Metal Mixtape: Profound Lore Sampler 2009
In the past two years, no label has pushed metal’s envelope more than Profound Lore. Proprietor Chris Bruni has diverse yet impeccable taste, resulting in a steady stream of critically acclaimed releases. (See this interview with him here.) Notables in 2009 include Saros (review, interview), Cobalt (review), Amesoeurs (review, review), YOB (review), and Crucifist (review)....
Russian Circles - Geneva
Unlike most guitar-centric bands dispensing with vocals, Russian Circles‘ output has always felt complete. Their previous releases (Enter and Station) succeeded thanks to their songwriting capabilities. Flash and technique account for only so much; this band is onto something beyond rote tech moves. Malko Geneva (Suicide Squeeze, 2009) breaks with Russian Circles’ past. The songs...