Jesu - Ascension (Caldo Verde)
Justin K. Broadrick's third full-length as Jesu (his first for Caldo Verde, the label founded by Sun Kil Moon's Mark Kozalek) continues the slow refinement of his slow, heavy layers upon layers of guitar and synths. The tone of the album continues on the trajectory from the debut self-titled to Conqueror in it's optimism. Still, it's gauzy, monstrous, and beautiful.
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Liturgy - Aesthetica (Thrill Jockey)
Liturgy has been known for their barrage of intensity, filling every available space with shredded guitars and relentless drums. This time, though, they allow some breathing room at times, dipping into minimal electronics, technical rhythms, chanted harmonies, and even some Sabbathy riffs.
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Tyler the Creator - Goblin (XL)
Odd Future got hyped all across the internet after they tore up Jimmy Fallon, and I got excited about a pack of skate rat kids from Pasadena actually making maniacal hip hop. I was looking forward to this record as a staple of the new insanity of internet -fueled hip hop. I liked most of Bastard, the free previous record Tyler gave away online, bits of which surface in Goblin. This was a little disappointing upon first listen, though. I'll give it a couple more spins, but I don't think it's the wild young genius I was hoping for.
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Enslaved - The Sleeping Gods (Scion A/V)
A friend forwarded the email from Scion A/V announcing this FREE EP from Enslaved, one of the greatest black metal bands to come out of Norway(automatically making them top tier for the planet). You can get the ep here: http://preemtiv.com/emails/enslaved/
They are more melodic and accessible than a lot of black metal. This is more along the lines of Emperor than Mayhem. There is just as much singing as there is choked vocals. They use some progressive structures, and occasionally remind me of the more hypnotic parts from Isis. They also have the blasting double bass and riffs to keep it metal.
The only thing I don't understand is why I didn't get the only email I would be interested in from Scion. I get every other invite to stupid dance parties at the Roxy, but not this.
