I’ve talked here before…or maybe in another piece, I can’t remember (old and I’ve slept since then)…about how much more music means when there’s true progression. I”m not talking about your textbook switching up riffs or blasts, I’m talking true forward movement. Since the calendar ticked over to 2018 I’ve been extremely pleased with the amount of artists doing just that. Seriously, it’s been a blast and there’s been at least a handful of artists each week that shine brighter than ever in that regard. Color me tickled. Anyway, more of that this week as we jump in with Ihsahn‘s Àmr in which he continues to forge his visionary and exemplary progressive black-ish metal. For those of you with promos, go directly to the actual release and be amazed at the difference in sound. Next up is Thou who are getting some ridiculous criticism for actually doing something different (shame on you internet) on The House Primordial which is slow and scathing with its noise backbone. Listen, Thou haven’t changed, they’ve only grown more vicious so lay off it. Continuing with Corpse Flower Records’ stellar tribute albums, this week sees release of the Samhain tribute We All Want Our Time In Hell which is ridiculously good and features a killer cross section of artists — any fan of Samhain or metal in general would do well to pick this up. Last up in the opening slots this week is NYC’s Aeviterne with their swirling death metal on debut EP Sireless — membership here touches Castevet, Tombs, Flourishing and Artificial Brain so you already know it’s a treat for the ears. Get on that. Pushing boundaries all around with these four but there’s so much more waiting below. Hop to it. Continue reading →