2017 was a great year for all old school breathers like me. Every week there was at least one release coming out. At the end of 2016 it was already pretty clear 2017 would be an awesome year for death and extreme metal, so I was smart enough to keep a list during the year. I still struggle with numbering them, but I tried based on which releases surprised me most and which ones I listened to frequently. I’m glad so many great records came out, since that also means many of these bands will be touring Europe this year. It was a year of discussions, like if a band could still release a self-titled album after existing for more than 30 years or not, but also about Old School Death Metal (OSDM) bands using modern artwork etc. It seemed like only one thing didn’t need to be argued on, it was a very exciting year. I’d like to count down to my review of the number one record of the year.
| 7-10 | 4-6 | 2-3 | 1 | Honorable mentions | Extra |
3. Temple Of Void – Lords of Death
Now we’re at number 3, I only realize how many death/dooms bands are represtented in my list this time. It surprises me in a positive way. Speaking of surprises, Lords of Death, the sophomore release of Detroit’s Temple Of Void, was also a nice surprise. To be honest I didn’t expected it to be this great since I was kind of disappointed by their debut Of Terror and the Supernatural in 2014. Lords of Death is a great album, but I do believe they can do even better. What I liked most of this release are the solos and the ending of Graven Desires, where the vocalist will blow you away. If you’re into bands like Hooded Menace, you’ll probably love this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShjsgL3tibE
2. Undergang – Misantropologi
Misantroplogi has everything I’m looking for in death metal these days. Although the logo may remind you of Autopsy (after their reunion) and the artwork of Leeway, this surely is the best European release of the year in my opinion. The Danish band recorded this album at the same studio as my number one band here, Earhammer Studios in Oakland. There they know how to create the filthy old school sound. Undergang may remind you of bands like Disembowelment. The record is only about 30 minutes long, but that might also be what makes it this great. You simply won’t get tired of listening to it. I know it’s a cliché, but it sure fits here “All killer, no filler”. If you’re an OSDM fan, you should definitely buy their record because you just need to have this one in your collection.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZWf9PvFHud/?taken-by=cinnamon_girl95
