Lost in the Riffstorm 2024: Part 4

It’s hard to tell if we’re in the middle or near the end of our 2024 Lost in the Riffstorm saga, because let’s face it—there are always more albums to forget. This time is special, though. I asked people on Instagram if there were any albums they wanted us to talk about, alongside some direct reminders from the bands themselves (yes, we’re cool enough that bands actually mail us stuff personally). Alright, let’s get into it!

Avernus – Grievances: Well, that’s some seriously depressing cover art. The last time Avernus released an album, I needed help to reach the cookie jar in the kitchen. So, naturally, I wondered if the band was washed up. But NO! Avernus takes the best of Daylight Dies and old (good) Swallow the Sun, delivering crushing, minimalist, and engulfing Death/Doom. Sure, it treads familiar ground, but it does so in a way that many of us miss from the “modern” bands (read: younger ones that mostly sound the same, let’s be honest). I hope Avernus is back to stay because time hasn’t dulled its edge one bit. Another top listen for the chronically depressed among our readers.

Oranssi Pazuzu – Muuntautuja: The things you people make me listen to! I’d describe Muuntautuja as the oppressive, suffocating lovechild of Industrial and Black Metal—but of course, it doesn’t stop there. It dives into waters so contaminated, the Ganges looks clean by comparison. You need to be in a particular mood for Oranssi Pazuzu: either craving something completely unhinged or feeling the kind of repressed rage no one can express in our sanitized, “civilized” lives. It’s not really my thing, but if you want Black Metal that sounds like it was crafted by robots in a dark factory, this is it.

Necrowretch – Swords of Dajjal: Now for something on the opposite end of the spectrum. I can already see this album topping many end-of-year lists. To me, this is the purest Black Metal I’ve heard this year that doesn’t sound like sausages frying too long in the pan. It’s practically a tribute to Necrophobic, so you know exactly who will love Swords of Dajjal. At first, I didn’t get the hype, but then it hit me: this album is the answer to so many jokes we’ve made on this site. When was the last time you heard true Black Metal that didn’t suck? Oh yeah, when Necrowretch dropped this enfant terrible, that’s when.

Sonata Arctica – Clear Cold Beyond: Eh… NO. I tried, just NO.

There you have it—another pile of cool albums we tried to remember! I even gave you a bonus one (hehehe). Stay tuned for a special top list this week, featuring some cool collaborations we’ve got cooking. In the meantime, reach out anytime to remind us of anything else we might have missed. Until tomorrow!