THE SHIVA HYPOTHESIS – Demo

The Shiva Hypothesis – Demo (2015, self-released)

Shiva is the Hindu god of destruction and the Shiva Hypothesis is an hypothesis that explains an apparent mass extinction caused by impact events. So the band The Shiva Hypothesis from the Netherlands is a contemporary Black metal outfit that is inspired, as the drummer BN told me, by Behemoth, Emperor, Immortal, Death, Ved Buens Ende, Mayhem, and Gorgoroth .

COBALT – Slow Forever

Cobalt – Slow Forever (2016, Profound Lore)

Often categorized as black metal, the duo of Cobalt is a blend between the great masters of Swans, Converge, and bits here and there of Eyehategod. With Slow Forever, they are putting a solid cornerstone into their already interesting discography.

BARONESS – Purple [2015 Blindspot]

Baroness – Purple (2015, Abraxan Hymns)

Following the footsteps of Mastodon, also from Georgia, Baroness have made a name for themselves as stoner, experimental, and even psychedelic rock outfit. As of today, with line-up changes with their bus crash in 2012 and the recovery of staying members, Baroness seems to be stronger and tougher than before.

ANIMAL COLLECTIVE – Painting With

Animal Collective – Painting With (2016, Domino)

Many labels can be attached to Animal Collective’s music; psychedelic pop, indie electro pop, indie rock with electro, experimental pop, etc. Formed of Panda Bear (Noah Lennox), Geologist (Brian Weitz), and Avey Tare (David Michael Portner), the once quartet is now a trio since the departure of Deakin (Joshua Dibb) after the tour for Centipede Hz has released Painting With while each member has a solo career. Panda Bear with the most successful one with a very strong album in 2015.

Record of the Month: February 2016

February has been a pretty busy month for the shrtest of the year. Many great records have spinned in my ears and I will post new reviews soon. However, my pick for the month was clear when I first listened to it earlier this month. So for the second edition of this new feature our winner is: