tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89524393839694345622024-02-06T19:22:34.842-08:00The Catalyst ReviewUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952439383969434562.post-29039376390117573982018-11-01T21:56:00.000-07:002018-11-01T22:02:16.002-07:00Site Temporarily on HoldHey folks,<br />
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This site is on hold until I can get a better handle on what I want my content stream to be and where I want it located. It's kinda hard to have a blog in the Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter era, so I might end up joining up with some other online reviewers if that's in the cards. I'll post and update here when I know more.<br />
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Keep following me on Instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thecatalystreview/" target="_blank">@thecatalystreview</a> where I'll continue to post new releases I get a hold of. I'm going to go through my vinyl, CD, and film collection soon so a ton of stuff will be posted over the coming months!<br />
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I am also going to start focusing on my BandCamp page more and start reviewing albums I check out there. Follow me here: <a href="https://bandcamp.com/kkeefner" target="_blank">The Catalyst</a>.<br />
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My Discogs collection is located here: <a href="https://www.discogs.com/user/TheCatalyst/collection" target="_blank">TheCatalyst</a><br />
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If anyone has any recommendations feel free to email me at <a href="mailto:thecatalystreview@gmail.com" target="_blank">thecatalystreview@gmail.com</a><br />
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Until we begin again,<br />
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- The CatalystUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952439383969434562.post-15042270414130360792018-06-22T20:50:00.002-07:002018-06-22T21:07:35.398-07:00Film Review: The Incredibles 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 1em; text-align: left;">
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<p>Directed by: Brad Bird<br/>Starring: Holly Hunter, Craig T. Nelson, Sarah Vowell, Huck Milner, Elie Fucile, Bob Odenkirk, Catherine Keener, Samuel L. Jackson, Jonathan Banks, Sophia Bush, Michael Bird<br/>Rating: P/G<br/>Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure, Super-hero, Family<br/>Runtime: 1 hr. 58 min.</p>
<p>Pixar is a powerhouse animation studio known for unleashing original, highly intelligent, and heartwarming films. However, while they still release solid original films like <i>Inside Out</i> and <i>Coco</i> the team has found it fit to drop unnecessary sequels in between; <i>Toy Story 2 and 3</i> notwithstanding. <i>Monsters University</i>, <i>Finding Dory</i>, and -most notably- the <i>Cars</i> sequels have all run aground featuring razor thin plots bent on selling merchandise instead of instilling passion and heart in the viewer. Brad Bird's (Ratatouille, The Iron Giant) <i>The Incredibles 2</i> is yet another Luxo Ball dropped.</p>
<p>As with my <i>Finding Dory</i> <a href="https://catalystreview.blogspot.com/2016/08/film-review-finding-dory.html">review</a>, I tend to rate new Pixar films based on previous Pixar films; or at least the "Golden Age" of Pixar. Therefore, I tend to be harder on Pixar films as they have a high bar to reach. With that out of the way let's delve into the review.</p>
<p>The film starts off pretty much exactly where the original left off, sort of; opening with Violet's love interest from the first film, Tony Rydinger (Michael Bird), being interrogated by agent Rick Dicker (Jonathan Banks) after witnessing the Parr family in super (this universe's name for superheroes) costume without their masks. The intro is quick, and the sudden appearance of the title screen hits at an awkward moment before leading into the action. Following this we get a look at the family as they go off to fight the Underminer from the first film. Violet (Sarah Vowell) and Dash (Huck Milner) are forced to look after Jack-Jack (Eli Fucile), while Bob (Craig T. Nelson) and Helen (Holly Hunter) go into the fray. This of course causes tension as the kids want to fight alongside their parents, so they continue to hand off Jack-Jack back and forth. It's played for a gag, but the theme of "growing up and taking responsibility" will continue be brought up throughout the film, and -without spoiling- while it does have a conclusion, like so much of the rest of the film's themes, it doesn't feel earned.</p>
<p>Following the destructive fight, supers continue to be shown by the media as the illegal purveyors of chaos -see the first film- but hope arises in the form of Evelyn and Winston Deavor (Catherine Keener and Bob Odenkirk) who endeavor to bring supers back to the public eye in positive fashion by televising their heroism. Helen is chosen as the television star due to her "less-destructive" heroism, which forces Bob to take up the daily duties of father to the kids. It's quick, lazy plotting. This family hasn't been together all that much since the first film (it's only been a few days at most), and having Helen leave Bob alone along with her judgment in his incapability as a good father just doesn't mesh well. Either way, Helen eventually happens upon a supervillain named Screenslaver who uses video monitors to hypnotize the denizens of the city and the central plot is set in motion.</p>
<p>As you might guess so far, there are in fact a plethora of plots that are brought up in this film, but their conclusions are quick and easy. Bob has issues raising the kids, but gets over it after some minor character development. Violet has issues with her love interest that seem to just as easily get resolved. Dash has no plot. The main character of the film is Helen, but her mission is so mundane and easily deciphered for even the least attentive viewer that any revelations she comes across have already been considered. The viewer is dragged -or in case of the finale- shipped to the ending before we have had a moment to come to grips with everything that is occurring.</p>
<p>Generally, the film feels rushed and unfinished with too much going on and not enough actual character development nor those Pixar-approved emotional moments. As noted we have plenty of references to the first film, but that released almost 15 years ago. The decision to start the film right after the events of the original is actually a fine idea, but the execution is hamfisted with barely any time for the viewers to see The Incredible Parrs as a family before the next plot takes hold. I am even leaving out entire plot threads with a half dozen new throwaway heroes who work with Helen -only Voyd (Sophia Bush) has any real screentime or personality- and a lengthy subplot involving Jack-Jack, which was handled better in a short from the first film's DVD release. If you were hoping to see the family grow together like the first film you will be disappointed. The plots are too disconnected to come together for the extended third act, and the whole endeavor works against itself to squeeze out a possible future third entry.</p>
<p><i><b>VERDICT</b></i><br/>
<i>The Incredibles 2</i> feels like a film that could have released two years after the original as a quick cash-in, and while it might make you laugh or smile, there is little heart to be had in this family film. 3/5<br/><br/><b>- The Catalyst</b></p><br/>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952439383969434562.post-62985622398427604882018-06-17T08:57:00.002-07:002018-06-22T21:00:59.838-07:00Film Review: Set It Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 1em; text-align: left;">
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<p>Directed by: Claire Scanlon<br/>Starring: Zoey Deutch, Glen Powell, Lucy Liu, Taye Diggs, Pete Davidson, Joan Smalls, Meredith Hagner, Tituss Burgess<br/>Rating: N/A<br/>Genre: Romantic Comedy<br/>Runtime: 1 hr. 45 min.</p>
<p>Netflix has been cranking out films left and right. With over 80 set to release this year alone (and almost 30 out so far), it's possible that the quality across the board will take a hit. <i>Set It Up</i> is no exception.</p>
<p>The plot centers around Harper (Zoey Deutch) and Charlie (Glen Powell), New York assistants tired of living lives in their boss' revolving door. Together they hatch a plan to couple their employers (played by Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs), so they can finally attend to personal matters. Charlie wants time to date his vapid girlfriend, Suze (Joan Smalls), while Harper hopes to finally finish the article that will bring her into the big leagues. As with most romantic comedies the result is heavy-handed and ridden with clichés.</p>
<p>The first hour though, has some legitimately funny banter and situational comedy. Charlie's roommate Duncan (Pete Davidson) offers some great deadpan retorts, and an incident in an elevator leads to fairly funny interplay from Creepy Tim (Tituss Burgess). Lucy Liu and Taye Diggs are probably the stars people are here for and they do a great job with solid comedic timing and general acting chops. The leads, however, falter.</p>
<p>Glen Powell's Charlie is a try-hard Brad Pitt-type, while Zoey Deutch does her best to channel Ellen Page in each ditzy moment. For the first hour this dichotomy works, but once the film decides to follow the clichéd emotional downturn they just don't have what it takes to make it believable.</p>
<p>In fact the latter half of the film understands it's leading into cliché territory, so it continues to try to rattle it with more awkward comedy, and hurried plot points. A fight in a jewelery store is eyerolling, and -as you might have guessed- there's definitely a scene where someone preaches a confession to someone standing on a balcony above them. Instead of letting the ending breathe the audience is leapt quickly through forced plot points so we can arrive at the predictable conclusion.</p>
<p><i><b>VERDICT</b></i><br/>
<i>Set It Up</i> is a serviceable romantic comedy. Bingeable material, but offers little to make it worth seeking out. Don't waste a date night on this one. 2/5<br/><br/><b>- The Catalyst</b></p><br/>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952439383969434562.post-13995017798770192752018-06-01T12:29:00.000-07:002018-06-01T13:02:40.789-07:00Best of May 2018<br/>
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June is on the horizon, but let's take a look back at the albums memorialized in May. These are my favorites from last month. Enjoy!
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<h2> Honorable Mentions: </h2>
<p>"I Have Fought Against It, But I Can’t Any Longer" - The Body</p>
<p>"Look, Here Comes the Dark!" - Abraham </p>
<p>"The Monuments of Ash & Bone" - Wolvhammer </p>
<p>"IV" - Grayceon </p>
<p>"Light Will Consume Us All" - Chrch</p>
<p>"Amr" - Ihsahn</p>
<p>"The Colony Slain" - Age of Taurus</p>
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<h2>5. "World’s Blood" - Wayfarer </h2>
<br />I've been a fan of Wayfarer since their atmospheric 2014 debut "Children of the Iron Age". Their previous effort "Old Souls" was exceptional, and "World's Blood" continues the group's trend upwards. It's infinitely listenable with lucid shoegaze tempered with crushing riffage and battle-cry beats. Album outro "A Nation of Immigrants" deserves mention as it's one of the more emotional tracks I've heard so far this year. The album might admittedly be overly melancholy for some listener's but it hits home whenever I press play. They're a group I look forward to hearing from each and every time, and hopefully this album garner's the following they rightly deserve.
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<center><iframe style="border: 0; width: 400px; height: 307px;" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2500747590/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e99708/artwork=small/transparent=true/" seamless><a href="http://wayfarercolorado.bandcamp.com/album/worlds-blood-2">World's Blood by WAYFARER</a></iframe></center>
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<h2>4. "You Bastard!" - Professor Black</h2>
<br />Chris Black is inarguably the hardest working person in modern hard rock/heavy metal. Most widely known for his solo project High Spirits and the recently disbanded Dawnbringer, Black has also featured in a plethora of other acts including Aktor, MetalUSAfer, and Superchrist. "You Bastard!" is Chris' first outing under his long-assumed Professor Black moniker, and it's a straight up six song headbanger. The album stays true to the elements spearheaded in his previous works, most notably High Spirits, and while it doesn't change up the formula too much, Chris continues to prove that honest lyrics and solid instrumentals is all it takes to make a hard hitting song. Black's vocals also aren't revolutionary, but there's emotion and intensity behind each word. Overall, "You Bastard!" isn't going to shake up the foundations of rock and heavy metal, but instead it sticks to those foundations and offers the escapism lost in much of today's popular rock scene. As I said at the start, Chris is undoubtedly the hardest working individual in the genre today, and he deserves all the recognition he can get. So show it to everyone you know and play it loud for all to hear.
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<center><iframe style="border: 0; width: 400px; height: 340px;" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1406355843/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=e32c14/artwork=small/transparent=true/" seamless><a href="http://heavymetalismyway.bandcamp.com/album/you-bastard">You Bastard! by Professor Black</a></iframe></center>
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<h2>3. "Witch Mountain" - Witch Mountain</h2>
<br />Witch Mountain have had an interesting few years. After the departure of vocalist Uta Plotkin after 2014's "Mobile of Angels", it seemed the band was over. Thankfully, rather than shelve the band, guitarist Rob Wrong and drummer Nathan Carson took it as a welcome opportunity to find their next voice. Then they found Kayla Dixon. Kayla almost instantly clicked with the band's style, and her crooning is indelible. The band reborn decided to name their first outing together "Witch Mountain". It continues the group's signature blend of bluesy doom featuring Rob's heatseeking guitarwork with the addition of more violent vocalwork from Dixon; whose growls infect "Burn You Down". The album could have used another song or two since it consists of five tracks, including a cover of Spirit's "Mechanical World" and the short escapist track "Hellfire", but it's enough to show that Witch Mountain are back, and better than ever.
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<center><iframe style="border: 0; width: 400px; height: 307px;" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2590640481/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=0f91ff/artwork=small/transparent=true/" seamless><a href="http://witchmountain.bandcamp.com/album/witch-mountain">Witch Mountain by Witch Mountain</a></iframe></center>
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<h2>2. "Queen of Time" - Amorphis </h2>
<br /> Amorphis has been producing top notch melodic death metal since their inception in 1990. Over their nearly 30 year career the quality only dipped a bit with 2003's "Far From the Sun". Since then and the induction of Tomi Joutsen, the group has been hitting higher and higher notes. 2015 saw the release of "Under the Red Sun", which saw it's name slapped across plenty of best of the year lists, and was arguably the band's best album to date. Not only has "Queen of Time" matched the expectations set by this previous album, but completely blown them away. It's a triumph of an album featuring intricate musicianship, composition, and a perfect, simply perfect, vocal performance by Joutsen. Amorphis continue to outdo themselves, and one wonders what their 30th year will bring.
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<h2>1. "Geometria" - Thy Catafalque</h2>
<br />Tamas Katai is Thy Catafalque. On the new album "Geometria", Katai integrates a substantial variety of genres. It's actually nearly impossible to name them all with elements of folk/jazz/electronica/pop/crust/classical, and sprinkled within is always the black metal foundations. The opening track "Hajnali csillag" intros with a psychedelic and ambient soundscape, and slowly transitions to folk-infused metal. This track is followed by the scorcher "Szamojéd freskó" demanding the listener respect the ebb and flow of Thy Catafalque's style. "Tenger, tenger" is the standout track for me with Misha Doumnov's excruciatingly emotional violin work. It's a fantastic track, which might be a little straightforward given the rest of the proceedings, but there's still a lot of texture in the instrumentation and vocal work, and I find myself returning to it again and again.
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<center><iframe style="border: 0; width: 400px; height: 472px;" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3014407125/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=4ec5ec/artwork=small/transparent=true/" seamless><a href="http://thycatafalqueuk.bandcamp.com/album/geometria">Geometria by Thy Catafalque</a></iframe></center>
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<br /><b>- The Catalyst</b><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952439383969434562.post-43510502844031903462018-05-04T09:21:00.000-07:002018-05-04T18:30:10.573-07:00Best of April 2018<br/>
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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!
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<h2>Honorable Mention: "Hugsjá" - Ivar Bjørnson & Einar Selvik</h2>
<br />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.
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<center><iframe style="border: 0; width: 400px; height: 472px;" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2936416123/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=4ec5ec/artwork=small/transparent=true/" seamless><a href="http://ivarbjrnsoneinarselvik.bandcamp.com/album/hugsj">Hugsjá by Ivar Bjørnson & Einar Selvik</a></iframe></center>
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<h2>Honorable Mention: "Tid" - Fedrespor</h2>
<br />Fans of Heilung, Forndom, or other Scandanavian groups going for organic folk need to listen to this immediately.
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<center><iframe style="border: 0; width: 400px; height: 439px;" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1294581330/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=ffffff/artwork=small/transparent=true/" seamless><a href="http://fedrespor.bandcamp.com/album/tid-2">Tid by Fedrespor</a></iframe></center>
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<h2>5. "The Sciences" - Sleep </h2>
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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.
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<h2>4. "East of Sun" - Gatekeeper </h2>
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Epic power metal performed exquisitely.
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<center><iframe style="border: 0; width: 400px; height: 406px;" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2809152139/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=4ec5ec/artwork=small/transparent=true/" seamless><a href="http://gatekeeper.bandcamp.com/album/east-of-sun">East of Sun by Gatekeeper</a></iframe></center>
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<h2>3. "Stars Swept into the Sea" - Unreqvited</h2>
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A gorgeous synthesis of atmospheric black metal with symphonic and folk-infused undertones.
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<center><iframe style="border: 0; width: 400px; height: 406px;" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2256160548/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=0f91ff/artwork=small/transparent=true/" seamless><a href="http://avantgardemusic.bandcamp.com/album/stars-wept-to-the-sea">Stars Wept to the Sea by Unreqvited</a></iframe></center>
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<h2>2. "Melted on the Inch" - Boss Keloid</h2>
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Grizzled vocals and heavy chords converge with progressive components.
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<center><iframe style="border: 0; width: 400px; height: 340px;" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=699752562/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=2ebd35/artwork=small/transparent=true/" seamless><a href="http://bosskeloid.bandcamp.com/album/melted-on-the-inch">Melted On The Inch by Boss Keloid</a></iframe></center>
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<h2>1. "The Scars of Man on the Once Nameless Wilderness Pt. 1 and Pt. 2" - Panopticon</h2>
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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.
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<center><iframe style="border: 0; width: 400px; height: 472px;" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=331327733/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=ffffff/artwork=small/transparent=true/" seamless><a href="http://nordvis.bandcamp.com/album/the-scars-of-man-on-the-once-nameless-wilderness-pt-i-2">The Scars of Man on the Once Nameless Wilderness Pt. I & 2 by Panopticon</a></iframe></center>
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<br /><b>- The Catalyst</b><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952439383969434562.post-18752360434361775452017-09-01T12:59:00.004-07:002017-09-01T14:06:58.900-07:00Weekend Playlist: September 1st, 2017<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 1em; text-align: left;">
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This week we have the stateside release of a magnetic female japanese power metal effort, the next album in Gothic metal band Paradise Lost's catalog, the new Anubis Gate, a desert trip with Red Mountains, a symphonic death metal epic by Septicflesh, and an ambient pop outing by White Moth Black Butterfly. Before we start though, I try to find posts by the band or label on Youtube, the Official Bandcamp page, or some other venue, but Mary's Blood is hard group to nail down as their YouTube currently only showcases tracks that are 3+ years old. Instead of posting nothing, I wanted to post a Deezer playlist, but that comes with its own issues. Hit the "expand" button in the top right corner to play and view the album. Deezer is a great service... when it works. They use old protocols for just about everything web-based so it's hard to get it to work. I am looking into getting a Spotify account instead to make this a bit easier. Of course, if you have an account on a streaming service I highly recommend checking these tracks out in full. Enjoy!<br />
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The Playlist</h1>
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"Fate" - Mary's Blood</h2>
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Mary's Blood released "Fate" back in October 2016 in Japan, but it took until this past week for the album to be officially released to the rest of the world. For those unfamiliar with Mary's Blood they are an all-female japanese power metal band -made up of several ex-Destrose members- with incredible talent, particularly Saki, whose guitarwork is up there with the leading talent in the genre; seriously, Gus G, Marty Friedman, and Kai Hansen might need to take down some pointers here. The band absolutely kills it, and deserves far more spotlight from genre aficionados and fans of heavy metal music as a whole. <br />
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"Medusa" - Paradise Lost</h2>
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Over the years, Paradise Lost, has had plenty of variations on their gothic metal brand from more hardcore outings to more pop-gothic signatures. On "Medusa", the follow-up to 2015's incredible, "The Plague Within", the group nestles itself right in the middle of it's diverse catalog. "Medusa", could be seen as a "greatest hits" of sorts as songs vary from the high tempo "Blood and Chaos" to the slower ballad-esque "The Longest Winter". It's another solid outing from a band that continues to experiment without alienating.<br />
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<h2>
"Covered in Black" - Anubis Gate</h2>
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Anubix Gate is dead. Or alive. Er... kinda both. The band has been through so much trauma over the years from record contracts to health issues that no original member exists. Still, the group's overall sound hasn't suffered. Sure, "Covered in Black" could be considered a bit of a retread for the band, albeit with some heavier doses than usual, but it never once gets dull. The band may expand their horizons (pun intended, look up the band's discography) with future albums, but for now the group is sitting just fine sticking with what they know best and playing the hell out of it.<br />
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<h2>
"Slow Wander" - Red Mountains</h2>
Red Mountains open "Slow Wander" with a slow torrential riff that pours over the listener like the setting sun in a hazy desert. The album breathes both psychedelic moments and romping desert/stoner rock, with vocalist/guitarist Magnus Riise, guitarist/vocalist Jostein Wigenstad, bassist Sverre Dalen and drummer Simen Mathiassen striding meaningfully towards the top of the peak. This is a triumph of a sophomore album. For now I only have a link to the debut single "Rat King", but will update with the full album once they post it so keep an ear on this space.
Edit: Full album is up!
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<h2>
"Codex Omega" - Septicflesh</h2>
On their tenth album, "Codex Omega", Septicflesh offer another solid symphonic death metal outing. Besides the addition of a new drummer, Kerim "Krimh" Lechner, the outfit remains the same, along with their signature use of a real orchestra and chorus to back up the pulverizing death metal. This is a major step up from "Titan", and worth a look for fans of death and symphonic metal genres.<br />
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<h2>
"Atone" - White Moth Black Butterfly</h2>
Founded by Daniel Tompkins (TesseracT) and Keshav Dhar after forming Skyharbor, White Moth Black Butterfly follows a different musical course from those two aforementioned groups. A passionate progressive pop outing, "Atone" continues where "One Thousand Wings" left off but with a bit more flair; branching out from the ambience that defined the first album. Acoustic guitar drives "The Serpent", and "Tempest", while more in line with "One Thousand Wings", glides with a pounding drumbeat. The whole album builds on the original sound with rich textures and addicting lyricism. If you need a bit of a break from the earlier albums in this post, or need something to relax to, White Moth Black Butterfly has you covered with their gorgeous, ethereal sophomore effort.<br />
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Hope you found something to listen to and have a great weekend!<br />
<b>- The Catalyst</b><br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952439383969434562.post-12981986075872550232017-08-26T16:10:00.000-07:002017-09-01T13:00:08.088-07:00Weekend Playlist: August 25th, 2017
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<p>This week we have a new summer soundtrack by Queens of the Stone Age, a crushing return from The Haunted, a magnificent farewell from Pagan Altar, a folktronica album by relative newcomer Gordi, a journey into space with Howling Giant and another with Ruby the Hatchet, and plenty of others. This is a big weekend so let's get to it!</p>
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<h1>The Playlist</h1>
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<h2>"Villains" - Queens of the Stone Age</h2>
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<p>When the singles for "Villains" released I was skeptical as the mastering seemed to hide the guitars low in the mix. Luckily, that seems to be a fluke, and streaming it upon release Homme's and Leeuwen's licks are as prevalent as ever. Homme's vocals at times feel almost Bowie-like as some tracks filter through space rock stylings; synth is utilized more than on previous QOTSA outings. The tracks are the perfect mix of fuzzy and frenetic, and despite coming the last week of August the album might easily be considered the soundtrack of the summer. Play it now, play it loud, repeat. See below for the complete playlist on Youtube posted by the band.</p>
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<h2>"Strength in Numbers" - The Haunted</h2>
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<p>The Haunted has always been on the precipice of greatness. 2004's "Revolver" was the closest they got when Peter Dolving took over vocals from Marco Aro who then returned to the group with a brand new lineup in 2012. "Strength in Numbers" shows the new band coming together nicely after a couple of releases with crushing riffs and solid song structure. Fans of melo-death/groove should plug this one in asap. Check out the music video for "Preachers of Death" below posted by label Century Media Records.</p>
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<h2>"The Room of Shadows" - Pagan Altar</h2>
<p>Pagan Altar have had a fairly obtuse career starting things off with a demo in 1982, then laying dormant for nearly 20 years to return with a decade string of some of the best NWOBHM/Classic Doom albums ever released (1998-2006). In 2014, the group was to release another masterpiece, but things were put on hold when singer Terry Jones was diagnosed with cancer. He eventually succumbed in 2015, and the album seemed lost forever. Thankfully, the band didn't want to see Jones' legacy end on such a note so they pieced together the vocals he had recorded for the 2014 album, and re-recorded the accompanying music. From this process, "The Room of Shadows" was built, and it is as glorious an album as one could expect. While there are times the limitations of such an effort show up with some repeated lyrics, the music is so well composed and performed that it feels like a minor footnote. Alan Jones (Terry's son) fires on all frets, while Diccon Harper (bass) and Andy Green (drums) keep the momentum moving. It's a stellar release that not only shows the talent of those involved, but acts as the perfect swansong for Terry and Pagan Altar as a whole. </p><br/>
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<h2>"Reservoir" - Gordi</h2>
<p>On her debut EP, "Clever Disguise", Gordi melded electronica and folk, and with her first LP shows how powerful and mesmerizing lyrics can mean more than the music behind it. This isn't to say that Gordi's approach isn't also musically inclined with inventive takes on percussion in "Heaven I Know" backed by powerful piano chords. The album's a very personal journey from an artist who's just beginning a strong career.</p><br/>
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<h2>"Black Hole Space Wizard: Pt. 2" - Howling Giant</h2>
<p>Begin Transmission: Howling Giant are simply massive as they travel the galaxy creating rich textures with their instrumentation and combating the evil forces bent on destroying time, space, and fun. Join them on their quest to bring the breakdowns of the Druids to those less fortunate, and spread knowledge across the 'verse of this extremely brave and talented band: End Transmission.</p><br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><center><iframe style="border: 0; width: 400px; height: 340px;" src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=221334160/size=large/bgcol=333333/linkcol=0f91ff/artwork=small/transparent=true/" seamless><a href="http://howlinggiant.bandcamp.com/album/black-hole-space-wizard-part-2">Black Hole Space Wizard: Part 2 by Howling Giant</a></iframe></center></div>
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<h2>"Planetary Space Child" - Ruby the Hatchet</h2>
<p>Ruby the Hatchet continues to push the boundaries of psych rock, and "Planetary Space Child" is chock full of spacy riffs, psychedelic grooves, and plenty of satisfying synth. Not to mention Jillian Taylor's epic croons which blend splendidly with the music and continue to be a highlight.</p><br/>
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<h2>"Amain" - Crimfall</h2>
<p>A sweeping folk metal epic with very good production values and impeccable storytelling. Be warned there are death growls, but the band melds choral and female vocals alongside it so don't let it steer you away.</p><br/>
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<h2>"Finisterre" - Der Weg einer Freiheit</h2>
<p>"Finisterre" is an album full of atmospheric black metal that hits hard; if that makes any sense. Der Weg einer Freiheit knows when to slow things down, when to add in a few driving riffs, and when to let all hell break lose.</p><br/>
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<h2>"Ett Fjärran Kall" - Fornhem</h2>
<p>Fornhem executes a more traditional take on black metal intertwining folk elements similar to groups like Bathory. The dichotomy produces an album that's both cold and warming. If you're a fan of classic black metal stylings give this one a listen.</p><br/>
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<h2>"Burn the World" - Portrait</h2>
<p>In case you didn't have enough NWOBHM with Pagan Altar's release here's a more straight up heavy metal album in the vein of Judas Priest. Portait shred, and sometimes that's all it takes.</p><br/>
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<p>Hope you found something to listen to and have a great weekend!</p>
<p><b>- The Catalyst</b></p><br/>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952439383969434562.post-86201902649240149042017-08-18T13:09:00.001-07:002017-08-18T13:43:13.652-07:00Weekend Playlist: August 18th, 2017
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<p>Last week I was out of town and unable to put together a post. To make up for that we luckily have a very solid week of releases. Before I post those, however, I definitely recommend you check out Pyrrhon's "What Passes for Survival", Incantation's "Profane Nexus", and Dawn of Disease's "Ascension Gate". Yeah, last week was great for death metal. In case you missed it, Poison Blood's S/T debut EP is also worth a look. Now without further ado here's the breakdown of this week's picks.</p>
<p>We have a Canadian prog-death outfit's first full-length, Cloakroom's latest, another phenomenal release by Ripple Music, a Mastodonian love affair, a grunge-era callback, Steve Wilson's next brush, and Necrolytic Goat Converter's self-released debut LP, which is as good as the band name preclude's. Enjoy!</p>
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<h1>The Playlist</h1>
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<h2>"Paleblood Sky" - Becomes Astral</h2>
<p>Becomes Astral's debut full-length formulates fiery fretwork and magnificent mélange to produce a phenomenal outing for death connoisseurs and the casual observer alike. Also, for fans of Dark Souls the final track has a special treat in store for you.</p><br/>
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<h2>"Time Well" - Cloakroom</h2>
<p>Cloakroom's latest album is a posty doom-laden shoegaze adventure interweaving floaty riffs with fuzzy drops. Recommended for folks looking to throw something on in the background that isn't too distracting but packs a wallop when your focus turns to it.</p><br/>
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<h2>"Servants of the Salem Girls" - The Necromancers</h2>
<p>Ripple Music continues to be a top choice for fans of the stoner and doom genres, and the latest from The Necromancers holds to that standard. The group harkens back to the classic doom of yore combining Luciferian lyrics with gutteral vocals. It's a head-boppin' good time.</p><br/>
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<h2>"Lupus Metallorum" - Old Iron</h2>
<p>Mixed and recorded by Matt Bayles (Mastodon, The Sword, ISIS), Old Iron's sophomore effort proves the group has the gusto to run the Seattle heavy music scene. The first half of the album hits hard with a sludgy mixture of heavy riffage, while the second half slows down and pours out doomy refrains.</p><br/>
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<h2>"We Won't Get Out Of Here Alive" - Transit Method</h2>
<p>Transit Method harkens back to 90's grunge with a heavy metal tint. It's fast, frantic, and most definitely fun.</p><br/>
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<h2>"To The Bone" - Steven Wilson</h2>
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<p>Steven Wilson's work is hard to come by for free even on the internet and it's very hard to determine if something posted by a third party will be taken down. For now here's an informative interview with Wilson done by The Telegraph UK. The album in full can be found on nearly all streaming sites including Deezer, Apple Music, Spotify, etc as well as via physical distribution at all major outlets. Watch the interview <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/what-to-listen-to/steven-wilson-bone-album-track-track-interview/">here</a>.</p>
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<h2>"Isolated Evolution" - Necrolytic Goat Converter</h2>
<p>Sometimes a band's name is enough to do a double-take. Thankfully, Necrolytic Goat Converter and their creator Chris Voss have the talent to back up the title with depressive lyrics filtered through impressive instrumentation.</p><br/>
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<p>Hope you found something to listen to and have a great weekend!</p>
<p><b>- The Catalyst</b></p><br/>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952439383969434562.post-48445212648436594052017-08-04T07:07:00.000-07:002017-08-21T18:12:25.693-07:00Weekend Playlist: August 4th, 2017
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<p>I've been doing these posts on my Facebook lately, and thought I'd formalize them by adding them to the blog. This weekend's playlist showcases a young symphonic metal group out of Boston, a progressive project featuring Dave Lombardo and Mike Patton, and a glorious gypsy punk effort.</p>
<h2>Primary Playlist</h2>
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<p>"Solveig" by Seven Spires</p>
<p>Formed in Boston, these Berklee alumni have unleashed symphonic pleasure. Adrienne Cowan's vocals soar and crush while Jack Costo's sensational guitarwork is destined for legend. Sadly not on Bandcamp but here's a couple of videos to showcase their range. Order the album on the band's official site <a href="https://www.sevenspiresband.com" target="_blank">here</a></p>
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<h2>Runner-Ups</h2>
<p>Dead Cross features the legendary talents of drummer Dave Lombardo (Slayer) and vocalist Mike Patton (Faith No More) as they go on a whirlwind trip of chaos with each song delving deeper and deeper into the depths of pure insanity.</p>
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<p>Eclectic ska/gypsy punk group, Russkaja was founded by Stalhammer singer Georgij Makazaria, and their new album provides the perfect escapism needed for fun weekend.</p>
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<p><b>- The Catalyst</b></p><br/>
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</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952439383969434562.post-50451851363378684982017-07-01T15:48:00.001-07:002017-07-01T20:49:37.618-07:00Film Review: Okja<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 1em; text-align: left;">
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<p>Directed by: Joon-ho Bong<br/>Starring: Seo-Hyun Ahn, Tilda Swinton, Jake Gyllenhaal, Paul Dano, Giancarlo Esposito, Shirley Henderson, Steven Yeun, Daniel Henshall, Lily Collins, Devon Bostick, Je-mun Yun, Woo-sik Choi, Hee-Bong Byun<br/>Rating: TV-MA<br/>Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama<br/>Runtime: 1 hr. 58 min.</p>
<p>Joon-ho Bong is known to many in the west as the writer/director of the well-received, "Snowpiercer"; a look at class structure and overpopulation through the use of a post-apocalyptic train society. Others may also know his work on "The Host (Gwoemul)" -a modern day "Jaws"- and "Mother (Madeo)", which happens to be my personal favorite work of his (read: I should note that I have yet to see "Barking Dogs Never Bite (Flandersui gae)" or "Memories of a Murder (Salinui chueok)"). Joon-ho continues his record of releasing ornate, obscure cinema with "Okja"; currently streaming on Netflix. As with Joon-ho's previous work, the film focuses on real societal concerns and offers up an offbeat story to tackle them. Similar to "Snowpiercer", the film takes at look at issues with overpopulation, namely the food industry. As usual, minor spoilers ahead.</p>
<p>The film starts with us following Lucy Morando (Swinton), CEO of the Morando Corporation, through a dingy, rusted warehouse towards a press release. Here we learn of a mystical "super pig" that was "discovered" in Chile, which even as a baby is larger in size than a full-grown pig. Through "genetic-engineering" the calf was duplicated, and her family sent around the world as part of a PR plan to see which farmer could develop the "super pig" to its full potential. It's a bit of a jarring intro with a lot of information thrown at the viewer, but Swinton's eccentric performance sells it.</p>
<p>A decade later, we are now in the mountains outside of Seoul, South Korea as Mija (Seo-Hyun) and her truck size adult "super pig" pal "Okja" traipse through the forest in search of fruit and fish. The sequence is beautiful and intimate as we see the two play games and work together. Things get a little out of hand, however, as Mija and Okja fall asleep and keep her grandfather (Hee-Bong) waiting. In order to get home quickly, Mija takes Okja through a perilous shortcut. Of course, things go wrong and Okja ends up in a dangerous situation trying to protect her friend. After the scenario, Okja is more than a little perturbed, so Mija whispers something in her ear. The "super pig" sits up and the two hug. It's incredibly touching and sets the tone for their relationship.</p>
<p>Eventually, the usual Morando researcher, Mundo Park (Je-mun), and animal television star, Johnny Wilcox (Gyllenhaal), greet Mija, Okja, and grandpa at the house. To say Gyllenhaal's character is obtuse is being easy. He's a bit all over the place, and while it's hilarious, it's also a bit overwhelming after the touching adventure we just went through. Grandpa takes Mija away so the crew can work on filming Okja. Needless to say, it's a basic ruse so the crew can take Okja away to New York for the Morando "super pig" competition and the plot is set in motion.</p>
<p>The following chase sequences in the film are handled with aplomb as Joon-ho directs the hell out of each sequence. From break-ins to car chases through the city it's all handled exceptionally. The CGI is also handled very well with Okja blending into the environment perfectly, and the chase sequences having real weight. Sadly, a large part of the film's second act loses focus on Mija or Okja, and instead puts the lense on the Animal Liberation Front (ALF). It makes sense to have such a group in this film given the theme at hand, but too much of the film's runtime is padded with their agenda. Most noteworthy of this bunch is the subdued, but sensational Jay, played by Paul Dano, who -yet again- turns what could have been a bit character into a human being with true motives in only a short meeting with Mija; the man is severely underrated. The rest of the group is fairly one note, with Steven Yeun, Daniel Henshall, Lily Collins, and Devon Bostick not given much screen time to really matter.</p>
<p>The second act also cuts away to the folks over at Morando as they deal with the fallout of the chases and continue to question Lucy's place as CEO. Even if it's part of his character's motives, Giancarlo Esposito seems downright bored being there and his existence in the film is more plot device than anything. There are just so many moments in this middle third that could have been utilized to far better extent if they focused around Mija or Okja. To be fair though there is one sequence in the middle that I won't spoil, since it is truly one of the best sequences in the film. I'll just say this is the part where Gyllenhaal's character gets to shine.</p>
<p>The third act is fairly trite affair that does what's expected and gets our characters to where they need to be. The ending, however, is easily one of the most moving I have seen in quite some time. Letting the serenity of the moment take over the viewer in waves.</p>
<p>Before I sign off on the verdict, it would not do Seo-Hyun's performance service if I didn't mention how incredible it is. The 13-year-old actress does so as if she's a veteran. Working with a CGI creature to create an emotional bond is hard for even the most talented actor, but she nails it, and I hope we see more from her soon.</p>
<p><i><b>VERDICT</b></i><br/>
<i>Okja</i> suffers from an overworked second act, but the emotional journey of Mija and Okja under Joon-ho's deft direction ultimately sticks the landing and offers a fun -if frightening- look at the food industry. 3.5/5<br/><br/><b>- The Catalyst</b></p><br/>
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<br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952439383969434562.post-22362380404055185432017-05-20T16:40:00.000-07:002017-05-20T19:24:06.002-07:00Film Review: Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 1em; text-align: left;">
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<p>Directed by: James Gunn<br/>Starring: Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Michael Rooker, Kurt Russell, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Sylvester Stallone, Elizabeth Debicki<br/>Rating: PG-13<br/>Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure<br/>Runtime: 2 hr. 16 min.</p>
<p>In 2014, <i>Guardians of the Galaxy</i> was the first Marvel movie to depart from little old Earth and venture out into the nine realms. The film was to be the franchise's first test to see if their more "out there" characters could find a place among the Marvel cinematic fanbase. Luckily, at the helm was director James Gunn who utilized this quirky group of misfits -and 70's/80's musical nostalgia- to spin a tale that was itself refreshing, but still harkened back to B-style science-fiction adventure tales like <i>Flash Gordon</i> (albeit with a slightly larger budget). The result was another Marvel cinematic success story, and with any prosperous entry comes a sequel.<p>
<p>Enter <i>Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2</i>; a title whose tongue-in-cheek reference to the soundtrack already sets the stage for another euphonious romp through the stars. The film starts off with our "heroes" looking to make some cash by working for for the elite race known as The Sovereign and stopping an interdimensional being from eating a highly prized battery. Yep, that's the setup. Now the punchline sets up one of the most inventive fight sequences in a Marvel film to date. As Peter Quill aka Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Gamora (Zoe Saldana), Drax (Dave Bautista), and Rocket (Bradley Cooper) try to keep the beast at bay, the camera instead follows Baby Groot (Vin Diesel) as he dances his way around the battlefield. Sadly, I only saw the picture in 2D, but I am guessing the 3D in this moment is something to behold. Easily one of the best openers in the Marvel canon, and sets the film up for another successful outing.</p>
<p>Rocket being, well, Rocket, decides to steal some of the power cells for the battery they were protecting, which infuriates the Sovereign High Priestess Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki). This leads to a spectacular space battle, which the Guardians only narrowly escape thanks to an anonymous helper. Their ship destroyed the group begins to fight amongs themselves and show signs of a tear beginning to form. Meanwhile, Yondu (Michael Rooker) stifles at a brothel after losing riches to Quill in the previous film. Soon he comes face to face with the head of the Ravagers, Stakar Ogord (Sylvester Stallone), a group he had joined and was in when tasked with protecting Quill in the first film. Ogord dismisses Yondu from the Ravagers for mistakes he has made that go against their code. Soon after, Yondu is approached by High Priestess Ayesha and tasked with finding Quill and his crew once again. During this time, and unbeknown to Yondu, his crew is having second thoughts about his ability to lead.</p>
<p>While there is plenty of fun to be had in <i>Vol. 2</i>, the film falters a bit in trying to keep pace with an overly constructed story. Where Guardians let the film flow and let the explanations come naturally, much of the sequel's runtime is devoted to over explanation. This is none clearer than in its introduction of Quill's father, Ego (Kurt Russell), whom was the anonymous savior at the film's open. A celestial (Marvel's term for extremely powerful immortal beings that aren't quite "gods"), his character spends plenty of the movie explaining his origins, how he came to meet and impregnate Quill's mother, and the how's and why's of Quill's successive powers; in turn, explaining why Star-Lord was able to hold onto an Infinity Stone for so long in the previous film. The whole process is quite a bit to take in, even for a Marvel veteran, and within all the explanation we never truly understand why Ego really requires Quill to complete his plan (a tidbit I won't go into in this review to avoid spoilers) beyond the cursory "I need the extra help because I can't do it by myself". It all just seems a bit arbitrary and the film spends so much time building up the character that one would hope to have a better explanation for the main driving plot of the film.</p>
<p>Now this does not mean that the slower parts of the film don't have heart. We learn more about Drax's history as he explains it to Ego's empathic helper, Mantis (Pom Klementieff), we unearth more of the "unspoken" between Quill and Gamora, and Rocket and Yondu learn they have more in common than originally thought. A heartfelt moment between Gamora and her sister Nebula (Karen Gillan) stands as one of the most honest and teary moments of the film and even the Marvel universe as a whole. </p>
<p>There is a lot of quality character building and tension in Guardians, but some of it is undone by an untimely quip or two. I understand the film is supposed to be a mostly fun ride, so delving too deep into the dark nature of some of the events wouldn't be characteristic of the film. The issue I have with the bulk of the jokes, however, is that they fall at unnecessary times despite remaining legitimately funny. For example, a white-knuckle scene involving Rocket and Yondu being interrogated, is turned on its side when Rocket takes notice of the odd name for one of his captors. It's a funny sequence, but quells any dramatic traction the film had garnered to that point. The film simply doesn't have the same balance as the original when it comes to weighting the more dramatic sequences with the hilarious ones.</p>
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<p><i><b>VERDICT</b></i><br/>
<i>Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2</i> is a worthy successor to the confident original, and while it may falter a bit when it comes to plot balances and explanations, it's also filled with incredible action set pieces and a triple-dose of hilarity. 3.5/5<br/><br/><b>- The Catalyst</b></p><br/>
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<br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952439383969434562.post-47852207920603798992017-04-16T17:33:00.002-07:002017-04-16T17:52:24.737-07:00Film Review: Beauty and the Beast (2017)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 1em; text-align: left;">
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<p>Directed by: Bill Condon<br/>Starring: Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Josh Gad, Kevin Kline, Ian McKellen, Ewan McGregor, Emma Thompson, Stanley Tucci<br/>Rating: PG<br/>Genre: Family, Musical, Fantasy<br/>Runtime: 2 hr. 9 min.</p>
<p>Let me start off this review by stating the obvious. The original <i>Beauty and the Beast</i> is an animated classic. It was the first animated film to be nominated for Best Picture at the 1992 Academy Awards. It also stood a chance of winning that coveted title had <i>Silence of the Lambs</i> not released that year. The animation is revolutionary, and still looks magnificent in the remastered blu-ray versions. The ballroom sequence is one of those moments in filmmaking that's breathtaking and forces even the most critical of filmgoers to simply sit quietly in awe. In short, this newly released live-action adaptation has a lot to live up to.</p>
<p><i>Beauty and the Beast</i> starts things off on a familiar note with the narrated tale of a priviliged Prince (Dan Stevens) whom denies shelter to an elderly hag. Of course, this individual is a beautiful enchantress in disguise who then curses the Prince and the other pampered attendants of his party. Turned into a Beast, the Prince must now hope to find true love before his 21st birthday or the castle will crumble under the spell and his attendants forever turned into household items. In the new film this moment is played out in a more extravagant series of events -rather than the simpler stained-glass motif- and showcases the film's first major departure from the original feature.</p>
<p>The film sticks to a predictable path as we meet Belle (Emma Watson), Gaston (Luke Evans), LeFou (Josh Gad), and Belle's father, Maurice (Kevin Kline). A tremendous ensemble (made moreso by the addition of the castle inhabitants, more on that below) the cast in filled with star-studded and commendable actors. Watson's vocals, however, do not quite lift beyond the music during this opening composition, and while she is definitely trying her best, it is a minor disappointment in what is otherwise one of the better choreographed and shot sequences in the film.</p>
<p>The rest of the cast is mostly able to hit their high notes, though Luke Evans also struggles at times to hit the deeper notes required. Evans also lacks the traditional build of Gaston, so it's a bit offputting when you see him lift not only a fair maiden, but the substantial LeFou as well. Still, it doesn't get in the way of the film's themes so those who have been complaining about that aspect of the casting should sit easy. Josh Gad, while admittedly overwrought as an actor, is the most practiced singer of the whole bunch and even though his pipes don't recieve the workout they deserve, he more than stands as a musical highlight.</p>
<p>Belle's father leaves on a trip to the market (wherever that is) and ends up seeking out the castle for shelter from weather. Belle herself eventually makes her way to the castle to find her father imprisoned by the Beast. She takes her father's place in the prison cell, and the film continues as expected minus a few additional songs and plot elements, which don't do much beyond pad runtime.</p>
<p>The familiar elements are mostly performed with aplomb, since the castle cast is also filled with droppable names like Ewan McGregor as Lumière the Candle, Ian McKellen as Cogsworth the Clock, and Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts the Teapot. McGregor is particularly notable as his commanding croon envelopes the viewer during the spectacular "Be Our Guest" number. The whole affair is gorgeously animated with tongue and cheek references to the original -serously, why can't Belle actually get something to eat?- and might even top it in spectacle.</p>
<p>The realistic representation used for the household characters is brilliantly executed, but the realism is hindered when we come upon the Beast himself. The Beast is largely animated, which includes facial features. The result is not only unpleasant but distracts from the emotional connection we are to feel between Belle and the Beast as Watson struggles to interact with him. A minor use of prosthetics on the Beast, such as his mane or horns, would have gone a long way to making him feel more life-like. As it stands, the choice affects the most important seen in the whole film: the ballroom dance. </p>
<p>The eponymous song starts, but instead of the events on screen matching the song -as they do in the original- the music seems superfluous and exists only as something "emotional" to play over the event. The ballroom is drab with only a few flourishes instead of the gorgeous golden hall. The dancing sequence is messy as cuts are used in order to get the right shots between Belle and the Beast. The whole moment feels like an ordeal rather than cinematic and emotional. It's easily the biggest disappointment of the whole film.</p>
<p>Despite this, Dan Stevens does a fantastic job providing voicework to the Beast. His interpretation is spot-on, and the new solo song the Beast sings is definitely another highlight of the film. If only he wasn't impeded by the hollow use of animation.</p>
<p>The latter half of the film plays it safe, and the final battle in particular brings nothing new to the table. As I noted earlier, there are some additional scenes involving the enchantress, the fate of Belle's mother, and some new songs but none of them add up to anything worthwhile beyond stretching a brisk 90 minute tale to over two hours.</p>
<p><i><b>VERDICT</b></i><br/>
<i>Beauty and the Beast</i> builds upon the original Disney animated tale, but falls short of finding it's own foothold and becoming a truly relevant release. It's a beautiful film, but a fairly flat one, and the original remains my personal preferred version should I revisit this tale as old as time. 3/5<br/><br/><b>- The Catalyst</b></p><br/>
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<br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952439383969434562.post-68013296567421173562017-04-10T17:32:00.000-07:002017-04-10T19:52:31.634-07:00Top Albums of 2016<style>
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<p>Here it finally is! I apologize for the super long wait. It's been a busy few months. 2016 -despite all the not-so-good- brought us some excellent musical candy. Let's kick things off with the top EPs/Splits!</p>
<h1>EPs/Splits</h1>
<p>While EPs and splits make up a comparatively smaller margin of what I listen to, I found myself consistently coming back to a few throughout the year.</p>
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<h2>Runner-Up: "Resonance: Crimson Void" - Mare Cognitum / Aureole</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXSIkwnJwZHi9NIkaZqqn8PzmgRgGJhHf83MWWm-QrNvmApiEbSzYxruf5KxHeaae-IgFcaJ1k5504a1VxUuz7nHnSq152mltpH-u8E4piCUpI-F3umVYduoVt22v0NdPqrmbDizIOMQ/s1600/a2557694187_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXSIkwnJwZHi9NIkaZqqn8PzmgRgGJhHf83MWWm-QrNvmApiEbSzYxruf5KxHeaae-IgFcaJ1k5504a1VxUuz7nHnSq152mltpH-u8E4piCUpI-F3umVYduoVt22v0NdPqrmbDizIOMQ/s1600/a2557694187_10.jpg" width="200" height="200" /></a></div>
<p>Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal<br/>Release Date: August 10th<br/><a target="_blank" href="https://avantgardemusic.bandcamp.com/album/resonance-crimson-void"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></p>
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<h2>"The Rigel Axiom" - Dynatron</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JePmkTJNX1FsFzinX3dbYpX1EuxpmxlIpOle9P_ppFBeZa6AgQwiUysIDHCaOPC9qEomaCF7qSXH3ashMMuEyKCPjzTRMXZP-7QPMxWz-SHgyG9C98IagP2i3w74Eol-VqIhdrNaLpQ/s1600/a0965964735_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1JePmkTJNX1FsFzinX3dbYpX1EuxpmxlIpOle9P_ppFBeZa6AgQwiUysIDHCaOPC9qEomaCF7qSXH3ashMMuEyKCPjzTRMXZP-7QPMxWz-SHgyG9C98IagP2i3w74Eol-VqIhdrNaLpQ/s1600/a0965964735_10.jpg" width="200" height="200" /></a></div>
<p>Genre: Darksynth/Retrowave<br/>Release Date: November 4th<br/><a target="_blank" href="https://blood-music.bandcamp.com/album/the-rigel-axiom"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></p>
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<h1> Honorable Mentions </h1>
<p> 2016 had so many incredible releases it's hard to give each it's due. As it stands I have dwindled the list of honorable mentions down to just 25 (yes 25!) albums that barely fell out of the top 10. In alphabetical order by artist:<p>
<table table-layout: auto>
<tr>
<th>Title</th>
<th>Artist</th>
<th>Genre</th>
<th>Link</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>"Kodama"</td>
<td>Alcest</td>
<td>Blackgaze/Shoegaze/Black Metal</td>
<td ><a target="_blank" href="https://alcest.bandcamp.com/album/kodama-luxus"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>"Command Your Weather"</td>
<td>Big Business</td>
<td>Progressive Sludge/Stoner Rock</td>
<td ><a target="_blank" href="https://bigbigbusiness.bandcamp.com/album/command-your-weather"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>"Welcome to the Graveyard"</td>
<td>Castle</td>
<td>Heavy Metal/Doom Metal</td>
<td ><a target="_blank" href="https://castle-vanrecords.bandcamp.com/album/welcome-to-the-graveyard"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>"Honest Life"</td>
<td>Courtney Marie Andrews</td>
<td>Country</td>
<td ><a target="_blank" href="http://tunes.mamabirdrecordingco.com/album/honest-life"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>"Arctic Thunder"</td>
<td>Darkthrone</td>
<td>Black Metal</td>
<td ><a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ByXWE4vXRw"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideaR3kLt8SeHUy-S2ReWAb7ZkSvtpN3XDJ-INSX6WsDCoyOUwRPy9v5-LJ4mLuPw07tfOBzMocnkjMdbbDfxKqX94BxBINJcubw7dteiiqOJwe5miP49BpnMPjdWEKlo0yS8J29C5eJU/s1600/youtube_64dp.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>"Landless"</td>
<td>Eight Bells</td>
<td>Doom Metal/Black Metal</td>
<td ><a target="_blank" href="https://eightbells.bandcamp.com/album/landless"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>"Old Terrors"</td>
<td>Esben and the Witch</td>
<td>Post-Rock/Gothic Rock</td>
<td ><a target="_blank" href="https://esbenandthewitch.bandcamp.com/album/older-terrors"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>"Non Paradisi"</td>
<td>GosT</td>
<td>Darksynth/Synthwave</td>
<td ><a target="_blank" href="https://blood-music.bandcamp.com/album/non-paradisi"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<tr>
<td>"Dead Revolution"</td>
<td>Hammers of Misfortune</td>
<td>Progressive Metal</td>
<td ><a target="_blank" href="https://highspiritsmetal.bandcamp.com/album/motivator"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></td>
</tr>
<td>"Motivator"</td>
<td>High Spirits</td>
<td>Hard Rock/Heavy Metal</td>
<td ><a target="_blank" href="https://hammersofmisfortune.bandcamp.com/album/dead-revolution"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>"衷赤/Oath of Allegiance"</td>
<td>Holyarrow</td>
<td>Epic Black Metal</td>
<td ><a target="_blank" href="https://holyarrow.bandcamp.com/album/oath-of-allegiance"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>"Seraphical Euphony"</td>
<td>Hyperion</td>
<td>Melodic Black Metal</td>
<td ><a target="_blank" href="https://hyperionblacklion.bandcamp.com/album/seraphical-euphony"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>"Bloodshed Across The Empyrean Altar Beyond The Celestial Zenith"</td>
<td>Inquisition</td>
<td>Black Metal</td>
<td ><a target="_blank" href="https://inquisitionbm.bandcamp.com/album/bloodshed-across-the-empyrean-altar-beyond-the-celestial-zenith"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>"Paradise Gallows"</td>
<td>Inter Arma</td>
<td>Post/Sludge/Black/Death Metal</td>
<td ><a target="_blank" href="https://interarma.bandcamp.com/album/paradise-gallows-2"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>"Luminiferous Aether"</td>
<td>Mare Cognitum</td>
<td>Atmospheric Black Metal</td>
<td ><a target="_blank" href="https://marecognitum.bandcamp.com/album/luminiferous-aether"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>"Epsilon Aurigae (2015) / Zeta Reticuli (2016)"</td>
<td>MONOLITHE</td>
<td>Doom Metal</td>
<td ><a target="_blank" href="https://monolithe.bandcamp.com/album/epsilon-aurigae-zeta-reticuli"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>"Mother Feather"</td>
<td>Mother Feather</td>
<td>Pop/C*ck-Rock</td>
<td ><a target="_blank" href="https://motherfeather.bandcamp.com/album/mother-feather"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>"Tired of Tomorrow"</td>
<td>Nothing</td>
<td>Shoegaze/Post-punk</td>
<td ><a target="_blank" href="https://nothing.bandcamp.com/album/tired-of-tomorrow-standard-version"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></td>
</tr>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>"The Uncanny Valley"</td>
<td>Perturbator</td>
<td>Darksynth/Synthwave</td>
<td ><a target="_blank" href="https://perturbator.bandcamp.com/album/the-uncanny-valley"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>"Ezekiel's Hags"</td>
<td>Seven Sisters of Sleep</td>
<td>Sludge Metal</td>
<td ><a target="_blank" href="https://sevensistersofsleep.bandcamp.com/album/ezekiels-hags"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>"A Piece for Mind and Mirror"</td>
<td>Skuggsjá</td>
<td>Neofolk/Progressive Black Metal Influence</td>
<td ><a target="_blank" href="https://skuggsja.bandcamp.com/album/a-piece-for-mind-mirror"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>"Chained in Oblivion"</td>
<td>Spirit Adrift</td>
<td>Doom Metal</td>
<td ><a target="_blank" href="https://spiritadrift.bandcamp.com/album/chained-to-oblivion"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>"Meta"</td>
<td>Thy Catafalque</td>
<td>Avant-Garde</td>
<td ><a target="_blank" href="https://thycatafalqueuk.bandcamp.com"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>"Terminal Redux"</td>
<td>Vektor</td>
<td>Progressive Thrash Metal</td>
<td ><a target="_blank" href="https://vektor.bandcamp.com/album/terminal-redux"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>"Mystical Future"</td>
<td>Wildernessking</td>
<td>Atmospheric Black Metal/Blackgaze</td>
<td ><a target="_blank" href="https://wildernessking.bandcamp.com/album/mystical-future"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></td>
</tr>
</table>
<br/>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 1em; text-align: left;"></div>
<h1>The Countdown</h1>
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<h2>10. "Dauðra Dura" - Forndom</h2>
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<p>Genre: Scandanavian Folk<br/>Release Date: January 29th<br/><a target="_blank" href="https://forndom.bandcamp.com/album/dau-ra-dura"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></p>
<p>Forndom is a solo project focused on recreating traditional Scandanavian folk music with few embellishments. "Dauðra Dura" (and debut EP "Flykt") both accomplish this task with simple, yet provocative, tracks which focus the listener in a time long passed. Simple drums, choral elements, and traditional instrumentation including strings and horns guide the listener through the wilderness. It's an undemanding listen, but the emotions brought up through the pure arrangement of these instruments are powerful and undeniable. A necessary listen for fans of the genre, or those looking to plant themselves in another world for a while.</p>
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<h2>9. "Northen" - SIG:AR:TYR</h2>
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<p>Genre: Folk/Pagan Black Metal<br/>Release Date: April 15th<br/><a target="_blank" href="https://sigartyr.bandcamp.com/album/northen"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></p>
<p>A solo project of Daemonskald up until 2012, SIG:AR:TYR, is now a full fledged studio band. With the added manpower, the group takes the more extreme styles adopted in "Godsaga", and push them to the apex. There is a definitive improvement not only in production, but in musicianship as solos rise above murky, trembling riffs. The acoustic intro to "Skraeling" slowly gives way to pounding riffs, and finally evolves into one of the most addicting riffs I've heard in a while from the genre outside of Inquisition's Dagon. Daemonskald's raspy vocals complete the onslaught. Following this adventure, "Krossanes" kicks things off with a windswept riff that moves along like a viking horde prepped for battle sailing across the sea toward the unknown. The album perfectly exemplifies a nordic journey; one that's not easy to return from without eventually venturing out once again.</p>
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<h2>8. "Pillars of Ash" - Black Tusk</h2>
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<p>Genre: Sludge Metal<br/>Release Date: January 29th<br/><a target="_blank" href="https://blacktusk.bandcamp.com/album/pillars-of-ash"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></p>
<p>Black Tusk hail from the Savannah, Georgia region which spawned household names like Kylesa, Baroness, and the all-mighty Mastodon. Each of these bands started sludgier, and slowly moved towards other genres, with Black Tusk infusing their sludgy, swamp metal with punk. "Pillars of Ash" is the band's best outing to date with incredible variations in riffs, and a step-up in the vocals department by the whole band. The album sears with intensity, and the song structure varies wherein repeat listens are welcomed if not encouraged; this has been an issue I found with their previous releases. "Pillars" is also a product of love as the group put the album together in the wake of bassist Jonathan Athon's passing in 2014. The anger and frustration is felt throughout the album, and everyone feels at top form trying to do right by Athon. The future of the band is still a bit of a wildcard, but "Pillars" definitely leaves the group open to continue to expand their horizons.</p>
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<h2>7. "The Fall of Hearts" - Katatonia</h2>
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<p>Genre: Depressive Metal<br/>Release Date: May 20th<br/><a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgTbPvkCZVk"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideaR3kLt8SeHUy-S2ReWAb7ZkSvtpN3XDJ-INSX6WsDCoyOUwRPy9v5-LJ4mLuPw07tfOBzMocnkjMdbbDfxKqX94BxBINJcubw7dteiiqOJwe5miP49BpnMPjdWEKlo0yS8J29C5eJU/s1600/youtube_64dp.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></p>
<p>Katatonia have had a fair breadth of styles in their time as a band moving between black and death metal genres, and most recently with "Dead End Kings" the band has adopted a more depressive style. Not to say the music isn't filled with majestic choruses and musicianship. "The Fall of Hearts" builds on the style implementing more stylistic solos and acoustic accompaniments (more than likely influenced by the acoustic recomposing of "Dead End Kings" called "Dethroned and Uncrowned" which the band worked on between the two albums). Many may vie for a more extreme Katatonia, but the group has proven themselves with their new direction, and currently wear the crown.</p>
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<h2>6. "Winter's Gate" - Insomnium</h2>
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<p>Genre: Melodic Death Metal<br/>Release Date: September 23rd<br/><a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mb5mu_JO9Q"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideaR3kLt8SeHUy-S2ReWAb7ZkSvtpN3XDJ-INSX6WsDCoyOUwRPy9v5-LJ4mLuPw07tfOBzMocnkjMdbbDfxKqX94BxBINJcubw7dteiiqOJwe5miP49BpnMPjdWEKlo0yS8J29C5eJU/s1600/youtube_64dp.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></p>
<p>Insomnium are the epitome of melodic death metal. Ferocious with a keen sense of scope the group continues to improve. "Winter's Gate" is a 40 minute sprawling epic, which showcases the band at their very best. Utilizing spoken storytelling and grandiose symphonics alongside crunchy riffs and savage solos the group can't be touched when it comes to spectacle. Niilo Sevänen's rough bellow mixes with Ville Friman's clean howl to ignite a spark. The music is beautifully composed, and it's an album that's impossible to turn off once it starts; the listener like a child eagerly awaiting the tale to be told again and again.</p>
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<h2>5. "Värähtelijä" - Oranssi Pazuzu</h2>
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<p>Genre: Heavy Metal/Doom Metal<br/>Release Date: February 26th<br/><a target="_blank" href="http://listen.20buckspin.com/album/v-r-htelij"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></p>
<p>Oranssi Pazuzu have always been a bit of an off-kilter group with their original blend of extreme metal and space-rock psychedelia. Enter "Värähtelijä". A dark canvas. Pure blackened diabolical chaos. A light flickers. Fall into the shadow. Witness the luscious, thick, fuzzy space beyond the realm of space and time. Follow the whispers. They are waiting.</p>
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<h2>4. "The Death of All Things" - Beastwars</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoylCimtCT_ww2r3VIUJXraP7BjW5mnEjCEUlWnQJ8liofK74SbXJVHBjchNv05JSLpWzOZPNu6KHUwJByVo3s_rbEvij1UFXiD3RdBwInhxmJR3X7jivA4GKcbU0UPly9vm19VubE5M/s1600/a0342341486_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoylCimtCT_ww2r3VIUJXraP7BjW5mnEjCEUlWnQJ8liofK74SbXJVHBjchNv05JSLpWzOZPNu6KHUwJByVo3s_rbEvij1UFXiD3RdBwInhxmJR3X7jivA4GKcbU0UPly9vm19VubE5M/s1600/a0342341486_10.jpg" width="200" height="200" /></a></div>
<p>Genre: Sludge/Stoner Metal<br/>Release Date: April 4th<br/><a target="_blank" href="https://beastwars.bandcamp.com/album/the-death-of-all-things"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></p>
<p>In 2011, Beastwars released their eponymous debut to widespread acclaim for interweaving traditional sludge and stoner elements with primal drum beats and singer Matt Hyde's now signature howl to induce a sense of apocalyptic dread. The band's follow-up, "Blood Becomes Fire" solidified the band as a force in not only their native New Zealand, but internationally as well. Set to break free from the underground shackles with their third LP, the aptly titled "The Death of All Things", the band announced that one of the founding members, drummer Nathan Hickey, would be moving away and leaving the group. As a silver-lining, despite being the group's final album -at least for now- "The Death of All Things" finds them in top notch form. Opener "Call to the Mountain" sets the stage with hypnotic riffage interlaced with Hyde's howl. Hickey's simple drum intro into "Witches" pulls the listener in as hazy riffs slowly rise building to one of the band's finest denouements. "Black Days" picks things back up with a pummeling riff, and out of character for the band, "The Devil Took Her" offers an acoustic outing. Finally, "The Death of All Things" wraps up the album with melancholic fury. The album might be their last, but Beastwars put in their all.</p>
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<h2>3. "Hunter" - Khemmis</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiKiIm72n9TGgVhu6BxOyp9S3PbaBkqnlVVFS4YnIL3chntiQbJ9EEfK4PMcmKNIS-1pwWTnDyWD2QMzJbdYe24o_UruE-7NEGeMM-6Yv5Fk0KtMbHsi0rwLAF8g4APtmsO0u-Xu5NEM/s1600/Khemmis_Hunted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiKiIm72n9TGgVhu6BxOyp9S3PbaBkqnlVVFS4YnIL3chntiQbJ9EEfK4PMcmKNIS-1pwWTnDyWD2QMzJbdYe24o_UruE-7NEGeMM-6Yv5Fk0KtMbHsi0rwLAF8g4APtmsO0u-Xu5NEM/s1600/Khemmis_Hunted.jpg" width="200" height="200" /></a></div>
<p>Genre: Doom Metal<br/>Release Date: October 21st<br/><a target="_blank" href="http://listen.20buckspin.com/album/hunted-2"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></p>
<p>Khemmis are one of the torchbearers of the current doom renaissance after releasing their debut album, 2015's "Absolution". Now, only a little over a year later, they have unleashed "Hunted". The album is soaked in riffage, indelible vocals, and hauntingly beatiful lyricism. "Candelight" opens with a pounding riff, but it's when Phil's vocals enter that the true magic happens. The chorus is incredibly catchy for a doom track, and the listener can't help but chant along. Soon, however, the darkness rises, and Ben's growl seeps in during a nearly two minute breakdown, which easily induces shivers. When the light finally resurfaces we are met with a slow rise towards Phil's chant over a fiery solo. Eventually we get back to that pounding riff, which slowly outros the song. Hit repeat. Hit repeat. Hit repeat. The following track, "Three Gates", picks up the pieces and blows out the door with a punk-infused galloping riff. The album finale, "Hunted", is nearly 15 minutes of perfection, which sets us up for an epic reveal. Some doom enthusiasts may look at "Hunted" and find that it plays it too 'safe' with the composition, but the album is so perfect in its execution on all levels that it shows that progressive music can come from perfecting that which already exists. And Khemmis, well, they're pretty damn perfect. </p>
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<h2>2. "Metachtonia" - Thrawsunblat</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZyF7fQE97a7uCqh3wQtKrule4r5PE-PId4JK7hkxsxCCQcNuf6qARs9biVjhi4vyT9LcG6JuSzVnvIjHndoipR8KK1yBmQKkvVzVxg49w2shYn5X1EAvVTW22jAtI91ruC8pRB2ez7I/s1600/a1380871225_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVZyF7fQE97a7uCqh3wQtKrule4r5PE-PId4JK7hkxsxCCQcNuf6qARs9biVjhi4vyT9LcG6JuSzVnvIjHndoipR8KK1yBmQKkvVzVxg49w2shYn5X1EAvVTW22jAtI91ruC8pRB2ez7I/s1600/a1380871225_10.jpg" width="200" height="200" /></a></div>
<p>Genre: Folk Black Metal<br/>Release Date: June 17th<br/><a target="_blank" href="https://thrawsunblat.bandcamp.com/album/metachthonia"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></p>
<p>Thrawsunblat was founded by Joel Violette and deceased Woods of Ypres singer David Gold. A few years after Gold's departure, Ray Amitay (Immortal Bird, Eight Bells) took his place on drums, and bassist Brendan Hayter (Blood of the Gods, Obsidian Tongue) joined the group for 2013's "Wanderer on the Continent of Saplings". Following a few EPs later, the band released their second full-lenght entitled, "Metachthonia", which takes a look at the "electric age" of man and his dream to move beyond the world he inhabits. Imbued with thematic folk musical elements exhibiting man's connection with nature, the group also heavily utilizes the extreme elements of black metal to display man's internal and external struggles with moving into a technological age. Each song is broken into three distinct parts wherein the lyrics tell the story with little use of a repeating chorus; instead using song structure to fit elements together. "She Who Names the Stars" stands as a triumph of song making. Opening as a hopeful outing with clean singing by Joel, it slowly evolves into an impasssioned internal struggle with a finale worth witnessing. "Metachthonia" is an incredible accomplishment, which moves beyond simple descriptions. The musicianship is exceptional, the composition impeccable, and the lyrics are emotional and perceptive. It's a journey I find myself repeating time and again. </p>
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<h2>1. "Hour of the Nightingale" - Trees of Eternity</h2>
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<p>Genre: Atmospheric Doom Metal<br/>Release Date: November 11th<br/><a target="_blank" href="https://treesofeternity.bandcamp.com/album/hour-of-the-nightingale"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrR7QBHCeizWwmLLTZ6ysYiKk1tnsaxtYfwXa3NjibW8LbmNzVyJTUUqa2tgL5QYBswDcNSXHiIyVZ_kzdMrt6Nzbmk8i4RCTSPjUatvkfpwrM4YP8j6ea_vh4UFFJJg5iSpGvW3HBV8/s200/bandcamp-1-128.png" width="30" height="30"/></a></p>
<p>Trees of Eternity released their debut and final album this year entitled, "Hour of the Nightingale". Sadly, singer and songwriter Aleah Stanbridge (Swallow the Sun) passed away due to cancer during recording, but the group decided to release the album in her honor. A project between Standbridge and her partner Juha Raivio (Swallow the Sun) the album is an incredibly emotional record made even more so under the circumstances. Kai Hahto's (Wintersun) drumming is spot on, and brothers Fredrik and Mattias Norrman (October Tide) add plenty of dimensions to the music. It's Standbridge's vocals, however, that make this melancholic adventure so heartwrenchingly beautiful. She is sorrowful, mournful, but most importantly hopeful. It might be hard to judge an album based on the events that surround it, but when something as impassioned as this album is released and we get a look into the soul of such a phenomenal singer in her last moments, it's hard not to feel verklempt and want to wallow in her sonic embrace.</p>
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<p> So there we have it. My Top Albums of 2016. What was your favorite last year? Comment below! Look forward to more reviews coming soon!</p>
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<b>- The Catalyst</b>
<br/><br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952439383969434562.post-58379123476308318682016-08-06T07:03:00.000-07:002017-04-04T20:03:25.784-07:00Film Review: Finding Dory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 1em; text-align: left;">
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<p>Directed by: Andrew Stanton, Angus Maclane<br/>Starring: Ellen DeGeneres, Alber Brooks, Ed O'Neill, Kaitlin Olson, Hayden Rolence, Ty Burrell, Diane Keaton, Eugene Levy, Idris Elba<br/>Rating: PG<br/>Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy<br/>Runtime: 1 hr. 37 min.</p>
<p><i>Finding Dory</i> is a very solid, but not spectacular, addition to the Pixar canon. Featuring a fantastic vocal performance by Ellen DeGeneres and the company’s trademark animation it’s hard not to love another swim through the deep with the gang. A promising second act, however, gives way to a bemusing ending which some viewers might find heartwarming, but others might feel was a bit too easy for Pixar.</p>
<p>To further explain I will have to go into detail regarding some of the plot, so if you want to avoid spoilers skip to the final paragraph for the verdict.</p>
<p><i>Finding Dory</i> is - as one might guess - about Dory (Ellen DeGeneres), who in the first act has memory jolts, which slowly lead to her to realization that some time ago she wandered away from her parents and into the deep. After a bit of “think, think, think”, Dory remembers her parents are from California; more specifically a Seaworld-esque theme park, where the gang eventually finds themselves. There’s a lot of hijinx as Dory gets separated from Marlin (Alber Brooks) and Nemo, and works with a human-fearing octopus named Hank (Ed O’Neill), who -in exchange for a ticket out of the aquarium- decides to help Dory find her parents. Later, she also meets her childhood friend, Destiny (Kaitlin Olson), a whale shark with poor eyesight (whom she ironically learned to speak whale with) and, Bailey (Ty Burrell), a beluga unable to utilize his sonar capabilities. Eventually the whole crew learns how to overcome their disabilities and work together to escape the park in one of the most “blockbuster” finales Pixar has animated yet. The side plot with Marlin and Nemo is handled well-enough, though it’s never fully engaging, since we know they will eventually find their way through the increasingly obtuse obstacles to find their absent-minded friend for the third act. It’s in this final act where the main through plot begins to unravel.</p>
<p>Before we get to those events, let me provide some background. The most intriguing aspect of Dory’s character -at least for me- has been her ability to live life fleeting from one memory glimpse to the next, but still maintain a powerful bond with people she meets. She lives in the moment, and doesn’t take a second for granted because she knows she might not remember it later. This dichotomy of a character who wants to have deep, meaningful relationships, but struggles to maintain a memory of these individuals despite trying her best is the essence of Dory’s charm and why so many felt attached when she finally remembered Nemo’s name at the end of <i>Finding Nemo</i>. “Dory did it!” we all cheered with our hearts racing as she quickly swam to meet Nemo. Dory was the crux of <i>Finding Nemo</i>’s heart, but sadly <i>Finding Dory</i> fails to do well by its protagonist.</p>
<p>The major flaw rears it’s head as Dory searches for her parents alone in tall seaweed, slowly forgetting her memory of exactly what she was up to. This is a fantastic parallel with the events of it’s predecessor that had me on the edge of my seat. Slowly she finds shells, which she has by now remembered were used in her childhood as breadcrumbs by her parents so she would always find her way home. She slowly follows them piecing together her many memories, which eventually leads her to an empty shell her parents were using as a home, while they awaited her return. Many viewers at this point are probably hoping that she would then turn to find her parents and live happily ever after with them. I, however, was hoping Pixar would take the higher road and have her come to the conclusion that she already had a family in Marlin and Nemo, and that being able to find where her parents had been waiting allows her to find ways to keep her memory strong, and therefore be able to have less fleeting relationships with those she considers family. Pixar, however, disappoints and Dory turns around to see two figures holding shells slowly swim out of the hazy waters.</p>
<p>Pixar as storytellers have largely been built on tales wherein the protagonists are searching for something, but find something else that’s greater. For example, in <i>Toy Story</i>, Woody wants to keep Andy to himself, but in the end learns all he needed was a best friend in Buzz. In <i>Up</i>, Carl is searching for the place Ellie and he had always wanted to go, but instead finds a new meaning in life in being a father figure to Russell; a kid who’s more like himself than he originally conceived. It’s along these themes that <i>Finding Dory</i> could have been most powerful. Instead of giving Dory what she was searching for, she could have realized that she already had the family she was looking for, but now had the confidence and skills to engage within that structure. Dory had found the key to her memory she was looking for and could now use it to make endless ones with Marlin and Nemo. </p>
<p><i><b>VERDICT</b></i><br/>
I might be being a bit hard on <i>Finding Dory</i>, since it really is a very solid film with plenty of great laughs and fine performances that swimmers of all ages can enjoy. 3.5/5<br/><br/><b>- The Catalyst</b></p><br/>
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<br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952439383969434562.post-30837948794385681372016-06-03T14:03:00.000-07:002017-04-04T20:03:25.782-07:00Film Review: Marvel's Captain America: Civil War<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 1em; text-align: left;">
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<p>Directed by: Joe and Anthony Russo<br/>Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Don Cheadle, Paul Rudd, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Jeremy Renner, Elizabeth Olsen, Chadwick Boseman, Paul Bettany, Martin Freeman, Marissa Tomei<br/>Rating: PG-13<br/>Genre: Action/Adventure<br/>Runtime: 2 hr. 27 min.</p>
<p><i>Captain America: Civil War</i> is one of Marvel's finest to date. Although the film does focus on -yet another- team up, the plot fluidly picks up after the events of Winter Soldier, focusing largely on Captain America and Bucky. Age of Ultron plot threads fit in as well, which could easily have been overcomplicating matters, but instead drives the central plot forward. As you may have heard, or at least garnered from the title and poster, events in the film eventually lead to our heroes -particularly Cap and Iron Man- having different opinions when it comes to signing a contract, which places the Avengers as a government-controlled regime, rather than a private source for good. After his many perilous decisions over the last few films Tony Stark decides control is necessary to make sure the team doesn't go AWOL, but Cap, of course, is against such control and believes the team should continue to work free from political agendas. The setup may seem like boring politics, but it's also deeply ingrained in the characters' behaviors up to this point, and the recruitments for Team Iron Man and Team Captain America do not seem out of place or forced.</p>
<p>Some new recruits for this film, Black Panther and Spiderman (thanks to Sony's new deal with Marvel), are shining examples of how, even in such an already packed narrative, Marvel continues to define its characters without submitting them to caricatures, subpersonas, or plot devices. Sure, Spiderman plays a major part of Civil War in the comics, and his previous solo films have made a lot of money, so throwing him in seems like no-brainer fanservice. Again, however, the way in which both him and Black Panther are introduced feels organic to the storyline, and both are given enough screen time and character growth to be meaningful and memorable. As a side note, Tom Holland is easily the best Peter Parker we have had yet.</p>
<p>If the film has any problems it's the final act. The second act consists largely of the build up and finally outbreak of the "Civil War" feud; I won't go into details, but it's up there with the New York battle in terms of pure joy and visceral action. Afterward, the final act consists largely of falling action, which services the Captain America plot thread well enough, but seems out of place and not nearly as exciting as the act two progression. Still it's a solid enough finale, and the final fight -while not nearly as grandiose in scale- is definitely filled with white-knuckle intensity.</p>
<p><i>Captain America: Civil War</i> admittedly has a few narrative setbacks, particularly when focusing on tertiary plot threads, but overall it stands as one of the premiere entries in Marvel's canon, and one that reignites a franchise heading into its third act. 4/5 <br/><br/><b>- The Catalyst</b></p><br/>
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<br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952439383969434562.post-14525231414991762462016-06-03T12:00:00.000-07:002017-04-04T20:03:25.777-07:00Film Review: The Jungle Book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 1em; text-align: left;">
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<p>Directed by: John Favreau<br/>Starring: Neel Sethi, Ben Kingsley, Bill Murray, Christopher Walken, Idris Elba, Lupita Nyong'o, Scarlett Johansson, Giancarlo Esposito<br/>Rating: PG<br/>Genre: Adventure, Drama<br/>Runtime: 1 hr. 46 min.</p>
<p>Lush with gorgeous, breathtakingly realistic animation, <i>The Jungle Book</i> is certainly a sight to behold. Sadly, I was unable to fully appreciate its scenery until about the final third of the film, since my theater was accidentally showing us the 3D version of the film in 2D. Either way, what I was able to witness in that final sequence was certainly worth revisiting. <p>The voice cast is stupendous with a particular nod to Idris Alba as the ominous Shere Khan. The story was a bit lacking and follows the original film almost exactly, so there's not too much in the way of surprises for those who have seen Disney's original animated classic (though, again, that final act sequence certainly delivers). </p>
<p>On top of this, Mowgli never really comes off as a character in his own; always being talked at and about rather than really having a voice of his own. Even his final act proclamation is half-hearted in earnestness. This is partly the responsibility of the screenwriters, and also an issue with casting a child role. Neel Sethi seems to give it his all, but never believably exists in the same reality as the animals; always staring and speaking in the direction of a character rather than directly at it. Acting in a totally CG film is no easy feat and it's commendable that Sethi is as convincing as he is, but it seems with a little more direction Mowgli could have been more powerful in certain scenes.</p>
<p>Overall, John Favreau has delivered a solid entry in Disney's live-action canon with <i>The Jungle Book</i>, and one that provides hope for future Disney adaptations. 3.5/5<br/><br/><b>- The Catalyst</b></p><br/>
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<br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952439383969434562.post-14211471598110427852016-06-02T20:16:00.000-07:002017-04-04T20:03:25.774-07:00Film Review: Zootopia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 1em; text-align: left;">
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<p>Directed by: Byron Howard and Rich Moore<br/>Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba, J.K. Simmons, Alan Tudyk, Shakira<br/>Rating: PG<br/>Genre: Action/Adventure, Animation<br/>Runtime: 1 hr. 48 min.</p>
<p><i>Zootopia</i> could easily have utilized it's bipedal protagonists to tell a fun and fluffy tale to keep the youngsters entertained for a few hours, but luckily those involved don't underestimate their audience. So many animated films -otherwise regarded as "family films" or "films for kids"- cater to the funny bone, but sadly never push a worthy message or show true emotional baggage in the starring characters.</p>
<p>From the start of <i>Zootopia</i>'s first act it's clear the audience is in store for something more as a young bunny Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin) gets bullied by a fox; not just verbally, but physically. This subversion sticks with the audience throughout the whirlwind storyline, which touches on plenty of societal issues including race, sexuality, and more. The film is never afraid to show the truth in interactions, and really make both adults and children feel engaged in what is happening. One such scene under a bridge shows such true and honest character growth that I don't believe I've personally ever seen in an animated film (targeted at kids). Among this emotional torrent there are still plenty of fun and laughs, but they don't feel superfluous and help to drive the action.</p>
<p>Overall, <i>Zootopia</i> is a fast and funny film made not for kids, not for adults, but for people, animals and human alike. 4.5/5<br/><br/><b>- The Catalyst</b></p><br/>
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<br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952439383969434562.post-13449639281229667952016-05-31T20:46:00.000-07:002017-04-04T20:03:25.771-07:00Film Review: The Peanuts Movie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 1em; text-align: left;">
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<p>Directed by: Steve Martino<br/>Starring: Noah Schnapp, Mariel Sheets<br/>Rating: G<br/>Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy<br/>Runtime: 1 hr. 28 min.</p>
<p>A heartfelt feature starring Charlie Brown and gang, <i>The Peanuts Movie</i> doesn't stray far from its source material, offering old-fashioned sweetness and humor not often seen in modern animated films. The animation is gorgeous and modernizes the classic cartoon's 2D style nicely. The story is fairly basic, focusing on Charlie Brown trying to prove himself to the new girl in town. In classic Peanuts form, antics ensue at various locales including a talent show, dance party, and a final dash through a carnival. </p>
<p>Snoopy helps his pal through it all, but is also the cause of surprising tonal shifts throughout the narrative as we continually revisit his Red Baron side plot. It's funny, action-packed, and some of the themes match up with what Charlie is struggling through, but the dog fights detract from the emotional build up and simplicity of Charlie's story. Had Snoopy and Woodstock simply acted as foils to Charlie's emotional journey the film could have remained more on point, and felt less like a fan service to Snoopy fans. As a result, the majority of the Peanuts cast is forced into the background, and many of them never get their shining moment in the script. Charlie's story, however, hits a home run.</p> <p>Overall, <i>The Peanuts Movie</i> is a welcome return to Schultz's classic, and what it lacks in originality and focus, it makes up for with a genuine grin. 3/5<br/><br/><b>- The Catalyst</b></p><br/>
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<br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952439383969434562.post-7876723662500883642016-05-30T20:00:00.000-07:002017-04-04T20:03:25.786-07:00Film Review: The Walk<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 1em; text-align: left;">
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<p>Directed by: Robert Zemeckis<br/>Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Charlotte Le Bon<br/>Rating: PG<br/>Genre: Adventure, Drama, Biography<br/>Runtime: 2 hr. 3 min.</p>
<p>Robert Zemeckis' <i>The Walk</i> is a transformative experience. The plot follows wirewalker Philippe Petit as he finds his calling in wirewalking, which eventually leads to a gripping wirewalk between the Twin Towers. The film falls victim to some routine biopic cliches, but tensions do rise during the real-life coup. Joseph Gordon-Levitt delivers a fantastic portrayal of Philippe Petit; offering narration throughout the film that's both insightful and often humorous. This recounting is particularly powerful during the film's climactic and breathtaking wirewalk. The team behind this recreation should be commended on their awe-inspiring efforts. The camera sweeps around Petit as he moves back and forth along the wire, establishing a moment that is simply emotionally moving and impossible to describe; not one for the faint of heart.</p><p>Overall, <i>The Walk</i> could have used a few more cuts so we could get to the wirewalk a little earlier, but the wirewalk itself is so poignant and technically proficient that the build-up is worth it in the end. Easily one of the most overlooked films of 2015, and definitely one worth experiencing. 3.5/5<br/><br/><b>- The Catalyst</b></p><br/>
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<br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952439383969434562.post-1181263433182522792015-02-22T14:34:00.000-08:002017-04-04T20:03:01.190-07:00Weekly Binge 2/20/2015No major releases this week, unless you are vying for the new Imagine Dragons, but that doesn't mean there isn't anything good. This week's pick comes from Death metal group Sarpanitum, and their instant-classic, sophomore album "Blessed Be My Brothers". Following this, we have runner-ups, Dephosphorous and Haapoja with a fantastic collaborative effort, and symphonic power metal group, Whyzdom, with "Symphony for a Hopeless God". Other notable releases this week include albums by 36 Crazyfists, Barshasketh/Void Ritual, Black Pussy , Brothers of the Sonic Cloth, Death Karma, Deivos, Ecnephias, Furor Gallico, King Woman, Primitive Man, Sandrider/Kinski, Scanner, Steve Earle & The Dukes, Stormwitch, Sumac, Syn Ze Sase Tri, Unhold, Wende and Wind Rose. Enjoy!<br/>
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<h1>Pick of the Week</h1>
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<p><b>Sarpanitum - <i>Blessed Be My Brothers</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Recommended Track: <i>Thy Sermon Lies Forever Tarnished</i></span></b></p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LV92Ff7QUWxPOO7DNxZh7fUHJUkjVTH_1CnZxrC4idK70lGqME8UZsMXm5pwb50hzY5UD7gBOGADMmZFGYFo8fklw2O6gQ9xEEAlYvfTdvp9QgyK1JRk1Tcg9lDMfATqfZmT4qL6ESA/s1600/sarpanitum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LV92Ff7QUWxPOO7DNxZh7fUHJUkjVTH_1CnZxrC4idK70lGqME8UZsMXm5pwb50hzY5UD7gBOGADMmZFGYFo8fklw2O6gQ9xEEAlYvfTdvp9QgyK1JRk1Tcg9lDMfATqfZmT4qL6ESA/s200/sarpanitum.jpg"></a>
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Genre: Death Metal <br />
Label: Willowtip<br />
<a href="https://soundcloud.com/earsplit/sarpanitum-glorification-upon" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></div>
<p>Epic doesn't even begin to describe Sarpanitum's sophomore album, "Bless Be My Brothers", following up their phenomenal debut with yet another indelible delve into the bowels of death. This time around the group applies slight choral and orchestral elements, which further develops the atmosphere of their already massive sound. Few groups in death metal are willing to stick to the roots of the genre, while still experimenting with new and unique sounds. Sarpanitum have created yet another album that will live on as a classic of the genre.</p>
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<h1>Runner-Ups</h1>
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<p><b>Dephosphorous/Haapoja - <i>Collaboration LP (Split)</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Recommended Track: <i>Abstraction Maze/Pakon Sanelema </i></span></b></p>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyg5_0A3bWTda9MSDWGNOJS5uq6XnBufFYYLdIkGPrmpOW_DpUQ76GsUZs8hpEWcVIW1qW36PC-p5iVozOSnweXbafs8rpuVXztxqsaaltPFAX_Rp3s_G82jjQuLDm6p_qNSIjbvgrQc/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRyg5_0A3bWTda9MSDWGNOJS5uq6XnBufFYYLdIkGPrmpOW_DpUQ76GsUZs8hpEWcVIW1qW36PC-p5iVozOSnweXbafs8rpuVXztxqsaaltPFAX_Rp3s_G82jjQuLDm6p_qNSIjbvgrQc/s200/cover.jpg"></a>
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Genre: Black Metal <br />
Label: Handshake<br />
<a href="https://soundcloud.com/cvltnation/sets/dephosphorus-haapoja" target="_blank">Listen Here</a>
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<p>Dephosphorous and Haapoja's split feels definitely more like a compilation as each band takes turns. Dephosphorus' songs are catchy with pummeling percussion that moves with swiftness, while passionate screeches are layered on top. Haapoja takes it a little colder and more traditional weaving blackened riffs with a more even-tempered approach. Both complement one another immensely and yield an intense outcome.</p>
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<b>Whyzdom - <i>Symphony for a Hopeless God</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Recommended Track: Let's Play With Fire<i></i></span></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgzJqhwsEG1exeTZv8ybEe_hijmpm52SiTv5mlnaR0bXNHX5KiaBMWZcNKE1jekV1K-w7P9a4_EpPMM1dW431fPOTuS50Q3iHd08yC5ndhiKmV-1KouOfW5pT5uCY6zpPs2L1ZJ3U7r0/s1600/Whyzdom-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilgzJqhwsEG1exeTZv8ybEe_hijmpm52SiTv5mlnaR0bXNHX5KiaBMWZcNKE1jekV1K-w7P9a4_EpPMM1dW431fPOTuS50Q3iHd08yC5ndhiKmV-1KouOfW5pT5uCY6zpPs2L1ZJ3U7r0/s200/Whyzdom-cover.jpg"></a>
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Genre: Symphonic Power Metal <br />
Label: Scarlet<br />
<a href="http://www.whyzdom.com/" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></div>
<p>Whyzdom have had a hectic career with each album having one singer depart and another take her place. "Symphony for a Hopeless God" finds the band with Marie Rouyer, who joined the group after the departure of "Blind?" singer, Elvyne Lorient. Rouyer is more than willing to prove herself as she belts poetic verse. The rest of the group remains the same with Régis Morin (Guitars), Vynce Leff (Guitars, Orchestration), Marc Ruhlmann (Keyboards), Xavier Corrientes (Bass), and Nico Chaumeaux (Drums) all returning for another hail of symphonic riffage. Each song is a fantastic blend of orchestral moments and pounding power metal. The album is a bit long at over an hour, but not a minute is wasted.</p>
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<h1>
Notables</h1>
Other notable releases this week include:<br />
<ul>
<li>36 Crazyfists - <i>Time and Trauma</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Metalcore | Label: Spinefarm | <a href="https://soundcloud.com/spinefarmrecords/36-crazyfists-swing-the-noose" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Barshasketh/Void Ritual - <i>Split</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Black Metal | Label: Broken Limbs | <a href="http://brokenlimbsrecordings.bandcamp.com/album/barshasketh-void-ritual-split" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Black Pussy - <i>Magic Mustache</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Stoner Rock | Label: Made In China | <a href="https://soundcloud.com/blackpussy/butterfly" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Brothers of the Sonic Cloth - <i>S/T</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Stoner Doom Metal | Label: Neurot | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKnLItOVwMg" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Death Karma - <i>The History of Death & Burial Rituals Part I</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Black Metal | Label: Iron Bonehead | <a href="https://soundcloud.com/iron-bonehead-productions/death-karma-slovakia-journey-of-the-soul" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Deivos - <i>Theodicy</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Technical Death Metal | Label: Selfmadegod | <a href="http://selfmadegod.bandcamp.com/album/theodicy" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Ecnephias - <i>Ecnephias</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Gothic Metal | Label: My Kingdom | <a href="https://soundcloud.com/mykingdommusic/ecnephias-vipra" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Furor Gallico - <i>Songs from the Earth</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Folk Metal | Label: Scarlet | <a href="https://soundcloud.com/scarlet-records/furor-gallico-wild-jig-of-beltaine" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>King Woman - <i>Doubt - EP</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Doom Metal/Post Metal | Label: The Flenser | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4E847sRIAKA&list=PL6VtVCaDLK1feKTQpn_-1GQoOa6ZzPD9J" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Primitive Man - <i>Home Is Where The Hatred Is - EP</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Doom/Sludge Metal | Label: Relapse | <a href="http://primitivemandoom.bandcamp.com/album/home-is-where-the-hatred-is" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Sandrider/Kinski - <i>Split</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Stoner Metal | Label: Good to Die | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0u5hjpqv4Ro" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Scanner - <i>The Judgement</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Heavy Metal/Power Metal | Label: Massacre | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yv_3xAAklsA&list=PLJGSjpMuxpcvW8zVS0oRKVCDH_jYXHHeg&index=1" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Steve Earle & The Dukes - <i>Terraplane</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Blues Rock | Label: New West | <a href="http://rollingstoneaus.com/music/post/first-listen-steve-earle-and-the-dukes-terraplane/1176g" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Stormwitch - <i>Season of the Witch</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Heavy Metal | Label: Massacre | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1faLpxZc2g" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Sumac - <i>The Deal</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Doom Metal | Label: Profound Lore | <a href="http://profoundlorerecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-deal" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Syn Ze Sase Tri - <i>Stapin Peste Stapini</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Melodic Black Metal | Label: Code 666 | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvpnkRnPamw" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Unhold - <i>Towering</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Progressive Sludge Metal/Post Metal | Label: Czar of Bullets | <a href="http://unhold.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Wende - <i>Sorrowful Journey of Ages</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal | Label: Moribund | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDaIgIlN7WQ" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Wind Rose - <i>Wardens of the West Wind</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Symphonic Power Metal | Label: Scarlet | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cjcy6CWBQDM" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
</ul>
Thanks for reading and hope you found something new to listen to. See you next Friday for the next Weekly Binge where I will break down more notable goodies. Don't forget to leave a comment and let me know how I'm doing/what you would like to see!
<br />
<br />
<b>- The Catalyst</b><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952439383969434562.post-33116582290109089512015-02-13T12:49:00.003-08:002017-04-04T20:03:01.196-07:00Weekly Binge 2/13/2015<p>With the heart of Black Metal month upon us, it's no coincidence that this week showcases a genre staple. This week, black metal group, Marduk, released the Pick of the Week in, "Frontschwein". Runner-ups include industrial rocker, En Esch, and his first solo album in 20 years, "SPÄNK!" along with folk metal group, Finsterforst, and their epic, "Mach Dich Frei". Other notable releases this week include Abstracter, Adrenaline Mob, Ahamkara, Call of the Void, Cowards, Demoncy, Dwell, Exhumed, Father John Misty, Generichrist, Hate, Hawk Eyes, Mourning Mist, and Rwake. Enjoy!<br/><br/>Also don't forget to check out the <a href="http://catalystreview.blogspot.com/search/label/albums%20of%20the%20year?max-results=1">Top Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Albums of 2014</a>!</p>
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<h1>Pick of the Week</h1>
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<b>Marduk - <i>Frontschwein</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Recommended Track: <i>Wartheland</i></span></b>
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<p>Genre: Black Metal<br/>Label: Century Media<br/><a href="https://soundcloud.com/centurymedia/marduk-wartheland" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></p>
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<p>Marduk have had a varied career over the past 25 years with a quality ranging from ho hum to incredible. Their latest release, "Frontschwein", falls under the latter category. Founded by guitarist Morgan Håkansson, the band is now as much the property of vocalist Mortuus, who has now been with them for over a decade. "Frontschwein" showcases the best of both worlds, combining the classic Marduk style of seemingly-endless onslaught of blast-beats and furious riffs with the more somber, moody black metal Mortuus has used only sparingly on albums. This marriage of sounds allows for an ecclectic mix of fast-paced blitzkriegs and slowed dirges. It's another solid album from a band who continues to release music unabated by time. For fans of more brutal black metal groups like Anaal Nathrakh, 1349, and Mayhem.</p>
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<h1>Runner-Ups</h1>
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<b>En Esch - <i>SPÄNK!</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Recommended Track: <i>Soul To Steal</i></span></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlh5fG-Hip6_LJqEt9g0CMa89c9ratMLKvXMQvrhucKL3vPOXDvkiXSEzgugjExgYudELbIkO4LAzmX0iSkzwTgRiXyV9kBA8qvVHfDSRNetTkZHydL0OqGXAfORn_YCCnREBWqUu9GFA/s1600/EnEsch_SPANK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlh5fG-Hip6_LJqEt9g0CMa89c9ratMLKvXMQvrhucKL3vPOXDvkiXSEzgugjExgYudELbIkO4LAzmX0iSkzwTgRiXyV9kBA8qvVHfDSRNetTkZHydL0OqGXAfORn_YCCnREBWqUu9GFA/s200/EnEsch_SPANK.jpg"></a>
<p>Genre: Industrial Metal <br/>Label: Distortion<br/><a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7tOA4VN1rdE?list=PLQmZ3XzF5gK015ZZvazVrz0vtzgpS890-" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></p>
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<p>En Esch has been a member of several German industrial groups including KMFDM, Pigface, and Slick Idiot. En Esch's first solo album in over 20 years, "SPÄNK!" focuses on rhythmic compilations of guitar riffs and dark synthesizer beats mixed with his Gothic vocals. Various other vocalists join Esch on several tracks, most notably Trixie Reiss who bounces verse off of Esch with perfect synchronization on the songs "Soul to Steal" and "Freedom of Mind". The result is an intense and rather unique ride that will have you humming along long after it's over. For fans of artists like KMFDM, Rammstein, and She Wants Revenge.</p>
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<b>Finsterforst - <i>Mach Dich Frei</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Recommended Track: <i>Zeit für Hass</i></span></b>
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<p>Genre: Folk Metal <br/>Label: Napalm<br/><a href="http://finsterforst.bandcamp.com/album/mach-dich-frei" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></p>
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<p>Finsterforst is made up of seven musicians playing everything from guitars to bagpipes to french horns. Their new album, "Mach Dich Frei", has incredible variation moving from straightforward melodic death metal to more orchestral movements. Several instrumentals on the album showcase the band's prowess, and the epic, eponymous final track clocks in at a staggering 24-minutes. For fans of folk metal groups like Ensiferum, Turisas, and Finntroll.</p>
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<br/>
<h1>Notables</h1>
<p>Other notable releases this week include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Abstracter - <i>Wound Empire</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Doom/Sludge Metal | Label: Sentient Ruin | <a href="http://abstracter.bandcamp.com/album/wound-empire" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Adrenaline Mob - <i>Dearly Departed</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Heavy Metal | Label: Century Media | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QZ8SbgKRyE0" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Ahamkara - <i>The Embers of the Stars</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal | Label: Bindrune | <a href="http://youtu.be/X2XeZ9HTkMM?list=PLFP-mMJq60ID5D3ALxnZEhWVB9YrBHV2B" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Call of the Void - <i>Ageless</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Sludge/Crust Metal | Label: Relapse | <a href="http://callofthevoid303.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Cowards - <i>Rise to Infamy</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Hardcore/Sludge Metal | Label: Deadlight | <a href="http://cowardsparis.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Demoncy - <i>Joined in Darkness Re-release</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Black Metal | Label: Forever Plagued | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7puwpLBJBtU" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Dwell - <i>Vermin and Ashes</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Doom/Death Metal | Label: Hell's Headbangers | <a href="http://hellsheadbangers.bandcamp.com/album/vermin-and-ashes" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Exhumed - <i>Gore Metal: A Necrospective 1998-2015</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Death Metal/Grindcore | Label: Relapse | <a href="http://exhumed.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Father John Misty - <i>I Love You, Honeybear</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Indie/Folk Rock | Label: Sub Pop | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtCTtSe0ahE" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Generichrist - <i>Taste of Death</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Thrash Metal | Label: Horror Pain Gore Death | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWyb5dxMXAg" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Hate - <i>Crusade:Zero</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Death Metal | Label: Napalm | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNMFnW34F-0" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Hawk Eyes - <i>Everything is Alright</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Post-Rock | Label: Red Vole | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qexktujIZP0" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Mourning Mist - <i>Mourning Mist</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Black/Doom/Avant Garde Metal | Label: Forever Plagued | <a href="https://soundcloud.com/forever-plagued-records/mourning-mist-rage" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Rwake - <i>Xenoglossalgia: The Last Stage of Awareness </i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Experimental Doom Metal | Label: Relapse | <a href="http://rwake.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
</ul>
<p>Thanks for reading and hope you found something new to listen to. See you next Friday for the next Weekly Binge where I will break down more notable goodies. Don't forget to leave a comment and let me know how I'm doing/what you would like to see!
<br/><br/><b>- The Catalyst</b></p>
<br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952439383969434562.post-65371088647268871822015-02-05T17:32:00.000-08:002017-04-04T20:03:01.202-07:00Weekly Binge 2/6/2015<p>Another great week of releases. The standout this week is Blind Guardian's new epic, "Beyond the Red Mirror". Runner-ups, A Swarm of the Sun, release a post-metal monolith aptly entitled, "The Rifts", while death-thrashers Armageddon release their first album in over a decade, "Captivity & Punishment". Re-releases include Game Over's thrashy, "For Humanity", Saor's blackened-folk treat, "Roots", and Wolfheart's phenomenal, "Winterborn". Other notable releases this week include albums from Bob Dylan, Callisto, Daemon Pyre, Dead in the Manger, Deathbreed, Hellish Outcast, Iron Lamb, Leah, U.D.O, Winterage, Yesterday's Saints, and Zex. I have also added "Listen Here" links to sources like BandCamp, Youtube, SoundCloud, and wherever else I can find the best representation of a release. This will hopefully ease your search and help find what you like faster. Enjoy!<br/><br/>Also don't forget to check out the <a href="http://catalystreview.blogspot.com/search/label/albums%20of%20the%20year?max-results=1">Top Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Albums of 2014</a>!</p>
<br />
<h1>Pick of the Week</h1>
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<b>Blind Guardian - <i>Beyond the Red Mirror</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Recommended Track: <i>Ashes of Eternity</i></span></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFpgLMO-QEhq7GjL6ZkhHITw4yAEO_YUl6hIYs1MRcYrQdM5R0bFCLlb3iayX48rLV-Rj3jc2Mj39Ozgbl5cIIE_gBDCNoo3tHjv6Q5vQihDZ7R-EtxcnFbrS8ZXJqYhhi4a5sEXOkoI/s1600/Blind-Guardian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjFpgLMO-QEhq7GjL6ZkhHITw4yAEO_YUl6hIYs1MRcYrQdM5R0bFCLlb3iayX48rLV-Rj3jc2Mj39Ozgbl5cIIE_gBDCNoo3tHjv6Q5vQihDZ7R-EtxcnFbrS8ZXJqYhhi4a5sEXOkoI/s200/Blind-Guardian.jpg"></a>
<p>Genre: Epic Power Metal<br/>Label: Nuclear Blast<br/><a href="https://soundcloud.com/nuclearblastrecords/blind-guardian-twilight-of-the-gods" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></p>
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<p>With "Beyond the Red Mirror", Blind Guardian have released another epic. While the talent in musicianship of the band, and Hansi Kürsch's voice has never been in question, a lot of what the group has released has so much going on that it's hard to find a groove or beat to latch onto. With their new LP the group has definitely smoothed some of the edges and released something equally catchy and breathtaking. Weaving orchestral moments with power metal's driving force, the album meanders between sweeping symphonics and almost thrashy grooves. Somehow it all fits into place and I never once found myself distracted by too much going on, which has hindered me with some of their previous efforts. "Beyond the Red Mirror" showcases a band at the pinnacle of performance, and is definitely something fans of all genres should sink their ears into.</p>
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<h1>Runner-Ups</h1>
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<b>A Swarm of the Sun - <i>The Rifts</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Recommended Track: <i>These Depths Were Always Meant for Both of Us</i></span></b>
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<p>Genre: Ambient/Post-Metal <br/>Label: Version Studio<br/><a href="https://aswarmofthesun.bandcamp.com/" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></p>
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<p>At times sullen and tedious, and others entrancing and intense, A Swarm of the Sun's, "The Rifts", drags its listener through the muck, then lays them in the bright, warm sunshine before pulling them back in. For fans of post-metal groups like Deftones, Isis, Neurosis, and Pelican.</p>
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<b>Armageddon - <i>Captivity and Devourment</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Recommended Track: <i>Equalizer</i></span></b>
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<p>Genre: Death Metal <br/>Label: Listenable<br/><a href="http://listenable-records.bandcamp.com/album/captivity-and-devourment-2" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></p>
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<p>After a ten year-hiatus due to guitarist Chris Amott's focus on Arch Enemy, the former side project, Armageddon, has found new life in "Captivity and Devourment". Amott's passions can be heard in every solo, and the riffs -played alongside Joey Concepcion- punch equal to, if not better than, most of his Arch Enemy work. The rest of the group is just icing on the cake, and I can't wait to see where they go next. For fans of riff-driven death metal like Arch Enemy, Carcass, and Ill-disposed.</p>
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<h1>Notables</h1>
<p>Other notable releases this week include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Bob Dylan - <i>Shadows in the Night</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Traditional Pop | Label: Columbia | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6S7nTLeMdAk" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Callisto - <i>Secret Youth</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Atmospheric Sludge Metal/Post-Hardcore | Label: Svart | <a href="http://www.ztmag.com/blog/news/?p=23359" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Daemon Pyre - <i>Daemon Pyre</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Technical Melodic Death Metal | Label: New Justice | <a href="https://soundcloud.com/daemon-pyre" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Dead In The Manger - <i>Cessation - EP</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Grindcore/Black Metal | Label: 20 Buck Spin | <a href="https://soundcloud.com/20-buck-spin/i?in=20-buck-spin/sets/dead-in-the-manger-cessation-lp" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Deathbreed - <i>New World Order</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Death Metal | Label: Rogue | <a href="https://soundcloud.com/roguerecordsamerica/1new-world-order" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Game Over - <i>For Humanity Re-release</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Thrash Metal | Label: Scarlet | <a href="https://soundcloud.com/scarlet-records/game-over-abyss-of-a-needle/s-dESY7" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Hellish Outcast - <i>Stay of Execution</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Death Metal/Thrash Metal | Label: Listenable | <a href="http://listenable-records.bandcamp.com/album/stay-of-execution" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Iron Lamb - <i>Fool's Gold</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Hard Rock 'n Roll | Label: High Roller | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ls2ZiIiahrc&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Leah - <i>Kings & Queens</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Symphonic Power Metal | Label: Inner Wound | <a href="http://leahmchenry.com/album/kings-queens" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Saor - <i>Roots Re-release</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Atmospheric Folk/Black Metal | Label: Northern Silence | <a href="http://saor.bandcamp.com/album/roots" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>U.D.O. - <i>Decadent</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Heavy Metal | Label: AFM | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvpQMkYY5mY" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Winterage - <i>The Harmonic Passage</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Symphonic Power Metal | Label: Nadir | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyPx-bXsD2k" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Wolfheart - <i>Winterborn Re-release</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Melodic Death Metal | Label: Spinefarm | <a href="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3kc7jnAJaMc" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Yesterday's Saints - <i>Generation of Vipers</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Melodic Death Metal/Thrash Metal | Label: Draconum | <a href="https://soundcloud.com/yesterdayssaints/fall-of-the-ancients?in=yesterdayssaints/sets/generation-of-vipers" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
<li>Zex - <i>Fight For Yourself</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Punk Rock | Label: Magic Bullet | <a href="http://zexzexzex.bandcamp.com/album/fight-for-yourself" target="_blank">Listen Here</a></span></li>
</ul>
<p>Thanks for reading and hope you found something new to listen to. See you next Friday for the next Weekly Binge where I will break down more notable goodies. Don't forget to leave a comment and let me know how I'm doing/what you would like to see!
<br/><br/><b>- The Catalyst</b></p>
<br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952439383969434562.post-65652107072982709682015-01-31T18:04:00.002-08:002017-04-04T20:03:01.204-07:00Weekly Binge 1/30/2015<p>Plenty of great releases this week from almost every genre. Grindcore entrepreneurs, Napalm Death, stand tall with their new LP, "Apex Predator - Easy Meat". Following this are phenomenal releases by progressive bands Nightingale and Periphery with "Retribution" and "Juggernaut: Alpha & Omega" respectively. Other releases include albums by Angelus Apatrida, Ingested, Jorn Lande and Trond Holter, Lord Dying, Papa Roach, Sodom, Venom and more! Enjoy and feel free to comment below!<br/><br/>Also don't forget to check out the <a href="http://catalystreview.blogspot.com/search/label/albums%20of%20the%20year?max-results=1">Top Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Albums of 2014</a>!</p>
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<h1>Pick of the Week</h1>
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<b>Napalm Death - <i>Apex Predator - Easy Meat</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Recommended Track: <i>Beyond the Pale</i></span></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZRzs0xSqFSyEtrzJATleKdDeepHUP5gpREFAQij4Ca46xbk0MVheRxloLomicPRsQzm_wNOpci97-yT70kdxUYlc17wbFlWTIlytAeL-LVp2QV5DX2rVsiAEEm4SeuCiS_65U5Iksu0/s1600/Napalm-Death-Apex-Predator-Easy-Meat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXZRzs0xSqFSyEtrzJATleKdDeepHUP5gpREFAQij4Ca46xbk0MVheRxloLomicPRsQzm_wNOpci97-yT70kdxUYlc17wbFlWTIlytAeL-LVp2QV5DX2rVsiAEEm4SeuCiS_65U5Iksu0/s200/Napalm-Death-Apex-Predator-Easy-Meat.jpg"></a>
<p>Genre: Grindcore<br/>Label: Century Media</p>
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<p>Napalm Death have stood at the top of the grindcore heap for over 30 years and continue to adapt their style without sounding desperate. Their 15th LP, "Apex Predator - Easy Meat", continues vocalist Mark “Barney” Greenway's adaptation of socio-political tragedies into intense verse. In this case, we find the collapse of a poorly constructed sweatshop building in Bangladesh, wherein 1500 workers were killed. In other words, the "easy meat" (workers) became victims of the "apex predators"(big business). Greenway's passionate growls speak volumes, and the tight backing of Mitch Harris(guitars, backing vocals), Shane Embury(bass, backing vocals), and Danny Herrera(drums) pulls it all together. Songs such as “Dear Slum Landlord” and “Hierarchies” have Greenway singing in addition to his trademark barking roar, while the backing screeches of Harris make "Predator" one of the more lyrically versatile albums the band has released. 30 years is a long time, and Napalm Death show no signs of slowing down.</p>
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<h1>Runner-Ups</h1>
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<b>Nightingale - <i>Retribution</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Recommended Track: <i>The Voyage of Endurance</i></span></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-OgMRQn8mIQ3bYhCSFrQmoeluNvz3l2W2EThYVj70zkb_iWdeJCz7JK222ONFbPxbmwoe8eaxC4kWZnuaBCw6eHt4TFoOMTL9LzUphIkEJKa0_maoCKK1KfywLfU75myrqARQ-V8gBwA/s1600/Nightingale_Cover_01-1024x1024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-OgMRQn8mIQ3bYhCSFrQmoeluNvz3l2W2EThYVj70zkb_iWdeJCz7JK222ONFbPxbmwoe8eaxC4kWZnuaBCw6eHt4TFoOMTL9LzUphIkEJKa0_maoCKK1KfywLfU75myrqARQ-V8gBwA/s200/Nightingale_Cover_01-1024x1024.jpg"></a>
<p>Genre: Progressive Rock <br/>Label: InsideOut</p>
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<b>Periphery - <i>Juggernaut: Alpha & Omega</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Recommended Track: <i>Graveless</i></span></b>
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<p>Genre: Progressive Metal <br/>Label: Sumerian</p>
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<h1>Notables</h1>
<p>Other notable releases this week include:</p>
<ul>
<li>2Cellos - <i>Celloverse</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Instrumental | Label: Portrait</span></li>
<li>Angelus Apatrida - <i>Hidden Evolution</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Thrash Metal | Label: Century Media</span></li>
<li>Ascension - <i>The Dead of the World</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Black Metal | Label: Season of Mist</span></li>
<li>Battleaxe - <i>Power From the Universe Re-release</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: NWOBHM | Label: SPV</span>
<li>Battle Beast - <i>Unholy Savior</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Heavy Metal/Power Metal | Label: Nuclear Blast</span>
<li>Black Sheep Wall - <i>I'm Going to Kill Myself</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Sludge Metal | Label: Season of Mist</span></li>
<li>The Body and Thou - <i>Released From Love/You, Whom I Have Always Hated</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Sludge Metal | Label: Thrill Jockey</span></li>
<li>Diablo Blvd. - <i>Follow The Deadlights</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Death Metal/Thrash Metal | Label: Lifeforce</span></li>
<li>Gov't Mule - <i>Sco-Mule</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Blues Rock | Label: Evil Teen</span></li>
<li>Grimoire - <i>L'aorasie Des spectres rêveurs - EP</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Black Metal | Label: Eisenwald</span></li>
<li>If These Trees Could Talk - <i>Above The Earth, Below The Sky Re-release</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Post-Rock | Label: Metal Blade</span></li>
<li>If These Trees Could Talk - <i>Red Forest Re-release</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Post-Rock | Label: Metal Blade</span></li>
<li>Ingested - <i>The Architect of Extinction</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Death Metal | Label: Century Media</span></li>
<li>Iron Witch - <i>Single Malt - EP</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Sludge Metal | Label: Witch Hunter</span></li>
<li>Jorn Lande and Trond Holter - <i>Dracula: Swing of Death</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Heavy Metal | Label: Frontiers</span></li>
<li>Level 10 - <i>Chapter 1</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Heavy Metal/Power Metal | Label: Frontiers</span></li>
<li>Lord Dying - <i>Poisoned Altars</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Sludge Metal/Thrash Metal | Label: Relapse</span></li>
<li>The Lone Bellow - <i>Then the Morning Came</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Indie Rock | Label: Descendant</span></li>
<li>Night Demon - <i>Curse of the Damned</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Traditional Metal | Label: Century Media</span></li>
<li>Papa Roach - <i>F.E.A.R.</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Hard Rock | Label: Eleven Seven</span></li>
<li>Sodom - <i>Sacred Warpath - EP</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Thrash Metal | Label: SPV</span></li>
<li>Sumokem - <i>The Madness of Lu Shen Ti Vol. 1</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Stoner Doom Metal | Label: Handshake</span></li>
<li>Sweet & Lynch - <i>Only To Rise</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Hard Rock | Label: Frontiers</span></li>
<li>Venom - <i>From the Very Depths</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Black Metal | Label: NWOBHM</span></li>
<li>Visigoth - <i>The Revenant King</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Power Metal | Label: Metal Blade</span></li>
<li>Voices - <i>London</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Progressive Black Metal | Label: Candlelight</span></li>
<li>Xibalba - <i>Tierra Y Libertad</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Death Metal/Hardcore | Label: Southern Lord</span></li>
</ul>
<p>Thanks for reading and hope you found something new to listen to. See you next Friday for the next Weekly Binge where I will break down more notable goodies.
<br/><br/><b>- The Catalyst</b></p>
<br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952439383969434562.post-8530974471399812642015-01-23T14:51:00.002-08:002017-04-04T20:03:01.210-07:00Weekly Binge 1/23/2015<p>This week is kind of slow with some of the more major releases (Angra, Armageddon) being pushed back to February. There's still a few albums worth mentioning, however. Power/progressive metal fans will love this week as get the debut release by Serious Black, "As Daylight Breaks", along with the stateside release of the fantastic "Get Your Bulls Out" by Messiah's Kiss. Other notables include a releases by The Decemberists, Marilyn Manson, and the return of female indie punk group Sleater-Kinney, among others. Enjoy and feel free to comment below!<br/><br/>Also don't forget to check out the <a href="http://catalystreview.blogspot.com/search/label/albums%20of%20the%20year?max-results=1">Top Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Albums of 2014</a>!</p>
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<h1>Pick of the Week</h1>
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<b>Serious Black - <i>As Daylight Breaks</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Recommended Track: <i>Arkhenaton</i></span></b>
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<p>Genre: Power Metal <br/>Label: AFM</p>
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<p>Serious Black is yet another European super-group consisting of members from bands like Pyramaze, Visions of Atlantis, Blind Guardian, Helloween, Masterplan, et al. Usually in these culminations we receive a stand out track or two combined with filler. Luckily, Black has defied the norm and released a solid debut. On the one-two punch of album openers/singles "I Seek No Other Life" and "High and Low", vocalist Urban Breed (Trail of Murder, ex-Pyramaze) belts catchy choruses and the listener is instantly engaged. Luckily, the rest of the album is as solid as these two tracks as the band waivers through slow-paced ballads and fast-paced salvos. Each band member's talent shines with guitarists Dominik Sebastian (Edenbridge, ex-Astaroth, ex-Mortus) and Roland Grapow (Masterplan, ex-Helloween) working in concert, and bassist Mario Lochert (Emergency Gate, ex-Visions of Atlantis) and drummer Thomen Stauch (Savage Circus, ex-Coldseed, ex-Blind Guardian) keeping a steady rhythm. Keyboardist Jan Vacik (D-vision, ex-Dreamscape) shares a particularly wonderful piece with Breed in the title track backed by strings. Super-groups tend to come and go over in Europe, but Serious Black is definitely a case where the combination works and gives a lasting impression.</p>
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<h1>Runner-Up</h1>
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<b>Messiah's Kiss - <i>Get Your Bulls Out!</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Recommended Track: <i>Immortal Memory</i></span></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaYNu_d0Xr_ZtlJh6ylw569pIpDrqSZfVN1Oro7-lgooZxN9kSlPRwYbcfeqTmB_lUoMVXcSYiDVJQuvB6KnyRFl1XVSKUi8XLwuutFmVqsJFfaWjAoUhQLQ8AjGYtechAKZWuwms824/s1600/messiahskiss-bullsout.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaYNu_d0Xr_ZtlJh6ylw569pIpDrqSZfVN1Oro7-lgooZxN9kSlPRwYbcfeqTmB_lUoMVXcSYiDVJQuvB6KnyRFl1XVSKUi8XLwuutFmVqsJFfaWjAoUhQLQ8AjGYtechAKZWuwms824/s200/messiahskiss-bullsout.jpg"></a>
<p>Genre: Heavy Metal/Power Metal <br/>Label: Massacre</p>
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<p></p>
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<h1>Notables</h1>
<p>Other notable releases this week include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Arcane - <i>Known/Learned (2-Disc)</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Progressive Metal | Label: Sensory</span></li>
<li>Breathless - <i>Return to Pangea</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Thrash Metal | Label: Xtreem</span></li>
<li>Dead City Ruins - <i>Dead City Ruins</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Hard Rock | Label: Metalville</span></li>
<li>The Decemberists - <i>What a Beautiful World, What a Terrible World</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Folk Rock | Label: Capitol</span></li>
<li>Lectern - <i>Fratricidal Concelebration</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Death Metal | Label: Sliptrick</span></li>
<li>Marilyn Manson - <i>The Pale Emperor</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Industrial Rock | Label: Loma Vista</span></li>
<li>Satan's Host - <i>Pre-Dating God Part 1 & 2</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Blackened Heavy Metal | Label: Moribund</span></li>
<li>Sleater-Kinney - <i>No Cities To Love</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Punk Rock/Indie Rock | Label: Sub Pop</span></li>
</ul>
<p>Thanks for reading and hope you found something new to listen to. See you next Friday for the next Weekly Binge where I will break down more notable goodies.
<br/><br/><b>- The Catalyst</b></p>
<br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8952439383969434562.post-1820465751807954322015-01-16T18:04:00.001-08:002017-04-04T20:03:01.193-07:00Weekly Binge 1/16/2015<p>Well it's the start of a new year, and with January tends to come some decent releases looking to capitalize on the holiday drought, but nothing outright exceptional. This week, however, sees the stateside release of Witchrider's debut LP "Unmountable Stairs"; a most definitely exceptional release. Also releasing this week is Sylosis' "Dormant Heart" and 6:33's avant-garde debut "Deadly Scenes" along with plenty of re-releases by the label Metal Mind including albums by Candlemass, Clawfinger, and Benediction. See below for a full breakdown. Enjoy!<br/><br/>Also don't forget to check out the <a href="http://catalystreview.blogspot.com/search/label/albums%20of%20the%20year?max-results=1">Top Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Albums of 2014</a>!</p>
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<h1>Pick of the Week</h1>
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<b>Witchrider - <i>Unmountable Stairs</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Recommended Track: <i>SP</i></span></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFf_30BO8421kB05QrSdI-vDWcS-wtu8HOUI4G5cnKwkTJy01kXkVyuS8jTA5WYJSHPg4QkILMel_uYZLNQ1IFwS0ztaF6napGwyYtQtu-_m4CBAfBZ-D5UXqCZFXMmptKxHwHbeZrDqA/s1600/witchrider-unmountablestairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFf_30BO8421kB05QrSdI-vDWcS-wtu8HOUI4G5cnKwkTJy01kXkVyuS8jTA5WYJSHPg4QkILMel_uYZLNQ1IFwS0ztaF6napGwyYtQtu-_m4CBAfBZ-D5UXqCZFXMmptKxHwHbeZrDqA/s200/witchrider-unmountablestairs.jpg"></a>
<span style="clear: both; float: left;">Genre: Stoner Rock <br/>Label: Fuzzorama</span>
<p>Witchrider rides fuzzy, Californian waves with an intensity Josh Hommes (Kyuss, Queens Of The Stone Age) could only imagine. The starting half of the album consisting of “OCD,” “One for Five” and “Black” get the dust swirling as tracks "Far From You" and "SP" come in for the sonic kill. Vocalist Dan Dorninger kills the desert sun groove, and the rest of the group rises on the sum of it's parts. Consider this a 2015 release because it's going to most definitely be on a few end of the year lists.</p>
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<h1>Runner-Ups</h1>
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<b>Sylosis - <i>Dormant Heart</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Recommended Track: <i>Harm</i></span></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JMWTQlhoDC-PVVvAafTuGrsBOTjnURHLaMjE6BNXDVHrcIjJpESfrA2MuFU3eFzNT1PH9ubYbUfAgiXosNJCDqjPKCKMlIC77Q5iO6itNOIA6t94-F4bLW050LtG3jw3L4ksh-VGw3o/s1600/sylosis-dormantheart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JMWTQlhoDC-PVVvAafTuGrsBOTjnURHLaMjE6BNXDVHrcIjJpESfrA2MuFU3eFzNT1PH9ubYbUfAgiXosNJCDqjPKCKMlIC77Q5iO6itNOIA6t94-F4bLW050LtG3jw3L4ksh-VGw3o/s200/sylosis-dormantheart.jpg"></a>
<span style="clear: both; float: left;">Genre: Melodic Death/Thrash Metal <br/>Label: Nuclear Blast</span>
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<b>6:33 - <i>Deadly Scenes</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Recommended Track: <i>Black Widow</i></span></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSMBoFuEZ1Zlv-p8UfE_324Isy5XLNvmYOdehEJ68KcT9AtlLTqqT_oKlu5HGqUGVsQS-CLfxVkPbEYeyPU2nUa3_KKneVvBnXVF23j9SPDHRtauc3Oz86-EXnzSmhUem8tWPEdmKHng/s1600/633-Deadly-Scenes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHSMBoFuEZ1Zlv-p8UfE_324Isy5XLNvmYOdehEJ68KcT9AtlLTqqT_oKlu5HGqUGVsQS-CLfxVkPbEYeyPU2nUa3_KKneVvBnXVF23j9SPDHRtauc3Oz86-EXnzSmhUem8tWPEdmKHng/s200/633-Deadly-Scenes.jpg"></a>
<span style="clear: both; float: left;">Genre: Avant Garde/Progressive Metal <br/>Label: Kaotoxin</span>
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<h1>Notables</h1>
<p>Other releases this week include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Benediction - <i>Grind Bastard Re-Release</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Death Metal | Label: Metal Mind</span></li>
<li>Benediction - <i>Killing Music Re-Release</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Death Metal | Label: Metal Mind</span></li>
<li>Benediction - <i>Organised Chaos Re-Release</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Death Metal | Label: Metal Mind</span></li>
<li>Benediction - <i>Subconscious Terror Re-Release</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Death Metal | Label: Metal Mind</span></li>
<li>Benediction - <i>Transcend the Rubicon/The Dreams You Dread Re-Release</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Death Metal | Label: Metal Mind</span></li>
<li>Candlemass - <i>Candlemass Re-Release</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Doom Metal | Label: Metal Mind</span></li>
<li>Candlemass - <i>Lucifer Rising Re-Release</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Doom Metal | Label: Metal Mind</span></li>
<li>Clawfinger - <i>Life Will Kill You Re-Release</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Rap Metal | Label: Metal Mind</span></li>
<li>The Crown - <i>Death Is Not Dead</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Melodic Death Metal/Thrash Metal | Label: Century Media</span></li>
<li>Desolate Shrine - <i>The Heart of the Netherworld</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Death Metal | Label: Dark Descent</span></li>
<li>Einherjer - <i>Av Oss, For Oss</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Viking Metal | Label: Indie</span></li>
<li>Exlibris - <i>Aftereal</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Power Metal | Label: Metal Mind</span></li>
<li>Karma To Burn- <i>Arch Stanton</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Instrumental Stoner Metal | Label: FABA</span></li>
<li>Pain of Salvation - <i>Falling Home</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Progressive Rock/Acoustic | Label: Inside Out</span></li>
<li>Palisades - <i>Mind Games</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Metalcore/Techno-core | Label: Rise</span></li>
<li>Panzer, The German - <i>Send Them All To Hell</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Heavy Metal/Thrash Metal | Label: Nuclear Blast</span></li>
<li>Wednesday 13 - <i>Monsters of the Universe - Come Out and Plague</i><span style="clear: both; float: right;">Genre: Horror Metal/Heavy Metal | Label: Self</span></li>
</ul>
<p>Thanks for reading and hope you found something new to listen to. See you next Friday for the next Weekly Binge where I will break down more notable goodies.
<br/><br/><b>- The Catalyst</b></p>
<br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2