Initial Descent: June 2 – 8, 2019

Cave In
Cave In

As I was expecting, Darkthrone’s Old Star does not disappoint so make sure you check it out while perusing what this week has to offer. Speaking of, there’s plenty so let’s get after it.

Cave In literally had the wind knocked out of them with the loss of bassist Caleb Scofield in early 2018 and with even a cursory listen to Final Transmission, last works with Caleb, you can feel it in every note and especially the tear jerking opener which is 100% him – not gonna lie here, it’s a tough album to get through for any fan but ohh so worth it to experience and immerse yourself in this phenomenal album. Next up, with a little extra time on their hands post Caustic recordings, Primitive Man went back in the studio and punched out Steel Casket which draws on their recent forays into noise, ambient, and drone but make no mistake; this IS a Primitive Man release and it destroys. Moving along is the debut, Steeping Corporeal Mass from Fetid, a band that picked the right name based on their nasty, corpsecrushing sound – dirty old death metal done right. Last up top is debut, Flub, from the somewhat star-studded Flub who offer up a dizzying, technical, and avantgarde approach to death metal that has something new around every corner and layers that take double digit spins to peel back. Need different? Right here.

Alright then, jump in and see what other treasures await. Continue reading

Receiving the Evcharist: Verwoed and Charles Shaw Pinot Noir

Receiving the Evcharist 2018

Receiving the Evcharist is our weekly feature where we pair choice albums with our favorite libations.  Drink from the cup of heresy. This week’s offering: Verwoed’s De Val and Charles Shaw Pinot Noir.
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Initial Descent: May 19 – 25, 2019

Misthryming
Misthryming

Saw Cloak, Withered, and Goatwhore over the weekend. It was ridiculously good. I’m still tired. Alright then, new metal is on tap and plenty of it to go around so let’s do this.

Icelandic black metallers Misthyrming are upon us once again with second full length Algleymi and expect another knockout of an album full of living and breathing personality that is cold, intense, and perfectly temperamental. Next up is a cavalcade of crusty rawness on Hexhammaren, the seventh studio album from Martyrdöd, that comes off feeling larger than anything they’ve done to date – strong words but right around the second track you’ll understand. Steamrolling right along we’ve got New England’s nasty death thrash dealers Rancorous with their second demo Stealth Dominion and if early Slayer and Kreator gets your juices flowing then GET ON THIS. Last up top is debut full length De Val from Dutch black metallers Verwoed and not even their last two EP’s can prepare for this multi layered and heavily atmospheric assault, don’t miss it.

Killer top four and there’s a ton more below. Hop to it. Continue reading