Greetings, Decibel readers!
We’ve got two new releases from UK black metal bands this week, two of the most interesting ones in the game, I’d say. Along with them we’ve got a pair of death metal bands from the frozen north. Oh, and re-recordings of two of the most important albums in extreme metal history, releases that effortlessly blow away 99% of what’s coming out today.
You’ll see what I mean if you keep scrolling.
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Calligram – Position | Momentum
The latest salvo of thunderous black metal from the UK’s Calligram. This is the followup to 2020’s The Eye is the First Circle and shows the band honing and refining its soaring approach to the dark arts — with plenty of drama and ferocity to be found within the smoke and fog.
Stream: Apple Music
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Cavalera Conspiracy – Bestial Devastation and Morbid Visions (re-recorded)
I know, I know, MOST of the time re-recordings are terribly advised and bands really should not do it. But this is different, Max and Iggor actually did a fantastic job here, especially with Morbid Visions. The original recording was great for what it was, but the songs now truly have the guitar tone they deserve. The Bestial re-do is more for fun, luckily Max kept the reverb cranked on his vocals so it retains the raw feeling of the original.
Stream: Apple Music
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Deitus – Irreversible
Another UK-based black metal band, and another with own introspective take on the sound. The band alternates between standard atmospheric black metal and unusual, doom-laden songs like “Voyeur,” a song that recalls bands like Draconian and even some post-rock.
Stream: Apple Music
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Desekryptor – Vortex Oblivion
Oppressive, haunting, all-enveloping death metal madness. Simple as.
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Purtenance – The Rot Within Us
Speaking of death metal. Finland’s Purtenance has been busy since their return in the early 2010s, The Rot Within Us being a followup to 2020’s Buried Incarnation. The band’s music retains all the dark and menacing power of the early days, a spirit which countless new-old-school bands try (in vain) to replicate.
Stream: Apple Music