Metalcatto
Lately, I’ve felt in control of the mess release dates can become. However, great albums from the underground still escape my grasp here and there. In an attempt to do justice to bands that we were either too late or too busy to explore deeply, we’re back with this section where we try to make this unjust world a little fairer in our own low-budget way. Let’s check out this unique bunch, ok?
Symbiotic Growth – Beyond the Sleepless Aether: People! This is my thing! Progressive Death Metal that reminds me why complexity should be an intrinsic part of Metal music. It’s hard to describe what Symbiotic Growth has done here aside from an actual unique take on one of the most challenging subgenres in our scene. There’s Obscura, Mastodon, Ne Obliviscaris, and even some Persefone in this mix. Yes, it’s bloated, yes it’s all over the place, but isn’t that what you want out of your Prog: an over-the-top and vulgar display of musical abilities that keeps you at the edge of your commuting seat? That’s my case at least!
Tassi – Idamon Novasah-Liva: This album sort of escapes the scope of MER. However, I didn’t want to leave this Alcest-meets-Deafheaven project from China without a few words. It’s ethereal, tragic, and emotional in a way that’s not common in our scene. Don’t expect blasting and fury, because Tassi is trying to portray a more subtle type of melancholy that sort of gives you something you didn’t know you needed. Yes, you’ll have to be patient or extremely depressed to jump right in, but I believe the adventure is worth the trouble.
Onslaught – Origins of Aggression: Speeeeeeed!!!! And anger!!!! Basically an unrelenting wave of Punk/Thrash Metal energy that with next to nothing delivers a fun and rewarding beatdown that reminds you sometimes it’s ok to let those feelings out, especially in our current political environment. Forget about any kind of fancy technique or high ideals, because this thing is just gonna try to chop your head off with attitude and unpolished, uncompromising fury.
Well, hopefully we can find redemption through writing with this humble recognition of underground talent that shouldn’t go unnoticed by the masses. I gave no scores, because all these deserve more attention more than your judgment. So stop playing with your flute, or your bean (hehe!) and dig out the gold in the mine. You never know when will be the next time we sit down to see what we missed!
Metal Eclipse Reviews 