Kvelertak - 'Meir' (2013)

Kvelertak

'Meir'

Indie Recs.

2013

What is Kvelertak, I propable don't have to explain. There is enough fuzz about Norwegians in the mainstream metal press, so that everybody should know something about them and their music. So without more empty words - let's skip this intro and focus on the music.
OK, first of all - Kvelertak still have their original style that I liked very much. Still very rock'n'roll - in my opinion even more than on the previous album. The music is also more melodic, and generally speaking 'Meir' has defenitely more in common with classic hard rock, punk than with extreme genres (although there are exceptions - vocals, and the track 'Nekrokosmos' which is kinda heavy). At the first look, everything is fine - the music is even more pugnacious, and tracks such as 'Braune Bren' or 'Snilepisk' sounds really great. I remember how excited I was about them when the album was released. Even the clean vocals, which irritated me on the debut, here are done in an awesome way. It seems that I should kneel on my knees and prostrate...
Maybe I should, but it won't happen. Unfortunetely - after a longer time the music looses much of it's magic. I was wondering why, and I think that now I know the answer. Most of the tracks are simply TOO melodic - comparing too the first album, which was much more rawer. OK, there were melodies too, but here we got too much of those melodic solos, choirs and stuff like that. Want a proof? Just try to listen to such 'Evig Vandrar' or 'Undertro' a few times in a row - you will quickly get what I am talking about. Of course, if somebody is permeated by the hard rock, or melodic genres - he/she can welcome such riffing with open arms. Yet I am a bit dissapointed.
But hey - don't get me wrong! The music is still very listenable (except too long 'Tordenbrak'...), but unfortunetely it doesn't has the syndrom of 'I need too push the replay button once again!'. The debut album was fantastic, the second one is just good. I've spoken.

Rate: 7+/10
Vladyka

 

Check out band's music:

 

Tracklist:

1. Apenbaring

2. Spring Fra Livet

3. Trepan

4. Bruane Brenn

5. Evig Vandrar

6. Snilepisk

7. Manelyst

8. Nekrokosmos

9. Undertro

10. Tordenbrak

11. Kvelertak

Total time: 49:05

Koldbrann - 'Vertigo' (2013)

Koldbrann

Vertigo

Season of Mist

2013

Koldbrann, Koldbrann... I can recall the name, but to be honest for some reasons I've never wanted to check out their music. But now the time has come, I am just listenning once again to their third album 'Vertigo' and thinking what I should write about it. 

And what plays Koldbrann? Well, black metal. Kinda raw black metal, although that with not-necro sound. Their music can be compared to Darkthrone (from their 'middle' period'), or more loosely to Carpathian Forest (I mean hear a certain attitude, not necessarily rock'n'roll elements). The material for sure have also a certain pugnacity, and many riffs are defenitely very (well...) cool - but at the same time they don't loose this dark atmosphere, typical in this genre. Honestly? It doesn't make very big impression. It's very hard to write something creative about the album, when every single track is played in more or less the same vain. Most of the songs have supposedly balls, the riffs are played in very norwegian style etc. so that listener who likes such music should be pleased. But I am not - for some reason the music can't stick into my head, and after the listenning mostly I don't remember it. Even the guests (inter alia Erlend Hjelvik from Kvelertak) don't bring to this music much - I don't feel that they diversify the music.

There are though some moments that are quite good, forcing you to headbanging - and amongst them there is the track 'Stolichnaya Smert'. I know that it is a kind of joke, but this black/punk melodies are really good! There are also other nice shots, like the first 'IntroVertigo' or 'Hjertets Holodomor' - but they are not as good as the the song about russian vodka hehe.

Fuck, I really don't know how I should rate 'Vertigo'. There are here some good moments (and one great), but the rest is really bleak. So I will write what's following: if you're a maniac of norwegian BM scene, you can check this music at your own risk. The rest can simply look for something different.

Rate: 6/10

Vladyka

Tracklist:

1. IntroVertigo

2. Totalt Sjelelig Bankorett

3. Hjertets Holodomor

4. Drammen

5. Stolichnaya Smert

6. Terminal Transnistrii

7. Phantom Kosmonaut

8. Goat Lodge

9. I Eklipsens Skrimmer

10. Sans Soleil

11. Interia Corridors

Total time: 48:06

News from this week

Doom metallers from CULTED (Canada) not-so-far-ago released their new full-lenght album via Relapse Records. As the band says on aour beloved Facebook:

'Oblique to All Paths' is available worldwide TODAY!!!
Grab exclusive music and merch items at Relapse Mailorder: http://bit.ly/Culted
Find the album at a local North American record store here: http://recordstoreday.com/Item/9005571120
Purchase on iTunes: http://georiot.co/ObliqueiTunes
Purchase on Amazon.com: http://georiot.co/ObliqueAmz
Stream and Purchase at Bandcamp: http://culted.bandcamp.com/

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From SUN ))) and ULVER (they released a split on 180g vinyl):

'Oslo, Norway, August 10th, 2008. Following their 200th gig, playing before 2000 people at the Øya festival, SUNN O))) teamed up with Norwegian legends ULVER at their Oslo studio, Crystal Canyon. They recorded three "live in improvisation" pieces, starting that evening and ending at dawn, as Northern sunlight seeped in through the windows.
 "We were sitting in the console room, early in the morning, listening to the takes. Someone said, 'ah, sunrise over Crystal Canyon,' as if the night had been a dark one. We all laughed and Greg proposed it as a title. In that setting it sounded perfect. The boys had mentioned wanting the music to orient towards the light, like some lost pilgrim stretching before the sun. We kept that mental picture for the processing." – Kristoffer Rygg
 That take became the album's opening piece, "Let there be light," which builds up from silence and darkness and proceeds – ceremoniously, coruscating – O'Malley and O'Sullivan creating the backdrop for Rygg's Basso Profondo chants. The music unfolds over eight minutes before reaching a crescendo of bass and brass, introducing both Anderson and ULVER as we know them. The Sunn has risen.
 "Western horn" accelerates on a single and austere note of sustained bass and low end, evolving gradually into a haunted soundscape. Crying violins, clusters of Fender Rhodes, guitar pickups, and metal plate drones are gradually layered beneath Anderson's augmented bass feedback.
 "Eternal return" introduces Rygg singing a lyric evoking ancient Greece, Egypt and the Biblical lands. The song is palindromic, echoing the lyric, beginning and ending with the same bass line and musical pattern, though the guitars are ultimately reversed as the song implodes upon itself.
 Terrestrials is  three movements which are fluid like the flow of magma beneath the Earth's crust, sonically uninhibited, unpredictably cosmic, haunting and stirring yet simultaneously ceremonious and beautiful.'

More info here: Southern Lord

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From DIRGE (France):

'HYPERION
After months of waiting, we are pleased to announce the launching of our new album « Hyperion » scheduled for March 14 (April 15 for North America).
It will be released through Debemur Morti Productions under three different formats : digipak CD, digital and 2x12" gatefold LP (with an alternative tracklisting for this version).
Mixed by Marc T. and mastered by Nicolas Dick (Kill The Thrill), this sixth album features vocalists Tara Vanflower (Lycia), Milena Rousseau (Miroda) and Nicolas Dick.
Cover rust crafted by long time collaborator (and ex-Proton Burst) Axël Kriloff.

Tracklisting is as follows :
CIRCUMPOLARIS
FLOE
VENUS CLAWS
HYPERION UNDER GLASS
FILIGREE
REMANENTIE

The vinyl version will include a different tracklisting with two bonus tracks : "Distance" and "Absence"
More to come soon.'

Listen to their music here.

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Romanian funeral doom metallers DESCENT INTO DESPAIR will release their new album 'The Bearer of All Storms' on 28th January. It will contain 7 tracks, divided into 90 minutes of music on two CDs. You can look for it in the label Domestic Genocide Records.

Check out band's music here.

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VAINAJA is the finnish doom/death metal band from Finland, who just sign up the papers with Svart Records. This label will release their first album called ' Kadotetut' on spring (more info soon). The band exists since 2011, and 'till today released only a single.

Check out their music here.

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Russian WINDBRUCH (depressive black metal) will release on 1st of February their second album called 'No Stars, Only Full Dark'. It will contain 7 tracks, lasting around 49 minutes. The band will released it by themself.

Check out their melancholic sounds here.

Arsaidh (Saor) - 'Roots' (2013)

Arsaidh

'Roots'

Darker Than Black Recs.

2013

Arsaidh is a Scottish atmospheric black metal band, founded in 2012 by Andy Marschall (ex-Falloch, ex-Askival). In 2013 the band (or better project) changed it name to Saor - so you can find this release also under this moniker. 

When I am listenning to this material I always think about other band, also from British Islands - Nhor. The music of both of these bands - Arsaidh and Nhor - has many in common. They play atmospheric black metal, but in defenitely raw version, with harsh production. Also the melancholic atmosphere of those projects makes them a bit similar. But Nhor's concept bases on nature, while Arsaidh/Saor seems to goes more into themes like proud of the scottish heritage. Not in any nationalistic way, more melancholic (or even romantic).

To be honest it's very hard to describe Arsaidh's music So let me do this in a bit different way and test your imagination. First of all - read these stanzas:

We are sorrow's children
Torn from Alba's womb
A reflection of fallen martyrs
The lifeblood of this land

'A Highland Lament' / Arsaidh

Now imagine an epic, black metal tremolo-picked riffs and middle fast drum beats. Add the vocals - extremely barbarian, which sounds like the last cry of Mel Gib... I mean, William Walace. Now, add soft, pulsatory bass, heavily exposed. And when the vocalist ends screaming those verses, imagine that the action calm a bit. The metal section is supported by many various instruments - sometimes it can be a fluet, sometimes a piano, and sometimes - remember, we're in Scotland - a bagpipes. 

Got the atmosphere? Now the question is - do you like such kind of playing. If no, don't bother yourself anymore. But if you like the idea of (a bit raw) black metal, little soften by traditional celtic sounds, you should have a vital interest in buying this album. I must say that at first I was a bit sceptical, but it was more bounded with the production - a bit stifling, and very underground. I was immediately thinking 'that's not good in this genre'. But I was wrong - in my opinion this is a big advantage, because it helps you to focus on the music. Paradoxically raw (somebody would say - bad) sound makes music much better. 

Of course music on 'Roots' is not as simple as I described it - it has many relishes here and there, which is a mark of every good band in this genre. Yet I believe that at least some people who should like 'Roots' will be looking for this release after reading of my review. And I think that they won't be disappointed.

Rate: 8/10

Vladyka

Check out band's music:

Tracklist:

1. Roots

2. Carved In Stone

3. Saorsa

4. A Highland Lament

Total time: 49:57

News form this week

From polish death/black/folk band THY WORSHIPER:

'We are proud to announced that THY WORSHIPER’s third studio album “Czarna Dzika Czerwien” (eng. Black Savage Red), is set to be released on February 18th via Pagan Records.
"Czarna Dzika Czerwien" will be available on February 18th in Digipack CD as well as standard jewel case CD (both with with astounding design by Anna Malarz) and digital formats. Other versions including tape and vinyl will follow later..

Check out band's music here.

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From danish SVARTSOT:

'The recording phase of the album is now virtually complete. All guitars, basses, drums, nasty vocals, brutal vocals, fucking demented vocals, other vocals, bagpipes, whistles and mandolins. All that remains is to capture the raw sound of a thousand swans being headbutted into unconsciousness. We have to leave those til last as it makes a right mess of Lasse's recording booth. It has to be authentic. The digital patches you can download of a thousand swans being headbutted into unconsciousness are fucking rubbish, to be honest.'

---
 

Polish pagan metalers SALTUS announced two things. The first one - they decided to play live gigs again. And two - they are looking for a good studio to record their new album. It will be called 'Pamięć i Przeznaczenie - Opowieść o Samonie', and it will consists of 10 new tracks. Band still don't know who will release it.

Check out their new music here. 

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Finnish death/doom metalers from  KUOLEMANLAASKO (try to say it fast!) are going to release their second album 'Tulijoutsen' on 28.2.2014 via Svart records. It will contain eight new songs. 

Pre-order the album here.
Listen to their older stuff (couldn't find any promo) here. 

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From TORTORUM: 

'Short update from the band on the new album: "It's not like we're sitting on our asses and do nothing these days... Oh, no! There was a lot of turbulence and chaos regarding the cover artwork and layout for the new album, but now, finally, everything starts to get its final shape and we're currently close to an end with all the process. Puzzle start to fall into place! We are cooperating with an amazing Artist known as Teitan Arts and the artwork will be just... monumental! All those interested will have opportunity to check out the front cover of the upcoming album at special exhibition of Teitan Arts' works at this concert: https://www.facebook.com/events/607471332606637/ More news to come shortly'

Check out also band's music here. 

Vinterblot - 'Nether Collapse' (2012)

Vinterblot

'Nether Collapse'

Rising Recs.

2012

 From what I know Normans conquered the south of Italy, yet they were already christians. They hadn't much in common with Odin, Thor and other pagan gods. Nonetheless Vinterblot is hailing from Italy, and at the same time the guys decided to play viking death metal. Well, Italy bounds in my mind with many things - sun, beaches, ancient ruins and Bulldozer hehe. But defenitely not with viking warriors.

Also if you've read the genre and expects something in the vain of Unleashed - you will be surprised again. Or disappointed, although the music of Vinterblot is somehow infected by Sweden. By Amon Amarth, to be more precise. Honestly I like some rawer albums made by Johan Hegg and co. (and I will be forever cursed for that by true metallers, haha!). I also can understand that they can be a shining inspiration for young people. Yet I hate copycats - bands who are gazing at their idols and can't create anything by their own. Unfortunetely Italians are one of this kind. Most of their stuff consists of stolen ideas, only a bit changed. So we have hear powerfull sound, melodic, yet heavy riffs and a vocalist screaming with deep growl in vain of mentioned Hegg. And everything would be fine, but I don't feel here any authentic emotions.  There is only soulles, sad as dog's ass music with production pure and clean like virgin's thoughts. Boredom, in one word.

There are though moments when band sounds more interesting - mostly those are acoustic songs like 'Sol Invictus'. And here we are - as we can see (or hear) you can compose something for your own guys! Of course it's still not very original, but at least it's listenable.

I wasn't very surprised when I heard that Rising Records ended it's life, due to the fact that it was constantly releasing such failures as 'Nether Collapse'. Some well-done acoustic motifs are not worth of buying predictable music which was played earlier by older, better band. Every horde must start with something though - I hope that Vinterblot will come to their senses and next time records something better.

Rate: 3/10

Vladyka

 Video-clip:

Tracklist:

1. Prelude

2.Upon a Reign of Ashes

3. Council of Trees Beholder

4. Remembrance

5. Howling Shadow

6. Sol Invictus (Ritual Act)

7. Whispers to the Headless

8. The Forlorn War

9. ...to Nethereal

10. As Sleipnir Rides

Total time: 41:01

Massemord - 'A Life-Giving Power of Devastation'

Massemord

'A Life-Giving Power of Devastation'

Pagan Recs.

2013

 

 

 Massemord should be known to everybody who is interested in a polish black metal scene. The band is active since 2000 year, and recorded several materials. 'A Life-Giving...' is their fourth full-lenght album. To be honest I still don't know what I should think about their last record, and suddenly here we are another one. That's the most certain reason why I review it so late hehe.
But let's focus on music. Happily for me the album is not similar to the previous one. So we have here nine tracks lasting around five-six minutes. My first association was the second LP of Massemord - 'The Whore of Hate'. Songs are mostly ultra-furious, yet musicians always find time to go into more horrific areas. Sometimes the music can be reallu unhuman (or antihuman) - like in excellent 'We All Shall Die Miserable Death'. Extremely fast tempos are weaving with slower ones, Namtar is spitting out lyrics about fall of mankind and generally listener is put to the world of madness. Such disturbing, depressive atmosphere can inlfuence you very much.
Everything sounds as always very good - this crew is known for recording of at least good music. Yet I have a problem with this album. It lacks something, and I don't know what. This music sounds too similar to the other albums - many of similar guitar licks I heard in a bit other form on previous materials. There are of course some novelties - for example some riffs reminds me... Thrash metal. I would never suppose that this band is going to play something like that - yet it is true (listen to for example 'The Deity of Ferocity' or 'Trophy of Wasted Breath'). Luckily these are only some relishes, so Massemord still owns it's original style.
Don't get me wrong - the album is really good. Hate that is atacking listener through the music and lyrics makes me sure that 'A Life-Giving...' is recorded with authentic passion. If you, dear listener, don't know Massemord you will propably say that this album is fantastic. But if you already heard their other stuff, you will be not surprised. I am pleased though.

Rate: 8/10
Vladyka

P.S
As always there are some drum-beats in the vain of 'up-tss', 'up-tss' if you know what I mean (propably not hahaha). I am curious what Fenriz (who is critising it in every interview) would say about that ;)

Listen to band's music:

Tracklist:
1. A Devastation Giving Power of Life
2. The Deity of Ferocity
3. Towards Divine Anticlimax
4. Trophy of Wasted Breath
5. Piercing Ailing Heart of Humanity
6. We All Shall Die Miserable Death
7. A Horror To come
8. The Stoning Malignant
9. Water of Life
Total time: 48:58

'Vikings' series - short review

On 3rd of March 2013 canadian History channel premiered their new series - Vikings. The show was quite succesful, not only in States and Canada, but also in Europe (including Poland). I can't say - I've been also waiting for it, like many people interested in Viking Age. Well, I must say that in many ways I am disappointed, but there are aslo things that I admire very much. But let's start this revie from the very beginning.

First of all - the plot. For those who had never heard of Vikings, here you have an abbreviation from Wiki:

The series is inspired by the tales of the raiding, trading, and exploring Norsemen of early medieval Scandinavia. It follows the exploits of the legendary Viking chieftain Ragnar Lodbrok and his crew and family, as notably laid down in the 13th century sagas Ragnars saga Loðbrókar and Ragnarssona þáttr, as well as in Saxo Grammaticus's 12th century work Gesta Danorum. [...] The first season portrays Ragnar (Travis Fimmel) as a young Viking warrior who longs to discover civilizations across the seas. With his friend, the gifted craftsman Floki (Gustaf Skarsgård), he builds a new generation of faster longships and challenges the local ruler, Earl Haraldson (Gabriel Byrne), a man of little vision, to allow raids into unexplored North East England. He is supported by his brother Rollo (Clive Standen), who secretly covets Ragnar's wife, the shieldmaiden Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick). Ragnar succeeds in carrying out the first Viking raids into the English kingdom of Northumbria, returning with rich loot and the monk Athelstan (George Blagden) as a slave. This not only earns him the enmity of King Aelle (Ivan Kaye), but triggers a series of increasingly violent confrontations at home with the autocratic Earl, ending with Ragnar killing and succeeding him. Ragnar pledges fealty to King Horik (Donal Logue) and represents him in negotiations about a land dispute with Earl Borg from Götaland (Thorbjørn Harr), in the course of which he is seduced by the princess Aslaug (Alyssa Sutherland).

Source: Wikipedia

 

The fact that screenwriter created his characters bases on many different sources is really great. Anybody who is at least a bit interested in the subject should be pleased with it. From the other side somebody who is a total layman will be also enjoy the characters - each of them have their very own personalities.
The firsts episodes (to the one when Earl's killed by Ragnar) are really great. Vikings sailing across the unknown sea, raiding english lands - all of those things makes good impression. History of Ragnar draws very quickly, and there are no signs of boredom. I am especially pleased with battle scenes - in my opinion they are done perfectly. Not only because of great acting - I mean also historical facts. There are no objections from my side here.
Right after a plot this is a great advantage of this series - it shows the real life of a norseman. Although There are some small mistakes (some og the haircuts are older than from VIII century, thing should be done in the sacred place, and not jarl's house, spitting into the bowl taken from XIII Warrior etc.), generally speaking the whole, let say, 'material' side of Vikings is damn good.
However, I have a big problem with what is presented here as 'viking' spirituality. The basic problem is that creators of this show were looking on pagan tradition through the eyes of modern (so for many - christian) man. Examples are sadly numerous, so let talk about some of them:

- Floki, after the baptism of Rollo, is upset by it and call him a traitor of the gods - Scandnavians were at that time politeists. That means that they were worshipping many gods. Maybe later, when christianity was seen as a danger for their freedom, they would react like Floki. Yet at the beginning they couldn't understand the fact that there can be only one god, who is expecting to worship him as the only one. In fact, there are written sources (carolingian) which says that viking warriors seen baptism as a kind of agreement between them and their christian overlord (when they were being hired by carolingian kings for service). They were figuratebily hailing the god of their suzerains - and that's it.

- the episode in Uppsala temple - everything here is just a fantasy of the screenwriter. From the appearance of the priests, through the whole event to the most important - meaning of the whole sacrifice. First of all - Uppsala was never any placy of pilgrimage. Secondly - their descriptions in christian chronicles seems to be very exagerrated comparing to archeological findings. I even won't recall the fact that there are no evidances of any sacrifices. The 'temple' could be just a bigger jarl's halla (although for sure there existed a certain cult of some kind, but smaller).
What also really makes me angry is when all the characters treats myths as some real dogmas. You won't believe it, but myth is something different than a dogma. Everybody could interpret it in his own way - or even not believe in it at all! So people who are sacrifising themself for good of all other people in Midgard (like one of main heroes in the movie) is just a bullcrap

- sex scenes - for example when Ragnar wants to have a threesome with a priest and Lagertha. Partly I have written an article about it (here). Having sex outside marriage was seen as one of the biggest crimes on society - so none of the self-respecting vikings would do that. This concerns also Rangar's adultery.

 

Last episodes are disappointing - not also because of mentioned mistakes, but also in my opinion the action severely slows down. It is not as dynamic as in the beginning, and in some ways it's a bit boring. I know that there are no chances in 'repairing' the spirituality of the characters. But I hope that the plot will focus on sailing, raiding, exloring and other activities that seems to be much more interesting than taking part in fictional rituals or boring scandinavian politics ;)

Eternal Helcaraxe - 'Against All Odds' (2012)

Eternal Helcaraxe

'Against All Odds'

Abyss Recs.

2012

Eternal Helcaraxe is an irish black metal horde with some pagan metal attitude. 'Against All Odds' is their debut full-lenght album (even if the guys are playing since 2003).
This introduction is not very original, but from the other side - the music that I have to describe is not very original too. But I appreciate bands like this much - if they know what they want to achieve. Eternal Helcaraxe uses old, tested patents. So we have here fast black metal riffs with some epic attitude, ultra-fast drum beats and furious, harsh vocals. Very often the music is also assisted by keyboard in the background, which creates more epic sound. But don't worry, this is not a poor version of Dimmu Borgir but a juicy metal sound in 100%.
So as you can see - we have here all of the good stuff from the 90's. And what can I say? At the beginning the album makes quite a good impression, and I was pleased with what I was listenning to. Epic music, glorious texts about proud of irish heritage and such things - it all makes a good impression. I've heard similar things quite many times, yet I still enjoy it.
From time to time the band slows down, and rarely it is weaving some non metal tunes into it's music (like acoustics). Unfortunetely regardless of that each track sounds very similar to the other ones, so at some point a listener is starting to loose contact with the music. For me it would be OK, but such kind of playing should be taken in smaller doses - half of hour is a perfect time for this. After that everything starts to sound the same. At the beginning of this review I had stated that I apreciate not very original bands if they know what they want. Eternal Helcaraxe is one of them - they understand how to create a hellish, yet a bit epic sound BUT my rating would be one point higher if their opus was a bit shorter.
I advice the band one of two ways - to complicate your music a little bit more, or simply record shorter material. Yet still the content of 'Against All Odds' is really not bad - fans of myths, metal and paganism can give it a try.

Rate: 6/10
Vladyka

A Youtube 'clip' for the track 'Invictus':

Tracklist:
1. Claim Your Place With Gods
2. One Stands Still Here
3. Invictus
4. We Assist Death
5. Shadow of the Wolf
6. As the Snow Gathers
7. Echeos Through Our Blood
8. Against All Odds (All the Battles to Come - part II)
Total time: 50:24

News from this week

News from this week. Remember to support the music you like!

Ukrainian band DRUDKH announced that on 17th January 2014 they will release a compilation called 'Eastern Frontier in Flames'. The album will contain two EPs: 'Anti-Urban' and 'Slavonic Chronicles' plus tracks from the split with Winterfylleth 'Thousands of Moons Ago / The Gates'. You can purchase this stuff via Season of Mist.

Check out band's music here.

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On the 13th of January russian funeral doom metal band EA is going to release it's new full-lenght album entitled 'A Etilla' (via Solitude Productions). First 100 copies will be released as limited digi pack.

Check out band's music here.

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FLUISTERAARS, a black metal horde from Netherlands, will release their debut album 'Dromers" on 28th of January via german label Eisenwald Tonschmiede. The album will contain 34 minutes of music, divided into three tracks.

Check band's music here.

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A danish black metal/hardcore band HEXIS is going to release their debut album called 'Abalam'. You will find there around 27 minutes of music (12 tracks). The album will be spread by Enjoyment Records.

Also: listen to the band's music here.

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Drone/doom metal band SUNN O))) will release two materials: the first 'LA Reh 012' will contain 38 minutes of music divided into two songs. It will be released on 13th of January in collaboration of Ideologic Organ and Southern Lord.
The second material, called 'Terrestrials', is a new full-lenght album. It will be released on 4th of February via Southern Lord (again) and will contain three tracks, recorded together with the guys from norwegian ULVER.

Listen to the band's music here.

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On the 1st of January there was released a vinyl version of THAW's debut album. You can purchase it on Godz ov War productions.

Listen to the band's music here.

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On the 10th of January it will be released a third full lenght album of german black/heathen metal horde WALDGEFLUSTER called 'Meine Fesseln'. It will contain 7 new tracks, and will be released via Black Blood Records.

You can listen to the band's music here. 

Summing up the 2013...

Here's my very subjective list containing my favourite albums of the last year. Those albums are really great in my opinion - I'm sure I will be enjoying them for many, many years!
By the way - I'm sure that there are propably still some great albums that I haven't listen to, but as for this moment my favs are:

Caladan Brood

'Echeos of Battle'

A very cool debut. Caladan Brood is hailing from States and playing epic/atmospheric black metal. Fans of old Summoning and epicness in music in general - this music is made particulary for You!

Read a review here (by the way - it is my first review ever done. Please be understanding).

You can also read an interview with a band here.

Carpe Noctem 

'In Terra Profugus'

Another great debut album. Carpe Noctem, an icelandic black metal band, had recorded an insane music. Pure insanity in a form of sonic landscape... Fans of extremity should appreciate much this release.

Read a review here and the interview with a band here.

 

Darkthrone

'The Underground Resistance'

Well, this band doesn't need any introduction, does it? In my opinion 'The Underground Resistance' is another good move in Darkthrone's 'career'. A very good example how the passion can e forged into a great songs.

There is no review yet - it's a bit embarrasing, but I started to listen to this album very late. Yet you can expect some of my thoughts about it soon!

Falkenbach

'Asa'

Many people were complaining that Vatyas has again recorded the same music. But since I am a great fan of Falkenbach, I must say that I feel perfectly OK with that. 'Asa' is a great album that I will be surely torturing for a very long time!

Read a review here.

Rotting Christ

'Κατά τον δαίμονα εαυτού'

Generally speaking there are two types of Rotting Christ fans - those who are spitting on the new albums and keep being kvlt and trve, and those who enjoy new stuff anyway. I defenitely belong to the latter category. In my opinion Greeks recorded great album, much better than a bit boring 'Aealo'.

Read my review here.

Summoning

'Old Mornings Dawn'

Yeah, I know that many fans are complaining about new Summoning releases. 'Too modern they are' - say ones. 'Too sweet it is' - say others. Personally I don't care. Beside a terrible intro I worship this album - and I return to it veeery often. One of the most important albums of 2013 for me.

Read my review here and the interview with whole band here.

The Flight of Sleipnir

'Saga'

Those Americans know how to create an awesome mix of doom/stoner/viking metal with some acoustic motifs. A very original piece of music, sadly I have a feeling that it's at the same time very underrated.

My review is here.

You can also read what the band have to say about their work - here. 

Daemonia Nymphe

'Psychostasia'

And now some of neofolk albums that I was enjoying in last year. 'Psychostasia' is a first of them. It's onirique, ethereal atmosphere and the lyrics based on old, greek hymns hailing ancient gods creates a fantastic music. Everyone who had never heard it - it's time to correct this mistake!

Read a review here.

Wardruna

'Runaljod - Yggdrassil'

And last but not least - Wardruna. Everybody who had heard this album knows how fantastic it is. A norse folklore, runes and shamanistic rituals - that are the key-words. 'Yggdrasil' is a great, spiritual journey through the meaning of norse runes deep into your soul (how poetic I am by the way).

Read my review here.