While I do not personally keep any sort of calendar, (what would the point of that be since my time is time eternal?) I notice that, for you mortals on earth who go by the plebeian, so-called “Roman Calendar” (which only takes into account the sun) the year is almost out. You refer to this year as “2015,” which is also laughable, but, regardless, it is about to end for you bringing forth “2016” and all the sadness, depression, suicide, murder and sorrow that will the world shall behold within it. (Honestly, you are all killing each other at such a terrific rate I fear I might be out of a job before long.) Since i will not be writing any sort of “end of the year” list I would like to take these last few weeks to turn you onto a few terrific albums that were released this year that please His Lord Satan very, very much.

Today we focus on the oh-so-evil split release by Dragged Into Sunlight and Gnaw Their Tongues entitled, N.V. While I thoroughly enjoy killing people personally (when done properly is can be such an intimate experience), I sometimes more so enjoy watching you human beings kill each other. As your gun violence erupts, almost daily, I get to watch your depraved and mass violent murders with a grin on my face. Thus, when I heard N.V. I was delighted at the sound of my former death agent Michael Ross describing his chain of glorious murders and rapes. There was always something about Michael that delighted me. Again, with all the murder that occurs daily now, this might be lost on younger mortals, but Michael was able to kill with complete disconnectedness—a trait to be worshipped by any who wish to rise to his level. He raped and strangled out of curiosity—an inquisitive mind leading him down a dark and destructive path most enjoyable for those of us in the Underworld. Oh how we miss our Michael Ross types down here.

As for the album itself, the sampling of Michael Ross’ confession tapes creates a beautifully voyeuristic quality in which the listener can voyeuristically experience what it would be like to kill a woman out of mere curiosity and boredom (something we agents of Satan do often). The dark, twisted music (representing the horrified victims) tears open gaping emotional wounds opposite the monotone and disaffected speech of Michael.

I find this album especially appropriate as, when I get the chance to partake in your news, I notice an overly voyeuristic quality to your daily existence and the way in which you intake information. You mortals seem entranced with killing, not only the motives but the how, when and what as well. Thus, N.V. allows a twisted mirror in which you mortals may view yourself and how you’re acting towards each other. (As much as I enjoy killing I would surely like to keep my job!)

So listen below, it’s as close as you’re going to get to the inside of a killer’s mind (unless of course you become a killer yourself). No matter how many news specials you watch or how many mass shootings you attempt to digest. This album is  a study in humanity at its best which makes it metal at its best. And please, stay so locked into this obsession with violent death—I promise to deliver more!

Hail Satan,

Ritual Grim