The Celestial Manifest

Venenum - Venenum (2011)

2012-02-05T06:10:00.000-05:00

Artist: Venenum
Genre: Old Schoooool Death Metal
Country: Germany

Suffocating osdm that piles the riffs on you without mercy. If you're into the likes of Cruciamentum, Krypts and etc then you'll definitely dig this.

Venenum [Ep]

Fuck the Facts - Die Miserable (2011)

2012-02-03T02:31:00.002-05:00

Genre: Grindcore
Listen/Buy: Bandcamp
Buy: BigCartel

Ripping that new hole in your ass that you so desperately needed. What's the difference between two dicks and a joke?

Can't take a joke?

Free the Robots

2012-02-03T02:05:00.005-05:00

Genre: Instrumental Hip-Hop / Trip-Hop / Goooood-Tiiiimes
Web: Myspace
Buy: BigCartel

Listening to Chris Alfaro's music has been putting me in a good mood lately. Not sure why. Maybe something to do with it being relatively upbeat, but with a slightly dark lean. That stuff always gets me. It's all pretty great and really infectious, so get it all, and go buy some shit while it's still available. Don't think his stuff lasts too long.

Ctrl A & Ctrl Alt Delete

Celestial Announcement

2012-02-02T13:08:00.000-05:00

First of all no, I have not been snorting the devil's dandruff. I just think the picture is funny. Anyways, on to some serious business... mediafire decided to delete the few gazillion files I had in my account which means that a lot of the links on the blog might not work anymore. I'll be fixing some of the links but obviously I can't be bothered to re-link everything I've ever posted. However, if anyone experiences any trouble with any of the links please comment on the post and we will sort the problem out like a boss.

Thank you for your cooperation. Here's a video that has no relevance to this post -----> ( . )( . )

Love,
Jingle

Kroda - Schwarzpfad (2011)

2012-01-24T09:29:00.003-05:00

Band: Kroda
Genre: Folk/Pagan Black Metal

Get it before they destroy our internet

Schwarzpfad (2011)

Snowmine - Laminate Pet Animal (2011)

2012-01-21T06:13:00.001-05:00

Artist: Snowmine
Genre: Indie Pop/Psychedelic
Country: USA

Perfect indie for that limbo between Winter and Spring.

Laminate Pet Animal

Sadly, their best song, Curfews, isn't even on this album. However, it is available for download HERE.

O' Brother - Garden Window (2011)

2012-01-20T07:44:00.002-05:00

Artist: O' Brother
Genre: Indie/Post Hardcore/Sludge
Country: USA

This is probably what Thrice would sound like if they grew some balls.

Garden Window

All The Empires Of The World - Return (2011)

2012-01-17T09:25:00.003-05:00

Band: All The Empires Of The World
Genre: Post/Doom/Sludge/Stoner Metal

AtEoTW return (ba dum tss) with yet another excellent addition to their catalogue showcasing why they can easily be considered one of the best post metal bands in the genre right now.

Mostly this album is more of the same from the band but what more could you ask for? The album is packed to the brim with thick, heavy riffs sprinkled with enough post-rock and even some slight shoegaze influence to keep you on your toes. Also, for the first time in the band's history, screamed vocals make an appearance and are especially nicely used on the opening track.

Free and legal because they really can't get any more awesome

Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross - The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo (2011)

2012-01-13T03:29:00.000-05:00

Artist: Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross
Genre: Film Score/Dark Ambient
Country: USA

Having done a fantastic job with the soundtrack for The Social Network, the duo return with the score for David Fincher's adaptation of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I haven't seen the movie yet but this bleak as fuck soundtrack is absolutely massive (3 discs) and it's absolutely worth the listen if you're not too busy dealing with whatever it is you usually have to deal with.

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

Demisery - Hive of Mutation (2011)

2012-01-04T02:39:00.000-05:00

Artist: Demisery
Genre: Death Metal
Country: USA

Cool death metal from the US featuring lotsa fun riffs and shit. Too lazy to provide a proper description right now so this will have to suffice. Happy New Year to all you Celestial hamsters.

Hive of Mutation

Reanimator - Music To Slit Wrists By (2003)

2011-12-18T10:54:00.004-05:00

Artist: Reanimator
Genre: Instrumental Hip-Hop

The mastermind behind some of the beats on Sage Francis' "A Healthy Distrust" and "Human The Death Dance" and also appearing on Prolyphic & Reanimator's "The Ugly Truth"(highly recommended album).
The album is a relaxing listen full of original material and with a lot of variety, truly showcasing Reanimator's prowess as a producer.

Music To Slit Wrists By (sorry for the rapidshare link, it's all i could find)

Cruciamentum - Engulfed in Desolation (2011)

2011-12-15T12:23:00.001-05:00

Artist: Cruciamentum
Genre: Death Metal
Country: UK

Brits Cruciamentum are back with this delightful new Ep that will pound you into mushroom soup. The production is a little better than what was on the Convocation of Crawling Chaos demo but other than that it's the same crushing affair with devastating riffs and an atmosphere evil enough to make Satan's skin crawl.

Engulfed in Desolation [Ep]

Nameless Coyote - Devoured By The Swirling Night (2011)

2011-12-06T16:36:00.002-05:00

Band: Nameless Coyote
Genre: Black Metal/Shoegaze
Country: U.S.A.

Another addition to the ever popular "blackgaze" scene. While one can obviously notice big infuences from the big names in the genre (Alcest for example), the demo does a good job holding it's own with the quality of the musicianship and songwriting. Also, at 3 songs in length and clocking in at around 20 minutes, it's a breeze to get through.

Free download on the band's bandcamp page

Forteresse - Crépuscule d'Octobre (2011)

2011-12-01T09:56:00.004-05:00

Band: Forteresse
Genre: Black Metal
Country: Canada

Forteresse returns to a style reminiscent of their debut, Métal Noir Québecois. Although the quality of this is not quite up to par with that album, Crépuscule d'Octobre is a solid and welcome addition to the band's excellent discography.

Crépuscule d'Octobre (2011)

Circle of Ouroborus - Maailma Uppoaaaa (2010)

2011-11-29T01:46:00.007-05:00

Genre: Experimental / Drone / Depressive Rock or Post-Punk or sumthin
Country: Finland
Buy: nope

One of the hard to find releases, Maailma Uppoaaaa, has more of an atmospheric leaning much like it's companion, Maailma Kohoaa, and even "Your Air Becomes My Water" from IPSOS. It's one long track, but it covers a good bit of ground. This is a side of the band that I wish were further explored, but then I imagine there are probably 40 or more tracks like this sitting on an external waiting to be put to tape for future cassette releases to be sold in an hour or less.

MU

Servile Sect - Trvth (2011)

2011-11-29T01:37:00.003-05:00

Genre: Black Metal / Experimental / Drone / Noise
Country: US
Buy: nope

Your corpse paint is melting... Wait...

Trvth

Antediluvian - Through the Cervix of Hawwah (2011)

2011-11-20T09:43:00.001-05:00

Artist: Antediluvian
Genre: Death Metal
Country: Canada

Incantation-esque suffocating death metal with black metal traits which bring bands like Portal and Mitochondrian to mind. The band created quite the underground buzz after releasing a horde of Eps, demos and splits but now they've come out with their first full-length, unleashing the full force of their brand of doom and destruction on the masses.

Through the Cervix of Hawwah

Esoteric - Paragon Of Dissonance (2011)

2011-11-11T14:19:00.001-05:00

Artist: Esoteric
Genre: Funeral Doom
Country: UK

This 2 disc behemoth quite possibly shits on every other doom album released this year.

Paragon of Dissonance

Hexis/As We Draw/Euglena - Life Is Finite (2011)

2011-11-09T02:01:00.006-05:00

Artist: Hexis/As We Draw/Euglena
Genre: Post-Hardcore/Post-Metal/Black Metal/Sludge
Country: United States

A great release by three up and coming post-hardcore bands, the Life is Finite Split very much offers a look into the darker side of the aforementioned genre. Whereas As We Draw heavily incorporates elements of post-metal into their two songs making great use of build-ups and crescendos, Euglena opts for a more straightforward and aggressive approach, providing flashes of stomping hardcore as well as some awesome sludge influenced breaks. Hexis's contributions dabble in the realm of raw black metal and even doom, showing us some fucking intense tremolo picked riffs and agonizingly slow powerchord drones. Overall this split gives us all something to look forward to as it is pretty obvious all these bands have bright futures ahead of them.

Bandcamp (you can either order a vinyl version or download and pay at your own price)

Fleshpress - Acid Mouth Strangulation (2011)

2011-11-06T21:46:00.002-05:00

Name: Fleshpress
Genre: Sludge
Country:Finland

Sludge with the riffs and the sludginess and some more riffs, yeah you know where it's at. You know what I'm talking about DON'T YOU?!? DON'T YOU!?!?!

Download

Vallenfyre - A Fragile King (2011)

2011-11-05T16:19:00.001-04:00

Name: Vallenfyre
Genre: Death/Doom
Country: UK

Keeping the death metal ball rolling, here's another new edition to the 2011 roster. Featuring members from Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride and At the Gates, Vallenfyre's debut features crunching death/doom riffs along with mournful quasi-gothic melodies similar to what you might expect from Paradise Lost.

A Fragile King

Death Metal Redemption

2011-11-02T02:50:00.004-04:00

Hammer of Intransigence

Buy

Buy previous demo

Blood and Mercury
Buy

Haven't really posted any death metal for a while, so here's the newest Heresiarch EP, and the new Ignivomous compilation that includes all of their non-LP material along with one new song.

Klaypex - Loose Dirt (2011)

2011-10-30T19:39:00.002-04:00

Artist : Klaypex
Genre: Electro House/Dubstep

Looking for a few more tracks to fill up that Halloween party playlist? (Oh who am I kidding that's done with now oh well).
Klaypex delivers a fun helping of somewhat derivative electro house and dubstep but manages to keep it sounding catchy and fun enough to earn it's spot on your next party's soundtrack.

Free and legal right here

Execration - Odes of the Occult

2011-10-27T12:20:00.001-04:00

Artist: Execration
Genre: Old School Death/Doom
Country: Norway

Ghastly old school dm with bits of doom thrown in. All the new dm albums seem to be going in this direction but I'm not complaining as long as they're quality. This stuff can be fast paced but then it can also drop down to doom speed and it has loads of groovy melodies. Quality 2011 album.

Odes of the Occult

Cleric - Regressions (2009)

2011-10-20T13:09:00.003-04:00

Band: Cleric
Genre: Grindcore/Progressive Metal
Country: U.S.A.

A crazy mishmash of frantic, fast paced grindcore drawn out into lengthy 10 minute + progressive metal tracks. Album is intense to say the least.

Regressions (2009)

Circle of Ouroborus - Hiljaiset Sanat (2010)

2011-10-19T22:34:00.010-04:00

Genre: Circle of Ouroborus / Folk
Country: Finland
Buy vinyl: Morte

In honor of it's upcoming vinyl release on Morte, here is the tape rip of what could arguably be called Circle of Ouroborus' best acoustic album. It mainly consists of acoustic guitar and Antti Klemi's despondent croon, but it's backed by some soft electric guitar and flutes and such. Oh so lovely. Originally released on cassette limited to just 100, the vinyl is limited to an undisclosed amount, and to quote the label it's a "Very limited pressing.". So if you want one, it may benefit to not hesitate. I personally can't wait to hear this on vinyl. Also, if you didn't catch my CoO post on the sis blog, check it here.

Quiet Utterance

A Winged Victory for the Sullen - A Winged Victory for the Sullen (2011)

2011-10-18T12:05:00.002-04:00

Artist: A Winged Victory for the Sullen
Genre: Modern Classical/Ambient

Country: US

Stars of the Lid's Adam Wiltzie and pianist, Dustin O'Halloran, combine to create beautiful and soothing soundscapes that include gorgeous piano leads riding on waves of monolithic ambiance.

A Winged Victory For the Sullen

Immolation - Providence (2011)

2011-10-07T03:33:00.004-04:00

Artist: Immolation
Genre: Death Metal

Country: US

Firstly, I'd like to apologize for being MIA for so long. Certain aspects of real life were keeping away from my beloved blog but those nuisances have been vanquished (I think).

Anyways, Immolation are back already after releasing their last behemoth, Majesty and Decay, in 2010 with this quaint 5 track Ep. Evil as ever, the Ep features their distinct brand of death metal devastation with Vigna churning out those sinister riffs while Dolan growls away like the bad ass motherfucker he is. It's more or less the same thing that we've come to expect from the band (quality dm) and some might have a problem with that but I don't really give a rats ass cause Immolation can do no wrong for me.

Providence [EP]

Triple shot of Venom

2011-09-23T08:07:00.004-04:00

Band: Venom
Genre: OG Black Metal
Country: UK

It's good to revisit the classics every now and again. As fans of black metal, it is needless to say we owe a big deal to Venom. Their first three albums, and especially their sophomore album (Black Metal), were huge influences in the creation of the genre we've all grown to know and love. Not only did they contribute the genre's name, they were the first to integrate Satanic lyrics into metal and had questionable musical knowledge (basically the whole package minus the screams and tremolo picks).

"Lay down your soul to the gods rock `n' roll!"

Welcome To Hell (1981)
Black Metal (1982)
At War With Satan (1983)

Undercroft - Twisted Souls (1995)

2011-09-18T11:03:00.002-04:00

Band: Undercroft
Genre: OSDM
Country: Chile

Just some OSDM. No big deal.

Twisted Souls

iNTRiKeT - Songs For Sleepy (2011)

2011-09-13T14:56:00.004-04:00

Band: iNTRiKeT
Genre: Dubstep/Drum n Bass

Creating the first true fusion (that I know of anyway) of the heavy and soft sides of dubstep and drum and bass. Soft, calming instrumental backdrops overlayered with heavy bass notes create a sound that is relaxing yet engaging all at once. This debut EP is far from perfect (the wobbly bass notes often being a little too loud for my liking) but showcases a huge amount of potential.

Songs For Sleepy EP (2011)

Aluk Todolo - Live at the Music Hall of Williamsburg the First of October MMIX (2011)

2011-08-31T23:03:00.006-04:00

Genre: Krautrock / Psychedelic Rock / Drone / Noise
Country: France
Buy: Amortout or The Ajna Offensive

I've always heard these guys are better live, and even though I generally liked them to begin with, after hearing this live recording I think I may see where they're coming from. As far as I can tell, the first two tracks on here are new, and a good bit more aggressive than most of their back catalog, the third track is Woodchurch from the Descension LP. The first two tracks, Sheol and March, are wailing sonsabitches that employ everything you could love about this band into a hypnotic whirlwind of driving, drugged-out, black psychedelia that will, no doubt, have you snatching up any ticket you can find the minute you hear of their impending presence of your general location.

Aluklive

Shroud of Winter - Solstice Eclipse (2011)

2011-08-31T22:26:00.006-04:00

Genre: Ambidrone / Black Metal-ish
Country: US
Buy: Sonic Meditations

Andrew Plante, of the drone project aptly named Plante, has decided to inject a bit more metal into his normal formula of blissed out drone goodness to create a beast both familiar and far separated from the original idea. There is still very much calm in these turbulent seas, but turbulent they still remain.

SE

Life in the Dark - Hushed Bloom (2011)

2011-08-14T22:20:00.007-04:00

Genre: Doom / Drone / Shoegaze
Country: UK

More amazing output from the increasingly prolific Life in the Dark. Hushed Bloom is furthering this project's already firm grasp on creating blissful droned out doom gaze that soothes in the darkest of ways. A bit more vocals present this time around, and I'm very happy for it.

This cassette was limited to a mere 25 copies, and of course, is already sold out. In fact, the newest Life in the Dark tape, Roman Child, is already sold out as well. So my advice, though it greatly limits my chances of obtaining copies in the future, is to keep an attentive eye on Sunyata Recordings because things disappear with a quickness due to the severely limited nature of their releases.

Support the artist

NES Revival

2011-08-14T21:46:00.009-04:00

Ninja Gaiden (1988) by More Yamasan and B. Hakase

Castlevania (1986) by James Banana, Kinuyo Yamashita, and Satoe Terashima

Auris Apothecary, one of my absolute favorite labels these days, has recently released a string of cassettes containing music directly transferred from the NSF files of old Nintendo cartridges. Titles like The Legend of Zelda, Mega Man, and Contra to name a few. This may or may not sound appealing to you, but I have to say, some of them (if not all of them to an extent) floored me. Listening to these tapes put a constant smile on my face, and I couldn't resist playing a little air guitar to some of these bad ass electronic "riffs". Seriously, the music in the two titles above, Ninja Gaiden and Castlevania, are sick and, dare I say it, heavy as fuck. I don't know. Throw back a couple beers and jam out to some retro 8-bit madness, and if you're interested, head over to the Pharmacy at Auris Apothecary and pick up a few tapes. The irony alone makes them worth owning. ***These are all gone now, but look for more titles in the future.***

Arcana Coelestia - Le mirage de l'idéal (2009)

2011-07-28T22:13:00.005-04:00

Artist: Arcana Coelestia
Genre: Funeral Doom Metal
Country: Italy

This album is easily one of my favorite funeral doom metal albums of all time. While every single aspect of the songwriting seen on Le mirage de l’idéal is a factor that contributes to its ultimate success, the full and lush orchestrations that dominate the length record are undoubtedly its most enjoyable factors. From opening song "Duskfall" to album closer "...Thus Fade in Nocturnal Deluge" the album is packed to the brim with sorrow filled, despair inducing atmospherics. In particular title track "Le mirage de l’idéal" (which ironically seems to be the most upbeat song on the album) is abundant in classically influenced synth keys, and is also noticeable for the being the first track to feature vocalist LS's incredible clean vocals. While his usual vocals include deep, guttural growls or sometimes even higher pitched rasps similar to black metal, his mid-ranged operatic styled vocals fit in perfect with the bleak and dreary atmosphere produced by the keyboards and other instruments. Another vocal landmark on the album is the introduction of female operatic vocals on the song " Tragedy & Delirium I - The Tragedy", which are surprisingly uplifted, a stark, yet pleasant contrast from the rest of the music.

Musically, the guitar, drums and bass remain on the simpler side throughout the entirety of Le mirage de l’idéal. The guitars, which contain the down tuned element of death metal, yet the simplicity in delivery of black metal. Of course guitar player MZ throws in a few surprises here and there, with tracks like "Requiem (For the Fathomless Void of Redemption)"featuring swathes of clean guitar and tremolo picked dual guitar harmonies. Drummer Thorns may not show off the most technical or mind blowing approach to drumming on Le mirage de l’idéal to call him merely adequate is a large understatement. Throughout the record he displays a simpler style of drumming accented by unusual fills and great timing. Unfortunately bass player Sephrenel is drowned out for most of the album, a shame considering some bottom end could perhaps make this a perfect record.

Overall, this is an album that seasoned veterans and newcomers to blackened funeral doom alike could enjoy immensely. Dominated by strong melodies, great playing and powerful emotions, Le mirage de l’idéal comes dangerously close to being a perfect record. This definitely comes with the highest recommendations.

Download

Desolate Shrine - Tenebrous Towers (2011)

2011-07-26T18:53:00.004-04:00

Country: Finland
Genre: Death Metal

Crushing Finnish death metal with a strong sense of menacing atmospherics. One of my favorite death metal releases this year and an album definitely worth anybody's time.

Download

Menacing Splits

2011-07-24T13:03:00.007-04:00

If you haven't guessed from the title then you should know that both splits here include Hooded Menace. The first split was released this year and feature them along with death doom juggernauts Asphyx where both bands bring their different brands of slow burning death metal with the aim to slowly pummel our brains into mush. The Asphyx track is well produce, sluggish and powerful where as the Hooded Menace track sounds filthy in comparison but boasts some slow melodic lines along with its painful doom riffs.

Asphyx/Hooded Menace (2011)

The second split we have was released last year and sees Hooded Menace combine forces with Japanese death doomers, Coffins. The Hooded Menace track here is very groovy which works quite nicely with their doomy melodies and riffs where as the Coffins track is absolutely dirty and starts off initially as pure old school death metal which slowly goes into full on death doom mode midway through the song. Two splits, fours songs, lots of doom, gloom and agonizing riffs for y'all to dig into.

Hooded Menace/Coffins (2010)

Chill Carrier - Urban Dreams

2011-07-23T01:03:00.003-04:00

Artist: Chill Carrier
Country:Germany
Genre: Lounge, Chillout, Electronica

Nothing makes you feel good more than 1.Good music and 2.Free good music.This album is of the second type.Good to listen to and consistent throughout.Ideal to listening to in any mood you're in.Dig this.Smooth,calming and very enjoyable.

Download or stream the free album here

Cannabis Corpse - Beneath Grow Lights Thou Shalt Rise (2011)

2011-07-18T11:15:00.003-04:00

Artist: Cannabis Corpse

Genre: Death Metal

Country: USA

Cannabis Corpse are back with more of their weed induced gimmicks but this time they've improved over their past releases. Boasting a faster and sharper sound but with their same stupid theme and ridiculous song titles, these fuckers present an onslaught of tracks filled with technical and uncompromising riffs. The project may have started off as a stoner joke but these guys have now elevated their pot head death metal to a level that a lot of the more serious bands out their would find hard to match.

Beneath Grow Lights Thou Shalt Rise

Dark Castle - Surrender To All Life Beyond Form (2011)

2011-07-13T09:42:00.004-04:00

Band: Dark Castle
Genre: Sludge
Country: USA

Dark Castle are back with the follow up to their fantastic debut, Spirited Migration. The new album delivers a similar style of sludgy metal with a flair for melody but buries it under a much thicker production (which is somewhat off putting at first).

The album is still definitely worth checking out if you enjoyed their debut or enjoy sludge metal in general (although for newcomers I would certainly recommend getting Spirited Migration first).

Surrender To All Life Beyond Form

Witch - Witch (2006)

2011-07-08T13:39:00.003-04:00

Artist: Witch

Genre: Stoner/Doom Metal

Country: US

This here is the stoner side project of J. Mascis (Dinosaur Jr, Upsidedown Cross) and man, do these guys know how to light it up or what. This Sabbath inspired debut features 7 slabs of some of the finest stoner rock I've heard in quite a while with it's crazy psychedelic and hypnotic riffs along with those mind blowing solos. You'll be itching to light a joint or hit up that old bong of yours after listening to this cause man, this is some seriously good shit.

Witch

Spaceboy - Searching The Stone Library For The Green Page Of Illusion (2002)

2011-06-20T10:11:00.002-04:00

Artist: Spaceboy
Genre: Progressive Sludge

Got this off Southern Lord for only a dollar and what a purchase. 5 intricate sludge songs (seperated by interludes) that can go anywhere from melodic to chaotic and back to acoustic. For me to actually bother posting this and having to write out that ridiculously long album name you know this has to be worth your time.

StSLftGPoI

Whirl - Distressor (2010)

2011-06-17T11:09:00.005-04:00

Artist: Whirl

Genre: Shoegaze

Country: US

Whirl's Ep from last year presents us with two things. (a) we have 6 energetic, warm and vibrant shoegaze tracks and (b) we have Nicole Kidman's bum on the cover. What's not to like.

Distressor [Ep]

Disma & Winterwolf - Split (2011)

2011-06-17T02:58:00.004-04:00

Artist: Disma & Winterwolf

Genre: Death Metal

Country: US & Finland

Major thanks to our good buddies at Pervert the Church for posting this cause I had no idea it was coming. I mean I knew Disma have an Ep and a full length due but I didn't know they were going to throw out an appetizer in this form. Anyways, if you don't know already, then Disma feature members from Incantation and Winterwolf (click here for more info) feature members from Demilich. Need I say more?

Split

Giles Corey - Giles Corey (2011)

2011-06-13T23:20:00.005-04:00

Genre: Suicidal Folk...
Purchase: Enemies List

No download here, but for good reason. This is the much anticipated solo full-length of Have a Nice Life's Dan Barrett. That statement alone should perk up your ears. If you've followed Have a Nice Life at all, you should already know about this depressive piece of utter desolation, or at least know about the demo tracks that have been floating around the last couple of years. This CD has been a long time coming for both the artist and the listener. The reason I'm not including a download link here, is due to the fact that the CD, if purchased from Enemies List, comes with a 150 page book that not only contains the lyrics to this wonderfully fucked album, but also contains the story of one Robert Voor, and the effect he had on the album's artist. I won't go into detail about the the book, as I could not even begin to explain the contents and it's effect on the reader/listener. This is something that needs to be experienced. Many will download this album and just listen to it. Some will take something from the music alone, since it itself is really great, but I fear many of you will not realize the extent of this album because you have not read the accompanying book. So with that, I implore you to head over to Enemies List and buy this one of a kind album. I assure you, you will not regret it.

Giles Corey

Torch Runner / Young and In the Way - Split 7" (2011)

2011-06-13T21:54:00.006-04:00

Artists: Torch Runner & Young and In the Way
Genre: Hardcore / Crust / Sludge
Purchase: Headfirst!

Thanks to the label, this new and severely destructive 7", from Torch Runner and Young and In the Way, is available for free download. Both bands play ultra aggressive hardcore not far removed from acts like Trap Them, The Secret, and many other dark harcore/grind groups. This 7" is currently available for pre-order with 500 being pressed, 150 of which is on grey vinyl. Headfirst! offers all it's releases for free download, so if you like anything they offer, feel free to return the favor and buy up some of their loot.

dl

The Flight of Sleipnir - Essence of Nine (2011)

2011-06-08T00:29:00.005-04:00

Genre: Doom Metal / Folk / Stoner Metal
Country: US
Web: Myspace
Buy

At this point, it seems this is posted everywhere, but in case you haven't run across it yet, I'd suggest picking it up now. A really good mix of doom (harsh and clean vox), stoner/psychedelic rock/metal, and folk.

EoN

Blood Box - Funeral In An Empty Room (2011)

2011-06-03T08:58:00.003-04:00

Artist: Blood Box

Genre: Dark Ambient

Soul consuming dark ambient from of Micheal J.V. Hensley who is one half of the project, Yen Pox.

Funeral in an Empty Room

CunninLynguists - Oneirology (2011)

2011-05-27T13:33:00.003-04:00

Artist: Cunninlynguists

Genre: Hip Hop

Country: USA

I am posting hip hop. This has never happened before. This shit fucking rules.

Oneirology

Sembler Deah - Kaessariah. Heel Een Leven Lang (2011)

2011-05-23T01:11:00.003-04:00

Genre: Dark Ambient / Drone
Country: Belgium, France
Web

Colin H. van Eeckhout and Mathieu Vandekerckhove of Amenra, and DehnSora of Treha Sektori team up to produce this gem of a dark and hypnotic, droned out, ambient album. It's beauty is rivaled only by it's ominous presence.

Kaessariah

Petrychor - Effigies and Epitaphs (2011)

2011-05-21T10:14:00.004-04:00

Artist: Petrychor

Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal

Country: US

If you liked their demo Dryad then you'll definitely enjoy this one and even if you didn't like the demo I would still say that you should give this a shot. Download from the bands's bandcamp for free dawg.

http://petrychor.bandcamp.com/

Vinterland - Welcome My Last Chapter (1996)

2011-05-19T12:53:00.003-04:00

Band: Vinterland
Genre: Atmospheric Melodic Black Metal
Country: Sweden

Decided to remind myself why this is such an essential piece of black metal. Damn can't believe it's been so long since I've listened to this. The atmosphere on this is amazing, mixing together beautiful melodies, tortured shrieks and a production that combines it all seamlessly while retaining the good old black metal sound we all love.

Welcome My Last Chapter

Kroda

2011-05-16T09:07:00.003-04:00

Artist: Kroda
Genre: Black Metal
Country: Ukraine

Much like Drudkh, Kroda have been consistently recording some of the finest Slavonic pagan black metal around.

Cry To Me, River... (2004)
Legend / Wolfen Loyalty (Split with Oprich) (2005)
Towards The Firmaments Verge Of Life (2005)
By A Hammer Of Spirit and Identity Of Blood (Split with Velimor) (2006)
Fimbulvinter (2007)
Live In Lemberg (2008)

Lantlôs - Lantlôs (2008)

2011-05-14T11:11:00.002-04:00

Artist: Lantlôs
Genre: Post Black Metal
Country: Germany

If you enjoyed his most recent outting, .neon, and you have not heard this yet now is the time to do so. Although it isn't quite as polished or emotional as that album it is still an excellent display of Neige's ability at creating this style of black metal.

Lantlôs

Runemagick - Enter The Realm of Death (1999)

2011-05-12T13:34:00.000-04:00

Artist: Runemagick
Genre: Old School Death Metal, Death/Doom
Country: Sweden

If you've been following the death metal that's posted here then you might remember me posting Runemagick's first album, The Supreme Force of Eternity, a while back where I mentioned that these guys play mid-paced death metal that absolutely slays. Their second release is heavier on the doom side but no different in terms of quality, as it pounds you with thick slabs of devastating riffs just as on their debut release. Enjoy.

Enter the Realm of Death

Clubroot

2011-05-12T09:40:00.000-04:00

Artist: Clubroot
Genre: Ambient Dubstep
Country: UK

Don't let the name fool you, this band actually plays a wonderfully dark and relaxing style of dubstep. Both albums are deep, textured experiences and will please just about anyone who has enjoyed some of the genre's other atmospheric producers (herp derp Burial).

Clubroot (2009)
II - MMX (2010)

This Will Destroy You - Tunnel Blanket

2011-05-10T12:33:00.003-04:00

Band: This Will Destroy You
Genre: Post-Rock/Experimental
Country: USA

One of the few albums I've liked this year.Tremendous effort,and this one's definitely worth checking out.A good start,and the tempo is maintained throughout the album,as it gets more and more intense with every track.

Tunnel Blanket(2011)

Booka Shade double shot

2011-05-10T08:18:00.004-04:00

Band: Booka Shade
Genre: House
Country: Germany

Very chill and laidback house music. Great stuff for your late night summer listens.

Movement(2006)
The Sun And The Neon Light (2008)

Architects - The Here And Now

2011-05-08T01:41:00.004-04:00

Architects are a band from Brighton,UK.And their latest is promising,to say the least. This album is their fourth in five years,and surely,after the success of Hollow Crown,released in 2009,I sensed a change in direction for the band.This album isnt as good as Hollow Crown at all,but its a change for the band and still many areas needing improvement.This album is more accessible than the previous,though.

Rated 3/5. Good enough,but not enough to expand their fanbase.

Tracklisting:

1.Day in Day Out
2.Learn to Live
3.Delete, Rewind
4.BTN
5.An Open Letter to Myself
6.The Blues
7.Red Eyes
8.Stay Young Forever
9.Heartburn
10.Year in Year Out/Up and Away

Download

Maybeshewill - I Was Here For A Moment, Then I Was Gone (2011)

2011-05-06T04:37:00.007-04:00

Artist: Maybeshewill

Genre: Post Rock, Math Rock

Country: UK

To the Skies From the Hillside is quite possibly the best thing they've done, but overall this album doesn't sound as good as the previous two, on my first listen but I have a feeling it's going to grow on me. The pianos, riffs, crescendos and climaxes are all there, they just need to sink in.

Gone

Necro Deathmort - This Beat Is Necrotronic (2009)

2011-05-05T09:13:00.003-04:00

Band: Necro Deathmort
Genre: Electronic/Ambient/Drone/Metal
Country: UK

Quite the eclectic listen that still manages to retain a certain chill dark vibe throughout. The band jumps from dark ambient to sludge to noise to trip-hop and even hints of dubstep. This is a truly unique listen you don't want to miss.

This Beat Is Necrotronic

Kenji Yamamoto and Minako Hama - Super Metroid OST

2011-05-04T08:11:00.003-04:00

I hope that you all had the chance to play this at some point (hey, it still isn't too late, I'm playing a ROM of this right now on my laptop with a wired 360 controller). Not only is it a fantastic game in one of Nintendo's best series but it showcases perfectly how a good soundtrack is truly essential to creating a strong atmosphere in any video game.
Even though this is a platform game on the Super Nintendo, thanks to the soundtrack, it manages to carry a creepy and foreboding atmosphere throughout. These Japanese are really the soundtrack masters.

Super Metroid OST

Also check out WinterTriangles' Zelda soundtracks: Here

Sonne Adam - Transformation (2011)

2011-05-01T02:22:00.006-04:00

Genre: Death Metal / Old School Death Metal
Country: Israel
Info

haterofmen

Drones

2011-05-01T00:20:00.005-04:00

Just thought I'd throw up some drone/ambient tapes that I could never find in digital form. Needless to say, these are all top notch in their own little way. I've even included the above picture to aid you into falling deep into an introspective, hypnotic, state. I'm so goddamn nice.

Bones of Sea Birds - Hidden Places
Celer - Honey Moon
Dead Letters Spell Out Dead Words - No Words
Stabab - Mesmerizing Leaves to Flee (True Sheffield Black Psychedelia)

Neige Et Noirceur - La Seigneurie Des Loups (2010)

2011-04-30T09:58:00.002-04:00

Band: Neige Et Noiceur
Genre: Black Metal
Country: Canada

Neige Et Noirceur make another solid addition to their catalogue adding a few traditional folk elements to their thick black metal mess to spice things up.

La Seigneurie Des Loups

View the rest of their discography

Forest Of Shadows - Where Dreams Turn To Dust (2001)

2011-04-27T18:58:00.002-04:00

Band: Forest Of Shadows
Genre: Death/Doom Metal
Country: Sweden

Beautifully melodic death/doom metal from Sweden with a nice mix of clean baritone vocals and some harsher growls.

Where Dreams Turn To Dust (EP)

Burial - Street Halo (2011)

2011-04-25T22:24:00.003-04:00

Artist: Burial
Genre: Dubstep
Country: UK

Back with another great little EP. Although it's no Untrue the title track alone is worth throwing a bit of jizz over this.

Street Halo

Vomitory - Opus Mortis VIII (2011)

2011-04-24T13:56:00.006-04:00

Artist: Vomitory
Genre: Death Metal

Country: Sweden

Disappointed by the new Pestilence? No worries, Vomitory are here to save the day with their 8th full-length featuring a bag full of gut-wrenching riffs, monstrous gutterals and kick-you-in-the-nuts drumming. It's nothing ground breaking because they've been doing the same thing for so long but I've always really enjoyed their brand of groovy and brutal Swedish death metal.

Opus Mortis VIII

and if you want to look into their back catalog then just click *here* (recommended starting point would be Revelation Nausea).

De Magia Veterum - The Divine Antithesis (2011)

2011-04-23T13:36:00.004-04:00

Artist: De Magia Veterum
Genre: Black Metal
Country: Netherlands

Heavy, evil, spastic black metal.

The Divine Antithesis

Hungry For Hands - I Was Hungry For Hands (2010)

2011-04-17T10:53:00.004-04:00

Artist: Hungry For Hands
Genre: Post Metal/Post Rock
Country: Ukraine

Only halfway through this and I can already tell it's a keeper. A chill instrumental album with just enough metal to make it strong and poignant, enough post rock to keep it chill and some smooth-as-fuck saxophone thrown in for good measure.

I Was Hungry For Hands (posted by the band on their FB page)

I must admit i was not expecting such a strong and mature debut from a band that got their name from this immature (albeit awesome) video series.

Acrostichon - Engraved in Black (1993)

2011-04-12T03:40:00.004-04:00

Name: Acrostichon

Genre: Old School Death Metal

Country: Netherlands

Mixing the devastating speed of thrash with some crushing doom elements, Engraved in Black is a death metal record which definitely shouldn't be overlooked by anyone. Plus the vocalist is a chick and the band also features an ex-Master guitarist. So yeah, check it out.

Riffs

Nux Vomica

2011-04-02T20:16:00.008-04:00

Genre: Crust / Metal / Punk / Sludge
Country: US
Info: Metallum
Buy: Aborted Society

Epic, melodic, crust with a strong metal leaning. Later albums bring more post-rock influences into the mix, which only adds to the epic nature of the compositions. Get addicted.

Demo (2003)
The Uninspired 7" (2005)
A Civilized World LP (2007)
Wake Up On Fire / Nux Vomica - Split 12" (2008)
Nux Vomica / Kakistocracy - Split 7" (2008)
Nux Vomica / The Makai - Split 10" (2009)
The President is Dead 7" (2009)
Asleep in the Ashes LP (2009)

Demonic Sacrifice - Enter the Realm of Pure Darkness (1997)

2011-03-30T12:14:00.003-04:00

Artist: Demonic Sacrifice
Genre: OSDM/NYDM
Country: United States

Coming from New York, you can come to expect somethings from Demonic Sacrifice; more brutally inclined than most other death metal, Enter the Realm of Pure Darkness features funeral crawling riffs of filth, spidery tremolo picked riffs and body-moving slam riffs. Featuring a nice thick production the guitars bear some heavy meat to them while the percussion hits you with of the force of a ton of bricks. Overall a great album to check out.

Download

Pygmy Lush - Old Friends (2011)

2011-03-27T20:58:00.006-04:00

Genre: Indie / Slowcore / Folk
Country: US
Buy: Lovitt & Lovitt

This is the new full length from the wonderful Pygmy Lush, and I couldn't be happier with it. Like Mount Hope, this is all "chill" Pygmy, forgoing the loud and fast punk displayed on Bitter River and the Turboslut split, for morphine soaked musings that'll melt you into your chair. And as a bonus, they've also released a two song 7" entitled Cold World / Guilt. These two songs didn't make it to the album, but not because they were any less good. They both fit in perfectly with the full-length, and should definitely not go ignored. These are easily two of my favorite releases for this year.

Listen and Buy

or...

Ulver - War of The Roses (2011)

2011-03-26T07:03:00.006-04:00

Artist: Ulver

Genre: Rock/Electronic/Ambient

Country: Norway

Hey, look, new Ulver. Are you excited? Did you shit your pants? Yes? No? Cool. I'm four songs in as I'm posting this and it rules.

War of The Roses

Gorgasm - Orgy of Murder (2011)

2011-03-24T13:13:00.003-04:00

Artist: Gorgasm

Genre: Brutal Death Metal

Country: USA

Gorgasm are back from a rather long break with more brutal, technical and fast paced gorey carnage with a butt load of catchy grooves thrown in for good measure.

Orgy of Murder

Gustaf Hildebrand (Discography)

2011-03-23T14:40:00.005-04:00

Artist: Gustaf Hildebrand
Country: Sweden
Genre: Dark Ambient

Only two albums, so not too extensive of a discography. Haunting, rumbling celestial dark ambient. Check it if you dig raison d'etre and the like.

starscape

primordial resonance

Parlamentarisk Sodomi - De Anarkistiske An(n)aler (2009)

2011-03-23T14:26:00.003-04:00

Artist: Parlamentarisk Sodomi
Country: Norway
Genre: Grindcore

One mad grindcore from Trondheim, Norway. Pissed off, breakneck grindgrindgrind.

grindgrindgrind

Godless Rising - Trumpet of Triumph (2010)

2011-03-22T12:52:00.006-04:00

Artist: Godless Rising

Genre: Death Metal/Blackened Death Metal

Country: US

From the name, the cover art and the lyrics one would assume that this band plays old school death metal and they do, somewhat but I was THIS close to labeling this "melodic death metal" but decided against it because of all the stigma attached to that tag. Godless Rising feature members of Vital Remains and this, their 3rd full length, is probably the catchiest death metal record released in 2010. Mad ass riffs and solos all over, praising satan and promoting the demise of all things good and holy.

Trumpet of Triumph

Contest Announcement

2011-03-14T19:24:00.008-04:00

Our sister blog, Slays for Days, has two new and remastered copies of "Hell is a Door to the Sun" by sludge miscreants Rwake to give away (yes, this means for free). All you have to do to get a copy is recreate one of your favorite sludge album covers. Can't draw you say? Not artistic in the slightest? Doesn't matter. This is not a contest of skill. In fact, do your worst. Any medium is acceptable, crayons, pencil, Photoshop, MSpaint, pieces of fruit strategically arranged and photographed. Whatever, it's all good. Just send your abomination to slaysfordays@hotmail.com by midday (West Australian Standard Time) March 18. Also, try to keep the file size to a moderate level, and include your mailing address in the email. More info here.

Contest over. View results here.

Light Bearer - Lapsus (2011)

2011-03-13T06:04:00.004-04:00

Genre: Atmospheric Sludge
Info
Buy

Probably could've labeled this with post-rock too, but nah. Lead vocalist from Fall of Efrafa's new band. Like Fall of Efrafa, Lapsus and Light Bearer, as a band, are a concept. This time, instead of bunnies, we get something a little more traditional. Lucifer, the Light Bearer. Can't say I like this better than FoE, but then that may be an unfair comparison at this point. They don't really sound too much alike aside from the vocals and the fact that they both play a form of sludge. Not mind blowing, but still enjoyable.

Lucifer

Armoured Angel (1989-1994)

2011-03-11T21:36:00.005-05:00

Artist: Armoured Angel
Country: Canberra, Austrailia
Genre: Thrashy Death Metal

One of the earlier DM bands on the scene, incorporating a shit ton of thrash influence in here (earlier stuff is almost all thrash). I've included two demos (Wings of Death and Communion) and two EPs (Stigmartyr and Mysterium), all recorded between 89-92. Left out is their full length and their earliest demo from 85. Enjoy this shit, riffs abound from down under. Solid, solid stuff.

wings of death

communion

stigmartyr

mysterium

Creepmime - Chiaroscuro (1995)

2011-03-09T20:29:00.003-05:00

Artist: Creepmime
Genre: Death Metal/Progressive-Technical Death Metal
Country: Netherlands

Solid DM, with some strong prog-tech jazzy-ish DM thrown in for good measure (Cynic/Atheist anyone?) Way different from their debut (from what I understand) which I've yet to listen to, but was recently profiled on Pervert the Church (link). Quite enjoyed this.

creep

Lepra - Leprosos Satanicos (1995)

2011-03-09T20:21:00.004-05:00

Artist: Lepra
Genre: Death Metal/Grind
Country: USA

Blasphemous, satanic DM with some breakneck speed grind thrown in from the California. Lyrics n' shit are all in Spanish, but it doesn't matter. Brings all kinds of Satan.

satan

Sleep Research Facility - Dead Weather Machine (2004)

2011-03-09T20:14:00.003-05:00

Artist: Sleep Research Facility
Genre: Dark Ambient/Drone/Minimalism
Country: Glasgow, UK

Second release from SRF (Kevin Doherty). Contains the only trace of rhythm I think you'll find in his entire discography, and is quite a chilling listen. Featured previously on this blog was Nostromo (link), his debut release and on S4D, Deep Frieze (link) his most recent arctic ambient epic. Pick this shit up for your own good.

DWM

Earl Sweatshirt - EARL (2010)

2011-03-06T10:20:00.003-05:00

Artist: Earl Sweatshirt
Genre: Hip-Hop

The youngest member of the Odd Future gang steps up to the plate. A 16 year old rapping about drugs, alcohol, rape and murder...what could go wrong?

FREE EARL

The Mount Fuji Doomjazz Corporation - Anthropomorphic (2011)

2011-03-04T18:23:00.004-05:00

Genre: Ambient / Dark Jazz / Drone
Country: Netherlands
Buy: Website

Complimentary post to Jingle's, below. Just now listening to this myself, so nothing really to say other than it sounds good so far.

Anthropomorphic

The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble - From the Stairwell (2011)

2011-03-03T14:10:00.003-05:00

Artist: The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble

Genre: Ambient/Dark Jazz

Country: Netherlands

The ensemble are back with 8 new incarnations of pure blissful and fluid ambient/dark jazz songs for us to dive into. Honestly, it's one of the best things I've heard this year (which probably isn't saying much, at this point) and it's almost on par with Here Be Dragons.

Stairwell

Torchbearer - Death Meditations (2011)

2011-03-02T02:24:00.005-05:00

Genre: Melodic Death Metal
Country: Sweden
Preview: Myspace

I was hoping to like this more than I did, not saying it's bad or anything. Just need to give it a few more listens I guess. There are times of greatness, and most definitely some head skratchers. You be the judge. If you're unfamiliar with the band, check out their previous album to see the standard they set for themselves.

DM

Goatlord Corporation - Horns of Resurrection (2006)

2011-03-01T08:43:00.002-05:00

Artist: Goatlord Corp.
Genre: Black/Death
Country: France

Really awesome, raw black/death. Everything here is pure satan and it feels good.

Download

Defeater - Empty Days And Sleepless Nights (2011)

2011-02-27T11:42:00.003-05:00

Artist: Defeater
Genre: Hardcore
Country: USA

Fuckin Defeater mang

Empty Days And Sleepless Nights

Amplifier - The Octopus (2011)

2011-02-26T16:14:00.006-05:00

Artist: Amplifier

Genre: Progressive Rock

Country: UK

Preview: Youtube

Progressive rock isn't dead yet and bands like this one are making sure that it lives on for a few more years. And when I say progressive, don't expect wank. This two disc bundle of joy is hella atmospheric featuring the obvious Floyd influence along with shades of Oceansize, flashes of Tool and riffs that scream Sabbath. Sounds interesting enough, right? Cool.

On a sadder note, Oceansize announced that they've split up which breaks my heart because they were so amazing.

Disc 1

Disc 2

Alioth - Channeling Unclean Spirits (2003)

2011-02-24T10:30:00.003-05:00

Artist: Alioth
Genre: Atmospheric Death Metal
Country: United States

Raw atmospheric death metal that seems like it was influenced quite a bit by the Greek scene. Really great melodies are dispersed amongst dirty gutturals and heavy, unrelenting guitar riffs making for some pretty cool and unique stuff at times. Overall this is a very interesting demo and definitely worth the listen.

Experience

Defaced Creation - Serenity in Chaos (1999)

2011-02-11T22:09:00.005-05:00

Artist: Defaced Creation
Genre: Death Metal
Country: Sweden

Swedish death metal that skillfully combines the blind brute force of OSDM with some of tech death's well, technical instrumentation. Expect tons of truly great guitar-work, with enough breakneck riffs, grooves, pinch harmonics and solos to keep most death metal fans at bay for weeks. Also Tommy Dahlström is a fucking beast at the mic with the absolutely craziest gutturals EVAR.

Download

Defeater - Dear Father (2011)

2011-02-10T22:47:00.002-05:00

Artist: Defeater
Genre: Hardcore
Country: USA

Defeater present us with a two track EP as an appetizer to their upcoming full length (set for a March 8th release date).

The first track on here displays Defeater doing what they do best and definitely has me hungry for more. The second track, although somewhat endearing, is a somewhat cheesy acoustic piece.

But to be honest this is worth it for the first track alone, unless you're one of those losers that has to wait for the album to drop to listen to it in its entirety (I'm looking at you Danny).

Enjoy fools

Oskoreien - Oskoreien (2011)

2011-02-09T20:45:00.007-05:00

Genre: Black Metal / Atmospheric Black Metal / Neo-Folk
Country: US
Info: Metallum

Some may remember Oskoreien (Jay Valena) from his track on the Der Wanderer über dem Nebelmeer compilation, and some may have even downloaded the free 2009 demo off of his Bandcamp. Whatever the case, if you liked any of that, or anything from the above listed genres, you'll probably like this, his debut full-length. This actually struck me as fairly decent, and although it's not really short (Clocking in a hair over 45 minutes) it left me wanting just a little more. It's only available on cassette, limited to 100 copies, with no current word of a re-press or pressing on a different format. So if you want this for real, hurry. They may go quick.

Preview and download from artist
Buy tape
~)O(~

Murmuüre - Murmuüre (2010)

2011-02-06T13:31:00.003-05:00

Artist: Murmuüre

Genre: Ambient/Electronic/Black Metal

Country: France

If you're into the weird and freaky then look no further. This album sees the mixture of ambient noise with a minimal dose of black metal but what makes it more interesting is the enticing electronic aspect. Think of Gnaw their Tongues but less dramatic, relaxed, more melodic and a tad bit sluttier.

Murmuüre

Tyrant - Reclaim The Flame (2007)

2011-02-05T09:23:00.007-05:00

Artist: Tyrant
Country: Sweden
Genre: Black/Thrash Metal

This band is surely going to come as a bombshell to all of you black/thrash/punk metal fans. One reason would be the fact that the bassist of this band is none other than the renowned Daniel Ekeroth, writer of the book of Swedish Death metal. However, that's not the only reason for the band to be one of a kind, the entire album consists of insane drumming, awesome riffs and punishing vocals. An awesome package of bestial black/thrash awaits all listeners. Click away! Salut!

Reclaim The Flame

Hallow - Hallow (2009)

2011-02-02T10:21:00.002-05:00

Artist: Hallow
Genre: Black Metal/Noise
Country: United States

Another black metal project from musical prodigy and Youth Attack! record label owner Mark Mckoy. Created as a soundtrack to accompany Mckoy's 2009 art exihibition, Hallow sees Mckoy creating some of his best work to date, with the black metal sections flowing just a better than on some of his other projects and the noise sections providing some cool atmosphere. Great stuff.

Hallow