Columns

Column: The Path To Paradise Begins In Hell

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The Path to Paradise Begins In Hell

On last month’s column, I discussed some of the genres to look forward to as I descended forwards and ascended backwards into my timeline as a metalhead. I also mentioned going into some deep cuts, but have decided to forgo that completely as I want to continue exploring genres and their gateway albums. With that in mind, it’s time we move forward into a hybrid genre that fully led me down a rabbit hole.

Back in my peak symphonic metal days – that would be early 2009 to late 2012 – I didn’t dabble into any other genre except when someone recommended me an album or a song to listen to. Of course, I did, but didn’t move forward with those recommendations, hoping that, once I got comfortable with my metal listening habits, I would take the time find out what I really liked and pursue that. However, Pandora would throw a wrench in my routine by slowly introducing a dose of death into the music.

It’s time we explore my foray into symphonic death metal.   Continue reading →

Circle Pit, Vol. VII, June 2018: “What Album Can You Not Live Without”

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nine circles circle pit

I know, you thought this would be a quarterly round up. Sorry, but you’ll need to wait a little longer for that. It’s been a minute since we did one of these with an actual topic. Well, two years to be exact. But who’s counting? Anyway, the question was posed to our group: “What’s the ONE album you absolutely, positively cannot live without?” And the rules were simple, we graciously allowed everyone to actually pick two: one metal album and one album of any other genre. Or, those that never branch out could opt to name just a metal album. Yes, that’s contradictory to the question, but our folks generally like more than just metal so sue us for breaking form. There was some great conversation about these picks but for now, we leave you with the group choices and a playlist at the bottom. Enjoy. Continue reading →

Column: The Path To Paradise Begins In Hell

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The Path to Paradise Begins In Hell

Last month, I discussed how I got into black metal despite not being completely into it at first, as it wasn’t what I originally perceived it to be. Despite this, and the research that led me into it, I now enjoy it and consider it a genre of choice. Thus, in addition to these genres, I also got introduced to several others at the same time. Continue reading →

Column: The Path to Paradise Begins In Hell

Hera1 Comment

The Path to Paradise Begins In Hell

Last month, I discussed my penchant for symphonic metal and how its fandom eventually led me to listen to it with a lot of caution. Now, the three albums I chose for that segment weren’t my first gateway albums, but are three that remain close to my heart and are underappreciated by a lot of listeners. Anyway, for this chapter of the column – and for the sake of a timeline – I decided to talk about a subgenre that has remained controversial despite the claims of apolitical affiliations and people making terrible decisions.

It’s time we talk about black metal. Continue reading →

Circle Pit: Albums We Missed, Q1 2018

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purgatory

From time to time we all get together as a team and discuss some of our favorite albums we missed covering at release time. Whether due to time slipping away from us or whatever the case may be, we miss them. Well, now that we’ve just passed the end of March, we are proud to bring you some overlooked highlights from the first quarter. So, without further delay, let’s jump right into it. Albums we missed in Q1 2018. Here. We. Go. Continue reading →