Beneath Oblivion – From Man to Dust
As a whole, this album is a very long slog, but not an entirely unpleasant one.
Reviews – Audio
Panzerfaust – Ephphatha EP
If you are a fan of Mayhem, Immortal, Darkthrone, Emperor, or even a fan of post-Norwegian Black Metal (Dark Funeral, Nargaroth) then this would be a record worth picking up.
Voyager – The Meaning of I
Basically if you threw Nevermore, Pagans Mind, Scar Symmetry in a blender with catchy 80s pop music your end mixture would be what you get with Voyager.
Lou Reed & Metallica – Lulu
The sense that both Lou Reed and Metallica are too proud and too set in their ways to give each other a little leeway in this collaboration ends up being Lulu’s defining trait. Each step of the way through this run-time, Reed plays the stoic artist of words and music has has always been, while Metallica simply grinds out repetitive riffs and rhythm figures as they have always done, each with little or no regard for what the other may be doing at the same time
Riverside – Memories In My Head
Prog, neo-prog, art rock, apples, oranges… you can take your labels and pick them apart on your own time. Let’s just enjoy this classy excursion from Riverside for now.
Entrails – The Tomb Awaits
If you want something ground-breaking look elsewhere, but if you’re after something blunt, solid and thoroughly old school then The Tomb Awaits is definitely an album you should invest in.
Altar of Plagues – Mammal
The second full-length release from Ireland’s Altar of Plagues is an achievement that builds upon (and surpasses) their first album in almost every way. White Tomb was (and still is) a fantastic album, but Mammal is the product of a band with a more unique identity and more matured skills.
Hammers Of Misfortune – 17th Street
7th Street is another impeccable notch in the Hammers’ collective belt, and while it may be their most sophisticated and accessible album to date, it is without a doubt sonically and thematically classic Hammers of Misfortune. One of the must-have albums for 2011.
All Else Fails – The Oracle, What Was, Is and Could Have Been
The Oracle is a solid, if occasionally jarring album and a terrific next step for All Else Fails.
Evile – Five Serpent’s Teeth
Five Serpent’s Teeth proves that Evile are also growing, in terms of skill and aesthetics. The album is faster and more precise; the band members are surer of their choices and influences; and their sound is more original and independent.