Thumbs up: +14
Best (and worst) of 2013 (thus far).
Partially ordered (the ones with descriptions).
Subject to change, as I see fit.

Disclaimer: No claim will be made of this list being highly original. I scour the many wonderful lists by the other MS users and pick up finds whimsically. However, I'd be more than happy if someone finds this list useful in discovering worthwhile albums that are seemingly under the radar.

Highly anticipating: Dark Tranquillity, Deeds Of Flesh, Mirrorthrone, A Million Dead Birds Laughing, Ulver, Soreption, Leprous, Lantlôs, Deafheaven.

Recommendations are highly encouraged (preferably the ones outside the realm of MS).

Oh, and do listen to the links provided. I'm sure you'll find something worth spending time on. If you like what you find, please vote them up. Thanks.

For promotion purposes:

Eoront | Youtube | VOTE!

The Schoenberg Automaton | Youtube | VOTE!

Some interesting EPs (and demos) worth checking out:

Cognizance | Inquisition |Technical Death | Youtube

Psygnosis | Sublimation | Progressive Death | Youtube

Outre | Tranquillity | Progressive/Black | Youtube

Suvilehto | Syövereistä | Progressive/Melodic Death | Youtube

Syrebris | Aetheric Dynamics | Progressive/Technical Death | Youtube

Hope Drone | Hope Drone | Post-Black/Atmospheric Black | Youtube

Scepter Of Eligos | Scepter Of Eligos | Sludge/Death/Doom | Youtube

The Zenith Passage | Cosmis Dissonance | Technical Deathcore | Youtube

Created by: MechanisT | 20.03.2013



1. The Monolith Deathcult - Tetragrammaton
Industrial/Death // Oh the noes, not yet another album by the mediocrity that is TMDC! This is some seriously monotonous, sub-par material that's just another exercise on everything that's musically decadent in today's world. Fancy, sugary, over-the-pop drivel that the sheep will gobble up without any semblance of remorse. Truly pathetic.
2. Persefone - Spiritual Migration
Progressive/Melodic Death // At long last the mighty Persefone have returned, pulsating with renewed energy and ever ready to unleash their outburst of progressive fury upon us all. Listeners! You have been warned.
3. Shai Hulud - Reach Beyond the Sun
Post-Hardcore/Progressive // A cut above all the brutes associated with the term "hardcore". Driven, purposeful, and honest to the very bone. Powerful lyrics only help bolster the already-impressive musicianship.
4. Hateform - Sanctuary In Abyss
Melodic Death/Thrash // The very avatar of vengeance, these Finnish warmongers are out to wreak havoc in full force with their fast-paced, deliberate brand of melodic deathrash. Escaping this is an impossibility.
5. Cult Of Luna - Vertikal
Post-Metal/Atmospheric Sludge // So moody... so urban... so very, very good! A thoroughly fulfilling record, textured with layers and layers of musical richness that'll surely engage your brain cells in every conceivable way.
6. Altar Of Plagues - Teethed Glory & Injury
Atmospheric Black // THIS. This is what I'm talking about, right here. You don't need be those so-called hipsters/tree huggers to truly capture the essence of black. Uniquely eerie and disconcerting, small details (punishing production, subtle electronic touches) work together miraculously to give us a stunning record worthy of every accolade in the book.
7. P.L.F. - Devious Persecution And Wholesale Slaughter
Grindcore // 14+ minutes of ultra-friggin' carnage and STILL managing to smell pretty. Insect Warfare fans (and the like) should devour this asap.
8. Officium Triste - Mors Viri
Death-Doom // There's much beauty in bereavement and melancholy. Mors Viri has done nothing but validate that claim. Burn all boats and bridges of the past that you cling on to so dearly, and embrace your inner demons once and for all.
9. Shade Empire - Omega Arcane
Symphonic/Melodic Death // Enigmatic and ominous in nature. Laced with brooding symphonies, this creature of the dark shall manifest itself when your back is turned and, before you know it, engulf you in its blackened aura.
10. Octopus - Into The Void Of Fear
Technical Progressive Instrumental/Djent // Extremely well-structured little number that reminds you of a harsher Animals As Leaders at times, and that's hardly anything to puff your cheeks at, you. The underlying jazzy textures gives it depth and personality.
11. Abyssal - Novit Enim Dominus Qui Sunt Eius
Post-Death // Be prepared for a massive onslaught, as this will stifle you, choke you, and draw the very last gasp of air out of your battered lungs, make you suffer for every lingering moment of your woeful existence.
12. Unreal Overflows - False Welfare
Technical/Progressive Death // Scrumptious, high caliber technical death in the vein of Illogicist, Sceptic, etc. Minimal borrowings of Djent doesn't intrude with the intended flow of the album, as it's quite intelligently implemented.
13. Eoront - Neverending Journey
Atmospheric Black/Folk // How come I never heard of this band before? A shame indeed. Such an otherworldly atmosphere to it that offers a rare glimpse of days long lost to the sands of time, where valor, hope and glory once dwelled. Folk-tinged black has never sounded so assertive.
14. Intronaut - Habitual Levitations (Instilling Words With Tones)
Progressive/Post-Metal/Atmospheric Sludge // Imagine yourself in a calm and serene setting, like an imaginary beach composed entirely of music. You're relaxing under the warmth of the radiant basslines while waves of irregular, jazzy sonic impulses are gently splashing over you. A bit too cryptic? Well, this is the kind of music that can only be felt and should not be merely confined in words, the kind that awakens your senses and makes you feel alive. Blissful.
15. Njiqahdda - Serpents In The Sky
Atmospheric Black/Psychedelic // Don't let the dubious ratings fool you! This is actually some pretty unique atmospheric black, with little/no "hipster" feel that may detract you. Do give it a whirl if you have a penchant for oddments.
16. Moth - Endlessly In Motion
Progressive/Melodic Death // Think Gojira undergoing metamorphosis inside a cocoon. Delicate, yet exuding hidden confidence, well thought-out ambient passages accentuate a pleasant listening experience.
17. Jungle Rot - Terror Regime
Death // Jungle Rot were never associated with being innovative, nor groundbreaking. God forbid that's ever the case. The same old drill, delivered with extra malice. All the skull-bashing, testosterone-pumping death metal excellence you crave for, and more.
18. Noein - Infection - Erasure - Replacement
Industrial/Death // A groovier, catchier variant of acts ala The Project Hate and The Amenta. Boasting top-notch songwriting, this is some seriously fun Industrial Death that'll keep you hooked for quite some time.
19. Consciousness Removal Project - Tacit
Post-Metal Instrumental/Atmospheric Sludge // As the name suggests, this really is an endeavour intended to knock you out of your senses with its soothing, lush sound while not going completely buttery in the process. Fantastic album.
20. Portal - Vexovoid
Post-Death // The fabled kraken from Down Under have re-emerged from the murky depths to drown us in densely-layered, migraine-inducing waves of cacophony. Will any of you not heed its call?
21. Dormant Ordeal - It Rains, It Pours
Brutal/Technical Death // Don't judge a book by its cover, as looks can be deceiving. This is as punishing a death record as any, retaining loads of brutality with impressive complexities interwoven that doesn't get in the way.
22. Arsis - Unwelcome
Technical/Melodic Death // Arsis sounding razor-sharp, on song and good to go. As always, relying on the melodic side of things for that extra bit of memorability and flair and not disappointing either.
23. Empyrios - Zion
Progressive/Djent/Melodic Death // Infectious and extremely ear-friendly, in a good way of course. Some really high points (good soloing, memorable cleans) marred by patchy occurences of generic Djent songwriting but still worth a good go.
24. Psychotic Pulse - Psychotic Pulse
Industrial/Thrash // Strapping Young Lad never really died. It just underwent change in personnel, that's all.
25. Luna Ad Noctum - Hypnotic Inferno
Melodic Black // Modern-sounding melodic black straight out of a mental asylum. Crispy, digestable, and easy-on-the-ears material but not remotely pansy in nature. All in all, good fun.
26. Riverside - Shrine Of New Generation Slaves
Progressive // There's no denying that you just can't hate on Riverside, even if you wanted to. Personal on-off thing notwithstanding, there remains at least one definitive highlight in each album that forces me to change my viewpoint, and this one's no different. Kudos on a job well done yet again.
27. Splice - Mythological Deviance
Technical Death // So... what does an album with a cover art depicting Ma Kali with donkey ears fetch you these days? Oh, nothing much really, just some splendid technical death that gropes your mansacks and whirls it around like it's no big deal.
28. The Schoenberg Automation - Vela
Technical Death/Deathcore // No need to rub your eyes, son. It's deathcore all right. The RIGHT kind.Top-drawer material, delivered with great technical prowess and verve all nicely wrapped up within a distinct sound that works in its favor.
29. Guttural Secrete - Nourishing The Spoil
Brutal Death // Boasting sickeningly catchy (metal) hooks ready to hack and tear your innards apart, this one's an essential for all you depraved little carnivores out there who like nothing more than glorified gore and violence.
30. Fractal Gates - Beyond The Self
Melodic Death // Conventional, orthodox, yet solid-sounding with a few highlights here and there. The final product is polished and well-crafted, even if a tad unspectacular. Die-hard fans of the genre will not be disappointed.
31. Suffocation - Pinnacle Of Bedlam
Brutal/Technical Death // To carry the tag of pioneers can be a boon or a bitch, depending on how you play your cards. Suffocation have done no favors to themselves with this one (for older fans at least). Less convoluted, yet immaculately executed with occasional hints at memorability. A fairly enjoyable album even if nothing worth turning heads over.
32. Abstract Spirit - Theomorphic Defectiveness
2013
33. Ade - Spartacus
2013
34. Aeon Zen - Enigma
2013
35. Aeternus - ...And The Seventh His Soul Detesteth
2013
36. Agrypnie - Aetas Cineris
2013
37. Amorphis - Circle
2013
38. Anciients - Heart Of Oak
2013
39. Angizia - Des Winters Finsterer Gesell
2013
40. Anup Sastry - Ghost
2013
41. Apocynthion - Sidereus Nuncius
2013
42. Archon - Ouroboros Collapsing
2013
43. Azure Emote - The Gravity of Impermanence
2013
44. Black Cruxifixion - Coronation Of King Darkness
2013
45. Botanist - IV: Mandragora
2013
46. Byzantine - Byzantine
2013
47. Caladan Brood - Echoes Of Battle
2013
48. Corpus Mortale - FleshCraft
2013
49. Deathchain - Ritual Death Metal
2013
50. Defeated Sanity - Passages Into Deformity
2013
51. DGM - Momentum
2013
52. Disperse - Living Mirrors
2013
53. Eibon - II
2013
54. Eschatos - Hierophanies
2013
55. Eternal Tears Of Sorrow - Saivon Lapsi
2013
56. Fen - Dustwalker
2013
57. Funeralium - Deceived Idealism
2013
58. Ghost B.C. - Infestissumam
2013
59. Hacride - Back To Where You've Never Been
2013
60. Helloween - Straight Out Of Hell
2013
61. How To Destroy Angels - Welcome Oblivion
2013
62. Hypocrisy - End Of Disclosure
2013
63. Imperium Dekadenz - Meadows Of Nostalgia
2013
64. In Vain - Ænigma
2013
65. Jolly - The Audio Guide To Happiness (Part 2)
2013
66. Katalepsy - Autopsychosis
2013
67. Kingcrow - In Crescendo
2013
68. Kvelertak - Meir
2013
69. Lascaille's Shroud - Interval 01: Parallel Infinities - The Inner Universe
2013
70. Light Bearer - Silver Tongue
2013
71. Mechina - Empyrean
2013
72. Milking The Goatmachine - Stallzeit
2013
73. Misanthrope - Ænigma Mystica
2013
74. Mourning Beloveth - Formless
2013
75. Mutiny Within - Synchronicity
2013
76. Nails - Abandon All Life
2013
77. Necrowretch - Putrid Death Sorcery
2013
78. Nightfall - Cassiopeia
2013
79. Nocte Obducta - Umbriel (Das Schweigen Zwischen Den Sternen)
2013
80. Nolentia - May The Hand That Holds The Match That Will Set This World On Fire Be Blessed Above All
2013
81. Noumena - Death Walks With Me
2013
82. Oblivion - Called To Rise
2013
83. October Falls - The Plague Of A Coming Age
2013
84. October Tide - Tunnel Of No Light
2013
85. Omnium Gatherum - Beyond
2013
86. Pensées Nocturnes - Nom D'une Pipe!
2013
87. Pomegranate Tiger - Entities
Progressive Instrumental
88. Primitive Man - Scorn
2013
89. Pryapisme - Hyperblast Super Collider
2013
90. Redwood Hill - Descender
2013
91. Rorcal - Világvége
2013
92. Soilwork - The Living Infinite
2013
93. Sons Of Aeon - Sons Of Aeon
2013
94. Spock's Beard - Brief Nocturnes And Dreamless Sleep
2013
95. Steven Wilson - The Raven That Refused To Sing (And Other Stories)
2013
96. Stratovarius - Nemesis
2013
97. Terra Tenebrosa - The Purging
2013
98. The Amenta - Flesh Is Heir
2013
99. The Ocean - Pelagial
2013
100. Tribulation - The Formulas Of Death
2013
101. Ulcer - Grant Us Death
2013
102. Universe217 - Never
2013
103. Vengeful - KARMAMMXIII
2013
104. Voivod - Target Earth
2013
105. Vreid - Welcome Farewell
2013
106. Way To End - Various Shades Of Black
2013
107. Wormed - Exodromos
2013
108. Year Of No Light - Vampyr
2013
109. Acolyte - Alta
Progressive/Black
110. Ad Intra - Inside Us All
Death/Doom
111. Ágona - Homo Grotescus
Progressive/Death
112. Alter Self - Seven Deadly Blessings
Technical Death/Thrash
113. Andy Winter - Incomprehensible
Avantgarde/Progressive
114. Arcturon - An Old Storm Brewing
Melodic Death
115. Astral Display - Prometheus
Progressive
116. Atoms For Peace - Amok
Experimental Rock
117. Atra Vetosus - Voices From The Eternal Night
Melodic Black
118. Azrath 11 - Ov Tentacles And Spirals
Black/Death
119. Benea Reach - Possession
Progressive/Djent/Metalcore
120. Boil - AXiom
Progressive
121. Carrioned - Echoes Of Abomination
Brutal Death/Grindcore
122. Cathexis - Shades Of Apocalypse
Technical Death
123. Combat Astronomy - Kundalini Apocalypse
Experimental
124. Deathstorm - Nechesh
Death
125. Dehumanizer - The Incomplete Man
Progressive Death
126. Dorthal - Arid Landscape
Progressive Instrumental/Djent
127. Encircle - Into The Dreamstate
Progressive Instrumental
128. Encircling Sea - A Forgotten Land
Post-Black
129. Eclipse Prophecy - Days Of Judgement
Progressive/Power
130. Eloa Vadaath - Dead End Proclama
Avantgarde/Death
131. Endless - Human Intoxication
Technical Death
132. Expurgate - Dementia Tremens
Brutal Death
133. Feared - Furor Incarnatus
Melodic Death
134. Forlorn Path - Man's Last Portrait
Progressive/Melodic Death
135. Four Giants - Blue Harvest
Progressive Instrumental
136. Funeral Speech - Experimental World
Progressive/Technical Death
137. Gruesome Stuff Relish - Sempiternal Death Grind
Grindcore/Brutal Death
138. Havok [SWE] - Statues Of Sisyphus
Technical Death
139. Hela - Broken Cross
Stoner/Doom
140. Hemotoxin - Between Forever...And The End
Death/Thrash
141. Hesperian Death Horse - Mrtav
Post-Metal/Atmospheric Sludge
142. Howling - A Beast Conceived
Thrash
143. Icons Of Brutality - Between Glory And Despair
Brutal/Technical Death
144. Inquinok - Dimension Of I
Black/Death
145. Inter Arma - Sky Burial
Post-Metal/Sludge/Black
146. Krig - Decay's Beholder
Technical Death
147. Lothorian - Welldweller
Stoner/Doom
148. Lux Divina - Possessed By Telluric Feelings
Black/Folk
149. Nebulous - The Quantum Transcendence Of Death
Technical Death
150. New Keepers Of The Water Towers - Cosmic Child
Stoner/Doom/Progressive
151. Northlane - Singularity
Progressive/Djent/Metalcore
152. Ocean Chief - Sten
Stoner/Sludge/Doom
153. Odium Nova - Death Comes Sudden
Melodic Death
154. On Wings Of Wax - The Empty Bed
Post-Metal Instrumental
155. Pessimist - Death From Above
Thrash
156. Pronostic - Deviated Inner Spectrum
Technical Death/Thrash
157. Scordatura - Torment Of The Weak
Brutal Death
158. Sedulity - The Valley Of Dying Stars
Progressive/Death/Thrash
159. Seplophile - Mesonoxian
Death
160. Serpents - Born Of Ishtar
Deathcore/Black
161. Swamp - Bearskin
Technical Death
162. Syn:Drom - Iconoclasm
Technical Death
163. Unbirth - Deracinated Celestial Oligarchy
Brutal/Technical Death
164. Veneror - Percussimus Foedus cum Morte
Black
165. War-Saw - Nuclear Nightmare
Thrash
166. Worldengine - Dark Matters
Progressive/Post-Metal
167. Ygodeh - The Experiment Interrupted
Progressive Death
168. Shining (NOR) - One One One
Avantgarde/Industrial // Shining? Is that... you? Whatever happened to the obnoxious, brain juice-vaporing, all-out assault on our sanity? Where oh where is the butt cheek-flapping retardassery that's so loved and cherished? Where, where, WHERE?! T_T *drama mode off* Mediocre. Nothing more to be said. /Sad narwhal
169. Centurian - Contra Rationem
Death // Mundane. Another one of those "shit's alright and tight but missing... something" records that you can skip over safely in favor of other, more adventurous endeavors.
170. Hate - Solarflesh: A Gospel Of Radiant Divinity
Death/Black // Inoffensive and safe death metal that loses steam. FAST. The "lightness" of the production, in particular, is a glaring flaw and seeps power needed to make a significant impact upon the listener. Adding to that, a low replay value, meaning it's pretty much unmemorable.
171. Devourment - Conceived In Sewage
Brutal Death // Paltry, stale and dilute, with very few saving graces (they string together good passages of "brutality" when they up the ante), but those are extremely few and far between.
172. Vorum - Poisoned Void
Death/Black // A fairly bland mixture of Black and Old School Death that lacks "oomph". Only the staunchest followers of this particular sound will find sustainable enjoyment.
173. Lecherous Nocturne - Behold Almighty Doctrine
Technical Death/Black // Toothless, hollow, and one suffering from a lack of bite, which is best showcased in their songwriting. Or lack of.



Disclaimer: All top lists are unofficial and do not represent the point of view of the MS Staff.
[ More lists by MechanisT ]



Comments

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Comments: 22  
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Fredd - 20.03.2013 at 18:21  
YAY :3
MechanisT - 20.03.2013 at 18:23  
Written by Fredd on 20.03.2013 at 18:21

YAY :3


Thou are thank'd with due gratitude. :3
Behradeth - 20.03.2013 at 20:41  
I'll have to check out the top 5 albums. Great list, by the way.
MechanisT - 20.03.2013 at 21:49  
Written by Behradeth on 20.03.2013 at 20:41

I'll have to check out the top 5 albums. Great list, by the way.


Thank you. The top 5 span across various genres, so there should be something that you'd connect to strongly.
R'Vannith - 21.03.2013 at 05:38  
I haven't heard Hateform before, I'll have to give that one a listen. Shai Hulud sounds like something I might like too. And nice description for the Moth album.
MechanisT - 21.03.2013 at 12:55  
Written by R'Vannith on 21.03.2013 at 05:38

I haven't heard Hateform before, I'll have to give that one a listen. Shai Hulud sounds like something I might like too. And nice description for the Moth album.


Please do. Although Hateform may have a tendency to sound unoriginal, they sure do pack quite a punch. Shai Hulud really took me by surprise. Excellent offering, it has to be said.
tea[m]ster - 22.03.2013 at 23:34  
Shocker. Half the shit on this list is on mine. I'll be sure to check out the half that isn't, thanks for the recs.
MechanisT - 23.03.2013 at 13:28  
Written by tea[m]ster on 22.03.2013 at 23:34

Shocker. Half the shit on this list is on mine. I'll be sure to check out the half that isn't, thanks for the recs.


No problem. Count on me to go through yours and handpick those "post" stuff, as per my will. :3
tea[m]ster - 23.03.2013 at 15:34  
Written by MechanisT on 23.03.2013 at 13:28

No problem. Count on me to go through yours and handpick those "post" stuff, as per my will. :3


I have been enjoying other genres lately as well ( yeah, I know, don't fall over ) Atmospheric black seems to be a new fad for me, so I have a rec for you:

Encircling Sea - A Forgotten Land

A huge atmospheric black album. 4 songs - an hour long. Your brain can't wander around with this sort of stuff. You like post metal too, with it's often long, epic songs so this will be no problem for you.
MechanisT - 23.03.2013 at 17:57  
Jotted down for future reference. Thank you, and yes, I can handle long albums and "epicness", as some would put it.
Behradeth - 24.03.2013 at 14:49  
Well amazingly, somehow I ended up listening to "Fields of The Nephilim".
MechanisT - 24.03.2013 at 14:52  
Written by Behradeth on 24.03.2013 at 14:49

Well amazingly, somehow I ended up listening to "Fields of The Nephilim".


I'm taking it you didn't find any of these to your liking? D':
Behradeth - 24.03.2013 at 18:42  
Written by MechanisT on 24.03.2013 at 14:52

Written by Behradeth on 24.03.2013 at 14:49

Well amazingly, somehow I ended up listening to "Fields of The Nephilim".


I'm taking it you didn't find any of these to your liking? D':

Well, I really have no idea how I ended up there. But I'm sure I was listening to Shai Hulud before getting lost.
Spotify will really make you lose your tracks sometimes.
qlacs - 06.04.2013 at 18:34  
Putting Carlos' epic mastepiece on the first place was an epic win move, sir d:|

Also, this Pomegranate Tigre stuff sounds cool.
MechanisT - 06.04.2013 at 18:52  
Written by qlacs on 06.04.2013 at 18:34

Putting Carlos' epic mastepiece on the first place was an epic win move, sir d:|

Also, this Pomegranate Tigre stuff sounds cool.


d:|- concureth with your noble sentiments. Glad you found Pomegranate Tiger to your liking as well.
Divergenceless - 03.05.2013 at 04:38  
I'd be interested to hear your thoughts about Boil's album aXiom. I personally think there are some extremely mighty tracks like Vindication but that there are also ones that are more generic and less-than-impressive. It's a pretty interesting sound nonetheless:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdODhlEilAM
Zaphod - 04.05.2013 at 21:16  
I'll give this a +1 for putting Monolith Deathcult at the top
MechanisT - 04.05.2013 at 21:19  
Written by Zaphod on 04.05.2013 at 21:16

I'll give this a +1 for putting Monolith Deathcult at the top


I had no choice, really.
Zaphod - 04.05.2013 at 21:46  
Written by MechanisT on 04.05.2013 at 21:19

I had no choice, really.

I haven't listened to the new one yet, but if it is anything like the last one you probably didn't.
tea[m]ster - 10.05.2013 at 16:12  
I am wondering how you feel about Dustwalker. I think it's absolutely brilliant. I love the fact that the band experimented so much on the album.
MechanisT - 12.05.2013 at 14:57  
Written by Divergenceless on 03.05.2013 at 04:38

I'd be interested to hear your thoughts about Boil's album aXiom. I personally think there are some extremely mighty tracks like Vindication but that there are also ones that are more generic and less-than-impressive. It's a pretty interesting sound nonetheless:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GdODhlEilAM


First up, apologies for the very late response. I have been extremely busy as of late so I didn't have the time to respond appropriately.

Anyways, I finally got 'round to giving Boil enough play time. What I find is some accessible, simplistic yet "intelligent" prog metal that doesn't try to come across too showy or epic but rather concise and reliant on catchy appeal and 'atmosphere'. I am reminded of a lot of bands, ranging from Porcupine Tree (Heretic Martyr) to even Finger Eleven at times, among others when listening to this. Not that it's a blatant copy or a negative aspect or anything of that sort. Just saying. They do have a signature sound but occasionally venture out too far into "mainstream-ish" territory (Moth to a Flame being an example), which works against its favor. The biggest drawback as far as I am concerned are the vocals, which I find to be pretty irksome and hard on my nerves (Sunbound showcases this problem to the max, the screaming is even more pathetic than the barely passable cleans). Indeed, there are some memorable tracks that stick to the head without any effort (At the Centre of Rage, Heretic Martyr), others not much so. Overall, pretty enjoyable and decent, but also flawed, immature and inconsistent. If I had to give it a rating I'd settle with a low 8 for now, simply because I tend to inflate my ratings when I find some aspects of the overall product to my liking.

Written by tea[m]ster on 10.05.2013 at 16:12

I am wondering how you feel about Dustwalker. I think it's absolutely brilliant. I love the fact that the band experimented so much on the album.


To be honest, I prefer the mixture of Post-Metal and black than conventional atmospheric black because I find the overall sound to have more depth and character, and as such I find Dustwalker to be fairly good, although I do prefer Epoch over this one. Epoch had more... cohesiveness, probably? I can't put a finger on it but it had that extra something that made it better.
Divergenceless - 12.05.2013 at 17:57  
I pretty much agree with your sentiments about that Boil album. What's disappointing to me is just how talented the vocalist is at points, and mediocre throughout all of the mainstream shit. He proved he could actually sing on Vindication... Thanks for giving it a listen.

As for Fen, Epoch was better track-by-track, in my honest opinion. Dustwalker has some awesome moments, but compare each and every track to Ghosts of the Flood, The Gibbet Elms, Carrier of Echoes, Ashbringer, etc., and it's no contest. The clean vocals are much weaker than the ones on Epoch, returning to the quality of cleans on Fen's first album. For some odd reason, I just don't like how they mix the post-metal and black metal on this album when compared to Epoch; it feels like they are trying too hard to show off their rawer black metal side, which unravels some of their great songs at some points (every track after Wolf Sun, in my view). And Consequence is just generic black metal, in my view; I don't understand the hype about that track. Dustwalker is not nearly as cohesive as Epoch, and as a result, the songs are a little bit disjointed. It's still really nice music (in my top 20 still so far), but it's nowhere close to some of Fen's prior accomplishments.

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