Spyros' Top 5 of 2021 So Far
1
Genghis Tron
Dream Weapon (Relapse Records)
After dropping their insane grind fused nintendocore bomb with Board Up The House, Genghis Tron disappeared. Now, with anticipation building they have returned, stripping away many of the brutal aspects of their sound and opting for an ethereal and otherworldly presence. Dream Weapon is not just a great follow-up, but a record of maturity.
2
Monte Penumbra
As Blades In The Firmament (End All Life Productions)
Following their not very exciting debut, Heirloom of a Sullen Fall, Monte Penumbra came back with a vengeance in As Blades In The Firmament. Dissonant to the extreme with a cyclonic progression and intricate structures, fusing avant-gardisms while retaining the genre’s bitter edge, it is a work that propels them to the forefronts of black metal.
3
Oriflamme
L’Egide Ardente (Sepulchral Productions)
Raised in the rich tradition of the Quebecois black metal scene, Oriflamme arrived with a stunning debut in L’Egide Ardente. Longform, monotonous compositions carrying an immense momentum filled with an epic perspective and an unforgiving attitude.
4
The Body
I've Seen All I Need to See (Thrill Jockey)
At times it is difficult to get excited by a new release from acts that are prolific. Well, that does not happen for The Body! Their doom/sludge base has been corrupted by power electronics and noise, and with I Have Seen All I Need to See they are also opting for a more organic approach that somehow ends up being even nastier and harsher.
5
Yuko Araki
End of Trilogy (Room40)
Adventurous to a fault, Yuko Araki has been toying with harsh noise and experimental electronica through her solo project. In her latest effort however there is a certain personal aspect that rises through the aural debris. The fragmented beats, walls of noise coming together to narrate a story spoken in an unknown language for End of Trilogy.
