Sh*t That Comes Out Today: August 14, 2020

Not much this week. Lots of stuff next week. Time has no meaning.

Bull Elephant
Created from Death (Eat Lead and Die)

This anonymous London-based collective have a truly batshit backstory for their conceptual opus, of which this is the second part. It involves witchcraft, zombies, a mystical ape, a chosen one, and — of course — Nazis. You don’t need to follow any of it to enjoy the proggy stoner metal they’ve chosen to tell their weird story with. Nothing you haven’t heard before (except the lyrics), but they didn’t just put all their efforts into the narrative — the music ain’t no bull.

Kamelot
I Am The Empire – Live From The 013 CD/DVD (Napalm)

I think we could all use a live album that has a “drum and keyboard solo” as one of the tracks, right? Kamelot somehow became the prog/power band that broke through, and while their popularity baffles me a little, they know how to deliver the goods. It’s been 16 years since their last live album so it’s about time for another career summation. It’s honestly not only a treat for the already-converted, but also a great introduction for the skeptical — the live arena makes the natural environment for their high-energy attack.

Nug
Alter Ego (Willowtip)

Something a little different from Willowtip here — which isn’t to say that Nug don’t have tech death DNA in their genetic cocktail. It’s just subservient to the percussive post-metal rhythms and sidewinding prog guitar lines. They use an approach similar to old-school Gojira or The Ocean, overwhelming the listener through sheer power (and the judicious application thereof). Despite drawing from genres that have a tendency to be super boring, Nug don’t need to hide behind an alter ego — they already show loads of personality.

Primitive Man
Immersion (Relapse)

I’ll be honest, this thing is so drenched in misery it’s hard for me to get through — especially on a sunny summer day. It’s basically weaponized depression. If you’re in the mood for some really slow, gnarly sludge/doom, then here’s your poison. It’s very good. Their usage of feedback to slowly bludgeon the listener to death does not go well with a headache, though. Otherwise, this is about as fine an example of despair as you’re likely to find this year.

OTHER SHIT THAT COMES OUT THIS WEEK

Ingested – Where Only Gods May Tread (Unique Leader) Listen
King Buzzo – Gift Of Sacrifice (Ipecac) Listen
Poppy – I Disagree (More) (Sumerian) Listen
Terra Atlantica – Age Of Steam (Pride & Joy) Listen

SHIT THAT COMES OUT AGAIN THIS WEEK

Chastain – For Those Who Dare 30th Anniversary Edition (Divebomb) Listen
Into Eternity – Into Eternity Re-Release (M-Theory)
Into Eternity – The Incurable Tragedy Re-Release (M-Theory)