Happy Particles - Under Sleeping Waves (2011)

Country: United States
Genre: Shoegaze/Slowcore/Indie-Pop

One of my favorite 2011 albums, Under Sleeping Waves is probably the most relaxing music you'll ever hear. It's like taking a nap on a hammock of clouds. It's like resting your head on a pillow of fluff. It's like having sex with with the Snuggle Teddy Bear. Just complete and utter relaxation. They don't really do anything new or innovative but find justification in just writing some supremely catchy fucking songs. Awesome shit.

Under Sleeping Waves

Backyard Mortuary - Lore of the Occult (2012)

Country: Australia

Genre: Death Metal

Another band dead set on reviving the death metal sound of early 90's, Lore of the Occult was just kind of randomly unleashed on the interwebs in very late 2012 which unfortunately led to it not really getting the attention it deserves. Backyard Mortuary join the thriving host of Australia exteme metal heroes with one of the best DM albums released last year. With touches of doom and some of the most vicious vocals in the genre, you really can't afford to pass this u p.

SIX FEET DOWN (UNDA)

Church Whip - Psychedlic Nightmare (2013)

Country: United States
Genre: Hardcore/Black Metal

Chances are if you've heard of Church Whip during the past few months, it hasn't been for their music. After naming their tour "Raping The East", they experienced a whirlwind of controversy for apparently being offensive. I usually don't like to get into topics like this, but I for one think that's absolutely ridiculous. In this day an age it's stupid be offended by this sort of thing, especially when it comes to underground bands who generally name their tours/albums/etc... after taboo topics. Fuck all that shit though, lets talk about the music.

Made up of members from bands like Divisions, Horrid Cross, Cult Ritual, Merchandise and a few other established underground projects, Church Whip plays fierce d-beat hardcore with a taste of black metal. While this style of music has been becoming more and more prevalent these past few years, it's often hard to really differentiate or  even care about yet ANOTHER band like this, but Church Whip has a sound that is all their own, so you should really be paying attention. This is probably one of my favorite full-lengths so far this year and easily one of the best hardcore has had to offer yet. So get with it.

RAPE THE BLOGSPHERE

Sport - Colors (2012)

Country: France
Genre: Indie/Emo

When I first discovered this release, the thing I was immediately drawn to was the album cover. It's kind of like someone took a picture on Instagram and it was actually good. For some reason it made me feel like the album would have some weird, nostalgic feel to it and I can honestly say that it kind of does. The music here is bright and sparkly indie emo with a lot of the Midwestern scene influences although it never feels derivative. The two vocalists are honestly awesome, both very emotive with their own unique deliveries. It seems they draw more from traditional punk vocally but it still fits the music perfectly nonetheless. There are some truly great hooks to be found here and overall this is just an outstanding release.

Bandcamp

Solstice - Solstice (1992)

Country: United States
Genre: Death/Thrash

Probably one of the criminally overlooked bands in all of old school death metal history. The songwriting here is extremely tight (no doubt thanks to death metal guitarist wunderkind Rob Barret) and the drumming in particular is just fucking pummeling. These guys keep the pace at "BLITZKREIG" throughout most of this album's running time and it really does make you admire their dexterity as well as technical skill. Rob Barret also performs vocals on this, and unlike pretty much all the other death metal bands at that time, his delivery was more of a rasp which definitely gave Solstice an identity of their own. This is a must have!

Cleansed of Impurity

Cauteror - They Fell (1993)

Country: Netherlands
Genre: Melodic Death/Doom

Brought to you by Mories of the infamous Gnaw Your Tongues, Cauteror was an old-school death/doom band that as far as I know, only released this gem of a demo before disbanding and falling into complete obscurity. Although all doom tends is inherently melancholic, Cauteror was able to make it seem really genuine which is a large reason as to why I love this demo so much. Of course the pace is plodding, but They Fell.. absolutely refuses to become dull through the entirety of its four tracks. My favorite aspect of the demo is probably how the band was able to imbue such classic metal melodies within the songs without sacrificing the intergrity of their death metal aspects. Overall this shit is glorious, so check it the fuck out.

On Wings of Blasphemy

Anubi - Mastabos Dvelksmas (1994)

Country: Lithuania

Genre: Black Metal/Avant-garde

Label: Fuck if I know.

Really been digging this demo from Anubi lately, solely based on how weird and unique it is. For something released in '94, this sounds nothing like what was circulating in Scandinavia at the time. Really, it's kind of hard to even call this black metal. What we get here is often droning, jamming, and almost jazz-like improvisation, but all this is indubitably shrouded in lo-fi production with bits of eerie atmosphere and the odd folky melody here and there. So pick this up; even if it ends up not being your cup of tea, it definitely makes for an interesting listen. Angel out.

Listen

Wolvserpent - Perigaea Demo (2012)

Country: USA

Genre: Doom Metal/Post-Rock

Label: Relapse

Wolvserpent has (finally) released new material! Granted it's only a demo that's going to metamorphose into a full-length on Relapse, but if you like your instrumental doom elongated and frothy, sludge-filled with a smattering of twinkly percussion, then let your ears feasteth.

Free Download!

BIEN À TOI - Diriger, Séduire, Convaincre (2012)

Country: France

Genre: Post-Hardcore/Screamo/Post Rock

Label: Self Released

There sound of European post-hardcore/screamo bands is rather unmistakable. It has a certain heft to it that just makes it better than pretty much everything else in the states or in Japan. FFO Aussitot Mort, Daitro, Sed Non Satiata

Download/Buy

The Smith Street Band - Sunshine & Technology (2012)

Country: Australia

Genre: Punk

Label: Poison City Records

What if Frank Turner was from Australia? Well then you'd get Wil Wagner and his Smith Street Band!

 Listen

Buy

Jeff Rosenstock - I Look Like Shit (2012)

Country: United States

Genre: Punk

Label: Quote Unquote Records

Surprise release from the most consistently awesome frontman in music. Just a random assortment of new songs, covers, and some old ones Jeff has released via his Tumblr over the years. It feels so nice to finally have a copy of Snow Charges on my iTunes.

This one's for free, folk.

Download/Donate

Manbearpig - Ruined Emo (2010)

Country: England

Genre: Emo/Hardcore

Label: Self-Released

The only thing I really have to say about this release is that it's fun as fuck. I mean look at the band's name... anybody who takes from South Park has to be having a good time right? Anyway this stuff is pretty straightforward emo/hardcore with excellent lyrics and all the heartfeltness you could want out of the genre.

Bandcamp

Secret Arms - New Colonies (2012)

Country: USA

Genre: Post-Hardcore/Screamo

Label: Self-Released

Holy shit. On first seeing the album cover for this I thought... well I didn't think Secret Arms would be an awesome mash up of Native/Hot Cross-esque wanky precision and Found in the Flood-era The Bled's moody post-hardcore. GET THIS NOW. 

Listen/Buy

Flats - Better Living

Country: UK

Genre: Drone Punk

Label: Sweat Shop Records

Flats are what the Ramones would sound like had they decided they liked plodding bass rather than crack-whacky speed. The vocals are harsh shouts flavored richly by the cockney south of London, and the riffs are chunkier than Campbell's. There's even songs called "Slam" and "Buzz". Good luck finding a listen link, but you can preview and purchase the album at the link below.

Preview/Buy

kitty pryde - the lizzie mcquire experience (2006)

Country: USA

Genre: White Girl Hip-Hop

Label: Self-Released

I have no legitimate musical reason to like this. I should consider it tripe and an insult to humanity. But kitty pryde fires some hip-happy chemical reaction in my brain as she airily flows about dead ex-boyfriends and The Misadventures of Flapjack...and she's pretty damn adorable. I really don't think was released in 2006, but here's the Bandcamp page that says otherwise. Don't kick me off, Brandon.

Bandcamp

Jute Gyte - Discography

Country: USA

Genre: Black Metal/Avant-Garde/Electronic/Polyrhythmic

Label: Self-Released

A tragically overlooked black metal/noise indulgence one-man band, Jute Gyte releases an album at sometimes a monthly rate. All of his recordings are up for "Name Your Own Price" on his Bandcamp page, whether it be avant-garde black metal, polyrhythmic toy keyboards, electronica or chiptune. Probably due to an nearly non-existent fanbase, Jute Gyte is free to fuck around with any experimentation that comes to mind. And man does he take that ball and run.

Bandcamp

Atrium Carceri - Reliquiae & Void (2012)

So needless to say, 2012 has been a pretty outstanding year for music in general, but more specifically for atmospheric music. Because of: Godspeed, Swans, Black Swan (twice), The Silver Mount Zion, Desiderii Marginis, Leech, and Atrium Carceri all releasing new material, I thought I was pretty much set for my ambient & post-rock this year.

Stream/Buy |  Sample

Country: Sweden

Genre: Dark Ambient/Drone/Industrial

Label: Cold Meat Industry

Stream/Buy | Sample

 Lo & behold, Atrium Carceri snuck another ambient/drone album by me this summer. Including the newest one, AC’s last three albums have been nothing short of fantastic. If you like dark ambient/drone/industrial stuff, do yourself a favor and check both of these new albums out right now. Put on some quality headphones, close your eyes, and let Atrium Carceri take you deeper into the darkness.

Cara Neir Discography

Genre: Black Metal/Screamo/Grind etc...

Country: United States

Label: Self-Released

Formed in 2008,  there really is no solid description for the sound that is Cara Neir - with elements of black metal, screamo, hardcore, grindcore, post-rock and sometimes others, this band is one of the most amorphous bands I've ever come across. While most of the time I find that if a band doesn't have a stable foundation it can compromise the product, Cara Neir is a two man group that has consistently proven me wrong. With two full-lengths, two splits and one EP to their name, Cara Neir has one of the most exciting discographies I've ever come across and I feel it my duty to share it with the amazing followers of this blog.

Part I/Part II (2009)

The bands first release and actually the only one I haven't heard it full. From The songs I have listened to are, of course, fucking awesome. I can't "highly recommend" this considering I haven't heard it all but considering the calibre of their later works I can almost guarantee this rules.

Buy (Pt.1)

Buy (Pt.2)

Listen (Part 1 & Part 2)

Stagnant Perceptions (2011)

The second full-length and the release that made me aware of the band. Even on a first listen I was totally blown away the band; their mixture of black metal, screamo and hardcore was not only flawless but so different from everybody else who has attempted the fusion. If there is one thing you can say definitely say about Cara Neir it's that they have a sound all of their own. This album comes with my highest recommendations.

Bandcamp (Name Your Own Price)

Cara Neir/Ramlord Split (2012)

Before I get on with describing the music, I just have to say does anyone else notice how all of the artwork for this band is absolutely phenomenal? But anyway on to the music - while the base of the work here is obviously black metal, the screamo/post-rock side of the band is the most prevalent that it has ever been here. Each song features absolutely awesome clean sections, with their section "Cradled By Apathy" exploding into an absolutely fantastic ending. Also the bass work in particular for these songs is super awesome. All three tracks here are must have and are some of my favorite within the band's discography.

Bandcamp (Only Cara Neir's tracks & Name Your Own Price)

Sublimation Therapy EP (2012)

Sublimation Therapy while a great release is far unlike anything else in the Cara Neir catalog - essentially ditching almost all of their black metal influences (which have always been the base of their music up to this point), this EP is way more of a grind, hardcore and death metal type release. The songs are not only short, fast and brutal but they are far more riff-centric than any other release the band has done. Although when I first heard this release I was like "WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED?!?!" it was one of the most satisfying confusions I've ever been in. It really just reinforces the fact that Cara Neir are straight-up excellent extreme metal songwriters and can successfully play any form of the genre they want to. Once again highly recommended.

Bandcamp (Name Your Own Price)

Horseback/Njiqahdda/Venowl/Cara Neir Split (2012)

A return to their black metal/screamo roots, this is yet more untouchable material courtesy of the Austin, Texas based band. Closing song "Seize and Exist" is definitely my favorite song off of this and definitely one of their best tracks overall. It may seem like a lot of dick sucking is going on in this post but seriously, if you just listen to these guys discography you'll totally understand why I am praising them so hard. Do yourself a favor and check this out.

Bandcamp (Cara Neir's Songs Only & Name Your Own Price)

I really do hope you all enjoy this band's material as much as I do. It's not everyday you come across a group who is this diverse but still frighteningly consistent. When I say Cara Neir have a little bit of something for everyone, I truly mean it; they have brutal, uncompromising riffage (Sublimation Therapy),  cold and mystical black metal atmospheres (Stagnant Perceptions), wondrous melodies (split with Ramlord) and whole bunch more to be excited about. Cara Neir is a band I know I'm keeping my eye on and I strongly urge all of you to do the same.

Sore Eyelids - s/t LP (2012)

 Country: Sweden

Genre: Shoegaze/Indie-emo

Label: Fadsen Records

Is there anything the dudes from Suis La Lune can't do? We all know they're arguably one of the most unique emo/screamo bands in the genre's recent upswing in popularity as a backlash to corporate preteen post-hardcore, they also play black metal in Skeletor, and since 2009 they've been putting their swing on punk and shoegaze with Sore Eyelids, well at least their guitarist has. His mark on Sore Eyelids is unmistakable. This sucker's a strong top 10 of the year competitor.

Listen

Buy

Anaal Nathrakh - Vanitas (2012)

Country: United Kingdom
Genre: Black Metal
Label: Candlelight Records

To put it rather bluntly, this British duo's previous album Passion was complete shit. Anaal Nathrakh are a band that get a lot of (usually) undeserved flak due to the fact that they are rather over the top in terms of style, with grating screeches and wild drumming that can be a bit too mechanical or synthetic, but they are working to correct that. Vanitas is, easily, the band's best work to date. Even against the well-received In the Constellation of the Black Widow or their visceral The Codex Necro, Vanitas is better; it is lively and organic - at least for this band's standards. There is melody and emotion that makes the album more bold and lasting, and some guitar solos that are technically and sonically impressive. Most of all, though, Vanitas is memorable.

Listen
Buy