A somber anniversary in a somber year. There’s a lot I could say here, but I doubt you came here to read the obligatory screed about where I was, what I remember most, and where that day fits in our modern context. Perhaps another day and a different outlet would make sense for that. But that’s beyond the scope of this roundup of new releases.
With that in mind, we have a lot of big names on this list. A black metal legend. A modern metal legend. A shock-rock legend. One of the standard-bearers of the old-school death metal revival scene. Perhaps it’s a fitting set of artists for today. The realm of the known. Heavy metal comfort food, you might say.
Enjoy.
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Cenotafio – Larvae Tedeum Teratos
Death-laden black metal with a thick, cavernous affect. This vile screed of demon-conjuring dirges initially came out last year, but is now getting its proper vinyl release today via Blood Harvest.
Stream: Apple Music
Ihsahn – Pharos
After the straightforward Telemark, Ihsahn intended to go as far outside his comfort zone as possible. This is decidedly what I don’t look for from the king of cosmic creations and times, but then again, sometimes his weirdest stuff is his coolest. The song “Manhattan Skyline” with Lerous’ Einar Solberg is giving me some serious school dance vibes, along with the eeriness of a song with that title coming out today.
Stream: Apple Music
Marilyn Manson – We Are Chaos
Speaking of school vibes, here’s the latest from the man who was once the most hated in the country. At this point in his career, he’s found a compelling way to mature into a similar mold as Bowie and other multifarious artists. Though if you listen to the title track without knowing better, you’d think The Killers recruited him to guest on a new track. Not that I’m complaining.
Stream: Apple Music
Mastodon – Medium Rarities
For the Mastodon-completists out there, here’s a new collection of rarities and curiosities. The album includes the rocking single “Fallen Torches,” along with contributions they’ve made to compilations for Aqua Teen Hunger Force and Game of Thrones. There’s also a cover of Metallica’s classic “Orion” instrumental, a fitting choice for a band of Mastodon’s persuasion.
Stream: Apple Music
Skeletal Remains – The Entombment of Chaos
Looking for some well-written, forceful, crushing death metal? Skeletal Remains is a reliable engine that always can (only real ones will get that). More to the point, if you REALLY like Asphyx with a dash of Steve Tucker-era Morbid Angel, The Entombment of Chaos packs all the riffs and unhinged vocals you’ll need to get through the rest of this miserable year.
Stream: Apple Music
