Sh*t That Comes Out Today: August 6, 2021
Here are some pretty metal new releases. You know what else is metal? Getting vaccinated so Vince doesn’t have to write any more apocalyptic missives.
Agrypnie
Metamorphosis (AOP)
These German progressive blackgazers have been around for a while, although in varying forms — “Torsten, der Unhold,” the band’s sole originating member, has churned through quite a few sidemen in his act’s seventeen years of existence. Metamorphosis features yet another new lineup. This one works pretty well for him. While the album feels on the long side, Torsten and his comrades create a compellingly dark atmosphere to spread his tales of woe.
Lingua Ignota
Sinner (Sargent House)
I bitch a lot on here about bands lacking originality, so I gotta give Kristin Hayter serious props for her genre-smashing combination of black metal, choral, noise, pop, and avant-garde sensibilities. Like her spiritual predecessor, Diamanda Galas, she follows her muse wherever it leads. If you’re looking for predictability, look elsewhere! This is definitely not for everyone. Extreme music is about exploring the outer bounds of musical expression and she’s found a new frontier for sure.
Netherbird
Arete (Eisenwald)
That’s either a really grim version of Titans Tower on the cover of Netherbird’s latest or it’s some Viking stuff. Considering Netherbird’s Nordic roots and influences, the latter might be the more likely candidate. 90s melodeath has proven to be as enduring an influence as Sabbath or the NWOBHM. Netherbird have been doing this for a while and have honed their soulreaper to a sharp edge, so if you’re looking for some more Dissection and Dark Tranquillity worship in your life, this mountain is worth climbing.
Nytt Land
Ritual (Napalm)
Not enough throat singing in metal, I’ve always (never) said. Nytt Land hail from Siberia but their hearts lie a few thousand miles west in the fjords of Norway. They call themselves “dark shamanic folk,” which is pretty accurate — while the duo’s lack of electric instruments makes it hard to classify them as metal, they’d fit snugly on a playlist next to Wardruna and Heilung. As silly as the shtick may seem at first, they succeed in creating an ominous, firelit atmosphere that’ll have you checking over your shoulder for a surprise Viking attack.
Suncraft
Flat Earth Rider (All Good Clean)
There are a lot of companies called Suncraft, with products ranging from patio covers to knives. Suncraft (the band) offer you the finest in heavy riffs and tasty stoner-psych jams. I mean, one look at that album cover and the song list (featuring tunes like “Space Buddha” and “Commie Cannibals”) should tell you most of what you need to know. Point your third eye into this sun.
OTHER SHIT THAT COMES OUT THIS WEEK
Alirio – All Things Must Pass (Frontiers) Listen
Cruzh – Tropical Thunder (Frontiers) Listen
Feuerschwanz – Die Letzte Schlacht (Napalm) Listen
Wald Krypta – Possessed By Nothingness (Eternal Death) Listen
