Many fine records were released in November, too many to do justice to here. Instead I’ll just pick five of my favourites. The below albums are all quite different, but all striking in their own individual ways…
Let’s start with the eye-opening post-blackened songsmithing of Anomalie. Tranceformation surprised with its modern clean vocal-led songs and very catchy, moreish delivery. What an album.
Also a dark transformation of sorts; the latest album from Plebeian Grandstand revealed the band’s brutally nasty metamorphosis was complete. Rien ne Suffit is a malignant journey into noise-enhanced black metal/hardcore/experimental nightmare. Horrifying and compelling.
Adliga’s Vobrazy is a multifaceted post-metal delight. Blending powerful and emotive vocals with nuanced music and notably expressive percussion, this may only be the band’s debut album, but it already showcases an act with considerable talents.
Unmarked Boxes is a lush, vivid doom/post-metal soundscape of rich emotion and atmosphere. Daxma have fulfilled their early potential and have crafted something special and substantial. Set aside the time to truly listen to and absorb this release.
We’ll end with Noktvrn by Der Weg Einer Freiheit. Taking the band’s post-black metal into new and utterly convincing waters, this album is a triumph of songwriting and worldbuilding. It’s impressive stuff, and a great way to gratefully lose an immersive 48 minutes.
Wonderbox Metal 