navybsn

I've kind of gotten that impression as well. I don't know if it's the wider range of visitor's with different interests that's drawing their attention in a newer, different direction, or if, in their goal to be more careful about what bands and labels they promote, there's maybe been a subconscious shift away from underground favorites to more kind of "I, Voidhanger" types of bands...but yeah, a lot of what they're covering these days falls outside my personal interest range. Too clean, too modern, or too off the wall/proggy/technical.
 
Andy and I are almost at complete opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to what we like, and there's been more than a few times (including this year) where I've side-eyed some of his choices, but you do have to keep in mind that it's really not meant to be a critic site either. It's more of a "recommend me" thread put into blog form. They don't cover stuff they don't like, so you're definitely not going to find a lot of meat to dig into in their articles regarding pros and cons...so I get why that probably isn't your thing
 
Best way I could describe it, is It's really kind of a case of dick measuring meets, maybe I actually missed something cool. I like to read them just to see if anyone know what they're talking about...at least by my standards

Yeah, they're getting close to jumping the shark. It's the only blog I still occasionally read, but lately they've really expanded the number and types of bands they cover. The costs of success I guess, but it severely limits the quality of the output. I checked the lists out today and didn't see any bands I was unfamiliar with and only a few that I've not heard their latest, and I am seriously limited on time these days. And it's not my business or passion project. I'm sure there's plenty of challenges we don't know, but does seem that the last big blog left that's worth a shit is on the decline.
There's a better video out there of G.I.S.M. playing a public gig in the middle of a Japanese city in like 89 that is piss on yourself funny, but I can't find it at the moment.

I'd even be willing to agree with that. Musically speaking the whole Ross Bay Cult scene left much to be desired. Not to mention most of these guys were a collection of skinheads, power lifters, miscreants, grave robbers and criminals. The ultimate meathead band. Before Deadly-do-Right mentioned them last night I can't even remember the last time I felt the urge to listen to Blasphemy, nevermind Conqueror or Revenge. But as you've pointed out, Blasphemy has influenced a ton of killer bands that I enjoy quite a bit so I respect them for getting the war metal ball rolling at least. Because I fucking love that sub-genre when it's done well. Problem is quite frequently it's not done very well, it can often just amount to a blur of noise. So you have to be selective. 
I've always felt basically the same way about Venom. Blasphemy and Venom are the two historically indispensable bands of questionable talent that have directly influencd a boatload of other really good bands that I'd much rather listen to than the originators. The difference for me is I will spin Fallen Angel once every couple of years, while I really don't ever feel the need to listen to Venom.
 
NP: Abhorrency - Climax of Disgusting Impurities, war metal from Sacramento California. If this bad boy don't get you head a-bangin' then this sub-genre might not be for you.
 

I know this is a pretty well-worn conversation path, but as I'm reading people's comments to the year end lists over at No Clean Singing, I'm still shocked at the number of people saying how they need to check out so many of these bands.
I get that people have a limited amount of time in any given day, but at the same time, it's not like they're covering the deepest depths of the underground over there, either. I mean, make at least a token effort, right?

Just going to leave this here. The expressions are priceless.
Beherit live 1990
 

Just going to leave this here. The expressions are priceless.
Beherit live 1990
 

Got invited to my nieces school awards last night, she was up for a few awards which we were all proud of but the highlight of the night for me was the musical interludes. I'll give the first kid credit, I'm not an Ed Sheeran fan but the kid singing gave it her all and it sounded okay. The second song was some other pop song I didn't know. But the third song just before the end of the night was brilliant.
The lights went down and in the shadows we could see a 15-16 year old kid with long hair stepping up to the mic, 3 other musos with their instruments behind him. Into the mic the young guy mildly says, "This one's for Chuck, gone too soon". I read earlier in the day that the previous day was the anniversary of Chuck Schuldiner's death, but I really didn't think much of the kid's comments. The the lights came up covering the stage in a blood red colour, the kid put up the horns and the band broke into Pull The Plug.
The kids did a darn good job but the look on some of the parents and carers faces in the audience not expecting some loud death metal song from school concert was absolutely fucking priceless. Kudos to the teachers for letting the kids express themselves with the music they wanted, but I'll still never forget the look on some peoples faces.

I really don't calculate what I spend each year on specific items but when it comes to certain spends it's hard to ignore how much something costs. I know 100% that I've spent more on music this year than I have on car servicing, but having to order it in bulk online because none of the 4 automotive store locally want to stock the stuff seems like a big kick in the wallet. Truth is servicing the tractor and the truck cost more than the ute but I can get all the parts locally for those two.
 
Don't really know why but I picked up Lemmy yesterday for $5

USBM
Valac
Volahn
Void Ritual
Void Omnia
Vintertodt
Vimur
Vilkacis
Vale
Vaamatar
Utzalu
Uškumgallu
Uruk
Unendlich
Tormentium
Thy Feeble Savior
Temple of Perdition
Skrawl
Serum Dreg
Serpentshrine
Seder
Sathanas
Satanism
Sangre de la Luna
Prosanctus Inferi
Profanatica
Oppressive Descent
Nuclear Desecration
Nocturnal Blood
Nither
Nexul
Necrofier
Natürgeist
Mysticism
Mizmor
Malus Votum
Malleus
Malignant Altar
Malevich
Luctum
Lamp of Murmuur
Kurse Relic
Kūka'ilimoku
Kudlaakh
Kommandant
Karcist
Judas Iscario
Irreverent
Ibex Throne
Howling
Highland
Hellgoat
Hellfire Deathcult
Harassor
Hammr
Häkkänfałt
Grógaldr
Gravewürm
Gravesend
The Grail
Golden Light
Goat Piss
Goat Disciple
Geheimnisvoll
Funeral Chant
Fornicus
Fever Nest
Ezurate
Entheogen
Endless Disease
Elegiac
Ecferus
Ebony Pendant
Drouth
Diabolic Oath
Deveneror
Demoncy
Defecrator
Cultus Profano
Cult of Daath
Cult Graves
Crucifixion Bell
Crooked God
Crimson Moon
Cirrhus
Churchburn
Chaos Moon
Cerberus
Caveman Cult
Caustic Wound
Burial Oath
Bloodspell
Blood of the Wolf
Blackest
Blackbraid
Black Vice
Black Funeral
Black Fucking Cancer
Black Curse
Bestia Arcana
Averse Sefira
Aoratos
Antichrist Siege Machine
Ancient Necromancy
Anagnorisis
Altar of Profanation
Akasha
Acualli
Abysmal Lord
Abstracter
Abhorrency
Abhomine
 
 
It's not for everyone! But don't worry Johan, you'll always be an honorary member of the goat pen. 🐐

Oh wow. Goatmaster is going hard in the paint on USBM today.
EDIT: Oh yeah and I concur that Blasphemy were a shit band that happend to influence a lot of good ones. Same goes for Revenge.

....this list is a splendid start....I would add a few more....
AVERSE SEFIRA
LAMP OF MURMUUR
PANOPTICON
YOUNG AND IN THE WAY
BASTARD SAPLING
LURKER OF CHALICE
AHKLYS / NIGHTBRINGER
PROFANATICA
BLACK FUNERAL 
ACHERON
VELVET CACOON
POISON BLOOD
 

@MacabreEternal - absolutely 100% yes. Immolation is as solid as they come and never disappoint. My gripe is the same as yours, a little too long, but that's it. Will be on my list mid pack as well. they've been an instant cold purchase for me for as long as I can remember.
@JonoBlade - I like the latest Mastodon, but I agree that it could have been edited down and would benefit from better packaging.
The binge continues:
Grand Belial's Key - Mocking the Philanthropist
Judas Iscariot - An Ancient Starry Sky
Demoncy - Empire of the Fallen Angel

A few more USBM bands worthy of mention you may not have heard of:
Perverseraph
Hemloch - the one with Danny Lilker
Teratism
Sangraal
Ember
Enkil
Black Funeral
Noctuary
Ludicra
Xasthur
Twilight
Kult of Azazel
Surely leaving a good few out, but I'm sure GG or our knowledgeable friend @MarkhantonioYeatts can chime in with what I've left out.

@MacabreEternal - absolutely 100% yes. Immolation is as solid as they come and never disappoint. My gripe is the same as yours, a little too long, but that's it. Will be on my list mid pack as well. they've been an instant cold purchase for me for as long as I can remember.
@JonoBlade - I like the latest Mastodon, but I agree that it could have been edited down and would benefit from better packaging.
The binge continues:
Grand Belial's Key - Mocking the Philanthropist
Judas Iscariot - An Ancient Starry Sky
Demoncy - Empire of the Fallen Angel

AVSKUM - In The Spirit Of Mass Destruction
WORLD BURNS TO DEATH - The Graveyard Of Utopia
BONES BRIGADE - Focused
REPROACH - Reproach
 

Thank you and amen. I would probably buy more vinyl if bands kept the running time down to two sides of an LP.
If you're gonna do an album on vinyl, make it one disc and have awesome artwork and lyrics foldout or something special. 
The last LP I bought was Mastodon. That is a proper double album which is fine but the artwork looks cheap. Not that it isn't a good drawing, but the detail is shit and print quality lame. There is a pull out lyric sheet but no cool booklet and pictures...and no download code for fuck's sake.

Immolation - Acts of God (2022)
Number eight on my end of year list that if I am being honest, the boredom of being unable to do much of anything with COVID has led me to do an end of year list.
I have listened to a lot of death metal in my lifetime. Give or take a couple of years, I have been active in the genre from its beginnings and have explored all manner of variants, sub-genres and cross-genre blending over the last 30+ years. In that time, I have seen bands hit real runs of form in terms of consistency and finding their peak output (Death from more or less start to finish) as well as simply finding amazing one-off releases from the more obscure artists in the far corners of the globe. I have watched bands like Morbid Angel define the very essence of the genre and then tragically run out of gas yet inexplicably carry on despite there clearly being nothing in the tank, whilst other old favourites like Obituary seem to have more than enough determination (if not necessarily the quality of old) to still bang out some serious death metal material.
Inevitably with so many choices out there, some bands slip through the net initially. Some quite well-known names in fact because I did not listen to any Immolation until well into the noughties. Over time, as I have discovered more and more of their output, they occupy a rarefied space in my buying habits whereby I will buy pretty much anything they put out, cold. Whilst I am unable to stipulate that the band has a flawless discography, their levels of consistency for over three decades is unable to be matched by many of their contemporaries. Such is my admiration of them I waited three long months to listen to their latest offering on vinyl as opposed to just going for the instant streaming option that is so easy to access nowadays.
For reasons I will go into shortly, upon initial purchase, I undertook a second full listen through in the digital format as there was a genuine need to compare the two following my initial spin on my trusty turntable. The over-arching statement first though is that this is Immolation through and through. Technically capable without being overly technical death metal, urgent without being sloppy and beastly without needing to be utterly monstrous at the expense of structures or form. You could pick this album up knowing nothing about the band and tell instantly that this is a record written and performed by guys who have been around the block a few times and who know their stuff as a result. The disdain for organised religion still sits at the heart of their lyrics and song themes and instrumentally they still balance pace and tempos well to offer a varied playbook out of which they pull every play possible over a lengthy fifteen tracks.
Complete with superb artwork from Eli Kantor, Acts of God is an album staged on very familiar and welcoming ground. However, as much as there is to be celebrated, there are also some challenges which keep the scores on the doors well away from being a full compliment. Firstly, Acts of God is too long. Now, this is not to say that it outstays its welcome – far from it. As a vinyl experience though you have two discs to play and each side averages around three songs so the overall experience gets a bit stop-start. Absolutely my choice to go with vinyl of course, but this really emphasises that there is a lot to get through here.
As I mentioned above, once I had heard the vinyl version of the album I reverted to the digital version for my next run through. There were two reasons for this. Oddly, Dolan’s vocals sounded too monstrous upon first listen, to the point of them sounding artificial. Clearly just and oddity in the formats as this is not an issue on the digital version. I also thought the production sounded a little too muddy on the vinyl format and again, this is not an issue with the streamed format. Whilst neither of the above challenges ruin the listening experience overall it was worth exploring the detail on this occasion. Worthy of noting that the album sound on vinyl is (as you would expect) absolutely huge.
Although by no means flawless, Immolation’s eleventh studio offering is well worth the five-year wait (as well as the extended couple of months due to issues with the vinyl pre-orders). It still sounds like a mature, well-established death metal band that are still able to sound relevant and individual at the same time. There cannot be many more of these in the tank – at least not based on my already noted experience of other bands in the genre who began at approximately the same time – and so to all intents and purposes Acts of God should be celebrated for the fine death metal album that it is.

Bought that album this year....good one!
Listing to that one myself---saw it on an ATOY list recently....so far digging this....says a collaboration with DMP (don't know who that is) as a continuation started in 03 from The Works That Transforms God. 
Undeath/ Time to Rise from the Grave

Scorpions - Animal Magnetism (1980)
 

Blut Aus Nord - 777 Cosmosophy

A few more USBM bands worthy of mention you may not have heard of:
Perverseraph
Hemloch - the one with Danny Lilker
Teratism
Sangraal
Ember
Enkil
Black Funeral
Noctuary
Ludicra
Xasthur
Twilight
Kult of Azazel
Surely leaving a good few out, but I'm sure GG or our knowledgeable friend @MarkhantonioYeatts can chime in with what I've left out.

Wow. Thought most everyone knew Blasphemy. GG nailed it. If you dive into early USBM ( Blasphemy is Canadian but generally get lumped in), you'll find quite a few different interpretations of BM that are nothing close to the Norwegian sound. Bands like Von, Grand Belial's Key, Black Witchery, Demoncy, and Winds of the Black Mountain are much closer to the Bestial War metal that we know and love today because they basically invented it. Not all of those bands played that style, but you can hear their influence on those bands that are playing it today (Demoncy being a bit of an outlier). The USBM scene was extremely varied early on with very distinct regional scenes. Still a few, but much less than before. You of course know Absu which is considered USBM, the most known - IMO anyway - Judas Iscariot, Weakling, Leviathan, Cobalt, Recluse, Nachmystium, and Krieg are all worth checking out too if you aren't familiar.
If you're looking for more like Blasphemy, Proclamation from Spain is basically a clone.
I feel a USBM binge coming on today.
Black Witchery - Upheaval of Satanic Might
Von - Satanic Blood Angel
Weakling - Dead as Dreams
 

Wow. Thought most everyone knew Blasphemy. GG nailed it. If you dive into early USBM ( Blasphemy is Canadian but generally get lumped in), you'll find quite a few different interpretations of BM that are nothing close to the Norwegian sound. Bands like Von, Grand Belial's Key, Black Witchery, Demoncy, and Winds of the Black Mountain are much closer to the Bestial War metal that we know and love today because they basically invented it. Not all of those bands played that style, but you can hear their influence on those bands that are playing it today (Demoncy being a bit of an outlier). The USBM scene was extremely varied early on with very distinct regional scenes. Still a few, but much less than before. You of course know Absu which is considered USBM, the most known - IMO anyway - Judas Iscariot, Weakling, Leviathan, Cobalt, Recluse, Nachmystium, and Krieg are all worth checking out too if you aren't familiar.
If you're looking for more like Blasphemy, Proclamation from Spain is basically a clone.
I feel a USBM binge coming on today.
Black Witchery - Upheaval of Satanic Might
Von - Satanic Blood Angel
Weakling - Dead as Dreams
 

Wow. Thought most everyone knew Blasphemy. GG nailed it. If you dive into early USBM ( Blasphemy is Canadian but generally get lumped in), you'll find quite a few different interpretations of BM that are nothing close to the Norwegian sound. Bands like Von, Grand Belial's Key, Black Witchery, Demoncy, and Winds of the Black Mountain are much closer to the Bestial War metal that we know and love today because they basically invented it. Not all of those bands played that style, but you can hear their influence on those bands that are playing it today (Demoncy being a bit of an outlier). The USBM scene was extremely varied early on with very distinct regional scenes. Still a few, but much less than before. You of course know Absu which is considered USBM, the most known - IMO anyway - Judas Iscariot, Weakling, Leviathan, Cobalt, Recluse, Nachmystium, and Krieg are all worth checking out too if you aren't familiar.
If you're looking for more like Blasphemy, Proclamation from Spain is basically a clone.
I feel a USBM binge coming on today.
Black Witchery - Upheaval of Satanic Might
Von - Satanic Blood Angel
Weakling - Dead as Dreams
 

Pentagram - s/t (1985)