May was another month of great releases. Which for me is about the only good thing about May. Life has been…..challenging lately. Several things going on but the main thing is I just lost my 4 legged best friend. Because of that, this post is a little later than I had hoped and not quite as much about each one. But hopefully if you haven’t heard these, you will enjoy them. I really need to spend more time with all of them. I just haven’t had enough time to listen as much as I would like and I think most of these will help get me through. Monday’s new releases post is in progress and should be out on time.
Home to Nowhere by Old Moon
Melodic Black Metal from the US
Debut album from this band out of Portland. Their Bandcamp shows why this one speaks to me: “Here to craft music that tells the tale of life’s deepest sorrows. Themes of depression, grief, loss, and death form the emotional backbone of Old Moon’s lyrical content, offering listeners a cathartic escape through its evocative soundscapes.”
In Somnolent Ruin by Draconian
Gothic Doom / Death Metal from Sweden
One of my favorite bands. I am so happy to see Lisa Johansson back on clean vocals. A lot of people seem to like Heike Langhans better but there is just something about Lisa being in here. Maybe it’s because their 2008 album, Turning Season Within, is in my top 10 albums of all time.
Catabase by Galibot
Black Metal from France
I became a big fan of this band this year. Euch’Mau Noir bis made my February best albums list. As it turns out, that one is a re-recording of their 2024 album with an additional song on it. It’s still incredible though. And this one is at least as good and I can’t wait for future stuff from them.
Ruin by Aghalmar
Atmospheric Post Black Metal from Germany
Debut album from this band. As they say on their Bandcamp, “Music for those who tend to lose track in a world of uncertainty.”
Enter the Woodland Realm by Eveale
Black Metal from the US and UK
One more debut album. Nature themed black metal with some great bass work. It’s more forward in the mix which is a good thing in my mind.
Toward The Storm by Ilienses Tree
Death / Doom Metal from Italy
Sophomore album 7 years on from their debut. Really great death / doom. From Bandcamp: “Their sound is deeply rooted in the darkest and most oppressive sides of doom and death metal, blending slow and heavy riffs, melancholic atmospheres, and a strong emotional core. The band crafts an essential and visceral musical language, where crushing heaviness supports deeply introspective lyrics.”
Unearthly Kingdoms ‘Neath Lifeless Stars by Acolythus
Black Metal from Norway
Their Bandcamp page sums it up perfectly for how this album sounds: “Acolythus is a project strongly rooted in traditional black metal, boasting straightforward aggression coupled with a recognizable Finnish melodic approach to the genre. Featuring members from Convulse, Sargassus and Jotungrav, the band was born as an outlet for the musicians' black metal aspirations.”
Love the new Draconian album and I'm also glad that Lisa is back. Even if I really like Heike's voice, I feel that Lisa fits better here.
I also just put out an instrumental gothic/orchestral album and would love any feedback, I’m not even sure if I got the genre right
https://rontimus.bandcamp.com/album/judgment