Sh*t That Comes Out Today: March 4, 2022
Here are five new metal albums that’ll help take your mind off current events (and one that won’t).
Crowbar
Zero And Below (MNRK Heavy)
Crowbar: not big fans of evolution. On the other hand, when you’ve perfected sludge metal like they have from the beginning, why bother venturing out of the swamp? Shit, even the alligators are probably scared of them. Crowbar’s latest continues their current run of quality, the proud NOLA natives further exploring their internal and external demons through the heaviest heaping of mud anywhere.
Deserted Fear
Doomsday (Century Media)
Honestly, Deserted Fear probably should’ve called themselves Blinded by Fear, because you could really just slap a “RIYL At the Gates” sticker on the front of this and call it a day. This is the kind of solid ‘7’ record where the band executes their melodic death metal very well but really don’t bring any sort of fresh take or unique character to their approach. But hey, if ATG’s latest have been a little too conceptual for your taste, this is the pure stuff.
Midnight
Let There Be Witchery (Metal Blade)
It’s not like Midnight‘s dirty black ‘n’ roll assault has ever really changed over the course of their career, but at some point in the last couple years, it really clicked – even in an incredibly prolific discography, 2020’s Rebirth by Blasphemy and now Let There Be Witchery stand out. Basically, Athenar really leaned into his band being the BDSM version of AC/DC and went for big sleazy hooks. Lay down your soul for the gods rock ‘n’ roll!
Sabaton
The War To End All Wars (Nuclear Blast)
I’ve come around somewhat to Sabaton after my review of their last album (seeing them live helped), but man, talk about bad timing. Even two weeks ago it would’ve been way more fun to listen to a concept album about an unnecessary land war in Europe. That said, their penchant for big dumb power metal hooks makes the 20th century history lessons go down a little easier amidst the ongoing current history lesson, and you can’t accuse the songs of all sounding the same this time — “Soldier of Heaven” even unexpectedly dabbles in Italo disco!
Sanhedrin
Lights On (Metal Blade)
Lights out in London, lights on in Brooklyn. Sanhedrin take their cues from the NWOBHM and the trad metal revival, but instead of fanciful topics, they face modern day head on — their latest tackles the quarantine, police violence, and the frustration of living in the modern world. Thankfully, they also wrap those musings in some of the strongest songs of their career.
Sylvaine
Nova (Season Of Mist)
Like if The Gathering fell on black gaze, Sylvaine‘s latest excursion into the depths of the human heart hits hard. The unexpected clashes between the beautiful post-rock parts and the bestial black metal bits really catapult this above her competition; it’s not like other bands don’t do similar tricks, but it’s Sylvaine’s mastery of knowing when to do it for maximum emotional impact that sets her apart. Repeat listens reward greatly.
SOME OTHER SHIT THAT COMES OUT THIS WEEK
Endtime – Impending Doom (Heavy Psych Sounds) Listen
The Flower Kings – By Royal Decree (InsideOut) Listen
Hath – All That Was Promised (Willowtip) Listen
Jirm – The Tunnel, The Well, Holy Bedlam (Ripple) Listen
Kuolemanlaakso – Kuusumu (Svart) Listen
Marillion – An Hour Before It’s Dark (earMusic) Listen
Twisted Tower Dire – Crest Of The Martyrs Demos (Nameless Grave) Listen
Vio-Lence – Let The World Burn EP (Metal Blade) Listen
