moonlight sorcery

Missed Connections: Looking Back on 2022

IanLeave a comment
Best of 2022

Writing this list in particular is always one of my favorite points in the year.  It’s the time where I get to look at everyone else’s list and go “hey, I should have included that too!”, and it gives me a chance to go back and look at all the stuff that I have missed out on listening to in favor of obligations, lack of time, lack of brainpower, or simply not being able to turn off Origins like I know I need to.  It’s always good to take one last look back on everything before we properly usher in the new year and new releases with it, so let’s jump into some of the things that I am currently kicking myself for not giving more attention to.

Continue reading →

The Nine Circles Playlist Vol. 266 (1.14.2023)

ChrisLeave a comment

playlist - mixtape

The beginning of the year always rekindles the flame of metal for me. Excitement for what’s coming, for what already has been comes faster, easier. I’m still going through the latest CD and vinyl acquisitions and it’s been pretty much non-stop Celtic Frost (seriously that Danse Macabre box set is killer), Wayfarer, and – thanks to Fearless Editor™ Josh – the new Misþyrming, so let’s kick off the 266th edition of the Nine Circles Playlist with what you can hear if you pass by my place right now.

As per usual the rest of the gang has plenty of the tunes pouring through their speakers for you to get down to (in a total, like, metal way of course). So let music from the likes of Sanhedrin, Black Magnet, Ulthar, Days of Desolation, Moonlight Sorcery, Inherits the Void, Periphery, Night Demon, Sanguisugabogg as well as cuts from Nile, Rotten Sound, Big Black, and a small tribute to guitar legend Jeff Beck (RIP) take you away for the week.

Get listening. Stay safe. See you next week…

—

—

– Chris

Second Circle: Moonlight Sorcery and Inherits the Void

Colin1 Comment

In Dante’s Inferno, the second circle begins the proper punishment of Hell, a place where “no thing gleams.” It is reserved for those overcome with Lust, where carnal appetites hold sway over reason. In Nine Circles, it’s where we do shorter reviews of new (ish) albums that share a common theme.

January isn’t even over yet and we’re already off to a great start to 2023. This edition of Second Circle focuses on two labelmates that take their respective spheres of the black metal world and expand them with some outside influences. Showcasing impressive songwriting and technical skills, Moonlight Sorcery and Inherits the Void demonstrate how black metal continues to push forward through and beyond the stars.

Continue reading →

Initial Descent: January 8 – 14, 2022

JoshLeave a comment
Ahab
Ahab

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.

Continue reading →

Best of 2022: Colin’s List

ColinLeave a comment
Best of 2022

Having only just joined the 9C crew around the end of November, I was hit with the sudden realization that I needed to get an EOY list together very soon. My top two slots were pretty much locked in, but the remainder needed a lot of work. I certainly haven’t had the time to craft the most immaculate Best Of list, but I’m still pretty happy with how it turned out. I wouldn’t have expected two EPs to make this list, and I’m glad that my top two slots are bands totally new to me in 2022. There’s a lot of material from last year I never had the opportunity to check out, but that’s what “Things I Missed” lists are for right?

Continue reading →