Katla - Allt Þetta Helvitis Myrkur (2020)

 

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A most epic journey through the frozen lands of Iceland are present herein for Katla's recent effort. The album title roughly translates to All this Damn Darkness and that is what's expressed on this release. This album represents winter and it may still be snowing here but I imagine it's nothing compared to what gathers and falls in and around this county. 

Allt Þetta Helvitis Myrkur

Persefone - Metanoia (2022)

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I've been seeing this monolithic concept on so many records the last 3+ years, and for some reason I am drawn to them. This means something. The record flows really well, keeping my attention completely for the entire duration. The band melds and manages to balance a unique mixture of genres, resulting in large sounding tracks, that are sometimes so big they have their own atmosphere. This record is definitely not for everyone. I am speaking mostly to the elitist pigs that shit themselves at the first sign of clean signing. This isn't for you. As for the rest of us normal folk, this record is pretty damn great and deserves a wider audience. The album is relatively cheap as well, so grab a copy of you like it.    

Metanoia

Deeds of Flesh - Nucleus (2020)

 

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Although last year was a complete pile of flaming dogshit, for the entire planet, the world of extreme metal saw some of it's most incredible releases. Another of which was previously shared here. Much in the same vein as the aforementioned, veterans Deeds of Flesh crafted another beautiful story-based progressive death metal album, and one I have been obsessively living with. I mean I honestly have to physically force myself to listen to other things, otherwise I fear either I'm going to turn into one of the soul stealing machines featured on this album, or my wife is going to strangle me because it's midnight on a Tuesday and I'm headbanging in the kitchen. Spin this shit and see for yourself. 

Nucleus

Sleestak - Aeon (2020)

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I snatched this album a few days after it dropped solely on the album art alone. The 20 point buck drew me in and made me want to take that ride and I am glad I listened. Sleestak melds progressive-metal and psychedelia jams in just the right way. There's even a Pink Floyd cover that was done actual justice. The album runs $4.99 on their bandcamp site. I highly recommend you slide over there and pick up a legit copy if you're into it. This is definitely one of my favorite albums of 2020. 

Aeon