atrae bilis

Don’t call it a comeback. I’ve been here for years.

2021 did force me to put my writing here on pause for a while. Between the very good and the very bad it was a wild pendulum of a year, and at some point I found myself unable to keep up with all of it. I took time away, as I have been want to do lately. And for the first time in a long time, I feel like that time away really did me some good. I’m not just back here writing a year-end list because I feel like I have to in order to earn my keep, I’m doing it because I feel like I have things to say about the music I loved this year. Because there was a lot to love, and because I managed, somewhere along the way, to find that love again after feeling like it had been fading for the last few years. Between long train rides with old favorites and early mornings with coffee and brand new discoveries, I felt that connection between me and the music I love slowly flowing back. I feel hopeful that that connection will allow me to be able to share more with you all about what it is that makes me light up.

But then, I suppose I should talk about what made that happen for me in 2021, right?

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Hello one and all and welcome back to another mixtape of “what we’ve been listening to around the water cooler.” It’s Saturday so it’s TIIIIMmmeee. Reading that is a lot flatter than how it sounds on primetime MMA but, just know that’s the vibe I’m going for. As always we’ve got a ton to dig into; Kowloon Walled City (FINALLY), a new one from Massacre, gory stuff from Heads For The Dead, a kick ass new track from Sarke, likewise from Atræ Bilis, and same from Hippotraktor and Blood Red Throne. And, of course, many more from all across the heavier spectrum. So, smash that play button below and be somebody.

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