high command – Nine Circles

Best of 2022: Josh’s List

January 12, 2023January 10, 2023JoshLeave a comment

I had this enormous amount of words set to open this thing but opted for… not that. We’ve all lived through another year so there’s no need to reiterate. Instead, I’ll say that 2022 was great for me. It’ll be one of those years I’ll look back on as one that changed things for the better and I’ll have extremely fond memories of it for reasons I can’t mention here. But, I’ll also look back on it as a tremendous year for metal. And it doesn’t matter what strain you dig as pretty much all of it had a banner year. I know it seems like we’re a broken record saying that every year, but 2022 was damn strong. If you don’t feel the same, please rewind and revisit and get back to me. Otherwise, welcome to all the things that made a huge difference for me throughout the year and what was my 2022 soundtrack, what made the biggest impact…whatever, you get the idea. This list of 18…, wait…you ask “why 18?” Well, branding of course. We’re Nine Circles so you’ll get my top 9 and my 9 honorable mentions… and a few special mentions. 9C, as it was. So, let’s do it…

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The Nine Circles Playlist Vol. 263 (12.24.2022)

December 24, 2022December 24, 2022ChrisLeave a comment

It’s Christmas Eve. I’m rocking a killer stomach ache, either from the abundance of pizza mixed with a drink called the Suffering Bastard or the near crippling anxiety of having to leave shortly to spend time with relatives. So let’s just get some tunes in your ears.

We’re kicking it off with a blast from MY past: Lillian Axe released their first album in 10 years this summer and I only found out a few days ago. I love it, and their video for “I Am Beyond” will have to tide me over until the CD arrives later this week. Elsewhere we have what I’m guessing is a fan-made video for Këkht Aräkh, whose two albums are now on vinyl courtesy of Sacred Bones and I’ve been all in on. There’s some great Enslaved with a big band, August Burns Red doing the Christmas thing, new music from the likes of 71TONMAN, Esophagus, and High Command, a few older gems from Panopticon and Windhand, and then Vince takes us home with a bevy of rocking Christmas-themed tunes, including (of course) a stone cold classic from Mr. Diamond…

Get listening. Stay safe. See you next week.

—

– Chris

Initial Descent: November 20 – 26, 2022

November 21, 2022November 19, 2022JoshLeave a comment

Turkey time. And, that’s about all we’ll say about that. Hard to believe it’s almost another year down, but we’ve still got a few more weeks of releases to go before we flip the page and this week we’ve got some crossover thrash from High Command, death metal from Lucifericon, gloom and funeral doom from Estrangement, more death metal from Sépulcre, and a ton more in the list that follows. Again this week, there’s tons across the spectrum to tickle every funny bone out there so no excuses. Dig in and we’ll see you here throughout the week.

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CANTO: In Flames, High Command, My Dying Bride, and More

March 9, 2020March 9, 2020CoreyLeave a comment

CMB_3903

Amazing outside. Can wait to spend the evening inside mindlessly staring at the internet.

Runespell and Forest Mysticism are preparing a split album scheduled for a May 15th release. The title of that effort is Wandering Forlorn and it will be out on CD and vinyl LP formats through Iron Bonehead Productions.
In Flames are still having fun with last year’s release, I, The Mask. For starters, they dropped a one year anniversary bundle that includes a statue and shirt. More entertainingly, they dropped an 8-bit version of the album. Arcade versions of things are always fun, so have at it.
High Command have announced some new tour dates, including a small run of dates in Canada, at the end of April. Here is the full run of shows, including the preceding U.S. dates. Enjoy.
Finally, since I’m still enjoying the new My Dying Bride album, here is the shiny new video for “To Outlive The Gods”, taken from The Ghost Of Orion. That album is out now on Nuclear Blast.

“Ein Bier… bitte.”
– cmb

CANTO: Fleshgod Apocalypse, Baroness, Iron Maiden Beer, and More

March 12, 2019March 12, 2019CoreyLeave a comment

fleshgod

I’m watching soccer whilst writing this.

A new song yesterday, and a new tour today. I see big things for Spirit Adrift in 2019. They have a number of dates running across North America through May and June with support from Dopethrone, High Command, and Haunt.
Baroness things! They’ve revealed the title and artwork for their next album, which I cannot wait for. It will be called Gold & Grey and, as always, the artwork is absolutely incredible. They are on tour now, if you weren’t aware for some reason, with Deafheaven.
I guess we can talk about alcohol. Iron Maiden are now releasing a saké-infused lager called “Sun and Steel”, which, ok fine I guess. Sounds kinda weird to me though, not gonna lie.
Updates from Fleshgod Apocalyse, which I always enjoy. They have a new video out for “Sugar”. It’s very Fleshgod Apocalypse-y. A reminder that their new album, Veleno, is out May 24th.