Sweden

Hermóðr – Himlen mörknar [Sweden, Black] (2015)

Standard
Self Released | 5-5-15

Self Released | 5-5-15

I believe this is the first single that has been reviewed on the site. Singles are still utilized across the rock and pop spectrum but it is sort of odd with black metal. This especially is true when it comes from a self released source from an already obscure artist. The fact that this single comes with a 5 minute instrumental b-side on an already 14 minute a-side is comforting. Also the fact that it costs around 1$ to buy is still very much apart of the aesthetic. I hope more bands do singles like this.

Continue reading

Heavydeath – They Had No Names [Sweden, Death / Doom] (2104)

Standard
Caligari Records | 11-21-14

Caligari Records | 11-21-14

I believe this is the deciding factor. My favorite demo from 2014 is going to be from Swedish band Heavydeath. I know this seems a little early to claim but Heavydeath has had so many good demos, all released in a year, that the competition is slowly being eradicated. I was ecstatic when I found not only Caligari Records but also Heavydeath’s first demo. It has now been a couple of months since and this band has not ceased to release a steady stream of demos. Heavydeath begs me to make sure I have all of my demos lined up and ready to listen to as this death/doom band is one of the better metal acts to come out of left field in 2014.

Continue reading

Heavydeath – Demo II – III [Sweden, Death / Doom] (2014)

Standard
Self Released | 5-9-14

Self Released | 5-9-14

I think I found Caligari Records as well as Heavydeath as the same time. It was a wonderful afternoon / early morning. Caligari Records is a spectacular label / distributor which specializes in lesser known cassettes of a particularly rotting variety. Heavydeath is a band made up of members of Runemagick and Necrocurse who specialize in a particularly rotting variety of death/doom. Though death/doom isn’t entirely novel, Heavydeath’s approach to the style is not only refreshing but it is a cause for feverish excitement as their 2014 trilogy of demos far surpasses most releases this year.

Continue reading

Heavydeath – Demo I [Sweden, Death / Doom] (2014)

Standard
Caligari Records | 4-5-14

Caligari Records | 4-5-14

I have already raved about Caligari Records. Not only does this label dedicate their existence to underground black, death, and doom but the quality of material they release is fantastic. Take this demo from the Swedish group Heavydeath, with members from both Necrocurse and Runemagick. If not for Caligari records I would not be aware of this project. Heavydeth comes with much excitement, as every member involved in the process of this record comes from bands with much veneration. Heavydeath’s first of three 2014 demos not only surpasses expectations but shows how much is possible on a cassette series.

Continue reading

Suma – You’re Such a Disappointment [Sweden, Stoner Doom] (2005 – 2012)

Standard
Tartarus Records | 2-28-14

Tartarus Records | 2-28-14

I feel compilations are important as they could potential be an introduction to a little known band. Suma is a Swedish stoner doom act who spent the bulk of the 00’s making splits with other psych, doom, and sludge acts of similar fame. This is to say relativity obscure. For all of the time Suma spent in the shows, You’re Such a Disappointment is here to remind everyone compilations are important and potentially slap to the face that everyone needs to look harder for these types of bands. Prepare oneself for a trip in the ether where monsters are capable of materializing.

Continue reading