Generally Impressed With Riffs
[Cover artwork by Old Hag] When I initially realized that Arckanum’s first album after a long hiatus—and, technically, its breakup—would be released on All Hallows’ Eve, I devised this rather cutesy and far-fetched idea to compare the entire album to …
[Album artwork / art direction by Joseph Niet / The Creative Corporation] Offering up a textbook definition of “holy crap, time flies,” Black Sabbath’s swan song, 13, was released 13 years ago, on June 7th, 2013. In a curious move, …
If you’re just now catching up, well, we’re just now catching up. Seth Buttnam and I (plus one uninvited guest) are rounding up some of our favoritest grindcore (or grind-adjacent) releases of the past however many months, since we (read: …
[Album artwork by Truls Espedal] It’s 17 albums for Enslaved now, comprising a discography I find exceptionally challenging to wrap my arms around. What’s going on here? Does anyone else forget that the relatively rote and by-the-numbers Frost is actually …
“Nine out of ten lead singers agree that the vocalist is the most important member of the band.” It’s a variation upon the age-old joke about singers, but there is some truth to it. Sure, …
2011’s Human Remains was the special kind of surprising kickassery that very few expected but many ended up relishing. After all, this Hell band was a fringe NWOBHM act that never recorded a proper album, …
Personally and professionally, 2013 was an odd, sometimes turbulent year for me. So, The Great Support Structure that is music was really needed and my listening habits reflected that. While I am always in search …
Originally written by Chris Redar Looks like it’s time for another round of musical leapfrog with Deicide. It seems like every time the Florida Blasphemy Brigade(tm) bangs out an Oscar-worthy performance, they follow it up with …
I know I’ll probably get crucified for choosing to cover this record, but that’s my cross to bear… Let’s go ahead and address the 400-pound gorilla in the room so that those of you who …
Originally written by Ian Chainey If you’re like me, you’ll spend today softly weeping in bed while listening to culture podcasts since it’s your only link to a social life. If you’re like the idealized …
This is the end of the line. Well, not really. There’s still a full two weeks left in the year, and you’re still bracket-busting your way towards crowning a Metal Madness 2013 tournament champion. But as …
Metal fans often seem to have problems deciding what constitutes “true black metal.” Is it lo-fi production and satanic lyrics? Perhaps it’s tremolo guitar riffs and non-stop blast beats. Whatever the essential elements may be, …
