Helleborus

Helleborus are a Psychedelic Black Metal duo from the mountainous state of Colorado that explore "themes of sexual mysticism and Dionysian nature". Named after the deadly poisonous winter flower, this gives us a fairly good idea of what to expect from their music. Beauty and grisliness wrapped all into one. They combine the relentless maelstrom of black metal riffage that we all love, while maintaining a psychedelic vibes that are perfect in putting the listener into a hypnotic like trance. The melding together of traditional black metal elements, and unorthodox elements  of doom and rock  is highly enjoyable and demands your attention to absorb all the various elements.The crisp quality songwriting, and memorable riffs make this a solid addition to add to any metal heads playlist. With their full length debut soon to drop, it'll be great to great to hear more from this sibling duo.

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Au-Dessus (Lithuania)

There’s actually a lot of post-black in this, but without turning into yet another Drudkh clone.  The sound is very deep and heavy, the vocals very harsh.  There is a progressive element, but compositions are pretty simplistic.  Still, there is enough variance within each track to carry the song lengths.  I like how songs will start off with a really dark tone and then evolve into something more melodic over time as on track II.  In fact, each track seems to up the ante from the previous one.  Plenty of crunchy bass in the mix, production is pretty clean but retains some edge.  Guitar work is strong with the occasional hooky riff to break up the rapidly strummed chords.  Overall, an impressive debut.  Only $4.95 on bandcamp.  I will be coming back to this one for a few listens to be sure, but I see no reason not to throw them a few bucks.

Enjoyability=9 at least
Musicianship=8
Innovation=7.5
Overall=8.9

Mindless Faith (US)

Bit of a departure and throwback today.  Just like any genre, there is a lot of terrible electronic music out there.  Fortunately, there are also some diamonds in the rough: Skinny Puppy, Ministry, Throbbing Gristle, etc.  If I asked most industrial fans to name the group they most associate with tongue-in-cheek, nihilistic ethos, I'm willing to bet most would name KMFDM.  However, there is another group of similar style that I feel does a more concise job.  Enter Mindless Faith.  While they may not sport the discographies of their peers, quality certainly outweighs quantity.  Rebellious 90's-sounding atmosphere, growly vocals, catchy beats, and stunning synth work that manages to seamlessly fuse dark, gothic tones with rave-inducing melodies.  It's The Prodigy on DMT.  Just listen to the first track of Medication for the Misinformed (their best album imo) and you will hear what I am talking about.  If you like it, you won't be disappointed by the rest.  Throw these guys some support while you're at it.

Enjoyability=9
Musicianship=9
Innovation=7
Overall=9

Fulgora - Stratagem

Sorry for the overload today, but I wanted to strike this one while it's hot. Stream is up here, but I'm not sure for how long. Fangora is a bit of a deathgrind supergroup featuring members of Pig Destroyer, Misery Index, and Agoraphobic Nosebleed.  Nothing super original here, but that doesn’t stop it from being fun.  Think PD’s more accessible, groovy riffs with hardcore punk vocals.  Song lengths are pretty average rather than following the typical 30-50 second blasts of the genre.  Still a short listen with only 7 songs, but I think the length is perfect for what it is.

Enjoyability=8.5
Musicianship=8
Innovation=6
Overall=7.7

Reverorum Ib Malacht

 

Reverorum Ib Malacht are perhaps one of my faovurite cult bands. The atmosphere produced is simply haunting and immersive. The ritual-like ambiance sucks you in like a thick haze, and the murky tone of the guitars really enhances the listening experience. I for one believe it's even good to meditate to with the suffocating ambiance. While the production is anything but crystal clear, it rather suits the sinister and at times haunting vibes. Sit back, and get lost in the music.

Discography

Zom (Ireland)

If you liked the Malthusian link, you may enjoy this as well.  Similar vocals and production, but faster and groovier.  There's a bit of crust punk permeating the sound, mostly due to the drums, but there is still plenty of jangly blackened death riffs to keep it decidedly metal.  Full album here.  Edit: group is from Ireland, label is in Colorado.  Sorry about that.