New Metal Out Today: 12/4

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It’s Friday, which means two things: giving the week the finger and new music! Tune in every Friday for The Pit’s round-up of new releases, from singalong hard rock to pus-drenched underground death metal. Keep those ears bleeding!

Soilwork, A Whisp of the Atlantic (Nuclear Blast)

For fans of: Cynic, Insomnium, Lychgate

Standout track: “A Whisp of the Atlantic”

woah. Those of you looking for a typical early 2000s Soilwork record should look elsewhere. Opening with a sixteen-minute title track, A Whisp of the Atlantic is as weird and diverse an album as you’ll hear today. With an emphasis on keys and brolic, almost Crowbar-esque bellowed vocals, this album shows a face of the band that Stabbing The Drama fans couldn’t have predicted. While some may be upset that it’s not more of the same, fans looking for something new and compelling should definitely listen to this five-song record. A brave and awesome change in identity by one of metal’s most fascinating acts.

Gama Bomb, Sea Savage (Prosthetic)

For fans of: Toxic Holocaust, Cross Examination, Alestorm

Standout track: “Miami Supercop”

If you came to Gama Bomb for serious political thrash, prepare to have beer sprayed in your face. The Irish quartet continue their long tradition of not taking anything seriously with Sea Savage, an album of fresh thrash mayhem. The tracks on this one are a little less rabid than those on 2018’s Speed Between The Lines, but still bring all of the hilarious lyrics and bob-along riffs that audiences have come to demand from these dudes. Thank God it’s Friday, because a beer or two will really open this album up.

Undergang, Aldrig i livet (Dark Descent)

For fans of: Witch Vomit, Creeping Death, Nile 

Standout track: “Menneskeaeder”

It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that DANISH SEWER OOZE. Undergang sound like their logo looks, squelching their way through hard-hitting but puke-slick death metal grinders with the greatest of ease. Aldrig i livet is all the nastier for its lyrics being in Danish — the band don’t just want to wallow in filth, they also don’t give a fuck if American audiences can’t understand what they’re saying. Thankfully, the repulsive riffs do the talking, and make this a death metal album which only the grimiest motherfuckers will truly love. Get gross.

Serpents Oath, Nihil (Soulseller Records)

For fans of: Marduk, Horna, 1349

Standout track: “Serpents of Eight”

If you like your black metal full of Tolkienish sparkles, go drink brandywine elsewhere. Serpents Oath are all about that riff, with Nihil churning and aching in a nonstop stampede of delicious tremolo picking. None of the tracks are especially fun, but they’re extremely potent and compelling, making this an excellent record to put on when black metal is specifically the only thing that will do. An excellent display of brute force from these Belgian shadowmongers.

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Words by Chris Krovatin