficulties rather than the songs.

I’ve liked the solo Psudoku stuff, but I prefer Brutal Blues, the Psudoku guy’s collab with one half of MoHa!. So your view is understanable; the jazzbo tendency has been there for a while.

And now I’ve just learned that the j-word is actually racist, so I wholeheartedly retract it.

xxxxp add Attic to the "legitimately good band promo photos" thread!

"Evil is Everywhere" on the Iron Curtain album is such a jam.

new replicant out today:

https://replicantband.bandcamp.com/album/infinite-mortality

more metalcore slammin groove parts than i expected but not complaining. a couple moments bordering on meshuggah circa catch 33 too. im guessing the band members may have some history with moshy hardcore, but theyre from NJ, so might just be in their blood.

I pre-ordered that but listening to it at 8 AM was a mistake; I thought it had been on for about 40 minutes and it turned out I'd only heard the first three songs. Might go back to it tonight while I'm editing a truly awful manuscript.

Just got a promo of the new Six Feet Under album and...it's...not...completely...terrible? Jack Owen's in the band now, so the guitars at least rule. The second guitarist, Ray Suhy, is a jazz player who put out a really good album with pianist Lewis Porter, bassist Brad Jones, and drummer Rudy Royston a couple of years ago:

https://sunnysiderecords.bandcamp.com/album/transcendent

Also, there's a song on this album called "Neanderthal," so I'm predisposed to like it.

How did I not know until today that there's a new Necrot album coming out tomorrow? Mortal, from 2020, was amazing, and on first listen this is just as good.

https://necrot.bandcamp.com/album/lifeless-birth

yeah I"ve been excited for it.

I went to see them open for Muni Waste despite not liking Muni Waste, only to find out they're doing a headlining US tour a few months from now. lol...welp, cool!

also excited to hear it. not just because i liked the other one but but because, as the old saying goes, “if the cover has a giant demon with an evil devil crotch sucking up naked guys, its gotta be pretty cool”

I read it exactly the opposite way — that the demon was giving birth to those guys, and then eating them.

🤔

fuuuuuuuuuuuck, the Necrot cooks

dude's leads are underrated too, the solos r tasteful as hell

"Winds of Hell" has the most triumphant melodeath riff in recent memory, even though melodeath isn't even remotely what Necrot do, they just threw it into the song and it worked

now onto the new Benighted

solid as normal but it's not touching the Necrot. it's weird, they don't live in the fast Autopsy tempo mode they did on the previous album, they settle in for mid-tempo moments a lot more. the riffs are just sharper, and as said above, the guitar solos are better than ever, they're surprisingly tasteful and melodic for a band of thsi style

Necrot-style OSDM is the stuff that makes me dream about taking up drums and being a death metal drummer.

There's a very interesting essay on Stereogum about the changes in big-name, mass-market metal. It's really long and I'm not done reading it yet, but he deals with Ghost, Bring Me The Horizon, and Sleep Token in depth and his analysis of metal overall, while it definitely comes from someone much younger than me, is all the more fascinating for that. And the first few paragraphs provide some excellent slash-and-burn:

Let’s just get this out of the way up top: No, metal isn’t dead. If you look around the underground today, there are plenty of thriving pockets: death metal, black metal, doom, thrash, sludge, etc. Metal as a holistic genre of music is alive and well. But as a cultural force that extends beyond small clubs, filling stadiums and festival grounds worldwide and provoking the uninitiated masses with its wicked sounds and filth-mongering imagery, metal — the sound, spirit, and culture — is in a precarious state. The genre’s longstanding A-listers feel less vital (and less cool) than ever, and the generation of bands who are slated to take their place are less metal (and arguably less cool) than at any previous era in the genre’s history.

Metallica and Megadeth are each more popular and more uninteresting than they’ve ever been — safe, sterile, and flagrantly leveraging their brand values to disrupt the whiskey and NFT markets. Slipknot are little more than a masked LLC at this point, shedding beloved members, getting sued by the estate of a dead one, and barely keeping a lid on their creative bankruptcy, all while frontman Corey Taylor pursues one of the worst solo careers in recent memory. Ozzy Osbourne is too incapacitated to tour, but has enough spring in his step to bang out a third LP with grandad-whisperer Andrew Watt, the 33-year-old whizkid who oversaw Ozzman’s geriatric jerk-off anthem on 2022’s woefully limp Patient Number 9. I can already feel the anticipation building around which Pearl Jam guitarist will guest on the next album. Heavy fucking metal! Speaking of make-work programs for Zakk Wylde, Pantera are touring again — and without the co-founding Abbott brothers — but somehow that doesn’t feel as heinous as Static-X barreling forward in “tribute” (i.e. cha-ching) to late singer-songwriter Wayne Static. It appears that Linkin Park are about to do the same thing.

Avenged Sevenfold took seven years to follow their Elon Musk-inspired 2016 dumpster fire, The Stage, with 2023’s Life Is But A Dream…, a pseudo-intellectual shitstorm inspired by Daft Punk and Yeezus that’s genuinely more grating to listen to than Lulu. To make matters worse, the band, arguably the closest thing the 21st century has produced to a capital-“m” Metal act who can fill stadiums when Metallica and Mötley Crüe aren’t in town, see heavy music’s future in Silicon Valley, having inundated their fans with NFT evangelizing, atrocious-looking VR concerts, and their “heavy-metal approach to token-gated ticketing” — i.e. partnering with Live Nation on a blockchain ticketing service. “It’s your fuckin’ nightmare” indeed, boys.

Who’s left? Judas Priest and Iron Maiden have, at most, a decade left in the tank. Korn will continue to release the same song every three years for the rest of eternity if they can, but Limp Bizkit’s improbable return to headliner status already feels doomed as nu-metal’s memetic revival starts to wither. Deftones are thriving, no doubt about that, but they’re an anomaly among their peers. System Of A Down hate each other and will likely never tour again (although they did just announce a special one-off show with Deftones). Rage Against The Machine (probably) hate each other and will likely never tour again. Marilyn Manson is certainly hated but will, unfortunately, tour again. The alleged serial abuser will make his controversial comeback this summer opening for Five Finger Death Punch, who’ve cornered the market on Pantera cosplay and army recruitment office balladry now that A7X are off in the meta-verse. But don’t worry, Tool are still kickin’, and they’ve got plenty of $2,500 tour posters and $800 fetus-in-skull sculptures to go around.

Korn, Limp Bizikit, Deftones, Marilyn Manson, Tool and RATM were all scraping the very borderlines of Metal though, the criticism that "today's big metal bands are less metal/less cool than at any previous era" has been a constant lament since the mid-90s.

But yeah, Metal at this point is pretty much where Jazz has been since the 1970s - thriving in the sense that it's absorbed into music history, there's still lots of people playing it and listening to it, and the heritage acts like Metallica, Slayer and Maiden are still as widely loved and respected as Miles, Satchmo, Nina and Billie, but it's dead in the sense that it's done both as a major cultural force and as something at the artistic forefront of today's music.

I mean, at this point it's very difficult to draw up a list of the 100 most important Metal bands ever, and make a solid case for a spot for even a single popular/big band that debuted post-2000.

the conclusion is obviously true but tbh accessibility as well as mainstream radio being more centered around rock in past decades had a lot to do with it. there will probably never be bands with the stature of Maiden or Priest again, but that's largely because mainstream radio seems to move further and further from guitar-based music as years progressed.

Blink 182 were the first rock band to top the Billboard Top 200 chart in 2023 (in October), and only RHCP and Machine Gun Kelly topped it in 2022. Not a single rock act topped it in 2021.

Compare that to 1982, when AC/DC, Foreigner, and J. Geils Band, Asia, and John Cougar topped the charts, or 1987 when Springsteen did it TWICE in one year, Bon Jovi, U2 and Los Lobos also owning the charts. Obv these aren't metal bands but it shows rock more in the front and center in mainstream consciousness.

add on top of that the earliest progenitors are metal were also catchy as hell and that helped a lot. the metal that was ear-wormy in the earliest incarnation of the genre though just so happens to be a style that devoted lifer metalheads like us also liked, whereas now, most of the mainstream shit sounds watered down and boring to us since it's largely metalcore or diluted stuff.

more abrasive subgenres of metal were never huge cultural forces, they were always big fish within a much smaller swimming pool. the sheer number of albums easily accessible now also dilutes attention, whereas you had to make effort to hear all of these bands pre-streaming era. I buy no shortage of albums a year that I forget I even have now.

Neanderthal OTM as far as my own thoughts about this go. Especially with regard to the (more extreme) metal that’s my preference. Like, how close did we get to mainstream acceptance there? Morbid Angel on Warner Bros and a clip or two on Beavis and Butt-Head?

Cannibal Corpse in Ace Ventura?

add on top of that the earliest progenitors are metal were also catchy as hell and that helped a lot. the metal that was ear-wormy in the earliest incarnation of the genre though just so happens to be a style that devoted lifer metalheads like us also liked, whereas now, most of the mainstream shit sounds watered down and boring to us since it's largely metalcore or diluted stuff.

more abrasive subgenres of metal were never huge cultural forces, they were always big fish within a much smaller swimming pool.

Maybe it's just my own perspective based on not reading Revolver, but it feels like over the last however many years, underground metal has dominated the discourse to the point that not only can trad/power metal bands not get a fair shake at all from US journalists, but anything that's not black metal, death metal, or metalcore/deathcore isn't even considered metal at all. Witness the fact that 80s bands like Ratt, Warrant, and Poison don't have Metal Archives pages. (Twisted Sister, Mötley Crüe and W.A.S.P do, though.) So there's really no way for a melodic but heavy band to even build up a support base in the metal press, such as it is.

xpost I feel like a traditional heavy metal band COULD become big again, not by 80s standards, but by 21st century standards. Ghost at least started like a NWOBHM-esque band before going poppier. and the Canadian band 3 Inches of Blood seemed to want to become that next big heavy metal band, they cracked the Billboard Top 200 and Canadian charts, they opened for Maiden and Metallica, their albums were well received*, their drummer beat up the guy from Saxon....and then they disbanded for 11 years before they could grow any further.

*I hate Cam Pipes's vocals

Maybe it's just my own perspective based on not reading Revolver, but it feels like over the last however many years, underground metal has dominated the discourse to the point that not only can trad/power metal bands not get a fair shake at all from US journalists, but anything that's not black metal, death metal, or metalcore/deathcore isn't even considered metal at all. Witness the fact that 80s bands like Ratt, Warrant, and Poison don't have Metal Archives pages. (Twisted Sister, Mötley Crüe and W.A.S.P do, though.) So there's really no way for a melodic but heavy band to even build up a support base in the metal press, such as it is.

― Instead of create and send out, it pull back and consume (unperson), Monday, April 15, 2024 1:22 PM bookmarkflaglink

my perspective too and it drives me insane. "extreme or go home" is just the most boring way to be to me, and I say that as a dude who eats death metal like Corn Pops. when there are still a significant number of traditional heavy metal/epic metal bands out there making quality music. it's had quite the revival, and it's more inspired than the thrash revival ever was.

like I keep running into a growing number of revisionist metalheads who are essentially saying it outright isn't metal at all and that's nuts. I remember some shitlord black metal musician hearing In Solitude's second album and saying "what does this crap have to do with metal?" in Decibel magazine, and it's like....did you miss out on 1969-1987? or something.

in honor of this thread, listening to nothing but Angel Witch, Diamond Head, Saxon, and Blitzkrieg

my friend Ed, who I saw Satan with, when I complained about this, shook his head and said "I don't think these people realized that NWOBHM bands WERE the 'extreme' metal bands when they came out. metal itself was extreme!"

Ghost will probably end up being the sole traditional flag bearer in mainstream rock/metal, because it's skewing crazily towards surreally mediocre deathcore right now. I can't see the metal my generation grew up with ever becoming as big ever again.

As for 3IOB, they're doing reunion shows in Canada this year, and holy moly they've been selling out fast. They had to move the Montréal show to a bigger venue. A lot of us have missed that band like crazy. And big Cam Pipes fan here!

I don't think it's realistic to think any big new metal bands to sound or be like the 80s bands you grew up with. If nu-metal is anything to go by, it almost certainly will be something we all hate but the kids love it.

I feel like what's popular is cyclical though. Nu-metal have way to metalcore and then deathcore seems to have taken over slightly but there's no reason a more traditional band can't do it.

Perhaps Maiden/Priest need to retire first to leave a vacuum though

I do think the people who listen to deathcore/metalcore who are averse to traditional heavy metal object to what they see as the datedness of the material from the 80s, what they think is cheesy production, perhaps the vocals being too 'dramatic' for them.

but I feel like when the sound is modernized a bit they're more amenable. two of my good friends always said they hated Priest and Maiden and stuff like that, they were more into the deathcore-y/nu-metal stuff, and the new Priest came out and both were like "wow this is actually really great", and it's cos Rob is shrieking, and it sounds slick and full.

i'm sure a new sound will come along that takes off at some point. I don't see an old fashioned sound taking off other than to people like us who lapped up Ghost, Uncle Acid, Witchcraft, In Solitude etc

Personally I find metal as it is perfectly fine. It's the heavier rock groups that's lacking IMO

As weird as it may sound, I don’t think Slipknot get ENOUGH credit for innovating and experimenting. Their last album was great.

I have yet to hear a single song by Slipknot. Maybe I'll give them a shot.

If you do, try the debut album and 2019's We Are Not Your Kind (the one I was talking about above; I forgot they put out one more after that).

like I keep running into a growing number of revisionist metalheads who are essentially saying it outright isn't metal at all and that's nuts. I remember some shitlord black metal musician hearing In Solitude's second album and saying "what does this crap have to do with metal?" in Decibel magazine, and it's like....did you miss out on 1969-1987? or something.

liking the new Early Moods record

yeah it's awesome

It really is great, even better than the debut imo. Glad to see some love here.

after several listens to the Necrot, I'm comfortable saying they've taken a big leap forward and are one of the genre leaders now. I loved both the first two albums, so it isn't like they were bad before, but this one just seems to have a level of songcraft that is much improved while not sacrificing the punch-in-the-mouth sonics of their sound. they've elevated themselves without actually leaving the confines of their core sound.

I think a big part of the reason is Sonny Reinhardt - his guitar solos aren't the squiggly-wiggly 'demon from hell' kind, they have a melodic sensibility not terribly removed from what Matt Pike does, so even though I would never call Necrot melodic, his leads allow the songwriting to explore more dynamic territory.

I guess a close comparison is Vital Remains's Dechristianize. That album is odd in their catalog. Not just because they removed almost all of their black metal influence and had Glen Benton on vocals, but because they had these very epic NWOBHM breakdowns with dual lead guitar solos. Unlike Necrot, I think their execution of these moments were a bit sloppy - they often didn't fit neatly into the song, and the band frequently stopped the song's forward momentum to awkwardly shift into these moments, which were cool when they arrived, but it kinda felt like smashing in a puzzle piece with a hammer. (I say this when Dechristianize is one of my favorite death metal albums of the 21st century)

But it did kind of establish a template for laying in some subtle melodic nuances into an extreme metal sound to open it up more, without turning the band into fuckin' At the Gates or watering down the sound.

It's also more than that though - the riffs on this thing, like, they've always been good at writing riffs that seem to survive fluid-tempo shifts easily, but they just simply hit harder on this one. if there is any justice, people will stop talking about the perfectly fine but overrated 200 Stab Wounds and give Necrot their stature in the scene. which tbh, I think is coming.

xpost - anything else in the Early Moods vein in terms of recommendations would be appreciated, Wytch Hazel finally got too explicitly Christian for me

Do you listen to Crypt Sermon?

i have not heard of them, will check it out!

they are that sweet spot of epic doom which contains a lot of heavy metal influence and the vocalist kinda sounds like a neo-Dio. i love em

Listening to the Early Moods. They really nailed the production on this. Simple and heavy.

Absolutely. Songcraft inspired too.

Wish I'd gotten into them sooner

new DVNE tomorrow, can't wait

new High on Fire and My Dying Bride are wehre I'm at

Def excited for DVNE and High On Fire.

High on Fire not exactly blowing me away on first listen. i get it's not going for 'high octane' like Electric Messiah but a lot of these songs are all at the same tempo with the same drum patterns.

but I need at least one listen to get the 'expectations' out of the way so...we'll see how I feel. it's by no means bad, but the last three or so releases I was a wee more excited on first listen.

Anyone heard this Transit Method album? I am pleasantly surprised. Punky prog-metal, but mostly bypassing anything hardcore - more like a pop-punk group playing Thin Lizzy, Maiden, and Rush tunes.

https://transitmethod.bandcamp.com/album/othervoid

I like the new High On Fire a lot, but I've always loved The Art of Self Defense and thought they lost a little something when they sped up on the second album. This feels like a return to their earliest, doomiest sound. Plus, Coady Willis's drumming is great. I loved him with Big Business and the Melvins and I think he really adds something here. I'm gonna write about it at length in my next newsletter. But this morning I'm replaying the new Necrot.

wow I LOVE transit method. thanks so much

hear some voivod in this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oxh-Uuxn9ds

huh, I'll have to give Transit Method another shot. I heard one song back when it was released and thought it was not for me.

very much going to get the HoF another chance, yesterday I was listening in the midst of a really bad anxiety attack but didn't wanna stop listening cos High on Fire.

xpost i think i have bad taste in metal tbf haha

judging by the other stuff you like, I'd say that's not true!

I like that Transit Method song; will check out the album. It's kind of hitting the same spot as Spirit Adrift, for me.

aw thanks and also was gonna ask you and the metal cru - friend and i see that GA tickets are still available for pretty reasonable - Judas Priest: still good live or no?

It's kind of hitting the same spot as Spirit Adrift, for me.

― Instead of create and send out, it pull back and consume (unperson), Friday, April 19, 2024 9:43 AM (thirty-nine seconds ago) bookmarkflaglink

yeah actually that's a good call. i love spirit adrift

huh, okay, I love Spirit Adrift, now I'm wondering what I didn't like about Transit Method. gonna give it another go soon.

aw thanks and also was gonna ask you and the metal cru - friend and i see that GA tickets are still available for pretty reasonable - Judas Priest: still good live or no?

― Blues Guitar Solo Heatmap (Free Download) (upper mississippi sh@kedown), Friday, April 19, 2024 10:44 AM bookmarkflaglink

oh most definitely. the show of theirs I saw in 2019 was one of my favs of all time.

I don’t like Spirit Adrift, but I do like this Transit Method song. It’s the Voivod in the sound that’s hooking me.

I just listened to the whole Transit Method album. Most of it kind of sits somewhere between Intranaut and Elder for me. With a tiny dab of Voivod here and there. I could see it growing on me.

*Intronaut

I really like the HoF after one listen. New drummer brings a very different dynamic to their sound. I personally always gravitate to heavy music that is closer in spirit to Melvins—big drums and heavy riffs prioritized over speed (but also not so slow as to be sad doom)

I’m listening to their 2019 album now just to remind myself, and I definitely like the new drummer’s presence a lot more

Speaking of which, I'm hearing good things about the new Melvins album out today.

i don't wanna really hyperfocus on the speed, per se, as my favorite High on Fire is when they're locked into an impenetrable groove, but something just felt off.

starting my second listen now. I should preface I was in the midst of a 2+ hour anxiety attack while I was listening.

also going to play the My Dying Bride, excited to hear the Melvins one is great (my good friend was raving about it).

I don't know what I think about the DVNE album yet, seems harder that before but it always takes a while before they get to me

High on Fire much improved on second listen, though still feeling not quite up to the previous three to my ears. but good, I do like it, the title track is my favorite. going to live with it a bit more and going to see them in a few weeks.

onto the new My Dying Bride now

Oh I didn’t know there was a new Melvins album too!

that's my next listen!

Well, I've gone and written 2700 words about High On Fire for Wednesday's newsletter. TL;DR: Matt Pike's a dumbass, but he is apparently capable of learning, as there are no songs about reptilian conspiracies on the new record; also, Coady Willis has given them a major kick in the ass.

new Bongripper is predictably excellent and heavy as hell.

aw thanks and also was gonna ask you and the metal cru - friend and i see that GA tickets are still available for pretty reasonable - Judas Priest: still good live or no?

newark show? did you go? i went and had a blast myself.

it’s been said a lot but halford still sounds great. varied set too (even got “turbo lover”!) with a pretty reasonable amount of new stuff (which i like but “crown of horns” in particular isn’t really punching at the same level as what’s around it). they used some pretty lame AI art-looking imagery but easy enough to tune out. super fun.

was only vaguely familiar with saboton but they were an enjoyable sugar rush and seemed to have a big presence in the crowd too.

aw thanks and also was gonna ask you and the metal cru - friend and i see that GA tickets are still available for pretty reasonable - Judas Priest: still good live or no?

newark show? did you go? i went and had a blast myself.

it’s been said a lot but halford still sounds great. varied set too (even got “turbo lover”!) with a pretty reasonable amount of new stuff (which i like but “crown of horns” in particular isn’t really punching at the same level as what’s around it). they used some pretty lame AI art-looking imagery but easy enough to tune out. super fun.

was only vaguely familiar with saboton but they were an enjoyable sugar rush and seemed to have a big presence in the crowd too.

whoopso!

I'll be seeing them at Welcome to Rockville in a few weeks

Three listens in, The High on Fire is sludgily reinvigorated for me. I like how "Burning Down" and "Darker Fleece" really hang on a pounding throb. I especially the Turkish touches, which really meet me half way with a lot of my listening to maqam/Persian/Turkish music. And now I will once again post my favorite metal video of all time

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jgJKDtdTEA

the new The Vision Bleak album is great again - how are these guys not bigger than Ghost?

The new Iron Monkey is some high quality sludge.

xpost - no in Minneapolis, show hasn't happened yet but sounds like I should go!

fuuuuck me this Sovereign album on Dark Descent, came out in January...it's like a perfect thing. Schuldiner style vox over Coroner style thrash...but drier than Coroner, kinda beefier...fuck this album is nice

woah i LOVE the transit method album

Back in 2021, the debut album by Sunbomb, Evil and Divine, came out of nowhere and knocked me on my ass. It was a collaboration between Stryper vocalist Michael Sweet and L.A. Guns guitarist Tracii Guns, but it wasn't hair metal, it was trad/power metal in a Trouble/Candlemass vein, and it was probably my biggest surprise of the year. (Here's my original review.) I naturally assumed it was a one-off, but I got an email today letting me know that there's a second album coming in June, and I am VERY excited.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2oCTcB3kcI

right anyway, this is sounding amazing

https://couchslut.bandcamp.com/album/you-could-do-it-tonight

COUCH SLUT ARE BACK

I wrote 3000 words about High On Fire.

In "make it make sense" news....

Terrorizer reformed after only being broken up for a short while. I knew David Vincent was back in the band.

What I didn't know was right-wing, Trump-loving racist edgelord Brian Werner was the new vocalist. His claim to fame was briefly being in Vital Remains and a video on YouTube that shows him ripping down a cross from the ceiling that belonged to the owner and getting in a fight with her (a show that I, weirdly, was at). He is a self-professed theistic Satanist but this is probably just edgelordy posturing.

So he is now going to be screaming extreme left wing lyrics that probably offend him, while adding stage banter between songs that will contradict it.

This just proves Pete Sandoval is a huge sellout. He gives a job to a guy who probably makes disparaging remarks about people of his ethnicity, and once tried to sell a Stand Your Ground hoodie with Trayvon Martin's pic on it.

He quits Morbid Angel, claiming he is born again now, and can't perform MA's material anymore due to the content...then joins I Am Morbid, which plays these same songs.

And then hires a self-proclaimed extreme right-wing Satanist to sing with him.

Doubtful I'm gonna see them w Werner in the band. Fuck him.

On first listen, that Sovereign album is sounding like the best metal album I've heard in a while. Not even finished with it and can't wait to listen to it again.

The new Party Cannon album is a concept album about Action Park. Since I went there and lived, I guess I have to give it at least one listen. The cover is Bosch-meets-Robert Williams, and it's pretty amazing:

https://f4.bcbits.com/img/a1622643158_10.jpg

He quits Morbid Angel, claiming he is born again now, and can't perform MA's material anymore due to the content...then joins I Am Morbid, which plays these same songs.

Anyway, it annoys the hell out of me to see so many people who dedicated their lives in the 80s to fighting christianity become unhinged born-again conspiracy nuts.

Magnificent artwork

That is indeed a glorious cover, the choice of band logo is *chef's kiss*

That Sovereign album is awesome, thank you. I love this drum sound.

I am very much enjoying this Toronto hard rock band Freeways. They're like Canadian Blue Öyster Cult - smooth and melodic, darker shades creeping in at the edges.

https://dyingvictimsproductions.bandcamp.com/album/dark-sky-sanctuary

Shellac and Party Cannon should go on tour

ffs I just bought a Terrorizer ticket then I read this

Sorry :( I didn't even know until a friend pointed it out

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GMGhPNeX0AAAAD5.jpg

Look at the third row on this poster, then imagine being a member of Goatwhore or Krisiun and realizing that you're seen as equal in stature to a Van Halen cover band.

bands who even worry for a second about what line they're listed on are basic, that shit is for internet idlers & nothing else. the van halen cover band has a manager who's capable of negotiating line placement, it's meaningless.

instead we should be talking about the o_O factor of a band called, if I'm reading that correctly, "Poon Tickler"

Weekend Nachos?

those guys are actually pretty good!

Xxpost You did read that correctly and sadly they're a shitty pornogrind band from my lovely state.

They have thirteen minutes of recorded music in their discography, one of which is the song "I Want an Ass to Fuck My Ass"

ha, of course, thanks. i also can't decipher that middle bottom one that clearly starts with "ASS" before getting indecipherable

Piss from the Moat(?)

oh haha maybe not "clearly" to me

oh, must be Hiss From the Moat. I think my misreading is better.

I just don't get how these shitty low level death/grind bands have any following other than people wanting to brag to their friends about the extreme edgelordy band they like.

Another one, Gutalax, frequently gets lobbied to be on the 70000 Tons of Metal cruise. Their lyrics are 100% poop-themed*, fans bring plungers to the shows, but the vocals sound like the noise from Juon/The Grudge, and the music is awful, not even competent death metal.

*I know big shock that I of all people oppose the poop band

New Inter Arma has some amazing dissonant stuff on it. And then some of it is really melodramatic in a way I'm not so sure about.

The Japanese band Kriegshög has a new album out, 14 years after their first. It sounds like Discharge covering Hawkwind, or vice versa. It RULES.

https://lavidaesunmus.bandcamp.com/album/love-revenge

I'm so blown away by the new Inter Arma. Feels like a real turning point for the band.

The new Big | Brave album is phenomenal, just a big leap forward for a band that I already loved. It's probably even less "metal" than they've ever been, but it reminds me a little of Low's Double Negative in how he starts with their usual formula but futzes with it, glitched cuts in the feedback and clipped drones and all.

Whoa, also just noticed that Tashi Dorji is playing guitar on it as well!

Never heard of Big Brave but really liking this so far.

Patrick Shiroshi and Marisa Anderson on there too by the looks of it.

Yeah, the Big Brave sounds very good as well, might be their best?

I thought the last two were a bit boring, as they dropped too much of the heaviness, but this new one really works, even though they haven't really brought it back? It's just noisy and powerful.

I wrote about the new Deicide album in this week's Burning Ambulance newsletter.

Patrick Shiroshi and Marisa Anderson on there too by the looks of it.

yep! listened to it again today and I am starting to think it really might be their best.

Weird thing about new Deicide, which I like a lot, is riff-wise they seem to be trying to approximate their 90s sound without going all the way there and leaving just enough of their post-Hoffman melodic sound intact.

But also this is the first album I heard Glen growl and wonder "are his chords aging". Not that they don't sound good, but a wee bit more effort required

Well, they're clearly not abandoning their melodeath side if they've got the guy from The Absence on guitar. But yeah, there are some songs where they're definitely trying to have it both ways.

new Inter Arma is... heavy heavy heavy.
recent Devastator album super enjoyable! hitting the same pleasure centres as the last Hellripper.
also really into the new Couch Slut - oh and the new Haust lp is very fun.

on deathier side, the recent Dipygus and Slimelord both rule.

The new Ulcerate songs have me excited.

Inter Arma AOTY

yeah it's awesome

really need to get high and listen to it

this thread needs more rap beef

Corpsegrinder vs Chris Barnes

I really like this Big Brave, are they supposed to be metal? Reminds me more of a heavier Scrawl (a good thing)

yeah, stoked for the new ulcerate as well

nothing new by any means but the new unearthly rites is doing it for me:
https://unearthlyrites.bandcamp.com/album/ecdysis

a little over 30 minutes of big, dumb chugging riffs. parts made me think of coffins.

Kim Kelly has an interview with Unearthly Rites in her latest newsletter. Not about music, but about politics and environmental issues in Finland. Worth reading.

oh, hell yeah

interesting about the nsbm scene in finland too. I'd, uh, assumed that it was still thriving...

K.K.'s Priest books co-headlining tour with Accept.

message received - it truly doesn't matter what you put out as long as you have a decades-long reputation to coast on.

I tried listening to all the previous Tornillo-fronted Accept albums last year. They were so bad. I haven't gone anywhere near the new one.

And just for the record, Udo's albums are pretty bad, too. But he's still fuckin' Udo, and the voice still does it for me just as much as it did when I was 14.

The first two Accept reunion albums were really, really good, but the last three are just recycling riffs, and EGADS the lyrics are embarrassing. I don't know if it's because Wolf ran off with some skinny woman half his age, but Accept has made some questionable choices lately. That symphonic thing? GTFO.

Both Accept's new one and KK's record are two of the year's dumbest albums so far, but I'll probably see the Montréal show to hear the classics and deep cuts.

And for the record, that new Inter Arma is a revelation through headphones. You've got the right idea, Neanderthal.

Not exactly metal (and even less so given what I've heard about its Italian giallo influences), but anyone heard the new Uncle Acid?

Rise Above absolutely botched this one. First new album in six years and it is impossible to get on day of release. Out of stock in every format direct from Rise Above, "unavailable" from Amazon, I've searched dozens of US based records stores and either it doesn't exist in their database or it's listed as "out of stock, rare item". No Bandcamp option, either from the band or label. I would be furious if I was in a band and my label failed so miserably.

I admire the effort that went into the new Uncle Acid, it's a fun idea. The attention to detail is spot-on, faithful to Giallo/Poliziotteschi films of the 70s. I hope the physical product, if we can ever get our hands on it, helps flesh out the story, because without the little plot summary journalists were given, it would have been confusing as hell.

Ha yeah, I was wondering about that with it being all in Italian. I've been a fanboy for these guys ever since I first played Blood Lust and when I caught them on the Mind Control tour. I thought the concept sounded like a cool new path for them and I've dug the artwork so far.

Oooh child. I finally feel old for the first time. Was at the Welcome to Rockville festival the past two days. This is one of those Wimmer festivals that really celebrates rock mediocrity, so I don't go often, but this year, both Judas Priest decided to do their only Florida appearance at this festival, and MR BUNGLE....same.

Plus some other funsies like Nitzer Ebb, Anthrax with Dan Lilker on bass, etc.

Priest were incredible as always and it was great to hear the new stuff live. Condensed set meant a lot of staples cut out.

Anthrax with Lilker was just a standard Anthrax set, but it was cool to see Danny on the bass.

Bungle was a fuckin riot. Part of me is still disappointed that they're still mostly just doing Easter Bunny tracks (and don't get me wrong, I like that re-recording a lot), but we DID get "My Ass is on Fire", as well as his typical 70s AM nerd covers ("Hopelessly Devoted to You", "I'm Not in Love", and "True", which in ace trolling fashion came after the intro to "Hell Awaits"). He also sang the Pepto Bismol "upset stomach diarrhea" jingle after MAIOF , and legitimately farted into the mic. Multiple times. Incredible set and oddball behavior, now one day I hope I get to hear classic Bungle!

Nitzer Ebb were a fun EBM trip in scorching daylight.

Kerry King's set featuring his solo act was kind of disappointing. First of all, only one track released, so majority of the set nobody knows. He did end with two Slayer covers, which of course got the biggest response, which I'm sure he wasn't thrilled about (but whadya expect dude).

Not sure what I think of his solo material yet....I need to hear it in headphones, not outdoors at a festival w dodgy sound. But y'know some of it was good.

Anyway my gout flared up today so I walked back to the car on a toe I can't bend and recuperating at home, just having soaked in the bathtub.

Metal up yr tushy!

Apparently Nuclear Blast spotted a nickel at the bottom of the barrel and has signed Marilyn Manson.

oof, rough

gross

He's heading out on tour with Five Finger Death Punch, too, which says a lot about who his audience is at this point.

Christ, just imagine the type of people that'll show up to that thing

You could not pay me enough money to be within 1000 yards of that crowd of knuckleheads.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIqcEiaOpM8

probably not gonna get much love here (not knocking ilm, i get it, besides which their current sound kinda lurks between deathcore and nu-metal) but i'm soooo excited for the new kittie record

I don't need to hear a whole album, but that's a good song. Their current lead guitarist is pretty good. I still remember meeting them at Irving Plaza in 2001, opening for Disturbed; the sisters' dad was there with them.

all of the new (nu?) kittie tracks have been cool. I'm also looking forward to it!

I am admittedly very picky when it comes to what I like and don’t like about metal; I’m definitely out of step with the genre overall.

Nevertheless! The band that consistently does everything exactly in line with my tastes is Ufomammut. Their new album today is GREAT. Since last year they’d released 4 out of the 6 songs here but they all sound better as part of a sequenced whole. Absolutely loving it.

Ufomammut is band I thought about with the Albini discussion, but I dunno if it would work because of the laptop loops they play along with. The electronic flourishes are more forward on this one, I think. Which I love.

I saw this on Twitter and pulled it up on Tidal mostly because I thought it would suck and I could move quickly on, feeling superior to people I saw praising it. Well, it fucking rules. Ten Ton Slug, Colossal Oppressor. Get some.

https://tentonslug.bandcamp.com/album/colossal-oppressor

https://f4.bcbits.com/img/a3691132613_10.jpg

that slug looks like it would weigh more than 10 tons.

Didn't you know? Slugs have hollow bones, which is why/how they can fly.

This Ten Ton Slug is fun. Some great grooves.

Kerry King album is kind of what I felt like when I heard the shit live a week ago. not terribly exciting.

Mark Osegueda can be REALLY annoying when he overdoes it, even on Death Angel songs, and he's in his worst tendencies here, over-elocuting/over-emoting to the point of cheese.

some of the songs are decent but literally nobody would give a fuck about this if it wasn't KK. not to say it's bad. there's good moments here and there. but live, we felt a bit letdown and halfway through this disc, it's kinda confirming it wasn't just 'festival fatigue'.

btw, for Nocturnus AD fans, they put out a (not very well-publicized) new one. i haven't gotten to all of it yet but...in case you are a fan of og Nocturnus's "The Key", it's still in that vein

I listened to about 2/3 of the Kerry King album earlier and...the cover art looks like a streaming service's "modern metal" playlist, and that's kinda what the album sounds like. Kerry and a bunch of thrash lifers doing songs that aren't quite as good as Slayer songs, but frequently sound close enough to make you perk your head up for a second. And Osugueda is trying really hard to sound like Tom Araya on several tracks. But I gotta admit, when I heard his guitar on the opening instrumental, it almost gave me the same thrill I used to get from classic Slayer.

Heresiarch - Edifice
https://f4.bcbits.com/img/a4232526190_10.jpg
Doesn't totally sound like Ulcerate, but the vocals remind me of them--great riffs IMO, RIYL the blast sections in Formulas/Gateways-era Morbid Angel but also the suffocating Aussie/NZ 'war metal' sound I assume? (Still v much a metal newb, pls forgive me)
https://heresiarchofficial.bandcamp.com/album/edifice

Melanie Loves Death Metal review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_pqeyf-fh8
The-reviewer-formerly-known-as-Grizzly-Butts review (now Mystification Zine): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4qzAOJ50ks

The new Unleash the Archers album is great, and if that’s your kind of thing, check out the new Elvellon album, too.

Update: the Nocturnus AD is great and you should listen. Little more leaning into the cosmic stuff and slightly less death. Browning speaks lyrics often on this one.

But it's not a great departure.

Also enjoying the new Pallbearer, which is somewhat shoegazy in comparison to older Pallbearer

that heresiarch album is great

was almost turned off enough not to check out the new Vale of Pnath because metalheads were calling it 'symphonic deathcore' and comparing it to Lorna Shore (one person compared it to Dummy Burger, which was completely wrong), but on listening to half of it thus far, I actually like it a lot? it's more black metally, less techy.

I find the deathcore label completely wrong, there's no breakdowns, nor are the vocals deathcore, nor did Lorna Shore invent the pairing of symphonic music with death metal. but I'm the wrong guy to talk LS with, I feel like their music sounds like it was created by AI and has zero human touch at all.

i caught vitriol on tuesday night. great show. their stage presence at the start was very "pro metal guys" but they revealed over the course of the set that at heart they're sensitive and ambitious. kyle broke a string halfway through which threw them off a bit but they finished strong. matt kilner's drumming is something to behold.

oh killer! would love to see them live

There
is
a
new

Nightwish

song.

Nightwish has gotten so wackadoodle, the campiness is off the charts, and I kind of LIKE this song because of that? I mean, this is utterly ridonkulous.

Just sounds great to me.

I couldn't claim to have ever been the most diligent Death fan, but I had a free evening yesterday and checked the concert calendar to see that Death to All was doing the second of two nights here. I admit I bought the ticket thinking I was going to see Cryptopsy, too, but at least half the information sources noted correctly that they weren't doing this date. NJ thrash-metal band Morbid Cross handled warm-up with admirable destructive glee. Death to All were tremendous, playing all of The Sound of Perseverance and a bunch of other mostly-later Death stuff. I read Choosing Death recently (also recommended), so the whole original scene had been on my mind again. DTA would sound like a dubious premise in most other contexts: former members of a band whose only constant member has been dead for longer than the band existed, playing songs that in many cases they weren't individually involved in creating at all, and certainly not together, with a singer who was never in the band. I would not pay to see Doobie Brothers To All. But these guys all have other bands, and the will to keep Chuck's music alive live in the world justifies this parallel project pretty well. Worth a night if your schedule and theirs line up.

I love Death to All because it's just basically a warm "we love and miss you, Chuck" experience. The band always sounding great helps too.

The best version of it that I saw wasn't actually officially Death to All, but a two day Death tribute that was attended by the surviving Schuldiners on the 20th anniversary of his death.

They had a mini-museum in the back featuring his guitars, pedals, original handwritten lyric sheets, as well as other odds and ends. And James Murphy was present.

I've never seen Death To All but their existence always reminds me of a show I went to, fuck, almost 20 years ago now. It was a whole night of tech-death bands, and one of them ended their set by saying, "We've only got one song left. We know an Atheist cover and a Death cover. Let's have a vote!" (The Atheist cover won.) The whole thing was...charming, is the only word I can come up with.

yo if i really like the new heseriarch album, what else new or old should i check out?

err heresiarch

RIYL the new Heresiarch album (IMO):

Incantation - Unholy Deification
Pneuma Hagion - Demiurge
Aeviterne - The Ailing Facade
Ulcerate - Stare Into Death And Be Still
Portal - Avow (the U.S. Maple of this shit, kinda/vaguely?)
VoidRot - Descending Pillars
Of Feather And Bone - Sulfuric Disintegration
Altarage - The Approaching Roar

New Nile album in August, for those who like Nile. I'm not a big fan; saw them once and they bored me senseless. But anyway, the new song is called "Chapter for Not Being Hung Upside Down on a Stake in the Underworld and Made to Eat Feces by the Four Apes," so there's that.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmwqMQ2g0NQ

Reasons To Be Grateful Brutal

Really liking this new album from Belgian thrashy/heavy/power metal group Scavenger. Energetic old-school 80s stuff. The funny thing is that Scavenger has a previous album from 1985, and re-formed in 2018, but the original members left, so the current band has no membership overlap with the 80s band.

https://scavenger1985.bandcamp.com/album/beyond-the-bells

Defacement (whose previous S/T album back in 2021 bore one of the most artfully gory metal covers in recent memory IMO) return with Duality, out in full on July 30th: https://totaldissonanceworship.bandcamp.com/album/duality

MEEEEMORIIIIIES
https://f4.bcbits.com/img/a1502519686_10.jpg

whoa, that defacement preview track is really something! I hope there's at least one more epic on there when the whole thing gets released

Unclear whether this means Colin Marston is closing his studio, or something else, but Krallice have just announced their 15th album and it's described as the "final caves album."

https://krallice.bandcamp.com/album/inorganic-rites

I finally got a chance to see Liturgy a few days ago, and while Ravenna and crew were as great as I expected (played a couple 96936 tracks, a couple from Aesthethica, and a cover of MBV's "No More Sorry").

But it was Vermin Womb who completely floored me. Floored, and deafened. My ears are still a little tender. The grind/death/sludge they do is next-level: devoid of frills, just this massive roar coming from three guys, no triggers, no click tracks, just organic and ungodly filthy. I saw them at a great little venue with a wicked PA, so the intensity and volume was insane. Fun times!

RIYL the new Heresiarch album (IMO):

Incantation - Unholy Deification
Pneuma Hagion - Demiurge
Aeviterne - The Ailing Facade
Ulcerate - Stare Into Death And Be Still
Portal - Avow (the U.S. Maple of this shit, kinda/vaguely?)
VoidRot - Descending Pillars
Of Feather And Bone - Sulfuric Disintegration
Altarage - The Approaching Roar

― River Through Howling Ska (Craig D.), Wednesday, May 29, 2024 2:24 PM (five days ago) bookmarkflaglink

thanks for this!
incantation - meh
pneuma - ok
aeviterne - sick
ulcerate - already like
portal - wild, not sure it clicks with me
void rot - ok
of feather and bone - sick
altarage - sick

and i checked out vermin womb's retaliation - sick. good on you, denver!

there's a new midnight odyssey. if you like midnight odyssey it's super good! if you weren't sold before this is the same deal as before.

there's a new midnight odyssey. if you like midnight odyssey it's super good! if you weren't sold before this is the same deal as before.

Especially since it's apparently the third album in an ongoing series...

There's a new Rhapsody of Fire album too. I've only heard a couple of songs but I don't love it so far.

Wait, which new Midnight Odyssey are we talking about? I thought part 3 of the Biolume series was last year. I assumed JCLC was talking about the new EP, Closer to the Sky.

I thought the new one was the first one NOT in the ongoing series. but I mainly only listen to the music for the vibe, I don't really follow Midnight Odyssey's whole, umm, concept.

The new Bat record is a blast!

https://www.facebook.com/NebulaBand/posts/pfbid02aw7fxZXz69JC5xGGWhYbcijLm4PRcEAfCJsxdA8QZRHfzojsCfWLNNcgvWidU3a7l?

new ulcerate streaming on youtube; holy shit is all I can say.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGoCtJJN8aU

Ulcerate are insane. You can hear the kind of work and refinement that they put into it.

huh

https://www.metalsucks.net/2024/06/06/body-void-drops-off-remaining-tour-dates-with-liturgy-without-notifying-liturgy-first/

you're a metal band, you can't possibly be seen associating with weirdos, freaks and eccentrics

you can forgive her being a ludicrously wealthy landlord, but not this? bizarre. surely you knew the drill

Tbf being a lunatic for Christianity is just about the most forbidden move one could make in a metal band.

the key to remaining a liturgy fan is to think about the things she writes as little as possible

yep!

definitely not my preferred two-word band with second word 'void'

although the other one's first word is 'faith' so uh. getting religious vibes here. oh no heaven help us. wait no i mean

long day at work and finally threw this new ulcerate on

“transfiguration…” is a highlight so far

always think its interesting how fluid their sound is, the way everything ebbs and flows. a lot of work clearly went into this but it sounds… not effortless but… kinda like a force of nature.

destroyers of all is my personal fave. this is pretty different but its certainaly very strong stuff.

their aesthetic isnt really my fave in general but the artwork on this one kinda sucks tho? doesnt look much like it sounds, more like a new shudder original horror movie

props to the new Severe Torture, as usual.

and the new Benighted is bonkers , it came out several weeks ago but it got overshadowed by Necrot so I went a while without spinning.

So there's a new Nails album coming and it a) features an entirely new lineup except for the asshole singer, and b) has cover art by Jef Whitehead? I think this might be a record I don't need to hear!

FTR, the new lineup of Nails includes Shelby Lermo of Ulthar on guitar, Andrew Solis of Despise You on bass, and Carlos Cruz of Warbringer on drums.

Finally getting around to the Nocturnus AD and I love everything about it... except Browning's vocals this time, they just seem really out of place this time for some reason. A shame, since everything else hits so hard on it.

he is doing a kind of Henry Higgins thing which is odd, maybe he doesn't like growling anymore or maybe he felt it didn't fit on an album that's decidedly more prog and less death, but it is very weird for sure.

xp - also notable that the Nails record is called Every Bridge Burning

The Crypt Sermon preview tracks sound so sick

i listened to the last album as a primer for the new one and goooooooooooooooooooooooooooood I love it so much still

Yeah so my copy of Crypt Sermon showed up early. It fucking rules and I can't imagine y'all who loved the last one not loving this one too (possibly even more!).

god i can't wait. they were amazing live the only time i saw them too. which I managed to do while simultaneously watching a Miami Dolphins game stream on my phone

I can't remember exactly which of the tracks were previews or not, but I will say that of the two I had heard before, those were killer and yet somehow still landed in the bottom half of the record in terms of quality. The last two tracks are fucking phenomenal.

oh god i fucking love the new bring me the horizon

not sure anyone else will. not sure you could make an album more laser-targeted toward ivy and literally no one else

The last two tracks are fucking phenomenal.

I caught the end of a listening party on Bandcamp last night - these two tracks killed.

tiptoeing cautiously into the metal thread ...

Any thoughts on Sarah Longfield? From Wisconsin. She's playing here in town on a metal bill this weekend, I'd never heard of her but she seems pretty cool. A lot of her stuff that I can find seems more metal-adjacent than metal per se — I guess it's the shredding skills that land her in the genre. Anyway, just curious if she's got any kind of profile among metal fans.

xpost missed the listening party as I was at US v Brazil, but I'm so mega excited for this release.

was surprised to see, looking back into reviews of their second album, to see so many people call it a 'disappointment' compared to the first album. my feeling is the opposite, Ruins of Fading Light was a big leap forward to me. it's definitely more over the top, especially vocally, but for me OTT is welcome, even dare I say, encouraged in my metal.

is the new one more like the first or second (or neither)?

It's been a long time since I've heard the debut tbh, I'd need to go back and give that a listen to fairly answer that. The new one is a lot like the second, imo, but more streamlined (about 10 minutes shorter overall) but also "bigger" (since there is only 6 tracks instead of 10). I don't know, to me it just sounds like another leap forward.

There's gonna be a new Black Dahlia Murder album in September; rather than recruit a new singer, former guitarist Brian Eschbach has moved to vocals. Here's the first song:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCFivg0a_co

The new Body Count song is a pretty good Slayer song. Seriously, I'm surprised every time Body Count puts out a record just how good they are.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kzTeaw0bbQ

also into this new (and imo superior!) era of body count. the last few records have all been so much fun.

Decibel gives the new Crypt Sermon a perfect 10. Can't say I disagree.

Body Count indeed have no right to be as good as they are, on paper they should be terrible 90s has-beens like Biohazard or Sick Of It All.

new Malignancy!!

\m/

i wish more of today's tech death sounded like this....90's-2000's style where the riffs still pack a punch and aren't just fretboard olympics over what Algerian Goalkeeper liked to call 'typewriter drums'.

I like stuff like Archspire and Desecravity but miss stuff that was more like mid-period Deeds of Flesh

You listen to Afterbirth, right? Because Afterbirth do this same kind of thing, arguably even weirder, and they rule.

https://afterbirthnydeathmetal.bandcamp.com/music

Ulcerate and Crypt Sermon dropping on the same day is pretty cool. Both probably top 5 EOY albums for me.

I love Afterbirth

really liking the Ulcerate

yeah it's really amazing that they still have that much to bring, they have been good for a minute and this is just MORE. crypt sermon also, have loved them since ruins of fading light, new one deserves the hype.

Crypt Sermon indeed is a winner. so fucking glad for them.

I love Afterbirth

― Iacocca Cola (Neanderthal), Friday, 14 June 2024 18:22

Underrated secret board.

i teed that up, was hoping someone would run w/ it ;)

I think what I like most about the Crypt Sermon is it kind of illustrates how distinct each album is. first album had hints of the epic stuff that would come later, and traditional heavy metal riffs, but there was a bit of Pentagram-y type doom embedded in there was well, and Brooks Wilson was almost kind of relegated to a background instrument on vocals, whereas Ruin of Fading Light, he was the focal point, riffs heavier and more abrasive underneath what he was doing.

this one's just so much moodier, like the last two songs are a perfect fucking closer. songs breathe a bit more, visit more places. Brooks is perfect, dialed back a bit for anybody who thought he was extra on the second album (note: NOT me), but very present and good use of harmonies throughout.

but all three albums are kind of their own thing, it's not like some of my fav bands where it's like the quality of the album is how well they do the new variation on the formula (i.e. Necrot, who prior to this looked like they might be unchallenged for my fav album of the year)

new Torturer's Lobby LP is excellent, also enjoying Gorgon Vomit "Skeng Down Jah" - sweaty stuff
https://gorgonvomit.bandcamp.com/album/skeng-down-jah

had shows on back to back nights, both slayed. Archspire/Aborted was a blast, and Necrot killed it. glad to see them finally as a headliner. their new material really cooks live.

planned Arte livestreams from the Hellfest festival (Thursday -> Sunday, 4 days, French timezone is GMT+2) - I don't know if they're geolocked? - at least some of these will be on the Arte Youtube channel afterwards for a couple of months.

https://www.arte.tv/fr/videos/119957-040-A/jour-1-megadeth-dropkick-murphys-babymetal-thursday/
18:45 DOLCH
19:35 Dying Wish (time delay)
20:25 Babymetal
21:20 Megadeth
22:25 Landmvrks
23:25 Thursday (time delay)
01:05 Dropkick Murphys

https://www.arte.tv/fr/videos/119957-041-A/jour-2-tom-morello-machine-head-anaal-nathrakh-fear-factory/
16:40 Fear Factory
17:35 Savage Lands
18:40 Kanonenfieber
19:35 1000 Mods
20:45 Tom Morello
22:05 Acid King (time delay)
23:15 Machine Head
01:00 Anaal Nathrakh

https://www.arte.tv/fr/videos/119957-042-A/jour-3-saxon-accept-corvus-corax-didier-wampas/
18:40 Didier Wampas - Psycho Attack
19:35 Accept
20:40 Nekromantix
21:45 Corvus Corax (time delay)
22:50 The Interrupters
23:55 Skyclad (time delay)
01:05 Saxon

https://www.arte.tv/fr/videos/119957-043-A/jour-4-the-offspring-corey-taylor-cock-sparrer-frank-carter/
16:25 Frank Carter
17:20 Show Me The Body (time delay)
18:20 Corey Taylor
19:25 High Vis (time delay)
20:45 The Offspring
22:00 Madball (time delay)
23:00 Cock Sparrer

oh, there's links for the livestreams here already too: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL66OD4JjS_2PQTMDC3jP1iZJx30dG2Eia

and here are the shows that allowed live streaming for this year's Graspop festival in Belgium: https://vod.graspop.be/nl/

New Sunbomb album on Friday; for those unaware, Sunbomb is Michael Sweet from Stryper and Tracii Guns from L.A. Guns doing a super-heavy Dio-era-Sabbath/Trouble-ish thing, and their debut album ruled so I'm very much looking forward to the new one.

The two singles from the forthcoming Unto Others have been a lot of fun; anyone that can simultaneously remind me of misfits/cure/iron maiden is doing a good job

what a wonderful band Sumac is. loving the new one. hope they play east coast at some point.

getting excited for the new wormed, love these guys

also, new noxis is out today! (haven't listened yet)

I have been a Tribulation fan in the past, but this new single... I'm not feeling it. The clean vocals do not work.

See, I wish they'd go 100% clean vocals, because the "harsh" vocals don't work for me at all anymore. (N.B. I feel the same way about Enslaved. You're a prog band now, just sing like a prog band.)

For, circuitously, work reasons, I spent a little while experimenting with how much an LLM could tell about each of us from just the comments in this one thread. The template-ish training patterns of ChatGPT are really obvious when you do this kind of thing, and I couldn't really get it to render each of our tones more distinctively, but this was my favorite result: Imagining each of us enthusing about discovering a new band we particularly like.

1. Disco Biollante (Neanderthal):
"lol, stumbled on Mirthful Metal Mayhem from Austin and their debut Genre Bender. It’s like metal got a sense of humor transplant. The riffs are solid, but the lyrics? Comedy gold. Check out 'Riff-Raff Raff' and 'Mosh Pit of Laughter'. I found them by accident when a YouTube autoplay sent me to their video, and I haven't stopped laughing since. Seriously, it's a riot!"

2. Tahuti Watches L&O:SVU Reruns Without His Ape (unperson):
"Found Obscura Depths hailing from Berlin. Their debut Lurking Shadows is pure, unadulterated death metal—complex, brutal, and unapologetically raw. 'Descent into Madness' and 'Echoes of the Abyss' are standout tracks. The lead guitarist used to play with Bloodbath, which totally explains the technical precision. If you’re into the underground scene, this is a must."

3. Glenn McDonald:
"Listening to Symphonic Reverie from Finland and their debut album Echoes of Eternity. A masterful blend of orchestral arrangements and metal. 'Symphony of the Lost' and 'Echoes of Time' are particularly striking. I actually went to high school with their keyboardist, and it's incredible to see them achieve this level of artistry. Fans of Nightwish and Epica will find a lot to appreciate here."

4. Wronger than 100 Geir Posts (MacDara):
"Picked up Pure Analog’s Pressed in Metal on vinyl, straight out of Portland. The sound quality is exceptional, capturing every nuance. The title track 'Pressed in Metal' and 'Vinyl Vortex' showcase the pristine pressing. These guys used to be in Analog Assault, and the dedication to quality has clearly carried over. For vinyl purists and audiophiles, this is a must-have."

5. (⊙_⊙?) (original bgm):
"Doom and sludge fans, check out Heavy Resonance from Birmingham with their debut Gravitational Collapse. This album is an oppressive, atmospheric masterpiece. 'Weight of the World' and 'Black Hole Sunken' create an intense atmosphere. The members used to be in Blackened Sun, which explains the deep, growling vocals and crushing riffs. It’s a dark, immersive experience that demands attention."

6. Maxmillion D. Boosted (jon /via/ chi 2.0):
"Just heard Neoteric Harmonics from Japan and their debut Complexity in Chaos. Progressive metal with intricate guitar work and dynamic compositions. 'Fractal Dimensions' and 'Echoes of Entropy' are highlights. I stumbled upon them while browsing a prog metal forum, and their complex sound structures immediately caught my ear. A standout for prog metal enthusiasts."

7. Hmmmmm (jamiesummerz):
"Caught wind of Stage Diver from San Francisco and their debut Riotous Echoes. This is thrash metal at its most energetic—fast, aggressive, and raw. 'Pit of Fury' and 'Headbang Heaven' feel like live performances. Their drummer used to play with Thrash Titans, which totally shows in their energetic beats. If you’re into thrash, these guys deliver."

8. Imago:
"Discovered Sonic Voyagers from Melbourne and their album New Horizons. Each track offers something new, blending various metal styles. 'Voyage of the Damned' and 'Beyond the Stars' are particularly innovative. I actually discovered them by accident while attending a local metal festival—they were the opening act and completely blew me away. This band isn’t afraid to experiment, making this album feel fresh and exciting."

9. Loud Guitars Shit All Over "Bette Davis Eyes" (NYCNative):
"Listening to Cult of Shadows from Norway and their debut Rituals in the Dark. Raw, unfiltered black metal with an eerie atmosphere. 'Shadow Rituals' and 'Eternal Night' stand out. The lead singer was formerly with Frozen Halls, bringing that same chilling vocal style. The rough production adds authenticity, perfect for fans of the underground and avant-garde side of metal."

10. Summervillain:
"Found Iron Legacy from Birmingham and their debut Steel Legends. This band channels the spirit of classic metal. 'Iron Fist' and 'Steel Heart' are reminiscent of Judas Priest and Iron Maiden. The guitarist was a member of Steel Dragon, bringing that classic metal vibe. It’s a nostalgic yet fresh take on traditional metal. Highly recommended for fans of the genre."

11. Frederik B:
"Listened to Precision and Power by Technical Mastery, a band from Stockholm. This debut is a showcase of incredible musicianship. 'Quantum Mechanics' and 'Sonic Precision' are meticulously crafted. Found them through a recommendation from a fellow prog metal enthusiast, and their technical skill is impressive. It’s a progressive metal album that rewards careful listening. Impressive work."

12. O. Nate:
"Checked out Ethereal Disarray from Canada and their debut Chaos Theory. This avant-garde metal album is a challenging but rewarding listen. 'Chaotic Symphony' and 'Disarray in Harmony' explore unconventional structures and surprising twists. They’re a band that emerged from the underground experimental scene in Montreal. Ideal for those who enjoy pushing the boundaries of metal."

13. ꙮ (map):
"Discovered Melodic Fury from Gothenburg and their debut Harmonious Rage. This album blends melodic death metal with catchy hooks. 'Rage Within' and 'Melody of Fury' are heavy yet accessible. Their members were formerly part of Melodic Legion, and you can hear that same melodic intensity. It’s an engaging listen from start to finish. A solid introduction to the genre."

Hard to tell why it has theories about some posters, but not others. I will happily produce results for anybody, but in many cases it's clearly just making up random stuff based on the username, as is obvious when I add a few made-up usernames at the end:

14. jmm:
"Just discovered Celestial Ascendancy from Canada, and their debut Ethereal Dimensions is phenomenal. The track 'Galactic Voyage' is a standout with its intricate layers and atmospheric elements. I actually found them through a friend who used to be in the same local scene as their bassist. This album is a journey through space and sound, blending progressive metal with ethereal melodies."

15. gman59:
"Found Ironclad Echo from Germany, and their debut Steel Fortress is a powerhouse. Tracks like 'Iron Will' and 'Echoes of War' hit hard with relentless energy. One of the members was in an old favorite of mine, Steel Battalion. I discovered them while browsing through new releases on Bandcamp, and they instantly caught my ear. This band brings a fresh yet familiar heavy metal sound that I can't get enough of."

16. Aldo:
"Came across Frozen Eclipse from Sweden, and their debut Nordic Shadows is an atmospheric black metal masterpiece. Tracks like 'Winter's Embrace' and 'Eternal Frost' create a hauntingly beautiful soundscape. The vocalist used to be in the band Darkened Winter, which explains the chilling, evocative vocals. I found them while exploring new releases on a metal forum, and they've quickly become a new favorite. Their music captures the essence of the Scandinavian wilderness perfectly."

17. Joan Crawford Loves Chachi:
"Stumbled upon Dystopian Dreams from Australia, and their debut Echoes of the Forgotten is absolutely mesmerizing. The track 'Phantom Realities' stands out with its dark, synth-laden atmosphere and haunting vocals. I actually discovered them through a recommendation on a retro synthwave group I'm part of, and they blend metal with synth in a way that feels both nostalgic and innovative. Their music takes you on a journey through a dystopian landscape, blending the best of metal and synthwave."

18. Siegbran:
"Discovered Vengeful Shadows from the Netherlands, and their debut Wraiths of the Abyss is a masterclass in blackened death metal. Tracks like 'Spectral Dominion' and 'Infernal Pathways' showcase their brutal precision and dark atmosphere. The guitarist was previously with Immortal Blasphemy, which adds a layer of seasoned expertise to their sound. Found them while looking for new releases on an underground metal site, and they did not disappoint. Their music is intense and haunting, perfect for fans of the genre."

19. Tipsy Mothra:
"Just came across Eldritch Mirage from London, and their debut Arcane Realms is a captivating mix of progressive metal and mystical themes. 'Sorcerer's Descent' and 'Veil of Shadows' are standout tracks that weave intricate melodies and enchanting lyrics. I found them while exploring some lesser-known bands on Bandcamp, and their music instantly resonated with me. Their unique blend of progressive structures and mystical storytelling makes for a truly immersive listening experience."

20. Ivy:
"Just discovered Ethereal Blossom from Paris, and their debut album Petals of the Night is an ethereal journey through gothic and symphonic metal. 'Moonlit Garden' and 'Whispers in the Dark' are hauntingly beautiful tracks that blend lush orchestration with dark, poetic lyrics. Their lead vocalist was formerly with Gothic Aurora, which explains the haunting and operatic vocal delivery. I found them while browsing through new releases on Spotify, and their atmospheric sound immediately captivated me. Perfect for fans of gothic and symphonic metal."

21. Philip Nunez:
"Stumbled upon Solar Ascendancy from São Paulo, and their debut album Celestial Harmony is an absolute gem. 'Stellar Embrace' and 'Cosmic Voyage' are standout tracks that blend powerful riffs with melodic passages. The band members were formerly part of Galactic Symphony, which explains the seamless integration of progressive and power metal elements. I found them while digging through some recommendations on a metal blog, and they instantly caught my attention. Their music is both expansive and intricate, making for a truly immersive experience."

22. A. Begrand:
"Just listened to Frosthaven from Montreal, and their debut album Echoes of the Tundra is a breathtaking mix of black metal and atmospheric elements. Tracks like 'Icebound Majesty' and 'Aurora's Lament' stand out with their epic, sweeping compositions and haunting melodies. Discovered them through a colleague who used to be in the same local scene. Their ability to blend intense, raw black metal with expansive, atmospheric soundscapes is impressive. This is a must-listen for anyone into atmospheric black metal."

23. Methanietanner:
"Came across Veil of Aether from Seattle, and their debut Celestial Veil is a fantastic blend of progressive and post-metal. 'Nebula Drift' and 'Silent Horizons' are highlights, showcasing their intricate guitar work and atmospheric build-ups. The guitarist was previously in a local favorite band, Cloudbound, which adds depth to their progressive elements. I discovered them while checking out new releases on a streaming service, and their music has quickly become a staple in my playlist. Their sound is both expansive and deeply engaging."

24. NickB:
"Stumbled upon Arcane Dominion from the UK, and their debut album Mystic Echoes is a stellar mix of progressive metal and intricate storytelling. Tracks like 'Enchanted Pathways' and 'Whispers of the Ancients' are standout examples of their elaborate compositions and lyrical depth. The lead vocalist was previously with Obsidian Realm, which explains the commanding presence and emotive delivery. Found them through a recommendation on a progressive metal forum, and they have quickly become a favorite. Their music is rich, layered, and thoroughly captivating."

25. Chinaski:
"Discovered Gutter Saints from Detroit, and their debut album Rusted Halo is a gritty, no-holds-barred blend of punk and metal. 'Broken Wings' and 'Street Preacher' stand out with their raw energy and defiant lyrics. The band members have roots in the local hardcore scene, which gives their sound an authentic, rebellious edge. I actually found them while at a dive bar gig, and their live performance was electrifying. Their music captures the raw, unpolished spirit of the underground scene perfectly."

26. StanM:
"Came across Thunderous Skies from Denmark, and their debut album Stormbringer is a thunderous entry into the power metal scene. 'Lightning Strikes' and 'Echoes of Thunder' are standout tracks that feature soaring vocals and epic guitar solos. The drummer was formerly part of Nordic Fury, bringing a powerful rhythmic foundation to their sound. I discovered them while looking for new releases on a metal review site, and their music instantly grabbed me. This is a must-listen for fans of high-energy, melodic power metal."

27. Upper Mississippi Sh@kedown:
"Stumbled upon River’s End from New Orleans, and their debut album Delta Blues Fury is a unique fusion of southern rock and heavy metal. 'Bayou Vengeance' and 'Swamp Witch' are standout tracks with a gritty, soulful vibe. The lead guitarist was formerly with Southern Crossroads, and you can hear the deep-rooted southern influences in every riff. I found them while searching for new music that blends blues and metal, and their sound perfectly captures the raw energy of the Mississippi Delta. This is a gem for fans of southern-infused metal."

28. Beard Papa:
"Just discovered Cream Puff Carnage from San Francisco, and their debut album Pastry Apocalypse is a deliciously brutal mix of death metal and grindcore. 'Eclair of Destruction' and 'Custard Chaos' are standout tracks with ferocious riffs and relentless drumming. The drummer used to play with Crumble Crusher, which brings a seasoned intensity to their sound. I stumbled upon them while checking out new releases on Bandcamp, and their blend of culinary-themed brutality and technical skill is absolutely refreshing. Perfect for fans of unique, thematic metal."

29. The Seventh ILXorai:
"Discovered Celestial Rites from Greece, and their debut album Astral Ascendancy is an ethereal blend of black metal and cosmic themes. 'Stellar Invocation' and 'Lunar Eclipse' are particularly captivating with their atmospheric soundscapes and intense riffs. The guitarist was formerly in an underground band called Mystikos, which explains the intricate and mystical elements in their music. I came across them while diving deep into a black metal subreddit, and their cosmic approach to black metal is both refreshing and mesmerizing. Definitely a must-listen for fans of atmospheric and thematic metal."

30. pgwp:
"Stumbled upon Echoes of Orion from Portland, and their debut album Nebula Reflections is a stunning blend of post-metal and ambient soundscapes. 'Celestial Drift' and 'Galactic Echoes' are standout tracks that beautifully merge heavy riffs with atmospheric elements. The band members previously played in various local post-rock outfits, which adds a layer of depth and experience to their sound. I discovered them while browsing Bandcamp's ambient metal section, and their music immediately drew me in with its expansive and immersive qualities. Perfect for those who enjoy a mix of heaviness and tranquility."

31. Texting During Drum Solo:
"Just found Silent Rebellion from Chicago, and their debut album Echoes of Silence is a powerful mix of progressive rock and metal. 'Drum of Ages' and 'Whispering Shadows' are tracks that highlight their intricate arrangements and skilled musicianship. The drummer was previously with Rhythmic Anomaly, and their talent really shines through with complex, captivating solos. I actually heard about them while texting a friend during a live show—they were raving about the band's killer drum solos. This album is perfect for anyone who appreciates technical proficiency and dynamic compositions in their music."

32. IWuzOzzysBat:
"Just discovered Vampire's Thrall from Transylvania, and their debut album Blood Moon Rising is a dark, gothic metal masterpiece. 'Midnight Feast' and 'Eternal Night' are standout tracks that capture the eerie and atmospheric essence of their music. The lead vocalist was part of the cult band Nocturnal Embrace, which adds a haunting, nostalgic quality to their sound. I stumbled upon them while reminiscing about classic gothic metal bands, and their music perfectly evokes the dark, theatrical style I love. This is a must-listen for fans of gothic and vampire-themed metal."

33. BarackOblammo:
"Came across Electoral Thrash from Washington D.C., and their debut album Capitol Carnage is an explosive mix of political commentary and thrash metal. Tracks like 'Filibuster Fury' and 'Bipartisan Bloodshed' are blistering critiques set to furious riffs and relentless drums. The lead guitarist used to play in a hardcore punk band called Senate Slam, which brings a raw, authentic energy to their music. I found them while reading about politically charged metal bands, and their sharp, incisive lyrics combined with high-octane thrash make for a compelling listen. Perfect for those who enjoy metal with a message."

34. Taylor Swift Vengeance:
"Discovered Heartbreak Rebellion from Nashville, and their debut album Songs of Retribution is a fiery fusion of pop-punk and metalcore. 'Karma's Anthem' and 'Revenge in Red' are standout tracks that combine catchy hooks with intense breakdowns. The lead singer was previously in a pop-punk band called Sweet Vendetta, which adds a layer of melodic angst to their sound. I found them while looking for new music with a powerful, emotional edge, and their blend of melodic and hardcore elements delivers just that. This album is perfect for anyone who loves a mix of catchy melodies and raw emotion in their music."

Yuck. Hope whatever you're doing works out for you financially, I guess, but as a writer (and, apparently, a research subject) ...yuck.

I meant to write "It will happily produce results for anybody", but I guess it's only me who has any emotions about it.

To be clear, my work task is to figure out what these tools are good for, and this is plainly not it.

LLMs, at this stage, are terrible at writing and unreliable at thinking, but sometimes interestingly semi-decent at reading.

The MacDara one made me laugh

What were the non-negotiable creative differences that caused the guys in Pure Analog to splinter off from Analog Assault?

Hmm, what if each ILM thread had an AI assistant of its own, doing supplemental research for us? Is there a way this could this be more helpful than annoying? What about suggesting new releases we each might want to check out, based on what we've said here?

1. Disco Biollante (Neanderthal): Toehider, Hacktivist, BRIDEAR
2. Tahuti Watches L&O:SVU Reruns Without His Ape (unperson): 200 Stab Wounds, To the Grave, Cadaver
3. Glenn McDonald: Leprous, Sólstafir, Hacktivist
4. Wronger than 100 Geir Posts (MacDara): UFO, Anvil, Stryper
5. (⊙_⊙?) (original bgm): Within the Ruins, Cadaver, Sólstafir
6. Maxmillion D. Boosted (jon /via/ chi 2.0): Leprous, Toehider, Hacktivist
7. Hmmmmm (jamiesummerz): Jinjer, Crossfaith, Within the Ruins
8. Imago: Beast in Black, Megaraptor, Turmion Kätilöt
9. Loud Guitars Shit All Over "Bette Davis Eyes" (NYCNative): Crystal Viper, Black Rainbows, Hail Spirit Noir
10. Summervillain: Anvil, Stryper, UFO
11. Frederik B: Leprous, God Dethroned, Kaonashi
12. O. Nate: Sólstafir, Hail Spirit Noir, Black Rainbows
13. ꙮ (map): Crystal Viper, To the Grave, God Dethroned
14. jmm: Leprous, Within the Ruins, Hacktivist
15. gman59: Anvil, Stryper, UFO
16. Aldo: Sólstafir, God Dethroned, Hail Spirit Noir
17. Joan Crawford Loves Chachi: Megara, lynch., Siamese
18. Siegbran: Cadaver, God Dethroned, Kaonashi
19. Tipsy Mothra: Turmion Kätilöt, BRIDEAR, Siamese
20. Ivy: Sólstafir, BRIDEAR, Lacey Sturm
21. Philip Nunez: Leprous, Beast in Black, Siamese
22. A. Begrand: Sólstafir, Leprous, Hail Spirit Noir
23. Methanietanner: Within the Ruins, Jinjer, To the Grave
24. NickB: Dream Evil, Beast in Black, Crystal Viper
25. Chinaski: To the Grave, 200 Stab Wounds, Hacktivist
26. StanM: Beast in Black, Leprous, Stryper
27. Upper Mississippi Sh@kedown: Black Rainbows, Hail Spirit Noir, God Dethroned
28. Beard Papa: Cadaver, 200 Stab Wounds, To the Grave
29. The Seventh ILXorai: Sólstafir, Kaonashi, Black Rainbows
30. pgwp: Leprous, Sólstafir, Hacktivist
31. Texting During Drum Solo: Jinjer, Crossfaith, Within the Ruins
32. IWuzOzzysBat: God Dethroned, Cadaver, To the Grave
33. BarackOblammo: Hacktivist, God Dethroned, Kaonashi
34. Taylor Swift Vengeance: The Warning, Crossfaith, Siamese

I suspect in many cases the current LLM doesn't actually have any knowledge about those bands. (And it doesn't have current knowledge, regardless: I gave it a list of band with new releases this week to go on.) But the idea seems to me like it has some potential, maybe.

Hi Glenn, I've never spoken to you before and I have no idea what makes you think you can feed me into data analytics without my consent and spit it back out on this thread like it's some kind of benevolent experiment, but I'd like you to stop.

There are definitely two sides to the Pure Analog/Analog Assault story.

Hi Glenn, curious if you're going to respond to me...?

This is a public thread on the internet, it has already been indexed by innumerable search engines and other things, and might even already be part of some LLMs' training data.

But offense is a fair and valid reaction to being made aware of this.

(And, for the curious, all I did here was copy the text of this thread into ChatGPT and then ask it some questions.)

You know ILX is fully indexed by Google search, right? Anybody can put any screen-name here into Google and see all their ILX posts, for example.

https://www.google.com/search?q=%22glenn+mcdonald%22+site:www.ilxor.com

if anything this board needs less AI slop on it (there is a devoted AI shittext thread btw)

xp yep, i do. you still didn't answer my question. will you stop or not?

(But I agree that consent is an important issue. What do we think we consent to by posting here, and how does that line up with legal rights or what's technically possible?)

Well it generally got my genre tastes right (ambient droney metal) but I’m still lolling at my fictitious account of what led me to my latest discovery

Will I stop? Yes, probably. You and I arguing about this would probably detract more from this thread than my attempt at providing some amusement could add.

great, thanks.

your arrogance is off the charts by the way, and in the spirit of the metal thread, i hope you reap what you sow.

This is a public thread on the internet, it has already been indexed by innumerable search engines and other things, and might even already be part of some LLMs' training data.

But offense is a fair and valid reaction to being made aware of this.

This response — to someone complaining about a specific action that you, personally, performed — is some really gross techbro shit. Just for the record.

Oh, the AI arrogance chart goes a lot higher than this. But yes, reaping and sowing is exactly the thing.

Feedback taken, and thanks for giving it.

I got recommended Stryper! this is a sign, surely

I also don't love being fed into an LLM but I have to say:

17. Joan Crawford Loves Chachi:
"Stumbled upon Dystopian Dreams from Australia, and their debut Echoes of the Forgotten is absolutely mesmerizing. The track 'Phantom Realities' stands out with its dark, synth-laden atmosphere and haunting vocals. I actually discovered them through a recommendation on a retro synthwave group I'm part of, and they blend metal with synth in a way that feels both nostalgic and innovative. Their music takes you on a journey through a dystopian landscape, blending the best of metal and synthwave."

This doesn't sound anything like me at all; it sound like boilerplate, it's really bad. "I actually discovered them through a recommendation on a retro synthwave group I'm part of"? granted, we're on a message board and my posts are off-the-cuff rather than edited for style & clarity, but "The track 'Phantom Realities' stands out with its dark, synth-laden atmosphere and haunting vocals" -- not that I'd wish combing through the archive of my music journalism on anybody but I'm certain you'd never find a sentence that bore much resemblance to this. afaict this model says "so they're talking about music. great, when people talk about music they sound like this"

Yeah, I don't care about being fed into an LLM (I know everything here is public and it's not like I'm posting under my real name), but it didn't do a very good job. I rarely post, though, so maybe it only defaulted to a sort of generic aggregator site style blurb generator for low volume posters.

I feel like I should clarify that pasting text into a ChatGPT thread does NOT incorporate it into the training data or expose that text to anybody else. You should assume that public text already IS incorporated into…everything, but if ILM had somehow escaped assimilation before now, my brief curiosity didn’t change that.

And yes, the AI writing is bad, period, and extra-bad at gleaning anything of our individual styles, as the sameness of the entries starkly demonstrates.

stop lecturing us you boob

i know its really hard to escape the nightmare world we live in but i personally love how heavy metal, and yeah this thread, offer a little fantasy realm of gore and castles and shit to dip into. so, i get the good intentions, but man, it sucks to be talking about shitty dystopian tech on the metal thread now too.

have similar objections to nsbm. among others there tho lol.

Hey, I LOLed. I do post here under my own name, or part of it anyway, and it must have pulled some stuff from my blog to devise some sort of profile for me. It’s full of shit, of course. And in my line of work, the AI fever is real, which is fairly depressing.

(I do want to know more about the Pure Analog/Analog Assault story, though.)

I suggest we take a break and come back once we've all listened to the new Sunbomb album Light Up The Sky that came out yesterday.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-lcrrxL7zM

That blurb has words I’ve never even used on ILX, confirming my suspicion that anything AI comes up with is unreliable.

with the aim of restoring good vibes to thread; if you have 30 mins or so, please enjoy the Hellfest footage of Suicidal Tendencies from last night. starting at the half way point where they just invite tons of people onstage for over half the set, leading to on-stage crowdsurfing + circle pit.... saw the current lineup a few months back and it was the best. seeing Mike still at it and still giving it his all is a sweet time. warmed my heart.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPgAxGD_Yns

the Megadeth and Emperor streams on the same channel have been worth a watch too

saw Megadeth stream at Graspop and at Hellfest at least he was singing into the mic

oh right, that bass player in Suicidal Tendencies is Robert Trujillo's 19 year old son (I thought, who is this kid who looks like he's 14? :-) )

lmao wtf happened in here

the new Hail Spirit Noir is good I think. ums you should check it out, machine agrees

The Road To Awe is so sick, my god

That was a weird interlude. Turns out even some fuckwitted AI thinks I'm a bland old man. Eh.

Yes mini Trujillo looks ridiculously young. Lineup also including jay Weinberg and lad from Dillinger escape plan, it's a great weird mix

FWIW I thought Glenn's little experiment was pretty hilarious.

Has anyone else heard that new REZN album on Sargent House? I had no idea who they were prior to seeing them open for Pallbearer, and wow, what a killer psych doom band. They had lots of fans too, their merch line was crazy long after their set. Anyway, it's a really good record.

The AI was right that I would want to know about new Leprous, at least. I was listening to my weekly new-release playlist while running, without having scrutinized it first, and the first song this week that made me go "Oh, what is THAT?", and stop to pull out my phone and check, turned out to be the new Leprous song "Silently Walking Alone". I should have recognized Einar's voice from the start, and I would have if I had waited for the chorus. Great use of a slow, controlled pace to build up intensity texturally.

Finnish one man funeral doom project Horre has been expanding into various genres (black metal, dungeon synth) lately, all still very nice: https://horre.bandcamp.com

new Krallice is predictably excellent and possibly one of their best.

holy shit that Suicidal set

Acid King's Hellfest set is also up. I love Acid King.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6dvwHYSquY

stumbled upon, just discovered, came across this new sepulcher ep, i actually went to high school, intense drumming, standout soo smart ah

https://sepulcherfusa.bandcamp.com/album/veins-of-the-void

^^ dan tveit alert

whoever produced crypt sermon, ty. lush lush lush heavy ftw. songwriting's fine yeah that too

new 200 Stab Wounds is fun. not touching any of my death metal albums of the year, but fun. weirdly it gets almost death 'n rolly at times and decidedly less extreme as the album goes on. definitely ear-wormy and accessible.

i thought that ep/demo thing they came out the gate with was a blast. i played the hell out of those three songs. but i found little worth going back to on their first album and the incredibly ugly “5th tier brutal death”-style album cover didn’t exactly help yet either.

glad you're digging the new one tho - i’ve been curious. dumb fun is exactly what i want from this band.

also kinda dig the album art this time around. gross in way that’s more, well, fun than the last one.

*help much either

would like to stab autocorrect 200 times

I do kinda wonder why they're as huge as they are now, other than maybe people that were tired of slam death being retconned into being the only form of brutal death that existed and appreciating something that sounded like it had its roots in 1996 with a modern sheen. like they sell out shows when they come here. I never liked them enough to actually see one of their shows but might next time they come around.

right place, right time thing would be my guess. i don’t personally know their history but i wouldn’t be surprised if they have some ex-hardcore types on the roster. they kinda have that crossover appeal. i’m not against that btw. assuck, terrorizer, suffocation… that’s some of the best music ever. i imagine they have a lot of young fans that like converge and are curious about death metal. but this this is just something i basically made up and could very well be totally off base on!

Stabbing > 200 Stab Wounds

Stabbing > 200 Stab Wounds > Stabbing Westward

New Sumac is incredible. Loved these guys from the start, but this takes things to a whole new level for them.

Kind of wild to realize they've now put out more studio albums than Isis.

The Crypt Sermon album did not click for me on first listen. I didn't hate it, or even dislike it; it just was not what I was in the mood for at the moment, I guess. But I'm listening to it again now and it is really fucking good. There are a couple of little moves they make on the first track that remind me of Opeth, in a really good way. Anyway, I'm glad I went back for a second try.

Glad you gave it another try, I think it's fantastic and I only like it more the more I play it.

Sumac & Crypt Sermon albums are great.

Metal press releases typically suck — I make fun of the hyperbolic language they use often. But this one is actually pretty good, so I'm sharing it. (The album's not bad; face-punching death metal with a sort of Strapping Young Lad-ish sense of humor to the lyrics.)

WEREWOLVES formed in 2019 with the express purpose of releasing ten albums in ten years. 2024 sees them hit the halfway mark with Die For Us, yet another barrage of completely moronic death-metal due out 19th July.

“We are goal-driven achievers known for our savvy business acumen”, says broke-ass bassist-vocalist Sam Bean (The Antichrist Imperium, The Berzerker, who has never been successful at anything in his life, ever). “It seems obvious at this point, now that we have amassed an international following and rabid demand for our live shows, that we should release an album imploring everyone to kill themselves and each other. Reverse psychology, Marketing 101. Getting your fanbase to cull themselves down to a pile of goo and corpses means more sales. Duh.”

“Oh, the music? Same shit…blastbeats and incoherent ranting, sick riffs, that sort of thing. We’ll slip in some big choruses, brilliant samples, a few hints of black metal, one slow track that actually resembles music, and an amazing guest appearance. But at the end of the day, it’s still going to sound like a school bus getting fed into a metal shredder.”

Drummer Dave Haley (Psycroptic, Abramelin, Ruins, King, Blood Duster) and Guitarist Matt Wilcock (The Antichrist Imperium, The Berzerker, Abramelin) who play in real bands, feel that they shouldn’t let the bass player try and describe music.

WEREWOLVES continued their triumphant run of shows that extended no further than their own country and glommed onto bands far more popular than theirs throughout 2023. After beginning the year supporting MAYHEM and ULCERATE nationally, WEREWOLVES went on to support EXHUMED at their Melbourne show, then closed the year out by roaming the country with ARCHSPIRE and INGESTED.

“If that doesn’t stop people calling us a technical metal band I don’t know what will”, says Matt. “Here were these bright young talented things, well-seasoned, with the best equipment and a bright future ahead of them. But first people had to put up with these drunken old cunts with their opening half-hour of horseshit, staggering blindly around stage looking for the single input they had to plug into, and often failing to do that.”

He adds “CAVEMAN DEATH METAL”.

Die For Us ticks every box for modern death metal, with excruciatingly violent blasting straight out the gates and very little let-up until the bitter end. The title track is an anthemic call to self-annihilation, ‘Beaten Back To Life’ castigates everyone with the temerity to have started listening to metal after 1992. ‘Fuck You Got Mine’ is a hymn to the joys of being a slumlord. ‘My Hate is Strong’ is pure visceral evil and features vocal contributions by Australian national treasure ROK from SADISTIK EXEKUTION. ‘Spittle-Flecked Rant’ flirts with d-beats and hardcore while imploring the world to be even worse, and ‘Under A Urinal Moon’ is a wave of blackened darkness piss.

Mixing and Mastering was done by none other than Joe Haley (PSYCROPTIC), who we’ll use until either he dies, we quit, or Erik Rutan becomes an affordable option. The artwork was done by Mitchell Nolte, not an AI because we’re not fuckwits, and is guaranteed to horrify as many people as all the previous albums. He basically took the album title and ran with it, focusing his artistic genius on cramming as much blood and gore onto an album cover as humanly possible.

Gatecreeper's Dark Superstition is fucking immense -- that vocal style is usually an early exit for me but the music is so undeniable. I mean it's early In Flames worship...but early In Flames merits worship. Late pass for me on this record, fuck this is good.

yeah it's very good. I'm not a huge Gatecreeper fan but this one is a standout

Stoked for new Blood Incantation in October. Two tracks, 43 minutes.

It’s been a few years, but death metal outfit Blood Incantation are back and releasing what looks to be their longest album yet on October 4. Clocking in at a robust “nearly 45 minutes,” this new offering will feature a total of two new tracks.

Set as their follow up to 2019’s full-length album Hidden History of the Human Race and their 2023 maxi-single Luminescent Bridge, the new album dubbed Absolute Elsewhere sees the Denver-based quartet creating something they claim is “unlike anything you’ve ever heard before.” Paul Reidl explains:

“Absolute Elsewhere is our most potent audial extract/musical trip yet; like the soundtrack to a Herzog-style Sci-Fi epic about the history of/battle for human consciousness itself, via a 70s Prog album played by a 90s Death Metal band from the future.”

In fact, the band apparently got the album’s title from a mid-70s prog rock band of the same name. Given that original band’s propensity for writing spaced-out tunes like their 1976 album In Search of Ancient Gods, it makes sense that Blood Incantation would find some kindred connection with them so many years later.

And when I said that the album’s just two tracks at nearly 45 minutes a piece, I meant it. The first track, titled “The Stargate” apparently has a runtime of 20:20, while the second track “The Message” clocks in at 23:23.

Yeah, apparently Bill Bruford (Yes, King Crimson, etc.) was a member of Absolute Elsewhere at one point. And re the album specifically, apparently — I haven't heard it yet — Thorsten Quaeschning (leader of the current incarnation of Tangerine Dream) plays on the first track.

Okay, yeah, this Sumac album is impressive as hell. "World of Light" is a journey.

^ This is taking over my listening. What an amazing album.

It has this open, spacious sound and tons of different textures and really takes its time unfolding. I've barely even gotten to the closing track yet. Just the first three tracks are full of things to explore.

alright wormheads, it was never really in doubt but wormed have delivered the goods once again

Yeah it's fantastic