inverloch

Best of 2016, Q1: Literati Overlord’s List

CoreyLeave a comment

9_header

I can’t really decide how I feel about 2016 in terms of new metal just yet. The albums that have impressed me — and I mean really impressed me — are among some of the best works I’ve heard in years. But then on the other hand, those were rather limited in number and much of the rest was ‘good-not-great’. Regardless, quarterly recap time is always a blast, so I’m excited about the end of Q1 either way.

The one thing I will note before getting into my list is the diversity in quality metal from the past few months. While 2015 saw black metal rise to the top for the majority of the year, I have already been more impressed by various death, doom, and folk metal outfits, making 2016’s Q1 list far more diverse than last year’s. And that’s just good fun for everyone. Anyway, I don’t want to ramble anymore than I already have. Let’s get on with it. Continue reading →

Best of 2016, Q1: Manny-O-War’s List

Manny-O-War1 Comment

9_header

I’m not going to lie to you people. I think 2016 might be the best year in metal (particularly death metal) in a very, very long time. This is something I’ve been ranting about in my monthly recaps but it needs to be said as much as possible: each month in 2016 has provided an endless amount of terrific albums. Picking a top 18 for any month this year wouldn’t pose a significant hurdle. That’s just how good it’s been. So, with that in mind let’s take a look back at the last three months in metal. Continue reading →

Best of Q1: Dustin’s List

OldThunderKYLeave a comment

9_headerThe releases for any genre that come out in the first quarter of a given year are what usually set the precedent for the remaining nine months of music to be consumed. If a bunch of mediocre albums come out, the bar for quality (and expectations) is set low, and listeners won’t expect to be wowed anytime soon. But if solid albums come out within a year’s first quarter, we at least have the anticipation of more solid albums down the pike. As fortune would have it, the first quarter of 2016 has been stacked with great releases from both major label artists and those who are just now crossing our collective radar.   Continue reading →

Nine Circles Ov… March 2016

Manny-O-War1 Comment

Glasgow cathedral
Glasgow Cathedral as photographed by our Dæmoness of Design, Jaci Raia. For more of her beautiful work follow her on Instagram.
March proved to be yet another strong month for 2016 ending the first quarter on a high note. There were some excellent releases. Some larger releases that dropped included a new effort from Cobalt, an LP from brutal tech-death outfit Wormed, a sequel from K-X-P, multiple issues from Spazz courtesy of Tankcrimes, a single from Daemona, an LP from Xibalba, a discography for Phobia courtesy of Melotov Records and an LP from the completely redesigned Church of Misery. Below are nine albums, a bunch of EP’s this month, that deserve your attention which you might have missed. As a final note, if you’re into the stoner metal type stuff you might be interested in Blood Ceremony‘s Lord of Misrule.
Continue reading →

CANTO: A new song from Ihsahn, updates from Goatwhore, and more

CoreyLeave a comment

ihsahn_2013

“At night walking on the tracks, change my perspective. Idle hands with wounds and cracks, stale, ineffective. But past the veil, the memories of things. Still so in love with you. So dense this strife. Kicked the life. I feel this weight upon my heart.”

“Ein Bier… bitte.”
– Corey