You know the drill by now—we’re eight months into a global pandemic that shows no real signs of receding in many areas and artists have been deprived of valuable revenue streams in the absence of live music and touring. In response, Bandcamp has offered monthly 24-hour sales in which they waive their percentage of all sales, giving 100% directly to the artist.
There is a wealth of new music options out there, so Decibel staff selected some of our favorite releases available via the platform. The sale is good until 3:00am EST on November 7.
Midnight Odyssey – Ashes from a Terrestrial Fall
Australia’s finest one-man cosmic black metal band goes fully kosmische here, taking a journey into the darkness inspired by “Berlin School” artists like Tangerine Dream, Ash Ra Tempel, and Popul Vuh. The song titles seem sci-fi on the surface but imply that these immersive soundscapes were inspired by the environmental devastation raging across Dis Pater’s home country. Gorgeous stuff – kinda like dungeon synth but not shitty. – Jeff Treppel
Serpent Column – Kathodos
Serpent Column’s sole support structure Theophonos takes his name from Greek antiquity. Bands like Krallice and Schammasch have similar versions of twisting black/death metal, but he tames the chaos like Hercules tamed the mares of Diomedes. It’s very satisfying when he locks into a giant riff and wrestles it into the sea. -Jeff Treppel
Aseitas – False Peace
Encenathrakh – Thraakethraaeate Thraithraake
Jesus Wept – Apartheid Redux
Let’s not mince(meat) words—this is quite possibly the best death metal covers album you’ll ever buy. Not literally, mind you, barring the ripping W.A.S.P. by way of Jeff Walker rendition of “Animal (Fuck Like a Beast).” This 7 song declaration sounds like it came straight outta Liverpool circa 1993 but with Glen Benton designated as its spiritual advisor. But for an album that lacks a unique identity, all can be forgiven just by the sheer strength of the songs. From the very start of album opener “Buried Face Down,” to album peak “Comfortably Dumb,” all the way to said ode to bestiality, Jesus Wept sink their hooks into you and make you cry with joy. Do not miss.—Mike Wohlberg
Panzerfaust – The Suns of Perdition – Chapter II: Render Unto Eden
Having outgrown the constricting genre label of black metal, Panzerfaust continues to evolve their brand of darkness in a way that is both refreshing while not feeling bloated or disingenuous in execution. Chapter II of a planned tetralogy sees the Canadians continuing their brand of pointed philosophical criticisms, this time focusing on religion. No song dips below the 7 minute mark in this entry and while not quite as lean as Chapter I: War, Horrid War, songs such as “The Faustian Pact” never seem to outstay their welcome. This is a worthy inclusion to what will hopefully continue to be a compelling series.—Mike Wohlberg
Gnosis – Nerual Disintegration
I dunno if this is death-inflected doom or doom-inflected death metal, but Gnosis—a Victoria, BC, trio—play the kind of apocalyptic sludge that’s the perfect soundtrack for all of the world’s current horrors. Produced by Unleash the Archers guitarist Andrew Kingsley, this is a solid crusher that deserves wider release. I’ve been raving about Gnosis since I saw them slay at a Wacken competition and Neural Disintegration delivers on everything their amazing live performance suggested. —Adem Tepedelen
NAILS — Unsilent Death (10th anniversary edition)
Here’s what’s wild about Unsilent Death: It opens with one of the heaviest lead-off tracks in this history of heavy music—the below “Conform”—and it still doesn’t prepare you for the unrelenting brutality and feral brilliance to which you’re about to be subjected. A true apotheosis, this is a must-own for any devotee of uncompromising, pure hardcore-tinged heavy metal fury.—Shawn Macomber
Vexing Hex — Haunt
Damn, between this beautifully deranged Vexing Hex record and the glorious doom apocalypse of Mother Urn, Wise Blood Records—founded by longtime Decibel contributor Sean Frasier—is quickly establishing itself as a home for extreme music unified not by sound or genre but by the eclectic adventurousness and pure awesomeness of its artists. Anyway, Vexing Hex sounds a bit like the cacophony that might ensue if Fabio Frizzi and members of Tangerine Dream undertook a hostile takeover of Ghost.—Shawn Macomber
Youth of Today — “Disengage”
The end-of-an-era bridge between Youth of Today and Shelter, Disengage isn’t just the pinnacle of “Youth Crew”—it’s one of the best hardcore records of all time, period. You want to know why this band is still beloved, garnering new fans, and packing rooms thirty years on? Here’s your five-and-a-half minute unassailable answer.—Shawn Macomber
Gospel of the Witches — Covenant
The legendary Karyn Crisis — read our interview with her from a few years back here — returns with a new Gospel of the Witches record and, like everything else she’s ever done, it’s a transcendent, powerful, soul stirring document. Highly recommended. And if you want to go further down the rabbit hole check out Crisis’ other atmospheric, reality-refracting project Serpents.—Shawn Macomber
Castaway — Where is Your Power?
Holy hell. This Castaway seven-inch is some of the heaviest, most intense metallic hardcore to come down the pike in a long, long goddamn time. Don’t sleep — ridiculously heavy! Looking forward to whatever comes next from them.—Shawn Macomber
Soul Glo – Songs to Yeet at the Sun
Philly staple Soul Glo have made their best record yet. Vocalist Pierce Jordan fits a staggering amount of words in his impassioned, frantic and honest delivery while his bandmates explode in a flurry of hardcore punk, screamo, noise and hip-hop. Songs to Yeet at the Sun is quite possibly the year’s best punk release.—Vince Bellino
Mesa – Glow (Realm & Ritual)
Glow is the culmination of many influences. Multi-instrumentalists Marie McAuliffe and Adam Heller explore sludge metal via progressive influences, synthesizers and MIDI drums, while McAuliffe’s poetic lyrics tell of the calm before the end times, delivered in black metal screams. Mesa’s latest comes highly recommended for those bored of traditional black and sludge metal.—Vince Bellino
