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
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1.
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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. |
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2.
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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11.
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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. |
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12.
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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19.
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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. |
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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? |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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24.
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Psychotic Pulse - Psychotic Pulse
Industrial/Thrash // Strapping Young Lad never really died. It just underwent change in personnel, that's all. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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32.
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Abstract Spirit - Theomorphic Defectiveness
2013 |
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33.
|
Ade - Spartacus
2013 |
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34.
|
Aeon Zen - Enigma
2013 |
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35.
|
Aeternus - ...And The Seventh His Soul Detesteth
2013 |
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36.
|
Agrypnie - Aetas Cineris
2013 |
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37.
|
Amorphis - Circle
2013 |
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38.
|
Anciients - Heart Of Oak
2013 |
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39.
|
Angizia - Des Winters Finsterer Gesell
2013 |
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40.
|
Anup Sastry - Ghost
2013 |
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41.
|
Apocynthion - Sidereus Nuncius
2013 |
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42.
|
Archon - Ouroboros Collapsing
2013 |
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43.
|
Azure Emote - The Gravity of Impermanence
2013 |
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44.
|
Black Cruxifixion - Coronation Of King Darkness
2013 |
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45.
|
Botanist - IV: Mandragora
2013 |
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46.
|
Byzantine - Byzantine
2013 |
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47.
|
Caladan Brood - Echoes Of Battle
2013 |
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48.
|
Corpus Mortale - FleshCraft
2013 |
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49.
|
Deathchain - Ritual Death Metal
2013 |
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50.
|
Defeated Sanity - Passages Into Deformity
2013 |
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51.
|
DGM - Momentum
2013 |
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52.
|
Disperse - Living Mirrors
2013 |
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53.
|
Eibon - II
2013 |
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54.
|
Eschatos - Hierophanies
2013 |
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55.
|
Eternal Tears Of Sorrow - Saivon Lapsi
2013 |
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56.
|
Fen - Dustwalker
2013 |
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57.
|
Funeralium - Deceived Idealism
2013 |
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58.
|
Ghost B.C. - Infestissumam
2013 |
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59.
|
Hacride - Back To Where You've Never Been
2013 |
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60.
|
Helloween - Straight Out Of Hell
2013 |
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61.
|
How To Destroy Angels - Welcome Oblivion
2013 |
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62.
|
Hypocrisy - End Of Disclosure
2013 |
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63.
|
Imperium Dekadenz - Meadows Of Nostalgia
2013 |
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64.
|
In Vain - Ænigma
2013 |
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65.
|
Jolly - The Audio Guide To Happiness (Part 2)
2013 |
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66.
|
Katalepsy - Autopsychosis
2013 |
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67.
|
Kingcrow - In Crescendo
2013 |
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68.
|
Kvelertak - Meir
2013 |
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69.
|
Lascaille's Shroud - Interval 01: Parallel Infinities - The Inner Universe
2013 |
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70.
|
Light Bearer - Silver Tongue
2013 |
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71.
|
Mechina - Empyrean
2013 |
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72.
|
Milking The Goatmachine - Stallzeit
2013 |
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73.
|
Misanthrope - Ænigma Mystica
2013 |
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74.
|
Mourning Beloveth - Formless
2013 |
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75.
|
Mutiny Within - Synchronicity
2013 |
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76.
|
Nails - Abandon All Life
2013 |
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77.
|
Necrowretch - Putrid Death Sorcery
2013 |
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78.
|
Nightfall - Cassiopeia
2013 |
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79.
|
Nocte Obducta - Umbriel (Das Schweigen Zwischen Den Sternen)
2013 |
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80.
|
Nolentia - May The Hand That Holds The Match That Will Set This World On Fire Be Blessed Above All
2013 |
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81.
|
Noumena - Death Walks With Me
2013 |
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82.
|
Oblivion - Called To Rise
2013 |
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83.
|
October Falls - The Plague Of A Coming Age
2013 |
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84.
|
October Tide - Tunnel Of No Light
2013 |
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85.
|
Omnium Gatherum - Beyond
2013 |
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86.
|
Pensées Nocturnes - Nom D'une Pipe!
2013 |
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87.
|
Pomegranate Tiger - Entities
Progressive Instrumental |
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88.
|
Primitive Man - Scorn
2013 |
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89.
|
Pryapisme - Hyperblast Super Collider
2013 |
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90.
|
Redwood Hill - Descender
2013 |
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91.
|
Rorcal - Világvége
2013 |
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92.
|
Soilwork - The Living Infinite
2013 |
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93.
|
Sons Of Aeon - Sons Of Aeon
2013 |
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94.
|
Spock's Beard - Brief Nocturnes And Dreamless Sleep
2013 |
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95.
|
Steven Wilson - The Raven That Refused To Sing (And Other Stories)
2013 |
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96.
|
Stratovarius - Nemesis
2013 |
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97.
|
Terra Tenebrosa - The Purging
2013 |
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98.
|
The Amenta - Flesh Is Heir
2013 |
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99.
|
The Ocean - Pelagial
2013 |
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100.
|
Tribulation - The Formulas Of Death
2013 |
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101.
|
Ulcer - Grant Us Death
2013 |
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102.
|
Universe217 - Never
2013 |
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103.
|
Vengeful - KARMAMMXIII
2013 |
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104.
|
Voivod - Target Earth
2013 |
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105.
|
Vreid - Welcome Farewell
2013 |
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106.
|
Way To End - Various Shades Of Black
2013 |
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107.
|
Wormed - Exodromos
2013 |
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108.
|
Year Of No Light - Vampyr
2013 |
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109.
|
Acolyte - Alta
Progressive/Black |
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110.
|
Ad Intra - Inside Us All
Death/Doom |
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111.
|
Ágona - Homo Grotescus
Progressive/Death |
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112.
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Alter Self - Seven Deadly Blessings
Technical Death/Thrash |
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113.
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Andy Winter - Incomprehensible
Avantgarde/Progressive |
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114.
|
Arcturon - An Old Storm Brewing
Melodic Death |
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115.
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Astral Display - Prometheus
Progressive |
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116.
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Atoms For Peace - Amok
Experimental Rock |
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117.
|
Atra Vetosus - Voices From The Eternal Night
Melodic Black |
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118.
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Azrath 11 - Ov Tentacles And Spirals
Black/Death |
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119.
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Benea Reach - Possession
Progressive/Djent/Metalcore |
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120.
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Boil - AXiom
Progressive |
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121.
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Carrioned - Echoes Of Abomination
Brutal Death/Grindcore |
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122.
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Cathexis - Shades Of Apocalypse
Technical Death |
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123.
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Combat Astronomy - Kundalini Apocalypse
Experimental |
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124.
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Deathstorm - Nechesh
Death |
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125.
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Dehumanizer - The Incomplete Man
Progressive Death |
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126.
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Dorthal - Arid Landscape
Progressive Instrumental/Djent |
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127.
|
Encircle - Into The Dreamstate
Progressive Instrumental |
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128.
|
Encircling Sea - A Forgotten Land
Post-Black |
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129.
|
Eclipse Prophecy - Days Of Judgement
Progressive/Power |
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130.
|
Eloa Vadaath - Dead End Proclama
Avantgarde/Death |
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131.
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Endless - Human Intoxication
Technical Death |
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132.
|
Expurgate - Dementia Tremens
Brutal Death |
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133.
|
Feared - Furor Incarnatus
Melodic Death |
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134.
|
Forlorn Path - Man's Last Portrait
Progressive/Melodic Death |
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135.
|
Four Giants - Blue Harvest
Progressive Instrumental |
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136.
|
Funeral Speech - Experimental World
Progressive/Technical Death |
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137.
|
Gruesome Stuff Relish - Sempiternal Death Grind
Grindcore/Brutal Death |
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138.
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Havok [SWE] - Statues Of Sisyphus
Technical Death |
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139.
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Hela - Broken Cross
Stoner/Doom |
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140.
|
Hemotoxin - Between Forever...And The End
Death/Thrash |
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141.
|
Hesperian Death Horse - Mrtav
Post-Metal/Atmospheric Sludge |
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142.
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Howling - A Beast Conceived
Thrash |
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143.
|
Icons Of Brutality - Between Glory And Despair
Brutal/Technical Death |
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144.
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Inquinok - Dimension Of I
Black/Death |
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145.
|
Inter Arma - Sky Burial
Post-Metal/Sludge/Black |
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146.
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Krig - Decay's Beholder
Technical Death |
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147.
|
Lothorian - Welldweller
Stoner/Doom |
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148.
|
Lux Divina - Possessed By Telluric Feelings
Black/Folk |
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149.
|
Nebulous - The Quantum Transcendence Of Death
Technical Death |
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150.
|
New Keepers Of The Water Towers - Cosmic Child
Stoner/Doom/Progressive |
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151.
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Northlane - Singularity
Progressive/Djent/Metalcore |
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152.
|
Ocean Chief - Sten
Stoner/Sludge/Doom |
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153.
|
Odium Nova - Death Comes Sudden
Melodic Death |
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154.
|
On Wings Of Wax - The Empty Bed
Post-Metal Instrumental |
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155.
|
Pessimist - Death From Above
Thrash |
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156.
|
Pronostic - Deviated Inner Spectrum
Technical Death/Thrash |
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157.
|
Scordatura - Torment Of The Weak
Brutal Death |
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158.
|
Sedulity - The Valley Of Dying Stars
Progressive/Death/Thrash |
|
159.
|
Seplophile - Mesonoxian
Death |
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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 |
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165.
|
War-Saw - Nuclear Nightmare
Thrash |
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166.
|
Worldengine - Dark Matters
Progressive/Post-Metal |
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167.
|
Ygodeh - The Experiment Interrupted
Progressive Death |
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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 |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
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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. |
I'll be sure to check out the half that isn't, thanks for the recs.
