<![CDATA[Metal Connect: Other News]]>https://www.metal-connect.com/s/other-newshttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!cRGS!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F24796528-8e86-4cde-b8ae-8970dc51f3c2_1200x1200.pngMetal Connect: Other Newshttps://www.metal-connect.com/s/other-newsSubstackThu, 09 Apr 2026 04:57:05 GMT<![CDATA[Best Albums March 2026]]>https://www.metal-connect.com/p/best-albums-march-2026https://www.metal-connect.com/p/best-albums-march-2026Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:02:50 GMTLong time readers will know that I tend to like some different music than most people. It’s not intentional, it just works out that way. You will probably notice that there is one album missing from this list. From reading online, the album that came out on March 20th is insanely popular and most people seem to feel the same way about it as I do about the first one on my list below. That album is the new Neurosis. If you haven’t listened to it yet, you should. Just because it’s not my thing doesn’t mean it won’t be yours.

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Act II - Of Iron and Blood by Lömsk

Black Metal from Sweden

Phenomenal album. Some melodies in here. AOTY so far for me and not I’m sure if anything can take this one out. Having listened to thousands of albums over 40+ years, it’s hard to be blown away by something. This is one of those rare occurrences. One of those where I listened to nothing but this for several days. The clean vocals sitting behind the growls in Fields of Elysium is a perfect addition to the song and really stuck out to me. This one absolutely deserves a listen.

Echoes by Ethereal Darkness

Melodic Death / Doom Metal with Atmospheric and Black Metal influences from Belgium

Second album from this band that focuses on the darker side of life and the relationship between life and death, love, loss and grief. Their Bandcamp page sums it up quite well, “Melancholic guitar harmonies, crushing atmospheric weight, and vocals that move between anguished growls and solemn cleans weave together into something vast yet deeply personal.”

Isle of Bliss by Hanging Garden

Melodic Death / Doom Metal from Finland

I will listen to any melodic death / doom album. Add in being from Finland and it’s almost always a win in my book. I’ve only been listening to Hanging Garden for 3 or 4 years but I quickly became a fan and this album does not disappoint. They took a more bare bones approach to this album with a little darker sound and also made use of Riikka’s ability to scream along with her clean vocals. The male growls are outstanding as always.

Under the Under by Growth

Progressive Death Metal from Australia

Second album from this band and second chapter in a planned trilogy. Growth began in 2017 as a reflective space for brothers Tristan Barnes (guitar/bass/artwork) and Nelson Barnes (drums) to explore trauma, grief and mental illness. The six tracks in here document the six stages of recovery. has a good write up on this one. You can read it here.

Summoning by Funeral Pile

Blackened Death / Doom Metal from Germany

Really great combination of epic doom metal, post black metal and death metal. They explore themes of despair, death, hopelessness and mythology with this release.

Ensis by the Holeum

Doom Metal from Spain

Listed as doom metal but this one has experimental, melodic, death, doom and post metal all mixed in here. And it is done extremely well. Space and astronomy based themes. This one was on my list to listen to but I ended up liking it even more than I thought I would.

“The Holeum is related to the dark matter that forms the black holes in the universe. The Holeum is not a black hole but theblack holes are formed by The Holeum. That is the idea where we extract our concept from.”

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]]><![CDATA[Best Albums February 2026]]>https://www.metal-connect.com/p/best-albums-february-2026https://www.metal-connect.com/p/best-albums-february-2026Thu, 05 Mar 2026 16:03:06 GMTThe second month this year has been great with a ton of outstanding black metal including some atmospheric and post black. This is great for me but if that is not your thing, you may be struggling to find music so far this year. But at the end of the list are a couple of honorable mentions that I enjoyed, are also great and something different than black metal.

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Euch’Mau Noir bis by Galibot

Melodic Black Metal from France

Phenomenal female fronted black metal band. I’ve listened to this one several times since it came out on the 19th and it has only been getting better. Coming from northern France, they take inspiration from the mining history from that area. Galibot is also the name given to the children that were sent to work in the mines.

Renewer by Mossgiver

Atmospheric Epic Black Metal from Slovenia

Third release from solo project out of Slovenia and what an incredible album. As the cover art would suggest, the themes are based in nature. This is one of those albums I can get lost in and it will be in my regular rotation for some time.

Vaketimen by Evig Natt

Gothic Doom Metal from Norway

One of the benefits of doing these lists is finding new music. Evig Natt is one of those bands. This is their third album but I have just discovered them, and I am glad I did. As some of you know, I am not a huge fan of clean vocals. The main exception for me is when the cleans are female. And these are fantastic. This album is filled with emotion and sorrow and it just speaks to me.

Deprive of Vision by Thy Gnosis

Progressive Technical Death Metal from Switzerland

I think their Bandcamp page sums it up well so I’ll just leave this here. “Combining facemelting riffs with haunting melodies and the technical intensity of an
asynchronous steam-motor.”

Unveiled Nightsky by Winter Eternal

Melodic Black Metal from Scotland

Fifth album from one man melodic black metal band originally from Greece and now located in Scotland. Taking influence from Hellenic and Nordic black metal, this is an outstanding album. As with the previous release, V. Nuctemeron (Burial Hordes, Dysemblem, Sacral Rage and others) is filling in on drums on this release also.

Honorable mentions

Red Asphalt by Exhumed

Goregrind from the US

Advent of Wounds by Fossilization

Death / Doom Metal from Brazil

Midnight by Toward the Throne

Progressive Melodic Death Metal from France

What are your favorites from the month? It’s always possible I miss things and I’m always up for discovering new music.

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]]><![CDATA[Best Albums January 2026]]>https://www.metal-connect.com/p/best-albums-january-2026https://www.metal-connect.com/p/best-albums-january-2026Thu, 05 Feb 2026 16:03:06 GMTI’m going to try something new. My year end lists are some of the most popular posts I do so I’m starting monthly lists. Unlike the year end lists, these are going to be in no particular order, just the ones I liked the best from the month.

So far 2026 is starting off really good for me as far as music goes. I’ve listened to 67 releases so far and there are several that are fantastic and may even be able to hang on for my year end list or at the very least be in my regular rotation for some time.

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Encompassing Nothingness by Tjaktjadálvve

Depressive Atmospheric Black Metal from Sweden

Absolutely incredible album. Best album from January for me. This one is filled with emotion and atmosphere. Solo project of Matthew Bell, the Australia-born but Sweden-residing musician, of bands I, of the Trees and Wind, Skuggor, Austere, Aeon Moon, Autumn’s Dawn and several more.

The Bereaved by Marianas Rest

Melodic Death / Doom Metal from Finland

Melodic death / doom is one of my favorite sub-genres and add in Finland and I will for sure listen to it. In previous albums the band has explored themes of isolation, despair, and conflict, this one focuses on loss and death.

Elevation by Enshine

Melodic Death / Doom Metal from Sweden / France

Fallout by Slumber is one of my all time favorite albums and I’m still disappointed they never released more than that one album. The band reformed under the name Atoma but it just wasn’t the same. Slumber guitarist and songwriter Jari Lindholm has a few other projects he’s involved in; his solo project, Exgenesis and this one. I follow what he does and will listen to anything he releases and this project is probably my favorite one.

Slay Utterly by Carrion Vael

Technical Melodic Death Metal from the United States

I discovered this band when Abhorrent Obsessions came out in 2022 and have been a big fan ever since. That album is still my favorite from them but this one is really good and better than their previous release, Cannibals Anonymous. The theme of this album is serial killers and each track describes a different serial killer from the perspectives of both the killers and the victims. This one is melodic and aggressive and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fans of The Black Dahlia Murder should check this one out.

Aux Heures Désespérées by Archvile King

Melodic Black Metal from France

Second album from this solo act of Nicolas M. aka Baurus. The name of the project is inspired by the Arch-Vile enemy from the Doom series of video games. This release strays a little from the blackened thrash roots and adopts a more melodic sound. Plenty of dark fantasy themes in here.

And a couple of honorable mentions to add to the list. Two debut blackened death metal releases that deserve a listen.

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]]><![CDATA[Best Albums 2025: 10 to 1]]>https://www.metal-connect.com/p/best-albums-2025-10-to-1https://www.metal-connect.com/p/best-albums-2025-10-to-1Fri, 26 Dec 2025 16:02:01 GMTMy top 10 of 2025. Every one of these albums is incredible and they will all be in my regular rotation for a long time. I genuinely think all of them would be worth listening to. If an album turns out to not be your thing, that’s totally fair. Continuing the trend of Part 1 and Part 2, black metal dominates this list. 2025 was one of the best years for black metal that I can remember.

#10 - Darkness Invisible by Mors Principium Est

Melodic Death Metal from Finland

One of my favorite melodic death metal bands, and bands in general. This one was not quite as good as their last one but still good enough for top 10 this year. Every one of their albums is great.

Spotify | Apple Music

#9 - The Ossuary Lens by Allegaeon

Technical Melodic Death Metal from the United States

Another one of my favorite bands. Their original vocalist is back for this release and it sounds more like their older stuff, which is good in my mind. Some clean vocals in here but it’s not too much and not in every track so I don’t mind it. Greg Burgess’ guitars are incredible as expected.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#8 - Divinum Sanguinem by Ildaruni

Atmospheric Black Metal from Armenia

Second album from this band. This is one of those albums that kind of surprised me. I initially listened to it because it’s atmospheric black metal but it just blew me away the first listen. From their Bandcamp, “Its music captures intensity through towering soundscapes, layered with precision and aggression, while their lyrical vision delves into the arcane mysteries of worlds long past.”

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#7 - The Last Swordsman by Endrøm

Melodic Black Metal from Indonesia

Much the same as the #8, this one really blew me away and I was not expecting it. One of the best surprises of the year for me.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#6 - Tooth and Nail by Dormant Ordeal

Atmospheric Death Metal from Poland

This one was on my new release list when it came out in April but was not on my radar to listen to. I saw people talking about it on social media so I gave it a listen and, well, it’s in my top 10. Incredible release. Picking up some Hath vibes in here which is certainly not a bad thing.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#5 - When Night Rode Across the North by Haimad

Melodic Black Metal from Sweden

Really amazing melo black in the style of 90’s Scandinavian black metal. After releasing a few EP’s in the 90’s they took a long hiatus. Founding member, Azradan, resurrected the project with an all new lineup and released this debut full length album. Listening to this album reminds me of finding new black metal in the late 90’s / early 2000’s. It just has that feel and it’s fantastic.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#4 - Si Vis Pacem Para Bellum by Hæresis

Atmospheric Post Black Metal from Germany

Phenomenal female fronted post black metal. Debut album and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them. From their website, “German black metal act Hæresis is devoted to balancing ethereal atmospheres and raw energy into a blend that is unparalleled. An enduring expression of existential turmoil, profound discontent and ferocious power forms the foundation for the cathartic act of deliverance that Hæresis embodies.”

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#3 - Bioluminescence by Dawn of Ouroboros

Progressive Post Black Metal from the United States

This one caught me by surprise. Phenomenal progressive black metal. Vocalist Chelsea Murphy is extremely versatile with her growls, screams and incredible jazzy cleans. The combination is fascinating and it just works so well. I can’t seem to get enough of this one.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#2 - I I by Blood Abscission

Atmospheric Black Metal from an unknown origin

Absolutely incredible album. One of those albums that makes you feel something and transports you somewhere else. The band says: “United in pain, we step into the abyss – not as mere individuals, but as a collective force seeking meaning within the chaos, finding a voice in the silence between the stars.”

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#1 - V by Walg

Melodic Black Metal from the Netherlands

These two guys started this band in 2020 and have released an album every year, and they are already working on the next one for a 2026 release. They have all been really amazing but I think this is their best one to date. I had a little bit of a hard time picking between this one and Blood Abscission for number 1 but this is the album I listened to the most this year and it is still in my regular rotation. My mood normally dictates what kind of music I listen to and this is one of those rare albums that it doesn’t really matter what I feel like listening to, I can put this one on and listen to the whole thing straight through. Sometimes twice.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

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]]><![CDATA[Best Albums 2025: 20 to 11]]>https://www.metal-connect.com/p/best-albums-2025-10-to-6https://www.metal-connect.com/p/best-albums-2025-10-to-6Fri, 19 Dec 2025 16:00:54 GMTPart 2 of 3 of my best albums of 2025. If you missed part 1, you can see it here. This has been an incredible year for black metal and blackened death metal as you will see here and in part 1.

#20 - The Apocalyptic Aeon by Avdagata

Melodic Blackened Death Metal from Sweden

Another late entry this year, being released on November 18th. It’s fantastic and I’ve still listened to it several times. From their Bandcamp: “The absolute killer 2nd album from the new wave of the classic Gothenburg Sound.”

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#19 - A Darkness of the Ancient Past by Achathras

Melodic Black Metal

Debut album from this super group made up of unknown members drawn from other unknown black metal bands. They are inspired by the values of the early to late 1990s European black metal scene. Fans of older black metal should definitely give this one a listen if you haven’t.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#18 - Kur by Anzv

Blackened Death Metal from Portugal

Second album from this band. From the band: “Drawing from the raw essence of classic black metal and modern black metal with a synthesis that conjures an intense and evocative atmosphere from the ancient haunting spirit of Mesopotamia, ANZV creates more than music—it builds experiences.”

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#17 - Requiem by Vanessa Funke

Melodic Black Metal from Germany

One woman, multi instrumentalist Vanessa Funke. I see this one listed as melodic death metal but it’s more melodic black metal to my ears. There are several things going on in here; atmosphere, melancholy, gothic, post black and filled with emotion taken from her own experiences with depression. This is a must listen for fans of melodic, black and emotional music.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#16 - Immemorial Shrine by Wurmian

Melodic Death / Doom Metal from France

Founded by Antoine Scholtes, of atmospheric black metal project Inherits The Void, this is the first album from this solo project. Inspired by bands like October Tide, Horrified, and Edge of Sanity, he aims to resurrect the classic 90’s death / doom. Fans of early Katatonia and Amorphis shouldn’t miss this one.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#15 - Death Knell by Demon King

Blackened Technical Death Metal

Featuring former members of Enfold Darkness, Inferi, and The Faceless, this is the band’s first full length album. The previous 2 EP’s are equally excellent. There are some talking sections in here, which seemed to get mixed reviews on social media, but they are not too frequent and I don’t mind them. The rest of the album is fantastic. Another band signed to The Artisan Era. If you like prog death and tech death, check out that label. Every one of their bands is amazing.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#14 - Colossus Suprema by Brainblast

Progressive Technical Death Metal from Colombia

This is the band’s debut album, taking inspiration from academic, classical music, this is an amazing blend of progressive, technical and symphonic death metal. Incredible musically with the bass guitar more forward in the mix. Part of the reason I like prog death so much. From the band: “Each piece is designed meticulously in absolutely every detail from music: from the music and production to the artwork, concept, and lyrics which makes this a monumental debut… the best of the best and the work we are most proud to present.”

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#13 - Frail Grasp of Broken Hands by Phosphorus

Post Black Metal from Germany

This is another outstanding debut from a band this year. This album has some cleans but not too frequent and I like them; they are done very well. It sounds like they have taken inspiration from several different genres and they are all blended in seamlessly.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#12 - Beyond the Sleepless Aether by Symbiotic Growth

Progressive Blackened Death Metal from Canada

This is a fantastic album. There is just something about this one that speaks to me and I’m not entirely sure what it is, even after several listens. There are some symphonic elements in here and it works well. Some clean vocals on this one. The 7 tracks take you on a man’s journey through his alternate reality’s while contemplating his life.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#11 - The Rituals of Resilience by Voidfallen

Melodic Death Metal from Finland

Really great melo death. Originally started as a two man project with the goal of learning from past mistakes and creating uncompromising music, they have since evolved into a full band. I’m picking up some Mors Principium Est vibes in this one which for me is a good thing. Released in February, this is still in rotation for me and it’s held up almost all year and just out of my top 10.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

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]]><![CDATA[Best Albums 2025: 30 to 21]]>https://www.metal-connect.com/p/best-albums-2025-15-to-11https://www.metal-connect.com/p/best-albums-2025-15-to-11Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:01:23 GMTHere is the first installment of my best albums of 2025. Those of you who read my 2024 list may remember that I seem to like things that are different than most people so my lists will most likely be much different than other lists out there. There are several albums that I saw a lot of people raving about that I just could not get into. Some I really wanted to like and they were even in the first part of my weekly lists under either “Stand Outs” or “Also Looking Forward to” section. One thing to note is I usually make note of any albums that have clean vocals. For me, cleans can complete ruin what would otherwise be an amazing album unless they are done very well.

#30 - Tyrannus Aeternum by Burned in Effigy

Neoclassical Melodic Death Metal from the United States

Second album from these guys out of Chicago. Some really great guitar work in this one and some acoustic sections.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#29 - Ethereal Horizons by Blut Aus Nord

Atmospheric Black Metal from France

Sixteenth album from this band. Late entry this year but it’s fantastic. Plenty of atmosphere in this release. To be honest, this should probably be higher on my list but with the timing of the release, I just didn’t have enough time to listen to it as much as the others. I don’t like all of their albums but their second album, Memoria Vetusta I: Fathers of the Icy Age, is one of my all time favorite albums and this one is up there with their best.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#28 - Verminous Contempt by Plague Curse

Blackened Death Metal with members from Australia, Canada and the United States

Debut album from this band featuring members of Drowstorm, Vahrzaw, Vintertodt, Burden of Ymir, Swamp Fiend, Calling of Phasmic Presence, and more.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#27 - Kadath by The Great Old Ones

Post Black Metal from France

Fifth album from this band with lyrics inspired by Lovecraft and this one is based on “The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath”. They have evolved their sound and added some progressive elements to this release and even sprinkled in some melodies here and there.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#26 - Painted Paradise by Fleshbore

Technical Melodic Death Metal from the US

Sophomore album from this band out of Indiana. A lot of things going on with this one, as would be expected with tech death, transferring between the technical parts and progressive passages, and spicing things up with brutal death metal bits. Bass work is outstanding with Cole Daniels from Demon King filling in here.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#25 - Eclipse by Embrace the Darkness

Melodic Death / Doom Metal from Czechia

Debut album from this band. It’s really great and I am looking forward to see what they come up with next.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#24 - Bellum Regiis by Hate

Blackened Death Metal from Poland

Bellum Regiis is Latin for “A War of Kings”. Outstanding blackened death metal. There are some Septicflesh vibes, mainly in the vocals, without the symphonic elements. This one came out in May and it is still in my regular rotation.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#23 - A Form Beyond by Unaligned

Progressive Blackened Technical Death Metal from the US

Featuring members of Withered Throne, Demon King, Fleshbore, Abyssalis and others, this is an incredible debut album. This one gets better the more I listen to it and I pick up more things going on. Cole Daniels from Demon King filling in on this album also.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#22 - Imperium Delirium by Shadow of Intent

Melodic Deathcore from the US

I’m not a huge deathcore fan in general but there’s something about Shadow of Intent I like and this release is a great one.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#21 - Les Chemins de l’Exil by Les Bâtards du Roi

Melodic Black Metal from France

Really amazing melo black. Second album from this band. There has been some really good black metal coming out of France lately. Drawing inspiration from a medieval universe, its protagonists narrate mythology through dark melodies and powerful riffs. Their songs explore medieval myths and reinterpret historical figures from their hometown of Orléans.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

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]]><![CDATA[Best Albums 2024: 5 to 1]]>https://www.metal-connect.com/p/best-albums-2024-5-to-1https://www.metal-connect.com/p/best-albums-2024-5-to-1Fri, 27 Dec 2024 16:01:21 GMTHere are my top 5 albums for the year. There were so many great releases this year, any of these could have been #1 in any other year. All of the releases in here are incredible and they all blend several subgenres. In case you missed the previous posts, you can get them here: 25 to 21 - 20 to 16 - 15 to 11 - 10 to 6.

I am going to start off with a couple of bonus entries for the list and then we’ll get into the top 5 for the year.

Adon by Adon

Black Metal from the United States

There are a lot of things going on in this one in addition to black metal. Thrash, death, prog with some melodies and even a little atmosphere in here. Debut release from this duo out of California. It is a fantastic album and definitely worth a listen.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

Undying Splendour by Atra Vetosus

Atmospheric Melodic Black Metal from Australia

This one came out on December 20th after my list was completed and it’s good enough I couldn’t skip it. Third album from this band and they added atmosphere into their melodic black metal and it works incredibly well.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#5 - Grave Impressions of an Unbroken Arc by Qaalm

Doom Metal from the United States

This one is much more than just Doom. So many other things mixed in like, melodic, black, progressive, post metal and some atmosphere sprinkled in. And it does all of them extremely well.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#4 - The Hive Mind Chronicles Part I - Parasitica by Exuvial

Progressive Technical Death Metal from Denver

Debut album from this band and it is incredible. It takes several listens to catch everything going on and the musicianship is outstanding. This one was released towards the end of the year and still came in at #4 on my list.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#3 - Five Stages of Grief by Dark Affliction

Atmospheric Black Metal from Greece.

This album completely blew my mind the first time I listened to it and it just gets better with subsequent listens. Very atmospheric and very emotional. Each track explores the 5 stages of psychological grief; denial, hate, bargaining, depression and acceptance. And it is quite a journey.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#2 - Nocturnal Will by Dödsrit

Melodic Black Metal from Sweden

I was surprised by this one. It was not on my radar but I was in the mood for some black metal the day this came out so I gave it a listen. I proceeded to listen to it 4 times that day.

From the Bandcamp Page: “With six hymns, Dödsrit purveys triumphant atmosphere, archaic strength, and mournful rejoice where every note reverberates with the weight of devotion and suffering.

Restless and visceral, these unhallowed tomes beckon the mournful chants from its resonant harmonious introduction to the victorious dagger in the very core of the cosmos under the celestial will of heroic bloodshed. “

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#1 - Agony’s Bespoke by Blighted Eye

This album is an absolute Masterpiece. Progressive / Melodic / Blackened Death Metal. So many different elements going on and this blends them all so well. Every listen, for the first several, I was hearing new things that I missed on previous listens and it just kept getting better. From the mellow beginnings of the album to the more than 11 minute long epic title track it never has a down moment. This album is best experienced when you have time to sit and listen to it in its entirety. The way it tapers off at the end just makes me want to listen to it again. It’s truly an experience.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

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]]><![CDATA[Best Albums 2024: 10 to 6]]>https://www.metal-connect.com/p/best-albums-2024-10-to-6https://www.metal-connect.com/p/best-albums-2024-10-to-6Fri, 20 Dec 2024 16:01:02 GMTGetting into my top 10 for the year. There were so may great releases this year, all of these would have been higher up in previous years and some of them might have even been my AOTY. If you missed the previous sections, you can read them here: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3

#10 - Shining by Swallow the Sun

Melodic Death / Doom Metal from Finland

This is a divisive album. People either seem to like it or hate it. While it’s not my favorite Swallow the Sun album, I really like it and it’s still good enough to make my top 10 for 2024. I’ve been listening to StS since The Morning Never Came was released in 2003 Every album from them is different and this is no exception. I’ve never listened to a new album from them and thought, “this sounds just like the last one.” Mostly clean vocals but I don’t hate it in this case and Mikko’s cleans are really good.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#9 - Apart by Orphean Passage

Funeral Doom from South Africa

Incredible funeral doom album. Debut album from this band and filled with emotion.

From the band: “Combining a wealth of of experience with youthful enthusiasm, Orphean Passage reflects on the fragility of memory while weaving melancholic musical tapestries. Romantism runs deep throughout the band's diverse dirges, providing a glimpse of hope to those otherwise crushed beneath waves of anguish.”

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#8 - IV by Walg

Melodic Black Metal from Netherlands

Oustanding melodic black metal. This album was not on my radar when it came out and I discovered it shortly after it was released. It was my introduction to this band. They formed during the pandemic in 2021 and have released 4 albums in 4 years. I have gone back and listened to all of them and they are all really, really good. Some Dimmu Borgir influences in some of their albums but they also have their own sound. Really great find for me this year. All of their cover art is fantastic too which I appreciate.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#7 - Beyond the Palest Star by Vorga

Melodic Black Metal from Germany

Melodic Black Metal with some atmosphere along with sci-fi themes and a little melancholy. Second release from this band and I am very excited to see what they come up with in the future.

“Vorgas mission, to capture the feelings of both awe and utter hopelessness experienced when staring up into the night sky.”

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#6 - Versets Noirs by Acod

Melodic Black / Death Metal from France

This one grabbed me right away from the first track; a 20 minute long epic. Multiple peaks and valleys and it is quite the journey. The rest of the album never lets up. Just a fantastic melodic black metal album.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

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]]><![CDATA[Best Albums 2024: 15 to 11]]>https://www.metal-connect.com/p/best-albums-2024-15-to-11https://www.metal-connect.com/p/best-albums-2024-15-to-11Fri, 13 Dec 2024 16:00:43 GMTPart 3 of my best albums of 2024. You can read part 1 here and part 2 here in case you missed them.

#15 - Blackshift by Ghostheart Nebula

Melodic Death / Doom Metal from Italy

Second release from this band and this is some really great melodic death / doom metal. I am loving the addition of the female vocals with this release. It really adds an added sense of melancholy.

From the band: If blueshift and redshift represent a change in the spectrum in the space-time linear dimension, “Blackshift” moves itself off to another reality going down into the deepness of the blackest voidness.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#14 - Inheritance by Lying Figures

Melodic Death / Doom Metal from France

Second album from this band. Lying Figures music is inspired by tortured art in music, cinema or literature. If you’re a fan of death / doom in the realm of Slumber, Rapture and Daylight Dies definitely check this one out.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#13 - Cyberstrictive by Apogean

Technical Death Metal from Canada

Debut album from this band and what a banger. Top notch tech death with incredible guitar work. Some of the riffs in here are mind blowing. This was released by The Artisan Era which is my favorite record label. They do not have a bad release that I have heard.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#12 - Eternity Whispers by Oubliette

Melodic Black Metal from the United States

Incredible melodic black metal with some melancholy, atmosphere and prog mixed in. This is another release from The Artisan Era and this falls right in line with all of the other incredible bands they have in their roster. Female fronted band and the musicianship is amazing. Spencer Moore from tech death band Inferi is filling in on drums for this release so they are super tight. This album does so many things very well.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#11 - Between the Worlds of Life and Death by Vale of Pnath

Blackened / Technical Death Metal from Denver

Vale of Pnath has moved into more of a blackened death metal from technical death metal. Which makes sense because 3 of the members are also members of Abigail Williams. The band has gone through several lineup changes since their first album in 2011 with only founding guitarist Vance Valenzuela left from the original lineup but they are still releasing killer music and I still hear his sound in the guitars. II from 2016 is one of my all time favorite albums. While this one does not reach the level of II it is still an incredible album and just out of my top 10 for this year. Stand out track on this one is Soul Offering however the entire album is fantastic.

The Vale of Pnath (or Pnoth) is a vast pit the underworld in H.P. Lovecrafts writing, which is where the band takes its name from. This vale is especially notorious, for part of it lies at the bottom of the Crag of the Ghouls and is filled with a mountain-sized layer of bones. Nightgaunts often carry their victims to the vale, where they are left to die.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

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]]><![CDATA[Best Albums 2024: 20 to 16]]>https://www.metal-connect.com/p/best-albums-2024-20-to-16https://www.metal-connect.com/p/best-albums-2024-20-to-16Fri, 06 Dec 2024 16:00:17 GMTPart 2 of my best albums of 2024. If you missed Part 1 you can read it here.

#20 - Coma by Gaerea

Black Metal from Portugal

Fantastic black metal with melancholy and emotion. I’m not one that usually pays much attention to lyrics but with some albums they really speak to me. This is one of those albums. This one gets even better when reading the lyrics while listening to it.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#19 - Cannibals Anonymous by Carrion Vael

Technical Melodic Death Metal from Indiana

4th album from American melodeath band. Picking up some The Black Dahlia Murder vibes with the melodies in this release. Adding in some clean vocal in this album, which was unexpected, but they are done well. I discovered this band with their previous release, Abhorrent Obsessions, and have been a fan since. The previous album is slightly better in my mind but this one is still incredible.

With this release the band took inspiration from the minds of famous cannibals throughout history.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#18 - Kapitola III by Arawn

Melodic Death Metal from Czechia

Really great melodeath. Early Arch Enemy vibes in the guitars which is not a bad thing for me because the Amott brothers are great and the melodies here do not disappoint.

Spotify | Apple Music

#17 - Steel for Flesh by Dawn of Decline

Technical Death Metal from France

One of the best tech death albums to come out in a long time. Insanely tight band technically. Somehow I missed this when it first released and caught up with it later. This is the first release from these guys and with as good as this one is, I can’t wait to see what they come up with in the future.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#16 - Under the Reviled Throne by Summoning the Lich

Melodic / Technical Death Metal from the United States

Fantasy themed death metal with melodic and technical influences. This is the second album from this band and both of them are fantastic. The vocalist is doing some new things in this album and it works really well.

From the band: “Intended as a death metal equivalent to The Empire Strikes Back in scope, the group set their sights on raising the stakes in both story and songwriting.

Summoning the Lich took the considered approach of eschewing superfluous technicality in favor of a leaner and more streamlined focus on song structure. Each of the tracks on Under the Reviled Throne were written with the purpose of guiding the listener through the eponymous Lich’s descent into misanthropy and tyranny, without sacrificing their idiosyncratic sound.”

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

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]]><![CDATA[Best Albums 2024: 25 to 21]]>https://www.metal-connect.com/p/best-albums-2024-25-to-21https://www.metal-connect.com/p/best-albums-2024-25-to-21Fri, 29 Nov 2024 16:00:36 GMTHere is the first part of my best albums of 2024. For whatever reason, I seem to like things that are different than most people. Not intentionally, it’s just the way it seems to work out. There are several albums that came out this year, some that I was even looking forward to, that I just could not get into. I read rave reviews from a lot of people online and tried them again and still just could not get into them. So my list will most likely be a lot different than most lists you will see and you will probably see several things on my list that you will not see on any others. But that’s what makes music so great. There are virtually unlimited options and always something for everyone.

#25 - The Crescent King by Livløs

Melodic Death Metal from Denmark

Really great melodic death blending American rooted death metal with Scandinavian melodies and melancholy.

The band about the album: “Our commitment to improvement extends beyond songwriting. With technical prowess, world-building, and storytelling, “The Crescent King” embodies years of hard work. It tells the dystopian tale of humanity’s downfall in a distant aeon. Prepare for an unforgettable experience!”

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#24 - Vault of Horrors by Aborted

Death Metal from Belgium

Aborted just keeps releasing great music. Their sounds keeps evolving and Sven has some of the best vocals in death metal. Guest vocals from other bands on every track on this release. With a title like Vault of Horrors it should be no surprise that each track is based on a horror movie. Daníel Máni Konráðsson (from Ophidian I, check them out if you haven’t) on guitars for this album and they are incredible. And Ken Bedene is an absolute beast on drums.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#23 - Ekbom by Benighted

Brutal Death Metal from France

I’ve been a huge fan of Benighted for a long time. This is one of the best albums they have put out in awhile. Definitely better than the last couple of releases in my mind. Julien Truchan is another one of my favorite death metal vocalists. He works in a psychiatric hospital so it makes sense the title of this album is inspired by a neurological disorder called Ekbom Syndrom or Delusional Parasitosis where a person believes their body is infested with living or nonliving agents such as parasites, insects or bacteria. A lot of their lyrical themes are related to psychological disorders. And they have an absolute monster behind the kit with Kevin Paradis. Unrelenting brutality for the 35 minute run time.

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

#22 - Reclamation Part 1 and Reclamation Part 2 by Amiensus

Progressive Black Metal from Minnesota

Two stellar albums released in April and August but two parts of one so I am combining them for this list. There are so many things going on and so many transitions across the albums. From the varying vocal styles to the changes in tempo and genre, it never gets boring. “Sun and Moon” from the first album is all clean vocals in a style I would normally not like but it works well for them and it is not a skippable track. I like part 2 slightly better but they are both outstanding.

Bandcamp Pt 1 - Bandcamp Pt 2 | Spotify Pt 1 - Spotify Pt 2 | Apple Music Pt 1 - Apple Music Pt 2

#21 - God Slayer by Vredehammer

Blackened Death Metal from Norway

Vredehammer combines aggressive guitars and Norse melodies. Fantastic blend of melodic, black and death metal. Nils 'Dominator' Fjellström filling in on drums for this release.

Vredehammer about the album: “With the Godslayer album I wanted to take a step back regarding tempo, not focusing so much on fast songs. There is definitely some fast stuff in there, but my main objective was to create memorable songs and guitar riffs with a lot of punch and power to them.”

Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

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