Super Bowl week is upon us. Does anybody even care at this point though? Look, I’m as big a football fan as that drunk dude you knew from that local bar you used to go to but even I know this one will be a snoozefest. Anyway, it’s finally time for new In Flames even though we’ve heard half the album at this point, BUT that half we’ve heard sure does sound like the days of yore from these melo-swedeathers. So yea, big time ready for that preorder to land. Next up we’ve got some absolutely vicious black metal from Terrestrial Hospice (seriously, this thing is a beast) and a death-power-symphonic-core-operatic chip shot from Dragoncorpse. Indeed, that’s a lot going on and it is quite different, so if that’s your thing be sure to check it out. And as always, there’s several more in the list below worth your time and hard earned money so go explore. See you here throughout the week.
Continue readingRainbows in the Dark: Russkaja — “Turbo Polka Party”
If I look back on it, maybe even without realizing it, two people that have had a profound impact on who I am as a person would be my grandma and Weird Al Yankovic. The one and only thing that unites them is their love of polka, and I remember showing my grandma Weird Al, thinking she would be blown away; she aggressively didn’t get it, and it’s hard to separate the music from the parody, but when you do, you find that the punky polka is the best part of Weird Al’s discography. On Turbo Polka Party, Russkaja embrace the fusion of bouncy polka bops and ska-punk for the final time in their eighteen year career.
Continue readingThe Nine Circles Playlist Vol. 269 (2.4.2023)

Thanks Fearless Editor Josh™ for holding down the fort last week! I’m back to traveling again for work which means not only was I away in Dallas which was colder than New York last week, but I also picked up the convention crud. But they say nothing cures the crud like a nice whiskey and some metal, so let jump into this the 269th edition of the Nine Circles Playlist, kicking off with some of what kept me entertained while I was away: WuW, which might be in the running for my favorite release of 2023 so far. Their new album L’orchaostre just came out so be sure to jump on that post haste, whodoncha?
From there I’m gonna be generous and let the staff take over. We got some classic prog-infused Enslaved, new music from Fredlös and Lamp of Murmuur, a fossil from Grouper, some classics from Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne to honor the man upon the news of his retirement from touring, and then just a ton of metal, including Boris, Yob, Burial Hordes, Atonia, Maggot Crown, Siege of Power, Terrestrial Hospice, Black Math Horsemen, Thrice + Holy Fawn and a ton more.
Get listening. Stay safe. See you next week…
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– Chris
CANTO: Dying Fetus, Conan, Memoriam, and More
The temperature hasn’t been above 0° F since last night, and it’s currently a balmy -18° F (real feel -36° F).
- Doom metal legends Conan have lined up some May dates here in the United States, and they’ll be supported by Thra. Here are the all the details you’ll need.
- We’re fans of the latest from Memoriam around these parts, so to celebrate the release of Rise To Power, here’s the new lyric video for the title-track. That album is out through Reaper Entertainment.
- Heavy metal veterans Alcatrazz are releasing Take No Prisoners on May 19 through Silver Lining Music, and today they unveiled a new single titled “Don’t Get Mad… Get Even”. Check out the video for that here.
- Los Angeles primitive death metallers Kommand are releasing Death Age through 20 Buck Spin on March 31. Check out “Chimera Soldiers” on Bandcamp, and then spend lots of money. Because it’s Bandcamp Friday.
- Dying Fetus are going to see us into the weekend. Below is the music video for “Unbridled Fury”. They also have some tour dates in Europe this month, with another handful in North America come April.
“Ein Bier… bitte.”
– cmb
Album Review: FVNERALS — “Let The Earth Be Silent”
Combing through devastating darkness searching for shards of light while sonic walls surround with pulsating slow drums, steadily strummed chords, and echoing vocals. This cavernous mood is unique to dark ambient doom duo, FVNERALS, who have returned with their most haunting release yet, Let The Earth Be Silent. Marking their third full length release and 10 years of existing in the metal scene, this album is not to be missed. It has everything established fans of the band are drawn to while diving further into an abyss of gloom making this their heaviest album to date. Lighter elements still remain including ethereal vocals to add a balance and depth which is something to experience and feel through these emotive compositions.
Continue reading