Greetings,Decibel readers!
We’ve got lots of big names to cover this week, from space-metal royalty, to a German thrash institution, to Britain’s atmospheric standard bearers. It should all make for great listening while you hope no other cherished celebrities born in the 1940s leave us this year (Timothy Dalton must be protected at all costs!).
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Exumer – Death Mask Messiah
The German speed-thrash masters have returned with their first album since 2019’sHostile Defiance. I look forward to seeing them again at Maryland Deathfest, where just like in 2017, they’ll be on the same bill withExhumed. No grave is safe next spring!
Stream:Apple Music
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Fen – Elemental Part One: Mourning Earth
British-atmospheric-black-metal excellence. This is the band’s eight full-length album, one that showcases Fen‘s talent for creating haunting atmospheres without losing sight of the aggression and power that keeps the music exciting. Check out “Tectonic” and you’ll catch my drift right away.
Stream:Apple Music
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Mastodon – Marrow Deep
A tribute and a triumph to all that was and what still can be.Marrow Deepis a heavy album in multiple ways, the firstMastodon album without Brent Hinds, and one that examines and exorcises grief in all its forms. But even with its inspirations put aside,Marrow Deep bears a fresh and heavy quality that recalls a force and fire that Mastodon hasn’t quite summoned since the early days ofRemission andLeviathan. But it’s delivered in a way that maintains all the exploring and maturing the band has done since then — making it a truly essential addition to their legendary sonic canon. God damn, “Your Ghost Again” is so good.
Stream:Apple Music
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Street Tombs – Existence is Corruption
Thrasy, crushing death metal from New Mexico. I remember the band’s 2023 album totally ripping, andExistence is Corruption shows no sign of creative or destructive decay. Assigned listening for fans ofVader, Asphyx and Jungle Rot.
Stream:Apple Music
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Unholy Redeemer – Journey Beyond Death
You know when members ofDesecresyandNocturnal Graves join forces, you’re in for a dark and deadly good time. The word “cavernous” is perhaps a little overused, but it definitely applies to subterranean offerings like this.
Stream:Apple Music