krallice

Upcoming Metal Releases: 12/30/18 -- 1/19/19

krallice

Here are the new (and recent) metal releases for the weeks of December 30th, 2018 – January 19, 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.

Hey friends. We’re back for a new year of metal releases. For this edition of the column, we’re highlighting some recent releases to capture all the goings-on over the holidays. Also, of course, we’re taking a look at the notable releases coming this week.

Let us know what you’re looking forward to in 2019.

Recent Releases

PhlebotomizedDeformation of Humanity | Hammerheart Records | Death/Doom Metal | Netherlands

January has already brought glee for old-school death metal fans: Phlebotomized has indeed returned after more than two decades since the outfit’s last full-length. Deformation of Humanity resurrects the band’s classic death/doom blend, showcasing tempos and intensities from across the spectrum. Guitar leads (especially when they harmonize with the keyboards) take special focus as they work to define this album’s overall hook, whether they be methodical and ominous or just outright outrageously energetic. Moreover, Phlebotomized echo a “cinematic” feeling quite well, adding to the overall drama of the package, especially on the title track.

KralliceWolf EP | Black Metal | United States (New York)

Although Krallice had teased something new was coming, the drop of the new Wolf EP was indeed a surprise (they’ve done this in the past, and to be fair, it definitely keeps us on our toes and boosts our excitement). We get five new but pithy tracks (one is 15 seconds) which see the band ramping up their signature levels of technicality even further. It’s almost as if Krallice has become so almighty and complex that they’ve begun deconstructing themselves: the EP’s fourth track “Church” constantly disassembles and reassembles itself while in constant, eager motion. It’s impressive, as this band has always been, but in a jarringly fresh sort of way.

Saqra’s CultThe 9th King | Amor Fati Productions | Black Metal | Belgium

Searing, destructive black metal comprises this Belgian outfit’s sophomore full-length. Ditching any super-encapsulating atmosphere for sheer aggression, Saqra’s Cult plays hard from start to finish. And while The 9th King‘s four-track length might leave you with the desire for more, the album nonetheless feels extremely dense and well-engineered. Closing track “Last Denial” shines the brightest (or the darkest, actually), with its vocal-driven midpoint break bisecting two segments of climactic blasting and hyperdrive riffing.

SoilworkVerkligheten | Nuclear Blast | Melodic Death Metal | Sweden

I love Soilwork. In fact, I love every Soilwork album, and I think they’re one of the most reliably awesome bands in metal. And it would be unfair to say that Soilwork is a guilty pleasure even though I don’t listen to a ton of melodeath, mostly because Soilwork is clearly so much more than that as a band. They’re a certain moment’s feeling, essentially, and they’ve really nailed a resonant chord with listeners that they can repeat again and again. It has to do with the feeling of fun, I think. And this kind of fun should not be laden with guilt. As far as their 11th full-length album Verkligheten goes: well, it sounds like Soilwork, and it’s fun as hell. It’s contagiously melodic and thunderously grooving, actually, but I don’t think the band has charted any dangerously new territories here, which isn’t a bad thing at all.

Festerdaylihtallan | Season of Mist | Death Metal | Finland

If the Phlebotomized album didn’t fully satiate your desire for new old-school European death metal, then maybe Festerday can lend some morbid assistance. lihtallan feels extra well-seasoned for a debut, which is unsurprising considering the band has been in existence for quite some time, but then again still refreshing because debuts are always the most critical. From the monster riffing of “Vomiting Pestilence” to the grinding of “Edible Excrement,” it’s clear that Festerday’s blend of classic style and new edge is adaptable across the genre.

GrieflossGriefloss | Blackgaze | United States (Washington D.C.)

Thoroughly emotive (driven especially by the harrowing, into-the-night screams), this particular blackgaze blend does what it should: stir your insides, but calm your soul. Griefloss seems to float along its path instead of charging toward any particular goal; as such, there’s a sense of discovery to this album which enhances its authenticity. The penultimate track “Total Hate” is notable in that it isn’t metal at all — the juxtaposition it invites, and the direction the chose to lead into the closing drama of “For Decades,” worked out well for the album’s overall feel as a narrative versus a mere collection of songs.

Upcoming Releases

Imha TarikatKara Ihlas | Vendetta Records | Black Metal | Germany

Full-featured, lush black metal courtesy of Imha Tarikat in a debut-full length. Here, the duo shines with an especially strong vocal performance (more of a deep, barking howl than anything shrill or shrieking) that nestles well with the ample blast beats and tremolo-picked guitar leads. Not overly atmospheric, but certainly not undercooked, you can still get lost in Kara Ihlas‘s dark aura, but you’ll remain grounded by the bold strength of the band’s musical constructions.

HauntMosaic Vision EP | Metal | United States (California)

Well, do you want to rock? Of course you do, and Haunt is here with a new EP to provide the perfect sonic encouragement. Soaring old-school clean vocals, chorus riffs which remind you of cheap beer and cigarettes, tons of showy leads and solos, and heart-pumping drumming all keep things in check. This band has the delightfully pure energy it takes to maintain solid, positive vibes song after song.

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