I am moving to the latest ULTHA album. ULTHA is a band on another level for me, and ‘A Light So Dim’ once again transcends black metal into something much larger. One never knows where they will go next, and the listening experience and atmosphere they expertly craft here is a true gift. An unpredictable soundtrack for the chaotic times.
Out now via Vendetta Records
EXXÛL ‘Sealed Into None’ POWER DOOM DANCE REVIEW
I am moving to the new EXXÛL ‘Sealed Into None’ album. This epic power doom is true excellence in sound – TOP TIER performances, tone, and production. To hear Phil Tougas shred guitar is always a treat, but with bass pumped into the mix with solos, chunky thundering drums, and the acrobatic high notes on these vocals?? Just wow.
When I first heard the harmony on the ya-yas (candle scene above), I was helpless to this album’s powers. This is the most fun I’ve had with heavy metal in some time. Get in here!
Listen at Bandcamp (Productions TSO / Nameless Grave Records)
JUSTIN’S FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2025
These are the 5 albums that moved me most this year:
1) BLIGHTED ELDER – Upon Merciless Flame (Transylvanian Recordings)
2) LIJKSCHOUWER– All What Did The Blade Reveal (self released)
3) WEEPING SORES – The Convalescence Agonies (I, Voidhanger Records)
4) OAKEN – From The Bonfire (Fractions of Life Records)
5) SCIMITAR – Scimitarium I (Crypt of the Wizard)
ANTHRODYNIA ‘Death Doom Dance Review’
I am moving to the debut album from ANTHRODYNIA (Aug 15 2025). This is my kind of death doom! Cavernous and dialed, so much more than a downtuned riff. And the way it lulls with its immersive atmosphere is WHAT’S UP. Highly recommended if you like Spectral Voice, Ossuary, Blood Spore.
Listen at Bandcamp (Nameless Grave Records)
BLIGHTED ELDER: FULL BLAST ‘Upon Merciless Flame’
I am moving to BLIGHTED ELDER. This ravaging black metal has kept its grips on me since I first heard it around its release, June 27. This album is special as it was recorded in 2 sessions, so the front 3 songs have a more aggro feel vs. the atmospheric back half. Must hear USBM for 2025!
Listen at Bandcamp (Transylvanian Recordings)
DROUTH: FULL BLAST ‘The Teeth of Time’
I am moving to the latest DROUTH album (May 16) whose USBM is non-stop fury and with how they incorporate death, blackened doom, and other subgenres, will surely impress any metal fan. Also Ludicra guest vocal spots! For fans of WOE.
Listen at Bandcamp
PURGING: DEATH DOOM DANCE REVIEW
I am moving to the new self-titled PURGING release (Feb 5 2025). If you see me walking on the street, chances are this riff is playing in my head. A fully packed 22 mins of OUGH! do not skip this death metal! Cassette released May 23 on Noxious Ruin Handwrought.
Listen at Bandcamp
ACT OF IMPALEMENT: DEATH DOOM DANCE REVIEW ‘Profane Altar’
I am moving to the new ACT OF IMPALEMENT album ‘Profane Altar’, released Feb 28 via Caligari Records. While there is an endless sea of death metal in the sphere, AoI still manage to make ya say OUGH! For fans of Vastum and crusty death doom.
Listen at Bandcamp
JUSTIN’S FAVORITE ALBUMS OF 2024
Here the 10 albums that moved me the most this year:
#1) BLOOD INCANTATION – Absolute Elsewhere (Century Media)
#2) FUNERAL LEECH – The Illusion of Time (Carbonized Records)
#3) FÓRN – Repercussions of the Self (Persistent Vision)
#4) CRYPT SERMON – The Stygian Rose (Dark Descent)
#5) INTER ARMA – New Heaven (Relapse)
#6) RHÛN – Conveyance in Death (House of Inkantation)
#7) SPECTRAL VOICE – Sparagmos (Dark Descent)
#8) MNAJDRA – In the Name of the Goddess (Snow Wolf Records / Fiadh Productions)
#9) ORYX – Primordial Sky (Translation Loss)
#10) SLIMELORD – Chytridiomycosis Relinquished (20 Buck Spin)
FÓRN: DEATH DOOM DANCE REVIEW ‘Repercussions of the Self’
I am moving to the new FÓRN album ‘Repercussions of the Self’ released October 18 via Persistent Vision. Doom hasn’t bowled me over like this in years. The atmospheric funeral sound is massive, and the electronic elements are a welcome touch. Track 5 “Regrets Abyss,” in particular, has its grip on my core. Allow me to demonstrate!
Listen at Bandcamp
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