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).
Currently inspirational:
The ancient faith of Zoroastrianism is one I find most fascinating, and I supposed it was a matter of time before I stumbled upon a band who would have it as a main focal point for their lyrics. Dakhma would deliver that with their recent release Blessings of Amurdad, and its captivating and ominous cover depicting a Tower of Silence (Look that up!). The Swiss-based duo drags the listener back to the Iranian plains of the past which spawned this faith, both in terms of lyrics as well as the use of Persian instruments, yet retain a fury like Bølzer and Lykhaeon as well as low-end-saturated death/black acts like Diocletian, Teitanblood and Irkallian Oracle. One of the most gloriously epic, dark and cavernous albums of this year.
- J.C.L.
A classic album, and the first the world heard of “grindcore” as a genre. Scum has two sides; one with Lee Dorian (Cathedral) as vocalist and one with Justin Broderick, and both can be found on most versions of the album. I like both of their contributions because they both have a certain charm to their delivery. The album, aside from being Napalm Death's first, was also one of the albums that set the mold for grindcore, evolved from early metal and punk, and still has a bit of a residual punk vibe too, with short songs that are set up like a punk songs with lightning fast riffs.
- P.S.
From the creators of Horrendous and Crypt Sermon came this very interesting debut from The Silver. Ward of Roses is a deeply haunting and cathartic album which certainly feels like an outpour of emotions, especially in the lamenting clean vocals, but also in terms of the guitar-play, which builds an incredible soundscape with their melodies and solos. A further credit goes to the bassist for a very independent and loud bass, which isn't afraid to make itself noticed. Ward of Roses is an album which have few comparisons and feels like a breath of fresh air, I would say it feels unfair to group it into the confines of a single genre. Take a listen, and hear for yourself.
- J.C.L.
This year feels like a changing of guards has happened to the Norwegian black metal scene, as many of the older bands have started going quiet over the 2010’s or have changed pace, while a new breed of musicians has been molded and are starting to come to fruition. Whoredom Rife has been a major force in keeping the flame alive with their previous two albums, and now with their third, Winds of Wrath, they utterly cement themselves as a custodian of the old school Norwegian ways. Your mind harkens to a bygone age of wild mountains and wrathful cinders of churches as you are swallowed by this album. This sliver of the old times is not to be missed!
- J.C.L.
Currently looking forward to:
This month I am looking forward to the new self-titled Genocide Pact album. This band has been around for a bit, but are still not that well-known, but if you like old school death metal then this is the band for you, with their crushing riffs and drums, they bring it all to the table. Their previous release, Order of Torment, was one of my favorite death metal releases of 2018, so I highly recommend that you check this album when Genocide Pact comes out on the 3rd of December.
- P.S.
Recently, I have missed the absolute onslaught of the senses that some bands like Akhlys and Deathspell Omega can provide, the cacophonous wall of wailing guitar and frenzied drums. Fortunately I’ve had a taste of such an assault again in the form of Spanish one-man project Lifelost and the upcoming album Punitive Damnation. Currently the opening track Astral Construct is available, and it opens triumphantly with horns, as if the gates of hell have opened wide to announce the end of the world before enveloping the listener with the aforementioned wall of sound. Punitive Damnation releases from Onism Productions on the 10th of December.
- J.C.L.
Reveal! - Doppelherz
Swedish outfit Reveal! are back with their 4th album of lunacy. With currently 2 tracks available which both differ from each other, it’s hard to know what to expect from the whole album, the first track being a mix of In Solitude and The Cardiacs in sound and progression and the latter leaning more towards straightforward old-school heavy metal. There are definitely more influences going on, which makes me curious to listen to what could be one of the more interesting and weird experiences of this year. Anything that makes me think of The Cardiacs is welcome in my book. Doppelherz releases on the 10th of December.
Swedish outfit Reveal! are back with their 4th album of lunacy. With currently 2 tracks available which both differ from each other, it’s hard to know what to expect from the whole album, the first track being a mix of In Solitude and The Cardiacs in sound and progression and the latter leaning more towards straightforward old-school heavy metal. There are definitely more influences going on, which makes me curious to listen to what could be one of the more interesting and weird experiences of this year. Anything that makes me think of The Cardiacs is welcome in my book. Doppelherz releases on the 10th of December.
- J.C.L.
Svartulven - Ruins of Desolation, Transcendence for the Other Side
Making a debut release is a challenge for any new metal band, making one which will make an impact is even more so. Svartulven from Greece is a three-piece of unknown members who plays a style of Black metal, which would sound familiar to many followers of the Icelandic scene, and Ruins of Desolation, Transcendence for the Other Side is their grand debut album. I am cheating a bit here, since the album is already available, but a tape release is scheduled for the 10th of December. I will be keeping an eye on Svartulven in the future, and if they can keep up with such potent material as their debut.
Making a debut release is a challenge for any new metal band, making one which will make an impact is even more so. Svartulven from Greece is a three-piece of unknown members who plays a style of Black metal, which would sound familiar to many followers of the Icelandic scene, and Ruins of Desolation, Transcendence for the Other Side is their grand debut album. I am cheating a bit here, since the album is already available, but a tape release is scheduled for the 10th of December. I will be keeping an eye on Svartulven in the future, and if they can keep up with such potent material as their debut.
- J.C.L.
Burial - Inner Gateways to the Slumbering Equilibrium at the Center of Cosmos
Listened to this week:
Ever listened to a death metal album, which feels deep as a chasm and an atmosphere which lingers like a heavy fog? I would usually go to Black metal for such properties, but Burial from Italy has it in spades on their newest album. Initially starting off as a OSDM album in the vein of Entombed, Inner Gateways to the Slumbering Equilibrium at the Center of Cosmos is constantly in development as you listen, subtly changing pace, going darker, slower and deeper into a chasm of unspeakable horror, especially once you are halfway through the second track.
- J.C.L.
Perhaps It was about time I brought you something a bit more upbeat than the usual dissonant and dark stuff. You might expect one thing from the album cover, but I want you to forget that, and take the wild ride, which Papangu offers on their debut Holoceno. The group is perhaps more rooted in Prog-rock, but don't let that fool you, these Brazilians offer up some of the most unexpected twists and turns throughout the album, with an adventurous and colorful groove laying a perfect backbone for a thrilling and joyful experience. There's naught to do but hold on for the ride.
- J.C.L.
This week i have been listening to the new Spirit Adrift EP, Forge Your Future. I love this EP because it picks up right where their previous mammoth album Enlightened in Eternity left off with great classic heavy metal riffs and songs about self-purpose and believing in yourself, so it is all good. Not much more to say; If you like Spirit Adrift, you will like this EP.
- P.S.
I think it is time to address one of my most listened Danish records of this year. Stikkersvin is a new black/crust sprout from the Copenhagen underground, and with their demo Kælderens Barn have laid a formidable foundation. The prime reason for this is the absolute lack of any bullshit or filler material, and the vocals, which change between harsh scream and clean vocal imitating a 1950’s operatically trained actor reciting an old play. A choice which seems odd and hilarious at first, but grows upon further listens into a charming companion, to the point that you find it the most natural addition to the hard-hitting beats and crushing head-splitting riffs. I hope to see more from these guys soon!
- J.C.L.
There is something really compelling and inviting with the mix of folk-ish acoustic guitar and atmospheric black metal, like a warm blanket enveloping you on a cold autumn day. Hungarian one-man band Vvilderness seems to have nailed this formula down over his career which now spans 3 full albums. As Above, So Below, the newest, is a ride rich in melody and flow, one cannot help but being carried to a place of serenity and natural beauty as the album plays. A genuine and intimate album which only gets better by each listen.
- J.C.L.
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