Altarmang - Void

Cyclic Law

Amazon

facebook

The debut album of a new dark ambient entity by Pär Boström (Kammarheit) and Kenneth Hansson is a great gloomy piece of work, consisting of four lengthy tracks. With tape loops and analog equipment, Altarmang recorded some excellent and immersive hypnotic soundscapes, perfectly suited for everyone who feels at home in today's drone and ambient scene. I can only recommend this album since it has everything an ambient aficionado could possibly want. My advice is to purchase the album, play it loud and allow yourself to be cleansed by this music. You won't be disappointed...

Skognatt - Ancient Wisdom

Atmospheric one man black metal project Skognatt returns with another two track EP, after 'The Landscapes Of Ice'. Once again, the artist focuses on mostly slow and depressive black metal, laced with keyboards and symphonic arrangements. There is even an acoustic "Spanish" guitar solo, which I can appreciate a lot. I like this EP, both songs are great, but perhaps it's time to turn this act into a performing one. This music is way too good to only be enjoyed in the living room. I'm sure that this will blast on stage and I hope I'll ever get to witness that. So yes, highly recommended EP for atmospheric black metal fans.

Meteors the Entire Night - Descend Towards the Earth

Based in Coventry and formed last year, Meteors The Entire night do something interesting with screamo, hardcore and post-rock. On this debut EP, they showcase four songs (and a short breather), each pretty much as brutal and intense as the previous one. Bands like Poison The Well, Envy and Oceans Ate Alaska come to mind but I think there is a bit more work to be done. Although this is a pretty decent debut, I miss the dynamics and energy of a live performance. Obviously, those aren't easy to put on tape, only a good producer can do that. Still, I see more and bigger gigs in these guys' future. Post-hardcore fans, keep an ear open.

Urs Wild - Drones

Swiss dark ambient project Urs Wild returns with a new EP, simply named 'Drones'. Well, "EP" might not be the correct word as the whole thing clocks off at around an hour. In that time, you will be fed six minimal but immersive dark ambient tracks from a very high quality. For fans of the genre, this is a must-have, a solid and excellently executed barrage of drones and soundscapes. Personally, I love how simple Urs Wild made it all look and sound. Making dark ambient is not a complicated task, but making excellent dark ambient like this, demands talent and Urs Wild is talented, that's for sure.

Wyatt E. - Exile to Beyn Neharot

Two years ago, Belgian doomers Wyatt E. pleasantly surprised me with their debut EP. Apparently, my review for that EP got them on that year's edition of Dunk! Festival. Now, the band is back with another two track EP and I'm excited from the very beginning. With elements from drone, ambient, doom and post rock, plus Eastern influences, Wyatt E. have created two more lengthy tracks, each one a sonic adventure on its own. Think Sunn O))), think Master Musicians Of Bukkake. Fact is, this is a massively talented band that deserves bigger stages. This is one of the best things in Belgium today.

Kemerov - FMKD

bandcamp

Amazon

facebook

Greek death groove combo Kemerov feels like the perfect wedding between Entombed and Turbonegro. With the energy of punk rock and the brutality of death metal, this band eleven irresistible party tunes. Uptempo, raging, intense and groovy, Lemmy would be proud of these guys. The songs are as complex as a stone brick to the face but also just as effective. My personal favorites are 'Plague Of Nations' and 'Slay Your Son' but I can easily recommend every old school death metal fan to get their hands on this gem. Death 'n roll pur sang, dangerous for the neck but definitely worth it.

Thera Roya - Masterful Universe 

Brooklyn based act Thera Roya take things to another level. With a blend of doom, sludge metal and noise, this EP is a solid assault on your sanity. In fact, I have rarely heard a better musical reference for insanity and madness than these two tracks present to me. They're haunting, intriguing and intense. And that's just the MP3's, which makes me wonder how a live performance by this chaotic herd feels like. I wouldn't be surprise if concert goers end up being driven of in white vans after the gig. Sick stuff, for real.

One Life All-In - The A7 Session

bandcamp

Amazon

facebook

Wow, this feels like the nineties are coming back, but then again, what would you expect from a band with members from The Spudmonsters, Seekers of the Truth and Benighted. Dog Eat Dog, Sick Of It All and Anthrax come to mind when I hear to these six old school tunes. As heavy as melodic and as intense as immersive, this breed of hardcore punk can easily get the party started at festivals. Besides, there is an interesting metal edge to be found here, at first listen perhaps a bit too melodic for hardcore fans but very welcome indeed. See, some genres never die...

AVSA - Parallels

Avsa - not to be confused with Asva, is an Italian experimental project by Anacleto Vitolo and Sergio Albano. The music on this strange album seemingly balances on the thin edge between ambient and noise. Soundscapes, drones, crackles and unidentifiable noises make up otherworldly tunes which are haunting and hypnotic at the same time. I don't think this music is a pleasant dinner companion but it's perfectly suited for gloomy meditations and dark seances. Obviously, I recommend this album to all fans of the strange, obscure and odd. This is an epic piece of work.

Mesmur - S

Hailing from North Carolina, Mesmur are well on their way to become one of my favorite doom metal bands. Of course, I'm a sucker for funeral doom which makes it easier for them, but there is also something else. Unlike their colleagues in Mar De Grises, Evoken and Esoteric, Mesmur laces their funeral doom with dissonant guitars and soundscapes, giving the whole thing an extra eerie touch. The four long tracks on this album are great, epic pieces of work, melodic, intense and accompagnied by a haunting growl. All funeral doom fans should get their hands on a copy of this album, honestly.

Valle Crucis - Valle Crucis

American black metal duo Valle Crucis sound so old school and raw that I initially thought that this was a Norwegian thing from the nineties, found in some old basement. Their breed of black metal obviously reaches back to the harsh, nihilistic and aggressive nature from that glorious era, which in a way makes this EP a glorious one too. Influenced by the pioneers, such as Gorgoroth, Marduk, God Dethroned and Dark Funeral, Valle Crucis uncontrollably blast their fierce and violent music through my speakers. For fans of those old days, this is a solid grasp of hope and nostalgia. Truly recommended stuff.

Goat War - Warwolf

Speaking about old school, this one feels like it comes directly from the first wave of black metal, or at least a parody of that genre. With a mix of speed metal, power metal and black metal, Goat War delivers four chaotic songs about battle, glory and whatnot, complete with brutal vocals and thrash metal shrieks, but not in a good way. I don't think this EP is meant to be taken seriously. It's best to be enjoyed while also completely wasted on cheap alcohol. Sniffing glue might help too. But if you're into obscure and often laughable clichés, you absolutely can't go wrong with this EP.

Ditheist - Eternity of Nothingness

Ok, one more old school sounding album before I go to something else. American band Ditheist does a pretty good job with this one. It's brutal as fuck and intense enough to rip out your eardrums but it also contains something experimental, something that makes this sound a bit different from their colleagues. At times, old Sepultura comes to mind, along with some other death metal originators. For death metal fans, this is definitely something worth checking out. Favorite songs: the title track 'Eternity Of Nothingness' is a blast and closer '​Crippling Vexation' is a murderer.

X-Coast – Transformations EP

What? I said that I was going to check out something different for a change so I almost automatically end up in the dance and techno scene. On the other hand, here we're also dealing with old school stuff. This EP seems to come directly from some mid nineties rave parties, flavored with some funky house music. This EP is the first in a new series called UNDERTHESEA. If the whole series is as old school inspired as these three track (plus remix), the dance scene might indeed become a lot more interesting to me. So check it out, maybe you'll find a new favorite dance tune.

Tripeo - Eighth Trip

And finally, we'll go for an hypnotic, techno induced trip with Darko Esser's Tripeo project. These two tunes mark his first record since 2015 and somewhat sound like gloomy acid tunes from the earlier nineties with beats and electronic noises. Obviously, that makes them guaranteed dancefloor fillers at your upcoming raves. Personally, I'm a bit more fond of the second track, which is somewhat more relaxed. The opener is an obtrusive techno tune that will drag you to the dancefloor. Together, they make up for solid assshaking workout, something I can always recommend.

Odd Nosdam - Lif

Sound In Silence

Amazon

The new ambient album by Anticon founder Odd Nosdam is a strange, otherworldly experience through electronic sequences, tape loops and gloomy soundscapes. According to the biography, the album was recorded during a period of constant rainfall. In a way, you can hear that on these (mostly) short but immersive pieces of music. There is a certain feeling of isolation, not being able to enjoy being outside. The overall sound is cold, metallic and rather harsh, so this is not a gentle, relaxing ambient album. Then again, it is a interesting record to listen to. This ambient grabs your attention and won't let go. Of course it's a recommended one...

Crisopa - Transhumante

Somewhere between classical music, ambient, post rock, shoegaze, trip hop and intelligent dance music we find Crisopa and his latest effort, 'Transhumante'. The tracks on this album are elaborate electronic anthems, laced with soundscapes, percussion and bass lines. Boards Of Canada come to mind, but also The Eye Of Time, Miwon, Autechre and Blackfilm. My favorite tracks are 'I Am The Lord Of These Ruins' and 'Fast Dive' but I can definitely recommend this album to every downtempo electronic music fan out there. This is an exciting album which never lets you down.

Menin - Lord of Pain

It's not often that a stoner rock, doom and sludge band reminds me of death metal but while listening to title track 'Lord Of Pain' Dismember suddenly came to mind. Ministry too, and Godflesh, and Yob, and Conan. Needless to say that I immediately loved the shit out of this tune. Does the term "death sludge" exist yet? 'Logrus' is another brilliant piece of sludge doom, spiced with hints of industrial and a total disregard towards your eardrums. This thing just keeps getting better and better. Hypnotic, intense, immersive and crushing, this one has everything a self respecting doom fans could possibly want.

Ed Carlsen - Elusive Frames

I was going to write this review earlier but somehow this EP inspired me to write a passage for my next book instead. It's a book about depression and burnout, so don't expect a very jolly EP. Yet, Ed Carlsen managed to create something beautiful, something inspirational. Based around the piano, Carlsen produces melodic emotions. I can feel a sense of loneliness, solitude and melancholy. Here and there cello, violin, viola and soundscapes appear, perfectly aligned with the majestic piano. I think this EP will accompany me a lot in future writing processes. Highly recommended beauty...

American Anymen - Flag Burner

Straight from the NYC "antifolk" scene and carrying a credibility similar to the English punk scene, American Anymen come up with three acoustic anti Trump songs. Acoustic, yes, but they still rock and they showcase a fierce hardcore punk attitude. I like that, it feels genuine and real. So in a way, this EP is more punk than punk rock, more alternative than alternative rock and more hardcore than hardcore. My favorite track is the opener 'Flag Burner' but I'm sure all three of these tunes will often appear in my day-to-day playlists. I suggest you do the same. Besides, the lyrics are awesome...

Stömb - Duality

For me, instrumental music is always more favorable than music with vocals. Most of my favorite bands are either instrumental or fronted by a vocalist who knows to shut up once in a while. So it's no surprise that I absolutely love this EP by French progressive metallers Stömb. With six complex and immersive pieces of music, they have certainly convinced me of their know-how. My favorite is the gnawing and screaming 'The Red Way', which is a world class progressive metal track, but undoubtedly, this whole six-track comes highly recommended to every progressive metalhead out there.

Crejuvent - Time

Solo projects are excellent if you have material that other bandmembers think it's just too weird or "out of their style". That certainly counts for Crejuvent, producer, writer and vocalist for bands such as Novacrow, Kryocell, Exhumation and others. On this EP, he showcases his rotten inspiration in a unique and interesting way. Technical, melodic, industrial and brutal, those seem to be the keywords here. Apart from the instrumentation, nothing on this EP is usual or normal, not even in the world of metal. On the other hand, it blasts, it surprises and it's one of the most captivating extreme metal releases I've heard this year.

Haze of Summer - Znoi

I know, the cover picture doesn't really scream "black metal", neither does the band name and neither do their photos on facebook. Then again, the music goes heavy on the drums, fierce on the guitars and brutal on the vocals. I hear a lot of nineties influences, somewhere between Children Of Bodom and Falkenbach but the current post-black metal scene is also represented as the main influence seems to be Deafheaven. Although easily categorizable as black metal, the music explores and destroys the boundaries of the genre, which in my opinion makes this an absolute highflyer. So yeah, I urge you to check this out, especially if you're into unique stuff.

The Great Russian Empire - Low Ends

Speaking about unusual music, here is The Great Russian Empire and their astounding debut EP. Rooted in eighties new wave but just as much influenced by the alternative rock scene of the nineties and today's drone folk genre, this double bass act comes up with surprising songs. Although they are genre-bending, constantly jumping from one style to another, the dark rock foundation always stands. Type O Negative meets Nick Cave meets Ween meets Joy Division, something like. Something pretty damn contagious too, I can guarantee you that.

One Arc Degree - Ashore

bandcamp

Amazon

facebook

Back to the softer, calmer side of the music spectrum then, where we find One Arc Degree and their immersive new EP 'Ashore'. This beauty is a must-have for all fans of glacial ambient, lingering soundscapes and deep downtempo percussion. The four tracks on this EP take you on a gloomy trip through the arctic and its barren, snow filled landscapes. I can't pick a favorite. Initially, that would be the opener 'Emotional Machinery' but each track seems to grow on the listener. At first, the beats in 'The Circus In The Stars' but once when the music is well on its way, you'll be dancing or at least nodding your head. Great EP, makes me hungry for more.

Audioboyz - The Rise of Gqom

Perhaps I should explain what "Gqom" exactly is, since this genre is not often featured on Merchants Of Air. Gqom is a dark, deviant and experimental spinoff, rising from underground techno scene of South Africa. The music is repetitive but doesn't answer to traditional techno arrangements and beats. Instead, you get an hypnotic amalgamation of percussion, noises and drones that will quite often surprise you. In fact, for most techno fans, this might be a bit too off the hook but European IDM fans might as well absolutely adore this sound. It's nervous but different and that's almost always good.

Nabaath - Firestorm Bringer

Ukrainian (once Russian) black metal act Nabaath throws a new EP/single into the mix and it's a smasher. In two tracks (and an eerie, droning outro) Nabaath blasts all that is holy and pure. This is old school black metal in all its grim and powerful glory. There is not much else to be said about this EP, I think, except for the fact that it's a certain must have for fans of the most obscure and evil music on this planet.

Hellstorm Of Flaming Nothingness - The Universe Is An Abyss Of Suffering

Belgian minimal drone act Hellstorm Of Flaming Nothingness returns with a new EP and with "minimal drone" I mean "extremely minimal drone". The four tracks on this EP are dark, gloomy soundscapes. No percussion, no soothing ambient passages, no surprising electronics, just mow tuned nihilistic drones, impending and desolate. "You Contain The Soul Memory Of A Million Dead Stars" is my favorite here, a track that sounds like The Blob is coming for you. That being said, yes, these are awesome titles. But apart from that, this EP comes highly recommended if you want music to scare you.

Pask - Psychogenic excoriation

From the same mind as Hellstorm Of Flaming Nothingness but just as user friendly as a rectal exam, Pask represents the harsh, chaotic side of Björn. This five track EP is a grinding noise assault on your eardrums and your sanity. In five tracks, Björn seems to exorcise a few demons and phobias. His motto is "True Belgian Fucked-Up Noise" and that's exactly what you get on this thing. Unless you're a hardcore Merzbow fan, chances are small that you will like this EP but I don't think Pask minds. I don't even think he'll hear you over all this noise.

Henning Baer - 32-bit EP

Minimal techno with a somewhat lazy, or laid back, attitude, that's what you can find on this EP by DJ and beats creator Henning Baer, a common name in the Berlin scene. This certainly is something for the house music aficionados among us, those who are into electronic beats, minimal soundscapes and gloomy atmospheres. These tracks are produced for late night adventures on the dancefloor with 'Protect' being my favorite one. In a way, this repetitive tunes remind me of the old days of techno, right before the acid kicked in. The acid house that is.

Chalk Hands - Burrows & Other Hideouts

Hailing from Brighton, UK, Chalk Hands deliver two epic pieces of modern day extreme music. Pianos Become The Teeth, Caspian, Isis and Envy seem to be their main influences, judging from the energetic blast of post hardcore I'm listening to right now. Yet, beyond the sheer brutality, there is still some room for melodic passages and immersive instrumentalism. I like that, it gives the whole thing some welcome variation. Perhaps, if all goes well, Chalk Hands are on their way to the main stages of many post hardcore events. With this kind of energy and enthusiasm, they truly deserve that.