Without a doubt one of the best death/doom releases of the year! But don't just take my word for it, go listen to it here. You will not be disappointed.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Daniell, !J.O.O.E.!, X-Ray Rod, KwonVerge, wormdrink414, Marcel Hubregtse, Abattoir, BloodTears, BudDa, Ag Fox, nikarg

Atmospheric black metal of the highest quality!

These Swede's don't try & reinvent the wheel, but they know what they are doing & do it well. This is a multi-layered, mid-paced black metal record that incorporates acoustic passages and clean chants with a beautiful yet sombre atmosphere. With a total running time of 60 minutes & with only one track clocking in under six & a half minutes it won't suit everyone's tastes, but If you are willing to invest the time & soak in all the layers on offer you will be rewarded with a truly great listening experience.

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Whoa! Where did this come from?!

What In The Silence have managed to achieve with this, their self-financed & independently released debut is nothing short of remarkable. The beautiful yet haunting atmosphere, intricate songwriting & talented musicianship displayed throughout this album will leave you spellbound. This may well just be one of the best debut albums of the year. A must for all fans of progressive metal.

Go check them out.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Ag Fox, BloodTears, Ivor, Milena, X-Ray Rod, Susan, Introspekrieg

Modern progressive Swedish Black Metal packed full of great riffs with a cold, bleak atmosphere. What is there not to love?

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Endorsed by: Promonex

Arabian death metallers Nervecell have returned to attack our senses with this, their second full length album entitled 'Psychogenocide'.

Brutal, thrashy & progressive yet refined, this album is a natural progression from 2008's 'Preaching Venom' and stands out as one of the best death metal releases of 2011 so far.

Featuring traditional arabic instruments such as the 'Oud', arabic & english lyrics (a rarity in extreme metal), fantastic guitar work and a guest appearance by none other than Karl Sanders from Nile, this is an album that all death metal fans should check out and is a nice example of what talent there is to be found in the Arabian metal scene.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Troy Killjoy, wormdrink414

Italian band Forgotten Tomb released this, their debut LP, back in 2002. It remains not only their best release to date, but arguably one of the best black/doom metal releases ever made.

This album is a mix of utterly depressing modern day doom and black metal fused together to create an intense, cold atmosphere. It is an absolute masterpiece and a must have for fans of early Katatonia, Shining,, or anyone looking for something bleak but heavy and forward-thinking.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Troy Killjoy, Thryce, Marcel Hubregtse, Daniell, !J.O.O.E.!, White Winter Sun, Ag Fox, X-Ray Rod