bandcamp roundup, part three - black metal bands.

bandcamp is so full of great black metal that I couldn't resist the urge to write a new post, this time focusing on bands instead of labels. these artists range from atmospheric to noisy to straight-up raw black metal. all of them are independent and most hand-manufacture their physical releases in very small quantities, so you can rest assured that they're always high-quality and worthy of your dollars.

most of you will probably be familiar with at least a couple of these artists, but if I introduce you to at least a single new one, then I'm doing my job...right?

wormlust - while not the most prolific, the quality of all wormlust material is fantastic. almost everything is available for streaming, including the new, yet-to-be-released (and best yet) album, "the feral wisdom." definitely check this one out - it'll surely appear on many best-of lists at the end of the year.

book of sand - "mourning star" appeared on one of my best-of lists for 2012 and every other book of sand release measures up very nicely, too. almost everything is available to stream, and a few are pay-what-you-like. styles range from noisy black metal to neo-folk, so be sure to check out a couple different releases - I'm sure you'll find something to like.

njiqahdda - this one probably should've been included in my labels list, but since most of the label's output is created solely by the members of this band, I figured it would fit in here as well. njiqahdda are one of the most prolific bands around today, having released dozens of albums and EPs under multiple band names. plus, everything is available for however much you see fit.

venowl - here's another group whose "patterns of failure" made one of my best-of lists for 2012 and for good reason - venowl produce some of the most caustic black metal around. a single track can go from ambience to harsh black metal to noise all in just a few short minutes. some albums are free, some are cheap and some are streaming-only, but they're all worth your time and money.

wheels within wheels - of all the locations from which black metal could emerge, I'd never pick kentucky. but that's exactly the location that wheels within wheels calls home. after a fantastic split with merkaba last year via the flenser and a couple others with the always-amazing panopticon, this is definitely a band to both catch up on and keep an eye out for.

jute gyte - I've already mentioned the incredible jute gyte here twice - first on my year-end list and again in my post about the svn okklt compilation from fallen empire - so why not make it three? everything here is amazing. each album has a distinct sound - some fall into the black metal category while others are ambient and some are noisy. and they're all pay-what-you-like, with great CD versions of each one available for only $9.




do your best to support these artists by buying their physical releases and donating via bandcamp. I'm sure they'll appreciate it.

and as always, chime in with your own picks in the comments below.