Hello, Metal Wani readers! Today I am bringing you the new addition for my ‘15 Anticipated Albums You Should Keep In Mind’ segment. This new edition will go over some of the albums I am most excited about that will be released in the fall (September and October). This feature will only focus on full-length albums and will not include Demos, EPs, Compilations, or Splits. These features are designed to promote new music for the readers and help bands to build their fan bases. I want to include Ulcerate’s new album ‘Shrines of Paralysis’ but the album release date has not been specified yet at the time this article was written; it was only given a fall release date. Enjoy!
To begin, we have the upcoming debut album ‘The Hidden Paths to Black Ecstasy’ of the band NOX Formulae at number 15. NOX Formulae is a new Greek Black Metal collective formed by musicians shrouded in the darkness of their artist names. Not much is known about this band, but what we do know is that they are here to deliver some evil occult Hellenic Black Metal that will be a stellar addition to the already great Hellenic (Greek) scene. Amazing riffs, crunching dissonance, and pummeling drums make up for a ritual and occult sounding Black Metal. This album should definitely be on any Black Metal fan’s list of must listens. ‘The Hidden Paths to Black Ecstasy’ will be released on Dark Descent Records on September 16h. Check out the single “Hidden Clan NXN – Pt a. Eleven Rays of Sorat, Pt b. Black Magic Assault”.
Legendary Dutch Death/Doom veterans Asphyx known for their debut album “The Rack” is returning with their 9th studio album ‘Incoming Death’ at number 14. Being a huge fan of Death/Doom Metal, Asphyx is definitely a name brand. Unfortunately, their discography has suffered some lukewarm material over the years. However, the band has picked up the pace with their recent two albums. I expect that their new album will continue to deliver crushing Death/Doom Metal that fits their name. ‘Incoming Death’ will be released on September 20th, through Century Media Records. Check out the track “Deathammer” from their 2012 album of the same name.
The Finnish Doom Metal scene has been one of the biggest thriving Doom Metal Scenes in the world. With notable bands like Reverend Bizarre and newer bands like Lord Vicar, the 13th album of this list will be the upcoming album from Finnish Doom Metal band Kypck, ‘Зеро’. Unlike other Finnish bands, Kypck sings in Russian and boasts two guitarists who used to be in Sentenced. Along with Erkki Seppänen (Dreamtale) on vocals, you can expect some classic Finnish sounding Doom Metal with a layer of solemn but powerful vocals on top. ‘Зеро’ will be released on September 16th through Ranka Kustannus. Check out their first single back in 2007, “1917”.
In The Woods…, legendary Norwegian band, is set to return with a new album in 17 years! Their upcoming album ‘Pure’ is at number 12. Starting as a Black Metal band, the band released their Black Metal classic ‘HEart of the Ages’ and then shifted into a more Avant-Garde and Progressive Metal sound. With their comeback album, the band is set to continue with where they have left of. If you enjoy Ihsahn’s work, then you’ll enjoy this. If you are a Progressive Metal/Rock fan, this album should definitely be on your radar. ‘Pure’ will be released on September 16th through Debemur Morti Productions. Check out their new song “Cult of Shining Stars”.
At number 11 we have the upcoming 7th album from Finnish Melodic Death Metal legends Insomnium, ‘Winter’s Gate’. On their new album Insomnium sets to take on the challenge of creating an one-track album. The new album will follow an elaborate story written by the band and will be an album length of storytelling and the somber Melodic Death Metal that the band is known for. Will they succeed? It’s hard to tell as writing such a long metal piece is difficult. However, the band is no stranger to writing longer than average songs. Hopefully on their new album, they can deliver an enticing track. ‘Winter’s Gate’ is set to be released on September 23rd through Century Media Records. Check out their song “While We Sleep” from their previous 2014 album, ‘Shadows of the Dying Sun’.
The upcoming sophomore album ‘The Relic’ by the band Skullwinx is at number 10. Skullwinx plays Epic Heavy Metal and hails from Germany. I was first introduced to the band with their debut album ‘The Missions of Heracles’ from 2014. On that album the band delivers 8 doses of Heavy Metal goodness. With great guitar work, awesome vocals, and juicy riffs, I expect nothing less from this German five piece. This is definitely one of the better new Heavy Metal bands that have emerged unto the scene. I definitely recommend them to new and old fans alike of the style. ‘The Relic’ will be released on September 24th through Metalizer Records. Check out the song “Ceryneian Hind” from their debut album.
Khemmis is a new Stoner/Doom Metal band hailing from Denver, Colorado, USA. Their new album ‘Hunted’ is the 9th album on the list. After their excellent debut 2015 album ‘Absolution’, the band is set to quickly return with a follow up. The band delivers groovy riffs played through a nice fuzzy guitar tone, well delivered vocals, and drumming that really brings down the energy of the songs. If you love Doom Metal, particularly Doom Metal with a Stoner or Sludge Metal edge, then this new band is definitely something you will need to check out. You do not want to miss this one. ‘Hunted’ will be released on October 21st through 20 Buck Spin. Check out their new single “Candlelight”.
At number 8 we have the legendary French band Alcest’s new album ‘Kodama’. This new upcoming album will be their 5th studio album and by the look of things, the band is returning with a move to a more Post-Black sound along with their Post-Metal and Shoegaze combination. With their returning to their roots, their new album is definitely going to be looked forward to by their older fans. As a bigger fan of their older work, I am excited to see Alcest returning to something more like their original sound. For fans of Post-Metal, Post-Rock, and/or Post-Black Metal, this is definitely an album to look forward to. ‘Kodama’ will be released on September 30th through Prophecy Productions. Check out their new single “Oiseaux de Proie”.
Gatecreeper- ‘Sonoran Depravation’
Old School Death Metal has been fantastic with the resurgence of modern bands adopting and adapting the old school sound of the 80’s/90’s. At number 7 is the debut album ‘Sonoran Depravation’ by the new American Death Metal band Gatecreeper. Formed in 2013, the band has already made some waves in the underground Death Metal community with their 2014 self titled EP. Now with their debut album, I expect them to make a big splash on the scene. I am expecting killer riffs and blazing drumming all under a filthy thick layer of grime. If you are a fan of OSDM, than this is a band that you will definitely need to check out. ‘Sonoran Depravation’ will be released on October 7th through Relapse Records. Check out their new single “Craving Flesh”.
Mithras- ‘On Strange Loops’
Brutal Death Metal is a style of Death Metal I am not particularly fond of. However, there are always exceptions. Mithras is one of them. On the 6th spot is the new album ‘On Strange Loops’ by the Brutal Death Metal band Mithras. Being the 4th album of their discography I am curious to see what the band will deliver. Mithras is not like your typical Brutal Death Metal band, the band dares to experiment with synths and guitars to create their own unique and daring sound. I expect some crazy new ideas that will definitely create another unique addition into their discography. ‘On Strange Loops’ will be released on October 21st through Galactic Records.
Counting down the final five we have the new album ‘Mute Books’ from the band Auroch at number 5. Auroch is a Canadian Black/Death Metal band who made big splashes in 2014 with their sophomore album ‘Taman Shud’. Earlier this year the band released a split alongside fellow countrymen Mitochondrion and both bands delivered sides that are expected of their capabilities. With that being said, Auroch’s new album feels like an album that will set the bar high for the band. If you enjoy Black/Death Metal beyond the aggression, than this will be an album to check out. ‘Mute Books’ will be released on October 21st through Profound Lure Records. Check out “Leader Words Sown” from the 2016 split with Mitochondrion,
Avant-Garde Metal powerhouse Thy Catafalque’s new album ‘Meta’ is at number 4. Thy Catafalque is a solo project of the Hungarian musical genius Tamás Kátai. His new album will be a follow up to his great 2015 album ‘Sgùrr’ which is one of my favorite albums of this project. Astonishingly, Tamás released two other albums under different names already in this year, and this upcoming album will be his third. Thy Catafalque blends many different influences into his music making his music hard to describe and pinpoint. Listen to the music yourself and see what you can experience from it. I definitely recommend this album for people who are looking for something different in their music. ‘Meta’ will be released on September 16th through Season Of Mist.
Number 3 is ‘Luminiferous Aether’, the new album from Mare Cognitum. Mare Cognitum is an American Atmospheric Black Metal from California. The band is the solo project of Jacob Buczarski and the new album will be the 4th album in his discography. The project made its big splash with the 3rd album ‘Phobos Monolith’ back in 2014. The project’s music delivers some great soundscapes filled with long winded Black Metal waves, walls of drumming, and fitting vocals. The band released a split with Aureole called ‘Resonance: Crimson Void’ this August and it shows the project continuing delivering quality music. ‘Luminiferous Aether’ will be released on September 16th on I, Voidhanger Records. Check out the single “The First Point of Aries”.
At number 2, we have the upcoming album from Norwegian legends Darkthrone, ‘Arctic Thunder’. Darkthrone has been a band that worked on many styles from their early Death Metal roots and most famous Black Metal period, to their punk influenced and Heavy Metal influenced albums. With their upcoming 17th album, the band hints at a return to a “darker” sound. Does this mean that they will return to their Black Metal period? Not sure. At the time this article was written, there have not been any additional news or music. Whatever may come on their new album, I have a feeling it would be something to look forward to. ‘Arctic Thunder’ will be released on October 14th through Peaceville Records. Check out “Lesser Men” from their previous 2013 album ‘The Underground Resistance’.
Void Meditation Cult- ‘Utter the Tongue of the Dead’
Lastly, at number 1, is the debut album ‘Utter the Tongue of the Dead’ from Void Meditation Cult. Void Meditation Cult is a new Black Metal band that released a Demo back in 2011 and a split with the member’s old band in 2013. Now in 2016, the band is set to unleash their debut album which will definitely create a big splash in the underground Black Metal community. Blazing Black Metal with sharp riffs, great drumming and vocals, coupled with the intense and mischievous atmosphere, Void Meditation Cult is set to deliver one of the best albums Black Metal has to offer in 2016. I highly recommend this album to all Black Metal fans, this album will definitely be a Black Metal highlight of this year. ‘Utter the Tongue of the Dead’ is set to be released on October 31st through Hells Headbangers Records. Check out their new song “Mould and Blood”.
Along with the above 15 albums, I wanted to include these 5 Honorable Mentions.
Bewitcher- ‘Bewitcher’
Bewitcher is a Blackened Speed Metal band from from Portland, Oregon and they are coming back with their debut self-titled album. Gritty guitars, energetic aggression, and catchy riffs will be found all over this album. This is going to be a fun record. ‘Bewitcher’ will be widely released on September 9th through Divebomb Records.
Eye of Solitude- ‘Cenotaph’
‘Cenotaph’ is the upcoming fourth full length album from UK Death/Doom Metal band Eye of Solitude. With crushing guitars, with a sombre atmosphere, and well executed vocals, the band’s music is perfect for a rainy day. Recommended for fans of melancholic Death/Doom Metal. ‘Cenotaph’ will be released on September 1st, 2016 independently.
Negură Bunget- ‘Zi’
Romanian Black Metal band Negură Bunget is set to release their 2nd album out of their current trilogy, ‘Zi’, following up with their 2015 album ‘Tău’. The band plays a folk inspired style of Atmospheric Black Metal with some Progressive influences here and there. Definitely recommended for fans of Folk/Black Metal. ‘Zi’ will be released on September 30th through Lopus Lounge.
Neurosis- ‘Fires Within Fires’
Sludge and Post-Metal veterans Neurosis is returning with their 11th album ‘Fires Within Fires’. I must admit, I was not a huge fan of their most recent album. However, I still think that the band can deliver an album that will be more memorable. They are very well capable of doing so. ‘Fires Within Fires’ will be released on September 23rd on Neurot Recordings.
40 Watt Sun- ‘Wider than the Sky’
40 Watt Sun is a band formed from the ashes of legendary UK Doom Metal band Warning. I am a fan of Warning’s music and 40 Watt Sun was a solid continuation. Five years later the band is set to return with their sophomore album ‘Wider than the Sky’. Hopefully this time around, the band can deliver a more mature and concise album that will fully capture the capabilities of the band’s musicians. ‘Wider than the Sky’ will be released on October 14th through Radiance Records.
2 comments
Very good list man! You only left out my most anticipated one, the new album from the Greek progressive black metal gods Aenaon. Their last album Extance was one of the best 2014 releases, and it stood the test of time so far, as I still listen to the album a lot! Hope you like them in case you didn’t know them already
I actually had no idea they are releasing a new album. Thanks for the heads up! There’s also other albums I would put on this list that finally got release dates after I wrote this article (Ulcerate being one).