Release Highlights from Early 2009
2009 is already looking like another great year for metal, with several impressive albums already released and many more on the way. Here are some of the most noteworthy albums so far as well as a few to look forward to in the coming weeks:
Sólstafir - KöldA former black metal band creates genre-bending masterpiece that takes a lot of people by surprise. Sound familiar? Last year it was Alcest, this year it could be Sólstafir’s captivating blend of progressive metal, shoegaze and sludge.
Den Saakaldte - All Hail PessimismDen Saakaldte’s first full-length is already being hailed as one of the best black metal releases of 2009.
Obscura - CosmogenesisBalancing impressive technicality and creativity with straight-forward brutality, “Cosmogenesis” is a masterpiece of modern death metal.
Fen - The Malediction FieldsThe new album from this UK-based atmospheric black metal band has received much praise, as well as comparisons to Drudkh and older Agalloch.
The Axis of Perdition - UrfeAfter 4 years, this enigmatic UK black metal / ambient act returns with “Urfe,” a bizarre 2-disc assault of creepy atmospherics.
Blut Aus Nord - Memoria Vetusta II - Dialogue With The StarsFrance’s Blus Aus Nord continues to push the boundaries of black metal while staying true to their roots with their new one, a follow up to “Memoria Vetusta I: Fathers of the Icy Age” from back in 1996.
Svarte Greiner - KappeMore ghostly acoustic passages and field recordings abound on Svarte Greiner’s follow-up to 2006’s highly disturbing “Knive.”
I Shalt Become - The Pendle Witch TrialsThe new one from one-man depressive metal act I Shalt Become has just been released by No Colours. It’s a bit hard to get in the US right now, unfortunately.
Kylesa - Static TensionsBrooklyn’s Kylesa gives us one of the more interesting sludge metal releases of the year thus far.
Amesoeurs - AmesoeursThe first full length from Amesoeurs is clearly one of 2009’s most anticipated albums, and should further cement frontman Neige’s reputation as one of extreme metal’s most creative and talented musicians.
Trist - WillenskraftGermany’s Trist serve up more haunting black-ambient soundscapes on “Willenskraft,” their third full-length.
Longing For Dawn - Between Elation and Despair“Between Elation and Despair” is the third full-length album of oppressive funeral doom from Canada’s Longing for Dawn.
Nagelfar - Hünengrab Im HerbstThe reissue of Nagelfar’s amazing debut album is finally here, courtesy of Ván Records. The reissue of “Strontgorrth” will follow soon after.
Brutal Truth - Evolution Through RevolutionThe eagerly-anticipated return of grindcore legends Brutal Truth. If the new songs on the band’s MySpace page are any indication, these guys have not lost a bit of intensity over the years.
