"A Year in Review": Black Metal's "Sonic 6" for 2015

By:  Aaron Pickford

As part of our review of 2015, over the coming days, I will present the definitive “Sour 16” for 2015 and this will be generated by looking at all releases throughout the year, however I thought it would also be cool to look at specific genres too and whilst I would have loved to have generated a “Sour 16” for each popular genre at The Sludgelord, that would have taken up an inexplicable amount of time. Of course we all gravitate to a favourite genre, however each has its own merit, therefore I thought it would be a good idea to highlight, “six of the best” releases of 2015 within our most popular genres.  So today, as we reflect upon an awesome year of music in 2015, we present Black Metal’s “Sonic 6” for 2015

The Sludgelord’s ‘Sonic 6’ for 2015 is compiled based upon page views alone and calibrated into the list below, we will be presenting further lists during the lead up to Christmas, but for today roll up, kick back and Hail the riff!  Check out Black Metal’s “Sonic 6” for 2015 (full reviews can be viewed by clicking the artwork and total views since the date of publication are highlight in red). 

6). Imperial Triumphant - “Abysmal Gods” (562)

Certainly Imperial Triumphant share a stratosphere with the Gorguts, Artificial Brains, Pyrrhons and Deathspell Omegas of this universe, but this is a different breed of genius. There’s a sickness, a mentally “unwell” aspect to ‘Abyssal Gods’ that you simply cannot find anywhere else. The jangling, out of tune ragtime break early on in “Opposing Holiness”. The hallucinogenic guitar solos in “Black Psychedelia”. It all points to an album no one should miss out on, although you’re likely to come out the other end of it a worse person, or at least in a worse mood.

5). Arcturus – “Arcturian” (614)

The number of influences on this record is immense. Traces of classical, polka, noir, fusion, black metal, power metal, and many more can all be found on this album. Vocally, among the peppered black metal roots, there are traces of middle eastern scales, clean harmonies, and several other influences including Tool as one of the more obvious. The harmonies alone seem to come at the listener from all directions, adding to the intense psychedelic atmosphere.

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4). Kjeld – “Skym” (737)

If you should listen to just one Black metal record of the year this could be the one because this is another Dutch fist in the face of God!

3). Enslaved – “In Times” (941)

Everyone has “their” Enslaved album and that runs a wide spectrum of possibilities because Enslaved have been excellent in a number of different ways. ‘In Times’ is just another example of Enslaved finding a new energy and turning that energy into something beautiful.

2). Drudkh – “A Furrow Cut Short” (1064)

‘A Furrow Cut Short’ is undoubtedly up there with ‘Autumn Aurora’ and ‘Blood in our Wells’; albums that are possibly the best to have emerged from the newer wave of ‘atmospheric’ black metal. Nothing is more satisfying than when one of your favourite bands releases potentially the best album of their career over ten years on. So clear a spot at the top of your album of the year list because ‘A Furrow Cut Short’ is it.

1). Marduk – Frontschwein (1428)

This black metal of the highest quality and of the most palatable type to a casual fan such as myself, all elements are present and correct with the band on great form. Looking for something to compound your winter blues? Look no further.

Reviews featured in this article were written by: Daniel Jackson, Joel Willis, Sven-Ake Alveving, Heather Blewett, Richard Maw

Unmothered - 'UMBRA' EP (Review)

‘UMBRA’ is like a punch in the face so hard you shit your pants

Album Type: EP

Date Released: 26/05/2015

Label: Crowquill Records

‘UMBRA’ CD//DD track listing:

1). Magnetar

2). Huntress

3). Scarp

Unmothered is:

Matt Walker | Vocals, Guitar

Joseph Barnes | Bass

Matt Moulia | Drums

Review:

Unmothered is one of those bands that hits you like a car crash. When you hear them, you think “oh, fuck yea.” So, its no surprise that their newest release ‘UMBRA’ is like a punch in the face so hard you shit your pants. Even though its three track roster leaves you wanting more, it’s still heavy as all hell, and packed full of gritty flavor. While still having a distinct and original sound of their own which is referred to as “Haunt Rock” (also, my new favorite phrase), Unmothered has successfully blended everything I love about groups such as High on fire, Baroness, and Mastodon...all of which Unmothered could stand tall next to.

The opening track ‘Magnetar’, immediately took me by surprise with its relentless pounding drums, and detuned catchy riffs. I noticed a superb execution and great use of time signature change right around the 1:25 mark, and my neck still hurts from headbanging. On the ‘Huntress’, the song kicks off with a sort of blackened hardcore feel and takes the listener to a dark reflective place fairly quickly, as this is the shortest song on the record. ‘Scarp’, the final track, adds some slightly progressive playing techniques and a more dynamic approach  that really showcases the bands well roundedness, especially towards the tail end of the song where there is an atmospheric build up. The song kicks in again here, and every time I hear it I get goosebumps. Very well done. 

Ultimately, these guys get it. I really liked their 2012 EP, and this release is even better. The only thing I didn't like was the fact that there weren't more tracks for me to blast, and piss off all my neighbors with...so I guess I'll just put these three songs on repeat! For fans of the phrase “Haunt Rock”, or other intrigued metal heads, ‘UMBRA’ is highly recommended. Sleeping on this record however, will be the stupidest thing you've done in a long time...besides that one thing.

Words by: Joel Willis

‘UMBRA’ is available here

For more information:

Like: https://www.facebook.com/Unmothered

Listen: https://unmothered.bandcamp.com/

Follow: https://twitter.com/Unmothered

Ommadon - 'Empathy For The Wicked' (Album Review)

Album Type: Full-length

Date Released: 15/07/2015

Label: Golden Mantra

‘Empathy For The Wicked’ DD//LP track listing:

1). Side A

2). Side B.

Ommadon is:

Ewan Mackenzie | Drums, Noise

David Tobin | Guitar, Noise

Review:

Readers,

I would like to start by saying this: I woke up today feeling half way decent, ready to start the day and get shit done. Now, after listening to this record, I feel

crushed....broken.....shattered....and fucking dead. It's wonderful.

‘Empathy For The Wicked’, the sixth release of the crushing drone two piece OMMADON, is about as heavy as it gets. Essentially this record is one track split over two sides, with each being over the 20 minute mark, and to put it simply, it will destroy you. If  being bombarded with sludgy evil riffs is your thing...or getting absolutely pulverized and driven into the pavement by colossal thundering drums until your body collapses, this release is perfect for you. Upon listening your mind will run wild with thoughts of hopeless demise, your spirit will break, and that’s right about the time the Goosebumps kick in.

The perfect balance between noisy, gritty atmosphere, and murderous sonic rampage, I really enjoyed the prolonged cacophony on side B just as much as the barbaric face smashing side A. What else can I really say? This has been a very straight forward review for me. The only intention this album seems to have is killing the listener. The beauty of it being that once you're dead, it’s still smashing your fucking soul as you become reborn into eternal darkness. It’s almost like meditation, but for all things evil. Do not fear the walls closing in, as you can not stop them. Do not fight the blade piercing your soul, for it will only hurt momentarily. There is no good. There is no light. Only OMMADON, lurking in the shadows, watching you. Slowly creeping behind you. Don't run...embrace your death.

Words by: Joel Willis

‘Empathy For The Wicked’ is available here

For more information:

Listen: http://www.ommadon.bandcamp.comLike: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ommadon/122816124443493Follow: http://www.twitter.com/OmmadonDoom
Watch: http://www.youtube.com/user/OmmadonDoom/videos

Codas – ‘Currents’ (Album Review)

Album Type: EP

Date Released: 2/6/2015

Label: Crowquill Records

‘Currents’ CD//DD track Listing:

1). The Sun Martyr

2). Follow The Blind

3). White Black

4). Currents

Review:

As the solo project of Mario Quintero (Sleep Lady, Spotlights), the debut EP from Brooklyn based Codas has a very cool roster of sonic ingredients! This is going to be a new favorite for all lovers of drone, electronic, mathcore, and post-metal.

This EP is pretty awesome. No lyrics or vocals getting in the way of all the textures and atmospheres. I could easily put this album on from start to finish and not skip a single track. I would also imagine this would be great for listening to at night, driving long distances, or when thinking really fucking hard about something. I love this style of music.

On the track “The Sun Martyr” there is a distinct drone throughout, underneath a gritty, driving, and syncopated electronic drum beat. Guitars and other keys layer on top of one another. (Its almost like what I would imagine visiting another planet would sound like. In fact, if I were making a movie about visiting another planet, in the scene where we actually get to the planet, this song would be playing. At that rate I would just use this EP in its entirety for my imaginary of the film.) Immediately after ‘The Sun Martyr’ there is a crushing mathy drum beat with lots of busy guitar work to make your head spin...so don't get too comfortable with one particular beat on this EP. ‘Currents’, the title track and also the longest song on the EP starts off like something from the Fight Club soundtrack, and at times it sounds as if Aphex Twin, Baroness, Kongh, and Don Caballero are all collaborating together. The immensely powerful, odd timed drums at the end of this song are a great way to cap off the EP. Well done Codas, this is a great debut!

Put this on and be prepared to space out for a while. Very refreshing, great production quality, the drum samples sound awesome and don't take away from the fact that there isn't really a human drummer on the record (that I could hear anyway). Lots of shimmering guitar effects, well placed drone chugs, glitches and ticks, dying robot noises...but also a balance of intricate and melodic guitar work. This record is like a rebirth in a way. By the time you are done listening to it, you'll be looking forward to the next one just as much as I am.

Words by: Joel Willis

‘Currents’ is available here

For more information:

Like: https://www.facebook.com/codasmusic

Klone - 'Here Comes The Sun' (Album Review)

Type: Full-length 

Date Released: 6/04/2015

Label: Pelagic Records

‘Here Comes The Sun’ CD//DD//LP track List:

1.Immersion

2.Fog

3.Gone Up In Flames

4.The Drifter

5.Nebulous

6.Gleaming

7.Grim Dance

8.Come Undone

9.The Last Experience

10.Summertime (cover)

Klone is:

Guillaume Bernard | Guitars

Matthieu Metzger | Samples, keyboards, saxophone

Yann Ligner | Vocals

Jean-Etienne Maillard | Bass

Florent Marcadet | Drums

Aldrick Guadagnino | Guitars

Review:

This French progressive metal power house has a very unique sound, and it shines through in spades on their new record ‘Here Comes The Sun’.  Active since 1995 this is their tenth release. Most of their records could easily stand up next to releases from other bands such as Deftones, Tool, or Isis, as there is always an atmospheric feel with a heavier foundation. On this new record however, there is more focus on atmosphere and texture, which really makes it an easy record to enjoy.

This isn't your typical straight forward drums, guitar, bass, and vocals... there are lots of other dynamic sounds as well. Keyboards, winds, and textural effects play a huge part on this record. One characteristic that really stood out to me was the production quality. This record has a very distinct shimmer, and in my opinion is superbly mixed. Being a drummer I also noticed the crisp, deep, and warm snare tone immediately. Most bands don't seem to realize the drum sound is what makes or breaks a record....but Klone certainly does. 

Normally I'm not a huge fan of this genre, but these guys seem to have a fresh perspective on not only this style of metal, but on themselves. It sounds like Klone has gone through a sort of transformation from a progressive, almost nu-metal sound...to an atmospheric groove metal approach. If either of those terms doesn’t appeal to you, I would not listen to this record. But, if you enjoy spacial yet earthy soundscapes layered with haunting vocals and driving riffs, you should find a place in your catalog for this record. As a whole, this record is on the somber side and came across as fairly reflective as well. Not something I would put on if you're feeling extremely happy....but not a bad choice if you're in thinking mode and getting some serious work done. This is a must have for fans of progressive, alternative, and groove metal!

Words by: Joel Willis

‘Here Comes the Sun’ is available here

For more information:

Official: http://klonosphere.com/klone/ | Like: http://fr-fr.facebook.com/KLONEBAND

Cave of Swimmers - 'Reflection' (Album Review)

Album Type: Full-length

Release date: 4/5/2015

Label: Independent

‘Reflection’ CD//DD track listing:

1). The Prince of the Power of the Air

2). The Skull

3). Still Running

4). Reflection (Instrumental)

5). The Prince of the Power of the Air – Single Edit

Cave of Swimmers is:

G.E. Perez | Vocals, Guitar, 6/4 Bass, Synth
Arturo "Toro" Garcia | Drums, Percussion, Vocals 

Review:

This intensely creative two piece, although native Venezuelans, originate from Miami, Florida. Cave of Swimmers has one of the most original sounds in the doom metal world. Mixing doom with progressive metal, hints of hard rock, psychedelia, face melting riffs, and over all bad-assery...their newest release, ‘Reflection’, is sure to impress.

Among the many influences that make up their unique sound, the most noticeable being an operatic vocal style, the listener will surely find themselves being taken through many sonic destinations on this album. My personal favorite track (and the longest on the record)’The Skull’, starts with a dreamy sound scape, then warps into a crazy detuned space demon vortex riff...only to morph yet again into spacey acoustic and reflective phrases that are very calming...but don't get too comfortable, for this is the beginning of the sonic journey through ‘The Skull’. On the track ‘Still Running’, there is even some funk with a sort of afro-cuban feel added in. For a two piece, these guys sound huge and are both extremely talented.

What impressed me the most was the drumming on this album. It is by far some of the best I've heard in a long time...especially in the world of re hashed doom riffs. Toro does a great job keeping it fresh from one song to the next, blending just the right amount of technicality with brute force and power. Guillermo is equally talented on the guitars, bass, keyboards, and vocals bringing in bitchin' heavy riffs from all directions, seemingly moving mountains, or anything else in his path for that matter.

All I can say is, after never listening to them yet hearing of them from friends, and now having heard ‘Reflection’....I'm a huge fan. If I ever get the privilege to see them live, that would undoubtedly be an awesome and unforgettable experience. This album is truly an epic face melter. If I could sum it up in three words, they would be: Refreshing, Captivating, and BADASS! Just put it on and shut up. I told you so.

Words by: Joel Willis

‘Reflection’ is available here

Cave of Swimmers debut review here and interview here

For more information:

Official: http://caveofswimmers.com/ | Like: https://www.facebook.com/caveofswimmers

Tweet: https://twitter.com/caveofswimmers | Listen: https://caveofswimmers.bandcamp.com/

Arcturus - Arcturian (Album Review)

Album Type: Full-Length

Date Released: 11/05/2015

Label: Prophecy

‘Arcturian’ CD//DD//LP track Listing:

1). The Arcturian Sign

2). Crashland

3). Angst

4). Warp

5). Game Over

6). Demon

7). Pale

8). The Journey

9). Archer

10). Bane

Arcturus is:

Simen "ICS Vortex" Hestnæs | VOCALS
Steinar "Sverd" Johnsen | KEYBOARDS
Knut Magne Valle | GUITAR
Hugh "Skoll" Mingay | BASS
Jan Axel "Hellhammer" Blomberg | DRUMS    

Review:

Arcturus, spawned in 1987 and known early on as a black metal supergroup (Vortex of Dimmu Borgir, Borknagar, Lamented Souls – Hellhammer of Mayhem, Emperor, Dimmu Borgir – Garm of Ulver, Borknagar – and Samoth of Satyricon, Mayhem, Zyklon-B, Emperor, Burzum) Arcturus has had many lineup changes over the years due to members being active with other projects, and eventually broke up in 2007. Luckily this surreal act reunited in 2011 to play a handful of shows and festivals and went on to record the album at hand.

‘Arcturian’ the fifth studio album by the Norwegian avant-garde metal band Arcturus, is by far THE most original album I've ever heard. This is common place for Arcturus, as they have always incorporated as many different elements as possible in their music. Released on May 11 2015, this is their first album in a decade and I hope it’s not their last.

The number of influences on this record is immense. Traces of classical, polka, noir, fusion, black metal, power metal, and many more can all be found on this album. Vocally, among the peppered black metal roots, there are traces of middle eastern scales, clean harmonies, and several other influences including TOOL as one of the more obvious. The harmonies alone seem to come at the listener from all directions, adding to the intense psychedelic atmosphere. The guitar work is very intricate yet not too forward in the mix, which blends quite well with the orchestra. The drums are as technical as they are groovy, showcasing lightning speed and well placed articulation as well as strange syncopated rhythms, and even some fusion jazz. There are also very noticeable electronic elements...not quite on the dubstep side...but also not too far off. On ‘The Journey’, you can hear these elements mixed in with some acoustic guitar work and orchestral textures that create a truly surreal setting.

For the open minded listener, this would be a great addition to your music catalog. At first I wasn't sure how I felt about it, but after listening all the way through it really surprised me. Putting this album on is like taking 10 hits of LSD (Trust me, I've been there) and will certainly leave you feeling strange and uncertain of what you just experienced. Whether that’s good or bad is up to you. With such a range of influences and complete disregard for boundaries from one song to the next, there should be at least one song that speaks to all types of metal heads.

Words by: Joel Wallis

‘Arcturian’ is available here

For more information:

Like: https://www.facebook.com/arcturusnorway

Satyricon - 'Live At The Opera' (Album Review)

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 01/05/2015

Label: Napalm Records

‘Live At The Opera’ CD//DVD// tracklisting:

1). Voice of Shadows

2). Now, Diabolical

3). Repined Bastard Nation

4). Our World, It Rumbles Tonight

5). Nocturnal Flare

6). Die by My Hand

7). Tro og Kraft

8). Phoenix

9). Den Siste

10). The Infinity of Time and Space

11). To the Mountains

12). The Pentagram Burns

13). Mother North

14). K.I.N.G

Satyricon is

Satyr | Vocals, Guitars

Frost | Drums

Guest/Session

Sivert Høyem | Vocals (track 8)

Gildas Le Pape | Guitars

Anders Hunstad | Keyboards

Anders Odden | Bass

Steinar Gundersen | Guitars

Review:

Satyricon: Live At The Opera was recorded in September 2013 and filmed at the Norwegian National Opera performing with the Norwegian National Opera chorus as part of the Ultima Oslo Contemporary Music Festival. It is their first live full length CD/DVD set and was released on May 1, 2015.

Black metal masters since 1992, Satyricon have brought something new to the table. While their sound seems to change just as much as their lineup (Satyr and Frost being the only permanent members since '93) this is definitely not an album to miss.

There have been a lot of mixed feelings leading up to this release. Personally, I love the juxtaposition of opera and metal in this case. What is more unmetal than opera? Well, perhaps that’s a question best left unanswered…for now however, lets talk about why this album kicks ass. Firstly, it’s Satyricon. While they are known for many things, sucking is not one of them. Their driving, epically demonic riffs and relentlessly barbaric drums are what make their sound unique among a seemingly endless ocean of other bands ripping them off. What could possibly make their songs even more epic? Opera.

The addition of a choir adds a new element in and of itself, obviously, and they have taken their most grandiose songs and somehow made them ever larger than life. Don’t let this deter you. Most of the operatic parts lean toward the simple side, as to not take away from the original composition, on ‘Mother North’ for example, they add a great texture of swells and decrescendos that truly do make the song come to life. However on ‘The Pentagram Burns’, they seem a little less thought out, but overall they get the point across. All in all this is still a headbanger, and should be treated as such.

For the black metal purist I would not recommend this album. This is a large departure from 90's Satyricon...about as far as you can get on the other side of the “black metal spectrum”. Then again, some would say Satyricon is more Black and Roll with black metal roots these days, than "traditional" black metal. I’ve always hated the labeling personally, so putting all of them aside, I enjoyed this record. The recording quality isn’t repulsively mixed as is the case with many live records. Everything comes through in the mix and the operatic elements take the listener into an even darker, almost ceremonial dreamscape. Even if you aren't a fan of the added opera, at least they are bringing something fresh to the table which is almost unheard of in today’s black metal. Light some black candles, break out all the skulls and daggers, and crank up the stereo for this one.

Words by: Joel Willis

‘Live At The Opera’ is available everywhere now

For more information:

Official: www.satyricon.no | Like: www.facebook.com/SatyriconOfficial