Myrkur - Mareridt

I know it may be hard for some of you to believe that polarization exists within the metal community, but Myrkur has perpetually been in the cross-hairs ever since the self-titled debut EP. Black metal is perhaps the murkiest of purist waters you can try to stay afloat in, but Amalie Bruun's solo project has been gliding through these waves since day one. While the approaches differ, Myrkur brings to mind bands like Alcest and those who followed in the "blackgaze" craze. Myrkur sticks closer to maintaining the rawness of traditional black metal, but like Alcest, there is an even mix of serene melodies to juxtapose the harsher tones. The only complaint I've ever had with Myrkur's output is that I've never been captivated by a full release. It's as if after every listen, I find myself thinking about the album's "what could have been" potential more than anything else. Unfortunately, Mykur's latest album, Mareridt, follows suit in this trend.

Ulcerate - Shrines of Paralysis

 Unwavering and brutal; this is the brand of dissonant death metal that New Zealand's Ulcerate has been putting out since their inception. Yet, these descriptors always seem to fall short of fully portraying the devastating nature of the band's sound. The Destroyers of All, the band's 2011 release, set an amazingly high bar, but with Shrines of Paralysis, Ulcerate's death metal chops - along with their dialed in songwriting sensibilities - culminate into what could quite possibly be their most complete offering to date.

Red Fang - Only Ghosts

Since 2009, Red Fang has consistently put out some of the catchiest tunes in heavy music.  Blending thick, crunchy riffs with infectious, ear worm choruses in a high energy setting, Red Fang, Murder the Mountains, and Whales and Leeches have helped Red Fang carve themselves a distinct niche; in a stoner genre that often brings to mind hour-long songs and couch lock, Red Fang write songs that get you off of your ass and banging your head.  Their latest album Only Ghosts, does not deviate from this overarching formula, but tweaks it enough to keep things fresh while somehow upping the fun factor.

Exclusive Interview : Bruce Lamont (Brain Tentacles)

This past Saturday, Mick and I were fortunate enough to sit down with Bruce Lamont, he of many other bands but currently of Brain Tentacles. BT was in town on their tour with Intronaut and Gorguts that was passing through Chicago, and so over beers we took the opportunity to chat with Bruce about Brain Tentacles, his musical inspirations, songs he'd like to cover, how Luc Lemay is the nicest guy in the world, and many other things!  Check out our interview below!  Also be sure not to miss Brain Tentacles on tour with Gorguts and Intronaut; words do not do this show justice.

Inter Arma - Paradise Gallows

Coming out of the metal hotbed of Richmond, VA, Inter Arma has been a rising name since the release of their sophomore album, 2013's wonderful Sky Burial.  That rise only increased in speed and height in 2014, when they released The Cavern, an absolutely stunning forty-five minute sole composition EP featuring a litany of guests.  The band now returns with their next full-length, Paradise Gallows and it's little surprise that it is a worthy, exemplary addition to the band's discography that will continue to elevate them up the metal ladder.  What is a surprise, though, are some of the changes that Inter Arma throws on to the table with Paradise Gallows.

New Album Announcement From Indian

Chicago native doom metallers Indian are releasing a new album!

Check out the details and an album teaser after the break.

Revocation Join The Party

I've been the equivalent of high on the Massholes of Revocation for awhile now. Their 2009 breakthrough Exisitence is Futile was genuinely one of the more enticing and original albums of that calendar year. The thing that makes theses tech-death-duders so exciting is that they seem to carving their own path through the muddled genre pool, simply churning out catchy thrashterpieces with teaspoons of prog, death and hardcore sprinkled throughout. And let it be known to anyone who hasn't figured it out yet... Dave Davidson (which is such a circa 1986 frontman name) is undoubtedly one of the most talented young guitarist/vocalists out there right now, totally in the mold of early-Megadeth Mustaine.

And now they're joining the fray in 2011 with what will most certainly be a highly anticipated third full length. The sky is the limit for these guys. Relapse picked them up way early in their careers for a reason... prepare to be stunned, kids.

Full press release can be found here.

- Jack