Ghost Bath – Funeral [China, DSBM] (2014)

Self Released | 2-14-14

Jesus fuck. Alright, well I have already stated my immense interest in Chinese atmospheric black metal even to the point of tracking down the man behind Pest Productions. However, It has been awhile since I checked back into new releases. Before this review, I found some assorted splits such as the Happy Days / Kanashimi release The Great Depression II which suggested a larger Asian Depressive Suicidal Black Metal (DSBM) scene or at least a push happening in Japan. Ghost Bath is the first band I found which has caused enough reason for pause. Whether or not it is the complete veil of despair or the horrific vocals, but Ghost Bath shakes its listeners to their mortal coil.

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.

Persekutor – Arctic Cross [Romania, Black] (2014)

Self Released | 3-22-14

So once I figure out Persekutor, I am going to let everyone else know. I promise. If the odd album cover wasn’t enough indication, Romania’s Persekutor comes with a bit of raised eyebrows and speculation. From a series of interviews surround the band’s last EP Power Frost, this black metal act comes with either an aura of self aware parody or such a unique backstory it borders on surreal. I am in no position to make any judgments rather any answer is a unique experience in the world of ice obsessed Romanian lo fi 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.

Hell / Mizmor – Hell ::: Mizmor [US, Black/Doom](2014)

Self Released | 1-13-14

Yikes! From Oregon comes a split which is sure to rip the head off of whatever stands in your way. Hell and Mizmor are two sludge doom acts who has chosen to combine effort in order to finally extinguish the sun for all eternity. The self titled split for the two is split evenly between 15 minute tracks which for doom based genres is almost expected. through 30 minutes the listener is given treat of doom, gloom, and merciless forlorn in a land now shrouded in eternal darkness.

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.

Yith – Yith [US, Black / Doom] (2014)

Self Released | 3-28-14

Hands down, one of the most eerie covers of the year. Who would have guessed the combination of black and white pencil and white eyed specters could be so unnerving? Yith has spent most of its time releasing demos in sequential order. There is nothing which separates the fourth demo from the previous three aside from the self title. Right now maybe the perfect opportunity to allow Yith to come and darken your heart.

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.

LVTHN – Adversarialism [Belgium, Black] (2014)

Self Released | 1-1-14

I have decided to start tagging record labels as I feel it is important to support ones which put out consistent material. LVTHN is a darkhorse as their existence was unknown to many before a few days ago when the very well liked Fallen Empire put up their debut demo for stream. If one needed any more reason to pay attention to lesser known releases, the two song demo for LVTHN serves as a reminder in the form of a punch to the face.

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.

Lizzard Wizzard – Lizzard Wizzard [Australia, Stoner Doom] (2013)

Self Released

I usually like to focus on music from the current calendar year but something about Lizzard Wizzard spoke to me. I do not know what it was. Maybe it is the cassette package which comes with a d20, doob tube, and patch in addition to a green cassette. Maybe it is because the band seems to give zero fucks about fitting into a serious role. Maybe it is because there are sometimes when heavy stoner doom is the best thing to listen to. Maybe it is because the band does exceptionally well when given a task. Actually, I think it is the d20. That is pretty amazing.

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.

Etoile Filante – Traité sur le Monde et la Lumière [France, Black / Ambient] (2014)

Self Released | 3-21-14

I am not going to lie, Traité sur le Monde et la Lumière, the debut EP from French act Etoile Filante is weird. I am going to say this again, em>Traité sur le Monde et la Lumière is weird. It takes 4 minutes into the four song EP to get to any sort of metal instrumentation. Though ambiance and introduction are usually used by metal bands, Etoile Filante concerns itself with sci fi clips and a preoccupation with synthscapes. Though space has been explored in black metal, this is probably the first time I have heard it so cosmic, wondrous, and bright. If one likes Darkspace, it is time to meet their younger and oddly dressed brother.

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.

Barrowlands – Thane [US, Black / Progressive] (2014)

Self Released | 3-11-14

Barrowlands is a relatively unknown Pacific Northwest act who seems to be taking a stab going at a style of black metal which has been well traveled in the past. Progressive and atmopsheric black metal is something that others have done many times. Include the fact these guys are from the pacific northwest and images of Agalloch, Wolves in the Throne Room, Alda, and Ash Borer quickly comes to mind. To play in the similar style which experienced brief popularity a few years ago is commendable as the style is conceptually sound albeit without much surprise. I set Barrowlands up for a lot as “Cascadian black metal” feels like a boom town which now lies emptier than before. Bands who continue the sound do so at a cost, which sometimes yields a greater triumph when successful.

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.

Plagüe – Unholy Offerings [US, Black / Thrash] (2014)

Self Released | 1-1-14

It is about that time when things completely break down and chaos ensues. Plagüe is a California based black thrash act who has yet to find a label to call home. Unholy Offerings is the band’s first somewhat official release following two demos of near evil. Though this EP probably will not be considered anything past a longer demo, Unholy Offerings has brief glimpses of exceptional madness and potential to fuck shit up without mercy.

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.

Grey Widow – I [UK, Sludge / Doom] (2014)

Self Released | 1-14-14

I am going to have to make a special note on which albums are being self released in 2014. The reason for this interest is that the divide between label representation and independent status could be in name only. While certain labels possess resources not available to every band, the possibility of reaching people is very real. I had no idea who Grey Widow was until their music came in by accident and smashed all of my front windows.

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.