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). Today we are trying out a new format as well.
Currently inspirational:
My colleague reviewed Balmog’s previous EP last year, so when the Spaniards dropped Eve a few days ago, I recognized their name and dived in. I was not disappointed, this album feels tailor-made for my tastes; The base is black/death, but with heavy avant-garde influence and a surprisingly gritty post-punk vibe to it all, which results in a hard hitting and uncompromising experience, which feels connected from start to finish. The soundscape is not unlike some of the more ugly Polish black metal bands (e.g. Odraza, Furia and Biesy). Overall, this great album bears numerous repeats, and comes highly commended from me!
- J.C.L.
Thanks to festivals and the endless opportunity to discover new music, which I did with the talented Norwegians Djevel back in 2018 at Inferno Metal Festival. Two weeks ago this seventh full-length album, Tanker som Rir Natten, was released and has been continually on repeat. Being a sucker for the more atmospheric vibrations, the mix of that and the more traditional approaches just present this as an excellent fit for every black metal listener out there. The mid-tempo extends throughout the six given songs, which fades out to everything from melancholy riffs, to melodic pieces that are followed by what can well be described as characteristic vocal arrangements.
- X.K.
Fyrnask - VII: Kenoma
I had listened to Fyrnask’s previous full-length Fórn back in 2016, and was intrigued, but ultimately forgot about it, so I decided to give VII: Kenoma a chance, when it was released recently. Holy shit, instant favorite! The dark ritualistic and organic sound is mixed exceptionally well with modern droning dissonance, to a point where I actually struggle to compare them to other bands. The glorious Art-nouveau artwork by Glyn Smyth is also always a welcome sight, and lends further weight to this already impressive record. This is one album you shouldn’t miss out on.
- J.C.L.
Kauan - Ice Fleet
Of the many concept albums I've heard the last few years, few are as interesting as Estonia-based Kauan's latest effort Ice Fleet. First off, it's based on a story of a soviet research team discovering a flotilla in the northern ice sea, which I've never heard off, and secondly, there is an RPG-game accompanying the music, with lore. Yes, you read that right, you get to learn, and enjoy while listening. Move over, Myfarog! Besides that, the music is well composed enough to stand on it's own. It's a somber, slow and atmospheric post-metal affair, with plenty of elegant and enchanting moments to keep your attention. For fans of Agalloch, Alcest and Sólstafir
Morbid Angel - Blessed are the Sick
The second album from Morbid Angel, Blessed are the Sick, turns 30 this month and is by many considered one of the best death metal albums ever made, which I agree with. One of the first death metal albums to come out of the now (in)famous Florida death metal scene, it has been cited as an inspiration of future bands all over the world, and builds on the sound that the band had on their first album. The drums became a bit more complex and powerful and the guitar sound, compared to the first album, gives a lot more attention to solos and some of the coolest fills between songs or parts of a song I have heard on a death metal album. That says a lot about the band and their quest to expand on their sound and still keep it true to themselves
I had listened to Fyrnask’s previous full-length Fórn back in 2016, and was intrigued, but ultimately forgot about it, so I decided to give VII: Kenoma a chance, when it was released recently. Holy shit, instant favorite! The dark ritualistic and organic sound is mixed exceptionally well with modern droning dissonance, to a point where I actually struggle to compare them to other bands. The glorious Art-nouveau artwork by Glyn Smyth is also always a welcome sight, and lends further weight to this already impressive record. This is one album you shouldn’t miss out on.
- J.C.L.
Of the many concept albums I've heard the last few years, few are as interesting as Estonia-based Kauan's latest effort Ice Fleet. First off, it's based on a story of a soviet research team discovering a flotilla in the northern ice sea, which I've never heard off, and secondly, there is an RPG-game accompanying the music, with lore. Yes, you read that right, you get to learn, and enjoy while listening. Move over, Myfarog! Besides that, the music is well composed enough to stand on it's own. It's a somber, slow and atmospheric post-metal affair, with plenty of elegant and enchanting moments to keep your attention. For fans of Agalloch, Alcest and Sólstafir
- J.C.L.
The second album from Morbid Angel, Blessed are the Sick, turns 30 this month and is by many considered one of the best death metal albums ever made, which I agree with. One of the first death metal albums to come out of the now (in)famous Florida death metal scene, it has been cited as an inspiration of future bands all over the world, and builds on the sound that the band had on their first album. The drums became a bit more complex and powerful and the guitar sound, compared to the first album, gives a lot more attention to solos and some of the coolest fills between songs or parts of a song I have heard on a death metal album. That says a lot about the band and their quest to expand on their sound and still keep it true to themselves
- P.S.
Darkthrone - Eternal Hails......
The Norwegian legends Darkthrone are back with a new album Eternal Hails. Aside from the obvious callback in the artwork, the little info we have so far leads me to believe it will be another NWOBHM-affair akin to Arctic Thunder and Old Star. Take that as you will, Fenriz and Nocturno Culto are just doing whatever pleases them, so don't hope for a new Transilvanian Hunger. Eternal Hails is released by Peaceville records on the 25th of June.
Elderwind - Fires
I don’t even know where to begin with Elderwind, but when they back in February announced the news of this third album I was beyond ecstatic. If I was to listen to one band for the rest of my life I could easily answer, simply by Elderwind. The emotion I get from their music is endlessly beautiful, hard to put into words. Fires offers six songs in which the second one ‘The Relict’ is already out. Listening to that song really makes it harder to wait for the entire album that premieres on May 31st. The seven and a half minute ‘The Relict’ grows, just validates how unique their universe is and what the rest of Fires can offer....I still really hope to make it for their debut show at Metal Over Russia in July.
Red Fang - Arrows
In June I am really looking forward to one of my favorite stoner bands Red Fang returning with their new album, Arrows. They have already put out two singles for the album and they sound promising. This is their 5th album and time will tell if it can compare to their self titled debut album and my personal favorite album of theirs Murder the Mountains. This was also the album that really gained them all the praise that they deserved, and it still holds up. if you're into a fun time, that makes you feel good, Arrows releases on the 4th of June through Relapse Records.
Abkehr - Im Blut
I admit I am a sucker for Markov Soroka, and everything he touches. His projects Drown, Tchornobog and Aureole have each inspired me in their own way, so of course I had to listen to the latest Drown-release. While last year’s Subaqueous was my favorite for that year, Утоплення however, foregoes the funeral doom for a more ambient experience, which I am cool with. Throughout the album you experience the sounds of the deep sea and a pulse of heartbeats, something which apparently was inspired by Markov's father's recent heart attack, which makes for a truly cavernous and tense atmosphere.
- J.C.L.
Yautja - The Lurch
An underground sludge metal power trio from Nashville, Tennessee made their major label debut with The Lurch and wow, this is a good one. They have been around for some time now, putting out EP’s and splits, slowly making their way up. To describe their sound. I would compare them to early Mastodon mixed with elements of hardcore punk and grindcore and the way they put it all together is really incredible, so make sure to check Yautja out
Currently looking forward to:
The Norwegian legends Darkthrone are back with a new album Eternal Hails. Aside from the obvious callback in the artwork, the little info we have so far leads me to believe it will be another NWOBHM-affair akin to Arctic Thunder and Old Star. Take that as you will, Fenriz and Nocturno Culto are just doing whatever pleases them, so don't hope for a new Transilvanian Hunger. Eternal Hails is released by Peaceville records on the 25th of June.
- J.C.L.
I don’t even know where to begin with Elderwind, but when they back in February announced the news of this third album I was beyond ecstatic. If I was to listen to one band for the rest of my life I could easily answer, simply by Elderwind. The emotion I get from their music is endlessly beautiful, hard to put into words. Fires offers six songs in which the second one ‘The Relict’ is already out. Listening to that song really makes it harder to wait for the entire album that premieres on May 31st. The seven and a half minute ‘The Relict’ grows, just validates how unique their universe is and what the rest of Fires can offer....I still really hope to make it for their debut show at Metal Over Russia in July.
- X.K.
In June I am really looking forward to one of my favorite stoner bands Red Fang returning with their new album, Arrows. They have already put out two singles for the album and they sound promising. This is their 5th album and time will tell if it can compare to their self titled debut album and my personal favorite album of theirs Murder the Mountains. This was also the album that really gained them all the praise that they deserved, and it still holds up. if you're into a fun time, that makes you feel good, Arrows releases on the 4th of June through Relapse Records.
- P.S.
Listened to this week:
Germany and mid-tempo black metal, name a more iconic duo. Abkehr's newest concoction, their second full album In Blut certainly hits all the right buttons for me, with it's cold melodies, the vocals filled with hatred and nihilism and it's simple and efficient drums. If anything, the lasting impression from this album was one of utter desolation and how meaningless we as humans are in the grand scheme of things. This is one for fans of Mgła and Panzerfaust-era Darkthrone
Furthermore, the album is available for "name your price", so there is no excuse!
Furthermore, the album is available for "name your price", so there is no excuse!
- J.C.L.
Drown - Утоплення
I admit I am a sucker for Markov Soroka, and everything he touches. His projects Drown, Tchornobog and Aureole have each inspired me in their own way, so of course I had to listen to the latest Drown-release. While last year’s Subaqueous was my favorite for that year, Утоплення however, foregoes the funeral doom for a more ambient experience, which I am cool with. Throughout the album you experience the sounds of the deep sea and a pulse of heartbeats, something which apparently was inspired by Markov's father's recent heart attack, which makes for a truly cavernous and tense atmosphere.
- J.C.L.
An underground sludge metal power trio from Nashville, Tennessee made their major label debut with The Lurch and wow, this is a good one. They have been around for some time now, putting out EP’s and splits, slowly making their way up. To describe their sound. I would compare them to early Mastodon mixed with elements of hardcore punk and grindcore and the way they put it all together is really incredible, so make sure to check Yautja out
- P.S.
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