This week's recommended new releases (08/14/15):
[Click on band name for samples and more info]
[Click on band name for samples and more info]
Antagonist Zero - No Tears EP (Inverse) The Finnish quintet returns with their second EP, sandwiched around a full-length release in 2012. At 36 minutes long, this release is a bit beefier than your typical EP, but it does include a couple of covers, including a Doom:VS track. The band describes their sound as both “catatonic metal” and as the “soundtrack for dark Autumn nights”. I really can’t do much better than that, as they’ve pretty much nailed the sound with those descriptors. They pretty much the Doom/Death thing down cold, melding devastating riffs with melancholy guitar leads and alternating vocals between grisly growls and soaring cleans. Can’t wait to crank this one up on a dark Autumn night. | Dreadnought - Bridging Realms (Sailor) The 2nd release from this Denver quartet is one of the most unique and amazing albums that I’ve heard since I started doing this blog thing. Combining elements of Doom, Folk, Progressive and Psych Metal, Dreadnought creates almost a jazzy feel as they explore uncharted soundscapes on their extended jams. It seems that no instrument is off-limits, but nothing sounds out of place. The vocals range from haunting and strangely soothing to absolutely fierce screams. This is one of the first records that I’ve enjoyed in a while that wasn’t entirely riff-based. These folks can riff the fuck out, but their genius goes way beyond that. Highly recommended. Editor's Note: For my Cincinnati readers, these folks will be in town tomorrow night (8/19) at The Drinkery OTR. I strongly encourage you to see them live. If I wasn't still exiled in Canada, I'd see you all there. - JO |