dark rock

Episode 415: Katatonia, Barishi, Werewolves, Umbrae Vitae 2020 Album Reviews + The Artisan Era Showcase

Choose a Side

We have some really good discussions this week, and a bunch of differing opinions. To the latter, Nick and Brian only completely agree on one of these albums.  So, we want YOU to get in on the conversation in the comments on the site or social media and choose a side!

And remember – Stay inside. Stay healthy.  Stay Metal.

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Reviews:
Katatonia – City Burials (Peaceville)
Barishi – Old Smoke (Season of Mist)
Werewolves – The Dead are Screaming (Prosthetic)
Umbrae Vitae – Shadow of Life (Deathwish)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Top Albums of the Decade 2010-2019

Yeah, We Did It Too

As we discussed in 2019 closer Episode 405, we made “best of the decade” list too.  After collaborating on the 2010 picks (the podcast hadn’t started yet), we took the top 3 albums from each of our “Best of the Year” lists.  Since we didn’t want to repeat bands, we then together picked the best of the repeat offenders.  Next, we individually ranked the remaining albums before finally compiling them like we do the other “Best of the Year” lists.

Ya follow all that?  Good.

The result is solid, albeit a little odd. Remember, both of our likes, dislikes, preferences, tolerances, etc. have changed a lot over the years.  This list is reflective of the show throughout the years filtered through our current tastes, but maybe not really representative of either host individually, or as we maybe would retroactively rank albums (if we could).  So, while you could argue with us about glaring omissions and the such, don’t bother.  We did it this way to be fair to the recorded history of the show and, well – honestly – we didn’t have the time or willpower to start from scratch.  (That list would have been really weird!)

So, without further ado…

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Episode 336: Wake, Night In Gales, Deathwhite 2018 Album Reviews + Virginia Bandcamp Pick: Sundrainer

Powerless Rise

When a nor’easter drops a foot of wet, heavy snow, takes down trees and power lines, and leaves most of your county without power, what do you do?  Drive to your girlfriend’s place so you can record your podcast.  The show must go on!

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Reviews:
Wake – Misery Rites (Translation Loss)
Night In Gales – The Last Sunsets (Apostasy Records)
Deathwhite – For a Black Tomorrow (Season of Mist)

 

Virginia
Sundrainer

 

 

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Episode 164: Regression. Stagnation. Progression.

We’ve discussed this a few times on the show:  growth vs. transformation, “going back to our roots” vs. regressing, consistent vs. stale. Some bands start as heroes but live long enough to see themselves become the villain, so to speak.  Some pull a Darth Vader and find their way back. (Am I being nerdy enough for you?) Others just stay stuck at 55 in the right line. Then there are the ones who amaze coming out of the gate, so now we have to see where they go, if anywhere. This week’s reviews inadvertently became a study of these ideas, so get listening and share your thoughts in the comments!

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Reviews:
Ghost Brigade – IV: One With the Storm (Season of Mist)
Machine Head – Bloodstone and Diamonds (Nuclear Blast)
Skyharbor – Guiding Lights (Basick)
Soen – Tellurian (Spinefarm)
Toothgrinder – Schizophrenic Jubilee (Spinefarm)

Live Review:
MegaDeaf Tour 2014: Part Deux featuring He Is Legend, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, and Wounds at Webster Theater Underground in Hartford, CT on November 11, 2014

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Episode 132: Now Radio Friendly

No, not really.  That’s a joke.  If this show ever sounds like we are trying to go for “radio friendly” hunt us down and shoot us because we sold out.  Anyway, that bit was a not a complete non-sequiter, as you will hear in one of our five album reviews.  And because that’s not enough, we also have two live reviews for shows your super-awesome hosts went to last week. So get comfy because this might take a little more time….but it’s worth it, I promise.

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Reviews: Austrian Death Machine – Triple Brutal (Artery Recordings); Lacuna Coil – Broken Crown Halo (Century Media); Lesser Key – Lesser Key EP (Sumerian); Pet the Preacher – The Cave & The Sunlight (Napalm); Sockweb – Werewolf (Monolithic Records)

Live Reviews: “Halo of Blood over North America Tour” feat. Children of Bodom, Death Angel, Tyr @ Irving Plaza, New York, NY on March 28, 2014; The Ocean, Scale the Summit, The Atlas Moth @ The Studio at Webster Hall, New York, NY on March 29, 2014

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