2004 wrap up on Black/Pagan Metal (and its ilk)

[JayKeeley]

Strict categorization aside, this is what I've heard from '04:

Leviathan
Leviathan/Crebain Split
Deathspell Omega
Bergthron
Drudkh
Hate Forest
Blut Aus Nord
Krieg

I listened to Deathspell Omega and Leviathan again last night, and I have to say, they've lost some of that initial impact....maybe it was just an off-night. I do honestly think that the split with Crebain has better material.

Either way, leading contenders are Drudkh and Hate Forest.

I'd like to hear new Graveland and Enslaved too at some point, but is there anything else really OBVIOUSLY GOOD that I've yet to hear?

 

[Nico]

You should hear Velvet Cacoon.

 

[Nate The Great]

If Blut Aus Nord was 2004 it would be #1 for the year for me. Since it was orginally released in 2003, I'm not sure why it is included in this wrap up.

 

[Nate The Great]

I'd like to hear new Graveland and Enslaved too at some point, but is there anything else really OBVIOUSLY GOOD that I've yet to hear?

Damnation . . . bitch! You should have recieved the promo.

 

[Dev]

New Enslaved RULES , as much as Monumension and Below The Lights maybe even more . Killer trilogy !

 

[Black Winter Day]

If BAN counts as 2004, so does Mithras...

 

[General Zod]

I'd like to hear new Graveland and Enslaved too at some point, but is there anything else really OBVIOUSLY GOOD that I've yet to hear?

Should have both available on my FTP server by tonight. I'll send you your credentials when it's ready.

Zod

 

[J.]

When the hell is that Graveland gonna be available over here? gahhhh.....

 

[Nate The Great]

You might as well add Damnation to your list, Erik. Aren't you getting it soon?

 

[JayKeeley]

Gah, that release date debate is infuriating. That means Blut Aus Nord make neither year end lists, since we never heard it in '03 but it's not '04.

It probably makes sense to give US residents different rules...

Anyway, I forgot the new Darkthrone!!!

 

[JayKeeley]

Damnation . . . bitch! You should have recieved the promo.

I don't think I did....what label please?

 

[NAD]

I hate how most of my 2004 releases say copyright 2003 on the back. I'm confused but lack the ability to care so if Blut Aus Nord makes my year end list, suck it up.

Drudkh and Hate Forest are great from this year, I heard Deathspell Omega once and wasn't impressed, but I'll give it more time later. Maybe when the temp. gets below 75 F during the day again.

 

[JayKeeley]

LOITS is the name of the band? I thought you were being clever with some tr00 acronym.

Shall download later when not at work, but what the hell is "National Romantic Extreme Metal"?? Please describe briefly (band comparisons and so forth)...merci.

 

[Nate The Great]

I don't think I did....what label please?

I believe mine came to me via Candlelight . . . who distributed Damnation for Threeman Records. So, the label would be Threeman Records. I got it with Red Harvest and Hecate Enthroned.

 

[Tranquillian]

Downloading the loits albums now.

 

[Demonspell]

Regarding the release date confusion thing: I'd include it as an addendum to your top 10 list, and in the summary say where it would rank had it qualified. Or just disregard the potential nitpicking completely.

 

[Papa Josh]

I'd like to hear the latest Hecate Enthroned. I was quite fond of their Kings Of Chaos album.

 

[Nico]

Woods of Ypres anyone?

 

[Erik]

Not really... Can't say I've really listened to it post-review unfortunately

 

[Demilich]

Nick, more than half of that Woods of Ypres album doesn't belong in this thread And even the metal parts have a lot of non-black/pagan influence. It's a good cd though, I never listen to it anymore.

Gotta plug a couple of Canadian bands here:
Frozen Shadows - Hantises
Operation Winter Mist - Winter Warfare II

Good cds.