Is there much left that can be done with the post metal model? It conjures a certain sound immediately for the listener and sometimes that means clichés like the loud-quiet dynamic of sludgy riffs colliding with pretty post rock washes. There are a lot of these identikit bands out there all the while, many of … Continue reading
As far as Irish metal is concerned, Mourning Beloveth are hardly in need of an introduction. Even within the wider doom scene, the band commands are certain level of respect forged through years of honing their gloomy craft. With five albums and a couple of line-up tweaks along the way, they are a band that … Continue reading
You’re probably drowning in the deluge of year-end lists, so of course I thought it would be a good idea to add mine to the mess. It’s a well-worn tradition after all. Firstly though I should address the status of this site, something I do every couple of months and find myself apologising for the … Continue reading
“Black metal/hardcore” is a good way to roll some eyes. It’s become somewhat meaningless. The likes of Celeste, The Secret, and Hexis are prime examples of hardcore bands in recent years that have tinkered with black metal influences so effectively. Beyond that, bands can get a little so and so. France’s Deluge occupy a similar … Continue reading
In American black metal’s heavily populated scenes, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff. Scores of bands proclaiming terms like Cascadian black metal or eco black metal have in many ways rendered the terms almost meaningless. This isn’t to say that there isn’t some quality out there, whether it’s black metal … Continue reading
My bad. It never feels good to start with an apology but that really feels like it’s in order here. The Grind That Annoys has been lying dormant since May. There’s no real excuse for it other than work and real life got in the way but I’m trying to remedy that now. There was … Continue reading
First things first: The Children of the Night is not a death metal album. Let’s just get that one out of the way. If for some reason The Formulas of Death wasn’t on your radar in 2013 and your last point of reference for Tribulation is The Horror then you’re in for a rude awakening. … Continue reading
Sisters Of… emerged out of nowhere in 2013 with their EP, Follow Me As A Ghost, a record that took the top spot on this very blog’s end of year EP list, and for good reason. The duo managed to stick out in a crowd because frankly, on paper there isn’t a whole lot that … Continue reading
Steven Wilson’s work is generally held in high esteem and for good reason. The multi-faceted musician truly made his name with Porcupine Tree, a band that has been on indefinite hiatus since 2009’s The Incident, and has also peppered his reputation with projects like Blackfield and producing Opeth over the years. However his solo work … Continue reading
Finland’s reputation for black metal remains largely undisputed. A string of classic records from several bands since the early ‘90s, from Beherit to Sargeist, have ensured the country’s place in BM lore but what is perhaps most interesting is the glut of newer bands emerging from the rot at the same time, such as Devouring … Continue reading
The Grind That Annoys 