Ash Borer–The Irrepassable Gate
Genre: Black Metal, Doom Metal, Post Rock
FFO: Wolves in the Throne Room, Panopticon, Thou
California-based Black Metal outfit Ash Borer deliver a third LP expanding on the polarizing dynamic displayed in previous releases.
Open The Irrepassable Gate and allow your consciousness to be enveloped by six powerful tracks boasting an exemplary meeting ground for the rawness and speed of traditional Black Metal, lush soundscapes of Post Rock, and the crushing nature of Doom Metal.
Kevin Krauter–Changes
Genre: Indie, Folk
FFO: Local Natives (early), Bright Eyes, Hoops
Bloomington, Indiana-based Jangle Pop quartet Hoops closed the summer out with a phenomenal Jangle Pop EP rich with pristine riffs and ethereal lullabies bathed in 80’s reminiscence.
Now we have their bassist, Kevin Krauter, closing the fall out for us with his remarkable sophomore EP Changes.
Krauter relies on acoustic instrumentation and an ambient vocal presence for his standalone work conveying the likes of Indie Folk legend Connor Oberst and the early releases of Local Natives. Electric sounds appear as needed in subtle varieties, but the foundational elements of each piece are drawn from the unique optimistic acoustic licks that at times will even bring Jack Johnson to mind.
Don’t put out your year end list just yet. December has some unexpected offerings in store and this is surely a prime example.
Nails/Full of Hell-Split EP
Genre: Powerviolence, Grindcore, Hardcore Punk
FFO: Magrudergrinder, Young and in the Way, Dead in the Dirt
Maryland’s Full Of Hell is clearly not a stranger to collaborative releases. The past few years has illustrated a gradual sound shift from traditional Powerviolence to experimental drone and sludge as seen from their works with acts such as The Body and Merzbow.
The group called forth upon their earlier sound with a refreshing, far more aggressive take on past material in their latest split release with California’s Nails following the success of You Will Never Be One of Us earlier this year.
East and West Coast Powerviolence clash together like the Battle of Helm’s Deep in this year-closing split performance.