Cheap Thrills: Fresh Name-Your-Price Albums to Discover
At long last, I have returned from my hiatus with another exciting installment of Cheap Thrills, featuring a fresh batch of name-your-price albums. Some of these gems were left over from last year, but I assure you, there’s a wealth of riffs waiting for you below. From epic symphonic black metal hailing from Finland to punishing death metal from LA, and entropic post-rock straight out of Korea, there’s something for everyone. So settle in and enjoy!
As always (and now more than ever), please support the artists by purchasing their albums or grabbing some merchandise.
–Alex Chan
Featured Albums
Unhinge – Aggravated Mayhem
Release Date: October 7, 2023
New Jersey’s own Unhinge recently shared the stage with the legendary Wormrot, and their performance was nothing short of electrifying. This fierce quintet delivers fifteen minutes of unrelenting deathgrind in their sophomore album, Aggravated Mayhem. Expect to be decimated by their misanthropic sound that reflects the raw energy of their live shows. Unhinge is here to rip your face off and challenge your limits—move right or go home!
Silent Millenia – Starlit Tapestry
Release Date: May 22, 2024
Discovering Silent Millenia through their collaboration with Kaikkavaltias was a delightful surprise. Their solo symphonic black metal album, Starlit Tapestry, is filled with captivating guitar work that harmonizes beautifully with ethereal keyboard melodies. Tracks like “Last Hunt in the Lunar Embrace” and “Dawn of Great Eternity” burst forth with melodic richness, making this album the ideal soundtrack for a night of stargazing. Just remember to bring your cloak and jewel-encrusted goblet!
Karst – Eclipsed Beneath Umbral Divine
Release Date: April 12, 2024
Listening to Karst evokes vivid imagery of chaotic live shows, with a golem-like figure dominating the pit. Their hardcore-infused death metal is a force to be reckoned with, as showcased in their album, Eclipsed Beneath Umbral Divine. Get ready for a volcanic eruption of churning riffs and massive breakdowns that are sure to leave collateral damage at any venue. This album will surely ignite the mosh pits!
Tenue – Arcos, bóvedas, pórticos
Release Date: August 1, 2024
Despite what the album cover might imply, Tenue‘s latest offering is not a foray into dungeon synth. Their third full-length, Arcos, bóvedas, pórticos, begins with gentle strumming and elegant horns before transitioning into a whirlwind of d-beats and punk melodies. This Spanish “rural punx” band showcases a remarkable ability to blend diverse styles, from bossa nova grooves to punchy anthems, pushing their sound to new extremes.
Huremic – Seeking Darkness
Release Date: March 13, 2025
When Parannoul announced a new project under the name Huremic, expectations were high. However, Seeking Darkness surpasses all anticipations with its darker and more complex sound. This album features five movements that build towards powerful crescendos, merging hypnotic basslines with layers of percussion and experimental sounds. The result is a mesmerizing post-rock experience that has quickly become a personal favorite and a strong contender for year-end lists.
Conclusion
There you have it—a fresh selection of name-your-price albums that span a variety of genres, each offering its own unique sound and experience. Whether you’re a fan of deathgrind, symphonic black metal, or intricate post-rock, there’s something here to satisfy your musical cravings. Remember to support these talented artists by purchasing their work and exploring their merchandise. Happy listening!
FAQs
What does “name-your-price” mean?
Name-your-price albums allow listeners to pay what they feel the music is worth, often encouraging fans to support artists directly.
How can I support the artists featured in this article?
You can support these artists by purchasing their albums and merchandise through their official websites or platforms like Bandcamp.
Are these albums available in physical formats?
Many artists offer physical formats such as vinyl, CDs, or cassettes alongside digital downloads, but availability may vary. Check their official pages for details.
Can I find more albums like these in the future?
Yes! Keep an eye out for future installments of Cheap Thrills to discover more exciting music and upcoming releases.
