Obscura "Cosmogenesis"
Prepare to be amazed by technical metal masters OBSCURA (ex-NECROPHAGIST, PESTILENCE) and their Relapse debut Cosmogenesis. Cosmogenesis is a front-to-back stroke of brilliance that seamlessly fuses modern metals extremity, the upper levels of technical virtuosity, and the symphonic grace of progressive music into a flawless album experience. The band more than justifies their impressive pedigree with what will be one of 2009's best metal albums and a timeless classic in the making.
Tombs "Winter Hours"
Brooklyn's TOMBS deliver a stunning tour-de-force with their Relapse Records debut Winter Hours. The austere album brings together hypnotic harmonies, lush and introspective sonic textures, and a relentless intensity found in the most blackened metal to stunning effect. Winter Hours hits hard and resonates deeply within the listener.
Zombi “Spirit Animal”
ZOMBI, having previously taken cinematic synth-based rock as far as it could go, added not only guitars to Spirit Animal but a whole new attitude as well. Spirit Animal is a tour de force whose up-tempo moods, patented psychedelic poly-rhythms and bouncing, lush interplay between men and machines ushers in a scintillating new era for the band. With an outpouring of genuine emotion and melody, Spirit Animal gives instrumental music the punch in the gut it needed by blending a genuine sense of warmth and emotion with the darkness the band is heralded for.
Toxic Holocaust “An Overdose of Death”
TOXIC HOLOCAUST makes good on the threat to unleash the finest metal this side of the 21st century on their Relapse debut An Overdose of Death… An Overdose of Death… is an unstoppable juggernaut of infectious riffs, punk attitude and unforgettable anthems. If you call yourself a fan of metal, punk, or just kick ass rock, this record is nothing less your godsend.
Buried Inside "Spoils of Failure"
BURIED INSIDE returns with Spoils of Failure, the long-awaited follow up to the band's now-classic Relapse debut Chronoclast. Four years in the making, Spoils of Failure's eight epic tracks marry dense, riff-heavy layers of instrumentation and caustic vocal bellows with the deeply introspective and thought-provoking lyrics that have become BURIED INSIDE's trademark. A completely enthralling album experience, Spoils of Failure is as stunning as it is unforgettable.
16 “Bridges to Burn”
Seminal sludge-rockers 16 drop a dozen new hits of misanthropy and spite on their new album Bridges to Burn. Their best album to date - including their legendary underground classic Drop Out - Bridges to Burn spills over with the violent self-loathing that is 16’s caustic calling card. Ugly, angry songs pound and throb with the subtlety of a migraine, while tortured vocals rail about a life gone miserably wrong. Bridges to Burn is both a perfect introduction to the band and the definitive prescription for long-time fans awaiting a new dose of 16.
Rumpelstiltskin Grinder "Living for Death"
After helping to pave the way for the old school metal revival, RUMPELSTILTSKIN GRINDER does more than just rehash thrash on 'Living For Death, Destroying The Rest;' rather, the band's sophomore release transcends mere nostalgia as it ushers Speed Metal, kicking and screaming, into the new millennium at last. What separates the Philly foursome from the rest is not the precise riffing, raging solos, or the pummeling percussion; rather, it's the attitude, one as contagious as the songs themselves.
Antigama "Warning"
Progressive Polish grinders ANTIGAMA blaze back with 16 short, sharp blasts on their long-awaited, and aptly-titled, new album Warning. Less an album title than a word to the wise for closed-minded metal fans, Warning see the the quartet evolve even further beyond their patented grind/metal insanity. Warnings frenzied, quirky bursts of aggression meld modern metal extremity with the discordant work of early-era Voivod and raw rock riffs to further set ANTIGAMA apart from the grindcore hordes.
Misery Index "Traitors"
Grinding metal powerhouse Misery Index has returned with their explosive new full-length album Traitors. Two-years in the making, Traitors shows the band evolving into the full-formed killing machine that their earlier material only hinted at. Guitars grind, drums detonate and the band’s furious vocal onslaught rail against a world aflame. More a declaration of war than a collection of mere songs, Partisans of Grief, Occupation, Black Sites and the title track burn w/ a desperate roar. With Traitors MISERY INDEX has unleashed the soundtrack to a world gone mad and provided the world with one of finest platters of extreme metal this year.
Pig Destroyer “Natasha”
PIG DESTROYER brings you the story of Natasha. Story-teller supreme JR Hayes weaves a tale of sadness and loss over one, 35+ minute track of slow-motion, punishing doom more akin to early Melvins or Godflesh than the muscular grind PIG DESTROYER is known for. Originally released in 5.1 surround-sound with their critically-acclaimed Terrifyer album, and now available as its own limited edition digipack and Lp, Natasha is yet another striking chapter in the illustrious PIG DESTROYER canon.