rolling 2024 heavy metal and boutique blast beat thread

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