DEAD METAL

Selbst is a band from Venezuela, and Sun & Moon Records is a Transylvanian label. Those things alone should make you want to give this 2017 release a listen. Upon doing so, you will find that it is excellent. Powerful vocals, strong musical ideas; this self-titled debut has a lot to offer. It's atmospheric black metal, with death metal elements, and some progressive moments. These guys have been active since 2010, but this is their only full-length to date. You can give it the aforementioned listen below, and buy it  here .

These guys hail from Ohio, and have been active since 2011. We Of Scorn is their second full-length, brought to us by Hell's Headbangers. Shed The Skin shares members with  FaithXtractor , Incantation,  and an array of other bands . Their 'sound' is probably best-described as hook-laden death metal, with thrash elements and perhaps some black metal influences where the vocals are concerned. If that sounds like your cup of tea, then picking up a copy of this album is highly recommended. ...not least because Hell's Headbangers are currently selling CD copies for $1! This sophomore effort can be previewed below, and purchased  here .

Dead Corner Of The Eye is an obscure death metal classic. This stellar 2005 Metal Fortress   release is the Danish band's only full-length. They split up two years after putting it out, which is a real shame given the quality here. Usipian brought an old school sound to the table, along with some outstanding songwriting. Groovy, catchy, progressive, intelligent; but also brutal. It really is pretty phenomenal all round. Boasting artwork from Dan Seagrave, it's hard to imagine why more people don't know about it. You can bag a copy of the CD, or the 2011 Serpent Pulse vinyl reissue,  here . This underrated gem can also be heard in its entirety below.

A previous post about Decide can be found here . Yes, this is a live release; but it's a classic nonetheless. It is a best of the band's early/best material, played by the original line-up. It is also outstanding in terms of the performance, not to mention the (Morrisound) production. When Satan Lives followed Serpents Of The Light - the fourth full-length (which is also essential listening). Recorded in Chicago, it was released on Roadrunner in 1998. The live album can be streamed below, and acquired here .