Greetings, Decibel readers!
Ah, finally some new black metal for 2025. Don’t get me wrong, I was happy to be covering so much death metal in recent weeks, but it’s refreshing to dive into some cold and grim releases for an exceptionally frigid February. Plus, there’s a new Killswitch Engage album out today! As your resident defender of 2000s metalcore, I’m absolutely thrilled.
Hope you find something to enjoy below.
New Releases to Check Out
Abduction – Existentialismus
I’m particularly proud of Abduction. They first caught my attention about eight years ago while I was exploring new black metal on Bandcamp. Their release, A Crown of Curses, on Death Kvlt Records marked the beginning of my admiration, and it’s exciting to see them now signed with Candlelight. Abduction offers a truly nightmarish sound that is both thought-provoking and rewarding with each listen. Glorious.
Stream: Apple Music
Drugs of Faith – Asymmetrical
Not quite grind, not quite 90’s angular noise, but something entirely unique. This album delivers a full-on pessimistic assault characterized by unforgiving drums, ruthless guitars, and cynical vocals.
Stream: Apple Music
Killswitch Engage – This Consequence
As I noted in Decibel #245:
- Their sound has always blended melodic death metal with ’90s hardcore, but this album leans especially hard into the metal side.
- The lyrics address themes that have long resonated with the band’s core message: a morally conscious awareness of the world’s injustices, yet delivered without preachiness.
Admittedly, I’m a huge Killswitch fan, so they can do no wrong in my eyes—well, musically speaking. That logo, though. My goodness.
Stream: Apple Music
Malacath – Eternal Roar of the Thunder and Rain
I’ve been familiar with Malacath since Fólkvangr Records released The Elders Below back in 2019. This time, they’ve moved to Eternal Death, solidifying that label’s reputation as a premier outlet for black metal in New England. Malacath combines atmosphere and power to create a rewarding sonic experience, with prominent guitars providing a jolt of energy while the vocals and drums lay back, evoking a sense of vastness.
Stream: Apple Music
Scour – Gold
With such a lineup, I expected this to be worth a listen, but Gold exceeds all expectations. It’s absolutely blistering, mixing elements from the members’ various projects into a blackened-death metal fusion. I imagine Phil was eager to kick off this project in 2015 to recapture the same thrill he felt with Christ Inversion in the past. His low, harsh vocals are impressively solid here, showcasing a newfound confidence and power that comes with age.
Stream: Apple Music
Conclusion
This February, metal enthusiasts are treated to a rich variety of new releases that capture the essence of both black metal and metalcore. From the atmospheric depth of Abduction and Malacath to the blistering intensity of Scour, there’s something here for every metal fan to sink their teeth into. Whether you’re revisiting a familiar band like Killswitch Engage or discovering fresh sounds from new artists, this month’s offerings are sure to leave a lasting impression.
FAQs
What genre does the album “Existentialismus” belong to?
“Existentialismus” by Abduction is categorized under black metal, known for its atmospheric and nightmarish sound.
Who are the members of Scour?
Scour features a lineup of notable musicians from various metal backgrounds, contributing to its unique blackened-death metal sound.
Is “This Consequence” a significant departure from Killswitch Engage’s previous work?
While the album maintains the band’s signature blend of melodic death metal and hardcore, it leans more heavily towards the metal side compared to earlier releases.
Where can I stream these albums?
All mentioned albums are available for streaming on Apple Music.
What is the release date for “Asymmetrical” by Drugs of Faith?
The album “Asymmetrical” is part of the latest releases for February 2025.
