Abrasive Audio Late 21′ – Part the Second
Welcome back.
This installment concludes the latest AA piece (and is perhaps the years final entry?) In this segment I’ve compiled a few Reccs (including, obviously, Voids), Plucked Screamin from Metal Past, Revisiting a Classic (Exhorder’s “Slaughter at the Vatican” receives a revisit after a few decades of collecting dust, yes it’s been too long) and there’s an entry to keep the ears open for in the very near future. However, before I get started, I need mention that this article includes several entries courtesy of a mysterious contributor. He/She/It even chose to tackle Adacom’s Top 5 (of October) in its entirety (minus Organic – which has been covered previously). I’m not complaining.
What say we get started…?
Plucked Screamin’ from Metal Past
Orion (Chile) – Mysterium Cosmographicim
https://orionsj.bandcamp.com/releases
Release – September 20
Genre – Death/Thrash/Old School Thrash
Thoughts –
From the cover one might imagine Raw BM (My Doctor says they hurt…what-?) and one would be wrong. This is DM with shredding riffs and atmosphere bordering on Aggressive Old School Thrash. Accented vocals give it a ferocious edge which I’m appreciating as I’m sure other will too. Tempos are varied with passages dipping occasionally into quite familiar territories (I won’t mention Metallica again in this piece… I won’t! Poop!) Overall, this is going to appeal to those who prefer the decidedly more primal side of the genre.
Score – 87
(And plucked from the abyss of obscurity by Kman)
Scanner (Germany) – Hypertrace
Release- 1988
Genre – Heavy/Power/Speed Metal
Thoughts –
Within the first minute this put me in mind of early Helloween, albeit with a conceptual sci-fi slant. The catchy rhythms are here, a style which is undeniably Heavy Metal wrapped in classic melodies and clean singing vocals with an occasional chorus whereupon the whole band chimes in. A flowing narrative, cinematic ambiance (recalling scenes from stand out 80’s cinematic affairs which light seem a little aged nowadays) and falsetto vocals which occasionally trail off add to the enjoyment of an album (which I personally need to be a quite specific mood in order to sit through). Fun for fans of vintage HM, those who peddle the style today, and others pining for the days of yore when Iron Maiden, Diamondhead and “Keeper of the Seven Keys” ruled the airwaves (those who dared to play such) this provides all one could hope for though remains in an arena I personally rarely frequent.
Score – 80
Revisiting a Classic
Exhorder (USA) – Slaughter in the Vatican
Release – October 1990 (original demo; 1987)
Genre – Thrash/Groove
Thoughts –
General consensus (and all indications point toward the fact) is that this album dramatically changed Thrash and the way in which Pantera played, commencing with “Cowboys From Hell”. There are even a handful who believe this is the reasoning why “Anselmo sounds like Kyle Thomas” (each to his/her own, there’s seriously no reason to fight over opinions, although this hasn’t stopped millions lusting to spill blood throughout history).
So, what then of the album?
More importantly, why didn’t I like it when I owned the vinyl? (this is another album I should have coveted, rather than sold). I honestly believe it was on account of the Kyle’s vocal cadence. His voice ‘shifts’ gears a great deal and my appreciation of it (now) makes me ponder upon giving Dark Angel another chance. The music itself is top notch Thrash bursting at the seams with energy, exuberance and undoubtable technical prowess. In all honesty the album deserves as much praise as those frequently lauded above it (it was released a month prior to Megadeth “Rest in Peace”). SitV (an obvious abr.) in this sitting has delivered a great deal more than I believed it was capable of, a fact which only makes me want to flying kick myself in the groin. Perhaps a listen of their newest is in order? I’ll add it to the ever-expanding list. For now, I’m busy, I’m on my third spin and it still offers a certain something which apparently my adolescent mind could not quite handle (at the time).
Score – 91
Metal Dropping in the Near Future
Pilgrimage (Malta/The Netherlands) – Sigil of the Pilgrim Sun
https://pilgrimageofdoom.bandcamp.com/music
Release – December 21
Genre – DeathDoom/Funeral Doom
Thoughts –
Slow and the sky is falling heavy with palpable malevolence this is DeathDoom veering toward Funeral Doom arenas done right. If one were to think vintage Paradise Lost merging with the finest incarnation of Mourning Beloveth then this could well be the result. Melancholy, grand sweeping rhythms and throaty vox all the best ingredients are here and mixed with precision and expert know-how. With that being said however there still remains a moment or two which feel a tiny bit out of place (perhaps the fix is something as easy as a touch up/rethinking upon the constitution of certain clean vocal passages?) Strangely, there’s next to zero internet presence for this act, and the album. That needs to change, and pronto. Here’s hoping these few words could spark an avalanche of warranted interest.
Score – 85
Onward to the Kingdom of Reccs
An Anonymous Twitter Recc
(Written by “B”)
Deadly Ritual (Mexico) – Horrores de la Mente Humana
https://deadlyritualmx.bandcamp.com/music
Release – May 21
Genre – OSDM/Death/Thrash
Thoughts –
I can’t make nor tail outta what these fellas are “singing” about. Odds are this is in their native tongue, more power to them. But it matters not. This comes outta the void to kick the listener in the tail and spin them around like a tumbleweed in a stiff Arizona breeze (that’s topical as it’s where both me and Cult reside). In instances this bears a local band aura, though not the typical these fuckas are everywhere aura. But instead, the rare vibe which brings about an ecstatic happiness and an urge to approach the band to inform them they’re destined to be going places (other than the local circuit). In other instances, an undeniable ‘we know what the hell were doing’ presence. And they do, in between varied easily identifiable influence there’s a drum assault with an unforgiving hellish approach, wicked feral South American accented vocals and a percussion which also hints at a love for the diabolic as well the obvious Slayer-esque attitude. All this and a decent rendition of “Open Casket” (if you’re at a loss for who the original author may be, odds are you’re in the wrong place!)
Do not miss this! Support these talented hombres from across the border.
Score – 88
A Recc from the Twitter Metal Community at Large
Burial (Italy) – Inner Gateways to the Slumbering Equilibrium…
https://burialdeath.bandcamp.com/music
Release – October 21
Genre – DeathDoom/OSDM
Thoughts –
Burial here prove that their last outing was no mere fluke. This boils over with definite presence, a palpable arcane nature, an ancient malevolence. A vessel transporting the listener to alien realms, a time far removed from our own, a landscape rife with sinister magicks, desolation and tyranny. Burial do what many try their hands at (it seems a current trend for the past couple of years) but pull it off with an outstanding flair which separates then from their peers.
Cavernous Death on another level.
Score – 92
Recc by (the Spawn of) Lilith Kain
(And another submitted by “B”)
Hands of Despair (Canada) – The Crimson Boughs (and Other Short Tales)
https://handsofdespair.bandcamp.com/album/the-crimson-boughs-and-other-short-tales
Release – December 21
Genre – Progressive/Black/Death Metal
Thoughts –
And here’s another I grabbed from (the very tippy top of) Cult’s “to get to” list. And not to be put off from the band’s own words and description; “We play long, dark, songs” I dove in blindly, ears first.
Well, the shortest track runs just under four and a half minutes…but it matters not. I honestly wasn’t expecting to scribble this but this transfixes, mesmerizes and holds the attention rapt throughout. Each track is akin to a planet bouncing around a universe which is the album that somehow contains the whole (fuck me! I’m a poet). But seriously, there’s a frenetic smorgasbord of audio delights on offer here and these ‘fellas’ know how to manhandle (not sure if they’re comprised of a mixture of Y and X chromosomes, or however one terms it nowadays, here’s hoping you get the point I’m trying to make) their instruments (that’s not meant as a gender pun) and the assorted cacophony resulting. There’s melody here, chaos, enough pace shifts to frustrate a NASCAR driver, atmosphere enough for an 80’s sci-fi epic and plentiful technical prowess to entice as well an impressive throat to perk up all those who demand quality in said department. I’m of the crowd who believes this element is of the utmost importance and this example is most certainly not going to let any fans down.
Brutality, presence, melody, for fear of repeating myself this trumps (sans the orange hair and horrendous business “grab them by the pussy” etiquette) most.
The only drawback to this is the fact that its release falls so late in the year that it quite possibly results in missing representation, deservedly warranted, upon a plethora (ooo, another exciting word) of End of Year lists.
Score – 94
Recc from Drew
(I’m not sure to which release he was referring, So I’ll “cover” both chapters here)
Panzerfaust (Canada) – The Suns of Perdition – Chapter I; War, Horrid War
https://panzerfaust.bandcamp.com/album/the-suns-of-perdition-chapter-i-war-horrid-war
Release – June 19
Genre – Atmospheric/Melodic BM
Thoughts –
If 1914 are the DM WWI act then there’s no doubt that Panzerfaust are the BM equivalent. With stunning arrangements and a twin pronged vocal assault, riffs to tear the head off whilst simultaneously making one ponder upon how it possibly is that BM can be this catchy and all-consumable whilst still holding firm to the genre’s parameters. Dissonant passages, atmosphere to drench the soul and an aura to drag one screamin’ back to the front (oh, God no-! Not a Metallica reference?) This contains a damn sight more than one might initially assume, and that last track…suffice it to say I’m kicking myself for not giving them time and discovering them so much sooner. This demands respect!
Score – 95
The Suns of Perdition – Chapter II; Render unto Eden
Release – August 20
https://panzerfaust.bandcamp.com/album/the-suns-of-perdition-chapter-ii-render-unto-eden
Genre – Atmospheric/Melodic BM
Thoughts –
Powerful audio here. Plenty of dissonant rhythms and atmosphere to pull one ‘into the action’. It’s obvious that Panzerfaust take the time to hone their craft and diversify (somewhat) their style from album to album and it works. Although thus isn’t quite as impactful as their last it still stands testament to the fact that the arena of BM isn’t that which many might assume based on “bad press”. It’s a varied and wonderful spectrum, truly a landscape one can lose themselves within if given half the chance and Panzerfaust just so happen to have the cookies.
Score – 90
Recc from Curtis
Astrophobus (Sweden) Corpus
https://astrophobos.bandcamp.com/album/corpus
Release- November 21
Genre – Melodic/Atmospheric BM
Thoughts –
It’s not often that a Recc comes to me by way of someone I “work” with, however in this case I was curious enough to flex the scribbling fingers.
And…
Thank the Dark Lord for unholy audio and Reccs from not quite so random strangers who know great audio when they hear it. This isn’t just as catchy as a blessed baseball mitt it’s also draped in a grandiose nature which adds an often-ritualistic aura and a ‘build’ which is outstanding. Add to that a set of pipes which any up-and-coming BM act could only wish to possess and you have an album which is far and away better than my limited scope of grammatical praise could ever describe. But I’ll try, and hopefully give the reader an inkling of how important it is to give this a listen.
Score – 94
Recc from Void
Chasmdweller (Canada) – Fossilized (EP)
https://chasmdweller.bandcamp.com/album/fossilized
Release – April 21
Genre – DM/OSDM
Thoughts-
The description isn’t wrong, this is DM for DM fans! Barely this side of Slam with gargling vocals, wicked (I said that with a Canadian accent, could you tell?) pace transformations and a requisite amount of pummeling to pound one into dust. These fellas know what they are doing and Void has Recc’d another winner! Only four tracks on offer in this EP but its more than enough to entice a listener to take a foray into the other audio slabs on offer.
Score – 90
Recc from Droid
(Submitted by ‘B”)
Mangler (Canada) – Dimensions of Terror
https://manglerband.bandcamp.com/album/dimensions-of-terror
Release – July 17
Genre – Thrash/Death/Heavy Metal
Thoughts –
If you’re in the market for riffs, rhythm, chuggery and a style which is equal parts Thrash and Death with zero BS and minimal Proggy bits, this is likely the album for you. Slightly simplistic and largely precictable this isn’t leading the charge, or hoisting any fancy standards, for change within the genre. It does however hit the spot!
Score – 78
Recc from Doomparade
(Submitted by “B”)
Firelink (USA) – The Inveterate Fire: Rekindled
(A remaster of the May 2019 release featuring different members)
https://firelink.bandcamp.com/album/the-inveterate-fire-rekindled
Release – November 21
Genre – Melodic Black Metal
Thoughts –
Note the track lengths and the fact that this isn’t a traditional fall-asleep-whilst-listening Doom affair. It does however sport cinematic builds, classic atmosphere and instances of Prog and insane, complex, drum mastery which most traditional BM albums do not. In actuality, it starts out much like if Black Dahlia Murder might sound if they’d taken a similar road to that which SkeletonWitch have taken. But then the album transforms to include atmospheric and Prog elements. This is not in the slightest what one might imagine given the genre moniker, but it is impressive, highly entertaining, and likely requires more than a solitary spin to fully appreciate.
Score – 84
Recc from LFCMFighter
(Submitted by “B”)
Grand Cadaver (Sweden) – Into the Maw of Death
https://grandcadaver.bandcamp.com/album/into-the-maw-of-death
Release – October 21
Genre – HM2/Melodic Death
Thoughts –
Yes, their EP earlier in the year was damn impressive. I’m happy to report this is no exception to the already stratospheric (love that word, and apparently so does Cult, so I’m going to borrow it) standard they’ve already established. Imbued (another snazzy word. Look at me I’m a smarty pants) with liberal douses of DeathDoom and enough Groove to detour an ocean, this isn’t what one would deem traditional Entombed, Dismember, or even Bloodbath fodder (perhaps I should rephrase as all three have veered slightly from the “Left Hand Path” (ha, I’m a pun artist now!) within their respective discographies. The term ‘best known for’ is more appropriate. But it works and this shudders with atmosphere and an aura which brims over with excellence. A presence no doubt manufacted from the combined talent on offer. This might be the year of HM2, it’s undeniably a fan-fckn’-tastic year for Grand Cadaver! And this album is yet another reason why the genre and this act in particular shouldn’t be ignored!
Fun fact; Mikeal Stanne is not only the vocalist here but also in Dark Tranquility, he occasionally features as the same (in) In Flames (ouch! I bet that smarts) and is also the original vocalist for Hammerfall. What a talented and busy chap!
Score – 95
Adracom’s Top 5 (of October)
(Submitted, Pondered upon and Scribbled by “B”)
Mortal Vision (Ukraine) – Mind Manipulation
https://mortalvision-ua.bandcamp.com/music
Genre – Old School/Aggressive Thrash
Thoughts –
“I can see”… (said the suddenly wealthy blind man) why this is included here. Shades and mire than merely a slight leaning toward a style peddled by vintage Sodom, Sepultura and a cover which puts one in mind of a certain era of Marduk, across the board Bolt Thrower, and a newer act in much the same vein; Just Before Dawn (although a style which resides barely this side of the Death/Dirge front line trenches). This is classic, instant, sickle-across-the-chops inducing audio sporting rhythms, riffs and an accented vocal assault to put any Thrash fan in the mood for carnage and destruction. Prepare yourself for an abrupt rifling through all an assortment of bug ridden, dusty, boxes in storage. This one demands spikes, chains and denim as an accompaniment.
Nostalgic “Thrashin like an absolute Maniac” Bliss!
Score – 92
Archspire (USA) – Bleed the Future
https://archspire.bandcamp.com/music
Genre – Tech/Brutal Death Metal
Thoughts –
Fu…fu…fuck-!
Now this is what I’m talking about! Spastic fast, tight as a pair of jeans from the 1st grade (some might get that reference, I don’t!) coupled with a throat to ward off the most wicked of demonic infestation. Seriously, this guy has insane chops. Rhythms to change the direction of a hurricane and a drummer who could most likely reshape that head monument thing in the Dakota with his skills in less than five minutes (just give him a pair of chisels, I dare ya!)
In short this is as close to an audiogasm I’ve came (there’s a pun!) all year. Somehow, they just keep getting better.
Score – 97
First Fragment (Canada) – Glorie Eternelle
https://uniqueleaderrecords.bandcamp.com/album/gloire-ternelle
Genre – Tech/Prog/Classical Death
Thoughts –
Flamenco guitar, Tech intricacy and insane, frequent, instances of “how the F can anyone possibly play like this”. Not to mention an overall aura which screams why haven’t the two styles been fused in this way before? First Fragment have personality, oodles of talent and creativity which is far beyond impressive. This is an over an hour in length though fails to traipse into “this is so technically stunning” that it’s beyond comprehension (*insert another acts name here) sliding into boring over-the-top realms.
Truly an achievement in a genre with plentiful releases which often suffer from one track sounding like all the others. Although undoubtedly experimental this somehow remains a stellar affair boasting evocative atmosphere not to mention cavalcade upon cavalcade of rhythms within a maelstrom of riffs. A testament to the abilities of those responsible, this warrants exploration and celebration.
Score – 94
Fear Connection (Germany) – Progeny of a Social Disease
https://fearconnection.bandcamp.com/album/progeny-of-a-social-disease-2
Genre – Thrash/Death/D-Beat
Thoughts –
Two tracks in and I’ve already decided that this is the audio I’ll be spinning all day. Just Fn’ wow! Take heed all up and coming acts who might be struggling as how to meld Thrash and Death and other elements onto a cohesive and thoroughly enjoying whole…this is quite the approach to take! Plenty of groove to get into here as well moments to toss one back to albums of the past one might not consider based on this album’s overall texture and tone. And enough movement to keep one moving (huh?). Toss this amidst the EoY list contenders.
Score – 92
Organic – Where Graves Abound*
https://testimonyrecords.bandcamp.com/album/organic-where-graves-abound
(*Covered in a previous Installment)
Last Minute Rapid-Fire Additions
(A single brutally blunt sentence, and a score, no BS! Again ‘hosted’ entirely by B)
Unconsecrated (Spain) – Reveal of the Dead
https://unconsecrated.bandcamp.com/album/reveal-of-the-dead
Release – December 21
Thoughts –
The cover depicts “The Blind Dead” (film) worship whilst the audio tells of undeniable Grave and Dismember influence. None of these are bad things, somewhat over-used and beaten to death for sure, but hardly bad. I’m glad to report however, that these fellas know their way around both a stick bashin’ set (drums) and fretboards. Within the mix also are infectious rhythms, a fantastic tone, an occasional passage that hints at possible Crust adoration and a throat which fits the whole. Occasional synth melodies lent this a memorable quality and a slight 80’s Cult film nostalgia. I’m intrigued as to where future releases might lead, for now I’m busy moving along like an electrified mannequin to what this offers. Another raunchy gem plucked from the ether.
Score – 84
Recc from Adracom (yes, more from that one metal preaching bloke on Twitter)
R.O.D (Poland) – Hate Speech
https://rodthrashcrew.bandcamp.com/album/hatespeech
Release – Dec 21
Thoughts –
Short and sweet. Heavily accented and aggressive bounce around till you hit the dirt from exhaustion Thrash. This isn’t highly polished, or even pretty, but it gets down n dirty and straight to the fkn’ point. And how about that cover? A skeleton on a mission with a Meagan-like instrument of punishment. Anyone else getting The Exploited vibes from the artwork?
Score – 82
Once Upon the End (France) – The Next Chapter
https://onceupontheend.bandcamp.com/album/the-next-chapter
Release – December 21
This might require a few spins to fully appreciate. The first track leads the listener one way, a false sense of security, only for the second and subsequent tracks to offer surprising movement and a style which varies dramatically. Melodic HM rhythms and an aura hinting at Melodic DM interests are par for the course, as too a rampant unpredictability factor suggesting a wide array of influence and talents stemming from far flung corners of the Metal Universe.
Score – 81
Tyrants (Columbia) – Kill or Die
https://tyrants2.bandcamp.com/releases
Release – December 21
Imagine if Exciter, Iron Maiden and (newer) Judas Priest were to merge into a single style. This could well be the result. Sounds messy but this actually works! Infectious Thrash with splashes of HM and passionate vocals, add a South American edge and it’s a winner!
Score – 82
Luciferica (Brazil) – Wailing War
https://luciferica.bandcamp.com/album/wailing-war
Release – December 21
A fantastic cover. It’s a pity about the music. It’s a little repetitive. Repetitive. Repetitive. But I’m guessing some people like this type. Is this ‘Drone’…? It has a Doom feel, to be sure, huge riffs and snatches of melody but not nearly enough to keep my attention.
Score – 62
Mental Cruelty (Germany) – A Hill to Die Upon
https://uniqueleaderrecords.bandcamp.com/album/a-hill-to-die-upon
Release – May 21
A definite symphonic presence makes this different than most breakdown/”drop” infested deathcore affairs. Fantastic rhythms and technical dense rhythms only make up a portion of why this is so impressive.
Score – 82
Silver Talon (USA) – Decadence and Decay
https://silvertalon.bandcamp.com/album/decadence-and-decay-2
Release – May 21
There are plentiful styles on display here to please those whose tastes are scattered. From Speed metal rhythms to tracks basted more in both Prog and Hard Rock values this is sure leave an impression upon fans who veer frequently from more extreme arenas. A standout factor comes in the form of a vocalist whose attributes bear gymnastic qualities and a range which is astonishing. Shades of Nevermore’s Warren Dale shine through as this unfolds as well similarities to acts who dwell within Heavy Metal territories though often incorporate stylish intricacies plucked from other realms into their repertoire.
Score – 81
Celestial Swarm (Australia/France/USA) – Gateways to the Necroverse
https://celestialswarm.bandcamp.com/album/gateways-to-the-necroverse
Release – January 21
There’s some debate as to which genre definition this filthy, squirmy, ever-writhing, dense, audio should have. But really who cares? Take the time to enjoy its complexities, facets and all-consuming nature instead. Seriously, it’s a toss-up between Melodic BM/Cavernous DM/Brutal DM and DeathDoom not to mention the snippets of Grinding Death and Slam throughout. This came out in January; it deserves to be rediscovered!
Score – 84
Deadspeak (The Netherlands) – Dissolve the Dream (EP)
https://rawskullrecordz.bandcamp.com/album/dissolve-the-dreams
Release – October 21
Chug, chug, chugtastic. It’s all been heard before and this breaks no new ground. However, it’s a decent listen overladen with satisfactory riffs and a raunchy tone that’s sure to get the dangle bits moving, add to this an aura which permeates with a delicious 90’s stench and the recipe is complete. An “Evil Dead” cover finds a weird placement (right smack-bang in the middle of the EP) though serves to break up the album some with a spot of neck breaking nostalgia.
Score – 78
Brooding Fear (The Netherlands/Poland) – Abomination
https://broodingfear.bandcamp.com/releases
Release – December 21
Talk about albums you might have missed if not for stumbling down a YouTube rabbit hole and reading the occasional detritus within the comment section. This fits in that category. With enough whipping melodies, grindcore esque passages and chopping an enemy up finer than dust drum salvos alongside a vocal accompaniment that pleases this leaves the kind of mark to make one yell the band’s name aloud followed by the word Why? Seriously, this demands press and discussion. It’s tight, has movement and energy to spare (much like a new born rabbit who hasn’t been cornered by his horny brethren. What-?)
Score – 90
Eyemaster (Germany) – 2 track demo
https://caligarirecords.bandcamp.com/album/charcoaled-remains-festering-slime
Release – May 21
Only two tracks on offer here, and a silly moniker. The art has my attention.
A filthy tone, an aura to please those whose sensibilities are still firmly rooted in the 90’s and groove slathered in Crust. There’s not much else to say other than bring on a full-length brandishing the same attitude…please!
Score – 88
1914 (Ukraine) – Where Fear and Weapons Meet
https://x1914x.bandcamp.com/album/where-fear-and-weapons-meet
Release – October 21
If the art doesn’t tickle your happy bone (huh?) the music is sure to. Much like their last this is completed with attention to detail; passages that transport the listener to the trenches and vividly illustrate the psyche of those fighting for their livelihood, family and country and an aura which seethes with at any given moment everything could be lost. This is exquisite!
Dirge, Melodic DeathDoom (with sprinkles of Traditional Folk) par excellence.
Score – 92
Devil Cross (Canada) – This Mortal Coil
https://devilcross.bandcamp.com/releases
Release – December 21
She sports quite the…uhh…umm…blade?
The guy from Haunt is here. Behind the kit, and oddly not fiddling with strings. Anyhow, this is an absolute retro Speed/Proto/HM affair which I cannot, for the life of me, get fully behind, although I’m sure there are those with vintage penchants who will go absolutely gaga for what this offers. But not me, I honestly didn’t make it past the second track.
Be braver than me, give these guys a chance!
Score – 72
Opera Diabolicus (Sweden) – Death on a Pale Horse
https://operadiabolicus.bandcamp.com/releases
Release – November 21
It’s been a great while since this super collective released anything. As the moniker suggests this is more like an “Opera” than an album. With Classical, Progressive, Gothic, Heavy, Epic and Power Metal elements colliding, this sounds messy. But surprisingly, it isn’t. Recc’d more for the open-minded and fans of narrative based audio (*cough, *cough, King Diamond) this is intricate, multi-faceted and complex. And much like every other entry in this segment I’ve written more than …”a single, blunt, sentence” upon it. Whoops. My bad!
Score – 79
And, Yes, I had to go there…
Omicron (Belguim) – Revelations of Man (Single)
https://omicronmetal.bandcamp.com/releases
Release – March 21
Thoughts –
And the verdict is in. And I’m happy to report this is actually rather decent. Atmosphere and angelic female presence woven around a style which is noticeably both Black and somewhat Tech Death complete with catchy rhythms, lyrics which fit our current state of affairs and a style I want to hear more of. Obviously these guys have tons of attention at the moment on account of a “variant” (and not from the Loki series at that!) named after them (?) hopefully the attention helps their career some, now if only the extreme audio genre would receive the same, for the right reasons (it isn’t just noise after all, unless it is), perhaps the talent therein wouldn’t have to struggle so hard to make a living. Ah, if only this was a perfect world and every candy bar came in a white chocolate variety also. A full length has been promised and I’m intrigued.
Score – 80
And that’s about it, I’ve heard rumors that Cult might be dropping a few names in regards to his most listened to albums of 2021 but in regards to a list of any semblance, in any order, it’s still “up in the air”. Either way, I could care less. Have a fantastic end of year folks and don’t forget to hold those near and dear in cages (ha, I jest!)…tight. As who really knows what the future has in store?
Bring on the machines. Insert random Arnie quotes here “Come with me if you want to live”, “Get in the Choppa'”.
On that note, I’m out!
B
CultMetalFlix 