War in the Time of War
In a time of conflict and uncertainty, find refuge in a different form of war.
War metal is a tricky genre to navigate through. Not unlike black metal and all the negative associations that such a descriptor can bring, the annals of this silly little sub-sub-sub genre are troublesome indeed. However, within the past few years, a new trend has begun to emerge in the form of war metal without the sketch. Leading the way in such endeavors is Antichrist Siege Machine who decided that you don’t have to be a mental troglodyte to play this style of music. To pair with ASM, I also now present you with some more recommendations to wage war with society as well.
Lysergic – Towering Altars of Misanthropy (February 5)
First up in the vanguard of this lineup is Alberta, Canada’s one-man machine Lysergic with a crisp 14-minute EP that devastates then disembarks leaving you a mere hollowed shell. Sole member Kyle Ball crafts his execution of the style with slight industrial elements and mid-pace sections that act as reprieve from the normal blast-all-the-fucking-time approach. Nuances (gasp!) in soundscapes that lay beneath the hectic noise bring the aggression as well and the head-bobbing grooves that keep you engaged despite the static ridden production.
Lokabrenna – Acephalic Apocrypha (February 22)
If there exists such a thing as atmospheric war metal, then it is the solo project from Iceland called Lokabrenna that may very well may be blazing the trail. Madman Singular member Sturla Viðar has dropped a captivating yet horrifying 50-minute demo/debut that toes the line between several genres such as black, doom, and atmospheric all through a war metal filter. Now the thought of a 50-minute war metal demo may be a high barrier to clear for you dear reader, and that is a sentiment I can completely sympathize with. But if you consider yourself a fan of such acts as the intensity Anaal Nathrakh and the density of Svartidauði (RIP), then Acephalic Apocrypha.
Pisscorpse – Precipice of Death (March 27)
Okay, enough with all this poser war metal. If we can all agree on one thing in this divided world, it is that this is a completely serious subgenre filled with Nobel laurates. That is where Maryland’s leaders in combat policy come in. Enough with frilly nuance and progression as this trio brings the noise and attitude expected from a band with such an innocent name. Sometimes what you need is a tip-of-the-spear approach as this music is the literal definition of modern war metal. Always fast, aggressive, and bestial, Pisscorpse spew vitriol and vile anthems of death and grind. There definitely isn’t anything progressive or innovative on Precipice of Death, but that doesn’t matter a single bit when the beatdown contained within is so thorough and savage. Knock another one for the rise of the slew of piss-named bands!
Gorgon Vomit – Kill Pagans (April 3)
Now, if all these releases have been simply too long for you to sit through, then you my brain-rotted friend can rest easy as this last one is a mere 5-minute trek into the upcomers of British war metallers Gorgon Vomit. If this is your introduction to this London trio, then sit down and prepare to take in the auditory assault. Crafting a version of war metal that also brings beatdown energy along with the use of Jamaican Patois as frontman Black Mane (AKA Cam Clarke) wields his guitar and growls to somehow “catchy” death grind. Sometimes, war can be enjoyable.
