RECOMMENDED

VIL – VIL [Argentina, Black] (2020)

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Self Released | 4-19-20

So unless I am mistaken, the bands name means Vile in Spanish which sounds pretty apt for a band that is seething venom. This self titled EP is the debut for VIL and comes with a slap to the face by a hand that is also holding broken glass. While the music is the standard mid-fi black everyone has come to love through the likes of Mgla, VIL continues that tradition with songs that despite their length, feel like churning journeys of riffs and atmosphere. I can always appreciate short and effective debuts and this EP sings to the halls of Hell with the choral chants of the dammed.

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Chaotian – Festering Excarnation [Denmark, Death] (2020)

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Extremely Rotten Productions | 3-20-19

I enjoy how death metal is continuing to be ill and rude even after its slight bump in popularity a few years back. the fact that people are still making gross sounding sewer sludge that has run off from outer world is warm and endearing to my soul. Festering Excarnation is a compilation of two demos that were released in 2018 and 2019. I do not think either of these saw a tape release nor a wide audience. Festering Excarnation comes with the benefit of awesome art fitting of the sound and also a tape release from Extremely Rotten Productions. We will consider this the start for this band and open our arms to welcome the filth.

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Dekagram – Through The Dark [Norway, Atmospheric Raw Black] (2020)

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Poisonous Sorcery | 4-13-20

Raw atmospheric black or atmospheric raw black could both fit into this aesthetic. While Dekagram sounds ominous and cryptic, it is a unit of measurement equal to 10 grams. That in of itself may have significance but this is perhaps the first black metal act to embrace units of measurement to project their aura. Through the Dark is a compilation of two demos, one of them being a 2018 release and the other, I believe, being new. Whatever the case, the listener is given the experience of 43 minutes of atmospheric freefall not into the soft embrace of pine trees but rather an belfry on top of the most desolate looking church. This compilation is icy, moody, and above all else effective in its efforts to cast the world in darkness.

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Anhifohr – Condemned To Endless Sacrifice [US, Black] (2020)

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Self Released | 4-10-20

I feel this EP warrants a little patience. I say this because the whole of Condemned to Endless Sacrifice is ultimately worth the time it takes to get used to the sound. This EP is noisy and rough with its production to the point of abuse. Once one gets past the intro and the intro of the second son however, they are treated to the sounds of groovy black metal in the shape of concrete slabs which are lobbed at them. This is all for fun however as the experience conducted by Anhifohr can only be described as a symphony of psychological terror with monsters stalking in the shadows. There are few polished parts in this EP with songs beginning right away and fading out when they do not need to. Everything though about this EP is part and parcel to the experience of ultimate ruin and demise.

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HECATOMB – Horrid Invocations [Austrailia, Death] (2020)

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Self Released | 3-27-20

If you have not seen the band’s profile picture on Bandcamp, take a gander at a raw and grainy photo which completly fits the music. Somewhere out in the woods are two figures weilding rusty tools in your face. There are about a 12 Hecatombs so it is difficult to parse through all of the different bands but if you ever get lost travel towards the sound of ripping steel and animals going into a frenzy. In this short debut demo, the listener is given a glimpse of chaos which has perpetual motion and a force which tears through the countryside. Through blown out production and an air of raviging terror, Hecatomb has made a demo that is one of the most powerful statements this year. To what they are declaring, I do not know, but I am frightened and enthralled.

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Witch Ward – Sacrificial Monolith [US, Punk / Metal] (2020)

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Caligari Records | 5-1-20

It is true that Witch Ward only has one preview track available. it is true that preview track is 9\around 90 seconds. It is true there are better descriptions out there than just “punk/metal.” It is true, there is a lot of uncertainty about this release that could give moments of pause. This, however, is alleviated seeing it is from Caligari, which is one of the top labels in the trade of absolutely vile material. Through that 90 second preview track, one is exposed to a blistering world of raw insanity that reeks of body odor, stale beer, and grave soil. I will patiently away the release of the whole record but I can already tell its going to be a party in Hell.

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Amnutseba – Emanatism [France, Black] (2020)

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Iron Bonehead Productions | 3-27-20

Welcome Oblivion. One of my colleagues gave this full length to me and asked if I remembered this band from a few years back. I have to be honest in saying that my recollection of Amnutseba is relegated to foggy fragments of angular and ruinous black/death. I do not remember much and looking at old demos I am even more confused since I partially remember the cover for Demo II. This could be a phantom band which is a specter sent to haunt me. In any case, Emanatism is certainly able to make an imprint on the psyche as the far out surreal qualities of this record are terrifying and will live in nightmares for many years to come.

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Molder – Vanished Cadavers [US, Death / Thrash] (2020)

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Rotted Life | 5-20-20

It feels like ages ago when we were swimming in rotting death that was squirming with riffs. Sure we still have it but things have changed. Molder is here to remind us of the fun we had a few years ago with a debut that breathes a festive atmosphere and if your idea of a party is gravedigging and being spooky, you are in the right place. Vanished Cadavers comes after a very long line of demos, splits, and live records. Much like someone gathering up momentum before pouncing, Molder finally springs into action with teeth bared and arms flailing. While this sounds like it is going to be a vicious experience, there is an air of levity with a record of death / thrash that is enjoyable and perfect for a party you will eventually have when you can see people.

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Spitgrave – Purge [Portugal(?), Black / Death / Thrash(?)] (2020)

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MIASMA OF BARBARITY | 3-30-20

Miasma of Barbarity is a Portuguese label that puts out really gross things. Spitgrave was the first thing i found from this label and despite its odd looking logo, was two tracks of blistering death/thrash that was like a sledgehammer of riffs in a darken closet. I have put lots of question marks on this entry since I do not really know due to its primitive nature. What I do know is this swings and most certainly leaves a wound behind.

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Beelzebud – Beelzebud [Singapore, Black / Doom] (2015/2020)

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Cyclopean Eye Productions | 3-25-20

Special note that this 3 song full length from Beelzebud was released in 2015 but as most stories go, its distribution probably never left Singapore. This is okay since now we are going to get a second chance at this unltra bleak black doom record with a band whose name sounds like lame ass stoner doom. Listen, I get it, stoner doom plays at an aesthetic and weed themed band names are part and parcel for the genre. Beelzebud does play stoner doom though in a burned out shell of black metal similar to bands like Cough where the groovy vibes have long since dried and what are left are gnarled roots. Beelzebud also possesses the ability to make 10, 15, 25 minute tracks interesting though their protracted torture of rough production and gang vocals. Whether or not this release is actually 2020 or 2015, it seems to not matter as much as the weight of the hammer upon your head.

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