Sempiternal Dusk – Sempiternal Dusk [US, Death] (2014)

Dark Descent Record | 9-30-14

Hey Pacific Northwest, you guys are getting really scary as of recent. Whether or not the areas surrounding Portland are growing in prominence, or I just keep hearing related side projects, Sempiternal Dusk comes on dark wings and spreads over small villages with gigantic fangs. This album sort of came out of nowhere, but since it is now looming above us, there is nothing to do but confront it head on.

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.

Cemetery Filth – Screams from the Catacombs [US, Death] (2014)

White Ship Records | 7-11-14

Name? Check. Album title? Check. Lyrical themes dealing with graveyards? Check. Sometimes not being surprised when encountering a record is pleasing. Just from a cursory glance at the debut EP from Cemetery Filth one knows they will not be encountering any operatic solos or progressive melodies. In fact, there will probably be more than one reference to the gloom of the undead. Screams from the Catacombs works in the same way formula fiction succeeds as the band is given a task of creating a mood, and they do just that, if not far better.

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.

John Gallow – Violet Dreams [US, Doom] (2014)

I, Voidhanger Records | 7-2-14

As much as I chastise doom’s tendency to sometimes only meet bare requirements for sound, there are other attributes which are completely intoxicating. The opening tracks of John Gallow’s debut Violet Dreams rips a traditional Sabbath tone which melts the recesses of once cold dead hearts. John Gallow maybe doing everything which has been done for decades in the style of psychedelic doom but good goddamn does this rise above the rest.

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.

Darkspace – Darkspace III I [Switzerland, Black / Ambient] (2014)

Avantgarde Music | 9-6-14

This is how the universe collapses. Darkspace is similar to Dead Congregation, as they are both relatively well known metal bands that have legacies attached to their records. Darkspace’s legacy is rooted in their interesting exploration of ambient black metal, as well as one of their guitarist’s work in the seminal side project Paysage D’ Hiver. It also helps that the band has an air of mystery, with their releases becoming increasingly more sparse. Darkspace’s previous record Darkspace III was released in 2008, and for the past four odd years fans have been awaiting the arrival of whatever the fourth installment would be called. In thematic fashion, the band’s announcement of their new record came in cryptic transmissions, with the full album being released almost immediately. I think I would have been happy with anything but this is something else entirely.

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.

Arath – Ungedul [Germany, Black] (2014)

Deivlforst Records | 9-6-14

While comparing black metal to Dungeons and Dragons seems like an easy thing to do, there are times when I find it most fitting. In the early days of published adventures, things like The Tomb of Horrors and Temple of Elemental Evil were less about dynamic roleplay and more grinding dungeon crawls. This is what I feel like when listening to Ungedul, the second record from German outfit Arath — a merciless crawl across hewn stone floors with little chance of success or survival.

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.

Naðra – Eitur [Iceland, Black] (2014)

Vánagandr | 4-01-14

Na…..something….ra. I am taking a wild guess that it sounds sort of like Na-th-ra but in a more nuanced and chilly tone. Naðra comes as the confluence between three as of yet discovered metal bands from Iceland. If Carpe Noctem, Dysthymia, and Abacination come as blanks in ones metal knowledge, then Naðra can possibly your 4th Icelandic metal band you just found out about today. If I seem joking about Iceland’s metal climate it is only because it, as a country, as a far lower amount of metal bands than others. While this may seem obvious due to size, the actual product of heavy metal in Iceland is nothing short of fierce and ferocious.

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.

Ad Infinitum – Woven Within [US, Black] (2014)

Self Released | 2-11-14

Atmospheric black metal can be instantly engaging. Unlike its stylistic cousins, atmospheric black metal has a dramatic sound and aesthetic that most people could see themselves enjoying. This has lead to a flooded market of bedroom productions stacked high to the ceiling. While it is daunting that this musical style is so popular, certain music shines through these pillars of demos and self released digital EPs. For music to do this however, it must be highly engaging and powerful. Ad Infinitum is the work of one man from Kentucky with no discernible connection to any other metal project. I know I just made mention of all those bedroom black metal releases but Woven Within is something demands its own attention, even if you are not already a fan of deep astral black metal.

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.

Coffinborn – Beneath the Cemetery [Hungary, Death] (2014)

Xtreem Music | 7-15-14

When one listens to a lot of metal, there are certain things which becomes common. One is death and the other is evil. there maybe other things like motocycles, dragons, and Lovecraft in there but death and evil covers a wide base. If a band wanted to fill out their entire release with images of rot and decay, they could do so. A lot of bands have. This does not mean, however, it would be any good. Merely getting down the aesthetic is only part of the charm of good heavy metal. Coffinborn, from head to Hungarian toe, is about rot and decay. The band’s album cover, promo photography, and entire existence has been geared towards prying open a cement sarcophagus with a crowbar. It sure is a good thing the music is top notch otherwise this whole thing would be sort of silly.

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.