Forgotten Tunes
New releases and under appreciated gems from the past that inspired the creation of my upcoming fantasy zine, Forgotten Keep #00.
Onward by Lammoth
If black metal is usually the soundtrack of lone misanthropes trudging through underground dungeons, Onward by North Carolina musician Lammoth, is for the sunny overworld where bands of adventurers collect 13 cave bear hides and rescue missing cats. Chiptune synths and Nintendo-esque soundfonts layered over fiery buzzsaw guitars and hammering blast beats transport the listener to war-torn middle earth, where we follow the story of Samwise's faithful horse, Bill.
Favorite Track: Poor Old Half-Starved Pony
Fullmoon Carnage by Pรบca
An under appreciated 2024 album of hyper-primitive lycanthropic black metal from Moonworshiper label boss and BIB drummer, Lord Bill. Sandpaper guitar, sharp glittering synths, and barking dictatorial vocals carry you into a violent frenzy. This album leaves you feeling exactly how it sounds, rabid, ill tempered, and questing for blood.
Favorite Track: Orca
In the Land of Prehistoric Kings by Iron Firmament
Washington giants, Iron Firmament, hit us with a prismatic spray of triumphant, thundering black metal. While the average black metal records strongest selling point could easily be boiled down simply to, "the riffs dude, the riffs!" Iron Firmament refuse to be pinned down by our pedestrian hesher assumptions, and instead drown the listener in compositions that vary from volcanic blast heavy bangers to 14 minute ambience-laced epics, each densely layered and dripping with ambition.
Favorite Track: Laughter of The Stormlashed Forest
DJ John's First Mixtape by DJ John
Ever wanted to feel like a drunk medieval party-goer on a warm spring night, drifting from tavern to tavern? DJ John delivers us four on the floor kicks, Roland harps, and dancing syncopated percussion. All of which summon visions of a high-energy, high fantasy freak-off.
Favorite Track: castle rockerz