New Metal Releases Out Today: 2/11

Stefan Bollmann, Attribution, via Wikimedia Commons
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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 metal releases, from singalong hard rock to pus-drenched underground death metal. Keep those ears bleeding!

Zeal & Ardor, Zeal & Ardor (MVKA)

For fans of: Wolves In The Throne Room, Rivers Of Nihil, Igorrr

Standout track: “Götterdämmerung”

The range in style and technicality Zeal & Ardor pull off is nothing short of stunning. This black metal meets soul meets blues meets gospel act knows how to captivate listeners; a Zeal & Ardor record is bound to have twists and turns, and that is very much the case with the band’s third studio record. Not only do Zeal & Ardor further experiment with their impressive range of sound (even throwing some nu metal into the mix) – frontman Manuel Gagneux continues to deliver on poetic lyricism.

Author & Punisher, Krüller (Relapse Records)

For fans of: The Body, Godflesh, Sun O)))

Standout track: “Drone Carrying Dread”

Tristian Shone – or as you may known him, Author & Punisher – is a genius when it comes to his machines. But whereas his past material has leaned more so into abrasive presentation, on Krüller, the industrial artist switches things up a tad. There’s still plenty of brutality to be heard through Shone’s machines, but there’s also a fascinating melancholy; as Shone warps sound to create bright and airy atmospheres, his material exudes an ambiance that is enchanting and chilling.

Cult Of Luna, The Long Road North (Metal Blade)

For fans of: Between The Buried And Me, Neurosis, The Ocean

Standout track: “Cold Burn”

Like each Cult Of Luna record before, The Long Road North proves to be a breathtaking experience of emotional depth. The band use their technical finesse and tight songwriting skills to craft auditory worlds of intense feeling; guitar rhythms brush like that of the wind, drums and bass come beating down like the rain – it’s pure magic in musical form. Once again, Cult Of Luna offer a record with fascinating meditative quality.

Amorphis, Halo (Atomic Fire Records)

For fans of: Dark Tranquility, Wintersun, Ulver

Standout track: “On The Dark Waters”

This Finnish heavy metal act only continues to expand in their artistry. Their new release, Halo, provides vibrant instrumentation meant to bang heads and move hearts. Amorphis have proven themselves to be strong songwriters, crafting tracks that involve dazzling progression. Songs play out like roller coasters, building upon suspense and delivering exhilarating riffs.

Other Crushers:

  • Stander, Vulnerable, The Garrote
  • La Armada, Anti-Colonial Vol. 2, Mal De Ojo
  • Creeping Flesh, And Then The Bombs Came, Emanzipation

Want to check out other great new metal releases we’ve spotlighted recently? Good. Here you go.