As we head into May, let's take a listen back at the shower of solid soundscapes April allotted us. Below are my favorites from this past month. Enjoy!
Honorable Mention: "Hugsjá" - Ivar Bjørnson & Einar Selvik
In 2016, the duo of Ivar Bjørnson (Enslaved) & Einar Selvik (Wardruna) released, "Skuggsjá"; an incredible compilation of folk and extreme metal. Their followup "Hugsjá" is a stripped down album where choral and acoustic elements take center-stage. The album maintains the adventurous, story-driven lyrics and the instrumentation provides gallant background to the seafaring themes. If you happen to have a galleon, then this is your soundtrack.
Honorable Mention: "Tid" - Fedrespor
Fans of Heilung, Forndom, or other Scandanavian groups going for organic folk need to listen to this immediately.
5. "The Sciences" - Sleep
Sleep released this LP out of nowhere on the gospel 4/20. It's been roughly 20 years since, "Dopesmoker", graced grassy knolls and these guys still know how to impress with a piece of sci-fi stoner perfection. Below is one aptly titled track from the album.
4. "East of Sun" - Gatekeeper
Epic power metal performed exquisitely.
3. "Stars Swept into the Sea" - Unreqvited
A gorgeous synthesis of atmospheric black metal with symphonic and folk-infused undertones.
2. "Melted on the Inch" - Boss Keloid
Grizzled vocals and heavy chords converge with progressive components.
1. "The Scars of Man on the Once Nameless Wilderness Pt. 1 and Pt. 2" - Panopticon
Panopticon (Austin Lunn) has released a breathtaking double LP that goes above and beyond anything I've personally heard a solo artist release before. Part one is filled with aggressive, atmospheric black metal injected with Lunn's brand of Americana, while part two contains primarily country-folk flourishes. Take two hours and either go for a hike or drive through the countryside and let this album become you.
- The Catalyst
