Want metal? Of course you do! Let’s check out some of the best releases from June…
Let’s start things off with something distinctly brutal. Nephren-Ka made a welcome return in June with another charismatic slab of pummelling death metal. From Agony to Transcendence has not disappointed, so make sure you investigate its darkened crypts.
Also making a welcome return in June were the mighty Fear Factory, with their hugely enjoyable cyber metal platter Aggression Continuum. What can I say, I’ve always loved Fear Factory, and their latest album is one of their best.
Bossk’s Migration is something that works best as a holistic experience. The band’s post-metal is exquisitely-crafted, taking the listener on a journey into textured soundscapes. Sometimes crushing, and sometimes soft and ethereal, Migration carries you away upon waves of rich feeling.
Serpent & Spirit by Urne is a monstrous album of ridiculously good riffs and thrashing metallic fun, that somehow manages to also have a heartfelt emotive streak a mile wide. Urne pack a lot into their debut album, from a variety of styles, and it all comes together gloriously in one colossally strong chunk of metal.
I very much enjoyed Nefarious Wave by Somnuri. Here’s a record that combines sludge, grunge, hardcore, and doom into a heavy album of memorable songs. Both ferocious and richly harmonious, Nefarious Wave impressed.
We’ll end with the idiosyncratic individuality of Boss Keloid. Family the Smiling Thrush is sure to turn many heads in 2021 with its bright plumage and colourful song. The band have successfully managed to develop into something entirely of their own creation, and on their latest album their voice resounds clear and true.
Wonderbox Metal 