Sh*t That Comes Out Today: December 6, 2019
It’s Friday, which means it’s new metal day! Look forward to my usual idiosyncratic recommendations as well as things people actually want to hear about. Just a warning: this is a slowwwww week for new releases, but there are some gems.
Fen
The Dead Light (Prophecy)
Hey, it’s winter! Or just about. I dunno, it’s super rainy here in Southern California, which is basically winter. No better music exists for those gray days than depressive post-black metal. Fen have you covered on that front. The album is even called The Dead Light, just in case you thought there might be some sunshine here. There isn’t. Just an excellent, downbeat void-gazing session.
Marijannah
Istanah (Cursed Tongue)
If you can’t guess what kind of music Marijannah play from the name alone, take a glance at the album art above. I need that on a blacklight poster, stat. Their endlessly fuzzy stoner doom rumbles in all the right places. A lot gets made out of the fact that this contains members of Singaporean grinders Wormrot; if they keep putting out records this great, people will start saying Wormrot contains members of Marijannah.
Nightwish
Decades: Live in Buenos Aires (NB)
As someone who once counted Nightwish amongst their favorite bands, this live set reinforces a long-held belief: BRING TARJA TURUNEN BACK. Floor Jansen is a capable replacement — certainly moreso than Annete Olzon, who struggled with the old material. Jansen does better with the classic songs — and she possesses impressive stage presence — but she just doesn’t have that full operatic range like Turunen did. This career-spanning live set puts that into sharp relief. It’s fine, but End of an Era presented a better live document of the Finnish opera metal giants.
Pop.1280
Way Station (Weyrd Son)
Named after a pitch-black comedy noir by Jim Thompson, Pop.1280 bring a similarly nihilistic vibe to their work. While more in the electro-post-punk vein of Suicide, The Birthday Party, or Red Lorry Yellow Lorry than any metal act, their fourth album’s bleakness should appeal to metalheads looking for some feedback-soaked horror. It’s a harsh listen. Still, the band packs enough emotion into their industrialized discord to make it worthwhile.
Street Lethal
Welcome to the Row (Fighter)
Lethal in the streets, also lethal in the sheets! With ripping Tipton/Downing guitar solos, nicknames like “Hell Rose Lethal” and “Damn Atomic Lethal,” and songs about street racing and metal, this wall-kicking Spanish five-piece embodies the spirit of 80s heavy metal. You’ve heard it before, but these hirsute road warriors bring some serious passion to their debut full-length. Bonus points for taking their name from a Racer X album!
OTHER SHIT THAT COMES OUT TODAY
Artillery – In The Trash (Mighty)
Cro-Mags – From The Grave EP (Victory) Listen
Deep Purple – Live In Rome 2013 (earMusic)
Edge Of Forever – Native Soul (Frontiers) Listen
Human Fortress – Reign Of Gold (AFM) Listen
The Old Dead Tree – The End (Season Of Mist) Listen
Running Wild – Crossing The Blades EP (SPV/Steamhammer) Listen
SHIT THAT COMES OUT AGAIN TODAY
Artillery – Deadly Relics (Mighty)
Boysetsfire – After The Eulogy (Vinyl Reissue) (Craft)
Boysetsfire – Tomorrow Come Today (Vinyl Reissue) (Craft)
Iced Earth – Alive In Athens (Vinyl Reissue) (Century Media) Listen
Pagan Altar – Mythical & Magical (Temple of Mystery)
Pagan Altar – The Time Lord (Temple of Mystery)
