We here at Nine Circles have been inspired by a number of writers. In the near future, we will start doing writer profiles for some of them, for it was those writers that inspired us to join, and water down, their craft. With that in mind, we asked a preliminary question to a bunch of writers we intend to profile. Today we bring you the recently wed, soon to be father, Celtic Frosty!

“You’re a metal writer. And if you’re receiving this question in your inbox, then you are a good metal writer. As such, people probably assume that you spend your whole day (and night because metalheads never sleep) blasting your ear drums with the sweet sounds of blast beats. But we know that’s not true. So what are you listening to that isn’t metal these days?”

—

Celtic Frosty (@CelticFrosty) is one of metal’s good guys. An expectant father, he may not write often but when he does it’s comprehensive, intelligent, and eye opening. He’s really got it all, from an internet perspective. He’s got a beard, cool glasses, he eats with a spoon and he likes some great bands.

I have a habit of “genre diving.” An artist of a certain genre I have yet to explore catches my ear, and I go into “I NEED MORE OF THIS” mode. For the next month or two or three or six (as was the case with shoegaze), there is nothing but the pursuit. Endless playlists, sub-genre detours, regrettable album purchases and driving my wife crazy with “you have to hear this,” and it all ends as abruptly as it began, mostly because I get fucking sick of whatever it is I’m listening to. Then it’s back to metal. As it happens, right now is a “back to metal” time for me, so there isn’t much non-metal listening going on. I do carry with me the cream of the crop albums and artists I discover during these intense genre diving sessions, though, and I listen to them regularly. I also try to keep up with new non-metal releases as best I can, though I admit most of the time my plate is too full with metal for me to have enough energy for that.

Anyway, here is the most recent list of non-metal I’ve been enjoying lately. Hopefully you’ll find something here for yourself to enjoy as well.

1.) Carly Rae Jepsen – “Emotion”

This record has been an addiction for me since the Japanese version came out in early Summer. I unironically and unapologetically love every single song here. It’s a masterpiece of girl-next-door, sugary 80s throwback pop, and probably my non-metal album of the year.

2.) Terrible Feelings – “Tremors”

Earwormy goth punk from Canada, who is currently the #1 exporter of awesome shit I love. This stuff is dark, dark, dark. For fans of White Lung or just punk in general. Do not hesitate.

3.) Sorority Noise – “Joy, Departed”

One of my recent genre diving sessions was a three month binge of emo that I’ve missed since I stopped listening to it in like 2002. I’ve been keeping up with new emo releases ever since then, and Sorority Noise has released one of the best emo records of the year with “Joy, Departed”. Killer songwriting here.

4.) Pedro the Lion – “Control” and “It’s Hard to Find a Friend”

Pedro the Lion is so incredibly depressing as to be almost voyeuristic, especially “Control,” which has to be the saddest record in the history of indie rock. Being a lover of all things dark and moody, I’ve never gotten tired of either of these albums.

5.) Chris Stapleton – “Traveller”

I grew up in the deep south listening to country and southern gospel. It’s in my very marrow, and as hard as I tried in my reckless youth to shake it, I never could. I cannot resist a good country record, and Chris Stapleton’s “Traveller” is one of the best I’ve heard in years.

6.) Superheaven – “Ours is Chrome”

The 90’s rock revival has me absolutely giddy, y’all. I don’t know what to do with myself when albums like this come out in 2015. I miss early 90’s Smashing Pumpkins fiercely, and Superheaven scratches that itch and much more. Superheaven kicked off the great underground 90’s rock and 90’s rock revival genre dive of 2015. 

7.) Sufjan Stevens – “Carrie & Lowell”

You’ve heard enough about this album already, I’m sure. It’s fucking Sufjan. Almost everything the guy touches turns to gold.

8.) Doug Seegers – “Going Down to the River”

Another excellent country album from last year. Doug’s voice is like a haggard, cigarette smoking, whiskey swilling Randy Newman who’s seen a lot of shit and came out on the other side with a handful of songs and a well-earned but skeptical faith in God. Even if you don’t like country, this one is for you.

9.) The National – “High Violet”

Honestly I’ve kept “Terrible Love,” “Sorrow,” and “Bloodbuzz Ohio” in regular rotation for the last 5 years. That’s probably not changing anytime soon.

10.) Dream Ritual – “Dream Ritual”

Another 90’s rock revival band discovered while diving off that Superheaven springboard.  These guys put out the best rock album you didn’t hear in 2014. Fans of Failure would do well to give this a spin