The Buried Underground – October ’22

So, after extensive months and long heated discussions, (OK, only days, and via email with no aggression whatsoever). Main “Metal Epidemic” dude, Dave, and I (Rick, lowly reviewer) have decided to introduce a shiny new, extreme drama-filled monthly column here at your one-stop shop for metal awesomeness.

May we present to you…“The Buried Underground”, I know, I know, genius.

After realizing that some of you fine folks, through no fault of your own, have been missing some pretty tasty jams that we feel need a proper introduction. The action here is simple, quality metal that’s slipped your radar in 2022, for whatever reason. Killer albums from underground bands you may have never heard of. Ones already released, or even something in the future that we think needs more eyes and ears on it. Those are the rules, don’t fucking break them….wait, never mind. We won’t break them. Let’s do this…

 
Rick’s Picks:

Seriously, how did everyone miss this? Katakomba is filthy, grisly old school death metal swagger with lumbering grooves and coarse buzzsaw riffs. It clubs you mercilessly with disgusting heaviness that’s impossible not to headbang to while this chainsaw hacking motherfucker is playing. Don’t believe me, have a listen and call your insurance company, your house is getting wrecked. Simply put, this is OSDM done as if it was released in 1993, brutally authentic, heavy and absolutely killer.

Record Label: Redefining Darkness Records
For Fans Of: Grave, Entombed, Gatecreeper.
Bandcamp: https://katakombasweden.bandcamp.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatakombaSweden/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katakomba_band/

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In Aphelion is an inspired black metal band with modern production and an unholy love of classic heavy metal riffs strung about its haunting and thrashy darkness. Virtuosic ripping solos mixed in with riff forward frostbitten guitars, NWOBHM melodies and blackened growls. Moribund is an infernal fresh take on the genre that seems like a natural progression of where black metal should have gone many years ago. I doubt you’ll hear a better black metal album released this year.  

Record Label: Edged Circle Productions
For Fans Of: Necrophobic, Watain, Tribulation.
Bandcamp: https://edgedcircleproductions.bandcamp.com/album/moribund
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/inaphelion
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/in_aphelion_band/

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It’s easy to categorize Nechochwen as just folky black metal, raspy screams and cleanly sung passages over hellish riffs and lush acoustics, but it’s so much more. Traditional heavy metal, 70s prog, and bits of doom are masterfully interwoven with beautiful melodies and dark blackness to engulf the listener with a meditative state of primeval soundscapes. Kanawha Black takes a spirited exploration of Native American Indian heritage and regional Appalachian influence to create a remarkably coherent piece of beautifully sombre yet violent atmosphere.

Record Label: Bindrune Recordings
For Fans Of: Panopticon, Agalloch, Opeth. 
Bandcamp: https://nechochwen.bandcamp.com/album/kanawha-black
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nechochwen/

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Dave’s Picks:

Bay Area trio, Mæntra, may have put together an album inspired by the 7 Chakras, but believe me, there’s absolutely nothing Zen-like about the riffs on this pulverising debut. Composed of guitarist Rudy Pina (Cyanic), drummer Adam Houmam (ION, Cartilage), and bassist Paul Ryan (Origin), this 33-minute assault on the senses will have you begging for more, as the band tear through 7 tracks of decimating guitarwork, breakneck drums and a scorching three-way vocal attack, all wrapped up in a cloak of menacing atmosphere. It’s an album made for repeat listens…so what the fuck are you waiting for? 

Record Label: Mæntr3 Records
For Fans Of: Misery Index, Origin, The Red Chord, Pig Destroyer, Fractal Generator.
Bandcamp: https://maentr3.bandcamp.com/album/kundalini-rising
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maentr3
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maentr3/

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Greek duo, Phasma, unleashed their self-released 2nd album back in March, and quite frankly, the fact this album is flying under the radar this year is a god-damn travesty. But hey, that’s why we’re here, right? Combining elements of Tech Death, Black Metal and chest caving Deathcore, this often feels as intense as a shotgun blast to the face. As the cacophonous riffs and rhythms contort in and out of each transition, you can do nothing else but hold on for dear life. But, to be honest, naming the album after the Greek Demon of Nightmares (Epiales) kinda alludes to the fact you’re in for a hell of a ride. Strap yourself in…

Record Label: Self Released
For Fans Of: Infant Annihilator, Benighted, Gomorrah, Cattle Decapitation.
Bandcamp: https://phasmaproject.bandcamp.com/album/epiales
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhasmaProject
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phasmaband/

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It’s been more than five years since Italian chaotic hardcore quartet, INFALL, released an album. But all of that changes on November 14th, when they drop their 2nd album, Far, for all to hear. Whilst venomous hardcore beats at the heart of this triumphant return, the band fuse grind, math and post-hardcore to create an album of twists and turns that will keep you fully engaged. If the musical equivalent of a Patrick Swayze, Roadhouse-style throat-rip is your jam, then you’ve come to the right place. Recorded by Enrico Baraldi (Ornaments, Collars) at Vacuum Studio in Bologna, mixed by Kurt Ballou (Converge) at God City Studio in Salem (MA) and mastered by Alan Douches at West West Side Music – need we say more? 

Record Label: Controcanti Produzioni, Mothership Records, Fresh Outbreak Records, Itawak Records, Tomb Tree Tapes & Flames Don’t Judge Prod.
For Fans Of: Converge, Botch, Mastodon, The Secret, Breach, Norma Jean.
Bandcamp: https://weareinfall.bandcamp.com/album/far-2
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weareinfall
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareinfall/

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