hippotraktor

Scholar of the First Sin: Hera’s Best of 2021

Hera2 Comments
Best of 2021

I am the Scholar of the First Sin, and I have insight to give.

Last year, my list was short and to the point, as I spent more time listening to music that gave me respite and comfort than to new releases. This meant that, once I had more time on my hands, I was finally able to go out and see what I had missed. The fact that I can’t include Dark Tranquility’s Moment, an album that deserves more attention, on this list because it came out last year fucking kills me.

Despite the Omicron variant (at this time) destroying all hope for a small sense of normalcy, 2021 was an absolutely fantastic year for music. After many bands either couldn’t tour because of the onset of the pandemic or postponed a lot of their releases, this year provided us with new music, which meant that a lot of vetting had to happen in order for me to make this list. After graduation, I suddenly had more time than I ever had to do with and decided to dive deep into what I had been ignoring for the better part of five months.

Welcome to EOY list season!

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Initial Descent: October 10 – 16, 2021

JoshLeave a comment
Aeon
Aeon

Boomsticks, broomsticks, machetes, kitchen knives, chainsaws, meat hooks, ouija boards…are we having fun yet? Yep, still peddling spooky season and will be for at least a couple more weeks. So, at least I’m having fun. And for the reason you’re here, we do indeed have another list of new metal on tap so let’s get to it. Aeon are nothing if they aren’t consistent, and any death metal band that’s consistently in Deicide’s corner is a very good thing so this week’s full length is all that and a bag of chips. Next up is a killer noise rock album from Tunic that we so happen to have a Profile for so dig that, Hate bring the black / death metal pain in epic form (as they always do), post-metal has a new heavy hitter in its corner with Hippotraktor, and tons more lie in wait just below this excellent four pack. Dig in and find your new favorite(s). Enjoy.

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The Nine Circles Playlist Vol. 199 (10.2.2021)

VincentLeave a comment
playlist - mixtape

Good morning and welcome to another Nine Circles mixtape. This time around, we’ve got an excellent new collaboration between Converge and Chelsea Wolfe, Der Weg Einer Freiheit in 360 degrees, Capra live from Knotfest, and a killer audio/visual experience from Archspire. All that and more down below.

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– Vincent

The Nine Circles Playlist Vol. 196 (9.11.2021)

JoshLeave a comment
playlist - mixtape

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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– Josh