There’s a quote from Sun Tzu that got a lot of mileage from me this week, “In the midst of chaos there is also opportunity.” Think about that for a minute…it can be applied to nearly any situation and if the chaos (literally or figuratively) threatens to take over we must seek the opportunity. If we don’t then what’s the point? Anyway, ’twas one of those weeks but in metal we are free and thankfully there’s a lot to go around here on Initial Descent. Post metal behemoths Junius return with Eternal Rituals for the Accretion of Light and as was expected it is absolutely massive; in scope, musicality and the way the band hurdles every possible emotion with ease. On debut EP Summon Horrendous Destruction Oregon’s Petrification bring barbaric nastiness back to death metal and summon Finland’s storied lineage as well as the most highly esteemed USDM. Cold Fell offer up their full length debut Irwell which is as aggressively abrasive as it is majestic and strangely welcoming, and on Severed Monolith Gorephilia gives us ten tracks of ear shattering death metal with barely a breather amongst the pack. As usual, thats not all so jump in and get swept away. Oh and don’t forget, find that opportunity. Continue reading →