Upcoming Metal Releases: 2/3/19 -- 2/9/19

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Here are the new (and recent) metal releases for the week of February 3, 2019 – February 9, 2019. Release reflect proposed North American scheduling, if available. Expect to see the bulk of these records on shelves or distros on Fridays unless otherwise noted.

See something we missed or have any thoughts? Let us know in the comments. Plus, as always, feel free to post your own shopping lists. Happy digging.

Send us your promos to: [email protected]. Do not send us promo material via social media.

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Downfall of Gaia — Ethic of Radical Finitude | Metal Blade | Black Metal | Germany

Downfall of Gaia have been at it for a decade, and the upcoming Ethic of Radical Finitude is their fifth full-length; no question, this band knows what it’s doing. Even though the post-metal-infused black metal arena is heavily saturated now, the German quartet seem to magically navigate their own special (and sometimes unpredictable) path. This album in particular sees Downfall of Gaia at their strongest (and longest) game with respect to songwriting: these six tracks are densely saturated, moody, and melody-laden and, most importantly, always take their due time with no rush. The album’s highs remain spectacular without excessive hyperbole, and the lows too offer ambiance without overt silence.

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Maestus — Deliquesce | code666 | Blackened Death/Doom | United States (Oregon)

Deliquesce is the sleeper do-it-all album of the year so far: homeric, gorgeous, and exceedingly dark, its four behemoth tracks churn and undulate effortlessly through thick swaths of blackened doom and death metal. As Maestus’s sophomore full-length, this band steered abundantly clear from the so-called “slump” that comes with debut follow-ups. Here, things feel so much more massive and sheer; Deliquesce hits the ground with an earthquaking thud as an emotional and atmospheric lead ballast. We’ll be back later this week with an early full stream.

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Critical Defiance — Misconception | Unspeakable Axe | Thrash Metal | Chile

I don’t thrash often, but when I do, it’s albums like this Chilean outfit’s debut full-length Misconception which inspire me to dig even further into the subgenre. Chock full of all the requisite hyperspeed riffing, drum blasting, and guitar soloing imaginable, Critical Defiance gain extra bite on their crusty/punky edge, also lending itself to just enough flair and style to keep their attitude rawly fun. Misconception is definitely old-school by influence but new-school by execution, a tough balance sometimes, but ultimately a rewarding one considering the band’s sheer grit and rock-solid chops.

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Seer — Vol. 6 | Artoffact | Doom, Sludge | Canada

Seer’s first five “volumes” definitely served themselves well but perhaps didn’t tell this band’s whole story at once. That changes with Vol. 6, the outfit’s most cohesive yet still wide-ranging work to date, which takes this quintuplet across header/loftier landscapes and through even darker, deeper chasms. This style of doom, with its bombastic guitar leads/solos, throwback riffing, and long-narrative format, bleeds true through Seer’s inner eye: Vol. 6 could be called dreamlike (if you’re in that sort of mood, of course). Check back later this week for a full stream premiere of this very worthy existential trip.

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Yerûśelem — The Sublime | Experimental, Dark | France

Electronics and keyboard/synth mastermind W.D. Feld and vocalist/guitarist Vindsval of Blut aus Nord take a side-road from black metal toward, well, dark(er) music. Experimental and obtuse, though also saturated with groove, these nine songs meander through and around what’s possible in the “metal vein” without distortion, harsh vocals, etc. Yerûśelem’s nightmarish aura is bleak and horrific, but oddly soothing: some of these songs feel especially like lucid, paralyzing fever-dreams. The prominent beats induce a trance-like state while angular melodies sink you deep into an esoteric and sometimes downright frightening world.

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Kicker – Pure Drivel | Tankcrimes | Punk | US/UK