Black] (2014)

Self Released | 4-2-14

Sometimes releases are way too short. Actually most EPs and demos are way too short but that is sort of the point right? Act of Impalement’s 4th release follows three other short demos and EPs with their debut demo only 7 minutes long. Echoes of Wrath is at a healthy 11 minutes but I wonder what a full length release would bring. I only bring up length as Act of Implement’s potential in hitting an interesting mix of black, death, and doom is so entertaining, I wonder what the band would do given enough time, money, and a nurtured obsession with death by stake.

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.

Catapult The Dead – All Is Sorrow [US, Atmospheric Sludge] (2014)

Self Released | 4-20-14

When I saw the release date and the genre I thought I had this record figured. This will be a stroll down the stoner sludge trail with fleeting references to wizards or space dragons. However, whatever I just listened to is something different. From band name to album art to music style, Catapult the Dead is odd. This US atmospheric sludge act sits in a strange spot which skirts easy understanding. This is not groovy sludge with lax views on recreational drugs. I thought 4/20 was a day to you know … do something else besides sitting in limbo tortured by the pains of being.

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.

Triumvir Foul – An Oath of Blood and Fire [US, Death] (2014)

Self Released |4-13-14

Yes. Alright who is ready for some West Coast American death? I just hope you do not want too much information about this group as I have very little. I can promise little aside from menacing joy. From what I can gather, Triumvir Foul is a Portland two piece who has made it their goal in life to worship at the church of OSDM. Armed with influences and a penchant for shredding, this band plans to make its mark with the blood of whoever just got run over by the bulldozer. When madness and destruction are the sermons, devotion becomes a hellish experience.

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.

Shroud Of The Heretic – Revelations In Alchemy [US, Death] (2014)

Blood Harvest | 3-10-14

Jesus, almighty, this is some cavernous death. Shroud of the Heretic is a Portland based death metal act who has yet to see proper representation from a label. I know I mentioned this before but I have been pleasantly surprised at the quality of some unsigned metal. By all intents and purposes, the production and presentation of Revelations In Alchemy, the band’s debut, is to the caliber of some of death metal’s most profiled acts. There is no need for comparisons save for Shroud Of The Heretic being a fantastic plummet into the depths of occult death with an odd choice in color choice for their cover. Greys, blacks, browns? Fuck you, how about white and green?

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.

Ritual Decay – The Conquering Darkness [US, Black / Death / Doom] (2014)

Caligari Records | 1-16-14

Holy shit, who knew Caligari Records was releasing such wonderful music? The possibility for exceptional black, death, and doom is very real and just hidden under large rocks in Tennessee. Ritual Decay is a doom influenced black / death act with no ties to established bands nor any preceding qualifications. In fact their resume maybe blank with only an overexposed photograph with a wolf in their promo photo. Regardless, The Conquering Darkness is beyond the qualifications for introductions as Ritual Decay firmly plants themselves as one of the best newcomers for 2014.

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.