2017

Kapala – Infest Cesspool [India, Black / Death] (2017)

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Dunkelheit Produktionen | 11/16/17

Noise is something that I am stopping using as a genre for things that are not strictly noise. While it is easy to gain interest for people, bands that use noise as atmosphere and things that are strictly within the noise genre are very different. With that said, I have no idea where Kapala falls since I have yet to process what I have heard.

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Pestivomous – The Last Wound [Chile, Black] (2017)

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Self Released | 8-25-17

Pestivomous’ The Last Wound is technically a demo and a rehearsal which is odd because it sounds like a complete studio production. I am certainly not doubting this a rehearsal rather it is surprising to get such a full sound out of something as off of the cuff as a practice tape. what this project has in its favor is the primal emotion of what sounds like 10 projects which is married with a design aesthetic thats sounds like eating grave soil.

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Vorus – Chamber of Laments [Romania, Death] (2017)

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Self Released | 09-15-17

I do not think I have reviewed many releases from Romania. This does not mean the Country does not have an active metal community and even if it isn’t as flourishing as let’s say the UK or US, I am still open for rotten things to come out of a country known for its vampires. What I wasn’t expecting however is a demo which steps right in line with some of the better death metal of the year. Fantastic job.

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Ashen Chalice – Spells Of Eternal Sleep Guide Us Towards The Casket [Croatia, Raw Black] (2017)

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Self Released | 08-01-17

Ashen Chalice perhaps has the trifecta of cool titles which hover around the newest release. First off all the project name is super cool. Second of all the album title is entrancing in its wording. Third and perhaps most important is the Bandcamp tagline of “May Nature Guide You On Your Path Towards Self Destruction.” With all of these in place, Ashen Chalice dives into the sometimes uneven world of raw bedroom black metal.

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Vesicant – Shadows of Cleansing Iron [New Zealand, Black / Death] (2017)

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Iron Bonehead Productions | 7-14-17

I swear to Christ, I found these guys before I noticed they were on Iron Bonehead. Despite my best intentions in digging out disgusting black / death, Iron Bonehead seems to be doing the same with more attuned ears to filth and grime. Whatever the case or whoever first stumbled on this band s irrelevant since there isn’t much left of the world after they are done playing.

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Akatharsia – No Generation Without Corruption [US, Raw Black / Punk] (2017)

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Self Released | 7-7-17

I was hesitant on putting the raw black tag on this record since I wasn’t sure. Do not get me wrong or misunderstand, the world of Akatharsia is built from bricks of noise and discomfort as their debut record constructs a citadel of torment and unease. I was hesitant on putting the raw black tag on this record since the band also crafts a fine groove with all of these unpleasant elements.

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Atavisma – On the Ruins of a Fallen Empire [ France, Death] (2017)

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Blood Harvest | 6-9-17

Well, it seems like this band has all of the boxes ticked. From album art to album name, the debut EP from this French death/doom oufit shows a band willing to mold themselves in the eyes of the listeners. This is not to say Atavisma conforms to any trends rather their brand of music is perfect for anyone seeking an extended stay in the catacombs of the dammed.

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Obscure Burial – Imago Mortis [Finland, Death] (2017)

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Self Released | 6-29-17

Well, fuck. It was only recently that I discarded the category of “Single” for this site as bands usually do not release singles. Here we are with a single from Obscure Burial and me looking fucking stupid. I guess a single could work in the same fashion of a demo though this one seems to be from a forthcoming debut. Whatever it is and whatever you want tocall it, the clouds and winds are just right for some hellish storms.

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Animo Aeger – Ab​-​Fakt [Germany, Black] (2017)

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Cirsium Kollektivet | 6-25-17

By any means necessary. The German outfit known as Amino Aeger may not be a household name but it only takes a few minutes into their work for it to make an impression. Sure this all falls under the realm of black metal but by the first minute of the Ab​-​Fakt EP, the listener realizes that this is not really a release but the ravings of a wild animal and all of the doors are now locked. Continue reading

SunSpell / Suadade – From the Mist… We Are but Dust [US / Canada, Black] (2017)

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Iron Bonehead | 06 – 09 – 17

Reviewing an Iron Bonehead release feels like cheating since this label is legendary for being consistent with their output. Not only does this label find and support great acts, but their status only grows with each release. This is why a split from two up and coming artists isn’t much of a find but rather a sure bet in the gambling parlor of the underworld. Continue reading