Dec 13, 2016
I’ve played Hivelords before, and in the past awarded them Runner-Up to 2015 Best Sludge. Members make up Philly band Surgeon. Check out the album art: http://www.ftg38.com/album-covers/
Proggy and symphonic mix up death and black.
Old Gods: Surgeon (Philly)(0:28-5:20)
The dulcet Swedish tones of Horisont are so hot, so blues-sexy. If you don’t know this band, it is time. Let these dudes swagger their jean-clad butts into your fantasies.
The Hive: Horisont (Sweden)(Feb 2017)(6:25-9:57)
Bethlehem is led by a raging witch. She screams her rage, and feeds the evil demon living way deep in your soul.
Kalt' Ritt In Leicht Faltiger Leere: Bethlehem (Germany)(10:36-15:54)
Oskoreien recently released a split with Botanist. They are symbiotic, playing the same type of emotive raw black metal with melancholy compositions. This is from Oskoreien’s second album.
Ab Aeterno, Ad Infinitum: Oskoreien (LA)(16:33-25:55)
Spaced out trippy desert rock. Now I know you’ve read that before, but these Finnish men have a way grooving out in the most delicious way. A stellar record, thick and gorgeous. I wish I could have played one of their longer songs, but 60 minutes goes by way too fast.
Tzar Bomba: Craneium (Finland)(27:10-34:42)
Jason Netherton of Misery Index leads this supergroup (Gwar, Black Dahlia Murder) of pumped up chugging death grind.
No Feast (Without Cruelty): Asphalt Graves (VA)(35:16-37:41)
Indian black metal doesn’t surprise me. These guys have infused their culture, sounds and imagery in a gorgeously varied album. Whole album is a big thumbs up.
A Clarity of Indignation: Démonos (India)(38:36-44:56)
Savage writhing grit. Dirty dirty dirty. Nightbringer drummer. It represents my anger.
Shadow Fires: Antaeus (France)(45:57-49:56)
Another solid sludge groove album from Fistula. Sorry you live in Ohio, your state sucks.
Tough Guy: Fistula (Ohio)(50:42-56:31)
One-man band Crimson Moon created a dense black metal album, broken up by stark folk melody and vocals. First album after more than a decade.
Urilian Worm: Crimson Moon (San Diego)(57:15-END)