The Handshake Murders - Usurper

Through the rise and demise of "metalcore", some bands have actually made an effort to not seem completely redundant. Such pushes in the directions of technicality, brutality, speed and experimentation created some mildly interesting niches, each not without their own pinnacles and champion bands. The Handshake Murders, a relatively small band on Goodfellow, have done something different than parting out their music to build a new machine, and have yet not maintained a sound that would allude to a chance in the mainstream. This is the apex of heavy, brutal, somewhat technical "metalcore". Somehow ridding themselves of the guilt-laden, childish cheesiness that plagues the bands making up the actual fan base generally associated with such a sound, they have the Golden Gun with Usurper. From the tone to the album flow to all the individual components, this makes mice of men in both metal and hardcore (and all other 'cores' as well) with angular, loud guitars playing precisely calculated off-times; not to mention, perhaps one of the best vocalists around. Don't let the production fool you, they pull this off live with perfection.

Artist: The Handshake Murders
Album: Usurper

1. Into the Mouth of Fear/Dissector
2. Bloodline
3. Painted Contortionist
4. A New Enemy/Messenger
5. Error
6. Mind Bender
7. How To Kill
8. The New Human
9. Apostate
10. Myopia
11. Of Cult and Atrophy

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Sunn O))) & Boris - Alter

If a record has to be catchy for you to enjoy it, probably don't waste your time with this one. If you enjoy listening to albums whole and have the patience to listen for nuances and enjoy well-executed mood-setting, this is one of the best. A collaboration between two groups (which share some members), Alter is a little less dark than former Sunn O))) albums, but, as usual with these bands, the collaboration isn't exactly the sum of its parts. It's an avant-garde, progressive, dark, meaty album with enough low-frequency waves to shut your brain down, yet its apex seems always just ahead. Let this open the door to noise albums for you; it's one modern manifestation of classical music.



Artist: Sunn O))) & Boris
Album: Alter

1. Etna
2. N.L.T.
3. The Sinking Belle (Blue Sheep)
4. Akuma No Kuma
5. Fried Eagle Mind
6. Blood Swamp

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Remember, albums are for sampling only. If you like it, support the artist.