Blog

Best In Heavy Metal – 2008

Yes, I do realize that it is April. Whatever.
Enjoy.



1.) Skepticism - "Alloy"

Finnish funeral doom legends Skepticism return after five long years with six monolithic tour de force tracks that present the band at its absolute finest. For those familiar with the depressive dirge that Skepticism is renowned for expect no changes, no experimentation, and absolutely nothing contrived. While 2003’s Farmakon was a quality release, 2008’s Alloy seemed to capture the despondency and hopelessness found on records like Stormcrowfleet while sharing the same depressive ambiance as the Ethere EP. In essence, Skepticism’s newest release embodies the looming dirge of prior records while building upon an eerily bleak atmosphere only Skepticism is capable of that is as torturous as it is enrapturing. Few artists are able to deliver such an ominous atmosphere of tragedy so ornately rich with mournful soliloquy as Skepticism have done with Alloy. This is the bands magnum opus record, and quite possibly the single best funeral doom recording I have ever heard. Highly recommended.

Skepticism Info:
Homepage: http://www.skepticism.fi/
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/officialskepticism



2.) Darkspace – “III”

There is nothing that sounds quite like the black metal soundscape found on a Darkspace recording. I have always found Darkspace particularly remarkable and satisfying because the conceptual articulation of unsoiled malevolence conveyed in each of their records is positively hypnotic. The bleak and yet aggressive mixture of raw minimalist black metal with stark and disturbingly forlorn ambiance has allowed Darkspace to create a niche all their own in the metal genre. Yet, with III the band have discovered a way to exemplify the isolation of darkness and tap into the tenacity of complete and unparalleled hatred. III is absolutely epic in its delivery and finds Darkspace boldly progressing forward with the same consistent vision of desolation they have maintained since the bands inception. Brilliant release from Switzerland’s finest.

Darkspace Info:
Homepage: http://www.darkcyberspace.com/
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/darkcyberspace



3.) ColdWorld – “Melancholie²”

Best heavy metal debut of 2008!

Simply put, ColdWorld’s debut release Melancholie² is one of the most impressive records of atmospheric black metal to have ever been released. Surprisingly, this exceptional work of depressive and sorrowful dirge was crafted by a single individual - the German called Georg Börne (aka G.B.). Melancholie² is an enrapturing listen with a combination of flawlessly executed atmospherics, ominous layers of keyboards, and a stylistically ethereal approach to intelligent and innovative black metal. There is a haunting dissonance in the musicianship and melodic isolationism found on the release that invokes a sonic canvas of dismal emotions not found elsewhere. With only its debut record, ColdWorld has shattered any preconceived limitations that atmospheric black metal may have had prior to this recording. Thankfully, it is contributions like Melancholie² that keep the metal genre interesting and relevant. Hauntingly good.

ColdWorld Info:
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thestarsaredeadnow



4.) Leviathan – “Massive Conspiracy Against All Life”

Frankly, it was not at all unexpected when Massive Conspiracy Against All Life received its share of criticism from a considerable swath of black metal purists for the alteration in Leviathan’s sound. Yet, while the record is - to some extent - comprised of a new formula, it possesses much of the same force and ferocity found on their prior releases. Arguably more so than on any other Leviathan album, Massive Conspiracy Against All Life not only mixed the old with the new, but it finds Wrest incorporating portions of his Lurker of Chalice project as well as sounds similar to those made by Deathspell Omega that result in a truly wicked and cacophonic atmosphere. While The Tenth Sub Level of Suicide and Tentacles of Whorror were both undeniably superb releases, Massive Conspiracy Against All Life finds Wrest at his creative peak with Leviathan and it shows. Excellent release.

Leviathan Info:
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/leviathanx666x
Last.FM: http://www.last.fm/music/Leviathan



5.) Impavida - "Eerie Sceneries"

Great debut!

With Impavida’s debut Eerie Sceneries, German depressive black metal just received a major facelift. The most surprising aspect of this excellent debut is that it achieved a certain level of relative originality and creativity in a sub-genre that is on occasion somewhat tedious and uninspired. There are very few records that I have heard over the course of the past few years that reveal such a genuinely disturbing, depressive, and desperate sound while retaining a gloomy aggressiveness throughout. Despondent funerary tracks like “Dark Skies,” “Ashes of Me,” and “Into Empty Spheres” retain a suicidal anguish that is as mesmerizing as it is transcendent and rousing. The musicianship on the record is exemplary for the genre and even the ‘Salad Fingers’ sample used during “Dark Skies” works well with the overall atmosphere of the record. A dreary and yet enthralling album, Impavida was unquestionably triumphant with their debut.

Impavida Info:
Homepage: http://www.van-gbr.de



6.) Colosseum – “Chapter 2: Numquam”

Finland has always provided a surplus of funeral doom and Chapter 2: Numquam find Colosseum asserting themselves at the top of the sub-genre along with recordings from Skepticism or even the legendary Thergothon. While not as depressive and bleak as the aforementioned releases from Skepticism or Impavida, this sophomore record is certainly an austere and foreboding endeavor that is not only inventive but also dark and unquestionably heavy. The musicianship is a well organized blend of melancholic keys, oppressive and downtrodden guitar, plodding percussion, and dismally tortured death-doom vocals. Standout tracks include “The River” with its acoustic opening, “Demons Swarm By My Side”, and “Numquam” although every desolate funeral doom hymn is of the utmost quality. With only their sophomore release, Colosseum has solidified themselves as innovative genre purveyors of funeral doom. Fans of Evoken, Shape of Despair, and Catacombs should enjoy Chapter 2: Numquam.

Colosseum Info:
Homepage: http://www.colosseumdoom.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/colosseumband



7.) Aosoth – “Aosoth”

Great debut!

For those of you unfamiliar with French black metal band Aosoth, you may be interested to know that the band began as a side-project of MkM and a few other Antaeus members. Truth be told, there is nothing incredibly innovative, pioneering, or original on this debut release. However, front to back the album just plain shreds. Vicious and tortured vocals, militant percussion and memorable black metal riffs on songs like “Nine As Ego,” “Soul Cremation,” and “Here to Serve” have an almost “black n roll” groove to them, although not in a way that is similar to the current Satyricon sound. This is an exceptional record for folks who enjoy just basic straight-up black metal. Myself, I could listen to this album all day.

Aosoth Info:
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/aosothofficial



8.) Sturmkaiser – “Veni Vidi Vici”

I had admittedly checked out Sturmkaiser only because they were a relatively new black metal band from Italy, and while my hopes were understandably low due to the history of mediocre black metal from ‘the boot,’ Veni Vidi Vici was a pleasant surprise. Sturmkaiser’s sophomore release boils over with a virulent revulsion and hatred that grasps the listener by the throat and does not let go. Svafnir and co. classify themselves as “Italian War Metal” and they encompass war, hatred, and nationalism lyrically throughout the entirety of the record. Sturmkaiser's sound is reminiscent of an unholy coalescing between the blistering aggressiveness of early Setherial and the warfare-laden hooks of Destroyer 666, which serves as a superb and sonically engaging balance. Each track is genuinely well-written and obvious attention and skill was used in crafting the succession of spiteful riffs, battering percussion, and frenzied vocals. Veni Vidi Vici was undeniably one of the biggest surprises of 2008 and I am still spinning it with regularity in 2009.

Sturmkaiser Info:
Homepage: http://sturmkaiser.interfree.it
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/sturmkaiser



9.) Enslaved - "Vertebrae"

Initially, I did not enjoy Vertebrae. I thought that it was a disappointing effort, and ultimately among the first missteps that the normally first-rate Enslaved had taken in a very long time. Upon additional audio examination and scrutiny, I was wrong – sort of. When weighing the quality and significance of the record, I would argue that Vertebrae is the weakest album since the release of Monumension. Yet, when weighing it against other releases in the metal genre Enslaved’s tenth LP is entirely relevant, out of the ordinary, and certainly inventive. Tracks like “Clouds,” “Ground” and “Vertebrae” are the laudable moments of genius that recent Enslaved fans have become accustomed to, while the remainder of the album meanders through a labyrinthine maze of mid-paced progressive black metal that in the beginning may seem drab, tedious, or even contrived. Do not let this deter you. Subsequent listens will peel away the veneer of mediocrity to reveal diabolical rewards. Also, for some reason, at least to me, the distorted vocals on the record are at times grating, even distracting, but I suppose I became used to them after several spins of the album. Vertebrae, akin to most Enslaved records, is not the easiest listen. Give the release a chance, it is not reminiscent of the brilliant Below The Lights or even Isa, but you will be rewarded.

Enslaved Info:
Homepage: http://www.enslaved.no
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/enslavedmusic



10.) Velnias - "Sovereign Nocturnal"

Great debut!

This record is not for everyone. Sovereign Nocturnal is a very organic, minimalistic, down tempo, almost ritualistic and ceremonial release. As with a few other records on this list, Velnias’ debut is a doom-laden black metal elegy that draws the listener into a dark, evocatively genuine and gloomy ambiance. The musicianship on the record is innately natural, uncompromisingly raw, and entirely unpredictable. The swelling guitars reach a number malevolent crescendo’s and ease the record through all its haunting transitions from beginning to end. Sovereign Nocturnal is reminiscent of works by Wolves in the Throne Room or at times even the darkened folk of Agalloch. Yet, with their debut, Velnias encompasses its own distinctive and almost impenetrable atmosphere. I can only hope that Sovereign Nocturnal is the beginning of a very successful foray of releases that will lead listeners to an even murkier and melodic netherworld of darkness in the future.

Velnias Info:
Homepage: http://www.sovereignnocturnal.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/velniascult



11.) Wedard - "Wo die Ewigkeit die Zeit berührt"

Yet another band hailing from Deutschland, Wedard undoubtedly hit their stride with Wo die Ewigkeit die Zeit berührt, their third official full-length release. Prior releases from the band are certainly worth exploring, but never before has Wedard captured such an unsettling and eerily aggressive mood by masterfully combining a subtle melancholy with their distinctively scathing black metal technique. Tortured wails are layered over distant and almost belligerently serene walls of guitars and fast rhythmic percussion. The production on the release is exemplary and creates an almost primeval temperament that significantly enhances not only the quality of the music, but also how the listener perceives it. I would recommend this release to fans of early Ulver, Drudkh and perhaps even Summoning. Wedard greatly succeeded in crafting an outstanding third release.

Wedard Info:
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/wedardband



12.) Decrepit Birth - "Diminishing Between Worlds"

Diminishing Between Worlds seems to be somewhat of a divisive and contentious release in the habitually tedious and ultra-conservative death metal scene. Personally, I have never been deterred from enjoying brutal and uncompromising death metal releases, but I have always had an affinity for the element of musicianship and technicality in death metal as well. After an extended hiatus, Decrepit Birth’s sophomore release finds the band pushing their musical limitations to a technical level I had not expected. Evocative of the tech-death synchronicity of Death during The Sound of Perseverance era, Decrepit Birth’s musicianship on the record is engaging, exciting, and exceedingly multifaceted. Intricate, relentless, and often punishing, each instrument assails the listener with an audible maelstrom that will not dissatisfy fans of the technical death metal genre. In spite of the legions of dim-witted predictable death metal fans who frown on this style, Diminishing Between Worlds is certainly a welcome addition to an otherwise stagnant genre.

Decrepit Birth Info:
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/decrepitbirth



13.) Esoteric - "The Maniacal Vale"

If you have not heard Esoteric then you are truly missing out. I have decided to refrain from explaining the monumental and inventive sound achieved by the band, nor will I delve into the nuances of this tremendous record that I may have only scratched the surface of thus far. For this particular release, and for a variety of reasons, I believe that certain people hear things differently and should merely spin it on their own accord. To me, it is blatantly evident that upon further listens The Maniacal Vale may positively end up among my top five releases of 2008. This is a brilliant, complex and ambitious funeral doom release that must be carefully heard to be appreciated. Get it.

Esoteric Info:
Homepage: http://www.esotericuk.net
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/esotericuk



14.) Amon Amarth – “Twilight of the Thunder God”

Amon Amarth are undoubtedly among the most consistent bands in all of heavy metal. With each successive release the listener knows exactly what to expect, and they did not deviate from their winning formula with Twilight of the Thunder God. Frankly, nothing on this 2008 release is relatively original or pioneering – even for the genre they are part of - and I fear that the bands predictability will eventually cause them to become the Viking equivalent of AC/DC. However, at this point in time, any discerning listener can unmistakably hear that the band fucking rocks. Basically, Twilight of the Thunder God made the list because it was among the most entertaining records I had the pleasure of hearing in 2008. It never became stale or boring, and there is a certain tongue-in-cheek quality to the rollicking Scandinavian Viking-bravado that compels you to want to guzzle mead out of the nearest drinking horn. If you enjoy this style of music, you should waste no time acquiring this record.

Amon Amarth Info:
Homepage: http://www.amonamarth.com
MySpace: http://myspace.com/amonamarth



15.) Draugnim - "Northwind's Ire"

Great debut!

Although there were a multitude of deserving records, Northwind's Ire made the list only after considerable and careful deliberation. That said, the debut release from Finland’s Draugnim was certainly an impressive and entirely epic foray into the realm of pagan black metal. Haunting and grandiose melodies encompass a primeval nucleus of darkened folk and black metal creating an imposing Nordic portrait of times long past. Musically, Draugnim draws its influences from Emperor, Thyrfing, Windir and mid-period Bathory. Although only their debut, I would openly acknowledge that Northwind's Ire is hardly original by any means, but originality is increasingly rare in underground heavy metal these days. Nonetheless, judging upon the quality and poignancy that Draugnim delivered on Northwind's Ire a successful future could be in store for these Fins. Exceptional record.

Draugnim Info:
Homepage: http://www.draugnim.com
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/draugnim

Honorable Mention:

- Opeth - "Watershed"
- Manilla Road - "Voyager"
- Nachtmystium - "Assassins Black Meddle, Pt. 1"
- Aborted - "Strychnine.213"
- Thyrfing - "Hels Vite"
- Motörhead - "Motorizer"
- Testament - "The Formation Of Damnation"
- Toxic Holocaust - "An Overdose Of Death"
- Spite Extreme Wing - "Vltra"
- Janvs - "Vega"
- Taake - "Taake"
- Sig Ar Tyr - "Beyond The North Winds"
- Deeds of Flesh - "Of What's To Come"
- Daylight Dies - "Lost To The Living"
- Orlog - "Elysion"
- Horna - "Sanojesi Äärelle"
- Arghoslent - "Hornets Of The Pogrom"
- Woodtemple - "Sorrow of the Wind"
- Hibria - "The Skull Collectors"
- Human Mincer - "Degradation Paradox"
- Behexen - "My Soul For His Glory"
- Intestine Baalism - "Ultimate Instinct"
- October Falls - "The Womb Of Primordial Nature"
- Lantlôs - "Lantlôs"
- Krypt - "Preludes to Death"
- Mgla - "Groza"
- Dead Congregation - " Graves Of The Archangels"
- Ufomammut - "Idolum"
- Satyricon - "Age of Nero"