Firtan - Ethos

When an artist says they are fusing many styles of metal together you frequently are lift with a directionless mess. It feels like the opposite is true of Firtan. While their sound certainly seems to flirt with everything from 90s black metal to doom by way of death metal and even post rock, their new album Ethos is a wonderfully thoughtful and dense offering that seems to draw listeners in with each and every song. It's triumphant, gorgeously put together extreme metal that sets the band in a league of their own with a sound that is distinctly and profoundly theirs. 

There is a pointed vision behind this record and Firtan easily swoop you into their sonic milieu. From the opening bars of Ethos it's clear that Firtan are a band like few others and their penchant for writing grandiose, larger than life songs is entrancing. This is a group who eagerly dive into the densest sides of their sound and who seem comfortable unveiling layers of volume and destruction couched within profound beauty. This is metal done with ambition and while this is certainly a thinking mans metal record, Ethos hits on a gut level too. Grab it when it drops in 10 days.

Pre-order the album!

https://firtan.bandcamp.com/album/ethos

Urzah - The Scorching Gaze

 

Urzah are a veritable force. Their brand of post metal is electric, unafraid to borrow from a broad swathe of influences, ranging from sludge metal to metalcore, and doing so with aplomb. They have taken classic sounds that I think many of us were enamored with and then distilled them into something greater, poetic and simply fascinating. The Scorching Gaze shines because of the breadth of the compositions and the vision behind what Uzrah are doing. Their songs elegantly blend styles to craft something that is truly impressive. 

I think what captures my imagination the most about The Scorching Gaze is the breadth of the songwriting. Just when you think the record can't continue to impress anymore, they drop female vocals, or a surprisingly tasteful metalcore riff, or one of countless other songwriting tricks to show that there are infinite possibilities in the musical world of Uzrah. And on a similar note - the willingness to acknowledge metalcore as an influence is actually really refreshing. So many bands grew up with the stuff but most seem to want to act like they are too cool for it. Uzrah bring those elements in with grace and dignity befitting their craft. 

The Scorching Gaze is a triumph, make no bones about it. It's the sound of a band coming into their own with a vision that is diverse and exciting, speaking to a bunch of different influences but winding up with a post metal record that is ambitious, exciting and with a clear vision for the future. Urzah are a veritable force and it is a delight to sink your teeth into what they have crafted for us. This is another win for the always excellent APF Records. 

Pre-order the album!

https://apfrecords.co.uk/albums/the-scorching-gaze

Oberst - Toil

 

For a few years now I've been following the growth and development of Oberst. They're a really interesting and quite different Norwegian band, drawing from a huge blend of influences. On a given track you can hear touches of black metal, emo, melodic death metal and so much more all coming together for an end result that feels almost visionary. The band has been at it for a good few years now, but this record seems to be the sound of it all coming together. Toil is a bold offering and one that seems to consistently drive towards dizzy new heights. 

Toil thrills because of the atmospheres that Oberst are able to conjure up. The spiraling guitar lines on tracks like "Mules On A Mountain" are thrilling and speak to a band who understand the fundamental beauty of the metal genre. Oberst understand now better than ever how to craft meaningful and exciting songs that lure you in and remind us exactly why we were all enamored with this thing in the first place. Toil is a record that is unafraid to draw in a diverse set of elements and turn them around into something that is distinctly Oberst. If this was a band who struggled to find their sound in the past, now the group has contributed something meaningful to the canon. 

Oberst have me truly impressed with this release. Their ability to push their own boundaries as creators and unveil something greater is endlessly charming. I got to see the band a few weeks ago in Norway and was impressed at how the songs came together live. They feel just as organic on stage as they do on the album, and one gets the sense that this is exactly how Oberst like it. I could see this record being a sleeper hit and starting to help the band make some meaningful forward motion. It's a labor worth of it's Toil after all! 

Pre-order the album! 

https://oberstband.bandcamp.com/album/toil

Guhts - Regeneration

 

I think that Guhts like the Cult Of Luna & Julie Christmas album. But guess what? That album rules. And by extension - Guhts rule! After years of hard work their debut full length, Regeneration is finally here and it's a truly impressive offering, one that is broad scope, larger than life and which elegantly brings together a broad swathe of influences, not just Cult of Luna and Julie Christmas, but also Subrosa, Deftones, Battle of Mice and Jarboe. It is an intense and interesting listen, a record that seems eager to keep on giving even through multiple spins. 

Regeneration impresses because of the ambition of the release. Yet even in its boldest moments, like the ten minute album closer "The Wounded Healer" one never gets the sense that Guhts are trying to punch above their weight class. Instead these songs like beautifully natural extensions of the artists themselves, testimonies to their hard work and transcendent, epic compositions that will draw you in for spin after spin. This is music that goes above and beyond, which is unashamed in its ambition to grow and which gets incredibly, unabashedly emotional.. The rawness of these emotions and the warmth of the guitar tones creates a strange sonic space where sitting back and crying feels not just appropriate, but welcome. 

Guhts have really gone above and beyond with this release. It's a record that hints at an impressive future for the band, and which even in the short term is going to be enough to turn heads. It's a fitting document to a time and a place, and a band who have found a way to distill their influences into an impressive addition to the canon. Regeneration is a thriller any way you slice it, bombastic, raw and wonderfully emotional. If you're looking for a post metal offering to carry you to strange new sonic landscapes, this is the one for you.

Pre-order the album today! 

https://guhts.bandcamp.com/album/regeneration

Ashbringer - We Came Here To Grieve

Ambitious, bold and surprisingly diverse, Ashbringer have always been a force of their own in the underground. Their new album We Came Here To Grieve is just another addition to that, moving from their atmospheric black metal roots and towards something much bolder and more far reaching. Ashbringer have been wandering a unique path since their inception in 2013, and now 10 years in they are unveiling some of their broadest sweeping work yet and leaving me ever more impressed with the sonic landscapes they have cultivated for us. 

We Came Here To Grieve impresses because of the breadth of the composition. It's music that, while still paying tribute to the black metal roots of the project is unafraid to bring in noise, folk, ambient and post metal influences. In particular it feels like the impact of bands like Neurosis looms larger than ever on We Came Here To Grieve. The end result is a multi layered, kaleidoscopic recording that makes an immediate impact. It's always impressive when an artist approaches their work with this level of verve and imagination and We Came Here To Grieve is simply an amplification of that. It's deeply rewarding and driving. 

Ashbringer are a one of a kind force in the underground, few projects started so young and have been so willing to explore new sonic landscapes, even after early success. While at sometimes the vast ambition of this project works against it, and I occasionally wish more time was spent on the mix, this is as a whole a really impressive, bold recording. We Came Here To Grieve is an artist pushing themselves to the limit, no matter the consequences. It's really compelling stuff and it's going to mean that Ashbringer's career remains thrilling for years to come. 

Pre-order the album!

https://ashbringermusic.bandcamp.com/album/we-came-here-to-grieve

Metide - Erebos

Erebos is a stunner. It's a post metal record full of Neurosis-esque flourishes, thoughtful compositions and some really exciting performances certain to capture the imagination. There is a thrumming magic to Erebos that drives the whole thing forward, and a compelling vision behind the music that forces listeners to fall in love with what has been presented to us. It's music that feels abstract in its elegance but also which shines in the brooding visions that it presents to listeners as they delve ever deeper into what has been crafted here. 

Metide have found a way to really capture the imagination with their polychromatic songwriting and the abrasive vocals that provide its fitting counterpoint. Erebos is special because of these intermingled colors, the tasteful performances and the driving vision shaping some surprisingly compelling music. Metide are masters of dynamics and the compositions that sculpt Erebos are exactly the sort of thing to keep listeners in awe for many a spin. It's artsy to be sure, but someone picking up an album with this cover was probably expecting that anyway! 

For those of us seeking to immerse ourselves into the magic of post metal, Metide is a wonderful starting point. Balancing some compositional beauty with wonderfully gnarly vocals and some triumphantly saturated guitar tones, the music they lay out before us is something you can get lost in, replete with rich soundscapes and clear visions of a dark future that none of us can help but to fall in love with. Erebos is a stunner - what more could you want? 

Pre-order the album!

https://metideblacklion.bandcamp.com/album/erebos
 

Dreadnought - The Endless

I remember the first time I heard Dreadnought many years ago. It was after receiving a promo for their excellent 2nd record Bridging Realms. At the time it felt like something truly special was happening. A few weeks later I saw them play a squat in Philly and was blown away by the magic of this prog band who seemed obsessed with doom and had a drummer who could play saxophone and drums simultaneously. Slowly we developed a friendship and I remained consistently excited for new offerings from this brilliant band. This album is no exception. 

This record sees the band undergoing a few lineup changes but retaining much of their core sound. It is perhaps a more ethereal release than that which came before but the nods to both classic black metal and doom remain there. The band, five albums into their career at this point is continuing to define their voice. Their shimmery brand of dark music seems to almost owe more to post rock this time around than anything else. There is a lot to get lost with and immerse yourself in on The Endless, it's a record that seems to hint at infinite possibility and will see listeners getting increasingly lost in the epic vision of the band. 

The Endless sees Dreadnought pushing their sound once more to a whole new level. It's really exciting to hear their unique execution and vision play out time and time again, there is something completely fascinating about this band and their neverending dedication to their vision. Dreadnought have once again proven that they are among the best doing it today. To experience one of their albums even once is a privilege. To have spent 7 years following it is an honor. I hope for many more albums like this one, and you should too.

Pre-order the album!

https://dreadnoughtdenver.bandcamp.com/album/the-endless

Absent In Body - Plague God

Well this is an absolute crusher. The collaboration between Neurosis and Amenra has been, if we're being honest, long overdue. These are two of the premier post metal bands in the world and both have touched the lives of countless fans across the world. So it makes sense that when Neurosis frontman Scott Kelly comes to collaborate with Mathieu Vandekerckhove and Colin Van Eeckhout the end product would be spectacular. Especially when you add in the incredible and monumental drumming from the one and only Iggor Cavalera. 

The point being - this record is fucking incredible. It's one of the most exciting collaborations I have ever heard, deeply emotional and pushing beyond the boundaries of any of the artists involved's work. The capacity to fuse post metal and doom is truly elite. It showcases the musicians pushing their performances to their limits. In particular the vocal work from both Kelly and Van Eeckhout is incredible, showcasing both musicians at their absolute peak. The drumming of Iggor Cavalera is a phenomenal additional layer to the fray. It is far from the thrash and death metal of his youth. Instead it is slow and ominous, a crushing lesson in what makes for a stunning post metal or doom performance. 

Absent In Body will crush your soul. Plague God is an early contender for album of the year, even in what is shaping to be a banner year for heavy music. This record stuns and every step further you take into it the more clear it becomes just how talented and visionary the band is. This is an album that draws from the darkest parts of the soul and reveals sublime, bleak truths about some of the greatest artists in heavy music today. Turning it all the way up and experiencing this twisted vision at its fullest is going to leave you completely in awe.

Pre-order the album!

https://absentinbody.bandcamp.com/album/plague-god

Abraham - Debris De Mondes Perdus

 

The Swiss underground has fascinated me for a while. There are so many rare treasures coming out of the scene, and fan favorite Pelagic Records seems committed to capturing as many of them as possible. Such is the case with Abraham whose new record Debris De Mondes Perdus is a passionate and explosive offering that captures the imagination with multi-layered compositions that continually impress and speak to a band who are capable of crafting gloriously loud and triumphant offerings that build on the framework that Neurosis built for us. 

Debris De Mondes Perdus is a stunner any way you slice it. It's a record that feels organic and powerful, reveling in layered post metal magic and forcing listeners to really embrace the emotional girth of what's being done here. Abraham continually impress because of the vision that they bring to the table. There is a weird blend of DIY-isms alongside more sophisticated metal songwriting. The end result is a record that leaves listeners in awe, excited for what's coming next and thrilled to really let themselves get lost in the monolithic monochromatic waves of sound. It's building on a classic sound that has left so many of us in awe for so long. 

Abraham have truly gone above and beyond on this offering. It's a record that I think DIY devotees are going to find themselves regularly returning too with a sense of scope and vision that can't help but to impress. Debris De Mondes Perdus is a thrilling rallying cry for the band and one that show their impressive talents being executed at the highest degree. For post metal fans, this is a must listen, a record that speaks to a prodigous level of talent and which should not be soon forgotten. These guys are going places, and you don't want to miss it. 

Pre-order the album!

https://pelagic-records.com/product/abraham-debris-de-mondes-perdus-lp/

SOM - The Shape Of Everything

Every once in a while you stumble upon a record that is perfectly produced, and immaculately put together. An album that takes the tropes of its genre and fuses them with picture perfect songwriting in order to ensure something that resonates with listeners and leaves them in awe of all that has been created. The Shape Of Everything by SOM is one such record, a masterful offering that sees the band fusing their own brand of post metal with almost pop dervied songwriting for a listening experience that is almost spiritual in scope and endlessly thrilling to let yourself get immersed in. 

The quality of the production is absolutely stunning and the intricate songwriting with its ethereal clean vocals and electronica influenced sounds makes for a record that really takes post metal to its next logical goalpost. There is a strange transcendence and poetry to this offering and the way that the band have been able to distill their influences into something crushingly heavy and thrilling for listeners to really get lost in and fall in love with. The Shape Of Everything is an absolute monster, a record that pushes for transcendence and makes listeners get lost in the soaring magic of a band with a vision that you just can't forget. 

The Shape Of Everything is a transcendent record. It's an offering that shows us a band who eagerly navigate new heights and speak to the divine poetry within us all. There are few bands that really grasp the internal magic of the genre in a way that few of their peers ever really could. The clarity of vision and simply gorgeous nature of the record make it one that I am eager to revisit and learn more about. It's a release that can't help but to excite because you get the impression SOM are on the verge of something truly special. This is a masterpiece. 

Pre-order the album!

https://pelagic-records.com/product/som-the-shape-of-everything-lp/

Amenra - De Doorn

After four years and a punishing pandemic, Amenra are back. The Flemish art hardcore masters have pieced together another absolute masterpiece. De Doorn (Which translates to 'The Thorn') is the first Amenra record to have an actual name, after 6 records titled Mass I-VI. It's also perhaps the quietest Amenra record to date. It takes the bands sound in a direction only hinted at on prior releases, but one in which the guys truly succeed in making something exciting, powerful and deeply emotional. It's dark and meditative music that will leave you in awe. 

There are explorations here that mark some of Amenra's boldest explorations to date. Tracks like 'Voor Immer' are largely stripped down reflections of the self that resonate in a really deep way. I think that fans weren't necessarily expecting extended acoustic guitar and bass driven offerings, but devotees of the band know Amenra have been experimenting with more acoustic music for a long time. Furthermore - it means that when the band does head into a heavier direction, as they do for a triumphant conclusion to the record, it is made all the more poignant and really continues to give back in a meaningful way. 

Look - I love Amenra. In my eyes they can do no wrong. We knew from the start De Doorn was going to be a departure for the band, similar to how basically every record to this point has really been a step in a different direction but always tying back to the same core thesis. De Doorn is a masterpiece and a record that will keep devout listeners in awe. Amenra have gone above and beyond to impress here and immersing yourself in the glory of De Doorn is wonderfully emotional, the type of thing that keeps people coming back time and time again. 

Pre-order the album!

http://bit.ly/amenra-dedoorn

Dawn Fades - Ode

 

Now here's an epic record to get lost in. Dawn Fades have refined something truly powerful and exciting on Ode. It's a record that has a certain human power that can't help but to leave you in awe. Borrowing for m a whole swathe of influences, what these guys do here is nothing less than thrilling. this is the sort of heavy music that takes listeners on a journey and begging for more. While clearly a labor of love there is a wonderful authenticity to Ode that really keeps me coming back entranced each time.  

What's cool about this record is even through the epic frills you can hear everything from Neurosis to Alice In Chains by way of, dare I say it - Slayer. Dawn Fades are a truly special band, what they have crafted on this offering is exciting and speaks to just the level of talent that they have been able to refine and guide towards listeners. Few acts of their generation really have this same sort of vision, but Dawn Fades really grasp the myriad elements that make post metal great and then lean right into them. What more could you want? 

There is a surprising amount of depth and diversity on this record. From acoustic passages that impress with their stripped down glory to wonderfully delivered atmospheric moments. Ode is a record that transcends expectations, and while it still is a bit limited at the edges, it hints at a grand future for this band. I think hearing these guys evolve is going to be very exciting. The deeper you delve the more clear it becomes, Dawn Fades are the real deal and there is a lot to be entranced about with this band, any way you slice it. 

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/DawnFadesBand/

Dead Register - Don't Fail Me

I'm not gonna lie - I kind of love the pandemic maxi-single.  We've been able to take behind the scenes looks at some of our favorite bands and get some really cool releases out of it as they all hustle to write new albums. Don't Fail Me is one such offering, a fascinating little record that features an original, three live tracks and a killer remix from the one and only Lament Cityscape. It's a pleasure to sink your teeth into this offering and be reminded once again about the surreal and crushingly heavy magic of Dead Register.

See, Dead Register isn't like a normal band. This power trio features two bass guitarists in a sound that hearkens back to Neurosis as much as it does The Cure. They sit on the edge of a knife, on the one hand eagerly leaning into emotionally devastating hooks and on the other hand crushing your skull in wit ha sound that is, by design heavier than any of their peers when they want it to be. It's really a delight to immerse yourself in this madness and the more you uncover about the unholy ministrations of Dead Register the more impressed you will be Don't Fail Me is a delightful listen and one that consistently leaves listeners in awe.

Generally speaking this is a truly excellent offering that serves as a fitting outreach just as much as it is a love letter to pre-existing fans. I love the fact that the live tracks were recorded at a venue as iconic as Lafayette's Boom Boom Room. The Lament Cityscape remix uncovers exciting new sides to the bands unique sound. Together these songs make for some delightful listening that will keep devotees coming back, delighted with their discovery and eager to unveil more layers to the punishing crush of one of my favorite Atlanta bands.

Find them on Instagram!

https://www.instagram.com/dead_register/

Becoming The Lion - Unearthly Creature

It's been interesting to watch the gradual growth of post metal. Where it formerly really only meant things like Neurosis, now the genre has gone on to embrace everything from prog to metalcore. These elements are especially prevalent in the work of Becoming The Lion. Their new record Unearthly Creature is a majestic blend of ideas that makes for a distinct and exciting listen. This is an album that sees the band not only making huge steps forward as musicians but one which will leave you with your hands in the iar, utterly in awe of their songwriting. 

While the opening tracks lean more into the progressive or metalcore side of things, it is the back half of the album that holds the real meat of the record. The album opener 'A Fireside Tale For Those Of Inquiry' is solid, if a bit tropey. It's only a hint of what's to come though. The longest track on the record, the epic, 'Rise And Fall, A Legend Is Born' is one of the moments where Unearthly Creature really pushes towards transcendence. The Russian Circles influence comes to the fore and the music becomes anthemic. It is the closing track, 'Silent Return' which is far and away the best though. It's a track that sees the band fusing all their masterful elements only hinted at in the past and turning the record into a goddamn stunner. 

Unearthly Creature is a record that gets better after multiple listens. I think that there are so many layers involved in what the band is doing that it becomes very easy to sort of gloss over it upon the first spin. However, when you spend more time and really dig in it becomes clear that Unearthly Creature is a truly fascinating release. The bands eagerness to bring in disparate elements serves to make them interesting, but it is their implementation and willingness to embrace deeper layers and levels that turns them into a one of a kind band. 

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/becomingthelion/

Supruga - Хаос / Никто не в безопасности

 

I have like a weird rule now that when the PR wire says a band sounds like Amenra I have to check them out. I'm usually glad I do. Today's adventure in Amenra worship is Supruga whose new record, Хаос / Никто не в безопасности is a masterclass in what post metal can be at its finest. There is a grim transcendence to this offering and the sublime poetry that they offer within. With monolithic guitars, crushing tones and a sense that we might actually get out of thing alive, Supruga are a welcomed blaze from the Russian sky. 

It's such a delight getting lost in the simple poetry of what has been done here. There are layers upon layers of sound and the sheer dedication to volume is only one part of the overarching puzzle. There is a very real elegance to the execution of what Supruga are doing and to sink into this divine poetry is a rare treat. While yes the bands blend of post metal with black metal and touches of hardcore is not easily accessible, for those of us deeply invested in this music it feels like a logical fit. The production may not be as pretty as that of an Amenra or Neurosis record, but the sheer level of emotion they conjure up is almost as potent. It hints at so much more that could be done. 

Хаос / Никто не в безопасности is a masterful offering and hints at a lot of goodness to come. The band has put together something monumental here and it is a delight to get lost in the layers of tracks like 'Час хищника.' The band clearly put this together with a greater overarching vision in mind. Their ability to conjure up tormented imagery with stellar execution puts them ahead of the pack. This is a fascinating record and one that demands multiple listens. The deeper you delve into their interlocking pieces the more you fall in love.

Find them on Facebook!

https://www.facebook.com/suprugaband

Zyclops - Inheritance Of Ash

Now this one is a monster. Zyclops are a sludgy post metal band whose sound has been baked under that intense Texas heat. This debut offering, Inheritance Of Ash is monolithic and powerful. The bands approach is monumental, drawing you into crushing guitars, crippling soundworlds and choking you on the magic of what heavy music can be. With a massive bottom end and an overwhelming sense of apocalyptic insanity this is the perfect record for a band getting ready to descend fully into the pit.

Inheritance Of Ash is delightful not just in its potent ambition but its gorgeous production. you can really sink your teeth into the multilayered magic of a track like 'Wind'. Meanwhile the endless amber waves of a track like 'Rope' remind us of the sort of bitter and twisted magic that this band has brought to the table time and time again on this record. Few records really justify being turned up as loudly as possible as well as Inheritance Of Ash does. This EP captures a rich range of dynamics and as you pull apart the layers you find gorgeous new melodies and enlightening twists in the myth that capture the imagination.

Zyclops have crafted a sound here that is monolithic in a way that few of their peers would ever dare to be. Inheritance Of Ash is going to continually drive towards exciting new visions, even with repeat listens. There is simply so much to unpack. Perhaps the highlight of the album comes on the album closer, 'Ash'. The whinnying guitars and descent into chaos that marks the tracks final movement is stunning. It leaves you scraping your jaw off the floor in awe of a band who have driven towards the next level and taken no prisoners.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/Zyclopsband/

Loviatar - Lightless

A deeply intricate and sonically fascinating record, Lightless is the sophomore offering from Loviatar a doomy Canadian post-metal band. Their gorgeous soundscapes and top flight production make for some truly compelling listening and routinely prove that the band is more than the sum of its parts. This is a project that comes together elegantly and consistently shows me that Lightless demands multiple listens. It's a thoughtful record that digs into themes of solipsism and the human condition, forcing us to reflect on our own realities.

Th intricacy of the songwriting, the breadth of the parts and the sheer quantity of riffs makes for a dense listen. The songs are fairly long, with the epic closer, 'Lightless' checking in at around ten and a half minutes long. I'm especially into the vocals which often come across in that semi-shouted Mastodon style.  They are powerful and exciting, propelling the band forward even when the music seems to be holding back a little. Lightless guides the listener down a wonderfully dark path and revels in its introspective nature. There is a certain poetry to what Lightless is doing that helps to make it a truly special offering.

Lightless brings a lot to the table, I think that Loviatar might not be quite at their potential peak, but this record sees them getting close. There is a lot of emotional depth on display here and it's a record that rewards attentive listening. I love the darkness of the emotions within and their forward thinking ambitions. I think that this band has the potential to be truly special, and as is, Lightless proves that Loviatar have a clear vision and one that, if it's built upon, could bring in whole new worlds of doom metal.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/loviatardoommetal/

Chrome Ghost - The Diving Bell

This is a masterful one. The latest from PNW doomsters Chrome Ghost is a truly top notch metal record, an album that dances from peak to peak with its transcendent sludgy poetry. The band sits somewhere between post metal and sludge, crafting emotionally and sonically heavy tunes that pull at the heartstrings. The Diving Bell is a poetic assault on the senses, highly refined and something that you can get completely lost in. The melodic sensibilities the band showcases are top notch and their sense of songwriting truly excellent.

The longer form tracks on The Diving Bell are impressive because they never seem to lose momentum. As opposed to many of their peers, Chrome Ghost are able to craft long tracks that actually mean something and aren't just long for the sake of being long. Similarly nothing here is heavy for the sake of being heavy - instead it feels like everything has been precisely calculated, refined and executed on a truly excellent level. The Diving Bell is a tour de force for the band and a constant reminder of why the Pacific Northwest's metal scene is often viewed as one of the best in the world.

Gorgeously produced and the sort of thing that doom fans are going to come back too time and time again, The Diving Bell speaks to the strength of this scene. While none of the ideas within are especially groundbreaking, Chrome Ghost excel at refining the genres tropes into a sound that is wholly their own and which makes for consistently engaging listening. At the end of the day - what more could you want? In a bloated and crowded genre, Chrome Ghost prove with every moment of this record that they are among the best.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/chromeghostsludge/

Cult of Luna - A Dawn To Fear

It's been three years since Cult of Luna released their seminal collaboration with Julie Christmas. Hell, it's been SIX since we last had an original full length that was just the band. Suffice it to say, a new Cult of Luna record will, I think, always feel like some sort of monumental moment in the history of the scene and the heavy music community at large. With this in mind, there was a lot of pressure on Cult of Luna to really deliver with this record. I am happy to report though, that A Dawn To Fear executes with excellence on all fronts. 

There is a transcendent sense of poetry to A Dawn To Fear. It shows one of sludge metals brightest hopes really leaning into the post rock side of their sound. The sheer prettiness on the outro of album opener 'The Silent Man' is a clear sign that the musical direction taken on the collaboration with Julie Christmas was not a mere diversion but a sign of things to come. It's a huge step forward for a bunch of Malmo hardcore kids, but the sheer overwhelming beauty of A Dawn To Fear shows that Cult Of Luna have come wonderfully far. This is one of their most compelling and in many ways mesmerizing releases yet. 

A Dawn To Fear exceeded almost all of my expectations of the band and I already thought they were among the most talented songwriters in post metal. This record puts them in a league of their own, sitting alongside other critical darlings turned demigods like Yob. Cult Of Luna elevated the dialog around them in 2016 with the collaboration record, but now  they prove that they can bring it on their own. This is a thrilling release and one that can't help but to fascinate even the most stubborn listener. Give it a whirl! 

Find them on Facebook!
 https://www.facebook.com/cultoflunamusic

An Isolated Mind - I'm Losing Myself

What I love about extreme music is its ability to make the listener feel truly uncomfortable. It's rare that I find a record that really fucks with me on a fundamental level. This is a record that gets under my skin, because so often the music on I'm Losing Myself reflects what's going on under my skin. An Isolated Mind is a death/doom project with a post metal sensibility. There is chaos in the overarching prettiness and prettiness in the vast chaos of this record. It's a weird listen and one that is guaranteed to haunt you.

The scope of I'm Losing Myself is vast, at times too vast. The occasionally schizophrenic nature of the record is in keeping with its themes of mental health, but at times leaves me a little confused. In particular the extended outtro on I've Lost Myself has me grasping for answers. This all being said, the overarching madness of the album when combined with a very clear search for inner peace makes it incredibly relatable. Though there are myriad elements wandering in and out of every side of this listening experience, I'm Losing Myself really makes its name on the grander vision that is being presented here.

It's rare that I've found a record that so nicely reflects my mental state. The sheer discomfort of some of these tracks almost forces me into some unholy parody of motion. There is an incredibly personal side to this record that makes it at times almost painful to listen too. This all being said, it's such an intimate look into the artist that it can actually feel alien. This is part of what keeps me coming back to I'm Losing Myself though - the sheer fact that this is what the human condition looks like and this is why we must suffer.

Find them on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/AnIsolatedMind/