Forgotten Tomb - Hurt Yourself and the Ones You Love

Artist: Forgotten Tomb
Album: Hurt Yourself and the Ones You Love
Genre: Gothic/Black/Doom Metal
Lyrical Theme: Depression, Suicide, Negativity, Solitude, Nihilism
Year: 2015
Type: Digipack CD, Boxset, LP 12"
Country: Italy
Label: Agonia Records

Pick up your merch here!
http://www.agoniarecords.com

Track Listing:

1. Soulless Upheaval 7:15
2. King of the Undesirables 6:29
3. Bad Dreams Come True 7:34
4. Hurt Yourself and the Ones You Love 7:34
5. Mislead the Snakes 7:40
6. Dread the Sundown 9:45
7. Swallow the Void 5:39

Total time: 51:56

For fans of Shining,  Bethlehem, and Katatonia

Falgar - La Dama Del Alba

Artist: Falgar
Album: La Dama Del Alba
Genre: Black Metal
Lyrical Theme: Solitude Philosophy, Longing
Year: 2013
Type: Cassette (limited to 100), CD
Country: Originally from Puerto Rico now residing in Vermont
Label: Nebular Winter Productions

I believe everything is sold out on Nebular Winter Productions but check out their site/ blog anyways! http://nebularwinter.blogspot.gr

Check out this Russian distro for merch!

http://kunsthauch.com

https://falgarpr.bandcamp.com

Track Listing:

1. Invocacion 1:11
2. La Dama Del Alba 6:57
3. Renacimiento 8:25
4. Sequire 5:46
5. Fargo Y Frio 5:11
6. Laberintos 5:46
7. Artemisa 6:25

Total Time: 37:49

Aevangelist - Omen Ex Simulacra

Artist: Aevangelist 

Album: Omen Ex Simulacra
Genre: Black/Death Metal
Lyrical Theme: N/A
Year: 2013
Type: Digipack CD,  LP
Country: Portland, Oregon and Arlington Heights, Illinois
Label: Debemur Morti Productions

Pick up your merch here! 

http://www.debemur-morti.com

Another awesome site for the LPs 

http://www.20buckspinshop.com

Track Listing:

1. Veils 12:32
2. Mirror of Eden 7:20
3. Hell Synthesis 6:23
4. The Devoured Aeons of Stygian Eternity 7:48
5. Prayer for Ascetic Misery 6:08
6. Relinquished Destiny 4:37
7. Seclusion 6:28
8. Abysscape 12:57

Total Time: 01:04:13

For fans of Portal, Mitochondrian,  and Impetious Ritual

Nocturnus - The Key

Artist: Nocturnus
Album: The Key
Genre: Death Metal
Lyrical Theme: Anti-Christianity, Necronomicon, Occultism, Sci-Fi
Year: 1990
Type: CD, LP, Cassette
Country: Tampa, Florida
Label: Earache Records

http://www.earache.com/index2.html

Track Listing:

1. Lake of Fire 5:04
2. Standing in Blood 4:19
3. Visions Beyond the Grave 4:09
4. Neolithic 4:50
5. Undead Journey 4:16
6. BC/AD 4:56
7. Andromeda Stain 3:42
8. Droid Sector 4:21
9. Destroying the Manger 6:08
10. Empire of the Sands 6:26

Total Time: 48:11

      This album is considered a pillar in death metal considering it was the very first death metal album to use synthesizers in the mix. The lyrical content is also very unique focusing on sci fi themes and mixing it with a love for the occult. Nocturnus unfortunately split but continue on as After Death.

For fans of Atheist, Death, early Morbid Angel, and Pestilence

Cemetery - An Evil Shade of Grey

 Artist: Cemetary
Album: An Evil Shade of Grey
Genre: Death Metal
Lyrical Theme: Love, Death, Despair, Depression
Year: 1992
Type: CD, LP, Cassette
Country: Boras, Sweden
Label: Black Mark Productions

http://www.blackmark.net/

Track Listing:

1. Dead Red
2. Where the Rivers of Madness Stream
3. Dark Illusions
4. An Evil Shade of Evil
5. Sidereal Passing
6. Scars
7. Nightmare Lake
8. Souldrain

Total Time: 35:59

A must have for old school death metal fans, this band reigns from Sweden and formed in 1989 however unfortunately they split. They started out as death metal evolved into doom/death and then later gothic metal so I'd say they pretty much followed the same formula of Paradise Lost for those familiar with them. An 'Evil Shade of Grey' is one of my absolute top picks from them hope you enjoy!

For fans of  Dismember, Expulsion, early Paradise Lost, early Sentenced

Morgoth - Odium

 Artist: Morgoth
Album: Odium
Genre: Death Metal
Lyrical Theme: Death, Society, Personal Issues
Year:1993
Type: CD, LP, Cassette
Country: Meschede, Germany
Label: Century Media Records

http://www.centurymedia.com/

Track Listing:

1. Resistance 4:49
2. The Art of Sinking 3:33
3. Submission 5:14
4. Under the Surface 5:23
5. Drowning Sun 5:13
6. War Inside 4:41
7. Golden Age 7:13
8. Odium 6:17


Total Time: 42:23

Fantastic album for fans of old school german death metal can't count how many times I've abused this!

For fans of Death, Obituary, Asphyx, Massacre and Pestilence

Deep Mountains - Lake of Solace

Artist: Deep Mountains
Album: Lake of Solace
Genre: Atmospheric Folk/Black Metal
Lyrical Theme: Nature, Chinese Culture
Year: 2014
Type: CD, LP
Country: Tai'an, China
Label: Pest Productions

Track Listing:

1. Intro 3:10
2. Sin 4:11
3. Wind and Stellar 5:58
4. Detachment 8:24
5. Lake of Solace pt 1 7:36
6. Lake of Solace pt 2 7:41
7. Ballad of Nai River 3:36
8. Lei Fenghau 2:59

Total Time: 43:35

For fans of Agalloch, Drudkh, Saor, Spectral Lore, and Zurriake

Sannhet - Revisionist

Artist: Sannhet
Album: Revisionist
Genre: Experimental Post-Metal
Lyrical Theme: Instrumental
Year: 2015
Type: CD, LP
Country: Brooklyn, NY
Label: The Flesner

http://theflenser.com/
http://sannhet.bandcamp.com/

Track Listing:

1. Revisionist 4:02
2. Lost Crown 2:47
3. Enemy Victorian 6:17
4. You Thy 3:50
5. Sinking Forward 3:43
6. Atrium 3:39
7. Empty Harbor 4:30
8. Mint Devine 3:12
9.  False Pass 5:02

Total Time: 37:12


          I had the pleasure of seeing these guys a few times in NY and I consider them part of the new wave of metal that's been circulating in the city over the past few years. Their entirely instrumental and only a three piece band featuring AJ Annunziata on bass, Christopher Todd on drums/samples, and John Refano on guitar. Their live sets are awesome and definitely a visual experience for a new comer using a series of images shot through a projector. The lighting also attributes a lot to the live feel which features strobes and a completely transparent drum. This album was a step up from their last release in my opinion and is packed with new dynamic textures, emotions, melodies, and rhythms. Theirs not one track that sounds the same everything has a new feel to it and is constantly evolving including heavy use of samples and loops on top of the rest of the instrumentation. A must see live for anyone in the tri-state area, you can certainly catch them at the Saint Vitus metal bar in Brooklyn.

Sombres Forets - Royaume de glace

Artist: Sombres Forets
Album: Royaume de glace
Genre: Black Metal
Lyrical Theme: Misanthropy, Darkness, Nautre
Year: 2008
Type: CD
Country: Quebec, Canada
Label: Supulchral Productions

http://www.sepulchralproductions.com/

Track Listing:

1. Intro 1:54
2. Royaume de glace 8:08
3. The Forest 9:51
4. Cold Forgotten Earth 8:16
5. La Nuit 9:04
6. L'œil nocturne 9:47
7. Solstice 4:19

Total Time: 51:19

For fans of Gris, Miserere Luminis, Woods of Desolation, and Mortifera

Kauan - Lumikurro

Artist: Kauan

Album: Lumikuuro
Genre:Dark Folk/Doom
Lyrical Theme: Nature
Year: 2007
Type: CD
Country: Ukraine
Label: Blood Music Records

http://www.blood-music.com/

Track Listing:

1. Alku 2:08
2. Aamu ja kaste 7:08
3. Lumikuuro 7:28

4. Savu 4:11
5. Koivun elämä 6:27
6. Syleilyn sumu 5:14
7. Villiruusu 5:17
8. Syleilyn sumu (acoustic) 5:11

Recommended for fans of Tenhi, Nest, Vali, and Falloch

Vàli - Forlatt

Artist: Vàli
Album: Forlatt
Genre: Atmospheric Neofolk, Acoustic
Lyrical Theme: N/A
Year: 2004
Type: Digi Pack CD, Gatefold LP
Country: Norway
Label: Auerbach Tonträger

http://en.prophecy.de/auerbach/

Track List:

1. Naar Vinden Graater... 3:32
2. Dypt Inne I Skogen 3:04
3. Et Ensomt Minne 4:21
4. Nordlysets Dans 3:02
5. Lengsel 3:36
6. Sorg 6:06
7. Skumringens Omfavn 0:49
8. Her Ute I Moerket 4:11
9. Taake 1:39
10. Doedens Evige Kall 4:35

Total Time: 31:20

            Vàli is a beautiful piece of art very peaceful yet melancholic. It's entirely  instrumental folk music using a wide a range of different instruments weighing heavily on the acoustic guitars. The different acoustic melodies he layers just seems to all come together so beautifully along with the soothing and beautiful melodies from the violin and flutes. The band is a one man project fronted by vàli who resides in Norway.

For fans of Neun Welten, Tenhi, Nebelung, October Falls, Empyrium and classical instrumental folk music.

Oranssi Pazuzu - Muukalainen Puhuu

Artist: Oranssi Pazuzu
Album: Muukalainen Puhuu
Genre: Psychadelic Black Metal
Lyrical Theme: Abstract Themes, Cosmos
Year: 2009
Type: Digital, CD, LP
Country: Tampere/Seinäjoki, Finland
Label: Svart Records, Violent Journey Records

http://www.svartrecords.com/
http://www.violentjourneyrecords.com/

Track List:

1. Korppi 5:31
2. Danjon Nolla 3:43
3. Kangastus 1968 4:00
4. Suuri pää taivaasta 6:57
5. Myöhempien Aikojen Piyhien Teatterin Rukoilijasirkka 3:41
6. Dub kuolleen porton muistolle  8:12
7. Muukalainen puhuu 3:42
8. Kerettiläinen vuohi 8:49

Total Time: 44:35
                                                                                                                                                          This is one of the stranger black metal bands I've come across during my journey. I can't help but picture being sucked into the endless vacuum of space leading to a very slow death as the universe reflects off my helmet. This band can be best described as an avant-garde/psychedelic black metal. Their atmospheres are very unique and rythmatic layered with trippy keyboards and
harsh black metal vocals. Theirs even moments on this album that even borrow elements of surfer rock and loungey jazz. It's just something unlike I've heard before and being the bands debut full length it's a perfect place to start in their discography for those unaware of them.

For fans of A Forest of Stars, Hail Spirit Noir, Blut Aus Nord, Nachtmystium, and Hexvessel

Elderwind - The Magic of Nature

Artist: Elderwind
Album: The Magic of Nature
Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal/Dark Ambient
Lyrical Theme: Nature
Year: 2012
Type: Digital, CD, Cassette 
Country: Yekaterinburg, Russia
Label: Deleting Soul Records and Wolfspell Records

http://kunsthauch.com/
http://www.wolfspellrex.com/

Track List:

1. In the Snow 5:42
2. The Magic of Nature 7:28
3. Shining Star 6:04
4. The Nature Stuck in a Dream 4:54
5. Last Winter's Night 7:18
6. The Approach of Spring 9:25
7. When the Rain Starts Again 5:33
8. Cold in the Soul 6:06

Total Time: 52:29

          Elderwind reigns from Yekaterinburg, Russia fronted by Persy who is considered the writer and man behind most the work, however band members Andrey and Alexander have a good deal of involvement as well. It took about 3 years of preparation before their first release "The Magic of Nature" and is considered Elderwind's debut and only full length at this time. If your fans of Caladan Brood, Coldworld, Lustre, and Summoning you'll definitely enjoy this gem.
            The structure of the music is very steady from start to finish and often tends towards repetition in a few tracks however its a perfect blueprint for their direction and goal. The drums are programmed and practically buried by the harsh thick tremolo of the guitars. The guitar melodies are very simple and can be described as melancholic yet cheerful. The synth and piano create an immersive texture that will indulge the listener into a relaxed state carrying them to a land of majestic nature untouched by human corruption. An almost mystical enchanted feeling of being surrounded by nothing but nature and the sounds of the forest. Overall the title is exactly what is described and I hope you enjoy this piece as much as I did!

Merch can be purchased at both links listed above.
     

Enslaved US tour 2015

     Greetings today marks the day of my first music blog! As for my first blog I'd love to cover the Enslaved concert I had recently been too in Philadelphia. My buddy and I spent the weekend to see both Enslaved and Swans held at the Union Transfer. Both shows were beyond fantastic.  I just really wish you didn't have to pay for parking everywhere you go in that city it was very irritating!                                                                           
           It was Sunday March 22nd and the Union Transfer was packed for a night of heavy sludge, stoner doom, and progressive black metal. The night opened with Witch Mountain who did a fantastic set by the way. It was honestly my first time hearing of them but was surprised to see they have been around since 97 so these guys weren't new by any means. They sort of reminded me of jex thoth who I had great pleasure in seeing with Agalloch. Just good old stoner doom with very talented female vocals. They were presented by the beautiful Kayla Dixon who had just joined the line up as of this year to my knowledge. Along with Yob,  Witch Mountain is signed to Profound Lore records and has four full lengths and two eps. Highly recommended for fans of doom metal!                                                                                               
          Much like Witch Mountain their was another band that was also new to me called Yob. Their set honestly blew me to pieces the bass could be felt right in your chest it was too awesome! Sludge doom is the best way to describe them so if your a fan of Electric Wizard,  Pallbearer, Sleep, and Ufomammut you will fall in love with their sound. Along with Witch Mountain they are also signed to Neurot records and currently have seven full lengths out along with a live album and a split.
   So finally as for the main event we had the legendary band from Norway Enslaved. I can't believe these guys started our when they were 17 and 16 years old much similar to Isahn's story from the almighty Emperor! They played everything including a few new tracks off of their new album "In Times" including "Building with Fire" one of my favorite tracks and they closed with Fenriz and Isa! I sure had a headbang over the following morning thats for sure! For fans of metal not familiar with Enslaved their progressive black metal with viking historical influence. The band is currently signed to nuclear blast and have a ton of material they have been releasing since 1991.  Check out their new album "In Times"  which is currently streaming on Spotify and YouTube. Also don't forget to pick up a copy as its currently available on cd and vinyl, u can make purchases at the links below.
               Wrapping up the entire concert it was a great mix of heavy doom and black metal. I'll definitely be returning to the Union Transfer in the near future. The venue was in a pretty convenient area along with everything bring fair priced and had plenty of space inside, just an overall awesome venue and I'd recommend it to anyone! I'll be covering my experience at the Swans concert in my next edition so stay tuned and keep it heavy!

Witch Mountain- Portland, Oregon (Doom Metal) signed to Profound Lore Records

YOB- Eugene, Oregon (Stoner/Doom Metal) signed to Profound Lore Records and Neurot Records

Enslaved- Bergen, Norway (Progressive Black/Viking Metal) signed to Nuclear Blast Records

Check out the bands and pick up your merch here!

Nuclearblast.de
Neurotrecordings.com
Profoundlorerecords.com

Ellorsith - 1959

Artist: Ellorsith
Album: 1959
Genre: Black/Death Metal
Lyrical Theme:
Year: 2014
Type: Digital and Cassette limited to 100
Country: Scotland, United Kingdom
Label: Unsigned/ Independent

https://ellorsith.bandcamp.com/releases

Track List:

1. Vvedenije 1:20
2. Susurration 4:48
3. Marasmus 6:37
4. Lichryre 4:32
5. Compelling Natural Force 9:09

Total Time: 26:26

       Ellorsith is a brand new band that surfaced during the summer of 2014. Hailing from Scotland they debuted with a very interesting concept ep "1959" influenced by the horrific and mysterious events of the "Dylatov Pass". The ep is perfect in a sense that it captures the atmosphere of what happened that dreadful day the group of skiers traveled up the northern parts of the Ural mountains in Russia never to return. The bodies were discovered to be horribly mutilated without any evidence but traces of radiation. To this very day it still baffles scientists and investigators and remains a mystery.
        The guitars can be best described as unorthodox and ominous creating a deep unrelenting feeling of dread as the drums ferocious at times carry the listener to the unknown depths of the mountains. The cymbal work is very good in my opinion and the blasts and double bass are very complimentary to the chaotic guitar riffs. The vocals remind me a lot of Hate Forest and Death Fortress and work perfectly with the atmosphere. Overall a very strong debut and I look very much forward to seeing what they come up with next.

The cassettes are currently sold out however feel free to purchase the digital album on their band camp listed above.