Behexen - Nightside Emanations (Debemur Morti, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. Intro (1.13)
2. Wrathful Dragon Hau-Hra (4.05)
3. Death's Black Light (3.33)
4. Circle Me... (5.41)
5. We Burn With Serpent Fire (6.17)
6. The Luciferian Will (5.13)
7. Awaken Tiamat (6.08)
8. Temple Of The Silent Curses (5.24)
9. Shining Death (4.37)
10. Kiss Of Our Dark Mother (7.14)

Synopsis: Despite having only discovered Behexen on their previous release, "My Soul For His Glory", it did not temper my excitement to hear their latest release "Nightside Emanations" and, thankfully, they have not disappointed in the least. Behexen have achieved that elusive balance between the filth that is such an intrinsic part of black metal and a powerful production that allows the music to make its malevolent presence felt. This is the epitome of what black metal can be, dark and sinister yet clearly intelligent making it an impressive work.

www.facebook.com/behexen.official

Cryptopsy - Cryptopsy (Independent, 2012)

Track Listing:

1. Two-Pound Torch (5.03)
2. Shag Harbour's Visitors (4.21)
3. Red-Skinned Scapegoat (5.57)
4. Damned Draft Dodgers (3.57)
5. Amputated Enigma (4.02)
6. The Golden Square Mile (3.12)
7. Ominous (3.46)
8. Cleansing The Hosts (4.35)

Synopsis: It appears to be widely accepted that "The Unspoken King", released on Century Media in 2008, was a major disappointment. Whilst I didn't find it quite the aberration that most people did, there is no doubt that their new, self-titled release is what Cryptopsy do best. This is, quite simply, one punishing work that does bring to mind their classic "None So Vile" album, albeit with an a more modern approach, showing that Cryptopsy weren't prepared to regress to satisfy their detractors. Instead they have put out a brutal and technical death metal album that will, at the very least, restore their credibility or, more importantly, reclaim their position as one of the more unique bands in death metal.

www.cryptopsy.ca