Best albums of 2014

So, it’s that time of the year again. It’s snowy, it’s cold, it’s dark, and we’re about to change the last numeral on our calendar… Most of us will have to take some time to anchor this change in their head and will probably still write “2014” whenever they’re asked what year it is, but still. 2014 has been a great year in music releases, and I’ve had the honour of sharing almost all the music I’ve discovered and enjoyed with you guys (whoever reads this blog, if any!), and it’s my pleasure to do so, as always!

Now comes … Read more

Review: Ethan McKenna – Embracing Uncertainty


Don’t let yourself be fooled by its simple appearance and instrumentation, because Embracing Uncertainty is certainly the best acoustic music album I’ve heard in a long while!

Dressing the simple acoustic guitar with fancy playing techniques, like percussive playing, tapping, and probably slapping and popping too, Ethan McKenna is able to keep my mind interested through the listen. Moreover, the song structures are hardly conventional (with maybe a few exceptions), and often make use of uncommon time signatures. A good example of that is the second half of the first song, Dark Night of the Read more

News: Finally, Coma Cluster Void give us a teaser!

It’s quite short and lightweight, but it sets the tone for the “Avant-Garde Death/Math Metal” record. Coma Cluster Void have been lurking on forums and facebook groups for a while now, and I’m really excited to hear what they’re really up to. This trailer doesn’t satisfy my hunger, but at least it puts me in the mood.

The album will be released in 2015.… Read more

Review: 五人一首 (Gonin-Isshu) – 内視鏡世界 (Naishikyo-Sekai)

You know Japan? You remember Japanese metal? (Example 1; Example 2) 五人一首 are not so different.

I would label them as progressive metal, however not a trope-following progressive metal band, more like a progressist metal band that other would more likely categorize as experimental or avant-garde, and they wouldn’t be wrong either. Female-fronted progressist metal bands are quite a gem nowadays, the singers often have to share that spot with secondary vocalists to do the harsh part of the singing, but it’s not the case here, Anoji sings both melodic and harsh … Read more