zeal and ardor

Scholar of the First Sin: Hera’s Best of 2018

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EOY 2018 Header 9C

Yes, that title is a Dark Souls reference, and it’s a title I would like to have some day.

Anyway, it’s that time of year where we all just want to enjoy the last vestiges of holidays before the new year begins and we all decide to make lists. Whether it is for presents, things to throw out, or just a general shopping list for Christmas, we are bound to make one.

However, here in the hallowed halls of 9C, we are making one better: It’s time for EOY list season!

2018 was an impressive year for music in general. The sheer amount of releases this year was mind-blowing – so much so that I decided to make it into a top 20. That’s right: I expanded my list because 10 ain’t gonna cut it. However, there were a lot of albums left out from this list because they weren’t being as heavily played as they were supposed to be or they came out too late for me to actually put on this list (sorry Within Temptation!). I also decided to cut EPs from this list, as they deserve their own separate thing that won’t be explored until I have some more time. Let’s get started… Continue reading →

CANTO: Deafheaven, Baroness, Monte Pittman, and More

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You’re beards weird.

“Ein Bier… bitte.”
– cmb

Circle Pit: Albums We Missed Q2, 2018

ninecirclesadmin3 Comments

purgatory

From time to time we all get together as a team and discuss some of our favorite albums we missed covering at release time and there’s been plenty of these discussions so far this year. Whether due to time slipping away from us or whatever the case may be, we miss them. Well, now that we’ve just passed the end of June, we are proud to bring you some overlooked highlights from the second quarter. So, without further delay, let’s jump right into it. Albums we missed in Q2 2018. Here. We. Go.— Continue reading →

The Nine Circles Playlist Vol. 30 (2.26.2018)

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NINE-CIRCLES_LOGO-Light Background_SQUARE

It’s been a minute since we’ve done one of these so hopefully you missed it? Whether you did or didn’t here we are with the 30th edition and another good selection of tunes we’ve been jamming on for the last couple of weeks. Look at it as a pick me up, a wake up call or just a playlist to get you through Monday. You’re welcome. Don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel here and we’ll be seeing you throughout the week. Until next time… Continue reading →

Best of 2016: Chris’s List

Chris15 Comments

Nine Circles Best of 2016 Standard

End of the year, ladies and gentlemen. The time when lists flow like liquor at an office party, where the online community comes together as one gargantuan digital animal to do what it does best: nitpick, subtweet, and throw so many accusations of pandering, overrated and “hipster” picks that come December 31st we’ll all be sick and tired and never want to do this shit again.

Until next year, of course.  When we’ll do it all over again. Continue reading →