Oh, and happy 30th anniversary to Metallica’s second or third best album today. 

Hear the Atlanta black/death/doom demons’ return after an extended recording hiatus. 

Nightfall‘s big brother may get most of the attention, but Candlemass’ sophomore LP has more than enough potency to sit on its own throne. Ranking the songs by merit is utter madness since it’s a stone cold masterpiece…but that’s never stopped us before!

Fates Warning leader, guitarist and chief songwriter Jim Matheos will be living parallel lives in 2016. He’s helming the writing and recording of the band’s 12th album with the current lineup, and will concurrently assemble a lineup from the band’s distant past, including guitarist Frank “X” Aresti plus co-founders John Arch (vocals), Joe DiBiase (bass) and Steve Zimmerman (drums).

Swedish grindcore vets Gadget bring in hints of doom, sludge and death metal on appropriately titled new album The Great Destroyer.

And if you worry you are late to the Phobia party, the ludicrously huge Decades of Blastphemy will bring you up to speed. 

Wipe up your drool in time for Thrill Jockey’s March 18th release of No One Deserves Happiness and read what drummer Lee Buford has to say about touring, pop music and working with other bands.

Wildfire
Burninating the countryside
dB Rating: 8/10

Italian tech-death wizards Duality are gearing up to release new full-length Elektron on PRC Music.

Derketa in for Choosing Death Fest. Magrudergrind out.