Mouth of the Architect- The Violence Beneath (2010)

Mouth of the Architect

The Violence Beneath (2010)

Genre- Technical Progressive Sludgecore

A highly melodic and emotional EP from Ohio's, Mouth of the Architect. I originally purchased this album, fresh from the used bin, solely based on the cover art alone. Previously unaware of the band, I was pleased to find that the material inside was just as intricate, deep and enjoyable. Get ready to be lost in a few long songs that will entrance the mind and scramble your thoughts.. but, fear not, you're sure to snap out of your trip about mid way through the last track, when you begin to curiously sing along. Thinking you're drifting deeper still into your own internal insanity, you then suddenly realize... "oh shit, they've covered a god damn Peter Gabriel song". Anyway, The Violence Beneath is packed with impressive song writing and production, varied vocal styles, folk tendencies and shit tons of encasing atmosphere. Get on this one and support these guys when possible.

The Violence Beneath

Oakhelm- Echtra (2011)

Oakhelm

Echtra (2011)

Genre: Black Metal/Folk

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Portland Oregon's Oakhelm returns in a big way in the footsteps of their amazing 2007 debut 'Betwixt and Between'. This 5 song full length has everything I've been looking for in a recent black metal release, great production, layers of musicianship and beautiful melody, moments of cold harsh blasts and a deep consistent atmosphere. A great album to get lost in, although this effort probably wont beat out the new 'Arckanum' and 'Wolves In The Throne Room' for best black metal album of the year, this release comes very highly recommended from me to you.

Echtra

Galar- Skogskvad (2006)

Galar

Skogskvad (2006)

Genre: Melodic Black Metal

Galar is an epic viking metal band from Norway. Melodic black metal battle songs with layers of depth and musicianship. Definitely one of my favorites, for fans of Oakhelm and early Ulver.

Skogskvad

Ekho- Spiteful (2011)

Artist: Ekho

Album: Spiteful

Genre: Black Metal/Folk

Year: 2011

More Info: Facebook

1. Departure
2. Frail Lie
3. Waters of Abyss
4. Wrath Behind You
5. Silent Mourning
6. Among Them
7. The Spite

A great new band, really doing the black metal genre well. Support and follow these guys i can definitely see them becoming one of the elite in the style. Also, why cant more bands have a beautiful woman on the cover thats not being hacked to pieces?

CHECK IT OUT

(not my link)

Ulver- Bergtatt: Et Eeventyr i 5 Capitler (1995)

Artist: Ulver

Album: Bergtatt: Et Eeventyr i 5 Capitler

Genre: Ambient Black Metal, Folk

Year: 1995

Label: Head Not Found

More Info: Metallum

1. Capitel I : I Troldskog Faren Vild

2. Capitel II : Soelen Gaaer Bag Aase Need

3. Capitel III : Graablick Blev Hun Vaer

4. Capitel IV : Een Stemme Locker

5. Capitel V : Bergtatt - Ind I Fjeldkamrene

This is the debut album from one of true pioneers in the black metal genre. Ulver creates a sound that ive heard imitated but never duplicated. The album grips you and never lets go, you find yourself thrust into the mountains, lost, cold and punished by an assault of black metal/ folk fusion genius. The quality of the musicianship here is untouchable and the frightening vocals of the legendary Garm are unbelievable. Ulver has since changed their sound dramatically, i would kill for the chance to see this performed live. This is the best black metal album ever to be written.

Respect it.

Own it.