Godspeed You! Black Emperor-Yanqui U.X.O. (2002)

Post-rock masters Godspeed You! Black Emperor released this album in 2002 before going on indefinite hiatus, and that has been the status of the band ever since. This album, overall, has a more urgent, if not panicked, feel to it... a sort of "impending apocalypse" atmosphere, yet still contains the trademarks Godspeed characteristics, from delicate, bleak, somber passages, building crescendos, to absolutely glorious, sweeping sections, absolutely awash with guitars and feedback, creating an almost cathartic atmosphere. As with all Godspeed releases, HIGHLY recommended. Constellation. 

1. 09-15-00  16:28

2. 09-15-00  6:16

3. Rockets Fall on Rocket Falls  20:43

4. Motherfucker=Redeemer  21:23

5. Motherfucker=Redeemer  10:10

Total Running:  75:00

Canada

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Godspeed You! Black Emperor-Life Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven (2000)

Second full-length release from Canada's post-rock champions, Godspeed You! Black Emperor. This album, as one will notice, has a slightly more uplifting and triumphant feel to the music, but there are still moments of incredible despair and stark bleakness. Overall, this album creates crescendos from minimalist, beautiful delicacy, to absolutely soaring, spectacular, all-encompassing roars of music, creating such an emotionally involving and moving listen. This album is also styled, in a sense, after a four-movement symphony, both structurally and conceptually. I cannot begin to explain how rewarding these releases are... you must just take my word for it. HIGHLY recommended. Constellation. 

Disc 1

1. Storm  22:32

I. Lift Yr. Skinny Fists, Like Antennas to Heaven...  6:15

II. Gathering Storm/Il Pleut a Mourir [+Clatters Like Worry]  11:10

III. Welcome to Arco AM/PM... [L.A.X.; 5/14/00]  1:15

IV. Cancer Towers on Holy Road Hi-Way  3:52

2. Static  22:35

I. Terrible Canyons of Static  3:34

II. Atomic Clock.  1:09

III. Chart #3  2:39

IV. World Police and Friendly Fire  9:48

V. [...+The Buildings They Are Sleeping Now]  5:25

Disc 2

1. Sleep  23:17

I. Murray Ostril: '...They Don't Sleep Anymore on the Beach...'  1:10

II. Monheim  12:14

III. Broken Windows, Locks of Love Pt. III  9:53

2. Antennas to Heaven  18:57

I. Moya Sings 'Baby-O'...  1:00

II. Edgyswingsetacid  0:58

III. [Glockenspiel Duet Recorded on a Campsite in Rhinebeck, N.Y.]  0:47

IV. 'Attention...Mon Ami...Fa-Lala-Lala-La-La...' [55-St. Laurent]  1:18

V. She Dreamt She Was a Bulldozer, She Dreamt She Was Alone in an Empty Field  9:43

VI. Deathkamp Drone  3:09

VII. [Antennas to Heaven...]  2:02

Total Running:  87:21

Canada

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Godspeed You! Black Emperor-Slow Riot for New Zerø Kanada EP (1999)

1999 EP from Canada's post-rock masters, Godspeed You! Black Emperor. This EP showcases more of their trademark lengthy, post-apocalyptic, emotionally-charged, soaring and sweepingly atmospheric post rock of the absolute highest order. As is typical with Godspeed You! Black Emperor releases, one of the songs here prominently features "vox populi" samples that paint a picture of social and moral decay and collapse. Overall, a very bleak, dark, yet absolutely moving and gorgeous recording. As with all Godspeed releases, HIGHLY recommended. Constellation. 

1. Moya  10:51

2. BBF3  17:45

Total Running:  28:36

Canada

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Godspeed You! Black Emperor-F#A#∞ (1997)

I have no words to properly just how much I absolutely adore Godspeed You! Black Emperor. Certainly one of my favorite bands of all time, this is easily one of the most well-known and well-loved post-rock bands (Along with Mogwai and Tortoise, to name a couple). Godspeed is known for long, almost classically-arranged compositions (each song is broken into 'movements', much like classical music), that are unbelievably atmospheric and evocative, creating vast, sweeping masterpieces of sound, interjected with vox populi sound clips, to create something wholly unique and amazing. This debut album, from beginning to end, deals with the end of the world, in various forms, and the music certainly speaks to it: images of post-apocalyptic wastelands, twisted urban decay, clouded, dark skies, and complete desolation come to mind when immersing one's self in this music, yet there is a certainly uplifting and beautiful aspects to this music, as well. HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommended. To everyone. Constellation. 

1. Dead Flag Blues  16:27

I. The Dead Flag Blues (Intro)  6:37

II. Slow Moving Trains  3:33

III. The Cowboy  4:17

IV. The Dead Flag Blues (Outro)  2:00

2. East Hastings  17:58

I. ...Nothing's Alrite in Our Life.../The Dead Flag Blues (Reprise)  1:35

II. The Sad Mafioso...  10:44

III. Drugs in Tokyo  3:43

IV. Black Helicopter  1:56

3. Providence  29:02

I.  Divorce & Fever  2:44

II. Dead Metheny...  8:07

III. Kicking Horse on Brokenhill  5:53

IV. String Loop Manufactured During Downpour...  4:36

a. unlisted segment of silence  3:32

V. J.L.H. Outro  4:08

Total Running:  63:27

Canada

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Thus Defiled-Daemonspawn (2007)

Most recent album from blackened thrash maniacs, Thus Defiled. This is yet another ass-kicking album, from beginning to end, chocked full of neck-snappin' thrash riffs, blasting black metal parts, face-melting solos, and produced by the legendary James Murphy, this is everything a blackened thrash fan wants. Topped off nicely with an awesome Slayer cover, this is a blackened thrash album to have. Highly recommended. Shadowflame Productions. 

1. Genesis in Darkness  1:26

2. ...And They Shall Fear the Night  9:13

3. Blackreign (Crown of Horns)  4:39

4. Demonwielder  3:43

5. Beyond the Seventh Circle of Fire  8:55

6. Dreamraper  6:01

7. Astaroth (The Art of Balance in Darkness)  8:02

8. The Living Shadows of Sumeria  1:04

9. Black Magic (Slayer cover)  4:18

Total Running:  47:21

United Kingdom

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Thus Defiled-Weeping Holocaust Tears (2003)

Amazing 2003 release from one of the most underrated names in blackened thrash, Thus Defiled. After the dark and moody intro, this album kicks you in the face, right out of the gates. Ass-kicking, neck-snapping blackened thrash riffage of the highest order. As i've said before, this is a criminally underrated band in the blackened thrash scene, but if bands like Deströyer 666 and Nifelheim are your bag, or you're just looking for a solid, awesome slab of thrashin' black metal with a keen sense of melody, Thus Defiled is for you. Highly recommended. Shadowflame Productions. 

1. Awakened by My Summoning  2:28

2. Spiritual Abduction  3:29

3. of Shadow and Storm  8:02

4. When Seduction brings Forth Damnation  4:48

5. The Angelblood Chronicles  17:24

6. Fire Serpent Dawn  6:21

Total Running:  42:32

United Kingdom

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Thus Defiled-WIngs of the Nightstorm (1997)

Second full length from the British blackened thrash powerhouse, Thus Defiled. This album sees a departure from the more traditional black and death metal stylings of their first album, and sees them venture into the thrashier side of black metal, with absolutely incredible results. Absolutely ass-kicking riff after riff, delivered with the ferocity of black metal, and the headbangability of thrash metal, but with a higher level of proficiency than is standard in this genre. A MUST for all fans of bands such as Deströyer 666, Gospel of the Horns, Nekromessiah, and Nifelheim. Truly a terribly underrated gem of a band that will have you snappin' your necks in no time flat. Dark Trinity Productions. 

1. To Yearn that which Again Shall Be  2:38

2. Rapture of Twilight Burning  6:36

3. (Angelblood) The Tears of an Age now Dead  7:23

4. Through Eyes of Fire  6:39

5. Illumination Through Darkness (A Calling for the Chosen)  1:55

6. Winter's Dawn (Crowns My Empire)  3:38

7. Empire of Souls Bleeding  5:43

8. On Ravenwings I Fly  4:58

9. The Final Fall of the Light  10:07

Total Running:  49:37

United Kingdom

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Thus Defiled-Through the Impure Veil of Dawn (1995)

First full-length record from, in my opinion, one of the most grossly underrated bands in the blackened thrash scene. While this first album leans more towards pure black metal with hints of death metal, the ass-kicking, thrashing juggernaut they were to become shines through in moments all over this album. Absolutely killer riffs, slayer-esque solos, headbangable, all-in-all amazing songwriting... it's all here. If kick ass blackened thrash is your bent, you'd be hard pressed to find many better bands than this. Dark Trinity Productions. 

1. Wings of Fallen Majesty  4:00

2. A Crimson Vision in the Glade of Shadowfire  3:28

3. Prelude to Midnight  1:14

4. Under Blackening Horizons  4:39

5. Through the Impure Veil of Dawn  3:11

6. Dreaming Beyond Dawnless Realms  4:44

7. Dominus Luciferi  4:01

8. Fear Us for We Are the Darkness  4:53

9. Darkness Rape the Tranquil Shore of Eternity  5:13

Total Running:  35:23

United Kingdom

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Geist-Patina (2005)

Spectacular first full-length release from Germany's Geist. This album opens with delicate keys and acoustic guitars, setting a very ethereal, yet very cold atmosphere. When it all kicks in, it becomes quite apparent this is a damn good black metal release. Well-written riffs, good black metal production, as well as lengthy dark ambient segments, beautiful neofolk-ish acoustic sections, and an ability to create amazing songs across the gamut of black metal genres, with depressive influence, heavy second-wave norwegian influence, folk influence, you name it. I recommend this to all fans of good, atmospheric black metal. Solistitium Records. 

1. Snow White  2:55

2. Wanderer Bei Feis Und Fjord  5:36

3. Thanatos Phobein  7:56

4. Winters Schwingenschlag  9:09

5. Norn  3:56

6. Patina  12:12

7. Jingizu  3:56

8. Spätsommerabende  8:17

Total Running:  53:57

Germany

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Funeral Procession-Funeral Procession (2006)

Wonderful first full-length release from Germany's Funeral Procession. Funeral Procession plays a mixture of traditional second-wave-styled black metal, with heavy use of ambience, to create an absolutely great piece of black art. Parts of this album bears slight resemblance to the "Orthodox Black Metal" style being championed by bands such as Deathspell Omega, Watain, Ondskapt, and Ofermod.  Some of the guitar riffs on here are just insanely memorable. If you dig your black metal traditionally, with a melodic edge, Funeral Procession is for you. Nightfog Productions. 

1. Heavenlie Aeons Grimlie Torne Apart  6:39

2. When Moonshine is the Only Light  5:23

3. Beholde the Stars Fall from the Heavens  1:59

4. Bloode of the Elder (Building the Anti-Kosmos)  7:21

5. Doom  3:11

6. The Death Empire on Burial Ground Pt.I  5:59

7. The Death Empire on Burial Ground Pt.II  1:36

8. Millennium of Revenge/Jerusalem in Ashes  10:55

Total Running:  48:04

Germany

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Explosions in the Sky-All of a Sudden I Miss Everyone (2007)

Spectacular most recent release from post-rock heavyweights, Explosions in the Sky. On this album, all the elements of previous Explosions in the Sky albums are here, the delicate and beautiful sections, the cathartic buildups, the uplifting, sweeping, emotional highs... overall, just a spectacular album. In addition, disc two of this album is a collection of remixes of Explosions in the Sky songs done by other artists. Highly recommended! Temporary Residence Limited. 

Disc 1

1. The Birth and Death of the Day  7:49

2. Welcome, Ghosts  5:43

3. It's Natural to Be Afraid  13:27

4. What Do You Go Home To?  4:59

5. Catastrophe and the Cure  7:56

6. So Long, Lonesome  3:40

Total Running:  43:34

Disc 2

1. The Birth and Death of the Day (Jesu mix)  9:48

2. Welcome, Ghosts (Adem mix)  6:24

3. It's Natural to be Afraid (The Paper Chase mix)  6:53

4. What Do You Go Home To? (Mountains mix)  10:23

5. Catastrophe and the Cure (Four Tet mix)  8:33

6. So Long, Lonesome (Eluvium mix)  5;40

Total Running:  47:41

United States of America

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Explosions in the Sky-The Rescue EP (2005)

A wonderful concept album of sweeping, gorgeous post rock from Explosions in the Sky. As with all Explosions in the Sky releases, this is an album of cathartic, beautiful, sweeping, emotionally-charged post rock, that builds from moments to dream-like, ethereal beauty, to grandiose, triumphant, uplifting passages. As with all Explosions in the Sky material, this is HIGHLY recommended. Temporary Residence Limited. 

1. Day One  4:32

2. Day Two  3:47

3. Day Three  4:34

4. Day Four  3:00

5. Day Five  4:35

6. Day Six  5:18

7. Day Seven  4:23

8. Day Eight  2:35

Total Running:  32:48

United States of America

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Explosions in the Sky-The Earth is not a Cold Dead Place (2003)

2003 release from easily one of my favorite post-rock bands, Explosions in the Sky. This is another piece of flowing, atmospheric, triumphant, dream-like, ultimately uplifting and beautiful instrumental post rock. Beautiful, sweeping, swirling guitar parts, drenched with effects, to create a sound that is unmistakably Explosions in the Sky. I HIGHLY recommend all Explosions in the Sky's albums, and particularly to fans of Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Sigur Rós, Pelican, Jesu, and even Alcest. Temporary Residence Limited. 

1. The First Breath After Coma  9:33

2. The Only Moment We Were Alone  10:14

3. Six Days at the Bottom of the Ocean  8:4

4. Memorial  8:50

5. Your Hand in Mine  8:17

Total Running:  45:37

United States of America

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Explosions in the Sky-Those Who Tell the Truth Shall Die, Those Who Tell the Truth Shall Live Forever (2001)

2001 album from American post-rock group, Explosions in the Sky. If you are familiar with artists such as Sigur Rós, and Godspeed You! Black Emperor, you'll know roughly what style of  music this is. But where Sigur Rós is more icy and ethereal in sound, and Godspeed You! Black Emperor is bleak and apocalyptic, Explosions in the Sky creates cathartic moments of triumph and beauty in their post rock songs, which they call "Cathartic Mini-Symphonies". This is all instrumental music, with vast washes of guitar, moments of subtle, pristine delicacy, and epic, uplifting triumph. I HIGHLY recommend all Explosions in the Sky albums, especially to fans of bands such as Sigur Rós, Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Jesu, and even Alcest. Temporary Residence Limited. 

1. Greet Death 7:19

2. Yasmin the Light  7:03

3. The Moon is Down  10:02

4. Have You Passed Through This Night  7:19

5. A Poor Man's Memory  6:04

6. With Tired Eyes, Tired Minds, Tired Souls, We Slept  12:04

Total Running:  49:51

United States of America

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Cor Scorpii-Attergangar (2005)

Absolutely amazing debut release from Norway's Cor Scorpii. After the unfortunate demise of Windir, half of the band went on to form Vreid, abandoning most of the melodic folk elements that made Windir great. The other half of the band, however, went on to form Cor Scorpii, and within the first moments of listening to this, you'll notice the true spirit of Windir carried through to Cor Scorpii. Very melodic, folk melody-infused black metal done right, with the trademark "Sogndal" sound that Windir pioneered. If you were a fan of Windir at all, you need this release; and if you have never listened to Windir, kick yourself, listen to them, and then listen to this. HIGHLY recommended. 

1. Fall of Man  5:27

2. Transcendental Journey  5:33

3. Attergangar  6:31

4. Når Enden er God  5:35

Total Running:  23:06

Norway

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Onskapt-Dödens Evangelium (2005)

Another spectacular orthodox black metal release from Sweden's Ondskapt. Once again, this release hits the listener with a barrage of ferocious, twisted, dark riffs, head-bangable bits here and there, and an atmosphere of a religious orthodox satanist ritual. This is, all in all, just a very kick ass black metal release that you won't regret listening to. Recommended, particularly for fans of Watain and Deathspell Omega. Next Horizon Records. 

1. Djävulens Ande  7:12

2. Feeding the Flames  5:37

3. Revelations of Another Time  6:29

4. Lord of All Unclean Spirits  5:04

5. Akilkarsa  4:29

6. I Kristi Skugga  6:01

7. Fienden Hungrar  3:34

8. Interlude  1:01

9. The Fires of Hell  2:07

10. Blessed by Demoniac Wrath  3:23

11. Beast of Death  3:10

12. Witch  5:23

Total Running:  53:30

Sweden

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Ondskapt-Draco Sit Mihi Dux (2003)

One of the forerunners of the Orthodox Black Metal movement, Ondskapt plays a brand of very ferocious, at times, demented, black metal that just exudes a sort of ritualistic, satanic evil. Chaotic, yet at the same time, all very coherent, with masterfully crafted songs, wonderful black metal riffing, clear, audible bass, solid, well-played percussion...it's all here. If black metal is your thing, Ondskapt will deliver. For fans of Watain, Antaeus, Deathspell Omega, and Ofermod. Recommended. Selbstmord Services. 

1. I  6:46

2. II  10:22

3. III  9:40

4. IV  7:34

5. V  4:57

6. VI  6:24

Total Running: 45:43

Sweden

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Lifelover-Erotik (2007)

Another album of twisted, macabre, depressive, melancholic, post-punk infused black metal from Sweden's Lifelover. Like Pulver, this is an absolutely spectacular release, chock full of dark, melancholic melodies, subtle keys, vocals that range from post-punk, Cure/Joy Division clean vocals, to anguished, twisted screams... overall, a wonderful release that I cannot recommend enough. For fans of everything from The Cure and Joy Division, to Amesoeurs, Alcest, and Joyless. Total Holocaust Records. 

1. Förspel & Intrång  1:28

2. Sweet Illness of Mine  3:12

3. I Love (To Hurt) You  4:01

4. En Man I Sina Sämsta År  4:38

5. Dödens Landsväg  3:50

6. Välkommen Till Pulvercity  3:41

7. Saltvatten (Du + Jag VS. Tellus)  3:38

8. Besatt  3:35

9. Höstdepressioner  3:54

10. Humörets Bottenvåning  3:11

11. Museum of Past Affections  6:21

12. Nitlott  11:08

Total Running:  52:37

Sweden

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Lifelover-Pulver (2006)

Easily one of my favorite black metal bands of all time, Lifelover is a very unique and completely ass-kicking new(ish) band from Sweden. They play a mixture of depressive black metal, with post-punk and shoegaze elements thrown in. This is a must for fans of bands such as The Cure and Joy Division, as well as those of you who love Amesoeurs, Alcest, and all of Neige's projects, as well as Forgotten Woods and Joyless. Just overall, an absolutely incredible release, full of beautiful, melancholic melodies, a sick and twisted depressive atmosphere, absolutely anguished vocals, bizarre and rather morbid samples... just beginning to end, a phenomenal release. HIGHLY recommended. GoatowaRex. 

1. Nackskott  3:16

2. M/S Salmonella  5:00

3. Mitt Öppna Öga  3:32

4. Kärlek-Becksvart Melankoli  4:44

5. Vardagsnytt  2:50

6. Avbrott Sex  2:07

7. Stockholm  4:13

8. Söndag  3:16

9. Herrens Hand  2:45

10. Medicinmannen  0:43

11. Nästa Gryning  6:25

12. En Sång Om Dig  3:40

Total Running:  42:31

Sweden

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Ljå-Vedderbaug (2002)

Spectacular 2002 demo from a relatively new band in the Norwegian black metal scene, Ljå. This is fast, melodically-inclined, masterfully created black metal, and doubly impressive for a demo, no less. Moments of blast-beat-ridden ferocity and buzzsaw riffing, mixed with delicate acoustic parts, midtempo melodic black metal segments... it's all here. I'd recommend this for fans of bands such as Taake, Dissection, and even bands such as Watain. 

1. Skamslåtte Engler  8:34

2. Vind  2:58

3. Guds Klamme Haand  5:23

4. De Med Pigger  4:01

5. Blodtaar  1:27

6. Udenomskjaersk Faen  4:39

7. Lanternens Grusomme Fravaer  0:11

8. Victorinox  2:58

Total Running:  30:11

Norway

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