Leila Abdul-Rauf – Andros Insidium

Metalcatto

When I think of 20 Buck Spin—kind of an expensive spin, honestly—I think of old school, rancid, and dirty Death Metal dragged up from the sewers. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that Leila Abdul-Rauf has been part of this label forever. Andros Insidium is not the kind of stuff we tend to review around here, but hey, we can always try to break free from our own preconceptions, right? So, forget all the distortion and the edgy riffing for once, because today we’re diving into Dark Ambience.

True kvlt: The Host, Ashenheart & Ancine

We’re back with what the tide brought in over the last few days. It was an intense release week, but was it equally intense in the deep underground department? Today, we have a lot of familiar faces, but each brings something unique to the table. Because, let’s face it, most of you aren’t satisfied with not getting paid for one project—you have to juggle several. Nothing but respect for that, I’ll just say. Now, let’s dive in!

Wardruna – Birna

Is January the month of Northern Folk, or what? I know Wardruna isn’t exactly a Metal band. If anything, it’s Metal in spirit. Either way, there’s a significant overlap between you, my dear readers, and people who enjoy this shamanic music. Birna is my latest attempt to leave my comfort zone and review something outside the usual themes of heads chopping or sadness spiraling into madness. Yet, it’s still rooted in nature and folklore, so it’s not entirely unfamiliar territory. Let’s see if Wardruna has delivered something satisfying or if we’re leaving this feast hungry.