ON THE HORIZON: Xibalba - Años En Infierno

Welcome to ON THE HORIZON, our relentlessly infrequent feature wherein we discuss upcoming albums that have caught our sleep-encrusted eyes. Us Villagers are always on the lookout for the next best thing to wake us from slumber. On the docket today: the forthcoming full-length from Pomona, California's Xibalba​. 

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While we use terms like "pummeling" with great regularity around these parts, I'm always vaguely worried that those words have become cheapened--synonymous with "heavy," rather than with "physically damaging beyond repair. And, as fans of loud and aggressive music, sometimes we just need something that kicks it up a notch. You know, a classic skull-crushed-by-bulldozer type experience. I was in the mood for such an experience today, and, graciously, Xibalba were ready to oblige. Their forthcoming full length, Años En Infierno, will be hitting the streets on May 29th--but, more immediately, Revolver is streaming the title track from said album. It's a bruiser.

Xibalba have historically nailed that hearty combination of sinewy groove, meaty death metal riffage, and breakdown-worthy hardcore aggression. Here, that same formula is employed to great effect--with a deliberate focus on conjuring a plodding, hefty, and otherwise bone-crushing atmosphere. Momentous drums and thunderous roars lead to an ominous mid-track breakdown that can easily roll with the best of 'em. Despite its simplicity, the leisurely pace and immeasurable weight makes a serious impact. This is brutality incarnate.

As you head through your Monday, I highly recommend you give "Años En Infierno" a spin or three. And, spoiler: the rest of the album rips just as hard--if not, dare I say, harder. Without further ado: head over to Revolver to stream the excellent "Años En Infierno." If that's to your liking, check out the album trailer below:

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