Mar 29, 2023
0:25-7:01
GABESTOK
(Denmark)
Tab dagen
— Their last album was my #2 album of
2021; my favorite type of genre bending. Tons of rock
elements, including blues and garage and psychedelic black metal.
The raspy vocalist is one of my favorites, and he tries a lot
of styles including a high-pitched epic King Diamond-style. Very
charismatic.
7:56-15:34
LAMP OF MURMUUR
(CA)
Hymns of Death, Rays of
Might
— A standout throaty snarl from the
one-person band. Blistering pace and epic leadups still leave
room for massive riffs and a touch of beauty in this black and
roll.
16:04-20:05
XYSMA
(Finland)
Encounter at Dawn
— Don’t sleep on this 70’s influenced
rock and pop album, the lead singer reminds me of Ian Astbury of
the Cult AND Scorpions’ Klaus Meine. Their synthy psychedelic
keyboard stuff is outrageously in that 70's cinematic style.
20:36-26:02
DAWN RAY'D
(UK)
In the Shadow of the Past
— Western-style and folksy violin is
sweetly poignant and romantic, set against a machinistic guttural
and screech vocalist and black metal tremelo guitar.
26:38-30:21
FIRMAMENT
(Germany)
The Void
— Another 70's influenced retro rock
and heavy metal with a bit of punk attitude. Pull on that
jean jacket.
30:49-39:39
NE OBLIVISCARIS
(AU)
Misericorde II - Anatomy of
Quiescence
— Violin, piano, funk bass, and jazz
structures in a proggy death. Aggressive explosive vocals that
really pack the punch I wanted.
40:03-44:56
ANGEROT
(SD)
Behold The Blessed Black
— A dozen turns within the same song,
tightly wound vocals juxtapose against synth effects. Death metal
with complex song structures and lumbering pace.
45:43-49:20
GRISLY
(Sweden)
Hours of Torment
— Another unique rock and roll death
metal with a lot of different styles guitar and
aggression.
49:47-55:18
GATEKEEPER
(CAN)
Nomads
— Mid-tempo heavy metal, anthemic
lyrics, jamming guitars and nostalgic melody is righteous.
Power-styled vocals from a new singer.
55:39-END
TRIBE OF PAZUZU
(CAN)
Invocation of the Ancients
— Blustery, grimy and seething death,
muscular growls and fun noodle-y guitars.