It seemed like a no-brainer: Judas Priest just released the second singe from their forthcoming album Invincible Shield. What better way to kick off the 310th edition of the Nine Circles Playlist? But then out of nowhere…holy SHIT that new Ihsahn track! Dude has got some unfinished Emperor business buried in those riffs, so you get two killer cuts to end your week the right way.

The playlist is a little light this week as folks wend their way through Decibel’s annual “leak” of their Best of 2023 list, but we’ve got new tracks from a re-ignited Sadus, noise merchants Ex Everything, and cuts from the likes of Distances, Eternal Storm, Gridlink, the return of Darkest Hour, and more. You want some Mephitic Grave? We got it! Scuzzy death from Enforced? You’re covered! You say you want TWO tracks from Panopticon? Uh, I usually don’t allow it but we’re light this week so…okay! I never heard of Vansind before Angela’s review this week, but here’s some swordplay and metal for you! All that and I’m throwing in some Zulu because seriously…A New Tomorrow is one of the best heavy albums to come out this year.

Get listening. Stay safe. See you next week.

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– Chris