Intro: Album Of The Year and other list based articles are a mixed bag, or double edged sword. Even Bandcamp is reconsidering their format of a ranked list, or even eschewing it entirely. But in a year as crazy, stupid, frustrating, and difficult as this, I’m grateful for all the awesome music that helped me get through it. This article is not a hierarchy, but a shout out, an act of gratitude for the musicians … read...
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Dealing with Demons I is the 5th full length DevilDriver album, released by Napalm Records on 10/02/2020. They were contenders for the world record of the biggest circle pit in history. They have a discography of several critically acclaimed albums. They have been shredding for nearly two decades. DevilDriver fucking rules. And Dealing With Demons is their latest and most ambitious offering yet. Part I of this double-album is exemplary of DevilDriver’s signature style. … read...
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Cyclops is releasing their self titled debut album in late 2020. This self titled debut album is a solid example of modern metal. The choruses and lead guitars are clean, but the rhythm and percussion is more aggressive and funky. I like the contrast of harmony and dissonance. It reminds me of melodic metal bands like Killswitch Engage, DevilDriver, and Amon Amarth. They have mastered the contrast between brutality and beauty. Their single, Voices, is … read...
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Death Magnetic is the 9th studio album from American thrash band Metallica. Intro: February 22, 2020. Today is a bittersweet day. I feel like I should be celebrating, but I just want to be alone instead. I have been coping in my own strange way. Leaning in to the morbidity, burning black candles of La Santa Muerte, and listening to sad music. Metallica is definitely hitting the spot on this dreary day. I love their … read...
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Defeatist is a single from the 2006 Hatebreed album, Supremacy. Intro Hatebreed is one of my favorite hardcore bands. People think that the genre is for a bunch of posturing dudes with something to prove. But I disagree. And even if a bunch of losers were listening to it to feel tough, isn’t that the point? I feel shy and awkward all the time. I rarely ever feel like a badass. But Hatebreed is one … read...
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A Memoir Of Free Will, the latest offering from Krosis, is anticipated to drop in February of 2020. Currently signed to Unique Leader Records, Krosis is a progressive deathcore band from North Carolina, USA. Vocalist Mac Smith, guitarists Adam Theissen and Brandon Scurlark, bassist Brian Krake, and drummer Dan Cece have carved a name for themselves in the North Carolina scene. They will be dropping the new album, A Memoir of Free Will, … read...
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Abomination of the Wretched/ Clergy of Sin lyric book, illustrated by Den Yudi Art. This self titled debut album is everything that the band Blood Wolf stands for. It’s heavy, it’s political, it’s fast, it’s loud, and it’s fun as hell. The riff master Chad Baca writes and shreds awesome thrash metal on his guitar. The opening track, 1680, hits the ground running with a galloping melody, and lead singer Ross Reano screams lyrics about … read...
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This band and their self titled debut have morbid medical themes, as well as a twisted sense of humor. When I first heard this album, I was way too hungover for that fucking kazoo intro, but that made it even more hilarious and entertaining. The weird sound effects and humorous undertones continue with the following songs on the EP. Tracks like Shiddnfard and Botfly Reunion, use the trombone for its inherent comedic value. The gross-out … read...
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St. Peter Martyr Exorcizing a Posessed Statue of the Virgin and Child, Vincenzo Foppa, 1468 Intro: All art is political. Religion and music are no exception. Many metalheads claim to be anti religion one minute, and then devil-worshiping Satanists the next. Others enjoy the music while still practicing their faith, whether it’s Judaism, Islam, or Christianity. To assume that all metal music is Satanic or Atheistic, is as asinine as assuming that all jazz fans … read...
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Dysphotic is making New Mexico proud to host badass metal bands of this caliber. This new wave of metal is modern, but still nostalgiac for kids like me who grew up headbanging at Warehouse 21, moshing at the VFW, and drinking their first beer at The Underground. All of our favorite vocalists, guitarists, bassists and drummers are still going strong and making new bands, new music, and new albums. This is a prime example. Ben … read...
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