Greetings, Decibel readers!
At the beginning of every year, I create a new playlist called “[Current Year] Essentials.” This serves two purposes: in the short term, it helps me keep track of favorites to suggest for Decibel‘s end of year list; and in the long term, it makes it easy for me to revisit those favorites years later. So far, the Mephitic Corpse album I recently covered is on there, but this week has definitely added to the list, with new ones from Tormentor Tyrant and Phrenelith coming in strong.
So get working on your own list!
Here, I’ll help you:
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16 – Guides For The Misguided
From Justin Norton’s review in Decibel #245:
Most metal made in the ’80s and ’90s wasn’t designed to last. It’s angry music for angry kids. Few have adapted the music of their youth to the experience of middle age. We’re fortunate that 16 have kept walking the path to the inevitable. First, they were guides to making sense of an insane world. Now, they are helping us figure out how to keep living in it. These guys should keep playing forever.
Stream: Apple Music
Guides For The Misguided by 16
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Inborn Suffering – Pale Grey Monochrome
Slow, crushing, melodic melancholy. Think of Desire‘s Infinity… album channeled through Draconian and Anathema and you’ll get a good idea of what to expect from these guys.
Stream: Apple Music
Pale Grey Monochrome by Inborn Suffering
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Phrenelith – Ashen Womb
Phrenelith is one of the most highly respected names in modern death metal, and you can tell right away on Ashen Womb. The band’s music delivers all the goods in terms of being super dark and super heavy, but it’s also composed in a way that’s genuinely thought-provoking. It’s reminiscent of a really intense film or theater production that keeps you on the edge of your seat, each riff building on the last and keeping the listener intensely engaged. The overall vibe is familiar, sure, but not a lot of bands are crafting songs like “Stagnated Blood” and doing it as well as Phrenelith.
Stream: Apple Music
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Sakahiter – Samnite Black Metal
I’m always pumped to support a band that totally rips and brings a historical perspective that encourages listeners to learn something new. The history of the Samnite peoples is truly fascinating in its own right, as well as for Rome enthusiasts. Did I mention it totally rips?
Stream: Apple Music
Samnite Black Metal by Sakahiter
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Tormentor Tyrant – Excessive Escalation of Cruelty
I neglected to include the latest from Finland’s Tormentor Tyrant last week, so it’s time to redress that grievous oversight. I first heard of these guys on the Death Metal Podcast, run by Roy from Necroharmonic, and immediately knew they were a band to watch. This is the type of death metal that beats you into submission right away and never lets up, channeling the intense power of Deicide and Morbid Angel while recalling some of the songwriting dynamics of bands like Desultory and The Crown. Also, I like how the cover art reminds me of the eclipse from Berserk.
Stream: Apple Music
Excessive Escalation Of Cruelty by Tormentor Tyrant
The post Five For Friday: February 7, 2025 appeared first on Decibel Magazine.