6. Møllehøj
Møllehøj is the brainchild of multi-instrumentalist Jennifer Christensen, whose Danish roots inspired the project’s name. Raw and emotive in nature, she draws inspiration from her close ties with the wilderness, channeling its energy into existential monuments of sonic fury. The 42-minute demo balances the line between hypnotic, traditional black metal and drone, with the mournful sound of a cello adding a beautiful layer of sorrow and mystique into the mix. But the true Møllehøj sound seems to come from the live experience, as the music is as emotional as it is seemingly improvisational. I’ve yet to witness the ritual in human form, but the band readily documents them and makes me hope for that day to arrive.
5. Kólga
One of the many, many projects of premier Kentucky metallion Austin Lunn of Panopticon fame, the band quietly released this demo under his imprint Lundr Records. And like everything he touches, this release is uncompromising in quality and intrigue. Unlike his other works, Kólga doesn’t conjure up spirits of the forest or sing the praises of the state they call home. Instead, with their music they paint a desolate portrait like the one emblazoned on the cover art; a barren wasteland of ice and snow that drifts on endlessly. It’s icy hypnotism at its best, with waves of keyboard cutting through the raw production to take you into a dreamlike state and wrap you in their chilly embrace. Final track “Sky Wheel” switches things up with some uncharacteristic, yet perfectly executed riffing, making it the highlight of the three-song release. Mr. Lunn is hard at work on his other bands, so there’s no word what as to what the future of Kólga holds, but even if this demo is their sole output, it’s one they should be proud of.
4. Druden
A relative newcomer to the Northwest scene, Druden obliterated my ears when I witnessed them opening up for Wolves in the Throne Room on a snow-soaked December day in 2011. Clandestine in nature, the band recently recorded a behemoth of a demo, which you can stream here. The sound is absolutely massive, channeling inspiration from the black Cascadian scene and infusing elements of doomy death metal. The result is of the most unique and undefinable recordings of the year, with the three long songs spanning mountaintops and wind-swept plains alike. Druden invoke a sonic array that’s mournful, uplifting and extremely spirited. Such a powerful demo gives huge expectations and suspense for what the band has planned next; if a first attempt is already better than some bands’ magnum opuses, get ready for big things from the Portland natives. A perfect aural escape as the days get shorter, and the nights get colder.
3. Barrowlands
Another Cascadian band adding a cello in the mix to round out their sound, Barrowlands’ debut is beyond majestic. Formed from the remnants of the more straightforward bm outfit Mary Shelley, from which the demo borrows its final track, the young Portland crew explore different themes in their music, ranging from their natural surroundings to introspection and loss. They seek to create a unique sonic interplay between the guitars and traditional strings, creating a dynamic and hypnotic cascade that brings you into the heart of nature. As if this epic piece wasn’t enough, the band is only just beginning to explore their unique sound. Barrowlands are in the midst of working on a debut full-length, which is set to be released digitally and on vinyl in the spring of next year.
2. Khmer
I first found out about these glorious Spaniards back in August, after being absolutely floored by this amazing recording. You can check out my full review of this blistering blackened d-beat debut here, but don’t just take my word for it. Listen to this four times over the next hour to make your life exponentially better.
1. Torture Chain – Time is but a Doorway to the Incinerator
Torture Chain is one of the most consistent black metal projects in the world. Unfortunately, no one knows anything about the band’s sole member, Torturer, not even what part of the United States from which he (she?) hails. This absolutely mystifying long-form track dissects and showcases the best aspects of USBM, from the haunting John Williams inspired intro to upbeat verses, chaotic yet masterful guitar solos and maniacal vocals. The cassette sold out days after its release, but thankfully the label provided a free download of the masterpiece. The 24-minute track has something for every black metal fan and is far and away the best demo of the year. Well played Torturer, now rise up from the depths and shed your shadowed guise so we can properly heap this praise up you.
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