Murmur - Murmur

Murmur is a band from Brutalitopia's hometown of Chicago, IL.  They've been around for just about three years, releasing their debut album, Mainlining the Lugubrious, in 2010 and following that up with a split with Nachtmystium the next year.  They're still a fairly new band, and this month sees the band release their self-titled second album through Season of Mist.  I hadn't heard of the band until I saw the artwork over at Cvlt Nation; when that site started streaming Murmur, I decided to give it a listen and see what these local boys had going.  Turns out it was one of my better decisions.

Exclusive Interview - Ryan Wenzel (Tempel)

Yesterday, Durf and I sat down for a little skype chat with Ryan Wenzel, guitarist for instrumental duo Tempel. Durf wrote a review for their debut self released album, "On the Steps of the Temple," in September, but this black metal oriented act has enjoyed some well deserved recognition as of late. After the break, take a listen to our interview with Ryan where we dig into everything you'd possibly want to know about Tempel and more.

Alcest - Shelter

While it’s an unsurprising move to make, French “blackgaze” act Alcest takes out the “black” and focuses more on the “gaze” on their fourth full length release, Shelter, it still leaves a little something to be desired. Let me clarify what I mean when I say “taking out the black.” There is a complete, total, all-encompassing lack of metal influences on Shelter, which perhaps is where the concept of “shelter” comes in, but we’ll cover that in a bit. Alcest dishes out nothing but soft easy listening this time around, and while slightly disappointing it’s not necessarily detrimental to the album’s footprint.

Jack's Top 15 Albums of 2013

Hey, remember when the Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup this year? Yeah, that was pretty cool. Also of importance, particularly in relation to things this publication actually cares about as a collective, there were a staggering amount of fantastic albums in heavy music this year. I toiled with what to include in my Top 15 for quite awhile, but while there's plenty of excellent releases I've left off, this is the group of records I not only felt the most strongly about in a positive sense, but also that I feel deserve the most cred. On to the goods, children.

Oh, and it's good to be back.

Mick's Top 15 Albums of 2013

2013 has been one heck of a year for all of us...mainly because we relaunched Brutalitopia earlier in the spring and are now back in full force with a renewed sense of purpose. Thanks to everyone who's made that possible by supporting us in their respective ways.

And now time for everyone's favorite time of year...the end of it. Check out what albums I thought were awesome enough to recognize after the break!

Angela's Top What-ever of 2013

2013 was kind of ridiculous. Between all the weird shit that took place to some truly stellar music releases, I think this year is definitely one for the books. I'll be weighing in with my non-metal picks sometime next week, because fuck Christmas. ON TO LE LIST...

Durf's Top 15 Albums of 2013

 

Hard to believe it's already December and time to look back on the past year, reflecting on the changes we've made, the adventures we've had, and most importantly, the albums we've listened to and really, really enjoyed.  Below are my Top 15 Albums of 2013; if you correctly guess which album is Number One before looking, I will mail you a cookie.  And don't forget to agree/disagree/tell me how full of shit I am in the comment section!

Tom's Top 15 Albums of 2013

Another year has come and gone and I am more than happy to share my 5th list as I have done one from 2009 and on. Blogging for all of these years only makes year ends lists harder to complete. Not that they are cumbersome yet, you want your voice to be heard and well. Let's face it, everybody and their mom likes a good list.

Exclusive Interview: Luc Lemay (Gorguts)

This past Sunday in Chicago, Durf and I were fortunate enough to interview legendary death metal frontman Luc Lemay. With the recent revival of Gorguts, we had plenty to chat about. Conversation topics included the circumstances around Gorguts' comeback, the inspiration behind their new album, personal musical influences, and much more. Check out the interview after the break!

2013’s Most “HOLY SHIT” Moments in Metal

This has been one hell of a year for controversy for many bands and musicians. Seriously though, from pedophilia to murder for hire, this year has featured more than its fair share of "...the fuck?" moments. Click on for a recap of the years wildest and most disturbing events that I've placed in no particular hierarchical order.