Welcome back to our monthly segment, Under/Current. Here we will cover the music we currently find inspirational, the music we look forward to in the near future, and what we, J.C.L., X.K..and P.S., are currently listening to. We encourage you to check out the artists with the links provided in the texts (Marked in yellow).
J.C.L.
Currently inspirational:
Chaos Echœs - Ecstasy With the Nonexistents
This experimental death/doom band from France disbanded back in 2019, yet a few weeks ago this release popped up. I was surprised to learn that it was a live-album, A surprise which might be caused by the crisp production and lack of audience noises. The band says that this album is a unique setlist re-interpreting a number of their songs from their last albums into a three-part suite. And I can hear that, as this is one of those albums you just put on to be completely absorbed by its incredible universe. This is truly an experience, and I give it my firmest recommendation.
This criminally unknown band from Italy released their sophomore album, Imperative Imperceptible Impulse, earlier in February, and it has been a joy to listen to it and make sense of it. While the influences from Ulcerate and Gorguts are obvious, Ad Nauseam is still very much their own creative master, experimenting with frequent tempo changes, poly-rhythms and disharmonies. The result is an absolutely chaotic mess, which I mean in the best of senses. This is serious high-grade stuff for the listener who hungers for a metal challenge.
Currently looking forward to:
Koldovstvo - Ни царя, ни бога
I know next to nothing about Koldovstvo, who and how many they are or where they are from, but when I heard the first two songs from this album, I clicked with it instantly. The first impressions from their upcoming debut record are great; Reverb-heavy ethereal sound, clean vocal passages and a melodic lead guitar straight from an 80’s post-punk band. All in all an otherworldly, almost dreamlike experience for which I have high hopes for when it releases the 5th of March. I know I will be listening to it.
Fuath - II
It’s been 5 years since we’ve last heard from Fuath. Granted, Andy Marshall, the man behind it, has been busy with his other, more well known project Saor, which delivers more epic folk-influenced black, while Fuath unleashes the Scottish fury and aggression. On the 19th of March Fuath will release the long-awaited follow up to it's debut album, simply titled II, and already this has me way more hooked than the previous Saor-albums, as there is a much more melancholic and aggressive tone to this. I will recommend this for fans of Wodensthrone, Drudkh and Mgla
Listened to this week:
A new black metal project from Argentina who have just released their debut full album, which impressed me deeply. Featuring a surprise in the form of Nikita Kamprad from Der Weg Einer Freiheit on bass, it's little wonder to hear some influences from that band. However Descent Towards Death proves it is more than just a guest appearance. The drums in particular deserves high praise for their high-tempo beats, as does the guitar composition, intertwining melodies, hard-hitting riffs and even a solo, which is rare for black metal. Whatever struggles these guys have put into this album, it translate to a fantastic result!
Vide by Belgian post-metallers Emptiness questions your grasp on your reality and captures some very raw emotions. The feeling of life passing by, being dead inside and living in solitude is something I get out of the unreal and near dreamlike soundscape this album weaves, but experiences might differ from person to person. The subtle vocals are almost a highlight in itself, in how anguished yet resigned and careless they sound, like a man who has given up and become an empty husk of what he once was. Powerful and haunting, all without being brash and loud. Like a quiet scream into the void
These days it's rare that contemporary Norwegian black metal impresses me. Not that some things does from time to time, but I've noticed there are fewer albums currently that does genuinely impress me. For the Glory of your Redeemer by Misotheist thankfully did slip through the needle eye, and does get my seal of approval. Despite only being 3 tracks long, half of those belonging to the closing track, this album manage to deliver some crushing and dissonant moments. Soundwise, comparisons to Deathspell Omega are no doubt to follow for this album, but it is still well worth a listen.
X.K.
Currently inspirational:
Today is the release date for this untameable album. It offers raw material with modern feels here and there along with guest appearances from among others Whoredom Rife & Vltimas. Last time we heard from these Italians was back in 2014, they took their time but this has everything a black metal album should have. It really is like a refreshing return to the 00's era Dødsheimgard and Mayhem in terms of technicality and ferocity. Just give it a spin or ten!
Currently looking forward to:
This debut album by the Swedish all-around musician Jörgen Ström has been in our hands for a little under a month now, and I just can't stop listening to these atmospheric, post, blackgaze tunes. Even though they seem so familiar they appear nothing like it, there are layers of emotions and life reassuring within. Each riff is so different and this is amazing and positive to hear.
Listened to this week:
Thanks to Bergthron & Black Metal Promotion for uploading this amazing dark medieval album, for someone like myself to listen to it for the first time. I loved it from the very first get-go, there is something obscure over the symphonic vibes that have these hidden unique tales attached to it. As it evolves, it just stands out… so for now I am working my way through their discography, which truly is like being a part of the 6th century history.
Since lockdown is still here, I've lately felt like losing some of the extra weight all this staying-at-home has cost me. And you might ask what it has to do with these Danish black metal enthusiasts? I have for years now always come back to this self-titled debut record that shines with opportunism. And with opportunity comes the hope of losing weight which many might have felt, so here is my go to workout album, you should try it, it is filled with a powerful workout spirit.
PS. they scream at you so save your money on a fitness coach!
PPS: The album is available for "name your price", so go get it!
P.S.
Currently inspirational:
The inspiration for this month is a sludge/post metal juggernaut, Old Man Gloom. These albums are full of twists and turns and combine the best of all the best parts of this band. This double album was released back in 2014 and is Old Man Gloom’s sixth studio album, and was produced by Kurt Balou. I consider this the band's masterpiece, but I would recommend checking out their other albums if you like this album, as they all truly sound great.
Currently looking forward to:
Sludge metal legends Eyehategod are back with a new album, A History of Nomadic Behavior, that I as a long time fan am looking very much forward to. It promises to bring cool catchy bluesy-riffs and relevant commentary to the world today. We will review this album when it comes out March 12th
Video for "High Risk Trigger"
Video for "Fake What's Yours"
Video for "Fake What's Yours"
Also this month Rob Zombie is releasing a new album, The Lunar Injection Kool Aid Eclipse Conspiracy, and as a long time fan of him, his music and movies, this shapes up to maybe be his best release since Hellbilly Deluxe. The album releases on the 12th of March as well
Video for "The Triumph of King Freak"
Listened to this week:
This week I have been diving into a one man band that has put out some of the most new thinking and creative black metal I have heard in a long time.
Cairn by Mizmor is a brilliant example of that, combining the funeral doom sound of bands like Bell Witch with both melodic and old school black metal. This sound makes makes Mizmor, and especially this album a great and unique one to the collection
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