Bastard Sapling – Instinct Is Forever [US, Black] (2014)

Forcefield Records |8-16-14

I encountered Bastard Sapling by chance at one of the side events during last year’s Maryland Deathfest. Tucked away in a basement was this unorthodox black metal band shrieking towards the low hanging ceiling and bathed in stable blue light. Out of all of the shows and types of metal seen that weekend, here was one of the most memorable. Though I only happened on the end of their set, those few minutes were enough to hold my attention for months after. If the band does anything on a record like they did during that live show, then Instinct is Forever should be a wonderfully horrific experience.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.

Svartidauði – III.XX.MMX [Iceland, Black] (2014)

Self Released | 8-29-14

2014 is shaping up to be the year of Icelandic black metal. With fantastic releases from Naðra and 〇 already confirmed, a mysterious release appears from Svartidauði as if plucked from the ether. Svartidauði has already had reasonable praise for their 2012 debut Flesh Cathedral as well as a handful of demos. In fact, the band released an already decent EP earlier this year entitled The Synthesis of Whore and Beast. That being said, their new album,III.XX.MMX, may not be the most traditional introduction for this band but its uniqueness is nothing short of apocalyptic.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.

White Suns – Totem [US, Noise /Experimental] (2014)

Flenser Records |3-14-14

It is important to realize that Totem, the 8th release from New York based White Suns shares little in common with heavy metal. In fact, experimental noise or avant terror is more fitting as this band seems less concerned with playing music that scaring the daylights out of its listeners. I have come to respect and adore the bands that fill the outskirts of hardcore, experimental, and heavy metal. Far off the highway lies an abandoned structure where White Suns plays music — possibly for no one.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.

〇 – Null & Void [Iceland, Doom / Black] (2014)

Vánagandr | 8-11-14

Oh goodness golly. what are the chances I would stumble on two interesting Icelandic metal albums in the same month? What are the chances that I would stumble on on two great Icelandic metal records from the same label who only has three acts signed? The odds are getting astronomically slim. I believe I should count my blessings as the mysterious act known as 〇 has come to the world to cast a shroud of misery and gloom over the skies.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.

Merda Mundi – VI – Khaos [Belgium, Black] (2014)

Self Released | 7-6-14

It is difficult not to be repulsed by Merda Mundu. This Belgium black metal project takes its name from a Latin translation meaning “shit of the world” and the project’s Bandcamp proudly exclaims songs and albums as “musical excrement.” This, combined with punishing mid fi black metal makes for dynamic terror which has the potential to scare the living. Whatever creator Déhà seems to be doing though is all for a purpose. Whether that purpose is covering the whole world in a mixture of beauty and defilement is a conversation for later.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.

As We Draw – Mirages [France, Sludge / Hardcore]

Throatruiner Records | 10-4-14

Before we begin, it is important to note that As We Draw is not like many things on this site. Sure, this French band has elements of atmospheric sludge and could draw their lineage to bands like Neurosis but other than that things get blurry. As We Draw fits into the disputed territories which lie in the middle of metal, hardcore, and heavy experimental music. In these borderlands are things which sort of resemble traditional genres but have long gone feral. Mirages may have been a sweet record at one point but is now rabid and out for blood.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.

Fórn – The Departure of Consciousness [US, Sludge Doom] (2014)

Vendetta Records | 7-22-14

We need to get this done as Fórn’s debut is nearing a month old. While many bands slip past notice, The Departure of Consciousness is so heavy, it is near impossible not to notice its presence. Sludge doom can take many directions whether it be stoner, hardcore, or just downright anguish. There are other times sludge doom’s low end can be emphasized with a record which bears weight of the world on the shoulders of transcendental misery.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.

Crown of Asteria – Sol [US, Black / Ambient] (2014)

Self Released | 8-11-14

Before I start this review, I must state that atmospheric black metal is something that is used by a lot of people. Because of this, its potency is less compared to black/thrash or death/doom. This is frustrating as decent atmospheric black metal bands get lost in the dissing array of records and bands. Additionally, atmospheric black metals preoccupation with nature, space, and non traditional heavy metal themes become the new norm. Crown of Asteria does not make itself known because it breaks any conventions on black ambient and atmospheric black metal rather because it invests itself so fully into music that Sol seems to be a reasonable end to a style experiment started over a decade ago.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.

Petrychor – Makrokosmos [US, Black / Ambient] (2014)

Self Released | 7-10-14

Scouring Bandcamp has its benefits. While there is the inevitable burnt feeling when encountering the 100th atmospheric or second wave black metal record, there can be deep feeling of gratitutde with records which break formation. This is not to say all left field metal records are good rather they benefit from uniqueness when compared to the heavy metal norm. There is an expected loss of traditional harshness when traveling so far away from the expected but sometimes one can find something truly interesting with the right sense of adventure. Makrokosmos is the second true full length record from Petrychor and offers something that is truly cosmic and transcendental. I do not think it is anything you are expecting.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.

Kvlthammer – Kvlthammer [US, Black / Speed / Punk] (2014)

Self Released | 7-15-14

Alright. I like every single thing about this band aside fromt he name. The artwork. The style. the fact that is pretty much a self released. Everything except for the name. Shit, if it was “Culthammer,” I would be fine but the use of KVLT just makes me cranky. Perhaps it is all apart of a tongue in cheek atmosphere which is suppose to distract you from the hay-maker aimed at your jawline. whatever it is, Kvlthammer follows in step with bands like Midnight and Speedwolf and offers a biker bar full of demons with chains wrapped around their scaly fists. Hold your breath and wait for the madness.

Kaptain Carbon

Kaptain Carbon is the custodian of Tape Wyrm, a mod for Reddit’s r/metal, Creator of Vintage Obscura, and a Reckless Scholar for Dungeon Synth.