HMaM Global Mod
Post by GL on Jan 1, 2015 13:32:32 GMT -5
This one here tends to be the one I'm the least comfortable with among the five mainly because I don't feel confident I've heard all the releases I wanted, or even needed, to hear this year unlike the other genres which I'm much more comfortable giving those rankings out. I know for a fact my top 4 is all good, but after that I'm not as good with saying what's there and that's a little surprising for me to admit that seeing as how the majority of the good bands were on hiatus this year and meant that the underground bands had to come into the forefront a little more which is where this one can really change. I'm pretty sure, you ask me in July what my rankings are for this list and it'll be different.
10. Sammath-Godless Arrogance
Making it to album number five now, these Dutch mongers are about as close as one’s going to get at emulating the mighty Swedish lords Marduk without outright copying the band and that immediately raises a lot to like about this one. Loaded with dirty, vicious riffing and a raw, low-fi production, the relentless energy conjured from this assault is akin to a ravenous Death Metal band barreling along at top speed which just continues the approach of the band here to utterly lay waste to all who stand before it as this is frankly one of the few records ranked here which just gets immediately into the blasting without a set-up or intro. Marduk famously utilized that exact same type of approach to great success by loaded up on flaying, pummeling Death Metal riff-work in a Black Metal atmosphere which is continued here. That merely contributes even more to their Swedish-style assault, though, as the drum blasting is the album’s main strength as this one just utterly hammers away at anything and everything in sight which just continues throughout the whole album without letting up or slowing down, furthering the Marduk influence and making this a perfect companion piece to any of their late-90s classics.
9. Astrophobos-Remnants of Forgotten Horrors
Carrying on a fine tradition of Swedish Black Metal, this newcomer to the scene offers plenty to like that makes this seemingly overcrowded wave quite distinctive and enjoyable. Rather than employing a blastbeat-laden approach filled with chaotic razor-wire guitars that so many of their compatriots feature, this one heads a few miles over for an atmospheric trip through mid-90s Norway with all those devastating tremolo patterns and tight, frostbitten rhythms swirling with melody and loaded with atmosphere for a truly Old-School approach. Combine that with tireless drumming, a generous amount of rhythm changes and a few timely keyboards placed in the right locations yields some obviously enjoyable efforts within this despite the fact that this might be the most derivative album here as there’s very little mistaking this for anything but second-wave Norwegian worship. Still, this is a confident attack and is enjoyable enough to overcome that and sets them up for a nice run and serves placement on the list.
8. Abazagorath-The Satanic Verses
One of America’s best-kept secrets in the Black Metal underground, this devastating group has long been under the radar of so many that it’s nearly criminal how much so. Taking a traditional Norwegian stance to their sound, full of fiery tremolo-picked rhythms and frost-bitten rhythms that are all mixed together into a devastating, up-tempo mixture that truly feels as though there’s some ravenous demon maneuvering through the music like all the best of the Old-School bands accomplish with great ease, just like the best of the scenes’ originators. This type of attack from an American act is quite impressive at how accurately they manage to replicate the kind of intensity and ferocity in their riffing patterns and variations, while also offering a slightly more American take here with the base rhythms and guitars are built on a sturdy Death Metal foundation to allow that slow, deep crawl here to provide this with plenty of firepower to keep this heavy, dark and quite ominous. It’s all quite fun and certainly makes this featured here on the list.
7. Vehemal-The Atom Inside
Well, this was a surprise that came out of nowhere and ended up being not only highly enjoyable but it earned a place of distinction here in the list. A ravenous, chaotic march through melody-tinged Black Metal with symphonic elements into as cohesive a whole as you’re going to find in a debut as the focus on the harsher strains within these tracks with the use of the traditional tremolo-picked rhythms allows this to generate the same kind of atmosphere and charge throughout this with the implement of the hellfire-sounding tone so common in the usage of such arrangements. By managing to adapt the traditional methods featuring such guitar-riffs, these faster sections along the album tend to come off with rather profound intensity which is quite likeable against the melody. This is especially important in a Melodic Black Metal band which needs to balance the fury of the harsher Black Metal patterns with infusions of melody that the style was never written for and yet still come across with a biting intensity, which accomplishes both of these in spades and makes this a band to watch in the future if they can ever figure out on minor detriment in overloading on the instrumental interludes. Fix that and this band has something special going for it.
6. Enthroned-Sovereigns
Always one of the most enjoyable of the first wave of underground Black Metal bands, this mighty Belgian horde offers one of its most consistent releases and really should cement their legacy. Still dominated by the blazing guitar-work as it weaves through the riffs in here that are nothing short of amazing, being able to smoothly and efficiently flow from quiet, moody trinkling that recalls the frostbitten-works of the genre’s instigators to sweeping, majestic marches full of high-end tremolo-picked patterns that offer up endless varieties of melodies and finally to tight, dense chugging rhythms that impart a reckless speed to the material that is a fundamental part of the bands’ sound and approach. This creates an interesting dynamic within the songs for it’s either these majestic marches or well-performed chaos-laden speedsters that dominate the album as a whole, and there’s a lot to like about the way each one works in here. Of course, an album of this intensity would be remiss without an equally-compelling drum performance which is exactly what’s given here with a furious and remorseless series of customary blastbeats, double-bass blasts, fills and furious, hard-hitting hammer-strike-intense chops that weave throughout the intense, dexterous patterns and chaotic rhythms with a vengeance. Each of these elements does something good within the course of the album that directly causes it to remain as good as it is and earns itself here in the list.
5. Death Fortress-Among the Ranks of the Unconquerable
The last album to get itself slotted into this list, mainly for being the most recently-released but also due to a struggle in determining the actual placing it should occupy, this US troop has a really enjoyable effort on its hands with this atmospherically-laced charger. Being involved in the Atmospheric Black Metal realm, the fact is the band does manage to feature that appropriately colorful tone in their guitar riffs which lends itself quite well to the genre. The swirling, repetitive nature of the riffing along with the generous usage of tremolo-picked patterns creates that frosty, wind-swept nature so reminiscent of the guitar-riffing found in the earlier releases of the genre and brings about its’ undeniably strong atmosphere. No doubt the raw nature of the production certainly helps with this, but more importantly this heavy, organic-sounding presence against tremolo-picked melodies do the opposite job of producing a more prototypical Black Metal effort here in terms of heaviness and overall approach. The melody is there from the atmospheric nature of the riffing within this, but based off the other notes on display there’s a solid Black Metal foundation which keeps this from really dwelling in the potential flaws of the genre in the repetitive riff-work and dominance of atmosphere over heaviness. These are combined to enough of a degree than the band does manage to appeal to both sections quite well and certainly shows quite an advanced level of intrigue for the future.
4. Sargeist-Feeding the Crawling Shadows
It just wouldn’t be right to not feature something from Finland on a list like this, and this is certainly one of the most impressive releases from there. This is mostly due to the absolutely fantastic production here that not only matches the gravelly, necro-level style of the band but manages to wrap it’s thick, darkened mud around the fantastic riffing throughout here, twisting through glorious up-beat passages with the traditional tremolo-picked melodies all the while enveloping the surrounding atmosphere with a darkened, evil touch. That is a masterful approach to the genre that rarely if ever tends to utilize an element of surprise by relying on the tried-and-tested formulas as this one tends to focus on carrying that very same element of surprise through each and every track with such gusto and urgency that the darkened riff-work and howling vocals becomes part of the entire experience. This change back to their earlier style is so welcomed and enjoyable compared to their most-recent release a lot of the enjoyment from this comes off as comparison against that which, even though it was a deviation from their style was still an enjoyable release, but here it feels more like a true continuation of the bands’ legacy which is what causes this one to be so high on the list.
3. Nocturnal Breed-Napalm Nights
Always one of the most overlooked of the Norwegian Old-School scene, this ravenous group firmly unleashes its attack with one of their most consistent and explosive features yet. Still firmly entrenched in their Blackened Thrash mixture with lashings of Punk thrown into the attack, this resulting combination makes for a rousing, hard-hitting rattling high-energy Thrash affair as the Thrash and Punk are utilized at those extreme elements for simplistic, energetic rhythms. Take that into account with a multitude of blazing, full-throttle Black Metal riffs and this cold, frosty attack becomes all the more imposing as the rousing, bouncy Thrash is overlaid with raw, frosty tremolo riffing for maximum impact all along here as this one marches along at mostly high-speeds throughout here. All of these features make for a truly enjoyable feature that continues their strong legacy as one of the toughest, most exciting acts in the genre and really should help these guys in their career moving forward as they continue their run of quality releases that include this one easily earning it’s placement here.
2. Old Wainds-Nordraum
Say what you want about their country of origin, but these Russians have certainly brought about their silence in a most devastating manner possible. Layered beyond belief as the atmospheric riffing and thick, warming bass-tone merge together into a series of furious sweeps and flurries intertwined against an unholy barrage of furious drum blasting that keeps the tempo here nearly non-stop amongst the burgeoning chaos in the atmospherics in such a perfect scope here that encapsulates everything they’ve done in the past and marches along with abandon. As befitting such old-school sounding material, the gloriously warm and endearing production matter here is absolutely phenomenal with a full scope of material covered to great degree by such otherworldly sounds and locales, making for a truly epic-sounding release that has no real right to sound as such in today’s modern-age sound of most Black Metal bands even here on the list, and that is more than enough to get them a spot on here as high as they are.
1. Ceremonial Castings-Cthulhu
What a way to go out! These now-defunct Washingtonian Black Metal masters certainly left an indelible mark in their career, but this could possibly be their master-work with a furious, scathing assault that’s one of their most vicious and unrelenting in their career. Employing a Norwegian riffing aesthetic with absolutely phenomenal keyboards that’s always been part of their trademark bewitching sound, the result here is loaded with high-speed, frantically-paced tracks using a barrage of raw, tremolo-picked rhythms backed by constant blasting drum-work and the otherworldly keyboards. It’s a deceptively atmospheric style of Black Metal that remains hauntingly beautiful yet terrifyingly ugly at the same time, boasting remarkable musicianship and intricate rhythms full of tiresome blastbeats, scalding riffs and hoarse, demonic growling that has always set the band apart from their peers and it’s all captured here in what might be their magnum opus. All gathered together with a separate disc showcasing the keyboards all on their own? An essential purchase from an extraordinary band, and if this is truly the end as they say it’s well-worth the time and attention.
10. Sammath-Godless Arrogance
Making it to album number five now, these Dutch mongers are about as close as one’s going to get at emulating the mighty Swedish lords Marduk without outright copying the band and that immediately raises a lot to like about this one. Loaded with dirty, vicious riffing and a raw, low-fi production, the relentless energy conjured from this assault is akin to a ravenous Death Metal band barreling along at top speed which just continues the approach of the band here to utterly lay waste to all who stand before it as this is frankly one of the few records ranked here which just gets immediately into the blasting without a set-up or intro. Marduk famously utilized that exact same type of approach to great success by loaded up on flaying, pummeling Death Metal riff-work in a Black Metal atmosphere which is continued here. That merely contributes even more to their Swedish-style assault, though, as the drum blasting is the album’s main strength as this one just utterly hammers away at anything and everything in sight which just continues throughout the whole album without letting up or slowing down, furthering the Marduk influence and making this a perfect companion piece to any of their late-90s classics.
9. Astrophobos-Remnants of Forgotten Horrors
Carrying on a fine tradition of Swedish Black Metal, this newcomer to the scene offers plenty to like that makes this seemingly overcrowded wave quite distinctive and enjoyable. Rather than employing a blastbeat-laden approach filled with chaotic razor-wire guitars that so many of their compatriots feature, this one heads a few miles over for an atmospheric trip through mid-90s Norway with all those devastating tremolo patterns and tight, frostbitten rhythms swirling with melody and loaded with atmosphere for a truly Old-School approach. Combine that with tireless drumming, a generous amount of rhythm changes and a few timely keyboards placed in the right locations yields some obviously enjoyable efforts within this despite the fact that this might be the most derivative album here as there’s very little mistaking this for anything but second-wave Norwegian worship. Still, this is a confident attack and is enjoyable enough to overcome that and sets them up for a nice run and serves placement on the list.
8. Abazagorath-The Satanic Verses
One of America’s best-kept secrets in the Black Metal underground, this devastating group has long been under the radar of so many that it’s nearly criminal how much so. Taking a traditional Norwegian stance to their sound, full of fiery tremolo-picked rhythms and frost-bitten rhythms that are all mixed together into a devastating, up-tempo mixture that truly feels as though there’s some ravenous demon maneuvering through the music like all the best of the Old-School bands accomplish with great ease, just like the best of the scenes’ originators. This type of attack from an American act is quite impressive at how accurately they manage to replicate the kind of intensity and ferocity in their riffing patterns and variations, while also offering a slightly more American take here with the base rhythms and guitars are built on a sturdy Death Metal foundation to allow that slow, deep crawl here to provide this with plenty of firepower to keep this heavy, dark and quite ominous. It’s all quite fun and certainly makes this featured here on the list.
7. Vehemal-The Atom Inside
Well, this was a surprise that came out of nowhere and ended up being not only highly enjoyable but it earned a place of distinction here in the list. A ravenous, chaotic march through melody-tinged Black Metal with symphonic elements into as cohesive a whole as you’re going to find in a debut as the focus on the harsher strains within these tracks with the use of the traditional tremolo-picked rhythms allows this to generate the same kind of atmosphere and charge throughout this with the implement of the hellfire-sounding tone so common in the usage of such arrangements. By managing to adapt the traditional methods featuring such guitar-riffs, these faster sections along the album tend to come off with rather profound intensity which is quite likeable against the melody. This is especially important in a Melodic Black Metal band which needs to balance the fury of the harsher Black Metal patterns with infusions of melody that the style was never written for and yet still come across with a biting intensity, which accomplishes both of these in spades and makes this a band to watch in the future if they can ever figure out on minor detriment in overloading on the instrumental interludes. Fix that and this band has something special going for it.
6. Enthroned-Sovereigns
Always one of the most enjoyable of the first wave of underground Black Metal bands, this mighty Belgian horde offers one of its most consistent releases and really should cement their legacy. Still dominated by the blazing guitar-work as it weaves through the riffs in here that are nothing short of amazing, being able to smoothly and efficiently flow from quiet, moody trinkling that recalls the frostbitten-works of the genre’s instigators to sweeping, majestic marches full of high-end tremolo-picked patterns that offer up endless varieties of melodies and finally to tight, dense chugging rhythms that impart a reckless speed to the material that is a fundamental part of the bands’ sound and approach. This creates an interesting dynamic within the songs for it’s either these majestic marches or well-performed chaos-laden speedsters that dominate the album as a whole, and there’s a lot to like about the way each one works in here. Of course, an album of this intensity would be remiss without an equally-compelling drum performance which is exactly what’s given here with a furious and remorseless series of customary blastbeats, double-bass blasts, fills and furious, hard-hitting hammer-strike-intense chops that weave throughout the intense, dexterous patterns and chaotic rhythms with a vengeance. Each of these elements does something good within the course of the album that directly causes it to remain as good as it is and earns itself here in the list.
5. Death Fortress-Among the Ranks of the Unconquerable
The last album to get itself slotted into this list, mainly for being the most recently-released but also due to a struggle in determining the actual placing it should occupy, this US troop has a really enjoyable effort on its hands with this atmospherically-laced charger. Being involved in the Atmospheric Black Metal realm, the fact is the band does manage to feature that appropriately colorful tone in their guitar riffs which lends itself quite well to the genre. The swirling, repetitive nature of the riffing along with the generous usage of tremolo-picked patterns creates that frosty, wind-swept nature so reminiscent of the guitar-riffing found in the earlier releases of the genre and brings about its’ undeniably strong atmosphere. No doubt the raw nature of the production certainly helps with this, but more importantly this heavy, organic-sounding presence against tremolo-picked melodies do the opposite job of producing a more prototypical Black Metal effort here in terms of heaviness and overall approach. The melody is there from the atmospheric nature of the riffing within this, but based off the other notes on display there’s a solid Black Metal foundation which keeps this from really dwelling in the potential flaws of the genre in the repetitive riff-work and dominance of atmosphere over heaviness. These are combined to enough of a degree than the band does manage to appeal to both sections quite well and certainly shows quite an advanced level of intrigue for the future.
4. Sargeist-Feeding the Crawling Shadows
It just wouldn’t be right to not feature something from Finland on a list like this, and this is certainly one of the most impressive releases from there. This is mostly due to the absolutely fantastic production here that not only matches the gravelly, necro-level style of the band but manages to wrap it’s thick, darkened mud around the fantastic riffing throughout here, twisting through glorious up-beat passages with the traditional tremolo-picked melodies all the while enveloping the surrounding atmosphere with a darkened, evil touch. That is a masterful approach to the genre that rarely if ever tends to utilize an element of surprise by relying on the tried-and-tested formulas as this one tends to focus on carrying that very same element of surprise through each and every track with such gusto and urgency that the darkened riff-work and howling vocals becomes part of the entire experience. This change back to their earlier style is so welcomed and enjoyable compared to their most-recent release a lot of the enjoyment from this comes off as comparison against that which, even though it was a deviation from their style was still an enjoyable release, but here it feels more like a true continuation of the bands’ legacy which is what causes this one to be so high on the list.
3. Nocturnal Breed-Napalm Nights
Always one of the most overlooked of the Norwegian Old-School scene, this ravenous group firmly unleashes its attack with one of their most consistent and explosive features yet. Still firmly entrenched in their Blackened Thrash mixture with lashings of Punk thrown into the attack, this resulting combination makes for a rousing, hard-hitting rattling high-energy Thrash affair as the Thrash and Punk are utilized at those extreme elements for simplistic, energetic rhythms. Take that into account with a multitude of blazing, full-throttle Black Metal riffs and this cold, frosty attack becomes all the more imposing as the rousing, bouncy Thrash is overlaid with raw, frosty tremolo riffing for maximum impact all along here as this one marches along at mostly high-speeds throughout here. All of these features make for a truly enjoyable feature that continues their strong legacy as one of the toughest, most exciting acts in the genre and really should help these guys in their career moving forward as they continue their run of quality releases that include this one easily earning it’s placement here.
2. Old Wainds-Nordraum
Say what you want about their country of origin, but these Russians have certainly brought about their silence in a most devastating manner possible. Layered beyond belief as the atmospheric riffing and thick, warming bass-tone merge together into a series of furious sweeps and flurries intertwined against an unholy barrage of furious drum blasting that keeps the tempo here nearly non-stop amongst the burgeoning chaos in the atmospherics in such a perfect scope here that encapsulates everything they’ve done in the past and marches along with abandon. As befitting such old-school sounding material, the gloriously warm and endearing production matter here is absolutely phenomenal with a full scope of material covered to great degree by such otherworldly sounds and locales, making for a truly epic-sounding release that has no real right to sound as such in today’s modern-age sound of most Black Metal bands even here on the list, and that is more than enough to get them a spot on here as high as they are.
1. Ceremonial Castings-Cthulhu
What a way to go out! These now-defunct Washingtonian Black Metal masters certainly left an indelible mark in their career, but this could possibly be their master-work with a furious, scathing assault that’s one of their most vicious and unrelenting in their career. Employing a Norwegian riffing aesthetic with absolutely phenomenal keyboards that’s always been part of their trademark bewitching sound, the result here is loaded with high-speed, frantically-paced tracks using a barrage of raw, tremolo-picked rhythms backed by constant blasting drum-work and the otherworldly keyboards. It’s a deceptively atmospheric style of Black Metal that remains hauntingly beautiful yet terrifyingly ugly at the same time, boasting remarkable musicianship and intricate rhythms full of tiresome blastbeats, scalding riffs and hoarse, demonic growling that has always set the band apart from their peers and it’s all captured here in what might be their magnum opus. All gathered together with a separate disc showcasing the keyboards all on their own? An essential purchase from an extraordinary band, and if this is truly the end as they say it’s well-worth the time and attention.
