US

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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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

BLK OPS / KRVSHR [US, Sludge / Doom / Hardcore] (2017)

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Self Released | 6-11-17

I think I have made mention of my aversion to doom. My hesitance for the genre doesn’t come from my disdain of the sound rather the glut of bands who play in the formula of the style. This isn’t an anomaly in metal as I gravitate towards anything black or death which plays in the genre. Doom and sludge do not interest me as much and aside from this personal preference, there are a few which break through my prejudice. If a band sounds like it was birthed in the bathroom of a shitty dive bar, I am there with outstretched hands.
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Cosmic Void Ritual – Gateways Through Septic Flesh [US, Death] (2017)

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Self Released | 6-7-17

This is it. My everything. Few times is there a corning of an aesthetic that works so perfectly that it is staggering to thing how a band arrived at it. Not only does the Us based Cosmic Void Ritual worship the idea mystic astronomy and Lovecraftian entities but the devotion to surgical autopsy of aliens. While this sounds bizarre and niche, the crawling otherworldly sounds of Cosmic Void Ritual make this short demo / EP more than worth the trip through the astral plane.
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Chorazos – Demo [US, Raw Black] (2017)

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Self Released | 5-29-17

Album art is important ad it seems that the cover for this demo is the same image used on LVTHN’s 2013 demo. The image depicts a woodblock goat which does not seem to have a source material or if it did, it has been lost in a sea of appropriations. Albums covers to stickers, to social media pictures, this particular goat has become almost as synonymous with darkness as the black and white Baphomet image. Perhaps it is like a mantle which gets passed from one disgusting demo to another. Right now it is the dawn of Chorazos.
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Mouthgate – Fungal [US, Black / Experimental] (2017)

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Self Released | 2-28-17

Enter the vaults of the odd with a band and album title that is way beyond any metal aesthetic you are used to. Coming from New York City comes a band that is experimental but is too weird to have any sort of pretension about their work. Caught somewhere between a hangover migraine and a lost Lovecraft story comes Mouthgate and they are here to ruin your fucking day.

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Blood of Sokar – Blood of Sokar [US, Black/Doom] (2017)

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Self Released | 4-2-17

I get pretty enthusiastic about black/doom as it is a style which sounds transcendental when done right but whose chemistry is tough to master. Add to this the fact that there really isn’t a defined recipe for black doom as black/death or even black/thrash rather when combined it could sound as melodic or as harrowing as intended. Enter Blood of Sokar whose debut (?) is nothing short that a getting lost in a cursed forest with creatures of the night occasionally stealing parts of flesh from the listener.

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Jera – Jera [US, Black] (2017)

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Self Released | 3-26-17

I think at one point, I will do an article or feature of local Baltimore / DC metal bands that I inadvertently have contacts through or at least see at multiple shows. Jera was something that I have see really early in their career with even a live show without a singer. This first demo (?) represents the start for a band who is trying super hard not to wipe their shoes before entering the house.

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Angel Morgue – Angel Morgue [US, Death] (2017)

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Self Released | 2-16-17

Yes to everything about this. From the sound to the name to the album cover, Angel Morgue fills a very order for people seeking cavernous death metal which wouldn’t be welcomed in any places of worship. The aesthetic which drips from this band in trails of slime is notable as their self titled EP debut hammers away at the bells of hell.

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Funeral Chant – Funeral Chant (US, Black / Death) (2017)

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Self Released | 2-3-17

Funeral Chant is already experiencing a small queue of interest from the internet and this can be directly related to the feature from Cvlt Nation. Aside from that however, the interest for Funeral Chant and the growing popularity for this bay area black death act seems to be catching like fire die to other reason. Perhaps this is an example of a quality record that is gaining popularity through its own merit. I am still skeptical.

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