Never thought I would like black metal but shit, if this isn't catchy as hell.
I already commented on this, but I've now had a chance to listen to the album about ten times. Again, I'm not really into typical black metal either, so I don't know how this compares to the more popular bands, but overall this album seems like an entry level black metal album to those that don't particularly care for (or know) the genre. It's ridiculously catchy in parts, and has a great production. Even though I can't fucking understand the majority of what's being said, it doesn't matter. It's done well.
Somehow, the new Anthrax album slipped under my radar as well. Probably because I thought John Bush was a better fit, even if I only cared about one album from that era. Surprisingly, their latest is actually much better than everything after
Sound of White Noise, and in some ways as good as their earlier material. Joey never really impressed me, but I think he actually sounds good here.
Also, just like
Sound of White Noise sounded suspiciously like Alice in Chains in many spots, this album has a handful of songs that sound a bit like modern Alice in Chains, except without being as boring. The riffing just kills in so many spots, and the leadwork is the best it's been since Spitz.
I discovered the Polish prog band Riverside on this thread. And now, I have bad news.
http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/riverside-guitarist-piotr-grudzinski-dead-at-40/
Wow, that sucks. Since neither band cares about doing anything metal any longer, maybe they could just ask for an Akerfeldt collaboration.
