Metalcatto
Time to redeem myself from past mistakes, especially because I actually received some of these promos. I just didn’t see them in time. As tragic as when you dropped that ice cream at the local fair when you were three. Needless to say, these albums are easy 4/5 on my list. Now that we’ve got the lame numbers out of the way, let’s show some hidden pearls.
Kreator – Krushers of the World: Probably the best album Kreator has dropped since Phantom Antichrist. They’ve been playing since the Pleistocene, but that doesn’t matter at all when you create your own style of MeloThrash. Excellent guitar work that supports catchy and accessible songwriting, which will make you question your taste for heavy music. This has no right being so dirty and yet so fun. The rest of the old Thrash guard could learn a thing or two from Kreator‘s consistency and willingness to understand its strengths and limitations.
Fires in the Distance – Circadian Promise: It was a complicated task for Fires in the Distance to surpass its previous work. However, Circadian Promise at least tops it. We’re back to this dark fantasy world that contains as much beauty as horror. If anything, this feels like Omnium Gatherum at its peak and with way more subtle arrangements. At times, I forgot I was listening to something this sad, because the clean moments are so shiny. Also, look at that artwork—it sells albums all on its own.
Ethereal Darkness – Echoes: Now, something more underground. In the sense that you need to forget about accessibility. Ethereal Darkness makes songs the way I like them: long, but full of ideas and emotions. What looks like a space Black Metal album is actually complex and elaborated MeloDeath/Doom that reminds us of the best days of Be’lakor, yet it has its own style and character. This is album of the year material, people. So if you’re into something melancholic but with good musicianship, then Echoes is perfect for you.
I’m sure I’ve gotta got to IG to ask what else I’m missing and be called a fool for it.
