NTTR - No Time to Review

"Abur," released on February 14, 2025, marks Pothamus 's second full-length album, following their 2020 debut "Raya." The album comprises six tracks, totaling approximately 47 minutes, and delves deep into ritualistic and atmospheric soundscapes. Critics have noted the band's adeptness at blending heavy, sludge-infused riffs with meditative, drone-like passages, creating an immersive listening experience. The opening track, "Zhikarta," sets the tone with a gradual build-up, introducing ethereal noise that transitions into powerful instrumentation. "Ravus" continues this journey, featuring a call-and-response vocal dynamic that intertwines clean and harsh tones, underscored by tribal drumming and a resonant bassline. The incorporation of unconventional instruments, such as the surpeti—a traditional Indian drone instrument—adds a unique texture to tracks like "De-varium," offering listeners a moment of introspection amidst the alb...

"Astral Sands" concludes Novarupta's tetralogy, each album representing a different element. This final installment is noted for its immediacy and presence, contrasting with the ethereal restraint of its predecessor, "Carrion Movements." The album features nine tracks, each collaborating with different vocalists, adding unique textures to the compositions. Critics highlight the deep emotional resonance throughout the album, blending alternative rock with metal influences and subtle progressive elements. Tracks like "Seven Collides" and "The Bullet Shines Before Impact" exemplify this fusion, offering melancholic tones and smooth vocal deliveries. Overall, "Astral Sands" is praised for its rich atmosphere and the cohesive yet diverse musical journey it provides. Genre : Post Metal Country : Sweden Final Verdict: 66% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 26th / 141 Highlight : Cosmographia Made me think of: Cult of Luna Neurosis The Ocean #n...

"Cleave" has been praised for its hypnotic and relaxing qualities, with minimalistic yet deceptively complex compositions that make for fantastic music to chill out and relax to. The album's ambient elements are achieved through the clever implementation of backing tracks and soundscapes, as well as well-crafted ambient guitar tones. However, some critics feel that the production doesn't fully capture the intensity of the heavier sections, leaving them less impactful than intended. Overall, "Cleave" is considered a promising debut that balances calm, atmospheric passages with heavier, more aggressive moments, showcasing the band's potential in the post-metal genre. Sources: Ever Metal: Beneath A Steel Sky – Cleave Metal Temple: Beneath A Steel Sky – Cleave The Razor's Edge: Album Review: Beneath A Steel Sky – Cleave Genre : Post Metal Country : UK Final Verdict : 65% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 12th / 85 Highlight : The infinite silence that follow...

Múr's self-titled debut album, released on November 22, 2024, presents a compelling fusion of progressive and post-metal elements, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of its Icelandic members. The album showcases intricate musicianship, with tracks like "Múr" highlighting the jazz influences of guitarists Hilmir Árnason and Jón Ísak Ragnarsson through chromatic movements and tapping solos. Keyboardist and vocalist Haraldsson contributes atmospheric textures and electronic elements, notably in the cinematic "Heimsslit," which opens with spacious synth pads before building into a doom-laden soundscape. Critics have praised the band's ability to blend genres and tempos seamlessly, creating a dynamic and atmospheric experience. Distorted Sound Magazine rated the album 8/10, noting its "restless approach to mixing genres, tempos, and virtuosity" as a "breath of fresh air." Overall,  Múr  establishes the band as a promising force in the metal sc...

Released on November 8, 2024, Hin helga kvöl (The Holy Suffering) marks Sólstafir's eighth studio album, showcasing a profound exploration of raw emotion and stark beauty. Drawing deep inspiration from their Icelandic heritage and landscapes, the album blends the band's signature melancholic sound with elements from their past, creating a reflective and innovative work. Tracks like "Hún andar" open with euphoric melodies, while the title track delves into their black metal roots with a frenzied pace. The album balances piano-led rock ballads, punk vibes, and even incorporates saxophone elements, as heard in "Vor ás." Critics have praised the album for its cohesive representation of Sólstafir's evolution, highlighting its ability to transport listeners to a place where dreamy and dark collide. Devolution Magazine Genre : Post Metal Country : Iceland Final Verdict: 82% (Excellent Album) Yearly Ranking: 5th / 833 Highlight : (both added to my 2024 best o...

Live at Electric Ballroom showcases Rolo Tomassi at their most dynamic, delivering an intense and emotional performance from their February 2023 headline show in London. The album captures the band's remarkable ability to switch between serene melodies and crushingly heavy sections, as seen in tracks like "Almost Always" and "Cloaked" . Their blend of atmospheric post-hardcore and progressive metalcore, with moments of mathcore intensity, is perfectly suited for the live setting. The band's chemistry and energy are palpable throughout, amplified by a captivating light show and a highly engaged audience. Aftermath , an audience favorite, offers a standout moment of melodic sing-alongs amidst the chaos​ ( Metal Anarchy ) ​ ( chorus.fm ) ​ ( Distorted Sound Magazine ) . Genre : Post Metal Country : UK Final Verdict: 74% (Very Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 17th / 698 Highlight : A Flood Of Light (Live) Made me think of: Deafheaven Architects Code Orange #newalb...

Janis , the debut album by Vestige, blends post-metal with progressive and djent elements, offering an atmospheric journey through moody, intense soundscapes. The album starts with ethereal tracks like "Différent" before transitioning into more aggressive djent-infused moments in songs such as "Deviens la Nuit." Notable guest appearances, including Neige from Alcest on "Automne Part 2," add depth to the record’s melancholic tone. While the album excels with its atmospheric beauty and heavy breakdowns, some tracks suffer from a lack of focus, relying too heavily on their influences. Overall, Janis showcases great potential with its mix of modern metal and emotional depth​ ( The Progressive Subway ) ​ ( Metal Epidemic ) ​ ( Acta Infernalis ) . Genre : Post Metal Country : France Final Verdict: 68% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 62th / 653 Highlight : Corrosion Made me think of: Alcest Deftones Hypno5e #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumof...

Mountaineer’s "Dawn and All That Follows" is a profound exploration of atmospheric soundscapes and emotional depth. The album blends post-metal, shoegaze, and doomgaze elements to create an expansive and immersive experience. Tracks like "Cradlesong" and "Parallels" showcase the band’s mastery of subtlety and tension, building towards moments of powerful release. The balance of melancholy and beauty across the album makes it a compelling journey through introspection and transcendence. With its rich textures and emotionally resonant compositions, this album cements Mountaineer as a standout in the post-metal scene.​ ( Metal Epidemic ) ​​ ( Metal Hard News ) ​​ ( Everything Is Noise ) ​. Genre : Post Metal Country : US Final Verdict: 65% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 200th / 595 Highlight : Dark Passenger Made me think of: Pallbearer Slow Wake Alice in Chains #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdi...

Genre : Post Metal Country : US Final Verdict: 61% (Pleasant Album) Yearly Ranking: 333th / 497 Highlight : The Lighthouse Made me think of: Neurosis Daughters Cult of Luna #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #PostMetal #JulieChristmas #US #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Post Metal Country : US Final Verdict: 68% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 51th / 442 Highlight : In Time, All Things Made me think of: Pallbearer Cult of Luna YOB #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #PostMetal #Huntsmen #US #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Post Metal Country : France Final Verdict: 66% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 115th / 441 Highlight : Cathedrals Made me think of: Cult of Luna Alcest Russian Circles #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #PostMetal #Matrass #France #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Post Metal Country : UK Final Verdict: 66% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 70th / 373 Highlight : Kobe x Pijn Made me think of: Neurosis Pelican Cult of Luna #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #PostMetal #Bossk #UK #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Post Metal Country : UK Final Verdict: 68% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 27th / 294 Highlight : Abode of the Perfect Soul Made me think of: Anekdoten Mastodon Baroness #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #PostMetal #Dvne #UK #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Post Metal Country : UK Final Verdict: 60% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 19th / 24 Highlight : Kindling Made me think of: Deafheaven Portrayal of Guilt Ostraca #newalbum #newalbum2023 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #PostMetal #InfantIsland #UK #LP #Album #release  

Genre : Post Metal Country : Belgium Final Verdict: 68% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 150th / 901 Highlight : Akte XX Made me think of: Mono Cult of Luna Russian Circles  

Genre : Post Metal Country : Finland Final Verdict : 74% (Very Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 29th / 816 Highlight : Antephialtes (added to my 2023 best of) Made me think of: Pallbearer YOB Elder  

Genre : Post Metal Country : UK Final Verdict: 66% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 194th / 780 Highlight : To Wilt Beneath The Weight Made me think of: Alcest Deafheaven Wolves in the Throne Room  

Genre : Post Metal Country : France Final Verdict: 65% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 286th / 779 Highlight : Palabres Enflammées Made me think of: Cult of Luna Isis Synapses  

  Genre : Post Metal Country : UK Final Verdict : 65% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 181th / 642 Highlight : Torch Bearer Made me think of: Russian Circles Cult of Luna Amenra