Alcest–Kodama
Genre: Post Rock, Dream Pop, Shoegazing, Black Metal
FFO: Deafheaven, Ghostbath, Harakiri for the Sky
“Blackgaze” became a wildy used genre description with the explosive popularity of Deafheaven‘s sophomore LP Sunbather.
The atmospheric complextion of Post Rock combined with the malevolence of Black Metal is often explored, but Deafheaven tends to receive credit for uniting the sound with Shoegazing influences.
Not many know French duo Alcest established this sound years prior (with a tip of the hat from early Ulver) and continue to display a mastery of the art with their fifth studio album.
Kodama returns listeners to the boundless imagination of frontman/multi-instrumentalists Niege pulling influences from Japanese culture such as the Hayao Miyazaki film Princess Mononoke.
Prepare yourself for one of the most beautiful, thought-provoking records of the year.
Hypoluxo–If Language
Genre: Indie Rock, Jangle Pop, Post Punk
FFO: Diiv, The National, Told Slant
Brooklyn quartet Hypoluxo introduce a unique sound with their debut LP.
If Language is a melancholic, relaxing experience loaded with pristine guitar licks and a monotone vocal performance comparable to Ian Curtis, Matt Berniger, and Felix Walworth.
Kestrels–Kestrels
Genre: Alternative Rock, Indie Rock, Noise Rock, Shoegazing
FFO: Silversun Pickups, Ringo Deathstarr, Smashing Pumpkins
Canadian rock trio Kestrels turn heads with a third LP implementing a cutting edge take on ’90s era Alternative Rock with just the right pinch of Shoegazing influences.
The group’s self titled record exhibits ten catchy, diversive tunes nodding to the guitar styles of both Kevin Shields and Billy Corgan.
Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard–Y Proffwydd Dwyll
Genre: Sludge Metal, Doom Metal, Stoner Metal, Psychedelic Rock
FFO: Electric Wizard, Beastmaker, SubRosa
Ignore the fact this band appears as if they snagged their name from the “Metal Band Name Generater.”
This Welsh quartet just dropped perhaps the best Stoner/Sludge offering 2016 has seen (and if you follow this blog that says a lot).
Mammoth Weed Wizard Bastard incorporates crushing, fuzzy riffs with an absolutely stunning vocal performance from frontwoman Jessica Ball.
Y Proffwyd Dwyll is the epitome of “don’t judge a book by its cover” because if overlooked, you may be missing out on one of the year’s strongest Metal records.
Oathbreaker-Rheia
Genre: Crust Punk, Black Metal, Post Metal
FFO: Young and in the Way, Gatecreeper, Deafheaven
Belgian Blackened Crust outfit Oathbreaker return for LP #3 this week expanding upon the Post Metal elements introduced in Eros/Anteros.
The standout aspects of Rheia deal with its juxtaposition of ambient beauty and ear-piercing malevolence found in both the instrumentation and the unparalled vocal delivery of frontwoman Caro Tanghe.
Tanghe’s pipes adjust fittingly to the mood of each piece ranging from etheral whispers, lush melodies, and horrifying shrieks guaranteed to catch deserved attention from the metal community.