May held some strong releases, so let’s get down to business right away…
The more I listen to this, the more I love it. Revelation of the Pure by Bait is shaping up to be one of my favourites of 2020. Bait mix black metal and hardcore, taking strengths from each and producing an album that’s simply stunning.
Saga á tvei m tungum II: Eigi fj ǫ ll né firðir by Arstidir Lifsins takes the listener on an epic journey into atmospheric and ambient black metal. Richly textured and immersive, this lengthy experience is worth taking the time to get to know.
Xibalba’s latest release has hugely impressed. Años en Infierno benefits from increased atmospheric and doom components, bringing the band’s brutal music up to an entirely new level of quality. The best death metal/hardcore/doom hybrid you’re likely to hear this year.
I was looking forward to Propaganda by Bear, and it exceeded my expectations. This album is a charismatic progressive modern metal tour de force, and has the songs to back up its wild confidence. Highly enjoyable and moreish, this is a firm winner.
Forming the Void returned in May with the exquisite Reverie. The band’s take on progressive stoner/sludge doom metal is beautifully rendered in multifaceted colours and textured hues. Full of emotive songs that really make a mark, Reverie is quite exceptional.
Wonderbox Metal 