Ah, that “first review of a new year” smell. There’s nothing quite like it, and I’m so happy to be back amongst this merry band of characters for another year in metal. Perhaps there’s something ironic about looking forward to the year ahead by worshiping the past, but hey: old school death metal worship seems to be particularly trendy at this point, so it makes sense that there are a ton of bands on the scene who are looking to make good on the circular nature of heavy metal music. Enter Leper Colony and their debut album…well, Leper Colony.
Who has already broken the horse of 2023? I know, it’s still early but you know what they say…early bird gets the worm. Enough motivation, let’s get to it. As predicted, the new metal releases have multiplied quickly so we’re just about back to full steam ahead with a multitude of ways to empty your wallet. This week we’ve got a return from the mighty doom tyrants Ahab, Moonlight Sorcery is back already to scratch your symphonic black metal itch, then we’ve got two delicious death metal efforts from Obituary and Leper Colony, and many more in the list below to sink your teeth into. All that and we aren’t done with list season, so stay tuned for that and happy new release hunting. See you here throughout the week.
That’s it. So long 2022, don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out. I just posted my end of year list, and yeah: the #1 pick is a crossover hardcore punk album that incorporates free jazz and noise and everything under the sun…what else did you expect? So let’s kick off the last edition of the Nine Circles Playlist with the mighty OFF! and see what else will help us close out the new year.
To paraphrase The Outer Limits, I will control the horizontal. I will control the vertical. So that means I’m also going to front-load this with the 80s metal I picked up on vinyl and cassette this week. Which means you’re getting dosed with some classic Accept and Satan…you’re welcome. Elsewhere in the Nine Circles universe we’ve got plenty of heavy to ring in 2023, including music from Angerot, Shores of Lunacy and Leper Colony, a blast of bangers from Yob, Mizmor + Thou and Nechochwen, more killer music from Predatory Light (I really need to revisit that) and Moonlight Sorcery, not to mention D. Morris BRINGING IT with some classic Harvey Milk. There’s a ton more, including God Mother, Windhand, Asunojuokei (for once not added by me, so thanks Ian!), and Morrow, among others.
That’s it for 2022. Get listening. Stay safe. See you next year…
Nine Circles 