The Menacing, Grimy Weirdness of Melvins’ ‘Houdini’ at 30
Once Houdini dropped, all the agonizing over whether Melvins would debase themselves and compromise their sound petered out before we were halfway into “Hooch”.
heavy metal
Cannibal Corpse Brutalize at an Apex Predator Level on ‘Chaos Horrific’
Every track on Cannibal Corpse’s new LP has an individual feel under granular inspection and speaks to their expert songcraft and confidence of identity.
Baroness’ Aptly Named ‘Stone’ Is a Rock Solid Record
Baroness’ Stone incorporates the heavy riffs, thundering grooves, and melodic hooks that have been their trademark and revisits their folkier, acoustic side.
Not a Second of Horrendous’ ‘Ontological Mysterium’ Sounds Human
Horrendous have returned refreshed and once again intent on twisting death metal into new forms on their daring LP, Ontological Mysterium.
Metal’s Imperial Triumphant Present 10 Jazz Albums That Inspire
Metal’s Imperial Triumphant create a type of fusion that marries black/death metal with jazz from across its history. The band discuss their favorite jazz LPs.
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MetalMatters: The Best Metal Albums of August 2023
The best metal albums feature Crypta’s return with thrash intentions, Blut Aus Nord’s Lovecraftian aspirations, and the end of Urfaust’s psychedelic run.
‘Ghost at the Gallows’ Continues Spirit Adrift’s Excellent Run
Spirit Adrift’s Ghost at the Gallows is absolutely crammed with engaging songs. There isn’t a weak moment to be found across its stacked 45 minutes.
Godthrymm Craft Timeless Doom That’s Gospel, Rapture, and Redemption
With Distortions, Godthrymm have created what will no doubt go down as the doom metal album of 2023. Without soul, doom is nothing.
Pelican Deluxify ‘The Fire in Our Throats Will Beckon the Thaw’
Pelican’s newly remixed and remastered version of The Fire in Our Throats Will Beckon the Thaw is an excellent update of a post-metal staple.
Two New Tribute Albums Show Soundgarden’s Magic Can’t Be Replicated
For better and worse, the latest installments in Magnetic Eye’s Soundgarden tribute series only underscore the iconic Seattle quartet’s range.
Urne Turn Pain Into Cathartic Art on ‘A Feast on Sorrow’
Urne have turned suffering into art on A Feast on Sorrow, and the cathartic effect of doing so will no doubt push this exciting band to the next level.
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MetalMatters: The Best Metal Albums of July 2023
In July’s best metal, Oxbow resume their experimental journey, Mutoid Man hammer their love for fun heavy metal, and Mizmor descend to despair’s dark depths.