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Curated and Written by: Dead Karma
In a (continuing) attempt to give some cool bands a platform to talk about cool music, we're having a band take over the blog every few weeks to share a curated playlist, along with some words about each song and why they picked it. Our most recent playlist came courtesy of Chicago's own Black Sites, and now Dead Karma are here to pick up the reins. Hard rock newcomers Dead Karma are on the precipice of their debut release--the 4-track The Space Camero will be released August 23rd. Featuring groovy, strutting riffs, and vocal melodies that walk the line between tough and tender, the EP revives a classic, punchy hard rock sound that pulls vintage rock stylings into 2024. Hit that preorder and check out the streaming title track on bandcamp!
Dead Karma members each selected songs to represent their own influences. Whether influential to us as musicians in general or specific songs/albums/artists that we feel have influenced us with Dead Karma, these are the songs we chose to share.
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Written by: The Administrator
In the mundane life of a music reviewer, there are few things more gratifying than witnessing organic excitement about a new project. From the moment Ashenheart released "Weave Thy Night Into Being"--what would eventually become the closing track on debut album Faded Gold--there was a notable buzz of anticipation in our small but earnestly supportive shared corner of the metal twitterverse. This track was frigid and exciting, and after a single listen, I found myself eagerly awaiting more. To quote my micro-review at the time: "the guitar is oddly intoxicating. I love the low rumble and the rolling drums, and the vocals are absolutely killer as well. Very excited to see where this project goes next!" The wait wasn't particularly drawn out. Another album single and a standalone dropped in short order, and then the full 6-track album not far behind. And let me tell you: Faded Gold did not disappoint. This is a very good album, as sharply conceived and well-executed as the singles indicated. I've enjoyed it relentlessly since its release a few weeks back. 
Written by: The Administrator
We slumbering scribes are honored to premiere here today a sonically eclectic charity compilation benefiting a Gazan family. In the words of Basil Elzeenaty: "amidst the chaos, we yearn for a helping hand to provide sustenance, essential medical aid, and the means to secure shelter." Purchasing Love Songs is a direct way to provide assistance. This 11 track compilation was compiled and curated by Ben Serna-Grey of Mother Anxiety, and is currently available for pre-order on bandcamp for an exceptionally fair $1. It will be released in full tomorrow, July 26th, but if the meantime you can listen to it in full below! We'll talk more about the music itself shortly, but first, let's talk about the cause itself. Whereas many charity projects I've encountered are vague when it comes to where exactly the money goes, 100% of the funds raised go towards supporting Dr. Basil's campaign through Operation Olive Branch to help safely evacuate his family (parents, 4 sisters, and 2 brothers) from Gaza. More info about the campaign can be found via Gofundme--I encourage you to read Basil's story in full. At the time of writing, €36,603 has been raised of €55,000 goal, and if this compilation can narrow that gap by any amount, it has been a worthwhile endeavor. In the midst of genocide it is far too easy to lose sense of the victims on an individual basis, and understanding the impact of the charity on a personal level reinforces the importance of fundraising. Supporting directly and/or purchasing the compilation is a very concrete and tangible way to assist Gazans in dire need of security and basic human amenities. Additionally, Ben will generously send a free Mother Anxiety patch and some stickers (while supplies last) to anyone who donates at least $5 to any Operation Olive Branch campaign and shows proof. Without further ado: listen to Love Songs below! As always, we'll meet ye on the other side. 
Written by: Blackie Skulless
Ah yes, the world has been long overdue for an extreme metal act with “Hell” as the first part of the band name, right? Probably not, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t usually rule! Besides, we all need our occasional head-crusher that can still serve as a comfort album, right? While we may find that to be mostly the trope under a black/thrash scope, Sweden’s Hellbutcher takes the direct line of black metal for a more ferocious delivery. This is served up on a platter also simply known as Hellbutcher, keeping things swift by barely crossing the half-hour mark. Given the frontman’s vast background, it makes sense that an act so new has such a veteran feel to it. Really tight production that doesn’t overdo it brings blistering clusters of explosive drum kicks and breakneck riff speeds into a punishing wall of black metal attack that doesn’t let up at all. Vocally, things fit right in, kicking in rasp that feels harsh and menacing, but still retains some clarity while avoiding sounding forced. All of this is packaged together with hellish themes and Satanic schemes that touch the right amount of occult and a side of death and destruction. 
Written by: Blackie Skulless
Philadelphia's very own Crypt Sermon aren’t really anything new these days, and with only three albums stretched across nearly ten years, you can tell a lot went into all of them. While the band has always been something I’ve acknowledged as pretty solid, they never did anything exponential for me. That is, until now. The Ruins Of Fading Light took the doom metal world by storm five years ago, but The Stygian Rose took me by storm this year. Formulaically speaking, the band hasn’t undergone any serious changes between records, putting emphasis on the “epic” in epic doom metal for years. Our latest outing stays pretty true to this label, however this is the one that absolutely finished off what I previously acknowledged as kinda cool into something truly immaculate. The themes around religion and medieval occult haven’t gone away, either. So what’s the big deal? Perhaps I’m biased, but I think it boils down to a few things. I think that The Stygian Rose put more force behind the vocal passages, sped up more of the innards, and offered some tonal expressions that assault the listener in a way that previous records didn’t do to me. Certain guitar passages feel like they could fit into a speed metal song despite their crushing doom metal weight, and the way it flows so naturally is beautiful. Moreover, there’s a clearer aura to the vocals that remain clean, mostly avoiding anything harsh save for some rasp, yet they carry more conviction than what I find in a lot of extreme metal. Packing this into six long tunes makes for a muscular narrative that would almost feel overwhelming if things weren’t placed so wonderfully. 
Written by: Blackie Skulless
Considering how much I loved the debut album by Indianapolis’s very own Vexing Hex, you can imagine my excitement upon hearing they’ve finally cooked up a follow up. Haunt was very much a spooky doom metal-meets-psychedelic/classic rock outing that often finds itself compared to the likes of Ghost. Now we get Solve Et Coagula hitting the surface several years later. The same stylistic grounding is very much present, but I’m glad to say it’s also derivative. Mainly, the slower, doom-cladded riffing is a little more relaxed here in exchange for more blatant rock ‘n roll numbers that have a poppy front. Layers upon layers of synth and effect make themselves even more known, without compromising the tight riffs the band has long since built itself on. Moreover, the bass is more present than ever, enforcing an aggressive bottom as well as playing an important role in the rhythm itself. The outcome is quite literally a mix of songs that almost feel metal oriented, and straight up radio tunes. 
Written by: The Administrator
Much has been said 'round these parts about the prolificity of Through Mists, so much so that I'm using the word "prolificity." I won't belabor that particular point. In short, one never needs to wait long for the one-man extreme metal band to drop another release, and this latest, Branches, follows up April's Prolific EP, which I enjoyed quite a bit. Needless to say, we're excited to premiere Branches here today prior to its official release tomorrow, July 12th. Branches consists of five tracks built on the shoulders of Through Mists' trademark blend of blistering and progressive death/black/sludge metal. While instantly recognizable from a sonic perspective, this latest outing notably leans into more melodic and technical flourishes, lending a sense of individuality from track to track. This is a quality that only continues to blossom across the discography at large, and at this stage in the game, I feel like the balance struck results in some of the most engaging and interesting Through Mists tracks to date. As always, we slumbering scribes invite ye to listen below! We'll be waiting on the other side of the virtual fold.
Curated and Written by: Black Sites
In a (continuing) attempt to give some cool bands a platform to talk about cool music, we're having a band take over the blog each Wednesday to share a curated playlist, along with some words about each song and why they picked it. Last week's playlist came courtesy of Patrick from Disconnected Souls, and now Black Sites is here to pick up the reins. Chicago-based trio Black Sites fuse together aspects of old school metal and 80's thrash with progressive and melodic styles, drawing inspiration from--as you shall see--bands such as Voivod, Black Sabbath, and King's X. The band will release their fourth full length The Promised Land? on September 6th, 2024. Without further ado:
In the playlist below, I attempt to list 10 bands/songs that were influential at various points in my musical life. This is no easy task, but I hope you enjoy the result. These tracks are in no particular order.
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