misery index

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

misery index

Here are the new (and recent) metal releases for the week of March 3rd – March 9th, 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.

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Misery IndexRituals of Power | Season of Mist | Death Metal, Grindcore | United States (Maryland)

It’s been five long years since we received The Killing Gods, the last crash-course in scathing annihilation from Baltimore deathgrind mainstays Misery Index — as such, an enormous amount of hype was generated around the group at the start of the year after the release of the first single from their forthcoming album Rituals of Power. The band’s sixth full-length sees Misery Index continuing to evolve in a more purely death metal-oriented direction, although their punk and grind roots are evident in the album’s savage, blistering blast beats and ridiculously heavy chugged breakdowns. Maintaining their impeccable track record, Misery Index has once again succeeded in a creating a polished, concise, and unforgivingly bludgeoning entry in their impressive body of work.

— Thomas Hinds

SinmaraHvísl Stjarnanna | Ván Records | Black Metal | Iceland

Rip-roaring black metal from the land of fire and ice. We’ve been long overdue for a sophomore full-length from Sinmara, and now it’s here as Hvísl Stjarnanna. Aphotic Womb (2014) was a strong debut, but now the band has discovered full maturity and, of course, full intensity. Definitely a mind-scrambler, but in the best way imaginable.

Kings DestroyFantasma Nera | Svart Records | Doom Metal | United States (New York)

Smooth, svelte stoner-grunge with threads of NWOBHM — perfect for holding your head low and your lighters high. This sort of vocal-driven, rock-based metal is nowhere near dead, and Kings Destroy demonstrate at least that much with their fourth full-length since 2010. Fantasma Nera winds, dodges, and diverts around interesting song structures, tense highs, tumultuous lows, all while sounding stylish and fresh.

Children of BodomHexed | Nuclear Blast | Melodic Death Metal | Finland

As someone who adores early Children of Bodom (as I expressed/illustrated in my anniversary piece on Hatecrew Deathroll), it’s already unlikely that I’m going to dig Hexed, which I don’t. Props to this band for finding a very resonant wavelength, but this is a far departure from the Children of Bodom who created albums like Hatebreeder, for instance. Take or leave.

Black LungAncients | Ripple Music | Rock | United States (Maryland)

Rock, rock, and rock. Close your eyes and let this one flow through you.

BergravenDet framlidna minnet | Nordvis | Black Metal | Sweden

Now here comes Bergraven’s fourth full-length since the project’s inception over a decade-and-a-half ago. This trio, featuring members of Stilla, takes a hard-edged approach to vocal attack, guitar distortion, and arrangement. Don’t expect endless swaths of blast beats; instead, thrive in thick, swampy atmospheres as layers over- and under-lap among classic riffage and belty howls.

Cloud CatcherThe Whip EP | Metal | United States (Colorado)

Denver’s stoner-psych rockers Cloud Catcher struck vintage heavy metal gold back in 2017 with their sludgy, classic rock influenced second LP Trails of Kozmic Dust, which made waves in the scene after being uploaded to YouTube by riff connoisseur 666MrDoom. Their infectiously compelling sound will make its return on the upcoming EP The Whip, which presents yet another offering of hyper-righteous grooves and soaring interstellar guitar solos tied together by a tastefully old-school aesthetic. March, however, will be a bittersweet time for the band; only two weeks before the EP’s release, Cloud Catcher abruptly announced the cancelation of their upcoming Midwest Marauders tour as well as their untimely breakup, a disappointing reality for a group with such great momentum and talent.

— Thomas Hinds

Black AnvilMiles EP | STB Records | Black Metal | United States (New York)

These hardcore-lovers gather under the Black Anvil label to unleash thrashy black metal all their own. This EP features four solid but not overwhelming tracks great for any sunny (or dreary) afternoon. The hardcore threads are apparent, though the package ultimately amounts to something a bit more cross-genre. This band is still going strong for sure.

VircolacMasque | Dark Descent Records | Blackened Death Metal | Ireland

Masque features all-consuming blackened death with substantially moderated pacing — instead of overflowing your mental capacity, Vircolac gradually chip away at your sanity with digestible riffing and an unmessy production.

AtaraxieRésignés | Deadlight Records | Black Metal, Doom | France

Five absolutely behemoth tracks make up Résignés — an album which takes its time, asks for your patience, but pays you off at the very end. The doom is strong with this one, with threads of black metal augmenting the dynamism in speed and intensity throughout.

MystifierProtogoni Mavri Magiki Dynasteia | Season of Mist Underground Activists | Blackened Death Metal | Brazil

Mystifier are back with their first album in 17 years.

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