Karcius is a heavy sided fusion done just right. Now with vocals. They are absolutely great at what they do. Beautiful captivating music, no show-offs, The First Day is packed with good stuff.

Just listen to "The First Day" on their homepage.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Darkside Momo, Ag Fox, X-Ray Rod

Your commitment to those you love is crushed in three carefully selected pieces.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: !J.O.O.E.!, X-Ray Rod, Ag Fox, Doc G., Marcel Hubregtse

First full length from the former primary creative influences of Negura Bunget. I had high hopes and Sol Faur and Hupogrammos don't disappoint. If you enjoyed the cosmically wonderful "OM", odds are you'll find this nearly as entrancing.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Ag Fox, wormdrink414, X-Ray Rod, Daniell, BloodTears, Darkside Momo, Introspekrieg

If you were worried that Tommy Karevik wouldn't be able to measure up to the expectations left behind by Roy Khan...don't!

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Milena, Ag Fox, Susan, GT, Jason W.

Instrumental djent/progressive metal from Australia. Epic symphonic leanings.

Guaranteed to melt your face.

Listen.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: !J.O.O.E.!, X-Ray Rod, wormdrink414, GT, Darkside Momo, BloodTears

I'll be honest with all of you: After albums like VI, their cover EP and worst of all: VII, I really felt that Shining didn't have it in them anymore and should just die.
I don't mind eating my words with a pound or two of shit as long as I can do it while listening to this album.

Shining is back.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: KwonVerge

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

December 21st was 67 days early.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: X-Ray Rod, KwonVerge, wormdrink414, Baz Anderson, !J.O.O.E.!, psykometal, Ag Fox, Darkside Momo, Abattoir, Promonex

Chaos = Beauty

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: X-Ray Rod, KwonVerge, Susan, Ag Fox

Doesn't take no Mensa shit to figure this one out: You like riffs? You'll like this.

Listen to it in full here

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Daniell, X-Ray Rod

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.

Staff pick by:

Beneath Brasil's beaches with topless goddesses and tropical drinks, behind the mask of Carnival, you have rampant poverty, crime, and slums. A dark side concealed under the sheen of tourist hotels and beaches. In other words, a great breeding ground for some awesome doom... enter Abske Fides.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Ag Fox, Susan, Marcel Hubregtse, Nefarious, Dane Train, X-Ray Rod, Abattoir, BloodTears

I wonder why I haven't heard of Kong before as this mostly instrumental outfit apparently goes back a while. The music of Kong blends influences from electronica and industrial with prog metal. Some of it packs a punch. Oh, those riffs and those rhythms!

Listen to the whole album on their Bandcamp page. If you're looking for a recommendation, take "Astral Calls."

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Marcel Hubregtse, Darkside Momo, Dane Train, !J.O.O.E.!, Ag Fox, X-Ray Rod

A compilation of blackened Motörhead-worship from an Ohioan outfit that completely destroys.

Click here for the tunes.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: !J.O.O.E.!, Marcel Hubregtse, Fat & Sassy!, X-Ray Rod

I don't delve deep into either stoner or doom. But albums such as this make the occasional forays so much more worthwhile. Doomy atmosphere with a drive of a stoner rock is how I like it to be served. This is no less than a stellar release.

Just listen to "On The Wind" here.

Staff pick by:
Endorsed by: Ag Fox, Daniell, wormdrink414, Marcel Hubregtse, Dane Train, X-Ray Rod, Susan, !J.O.O.E.!, BudDa, Introspekrieg