The Stone- Umro (2009)

I don't understand how this album has received almost no attention from the metal community. It's predecessor, 2006's Magla, made a little bit of a splash, yet outside of a couple gushing Metal Archives reviews, no one seems to care. Personally, I feel that Umro is a far superior work, and stands as the best thing The Stone has yet released. It's a dark motherfucker, full of brooding atmospheres and chaotic atonal riffing, yet nonetheless possesses a ton of distinct, memorable melodies. Needless to say, I fucking dig it, and if you are a fan of super dark, technically proficient, out-there black metal, you will too.

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Rapidshare

Nachtvorst- Silence (2012)

Here's an interesting one: depressive, almost-post black metal with a thick doom streak. Heavy, atmospheric, emotional music. Rad stuff.



VBR

Depositfiles

Altar of Plagues- Mammal (2011)

By far my favorite work of 2011. Still haven't stopped recommending it to everyone I come across, as it's that fucking amazing.



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Rapidgator

Averse- The Endesque Chants (2010)

Here's another gem that I haven't seen get nearly enough recognition. It's definitely not for everyone, but if you can get past the strangeness of it, there's some truly beautiful things to behold. Highly recommended.




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Mediafire

Ved Buens Ende- Written in Waters (1995)

Ridiculously underrated Avant-Black gem. Really out-there stuff, in a good way. 

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Mediafire

Deathspell Omega- Drought EP (2012)

Best release I've heard this year, hands fucking down. It's fast, heavy, beautiful, dirty, complex, abrasive and rewarding- often all at the same time. If you appreciate extreme music at all, even if you're not a fan of DSO, give this a shot. It's so fucking worth it.



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Rapidgator

Dodecahedron- Dodecahedron (2012)

Up until the release of Deathspell Omega's breathtaking Drought EP, I was championing this mindfuck of an album as the best of the year thus far. It's fucking great in all aspects: tortured, suffocating atmosphere, labyrinthian atonal riffing, and a hell of a drum performance. The musicianship here is seriously great (two of the guys are from Exivious[!]) and the production follows suit. Get it. Love it.

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Crocko

Atriarch- Forever the End (2011)

I had the pleasure of seeing these guys play with Agalloch (whom they completely blew out of the water) last fall in Seattle. They were fucking awesome. Tons of atmosphere, heavy dirty riffing, and killer dynamics. The album is a cool listen, but really doesn't quite capture the intensity of what they bring to live performance. Regardless, I highly recommend it to any fan of blackened doom.

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Mediafire

Smohalla - Résilience (2011)

Avant-garde Black Metal from France. Rad, chaotic stuff.

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Mediafire

Dopamine- Dying Away in the Deep Fall (2010)

Here's a weird one: Post-Black Metal from China. What's weirder is that it's actually good. Like, surprisingly good. It's more post-rock than black metal, but it's definitely cool if you're into that kind of thing.

128kbps (I know, I know. Sorry.)

Mediafire