Terrorfront: Top 5 of the Month – March Edition

This past month last gone by rather quickly, and although not many “new” releases have come out over the course of March, there have still been some more ‘recent’ gems I’ve found myself listening to which I either overlooked or hadn’t checked out before. Although a bit extended and diverse, I wouldn’t want my musical selection any other way.

Alcest – “Les Voyages de l’Âme”

Being somewhat of a long-time listener of Alcest, I was in a bit of shock to realize I wasn’t aware this release had even existed until a few weeks ago. This band has always been a hit or miss with most metalheads, as I can understand why when it comes to bands who put themselves out there when it comes to blending genres and experimenting with various soundscapes in a rather untraditional and new wave type of manner. I can’t say that I am a huge die-hard Alcest fan, but every release that they have put out thus far has yet to disappoint, including this one. Some may argue that the “fans of shoegaze and black metal” stereotype does not apply here, as I have met people who enjoy both genres but just not blended together, but I still encourage those who have not heard this band to at least give a proper sampling first before making any judgements. Alcest’s frontman, Neige makes it apparent that he creates his music first and foremost for himself, as well as projects his own personal ideologies in a form of music that is both trance-like, surreal, and even beautiful. The first 3 songs of this record drew me in immediately, as they are the most powerful ones on the record for me which will leave you sucked in and wanting to hear more of what this record has to offer… which is indeed quite a bit than what one might expect. With that said, I am more than stoked to see some of these songs performed live in my own city soon enough on their Spring tour.

Sanguis Imperem – “In Glory We March Towards Our Doom”

This gem had been released last year, although the promotion was not as well-recognized as it should have been for what a killer full-length this really is. With their previous debut with their 2008 EP “The Stagnation of Centuries”, Sanguis Imperem have certainly stepped up with a long-awaited full-length that falls far from the words “boring” or “mundane”. For listeners out there who are looking for a “new wave” of death metal bands who are not carbon copies of Incantation or Blasphemy, you will certainly not be disappointed by what this release has to offer. This is an unrelenting, callous, hateful and violent record to be put at best. Even as a live piece, as I have seen Sanguis Imperem hit the stage a few times in the few previous years, they carry an equally as powerful presence on stage as they do on recording. As the way death metal should be.

Bahimiron – “Rebel Hymns of Left Handed Terror”

And here we have another release which did not go as recognized by labels and distros alike in the year of 2011, and so it does not come off as a surprise that we don’t hear much about American black metal bands these days. For those who are unfamiliar with Bahimiron, they are originally based out of Texas and had not released any material since their previous full-length in 2006. ‘Rebel Hymns’ is definitely a step up from their last one, as well as any other material they have released. Bahimiron have always been more keen on raw and lo-fi production, as most traditional USBM bands have their sound (respectfully), and this record is no different, although production-wise it has certainly been an improvement as I am able to hear both instruments and vocals more distinctly and thus enhancing the listening experience of what raw and filthy southern black metal should be about. This record is both filthy and nihilistic in a delivering and appropriate sense, although I am a bit biased and think this band delivers their maximum potential as a live act, I recommend this release for any fans of traditional black metal or are simply just angry as fuck.

Hellgoat – “Death Conquers All”

Not to be confused with the Hell Goat from Texas, this Hellgoat is a black metal band based out of Georgia with members from Vasaeleth and Legions of Astaroth. Although the band had released some previous Eps along with a full-length from 2005, their proper deliverance had not come until this release, which was produced and distributed in 2011. As I had written previously, when it comes to underground promotion in the U.S., as well as news about “new” releases, it is accomplished on a level which is not done nearly on a high-scale as the likes of Europe or even South America. But this has been realized and proven for many years, so onwards with the review: ‘Death Conquers All’ has a lot to offer in terms of traditional, Satanic black metal and it delivers no less than that. It even contains a bit of elements of war metal here and there, as this record does not take any ‘breaks’ or tones down in the least bit. It is a well-executed piece for what Hellgoat was trying to accomplish with releasing a violent and uncompromising album, of course not for listeners who cannot feel the hate this record truly delivers.

Noctis – “Initiation”

Noctis is a one-man black metal act based out of Portland, OR. This release was/is limited to a number of copies, so I can’t say I’m certain of how many are available or where a purchase can be made other than directly from the band page directly, or sampling can be made through the official Bandcamp site. It is always simply refreshing to see new projects emerge which are also based upon one’s own self-creation not just in terms of music, but also art and various other visual pieces surrounding the music made by the creator himself. This EP contains elements and influence from both a bit of drone and black metal, almost reminiscent on the sounds of old Blut Aus Nord. Although this project currently remains unsigned, a lot of potential lies here, as you can hear for yourself on the Bandcamp link provided, as well as the music being a distinct reflection on the art bred for it.

Over and out,
Tracy / www.t-terrorphoto.com