BEHEMOTH have been an unstoppable force in the Metal scene, releasing music that is always supported by equally impressive visuals, whether in the form of music videos or stage productions. I believe this is a fact regardless of whether one likes their music or not. Most importantly, the Polish band has continued to operate at this high-quality level, almost going against the grain of the current challenging economics. Taking full advantage of the steam BEHEMOTH have built with their recent touring, they now drop “I, Scvlptor”, which interestingly is being released by two record labels for its physical and digital formats.

There is a strong movement of new bands playing a groovy, modern blend of Post-Hardcore. Admittedly, that description may be confusing enough to push some listeners away. I am looking at those old-school metalheads who have developed an allergy to anything described as “modern” or, God forbid, anything containing the “Post-” prefix. The older I get, however, the fewer restrictions I place on my listening habits, opening myself up to countless possibilities across different styles. This is how I discovered FUTURE PALACE through their fourth album, whose title clearly represents the band’s intention to hit the scene harder than ever. Indeed, with its powerful lyrics and forceful delivery, “Resurgence” feels more like a statement than another album intended for fast-food consumption.

The EP “Å” turned out to be both a pleasant surprise and a slap in the face for not having paid enough attention to WORMWOOD before. A few vinyl purchases later, I believe I can now consider myself redeemed, while the Swedes’ new EP adds yet another dimension to their already multifaceted music. Containing just two songs and clocking in at five seconds shy of sixteen minutes, “Å” is packed with emotion. It is an intense rollercoaster that hits hard from every possible angle.

If you’re old enough, you may remember the explosion of Doom releases in the mid ‘00s. A time when Doom Metal took the underground by its trembling hand and guided it, with fanaticism, toward BLACK SABBATH’s ‘Heavy paradise’. CATHEDRAL, REVEREND BIZARRE, CANDLEMASS and SAINT VITUS, among others, led the underground straight into trends’ living rooms, making many fans turn their gaze (and ears) toward a genre that, until then, felt difficult, slow, and not exactly eager to please.