Shit That Comes Out Today: February 22nd, 2019
Howdy, folks. Most of my thoughts this week have been occupied by the new Inter Arma album announcement, catapulting that release to my most anticipated record of the year at this point. But, to be honest, I’m kind of oblivious as to any other kewl upcoming releases (besides “new Tool”), so help a homie out and drop what you’re looking forward to most in the comments. Many thanks in advance. Also, here’s a few of today’s finest specimens:
Dream Theater
Distance over Time (InsideOut)
Full Album Stream
I guess I have to mention this cuz it’s (arguably) the biggest release of the day. I do not love nor hate Dream Theater — my younger, more hopeful self could definitely get down to some “Count of Tuscany” on a rainy day. On first listen Distance over Time isn’t bad, and has its moments of awesomeness like the end of “Fall into the Light.” Maybe I’ll actually listen to the whole thing someday, maybe not.
The Moth Gatherer
Esoteric Oppression (Agonia)
FFO The Ocean, Dirge
Full Album Stream
It’s been a little while since I’ve heard some good post-metal; I kind of forgot it existed, and I also forgot how much I like it. The Moth Gatherer’s new record is overcast, sullen and thoughtful, with surprisingly chunky grooves to blast through the haze. It can get a tiny bit monotonous at times, but that’s just the aesthetic, man. Esoteric Oppression really does sound good, with vibrant, futuristic production pulling beauty from the eye of the storm.
Primitive Man / Hell
Split (Translation Loss)
Listen “Oily Tears”
The grimiest release of the year thus far is brought to us courtesy of Denver’s Primitive Man and Portland’s Hell, whose latest split offers all the crushing, feedback-laden filth we could possibly ask for. Primitive Man bring forth no surprises in their segment, splitting ears with the unrivaled weight and oppression we’ve come to know and love, while Hell’s half is spent in a ponderous, churning delirium. It somehow sounds great on my phone speakers (mostly), which is an accomplishment in and of itself.
Antre
Void (Withered Hand)
FFO Akercoke, Emperor, Enslaved
Listen “Suffer the Light”
While Void is their debut album, it sounds like Nottingham’s Antre have a clear vision of the musical path they want to take. Elements of hardcore, death, and thrash come together in a cluster of controlled chaos, ultimately rooted in frozen ground of old-school black metal. There’s still plenty of room for this band to grow, but overall, Void is a solid career-starter and has me eager to see what else they have in store.
Candlemass
The Door to Doom (Napalm Records)
Listen: “Astorolus – The Great Octopus”
At long last, Candlemass have returned! The Door to Doom marks the band’s first release in 17 whole years, and while such an extended hiatus could be a death wish for many bands, these dudes are back and better than ever. There’s several treats to be found within, including a special appearance from Black Sabbath’s Tommy Iommi on “Astorolus – The Great Octopus”. But wait — there’s more! For only two payments of $19.99 plus shipping & handling* you can become the proud new owner of the first Candlemass record to feature Johan Längquist’s seductive voice since Epicus Doomicus Metallicus came out in 1986. The Door to Doom is an incredibly powerful reunion that’ll satisfy both veteran fans and those new to the party.
*Disclaimer: I don’t actually know how much this album costs.
OTHER SHIT THAT COMES OUT TODAY
Miscarriage Imminent Horror (Sentient Ruin) listen
Basilysk Emergence (self-released) listen
Abyssic High The Memory (Osmose) listen
Attila Villain (self-released) listen
Pernicion Seek What They Sought (Osmose) listen
Opprobrium The Fallen Entities (High Roller) listen
Continuum Designed Obsolescence (Unique Leader) listen
Hiss From The Moat The Harrier (M-Theory) listen
Horndal Remains (Prosthetic) listen
King Apathy Wounds (Lifeforce) listen
Minors Abject Bodies (Holy Roar) listen
Overkill The Wings of War (Nuclear Blast) listen
Prion Aberrant Calamity (Comatose) listen
Relics of Humanity Obscuration (Willowtip) listen
Ghost Iris Apple Of Discord (Long Branch) listen
Sanhedrin The Poisoner (Cruz del Sur) listen
Imperia Flames Of Eternity (Massacre) listen
Pounder Uncivilized (Hells Headbangers) listen
Delain Hunter’s Moon (Napalm) listen
Visions Of Atlantis The Deep & The Dark Live @ Symphonic Metal Nights (Nuclear Blast) listen
Gatekeeper Grey Maiden (Cruz del Sur) listen
Wretched Fate Fleshletting (Redefining Darkness) listen
Ænimus Dreamcatcher (Nuclear Blast) listen
Nasheim Jord Och Aska (Northern Silence) listen
Cold Colours Northernmost (self-released) listen
Last In Line II (Frontiers) listen
Rhapsody Of Fire The Eighth Mountain (AFM) listen
Morphinist Thousand Souls Unleashed (self-released) listen
Hate Force Hate Force (Closed Casket) listen
Spirits Of Fire Spirits Of Fire (Frontiers) listen
Rock Goddess This Time (Bite You To Death) listen
Grafvitnir Venenum Scorpionis (Carnal) listen
Palace In Thunderland The King of the Empty Aeon (Fuzzdoom) listen
Necrochamber Ceremonies for the Dead (self released?) listen
Black Matter Device Hostile Architecture (self released?) listen
Wounds Light Eater (self released) listen
Bellrope You Must Relax (Exile on Mainstream) listen
