Suffering so you don't have to!
Metalcatto
IIt’s strange, to say the least, to find a Black Metal band with an album named Dystopolis. You’d think this was some sad Post-Metal record that makes you want to stare at the wall on a rainy day, but no! We have our decadent and drunken riffs back and forth from Seid, or so I thought when I read the promo. Perhaps I’ve misjudged the situation, though. Stay with me!
Metalcatto
It’s been 10 years since Hyperion released album-of-the-year material with Seraphical Euphony (I was there!). At this point, I figured they were either dead or employed, which is why we never heard from them ever again. However, here we are. I lived long enough to see Elysia happen. Can it even come close to topping its predecessor? Not an easy task, but for once, I want to believe.
Metalcatto
If there’s one trick pony out there, it’s Amon Amarth. Despite this obvious fact, the band has been ridiculously successful, taking Viking sagas to places nobody ever imagined they’d reach—Wisconsin. However, ever since Jomsviking, I’d say the band has suffered a creative drought, which is why I’m approaching The Allfather Awakens with extreme caution. I have no hope this is going to be With Oden on Our Side or Deceiver of the Gods, but okay.
Metalcatto
Oh, how happy it makes me to get another Soliloquium album. Ever since Contemplations, the project has captivated me with its deep and fresh approach to Death/Doom, and though I’ve encountered its latest work as a bit safe, the overall vibe is still one of consistency and love for the game—even if the music sounds like burying your recently deceased pet. Let’s go for it, then.
Metalcatto
I’ve known of Kamelot since The Black Halo. The band is one of the few Power Metal acts that has a 5/5 in my book. A career full of twists and turns, but overall filled with consistency and—I can’t believe I’m saying this—quality. If there’s a cheesy band I trust can pull off a good performance, it’s this one. So, Dark Asylum has got some level of expectations, I guess. Yes, it’s geeky music, so I’m apprehensive again.
Metalcatto
We keep approaching the top. As with any Cult of Luna album, that means a huge amount of drama, tension, and long sections. You’ll probably disagree with me, but isn’t that the whole point?
Metalcatto
I’ve been waiting forever to do this. Cult of Luna is without a doubt my favorite Post-Metal band. It’s like Neurosis but with better vocals and less abuse. So that’s good for you people who care about morals and stuff. I should also mention this top will include the band’s collaboration with Julie Christmas. I hope you can live with that. Anyway, let’s start.
Metalcatto
I felt like doing something different. Something that wasn’t judging the work of young, hungry bands that have next to no hope of making it to your playlist, even less to your wallet. Some of you have told me, “I can’t get into Black Metal”—whether it’s the edginess, the awful production, or the shrieking. Well, here are a few albums that could ease your journey into that dark and cold world. Just remember: this isn’t a historical trip. It’s one about digestible listens. See yourself as a frog in a pot, and I’m slowly raising the heat. The idea is that you don’t notice how cooked you are.
Metalcatto
How to say this? I’m a Draconian fanboy. I’ve been digging the band’s work since Where Lovers Mourn. Every album since has been a 4.0 out of 5.0 to me. In my book, no other Doom Metal band has been this consistent for so long. If anything, this is the band that truly got me into depressive music, which is why my expectations for In Somnolent Ruin are more than just huge—they’re absolutely ridiculous. But let’s get into it, alright?
Metalcatto
Among the bands with some of the best names there’s Sarcasm—do I mean that? I guess you’ll never know. The band has its own approach to Death Metal, and needless to say, I approached their work with curiosity and even excitement. It’s not that I’m a diehard fan or anything, but you know weirdness and idiosyncratic moves are what we live and die for at MER. Keep on reading and find out.
