I think the universe heard me bitching about the slow release schedule in the first half of the year, because we got some great album announcements this week. Today’s release calendar is stacked with the most good releases we’ve seen in a while, so let’s get into it.
Cloak
Black Flame Eternal (Season of Mist)
Four years after their last album, The Burning Dawn, and Cloak have revamped their sound, finding a foothold in more traditional forms of black metal compared to the black ‘n’ roll of yesterday. The quartet display their devotion to the black arts in varying forms throughout the full length—“Shadowlands” has a melodic lean, “Invictus” goes hard with its thrash attack and “Eyes of the Abyss” contains a bit of old-school black/death flavor. “The Holy Dark” stands out for its bulldozing approach and the title track has plenty of melody and a touch of rock ‘n’ roll. Cloak remain one of the best USBM bands going today.
Immortal
War Against All (Nuclear Blast)
Northern chaos gods and black metal trailblazers Immortal return with War Against All. More than anything, album number 10 is a confirmation that Demonaz still has miles left in the tank, after 2018’s Northern Chaos Gods divided fans. Drummer Horgh is gone this time around, so Demonaz is joined by session bassist Ice Dale and session drummer Kevin Kvåle. War Against All checks in at a cool eight songs and 38 total minutes, so compositions are generally kept tight and the album moves at a brisk pace, making it a worthy addition to Immortal’s canon.
Incendiary
Change the Way You Think About Pain (Closed Casket Activities)
The first riff on album opener “Bite the Hook” tells you everything you need to know about Incendiary’s latest, Change the Way You Think About Pain. Ten years since their first full-length, Incendiary have refined their sound down to a violent science, firing off riff after riff, interrupting the volleys for two-step breakdowns. Incendiary have always been socially and politically aware in their lyrics, but it hits with amplified potency in the current American political climate.
Mournful Congregation
The Exuviae Of Gods – Part II (20 Buck Spin)
The Exuviae Of Gods – Part II marks 30 years of existence for Australian funeral doom institution Mournful Congregation. Technically an EP paired with last year’s part one, Mournful Congregation spread three songs over 40 minutes, including a rerecording from the band’s 1995 demo and two original songs. Mournful Congregation have been playing dense funeral doom for three decades now—if that concept still appeals, you won’t be disappointed.
Usnea
Bathed in Light (Translation Loss)
It’s hard to make music that is extreme, psychedelic and compelling in a way that doesn’t feel half-assed or like a shitty gimmick. Portland, Oregon’s Usnea are one of the few who can pull it off as they slowly grow out of their shell on new album Bathed in Light. The quartet still build on a bedrock of blackened doom but they’re not shy about their love for post-punk, death rock and synthesizers on their first release in six years. Bathed in Light is an immersive listen capped by brooding closer “Uncanny Valley.”
Other Shit That Comes Out Today:
Arrival of Autumn, Kingdom Undone (Nuclear Blast) Listen
Elegant Weapons, Horns for a Halo (Nuclear Blast) Listen
Legion of the Damned, The Poison Chalice (Napalm) Listen
Metal Church, Congregation Of Annihilation (Rat Pak) Listen
RUÏM, Black Royal Spiritism – I.O Sino Da Igreja (Peaceville) Listen
Suffering Quota, Collide (Lower Class Kids) Listen
Vomitory, All Heads Are Gonna Roll (Metal Blade) Listen
Here at the MetalSucks mansion, we believe in culture and knowledge, which is why we’re working with Thunderflix to get you watching more heavy metal documentaries. This week’s offerings:
Get Your Lederhosen Ready: German Metal Madness Hits Thunderflix!
Masterplan: Keep Your Dream aLive
Get ready to experience the exhilarating power of Masterplan’s first-ever live release, “Keep Your Dream aLive”! Immerse yourself in the electrifying performances from the Masters of Rock festival, Wacken Open Air, and more. Feel the raw energy of Masterplan’s melodic metal mastery as they ignite the stage. Stream it now on Thunderflix! ????????
Orden Ogan: Live in Wacken
Prepare to be swept away by the symphonic grandeur of Orden Ogan, a German metal force to be reckoned with! With their masterful musicianship and captivating stage presence, Orden Ogan will transport you to a realm where heavy riffs meet soaring melodies. Don’t miss out on their awe-inspiring performance, now available on Thunderflix.
Kissin’ Dynamite: Unleashing German Metal Dynamite
Experience the wild ride of Kissin’ Dynamite, the explosive German metal band! Available now on Thunderflix, dive into their captivating tour documentary and indulge in a collection of electrifying music videos. Get ready to rock out like never before as Kissin’ Dynamite delivers a high-energy metal experience that will leave you craving more. Stream their tour documentary and music videos on Thunderflix and let the German metal dynamite explode!
J.B.O: German Metal Fun for the Wild at Heart!
Get ready to unleash your inner wild child with J.B.O, the ultimate fun-loving German metal band! Known for their infectious humor and catchy tunes, J.B.O delivers a high-energy show that will have you laughing, headbanging, and raising your beers in metal camaraderie. Prepare for a wild ride of hilarious lyrics, irresistible grooves, and a party atmosphere that’s uniquely German. Join the fun with J.B.O’s explosive live performance, now available on Thunderflix!
