Nadja - Bliss Torn from Emptiness

I got to see Nadja about two years ago open up for Asunder in Seattle. I haven't listened to them since then, mostly because their live show was so impressive and utterly crushing that i didn't think they're recorded output could match it. But then i found this. I wasn't prepared for what was to come. It's a sasquatch of a record - giant walls of sound, lurching percussion, completely fuzzed out, frightening and beautiful at the same time. Totally recommended.

Here.

*repost from 2/5/10*

Lachrymal Quietus - Days of Being Aflame

I stumbled upon this guy's myspace on a completely unrelated google search. His name sounded cool so i clicked on it and it blew me away. At the core of his songs there is an undeniable sense of needing to run and not being to move at the same time. He sounds like Hank Williams, Sr., Scott Kelly, and Aidan Baker formed like Voltron, bedroom music-style. Now go pour some more vodka in your coffee and get totally bummed.

Here.

*repost from 1/19/10*

Wold - Screech Owl

Here's some more wintery blackness for you. Unlike the the haunting beauty of Paysage D'hiver's music, though, Wold gives nothing but the harshest winds blowing straight into your frostbitten face. Sure, sounds interesting now, but Wold is definitely not for everyone. In fact, most people kinda hate them. That being said, they're one of my favorite bands. Decide for yourself.

Here.

Akitsa - Goetie

This is Akitsa's debut full length from 2001. This is a prime slice of lo-fi black metal, and (i think) the darkest of his records. Not quite as experimental as some, not quite as crusty as others, just sorta hateful and juvenile. If you pay close attention, you can actually smell his musty basement bedroom where plays his guitar and reads mein kampf. Also, his vocals sound like your 5 year old cousin getting an indian burn. Sweet.

Here.