tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15176940961900342212024-03-19T05:27:08.908-05:00BrutalitopiaThree Chicago-based metal nerds talking about the music we love. Come check us out. Brutalitopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548942312423354614noreply@blogger.comBlogger540125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517694096190034221.post-60992385184688228032023-01-06T10:31:00.000-06:002023-01-06T10:31:17.107-06:00Mick's Töp 15 Albums of 2022<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTVjFKu2myZbXVjC7AKLKUPI6h-xvVG16qCQUa6kbgqY_EaXiEsm7PpOhx89_U3ZAtsRJQLybr_NrOHdhvcCs0s2LHtta2EIhTadjQN5RQabcjiGJ-dw_XJF_RoLrKqk4mviFyDhprvlZddpPne-qwaijd_hLB52CqI_sKwe3E6D3OSL5vx6kjJD2_g/s468/Mick_2022.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLTVjFKu2myZbXVjC7AKLKUPI6h-xvVG16qCQUa6kbgqY_EaXiEsm7PpOhx89_U3ZAtsRJQLybr_NrOHdhvcCs0s2LHtta2EIhTadjQN5RQabcjiGJ-dw_XJF_RoLrKqk4mviFyDhprvlZddpPne-qwaijd_hLB52CqI_sKwe3E6D3OSL5vx6kjJD2_g/s16000/Mick_2022.png" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">In terms of my output to this blog, this past year felt like a 2021 redux. Not only did I devote an embarrassing amount of time digging through my video game backlog (Elden Ring is 100% deserving of all the praise it’s received) but I also traveled quite a bit more than usual to play more dodgeball while my body can still handle it. Yes…dodgeball. No…it’s (mostly) not like the movie. This double whammy left me with virtually no energy to write reviews. I can’t promise 2023 will see any fewer video games or less dodgeball but I’ll do my damndest to prioritize throwing together some more writing for around these parts. That all being said, 2022 had plenty of gems that are worth checking out!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-9d339451-7fff-419b-5be8-574acb12f786" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p id="docs-internal-guid-8fa36b73-7fff-9d5a-9ba8-43835d31d2e7" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">15. Live Burial - <i>Curse of the Forlorn<br /></i></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66G99cVY2Nh2Ph5134LO99Y2XJau0yTWAD6xQXcmsjYjJVnILmmca_1gqP7W773znooAp-19KU9nHlxnf6YBVNwlxduUpt94MATWq3gZ0nHPPn4K3nBksK3OXjkP4E9-buI34vCyAvqHwj80u1ENIYU7JKLqbq9NzjBHcijDkOKxDHRr31rb78whqsA/s1200/LiveBurial_CurseOfTheForlorn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66G99cVY2Nh2Ph5134LO99Y2XJau0yTWAD6xQXcmsjYjJVnILmmca_1gqP7W773znooAp-19KU9nHlxnf6YBVNwlxduUpt94MATWq3gZ0nHPPn4K3nBksK3OXjkP4E9-buI34vCyAvqHwj80u1ENIYU7JKLqbq9NzjBHcijDkOKxDHRr31rb78whqsA/s320/LiveBurial_CurseOfTheForlorn.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></b></span></div><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"></span></b></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Old school death metal worship can be very hit or miss but the latest from UK’s Live Burial is a hit. <i>Curse of the Forlorn</i> churns out the tried and true formula of perpetual barraging from the guitars and drums all on top of guttural growls and shrieks. Also by reveling in lower production values, the album has an echoey quality about it; One that plays rather well with the whole aesthetic. The guitar riffs are full of energy and speed but the aforementioned echoey nature of everything all feeds into a bleak, dismal aura that permeates the whole album. While it’s a death metal album through and through, <i>Curse of the Forlorn</i> carries the emotionally oppressive weight of a funeral doom album. This is a great “misery loves company” type of album on a rainy day.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://liveburialdeath.bandcamp.com/track/my-head-as-tribute" target="_blank">My Head as Tribute</a>”, “<a href="https://liveburialdeath.bandcamp.com/track/exhumation-and-execution" target="_blank">Exhumation and Execution</a>”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">14. Porcupine Tree - <i>CLOSURE/CONTINUATION<br /></i></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaOpE6MK57_tdQs-vJN8jFeEub1mYFCjeB4uEQwLdmnlcCgLiNzrDKK8LSsXqqaAoskrXMn3IDh13PtjdTXEPRdlvuollkq5tM2uUIlse7rX9YcSJHIUokdhvDWUKeigfc1bBQXFdzzcKo-wFjk4_ve-giViWGzAiHcOodc6wqRnGs2dBVx6H3QQflA/s1517/PorcupineTree_ClosureContinuation.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1517" data-original-width="1512" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaOpE6MK57_tdQs-vJN8jFeEub1mYFCjeB4uEQwLdmnlcCgLiNzrDKK8LSsXqqaAoskrXMn3IDh13PtjdTXEPRdlvuollkq5tM2uUIlse7rX9YcSJHIUokdhvDWUKeigfc1bBQXFdzzcKo-wFjk4_ve-giViWGzAiHcOodc6wqRnGs2dBVx6H3QQflA/s320/PorcupineTree_ClosureContinuation.jpg" width="319" /></a></span></b></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Steven Wilson stayed plenty busy during Porcupine Tree’s 13 year hiatus but actually getting a new Porcupine Tree album this year was a good thing. Truth be told, this one is very heavily influenced by Durf and myself having caught Porcupine Tree live when they came through Chicago a few months ago but seeing their latest album performed live brought another dimension to it. <i>CLOSURE/CONTINUATION</i> won’t eclipse your gold-standards of Porcupine Tree’s discography but there are plenty of their trademark moments of serene melancholy and well paced bursts of technical flourish that make this album well worth your time.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://youtu.be/AW5v4Ohxk5k" target="_blank">Harridan</a>”, “<a href="https://youtu.be/LO0IV_qeZN4" target="_blank">Chimera’s Wreck</a>”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">13. Altars - <i>Ascetic Reflection</i></span></span></b></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><i></i></span></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPc0oHS05L5W9aqpzWTuShe32IbP-bfllzNIDoUKN5_EyY5Buw0pOaNe6MrvdNykZwJKy-W0v13grUokBy5ouxI4EStRt7xtkXOabiVcp1LxrGkVUpPu6KXdoqDqyyf6dWgwwG714p7t48C38qnf0aOKZfIJ62uhCh72sq1Ih7Zf3fe8sfzCKpmSjJag/s1200/Altars_AsceticReflection.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPc0oHS05L5W9aqpzWTuShe32IbP-bfllzNIDoUKN5_EyY5Buw0pOaNe6MrvdNykZwJKy-W0v13grUokBy5ouxI4EStRt7xtkXOabiVcp1LxrGkVUpPu6KXdoqDqyyf6dWgwwG714p7t48C38qnf0aOKZfIJ62uhCh72sq1Ih7Zf3fe8sfzCKpmSjJag/s320/Altars_AsceticReflection.jpg" width="320" /></a><b style="white-space: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><i> </i></span></span></b></i></span></span></b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The first release from Australia’s Altars in nine years, <i>Ascetic Reflection</i> dishes out death metal in a visceral fashion that also carries a familiar dissonance. Guitars storm by with a gritty, crunchy tone while the bellowing vocals add in a new level of deepness to the mix. Bringing to mind the likes of Gorguts, sudden solo-like flurries of high pitched notes from the guitars break up the compositions in interesting ways. At times it feels chaotic but the more you take it in the more it eventually resonates as a controlled chaos. <i>Ascetic Reflection</i> unravels in many unpredictable ways but there’s also plenty of bite to it that anchors the whole album.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://altarsdeath.bandcamp.com/track/luminous-jar" target="_blank">Luminous Jar</a>”, “<a href="https://altarsdeath.bandcamp.com/track/opening-the-passage" target="_blank">Opening the Passage</a>”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">12. Nite - <i>Voices of the Kronian Moon</i></span></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHDAFQuBj4Hc_Fg9dKnr8vlvqz7nhG_GpZtVPEyQWhMcAncKANV4Hg55Ltduu_o4_wH88_7GNS1ta5snORNiGc5nzi-XfgVEAovsu_h8hMDckFv0MybcsdJEKrloq1FdwJuZSPu7huJKYzww17me49zQN6t968TQvpv4b__ku5igb3p4PunKv-V5X5A/s1200/Nite_VoicesOfTheKronianMoon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAHDAFQuBj4Hc_Fg9dKnr8vlvqz7nhG_GpZtVPEyQWhMcAncKANV4Hg55Ltduu_o4_wH88_7GNS1ta5snORNiGc5nzi-XfgVEAovsu_h8hMDckFv0MybcsdJEKrloq1FdwJuZSPu7huJKYzww17me49zQN6t968TQvpv4b__ku5igb3p4PunKv-V5X5A/s320/Nite_VoicesOfTheKronianMoon.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pairing the harmonized guitar riffage of traditional heavy metal with grizzled vocals, the sophomore album from San Francisco's Nite gives us something that is simultaneously familiar and refreshing. Each track that passes by on <i>Voices of the Kronian Moon</i> features straightforward but effective melodic hooks that will not fail to implant themselves in your head. The most intriguing part of this classic metal worship album, however, comes from the vocals. The echoing, raspy snarls going by gives the impression you’re hearing Nachtmystium in an entirely different context. All the elements at play here are familiar but, when all heard together, it creates an interesting mix that is undeniably fun to bob your head to.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://nitemetal.bandcamp.com/track/kronian-moon" target="_blank">Kronian Moon</a>”, “<a href="https://nitemetal.bandcamp.com/track/thorns" target="_blank">Thorns</a>”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">11. The Halo Effect - <i>Days of the Lost<br /></i></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DrMM45tX1nouVBJEGybOcP6Yu1XHC6xRUlCjxzm5UrHUkACX-Pfn9cT3c2QNpr8xZn3wglJQRfJ9PHLWKHK0vMq99xeeH16fyhpqx9DLw-R3SdltZe0Z9m1BElLGEo9w7wULrjPtjIRd9aJgZQfgIfER6mJfPbkk65L_EPjHlAhZFGSg-RmiqFkV8w/s1200/TheHaloEffect_DaysOfTheLost.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-DrMM45tX1nouVBJEGybOcP6Yu1XHC6xRUlCjxzm5UrHUkACX-Pfn9cT3c2QNpr8xZn3wglJQRfJ9PHLWKHK0vMq99xeeH16fyhpqx9DLw-R3SdltZe0Z9m1BElLGEo9w7wULrjPtjIRd9aJgZQfgIfER6mJfPbkk65L_EPjHlAhZFGSg-RmiqFkV8w/s320/TheHaloEffect_DaysOfTheLost.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></b></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is the “comfort food” entry of my list. Comprised of former In Flames members, the debut from Sweden’s Halo Effect hits all the classic tenets of melodic death metal. Each track is filled with so many riffs effortlessly building into melodic choruses that you’ll forget whether you’re listening to Spotify or your local rock radio station. The In Flames itch is one I haven’t thought I’ve needed scratched in a long time but <i>Days of the Lost</i> scratches it until it bleeds.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://thehaloeffectse.bandcamp.com/track/shadowminds" target="_blank">Shadowminds</a>”, “<a href="https://thehaloeffectse.bandcamp.com/track/conditional" target="_blank">Conditional</a>”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">10. Animals As Leaders - <i>Parrhesia<br /></i></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTW7UKw4Hp992_6qbG6crkA41tmo6gaLYN28G-i-vD145kZ4TW5Z6VhJcemv2TC8rrjVtiU_HG4HF5TLtHyUKJaNP4S5qu-f83GyykRK-SqwgQ2m_bWfolvTOvHhxTTTjtDGBjU8Xt8cpIu36M2LDdlWARzo3971XZYM_4roHFYMhhR0GVk5ONA7E-Q/s1500/AnimalsAsLeaders_Parrhesia.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWTW7UKw4Hp992_6qbG6crkA41tmo6gaLYN28G-i-vD145kZ4TW5Z6VhJcemv2TC8rrjVtiU_HG4HF5TLtHyUKJaNP4S5qu-f83GyykRK-SqwgQ2m_bWfolvTOvHhxTTTjtDGBjU8Xt8cpIu36M2LDdlWARzo3971XZYM_4roHFYMhhR0GVk5ONA7E-Q/s320/AnimalsAsLeaders_Parrhesia.png" width="320" /></a></span></b></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We know the formula. We know the level of musicianship to expect. But does this stop us from checking out each new Animals As Leaders album? Absolutely not. Admittedly, the past couple of their albums didn’t have me coming back to them like their first two. <i>Parrhesia</i>, however, is a breath of fresh air. The djent stylings are still very much in place (and very much accentuated) but there are numerous shock and awe moments that remind us this is Tosin Abasi’s world and we’re all just living in it. It’s been a hot minute since Animals As Leaders were the new kids on the block but listening to <i>Parrhesia </i>was like hearing them for the first time again.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://youtu.be/AKMovulYHD8" target="_blank">Red Miso</a>”, “<a href="https://youtu.be/N0RbJRY_pU8" target="_blank">Gestaltzerfall</a>”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">9. Pyrithe - <i>Monuments to Impermanence<br /></i></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0zmYn8inRv6R_scSDuFIUgVMfbtxZj9E2hQTAOA0sF1aSrTPBUwxKPFZh_rKH8BF5qK8nLb-PSw3kClsiNn82vTDH-oT2fXTVdwbOvh9585cx5GUOILhPERl7kIYgjsvQs--xyMMSc2aHW1xf-Ta1amMNbTKjCa0b1e5kFWjJ_xcJvmgGj24v_Rg4w/s1200/Pyrithe_MonumentsToImpermanence.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0zmYn8inRv6R_scSDuFIUgVMfbtxZj9E2hQTAOA0sF1aSrTPBUwxKPFZh_rKH8BF5qK8nLb-PSw3kClsiNn82vTDH-oT2fXTVdwbOvh9585cx5GUOILhPERl7kIYgjsvQs--xyMMSc2aHW1xf-Ta1amMNbTKjCa0b1e5kFWjJ_xcJvmgGj24v_Rg4w/s320/Pyrithe_MonumentsToImpermanence.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></b></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This album is just pure chaos. From barrages of unfiltered, distorted noise to moments of slowed down, sublime ambience, Pyrithe’s debut full-length album goes to the extremes in every direction. But don’t get this confused with throwing everything against the wall to see what sticks. While it’s sludge at its core, <i>Monuments to Impermanence</i> takes a little of everything and blends it all together in unusually captivating ways. Neurosis would be an easy comparison to draw when hearing the more thunderous sections but this album goes so much further than that. It’s a listening experience where every twist and turn is as unpredictable as the last, making it experimental in every sense of the word.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://gileadmedia.bandcamp.com/track/in-praise-of-enochian-trickster" target="_blank">In Praise of the Enochian Trickster</a>”, “<a href="https://gileadmedia.bandcamp.com/track/earthen-anchors" target="_blank">Earthen Anchors</a>”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">8. Mizmor, Thou - <i>Myopia<br /></i></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVqtCQiGjKluIgwMmwKuBqq8rBsCAZEMgw5uSY5RvYN3CweaSgRGV_w07ziN1im108g1PLnnk62EcmylEj1KJT_Nv0FA7LPKxuaQyCgQrOwa2mpD0PYZ6v16TaXXKzuXDy_lzkJl7CGu99qUoAqVFHyk3FiFBl83Yp4QqJ_G_pzEuUNPx0KAg1K9fqg/s1200/MizmorThou_Myopia.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVqtCQiGjKluIgwMmwKuBqq8rBsCAZEMgw5uSY5RvYN3CweaSgRGV_w07ziN1im108g1PLnnk62EcmylEj1KJT_Nv0FA7LPKxuaQyCgQrOwa2mpD0PYZ6v16TaXXKzuXDy_lzkJl7CGu99qUoAqVFHyk3FiFBl83Yp4QqJ_G_pzEuUNPx0KAg1K9fqg/s320/MizmorThou_Myopia.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></b></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If a smothering doom experience is what you seek, look no further than this collaboration from two rather well-versed parties on the subject. From beginning to end, <i>Myopia </i>is as heavy hitting as it is somber. Each track rains down a plethora of crusty guitar distortion that reverberates heavily alongside equally as rugged vocal shrieks. It’s an oppressively gloomy atmosphere that defines this album but it’s impossible to not get sucked in by it. Many passages of softer guitar notes break up the more abrasive moments but they still manage to form a great deal of tension. While <i>Myopia </i>won’t overwhelm your senses by playing as many notes on average as the other entries on this list, the tradeoff is that every crash of the drum, strike of each guitar chord, and every vocal scream will shake you right to your core.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://gileadmedia.bandcamp.com/track/drover-of-man" target="_blank">Drover of Man</a>”, “<a href="https://gileadmedia.bandcamp.com/track/indignance" target="_blank">Indignance</a>”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">7. Fallujah - <i>Empyrean<br /></i></span></span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhXy_IzWpLA06l5zgSySTya3FkSbJXHJjTM81WqoktBrznaGGIR5v-i5HI3AqS3YDoulfGBDkxnu5n4Oyz88uGPwBTUyhmkoT6tpEbkEhJGTG9S95f-eIh47fA1eSXA9YQwD6IuZ4nynzgihFp10dTZrsfhNGlytSjODl41OwtWTdqybd4HKjcWvoVw/s1200/Fallujah_Empyrean.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhXy_IzWpLA06l5zgSySTya3FkSbJXHJjTM81WqoktBrznaGGIR5v-i5HI3AqS3YDoulfGBDkxnu5n4Oyz88uGPwBTUyhmkoT6tpEbkEhJGTG9S95f-eIh47fA1eSXA9YQwD6IuZ4nynzgihFp10dTZrsfhNGlytSjODl41OwtWTdqybd4HKjcWvoVw/s320/Fallujah_Empyrean.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For whatever reason, Fallujah is a band I never understood the hype for in the past. I tried and tried but nothing ever stuck for me. <i>Empyrean </i>sticks. This is tech-death metal that knows when to not be overly wanky and obnoxious. Imagine Obscura if they weren’t quite so Obscura-y. There is still plenty of technical prowess about this album but the guitars, in particular, take more liberties in stretching out melodies that soar behind the vocals. I try to avoid using the term “ethereal” like the plague given how overused it is, but like the title of the album suggests, these moments are exactly that. It’s an odd mix but <i>Empyrean </i>strikes the perfect balance between fragility and heaviness.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://fallujah.bandcamp.com/track/mindless-omnipotent-master-2" target="_blank">Mindless Omnipotent Master</a>”, “<a href="https://fallujah.bandcamp.com/track/artifacts-2" target="_blank">Artifacts</a>”</span></span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">6. Fit For an Autopsy - <i>Oh What the Future Holds<br /></i></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdM6lra5Q0oUj2Qnp9CadNXMGjIIah1VIUZBqBfk7P0cFncPPKjLg385-uZwEnTLrVSQ4IFWkUyYOtaFI3n-p5aNJwsN40a79UtJxJIYTR1RagkOpgzALfbqFt6NxJVJxwIAMaKSdtaplQiLjeagFxc8DEyJKRrd9-oehEmvDa5aYvxgO8qo3uZJ4HkQ/s1200/FitForAnAutopsy_OhWhatTheFutureHolds.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdM6lra5Q0oUj2Qnp9CadNXMGjIIah1VIUZBqBfk7P0cFncPPKjLg385-uZwEnTLrVSQ4IFWkUyYOtaFI3n-p5aNJwsN40a79UtJxJIYTR1RagkOpgzALfbqFt6NxJVJxwIAMaKSdtaplQiLjeagFxc8DEyJKRrd9-oehEmvDa5aYvxgO8qo3uZJ4HkQ/s320/FitForAnAutopsy_OhWhatTheFutureHolds.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></b></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Anything deathcore or deathcore-adjacent I tend to be leery of but I saw enough rumblings about <i>Oh What the Future Holds</i> to give it a chance. What impressed me the most about this album, and what keeps me coming back to it, is how all of the band’s elements maintain a balanced flow where nothing overstays its welcome. The vocals are guttural but never too pig-squealy, the guitars showcase plenty of chugga-chugga breakdowns but all of which are bookended by more intricate riffs that keep things more interesting, and small bits of ambience are sprinkled in to keep the album as a whole well paced. For all of those who poo-poo deathcore (like I typically do), this will be a pleasant surprise.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://fitforanautopsy.bandcamp.com/track/in-shadows" target="_blank">In Shadows</a>”, “<a href="https://fitforanautopsy.bandcamp.com/track/the-man-that-i-was-not" target="_blank">The Man That I Was Not</a>”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">5. Hath - <i>All That Was Promised<br /></i></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3b0sF-tsohblmCIF3sE4CWxNoSg8N-57ggnpmMLmwYr371j3MhNXPzKIQWqB8GAxY1IctJAqKs_F3nbSUho9ZIRAZsMl4soOemOMbf_Ak2YzSwl2K46295PoZFlFYnc9J767DNWhfYiHy26a9uanShAZSeX8fPjA2uT_Co6AEyDrVhia5E4u-B13Mw/s1200/Hath_AllThatWasPromised.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3b0sF-tsohblmCIF3sE4CWxNoSg8N-57ggnpmMLmwYr371j3MhNXPzKIQWqB8GAxY1IctJAqKs_F3nbSUho9ZIRAZsMl4soOemOMbf_Ak2YzSwl2K46295PoZFlFYnc9J767DNWhfYiHy26a9uanShAZSeX8fPjA2uT_Co6AEyDrVhia5E4u-B13Mw/s320/Hath_AllThatWasPromised.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></b></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As opposed to the filthier types of death metal where everything is buried in a mucky mix, Hath opts for better production that allows all the elements of the band to shine through. The constant crashing of the drums, the powerful growls of the vocals adding extra oomph to the bass, and the chunky nature of the guitar rhythms all come together to form a solid death metal base. What sets <i>All That Was Promised</i> apart, however, is its attention to compositional detail. It would be a bit of a stretch to label Hath “progressive” but there are usages of acoustic guitars and slower-paced build-ups that go a bit above and beyond the death metal status quo that, as a result, create an extremely captivating flow and ambience throughout the entirety of the album. It may be surprising to hear all the moving pieces at play in All That Was Promised but they’re all discernible enough that your ears will bask in their cohesion.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://hathnj.bandcamp.com/track/kenosis" target="_blank">Kenosis</a>”, “<a href="https://hathnj.bandcamp.com/track/casting-of-the-self" target="_blank">Casting of the Self</a>”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">4. Dreadnought - <i>The Endless<br /></i></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6gnv_OVGxWAuLQ4vn9zeRz09knmiJkgTh9xrvv7P6TeeAk4XxvbZUurWdbT4J_uvlSWWD85FgtYavZYnuk2gyjeFfmlUKCbX4eczMQigJP0Uc06jOqr1fIJGzfkJWeHlYg6nNt5BfAwrMGj7UY8FXIyRxLIdDxGBPU2ed9zmwerndc7DhFOW8bVdnQ/s3684/Dreadnought_TheEndless.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3684" data-original-width="3683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin6gnv_OVGxWAuLQ4vn9zeRz09knmiJkgTh9xrvv7P6TeeAk4XxvbZUurWdbT4J_uvlSWWD85FgtYavZYnuk2gyjeFfmlUKCbX4eczMQigJP0Uc06jOqr1fIJGzfkJWeHlYg6nNt5BfAwrMGj7UY8FXIyRxLIdDxGBPU2ed9zmwerndc7DhFOW8bVdnQ/s320/Dreadnought_TheEndless.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></b></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While their past efforts have carved a very specific niche for themselves, Dreadnought’s latest stays within the progressive doom metal sphere but pivots in different directions you might not necessarily expect. Instead of juxtaposing jazzy, saxophone-laden interludes with chunky guitar riffs, <i>The Endless</i> leans more heavily into harmonized vocal rhythms set against grandiose walls of distortion. It’s a deeply introspective album that is easily the band’s most mature to date. It may not be “progressive” in the way you would expect it to be but there are guaranteed to be plenty of moments that will impress you regardless.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://dreadnoughtdenver.bandcamp.com/track/liminal-veil" target="_blank">Liminal Veil</a>”, “<a href="https://dreadnoughtdenver.bandcamp.com/track/the-paradigm-mirror" target="_blank">The Paradigm Mirror</a>”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">3. Gevurah - <i>Gehinnom<br /></i></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPIEjIWN6c6Zu6PRGXGdWMiaXmm1Cc_18WbtAYywkNpGVmhMmGdSuyaNOpIsBAQwk5OZzOfc12r77DeJt39p3ND7obJ-6W0zI7Y0-DlW_dXD_UstSdm3X2jcmaiPcI2mupPNZCtLqDujuptL__iXBmzKiVcO7gR_QxeWZ5RfgPxVlMG-9vMr58VXrnQ/s1200/Gevurah_Gehinnom.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1197" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFPIEjIWN6c6Zu6PRGXGdWMiaXmm1Cc_18WbtAYywkNpGVmhMmGdSuyaNOpIsBAQwk5OZzOfc12r77DeJt39p3ND7obJ-6W0zI7Y0-DlW_dXD_UstSdm3X2jcmaiPcI2mupPNZCtLqDujuptL__iXBmzKiVcO7gR_QxeWZ5RfgPxVlMG-9vMr58VXrnQ/s320/Gevurah_Gehinnom.jpg" width="319" /></a></span></b></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s been six long years since the full length debut from Canadian black metallers Gevurah but <i>Gehinnom </i>doesn’t miss a step. As the genre has evolved, the “fuck religion”/”let’s burn churches” origins of black metal have been explored so much now that they’ve lost their edge. At this point in time, it’s approaches like Gevurah’s brand of metaphysical interpretations of Luciferianism that provoke more reactions like “damn, that’s evil.” Each track goes by with a methodical, ritualistic pace. Accompanied by crashing drums and gravelly vocal howls, guitars swirl and drone by with a menacing tone. <i>Gehinnom </i>is steadfast in its assault and employs moments of immense power that separate it from the rest of the pack.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://gevurah.bandcamp.com/track/at-the-orient-of-eden" target="_blank">At the Orient of Eden</a>”, “<a href="https://gevurah.bandcamp.com/track/gloria-in-excelsis-deo-et-ira-ad-homines-in-terra" target="_blank">Gloria in Excelsis Deo, Et IRA Ad Homines in Terra</a>”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">2. White Ward - <i>False Light<br /></i></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZHRWvCe6PRw2_JHkqOJspOpo6a6VlQiLQQfGq8QszRLP4vvufMwMf_pffHYCiFXb5WSN5pQy3Ftxc_cLIb7egSWiRk800ZcIRyJVXqHso_LHre4NfuljP5Rg41mm71zbkNfphi24uuoVm9kfhNEvy14AhS4cvfvxRrwzzJqUEQeFx0dLh0qdcKYUMw/s1200/WhiteWard_FalseLight.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZHRWvCe6PRw2_JHkqOJspOpo6a6VlQiLQQfGq8QszRLP4vvufMwMf_pffHYCiFXb5WSN5pQy3Ftxc_cLIb7egSWiRk800ZcIRyJVXqHso_LHre4NfuljP5Rg41mm71zbkNfphi24uuoVm9kfhNEvy14AhS4cvfvxRrwzzJqUEQeFx0dLh0qdcKYUMw/s320/WhiteWard_FalseLight.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></b></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The black metal + saxophone formula for Ukraine’s White Ward continues to be one of the most unique sounds around. With the tranquil smoothness of the saxophone naturally blending in with the abrasiveness of black metal, <i>False Light</i> picks up right where their last release, 2019’s <i>Love Exchange Failure</i>, left off. What’s different this time around, though, is how the band takes this formula and further perfects it. <i>False Light</i> reflects White Ward maturing as a band right before your eyes (ears?). The screams are extra grating, the riffs hit extra hard, and the in-betweens are all the more transfixing. White Ward is operating on a high level. Take notice, folks.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://whiteward.bandcamp.com/track/phoenix" target="_blank">Phoenix</a>”, “<a href="https://whiteward.bandcamp.com/track/false-light" target="_blank">False Light</a>”</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">1. Blackbraid - <i>Blackbraid I<br /></i></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsn2Z89_DlZb0U_e3e720fQ0fOajy0agPNvb3T2j_wBDBW0DQDW8C5pZ8PMXuvBXsqSMsx5PXhQRHobkfmK3MBg4gY7lyrt5_uQPzVJPjoxb0m0vEjJtWRHxubqWiHLZFWDM-znAeAofUochpaBCQOsFt-CZ5PyS3IQdJHVEUZEWAWYz1ABh7YHLYzg/s1200/Blackbraid_BlackbraidI.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFsn2Z89_DlZb0U_e3e720fQ0fOajy0agPNvb3T2j_wBDBW0DQDW8C5pZ8PMXuvBXsqSMsx5PXhQRHobkfmK3MBg4gY7lyrt5_uQPzVJPjoxb0m0vEjJtWRHxubqWiHLZFWDM-znAeAofUochpaBCQOsFt-CZ5PyS3IQdJHVEUZEWAWYz1ABh7YHLYzg/s320/Blackbraid_BlackbraidI.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></b></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">From the Adirondack Mountains emerges a solo Native American black metal project that is hopefully here to stay for quite some time. Composed and performed by Sgah'gahsowáh, Blackbraid serves up a familiar but strikingly earnest brand of black metal. Compositionally, this album is straightforward but is executed so well that the lifeblood of this album becomes instantly apparent. From the first note of the cold, menacing guitars to the relentless pounding of the drums, <i>Blackbraid I</i> crafts a soundscape full of animosity and grandeur. This soundscape is perfectly matched by the lyrical theme of a forest tainted by war but one that is also imbued with a mighty ancestral wisdom. What one can only assume are traditional Native American wind instruments further drives this theme home. Hearing nature-centric black metal isn’t anything new but hearing it from a Native American perspective is one that isn’t heard nearly enough. It doesn’t rewrite the black metal playbook but Blackbraid’s debut boasts an intensity that elevates it to its own level. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://blackbraid.bandcamp.com/track/the-river-of-time-flows-through-me-2" target="_blank">The River of Time Flows Through Me</a>”, “<a href="https://blackbraid.bandcamp.com/track/sacandaga" target="_blank">Sacandaga</a>”</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- Mick <br /></span></p>Brutalitopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548942312423354614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517694096190034221.post-75217635222214796902023-01-05T09:58:00.002-06:002023-01-06T09:45:47.773-06:00Tom's Töp 10 Concerts of 2022<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfmp5atafyPlwN1xjvGu11Dy2CCEqlaMTIEo-_-A-NXdI9dSYjvrU1luXq_tgCvMLgNPc5Xjq2Vs8tDtj39VhSx5M8B_dAidZH2rlmIuzDhjzO-O5PwRW2JvNS9U1k_icsOQwNfu1JitDwmlfAEVr8Ooe4hSgi4NMMTti5JJvAawPksVb2ikYXagtrA/s468/Tom2022.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfmp5atafyPlwN1xjvGu11Dy2CCEqlaMTIEo-_-A-NXdI9dSYjvrU1luXq_tgCvMLgNPc5Xjq2Vs8tDtj39VhSx5M8B_dAidZH2rlmIuzDhjzO-O5PwRW2JvNS9U1k_icsOQwNfu1JitDwmlfAEVr8Ooe4hSgi4NMMTti5JJvAawPksVb2ikYXagtrA/s16000/Tom2022.png" /></a></div><p>2020 seems like a long time ago, with the world coming apart at the seams and one of the few things we tend to take for granted is our ability to do what we want with our free time, one of those magical things is being able to go to a concert with like-minded individuals and experience music live. This immersive experience which I missed from March of 2020 through the fall 2021 edition of Decibel's Metal Beer Fest was a long time, something sorely missed, as my closest connection to live music was sharing memories with friends via late Friday night Zoom conferences conducted through March of 2020 and every week thereafter until this recent Maryland Deathfest, where the aptly named Heavy Metal Happy Hour got to be an in-person event as it was eventually intended to be. <br /> <br /></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p></p><p>All told I attended 16 concerts spanning 19 days in New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania and even local shows here in New Jersey. It was excellent being able to see so many familiar and new faces out and about in my travels, many thanks to those of you who accompanied me there. Here is to more of that in 2023. For now here are the honorable mention shows:</p><p>Boris/Nothing; Webster Hall, New York, NY September 1st</p><p>Deadguy/School Drugs/Honey; Crossroads, Garwood NJ March 5th</p><p>Exhumed/Vitriol/Escuela Grind/Castrator; The Meadows, Brooklyn, NY November 27th</p><p>Turnstile/Citizen/Ceremony/Ekulu/Truth Cult; The Fillmore, Philadelphia, PA May 24th</p><p>Napalm Death/Brujeria/Frozen Soul/MDC; Music Hall of Wiliamsburg, Brooklyn NY October 28th</p><p>Mayhem/Midnight; Irving Plaza, New York NY March 27th</p><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">10. Eyehategod/Come To Grief/Bat/Escuela Grind; Saint Vitus, Brooklyn NY, May 4th </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyZTuDEdv3DiX59iimu6b37Y3vyN6Xs_Y1QZyFK0lS-6wO6eWP7d6IXG9YpsQ3Dp0khNPQXDLOgewCFB7vp5B8_YG320-Fp2Em6JF__egOuFToZwyNlrulR11ZHQgS76SfikhAuKwGm2bscfg5xuJN4Djj5wjoWAEka0-sjOl48qf6i2m54FNYL5O1w/s469/20220504_EHG.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="395" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggyZTuDEdv3DiX59iimu6b37Y3vyN6Xs_Y1QZyFK0lS-6wO6eWP7d6IXG9YpsQ3Dp0khNPQXDLOgewCFB7vp5B8_YG320-Fp2Em6JF__egOuFToZwyNlrulR11ZHQgS76SfikhAuKwGm2bscfg5xuJN4Djj5wjoWAEka0-sjOl48qf6i2m54FNYL5O1w/s320/20220504_EHG.PNG" width="270" /></a></div><p></p><p>Originally covered <a href="https://www.invisibleoranges.com/eyehategod-5-4-2022/" target="_blank">here</a> this was my first trip to Saint Vitus post-Covid and it was a sorely needed one. An odd show with bands either flying in your face like Escuela Grind and Bat or sludge titans Come To Grief and Eyehategod moving at glacial speeds; this show had it all. Escuela Grind as the openers had more time to let loose in the above Exhumed show, but this time around they more than proved their worth as well and became one of the most talked about bands in metal during 2022. Bat, being one of the side projects of Ryan Waste (of Municipal Waste) is a great callback to the evil speed metal that reigned supreme in the '80s and the rest of the show featured Come to Grief who I had yet to see and EHG who I hadn't seen in nearly 10 years. A combination of styles that was tough to top in one of the premiere live environments in the tri-state area.</p><p> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">9. Immolation/Demolition Hammer/Mortician/Black Anvil/Funeral Leech; Irving Plaza, New York, NY March 19th</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmV5-3oHoX07movUrSrmJwgQYgYz2ubuW2jtpRJVHm7ZmAhaxh5x5ZSWWT7vzQMQDUOX7hmuvCAt_5m9hcrzsl9U3vRnbtAr_Ll1GSZ1GGRII8uOiUfSiMwaNf6UAwEecKkyI2YQD82Mro9aqbVH5wdVuNwYBGlqDM-UI16oh8l_ay305_iU5dC__2Qg/s1273/20220319_Immolation_Irving.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1273" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmV5-3oHoX07movUrSrmJwgQYgYz2ubuW2jtpRJVHm7ZmAhaxh5x5ZSWWT7vzQMQDUOX7hmuvCAt_5m9hcrzsl9U3vRnbtAr_Ll1GSZ1GGRII8uOiUfSiMwaNf6UAwEecKkyI2YQD82Mro9aqbVH5wdVuNwYBGlqDM-UI16oh8l_ay305_iU5dC__2Qg/w226-h320/20220319_Immolation_Irving.jpeg" width="226" /></a></div>My first show back in NYC after a more than 2 year hiatus was one to be enjoyed with a group of friends who made a night out of it. I have seen Immolation countless times, but Demolition Hammer were still on the ol' bucket list. Both bands crushed their sets, but honestly the top heaviness of this concert kept it from being higher on this list. Demolition Hammer cleared the room with their classic tracks from both <i>Tortured Existence </i>and <i>Epidemic of Violence</i> praising the New York scene that raised them as well as Mortician and Immolation with a whole horde of fans behind them on this, their last show of the tour. Immolation heavily featured their new <i>Acts of God </i>which was brand new at the time and tracks like "Father, You're Not a Father" are meant to be experienced live. My full report is <a href="https://www.invisibleoranges.com/immolation-live-review-2022/" target="_blank">here</a>.<div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">8. Hulder/Spectral Wound/Manat; Brooklyn Made, Brooklyn, NY April 14th</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36KVQrn8Gp4-lN4CCHDDDMvpMCKut7c7oilYeowdCjjSvc90bF57qi_Ka2cKsCwtqR9dEvGhVLR23oMgpDFCBQPvvF9VMQ2cDcuOuiR4Wro_Ixg1Mbej9NKworVi7wycXLXxYtfFVzoxFm721pJW5IrceEtvzjc6zKP9bRg2V3bgCszXKwfmEzH4rUg/s489/20220414_Hulder.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="489" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36KVQrn8Gp4-lN4CCHDDDMvpMCKut7c7oilYeowdCjjSvc90bF57qi_Ka2cKsCwtqR9dEvGhVLR23oMgpDFCBQPvvF9VMQ2cDcuOuiR4Wro_Ixg1Mbej9NKworVi7wycXLXxYtfFVzoxFm721pJW5IrceEtvzjc6zKP9bRg2V3bgCszXKwfmEzH4rUg/s320/20220414_Hulder.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><div><span face="Arial, sans-serif">A black cloud descended upon one of the newest venues in
New York after a beautiful day; Bushwick’s Brooklyn Made is a beautiful little
spot on Troutman, a venue that serves as a good balance between the crowd sizes
of Saint Vitus and Irving Plaza, highly recommended for an excellent live
experience. Opening the night were local self-proclaimed “early Sepultura
worshipping” Manat. Their sound was grimy from the outset and their lead singer
spent the first few songs doing what looked like looking for a contact lens,
before thrusting themselves into the crowd and tossing around the microphone
like it owed them money, pausing only briefly to steal a sip of a concert
goers’ adult beverage of choice. This was a solid opening for what was to
come later and helped the crowd get some of that early energy working.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Up next were Quebeckers, Spectral Wound riding high on
2021’s excellent <i>A Diabolic Thirst</i> which they played almost in its
entirety plus “Woods from Which The Spirits Once So Loudly Howled” and “Black
Satanic Glamour” off of their previous <i>Infernal Decadence </i>LP. Begloved
front man, Jonah sounded otherworldly while his guitar section backed by
crashing drums set up an atmosphere that matched the fog within the venue
perfectly. Their 50 minute or so set was a triumphant display of black metal
taking over such a wide-open space and making it work to their advantage,
seeing as some of the City’s venues don’t have quite the same space orientation
as Brooklyn Made does. The crowd got behind them as they made an indelible mark
in Bushwick’s extreme metal playground.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Arial, sans-serif">Hulder was up next to close things out and she and her
live band played heavily into the enigmatic nature of her folk black metal approach.
Her make-up was on point as was her guitar playing and vocals, sounding just as
fresh as last year’s excellent <i>Godlastering: Hymns of a Forlorn Peasantry </i>did
in studio. The LP was prominently played as well as inclusions from their <i>Ascending
the Raven Stone </i>and <i>Embraced By Darkness and Mysts </i>EP. The wondrously
dark environment became Hulder’s playground throughout, as her corpse paint
gave the feeling of grimness and sadness all the same. An excellent performance
by one of black metal’s up and coming bands.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span face="Arial, sans-serif"><o:p></o:p></span></p><div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">7. Undeath/200 Stab Wounds/Enforced/Phobophilic; Saint Vitus, Brooklyn, NY November 13th</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnfvXaN3mGVzWRLOMibnEFLWx6Ff3S40-YYQADBLyYzwH-SZVX4k-KK7QqpOkgkmlaZ2In-G1qOxSBwa4Oe03shEUB_eDjLuK7f3kGYVquHxuPINWu3RhTCGZwzGj6AxzQSseLlMbnZk6p6aS2MgJpYFEbE1hOFg59V2qXrRMcYDJhYMzqof1HcOQmg/s2000/20221113_Undeath.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihnfvXaN3mGVzWRLOMibnEFLWx6Ff3S40-YYQADBLyYzwH-SZVX4k-KK7QqpOkgkmlaZ2In-G1qOxSBwa4Oe03shEUB_eDjLuK7f3kGYVquHxuPINWu3RhTCGZwzGj6AxzQSseLlMbnZk6p6aS2MgJpYFEbE1hOFg59V2qXrRMcYDJhYMzqof1HcOQmg/s320/20221113_Undeath.jpeg" width="256" /></a></div>This massive tour is a perfect amalgamation of up and coming death metal from both 2021 and 2022, a tour on paper that could not be missed. The show that I attended sold out and the following night they all played Vitus again. I started the night at Greenpoint Brewing Company with some friends and walked the block over to Saint Vitus to talk tour things with Josh from Phobophilic on the main floor because Alex from Undeath was holding court in the subterranean chamber of one of NYC's best venues. </div><div><br /></div><div>Each band crushed their respective set and poked fun at the insane temperatures inside the venue causing all of Undeath to remove their shirts and apologize for doing so. Enforced brought the crossover energy and 200 Stab Wounds brought vile lyrics to the already gross stage. Tours like this don't come around often enough for the up and comers, but for those lucky enough to attend, it was well worth the price of admission.<br /><p> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">6. Sumerlands/Eternal Champion/Daeva/Tower; Union Transfer, Philadelphia, PA November 4th</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-_vFft73oksg0wCoodVz-vp-ZPkuekIhsZMzqrUXxFW1h2-2GTRZIbdtQ4HWJpaeX6foQ8-IiC-t4VJpY1PV2hvI1qwbwexGlcjolaRSuVwB73O96PgdhpVIJQhBsfqJHY1JYBHrs0_kQGNMahjSNAT76eUyRc3ZEiEPSFj_X12F4RSMpPCQ5gj8Mw/s1024/20221104_Sumerlands.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="819" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF-_vFft73oksg0wCoodVz-vp-ZPkuekIhsZMzqrUXxFW1h2-2GTRZIbdtQ4HWJpaeX6foQ8-IiC-t4VJpY1PV2hvI1qwbwexGlcjolaRSuVwB73O96PgdhpVIJQhBsfqJHY1JYBHrs0_kQGNMahjSNAT76eUyRc3ZEiEPSFj_X12F4RSMpPCQ5gj8Mw/s320/20221104_Sumerlands.jpeg" width="256" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Making a trip down the Turnpike for the third time this year felt appropriate given the lineup and quite possibly my favorite concert poster of the year to boot. After dining at the great La Chinesca adjacent, I entered the former Spaghetti Warehouse now named Union Transfer. This beautiful venue is smaller in size than The Fillmore but it can more than hold its own as a mid sized concert hall. Tower from all the way back in NYC powered through cuts from one of my 2021 favorite records, <i>Shock To The System</i> before giving way to black thrashing hometown boys, Daeva. </div><div><br /></div><div>It was record release night for them as well as fellow Philly band Sumerlands, a band that features producer extraordinaire Arthur Rizk fresh off their first album in 6 years. Daeva's collective set was crushing and vibrantly evil, a set that was also enjoyed by transplanted Georgian John Dyer Baizley of Baroness who was a super nice guy to boot. Eternal Champion's Jason Tarpey entered the fray in a chain mail mask before the hulking figure removed it and finished out the set flexing with and not on the fellow dorks in attendance. Sumerlands, now featuring former Magic Circle front man Brendan Radigan went off playing cuts from both albums, reminding the fans what they came there for, a night of heavy metal bliss. </div><div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">5. Ghost/Mastodon/Spiritbox; UBS Arena, Elmont, NY September 10th</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93PkkRkUqQrCFvvCdgZfngdy814k7-x7i302cjyh_pAWTJBsWLo0BSU257lOOtFaZ4i5_C6js5cok2N77HnheGufSkmDqTJHHboQK-2nFNpAXf-JHk0dWt1zzbpyQk85pS0xD1rzygH_0D2mo07Sv7ZX7MBaquOboLZDCyYrMV490XFYxj8GPZjiX_w/s2000/20220910_Ghost.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="2000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93PkkRkUqQrCFvvCdgZfngdy814k7-x7i302cjyh_pAWTJBsWLo0BSU257lOOtFaZ4i5_C6js5cok2N77HnheGufSkmDqTJHHboQK-2nFNpAXf-JHk0dWt1zzbpyQk85pS0xD1rzygH_0D2mo07Sv7ZX7MBaquOboLZDCyYrMV490XFYxj8GPZjiX_w/s320/20220910_Ghost.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Being a fan of the New York Islanders has not always been easy for me, but it took a massive change of scenery and a band I had yet to see in Ghost and I had plenty of reason to trek out there before the puck dropped on the new season. My wife, a friend and I drove out to Long Island to finally see what the pageantry was all about. The beautiful arena and some nice club seating helped to get us all settled in for a rocking night in a large venue.</div><div><br /></div><div>Having seen Mastodon at a myriad of smaller venues like Music Hall of Williamsburg and even on their co-headlining Adult Swim tour with Dethklok at Hammerstein Ballroom or with Kvelertak and Gojira at Sayreville, NJ's Starland Ballroom, but for now it was time to see them reach a North American pinnacle, an arena date. They played well but the energy was different, a fun varied set was nice, but the band do much better up close, still great to see them play to the big crowds. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ghost were on a different level however: Iron Maiden styled large set pieces, explosions and gaudy outfits highlighted a band that has carved a wonderful niche for themselves in heavy music and rock in general. Being that <i>Impera</i> was <a href="https://www.invisibleoranges.com/best-of-2022-tom-campagna/" target="_blank">my favorite album of 2022</a> this was one of the ways in which that placement was solidified, a <a href="https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/ghost/2022/ubs-arena-elmont-ny-3bb0e074.html" target="_blank">great set</a> showcased enough material from their entire career and a live show that simply cannot be missed.</div><div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">4. Municipal Waste/Integrity/Bewitcher; Crossroads, Garwood, NJ June 19th</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43bORoNWssbP3AciJDHUqdtP2rGgR890kiMfcf0Wn-Wr8bXsn2pL5rGKl2k5CCRcnjFFD5CNIL0_ng4_QmaV41aQ0Q_QsiQohx1A94nNgu7M42O_7evI5nGkF5rAcAtSvunYZ0PG_edrPRCS1Ynp-On3bdRXsBkAHnMq9hvnDLrH1lFitWVWcaJarjQ/s960/20220619_Waste.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg43bORoNWssbP3AciJDHUqdtP2rGgR890kiMfcf0Wn-Wr8bXsn2pL5rGKl2k5CCRcnjFFD5CNIL0_ng4_QmaV41aQ0Q_QsiQohx1A94nNgu7M42O_7evI5nGkF5rAcAtSvunYZ0PG_edrPRCS1Ynp-On3bdRXsBkAHnMq9hvnDLrH1lFitWVWcaJarjQ/s320/20220619_Waste.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Being able to see a metal show in my own neighborhood here in the NJ suburbs is a unique thing. Couple that with it being on Father's Day with 3 powerful bands and I was there in a flash. Fresh off of the Metal and Beer Fest in Philly the weekend before, I was adorned in the beer, zombie and Philadelphia inspired Cannibal Corpse shirt from said fest and of course ran into some other folks who had also been there. Starting with an outdoor beer, we soon made our way inside to catch some PNW action from Bewticher who crushed the small stage with blackened heavy metal fury.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next up was Dwid Hellion and Integrity who to that point hadn't played NYC in a very long time, so playing NJ should have attracted enough attention in and of itself. The hardcore superstars laid waste to a crowd that was ripe for the picking and drawing plenty of mayhem to the standing-room only floor. Closing things out were Municipal Waste who were waiting on the release of their newest record, <i>Electrified Brain</i> which made for an honorable mention in 2022, but the songs were so fresh on this tour and so too was the band, not just with their mouths either as Tony Forresta chided the decidedly NJ crowd at every chance he possibly could. Necks were destroyed during their own excellent <a href="https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/municipal-waste/2022/crossroads-garwood-nj-4bb45362.html" target="_blank">setlist</a> and the evening was alive and well, well-earned for this father.</div><div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">3. Mercyful Fate/Kreator/Midnight; Kings Theatre, Brooklyn, NY November 10th</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlAGdrbAacURPtmzreQ5K3ig9ha7sdaUxQOUt2U53LtBHBqTzd4VAzU_XZldreCwiOiNCjTE_87mOpWWTmzYaRT-2ncnqpSHaOiVVFgNFheYesCVHIRhpA_KH9lZUtqN8uB5idLNUBT-BMpZHZYz_25OImL9mc56_tZKgI3Mssz7V6IEoCAJ416EL2g/s795/20221110_Fate.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="530" data-original-width="795" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlAGdrbAacURPtmzreQ5K3ig9ha7sdaUxQOUt2U53LtBHBqTzd4VAzU_XZldreCwiOiNCjTE_87mOpWWTmzYaRT-2ncnqpSHaOiVVFgNFheYesCVHIRhpA_KH9lZUtqN8uB5idLNUBT-BMpZHZYz_25OImL9mc56_tZKgI3Mssz7V6IEoCAJ416EL2g/s320/20221110_Fate.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This was my second time at this picturesque Flatbush venue, the last time for a King Diamond show back in 2019, so naturally King brought the wife and I back this time as well. Having seen Midnight earlier this year for a longer set with Mayhem was fun, but the somewhat unsuspecting crowd at the show got treated to a maelstrom of energy, a go-go dancer and satanic power from another band that made it big in 2022. </div><div><br /></div><div>Next up was Kreator, the 2nd classic Teutonic band I had seen this year including Destruction at MDF, playing plenty off of their new <i>Hate Uber Alles</i> album complete with bodies being hung in the backdrop on the curtain, promising to bring a headlining tour to the US in the new year while waving the Flag of Hate high. Mercyful Fate crushed a set consisting of the biggest and best of the band's first two albums <i>Melissa</i> and <i>Don't Beak The Oath</i> as well as new track "The King of Salzburg". It was incredible to finally seen Hank Sherman rip it live, albeit without Michael Denner but Bjarne Holm did an excellent job here as did Becky Baldwin who was filling in for Joey Vera on bass who was on tour with Armored Saint at the time. Hopefully we see more from Fate before long, because that was a rejuvenated band if I had ever seen one.<br /><p> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">2. Decibel Metal and Beer Fest, The Fillmore, Philadelphia, PA June 10th-11th</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ze61Mx5kOSXx8x2nQUqvQ3FnDttDqBZvtJZVRMCnPD9rS3PvbUEa9670UWiGdD-NlxWPPxjALMKTqCR2xWaKJytdDeGVNPhRKcmLWMe6p0uOatmdcTEfScjTJQXA9B5JG3WM0IkeDkBsasLTOh0f0FmXGh_DLWmWaH8DNy4qQPphgG8baj8MCh_BlQ/s1500/20220610_Metal_Beer.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1121" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ze61Mx5kOSXx8x2nQUqvQ3FnDttDqBZvtJZVRMCnPD9rS3PvbUEa9670UWiGdD-NlxWPPxjALMKTqCR2xWaKJytdDeGVNPhRKcmLWMe6p0uOatmdcTEfScjTJQXA9B5JG3WM0IkeDkBsasLTOh0f0FmXGh_DLWmWaH8DNy4qQPphgG8baj8MCh_BlQ/s320/20220610_Metal_Beer.png" width="239" /></a></div>The last two shows here are both fests, which might seem like a little bit of a cop out, but these required a full body's worth to truly experience. This two-night extravaganza was only 2 weeks after MDF which already had people reeling but being able to boast full album sets from Candlemass, Nuclear Assault, Wolves In The Throne Room plus Cannibal Corpse, Voivod, Full of Hell and newcomers The Silver it was more than enough to get my time's worth. </div><div><br /></div><div>Getting to connect with the Philly faithful as well as media friends and band members makes it all worth it too. All the above-mentioned bands were favorites with Candlemass and Cannibal Corpse as closers making for the exact kind of punch to the gut, we were all in search of during a time where shows simply didn't exist. Kudos to my friend who let me crash on the couch and enjoy beers and late-night fried chicken with, plus a trip the pier the next day where I ran into a guy who I thought had actually died in the pit the night previously. Hooray for vitality!<br /><p> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">1. Maryland Death Fest XVIII, Edison Lot/Rams Head/Powerplant Live/Baltimore Soundstage, Baltimore MD May 26th-29th<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KAsqAeATRasOQK5h9DrJtoD-S6iwAxlZ578mCPUo9t1MuaziJ8h5Pm8MB7511m2DNFWwDzcO94Be1mvsEQs67QSKm-dEGl71LFN6MLiY6rToW3iamlRJyFGZKwWW92iJZ7vUTxMk2L4mpg-sb_T86kSQKkkKvwa3umIP8Q4IGhbc3XPYTSc47bb0mw/s1544/20220527_MDF.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KAsqAeATRasOQK5h9DrJtoD-S6iwAxlZ578mCPUo9t1MuaziJ8h5Pm8MB7511m2DNFWwDzcO94Be1mvsEQs67QSKm-dEGl71LFN6MLiY6rToW3iamlRJyFGZKwWW92iJZ7vUTxMk2L4mpg-sb_T86kSQKkkKvwa3umIP8Q4IGhbc3XPYTSc47bb0mw/s320/20220527_MDF.jpeg" width="187" /></a></div><p>This was the weekend that I had waited for, nearly three years, one that was the focal point of many Zoom calls where new friendships were cultivated and due to that the (formerly) annual event made for even more of a familial setting than it had ever been before. I elected to do the last three days of the fest due to work commitments, but my arrival brought me feelings of joy when finally able to sit down in person with these virtual talking heads and to remind each and every one of them how special we are to each other. </p><p>Friday night I made it to Rams Head Live as well as the outdoor stage there which they called Power Plant Live featuring a relocated Carcass as well as Vio-Lence and Obituary before ambling my way to Baltimore Soundstage to take in the insanity that was Ghoul, complete with masks and blood. </p><p>Saturday morning was the start of my gazebo breakfast that saw a particular NJ breakfast meat, plus plenty of bagels, coffee and libations provided by what is essentially extended family. Plus a run to Max's Taphouse where many drinks were also shared. Bands seen included Coroner, Autopsy, Cavalera, Triptykon, Necrophobic, and Impaled making for a gnarly end to the night. </p><p>Sunday marked the last day of the fest and a relatively subdued start to the day which mostly consisted of conversation and leftovers from the previous morning's festivities. The trek of bands included Nocturnus AD, Blood Incantation, Demilich, Destruction, Immolation, Triumph of Death, Hypocrisy, Deicide, Gravesend, Birdflesh complete with glow sticks, sex dolls and rubber sharks! </p><p> </p><p>So there you have it a year full of concerts in 2022. I know there is nothing all that grandiose planned for 2023, however I plan to see many of my friends out on this proverbial battlefield sooner rather than later.</p><p> </p><p>- Tom <br /></p></div></div>Brutalitopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548942312423354614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517694096190034221.post-91928552471972832342022-08-26T08:30:00.001-05:002022-08-26T08:30:00.165-05:00Dreadnought - The Endless<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrduY9_aXlVNmK5Xg0ZwbiHwx5C19U41Th4keT2cmx_X5wsUCd5JUEJj710xIr08vTZ6sV2IemhutU4Z55xOyVTBjM8FaJOhQeNaDROvTvYIA33eEkaWn9BtfVhwathKGdnASljWwvFatjT8k0L-kwCIaprCCzsVVSZmYZuX-tVxuoYz2F_UIVYdU-w/s3684/Dreadnought_TheEndless.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3684" data-original-width="3683" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOrduY9_aXlVNmK5Xg0ZwbiHwx5C19U41Th4keT2cmx_X5wsUCd5JUEJj710xIr08vTZ6sV2IemhutU4Z55xOyVTBjM8FaJOhQeNaDROvTvYIA33eEkaWn9BtfVhwathKGdnASljWwvFatjT8k0L-kwCIaprCCzsVVSZmYZuX-tVxuoYz2F_UIVYdU-w/s320/Dreadnought_TheEndless.jpg" width="320" /></a>
</div>
While crafting a sound that leverages the heavy-hitting aspects of doom metal
with the forward thinking nature of progressive metal is no easy task, Denver's
Dreadnought has managed to accomplish this in rather impressive fashion over the
past nine years and four albums. With that much material under their belt, I
felt fairly certain of what to expect for their upcoming fifth album,
<i>The Endless</i>. You know what they say about assumptions, though. Indeed,
what an ass I was for thinking the band would try to re-hash already tried
formulas for their latest venture. <i>The Endless </i>showcases Dreadnought in a
different light; one that, while not totally unsurprising, leans more into the
subdued and tranquil facets of the band's repertoire.<br />
<br />
<p></p>
<span><a name='more'></a></span>
<p>
Thematically, <i>The Endless</i> poses whether we can break the vicious cycles
of the human experience for the better or if we are doomed to be forever bound
to them. It's a deeply introspective topic that requires an equally immersive
soundscape to be effectively driven home. By adventuring into more melodic and
sublime aspects of their sound, Dreadnought accomplishes exactly this. They've
always been a big selling point for the band, but the clean vocal melodies
between main vocalist Kelly Schilling and keyboardist Lauren Vieira took on a
new life in this album and were major standouts. Not only do they continue to
provide a hypnotic allure, but they also act as a vital percussive backbone
for the album. The prime examples are the two opening tracks, "Worlds Break"
and "Midnight Moon", where these vocals tap into something tribal with how
rhythmic they are. Harsh screams were not completely forgotten; while sparsely
utilized, there are moments of shrieks accompanied with powerful guitar
distortion to give the album well-timed jolts of energy.<br />
</p>
<p>
Another aspect of <i>The Endless</i> that took me a bit by surprise was the
lack of the saxophone; a key ingredient of the Dreadnought stew that greatly
aided in putting them on the map in the first place. In its absence, the
ambience is managed more so by the overall reverberating quality of the
guitars along with the varied performance of the keys. Clean guitar patterns
echo and drone just enough to create a tone for each track that is
simultaneously subdued and ominous. Whenever these tones kick-in to more
distortion, they often are elongated chords that take the form of these
grandiose walls of sound. The keys employ a wide range of sounds from your
typically bright, piano-sounding notes to organ, to mellotron. All elements
from this wide array feel appropriately placed, however.<br />
</p>
<p>
When taken in as a whole, <i>The Endless</i> is a powerful album from
Dreadnought...perhaps their most somber and poignant to date. If one were to
take their discography and plot it your classic story structure arc,
<i>The Endless</i> would fall in the resolution portion of that arc. Many
things are stripped down about this album compared to their previous work, but
that allowed it to be tap deeper into more emotionally evocative areas that
bring a lot of closure. By no means is this to suggest that this should be the
last Dreadnought album, but there's something deeply cathartic about the
<i>The Endless</i> that feels as if some sort of chapter is being closed. It's
an album I highly recommend you listen to in its entirety in one sitting.</p><p><br />
</p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3700415922/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1514890736/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://dreadnoughtdenver.bandcamp.com/album/the-endless">The Endless by DREADNOUGHT</a></iframe>
<p> </p><p>- Mick<br /></p>
Brutalitopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548942312423354614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517694096190034221.post-65622777374211977902022-04-22T10:14:00.000-05:002022-04-22T10:14:39.918-05:00Durf's Weekly Workout # 31: April 22nd, 2022<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvw7XeK4c8jKZ2BqUOQfgmR0-ET7JDz60pyDzsWj_V0OthbeHqmAk-ZBKlw87JrQrzxZn0Wbb49_5GC3Ne_rgwdNxbdpjGIcgi6cK44_P9MjuRWf4iGpR4JktVKDyGnu_xgo9DtbejnksiYUoBuuYS_2ZsWe87xesDBOMsvf_r_Ihc4gz_YxaOVMXdrA/s2048/DWW_31.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvw7XeK4c8jKZ2BqUOQfgmR0-ET7JDz60pyDzsWj_V0OthbeHqmAk-ZBKlw87JrQrzxZn0Wbb49_5GC3Ne_rgwdNxbdpjGIcgi6cK44_P9MjuRWf4iGpR4JktVKDyGnu_xgo9DtbejnksiYUoBuuYS_2ZsWe87xesDBOMsvf_r_Ihc4gz_YxaOVMXdrA/w400-h400/DWW_31.png" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Well that didn't take long. Second week back, and life just got real hectic. The good news is that I managed to get the music blurbs done, so all you're missing out on is this part up here where I ramble on. But you're here for the music anyway, so it's all good. On to the tunes!<br /><br /></p><span><a name='more'></a></span>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u> Monday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">
The Morningside - <i>The Wind, The Trees, The Shadows of the Past</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg429-lAJY5hoh7Df0ls-OWsa7rGenCIK1GhddAoehoS3ZzGPzJtYGEkePszGzsvfFZreUWyJExIznbybUScST414p4Kdq3VZHaKgYQEib-qQjwuG2ezLt0wJQ3fGDD5__03u5E5Lnb92G8IsAB3HR0uqcdVk2qS1B0BsBi5QGC8aeUUgZSNN5yBUjOfw/s700/mrnngsd.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg429-lAJY5hoh7Df0ls-OWsa7rGenCIK1GhddAoehoS3ZzGPzJtYGEkePszGzsvfFZreUWyJExIznbybUScST414p4Kdq3VZHaKgYQEib-qQjwuG2ezLt0wJQ3fGDD5__03u5E5Lnb92G8IsAB3HR0uqcdVk2qS1B0BsBi5QGC8aeUUgZSNN5yBUjOfw/s320/mrnngsd.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
My gym opened late this morning for something having to do with water; I
didn't really pay attention, because once I saw they weren't open at 4am, it
didn't really matter why. Sadly, my job does not accept "Needed to get
my pump on" as a valid reason to show up three hours late, so I had to skip
this morning's workout (and by skip, I mean "do it with the Durfette on
Sunday" ((and by "do it with Durfette," I mean "be at the gym at 6am Sunday
while Grandma and Grandpa Durf watch the Durflings and do a righteous leg HIIT
workout," not like "<i>do it</i> *wink* with the Durfette))). But I
did listen to the first Morningside album, which is lowkey one of my favorite
albums ever, even if I don't listen to it as often as I should. I can't
remember if I've talked about this album before, but I feel like I have, and I
don't care: this album was one of my introductions to atmospheric black metal,
and the melodies and guitar riffs and solos hold up after fifteen years.
The haunting melody of "The Shadows of the Past" is quite possibly my most
common go-to riff to hum when there's nothing else in my head. It
probably wouldn't be the best workout music, but it's phenomenal for just
sitting and getting lost in your thoughts amidst the melancholy.
<i>The Wind, The Trees, The Shadows of the Past</i> has been out for
fifteen years; I highly recommend checking it out if you haven't.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=871125265/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2578401478/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://themorningside.bandcamp.com/album/the-wind-the-trees-and-the-shadows-of-the-past">The Wind, The Trees And The Shadows Of The Past by The Morningside</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Tuesday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Egregore - <i>The Word of His Law</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqyegww-rj8rvTyIsZCpsPJrbk8X4ARRqYuhuI1bRJE5c3CCUA8qPyYONELBirihg_3vA04oKvG4ePZJg0tldBLeq1vwfX62SS7letKblgRbARvAVk8HlfvjehVVW2OWYiSNhEO3dli7YE60ZXLxHWt-LEGs7aFPqbZGMtuZ4j1h-GpWaQWfc-5aPsg/s700/grgr.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitqyegww-rj8rvTyIsZCpsPJrbk8X4ARRqYuhuI1bRJE5c3CCUA8qPyYONELBirihg_3vA04oKvG4ePZJg0tldBLeq1vwfX62SS7letKblgRbARvAVk8HlfvjehVVW2OWYiSNhEO3dli7YE60ZXLxHWt-LEGs7aFPqbZGMtuZ4j1h-GpWaQWfc-5aPsg/s320/grgr.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Dissonant, haunting, and ethereal, with <i>The Word of His Law</i> Egregore have crafted the rare album that lives up to the gaudy PR blurbs surrounding its release. Look on their bandcamp page, and you'll see such phrases as "a first glimpse of a developing musical universe in a state of primeval expansion," "uncanny aura of supernatural presence," and my personal favorite, "a truly underground work of creative vitality and occult sorcery." We get promo emails like this all the time, and honestly, that's PR's job, but <i>The Word of His Law</i> genuinely feels strange and mysterious, like if Blood Incantation were more concerned with multiverses and the occult than outer space. Egregore certainly brings the riffs and death metal chops to <i>The Word of His Law</i>, but what stands out the most here is the atmosphere; this album traffics in the unnatural, and there's an almost tactile sense of mystery and unease permeating the songs. It's still unmistakably death metal, but there's something more to it, something a little more cerebral and possibly spiritual that sucks you in and entraps you within its runtime. It's a very cool feeling that is continually rewarded by multiple listens. <i>The Word of His Law </i>was released last Friday by the one and only 20 Buck Spin.</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2632211500/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=395098368/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://listen.20buckspin.com/album/the-word-of-his-law">The Word Of His Law by Egregore</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Wednesday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Epitaphe - <i>II</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRssTnohPuLB7acozfqWzsNlQYWTREWY2CILws3XKUpJuiHnmnCyTuIX7OadH01U7Zvrkj8FXwfBnoyOyzVy-jEZNnd8Ryuf85UyMrTGcHqe5YN7q76Zsi6q7EZBRHhCnoS0jm9tcTUoBVvO32ocjNrKPb1CLm6LVundSj4-6PnIUrpF3Y7F-82NwAA/s700/pitph.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRssTnohPuLB7acozfqWzsNlQYWTREWY2CILws3XKUpJuiHnmnCyTuIX7OadH01U7Zvrkj8FXwfBnoyOyzVy-jEZNnd8Ryuf85UyMrTGcHqe5YN7q76Zsi6q7EZBRHhCnoS0jm9tcTUoBVvO32ocjNrKPb1CLm6LVundSj4-6PnIUrpF3Y7F-82NwAA/s320/pitph.jpg" width="320" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
Doom metal means a lot of different things to everyone; Pallbearer, Khemmis,
Swallow the Sun, Candlemass, and Bongripper could all accurately be labeled
doom, but no one is confusing any of those bands' sounds. Epitaphe,
fittingly, sounds completely different from all of those bands, infusing their
low and slow doom with bursts of psychedelic rock influences that wouldn't
sound out of place on an Elder album. Honestly, at this point I'm
realizing that nothing I listened to this week really fit working out, which
is the first time that's happened. Also I don't care; <i>II </i>is a
delight from start to finish, it's three nearly twenty minute tracks bookended
nicely by an intro and outro that serve as a set up and denouement to the
whole endeavor. Like other bands that traffic in such long songs, your
mileage may vary, but I think I've established by now that long songs are
<i>very</i> much my jam, and <i>II </i>has been added to my list of
things I want to revisit when I have a day with no obligations or Durflings,
just me, my headphones, an edible, and perhaps a hammock in the
sun. So check back here in thirty years for Durf's Retirement Playlist
to hear about how my back hurts, but napping with my grandkids while listening
to Epitaphe is the bee's knees. <i>II </i>was released on April 11th via
Aesthetic Death Records.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3172203147/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3391024975/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://epitaphe.bandcamp.com/album/ii">II by Epitaphe</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Thursday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Konvent - <i>Call Down the Sun</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3gHGvPgwvmS5tev271UtqnFd6MLRNIEeK8ZPYXnnpkd-OE7Ofu7Q8oirkankpho92jkqnTb1-GR7vpbab3CViT0e_w8qfUR2EcoRggfDQGOCk0r6foIKerwNdReSxiBuT8_e7T8BYwmrq8q5Q9kpR1a9jrHf66NjgGrV3sqUS-oaNCGcH0hUDN1W7g/s700/knvnt.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-3gHGvPgwvmS5tev271UtqnFd6MLRNIEeK8ZPYXnnpkd-OE7Ofu7Q8oirkankpho92jkqnTb1-GR7vpbab3CViT0e_w8qfUR2EcoRggfDQGOCk0r6foIKerwNdReSxiBuT8_e7T8BYwmrq8q5Q9kpR1a9jrHf66NjgGrV3sqUS-oaNCGcH0hUDN1W7g/s320/knvnt.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;">Another entry that didn't exactly set my workout on fire, but <i>did</i> leave me impressed, <i>Call Down the Sun </i>reminds me quite a bit of early Swallow the Sun: it's heavy riffs carry an unmistakable groove and melody, but everything is pulled down deep inside a dense swamp of misery. So not exactly great "Gimme that rep!" music, but it certainly fit a leg day that I was just struggling to make it through. Album closer "Harena" is the standout here; in an album full of melancholy murkiness, "Harena" is the pinnacle (or anchor, I guess) that ties it all together. Konvent is another one of those newer bands whose debut album I completely missed, but <i>Call Down the Sun</i> shows they're a band not to be missed. <i>Call Down the Sun </i>was released March 11th on Napalm Records.</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2790390386/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1038226624/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://konvent666.bandcamp.com/album/call-down-the-sun">Call Down The Sun by Konvent</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Friday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Marrasmieli - <i>Martaiden mailta</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktqIildVlgxZPfIaKT_ob5RJcRQrh3WZh16P9sZ9WzZ_gSXJ79Bz_XXfb5B8hzbZXrUmH0NJEnWpSpkTOuTZ3vVz2zfCJh81ZPPjzE-QFzyS0ahmUrEA9osbUjciwsAwMpV9PA3UpO0wGRQ9Em_Idq9XooFUcoNTCHUatMW0k9wHI1UjbYLRAbXMOoA/s700/mrrsml.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktqIildVlgxZPfIaKT_ob5RJcRQrh3WZh16P9sZ9WzZ_gSXJ79Bz_XXfb5B8hzbZXrUmH0NJEnWpSpkTOuTZ3vVz2zfCJh81ZPPjzE-QFzyS0ahmUrEA9osbUjciwsAwMpV9PA3UpO0wGRQ9Em_Idq9XooFUcoNTCHUatMW0k9wHI1UjbYLRAbXMOoA/s320/mrrsml.jpg" width="320" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Folk-infused black metal that isn't afraid to get <i>real </i>folky with it, Marrasmieli hail from Finland, and their album title translates to "From the land of the martyrs," which is undeniably metal. If you've made it this far into this post, you should already be sensing that <i>Martaiden mailta</i> isn't great workout music, but is great "lay in bed and listen to as a storm pounds your window with rain" music. Marrasmieli manages to blend its folk and metal influences well, if a little unevenly; the two styles don't quite juxtapose as neatly as, say, Panopticon, but the intensely jarring transitions between folk and black metal certainly heighten the impact when they hit. It feels like in the decade or so that I've really gotten into metal, bands trying to incorporate "softer" sounds into black metal have been a dime a dozen; while not the best I've ever heard, Marrasmieli does manage to stand out from an incredibly crowded field. <i>Martaiden mailta </i>came out April 8th via Naturmacht Productions.</p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3273516947/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2375317534/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://naturmachtproductions.bandcamp.com/album/martaiden-mailta">Martaiden mailta by Marrasmieli</a></iframe>
<div><br /></div><div>Alright, that's the week. Hope your lifts and tunes were heavy; see you next week!</div><div><br /></div><div>- Durf</div>Brutalitopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548942312423354614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517694096190034221.post-88424788440043298432022-04-15T09:21:00.000-05:002022-04-15T09:21:01.503-05:00Durf's Weekly Workout # 30: April 15th, 2022<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaL88uVipd3eLTVqpfaqZX7z75o94LcyXqbyJPOVQNcTM1x_NUO7cmG3KQW292LvuFql61IVsCwYDu52Sh2H-lX9l2qrjN4CG42XtwYwOJse6CkvhtB3GuCZCfMqRgn73ZnKqTFX1vhCREXqPTPVTdDwP6D-GS207Oh7zhLRqZVbzGMscu8mBvJ13k_g/s2048/DWW_30.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaL88uVipd3eLTVqpfaqZX7z75o94LcyXqbyJPOVQNcTM1x_NUO7cmG3KQW292LvuFql61IVsCwYDu52Sh2H-lX9l2qrjN4CG42XtwYwOJse6CkvhtB3GuCZCfMqRgn73ZnKqTFX1vhCREXqPTPVTdDwP6D-GS207Oh7zhLRqZVbzGMscu8mBvJ13k_g/w400-h400/DWW_30.png" width="400" /></a></div>Well, that was a much larger break than I was anticipating! When the
Durfette and I moved our family to Tennessee last October, I thought I'd step
away from this column for a couple of weeks, maybe through the end of the
year. So much for that. The learning curve of my new job coupled
with figuring out life with two kids under three in a new state absolutely
torpedoed any chance I had of keeping up with Durf's Weekly Workouts, and
while there were a couple of weeks in there where I probably could have made
something happen, enough time had already gone by that I didn't really want to
pick it back up unless I thought I could realistically keep it going every
week. And since you're reading this now, that means I think I'm at that
point! Hopefully this is the beginning of a trend of DWW being a much
more common Friday occurrence around these parts, but I suppose time will
tell.<br /><br /><p></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>Easily the biggest change I've made since I was last doing this post regularly
has been joining a gym. And I have to tell you, now that I've been going
to a gym for two months (oh yeah, I just stopped writing this column; I didn't
stop lifting), I don't know how I put up with working out in a garage with
just a set of dumbbells. It's an <i>insane</i> difference.
There's so much more to do, I feel like I get more out of every workout, and
the muscle groups I hit twice a week get the added bonus of not doing the
exact same routine each of those days. Obviously there was a pretty big,
necessary reason that predicated my working out at home, but with vaccines,
boosters, and some basic precautions (namely getting to the gym when it opens
at 4am), I feel like I'm able to workout safely, and I feel like my
performance has increased more in eight weeks than it did in eight months
working out in my garage. Honestly, the only thing I miss about my
in-home workouts is blasting my bluetooth speaker instead of using headphones,
but that's a trade I'll gladly make any day. Going to the gym compared
to working out at home is like that episode of <i>Parks and Rec</i> where
Chris tries to make a better burger than Ron, only it turns out that no matter
how many bells and whistles you put on a turkey burger, it still won't taste
as good as beef. My turkey burger dumbbells got me through the pandemic,
but now I'm ready to gorge myself on the all-beef hamburgers of squat racks,
pull up bars, and jump boxes. And now, onto my feasting soundtrack!
<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><u>Monday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Animals as Leaders - <i>Parrhesia</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1E0SAHlTwfMhNenHjzaZLzAClYG80hgRuurcNBhPbxaZPHcPZyYETrQWd6MNMat7nG6rEz4tg6jJsv4E7Qgi8BxHd_-9FAripMzeVI4Gn1dy1DMBhKKHyc6Fokr4x_NHHMarucFnRnfU_5Z68Dd8AjP2kH5UOFMX3B_ebkCfBDHe_7H1oz3-VH_c8Q/s800/aal.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjE1E0SAHlTwfMhNenHjzaZLzAClYG80hgRuurcNBhPbxaZPHcPZyYETrQWd6MNMat7nG6rEz4tg6jJsv4E7Qgi8BxHd_-9FAripMzeVI4Gn1dy1DMBhKKHyc6Fokr4x_NHHMarucFnRnfU_5Z68Dd8AjP2kH5UOFMX3B_ebkCfBDHe_7H1oz3-VH_c8Q/s320/aal.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>Mick asked me the other week if I had listened to this yet, and I'm being
honest when I say my first thought in response was "That band is still
around?" But "CAFO" goes a long way, even thirteen years on, and Mick
had some good things to say, so I figured I would give
<i>Parrhesia</i> a shot. And you know what? The ol' boss man
was right! <i>Parrhesia</i> is pretty much exactly what I remember
Animals as Leaders being: there's some techy guitar noodling, some
jazz-adjacent melodic wankery, some crunchy djent-esque riffs, all thrown
together in a sauce of guitar wizardry. If any of the things I just said
piques your interest, then you'll probably at least enjoy
<i>Parrhesia</i> a little bit. If none of the things I just said
mean anything to you, then listen to it anyway just to try something
new. "Red Miso" is a certified banger that is certain to end up on
thousands of Most Played Songs 2022 lists, and "Gordian Nought" sounds like it
could be the score for the opening credits of a <i>Terminator </i>remake
(nobody fucking remake <i>Terminator</i>). <i>Parrhesia </i>is out now
on Sumerian.<br /><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Hw4BkF60o2U" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u><br />Tuesday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Haunter - <i>Discarnate Ails</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_zM4u8ISkEqVRQAzOmCCVEOkiAoMb3jDlvQeW6d1Km03dRs-ZnQvvX74K9Y4oBKPCuk0yD7JN4erMgVIF8zmXSLW0lXR5rpqTkmWrssPcSJS-QSVDSSSmLVbL4IfQy_qNjRsaWyv7Z5-dIEvUIki_Lx_Vp5rBOZvGB9g76o5Aum9AV8kGjltmeIwkA/s700/haunter.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_zM4u8ISkEqVRQAzOmCCVEOkiAoMb3jDlvQeW6d1Km03dRs-ZnQvvX74K9Y4oBKPCuk0yD7JN4erMgVIF8zmXSLW0lXR5rpqTkmWrssPcSJS-QSVDSSSmLVbL4IfQy_qNjRsaWyv7Z5-dIEvUIki_Lx_Vp5rBOZvGB9g76o5Aum9AV8kGjltmeIwkA/s320/haunter.jpg" width="320" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
For whatever reason, when I saw this promo in the Töp Inbox, I got really
excited. I know Haunter has at least one album out, but I didn't listen
to it, so there's no history there; I think it was just the combo of that
awesome album art and the "progressive death/black" descriptor that got me
going. And boy howdy did <i>Discarnate Ails </i>not disappoint! It
was a tremendous listen that lived up to that descriptor and THEN some.
I mean, this album has everything! Does it evoke <i>Colored Sands</i>? It
sure does! How about <i>The Way of All Flesh </i>era Gojira guitar
slides? C'mon; of course! <i>Ghost Reveries</i> Opeth
underlying melodies? Absolutely! Krallice riffs circa <i>Diotima</i>?
You know it! A random ass dual saxophone solo that comes out of nowhere
to OBLITERATE EVERYTHING IN ITS PATH?!?!?! ...ok, no, it doesn't have that; I
just got overexcited. Despite the lack of sax, <i>Discarnate Ails </i>is
a massive success; Haunter have firmly established themselves as a band that
demands attention (and to be fair, maybe they already have and I just missed
it), and their "everything and the kitchen sink so long as it fits the moment"
approach to metal is incredibly welcome. <i>Discarnate Ails</i> may
have snuck up on me, but whatever Haunter does next sure won't.
<i>Discarnate Ails </i>will be released May 6th via Profound Lore; there are no advance tracks on bandcamp or YouTube, so here's something from their last album.</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2642640279/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3379182503/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://hauntertx.bandcamp.com/album/sacramental-death-qualia">Sacramental Death Qualia by Haunter</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u><br />Wednesday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Blue Heron - <i>Ephemeral</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qMhlb8AhTRWLKW_mJLQtwxO_92tVPErMM5QyEMqvALpAMkEPaNb1zkIYlOoBkpR7MIeTRq4YMHpTm5RlJaE94kxDll9r1YUBZ_uaN6D5FqKPRyeH_3_Dzj9rSKCXDi1QJ6AlajaxKiBS5qEdvizMmc64s-ZjZB0zzo1765n_NS43hrhnyHXcA6HJNg/s700/blue%20heron.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1qMhlb8AhTRWLKW_mJLQtwxO_92tVPErMM5QyEMqvALpAMkEPaNb1zkIYlOoBkpR7MIeTRq4YMHpTm5RlJaE94kxDll9r1YUBZ_uaN6D5FqKPRyeH_3_Dzj9rSKCXDi1QJ6AlajaxKiBS5qEdvizMmc64s-ZjZB0zzo1765n_NS43hrhnyHXcA6HJNg/w320-h320/blue%20heron.jpg" width="320" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
So right off the bat I should tell you that I listened to this album just to
see if the title track was a cover of my favorite Pelican song. It's
not, because there isn't a title track, but that's ok because 1) I really
don't think anyone should cover Pelican, and 2) Blue
Heron's <i>Ephemeral</i> is a real good time of a desert rock album,
on which a cover of Pelican's "Ephemeral" would be incredibly out of
place. Desert rock is a playground I don't spend enough time in; I've
spent the requisite metalhead amount of time with Kyuss, of course, but I
always seem to accidentally wind up finding desert rock bands via psychedelic
or stoner rock/metal, and that's a mistake on my
part. <i>Ephemeral </i>is a whole lot of fun, full of brawny
riffs and heady grooves that make your realize it's actually really hard to
nod your head to music while pushing up a bench rep. Don't be like me
and trip bass ackwards into a great genre that deserves more of your time, and
listen to <i>Ephemeral</i> when it comes out on May 27th.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3388811501/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1993815143/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://blueheronabq.bandcamp.com/album/ephemeral">Ephemeral by Blue Heron</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u><br />Thursday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">
Humanotone - <i>A Flourishing Fall in a Grain of Sand</i></span>
</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEius47hE2_ZEn4BNvu_lxN35nE9fnawerirVAvaEqAlUGEWiK3UBNOaVozh-XFpfxUEnI5EEDRchzCrELtirHcwu-EjXBZNLDKZVsx0mHHpnGGHG-8rd8y1iGM_2JNlS4M2sZ0KArlhugNcpx_ofdy7b4cRYvQ_ujFSslehLGwlDLd9aiW_e9_WrZgvpQ/s700/humanotone.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEius47hE2_ZEn4BNvu_lxN35nE9fnawerirVAvaEqAlUGEWiK3UBNOaVozh-XFpfxUEnI5EEDRchzCrELtirHcwu-EjXBZNLDKZVsx0mHHpnGGHG-8rd8y1iGM_2JNlS4M2sZ0KArlhugNcpx_ofdy7b4cRYvQ_ujFSslehLGwlDLd9aiW_e9_WrZgvpQ/s320/humanotone.jpg" width="320" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
There is an easy, almost lazy comparison to make between Humanotone and
progressive/psychedelic deities Elder, and since the Durflings are sick and my
sleep schedule is off and this is my first blog back after an extended hiatus,
I will make that comparison. Humanotone sounds like Elder, so much so
that if you swapped Jorge Cist out with Elder's Nick DiSalvo, you might find
yourself thinking there was a new Elder album out. Except Cist is the
sole member of Humanotone, so if you swapped him out with DiSalvo, you'd only
have vocals and a guitar.
<i>A Flourishing Fall in a Grain of Sand</i> is pretty incredible, five
long-form sonic journeys that combine the flowing, constructed aimlessness of
psychedelic jam bands with thick, crunchy riffs that wouldn't feel out of
place on a High on Fire record. As far as random bandcamp finds go, it
don't get much better than this, and I imagine this album is going to quickly
become one of my warm weather soundtracks this year.
<i>A Flourishing Fall in a Grain of Sand </i>is out now via Massive Void
Recordings.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2888867140/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=610009634/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://humanotone.bandcamp.com/album/a-flourishing-fall-in-a-grain-of-sand">A Flourishing Fall in a Grain of Sand by Humanotone</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u><br />Friday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">
Izthmi - <i>Leaving This World, Leaving It All Behind</i></span>
</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFc1VE0yCI0UgUTM_3XpNN8p8_lrGy34qzqtNNLho_zFMt7Q5Cmuj4_vmP7BSM-HUkFGTC3ejVYAlX89ntMz3sNW7cxPxS5rDauTj7F3OB78N6NrUZm24nvvi2mRYlnCwjdRwN0UahsQuLx7B1Fd6Opy0-KAGqUFXezNCW47s4Ph1-cbsc90t7TjOO4Q/s700/izthmi.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFc1VE0yCI0UgUTM_3XpNN8p8_lrGy34qzqtNNLho_zFMt7Q5Cmuj4_vmP7BSM-HUkFGTC3ejVYAlX89ntMz3sNW7cxPxS5rDauTj7F3OB78N6NrUZm24nvvi2mRYlnCwjdRwN0UahsQuLx7B1Fd6Opy0-KAGqUFXezNCW47s4Ph1-cbsc90t7TjOO4Q/s320/izthmi.jpg" width="320" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
Full disclosure, I didn't actually listen to this album today. The
Durfette has been getting into the workout game, and since I worked from 1am
to 1pm pouring concrete, missing my normal morning workout, she was nice
enough to let me crash her workout. First off, I may not be hitting the
gym hard enough, because the rigamarole her trainer put me through was
intense. One arm dumbbell presses, kevlar ball slams, farmer's
carries... I was gassed at the end, and I don't think it was just my lack of
sleep from the night before. All that is to say, it's hard to listen to
music while a trainer is giving you instructions, so I worked out
music-less. But you don't come here for no music, so I figured I'd talk
about the best album I've heard so far this year. <i>LTW, LIAB </i>is a
tremendous slice of black n' roll, more black metal than rock n' roll, but
listen to the opening riff of "The Shadow of Our Disillusionment" and tell me
that every rock band in history wouldn't sacrifice their drummer to have
written it. Seriously, the track is embedded below; listen to it and
tell me that isn't a certified rock banger. You can't, because it's
unimpeachably true. And the rest of the album follows suit, just
absolute monster riffs emanating from a base of unrelenting black metal fury
and passion. I wasn't keen enough to get smart to Izthmi's last
offering, 2020's <i>The Arrows of our Ways </i>(even though Mick tried to help
me out there), but I'm paying close attention now.
<i>Leaving This World, Leaving It All Behind </i>is out now on Satanik Royalty
Records.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=690684954/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=290499978/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://izthmiseattle.bandcamp.com/album/leaving-this-world-leaving-it-all-behind">Leaving This World, Leaving It All Behind by Izthmi</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
So that's the week! Thanks for tuning back in; hopefully it won't be so
long a break until the next one. Until then, keep your tunes loud and
your lifts heavy!</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">- Durf <br /></p>
Brutalitopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548942312423354614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517694096190034221.post-800121884142485442022-04-11T08:30:00.001-05:002022-04-11T08:30:00.163-05:00Best of 2021 Playlist on Spotify<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrzfn-Fzx0DYk4Xr1OJVNEal1U4cXuRGSiz_1RJyYOrdAFgiYFj0vEXod00yvDQuEmiC37n_4uasem3RJRq-BLhoAu_v1viLyhsVEDtI7AQk2woJU3kZe9QfCgr5pTSvQjZEKv2gbRsruAISMgdVhTaHgDjIOuRPlRoO3-fPK2Rf2lDZX6cQpKt2BJ7A=s468" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrzfn-Fzx0DYk4Xr1OJVNEal1U4cXuRGSiz_1RJyYOrdAFgiYFj0vEXod00yvDQuEmiC37n_4uasem3RJRq-BLhoAu_v1viLyhsVEDtI7AQk2woJU3kZe9QfCgr5pTSvQjZEKv2gbRsruAISMgdVhTaHgDjIOuRPlRoO3-fPK2Rf2lDZX6cQpKt2BJ7A=s16000" /></a></p><p>How much of a bummer is it that our first post of 2022 is still about 2021? We swear we're working on it. Anyways, here's the boilerplate message about our 2021 Spotify playlist:<br /></p><p>Still catching up on the unholy goodness that 2021 had to offer? We're here to
help. If you have yet to view any of our
<a href="http://www.brutalitopia.com/p/year-end-lists.html" target="_blank">year-end lists</a>, and have no intention of doing so, we've compiled our favorite tracks from
each of the albums that made the cut onto a Spotify playlist.<br />
<br />
You can get to that playlist using <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5VEgOXAl1CYkHpPhGSilol?si=0b2e81edd8ba46cd" target="_blank">this link</a>. <br />
<br />
If you want to know the playlist but for some reason don't want to follow that
link above, then read on after the break!<br /><br /></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>Tower - "Lay Down the Law"</p><p>Silver Talon - "Resistance 2029"</p><p>The Grasshopper Lies Heavy - "Charging Bull"</p><p>Genghis Tron - "Ritual Circle"</p><p>Trna - "Shining"</p><p><span class="title">Gråt Strigoi - "Mourning Under the Blackened Sky"</span></p><p><span class="title">Succumb - "Okeanos"</span></p><p><span class="title">Gravesend - "Needle Park"</span></p><p><span class="title">The Silver - "Behold, Five Judges"</span></p><p><span class="title">Mare Cognitum - "Terra Requiem"</span></p><p><span class="title">Amenra - "Ogentroost"</span></p><p><span class="title">Spectral Wound - "Frigid and Spellbound"</span></p><p><span class="title">Trivium - "Like a Sword Over Damocles"</span></p><p><span class="title">Suffering Hour - "The Foundations of Servitude"</span></p><p><span class="title">Lucifer - "Louise"</span></p><p><span class="title">Worm - "Empire of the Necromancers"</span></p><p><span class="title">Burial - "The Curse of the Unbornlike God"</span></p><p><span class="title">Unto Others - "Just a Matter of Time"</span></p><p><span class="title">The Lion's Daughter - "Curtains"</span></p><p><span class="title">Carcass - "Flesh Ripping Sonic Torment Limited"</span></p><p><span class="title">Frozen Soul - "Arctic Stranglehold"</span></p><p><span class="title">Nyt Liv - "Givet op"</span></p><p><span class="title">Turnstile - "Underwater Boi"</span></p><p><span class="title">Wolves in the Throne Room - "Masters of Rain and Storm"</span></p><p><span class="title">Dödsrit - "Apathetic Tongues"</span></p><p><span class="title">Enforced - "Kill Grid"</span></p><p><span class="title">Tribulation - "In Remembrance"</span></p><p><span class="title">Helloween - "Cyanide"</span></p><p><span class="title">Der Weg Einer Freiheit - "Monument"</span></p><p><span class="title">Panopticon - "Dead Loons"</span></p><p><span class="title">Aziola Cry - "The Ironic Divide"</span></p><p><span class="title">Wreche - "Severed"</span></p><p><span class="title">Genocide Pact - "Purged Flesh"</span></p><p><span class="title">Mastodon - "The Beast"</span></p><p><span class="title">Paysage d'Hiver - "Bluet"</span></p><p><span class="title">Domkraft - "Into Orbit"</span></p><p><span class="title"><br /></span><span class="title"></span></p><p><span class="title"><br /></span><span class="title"></span></p><p></p>Brutalitopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548942312423354614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517694096190034221.post-71798616754280256302021-12-31T08:25:00.000-06:002021-12-31T08:25:49.029-06:00Mick's Töp 15 Albums of 2021<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioPXk9fh2eZtY2zT2SuyiKVifhQjQswFZj4CQxtlAXMPBf17e9D2HTgmGs4_1AmY0oSo5n9FYTH5JlMhVmgmhXQL4fIV3LRpBEnSpIYCeqGxFZHGmz54XtjZ5WR6XrkDq3X21mNVIuJ-y8pEnKItpvOc0hyGQbBuqpAyb4W7Ow7R61jIYZh_KeDti1_A=s468" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioPXk9fh2eZtY2zT2SuyiKVifhQjQswFZj4CQxtlAXMPBf17e9D2HTgmGs4_1AmY0oSo5n9FYTH5JlMhVmgmhXQL4fIV3LRpBEnSpIYCeqGxFZHGmz54XtjZ5WR6XrkDq3X21mNVIuJ-y8pEnKItpvOc0hyGQbBuqpAyb4W7Ow7R61jIYZh_KeDti1_A=s16000" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">2021 was an interesting year. It cleared the lowest bar possible of being better than 2020, but still was another year of adjusting to whatever the “new normal” is supposed to be. I work from home and do have a job that I love, but the monotony of not leaving my house basically ever has surfaced more moments of existential dread than I typically like to allow in one calendar year. My wife and our two cats have continued to be my foundation. Having each other has certainly meant the world in navigating through these weird times. I fell deeper into some hobbies which mostly were video game related (shocker, I know) but the tradeoff was that I wrote about music less. Durf really put the team on his back by coming up with the Durf’s Weekly Workout column, but it was personally a slow year around these parts. All in all, 2021 was like beating Dark Souls (which was also something I did for the first time this year); there were plenty of moments that felt like I was beating my head against the wall, but seeing it through was ultimately worth it. And since I didn’t write a ton this year, please allow me to word vomit a bit about the albums that carried me through.<br /><br /></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">15. Worm - <i>Foreverglade</i></span><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5ZOMzJAJcjF5taPfhzLsBP1FmeC76CO94dePzUTl00JBqg-NKWSLbsU9mzNC2kghgWCxkBZQHd-slK4Di0pX1kl1T_1YXoOxFgJgxNHgHCiNhxvBD2oqKsK67td5hGdNSW6iJ6cH0ZFV_ZsbcEGFYgZhvfURuGdq1GEYU_hkjhHOgHO9Y6wl9mwZUrg=s1500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5ZOMzJAJcjF5taPfhzLsBP1FmeC76CO94dePzUTl00JBqg-NKWSLbsU9mzNC2kghgWCxkBZQHd-slK4Di0pX1kl1T_1YXoOxFgJgxNHgHCiNhxvBD2oqKsK67td5hGdNSW6iJ6cH0ZFV_ZsbcEGFYgZhvfURuGdq1GEYU_hkjhHOgHO9Y6wl9mwZUrg=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></div><div>When <i>Foreverglade</i> first came out, Durf was singing from the rooftops about how amaze-balls the guitar tones were. He was right to do so. Florida’s Worm blends death, doom, and funeral metal all into one grungy and grimy mix that feels like the funeral doom elements of Evoken meets the clean reverberating guitar tones of Pallbearer. Between the deep vocal growls and the constant crusty droning of the guitars, everything about <i>Foreverglade</i> is cavernous where nothing feels like it has a bottom end. It’s a constant hammering that will keep you simultaneously drawn in but also rendered helpless to. Ultimately, this album reminds me of how I feel about the last release from Tomb Mold; I don’t typically lean towards this type of metal but the way it’s executed in this specific instance just knocks it out of the park.<p>Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://listen.20buckspin.com/track/murk-above-the-dark-moor" target="_blank">Murk Above the Dark Door</a>”, “<a href="https://listen.20buckspin.com/track/empire-of-the-necromancers" target="_blank">Empire of the Necromancers</a>”<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">14. Der Weg Einer Freiheit - </span><i><span style="color: red;">Noktvrn</span><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivNTSo32PbzQPPD_Me2SpuXbwVkJPCbgW3VNFr_34a-WC1TunZr8fHooqpEGrwuplcPmIeT2McCV0XO__sD_6Unvmj8wlcQpRvAwZ8VJI52S2G6Vosox4EJ-13za80EH8dDmGcbM0ibsfjAsto15n_zzKQpGch6DTYj75_CBtsZt5i1JcwRsufqnEGjg=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivNTSo32PbzQPPD_Me2SpuXbwVkJPCbgW3VNFr_34a-WC1TunZr8fHooqpEGrwuplcPmIeT2McCV0XO__sD_6Unvmj8wlcQpRvAwZ8VJI52S2G6Vosox4EJ-13za80EH8dDmGcbM0ibsfjAsto15n_zzKQpGch6DTYj75_CBtsZt5i1JcwRsufqnEGjg=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></p><p>Hearing black metal that feels emotionally raw and is balanced with triumphant, longer-form song structures isn’t something that’s often done so flawlessly. Der Weg Einer Freihet’s previous album, <i>Finisterre</i>, did just that and was phenomenal. As you could surmise, I had high hopes for this year’s release of <i>Noktvrn</i>. I wouldn’t say I was disappointed, but I was off put a bit after my initial listen of the album. What I soon realized makes <i>Noktvrn</i> great, after subsequent listens, was that the album is unique unto itself in the overall tone it sets. From beginning to end, the album has a numbing melancholy about it that will soak into your bones. Much like Beethoven’s <i>Moonlight Sonata</i>, the music maintains gloomy underpinnings while allowing for moments of immense power to break through. I know this one will continue to grow on me.<br /><br />Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://derwegeinerfreiheit.bandcamp.com/track/monument" target="_blank">Monument</a>”, “<a href="https://derwegeinerfreiheit.bandcamp.com/track/gegen-das-licht" target="_blank">Gegen das Licht</a>”<br /><br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">13. Carcass - <i>Torn Arteries</i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3PLENB0Oj9EQq9wv2dovB-IxRGK-VM9r0FwmG2JjN7qzE0Y2YJ7GYRpfrZYDOGpzyR90amPLavQPGkBxXPngOpOuCBxYQAvgAOB923TpPVEFhKxUWMX4F2YKnwsSsHMfzc_VgdIKtFsIe4ZdRtONsXlXyLT8IePrztnvWVH3Q6u6lHWjrypTxJH2zOg=s3000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg3PLENB0Oj9EQq9wv2dovB-IxRGK-VM9r0FwmG2JjN7qzE0Y2YJ7GYRpfrZYDOGpzyR90amPLavQPGkBxXPngOpOuCBxYQAvgAOB923TpPVEFhKxUWMX4F2YKnwsSsHMfzc_VgdIKtFsIe4ZdRtONsXlXyLT8IePrztnvWVH3Q6u6lHWjrypTxJH2zOg=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In 2013, I’m pretty sure I was the only person anywhere that didn’t include <i>Surgical Steel</i> on my year end list. But I’m here now to put some respect on Carcass’ name. Featuring riffs that are slowed down a bit (by their standards, anyways) and much more groove-based, <i>Torn Arteries</i> is more my speed. As good as <i>Surgical Steel</i> was, <i>Torn Arteries</i> allows the death metal legends to showcase more range. The dizzying harmonized guitar riffs and solos going by at blazing speeds are evened out by thunderous rhythms that provide needed breaks in the madness. Jeff Walker’s screams remain as sharp and vicious as ever, remaining a steadfast foundation for the band. While I understand the notion that some may be irked by Carcass being on the top of so many year end lists solely because they are Carcass, albums like <i>Surgical Steel</i> and <i>Torn Arteries</i> are legitimate reasons that they’re in these discussions at all.<br /></div><p>Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://carcass.bandcamp.com/track/under-the-scalpel-blade-3" target="_blank">Under the Scalpel Blade</a>”, “<a href="https://carcass.bandcamp.com/track/flesh-ripping-sonic-torment-limited" target="_blank">Flesh Ripping Sonic Torment Limited</a>”<br /><br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">12. Paysage d’Hiver - <i>Geister</i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihZgNecEZ8TrxeOHL8GLVVwStkUEEShjRTWqO7NqrmyhenitVLwb-2U7u7OPgYjHGPixkKv1XS571RXcjVlHAUbF1opMZ_kftJ4MiY-fLd4wFUo__EQOXvoeWQgphxGqecOAL4PO8GzT4CCCLf0zsA6iU-I3u5QsVk9whDy-OLDaTk74og2dh-D0gYQg=s700" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEihZgNecEZ8TrxeOHL8GLVVwStkUEEShjRTWqO7NqrmyhenitVLwb-2U7u7OPgYjHGPixkKv1XS571RXcjVlHAUbF1opMZ_kftJ4MiY-fLd4wFUo__EQOXvoeWQgphxGqecOAL4PO8GzT4CCCLf0zsA6iU-I3u5QsVk9whDy-OLDaTk74og2dh-D0gYQg=s320" width="320" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last year’s <i>Im Wald</i> was my introduction to Paysage d’Hiver and while I loved it, it was also TWO HOURS long. Comparatively, <i>Geister</i> clocks in at a measly hour and 11 minutes, and by taking a more straightforward approach, it packs just as much - if not more - punch than its predecessor. <i>Im Wald</i> made more of a concerted effort to develop an ambience that was more vast and expansive but <i>Geister</i> takes a bit of a u-turn by cultivating a more harsh experience with fewer frills. By being so tightly controlled, the guitar rhythms evolve at a pace where you can feel that changes are happening but it would be nearly impossible to know which track is playing if you started playing one at random. This is raw, lo-fi black metal at its finest but it will take a few listens to fully appreciate its nuances.<br /></div><p>Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://paysagedhiver.bandcamp.com/track/bluet" target="_blank">Bluet</a>”, “<a href="https://paysagedhiver.bandcamp.com/track/schtampf" target="_blank">Schtampfä</a>”<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">11. Spectral Wound - <i>A Diabolic Thirst</i></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguE4XrP4kJuu2qEklLkVNQvLLC2j6NhqKa7H0_gj-JBhuW9376Ug86oCUfMyFRtMntVR_Bdu_kFk_ekD3LQmaDraFpmdlbdOsw0BlSKqMdbJaZpLj-ZOEmyWRI7M3raPTRNP9SRqXrev358_FKRvUzP8SgvYr_s31Xj9Lt-sYkgArYbjly_MebQoEEEg=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguE4XrP4kJuu2qEklLkVNQvLLC2j6NhqKa7H0_gj-JBhuW9376Ug86oCUfMyFRtMntVR_Bdu_kFk_ekD3LQmaDraFpmdlbdOsw0BlSKqMdbJaZpLj-ZOEmyWRI7M3raPTRNP9SRqXrev358_FKRvUzP8SgvYr_s31Xj9Lt-sYkgArYbjly_MebQoEEEg=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></p><p>Whereas the previous entry on this list is more about droning ambience, Montreal’s Spectral Wound serves up a catchier, more melodic flavor of raw black metal. With slightly better production value and roaring guitar riffage, <i>A Diabolic Thirst</i> slams on the gas pedal immediately and never lets up. What’s most impressive about this one is how each track manages to keep things varied and accessible while also maintaining the cold abrasiveness that is core to the classic black metal identity. Vocal shrieks constantly wail by with spiraling, high-pitched guitar riffs and crashing drums. It makes for a listening experience that is harsh but also full of energy that is easy to latch onto. If black metal isn’t typically your thing, consider this a palatable option.<br /><br />Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://spectralwound.bandcamp.com/track/frigid-and-spellbound" target="_blank">Frigid and Spellbound</a>”, “<a href="https://spectralwound.bandcamp.com/track/diabolic-immanence" target="_blank">Diabolic Immanence</a>”<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">10. Burial - <i>Inner Gateways To The Slumbering Equilibrium At The Center Of Cosmos</i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5BsCAyzF7VXT_jKr1LYxUpfVYm8sBKIJNJ6P7OEeFtD-H2fRIPPqnhlwTWHEujH_jZtLZR1RGwMy-BbuDyVm6zK4o_xw5IOJ1AzpAgDlqdNITIMWoYppLJfYGqUwcGv0gyDxNPgARG5EOmrvZQsyUvaR4rNA7F99KOv_5kzzkWtiJEmjJAMSOu11AwA=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5BsCAyzF7VXT_jKr1LYxUpfVYm8sBKIJNJ6P7OEeFtD-H2fRIPPqnhlwTWHEujH_jZtLZR1RGwMy-BbuDyVm6zK4o_xw5IOJ1AzpAgDlqdNITIMWoYppLJfYGqUwcGv0gyDxNPgARG5EOmrvZQsyUvaR4rNA7F99KOv_5kzzkWtiJEmjJAMSOu11AwA=s320" width="320" /></a></div></i><div style="text-align: left;">Evenly mixing death metal with funeral doom, the full length debut (whose title I refuse to type in full more than once) from Italy’s Burial is among the more oppressive entries on my list this year. It’s also a good example of the album cover being accurately reflective of the contents therein. Running with themes of cosmic horror, <i>Inner Gateways</i> weaves in and out of moments of creepy, echoing guitar notes into grungy walls of sound. The crustiness of the guitars are only matched by the vocals with both trying to outdo the other in seeing who can hit the lowest and darkest lows. All these elements combined form this feeling of an endless spiraling descent into madness. <i>Inner Gateways</i> is a really cool album that, despite having noticeable structure, feels vast and limitless.<br /></div></div><p>Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://everlastingspewrecords.bandcamp.com/track/the-curse-of-the-unbornlike-god" target="_blank">The Curse of the Unbornlike God</a>”, “<a href="https://everlastingspewrecords.bandcamp.com/track/dark-womb-of-outern-creation" target="_blank">Dark Womb of Outern Creation</a>”<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">09. Succumb - <i>XXI</i></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbn5iy7Rgky7Zdjn0Gq7atYW-6MEN6Z7CvHhm1WOapV1463InaXMsCh_rTiylscPJ0yKkxr31kC8uLQ0yXkd5o07cJkxKhACh-2osYAY9Tv35-VgxEtMYFdbOqjWuUnXmxdcDwlBATAs80CJ30TQ7D0zu7zw2DJw8_-tfSDEsl6Ze9zC2iOZBgEPqndQ=s1500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbn5iy7Rgky7Zdjn0Gq7atYW-6MEN6Z7CvHhm1WOapV1463InaXMsCh_rTiylscPJ0yKkxr31kC8uLQ0yXkd5o07cJkxKhACh-2osYAY9Tv35-VgxEtMYFdbOqjWuUnXmxdcDwlBATAs80CJ30TQ7D0zu7zw2DJw8_-tfSDEsl6Ze9zC2iOZBgEPqndQ=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></p><p>There aren’t enough Red Bulls in the entire world that can put your energy on the same level as the latest album from Succumb. <i>XXI</i> charges forward with a brutal reckless abandon; leaving you in the dust with a flurry of sludge-infused death metal. The guitars squeal and revel in high-pitched feedback so much that it feels as though you’re hearing a live concert as opposed to a studio recording. The vocal performance is also super unique. By striking this interesting balance of not quite being screaming but also not quite being growling, the vocals being belted out match the grit and griminess of the instrumentation. <i>XXI</i> is one of those albums that will make you feel like you have to take a shower after hearing; not necessarily because of the lyrical subject matter but more so because of how down and dirty its approach is.<br /><br />Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://succumb.bandcamp.com/track/okeanos" target="_blank">Okeanos</a>”, “<a href="https://succumb.bandcamp.com/track/graal" target="_blank">Graal</a>”<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">08. Trivium - <i>In the Court of the Dragon</i></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTNYsKKkEs_VaXvVA5B779xjvbQBDHrKMXWkSzTz0vIzLYDazgdBxEB1Uzpj2YxttdxbQp78FC8Pjtv-DUMttb-sHIyciXiyqkszRr9urJVqFYN_tvbg7LigMj4uKYQk9aWtSvPuFqYCS9QTBdw7n1yFyBA8jmNcApRwQ6bIytFm1-HHqK6FauKNxdFA=s1200" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTNYsKKkEs_VaXvVA5B779xjvbQBDHrKMXWkSzTz0vIzLYDazgdBxEB1Uzpj2YxttdxbQp78FC8Pjtv-DUMttb-sHIyciXiyqkszRr9urJVqFYN_tvbg7LigMj4uKYQk9aWtSvPuFqYCS9QTBdw7n1yFyBA8jmNcApRwQ6bIytFm1-HHqK6FauKNxdFA=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></p><p>Starting with 2017’s <i>The Sin and the Sentence</i>, Trivium’s most recent albums have proven to be among their most important. The thrashy guitar riffs, the breakdowns, the screaming that transitions into clean, powerful choruses... All these familiar pieces from the Trivium formula have been mixed in different proportions on prior efforts but <i>In the Court of the Dragon</i> gets the mixture just right. As someone who holds <i>Ascendancy</i> and <i>Shogun</i> as the crown jewels of the band’s discography, this is front to back the most complete Trivium album I’ve heard in quite some time. I don’t think “revival” is quite the right term, but there’s something about this album that feels appropriate for where the band is currently at in their careers.<br /><br />Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bnMMe_amFKc" target="_blank">Like a Sword Over Damocles</a>”, “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=blWLvO_o-eQ" target="_blank">A Crisis of Revelation</a>”<br /><br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">07. Silver Talon - <i>Decadence and Decay</i></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhymHlBmBlZRHljzhjCIkan2oxRACA59T17Afc_IBukLWeHnyIMHTC8jimJuslK7GC7u8q13SrMqU5lTlZkk5ZByVMF8oTnTccGptmCvVycDRhlzcHJGOJyuUr13iSdIEpRyKSEokD4HRVwMQmlsO1pNYPR9PDvoBKMHM3K0LqdywofLxc9CJXSv-x15A=s1200" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhymHlBmBlZRHljzhjCIkan2oxRACA59T17Afc_IBukLWeHnyIMHTC8jimJuslK7GC7u8q13SrMqU5lTlZkk5ZByVMF8oTnTccGptmCvVycDRhlzcHJGOJyuUr13iSdIEpRyKSEokD4HRVwMQmlsO1pNYPR9PDvoBKMHM3K0LqdywofLxc9CJXSv-x15A=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></p><p>I’m typically not one for power metal, but boy did the full length debut from Silver Talon stick the landing. <i>Decadence and Decay</i> is a veritable riff factory. Though, after finding out the band boasts three guitarists in their lineup, this doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Between solos, harmonized riffs, and thunderous backing rhythms, the guitars on each track deliver plenty of variation but without fail they all hit their mark and are all kick ass. Following in the tradition of classic metal acts such as Judas Priest and King Diamond, the vocals reach many operatic highs and are pretty much what you would expect stylistically. What I did appreciate a lot about the vocals, however, was that they weren’t singing about Tolkien-esque fantasy. Instead Silver Talon is inspired by “gnoticism, demonology, and cyberpunk aesthetics” which gives the music overall a more interesting edge than the typical corniness you might expect from power metal. Unless enjoying good times and good riffs isn’t your thing, <i>Decadence and Decay</i> is one helluva fun ride.<br /><br />Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://silvertalon.bandcamp.com/track/resistance-2029-feat-andy-la-rocque" target="_blank">Resistance 2029</a>”, “<a href="https://silvertalon.bandcamp.com/track/as-the-world-burns-2" target="_blank">As the World Burns</a>”<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">06. Genghis Tron - <i>Dream Weapon</i></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgjvEYjMrk69OupwC1xbbOWedp4wXVHGIR37ei9t0XycFFTVCxg7P2NTfUtU7Nl7hX87wni8cWSSFNOzEbFooFsHMobNw2RYTFW42MM2QLi3kMOLOtXtWloftDuB8TBj7EKHaB0uDx1T16soAX6INMpfxym-679RqQGuEAKb6NVz-2wd2WpIEV2fTh4g=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgjvEYjMrk69OupwC1xbbOWedp4wXVHGIR37ei9t0XycFFTVCxg7P2NTfUtU7Nl7hX87wni8cWSSFNOzEbFooFsHMobNw2RYTFW42MM2QLi3kMOLOtXtWloftDuB8TBj7EKHaB0uDx1T16soAX6INMpfxym-679RqQGuEAKb6NVz-2wd2WpIEV2fTh4g=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></p><p>Living up to the hype of returning from a 13 year hiatus is no easy task. With <i>Dream Weapon</i>, Genghis Tron lives up to this hype but probably not in ways you would anticipate. Gone are the days of Genghis Tron that championed mixing synths and other electronics with the franticness of a band like The Dillinger Escape Plan. Instead, the band now focuses on taking their electronic soundscapes into more lush directions that are accompanied by clean vocals 99% of the time. The tone of the band’s electronic backdrops and the repetition of rolling guitar riffs remain familiar, but the compositions focus more on steady layering of each piece of the band as opposed to the uncontrolled spontaneity of yesteryear. Of all the albums on this list, <i>Dream Weapon</i> is probably the one I’ve listened to the most just because of how easy it is to get sucked into. The payoff is worth it every time.<br /><br />Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://genghistron.bandcamp.com/track/ritual-circle" target="_blank">Ritual Circle</a>”, “<a href="https://genghistron.bandcamp.com/track/great-mother" target="_blank">Great Mother</a>”<br /><br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">05. Tribulation - <i>Where the Gloom Becomes Sound</i></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdYXFgA15RKCVcZnUHhXxGl5-zVqFz8wbD8HgHNjQ6oM6qldlGi-VFEp0KIQYpHvspFoCGpB-Q399jiHe7obbAWH5ORxtv7J1uyQ2AEcI1fupjDPHcaZgvFJOBLtJIkxEhChq9ZTWppGSc-4aFH9l6SrH83ogQ-v20z9q7XkktBIvWRAHgi5ppIICfBA=s1000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdYXFgA15RKCVcZnUHhXxGl5-zVqFz8wbD8HgHNjQ6oM6qldlGi-VFEp0KIQYpHvspFoCGpB-Q399jiHe7obbAWH5ORxtv7J1uyQ2AEcI1fupjDPHcaZgvFJOBLtJIkxEhChq9ZTWppGSc-4aFH9l6SrH83ogQ-v20z9q7XkktBIvWRAHgi5ppIICfBA=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></p><p>Continuing to run with the successful formula from their prior album, 2018’s <i>Down Below</i>, Tribulation’s “black n’ roll” stylings are still very much intact. However, <i>Where the Gloom Becomes Sound</i> manages to take things a step further and make the overall gothic presentation darker and more menacing. Whereas <i>Down Below</i> managed to achieve this by heavily utilizing sounds akin to an almost child-like music box, <i>Where the Gloom Becomes Sound</i> takes a more straightforward approach by letting the guitars drive even more of the melodies and set the ambience. Along with piano/organs and gravelly vocals, the album gives off a certain regalness and sophistication that is a sign of the band’s maturation more than anything else. Going back to the “black n’ roll” genre tag, <i>Where the Gloom Becomes Sound</i> is a great example of how you can have eerie tones and harsher vocals mixed with more accessible guitar riffs and rhythms that, oddly enough, would make the whole presentation completely work in an arena rock setting.<br /><br />Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/7u5EKrB9g3cjIBFPjTuK63?si=ec48e84c285341bd" target="_blank">In Remembrance</a>”, “<a href="https://youtu.be/2I_ewtThrNo" target="_blank">Funeral Pyre</a>”<br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">04. Amenra - <i>De Doorn</i></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNUbswlmgzoQEvCB4LRrhe2CGEvzRV6IYW0XIRXoWtVoqNGwD_pbK9VtzZu5tiVLXDA1vXKDBz7tK0_3QQgbqLoGSBXhcRn2WCizDXNs-S094v3_1OxFAeNti8JLHtXkke0lXQL1ioASX1nizmuz0WiSPcEg5KlZXeVU6sD4ViMRoFjarmm4Y1zUKAPA=s1200" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNUbswlmgzoQEvCB4LRrhe2CGEvzRV6IYW0XIRXoWtVoqNGwD_pbK9VtzZu5tiVLXDA1vXKDBz7tK0_3QQgbqLoGSBXhcRn2WCizDXNs-S094v3_1OxFAeNti8JLHtXkke0lXQL1ioASX1nizmuz0WiSPcEg5KlZXeVU6sD4ViMRoFjarmm4Y1zUKAPA=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></p><p>Amenra is a band that I’ve slept on for way too long. Rooted in doom and post-metal, the band builds these impenetrable walls of sound that are both immensely powerful and emotionally gripping. <i>De Doorn</i> continues in this tradition by successfully juxtaposing volumetric extremes. With typically no middle ground, you transition from these passages of slowly-plucked, echoing guitar notes that have ominous strings in the background instantly into sections of massive guitar distortion and piercing vocal shrieks. These vocals, by the way, also play a key role in this dichotomy of sound. All sung in Flemish, the vocals range from spoken word to the aforementioned piercing shrills that often match the energy of the current instrumentation. Altogether, these elements create invigorating cathartic releases in their constant push and pull of tension. While <i>De Doorn</i> has plenty of moments that will have you bobbing your head, it also invokes plenty of introspection that will tap deep into your soul.<br /><br />Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://amenra.bandcamp.com/track/ogentroost" target="_blank">Ogentroost</a>”, “<a href="https://amenra.bandcamp.com/track/voor-immer" target="_blank">Voor Immer</a>”<br /><br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">03. Wolves in the Throne Room - <i>Primordial Arcana</i></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgEwkveRitDD-jZWx0uu252X0-me8QL4qVCvik5jB_1uwX4ha8C2_fLETa5ZaW98XwB7KVxGaJGMn1tMK8cRQBW5TbxrEh4Ud5nr3dzUY0CiQ0Lu0KFqMi4ywice-CwthwHoFpxhz8kmK8BBtw_aasDBCF_4Jr1gjgh_RcDTYzdkpADGByc4dzaE4_lA=s1200" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgEwkveRitDD-jZWx0uu252X0-me8QL4qVCvik5jB_1uwX4ha8C2_fLETa5ZaW98XwB7KVxGaJGMn1tMK8cRQBW5TbxrEh4Ud5nr3dzUY0CiQ0Lu0KFqMi4ywice-CwthwHoFpxhz8kmK8BBtw_aasDBCF_4Jr1gjgh_RcDTYzdkpADGByc4dzaE4_lA=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></p><p>Being as into atmospheric black metal as I am, I always wonder why Wolves in the Throne Room is a band that I’ve never included much into my regular listening rotations. I ponder this question once more because hearing <i>Primordial Arcana</i> for the first time was easily the most fun I’ve had listening to the band that wasn’t in a live concert setting. I wouldn’t go as far as saying that this album reinvents the wheel, but everything about it just flows so effortlessly and hits all the right ebbs and flows throughout that it makes for an extremely fluid listening experience. The vocal screams, the driving drum rhythms, the menacing guitar tones, and even electronic elements from a certain WITTR album that shall not be named all play off of each other in a variety of interesting ways that keeps <i>Primordial Arcana</i> balanced but also 100% on brand with the WITTR aesthetic. <br /><br />Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://wolvesinthethroneroom.bandcamp.com/track/through-eternal-fields" target="_blank">Through Eternal Fields</a>”, “<a href="https://wolvesinthethroneroom.bandcamp.com/track/primal-chasm-gift-of-fire" target="_blank">Primal Chasm (Gift of Fire)</a>”<br /><br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">02. Panopticon - <i>...And Again Into the Light</i></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWYHFgUbWLyxdMH6fESqEwc1Dj8cIcStpoj_8ePlx94DfGk3bBXmT24dUO75zAeRJvxu4u6U1v9k54M_t0qBhU7bsUtGg7MwT__X3Dy0IH701bPsNIpQfaU4LQ9RIcE56jq26ctBXZCQYXU5sxrhZR7_ISzzXe0rX24I74rik3gcyk-Rbt-g5yW8bbnQ=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWYHFgUbWLyxdMH6fESqEwc1Dj8cIcStpoj_8ePlx94DfGk3bBXmT24dUO75zAeRJvxu4u6U1v9k54M_t0qBhU7bsUtGg7MwT__X3Dy0IH701bPsNIpQfaU4LQ9RIcE56jq26ctBXZCQYXU5sxrhZR7_ISzzXe0rX24I74rik3gcyk-Rbt-g5yW8bbnQ=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></p><p>Saying a new Panopticon release is excellent is becoming old hat, but this one is truly special. Special in that it is the truest encapsulation of everything that is Panopticon. From the twangy acoustic guitars, banjos, and cellos to the heavy hitting blackened death metal riffs, <i>And Again Into the Light</i> not only brings back all of the project’s trademark elements but brings them back sounding the best they’ve ever sounded on a Panopticon album; both in actual sound quality and thematic cohesion. In terms of the theme itself, Austin Lunn notes that “this record is dedicated to all who refuse to give up and continue to struggle for light and beauty in this world.” Knowing that statement comes from the context of struggling with mental health, it brings a whole new dimension to this album. The heavier riffs hit harder and the longer-form compositions feel all the more grandiose given the intent is to put positive vibes out into the world. In my mind, any further debates about which Panopticon album is the best are really debating about which album is second best. <i>And Again Into the Light</i> takes the #1 spot and it’s not even close.<br /><br />Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://thetruepanopticon.bandcamp.com/track/dead-loons" target="_blank">Dead Loons</a>”, “<a href="https://thetruepanopticon.bandcamp.com/track/moth-eaten-soul" target="_blank">Moth Eaten Soul</a>”<br /><br /><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">01. The Lion’s Daughter - <i>Skin Show</i></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhj8s-K0GXjnJA5dMFjijLtdhdnOCo6tLigq5ncAyoiHCW3KFxnm-WKD9uLrAgBa1Pt3e0G4i6AZ2L_gmQ_TXG8r8kT8Gjmw1PTacQ2hmSCZrCOOcv1_n-2HlVTmzzoZl9MpQ_Fhoh_PSZ_kAfytclvf2qiYjfJLfQdwhAOqCn1z98o3cx2Q5kRCH-wZA=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhj8s-K0GXjnJA5dMFjijLtdhdnOCo6tLigq5ncAyoiHCW3KFxnm-WKD9uLrAgBa1Pt3e0G4i6AZ2L_gmQ_TXG8r8kT8Gjmw1PTacQ2hmSCZrCOOcv1_n-2HlVTmzzoZl9MpQ_Fhoh_PSZ_kAfytclvf2qiYjfJLfQdwhAOqCn1z98o3cx2Q5kRCH-wZA=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></p><p>In a year with a multitude of fantastic releases, my tie-breaker for the top spot had to go to something truly unique. Captivating, catchy, heavy, and unsettling, The Lion’s Daugther’s <i>Skin Show</i> is truly in a league of its own. Along with sludge and doom metal, the band seamlessly weaves in synth-laden backgrounds that provide a cinematic feel. I can’t remember where I read this, but somewhere this album was described as the “doom version of a John Carpenter soundtrack” and I’m honestly not sure I can come up with a better descriptor. To top it all off, the lyrics dive deep into abuse, violence, sex, and drugs; creating a world themed around depravity. <i>Skin Show</i> is an album that has an unshakable darkness about it; one that will both enthrall and unnerve you. But these are the kinds of listening experiences that are hard to forget and tend to stand the test of time.<br /><br />Favorite Tracks : “<a href="https://thelionsdaughter.bandcamp.com/track/curtains" target="_blank">Curtains</a>”, “<a href="https://thelionsdaughter.bandcamp.com/track/dead-in-dreams" target="_blank">Dead in Dreams</a>”<br /></p><br /><p>- Mick<br /></p></div>Brutalitopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548942312423354614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517694096190034221.post-51997964263334269972021-12-30T09:46:00.001-06:002021-12-30T09:46:54.581-06:00Durf's Töp 15 Albums of 2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwHc8RaviPzltV1alAmWIMQFGciZRf-Mne69Ivn9qz0bGZ3W146diLwl_GEANKcr0jxNeeDYOXg3gm8QLDX7dQGcDVpt71lHChvRD6wJNqlBpx7s_RcvsmtN996mnsHxFd68IqkgE-iuj8yn5LmsID6_Ig6J7KS8UKmEY-a0ZhHAJtzh7W_b_1dErl_A=s468" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwHc8RaviPzltV1alAmWIMQFGciZRf-Mne69Ivn9qz0bGZ3W146diLwl_GEANKcr0jxNeeDYOXg3gm8QLDX7dQGcDVpt71lHChvRD6wJNqlBpx7s_RcvsmtN996mnsHxFd68IqkgE-iuj8yn5LmsID6_Ig6J7KS8UKmEY-a0ZhHAJtzh7W_b_1dErl_A=s16000" /></a></div>
Yeesh, what a year. Yeah, I know, I say that pretty much every year, but
this year I <i>mean it.</i> In the span of really ten short months, the
Durfette and I welcomed the Durfling 2, I got a promotion at work, the
Durfette got a new job, we both decided we wanted to get the fuck out of
Idaho, I got a new job, we sold our house, bought a new house, moved
to Tennessee, and that's just off the top of my head. It's been a
<i>year.</i> Not to mention that until shit got real bonkers around
August/September, I managed to actually write something nearly every week for
this her blog, which was a lot of fun. I'd love to be able to tell you
that Durf's Weekly Workout will make a triumphant return sometime soon, but I
can't commit to that, and I just can't lie to you terrific folks. The
new job takes a lot of my time and energy, and I'm still trying to figure out
how to make sure my family doesn't get shortchanged, and until I do, I need to
do other things than tell you how wicked lifting to Suffering Hour is (it's
pretty fuckin' wicked though). But hopefully it will be back at some
point. But for now, let's talk about sixteen albums from this year that
were phenomenal. I listened to more music this year than potentially any
year previous, so you know these sixteen are the choicest of choice
cuts. As always, the amount written about any album does not speak to my
thoughts or feelings about it; that's what the numbers are for.<br /><br /><p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Töp Non-Metal Album: Musk Ox - <i>Inheritance</i></span>
</p><p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghD05jCKAqWHlLANrefvm-wBtvMpEe5dQedsdpH9eFBUGiYxvGDimZnrmYKhbA9fjTz_OQgerA6PDPr9cu-QRRml7lyeh9VwSYbTlODd1G6qrveuCrhefCAV2LhEmnQlTEnzXWMe6fiVf1cLzW4qtTRG52PC9TTVBogSBXZIjeeoaUOD8WJx2mfb2_tg=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghD05jCKAqWHlLANrefvm-wBtvMpEe5dQedsdpH9eFBUGiYxvGDimZnrmYKhbA9fjTz_OQgerA6PDPr9cu-QRRml7lyeh9VwSYbTlODd1G6qrveuCrhefCAV2LhEmnQlTEnzXWMe6fiVf1cLzW4qtTRG52PC9TTVBogSBXZIjeeoaUOD8WJx2mfb2_tg=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">This makes two (maybe three?) consecutive years where work and husbandry and
fatherhood have conspired to prevent me from posting my Töp Non-Metal Albums
and EPs list, but this year my favorite album was too good to not talk about
it at least a little. Musk Ox is described as "Canadian chamber folk
music," which I guess does describe it, but never have four words so aptly
described something while not coming anywhere close to describing the music on
the album. <i>Inheritance</i> is a moving, dynamic album that
manages to find intensity within tranquility; the music flows and swirls and
envelops the listener in the same way the best post-metal/rock albums
do. <i>Inheritance </i>isn't just my Töp Non-Metal Album of 2021, it's
one of my favorite non-metal albums ever.
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> Favorite Track: "<a href="https://muskoxofficial.bandcamp.com/track/inheritance-part-2-hindsight" target="_blank">Inheritance (Part 2 - Hindsight)</a>"</p><p style="text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">15. Mastodon - <i>Hushed and Grim</i></span><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3iS_D3cPBMmqDUj_j3WSKPtIpV3V9Gn78OdQ3PZvRNPVq3RmuLJM7IhmabFl_zxSUbGnKN7d1qfZHX9DqIXcPSpOGzhhWVGapXUEkCRBkd9ZTCZYHCZl5jFsyrXaBygGDPohKU6aCarxJo6zefyFrLR5sxqhK6ErzOb4xigQZb5zlKIknFlY9IGu9kw=s1200" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3iS_D3cPBMmqDUj_j3WSKPtIpV3V9Gn78OdQ3PZvRNPVq3RmuLJM7IhmabFl_zxSUbGnKN7d1qfZHX9DqIXcPSpOGzhhWVGapXUEkCRBkd9ZTCZYHCZl5jFsyrXaBygGDPohKU6aCarxJo6zefyFrLR5sxqhK6ErzOb4xigQZb5zlKIknFlY9IGu9kw=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Were there <i>better</i> albums than this that came
out this year? Yeah, probably. But did I listen to any of those
<i>more</i> than I've listened to <i>Hushed and Grim</i> since it
came out six weeks ago? No. <i>Hushed and Grim</i> finds
Mastodon perfecting the more poppy, hook-driven metal/hard rock sound they
began way back in 2011 on <i>The Hunter</i>. I agree with the seemingly
omnipresent sentiment that <i>Hushed and Grim</i> could stand to lose
20-30 minutes off it's nearly 90-minute runtime, but I'll be damned if I can
figure out what should be cut to necessitate that.
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Favorite Track: "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrMVZvor0X4" target="_blank">The Beast</a>"<br /><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">14. Domkraft - <i>Seeds</i></span>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAONgREmr6SFgLtnaTiy-TYw3zQPYNJG6fWq1T7vZvjuztuccHyuziIjgcqHtAc7idOvoMTvsEgeU8ITq-MaDH32Vg6415P2nXshjtA0Th1yDLCp4GCaQG-lEgjQG2TN-2k-kgqAYfHNcnxbv6iF8je6JOD0ZHDmxLrAVHOQSbCasDOSDRvRvidVebdA=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgAONgREmr6SFgLtnaTiy-TYw3zQPYNJG6fWq1T7vZvjuztuccHyuziIjgcqHtAc7idOvoMTvsEgeU8ITq-MaDH32Vg6415P2nXshjtA0Th1yDLCp4GCaQG-lEgjQG2TN-2k-kgqAYfHNcnxbv6iF8je6JOD0ZHDmxLrAVHOQSbCasDOSDRvRvidVebdA=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Somewhere along the way this year, I rediscovered my love for stoner rock and
doom. Domkraft isn't strictly stoner doom <i>per se</i>, but the band's
psychedelic soundscapes and groovy, crunchy riffs certainly don't fall too far
from the Sweet Leaf Tree. It's not Sleep worship, and it's not Sabbath
worship, which makes it stand out in the stormy seas of the doom genre.
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Favorite Track: "<a href="https://domkraft.bandcamp.com/track/into-orbit" target="_blank">Into Orbit</a>"<br /><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">13. Wreche - <i>All My Dreams Came True</i></span>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgI3wSZb9fBq-XFJLC5y7nH4PkNHTaotu18zZH0AcQHt3HkHzJg2ZnA-rojQbYrlL4uAlWhsu_kr9THK3kUEKeZDkpGbX3DcSOlEEmx2ITH3Hn0SBifxKd3sgOO6TBiPn4SF4UJppM4S7rHlVtqV_7vcAaMFPd7Hw115A3BT64S6AkHXd4Pua2Fl1ETmw=s425" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="425" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgI3wSZb9fBq-XFJLC5y7nH4PkNHTaotu18zZH0AcQHt3HkHzJg2ZnA-rojQbYrlL4uAlWhsu_kr9THK3kUEKeZDkpGbX3DcSOlEEmx2ITH3Hn0SBifxKd3sgOO6TBiPn4SF4UJppM4S7rHlVtqV_7vcAaMFPd7Hw115A3BT64S6AkHXd4Pua2Fl1ETmw=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">The most unsettling, original release of the year,
<i>All My Dreams Came True</i> is a uniquely harrowing and gripping
experience. Black metal by way of piano, the songs Wreche has composed
for <i>All My Dreams Came True</i> are some of the most raw, intimate
songs heard in this or any other year. It can be an incredibly tough and
disconcerting listen, but the payoff found in experiencing an album this
unique is well worth the time. I've never heard anything like
<i>All My Dreams Came True</i> before, and until Wreche puts out a new
album, I doubt I will again.
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Favorite Track: "<a href="https://wreche.bandcamp.com/track/severed" target="_blank">Severed</a>"<br /><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">12. Dödsrit - <i>Mortal Coil</i></span>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkZT6FAMvG_JvoaSQkc_Q4VnvCZo1Ax6u_RgzO8krUW4c4HRngtMb-xqMOuNr1B8WQqopx0UCl2fYWSjjmt_09P1lsyji6cQ4EHmxbeuxVZc2QW1xXcXa6Jx7Ogxygu-TTMAC-0JGPzALnSroiZkV84ED2Q54xRHAKbmDBZnZxycd2KYSGbGHflFp3zQ=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkZT6FAMvG_JvoaSQkc_Q4VnvCZo1Ax6u_RgzO8krUW4c4HRngtMb-xqMOuNr1B8WQqopx0UCl2fYWSjjmt_09P1lsyji6cQ4EHmxbeuxVZc2QW1xXcXa6Jx7Ogxygu-TTMAC-0JGPzALnSroiZkV84ED2Q54xRHAKbmDBZnZxycd2KYSGbGHflFp3zQ=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">The first of what will be two entries on this list completely made up of texts
I sent regarding the bands, Dödsrit's <i>Mortal Coil</i> prompted me to
tell a friend "I've never wished to be in a Chicago winter more, because
walking through the snowy streets listening to this would be
incredible." If that's too vague for you or you've never walked through
the snowy winter streets of Chicago while listening to an album that seems
tailor-made for it, well then you should probably remedy that.
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Favorite Track: "<a href="https://dodsrit.bandcamp.com/track/apathetic-tongues" target="_blank">Apathetic Tongues</a>"<br /><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">11. The Grasshopper Lies Heavy -
<i>A Cult That Worships the God of Death</i></span>
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbzNIIkjP3rJLDfP5op3aRvEYH11qJtHZ5upNroHwGcjzKM2e8Cb8v1M8hfvqtI9ur-4pUIK2Z_sDeR16vOWnjWCBwWUlKKjnjCqXRtrFy5-NHUwr4HZbTrnwWClAix3IPLSr0jicgH1UcEouP9jnyC0tQC5ndGzatPfEZQyYnq8MGUn05IcTSbn-MQA=s700" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbzNIIkjP3rJLDfP5op3aRvEYH11qJtHZ5upNroHwGcjzKM2e8Cb8v1M8hfvqtI9ur-4pUIK2Z_sDeR16vOWnjWCBwWUlKKjnjCqXRtrFy5-NHUwr4HZbTrnwWClAix3IPLSr0jicgH1UcEouP9jnyC0tQC5ndGzatPfEZQyYnq8MGUn05IcTSbn-MQA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Post-metal in the vein of <i>Beyond</i>-era Cult of Luna cross-pollinated with
some unnamed hardcore band, The Grasshopper Lies Heavy finds a way to be
everything I love about post- music while also keeping me surprised at every
turn. <i>A Cult That Worships the God of Death</i> is continually
exciting, even after a dozen listens; like a less spastic
<i>Miss Machine</i>-era DEP, you don't know where TGLH is going to go from one
moment to the next.
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Favorite Track: "<a href="https://thegrasshopperliesheavy.bandcamp.com/track/charging-bull" target="_blank">Charging Bull</a>"<br /><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">10. Aziola Cry - <i>The Ironic Divide</i></span>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikASF7pfd4o00dJbZd3TiSrlVBWHWRWD0X7JydwL0KX6dwGgyXPH9wg-JEtkefqjsELyg6a9F7r0o6f7LF1jswZB8JoCjf71vmvstuescabToRCIaemAuwG4MNBuAFrRLDkpJTUNbI7AClapw8cBKSI2V0J0yc6ZYbA1CjaztuA0onHkXDSyfKYbLtnQ=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEikASF7pfd4o00dJbZd3TiSrlVBWHWRWD0X7JydwL0KX6dwGgyXPH9wg-JEtkefqjsELyg6a9F7r0o6f7LF1jswZB8JoCjf71vmvstuescabToRCIaemAuwG4MNBuAFrRLDkpJTUNbI7AClapw8cBKSI2V0J0yc6ZYbA1CjaztuA0onHkXDSyfKYbLtnQ=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Proggy instrumental jams out of Chicago, <i>The Ironic Divide</i> leans
into all sorts of genres over the course of its runtime, never overstaying its
welcome in any while exploring them to their fullest possible potential in the
moment. The 21-minute title track is a testament to this; a four-part
suite, it moves gracefully and powerfully through its runtime, always
captivating and engrossing the listener.
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Favorite Track: "<a href="https://lasersedge.bandcamp.com/track/the-ironic-divide-i-premonitions-ii-a-torment-of-reason-iii-distort-persona-iv-one-final-collapse" target="_blank">The Ironic Divide</a>"<br /><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">9. Carcass - <i>Torn Arteries</i></span>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeTq98fuYANWBdqFg1TgZbbeBGbluxTQ-oqv6WOEN1Sh3IMWhVxj4QwQQMzc3kE5-ttshS_8QT6pOE5VAW_yhqnRXaKpB5uip6jA7hPev4LL4xzQWpzTK55yRTrCeg1yyv58PihDZ_SX1oB5zWEV4GdAAuSFyw7LMhKB7uYEQ4bQeprhM9-bqhnLLR3Q=s3000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeTq98fuYANWBdqFg1TgZbbeBGbluxTQ-oqv6WOEN1Sh3IMWhVxj4QwQQMzc3kE5-ttshS_8QT6pOE5VAW_yhqnRXaKpB5uip6jA7hPev4LL4xzQWpzTK55yRTrCeg1yyv58PihDZ_SX1oB5zWEV4GdAAuSFyw7LMhKB7uYEQ4bQeprhM9-bqhnLLR3Q=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Listen, everywhere else you can read about music will tell you why this album
is one of the best of the year; its presence here should only reinforce how
right they are about it.
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Favorite Track: "<a href="https://carcass.bandcamp.com/track/flesh-ripping-sonic-torment-limited" target="_blank">Flesh Ripping Sonic Torment Limited</a>"<br /><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">8. Trna - <i>Istok</i></span>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh813vrEg_uIw9Dwv6cCfCo6zIxV81Dek1YASIXz1AI7NCNCJc-MR0QmWtV9D9MFQvW3yd5Ladq9RRrFOjFxDS0Bfl8Ddx3xPnlgpBHhwTA1vkt-qxz0WaV4pNUm2lhzXmW0sALMKojjfzYpQ9SgOasFpfHlUgSvGBREnlODszNotju9eptrZjW9RKv_w=s1200" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh813vrEg_uIw9Dwv6cCfCo6zIxV81Dek1YASIXz1AI7NCNCJc-MR0QmWtV9D9MFQvW3yd5Ladq9RRrFOjFxDS0Bfl8Ddx3xPnlgpBHhwTA1vkt-qxz0WaV4pNUm2lhzXmW0sALMKojjfzYpQ9SgOasFpfHlUgSvGBREnlODszNotju9eptrZjW9RKv_w=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">I saw a friend post something about this band on Instagram, and having never
heard of them but appreciating his taste, I checked them out. Good thing
for me, because <i>Istok</i> is tremendous. <span class="tojvnm2t a6sixzi8 abs2jz4q a8s20v7p t1p8iaqh k5wvi7nf q3lfd5jv pk4s997a bipmatt0 cebpdrjk qowsmv63 owwhemhu dp1hu0rb dhp61c6y iyyx5f41">Largely
instrumental, <i>Istok</i> revels in its space, and an appearance by Mick’s
favorite Portuguese black metallers Gaerea pushes the album over the top
in terms of epicness.</span><br /><br />Favorite Track : "<a href="https://trnaband.bandcamp.com/track/shining-feat-gaerea" target="_blank">Shining (feat. Gaerea)</a>"<br /><br />
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">7. Mossgiver - <i>Led By the Glowing River</i></span>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDCYz1V5tkwyLeQOv_2HT_SAXyRNdA0jFk7EgdokX8TjlKVAc5QLl5_YpAFgHmA0C7k14q-4rbA6oG055qLxgX-F0BXjiwm9iySrDabeamRlwGnem2Rg8kE2Y3aHlB91lCd58HDH2krrlyaDsNOyId_SCb9WitzRAIeX_DHMSDghxaFf4rSFJ5C4CpeQ=s500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDCYz1V5tkwyLeQOv_2HT_SAXyRNdA0jFk7EgdokX8TjlKVAc5QLl5_YpAFgHmA0C7k14q-4rbA6oG055qLxgX-F0BXjiwm9iySrDabeamRlwGnem2Rg8kE2Y3aHlB91lCd58HDH2krrlyaDsNOyId_SCb9WitzRAIeX_DHMSDghxaFf4rSFJ5C4CpeQ=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">It's no secret that I love forest-y, atmospheric black metal, so the highest
praise I can give <i>Led By the Glowing River</i> is that if there was a
way to hook it straight into my veins, it would be my perfect drug.
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Favorite Track: "<a href="https://sijmusicart.bandcamp.com/track/embrace-the-wrath-of-wind" target="_blank">Embrace the Wrath of Wind</a>"<br /><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">6. Gråt Strigoi - <i>Communion of the Nameless</i></span>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOvBPXzI-9NDzNG9Q8r-Lyep8-pA94S9_xNwTaCd0LRMEf-MW8Q8smWHYb4cl7w-7EdcYeEjzLOvyW68-B_1ffOKrp-oteTHW_p1_jeHXALbMO-DTNSiZv2LL7mMhf4aq-81-oqv6rzTBcTvp1OXdSIqjPbWsiBLW3b5OxBAxD5wsrupcbSjQm2D96Fw=s1200" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOvBPXzI-9NDzNG9Q8r-Lyep8-pA94S9_xNwTaCd0LRMEf-MW8Q8smWHYb4cl7w-7EdcYeEjzLOvyW68-B_1ffOKrp-oteTHW_p1_jeHXALbMO-DTNSiZv2LL7mMhf4aq-81-oqv6rzTBcTvp1OXdSIqjPbWsiBLW3b5OxBAxD5wsrupcbSjQm2D96Fw=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">I'll tell you the same thing I texted Mick when I first heard
<i>Communion of the Nameless</i>: Gråt Strigoi has made an album that is the
closest we're getting to a new Altar of Plagues album. Which is awesome,
as that dark, pitch-black metal needs to be celebrated, and Gråt Strigoi
certainly have proven themselves capable of torchbearing. On the other
hand, somebody at Northwest Terror Fest or Psycho Las Vegas or MDF back up the
money trucks already and get Altar of Plagues a large enough payout that they
release a new album. It's insane to me this hasn't happened yet.
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
Favorite Track: "<a href="https://gratstrigoi.bandcamp.com/track/mourning-under-the-blackened-sky" target="_blank">Mourning Under the Blackened Sky</a>"
<br /><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">5. Worm - <i>Foreverglade</i></span>
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNr7XwImmVBNZnNt2i5OavVkU0-hY8t0jkh7v0aEYtzxtRKzVzAfsrD-0zwrOAy2_e9Gc9hesDjNNt9sT-iDRZ05vbluQAE8KSSXSL9Y00tN05bDUlHI_BlpJlYzB71xKMj1q9C5VoRr2GyRjsu1WJ1lvh_an7HaYYY4Ui464LF7fUqh9-v5K0Xm27kg=s1500" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNr7XwImmVBNZnNt2i5OavVkU0-hY8t0jkh7v0aEYtzxtRKzVzAfsrD-0zwrOAy2_e9Gc9hesDjNNt9sT-iDRZ05vbluQAE8KSSXSL9Y00tN05bDUlHI_BlpJlYzB71xKMj1q9C5VoRr2GyRjsu1WJ1lvh_an7HaYYY4Ui464LF7fUqh9-v5K0Xm27kg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Fun Fact: I've been working on this list for an embarrassingly long time (see:
life stuff, above), and so it wasn't until this very morning, on the day of
its publication, that I learned <i>Foreverglade</i> is not, in fact,
Worm's debut album. Which, on the one hand, means I know what I'm going
to listen to on my commute today, but on the other, means I had to erase,
like, two sentences and replace them with this anecdote. Deathy and
doomy and sludgy and utterly fantastic,<i> Foreverglade </i>came out of
nowhere to bury its swampy, humid putridity all the way into my cold, black
heart. Also, I want someone to put "Subaqueous Funeral" over the opening
credits to <i>Hard Target</i>. Or just remake
<i>Hard Target</i> and let Worm do the soundtrack. If they're gonna
ruin <i>Road House</i> with a remake, there's no reason I can't get a
Worm-scored <i>Hard Target</i>.
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Favorite Track: "<a href="https://listen.20buckspin.com/track/subaqueous-funeral" target="_blank">Subaqueous Funeral</a>"<br /><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">4. Wolves in the Throne Room - <i>Primordial Arcana</i></span>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOP5fOJv1bUjuksDJEZPgXBVql19BO0QjgFGM2gVGi5DbBI3E9jPiWRkDR-bzCPfn6sjy0Z1bHc-LOlY8o9NfPOcb7Y8xFFrNjVafO_W_9Oep3a9BsJkZdV7Fk45e5VrsNivbKa8_mUA5Vxci8QZOB5HI6YZS_LpU1smEkJbZtA2NCNPI-PBdM6q7HHA=s1200" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOP5fOJv1bUjuksDJEZPgXBVql19BO0QjgFGM2gVGi5DbBI3E9jPiWRkDR-bzCPfn6sjy0Z1bHc-LOlY8o9NfPOcb7Y8xFFrNjVafO_W_9Oep3a9BsJkZdV7Fk45e5VrsNivbKa8_mUA5Vxci8QZOB5HI6YZS_LpU1smEkJbZtA2NCNPI-PBdM6q7HHA=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">Easily the most pleasant surprise of the year; after two albums that were more
ok than great, Wolves in the Throne Room returned with one of the best
all-around efforts in their discography.
<i>Primordial Arcana</i> leans hard into the Cascadian mountain magic
that makes this band great, unapologetically taking their time in atmospheric
passages while also bringing the heavy.
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Favorite Track: "<a href="https://wolvesinthethroneroom.bandcamp.com/track/masters-of-rain-and-storm" target="_blank">Masters of Rain and Storm</a>"<br /><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">3. Suffering Hour - <i>The Cyclic Reckoning</i></span>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8WvtkJqXbG6OSehOlLs_6P6Pavnys2H_AsFm_tL8-Wf8StOhYxKPv-mnnAflldVqiwWCCUTJqZ2Oz_DLVGQa5SgRxySDewAl6YorgfRVAGiXEOYzIqPK4fL41qmZ4aEnGAHMFHqJx8hRaQpTIn9NyZQi9S4Vhj9oyQfV0ne57ZAbpbufrk8kBio5JiA=s300" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi8WvtkJqXbG6OSehOlLs_6P6Pavnys2H_AsFm_tL8-Wf8StOhYxKPv-mnnAflldVqiwWCCUTJqZ2Oz_DLVGQa5SgRxySDewAl6YorgfRVAGiXEOYzIqPK4fL41qmZ4aEnGAHMFHqJx8hRaQpTIn9NyZQi9S4Vhj9oyQfV0ne57ZAbpbufrk8kBio5JiA" width="300" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">I had never heard Suffering Hour before listening to
<i>The Cyclic Reckoning</i>, and I immediately devoured their first album and
EP after I heard it. Their cosmic blackened death sound is both
primitive and futuristic, and while I don't want to play apples and oranges,
it's crazy to me that Blood Incantation seems to get infinitely more hype than
Suffering Hour. <i>The Cyclic Reckoning</i> is a crushing, dynamic
album, with riffs and melodies to spare.
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Favorite Track: "<a href="https://sufferinghour.bandcamp.com/track/the-foundations-of-servitude" target="_blank">The Foundations of Servitude</a>"<br /><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">2. Mare Cognitum - <i>Solar Paroxysm</i></span>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNt0qhSbpL73c30aCjzXgCXMepade2WO1gw1-enuufoAo9Ck63VecFFaymAVTinf9mDSBMXP70JjHhNkQQKx87l_B3reMLUUoY_YlhNLfK_VgJ7ukHWG3kTHMtQ-NaIFQD8dw_uuyxe13m5qZ_1_zyxBQVmDeXvCmmVRlKq5ZPrVIhG9BxKzx4N1nYrA=s1605" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1605" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNt0qhSbpL73c30aCjzXgCXMepade2WO1gw1-enuufoAo9Ck63VecFFaymAVTinf9mDSBMXP70JjHhNkQQKx87l_B3reMLUUoY_YlhNLfK_VgJ7ukHWG3kTHMtQ-NaIFQD8dw_uuyxe13m5qZ_1_zyxBQVmDeXvCmmVRlKq5ZPrVIhG9BxKzx4N1nYrA=s320" width="319" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">If I were a better writer, I'd be able to tell you exactly what is so
transfixing about this album, but I'm just me, so all I can say is this album
is amazing. There is a hypnotic quality to
<i>Solar Paroxysm</i> that comes from the way Mare Cognitum blends melody
and rhythm; it's not quite atmospheric black metal, but there's certainly more
atmosphere and ambiance than there is in straightforward black metal
albums. This is great music to get lost in, from one of the best bands
working in the genre.
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Favorite Track: "<a href="https://marecognitum.bandcamp.com/track/terra-requiem" target="_blank">Terra Requiem</a>"<br /><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;">1. Panopticon - <i>...And Again Into the Light</i></span>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheBNL-b_n5J3xbm3AqzCpfmmCGREusi6ld0RbDJIF4z4Q1IaHb3Ou-30FwncOge_JWwjdbRyi9YrAZCt8-O-BP0-MKhObTCK3JZN1Gz9fYm4XRRLuqrYbYsXPDfKSDei7ckNMG0_sljbCd6qj5oro6WqG9ofw9AdSguHuguuxLOgqKY-UZbPUAB__xGQ=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEheBNL-b_n5J3xbm3AqzCpfmmCGREusi6ld0RbDJIF4z4Q1IaHb3Ou-30FwncOge_JWwjdbRyi9YrAZCt8-O-BP0-MKhObTCK3JZN1Gz9fYm4XRRLuqrYbYsXPDfKSDei7ckNMG0_sljbCd6qj5oro6WqG9ofw9AdSguHuguuxLOgqKY-UZbPUAB__xGQ=s320" width="320" /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">I spent a lot of my time listening to
<i>...And Again Into the Light</i> wondering if I was being critical
enough, if I was listening to it honestly for what it is, and not listening to
it through the lens of it being the newest album from my favorite band.
I thought about it way too much, until one day I realized I was being silly,
and set out to listen to it and not think about what I thought about it.
And you know what? <i>...And Again Into the Light</i> is
phenomenal. Austin Lunn continues to be one of the signature voices in
heavy music today, and <i>...Light</i> finds him looser and more inclined
to take risks than ever before. From the quiet, doomy opening minutes of
"Dead Loons" to the folksy interlude of "As Golden Laughter Echoes," to the
incredible "The Embers at Dawn," Lunn has Panopticon firing on all cylinders
here. While I'll always enjoy Panopticon's acoustic work,
<i>...And Again Into the Light</i> proves that Panopticon is at its best
when Lunn combines all his influences instead of splitting them apart.
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Favorite Track: "<a href="https://thetruepanopticon.bandcamp.com/track/the-embers-at-dawn" target="_blank">The Embers at Dawn</a>"</p><p> </p><p>- Durf <br /></p>Brutalitopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548942312423354614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517694096190034221.post-61956795542852016332021-12-28T09:43:00.001-06:002021-12-28T09:43:31.520-06:00Tom's Töp 15 Albums of 2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEil-PnFC9b6g5qIWSFCFgI3Zg2LrqiKg-lsNeYtXkv4vxzAS5Fi1cNDmUqCiM-3aZOS5eO5dtm3HBPdbeKzu1VsynDXvIuXb061V4wKBRXxnJx9iqIXfMc8jfjfFUXuNcfgewXkhHRB_99Qxbsy8v95fM2DquTfK7_xlVxKFmnAY4HqJ3UfyPsk-oZngw=s468" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEil-PnFC9b6g5qIWSFCFgI3Zg2LrqiKg-lsNeYtXkv4vxzAS5Fi1cNDmUqCiM-3aZOS5eO5dtm3HBPdbeKzu1VsynDXvIuXb061V4wKBRXxnJx9iqIXfMc8jfjfFUXuNcfgewXkhHRB_99Qxbsy8v95fM2DquTfK7_xlVxKFmnAY4HqJ3UfyPsk-oZngw=s16000" /></a></div>2021 was another year in the Covid-19 abyss, one that I had the displeasure of experiencing myself a few weeks ago, with minimal issues luckily. It is an ever-present threat to getting things back to as normal as humanly possible, lurking around every corner, making its presence known. Unlike the majority of 2020, 2021 saw the return of many live shows, including my foray back to them in the form of the Philadelphia portion of Decibel's Metal and Beer Fest back in September. My family and job helped form the foundation of the year as did my ongoing series of Heavy Metal Happy Hours that I run weekly on Zoom, if you were a part of even one of them, just know you have helped me, and I certainly hope it has helped you too. So anyway, a little less about me and more about the music that made 2021 pop, this is a veritable cornucopia of the year with everything from hardcore to goth, death and thrash metal as well. It accurately reflects my spastic sense of music and reality.<br /><br /><p></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>So without further ado here are the one that just missed the list:<p></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uZtQ7GZplLc" target="_blank">Outre-Tombe - <i>Abyss Mortifere</i></a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9u3MOvWuLH4" target="_blank">1914 - <i>Where Fear and Weapons Meet</i></a></p><p><a href="https://www.invisibleoranges.com/200-stab-wounds-premiere/" target="_blank">200 Stab Wounds - <i>Slave To The Scalpel</i></a></p><p><a href="https://www.invisibleoranges.com/dream-unending-the-needful/" target="_blank">Dream Unending - <i>Tide Turns Eternal</i></a></p><p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ4kqVYnB04" target="_blank">Lamp of Mumuur - <i>Submission and Slavery</i></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">15. Nyt Liv - <i>Den Døde Sol</i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRPDsCzbP7ORNPZjhtASuZKiRi_TImJLv2DmNmVpHHi69kL0LVwpHMNpvo9-782KMh-PKEBlmGje3j2tGDbDD6eWxBWma-dDGNDasNyNiO16JqURR8i1g4jWiBEGYQMkvuiQe7S2LfvFBmww7DdNzftQYFkdNOy5OvUgowhImJYUeyw0LyHjQjPxMwwA=s1500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRPDsCzbP7ORNPZjhtASuZKiRi_TImJLv2DmNmVpHHi69kL0LVwpHMNpvo9-782KMh-PKEBlmGje3j2tGDbDD6eWxBWma-dDGNDasNyNiO16JqURR8i1g4jWiBEGYQMkvuiQe7S2LfvFBmww7DdNzftQYFkdNOy5OvUgowhImJYUeyw0LyHjQjPxMwwA=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Starting off the list on the very fringes of what is considered metal with some excellent Danish hardcore that just up and went for it this year. Nyt Liv blur the lines between Refused and Kvelertak and manage to make each of their tracks the proper amount of heavy without losing the element of fun that they seemingly pride themselves in. Right from the opener "Givet Op," it should be blatantly obvious as to the reason for their approach, the tempos vary all while you can imagine running around in a circle like a total asshole. Not lacking in anything Nyt Liv whose name means New Life in their mother tongue are all of these things in droves.<p style="text-align: left;">Favorite Track : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KO4cUUjdiq0" target="_blank">"Givet Op"<br /></a><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">14. Helloween - <i>Helloween</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhs7EgzszA7vupheaNXiIiNO6Y1XOxxH6JZf9TioeQI2EtzWgOnZa1XrHF1UU9kI7QDsq1_PvW3AepH_Q2AX-h3SUKizOpGmm9SReQi3p60iJ6_t6cBqFx6ioHmphHpbzMPWJdnPkN3LyeZ94oFea0JGKTNU-sixi3anrGL5pLyCLOyyaBNdu_PX78GtQ=s1000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhs7EgzszA7vupheaNXiIiNO6Y1XOxxH6JZf9TioeQI2EtzWgOnZa1XrHF1UU9kI7QDsq1_PvW3AepH_Q2AX-h3SUKizOpGmm9SReQi3p60iJ6_t6cBqFx6ioHmphHpbzMPWJdnPkN3LyeZ94oFea0JGKTNU-sixi3anrGL5pLyCLOyyaBNdu_PX78GtQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Power metal institution Helloween has no business being this catchy this far into their career but here we are. The power and the glory with this band remains strong after nearly 40 years in but now with a 3 headed monster at vocalist consisting of Kai Hansen, Michael Kiske and Andi Deris effectively and properly titled the Pumkins United lineup via a the title of a recent EP. Opener "Out For Glory", "Best Time" and "Cyanide" are some of the best things that <i>Helloween </i> has to offer. If you want my complete thoughts on the album check out <a href="https://www.invisibleoranges.com/helloween-review/" target="_blank">my review over at Invisible Oranges</a> from back around release time.<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite Track : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEQzKwrsXTo" target="_blank">"Cyanide"<br /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">13. Gravesend - </span><i><span style="color: red;">Methods of Human Disposal</span><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqLEVmfCqedWg45tPwhN7_BoTdU2HljcWsuWk7cpuotuurwake689Qek_YZ3vvujPeSGKyY3JgwPpJ-BiJUzhwWXevv6tmCFRviWRYQQ9oCxu415NyO_2OpFKNEcPuc9qi9SkCO4g3BSEuv3tjy7-UVw11aBY8RPFTu-izaZWXZ2pFZBBgh-DQoFEKfA=s1200" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqLEVmfCqedWg45tPwhN7_BoTdU2HljcWsuWk7cpuotuurwake689Qek_YZ3vvujPeSGKyY3JgwPpJ-BiJUzhwWXevv6tmCFRviWRYQQ9oCxu415NyO_2OpFKNEcPuc9qi9SkCO4g3BSEuv3tjy7-UVw11aBY8RPFTu-izaZWXZ2pFZBBgh-DQoFEKfA=s320" width="320" /></a></div>Changing gears completely are blackened grind outfit Gravesend fresh from the mean streets of NYC. This album certainly would suffice in lieu of coffee or lots and lots of drugs as it pummels without the need for taking names. It starts out in a fairly creepy way, matching the album art fairly well before dragging the waters on "STH-10" and going headlong into things with the title track. Just imagine bodies flying around the venue and the shrieked vocals blending into the guitar fueled maelstrom, drums pounding with aplomb. Could you ask for more ferocity in a short span of time? Gravesend add that blackened touch to what Wormrot brought back many moons ago and feel like a band that's going places.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite Track : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHsZ93toXqo" target="_blank">"Needle Park"<br /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">12. Frozen Soul - </span><i><span style="color: red;">Crypt of Ice</span><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFRV1V28Zgznqx0qEKo1qVOZhkYPgpj5X4eBHmYejqTVdufNnejRwOnGIC38HmPeGJ6RubHcND00bl9ib2a3NKosWyip9heOJm1B3dTRv0LyTeUVSfJdO-qKGgLMaDcBtSLHQHMwzHQcXZBU07YUFsugnAj9nkUhIAeamgqv8kClZPrYp9k2cmeSBPNA=s1000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFRV1V28Zgznqx0qEKo1qVOZhkYPgpj5X4eBHmYejqTVdufNnejRwOnGIC38HmPeGJ6RubHcND00bl9ib2a3NKosWyip9heOJm1B3dTRv0LyTeUVSfJdO-qKGgLMaDcBtSLHQHMwzHQcXZBU07YUFsugnAj9nkUhIAeamgqv8kClZPrYp9k2cmeSBPNA=s320" width="320" /></a></div>2021 was in incredible year for death metal and one of the newest bands that hit the scene hard was Texas' Frozen Soul. Fans of in your face catchy death metal really need not look any further for a band to help scratch that itch, they even performed a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozTz-2UcWWY" target="_blank">"live show"</a> with Creeping Death and Devourment which might have single-handedly brought back the VHS. <i>Crypt of Ice</i> finds itself in the midst of a war-like march through your aural cavities, murdering all in its path. Slowly your neck will deteriorate from the constant wear of the heavy riffs provided on tracks like "Arctic Stranglehold", "Wraith of Death" and the title track as well. If you even dabble in death metal <i>Crypt of Ice </i> should have no issue finding its way onto your playlists for the near future. <div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite Track : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VFDVDdOq34" target="_blank">"Arctic Stranglehold"<br /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">11. Worm - </span><i><span style="color: red;">Foreverglade</span><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhN_SaGMhnokXvTCl0ut-nYMuPfd40yMe947sNrT6EfdRpIjFl47r6SqSUBhQtrGzgFj0i24Efey-e8B7slTnDFFRCuKBF16fnpmqrHKMoyDBWBIE3GlsteVbqWfbUoYlS8nkS73AKN0iA4-1UMGkxZPdSvo5dNCTM-T6YdXTEDypdVzTPJiJuTmIuOlw=s1500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhN_SaGMhnokXvTCl0ut-nYMuPfd40yMe947sNrT6EfdRpIjFl47r6SqSUBhQtrGzgFj0i24Efey-e8B7slTnDFFRCuKBF16fnpmqrHKMoyDBWBIE3GlsteVbqWfbUoYlS8nkS73AKN0iA4-1UMGkxZPdSvo5dNCTM-T6YdXTEDypdVzTPJiJuTmIuOlw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Florida based death/doom unit Worm have returned after 2 years and their well-received <i>Gloomlord</i> to up the ante yet again with the powerful <i>Foreverglade</i> paying homage to their home while still allowing for the band to drag themselves through their state's ample amount of marshes. The 6 tracks measure out to 45 minutes, which is relatively bite-sized when compared to bands that sound like Worm; they consistently get the most out of their riffs while remaining stylistically static. The death metal here is murky and slow, cavernous and frightening. The title track alone is worth the price of admission and serves as a proper introduction to boot. Worm is a band on the rise, with plenty to offer fans who need that level of disgust to get through their day, plus that artwork is just spectacular. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite Track : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0prVHyR3Dnc" target="_blank">"Empire of the Necromancers"</a> <br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">10. Enforced - </span><i><span style="color: red;">Kill Grid</span><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-3S0LB8uMNhDEe-6UyI2vTRrrWICeKGyVxn9GlUznrBonWSbsvwlf1LNuXeXxSF-ZSSQKn5GvRsXaRkdKFptqLbWDEXNzT91lXHU_PJPdn-2xJ4iyDhEH7sJ4NBHnp6wP0d8BdCySpIz3oHAVaEQC7Ray107aFFi0EcwG5fFjd1HLzHPOX3-SddSnmQ=s700" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-3S0LB8uMNhDEe-6UyI2vTRrrWICeKGyVxn9GlUznrBonWSbsvwlf1LNuXeXxSF-ZSSQKn5GvRsXaRkdKFptqLbWDEXNzT91lXHU_PJPdn-2xJ4iyDhEH7sJ4NBHnp6wP0d8BdCySpIz3oHAVaEQC7Ray107aFFi0EcwG5fFjd1HLzHPOX3-SddSnmQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Richmond crossover crew have a lot to live up to geographically (Municipal Waste) as well as being compared to recent scene kings Power Trip. With <i>Kill Grid</i> the band does just that. They increased the violence from <i>At The Walls</i> and give it more of that classic D.R.I. flair and couple it with Iron Age and High Command too. The wonderful use of a slow intro will gel with many fans of albums with similar attributes from Metallica and Sepultura, taking plenty of ferocity from the latter band. I had a full report for this one on <a href="https://www.invisibleoranges.com/enforced-kill-grid-review/" target="_blank">Invisible Oranges</a> as well. This is not to be missed by thrash fans and hardcore nuts alike. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite Track : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bLmULTKZeI" target="_blank">"Kill Grid"<br /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">9. Tower - </span><i><span style="color: red;">Shock To The System</span><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAnP0y8zzWF-qDUZfchqIUMsnYfr2GJwwTJS8N-nXTeEA4K3T6Qa8Q1Pb2oqM8pRGzF0mZ2_53lvvxyPbwkueXKn5UcOmZXUQ5Lw4-_JqL4FWWIkubW4dleDWEgESOeWaslVEDgc2nhVD67evWIz4jJZ140RkG8Rl3F60dzj43f73Ih7gk55dU2tNBcQ=s1772" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1772" data-original-width="1772" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjAnP0y8zzWF-qDUZfchqIUMsnYfr2GJwwTJS8N-nXTeEA4K3T6Qa8Q1Pb2oqM8pRGzF0mZ2_53lvvxyPbwkueXKn5UcOmZXUQ5Lw4-_JqL4FWWIkubW4dleDWEgESOeWaslVEDgc2nhVD67evWIz4jJZ140RkG8Rl3F60dzj43f73Ih7gk55dU2tNBcQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">After seeing NYC's Tower open for Magic Circle at Saint Vitus Bar in early 2019 I knew they were destined for glory. Turn the page over 2 years and <i>Shock To The System </i>puts the entire band on full display with lead singer Sarabeth Linden front and center and chock full of energy. "Prince of Darkness" is a great example of how they manage to manifest hard rock/heavy metal aura a la the best days of Accept and Scorpions with a healthy dose of a modern day kick ass attitude. If this retro sampling is your type of thing, look no further than Tower. This band is primed for the big time.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite Track : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nyMNlRfwts" target="_blank">"Lay Down The Law"<br /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">8. Genocide Pact - </span><i><span style="color: red;">Genocide Pact</span><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFeSLgnJk5ysN8SrJhl9jUYWTeDhccgBURQnMSegWEh-_PVAWm7eTgWzWzrHnhHicRTe1tqReSMG0p9u3NcvSvtSXvbA2aL7x8TYu5GH9ca4nj3U4kfueD1ZmVavOdqcHoxqgyDyuWUY8piBcKb2xnXpX0lKCCC1LeljBl547OEsA8DICieu3fOA5QlA=s1500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFeSLgnJk5ysN8SrJhl9jUYWTeDhccgBURQnMSegWEh-_PVAWm7eTgWzWzrHnhHicRTe1tqReSMG0p9u3NcvSvtSXvbA2aL7x8TYu5GH9ca4nj3U4kfueD1ZmVavOdqcHoxqgyDyuWUY8piBcKb2xnXpX0lKCCC1LeljBl547OEsA8DICieu3fOA5QlA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Right from the album artwork, the feeling of classic Napalm Death and Noisem, Genocide Pact's vision is more than physically realized. With album #3 these D.C. death dealers establish a new order in disorder. This is head crushing death metal of the highest order. Take single "Deprive/Degrade" that <a href="https://www.invisibleoranges.com/genocide-pact-deprive-degrade/" target="_blank">I premiered</a> which follows the same trajectory as the album itself, short, sweet, and violent beyond control. Fans of death metal with a bit more speed than the aforementioned Worm album will absolutely love all of what Genocide Pact sought out to do with this. Ever touring themselves, <i>Genocide Pact</i> is the exact kind of album to keep that tour cycle going for years to come. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite Track : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cOVXuaNhOCc" target="_blank">"Purged Flesh"<br /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">7. The Silver - </span><i><span style="color: red;">Ward of Roses</span><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaWnxu3qKxtWHO4eHjMrNH3qjQqD4Tt-VZkF-jk_jbAshujmwCIJAKrzJBZwNQn2orxRvi1_zUgI3mo9v9oHlRRhXR4_0DxEF99W4Uurh0FQUeOG5kyLL_eMApR5vrdvF4zhYChp6kyj_kEDPIg-A7e5qKJKjJoqHSfowPIqBOBozAQCHX6ehYOl8O7A=s1500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjaWnxu3qKxtWHO4eHjMrNH3qjQqD4Tt-VZkF-jk_jbAshujmwCIJAKrzJBZwNQn2orxRvi1_zUgI3mo9v9oHlRRhXR4_0DxEF99W4Uurh0FQUeOG5kyLL_eMApR5vrdvF4zhYChp6kyj_kEDPIg-A7e5qKJKjJoqHSfowPIqBOBozAQCHX6ehYOl8O7A=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Moving in a direction that I found myself in often during 2021, one that is heavy and full of emotion. The beauty contained within The Silver's debut album is balanced out with the excellent musicianship on display, especially the ever-present bass riffs, feeling as though they are literal heartstrings being plucked. "Fallow" and "Behold, Five Judges" are heavy tracks in an emotional sense, weighty sections fly by carried by all members present including Horrendous' Matt Knox with clean vocals matched only by newcomer Nick Duchemin's harsh ones. Fans of black metal that touches more on the human struggle than snowy landscapes, <i>Ward of Roses</i> is exactly the kind of medicine a year like 2021 requires.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite Track : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkshvxGvdKE" target="_blank">"Behold, Five Judges"<br /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">6. Hooded Menace - </span><i><span style="color: red;">The Tritonus Bell</span><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUveiwSp492Sz8MYePKXTAZI5vn4KGA4n5Qr5Ogz_k0xe5h8bncATo03E2R9z-I60JIeJPlCv2UjAnAmr-GONH0NsmH-i8VSL8SkFCGWKDrnk53SmiUnxrGQW8wYRoX7vgeS832ZFFXsfvz6jwQCwQPjU9_PrIsRY5ZAQIWHTArIV6086j7hEKZERDmg=s3000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUveiwSp492Sz8MYePKXTAZI5vn4KGA4n5Qr5Ogz_k0xe5h8bncATo03E2R9z-I60JIeJPlCv2UjAnAmr-GONH0NsmH-i8VSL8SkFCGWKDrnk53SmiUnxrGQW8wYRoX7vgeS832ZFFXsfvz6jwQCwQPjU9_PrIsRY5ZAQIWHTArIV6086j7hEKZERDmg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">If Worm perfectly described death/doom in 2021, then let Hooded Menace take it one step further and add levels of melodicism to the mix. <i>The Tritonus Bell </i>is the sound of this Finnish foursome evolving and quickly at that from 2018's <i>Ossuarium Silhouettes Unhallowed</i> a solid album but not one that helped Hooded Menace to stand out from the crowd. This feels like the band's proper marriage of Autopsy's <i>Mental Funeral</i> in conjunctions with Carcass' <i>Necroticism</i>. Barring the unsightly nature of both bands, you get the doom plod but without the fear of sounding too pretty to properly bury the listener six feet under. "Chime Diabolicus" and "Corpus Asunder" do these things in droves. This was the best doom of any kind that 2021 had to offer.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite Track : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81JqjmV6Wds" target="_blank">"Corpus Asunder"<br /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">5. Turnstile - </span><i><span style="color: red;">Glow On</span><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQAt7_cY5MGwNl9If1WoS4Sm1B1TThigxDGQnUALti89GnaUWYZYweKG6U2NudHmjbqBsC31tzDZUw2sx6Hguk13nAK00fkPOsP6mbSemFjDEDXwz_ssqhPisTItYoKpzDWo8cuTf-Fl_uF-T8lMiw1ZF2rFXNpT3YPPdrXy31kSYY3xor18w-yBMWmg=s600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQAt7_cY5MGwNl9If1WoS4Sm1B1TThigxDGQnUALti89GnaUWYZYweKG6U2NudHmjbqBsC31tzDZUw2sx6Hguk13nAK00fkPOsP6mbSemFjDEDXwz_ssqhPisTItYoKpzDWo8cuTf-Fl_uF-T8lMiw1ZF2rFXNpT3YPPdrXy31kSYY3xor18w-yBMWmg=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">The lone oddball on this entire list is a bit difficult to explain, especially considering how "not metal" it is. As a lover of heavy music, I always had a strong foundation in hardcore, specifically with Black Flag and Bad Brains, later on consuming ample amounts of Refused and even the excellent Nyt Liv up above; all of this should make Turnstile's inclusion a lot less surprising. As a good friend of mine but it, <i>Glow On</i> is a love letter to hardcore as a whole, hell "Underwater Boi" could have been included on <i>I Against I </i>and it would have been just as impactful as "Hired Gun". Turnstile are a new find to me in 2021 and this album has accumulated a lot of hype in music press and it isn't without merit, <i>Glow On</i> is a fun and righteous party album that showcases that genre confines need to be less defined. This album is an absolute blast from start to finish.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite Track : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb7-ICi-r8Y" target="_blank">"Underwater Boi"<br /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">4. Unto Others - </span><i><span style="color: red;">Strength</span><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFjrNVAXUehbKRCTBmgRWiIMIge_R4u2UIYbHoya3tEPeuKK0AZeZOFy0vCCqr7EDQzWMehgyUiS6EAgfMLC8n6goqobUIKWsav27Fsm6UuLVJkGQehJ_bhClZFkRU7ILlWNJDO7lLY7ROuZUhJqjyH1FWSPr0Nq76nFr14dX0zbcxnIR3Ot_BT3BNMw=s1200" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFjrNVAXUehbKRCTBmgRWiIMIge_R4u2UIYbHoya3tEPeuKK0AZeZOFy0vCCqr7EDQzWMehgyUiS6EAgfMLC8n6goqobUIKWsav27Fsm6UuLVJkGQehJ_bhClZFkRU7ILlWNJDO7lLY7ROuZUhJqjyH1FWSPr0Nq76nFr14dX0zbcxnIR3Ot_BT3BNMw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">There are only a few things different about the 2021 iteration of Unto Others: the change in the band's name and one less guitarist, otherwise this is the same crew who brought you the excellent 2019 release <i>Mana</i>. This is a heavy metal record with plenty of goth attitude given by vocalist Gabe Franco; fans of Type O Negative and more recently Grave Pleasures will be right at home with <i>Strength</i>. The guitarwork on tracks like "Downtown" shows how the band can change directions within the confines of an album. Franco is also on guitar duty in conjunction with Sebastian Silva and this track in particular feels much more guitar driven than vocally. This album also got the<a href="https://www.invisibleoranges.com/unto-others-strength-review/" target="_blank"> full review treatment</a>. A fun dark rock record like this from a relatively new band, showcases their limitless potential.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite Track : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4c2sQZqidpk" target="_blank">"Just A Matter of Time"<br /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">3. Tribulation - </span><i><span style="color: red;">Where The Gloom Becomes Sound</span><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgF2q2IgjFl1VrhvtW59N0AVYNjcfnq7uOMcxU0VVfgzmYkqthQG_AZLO26glHllJxHao_CrvFtfbJzI8w5UI-Xc6IxQSAnG65a6DSUI_0rQKaunv4VKH0RTt3jEzo33A5ix4T7nDKQJYgMLXCQ70eKOrbWQDAmulfLdwyuFkWEwKeyiMMFpCOkmvS1nw=s1000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgF2q2IgjFl1VrhvtW59N0AVYNjcfnq7uOMcxU0VVfgzmYkqthQG_AZLO26glHllJxHao_CrvFtfbJzI8w5UI-Xc6IxQSAnG65a6DSUI_0rQKaunv4VKH0RTt3jEzo33A5ix4T7nDKQJYgMLXCQ70eKOrbWQDAmulfLdwyuFkWEwKeyiMMFpCOkmvS1nw=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I should continue to be <a href="http://www.brutalitopia.com/2015/12/toms-top-15-albums-of-2015.html" target="_blank">upfront</a> about my <a href="http://www.brutalitopia.com/2018/12/toms-top-15-albums-of-2018.html" target="_blank">love of Tribulation</a>. Ever since they ditched the death metal, they have become one of the most consistent bands in the metal genre, adopting a sound of goth tinged, moody black metal that has no problem straight up rocking. Departing guitarist Johan Hulten leaving surely hurt the band at the time, especially since it happened during the release cycle for <i>Where The Gloom Becomes Sound</i>, but the band has continued to persevere. The longest songs on the album begin and end it with "In Remembrance" starting off slowly and "The Wilderness" proving to be one of their finest solo tracks to date. There is a lot to cover here, <a href="https://heavymusichq.com/tribulation-where-the-gloom-becomes-sound-review/" target="_blank">hell I already did that</a>, what is with this band and making my lists with all of these early year released albums? Whatever the case may be, Tribulation continue on their quest for heavy music supremacy. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite Track : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jW3wVxdjHdY" target="_blank">"The Wilderness"<br /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">2. Lucifer - </span><i><span style="color: red;">Lucifer IV</span><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzvQ04yAXpdsp_XbE3M3OCHVglS_jukoKF3qAbO_HEWXclGKXgaZLNyJVQZZv-G_-ifS4SESFNaI3W-g6XSFn67rf_vQWbkR0ggB_slH8N77EmEPpGnBw0JvQuFyrQB6ma2Rn86m30WlLn1t4jmtCde4CkGrln0hWt7ZsVefAxSO3X_OSizw-HO2vHag=s3000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzvQ04yAXpdsp_XbE3M3OCHVglS_jukoKF3qAbO_HEWXclGKXgaZLNyJVQZZv-G_-ifS4SESFNaI3W-g6XSFn67rf_vQWbkR0ggB_slH8N77EmEPpGnBw0JvQuFyrQB6ma2Rn86m30WlLn1t4jmtCde4CkGrln0hWt7ZsVefAxSO3X_OSizw-HO2vHag=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">A band that has continued to find its rightful place in my seasonal playlists would be Lucifer. I am of the opinion that they band has continued to improve throughout their career, finding their way into both my spring "driving with the windows down" and haunting "Halloween mood" playlists; they check off a lot of different boxes. A massively consistent band that doesn't take a ton of chances, but they ultimately don't need to with the incredible vocal foundation of Johanna Sadonis and her husband, the legendary Nicke Andersson helping this band sound like the garage rock version of Black Sabbath. There is plenty of rocking energy keeping this ship afloat, finding a balance somewhere between Cathedral, Sir Lord Baltimore and Captain Beyond; retro sounding but still ultimately fresh. "Crucifix (I Burn For You)", "Bring Me His Head" and "Louise" are riff fests but variety on tracks like "Mausoleum" showcase the Stevie Nicks-esque frontwoman skills of Sadonis. I already <a href="https://heavymusichq.com/lucifer-lucifer-iv-review/" target="_blank">held it in high regard</a> nearly topping this list.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Favorite Track : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=987Y436eAGA" target="_blank">"Louise"<br /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">1. Carcass - </span><i><span style="color: red;">Torn Arteries</span><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0CrULvjBeJauOOpI5lTSmDcjXbCuGyLVUVL89KOy37VQEpOzeoiFbqBZz2Q59g0Ak5IBgbIWGfzbgJRcBk--m2ZTDAZnxdjjQ_sFg2exFH1O-xLdD4cEHtOGmy3XqllBC18WCf3nHRveQFz2P_OvaQdTQGnLa7RIB01hTyPNOG94nWjC-PSw6OFoOBQ=s3000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg0CrULvjBeJauOOpI5lTSmDcjXbCuGyLVUVL89KOy37VQEpOzeoiFbqBZz2Q59g0Ak5IBgbIWGfzbgJRcBk--m2ZTDAZnxdjjQ_sFg2exFH1O-xLdD4cEHtOGmy3XqllBC18WCf3nHRveQFz2P_OvaQdTQGnLa7RIB01hTyPNOG94nWjC-PSw6OFoOBQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It has been a long 8 year wait since the last Carcass album, the career redefining, <i>Surgical Steel</i> dropped into our laps, so when <i>Torn Arteries</i> got announced there was excitement abound. What would it sound like? If you told me Carcass made the proper transitional album between <i>Heartwork</i> and <i>Swansong</i>, I would have told you I would have been on board with it from the get go. Surely, <i>Torn Arteries</i> is exactly that and just so happens to be the best album 2021 has to offer. Fandom aside, few albums came close to this one. With songs like the powerful opener/title track, "Dance of Ixtab" slowing things down and the absolute hand-clapping insanity of "In God We Trust". I want to make sure that you understand that this album made its way to #1 on its own merit and not due to it being the newest Carcass album, <a href="https://yourlastrites.com/2021/12/10/best-of-2021-last-rites-combined-staff-top-25/" target="_blank">some other sites might disagree</a>, but that's where we differ. Carcass got <a href="https://heavymusichq.com/carcass-torn-arteries-review/" target="_blank">the most words</a> out of me in 2021 and I wouldn't have it any other way. Showing no rust whatsoever, <i>Torn Arteries</i> is the album that was beyond compare this year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Favorite Track : <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFT8gb4J2iw" target="_blank">"In God We Trust"</a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- Tom</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><p></p>Brutalitopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548942312423354614noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517694096190034221.post-25066765481626983062021-10-01T10:11:00.001-05:002021-10-01T14:18:48.037-05:00All We Love, We Leave Behind : The Töp's Monthly Playlist, September 2021<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguMsmLZxm8eCrmbQta69y0NV1fMg1JlOPccoVhkUb0U_KqrLpvBeV3A18t1m83Vnknais_UWWFht0o4UR78Z_PtJPJ2rGKMT-SGbswn4AtWpageDDj6RxTEsAROSKmydN5I2v8oHayaT5/s500/AWLWLB_banner.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="500" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguMsmLZxm8eCrmbQta69y0NV1fMg1JlOPccoVhkUb0U_KqrLpvBeV3A18t1m83Vnknais_UWWFht0o4UR78Z_PtJPJ2rGKMT-SGbswn4AtWpageDDj6RxTEsAROSKmydN5I2v8oHayaT5/w400-h252/AWLWLB_banner.png" width="400" /></a>
</div>
<p>
It's been a fairly quiet month around here at the Töp, at least in terms of
blog activity. Durf has been navigating a cross-country move while Mick and
Tom have been all to busy sulking over the horrid starts to their Chicago
Bears and New York Giants' seasons. With no energy left to give, there were no
squabbles about stolen tracks this time around. Hopefully, October will see
them being more at each other's throats once again.<br />
</p>
<p>
As a reminder of what this post is all about : Affectionately named after the
Converge album, this monthly post will feature a collaborative playlist
pinpointing tracks from this year that have been in heavy rotation for us. You
may see some end up on our year-end lists. Some you won't. But rest assured
they'll make for some eclectic listening. We'll try to keep the tracks as
recent as possible, but you can at least bank on them being from this current
year. Each of us will present 6 tracks because three 6s = well... you know.<br />
<br />
</p>
<span><a name='more'></a></span>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: red;">Mick's Tracks</span></b></span>
</p>
<p>
<b>Der Weg Einer Freiheit - "Morgen"</b><br /><br />
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=4240568813/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3779632647/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://derwegeinerfreiheitsom.bandcamp.com/album/noktvrn">Noktvrn by Der Weg Einer Freiheit</a></iframe>
</p>
<p>
Hype train all aboard! 2017's <i>Finesterre</i> blew me away, so to say I have
high expectations of Der Weg Einer Freiheit's upcoming album, <i>Noktvrn</i>,
is an understatement. Look no further if you like seeing "post",
"atmospheric", or "progressive" in front of your "black metal" genre tags.
</p>
<p><b><br />Cynic - "Mythical Serpents"</b></p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2141629668/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1892052239/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://cyniconline.bandcamp.com/album/ascension-codes">Ascension Codes by Cynic</a></iframe>
<p>
It's a bit bittersweet to hear new Cynic after the tragic passings of both
Sean Reinert and Sean Malone. Their contributions to what defined Cynic are
undeniable, but with Paul Masvidal still at the helm you can rest assured that
essence is still being kept intact. "Mythical Serpents" balances a seductive
repetition along with adventurous guitar solos that feel akin to what they did
on the <i>Carbon Based Anatomy</i> EP.<br />
</p>
<p><b> </b></p><p><b>Rivers of Nihil - "Focus"<br /></b></p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2886126831/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1775525029/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://riversofnihil.bandcamp.com/album/the-work">The Work by Rivers of Nihil</a></iframe>
<p>
I've enjoyed Rivers of Nihil since the beginning, but their evolution since
their first album is quite staggering. Genuinely interesting and tons of fun
to listen to at the same time, <i>The Work</i> is easily their most
progressive outing yet.<br />
</p>
<p><b> </b></p><p><b>Emma Ruth Rundle - "Return"</b></p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3308741499/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=794300803/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://emmaruthrundle.bandcamp.com/album/engine-of-hell">Engine of Hell by Emma Ruth Rundle</a></iframe>
<p>
As you would probably expect, the new track from ERR will have you busting out
the Kleenex. Everyone needs a good cry now and then, right?<br />
</p>
<p><b> </b></p><p><b>Mono - "The Auguries"<br /></b></p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=862170778/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1924800236/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://monoofjapan.bandcamp.com/album/pilgrimage-of-the-soul">Pilgrimage of the Soul by MONO</a></iframe>
<p>
<i>Pilgrimage of the Soul</i>, Mono's latest album, comes across as a much
more reserved effort overall as compared to the band's typical formula of
juxtaposing soft, flowing passages with ear-piercing waves of distortion. That
being said, there's still plenty of pleasant sublimeness to go around here
that's worth your time.<br />
</p>
<p><b> </b></p><p><b>Mastodon - "Pushing the Tides"<br /></b></p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/haT5ars6RXc" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe>
<p>
I know. Mastodon might not be the most inspired pick, but I'd be lying if I
said the chorus in "Pushing the Tides" hasn't kept me coming back again and
again for more.<br />
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: red;">Durf's Tracks</span></b></span><br />
</p>
<p>
<b>Shy, Low - "Umbra"</b><br /><br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MkiJA5-UbQc" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe>
<br /><br />Post-rock/metal that gets deep into the
atmosphere and feels. Also, like Mick said, I'm moving across the
country this week, so my time is shot and my descriptors of these songs can be
generously described as "half-assed." So just listen to them, because
they're good.
</p>
<p>
<b> </b></p><p><b>Trna - "Shining (feat. Gaerea)" </b><br /><br />
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2517106410/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1774978866/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://trnaband.bandcamp.com/album/istok">Istok by Trna</a></iframe>
<br /><br />Atmospheric instrumental
black metal that gets an inspired vocal kick in the teeth by way of Portuguese
masters Gaerea.
</p>
<p>
<b> </b></p><p><b>Lamp of Murmuur - "Lustgate Towards Your Cruel Dominions" </b><br /><br />
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=156185145/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=4291248199/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://lampofmurmuur.bandcamp.com/album/submission-and-slavery">Submission And Slavery by Lamp Of Murmuur</a></iframe>
<br /><br />Really didn't get the hullabaloo around this band when their
first album dropped, but this one rules and I understand now.
</p>
<p>
<b> </b></p><p><b>Worm - "Empire of the Necromancers" </b><br /><br />
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=713549408/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=920354052/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://listen.20buckspin.com/album/foreverglade">Foreverglade by Worm</a></iframe>
<br /><br />I had never heard of this band
until their promo showed up, and now I can't stop listening to their humid,
festering death/doom. I haven't loved a guitar tone this much since
Pallbearer's "Dancing in Madness"
</p>
<p>
<b> </b></p><p><b>Vauruvã - "Baféu Vara Fronteiras" </b><br /><br />
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=950544559/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=483618249/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://vauruva.bandcamp.com/album/manso-queimor-dacordado">Manso Queimor Dacordado by Vauruvã</a></iframe>
<br /><br />This song came out of
nowhere with a beautiful and brilliant stylistic shift from the rest of the
album, and as such I can't stop thinking about it.
</p>
<p>
<b> </b></p><p><b>Slight Layers, Predictions - "Montpellier Blues" </b><br /><br />
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1941875146/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=406447831/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://psychedelicsourcerecords.bandcamp.com/album/diviner-blues-sessions">Diviner Blues Sessions by Slight Layers, Predictions</a></iframe>
<br /><br />Improvised,
jazzy guitar-driven blues. Listened to this driving through Nebraska
yesterday and it made driving through Nebraska bearable.
</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>Tom's Tracks</b></span><br />
</p>
<p><b>Dream Unending - "In Cipher I Weep"</b></p>
<p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2284634550/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1666652200/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://listen.20buckspin.com/album/tide-turns-eternal">Tide Turns Eternal by Dream Unending</a></iframe>
Combine the death metal forces of Tomb Mold and Innumerable Forms and you get
Dream Unending. This combination plays borderline funeral doom metal with
plenty of the death metal evil to keep it infecting your your mind for the
months to come.
</p>
<p><b> </b></p><p><b>Colony Drop - "The Guillotine"</b></p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2084572470/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://colonydropband.bandcamp.com/album/the-demo">The Demo by Colony Drop</a></iframe>
<p>
Seattle based thrashers by way of Wolverine Blues-era Entombed are here to lop
off heads and take names doing so. If you like gang vocals and furious riffs,
then this track is for you and short enough to blast through over and over
again. Brutalitopia sucks!
</p>
<p><b> </b></p><p><b>Lucifer - "Bring Me His Head"</b></p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AvqLxL3hC_0" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe>
<p>
International rockers, Lucifer have had an incredibly quick turnaround to
their forthcoming <i>Lucifer IV</i>. The album drops in late October but this
is the lead single from the new one. As per the usual the guitar riffs explode
on contact, Johanna Sadonis' vocals are superb and Nicke Andersson's battery
work is incredible. If you like to rock out, then give it a spin.
</p>
<p><b> </b></p><p><b>Knife - "The Hallowed Chamber of Storms"</b></p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3500258189/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1558808215/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://dyingvictimsproductions.bandcamp.com/album/knife-knife">Knife - Knife by Dying Victims Productions</a></iframe>
<p>
German speed metal crew, Knife blaze a path forged with the blood of many
bands that played with a frenetic pace in the 1980's. Barely taking a breath
during this near 3 minute rager, Knife are a no-frills affair with enough
speed, frenzy and nostalgia to shake a stick at.
</p>
<p><b> </b></p><p><b>Unto Others - "Just a Matter of Time"</b></p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4c2sQZqidpk" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe>
<p>
Unto Others' sophomore release, <i>Strength</i> is exactly what fans of
<i>Mana</i> wanted as a follow up to that excellent debut. Gabe Franco's
vocals evoke the most excellent level of gothy darkness and the riffs and drum
work are more evidence of just how much of a well-oiled machine Unto Others
have become. Dark, brooding heavy rock music doesn't get much better than
this.
</p>
<p><b> </b></p><p><b>Carcass - "Wake Up and Smell The Carcass, Caveat Emptor"</b></p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=693649645/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2937863161/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://carcass.bandcamp.com/album/torn-arteries">Torn Arteries by Carcass</a></iframe>
<p>
<i>Torn Arteries </i>has been out for a little while now and it has taken root
as another massive success for this legendary act. This just happens to be my
favorite track, which could double as a <i>Swansong</i> b-side because it
rocks out loud and doesn't really care much for your judgement. A fitting
track for an album already residing near the top my list for 2021. </p><p> </p><p>- Mick, Durf, Tom <br /></p>
Brutalitopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548942312423354614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517694096190034221.post-62349591929373460992021-09-17T08:30:00.001-05:002021-09-17T08:30:00.168-05:00Durf's Weekly Workout # 29: September 17th, 2021<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiO6AYgz2JrBDwI5bAjgKvjxmCh5SIUeC5YKDDVIWHNnrU9WrfyxQz0UGP5kOMaCWURVjccGUqzqkCT-eU8tg24fMmnSsZNugASewhVbnKZzcTRGEQXHLa9ItF9skFOCI_D3viY4wLKTF/s468/DurfsWeeklyWorkout.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiO6AYgz2JrBDwI5bAjgKvjxmCh5SIUeC5YKDDVIWHNnrU9WrfyxQz0UGP5kOMaCWURVjccGUqzqkCT-eU8tg24fMmnSsZNugASewhVbnKZzcTRGEQXHLa9ItF9skFOCI_D3viY4wLKTF/s16000/DurfsWeeklyWorkout.png" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Well, today's the day. As you're reading this, the Casa de Durf is officially on the market to be sold. This was obviously the plan as soon as the Durfette and I decided to move, and we have been working hard on getting things cleaned and ready for showings, as well as decluttering, donating and getting rid of things we don't want to take with us, and generally just condensing as much of our life into cardboard boxes as we can. It has been more than a little stressful, slightly more challenging than I anticipated, and, sometimes, just a slight bit of fun, too (mainly because of the power washer. If you ever - EVER - have the opportunity to power wash <i>anything</i>, fucking do it). But now the house is on the market, and hopefully it will be sold before too long, and then we'll move away and in all realistic likelihood never see it again. And the other day, as I was mowing the lawn for perhaps the last time, I got a little nostalgic.<br /><br /></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: left;">This was the Durfette and I's first house; we had a condo in Chicago, but this was our first house with a yard and a driveway and an attic that I've still never been inside in three and a half years. The OG Durfling learned to walk in this house; if he gets a slight move on, Durfling 2 will learn to crawl here as well. We acquired outdoor cats with this house, and inexplicably one of them is still alive and kicking (he's an old cat, and at least twice I thought I was seeing him on death's door). We survived the worst (at least what I fucking hope was the worst) of the pandemic here. We lost the best dog anyone could ever have, much too soon, here, and we started teaching the OG Durfling to swim. The list goes on. And as I was mowing, thinking about the end of our time here and all that's transpired, I couldn't help but think of some lyrics from Mastodon's "<a href="https://youtu.be/Sdqpykf3fF4">Roots Remain</a>," from <i>Emperor of Sand</i>: "The end is not the end, you see/It's just the recognition of a memory." And that's what we have, memories of moments and events that happened while we lived in this house. It's a great house, and I'll miss the solitude and tranquility of the area we lived in, but those memories will come with us, and mean just as much to us in our new house in a state where I actually trust that my kids will get a real fucking education. So if you want to live in a great house for making memories, give me your money. Otherwise, let's get to the workouts!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><u>Monday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">
WHARFLURCH - <i>Psychedelic Realms ov Hell</i></span>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9GbAgm87IfBQ1GMGU4yz6WpP_UfPYu_Q-GZhrMFJayJu2Ov68yvXIxfQfGxog3UEfZlF0PonkOwFgeXtTkA3MybtInkQUdYc3j4g4zuZGVO8NnHpCvaKMZ0VrARTOVLR7HG5nrVGANOf/s700/whrflrch.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9GbAgm87IfBQ1GMGU4yz6WpP_UfPYu_Q-GZhrMFJayJu2Ov68yvXIxfQfGxog3UEfZlF0PonkOwFgeXtTkA3MybtInkQUdYc3j4g4zuZGVO8NnHpCvaKMZ0VrARTOVLR7HG5nrVGANOf/s320/whrflrch.jpeg" width="320" /></a>
</div>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
This is going to be one of those times where it seems like I'm being overly
negative, but I promise I'm not. It's just... look at that cover
art. Got it? Ok, now re-read the album title that accompanies that
cover art. Take the whole shebang in? So with that combination, I
was expecting this album to be a whole lot weirder and wilder. It was
definitely a solid death metal album, and it worked great as auditory fuel on
a Monday morning, but I guess I was just expecting a little more "off the
beaten path" insanity that it delivered. Which is probably why that
whole "Don't judge a book/album by its cover/title" thing exists. Also, I'm looking on bandcamp now, and it seems like there are two different versions of this album, so maybe the other one gets weirder? I don't know, and personally I'm still exhausted from Old Man Gloom's <i>Ape of God</i> mashed up single album/actually double album situation, so maybe on the drive from Idaho I'll listen to them back to back and see what's up. I'm sure my dad will <i>love </i>that. <i>Psychedelic Realms ov Hell </i>came out September 3rd, and is for sure
worth a listen with open ears.
</p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3053443056/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3841527891/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://wharflurch.bandcamp.com/album/psychedelic-realms-ov-hell">Psychedelic Realms ov Hell by WHARFLURCH</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Tuesday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">
Giant of the Mountain - <i>Mountain's Blood</i></span>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCm_vmK_HOCIJcs5CQ8TCh9AwFQPJSXcNtY5Ii31P1MNJDmiQL6nC4nAtm02NoQ38261If3k9gaudrOmLULepJzkUIi1cqjFpyrAP2-eUcEWLFDhAns4gUsggwBvvHgEdeuZlfdXYbJzwk/s700/gntfthmntn.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCm_vmK_HOCIJcs5CQ8TCh9AwFQPJSXcNtY5Ii31P1MNJDmiQL6nC4nAtm02NoQ38261If3k9gaudrOmLULepJzkUIi1cqjFpyrAP2-eUcEWLFDhAns4gUsggwBvvHgEdeuZlfdXYbJzwk/s320/gntfthmntn.jpeg" width="320" /></a>
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
I first came across Giant of the Mountain back in 2010 or 2011 with the
release of their debut EP. I was just starting to get into the metal
scene online, and I was stunned that no one seemed to know what band I was
talking about. I assumed that if I had found something, everyone else
must have heard it already, because even then I knew that I'd always be late
to the game. But no one else really had heard of Giant of the Mountain
yet, which made them mine in that way that people become possessive of music
that moves them. Because that first EP and the follow up full-length
<i>Mother Hydra</i> were absolutely my jam. Sludgy and raw with
vocals that ran that gamut from soaring to spine-tingling, I'm 99% sure those
two albums are the first I ever purchased on bandcamp, and I listened to them
a ton. So it's cool to see the band is still carrying on after a decade,
and not only that, but they're still bringing it hard and heavy too.
Makes me really happy, again in that same way of being overly possessive of
music that moves me. I highly recommend checking this band out if you
haven't; definitely an unheralded gem of the metal underground.
<i>Mountain's Blood </i>is out now.
</p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3236713701/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=448363843/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://carelessrecords.bandcamp.com/album/mountain-s-blood">Mountain’s Blood by Giant Of The Mountain</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Wednesday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Gespenst - <i>Die sidste færd</i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0mR8wO7e5BK6z96ERUt2OCynpZc20Wc4m-e3xNehEXIqh-iOYF0AhTuCYUIFV3qGtfP5YdBb3mPCfWasxt1ScubsOHkPIw0rzKZ5qyG-plb_R_wuZWW7GQ6GuX6Q1e9ouko_zX6jK3_N/s700/gspnst.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg0mR8wO7e5BK6z96ERUt2OCynpZc20Wc4m-e3xNehEXIqh-iOYF0AhTuCYUIFV3qGtfP5YdBb3mPCfWasxt1ScubsOHkPIw0rzKZ5qyG-plb_R_wuZWW7GQ6GuX6Q1e9ouko_zX6jK3_N/s320/gspnst.jpeg" width="320" /></a>
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
So even though I led this whole blog off talking about my last day of work,
because I keep a week's delay in posting, I was actually still working while
doing all of these workouts. And because we had to pour concrete at work
today, I had to be there at 3:30 in the morning, so this was a quick HIIT
workout at 2am. Which is somehow even less fun than it sounds.
Thankfully Gespenst was a great pick me up; a random bandcamp find,
<i>Die sidste færd </i>is mildly progressive black metal that doesn't slow
down or get super pensive, but also isn't just raw and aggressive with no
production. It's also the perfect length to listen to during a quick
workout, because you finish your last set right as the music ends, which is
just an added feeling of perfect accomplishment that helps you stay awake
until you're able to skip away from work for ten minutes to snag some
much-needed coffee at 7am. <i>Die sidste færd </i>came out September 3rd
on Vendetta Records.
</p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1075756445/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=168380462/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://vendetta-records.bandcamp.com/album/den-sidste-f-rd">Den sidste færd by GESPENST</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Thursday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">kosmonaut - <i>Event Horizon</i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcdyCtqrHwfjaSh1LCQdCXoz_os8AF38MPOoBCfDxVALD3DyAjLjQXuH3R8X06gHIflB4odn65282pa5fs0hu0-fpYUKED8FZ8WtE3QlkI9oqWUaX7UI_FXyNKAydfYdljh1tHZcvIwlC/s700/ksmnt.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtcdyCtqrHwfjaSh1LCQdCXoz_os8AF38MPOoBCfDxVALD3DyAjLjQXuH3R8X06gHIflB4odn65282pa5fs0hu0-fpYUKED8FZ8WtE3QlkI9oqWUaX7UI_FXyNKAydfYdljh1tHZcvIwlC/s320/ksmnt.jpeg" width="320" /></a>
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
According to their discography page on bandcamp, <i>Event Horizon </i>is
kosmonaut's <i>sixteenth </i>release... since <i>2019</i>. Which, shit
man; that's a lot. I was going to go through and count how many of those
are singles, how many are EPs, etc, but I have a house to pack and a toddler
who treats the <i>Cars </i>movies like his own personal heroin, so I don't
have time for that right now. Also, it doesn't matter, because even if
it's just sixteen singles, that's fifteen more songs than I've ever written,
and they've done it in two years instead of thirty-four. So I'm still
impressed. Plus, <i>Event Horizon </i>is most definitely not a single;
it's a heavy, trance-inducing album of stoner rock that on first glance
appears to be meandering aimlessly, going wherever the wind takes it, but the
more you listen and the deeper down the rabbit hole you go, the more focused
it feels, without losing that carefree sensibility. This was a good
workout album, it's a <i>great</i> packing album, and I'm pretty sure
it'll be a solid "driving through Wyoming" album in a couple of weeks.
<i>Event Horizon</i> is out now, and there's at least some chance that
kosmonaut has released another bit of music during the time it took you to
read this blurb.
</p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2720388846/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=768769151/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://kosmonautofficial.bandcamp.com/album/event-horizon">event horizon by kosmonaut</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Friday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Imperialist - <i>Zenith</i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62bih-4-4lipypzNAiF22RwgsJyzIQrXbKyKXnEWtYBTWSsBrFQHb18FgwCrgRXtRrbqX3mTBljWpCrI5uAmpXBJSFmWdX_PeDp69CCQ3c69bSmgXCb71ONm7cfTj6arKM3tK8W2o9vbg/s700/mprlst.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg62bih-4-4lipypzNAiF22RwgsJyzIQrXbKyKXnEWtYBTWSsBrFQHb18FgwCrgRXtRrbqX3mTBljWpCrI5uAmpXBJSFmWdX_PeDp69CCQ3c69bSmgXCb71ONm7cfTj6arKM3tK8W2o9vbg/s320/mprlst.jpeg" width="320" /></a>
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
So just like Wednesday, we poured concrete at 4am today, so I had to be at
work at 3:30. Unlike Wednesday, today was my last day, so I had
absolutely no intentions of staying any longer than I had to, so I let myself
sleep in until 2:15, knowing I'd get my workout in after work. Which I
did, although I was oddly more tired trying to lift at noon having already
worked than I was Wednesday doing a HIIT workout at 2am. Which seems
backwards, but whatever. I should probably just sleep a lot more than I
do. Described in the press release as "sci-fi black metal,"
<i>Zenith</i> tells a story that I couldn't really follow without reading
lyrics, but does so over groovy black metal riffs that I very much
could. <i>Zenith</i> is out November 26th on the one and only
Transcending Obscurity.
</p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=523296425/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1539592797/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://imperialistus.bandcamp.com/album/zenith-sci-fi-black-metal">Zenith (Sci-fi Black Metal) by IMPERIALIST (US)</a></iframe>
<div><br /></div><div><br />Another week in the books! Hope it was great for you and you have an enjoyable weekend coming up. See you next week with more jams, more lifts, and more brütal fun!</div><div><br /></div><div>- Durf</div>Brutalitopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548942312423354614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517694096190034221.post-26954021660212253912021-09-10T09:30:00.001-05:002021-09-10T09:30:00.193-05:00Durf's Weekly Workout # 28: September 10, 2021<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiO6AYgz2JrBDwI5bAjgKvjxmCh5SIUeC5YKDDVIWHNnrU9WrfyxQz0UGP5kOMaCWURVjccGUqzqkCT-eU8tg24fMmnSsZNugASewhVbnKZzcTRGEQXHLa9ItF9skFOCI_D3viY4wLKTF/s468/DurfsWeeklyWorkout.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiO6AYgz2JrBDwI5bAjgKvjxmCh5SIUeC5YKDDVIWHNnrU9WrfyxQz0UGP5kOMaCWURVjccGUqzqkCT-eU8tg24fMmnSsZNugASewhVbnKZzcTRGEQXHLa9ItF9skFOCI_D3viY4wLKTF/s16000/DurfsWeeklyWorkout.png" /></a></div>Well shit, that was a larger break than I anticipated. A whole bunch of
THINGS HAPPENING converged around my life over the past month, culminating in
my taking an extended hiatus from lifting, and then from writing about said
lifting. Which is ok, because as much as I love working out, and the
centering effects it has, sometimes you just gotta sleep after a crazy
day/week/month. Basically, the Durfette and I made the decision a couple
months ago that we were going to leave Idaho, and that we should do it sooner
than later. <br /><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: left;">What followed was an absolute maelstrom of getting the house
ready to sell, looking for a new job, and deciding where to live. Which
<i>seems</i> easy enough, until you consider we had to have the entire
interior of our house painted, the painter took a day and a half longer than
he said he would, he left our house a giant fucking mess that took another two
days to clean, I had to fly to our new to-be-home city of Nashville for a job
interview, we had to meet with realtors, the Durfette and I were still working
ten to twelve hour days, and <i>THEN </i>both Durflings came down with Hand,
Foot, and Mouth Disease. So... yeah, it's been a couple of weeks.
But that's ok. Things are sliding into focus now; we have a list date on
our house, we have a plan for getting from Boise to Nashville, the Durflings
are happy and healthy, I landed what amounts to my dream job with a great
company, and the house is in the process of being packed. Most important
for all of you, I'm now able to get back into the garage, pump some iron, and
rock some tunes, so I can share those experiences with you! Enough
<a href="https://youtu.be/uTfoti3t9lM">dilly-dillying</a>; let's get to it!
</p><div style="text-align: center;"><span></span><span></span><span></span> <u>Monday</u></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Serpent Column - <i>Katartisis</i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsudH2FTWBLKSa0FqY77oXp3nNFQAzciqtRcoAv-2QQwIjLI0x20kjXeXMZERKaT8yXdTYKM0zF0Lx_NT77Ys65b9ui18THh9BWtM2FfulGKCOH3ZzETYmiQ_TdSs0AHV7mM4CjuYMbHoI/s700/srpntclmn.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsudH2FTWBLKSa0FqY77oXp3nNFQAzciqtRcoAv-2QQwIjLI0x20kjXeXMZERKaT8yXdTYKM0zF0Lx_NT77Ys65b9ui18THh9BWtM2FfulGKCOH3ZzETYmiQ_TdSs0AHV7mM4CjuYMbHoI/s320/srpntclmn.jpeg" width="320" /></a>
</div>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
On Sunday night, I got my workout stuff ready for Monday morning, but I didn't
actually believe it was going to happen; even when my alarm went off and I got
up, I still was in disbelief. It wasn't until I had finished my coffee
and pre-workout protein shake and sauntered out to the garage that it hit me:
<i>holy shit; I'm going to get a workout in!</i> It was a great
feeling. Of course, then I realized that I needed some music, so I
hopped over to Bandcamp and just clicked on the first promising-looking album
I saw. Serpent Column is definitely playing black metal, but unlike the
long-form, atmospheric concoctions that have begun dominating the genre,
<i>Katartisis </i>is an aggressive jolt of adrenaline that comes at you quick
and hard. A lot of the more pensive black metal bands get me strolling
out of my garage during workouts, gazing at the stars and nature that surround
my house. And that's lovely; I honestly think seeing
<i>so many </i>stars is one of the things I'll miss most about Idaho.
But Serpent Column doesn't give a fuck about my wistful pre-nostalgia; Serpent
Column wants me to sweat and ache and get work done. I feel like due to
the song lengths, there's going to be some temptation to refer to
<i>Katartisis </i>as black-grind, and that's fine, but this feels like black
metal through and through, just black metal that knows a tight, blistering
minute-nineteen can be just as good for the soul as a thoughtful, meandering
twelve and change. <i>Katartisis </i>came out August 27th on
Dissociative Visions.</p><p style="text-align: left;">
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1220203698/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3490175816/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://serpentcolumn.bandcamp.com/album/katartisis">Katartisis by Serpent Column</a></iframe></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Tuesday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">
Sign of the Sorcerer - <i>Obsessions of the Vile</i></span>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9KimILpsgXEnb0ikhFT4dY58Ito6bmCBTsId6A-y1bgyaRxJb_ltiWMt5WjWmye5gpf51u3QtMfb29xjxOVU6eg4ubhuS6XFz6c-xErs3uKlYxjWDM6G3BnVqJ_czmK9QASJ6TskSANY/s700/sgnfthsrcrr.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9KimILpsgXEnb0ikhFT4dY58Ito6bmCBTsId6A-y1bgyaRxJb_ltiWMt5WjWmye5gpf51u3QtMfb29xjxOVU6eg4ubhuS6XFz6c-xErs3uKlYxjWDM6G3BnVqJ_czmK9QASJ6TskSANY/s320/sgnfthsrcrr.jpeg" width="320" /></a>
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
As I've gone through this journey of listening to as much music as humanly
possible this year, a couple of things have jumped out at me regarding my
listening habits. The first, which isn't super surprising, is that of
all the metal subgenres, black metal is far and away my favorite and
most-listened to. The second, which I guess also isn't super surprising,
is that I am all about psychedelic/stoner/groove doom-type bands. So
<i>Obsessions of the Vile</i>, the debut full-length album from Sign of the
Sorcerer, is absolutely my jam. Dark, fuzzy, evil-sounding jams permeate
the album, and in a year in which I've seen a whole lot of lo-fi black metal
albums about vampires, SotS' "Nosferatu" is far and away the best vampiric jam
I've heard yet. I gotta say, as excited as I am for our upcoming move to
Tennessee, learning this band is from nearby Knoxville is just adding to the
good vibes I'm feeling. <i>Obsessions of the Vile </i>came out August
25th, and it is absolutely going to get a lot of play 'round here as we
prepare to move across the country.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=4262289770/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=257643561/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://signofthesorcerer.bandcamp.com/album/obsessions-of-the-vile">Obsessions of the Vile by Sign Of The Sorcerer</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Wednesday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Shy, Low - <i>Snake Behind the Sun</i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCb3AJ8VYNtNDI0-jHUY_oUCeKH_Nc1yyWwG0rz15SMtcaxuzcrBZ5hUQuyhLSLmX_VZ8xVMgTPK_n9Qw4VfdNmU7vgpYa9jhTsP73HzM1NHDgZRNotaVwFx_GON06Bdon3vJvhX6e859/s700/sh%252Clw.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlCb3AJ8VYNtNDI0-jHUY_oUCeKH_Nc1yyWwG0rz15SMtcaxuzcrBZ5hUQuyhLSLmX_VZ8xVMgTPK_n9Qw4VfdNmU7vgpYa9jhTsP73HzM1NHDgZRNotaVwFx_GON06Bdon3vJvhX6e859/s320/sh%252Clw.jpeg" width="320" /></a>
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
Instrumental post-rock is my jam, and Shy, Low is no exception.
<i>Snake Behind the Sun</i> reminded me a lot of Brutalitopia favorite
Russian Circles, so much so that I texted Mick and said "Check out this Shy,
Low promo; it reminds me of Russian Circles." AND he agreed with my
assessment, so you know it's legit. This is post-rock that, yes, makes
me want to just sit and look at the stars, but also has a drive to it, an
urgency that doesn't always come across as heaviness, but is certainly
demanding of your attention and keeps you engaged. I was really quite
pleased with how <i>Snake Behind the Sun</i> functioned as a workout
album, and then again later as a sunny day driving album, and then again again
even later as a sit in quiet contemplation at the end of a long day with a
football game on in the background album. I was tremendously excited to
discover this band, which is awesome, because they have a ten year old
discography that I can dive into now, which I will, because this is really,
really good stuff. <i>Snake Behind the Sun </i>is out October 8th on
Pelagic Records.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1427219922/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=538796798/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://shylowmusic.bandcamp.com/album/snake-behind-the-sun">Snake Behind The Sun by Shy, Low</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Thursday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Minenwerfer - <i>Volkslieder</i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJK03q73JERHWImQbmhU71C5YHqFjw6ScC36C2hCq5LhL0IBRjrZi89va8ZLuS5VZUgdwuIHWs1bih2IxDMjq6v-f91bcuGtRQvvCEGcqpDLFNalsRj0w_HccqfwdLffgCh8z1k7LjMCqm/s700/mnnwrfr.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJK03q73JERHWImQbmhU71C5YHqFjw6ScC36C2hCq5LhL0IBRjrZi89va8ZLuS5VZUgdwuIHWs1bih2IxDMjq6v-f91bcuGtRQvvCEGcqpDLFNalsRj0w_HccqfwdLffgCh8z1k7LjMCqm/s320/mnnwrfr.jpeg" width="320" /></a>
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
It seems like recently there's been a deluge of artistic projects set during
World War I, which is great; growing up, I knew of dozens of books, movies, tv
shows, and even some albums that were all about World War II, but pretty much
nada on WWI. And it's nice that people are starting to pay attention to
the Great War, because it sounds like things were pretty fucked up and it was
absolutely horrific. Not that all war isn't pretty fucked up and
absolutely horrific, but even <i>moreso</i>. Anyway, Minenwerfer hail
from Sacramento, CA, and <i>Volkslieder</i> is an absolutely brutal black
metal album in every way possible. Truly punishing stuff that I was
ready to put close to the top of my Albums of 2021 list... until I learned
this came out in <i>2010</i>, rendering everything I just wrote pretty
moot. Except for the parts about <i>Volkslieder </i>kicking ass; that
part is still true. Holy shit man. I know I've said many, many
times that I'm bad at this, that I miss out on entirely too many bands, but to
be this blown away by an album that's over a decade old, by a band that I've
never heard of? Wow. So yeah, <i>Volkslieder </i>has been out for
over a decade, and it's really, really good, so you should listen to it.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=782096322/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1824051968/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://minenwerfer.bandcamp.com/album/volkslieder">Volkslieder by Minenwerfer</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Friday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Thrice - <i>The Artist in the Ambulance</i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeQpjYjHDZXAB2bSdD_b5dFvmgz9sMJ_leKt1lFwZ44cmZtEgBrVOLsxZBeHJRKY3xQo-9q9QbxXljs0xUnzdvGZTKEi7sUScweFtkf36G312R-ZryUAw5krhkuDw0m2RCqDQ9FVXerUX/s1400/thrc.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkeQpjYjHDZXAB2bSdD_b5dFvmgz9sMJ_leKt1lFwZ44cmZtEgBrVOLsxZBeHJRKY3xQo-9q9QbxXljs0xUnzdvGZTKEi7sUScweFtkf36G312R-ZryUAw5krhkuDw0m2RCqDQ9FVXerUX/s320/thrc.jpeg" width="320" /></a>
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
If you've been around for the past few months, you know we started doing a
monthly recap playlist post called
<a href="http://www.brutalitopia.com/2021/06/all-we-love-we-leave-behind-tops.html">All We Love, We Leave Behind</a>. I highly recommend you
<a href="http://www.brutalitopia.com/2021/07/all-we-love-we-leave-behind-tops.html">check it out</a>, because it's good and fun and you get to read people other than me, but
especially because I'm about to
<a href="http://www.brutalitopia.com/2021/08/all-we-love-we-leave-behind-tops.html">reference our most recent</a>
one, and if I knew you'd all read it, I wouldn't have to put this caveat
in. But I don't trust any of your shifty faces (<i>Ed. Note - We here at the Töp know it's not a good look to refer to our
readers as shifty, and we apologize. Unfortunately, tenure is easier
to get here than it is at most universities, so there's nothing we can do
about it except ask Durf </i>yet AGAIN<i> to refrain from insulting our readers in any way, shape, or form.)</i> and so I'll have to talk about it. Recently Thrice released a new
track that makes me feel cautiously optimistic about their upcoming
album. That cautious optimism must have carried over, because when I
woke up this morning, I was overcome with a desire to listen to some early
Thrice. <i>Vheissu</i> is my favorite Thrice, but it's a little too
sleepy in parts for a 2:30 workout, so I went with <i>Artist</i>. This
album is another fantastic one; front to back packed with energetic riffs,
tremendous drumming, and absolutely perfect emo/post-hardcore wails from
Dustin Kensrue. It's also packed with plenty of lyrics about how the
world is going to shit, but people are paying attention, so there's hope,
which lol; that didn't age well. <i>The Artist in the Ambulance </i>has
been out for like seventeen years, so you should probably already know what it
sounds like already, for fuck's sake. <i>(Ed. Note - Seriously, we're so sorry. We've been trying for years to
get some form of discipline, </i>ANYTHING<i> to stick, and there's nothing we can do)</i>
</p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FYIfSzkJHt4" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe>
<p style="text-align: left;">So that's the week! God it feels good to be back in the garage working
out and then typing all this out. Hopefully I'll be back to a consistent
routine for awhile; my last day of work in Idaho is today, and then I have a
couple of weeks off to get things ready to move, so I should definitely have
the time to make that a reality. Of course, then I drive to
Nashville and start my new job, so who knows what that's going to do to
things. So I guess we'll just take it week to week and see what
happens. In the meantime, keep lifting and keep jamming. Have a
great week.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">- Durf</p>Brutalitopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548942312423354614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517694096190034221.post-76680890420821278352021-08-31T09:28:00.001-05:002021-08-31T09:28:31.032-05:00All We Love, We Leave Behind : The Töp's Monthly Playlist, August 2021<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguMsmLZxm8eCrmbQta69y0NV1fMg1JlOPccoVhkUb0U_KqrLpvBeV3A18t1m83Vnknais_UWWFht0o4UR78Z_PtJPJ2rGKMT-SGbswn4AtWpageDDj6RxTEsAROSKmydN5I2v8oHayaT5/s500/AWLWLB_banner.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="500" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguMsmLZxm8eCrmbQta69y0NV1fMg1JlOPccoVhkUb0U_KqrLpvBeV3A18t1m83Vnknais_UWWFht0o4UR78Z_PtJPJ2rGKMT-SGbswn4AtWpageDDj6RxTEsAROSKmydN5I2v8oHayaT5/w400-h252/AWLWLB_banner.png" width="400" /></a>
</div>
<p> I can already hear the masses asking "what track did the Töp fight over for
their August playlist?!" Well, this month did not disappoint as there were TWO track disputes. Durf and Tom duked it out over Hooded Menace with Durf emerging the victor while Mick snuck in to claim Møl, leaving Durf a bit salty (despite him already having a Deafheaven track!). We all see the common thread here, right? Durf came out swinging this month. That figure of speech about having your cake and eating it too comes to mind.<br /><br />As a reminder of what this
post is all about : Affectionately named after the Converge album, this
monthly post will feature a collaborative playlist pinpointing tracks from
this year that have been in heavy rotation for us. You may see some end up on
our year-end lists. Some you won't. But rest assured they'll make for some
eclectic listening. We'll try to keep the tracks as recent as possible, but
you can at least bank on them being from this current year. Each of us will
present 6 tracks because three 6s = well... you know.<br /><br />
</p>
<span><a name='more'></a></span>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red;">Mick's Tracks</span></b><br />
</p>
<p>
<br /><b>Møl - "Photophobic"<br /></b><br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ooY2JtQ6NXc" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe>
<br /><br />I'll give it a few more tries
before I completely give up, but the new Deafheaven has yet to connect with
me. But that's ok because we always have Møl to fall back on. Their previous
album, Jord, was fantastic and "Photophobic" seems to be a good sign of things
to come. If you need that Deafheaven void filled, Møl is your answer.</p><p><br /><br /><b>Obscura - "Solaris"<br /></b><br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PA1CYWB0J5o" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe>
<br /><br />For better or for worse, Obscura has always been my measuring
stick for tech-death. Regardless of whether I dig or don't dig new Obscura
output, I do consistently enjoy how it acts as a state of the union of sorts
for the tech-death genre. Whether that notion is completely misguided or not,
I'm a little lukewarm on this new track "Solaris" but that doesn't matter.
It's good to hear new Obscura again.</p><p><br /><br /><b>Mountain Caller - "Beyond This Black Horizon"<br /></b><br />
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2300105519/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3936779864/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://mountaincaller.bandcamp.com/album/chronicle-prologue">Chronicle: Prologue by Mountain Caller</a></iframe>
<br /><br />What a great random Bandcamp find this was. Mountain Caller
dishes out instrumental progressive doom but in a way that doesn't lean too
heavily in either direction. It strikes an awesome balance of staying
interesting while also keeping plenty of groove.</p><p><br /><br /><b>Dream Theater - "The Alien"<br /></b><br />
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V462IsOV3js" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe>
<br /><br />Despite Dream Theater being a gateway band for me that I will
forever follow, I can say confidently say their last two outings were largely
forgettable. "The Alien", while nothing earth-shattering, is a much needed
redirect that is more in line with the kind of DT jams that keep me coming
back.</p><p><br /><br /><b>Unreqvited - "Funeral Pyre"<br /></b><br />
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=928343835/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=115189109/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://unreqvited.bandcamp.com/album/beautiful-ghosts">Beautiful Ghosts by Unreqvited</a></iframe>
<br /><br />This is
captivating stuff here. Burying the vocal shrieks of black metal underneath
these grandiose compositions of piano and intricate walls of guitar
distortion, Unreqvited achieves the "depressive black metal" tag not by
hammering on black metal's innate coldness but rather by creating uplifting
movements that cross over into the sublime. Did that make sense? Perhaps I
should have just said "it's so beautiful, it's sad."</p><p><br /><br /><b>Wolves in the Throne Room - "Underworld Aurora"<br /></b><br />
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1297040587/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3577680336/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://wolvesinthethroneroom.bandcamp.com/album/primordial-arcana">Primordial Arcana by WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM</a></iframe>
<br /><br />I'm not going to pretend like I'm some huge Wolves in the Throne
Room fan, but Durf and I saw them play an intimate show at the Empty Bottle in
Chicago 5ish years ago and I would easily rank it somewhere in my top 5
concerts ever...so I certainly "get it." Their new album, Primordial Arcana,
is phenomenal and upon my first listen gave me instant flashbacks to that
aforementioned show. </p><p> </p><p style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red;">Durf's Tracks</span></b>
</p>
<p><b>Between the Buried and Me - "Sfumato"</b><i> </i></p>
<p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xwUikJtmtNc" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe>
<i><br /><br />Colors II</i>, the new album from Between the Buried and Me, is a
lot. Like <i>a lot</i>. It's an ambitious album, so overstuffed
with ideas that I wonder if anything got cut at all, or if the band made an
eighty minute album just so it could fit everything in. Sadly, most of
these big swings are misses, and in all honesty the callbacks to
<i>Colors</i> were completely unnecessary and took me out of the new
album experience every time. That said, the album is not without merit,
and amidst all the bombast, all the kitchen sink AND THEN SOME approach,
"Sfumato," a tiny, sub-two minute track at the end of it all turned out to be
my favorite moment on <i>Colors II</i> by far.</p><p> </p>
<p><b>Mossgiver - "Embrace the Wrath of Wind" <br /></b></p>
<p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2168184337/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2799259053/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://sijmusicart.bandcamp.com/album/led-by-the-glowing-river">Led By The Glowing River by Mossgiver</a></iframe>
<br /><br /> Listen, if you make an atmospheric, semi-ambient black metal album with songs
over twelve minutes, there's a very good chance I'm going to dig what you're
putting down. If you do said musical stylings incredibly well?
Shiiiiiiiiiit, now you're just trying to make me fall in love, which is
exactly what Mossgiver does on their debut
<i>Led By the Glowing River</i>. I was hooked from jump street, and I
think you will be too. </p><p> </p>
<p><b>Hooded Menace - "Corpus Asunder"</b></p>
<p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=926048819/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=944108071/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://hoodedmenace.bandcamp.com/album/the-tritonus-bell">The Tritonus Bell by Hooded Menace</a></iframe>
<br /><br />Just insanely fun death/doom from a band that only ever puts out insanely fun
death/doom. <i>The Tritonus Bell </i>is a really cool album, and it's
great to have Hooded Menace back. I still think their name is an
uncircumcised penis joke, and I need more people to know I think that.
Speaking of dicks, I know I've been AWOL on Durf's Weekly Workout lately, and
that sucks. I'm hoping it will be back next week; things in the Durf
household have been super crazy as of late, but it seems like said craziness
is beginning to come in to focus, so hopefully we can all get back to lifting
and jamming together real soon. </p><p> </p>
<p><b>Woman is the Earth - "Spiritual Rot" </b></p>
<p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1217938287/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3836786133/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://womanistheearth.bandcamp.com/album/dust-of-forever">Dust of Forever by Woman is the Earth</a></iframe>
<br /><br />Ever since I saw this band perform "Brother of Black Smoke" at Fire in the
Mountains three years ago, I've loved them and wished more people would pay
attention to them. Seems like they're having a bit of a moment now;
their new<i> </i>album <i>Dust of Forever</i> is a fantastic listen,
and I've seen it mentioned in a few places, so hopefully that traction
continues. </p><p> </p>
<p><b>Deafheaven - "Villain" </b></p>
<p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=588603949/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2265050745/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://deafheavens.bandcamp.com/album/infinite-granite">Infinite Granite by Deafheaven</a></iframe>
<br /><br />I know I did a Deafheaven track last month, but I don't care.
<i>Infinite Granite</i> has continued to grow on me, and that's coming
from a place where I tremendously enjoyed it from the get go. I've now
listened to it half a dozen times, and it continues to unfold, revealing more
and more, and I imagine it will continue to show its nuance the next dozen or
so times I listen. </p><p> </p>
<p><b>Thrice - "Scavengers"</b></p>
<p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2720721540/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2466680858/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://officialthrice.bandcamp.com/album/horizons-east">Horizons / East by Thrice</a></iframe>
<br /><br />I've talked about my love of Thrice before, and how their early albums were a
big influence on my listening habits between high school and college. I
haven't loved an album of theirs in a long time, but they have a new one
coming out in a few weeks, and this first taste of it is incredibly
promising. Of course, I thought the same thing about that Chevelle
single from earlier this year too, and the rest of that album was...
lacking. So I'm optimistic about <i>Horizons/East</i>, but in a
cautiously guarded way.
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red;">Tom's Tracks</span></b><br />
</p>
<p><b>Filth Is Eternal - "The Chain"</b></p>
<p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3445792351/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=478924842/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://filthiseternal.bandcamp.com/album/love-is-a-lie-filth-is-eternal">Love is a Lie, Filth is Eternal by Filth is Eternal</a></iframe>
<br /><br />Seattle hardcore collective, Filth Is Eternal return with their first album
since they changed their name from Fucked and Bound.
<i>Love Is A Lie, Filth Is Eternal </i>is exactly what you want from a
hardcore band with a metallic edge, vocalist Lisa Mungo is straight fire
during the 20 minutes of this album and this is a quick hit of what the larger
picture holds. </p><p> </p>
<p><b>Beyond Grace - "Barmecide Feast"</b></p>
<p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1589641263/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3810327331/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://beyondgrace.bandcamp.com/album/our-kingdom-undone">Our Kingdom Undone by Beyond Grace</a></iframe>
<br /><br />Opening with a Barack Obama sample about trickle down economics, this track
very quickly picks up steam with the band's own brand of modern meets classic
death metal structure. Vocalist Andy Walmsley's guttural vocals are excellent
and vary with the different tempos provided throughout the album. Kudos to
their bass player as he provides plenty of tech death vibes by bouncing around
in the background and in the forefront depending on which part of the song we
are talking about. <i>Our Kingdom Undone</i> is the band's sophomore
album, out on 9/3. </p><p> </p>
<p><b>Mastiff - "Repulse"</b></p>
<p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WonAIjp1Y1I" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe>
<br /><br />Mastiff come as a new band to me even if their
<i>Leave Me The Ashes of the Earth </i>is their third proper album. "Repulse"
will sound familiar to fans of All Pigs Must Die, Converge and even Mantar to
an extent. Ample amounts of doom intersperse the sludge and hardcore, making
for an exceptionally muddy album overall, one that does what it sought out to
do. The end of the track is vile with shrieked vocals and slows down to a
pained crawl. This is what you want from this combination of genre.</p><p> </p>
<p><b>Bummer - "JFK Speedwagon"</b></p>
<p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=594972887/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2161939618/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://bummerkc.bandcamp.com/album/dead-horse">Dead Horse by BUMMER</a></iframe>
<br /><br />Kansas City, MO's Bummer are another new find and an oddity on this list.
Bummer provide a very tongue-in-cheek version of noise rock with plenty of
notable song titles like "I Want To Punch Bruce Springsteen In The Dick" for
starters. The relatively tame "JFK Speedwagon" has all of the mechanics you
come to expect from noise with stop-and-go riffs and their own vocal style for
backup. A really fun album overall. </p><p> </p>
<p><b>Wraith - "Cloaked In Black"</b></p>
<p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NHxp8f5_9pQ" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe>
<br /><br />In a year without Midnight, there is Wraith whose sound on
<i>Undo The Chains</i> comes across as a less fun, more satanic version
of the aforementioned Midnight. This is black metal with a side of in your
face punk attitude. This song and album as a whole is chock full of goodies
like this and sure to get you to hell in an instant. </p><p> </p>
<p><b>Carcass - "Dance of Ixtab"</b></p>
<p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/34uxC0cfQc4" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe>
<br /><br />Carcass' first album in 8 years comes out in a month, so excuse me if I went
back to the band again. <i>Torn Arteries</i> is a great album in its own
right, "Dance of Ixtab"<i> </i>is the latest single by the band, so I'm
inviting you to follow the same journey as the rest of the populous has been.
Relatively mid-tempo, this track tends to rock out with guitar solos and
keeping it tame, I assure you the rest of the album isn't quite at this speed,
but changing up the formula once in a while has worked for Carcass before,
wouldn't you say?
</p>
<p> </p>
<p>- Mick, Durf, Tom <br /></p>
Brutalitopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548942312423354614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517694096190034221.post-61380118597972003502021-08-06T09:30:00.024-05:002021-08-06T09:30:00.162-05:00Durf's Weekly Workout # 27: August 6th, 2021<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiO6AYgz2JrBDwI5bAjgKvjxmCh5SIUeC5YKDDVIWHNnrU9WrfyxQz0UGP5kOMaCWURVjccGUqzqkCT-eU8tg24fMmnSsZNugASewhVbnKZzcTRGEQXHLa9ItF9skFOCI_D3viY4wLKTF/s468/DurfsWeeklyWorkout.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiO6AYgz2JrBDwI5bAjgKvjxmCh5SIUeC5YKDDVIWHNnrU9WrfyxQz0UGP5kOMaCWURVjccGUqzqkCT-eU8tg24fMmnSsZNugASewhVbnKZzcTRGEQXHLa9ItF9skFOCI_D3viY4wLKTF/s16000/DurfsWeeklyWorkout.png" /></a></div>I teased this a couple weeks ago, and at the time, my choice to extol the virtues of the greatest pop song ever written was absolutely the correct one. But now, my friends, the time has come, as this is obstensibly a blog about music <i>and </i>working out, which means we can't ignore or avoid it anymore. It's time to talk about stretching.<br /><br /><p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: left;">If you've ever played a sport or done any tertiary reading on fitness, you know that there are a <i>lot</i> of thoughts on stretching. Some people say you should stretch before you workout. Some people say you should stretch after. Don't bounce when you stretch. Actively stretch. Work your bigger muscles first. Go top to bottom. Go bottom to top. It's a whole thing, and it can be overwhelming, to the point where I honestly just stopped thinking about it and doing it for awhile. But then my back started tightening up, and trying to touch my toes became even harder, so I figured I should probably start stretching again. I decided to do a fifteen minute stretch routine after my workouts, and honestly, I'm surprised at not only how much better I feel, but how much I enjoy it. I can feel myself getting more limber, I'm almost to my ankles when I try and touch my toes, and my back hurts far, far less than it had. So I guess the moral of this story (you can see why I talked about "Dragula" instead, right?) is that you should stretch, some way, some how, before/during/after your workout. On to the tunes! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><u>Monday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Bizarre - <i>Invocation Codex</i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIsfzvxD-SSXChQGxg-UnTVkrFCE2LK4oE8dLV0LIlgB915chQZaL_YT9VYFm4rMV7LCFc4hzZS-OVi-Ebt1FwzfBj1c1P6e9hDyNpEqF4wPjbZbnXqy5oStzbUjhffIUDEtZW_EO9NE-/s700/bzrr.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDIsfzvxD-SSXChQGxg-UnTVkrFCE2LK4oE8dLV0LIlgB915chQZaL_YT9VYFm4rMV7LCFc4hzZS-OVi-Ebt1FwzfBj1c1P6e9hDyNpEqF4wPjbZbnXqy5oStzbUjhffIUDEtZW_EO9NE-/s320/bzrr.jpeg" width="320" /></a>
</p><p style="text-align: left;">Self-described as "Lovecraftian Death Metal," the Spanish Death metallers in Bizarre bring a roaring assault of thrashy death from the Iberian Peninsula into your earholes, wherever they may be. Constantly shifting, with intricate melodies occasionally popping up under the ruckus, <i>Invocation Codex </i>is a promising debut, and Bizarre look to be a band that isn't afraid to push the boundaries of death metal in a lot of fun and interesting directions. <i>Invocation Codex </i>is out October 20th via (who else?) Transcending Obscurity.</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1971395250/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2274438763/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://bizarredeath.bandcamp.com/album/invocation-codex-lovecraftian-death-metal">Invocation Codex (Lovecraftian Death Metal) by BIZARRE (Spain)</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Tuesday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Eternal Valley - <i>Kingdom of Misery</i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpJlWaMVI6ICwnKEhEGm7wuYgKIxDTX9ait5F14uRgLpeKxxQ3QhptBX9_KkUAR3PRiuv4kJg4u8BPMd3pqGAS7FxN3-UhLiZ-lXeW1aRz4ZL7sGBuqK9Amrm00mcI8WZ1y2aZja9sTKx/s700/trnl+vlly.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghpJlWaMVI6ICwnKEhEGm7wuYgKIxDTX9ait5F14uRgLpeKxxQ3QhptBX9_KkUAR3PRiuv4kJg4u8BPMd3pqGAS7FxN3-UhLiZ-lXeW1aRz4ZL7sGBuqK9Amrm00mcI8WZ1y2aZja9sTKx/s320/trnl+vlly.jpeg" width="320" /></a>
</p><p style="text-align: left;">Atmospheric black metal that doesn't <i>quite</i> sink to the depressive levels indicated by its title, <i>Kingdom of Misery</i> is the second album from one-man Portland outfit Eternal Valley. If you guys have been paying attention at all, you can already tell that this is one hundred percent my jam based on that sentence alone, and you're not wrong. Shimmering synths or guitars float ethereally over blast beats, guitars scream their riffs in agony, and the haunted, aggrieved vocals give <i>Kingdom of Misery</i> that overflow of feels that I just can't get enough of in my black metal. <i>Kingdom of Misery</i> is out now.</p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3561504249/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://eternalvalley-northernsilence.bandcamp.com/album/kingdom-of-misery">Kingdom of Misery by Eternal Valley</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Wednesday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">
Intestinal Hex - <i>The Exalted Chambers of Abhorrence</i></span>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJEf4ghj5aRLuF8la5BeyKCEUQMCYHqu8SGCAKjpXrm2V5Lukk8hj3u-32_8c1SmyzKg0bYP_15pkzZVeYc0KTjUAkwy_gh95xeEODf_8D8CfWtvagCP7hN2JA7rtsWAKoomwEIwN8mic/s700/ntstnl+hx.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEJEf4ghj5aRLuF8la5BeyKCEUQMCYHqu8SGCAKjpXrm2V5Lukk8hj3u-32_8c1SmyzKg0bYP_15pkzZVeYc0KTjUAkwy_gh95xeEODf_8D8CfWtvagCP7hN2JA7rtsWAKoomwEIwN8mic/s320/ntstnl+hx.jpeg" width="320" /></a>
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
I mean, <i>obviously</i> I'm going to listen to a band called Intestinal
Hex; I don't even care what they sound like or if they're any good, that name
is too spot on for me to pass up. But Intestinal Hex is absolutely
wonderful; as brutal as a Crohn's Flare with riffs that ebb and flow and
threaten to rip your guts out and leave them spilled on the pavement (you're
in a parking lot in this scenario). It's aggressive, terrific death
metal that toes the line of being too much, but never crosses it, leaving you
with a content feeling of being just titillated enough with revulsion, but
ultimately incredibly satisfied with the vicious havoc Intestinal Hex hath
wrought. <i>The Exalted Chambers of Abhorrence </i>is out now, and will
absolutely fuel your workouts to a better place.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2160147052/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1336734634/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://intestinalhex.bandcamp.com/album/the-exalted-chambers-of-abhorrence">The Exalted Chambers of Abhorrence by Intestinal Hex</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Thursday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Wormwitch - <i>Wolf Hex</i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5K6d_-NUdhsU-CR8KOPu6VhOYeauAZSF5G_7YzDHkEeweXgydF6oE8Xoq84k_8jHS8hVwIrwFqu3-QSPbS3o_GL2aH05XYC4mV1EzbwnTRNM3gkpQsMqJ5ddyrMivWbjuD6rof6FNo21/s700/wrmwtch.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid5K6d_-NUdhsU-CR8KOPu6VhOYeauAZSF5G_7YzDHkEeweXgydF6oE8Xoq84k_8jHS8hVwIrwFqu3-QSPbS3o_GL2aH05XYC4mV1EzbwnTRNM3gkpQsMqJ5ddyrMivWbjuD6rof6FNo21/s320/wrmwtch.jpeg" width="320" /></a>
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
I'm gonna be brutally honest right off the bat: my first listen of
<i>Wolf Hex</i>, during an otherwise great leg day, severely underwhelmed
me. Don't get me wrong, it was very, very good, but after
<i>Heaven that Dwells Within</i>, my expectations for Wormwitch are insanely
high. So I sat on it for a couple of days, and then one morning as I was heading out the door to work, I threw it on in the car. Yeah, clearly I wasn't paying enough attention during that lifting session, because <i>Wolf Hex</i> is incredible. Wormwitch continue to warp and twist their thrashy, blackened death metal amalgamation into something that's nearly undefinable, but undeniably excellent. There have been four albums so far this year that have captured my attention and been the only thing I listen to outside of workouts for a week or more, and now <i>Wolf Hex </i>is the fifth. On my second listen. Slow learner, this one. <i>Wolf Hex </i>is out TODAY, so you should get on it, and which also means I can learn the song names because they'll show up on my car through Apple CarPlay, which they don't when streaming promos!!!</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3855448963/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1911855202/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://wormwitch.bandcamp.com/album/wolf-hex">WOLF HEX by Wormwitch</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Friday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Lantlôs - <i>Wildhund</i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEdQ3frtKjKQ3ZnKVc6JsAgDkXBILSvBLMAfG5DM2GVQb3vBvzOKSGUH8sAaA0OCQAqejWKsMu5WBG3LJMHHiqfR-NmLz6Ca3r4oK9yTDalpFa7KknAXQaLBYlVrITI78qGAlh0eOvMDU/s700/lntls.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEdQ3frtKjKQ3ZnKVc6JsAgDkXBILSvBLMAfG5DM2GVQb3vBvzOKSGUH8sAaA0OCQAqejWKsMu5WBG3LJMHHiqfR-NmLz6Ca3r4oK9yTDalpFa7KknAXQaLBYlVrITI78qGAlh0eOvMDU/s320/lntls.jpeg" width="320" /></a>
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
I had never heard of Lantlôs until a post on the veritable NCS, and upon
hitting a wall on Bandcamp and having no promos I wanted to go after, I
decided to give this one a shot. It's pretty fun; sunny black metal in
the vein of Alcest or Astronoid with some pretty excellent clean singing above
all the riffs and hullabaloo. Definitely not the best workout choice, especially for a Friday after an insanely exhausting week, but I really, really enjoyed the music; most importantly, <i>Wildhund </i>definitely seems poised to be a Durfette cross-over band, which means I'm gonna be listening to it a lot. <i>Wildhund </i>came out last Friday.</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=386941174/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1514822901/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://lantlos.bandcamp.com/album/wildhund">Wildhund by Lantlôs</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Saturday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">
Underdark - <i>Our Bodies Burned Bright Upon Re-entry</i></span>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbx098OUFHhQNXslxZybmKPEM7LLjCwUvEQOfncvp_jmXFcrgeE_aU9oOwF5MXVuywoCQ7lipZgOS8G7twsUz33ndG0iweoFJMgIoRlRD4HnzH8-8cL5AwbPzAskyFIxCtDMp3YipMr3wh/s700/ndrdrk.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbx098OUFHhQNXslxZybmKPEM7LLjCwUvEQOfncvp_jmXFcrgeE_aU9oOwF5MXVuywoCQ7lipZgOS8G7twsUz33ndG0iweoFJMgIoRlRD4HnzH8-8cL5AwbPzAskyFIxCtDMp3YipMr3wh/s320/ndrdrk.jpeg" width="320" /></a>
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
"Wait, Saturday?" I can hear you saying, and then you follow up with "And am I
high or was there a Saturday entry in last week's half-assed post too?"
Well, first of all, that's rude, even though you're right, and secondly yes,
there was a Saturday entry last week, and this week as well. Work, in
their infinite wisdom, has decided that 50+ hours Monday through Friday is
insufficient, and we need to come in for a few hours on Saturday as
well. A quick peek behind the curtain for Saturday construction work:
Half the crew will be hungover, the other half will oversleep and be late, and
the whole crew will not want to be there, so production is less than
efficient. But whatever; we get things done, and the overtime pay is
always nice. And since I already have to get up, I figured why not throw
a quick HIIT workout in to start my day. I've really enjoyed starting my
last two Saturdays like this; I don't know if I'll make the effort to wake up
before the Durflings to do it if I don't have to work on Saturday, but since
they're saying we're working Saturdays "for the foreseeable future," it sounds
like I don't have to worry about that for a minute. As for the music,
Underdark does a pretty solid atmospheric black metal that is more aggressive
and intense than shoegazy, so it was pretty great for a quick and sweaty
thirty. <i>Our Bodies Burned Bright Upon Re-entry </i>is out now on
Tridroid Records.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1700048237/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=754061626/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://tridroid.bandcamp.com/album/our-bodies-burned-bright-on-re-entry">Our Bodies Burned Bright on Re-entry by Underdark</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
And another solid week in the books! This was a pretty varied week
musically, but definitely a solid one lifting-wise, and I hope it was the same
for you!
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">-Durf</p>
Brutalitopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548942312423354614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517694096190034221.post-82448106450758283982021-07-30T09:48:00.001-05:002021-07-30T09:48:07.861-05:00Durf's Weekly Workout # 26: July 30th, 2021<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiO6AYgz2JrBDwI5bAjgKvjxmCh5SIUeC5YKDDVIWHNnrU9WrfyxQz0UGP5kOMaCWURVjccGUqzqkCT-eU8tg24fMmnSsZNugASewhVbnKZzcTRGEQXHLa9ItF9skFOCI_D3viY4wLKTF/s468/DurfsWeeklyWorkout.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiO6AYgz2JrBDwI5bAjgKvjxmCh5SIUeC5YKDDVIWHNnrU9WrfyxQz0UGP5kOMaCWURVjccGUqzqkCT-eU8tg24fMmnSsZNugASewhVbnKZzcTRGEQXHLa9ItF9skFOCI_D3viY4wLKTF/s16000/DurfsWeeklyWorkout.png" /></a></div>A sixty hour work week, late (for me) nights, 2am workout wake ups, 100 degree
temperatures, smokey skies, both Durflings out of nowhere deciding that sleep
is for suckers, yard work, consults with professionals about additional yard
work, and quite honestly a little bit of poor time management all conspired
together to make this blog post an exercise in persistence to just
<i>finish</i>. Which is probably a good lesson about perseverance, but
I'm probably grasping there. Either way, this is probably the shortest
Durf's Weekly Workout yet, and I deeply, deeply apologize to the amazing bands
below who deserve so much more than I was able to give them this week.
<br /><br /><p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Monday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Fetid Zombie - <i>Transmutations</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKXnx0kAsRNBL_qzgtMwOPFOFlkUIVPFXLL_q0H_OT0xUDsmRxZOiM0GflhstllWsfA_18uDgl5dDk9FQwqZAClFcYv7md94tXHgkKAfcawgquRYsObq8bhylPVllb8kHxIoj9ifBHifI/s700/ftd+zmb.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKXnx0kAsRNBL_qzgtMwOPFOFlkUIVPFXLL_q0H_OT0xUDsmRxZOiM0GflhstllWsfA_18uDgl5dDk9FQwqZAClFcYv7md94tXHgkKAfcawgquRYsObq8bhylPVllb8kHxIoj9ifBHifI/s320/ftd+zmb.jpeg" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">I've listened to enough Transcending Obscurity bands to sort of recognize the
label's sound, and Fetid Zombie is the platonic ideal of TO death metal, which
is to say it's gnarly as fuck and will leave your neck sore and your head
crushed to a pulp.</span></div><p></p></span><p></p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=644289284/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=4076782439/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://fetidzombiedm.bandcamp.com/album/transmutations-death-metal">Transmutations (Death Metal) by FETID ZOMBIE (US)</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Tuesday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Noltem - <i>Illusions in the Wake</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAMeWgPJWqcgVexXdddkwZBSOGpiggOgPtBijLuU_t8zRXO9Iqp5saker2YkznA_JUe5ld2ld3FTEQz4NPo0vad2EPkXOGzL-weOd1AIu5ngQ86qzaOo_eSVac63NNNOAdz2BS9BP1K_5/s700/nltm.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoAMeWgPJWqcgVexXdddkwZBSOGpiggOgPtBijLuU_t8zRXO9Iqp5saker2YkznA_JUe5ld2ld3FTEQz4NPo0vad2EPkXOGzL-weOd1AIu5ngQ86qzaOo_eSVac63NNNOAdz2BS9BP1K_5/s320/nltm.jpeg" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
...Transcending Obscurity <i>black metal</i> bands, on the other hand,
are a little more diverse, as evidenced by Noltem. Unlike, say,
Plasmodium, Noltem is a lot more atmospheric; I found myself wandering out and
starting up at the stars quite a bit during this workout. Also love that album art.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=321622096/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3688194279/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://noltemband.bandcamp.com/album/illusions-in-the-wake-atmospheric-black-metal">Illusions In The Wake (Atmospheric Black Metal) by NOLTEM (US)</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Wednesday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Hexorcist - <i>Evil Reaping Death</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKTt34LP2ynG4XHyBqxtcaF1aW9unG_67HYaynFTDiGOwQYqWAs2T57jFpg7ilg4yfeZFK2KGSs0UiH16borvtuqpMXOiHbUECoZI-i0d8-JjrOKLq0KI3hHOHbrfWwEC5VvXvW9wYM5z/s700/hxrcst.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPKTt34LP2ynG4XHyBqxtcaF1aW9unG_67HYaynFTDiGOwQYqWAs2T57jFpg7ilg4yfeZFK2KGSs0UiH16borvtuqpMXOiHbUECoZI-i0d8-JjrOKLq0KI3hHOHbrfWwEC5VvXvW9wYM5z/s320/hxrcst.jpeg" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
I owe the biggest apology of all to Hexorcist, because all I can think to say
about <i>Evil Reaping Death</i> is that it is exactly what you think it
is when you hear that name in just the absolute best way.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=514591863/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=4148256162/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://hexorcist.bandcamp.com/album/evil-reaping-death">Evil Reaping Death by Hexorcist</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Thursday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Korpituli - Ancient Spells of the Past</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJ3jUosskwGNqYlsMUiU6d5ijsBPvJlJ1gjZzORsgOhNqEMwd5e84FHxn-zztB1ZcJTca1HJ5w3mFFluSXwW_cCdyxabuTFxebYuHOUg95kFqCmPiZwCFOJXwQpxMKg-_rFzFrKtd9As5/s700/krptl.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJ3jUosskwGNqYlsMUiU6d5ijsBPvJlJ1gjZzORsgOhNqEMwd5e84FHxn-zztB1ZcJTca1HJ5w3mFFluSXwW_cCdyxabuTFxebYuHOUg95kFqCmPiZwCFOJXwQpxMKg-_rFzFrKtd9As5/s320/krptl.jpeg" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
Pretty exciting melodic black metal that harkens back to the first (or is it
second?) wave bands while also doing its own thing. Less atmospheric or
ambient than just really, truly melodic.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=4033601504/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1279416397/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://korpituli.bandcamp.com/album/the-ancient-spells-of-the-past">The Ancient Spells Of The Past by Korpituli</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Friday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Lykhaeon - <i>Opprobrium</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Bz-zeLHvNuMx1OAnLM3zUWcgEt_vnF2gOJhcel-P-EH58CAtF58ZTcR52v9icBaF5aweJKNyRlvWU7y0ocmPjOLn9yYRd6ONjWfddcyzqBDWV1RzW3FD8yYv4XFoliY-n62GIXRoy40k/s700/lkhn.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Bz-zeLHvNuMx1OAnLM3zUWcgEt_vnF2gOJhcel-P-EH58CAtF58ZTcR52v9icBaF5aweJKNyRlvWU7y0ocmPjOLn9yYRd6ONjWfddcyzqBDWV1RzW3FD8yYv4XFoliY-n62GIXRoy40k/s320/lkhn.jpeg" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
I remember thinking that <i>Opprobrium</i> reminded me a lot of listening
to a Behemoth album, only without that nagging voice in the back of your head
reminding you that Nergal is just a shit. Dark, serious black metal that
goes to some really, really cool places.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2381560108/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2633976913/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://lykhaeon.bandcamp.com/album/opprobrium">Opprobrium by Lykhaeon</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Saturday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Solipsism - <i>Cruelty and Necrospection</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWhxnee7ETtPhlm4bV0rNBCGqbEMPwcgOFaAhiUT2Du36AGaJgH7aOFh1B73l6nJU8o9cIR0f9i9u-hYnFC1oZbNPYFDR3gjoivDn0bqeeoixTG-S4ffd7hLRVZ20l3SdifDgNYVTD_XP/s700/slpssm.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWhxnee7ETtPhlm4bV0rNBCGqbEMPwcgOFaAhiUT2Du36AGaJgH7aOFh1B73l6nJU8o9cIR0f9i9u-hYnFC1oZbNPYFDR3gjoivDn0bqeeoixTG-S4ffd7hLRVZ20l3SdifDgNYVTD_XP/s320/slpssm.jpeg" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
Rollicking raw black metal album, but despite that intended lack of
production, there is a lot more melody here than I was anticipating.
Like a staggering amount, especially based on what I initially thought I was
getting in to.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1771772449/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=394424371/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://solipsismbm.bandcamp.com/album/cruelty-necrospection">Cruelty & Necrospection by Solipsism</a></iframe>
<div><br /></div><div>So that's it; once again my apologies to the bands above, who really all deserve better. Go buy their albums to make up for my mistakes; you'll feel good about yourself. I'll be back next week and try to do better; maybe I'll just write about "Dragula" again.</div><div><br /></div><div>- Durf</div>Brutalitopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548942312423354614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517694096190034221.post-32812580242004988552021-07-29T11:00:00.001-05:002021-07-29T11:00:00.175-05:00All We Love, We Leave Behind : The Töp's Monthly Playlist, July 2021<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguMsmLZxm8eCrmbQta69y0NV1fMg1JlOPccoVhkUb0U_KqrLpvBeV3A18t1m83Vnknais_UWWFht0o4UR78Z_PtJPJ2rGKMT-SGbswn4AtWpageDDj6RxTEsAROSKmydN5I2v8oHayaT5/s500/AWLWLB_banner.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="500" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguMsmLZxm8eCrmbQta69y0NV1fMg1JlOPccoVhkUb0U_KqrLpvBeV3A18t1m83Vnknais_UWWFht0o4UR78Z_PtJPJ2rGKMT-SGbswn4AtWpageDDj6RxTEsAROSKmydN5I2v8oHayaT5/w400-h252/AWLWLB_banner.png" width="400" /></a>
</div>
AWLWLB has made it to its second iteration. Huzzah! However, not all is well in
paradise. As you'll learn from the description of the first track, having three
cooks in the kitchen is not without its consequences. As Durf put it in a group
chat of ours : "I love the acrimony these posts produce." Perversely, this may
be the fuel that keeps the fire of this monthly post going.<br />
<p></p>
<p>
As a reminder of what this post is all about : Affectionately named after the
Converge album, this monthly post will feature a collaborative playlist
pinpointing tracks from this year that have been in heavy rotation for us. You
may see some end up on our year-end lists. Some you won't. But rest assured
they'll make for some eclectic listening. We'll try to keep the tracks as
recent as possible, but you can at least bank on them being from this current
year. Each of us will present 6 tracks because three 6s = well... you know.<br /><br />
</p>
<span><a name='more'></a></span>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red;">Mick's Tracks</span></b>
</p>
<p><b>King Woman - "Boghz"</b></p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1155069937/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2545824984/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://kingwoman.bandcamp.com/album/celestial-blues">Celestial Blues by King Woman</a></iframe>
<p>
It seems the emerging trend for this post is that at least one track is a
product of the dibs rule. Last month, Durf beat me to the punch on Panopticon
and this month I beat Tom to King Woman. I'd like to think "Boghz" makes a
good soundtrack to next month's inevitable rat race between the three of us
but that wouldn't do this track justice. Striking an excellent balance between
ambiance and doom, King Woman's <i>Celestial Blues</i> is equal parts hypnotic
and crushingly-heavy. It also officially comes out tomorrow so you should
check it out!<br />
</p>
<p>
<b><br />Edoma - "Herald of Death"</b>
</p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3022584357/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=787064285/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://edoma.bandcamp.com/album/immemorial-existence">Immemorial Existence by Edoma</a></iframe>
<p>
Blackened death metal is the name of the game for Russia's Edoma. No frills
here, just pummeling rhythms with grungy guitar tones on top. It's
straightforward, but all the more enjoyable for that very reason.<br />
</p>
<p>
<b><br />Wormwitch - "Abracadabra"</b>
</p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3855448963/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1911855202/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://wormwitch.bandcamp.com/album/wolf-hex">WOLF HEX by Wormwitch</a></iframe>
<p>
Black metal is something that has never graced my workout playlists, with
Wormwitch being the exception. <i>Heaven that Dwells Within</i> had black
metal grit but also had catchy riffs forrrrrrrrrr dayyyyyyyssssssss. Their
upcoming album, <i>Wolf Hex</i>, comes out August 27 and I couldn't be more
excited.<br />
</p>
<p>
<b><br />Trivium - "In the Court of the Dragon"</b>
</p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ybekW8fZHH0" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe>
<p>
I've said my piece more than once on this blog about how Trivium is one of my
gateway bands that I'll go to bat for any day of the week. With the release of
this new track, that sentiment remains rock-solid.<br />
</p>
<p>
<b><br />Succumb - "Okeanos"</b>
</p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2923603602/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3616416279/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://succumb.bandcamp.com/album/xxi">XXI by Succumb</a></iframe>
<p>
I was a big fan of Succumb's self-titled 2017 debut, so imagine my delight
from just a couple days ago after discovering they have a new album dropping
in late September. Whether you have a itch for black metal, death metal, or
grind, this will scratch all of them for you at once.<br />
</p>
<p>
<b><br />White Ward - "Embers"</b>
</p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1983539033/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2314286865/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://whiteward.bandcamp.com/album/debemur-morti">Debemur Morti by White Ward</a></iframe>
<p>
White Ward does the whole jazz saxophone mixed with black metal thing in a
fashion that has yet to get old. "Embers" is the last song on a two-track EP
so do yourself a favor and just listen to the first track as well.<br />
</p>
<p> </p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>Durf's Tracks</b></span>
</p>
<p><b>Withered - "The Predation"</b></p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=4500226/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2533974074/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://withered.bandcamp.com/album/verloren">Verloren by Withered</a></iframe>
<p>
Proggy, riffy, blackened death metal that hits a groove that threatens to drag
you into the depths of your mind like a riptide.
</p>
<p>
<b><br />Musk Ox - "Inheritance (Part II - Hindsight)"</b>
</p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3614555706/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=275465083/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://muskoxofficial.bandcamp.com/album/inheritance">Inheritance by Musk Ox</a></iframe>
<p>
Man, <i>Inheritance</i> is an absolutely stunning album, a powerful,
cathartic display of power and emotion that completely and totally overwhelms
and consumes the listener. Make no bones about it, this is my favorite
non-metal album in quite some time, and "Inheritance (Part II - Hindsight)" is
a big part of that, a whopping seventeen minute track that serves as a not
quite microcosm of everything that makes <i>Inheritance </i>so great.
</p>
<p>
<b><br />The Devouring Void - "False Awakening"</b>
</p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1713114154/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3561213843/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://thedevouringvoid.bandcamp.com/album/hypnagogic-hallucinations">Hypnagogic Hallucinations by The Devouring Void</a></iframe>
<p>
I realized the other day that Ulcerate is basically my baseline descriptor for
dissonant blackened death metal, which is really pretty lazy of me and I
should do better. But I don't have time for that right now, so The
Devouring Void is like if Ulcerate just smoked <i>bushels </i>of peyote and
then you ate a whole bunch of shrooms and then listened to it. Highly
recommended.
</p>
<p>
<b><br />Vouna - "Highest Mountain"</b>
</p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=301695973/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2669487468/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://vouna.bandcamp.com/album/atropos">Atropos by Vouna</a></iframe>
<p>
It seems like blackened doom is having a moment lately, and Vouna is a huge
part of that. I honestly had no idea what this was, and tried listening
to it while mowing the lawn; it was not very inspiring for yard work, but it
was absolutely beautiful and stunning.
</p>
<p>
<b><br />The Grasshopper Lies Heavy - "A Cult that Worships A God of Death,
Parts I-IV"</b>
</p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=79627152/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3876585411/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://thegrasshopperliesheavy.bandcamp.com/album/a-cult-that-worships-a-god-of-death">A Cult That Worships A God Of Death by The Grasshopper Lies Heavy</a></iframe>
<p>
I've written about TGLH before, and I spent that space focusing on their
striking and quite frankly bonkers name. So no more of that; instead
lets just focus on their striking and quite frankly stunning music, shall we?
</p>
<p>
<b><br />Gråt Strigoi - "Ex Nihlo"</b>
</p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2062289688/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1097565900/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://gratstrigoi.bandcamp.com/album/communion-of-the-nameless">Communion of The Nameless by Gråt Strigoi</a></iframe>
<p>
Halfway through this song I texted Mick, telling him that he had to listen to
this album, because it was giving me serious Altar of Plagues vibes.
That should be all anyone needs to hear to check it out, so I'm not sure I
need say more here.
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b> </b></span>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>Tom's Tracks</b></span>
</p>
<p><b>Severed Boy - "Pooling"</b></p>
<iframe style="border: 0; width: 500px; height: 120px;" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3253892146/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=579994778/transparent=true/" seamless><a href="https://severedboy.bandcamp.com/album/tragic-encounters">Tragic Encounters by severed boy</a></iframe>
<p>
This tracks lets Severed Boy rips a death/doom laced piece of misanthropy,
with about as much ferocity as you would expect a duo to be able to. The
ambient section of noise and riffs helps to fill a somewhat Neurosis sized
void in your life with ample sludge vibes for days.
</p>
<p>
<b><br />Dungeon Serpent - "Necroscope"</b>
</p>
<iframe style="border: 0; width: 500px; height: 120px;" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1669260307/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1490165853/transparent=true/" seamless><a href="https://dungeonserpentmdm.bandcamp.com/album/world-of-sorrows">World of Sorrows by Dungeon Serpent</a></iframe>
<p>
Remember when melodeath was beginning and there was no fanfare and it actually
sounded borderline evil? Neither do I, we were all young once. But 1 man act
Dungeon Serpent would like to spread the word of bands like Edge of Sanity and
Dawn with you. "Necroscope" is a beautiful kick to the gut, the melody is
present but this track is chock full of riffs that don't or shouldn't quit.
This is a band to watch very closely.
</p>
<p>
<b><br />Go Ahead and Die - "Truckload Full of Bodies"</b>
</p>
<iframe width="500" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HjCMyT4Bsm4" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p>
If I were to mention the Max Cavalera you will undoubtedly think about early
Sepultura and Soulfly among other project, but much like Soulfly has become in
recent years, Go Ahead and Die features Max and now son Amadeus plus Khemmis
drummer Zach Coleman to deliver a death thrash assault akin to something from
the late '80s and with this opening track we are here for it.
</p>
<p>
<b><br />Witch Vomit - "Purulent Burial Mound"</b>
</p>
<iframe style="border: 0; width: 500px; height: 120px;" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2337250905/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1830135849/transparent=true/" seamless><a href="https://listen.20buckspin.com/album/abhorrent-rapture">Abhorrent Rapture by Witch Vomit</a></iframe>
<p>
Portland death metal assault crew Witch Vomit return with a new EP, <i>Abhorrent Rapture</i> which perfectly showcases the band's constant evolution within the same
death metal structure. Pounding away at skulls with great accuracy for what
makes this classic sound so iconic. This opening track will more than whet the
appetite of the even the most decomposed body.
</p>
<p>
<b><br />Sallow Moth - "Chalice of the Void"</b>
</p>
<iframe style="border: 0; width: 500px; height: 120px;" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1079662380/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3174582654/transparent=true/" seamless><a href="https://sallowmoth.bandcamp.com/album/stasis-cocoon">Stasis Cocoon by Sallow Moth</a></iframe>
<p>
Dallas, Texas based one man death metal act, Sallow Moth is the brain child of
Garry Brents and his love of a particular brand of death metal. Chugging riffs
carry "Chalice of the Void" towards the end before falling back in the
cataclysmic void itself. The album is barely over half an hour with the intent
to hit hard and fast and move on to more technical wizardry. A solid sophomore
release.
</p>
<p>
<b><br />Drawn and Quartered - "Death's Disciple"</b>
</p>
<iframe style="border: 0; width: 500px; height: 120px;" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3215837358/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1864721381/transparent=true/" seamless><a href="https://krucyator.bandcamp.com/album/congregation-pestilence">Congregation Pestilence by DRAWN AND QUARTERED</a></iframe>
<p>
Ending with more death metal because Mick copped my King Woman pick, we have
Seattle based long running death metal machine Drawn and Quartered whose 8th
album proper <i>Congregation Pestilence</i> is the source of said
material. If you haven't heard the band before (I hadn't) consider this
bludgeoning meat and potatoes affair a reason to dig deeper because this is a
rough slab of sanguine death metal.
</p>
<p> </p>
<p>- Mick, Durf, Tom <br /></p>
Brutalitopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548942312423354614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517694096190034221.post-46696340235436919012021-07-23T10:01:00.000-05:002021-07-23T10:01:12.424-05:00Durf's Weekly Workout # 25: July 23, 2021<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiO6AYgz2JrBDwI5bAjgKvjxmCh5SIUeC5YKDDVIWHNnrU9WrfyxQz0UGP5kOMaCWURVjccGUqzqkCT-eU8tg24fMmnSsZNugASewhVbnKZzcTRGEQXHLa9ItF9skFOCI_D3viY4wLKTF/s468/DurfsWeeklyWorkout.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiO6AYgz2JrBDwI5bAjgKvjxmCh5SIUeC5YKDDVIWHNnrU9WrfyxQz0UGP5kOMaCWURVjccGUqzqkCT-eU8tg24fMmnSsZNugASewhVbnKZzcTRGEQXHLa9ItF9skFOCI_D3viY4wLKTF/s16000/DurfsWeeklyWorkout.png" /></a></div>You'd think I'd start a list of topics for these intro blurbs, instead of just
waiting for some half-assed (and occasionally whole ass) inspiration to fire a
shot across my bow. But no, if I think of something fun to write about
while I'm at work or driving, I follow that thought up with one about how if
it's good, I'll remember it later. So now I'm sitting here trying to
write something entertaining, and it's all just non-starters. I've
really become enamored with golfing lately? Who cares; everyone has
hobbies. The Durfette went to a Happy Hour with some work friends the other night, and I
managed to put BOTH Durflings to bed successfully? I mean, that's one hell of
a flex, so it sort of fits the whole "workout" theme of these posts, but
nobody really wants to hear about me singing "Ten Little Dinosaurs" until my
throat bleeds, so that's out. Even these two ideas are just feints, my
futile attempts at drumming up something interesting to talk about, clearly to
no avail. So, I dunno, you guys wanna talk about stretching routines, or
how "Dragula" is pretty much the greatest pop song in written history?<br /><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>Yeah, me too. I'm pretty sure the first time I heard "Dragula" was in
<i>The Matrix</i>, but it's been inescapable ever since. The first
single from Rob Zombie's debut solo album <i>Hellbilly Deluxe</i>, "Dragula"
has been a staple on rock radio for over twenty years (hoooooooly shit), and
I've never gotten sick of it once. Not ever. It's perfect, three
minutes and forty-two seconds of head bopping fun, complete with catchy hooks
and inescapable groove. Here, listen to it for yourself; I'm sure you've
heard it within the past 24 hours, but this time really sit and
<i>listen</i> to it.<br /><br /><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EqQuihD0hoI" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe><p></p><div><br /></div><div>See? You went into this wondering what I was talking about, but then you <i>really listened</i> and you're like "Yeah, Durf's on to something here." That whine starting everything off, letting you know something is coming, something ominous but <i>exciting</i>. The Christopher Lee vocal sample, amping up the eerie revelry to borderline uncomfortable levels. Then the drums kick in; the synth-backed, driving backbone of this song that keep it rocking heavy and super danceable. The vocals, somewhere between singing and street-corner barking, coalescing into a growl for the chorus that sounds mean and angry but underneath it all you <i>know</i> Mr. Zombie is just having so much fun that he's probably smiling in the recording booth as he slams in the back of his Dragula. The structure is super simple, pop music at its core: Intro, verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, verse, chorus, bridge, dig through the ditches and burn through the witches and slam in the back of his Dragula until the end. There's no filler, and why should there be; he packs more wallop and attention-grabbing bits in the eight seconds after the first chorus than some bands put on entire albums! Listen again if you don't believe me; the way those drums just hit and dance and grab your attention and make you realize that yeah, that's great and this song is your home now, because you never want to leave. And all that's just about the song; we haven't even discussed the absolute pure bonkers '90s-ness of the music video (and we won't, because it's indescribable). </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not here to say Rob Zombie is perfect, or that he's the end all be all of music; honestly, I can do without a lot of his catalogue, and his movies leave me feeling similarly "meh;" his horror-obsession and phantasmagoric ambiance seems like the kind of thing that would translate to infinite coolness, but then you remember the guy who did <i>Pineapple Express</i> made a better <i>Halloween</i> movie than he did, for God's sake. But I'm also not here to dog Rob Zombie, who has made some pretty solid records, at least one movie that's pretty much perfect for what it is, and who has also done what The Beatles never did, what Michael Jackson never did, what Beyoncé never did, and what Taylor Swift never did, and that is write "Dragula," the greatest pop song ever. Here's to another twenty-three years (again, hooooly shit) of digging through the ditches and burning through the witches; I don't suspect it will ever get old. And now, on to the workouts!<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> <u>Monday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Withered - <i>Verloren</i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYX41lkThrMdIYsdu-FtuPc0iyJZU8FeAmECYyna8ashJ-0unlvEW63hW1HzDSsyBOSlIh0mHQxqXVg3mts99npw2IXCKD_KeWFtmsz7evNZg9XL_GENAId33w7gLEk52vIodc-NbhBYv/s700/wthrd.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVYX41lkThrMdIYsdu-FtuPc0iyJZU8FeAmECYyna8ashJ-0unlvEW63hW1HzDSsyBOSlIh0mHQxqXVg3mts99npw2IXCKD_KeWFtmsz7evNZg9XL_GENAId33w7gLEk52vIodc-NbhBYv/s320/wthrd.jpeg" /></a>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">If you read last week's post, you're already aware that I did not work out
today, and that unlike the majority of my Rest Week, I actually thoroughly
enjoyed not waking up and hitting the grind first thing. I woke up
feeling pretty well-rested at 4:30, quietly and slowly sipped my coffee, and
got my breakfast ready. Maybe I'll have to take a weekend trip heading
into every Rest Week, instead of going out of one. Ah well. I'll
keep working on it. But not lifting doesn't mean not listening, and my
commute album today was certainly a doozy. Accurately described as
"masters of tortured blackened death metal," Withered are yet another of
those seemingly infinite bands that I've heard about for years but never
checked out until now, causing wave after crushing wave of regret and
self-flagellation to cascade over my shameful brow. </span><i style="text-align: left;">Verloren</i><span style="text-align: left;"> is certainly tortured, as its crushing riffs are buried in a
depressive, anguished atmosphere, but the most impressive part of the album
to me is how the band allows space to slow down and let moments
breathe. There's a level of dissonance to this death metal that really
fits the cut of my jib, but the fact that Withered doesn't just pummel you
with riffs and instead lets your head out of the mud to breathe a little
before you continue to get suffocated by their oppressive bleakness... yeah,
it's super gnarly. And who knows, maybe this is how Withered has
always sounded, but I'm just late to the party. Either way, </span><i style="text-align: left;">Verloren</i><span style="text-align: left;"> came out June 18th on Season of Mist, and you should listen to
it.</span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=4500226/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=385256010/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://withered.bandcamp.com/album/verloren"
>Verloren by Withered</a
></iframe>
</div>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Tuesday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Norse - <i>Ascetic</i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_UU26nzrCxv6wYNqttaF3L4vPsUHparr67jHBmK9QHeX4NCy-0Xlv2gUw0ozanhnopFiWAbmHQeggjZnla9lh1cS8ulR2yZLRoBd2JyFoT0eDrpsHN_2iN7GnWD6adjhx8rjqG3B52lV/s425/unnamed+%25285%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="425" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_UU26nzrCxv6wYNqttaF3L4vPsUHparr67jHBmK9QHeX4NCy-0Xlv2gUw0ozanhnopFiWAbmHQeggjZnla9lh1cS8ulR2yZLRoBd2JyFoT0eDrpsHN_2iN7GnWD6adjhx8rjqG3B52lV/s320/unnamed+%25285%2529.jpg" /></a>
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
Another band I've never listened to (that is a five-time recurring theme this
week, spoiler), Norse is a dissonant black metal band from Australia, which is
one of those series of words that just seems designed specifically for
me. <i>Ascetic</i> is pitch black metal that at times veers into
cosmic ambiance, which again, is pretty much my jam. But it's also
incredibly nerve-wracking, and I'll tell you why if you're new. I work
out early in the morning, in my garage, listening to a Bluetooth
speaker. The garage is underneath the Durfling II's room, and he's a
pretty good sleeper, but often times when I start getting sucked into a
spacey, ambient passage of an album like <i>Ascetic</i>, I'll turn the volume
up and just get lost in the groove, before dropping weights on myself in a
blind panic when the blastbeats start kicking, petrified that I'm going to
wake up the baby. Living with young kids is just living in fear, guys;
that has nothing to do with working out, that's just a life fact. And if
you're going to be living in a world of pure, unbridled terror, you may as
well have a fitting soundtrack, which is where Norse and
<i>Ascetic</i> come in. Look at that, full circle. Sadly,
you'll have to wait until October 8th(!) for the one and only Transcending
Obscurity to release this bad boy. But trust me, it's worth the
wait.
</p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bwVky4hK7Nc" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Wednesday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Dungeon Serpent - <i>World of Sorrows</i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gJFhjaYLwsPidq8jIci0-VC-ln9OtgMfkRgfyfVVnJZhlM8nifKU3mnSyF8DM3Y6oAvygm_yDq8wQhio-4dehnpAFBEpzPjbxUyhD8qT9NZK8EFkgm0P5rm8pFYdh4KkC_cUwFdwW4wv/s700/dngnsrpnt.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0gJFhjaYLwsPidq8jIci0-VC-ln9OtgMfkRgfyfVVnJZhlM8nifKU3mnSyF8DM3Y6oAvygm_yDq8wQhio-4dehnpAFBEpzPjbxUyhD8qT9NZK8EFkgm0P5rm8pFYdh4KkC_cUwFdwW4wv/s320/dngnsrpnt.jpeg" /></a>
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
Because I slept in oh so righteously on Monday, I pushed my workout schedule
back a day, so Wednesday became chest and back day. Shockingly, given
all the other proclivities and neuroses that I have around my workout routine,
doing this doesn't bother me at all. Of course then I start to wonder
why <i>this</i> thing of all things doesn't bother me while all the other
ones do, and then my day is just boned down a rabbit hole of overthinking
things that are, quite honestly, really fucking stupid. Thankfully for
this day, I had Dungeon Serpent and their brand of all over the map death
metal to take my mind off of my mind. <i>World of Sorrows</i> is an
absolute blast, moving from crushing, in your face death metal, to
progressive, melodic death metal, to groovy, riff-driven death metal and back
and forth and to and fro without care for boundary or regard for the musical
whiplash of the listener. The title track at one point dives into a
segment that brings to mind <i>Morningrise-era </i>Opeth, which is incredible,
and then before you're even finished processing that, it's on to an orgy of
tremolo riffs and growling, gnarly bass, and you don't even miss the Opethy
part, because what's happening now is terrific, but then it comes
<i>back</i> at the end and you're just so happy to see it again, like an
old friend you just met. It's just so <i>cool</i> and it sounds
effortless, and honestly, <i>World of Sorrows</i> is filled with moments
like that, things that jump out on repeated listens and keep the album feeling
fresh each time you restart it. <i>World of Sorrows</i> came out
last Friday, July 16th on Nameless Grave Records, and just in case I didn't
put too fine a point on it earlier, you should listen to it.
</p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1946724633/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=289911294/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://desertwastelands.bandcamp.com/album/world-of-sorrows"
>World Of Sorrows by Dungeon Serpent</a
></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Thursday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Elles </span><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: red;">Vārti</span> - <i>Elles Vārti</i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vhD5zABpmON63As0Y7zU5aGilr8VoGxE0s22CepkY-Zny-_-g0tLDx3FDN9sUvVc5b2EybraI8GyXpl19JilHcLBO7HPI1Hyy0tdp3pBQ_lLLmKF__DuSaXudzhmXqi51qI8KV2ibkX4/s700/llsvrt.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3vhD5zABpmON63As0Y7zU5aGilr8VoGxE0s22CepkY-Zny-_-g0tLDx3FDN9sUvVc5b2EybraI8GyXpl19JilHcLBO7HPI1Hyy0tdp3pBQ_lLLmKF__DuSaXudzhmXqi51qI8KV2ibkX4/s320/llsvrt.jpeg" /></a>
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
I feel like blackened death metal has been a thing forever, but it seems like
lately I've been seeing more and more blackened <i>doom</i> metal.
Whether that's a case of my just missing things that have been around for two
decades (uh, Withered) or because it's really an emerging trend in bands is a
cow's opinion; all that matters is that I'm digging it super hard. Case
in point, the self-titled debut (I think) from Latvian band Elles Vārti.
There are definitely black metal elements, but they are completely utilized in
service of a crushing, oppressive doom assault that completely overwhelm your
senses. Honestly, this album hit me really hard; the skies over Boise
are choked with smoke and ash from a handful of massive fires burning in the
Western US, and <i>Elles Vārti</i> sounds like a world ablaze, like
watching a landscape consumed by flame, hoping that the burn can be contained
but in the back of your mind knowing the inevitability of complete consumption
by the flames is only a matter of time. Sure, that's a lot of
projection, and I have absolutely no idea what the band was trying to convey,
but <i>Elles Vārti </i>sounds a whole lot like what I imagine the end of all
things sounds like, which is a staggering achievement. Not sure this one
is going to get a whole lot of plays around these parts, but I feel like when
I want what it offers, there aren't many better albums I could turn to.
<i>Elles Vārti </i>came out June 28th.
</p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2106783401/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3630886825/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://ellesvrti.bandcamp.com/album/elles-v-rti"
>elles vārti by elles vārti</a
></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Friday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">
The Devouring Void - <i>Hypnagogic Hallucinations</i></span>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1C4OpzIFfOWhfdiH8ABeRiFZDDqDkPUVUm-2rLHE_A0MXDCnswROzPJsg6POjraeeQm1rvQOyOIveiS-FBvYk2REyjUVYK2jIvOXe8UxLf7dsmgsHWOrSFJEsHnq1sa0T64sMZluus5-/s700/dvrngvd.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS1C4OpzIFfOWhfdiH8ABeRiFZDDqDkPUVUm-2rLHE_A0MXDCnswROzPJsg6POjraeeQm1rvQOyOIveiS-FBvYk2REyjUVYK2jIvOXe8UxLf7dsmgsHWOrSFJEsHnq1sa0T64sMZluus5-/s320/dvrngvd.jpeg" /></a>
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
I woke up this morning with absolutely no idea what I was going to listen to,
which is a little rare; usually I have an album in mind, or a couple of albums
that I've scoped out and need to choose between. But today I had
nothing, and I don't even have staying up to watch <i>Top Chef</i> on
Thursdays to blame anymore! I went to Bandcamp and just settled on the
first thing I saw that looked appropriately ominous,
<i>Hypnagogic Hallucinations</i> by The Devouring Void. And boy
howdy did Dio smile upon me with that selection. Quite by accident, I
managed to go 5/5 in albums that don't quite pigeonhole into one genre, are
heavy, dissonant, ambient, and brutal at different points, and all of which
absolutely shred. The Devouring Void are a black/death metal band from
Australia (which tracks) and Portugal (which is a fun, pleasant surprise), and
unless my reading comprehension has evaporated completely,
<i>Hypnagogic Hallucinations </i>marks their fifth release since
<i>July of 2020</i>, which is insane.
<i>Hypnagogic Hallucinations</i> bears no marks of fatigue or a drop in
creativity, however; it's a stellar album that feels like a descent into
madness, with little quirks and touches that move in and out of the enormous
riffs and bellowing vocals. The hypnotic riff that opens "Paracusia" is
a stand out example; it's a catchy, looping riff that soon gets swallowed by
blast beats and distortion, but it still pops through <i>just </i>enough to
lodge itself in your brain, but not so much that you don't question whether or
not it's actually still playing or if you just think it is. This is
good, harrowing stuff that shouldn't be missed, and
<i>Hypnagogic Hallucinations </i>came out July 5th, so you can go ahead and
not miss it anytime!
</p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1713114154/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2060321603/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a
href="https://thedevouringvoid.bandcamp.com/album/hypnagogic-hallucinations"
>Hypnagogic Hallucinations by The Devouring Void</a
></iframe>
<p style="text-align: left;">
What an absolutely fantastic week of music; honestly, I'd be hard pressed to
come up with a better (or bleaker, honestly) week of tunes from the DWW
archives. Hopefully everything you listened to this week hit you as hard
as these five albums hit me, and that you in turn proceeded to then hit the
weights even harder. I feel relatively certain that there are no former
DWW albums coming out today (I looked and everything!), so we'll be back at it
next week; for now be well and have a great weekend.
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">-Durf</p>
</div>Brutalitopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548942312423354614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517694096190034221.post-797897582011122972021-07-16T09:30:00.001-05:002021-07-16T09:30:00.186-05:00Durf's Weekly Workout # 24: July 16th, 2021<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWd6Vaun-hGL0T6BZ2HIC5-_dsREn6KBhUQtv2tusGfEs_NmZoPPhBz8PkPWeJ5gR3TbM96ENqGBL-k-J7s6GwCEWbAWYiBoPu2-IKpccVGWLtb1jH1bpFSpqcR1eoQ2dy0w0ImrToR_9/s468/DWW_RestWeek.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWd6Vaun-hGL0T6BZ2HIC5-_dsREn6KBhUQtv2tusGfEs_NmZoPPhBz8PkPWeJ5gR3TbM96ENqGBL-k-J7s6GwCEWbAWYiBoPu2-IKpccVGWLtb1jH1bpFSpqcR1eoQ2dy0w0ImrToR_9/s16000/DWW_RestWeek.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, last week was insane, for a few reasons, all of them pretty fun. I
had a friend come in for the Fourth of July weekend, which was spent swimming,
grilling, and watching the first two-thirds of
<i>Independence Day</i> (that movie is <i>loooong</i>, and after
entertaining a toddler in 100 degree heat all day, you're spent). Then,
after he left Tuesday morning, the Durfette and I immediately had to start
preparing for a trip to Deer Lodge, Montana to visit her mom and her mom's
husband. We left Friday morning at 3am, because it's a 7.5 hour drive,
and we wanted to have as much time there as possible before we left Sunday
morning to come back. Due to my buddy being in town through Tuesday, and
the rapid-pace nature of our trip the following weekend, I decided it was the
perfect time to throw down on a vitally important, but often overlooked
component of a fitness routine: the rest week. <br /></div></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>A quick, cursory Google search shows that rest weeks are recommended typically
every 8 to 10 weeks of heavy lifting, which, whoops. Evidently lifting
puts strain on your neuromuscular and immune systems, so it's beneficial to
give yourself a week to recuperate and get those systems back on track.
Which makes sense. But that's the science, which we all know doesn't
always equate with our all-important <i>feelings</i>. Because I gotta
tell you, taking a rest week was <i>hard</i>. Pretty much every day,
with the exception of Friday, when I was on the road at 3am, I felt guilty for
not lifting. My mind felt as though I had skipped my morning
coffee. The three days I worked, I felt overly aggravated, as though I
was constantly stressed and every little thing that went wrong was blown way
out of proportion. It was very weird, slightly alarming, and not at all
the relaxing respite I had been anticipating. I would lay in bed before
falling asleep and wonder if I should just set my alarm and get up and do <i>something </i>physical. In fact, it wasn't until
this past Monday, after a long drive home from Montana, where I actually was
genuinely looking forward to sleeping in
and <i>not</i> lifting. Part of that, I'm sure, is that I am
very much a creature of habit, and I know that I react poorly to my routine
being thrown off. Part of it is probably tied into what I
<a href="http://www.brutalitopia.com/2021/06/durfs-weekly-workout-21-june-18th-2021.html">talked about a few weeks ago</a>; with no workouts, that fear that pushes me found other outlets into my life
in which to dwell and percolate. Whatever the reason, my restless rest
week proved to me that I need to add them into my routine; at ten weeks, my
next rest week should happen September 21-24th. I'm going to start
mentally preparing now.
<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">
Just because I didn't lift doesn't mean I didn't listen to any music, so here
are some random things I stuffed into my ears last week. Enjoy!
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">
The White Stripes - <i>White Blood Cells (Deluxe Reissue)</i></span>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJqzsMr_41G8lFXIAXfeXbcMh2gpnvM7OWj4DwWQAB276aO6TL2086lVlKsV53fVWoUjVoAbS51MHmPwPu8349gd4yMAJ1pOS7iTL-06yckOxT14lgBcKFfrkmCc8A0HtWxwTNBugukzX/s640/whtstrps.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJqzsMr_41G8lFXIAXfeXbcMh2gpnvM7OWj4DwWQAB276aO6TL2086lVlKsV53fVWoUjVoAbS51MHmPwPu8349gd4yMAJ1pOS7iTL-06yckOxT14lgBcKFfrkmCc8A0HtWxwTNBugukzX/s320/whtstrps.jpeg" /></a>
</div>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
And that's a BIG left turn right out of the gate! I am not, nor have I
ever been, much of a White Stripes fan, but I have a very good friend who
<i>loves</i> them, and he told me that I should listen to this reissue,
if only for the live concert of the whole album that follows the original
album. Tim... never question our friendship, because I listened to the
whole thing. And you know what? I didn't hate it. I
definitely didn't love it, it didn't give me some epiphany of "Holy shit;
<i>this</i> is what I've been missing out on for 20 years?!?" but I have
absolutely listened to things during this weekly exercise that I've enjoyed
less. My issue remains, it seems, with Jack White. Jack White is
like a hobo masturbating on the subway on your way home from work; you know
your sole reaction shouldn't be revulsion, because there are a myriad of
issues at play to cause a man to go to town on himself in public like that, be
they mental health problems, or socioeconomic conditions, or addiction or drug
withdrawals, or the stress of homelessness, or countless others that you are
too privileged to even think of, but you don't care about any of that when
he's groaning and just <i>really</i> pounding away on his sin stick, you
just want him to stop and OH MY GOD DID YOU JUST MAKE EYE CONTACT?!?!?!
...what was I talking about? Oh right, Jack White, the masturbating hobo
of nü-blues rock. Anyway, clearly my issues with the man are in no way
grounded in reality, and it's just one of those things I'm weird about, like
tech death or cheese on my eggs. Jesus, this is really what my mind does
when I don't work out. <i>White Blood Cells</i> has been out
for twenty years, the Deluxe Reissue came out last month, and maybe sometime
I'll listen to the one with "Seven Nation Army" and see if it provokes the
same insane ramblings regarding Jack White, the perils of homelessness, and
subway masturbation.
</p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PKfD8d3XJok" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">At the Gates - <i>The Nightmare of Being</i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kjCIoBc76o6xeqAKYqkOlx12fti9q4hsFarq-aWpO7tpb_bxL76UilWN_CKQzKY9MS3NdDPE3h3khra7gpiZEZ7w6zgxoztmQx_UyP8hIwEON9yBbdzcW2L7Kzj6qvyr-S14HfutRNyG/s600/tthgts.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kjCIoBc76o6xeqAKYqkOlx12fti9q4hsFarq-aWpO7tpb_bxL76UilWN_CKQzKY9MS3NdDPE3h3khra7gpiZEZ7w6zgxoztmQx_UyP8hIwEON9yBbdzcW2L7Kzj6qvyr-S14HfutRNyG/s320/tthgts.jpeg" /></a>
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
I've never been as high on At the Gates as I probably should be;
<i>Slaughter of the Soul </i>is unquestionably dope, but if I'm being honest I
like <i>The Jester Race</i> and every other pre-<i>Whoracle </i>In Flames
album more. <i>To Drink From the Night Itself</i> was cool, and
seeing the band at MDF in 2014 was certainly a hoot, but they just aren't a
band that really means that much to me. For whatever reason though, Tom
said something about <i>The Nightmare of Being</i> being weird and
different for them, and I instantly was onboard. And you know
what? This might be my favorite At the Gates album; it's got some old
school Swedish melo-death sounds and grooves, but also isn't afraid to get
funky. I honestly don't know that I've ever heard a bass guitar groove
and slither on a melo-death album like this; it sounds like Flea did a whole
bunch of qualuudes in like 1996 and then quit the Chili Peppers to play for
the Deftones. Which is not to say that
<i>The Nightmare of Being </i>sounds like the Deftones, or the Red Hot Chili
Peppers, but it's just that slinky funky bass tone. Anyway, if you like
At the Gates, I have no idea how you'll feel about this one, but to me, it
felt exciting and fresh, which is really all anyone can ask for from a legacy
band's <strike>retirement plan </strike>new album.
<i>The Nightmare of Being </i>is out now.
</p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UGPYDWec35M" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Anathema - <i>Weather Systems</i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZa5an7u3oSFJQALEv-c6yRMoyYn8hSe2uk8edapSVdy2NxULqYxJbrrLzvAtKDjJogh2kEhG6ae4t74SNlLOB3pBc-7_2_nUawwrgh314PY6mR-qn3-SfWgwtZqXe4DddjwUOz7osJIja/s316/nthm.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZa5an7u3oSFJQALEv-c6yRMoyYn8hSe2uk8edapSVdy2NxULqYxJbrrLzvAtKDjJogh2kEhG6ae4t74SNlLOB3pBc-7_2_nUawwrgh314PY6mR-qn3-SfWgwtZqXe4DddjwUOz7osJIja/s0/nthm.jpeg" /></a>
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
<i>Weather Systems</i> was the second album we listened to on our jaunt
out to Montana Friday morning. Leaving as early as we did, it was pretty
dark out, but the sun began to rise as the album went on, leading to an
absolutely beautiful moment where the mountains began to be backlit during
"The Lost Child." It was also an inspired choice for early morning
listening because the Durfette was slightly nervous about driving the winding,
mountain roads in the dark, but she loves this album, so I like to think it
helped take her mind off us potentially careening off the twisty road.
All of this would have been perfect, had the Durfling realized that he could
go back to sleep, instead of just sitting there, wide-eyed, commenting every
so often seemingly just to make us remember that he wasn't sleeping and that
the post-drive part of our day was very probably going to be a bit more
stressful than we'd like (it turned out to be ok, but the fear was definitely
there). <i>Weather Systems</i> has been out for almost a decade,
and is one of the most beautiful albums I've heard, so if you haven't yet had
the pleasure... check it out.
</p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OfzFSXYH3GA" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe>
<p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
So there's three albums I listened to during a rather eventful rest
week. Hopefully you had a great week getting up to whatever you got up
to and listening to whatever you listened to. We'll be back next week
with a full, back to the grind Durf's Weekly Workout, and I'm very, very
excited for that.
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">- Durf</p>
Brutalitopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548942312423354614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517694096190034221.post-42703806815327312382021-07-02T09:30:00.001-05:002021-07-02T09:30:00.167-05:00Durf's Weekly Workout # 23: July 2nd, 2021<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiO6AYgz2JrBDwI5bAjgKvjxmCh5SIUeC5YKDDVIWHNnrU9WrfyxQz0UGP5kOMaCWURVjccGUqzqkCT-eU8tg24fMmnSsZNugASewhVbnKZzcTRGEQXHLa9ItF9skFOCI_D3viY4wLKTF/s468/DurfsWeeklyWorkout.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiO6AYgz2JrBDwI5bAjgKvjxmCh5SIUeC5YKDDVIWHNnrU9WrfyxQz0UGP5kOMaCWURVjccGUqzqkCT-eU8tg24fMmnSsZNugASewhVbnKZzcTRGEQXHLa9ItF9skFOCI_D3viY4wLKTF/s16000/DurfsWeeklyWorkout.png" /></a></div>Well holy cow, it's July already! This year is going by much, much
quicker than last year, which is a huge relief. If you've been with us
for a bit, you know that for my first post in April I did a baseball-themed
sort of quarterly recap, and I said then that you should expect similar posts
in July and October. Well, as we've established, it's July, so I think
you know what lies ahead. So without further ado, play ball! <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a> <p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Cy Young</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">
Panopticon - <i>...And Again Into the Light</i></span>
</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlNNnrGnJ8d951e9u0Mux7_D1YHuKxbQR_K4KKPHtKH0ydohyphenhyphenPZ5wOx7VJRsEzh8NIL-sLKNYBNUru3SvTuepc6Rh_MgfooDFuaSM-JdKwJST1ly1x2giWgdQ-vFFk7XuZkNvW6LbMHM-/s700/pnptcn.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlNNnrGnJ8d951e9u0Mux7_D1YHuKxbQR_K4KKPHtKH0ydohyphenhyphenPZ5wOx7VJRsEzh8NIL-sLKNYBNUru3SvTuepc6Rh_MgfooDFuaSM-JdKwJST1ly1x2giWgdQ-vFFk7XuZkNvW6LbMHM-/s320/pnptcn.jpeg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">I tried really, really, </span><i style="text-align: left;">really</i><span style="text-align: left;"> hard to be objective about this
album, to the point where on my first listen, I found myself nitpicking,
really reaching hard to find flaws; I reached a point where I had to shake my
head and admonish myself, because my desire to be objective about my favorite
band had reached a point where I felt like I was actively trying to dislike
</span><i style="text-align: left;">...And Again Into the Light</i><span style="text-align: left;">. Which is pretty stupid; I love
writing this blog, but I honestly give zero fucks about whether or not people
think I have, like, critical integrity or whatever
</span><i style="text-align: left;">(Ed. Note: Uh...)</i><span style="text-align: left;">. Either way, I got my head on straight and kept
listening, and </span><i style="text-align: left;">...And Again Into the Light </i><span style="text-align: left;">is another masterpiece from
Panopticon. It's a different kind of album for Austin Lunn, while still
being easily identifiable as his work, but the changes and tweaks all
work. Honestly, after a number of repeat listens, the only issue I have
is that the vocals are a little too buried in the mix, which is an admittedly
stupid thing to complain about in a black metal album. So yeah, my
favorite band made my favorite album of Q2. </span><i style="text-align: left;">...And Again Into the Light </i><span style="text-align: left;">is available now on Bindrune Recordings.</span></div><p></p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=4026905151/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3051726394/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://thetruepanopticon.bandcamp.com/album/and-again-into-the-light">...And Again Into The Light by Panopticon</a></iframe> </p><p style="text-align: left;"> Honorable Mentions: Dödsrit - <i>Mortal Coil, </i>Har - <i>Dordeduh</i>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>MVP</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Musk Ox - <i>Inheritance</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xmG1559CCyFqD39fYqj_cFgj2qtjVtSrnfKZ-DYlecqF1OBuAho5eko5KM6MIVwogBk4zbFqTLRK8dr7VSUmt1kdPirPEt5129Op09zvx4ZaJTJD7_coC3MZ7gS49W-E63K4EAJP-rKN/s700/mskx.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xmG1559CCyFqD39fYqj_cFgj2qtjVtSrnfKZ-DYlecqF1OBuAho5eko5KM6MIVwogBk4zbFqTLRK8dr7VSUmt1kdPirPEt5129Op09zvx4ZaJTJD7_coC3MZ7gS49W-E63K4EAJP-rKN/s320/mskx.jpeg" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
This one was another no brainer, albeit without the ridiculous handwringing
that accompanied Panopticon. Musk Ox is an instrumental trio composed of
a violin, a cello, and a classical guitar, and I'm nowhere near good enough a
writer to put into words how awesome they are.
<i>Inheritance</i> is somber, melancholy, joyful, intense... it's
honestly an album that you feel as much as hear, and much like
<i>...And Again Into the Light</i>, it just keeps getting better with every
listen. There have been multiple moments every time I've listened to
<i>Inheritance</i> that have made me shake my head and audibly say "Wow,"
and if you are unfamiliar or have passed on listening to Musk Ox, you should
correct that immediately. <i>Inheritance </i>will be released next Friday, July 9th.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3614555706/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=4292481573/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://muskoxofficial.bandcamp.com/album/inheritance">Inheritance by Musk Ox</a></iframe> </p><p style="text-align: left;"> Honorable Mentions: CROWN - <i>The End of All Things, </i>Manchester Orchestra
- <i>The Million Masks of God</i>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Rookie of the Year</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Fiat Nox - <i>The Archive of Nightmares</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7kt7g3gHQMI75re291ZOQtKltsQ-23ES3b01n0ZKrmbAWIqlv2iD2tejYEZEaRvh4Iigg57HIgv5_Do0Yfq-whCDZbxIiZpLmByX1Sk7LhF7Q_EPh2Q1FFXoKshHTTReIrtMM4Yd0KZo/s700/ftnx.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7kt7g3gHQMI75re291ZOQtKltsQ-23ES3b01n0ZKrmbAWIqlv2iD2tejYEZEaRvh4Iigg57HIgv5_Do0Yfq-whCDZbxIiZpLmByX1Sk7LhF7Q_EPh2Q1FFXoKshHTTReIrtMM4Yd0KZo/s320/ftnx.jpeg" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
Playing black metal, but with a <i>lot</i> of doomy influences, Fiat Nox
is the second consecutive German band to take home my quarterly Rookie of the
Year award after Kanonenfieber. While there <i>could</i> be some
recency bias at play (<i>The Archive of Nightmares</i> came out last
week, which is the first time I heard it), I don't think that's the
case. Fiat Nox has crafted something extremely unsettling and haunting,
using Cascadian black metal-esque soundscapes, rapid fire drums, and these
riffs that are clearly black metal riffs but almost feel like funeral doom
chords that were sped up five-fold.
<i>The Archive of Nightmares</i> is a very cool, very unique-sounding
album, and I'm very excited to see where Fiat Nox goes from here. <i>The Archive of Nightmares </i>is available now through Crawling Chaos Records</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1645095403/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=91673015/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://thecrawlingchaosrecords.bandcamp.com/album/fiat-nox-the-archive-of-nightmares">FIAT NOX - The Archive Of Nightmares by Fiat Nox</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: left;">
And now back to your regularly scheduled workout posts!
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"> <u>Monday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Heavy Temple - <i>Lupi Amoris</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavb465iJHZwTdr3-orHbTtyggnpOLMmPn2iRzSC7sol4K50y40DKe3CFLEcZmJHPHHIzvPPMoXxQ6VBJSFg3l9PfaQ1jIbNmp4ChcN6sy8oARvbMMbBGiQXZmRl_yw56LCAXKFd8ptxAc/s700/lpmrs.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjavb465iJHZwTdr3-orHbTtyggnpOLMmPn2iRzSC7sol4K50y40DKe3CFLEcZmJHPHHIzvPPMoXxQ6VBJSFg3l9PfaQ1jIbNmp4ChcN6sy8oARvbMMbBGiQXZmRl_yw56LCAXKFd8ptxAc/s320/lpmrs.jpeg" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
I switched things up a few weeks ago and began starting my weeks with leg day
instead of pushing it off to Tuesday or Friday, and honestly it's made a huge
difference. Leg day has always been something of a struggle for me,
because I am a stereotypical basic, but over the past year I've really started
getting into it and enjoying it more than I ever have before. So I
figured I'd start my week with legs and shoulders, and I really think it's
been a boon to my subsequent workouts throughout the week. Sure, trying
to do a shitload of burpees during a HIIT workout on Tuesday is a little
rough, but there's a weird feeling of achievement that pushes me, a feeling
like I've already done the hardest part, so I can definitely handle the rest
of the week. It's like I'm a tree, and my legs are the trunk, and after
the trunk does squats, the branches and leaves feel like they can sway in the
breeze even harder. Yeah, that analogy makes no sense, but it's been
105+ all week and my brain is melted. Anyway, Heavy Temple sound like
the sexy offspring of Khemmis and Baroness, and <i>Lupi Amoris</i> is
just a whole lot of sludgy riffs-driven fun. They have that classic
"heavy metal" sound, but it sounds fresh and exciting. Definitely a
great soundtrack for a leg day. <i>Lupi Amoris </i>is out now on Magnetic Eye Records.</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3457908329/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2219870497/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://heavytemple.bandcamp.com/album/lupi-amoris">Lupi Amoris by Heavy Temple</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Tuesday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Witch Vomit - <i>Abhorrent Rapture</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWY3dS5Vgr6tlKrllATI3dYFdotoruO-Hl6DgcmI1yKXhcQQs3YRBz25ZjP5htwL3gScL-ADoVJXHC_c0eyU8ShDLBtsZTR6iC-2a2tBl0aD3TwazAf-XwQif6Qwla-Q02Of7W9WICX903/s700/wtchvmt.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWY3dS5Vgr6tlKrllATI3dYFdotoruO-Hl6DgcmI1yKXhcQQs3YRBz25ZjP5htwL3gScL-ADoVJXHC_c0eyU8ShDLBtsZTR6iC-2a2tBl0aD3TwazAf-XwQif6Qwla-Q02Of7W9WICX903/s320/wtchvmt.jpeg" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
Just absolutely grimy, filthy death metal that worms its way into your brain
and makes you feel like you need a dozen showers to get clean. When
paired with 70 degree temps at 4am and a raucous HIIT workout, the resulting
mix of sweat covering your body is sticky enough to get you thrown out of a
baseball game instantly (if you know, you know; if you don't... god I envy
you). Witch Vomit surprise released <i>Abhorrent Rapture</i>, and it
seemed like a lot of people were really excited; I was not one of those
people, because I am a fool, but I am now incredibly excited and happy that
this album is here in the world. Seriously, I felt like a gross, sweaty
mess after listening to this; I put a towel down on the dining room chair
because I thought I would foul it up so much the Durfette would be upset. <i>Abhorrent Rapture</i> is out now on the indomitable 20 Buck Spin.</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2337250905/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1055298050/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://listen.20buckspin.com/album/abhorrent-rapture">Abhorrent Rapture by Witch Vomit</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Wednesday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Dodskold - <i>Ödesriket</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHepvdiV-lROt-5VEnqRHI5UoOg9g4ZZJz8SnGEN1Xz5CYDqqb2fNyX4W9_ZKCkVxRBgE9Au-eYDT9wt5xgvd96LwDNE71pNjCyiL3kKPga0Ue6Y5BCoVY0UqulCByA3lao6MjQ1eI-nWX/s700/ddskld.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHepvdiV-lROt-5VEnqRHI5UoOg9g4ZZJz8SnGEN1Xz5CYDqqb2fNyX4W9_ZKCkVxRBgE9Au-eYDT9wt5xgvd96LwDNE71pNjCyiL3kKPga0Ue6Y5BCoVY0UqulCByA3lao6MjQ1eI-nWX/s320/ddskld.jpeg" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
Ice-cold black metal, Dodskold takes the fury and rapid-fire pace of all these
First- and Second-Wave worshipers and then adds actual production so that it
sounds like something you actually want to listen to.
<i>Ödesriket </i>is a tremendous ride from start to finish, and I really don't
want to take anything away from it, but throughout this workout I just kept
wondering how many other black metal bands are keeping themselves from
sounding this good out of some ridiculously misguided attempt at sounding
"kvlt" or "raw." It's silly; Dodskold manages to sound incredibly evil
and icy while still allowing the listener to differentiate between guitars or
hear a rhythm section. Novel concept, well-executed.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=791574434/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3899037362/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://dodskold.bandcamp.com/album/desriket">Ödesriket by Dodskold</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Thursday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Bog Mönster - <i>Hell is Full</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYNNvMRQI9Yzuj_9PMSO8ZtWXbdxy_oQ8G36svP_e6fdfBjjQTB-PgPJ_s8C0RoohOX-rG7_c6mrjh8SxWQhYlj8M12NFeVB9W9lvkd3Zq5CkCBbA2RBcO9z1He0aH80hbi1zPGV8S12f/s700/bgmnstr.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYNNvMRQI9Yzuj_9PMSO8ZtWXbdxy_oQ8G36svP_e6fdfBjjQTB-PgPJ_s8C0RoohOX-rG7_c6mrjh8SxWQhYlj8M12NFeVB9W9lvkd3Zq5CkCBbA2RBcO9z1He0aH80hbi1zPGV8S12f/s320/bgmnstr.jpeg" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
I'm pretty sure I've covered <i>Hell is Full</i> in a previous DWW, but I
waited until after work for this HIIT workout, and it was hot as balls and I
couldn't land on anything new. Bog Mönster's EP is absolutely a
<i>perfect</i> ripper for getting through a physically demanding half
hour in 100 degree temps. This is easily one of my favorite EPs from the
year, as well as one of my favorite workout albums of the year. And it's
only 24 minutes long, so if you haven't listened to it yet, what are you
waiting for?
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=565828016/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2370452578/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://bogmonster.bandcamp.com/album/hell-is-full">Hell is Full by Bog Mönster</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Friday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
I can't lie to you guys: I did not work out today. I slept like absolute
shit last night, so when my alarm went off, I just wasn't having it. And
I know what you're thinking, "Dude, Durf, just write down some stuff about
whatever you listened to today and we won't know the difference; it's not like
you talk about your workouts every day anyway." And you're right, except
for the fact that I didn't listen to anything today. Driving the kids to
daycare and to work, I listened to the radio. And not even, like, rock
radio; I listened to Jack FM. I heard The Outfield's "Your Love" back to
back with The Wallflowers' "One Headlight," and I didn't even mind.
Those are good songs. So yeah, no workout, no planned music, so head
into your weekend with the luscious vocals of Jakob Dylan to guide you.
</p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zzyfcys1aLM" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe>
<div><br /></div><div>Well, that's the week. There is literally no chance that when Mick asked me to write for this blog almost ten years ago he had any idea that I would get The Wallflowers some screen time. What a world. Hope everyone has a great and safe Fourth of July Weekend! </div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>- Durf</div>Brutalitopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548942312423354614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517694096190034221.post-54354066872114281732021-06-30T09:30:00.001-05:002021-06-30T09:30:00.171-05:00All We Love, We Leave Behind: The Töp's Monthly Playlist, June 2021<p></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FqnnPdsD9c34vmkvvbywlbB7HmZnLr21tRBqXbtu5pqo06-UGKin0hJJhWDFVsxTsss1t3A5hMUotic9XZfqYzAsRxZ0Q6eWhPi62ma9G4rVxF1TaY8wa5_SWtsUmYzTE4Hu0osnqN8F/s500/AWLWLB_banner.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="500" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4FqnnPdsD9c34vmkvvbywlbB7HmZnLr21tRBqXbtu5pqo06-UGKin0hJJhWDFVsxTsss1t3A5hMUotic9XZfqYzAsRxZ0Q6eWhPi62ma9G4rVxF1TaY8wa5_SWtsUmYzTE4Hu0osnqN8F/w400-h252/AWLWLB_banner.png" width="400" /></a>
</div>
Durf's Weekly Workout has been a shot in the arm for us here at the Töp. On the
one hand, it's been a fantastically entertaining article to look forward to
every week. But at the same time, when have we ever been known to put out
content on a consistent schedule? While it's been an identity crisis that has no
doubt worked to our favor, it's also been a call to arms for Tom and I to at
least try and carry some of our weight. So without further ado, we present "All
We Love, We Leave Behind." Affectionately named after the Converge album, this
monthly post will feature a collaborative playlist pinpointing tracks from this
year that have been in heavy rotation for us. You may see some end up on our
year-end lists. Some you won't. But rest assured they'll make for some eclectic
listening. We'll try to keep the tracks as recent as possible, but you can at
least bank on them being from this current year. Each of us will present 6
tracks because three 6s = well... you know.<br /><br />
<p></p>
<p><span></span></p>
<a name='more'></a> <br />
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red;">Mick's Tracks</span></b>
</p>
<p><b>Amenra - "Voor Immer"</b></p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3471474154/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2003826407/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://amenra.bandcamp.com/album/de-doorn">De Doorn by AMENRA</a></iframe>
<p>
With concerts starting to be rescheduled again, it's been a reflective time
for me thinking about my past experiences with live music. Fortunately, I
can't say I've had any major regrets. That is, until now that this new Amenra
album dropped. I realized they opened BOTH times that I saw Neurosis and
didn't pay them much mind. Boy was that an epic lapse in judgement. This band
is all about changing from near dead-quite lullabies to ear-piercing walls of
distortion on a dime and it's fantastic. "Voor Immer" is easily the most
haunting track I've heard so far this year.
</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Perturbator - "The Other Place"</b></p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1731035222/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3622334904/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://perturbator.bandcamp.com/album/lustful-sacraments">Lustful Sacraments by PERTURBATOR</a></iframe>
<p>
Being that I tend to listen to video game soundtracks more than I'd sometimes
care to admit (more on that
<a href="http://www.brutalitopia.com/2019/11/a-link-to-past-nostalgia-turned-metal.html" target="_blank">here</a>), this whole synthwave thing that's taken its hold within certain corners
for the metal community over the past few years has certainly been a welcome
addition to my WFH playlists. Perturbator is one of the key figures in that
scene and just came out with a new album last month that makes a great
addition to the discography. If you're looking for something that's easy to
zone out to but still has some dark undertones, this could be just the thing.
<br />
</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Horndal - "Ruhr"</b></p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3560191678/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=134252918/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://horndal.bandcamp.com/album/lake-drinker">LAKE DRINKER by Horndal</a></iframe>
<p>
This is the kind of sludge I subscribe to. It's grimey but also keeps a tempo
that's fast enough to hold my interest. To go along with that, the vocals are
eerily close to Tom G. Warrior and sing about "a small industrial town in
Sweden being brutally murdered, left to rust away, and then fooled into
believing in the false hope of prosperity, promised by big American tech."
It's one interesting cocktail to take down.<br />
</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Nordgeist - "Old Wolf" </b></p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=959630780/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3871317750/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://nordgeistofficial.bandcamp.com/album/frostwinter">Frostwinter by Nordgeist</a></iframe>
<p>
Durf really has zero chill sometimes. As he'll gloat about later on in this
playlist, he beat me to the punch in calling dibs on Panopticon. But that's
ok. I don't hold grudges. Instead, Nordgeist can more than hold me over in
getting my atmospheric black metal solo project fix. This reminds of Paysage
d'Hiver if that project actually had normal production value which is funny
because when I looked up this album again I noticed that is was released by
the same label. So I guess my instincts haven't grown too dull from all this
not writing this year.<br />
</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>Craven Idol - "Iron Age of Devastation"</b></p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2975971862/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=4278057781/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://darkdescentrecords.bandcamp.com/album/forked-tongues">Forked Tongues by Craven Idol</a></iframe>
<p>
This is another band that I've slept on. Having been around for 15 years,
Craven Idol evokes many extreme bands of old (Bathory, Candlemass, and Sodom
to name a few) but puts their unique stamp on it. Nothing lets up for a second
on this track and I couldn't love it more because of that. Their new album,
<i>Forked Tongues</i>, comes out next month via Dark Descent.<br />
</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b>The Slow Death - "Famine"</b></p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3132898164/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2655549048/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://theslowdeathband.bandcamp.com/album/siege-atmospheric-death-doom-metal">Siege (Atmospheric Death/Doom Metal) by THE SLOW DEATH (Australia)</a></iframe>
<p>
A never-ending roller coaster of emotional highs featuring clean female vocals
and lows that summon the bellowing of the nastiest hellspawn, The Slow Death
put together some great atmospheric doom/death metal. Plenty of triumph and
despair to dish out from "Famine" alone. Their album, <i>Siege</i>, comes out
later in August via Transcending Obscurity and is a must listen.<br />
</p>
<p><br /></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red;">Durf's Tracks</span></b><br />
</p>
<p><b>Deafheaven - "Great Mass of Color"</b></p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=588603949/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2330930129/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://deafheavens.bandcamp.com/album/infinite-granite">Infinite Granite by Deafheaven</a></iframe>
<p>
Yeah, I'm all about this. George Clarke has some of the best harsh
vocals in the biz, and I didn't miss them one single, solitary bit. If
"Great Mass of Color" is a bait and switch single for an overly heavy album,
then it'll be fine, but if it's indicative of the rest of "Infinite Granite,"
then it could very well be one of my favorite albums of the year.
</p>
<p><b> </b></p><p><b>Panopticon - "Dead Loons"</b></p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=4026905151/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1906665864/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://thetruepanopticon.bandcamp.com/album/and-again-into-the-light">...And Again Into The Light by Panopticon</a></iframe>
<p>
Honestly, when Mick pitched the idea for this post, one of the big things he
said was "No overlap." So this pick has less to do with "Dead Loons"
than it does wanting to make sure I get to pick the Panopticon song, and "Dead
Loons" was the first one I thought of.
<i>...And Again Into the Light</i> is a stunning, monumental album, and
as the first "proper" metal track on it, "Dead Loons" helps establish that
tone early, and then each subsequent song continues to build on that momentum.
</p>
<p><b> </b></p><p><b>Psychonaut - "The Great Realisation"</b></p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2852126210/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2920755796/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://psychonautband.bandcamp.com/album/emerald-split-ep">Emerald Split EP by PSYCHONAUT</a></iframe>
<p>
Honestly, I'm tired of being the only person I know talking about
Psychonaut. <i>Unfold the God Man</i> was an incredible album, and
"The Great Realisation" picks right up where that left off. It's as
sprawling as a jam band, but laser focused through a post-metal filter, like
if Dave Matthews invited Steve Von Till and Scott Kelly to help him do "All
Along the Watchtower." Yeah, that's right, I'm invoking DMB to sell you
on how good Psychonaut is; deal with it.
</p>
<p><b> </b></p><p><b>Dödsrit - "Apathetic Tongues"</b></p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=536907068/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2811454695/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://dodsrit.bandcamp.com/album/mortal-coil">Mortal Coil by Dödsrit</a></iframe>
<p>
I covered Dödsrit's <i>Mortal Coil</i> in a Durf's Weekly Workout post a
bit ago (actually, four of these six albums have made DWW appearances), and
I'm bringing it back up here because it's absolutely worth talking about at
least twice. "Apathetic Tongues" is the closing track to this blackened
death beast, and it brings things home with a suitable fury.
</p>
<p><b> </b></p><p><b>AFI - "Death of the Party"</b></p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UBcDO9G1Srg" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe>
<p>
<i>Sing the Sorrow </i>is one of the most important albums in developing my
musical palate, and it remains one of my All-Time favorites. It also
came out eighteen years ago, and with the exception of a few tracks here and
there, as well as seeing the band live (an incredible experience), AFI hasn't
really done much to get me excited. So when I randomly stumbled onto
<i>Bodies</i>, I was more "Eh, why not?" than I was actually stoked. By
the end of the album, I was fully onboard; Davey Havok and Co. have
semi-reinvented themselves again as a goth-pop outfit, and while the sound is
a ways away from <i>Sing the Sorrow</i>, I'm still very much here for it.
</p>
<p><b> </b></p><p><b>Bossk - "Menhir"</b></p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=48983962/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1365647981/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://bosskband.bandcamp.com/album/migration">Migration by Bossk</a></iframe>
<p>
An understandably underrated post-metal band, given their relatively small
output, Bossk doesn't make bad music. "Menhir," featuring the great
Johannes Persson, is my favorite track from their stellar new album
<i>Migration</i>.
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b> </b></span>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: red;"><b>Tom's Tracks</b></span>
</p>
<p><b>Darkthrone - "Lost Arcane City Of Uppakra"</b></p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JNudkagsk-w" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe>
<p>
19 albums in their career, Darkthrone shouldn't be able to write a song with
as many heavy riffs as this one. These Norwegians break into a sick groove and
refuse to let you leave without a neck brace. Also prepare for some mellotron
on your way out, because why not add an extra wrinkle as to why this song
deserves your attention.
</p>
<p><b> </b></p><p><b>Helloween - "Out For Glory"</b></p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UPeJiZ9IO40" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe>
<p>
Power metal, played by power metal royalty. Not many bands can claim to have
played the style better or even originated it like Helloween can surely boast.
Their first full length album to include all 3 of their vocalists Kai Hansen,
Michael Kiske, and Andi Deris is a revelation. This is the opening track and
an eye opening one at that.
</p>
<p><b> </b></p><p><b>Cerebral Rot - "Bowels of Decrepitude"</b></p>
<iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1335267379/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=912229796/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://listen.20buckspin.com/album/excretion-of-mortality">Excretion of Mortality by Cerebral Rot</a></iframe>
<p>
Now for something completely and utterly gross. These Seattle scumdogs know
how to bring a nice level of disgust to their music. The tone here is vile,
the kind that evokes the feeling of your eventual demise. If no frills death
metal and impending doom are your kind of thing, Cerebral Rot are the band for
you.
</p>
<p><b> </b></p><p><b>Burning Witches - "Thrall"</b></p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0kU6AZm1QaU" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe>
<p>
More power metal? I can assure you that these ladies really know how to lean
into big power metal riffs and grandiosity. They also take the time to give
room for melody to take root here before bringing in a solid amount of
gruffness while shouting the title of the track. The whole song is an exercise
in balance, without letting too much of one thing overshadow the other parts
or the whole. This song is the perfect sum total of its parts.
</p>
<p><b> </b></p><p><b>Pharaoh - "We Will Rise"</b></p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/e8ymk5ODWHo" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe>
<p>
I promise this will be the last power/heavy metal song of mine for the month,
but I'll be damned if this wasn't a solid month+ for the genre. Right from the
outset, this has a large and epic feel. For those unfamiliar lead singer Tim
Aymar was the lead singer for Control Denied's first and only album, and he is
now 5 albums deep into Pharaoh's career with this latest entry,
<i>The Powers That Be</i>. This is the kind of power metal related work that
doesn't need you to be a fan of the genre to properly enjoy it, this track
perfectly encapsulates what makes Pharaoh one of the best to do it of
recent.
</p>
<p><b> </b></p><p><b>Carcass - "Kelly's Meat Emporium"</b></p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hdcfhccjk78" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe>
<p>
Ending with another classic band, very few bands are as special to me in
extreme metal in the Carcass are to me. With <i>Surgical Steel</i> being
a career revitalizing effort on its own, it sure is nice to bite into
something from its next full-length follow up, <i>Torn Arteries</i>. The song
fits more into the <i>Necroticism</i> sessions than <i>Heartwork</i>/<i>Surgical Steel </i>which is perfectly fine in my book. The unsettling visuals that accompany
this track on YouTube give this a little added oomph and not just what ends up
in the toilet after viewing it. </p><p> </p><p>- Mick, Durf, Tom <br /></p>
Brutalitopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548942312423354614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517694096190034221.post-42727551769349033002021-06-25T09:36:00.000-05:002021-06-25T09:36:40.555-05:00Durf's Weekly Workout # 22: June 25th, 2021<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiO6AYgz2JrBDwI5bAjgKvjxmCh5SIUeC5YKDDVIWHNnrU9WrfyxQz0UGP5kOMaCWURVjccGUqzqkCT-eU8tg24fMmnSsZNugASewhVbnKZzcTRGEQXHLa9ItF9skFOCI_D3viY4wLKTF/s468/DurfsWeeklyWorkout.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiO6AYgz2JrBDwI5bAjgKvjxmCh5SIUeC5YKDDVIWHNnrU9WrfyxQz0UGP5kOMaCWURVjccGUqzqkCT-eU8tg24fMmnSsZNugASewhVbnKZzcTRGEQXHLa9ItF9skFOCI_D3viY4wLKTF/s16000/DurfsWeeklyWorkout.png" /></a></div>It is getting hot here in Idaho. Like real hot. Like hot enough that my work is considering having us come in super early next week in order to avoid the 108 degree highs in the afternoon. Which on the one hand, is real nice, because <i>super</i> fuck that noise. On the other, going in to work early means either waking up even earlier to work out OR working out after work in that insane heat. Which is just as appealing as working in it. So I'm not sure how next week is going to go, so I'm using this week's intro blurb to prepare you for the fact that there might not be a post next week. Got it?<br /><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>Also, I mentioned <a href="http://www.brutalitopia.com/2021/06/durfs-weekly-workout-20-june-11th-2021.html">two weeks ago</a> that with things opening back up, concerts are one of the things that I'm simultaneously looking forward to and apprehensive about. Well, throw that apprehension out the window, because that Between The Buried And Me show that I wasn't going to drive to Utah for? Well, they announced a Boise show. And since they're playing my favorite album of theirs (<i>The Great Misdirect</i>) in its entirety, <i>and</i> doing another set of career-spanning songs, <i>and</i> just yesterday they announced a new album (<i>Colors II</i>, which ... <i>holy shit</i>), there's just no way I can't go. So I am, and I'm excited, and nervous, and also can't wait. So that's a whole lot of fun; Idaho/America, I absolutely <i>cannot</i> stress this enough: if you fuck this up and this show gets canceled, we're gonna have a massive problem.<p></p><p style="text-align: center;"> <u>Monday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Firelink - <i>Firelink</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHp92NGMLmYoUF9qguLCeoCQ5JlKrWdpB6XAa0p7ey1qXlPFkDDB6TYJudaDg9LDRbY9c4epVuZQo8UTfKqEdhrsVe6ljenmkGxlVaOAv3LP7PTyEblOxHYORcQxFK9qpUhz04878COL-/s700/frlnk.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHp92NGMLmYoUF9qguLCeoCQ5JlKrWdpB6XAa0p7ey1qXlPFkDDB6TYJudaDg9LDRbY9c4epVuZQo8UTfKqEdhrsVe6ljenmkGxlVaOAv3LP7PTyEblOxHYORcQxFK9qpUhz04878COL-/s320/frlnk.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">My friend Jack told me to check this band out, saying they were inspired by
the video game </span><i style="text-align: left;">Bloodborne</i><span style="text-align: left;">. I was skeptical, as </span><i style="text-align: left;">Bloodborne</i><span style="text-align: left;">,
isn't really my thing, but I was excited to see how Firelink could possibly be
like the game. In my head, I was imagining a twenty-minute song as track
one, but then about fifteen seconds in it restarts, and then you get to hear
about four minutes, and then it restarts again, and then you get to hear two
minutes and twenty-six seconds, and then it restarts </span><i style="text-align: left;">again</i><span style="text-align: left;">, and then
you hear five seconds and then it restarts, and then you hear seven minutes,
and then it restarts again goddammit, and then you hear the same forty-five
seconds back to back (and of course it restarts in between and after those
forty-five seconds) and then you anxiously chew through your fingernails as
you hear twelve minutes and thirty-nine seconds but then IT FUCKING RESTARTS
AGAIN</span><i style="text-align: left;"> </i><span style="text-align: left;">and now the album is over. That's what I assumed an
album based on </span><i style="text-align: left;">Bloodborne</i><span style="text-align: left;"> would be (you may have picked up on the
fact that I do not have the best history with </span><i style="text-align: left;">Bloodborne)</i><span style="text-align: left;">, but
thankfully I was mistaken. Firelink plays an "everything but the kitchen
sink" approach to black metal, hitting all aspects of the genre in a manner
that is far more enjoyable than any experience I have had with
</span><i style="text-align: left;">Bloodborne. Firelink </i><span style="text-align: left;">is out now, and please do not let the
</span><i style="text-align: left;">Bloodborne</i><span style="text-align: left;"> references fool you: I am ending this review now of my
own accord, and in no way rage-quitting.</span></div><p></p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1210683491/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=441802340/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://firelink.bandcamp.com/album/firelink">Firelink by Firelink</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Tuesday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Idolos - <i>Náa</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCMO0aStZOgycXOpkTEYRY6wLsS0B-yHxhtszL9FeSXnpz-JFcg2FK-KSUxnWCVXVbOk6b3QapXcVoey4i0vX8Cx7j0y55O4tu_MXYl4mO3SZp8xOw9ce7GZWYcM9xZz-dDzPfxdbMHXu/s700/dls.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCMO0aStZOgycXOpkTEYRY6wLsS0B-yHxhtszL9FeSXnpz-JFcg2FK-KSUxnWCVXVbOk6b3QapXcVoey4i0vX8Cx7j0y55O4tu_MXYl4mO3SZp8xOw9ce7GZWYcM9xZz-dDzPfxdbMHXu/s320/dls.jpeg" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
I came across <i>Náa</i> on a
<a href="https://www.nocleansinging.com/2021/06/13/shades-of-black-die-apokalyptischen-reiter-akvan-idolos-skognatt-trna/">No Clean Singing post</a>
and since I needed an EP for my HIIT workout, and had listened to one of the
other EPs in the post while drinking my coffee pre-workout (and in the
interest of full disclosure, listened to the third EP while eating breakfast
post-workout) Idolos got the call. I suppose the music is atmospheric
black metal; there are a lot of quieter, eerie parts that really made this a
terrible choice for a workout, but a really provocative, exciting listen
otherwise. I feel like those albums (bad for workouts, great otherwise)
really stand out even more during these HIIT workouts for some reason.
Maybe it's because you can focus on your lifts and zone out more in a way you
can't when you're rapidly moving from exercise to exercise? I don't
know, but I'm sure I'll keep thinking about it. <i>Náa </i>came out June
1 on Non Posse Mori Records.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3439843178/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3158178069/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://nonpossemorirecords.bandcamp.com/album/idolos-n-a">IDOLOS - Náa by Non Posse Mori Records</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Wednesday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Year of No Light - <i>Consolamentum</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspqJT5W2q3NiIuhUJdP4hTlCsFjMNMQXgNQtugn69SANQ_xF1DxKkiBEprkacPqZdGYFW4DcIjjK6D8Wu7Z7rv8_0_12NqbN8JtB73St-8tQK1RO9KYAjHDD-YBZxfFgmiVONnP1PlRyi/s700/yrfnlght.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspqJT5W2q3NiIuhUJdP4hTlCsFjMNMQXgNQtugn69SANQ_xF1DxKkiBEprkacPqZdGYFW4DcIjjK6D8Wu7Z7rv8_0_12NqbN8JtB73St-8tQK1RO9KYAjHDD-YBZxfFgmiVONnP1PlRyi/s320/yrfnlght.jpeg" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
I remember being aware of and listening to Year of No Light way back when I
was first getting into metal; I also remember being super jealous of Mick when
he found their split with Altar of Plagues on vinyl. I remember them
being a pretty solid atmospheric black metal band, so you can imagine my
surprise when I listened to <i>Consolamentum</i> and heard an impressive
post-metal album with slight black metal influences. Now, I'm wrong all
of the time, so it's at least equally likely that I'm just confusing two bands
as it is that Year of No Light has taken a rather abrupt left turn into Cult
of Luna territory. And at this point, you're probably thinking "Durf,
just go back and listen to some old Year of No Light so you can know for
sure!" Which, fair, but I'm still laughing at you for how much free time you
imagine me to have. Whatever their roots, however they sounded before,
<i>Consolamentum</i> is a terrific, moving post-metal album that lulls
without becoming complacent and keeps the tension and excitement humming
throughout. Pelagic is releasing <i>Consolomentum </i>(along with a box
set of the band's entire discography, which clearly could be of use to me) on
July 2nd.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=4101321742/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3005990625/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://yearofnolight.bandcamp.com/album/consolamentum-2">Consolamentum by YEAR OF NO LIGHT</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Thursday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Odd Circus - <i>Arch Nova</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRe2fmh1Mu2QZwHlTR_SHqpw9eQvf4xWWbP-Dt4wstNLV2JbYwd7tqIEP_cD8YvNXNXWbpC6Ag5MMw95QhQ6QgYOSckd2lkF9rHRv0pvbAs550vsjsmcFWbQpursQIIARU_De2UcM_Vl7r/s700/ddcrcs.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRe2fmh1Mu2QZwHlTR_SHqpw9eQvf4xWWbP-Dt4wstNLV2JbYwd7tqIEP_cD8YvNXNXWbpC6Ag5MMw95QhQ6QgYOSckd2lkF9rHRv0pvbAs550vsjsmcFWbQpursQIIARU_De2UcM_Vl7r/s320/ddcrcs.jpeg" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
Now <i>here</i> is a band that lives up to its name. Odd Circus
play a jazzy kind of proggy hard rock (or as the PR email says
"improvisational avant-rock), which is a lot of adjectives that I'm sure
prompted a lot of eye-rolling. And it is a lot to take it at times, but
overall it works and is really enjoyable. It probably helps that the EP
is only 24 minutes long and that I listened to it during a pretty intense HIIT
workout; the high energy bits absolutely helped me keep my pace up, while it
was easier to tune out some of the wonkier parts that may have lost me with
some burpees. <i>Arch Nova</i> is one of those albums that seems
destined to exist on a bell curve, with the middle being people like me who
say things like "overall it works and is really enjoyable," and then people on
either side being much more eloquent and passionate about how much they love
or dislike it. I'll definitely remember the name Odd Circus; any band
making music this unique will always be worth checking out.
<i>Arch Nova</i> will be released on the band's Good Idea Music TODAY!
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1624776232/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1874264213/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://oddcircus.bandcamp.com/album/arch-nova">Arch Nova by Odd Circus</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Friday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">
Cognitive - <i>Malevolent Thoughts of a Hastened Extinction</i></span>
</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC12nRsp0UxGRcwUWRzswJWUQRBdzlWiMisQkVBQbNk61tWJquyBqXzUZ6EYvkWVVta5Gbx3oiOw7Ga5WfpQTRzv0M50oNd-lggWSs42z5Sf71VmKkLay8EqKtLd1G-dkL6zOBnqh0jRKF/s700/cgntv.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC12nRsp0UxGRcwUWRzswJWUQRBdzlWiMisQkVBQbNk61tWJquyBqXzUZ6EYvkWVVta5Gbx3oiOw7Ga5WfpQTRzv0M50oNd-lggWSs42z5Sf71VmKkLay8EqKtLd1G-dkL6zOBnqh0jRKF/s320/cgntv.jpeg" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
I'll be honest, the only reason I checked out
<i>Malevolent Thoughts of a Hastened Extinction</i> is because the PR
person who sent the email is one of the brightest, most fun PR people I have
the pleasure of working with here at the Töp. There are quite a few PR
people that I'd say we have great, professional, and even fun relationships
with, but this person in particular (who I'm leaving anonymous because I don't
know their preference on such things and I'm doing this at the last minute so
there's no time to email and ask) just has a way with words and communicating
that's always fun, which I can't imagine is easy. It's gotta be hard to
be in PR, sending out dozens (hundreds? thousands?) of emails to twerp
bloggers like me, trying their hardest to get them to check out an album, just
for said twerp to yawn and say "Naw, that album art is weird; no
thanks." I literally could not picture myself being able to do such a
job, so whenever this person sends such fun and exciting emails, I can't help
but smile and feel like I have check out whatever music is involved. As
for Cognitive, it's kind of the opposite of that Idolos album for Tuesday, in
that I wasn't super about the music, but it was <i>fantastic</i> lifting
music. Lots of techy riffs, lots of roaring, energetic melodies.
This one is completely on me for not loving, because I'm super weird about
tech death. It's a sickness, like my Crohn's.
<i>Malevolent Thoughts of a Hastened Extinction </i>is out July 16th via
Unique Leader.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1763623615/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=656194088/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://uniqueleaderrecords.bandcamp.com/album/malevolent-thoughts-of-a-hastened-extinction">Malevolent Thoughts of a Hastened Extinction by Cognitive</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>BONUS YARD WORK TUNES</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">
Black Sky Giant - <i>Planet Terror</i> and <i>Falling Mothership</i></span>
</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBeq1E_OqBP_v86wrn3JvW_PZSIu-L232AcEV_Uir8Z_1XuG_1gCL7b5dsXArVZllRsD4WXq7uAPHs7MwrgFQxOjG2RtoNx849K_-XzQ0N9pjwLLlDa6S0sXch4eIHGRnKn_x83WcVmg_/s350/blckskgnt1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaBeq1E_OqBP_v86wrn3JvW_PZSIu-L232AcEV_Uir8Z_1XuG_1gCL7b5dsXArVZllRsD4WXq7uAPHs7MwrgFQxOjG2RtoNx849K_-XzQ0N9pjwLLlDa6S0sXch4eIHGRnKn_x83WcVmg_/s320/blckskgnt1.jpeg" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnuaXrMUvsqev6zOnvxH4fJw_dpM5NiCvVsJySJVelUlllh7G7MxKRJJNseNSMGmqpGp22rmnvChExk5jc5t-D-7SZ8_SSnrEQJnz8bTcyEOL2APPrOEty-gWtdvVDk3Tmf_IfCMRvIsi/s350/blckskgnt2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="350" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWnuaXrMUvsqev6zOnvxH4fJw_dpM5NiCvVsJySJVelUlllh7G7MxKRJJNseNSMGmqpGp22rmnvChExk5jc5t-D-7SZ8_SSnrEQJnz8bTcyEOL2APPrOEty-gWtdvVDk3Tmf_IfCMRvIsi/s320/blckskgnt2.jpeg" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
I mentioned <a href="http://www.brutalitopia.com/2021/04/durfs-weekly-workout-13-april-16th-2021.html">a couple months ago</a><i> </i>that I spend a lot of time mowing the lawn and
doing yardwork, and that I since I listen to music while I do that, I'd throw
it out if I found anything awesome. And I absolutely did. Black
Sky Giant throws down massive instrumental stoner jams filled with thick,
heavy riffs and instantly mesmerizing melodies. There's a slight sense
of reverb, nothing too crazy, but it hangs over and moves through the songs
like bong smoke, and it's enough to get you feeling giggly. Also, both
of these albums came out <i>THIS YEAR</i>, making Black Sky Giant the stoner
rock version of, like, Exitum Sui. <i>Planet Terror </i>and
<i>Falling Mothership</i> absolutely hold up to my random, wonky, and
flawless Yard Work Music standards, and I'm sure they also work real well for
just chillin' and relaxing around outside, too. Both of these albums are
out now, and you should absolutely check them out. I feel like I've
really been getting back into my love of stoner rock and metal lately, and
Black Sky Giant may just be the best I've heard lately.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1174682342/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=4183327564/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://blackskygiant.bandcamp.com/album/planet-terror">Planet Terror by Black Sky Giant</a></iframe>
<div><br /></div><div>I think the only previous album mentioned that came out today is that Odd Circus album we talked about like three paragraphs ago, so with that, that's the week! Hope everyone had a great week of lifting and music, and I'll see you back here next week!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>- Durf</div>Brutalitopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548942312423354614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517694096190034221.post-2486014820393376312021-06-18T09:30:00.001-05:002021-06-18T09:30:00.179-05:00Durf's Weekly Workout # 21: June 18th, 2021<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiO6AYgz2JrBDwI5bAjgKvjxmCh5SIUeC5YKDDVIWHNnrU9WrfyxQz0UGP5kOMaCWURVjccGUqzqkCT-eU8tg24fMmnSsZNugASewhVbnKZzcTRGEQXHLa9ItF9skFOCI_D3viY4wLKTF/s468/DurfsWeeklyWorkout.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiO6AYgz2JrBDwI5bAjgKvjxmCh5SIUeC5YKDDVIWHNnrU9WrfyxQz0UGP5kOMaCWURVjccGUqzqkCT-eU8tg24fMmnSsZNugASewhVbnKZzcTRGEQXHLa9ItF9skFOCI_D3viY4wLKTF/s16000/DurfsWeeklyWorkout.png" /></a></div>Obviously, when a lot of people think about working out, they think about it in physical terms. Wanting to lose weight or build muscle. Trying to be healthy. Things like that. And it makes sense to think about it this way, since it's a physical act. But there is a mental/emotional component to working out too. Pride in your accomplishments in the gym, confidence from looking and feeling your best are two big mental aspects; I know that I personally feel off all day if I skip a workout during the week. I've been able to get around that feeling on weekends, which is great, but if I don't lift before work, it takes a whole lot of mental energy to stay on top of the workday with a good attitude. I've had coworkers say to me "No workout today?" because it's that pronounced; I'd like to say I'm getting better at it and maturing to the point where I don't let it affect me like that... but I'm not, and it's a whole lot easier for me to just not skip a workout than it is to skip one and then deal with the fallout. But there's another emotion that I routinely find driving my workouts, and it can definitely seem strange: Fear.<br /><br /><p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: left;">Now this doesn't mean I work out in a blind panic, or that I'm always scared while I'm hitting the weights. And oftentimes this fear works in conjunction with other emotions and feelings to drive my workouts. But regularly I find myself recognizing that fear is at the root of the thoughts that get me out of bed on those mornings when I'm not feeling it and not being grumpy at work just isn't motivation enough. Sometimes the fear is work-based; I work construction, and it's a physically demanding job. Sometimes I'm afraid that if I don't stay in shape, I'll get hurt at work and be unable to provide for my family; other times I worry that as a guy in my mid-thirties, without lifting and being in the best shape possible I won't be able to keep up with these smart-ass kids that work fast when they can find the time to put down their goddamn phones. Sometimes my fear is health-based; it may be silly, but I worry that if I'm not physically fit in conjunction with the right diet, that I won't be able to keep my Crohn's in check (such that it is). Sometimes the fear surrounds my family; one Durfling is already running around, and his little brother will be right behind him. I'm scared that not being fit will make it impossible to keep up with them when they're running around, and that will cause me to miss out on memories. They're also gonna be BIG dudes, and I'm worried that they'll be able to kick my ass sooner than I'd like. There's also the Durfette; there's a very real fear I have that without working out, I'll sink into other bad habits and wind up a doughy dolt of a sitcom husband, and she won't be as forgiving as Leah Remini.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Some of these fears are more valid than others, and some of them are complete fabrications of my mind, and in quiet moments of contemplation, sometimes I wonder if it's healthy for fear to compose such a sizable base for my workout drive. Fear has its benefits to be sure, but living a life based on fear doesn't seem like a fun or healthy way to live. Ultimately, I've come to think of fear as a component to my workouts, a tool that helps me maximize my time in the gym, not unlike a good stretch or a protein shake. It's a motivating factor, it helps me stay focused on what I'm doing, and for good or bad, it weaves my workouts into the rest of my life and vice versa, as opposed to just having them be the first hour or so of my weekdays. Anyway, that's enough of how I'm scared of everything; on to the music!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><u>Monday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">
Panopticon - <i>...And Again Into the Light</i></span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYW547nFZHAwu4lapWQapwyiFy-p6WZH46cvn8yPo5lSP4ZSF9GCwpfkgN08ogBec7doHn5_7I63C2HedvByQD1rcYWZUz27MPHlly-U8Zie_A_jT6N2foXwq2GuKzNVksqhIPh3Bk0CR/s700/pnptcn.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYW547nFZHAwu4lapWQapwyiFy-p6WZH46cvn8yPo5lSP4ZSF9GCwpfkgN08ogBec7doHn5_7I63C2HedvByQD1rcYWZUz27MPHlly-U8Zie_A_jT6N2foXwq2GuKzNVksqhIPh3Bk0CR/s320/pnptcn.jpeg" /></a>
</div>
<p></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
It wasn't supposed to go this way, man. I had a <i>plan </i>for
this. The kids would be in bed. I'd head down to the fire pit and
get a good fire going. Maybe I'd chance it on my stomach and have a
glass of whiskey (Kentucky bourbon, natch). I'd sit before the flames,
watching the stars come out, listening to Panopticon the way Dio
intended. But then it was raining. And then the in-laws were in
town. And then it was 90 degrees at 9:30pm. And then one night the
kids wouldn't sleep. And then, before long, I realized that the only
constant, consistent block of time I have to listen to music uninterrupted is
during my morning garage workouts. It wasn't the perfect, nature-centric
evening for my most anticipated album of the year, but it was better than not
listening to it at all.
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
And you know what? It didn't really matter. Sure,
<i>...And Again Into the Light </i>could absolutely be enjoyed by a fire with
a nice libation by your side (and will be, certainly), but the setting
couldn't be less important. Austin Lunn has created another masterpiece
of an album, one that is certainly recognizable as Panopticon, but also
displays a newfound growth and confidence. There is a profound sense of
peace amidst the blastbeats and orchestral displays on
<i>...And Again Into the Light</i>, and the more I listen to it, the more
fully realized it seems. The quiet intro of "Dead Loons" is a perfect
example; there are things happening, but after the acoustic opening track, I
absolutely expected "Dead Loons" to barrel into the heavy full-tilt, but it
doesn't, and this subversion of expectations makes for an undeniably better
listen. Moments like this abound on <i>...And Again Into the Light</i>,
some obvious and instantly heard, others more subtle and revealed after
repeated listens. Better and smarter writers than I
<a href="https://www.nocleansinging.com/2021/04/15/panopticon-and-again-into-the-light/">have written about the album at length</a>, so I'll leave the full reviews to him. But suffice it to say that
<i>...And Again Into the Light</i> surpassed every single expectation
that I had coming into a new album from my favorite band, and no one should be
surprised to see this one end up in many, many AOTY lists come December.
Until then, I'll be listening to it regularly. Also, I absolutely
CRUSHED leg day today. <i>...And Again Into the Light </i>is out now on
the indomitable Bindrune Recordings.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=4026905151/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=381398820/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://thetruepanopticon.bandcamp.com/album/and-again-into-the-light">...And Again Into The Light by Panopticon</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Tuesday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Diskord - <i>Degnerations</i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3RHJjaK3WQl-1uOqXYxjyHnh7fwL4lIoQ_9G-KVtk8mbIrae7_iD45sj8KV5GU165OR3yMIuM3WhiboIV-tQtz1frphuXWx50ogBjJLULtYSXuH__LWmXoYE2Y6Z8RaKMpYPAjMgOAxG/s700/dskrd.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3RHJjaK3WQl-1uOqXYxjyHnh7fwL4lIoQ_9G-KVtk8mbIrae7_iD45sj8KV5GU165OR3yMIuM3WhiboIV-tQtz1frphuXWx50ogBjJLULtYSXuH__LWmXoYE2Y6Z8RaKMpYPAjMgOAxG/s320/dskrd.jpeg" /></a>
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
Wow, I think that's the first time I've ever gone two paragraphs on an album
before. Definitely worth it. Diskord is a name I feel like I've
heard before without ever hearing, which is certainly possible;
<i>Degenerations </i>is only the band's third full-length, but that
discography spans twenty years, so they've been around for a minute. If
<i>Degenerations </i>is indicative of what they've been up to for two decades,
then I've sorely been missing out. <i>Degenerations </i>is an all-out,
kitchen sink approach to death metal, with progressive elements, heavy
straightforward riff elements, and even some jazz elements, all thrown into a
blender and then turned on to high speed with the lid left off. So now
your kitchen is a mess and there are liquified bits of multiple genres all
over your cabinets, but you don't care because you've been dancing in this
musical maelstrom and letting it hit you in your face as hard and as often as
possible. So yeah, <i>Degenerations </i>has a lot of fun exploring from
its death metal base, and kudos to Diskord for making it all work without
feeling ostentatious or too much. <i>Degenerations</i> is out via
Transcending Obscurity on August 13th.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=209107241/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1939399669/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://diskordband.bandcamp.com/album/degenerations-death-metal">Degenerations (Death Metal) by DISKORD (Norway)</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Wednesday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Viserion - <i>Natural Selection</i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShGg4QpiSfB8zLEp20DlTs6Kq2FfgKIDBGfen_Zz3RIZqxLxNmyfxpjUxytAbjDomw2FjM0DdQFrcD_p4jhxW4m8aWvYwfCRKHAODs02KyyQq3GaWWPirawD53yiufc7BGdFWTNYjsA6d/s427/vsrn.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="425" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiShGg4QpiSfB8zLEp20DlTs6Kq2FfgKIDBGfen_Zz3RIZqxLxNmyfxpjUxytAbjDomw2FjM0DdQFrcD_p4jhxW4m8aWvYwfCRKHAODs02KyyQq3GaWWPirawD53yiufc7BGdFWTNYjsA6d/s320/vsrn.jpeg" /></a>
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
I try to go in to albums I haven't heard by bands I've never heard of with as
open a mind as possible, but sometimes its impossible to not let band names
influence you just a little bit. Viserion, if I remember
correctly <i>(Ed. Note: Nope, your memory is shit; Viserion is the dragon named after
Viserys, who is the person you're talking about. You're already on the
computer, just use fucking google)</i>, was Khaleesi's dickhead brother in Season 1 of Game of Thrones, a sniveling
little shit of a human that really just sucked <i>hard</i> every time he
was onscreen, save for one.
<i>(Spoiler Alert for ten years ago on a show that broke both of its ankles
and every single one of the bones in its legs and also shit its pants on the
landing)</i> After marrying his sister off to Khal Drogo in exchange for an army,
Viserion gets impertinent (as is his default setting) and pulls a knife and
threatens Danarys if the Drogo doesn't give him the army. Drogo
essentially turns into the Michael Jordan "...and I took that personally"
meme, melts down a whole bunch of gold coins, and pours it over Viserion's
head, killing him instantly in one of the most metal deaths on a show that had
a <i>lot</i> of metal deaths. So basically, before I even started
listening to <i>Natural Selection</i>, I was already convinced that it would
either be whiny and annoying or just absolutely, flawlessly intense. The
raw, unyielding black metal on <i>Natural Selection</i> (contained behind
an absolutely <i>brutal</i> album cover) is very much the latter, bleak
and aggressive and violent as killing a man with melted gold. The songs
are all rapid fire assaults on the senses that don't concern themselves with
things like melody or ambiance. These songs are here to kill, not be
killed, and ensure that they are the ones who survive. Which should have
been obvious from the album title, in hindsight. Viserion is
self-releasing <i>Natural Selection</i> on August 13th.<br /></p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2829787968/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 500px;"><a href="https://viserion.bandcamp.com/album/natural-selection">Natural Selection by Viserion</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Thursday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">FŌR - <i>The Life Feeding Flame</i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JzkUli-J4XJATJSFdyStITw5lVjO5o6Dy_rC_WXdvjQWZGi03s2Seyc20wbjZo0-BdVMZUXElT9V5u1QJQDeDIfSEWaY9YPUa8tDxp4iWeGDxdgL13VxtpykQc-2iULlfXDaMowLmPQb/s700/fr.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2JzkUli-J4XJATJSFdyStITw5lVjO5o6Dy_rC_WXdvjQWZGi03s2Seyc20wbjZo0-BdVMZUXElT9V5u1QJQDeDIfSEWaY9YPUa8tDxp4iWeGDxdgL13VxtpykQc-2iULlfXDaMowLmPQb/s320/fr.jpeg" /></a>
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
This isn't my first time listening to <i>The Life Feeding Flame</i>; I
discovered it on Bandcamp a month or so ago and was immediately blown away by
FŌR's combination of Ulcerate-ish dissonant death metal with blackened
doom elements. I let Mick know about it as soon as I finished the EP,
because if there's one thing I know about the ol' Boss Man, it's that he loves
him some Ulcerate. Actually, if I had to pick just one thing to say I
know about him, that probably wouldn't be it. But I do know that it's
true, and that because he digs Ulcerate, I knew he would dig FŌR. Which
means if YOU dig Ulcerate, then you will ALSO dig FŌR. CRABCAKE
SAMMICH. That's what I'd say about Mick if I could pick just one
thing. Although that doesn't help any of you out, because it's sort of
an inside joke. But just trust me, it's super descriptive and absolutely
appropriate for the Töp's Head Honcho. Anyway, I picked
<i>The Life Feeding Flame</i> because I needed something fierce and
invigorating and relatively short for my HIIT workout today, and this
absolutely fits the bill. <i>The Life Feeding Flame</i> came out
May 11th on the fantastically named Nihilistic Noise Propaganda.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2124326471/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1732876008/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://nihilisticnoisepropaganda.com/album/the-life-feeding-flame">The Life Feeding Flame by FŌR</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Friday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Replicant - <i>Malignant Reality</i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnlwDF0X1EfGXlHf6BPhJd_TlKUb0o7s13ThKgEvHjSQa-L9pzUTI3idzmxtOxLwmHCYgklGUQK5uSBB80VaSfySpxnbHD1EAtJmEOQKGyxi-B9OCHSmTsjkb7OawOugMMc5_jMBoQKkz/s700/rplcnt.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOnlwDF0X1EfGXlHf6BPhJd_TlKUb0o7s13ThKgEvHjSQa-L9pzUTI3idzmxtOxLwmHCYgklGUQK5uSBB80VaSfySpxnbHD1EAtJmEOQKGyxi-B9OCHSmTsjkb7OawOugMMc5_jMBoQKkz/s320/rplcnt.jpeg" /></a>
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
So in one of those insanely weird coincidences, I was thinking about
<i>Blade Runner</i> the other day (which happens relatively often, I
guess) when I opened up my Gmail and saw a band called Replicant. After
being extremely weirded out, I decided that obviously I had to listen to the
band at my next opportunity, which you've already worked out is today.
Replicant play a straightforward but emotive strain of technical death metal
that gets your heart pumping and your head banging; the first FFO of Gorguts
is absolutely spot on. <i>Malignant Reality</i> is the band's
second album, and hopefully it puts them on the map, because it's a pretty
impeccable album. Gorgeous, really, in a technical death metal
way. Not unlike, say, attack ships on fire off the shoulder of Orion, or
C-beams glittering in the dark near the Tannhāuser Gate.
<i>Malignant Reality </i>comes out via Transcending Obscurity on September
10th. Honestly, at this point, just check out everything TO puts out,
because they do not do bullshit releases. Easily one of the strongest
and most prolific metal label, top to bottom, working right now.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=166296199/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=886347792/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://replicantband.bandcamp.com/album/malignant-reality-death-metal">Malignant Reality (Death Metal) by REPLICANT (US)</a></iframe>
<div><br /></div><div>Another solid week in the books! Previous DWW albums out today are:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://bosskband.bandcamp.com/">Bossk - <i> Migration</i></a> (Post-Metal)</li><li><a href="https://wanderermn.bandcamp.com/album/liberation-from-a-brutalist-existence?from=search&search_item_id=3659055393&search_item_type=a&search_match_part=%3F&search_page_id=1785242782&search_page_no=0&search_rank=5&search_sig=f5b7eb6f97ba8bbe9b218fa278a6bf67&logged_out_menubar=true">Wanderer - </a><i><a href="https://wanderermn.bandcamp.com/album/liberation-from-a-brutalist-existence?from=search&search_item_id=3659055393&search_item_type=a&search_match_part=%3F&search_page_id=1785242782&search_page_no=0&search_rank=5&search_sig=f5b7eb6f97ba8bbe9b218fa278a6bf67&logged_out_menubar=true">Liberation From a Brutalist Existence</a> </i>(Hardcore)</li></ul><div>That's it; that's the week! Hope it found you good and your lifts were strong and beneficial. See you next week.</div><div><br /></div><div>-Durf</div><div><br /></div></div>Brutalitopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548942312423354614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517694096190034221.post-14626997522385555462021-06-11T09:30:00.001-05:002021-06-11T09:30:00.202-05:00Durf's Weekly Workout # 20: June 11th, 2021<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiO6AYgz2JrBDwI5bAjgKvjxmCh5SIUeC5YKDDVIWHNnrU9WrfyxQz0UGP5kOMaCWURVjccGUqzqkCT-eU8tg24fMmnSsZNugASewhVbnKZzcTRGEQXHLa9ItF9skFOCI_D3viY4wLKTF/s468/DurfsWeeklyWorkout.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiO6AYgz2JrBDwI5bAjgKvjxmCh5SIUeC5YKDDVIWHNnrU9WrfyxQz0UGP5kOMaCWURVjccGUqzqkCT-eU8tg24fMmnSsZNugASewhVbnKZzcTRGEQXHLa9ItF9skFOCI_D3viY4wLKTF/s16000/DurfsWeeklyWorkout.png" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Things are finally, slowly starting to open back up after fifteen months of pandemic (I know, it feels like fifteen years). The Durfette and I went golfing with her dad and his girlfriend when they were in town, and then we went to a local restaurant, sat on the patio, and had a glass of wine. I went into the coffee shop that I stop in after grocery shopping, and didn't wear a mask as I picked up my americano to go. We had friends over - <i>in person</i> - for a barbecue. Major league sports are operating with full crowds, which may not be the best example, because they would have done that all last year if local governments hadn't forced them to put safety above profit. We still have a ways to go (and it would certainly help if everyone got on board), but for now things are certainly trending back toward normalcy. And the icing on that long-delayed cake has been trickling out of the baker's bag for the past couple of weeks: real, in-person, honest to Dio <i>concert announcements</i>.<br /><br /></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: left;">Off the top of my head, without looking, I know Red Fang, Gojira, Black Tusk, Between the Buried and Me, The Obsessed, Inter Arma, and Foo Fighters have shows lined up for later this year. My Instagram account is littered with festival lineups and announcements. It's incredibly exciting and refreshing to see. Now, as usual, most of these tours are skipping Boise, which wouldn't be so bad if the bands didn't give themselves two days to get from Salt Lake City to Seattle. That open date literally screams "HAHAHAHA FUCK YOU!!!!!" at me every time I see it. I have a ticket for BTBAM's Anniversary/<i>Great Misdirect </i>tour's Salt Lake City show, but when that tour was originally scheduled, that show was on a Saturday and I only had one Durfling; now it's on a Wednesday and I have two, so that's probably out. Gojira and Red Fang <i>are</i> coming to Boise, however, which is awesome; it also presents me with another issue: as excited as I am to see concerts resuming, as happy as I am that life seems to be moving out of the dead stop its come to, I'm not entirely sure that I'm ready to be jammed into a concert venue elbow to elbow with a bunch of sweaty strangers. Which is 100% on me, and I'm sure will pass in time. Gojira is in town in September, and Red Fang in November, so that gives me three to five months to get comfortable with the idea. Because I miss live music. I miss the shows, I miss the camaraderie with other fans, I miss skipping the headliner because you're talking to the bassist from the opener that blew you away. In the grand scheme of things, I know that getting concerts back is pretty small potatoes, but goddamn the world is a better place with them.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Monday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Bossk - <i>Migration</i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdC99-kOwX1C5CyO0jX8lfSSeuivPkARjAu-xN7V5XW3xeK5i-4qiMEjmv7dd9qaDPrnLMXw8kNlAK9o-WifLZKJ-adiHe6KKwMmM7DOhhyphenhyphenu-U5MNuIRztVuftWdeIv2dVkid_mjRC5g8x/s700/bssk.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdC99-kOwX1C5CyO0jX8lfSSeuivPkARjAu-xN7V5XW3xeK5i-4qiMEjmv7dd9qaDPrnLMXw8kNlAK9o-WifLZKJ-adiHe6KKwMmM7DOhhyphenhyphenu-U5MNuIRztVuftWdeIv2dVkid_mjRC5g8x/s320/bssk.jpeg" /></a>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">I first stumbled onto Bossk way back in the day while listening to, like,
an Isis Pandora station (Remember Pandora? Is Pandora still a
thing?). Their EPs </span><i style="text-align: left;">.1 </i><span style="text-align: left;">and </span><i style="text-align: left;">.2 </i><span style="text-align: left;">blew me away, and I remember wanting to hear more, and then they just sort
of went away, which made me a sad Durf. So imagine my surprise and
delight in 2016 when they released </span><i style="text-align: left;">Audio Noir</i><span style="text-align: left;">, which landed on my Töp Albums of the Year list. The band's
post-metal soundscapes are right up my alley, and obviously any new material
from them is must-listen, so when </span><i style="text-align: left;">Migration </i><span style="text-align: left;">showed up in our inbox, I was instantly excited. </span><i style="text-align: left;">Migration</i><span style="text-align: left;"> does nothing to dispel that excitement either; Bossk is fired up and
raring to go, and they absolutely crush it, delivering a complete album of
intense post-metal that lives up to the greats of the genre; "Menhir" sounds
like it could be a Cult of Luna song, and I mean that as a massive
compliment. </span><i style="text-align: left;">(Ed. Note: Could it possibly sound like a Cult of Luna song because
Johannes Persson, vocalist for said Cult of Luna, is on this track?
God you're a hack)</i><span style="text-align: left;"> And I mean, obviously that's a compliment; if you think a Cult of
Luna comparison isn't a massive compliment, then I'm not entirely sure what
to say. </span><i style="text-align: left;">Migration</i><span style="text-align: left;"> comes out on Deathwish next Friday, June 18th.</span>
</div>
<p></p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=48983962/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1365647981/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://bosskband.bandcamp.com/album/migration">Migration by Bossk</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Tuesday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">
Cerebral Rot - <i>Excretion of Mortality</i></span>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1izydj0LNUslZ4jgyYVGf6XouEw2hjrn7BlBSpFFtbmEYi0rvPv2u2LIwgZUOf6639HlveepOyo_7Uq2uh7rZ2lhYvh_0nAKIEC9iDMAl5QkL6IV2tp3C-lRnFh32VGO1pbFtHk2l2Lb/s700/crbrlrt.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic1izydj0LNUslZ4jgyYVGf6XouEw2hjrn7BlBSpFFtbmEYi0rvPv2u2LIwgZUOf6639HlveepOyo_7Uq2uh7rZ2lhYvh_0nAKIEC9iDMAl5QkL6IV2tp3C-lRnFh32VGO1pbFtHk2l2Lb/s320/crbrlrt.jpeg" /></a>
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
Color me guilty of judging a book by its cover; looking at the cover art for
<i>Excretion of Mortality</i>, I assumed I'd be listening to something like
Gruesome, just complete OSDM worship. So when the low end kicked in and
the bass fired up, I was intrigued. Cerebral Rot traffic in kick-ass
death metal that bludgeons you over the head (without being "brutal") and
throws in a fantastic amount and array of riffs that call to mind all eras of
death metal. Which is great, because honestly? I'm over the OSDM
redux. Maybe it's because I got into extreme metal via black
metal? Maybe I was hugged too much as a child? Whatever the
reason, nothing makes me say "Nah, pass" to an album faster than seeing those
four letters smushed together like the bottom Egg McMuffin in a sack of thirty
getting passed around a jobsite. Anyway, that's probably a personal
problem, and it's also irrelevant, because like I said, Cerebral Rot forges
their own path instead of trying to re-live the past. Feel like I really
went off the rails here, which either illustrates my obvious need for an
editor or is a perfect analogue for <i>Excretion of Mortality</i>. Which
comes out in two Fridays (June 25th) on 20 Buck Spin.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1335267379/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=912229796/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://listen.20buckspin.com/album/excretion-of-mortality">Excretion of Mortality by Cerebral Rot</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Wednesday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">
The Grasshopper Lies Heavy - <i>A Cult That Worships A God of Death</i></span>
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidE1k83dh1FMfl_PfV55r6owtNxTsOJZ8bLW2ugcZGy_Po9cU_O_4MlBrBUBNFy3kWSMyENhgj-cDOUTkdMFwmA1BlGxMhMtjQRkwYRp9xXC8N4KuWUq8Lr5xf3Pm-ZAu08BOzif8n6ZzA/s700/grsshpprlshvy.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidE1k83dh1FMfl_PfV55r6owtNxTsOJZ8bLW2ugcZGy_Po9cU_O_4MlBrBUBNFy3kWSMyENhgj-cDOUTkdMFwmA1BlGxMhMtjQRkwYRp9xXC8N4KuWUq8Lr5xf3Pm-ZAu08BOzif8n6ZzA/s320/grsshpprlshvy.jpeg" /></a>
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
"I'm sorry, what's that?" That was my exact quote, said out loud, when I saw a
band named The Grasshopper Lies Heavy show up in the Töp inbox. It's not
so much a terrible band name as it is a band name that seems questionable at
first glance and then grows on you until it consumes your entire being and you
start wondering why <i>all </i>bands aren't named The Grasshopper Lies
Heavy. <i>A Cult That Worships the God of Death</i>, however, is a
straight up <i>ballin' </i>album title, and the music it contains lives up
that impressive title. The Grasshopper Lies Heavy bring a ballin' mix of
sludgy, doomy, post-everything noise that is incredibly immersive for such
relatively short song lengths for most of the album. The outlier is the
title track, "A Cult That Worships A God of Death, Parts I-IV," which is a
nearly nine minute opus that brings to mind Mouth of the Architect. I'm
really leaning into comparisons to post-metal deities this week, but if the
heavy, melodic shoe fits, right?
<i>A Cult that Worships A God of Death </i>will be out July 16th on Learning
Curve Records.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=79627152/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3392290686/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://thegrasshopperliesheavy.bandcamp.com/album/a-cult-that-worships-a-god-of-death">A Cult That Worships A God Of Death by The Grasshopper Lies Heavy</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Thursday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Dödsrit - <i>Mortal Coil</i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6oEb1Oo73zL_Mp4oh7jBJo_EBj7O5GX2ayj4x62Hy_0dPYTZx72dmK9mf1C-FcAj16M-2D9EXexHrlfcYHJgE5qJFoGWUJzPztV2V3OKnt7b3xG623vToNPCsBuaLopZ5lPW1sKgNi8Q/s700/ddsrt.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6oEb1Oo73zL_Mp4oh7jBJo_EBj7O5GX2ayj4x62Hy_0dPYTZx72dmK9mf1C-FcAj16M-2D9EXexHrlfcYHJgE5qJFoGWUJzPztV2V3OKnt7b3xG623vToNPCsBuaLopZ5lPW1sKgNi8Q/s320/ddsrt.jpeg" /></a>
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
Well this was an incredibly welcome surprise! Sitting at the kitchen
table, drinking my pre-workout coffee, with nothing queued up to listen to, I
started randomly scrolling through metal Bandcamp when
<i>Mortal Coil</i> caught my eye. Dödsrit dabbles in a proprietary
blend of black metal that is both instantly recognizable and distinctly
unique; as I put it while talking to my friend and former Brutalitopian Jack,
"it somehow manages to encapsulate everything I love from all the disparate
reaches of black metal into like forty minutes," which is an assessment I
stand by. Or, if you prefer a little more detail (and some comparisons
that are a little better than mine, since we're doing Comparison Week today),
it's like Jack replied: "It’s like if you tossed the following all into a
blender and it came out homogenous: Gojira’s emotion driven chord
progressions, At The Gates' use of dual lead harmonics, Martydöd-ian crust/d
beat passages and Solstafir grooves." However you want to look at it,
<i>Mortal Coil</i> is an incredible album, another release that seems
destined to end up on a lot of year end lists this coming December.
<i>Mortal Coil</i> came out May 28th via Wolves of Hades, and you should
seriously go listen to it now.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1112510293/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1363352089/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://wolvesofhades.bandcamp.com/album/mortal-coil">Mortal Coil by Dödsrit</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Friday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Shun - <i>Shun</i></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBumI3Pqn4WH75eV2XhZ6Sy5fdR51pPXEk_UFjU_CPB-VE6omvZZAp9kja-VQaZ8sDKfI81nLcosLByG5WyPJ3BqgJkQB7loGwtQwibz2V7oFXNkyC2_zAjcsAKjoM82GfrxZSwmO5tOu-/s700/shn.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBumI3Pqn4WH75eV2XhZ6Sy5fdR51pPXEk_UFjU_CPB-VE6omvZZAp9kja-VQaZ8sDKfI81nLcosLByG5WyPJ3BqgJkQB7loGwtQwibz2V7oFXNkyC2_zAjcsAKjoM82GfrxZSwmO5tOu-/s320/shn.jpeg" /></a>
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
Sometimes some good ol' rock just hits the spot. Shun is a new band out
of North Carolina, and their eponymous debut album is a terrific cacophony of
what makes metal-adjacent rock awesome. Are there big riffs? You
know there are. Is there just enough fuzz to give it that "Huh, this is
like if Matt Pike wrote a song trying to get radio play?" Oh yeah, in
spades. Are there a lot of Clutch-like blues licks? Well, no, and
if you've read this far you know I'd love to just keep making comparisons, but
that one just doesn't fit here. Other than the fact that
<i>Shun</i> is great, and Clutch is also great. But that's pretty
weak, even for me. <i>Shun </i>is a dynamic mix of sounds and tempos,
led by the incredible range of vocalists Matt Whitehead and Scott Brandon, who
manage to bellow forcefully and croon almost soulfully across the album's
runtime. This is really, really good stuff that I think you'll dig; if
you're into Elder at all, check these guys out. There, one last
comparison. May have hit those harder than the weights this week.
<i>Shun</i> came out June 4th via Smallstone Recordings, who is really
killing it with the releases this year.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3176600911/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1948525488/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://smallstone.bandcamp.com/album/shun">SHUN by SHUN</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">That's it for the week; hope you all had some great workouts soundtracked by
killer jams as well. Looking back, this was a really strong week,
music-wise. Always nice when that happens. I did a quick look, and
I didn't see any previous DWW albums that come out today, so if this is your
favorite part of the post... sorry. See you all next week.
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">- Durf</p>
Brutalitopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548942312423354614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517694096190034221.post-89151086360255002052021-06-04T09:30:00.002-05:002021-06-04T09:30:00.177-05:00Durf's Weekly Workout # 19: June 4th, 2021<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiO6AYgz2JrBDwI5bAjgKvjxmCh5SIUeC5YKDDVIWHNnrU9WrfyxQz0UGP5kOMaCWURVjccGUqzqkCT-eU8tg24fMmnSsZNugASewhVbnKZzcTRGEQXHLa9ItF9skFOCI_D3viY4wLKTF/s468/DurfsWeeklyWorkout.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiO6AYgz2JrBDwI5bAjgKvjxmCh5SIUeC5YKDDVIWHNnrU9WrfyxQz0UGP5kOMaCWURVjccGUqzqkCT-eU8tg24fMmnSsZNugASewhVbnKZzcTRGEQXHLa9ItF9skFOCI_D3viY4wLKTF/s16000/DurfsWeeklyWorkout.png" /></a></div>Last week was one of those weeks where every second seemed to be packed to the
gills with stuff to do. My job was working ten hour days in the hopes of
getting Friday off to make it a four day Memorial Day weekend (we
succeeded). The Durfette saw her job kick into overdrive in her second
week back from maternity leave, and one or both of the Durflings decided it
would be fun to bring a little head cold home from daycare.
Additionally, the Durfette's dad and his girlfriend came in for the weekend,
so there was a lot of work to be done to get the house ready to host people
who aren't used to living in the squalor that is two children under
three. So yeah, that's why you didn't get a Durf's Weekly Workout last
week; honestly I'm amazed I had the energy to wake up and lift. But
after a terrific Memorial Day Weekend, I'm feeling well-rested (which will
last about an hour, I imagine) and ready to go, so now we're back and
hopefully better than ever. Of course, I'm still writing this at the last minute, and then I spent too much time writing about a very surprising album, so some of these entries may be a little short. Don't let that deter you. Onward!<br /><br /><p></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Monday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">
Wanderer - <i>Liberation From a Brutalist Existence</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfdOXEQQBC6ilEItjFHI7aMulgJf_06nuMASoKs51gLJ1yuHy7MbnY0B7sgNumR_LzSCyBn1cv452Lof9WQvYBFn9ScF3WjP6NpADyp_oOTEyqpIxgMJGbH7m_mbhIXoPg0iCaqTBKimm/s300/Wanderer1619645975585118.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLfdOXEQQBC6ilEItjFHI7aMulgJf_06nuMASoKs51gLJ1yuHy7MbnY0B7sgNumR_LzSCyBn1cv452Lof9WQvYBFn9ScF3WjP6NpADyp_oOTEyqpIxgMJGbH7m_mbhIXoPg0iCaqTBKimm/w320-h320/Wanderer1619645975585118.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well that whole thing about saving EPs and shorter albums for HIIT days lasted
all of a week or so.
<i>Liberation From a Brutalist Existence</i> is a delightfully nasty
slice of hardcore that gets in your face, stays in you face, and then backs
off just enough for you to sort of think about what's happening to you before
getting right back in your face again. This is right up there with
Werewolves' <i>What A Time to Be Alive</i> as one of the best workout
albums I've discovered this year.
<i>Liberation From a Brutalist Existence</i> comes out June 18th via
Entelodon Records.</div><span style="text-align: left;"></span><p></p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3659055393/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=2313788523/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://wanderermn.bandcamp.com/album/liberation-from-a-brutalist-existence">Liberation From A Brutalist Existence by Wanderer</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Tuesday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Unidad Trauma - <i>Arte Médica Siniestra</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGOV0XxC55PLzIRHwgy4Wv-CVavs4eJ8IbR_IPEGROXwrYUEB0U5J0ca1xs17r1_Rw2BIn4MbAGvzGqwwI4KONAGBOs7hsHxQbWa0GbqwsY2Q0OTtAESoBFVTjqKzt_TJiTYQusUIlUn-/s300/UnidadTrauma1621371096226443.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="277" data-original-width="300" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGOV0XxC55PLzIRHwgy4Wv-CVavs4eJ8IbR_IPEGROXwrYUEB0U5J0ca1xs17r1_Rw2BIn4MbAGvzGqwwI4KONAGBOs7hsHxQbWa0GbqwsY2Q0OTtAESoBFVTjqKzt_TJiTYQusUIlUn-/w320-h295/UnidadTrauma1621371096226443.jpg" width="320" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
Wow, back to back hardcore/grind days? Who am I?!? Someone who
likes getting his teeth kicked in sonically, I suppose. Unidad Trauma is
a bit more on the grind side of things than Wanderer, but that doesn't make
them any less intense. This debut EP from the Tijuana band doesn't come
with any growing pains; rather <i>Arte Médica Siniestra </i>showcases a band
that knows what they want to say and exactly how they want to say it.
Which is loud, fast, and aggressively.
<i>Arte Médica Siniestra</i> came out last Friday on Concreto Records.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=61455615/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=864857727/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://unidadtrauma.bandcamp.com/album/arte-m-dica-siniestra">Arte Médica Siniestra by Unidad Trauma</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Wednesday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Red Fang - <i>Arrows</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYI0rH4QtcKHgMJiMENprSlMOUgSLmmJxAC4L3ZGHbBoq-Phk8F0eL7tUh9_xCRi63G-6MN7DHIm0q3kelhteAauil7RGDINVDADojqmTwWmf_LBJ7zOq26BDEsdBbtsMnxNWx3Mk1oMPX/s700/rdfng.jpeg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYI0rH4QtcKHgMJiMENprSlMOUgSLmmJxAC4L3ZGHbBoq-Phk8F0eL7tUh9_xCRi63G-6MN7DHIm0q3kelhteAauil7RGDINVDADojqmTwWmf_LBJ7zOq26BDEsdBbtsMnxNWx3Mk1oMPX/w320-h320/rdfng.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
God it's good to have Red Fang back. It's been
<i>six years</i> since <i>Only Ghosts</i> came out, which seems
impossible, but it's true; I looked it up and everything. Thankfully,
time hasn't dulled the instincts of these stoner rock gods; <i>Arrows </i>is
Red Fang at their absolute best, marrying galloping, driving rhythms with
heaps of distortion and ripping guitar licks. And while I haven't seen
any of them yet, I'm sure the music videos are still as great as ever.
<i>Arrows </i>was recorded pre-COVID and shelved for a year, and yet there's a
palpable sense of nervousness and unease permeating the record. I'm not
complaining, mind you, as it gives <i>Arrows</i> a truly dynamic feel;
it's like the middle of a kegger on a Sunday afternoon. You're having a
blast, but you know work looms the next day. <i>Arrows </i>is out TODAY
on Relapse.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3666082417/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1612963440/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://redfang.bandcamp.com/album/arrows">Arrows by Red Fang</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Thursday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">
Dr. Colossus -
<i>I'm A Stupid Moron With an Ugly Face and a Big Butt and My Butt Smells and
I Like to Kiss My Own Butt</i></span>
</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibE1AWWTi0zXhW_smdUkmw-qHYLI6Baioo6EwTmQ7GelPaHZVkPpqEdRlAwtDsDAtx4RJo-D33RngZiEf0fKZ3RjlvKUYhf3nHq_d-H7jnz2pwUWkz435c2zPwH7IKLSUbQDBajSdCBdDw/s700/drclsss.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibE1AWWTi0zXhW_smdUkmw-qHYLI6Baioo6EwTmQ7GelPaHZVkPpqEdRlAwtDsDAtx4RJo-D33RngZiEf0fKZ3RjlvKUYhf3nHq_d-H7jnz2pwUWkz435c2zPwH7IKLSUbQDBajSdCBdDw/s320/drclsss.jpeg" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
Yeah, I know. A <i>Simpsons</i>-themed novelty band with an album title
that doesn't even try to acknowledge the subversive, whip-smart humor the show
had in its early years, featuring burnout busdriver Otto on the cover in a
direct homage to <i>Dopesmoker.</i> Yeah, I know exactly what you're
thinking, and I get it. Here's the thing though:
<i>I'm A Stupid Moron... </i>is awesome, some of the best stoner metal I've
heard in a long, long time. The lyrics are definitely tied into
<i>Simpsons</i> lore, and <i>can</i> take you out of the
moment<i> </i>a bit, but then the big, booming riffs and hypnotic bass
lines pull you right back in. Honestly, if I took out the
<i>Simpsons</i> hook and replaced the lyrics with, like, anything, and
then gave this album to you and said it was the new Red Fang album, you'd
freak out over how awesome it is. So ignore the little voice in your
head telling you novelty bands and albums can't be good or shouldn't be taken
seriously, focus more on the Sleep worship than the pranked Moe Sizlack album
title, and give Dr. Colossus the attention they deserve.
<i>I'm A Stupid Moron</i>... came out May 21st; also Dr. Colossus has
apparently been at it long enough to have seven other releases, so if you need
me, you know where to find me. Also, don't need me.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=88030667/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=420329151/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://drcolossustheband.bandcamp.com/album/im-a-stupid-moron-with-an-ugly-face-and-a-big-butt-and-my-butt-smells-and-i-like-to-kiss-my-own-butt">I'm a Stupid Moron With an Ugly Face and A Big Butt and my Butt Smells and I Like to Kiss My Own Butt by Dr. Colossus</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Friday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Headshrinker - <i>Callous Indifference</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdi7jYzDwFOCS5RCgRaqakELNvUuunUTaK-iRIpap8sRcp-y4kmau9ittz5ibLUaI9shPRTE0mzQ8VnIf8Z8orTBaeiPoCJ6USCcFUMTzj2D59ghLdkNriQ9a9Sni5veziAu_Jgq5ITaD/s425/hdshrnkr.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="425" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdi7jYzDwFOCS5RCgRaqakELNvUuunUTaK-iRIpap8sRcp-y4kmau9ittz5ibLUaI9shPRTE0mzQ8VnIf8Z8orTBaeiPoCJ6USCcFUMTzj2D59ghLdkNriQ9a9Sni5veziAu_Jgq5ITaD/s320/hdshrnkr.png" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
I'm pressed for time finishing this up, so my apologies in advance to
Headshrinker for giving them less than they deserve in this space.
<i>Callous Indifference</i> is some pretty delightful death metal that
lives somewhere between the OSDM worship currently en vogue and the modern
style that everyone but me seems to be mocking online. I don't get
it. Anyway, <i>Callous Indifference</i> was terrific inspiration
for an arms day where I didn't really feel like lifting as much as I did
practicing my golf swing. <i>Callous Indifference</i> will be
self-released August 27th.
</p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="300" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YE8V0qjshyM" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">That's the week! Hope everyone has a great start to their summer; see
you back here next week!
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"> </p><p style="text-align: left;">- Durf</p>
Brutalitopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548942312423354614noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1517694096190034221.post-80869657952235379422021-05-21T09:30:00.001-05:002021-05-21T09:30:00.173-05:00Durf's Weekly Workout # 18: May 21st, 2021<p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiO6AYgz2JrBDwI5bAjgKvjxmCh5SIUeC5YKDDVIWHNnrU9WrfyxQz0UGP5kOMaCWURVjccGUqzqkCT-eU8tg24fMmnSsZNugASewhVbnKZzcTRGEQXHLa9ItF9skFOCI_D3viY4wLKTF/s468/DurfsWeeklyWorkout.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiO6AYgz2JrBDwI5bAjgKvjxmCh5SIUeC5YKDDVIWHNnrU9WrfyxQz0UGP5kOMaCWURVjccGUqzqkCT-eU8tg24fMmnSsZNugASewhVbnKZzcTRGEQXHLa9ItF9skFOCI_D3viY4wLKTF/s16000/DurfsWeeklyWorkout.png" /></a></div>I mentioned a couple weeks ago that I've been dealing with another Crohn's
flare up recently. I
<a href="http://www.brutalitopia.com/2015/01/intestinal-crank-crohns-disease-and.html">wrote about my Crohn's disease in more detail a few years ago</a>, and since that post nothing and everything has changed regarding my disease
and my approach to treating it. However, after getting out of the
hospital eight weeks ago, I felt like I wasn't quite healing as fast as I had
in the past, despite a pretty high dose of prednisone (and also tramadol,
which I felt was highly unnecessary, and didn't really take). So I
thought about it, and did some research, and kept thinking, and kept reading,
and then took some pretty drastic steps, all in the name of health. <p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a>The first thing I did was to quit drinking entirely. My alcohol intake
had already been significantly reduced for about the last year; two a night on
weekends was all I had, but I cut that out. Alcohol is by nature
inflammatory, because it is sugar, so bye bye. I thought I would miss it
a little bit, and I'm sure if I were still in the Midwest where I could find
Bell's Two Hearted, I'd have had one or two by now, but other than that I
don't even really think about it, which would have been inconceivable a couple
years ago. It probably helps that last time I made a border run to
Oregon for some CBD oil (which I've been taking for awhile), I picked up some
pre-rolls and gummies. So there's still some substance-aided relaxation
on Friday and Saturday nights, just none that's shown to irritate
inflammation.
<p></p><p style="text-align: left;">
I also cut out nearly all added sugar from my diet; on most days I have about
10g, which is all found in the granola I eat for lunch (I am a boring, boring
person). I never really had much of a sweet tooth, so that wasn't huge,
but then I read something about intermittent fasting being good for
inflammatory bowel disease, and I was intrigued. The gist of
intermittent fasting is that you eat during a certain time frame and then
don't eat for the rest of the day. So while doing 16:8 IF, I would eat
all of my daily calories between 5am-1pm, and then not eat until 5am the next
day. I felt great doing this for the most part, but if I had to mow the
lawn or do any sort of laborious chore after work, I immediately felt weak and
exhausted. I've given fasting up for now, instead just having a smaller
dinner to make sure I get enough calories and nutrients for the day.
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
So far these changes have led to a pretty positive result; I feel better, and
my Crohn's symptoms have more or less abated. I also feel much more in
control of my health, which does wonders for my mental outlook. The
medication(s) I've taken over the course of my disease have certainly done
their part, and the remaining medication continues to do so, but there's
something incredibly reassuring about knowing that I'm not just relying on a
pharmacological creation to keep me healthy, that I'm doing everything in my
power to make myself well. So that's pretty cool. Anyway, enough
health stuff you don't care about; on to the music!
</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Monday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Domkraft - <i>Seeds</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PEo26cMBwJh8_wVDzGDF-rMQJT4N-dQi1aWCSmOZ8_21pND3UztKpGlsIojl8_SETy-30SecQwv-fLHVnBQ0SoMwxTcQsmGtkD5cIeX7uQUQuKh5I5M1bo9WZ75sPW8TRs9kKbXd0c3H/s700/dmkrft.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PEo26cMBwJh8_wVDzGDF-rMQJT4N-dQi1aWCSmOZ8_21pND3UztKpGlsIojl8_SETy-30SecQwv-fLHVnBQ0SoMwxTcQsmGtkD5cIeX7uQUQuKh5I5M1bo9WZ75sPW8TRs9kKbXd0c3H/s320/dmkrft.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Remember last week when I said I wasn't going to make Stoner Mondays a thing,
and then this week I went right ahead and listened to the best stoner-adjacent
album I've heard this year during my workout? Yeah, I'm full of
contradictions. </span><i style="text-align: left;">Seeds</i><span style="text-align: left;"> is so much fun; it's heavy without
being aggressive, it's slow and heady without being boring, and it has an
incredible sense of purpose. Domkraft has been around for a while now,
and I've listened to them before, but </span><i style="text-align: left;">Seeds</i><span style="text-align: left;"> is the first release
of theirs where it seems like the band knows exactly what it wants to be and
executes that vision flawlessly. </span><i style="text-align: left;">Seeds</i><span style="text-align: left;"> is on par with the
last couple of Elder albums, yet I'm not seeing it get the love that Elder
(completely rightfully) receives. Hopefully that changes soon, because
this is tremendous stuff that works perfectly for a lifting session or for
melting into your lawn chair on a beautiful afternoon.
</span><i style="text-align: left;">Seeds</i><span style="text-align: left;"> came out April 30th.</span></div><p></p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3474796450/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3775942379/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://domkraft.bandcamp.com/album/seeds">Seeds by Domkraft</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Tuesday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Ascend Towards the Moon - <i>ILMESTYS</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12__T3cNWc_xZK-eosmJ8WBjL9JaNN_gm9QhCSgrbJUE1KKLwV2j36nArrnnRy_E1BFMZs8e7iXkkB3sPV_TQw-smgaVbNeprHO-7F64O_2sENZ78M6B9-DGwvN4Q9zFlqN9V-4GIDCqa/s700/scndtwrdsthmn.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg12__T3cNWc_xZK-eosmJ8WBjL9JaNN_gm9QhCSgrbJUE1KKLwV2j36nArrnnRy_E1BFMZs8e7iXkkB3sPV_TQw-smgaVbNeprHO-7F64O_2sENZ78M6B9-DGwvN4Q9zFlqN9V-4GIDCqa/s320/scndtwrdsthmn.jpeg" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
I first stumbled upon this album via
<a href="https://www.nocleansinging.com/2021/05/09/shades-of-black-beastlor-i-am-the-night-verheerer-dodskold-ascend-towards-the-moon-wicher-balmog/">a post at No Clean Singing</a>, and was about to listen to it, but then kids, yard work, life, etc...
happened and I had to save it for later. Later turned out to be today,
as I'm sure you've gathered. Ascend Towards the Moon play a darkened form of
black metal that is <i>juuuust </i>on this side of "Put on some headphones and
listen to at night during a thunderstorm," as opposed to "work out before
dawn," but as I've said before, sometimes you just have to enjoy what you're
listening to and let the workout slide a little (which is exactly what
happened here). <i>ILMESTYS </i>came out May 7th.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=491044791/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=860356262/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://ascendtowardsthemoon.bandcamp.com/album/ilmestys">ILMESTYS by Ascend Towards The Moon</a></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Wednesday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">
Our Place of Worship is Silence - <i>Disavowed, and Left Hopeless</i></span>
</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjxR-7qz2LALgKxh53aWMxl5xiFY2PkGMNOtcT6QPvquw1qRe1dQ7D8BXOIiMO5dgRPuxHOsmL84hRonHVHCD0wsOIN_Asmx1KfSdmA_97kJ3E8k7QjYW4Iek896ixD3zu-KH6VJeE7R5/s425/dsvwd.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="425" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghjxR-7qz2LALgKxh53aWMxl5xiFY2PkGMNOtcT6QPvquw1qRe1dQ7D8BXOIiMO5dgRPuxHOsmL84hRonHVHCD0wsOIN_Asmx1KfSdmA_97kJ3E8k7QjYW4Iek896ixD3zu-KH6VJeE7R5/s320/dsvwd.jpeg" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
I first encountered Our Place of Worship in Silence with their 2018 album
<i>With Inexorable Suffering</i>, which absolutely blew me away. I know
that "Blackened death metal" had been a thing for awhile before 2018, but
<i>With Inexorable Suffering </i>was the album where that genre really
clicked, where I was like "Oh shit; <i>blackened death metal</i>!!! I get
it!" And then I'm pretty sure I was supposed to see them at a festival,
but something happened and they couldn't make it and I was super, super bummed
(or maybe that was In the Company of Serpents. I don't remember, and I'm
battling a head cold, but I haven't seen ItCoS either, and the feeling is the
same). So when I saw <i>Disavowed, and Left Hopeless</i> hit the
Töp inbox, I think my exact response was "OH FUCK!!!!!" And then I
listened to it while hitting my arm workout as hard as I possibly could, and
my reaction to hearing it was "OH FUCK!!!!!!"
<i>Disavowed, and Left Hopeless</i> sees the band double down on their
aggressive, blackened sound; there are riffs for sure, but there is also an
extreme sense of spite that permeates the music. In this way,
<i>Disavowed, and Left Hopeless</i> is closer to Dragged Into Sunlight
than, like, Behemoth. Our Place of Worship is Silence is in the process
of cementing themselves as one of the premier metal bands going right now, and
<i>Disavowed, and Left Hopeless</i> is another brick in that wall.
This is another one I think you're going to be seeing a lot of when Best Of
lists start rolling out in December; <i>Disavowed, and Left Hopeless </i>is
out August 27th on Translation Loss. You can listen to the title track over <a href="https://www.decibelmagazine.com/2021/05/12/track-premiere-our-place-of-worship-is-silence-disavowed-and-left-hopeless/">here, at our nemesis site Decibel.</a></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Thursday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">Mastodon - <i>Remission</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHMfDQ1J1Tng1MMllJsvehwd68hStK2yYtZNZPGRsKZA1TJVZXruk0r-oXjZgocWn-rXzrWcQNnfU9t_sP_L9r1tPv1ZWYQ-wiFslgqc9yCvCkKe9SWbYg7Yh_2AJWfV7VhuY9MHHY355/s220/mstdn.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDHMfDQ1J1Tng1MMllJsvehwd68hStK2yYtZNZPGRsKZA1TJVZXruk0r-oXjZgocWn-rXzrWcQNnfU9t_sP_L9r1tPv1ZWYQ-wiFslgqc9yCvCkKe9SWbYg7Yh_2AJWfV7VhuY9MHHY355/w320-h320/mstdn.jpeg" width="320" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
This one felt inevitable once I got the call the other day; my doctor let me
know my MRI results were in, and there is no active inflammation or any other
sign of Crohn's activity in either of my intestines. This is a massive
relief, as I really don't like having flares; they are incredibly inconvenient
for my family and I, not to mention slightly painful. I'm also taking it
as affirmation that the changes I have been implementing for myself are
working, so I'm going to stick with them for the foreseeable future. So
yeah, remission means <i>Remission</i>, which is a ballin' album, the first of
Mastodon's run of four straight all-time classics. Whenever I think of
this album, I always jump to "Mother Puncher" and "March of the Fire Ants,"
while forgetting just how fucking <i>awesome</i> "Ol'e Nessie" is.
Well I'm done making that mistake, because today while lifting, "Ol'e Nessie"
came on and I actively stopped what I was doing, listened for a bit, and said
out loud "This is the best song on this album" to absolutely no one in
particular. I talk to myself out loud a lot in my garage in the
mornings. Maybe too much. I don't know. Anyway, yeah
<i>Remission </i>is great, and so is remission. <i>Remission </i>has
been out for... shit, <i>nineteen</i> years next week. If, for
whatever reason, you've never heard it, you should get on that.
</p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tBAwtSj8tcM" title="YouTube video player" width="500"></iframe>
<p style="text-align: center;"><u>Friday</u></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">
Psychonaut/Sâver - <i>Emerald Split EP</i></span>
</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFp4efvCw2lkZAPJxQHYkXMXUi0STyEEdJIX8eeXQjpuMeFfz66bbWMcQSbxp7NjGXuX-mrpJekx5m9k9HYdGdkmdjRnp-ufADm95-CwjvU6aIZHDnhDtYNjVW-6v24Hzk1EwoJ2LQ09v/s700/pschntsvr.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaFp4efvCw2lkZAPJxQHYkXMXUi0STyEEdJIX8eeXQjpuMeFfz66bbWMcQSbxp7NjGXuX-mrpJekx5m9k9HYdGdkmdjRnp-ufADm95-CwjvU6aIZHDnhDtYNjVW-6v24Hzk1EwoJ2LQ09v/s320/pschntsvr.jpeg" /></a></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">
Psychonaut's <i>Unfold the God Man</i> came out of nowhere (to me) to
become my favorite album of last year, so when I saw on Bandcamp that they had
a new split EP coming out May 14th, I eagerly circled the date in
anticipation. Psychonaut reminds me a lot of Intronaut in some ways, but
also take cues from older, more psychedelic bands as well, creating a sort of
post-metal/psychedelic mishmash that it absolutely something I want to listen
to at all times. "The Great Realisation," their contribution to this
split, doesn't stray from that formula or disappoint in its execution.
Like a lot of post metal, the song moves between quieter moments and
explosions of sound, and while the heavier parts are great, it's in the
quieter moments where Psychonaut really shines. There is a driving
purposefulness to those moments; you can tell the song is building to
something, but the band very clearly wants you to stay in the moment and
appreciate what you're hearing, as opposed to just anticipating the coming
audio storm. I wasn't previously familiar with Sâver, but their
contribution to the split was also plenty good, a long-form post-metal odyssey
that takes its time ebbing and flowing purposefully. The riff at around
the 16:40 mark of "Dimensions Lost, Obscured by Aeons" really ties the room
together, a phenomenal culmination of an already stellar track.
Definitely going to look up some more Sâver, because this was an awesome
listening experience. <i>Emerald Split EP</i> came out last Friday
via Pelagic Records.
</p><iframe seamless="" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2852126210/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="https://psychonautband.bandcamp.com/album/emerald-split-ep">Emerald Split EP by PSYCHONAUT</a></iframe> <div><br /></div><div>And that's the week! Obviously my week was buoyed more by the news from
my doctor, but the lifts and music certainly helped too; hopefully your week
was similarly great. I promised you some big "Previously On" weeks
coming up, so here we go; albums featured in previous Durf's Weekly Workouts
that are out today are:
<p style="text-align: left;"></p>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><a href="https://smallstone.bandcamp.com/album/mystic-goddess">
Robots of the Ancient World - <i>Mystic Goddess</i></a> (Psychedelic/Stoner rock)</li>
<li><a href="https://yautja.bandcamp.com/">
Yautja - <i>The Lurch</i></a> (Noise/Grind/Hardcore/The Kitchen Sink)</li>
<li><a href="https://anautumnforcrippledchildren.bandcamp.com/album/as-the-morning-dawns-we-close-our-eyes">
An Autumn for Crippled Children -
<i>As the Morning Dawns, We Close Our Eyes</i></a> (Blackgaze)</li>
</ul>
<div>
Huh, I guess that's it. Really thought there were more than that.
Man, this head cold might be hitting me harder than I thought. Oh well;
those are three really good albums that you should check out. Hope
everyone has a good week!
</div>
<div><br /></div>
<div>- Durf</div>
<p></p>
</div>Brutalitopiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07548942312423354614noreply@blogger.com0