VHOL – VHOL (2013)

Country: United States
Genre: Black Metal

A super-group of sorts that rose from the ashes of the now extinct Ludicra, VHOL features Mike Scheidt of YOB fame on vocals, John Cobbett (Hammers of Misfortune, ex-Ludicra) on guitar, Sigrid Sheie (Hammers of Misfortune) on bass and Aesop Dekker (Agalloch, Worm Ourboros, ex-Ludicra) on drums. What a fucking weird lineup! I was actually quite surprised with what these unique metallers had in store. VHOL is firmly rooted in the punkier side of black metal but what they successfully graft onto this genre is a traditional metal sense that stands up as a unique piece of music and one of my favourites from 2013 thus far. What really makes these songs shine is their sense of raw melody and frolicking dynamics that offer nice little surprises with each listen. Worth a listen or ten!

VHOL

Arnaut Pavle - Arnaut Pavle (2013)

Country: Finland
Genre: Black Metal

I'm convinced beyond dissuation that there is some magical something that flows in Finland's water supply. It's just not fair that they are consistently amazing when it comes to producing extreme metal. Death metal, black metal, they don't give a fuck, if they are going to make it, it's going to sound DAMN good. Arnaut Pavle are no exception; they play raw, hateful black metal and they do it fucking well. Now this isn't really raw black metal in the same vein as the Rhinocervs gang or the uber atmospheric posturing of Black Twilight Circle, but this is raw black metal that accenuates the genres inherent punkiness without it actually being "punky" black metal. If that makes sense. Well you know what? If you want to know what I'm talking about, give this shit a fucking listen. You won't regret it.

FINLAND M/

Melodeath That Matters: As Serenity Fades - Earthborn (1994)

Genre: Melodic Death Metal
Country: Finland

Those two tags should have made you download this already, but just in case you haven't been enlightened yet, this EP is another example of melodic death metal done right.  This is a little further away from the "death metal with melody" concept, with more melody and less death, but it has just enough of each to still be kickass.  This is one of the only other bands i know that captured the melodic stylings of the legendary Gorement and write some of the best melodic riffing out there.  Don't expect The Ending Quest part 2, but if you enjoy Gorement i can safely say you will love this.  Not to mention it came out on the legendary Adipocere Records, which contains some of my favorite death metal releases of all time.

Melodeath That Matters Pt. 2

Melodeath That Matters: Dark Tranquillity - Trail of Life Decayed Demo (1991)

Genre: Melodic Death Metal
Country: Sweden

Alright so melodeath sucks.  Slaughter of the Soul is At The Gates worst album and In Flames was never good.  However, there are some examples out there of melodeath played right, i.e. death metal with melody not overproduced sappy pop metal.  And before Dark Tranquillity became overproduced sappy pop metal they managed to put out this nice little demo which surprisingly kicks ass.  Sporting Anders Friden of In Flames fame before he was of In Flames fame (and before he sucked) this thing pumps out some sweet riffs and cool harmonies and stuff just like it should be.  If you dig stuff like old At The Gates and Eucharist check this out, it rules.

Melodeath That Matters Pt. 1

Arizmenda - Within The Vacuum of Infinity (2009)

Country: United States
Genre: Black Metal

Before The Black Twilight Circle's lineage got all confusing and convoluted, they had a rost of like six bands with Arizmenda probably standing as one of, if not the best. This is easily one of the best black metal releases to come out in the last 15 years, no doubt thanks to the cacophony of swirling, noisy riffage the band is so apt at creating. It's dissonant, but also kind of melodic and very somber. The songs go on for a long time but they put you in a trance and you can feel every movement the band makes. Really great stuff.

BTC

Coffin Dust - Ancient Rites of Buried Evil (2011)

Genre: Death Metal

Country: United States

This 5-track EP is quickly becoming one of my favorites in recent years. Coffin Dust play a riling form of old school death metal infused with some terrific melodies and creepy undertones. These are accented by a dual vocal attack of a raspy, mid-ranged scream on top and an absolutely sickeningly fetid growl that bumbles along underneath. This is a must have. Oh, and more material (particularly a full length) please.

Raise the Evil

Ill Omen - Divinity Through Un-Creation (2011)

Genre: Black Metal
Country: Australia

Let's just all stop for a minute and take a nice long gander at the album art here. I mean, it is perhaps the most perfect way of visualizing the ritualistic sonic assault that bellows from the depths of the land down under on Divinity Through Un-Creation. As if Australia didn't already have a penchant for fucked up extreme metal bands, we have Ill Omen coming along to add another tally to the ever-growing list. This record is a festering mix of depraved, unorthodox black metal laced with a touch of Scandinavian influence, making the record sound strangely familiar yet entirely different. At times teetering ever so slightly toward death metal a la Portal, but decidedly riff-packed, ravaging black metal, Divinity Through Un-Creation is an unholy treat for the ears.

Invoke