Alongside all the punk, post-punk, pop, hip-hop, and indie rock, I actually got to see a lot of metal at SXSW: I started my marathon at Show No Mercy's showcase and closed it at Invisible Oranges'.…   Read Story »

I saw Altar Of Plagues when they played The Studio At Webster Hall in August 2010 -- it wound up being the best show I saw that year. The Irish post-black metal quartet absolutely leveled the place…   Read Story »

Before the quibbling starts: I didn't include YOB's Atma because it isn't out until August. It would be way up there. I've also been listening to Dragged Into Sunlight's Hatred For Mankind quite a…   Read Story »

Since forming in Cork, Ireland in 2006, the intelligent, expansive ambient black metal quartet Altar Of Plagues have put the EP form to good use: 2007's Through The Cracks Of The Earth, 2008's Sol,…   Read Story »