In the past, fusing jazz and metal has proven to be a melodic, complex form of technical death metal. Floridian acts like Cynic and Atheist really defined this movement. However, jazz and metal are two of the most diverse genres in the world, so it wasn’t going to be too long before other breeds were seen. Shining is offering one of the most interesting styles to come around yet.

Inextricably linked to their proud roots, Vreid is poised for greatness on another brilliant release. As beautiful as it is disturbing, Milorg’s haunting sincerity bravely echoes the dark past.

Hull – “Sole Lord” released May 26, 2009 on The End It’s good to hear another band besides Nile crafting music steeped in Egyptian mythology. However, rather than death metal, the Brooklyn quintet transports the sounds of southwest American sludge to the deserts of the Middle East. One doesn’t listen to Hull so much as journey with them, as one section burns into the next. The album is divided into song suites, movements, and chapters––which can get a tad confusing if you’re trying to follow along––but the story is worth your attention, beckoning with divine hypnotic fervor. The Sun’s fire [...read more]

Goes Cube – “Another Day Has Passed” released May 12, 2009 on The End Notable as a three-piece, the Brooklyn natives almost match the intensity of Kylesa and the stripped-down songwriting sensibilities of Helmet, but rarely reach either’s level of dynamics. Their choice of riffs is their strongest suit, as nearly every song has something interesting within. The pop varnish on tracks like 2 & 6 makes for a rough listen, to say nothing of the songs blending together indistinguishably at times. There are some truly shining moments, like the two-minute battle cry that starts the album, the Deftones [...read more]

Nadja – “When I See The Sun Always Shines On TV” released April 28, 2009 on The End Records The brainchild of Aiden Baker (guitar, drum, vocals) and his cohort, Leah Buckareff (bass, vocals) acknowledge their breadth of influences on the Canadian duo’s latest album, consisting entirely of covers. Apart from obvious choices like My Bloody Valentine and the Swans, they also take on a-ha (who inspired the album title) and “Long Dark Twenties” from the Kids In The Hall: Brain Candy soundtrack. They metamorphose each track into enveloping layers of drone, extending some songs in the process (Slayer’s [...read more]

Karl Sanders – “Saurian Exorcisms” released April 14, 2009 on The End One of the few men with the power to strike fear into the stoutest metal heart offers his second solo effort to the world at large. Though my grasp on international music is somewhat tenuous, I imagine anyone that enjoys sounds of the Middle East will be impressed, if only for his meticulous compositions with lush production. Those familiar with Nile’s Egyptian-steeped death metal will appreciate the dark atmospheres and foreboding themes, not to mention Karl’s phenomenal multi-instrument work (albeit mostly acoustic). Unlike his last album, he also [...read more]