Monthly Music Roundup: Noteworthy Releases from May

Here are some of our favorite releases from this past month.

Houkago Grind Time – Sorry I Am Not From Japan | Independent (May 15)

It’s finally happened, folks – he used that King of the Hill sample that we’ve all been waiting for.

For those unfamiliar, Houkago Grind Time is the solo goregrind venture of Andrew Lee from Ripped to Shreds and Heavy Metal Shrapnel, among others. Of all Lee’s projects, HGT stands out as the most intensely personal, allowing him to deliver tongue-in-cheek micro-treatises on powerscaling, anime localization, and the often contentious discussions surrounding waifus. Unlike his other musical endeavors, HGT is strictly a solo act, with every note and blastbeat emerging from the depths of the Weeb Dungeon.

Sorry I Am Not From Japan introduces a fresh perspective on the irreverent satire that has characterized HGT, addressing the demise of the American dream while drawing parallels between racist microaggressions and scene gatekeeping. While it may not reach the heights of Jonathan Swift’s satirical genius, I’m sure he would find humor in tracks like “Amerifat and Burgerpilled.”

–Alex Chan

Restless Spirit – Restless Spirit | Magnetic Eye Records (May 8)

The Long Island stoner metal trio, Restless Spirit, took 2023’s Afterimage to explore some heavy personal themes. With the weight of that experience now lifted, they decided to embrace a more playful spirit on their self-titled fourth LP. From the very beginning, vocalist and guitarist Paul Aloisio declares, “I want to free you from these chains,” which could just as easily apply to himself.

This album is a thrilling 40 minutes of hot riffs and dazzling solos, showcasing the band’s relentless drive to prove themselves, even as they remain one of the premier stoner metal acts of the last decade. It’s this commitment to evolution that keeps them at the top of their game.

–Steve Lampiris

Crown Lands – Apocalypse | InsideOut Music (May 15)

The unmistakable influence of a certain Canadian prog rock trio on Crown Lands is hard to overlook, yet it’s overly simplistic to label them as mere Rush imitators. Their third full-length album, Apocalypse, is a rich tapestry woven from various classic rock influences. Lyrically, it serves as a direct prequel to their previous effort, Fearless, weaving a science fiction narrative that tackles themes of colonialism, corporate greed, and societal violence.

This album also acts as a follow-up to the two experimental instrumental EPs they released last year, Ritual I and Ritual II. The progressive hard rock sound of Crown Lands has expanded, incorporating meditative world music elements that deepen the listening experience. With passages that would not have been possible without these influences, the album culminates in an epic title track that stands shoulder to shoulder with classics like Rush’s “Hemispheres” or Yes’ “The Gates of Delirium.”

–Kevin Zecchel

Panopticon – Det Hjemsøkte Hjertet | Bindrune Recordings (May 8)

Panopticon, led by Austin Lunn, continues to make waves in the atmospheric black metal scene. Det Hjemsøkte Hjertet is his 11th full-length release and the third installment in the “Laurentian Trilogy.” This album is arguably his most ambitious to date, featuring a deep collaboration with one-man orchestra Charlie Anderson, who contributed an astonishing 78 layers of strings on one track.

The narrative follows a man reflecting on his life in the north woods 35 years ago. Through tracks like “Woodland Caribou,” which laments the decline of the caribou, and the intense “The Great Silence, Extinct,” which mourns the destruction of natural beauty, the album tells a poignant story. The closing track, “Ghost Eyes in the Fire Light,” captures the man’s final moments, making Det Hjemsøkte Hjertet a remarkable achievement in storytelling through music.

–Eric Wing

Ashen Horde – The Harvest | Independent (May 1)

In the niche of progressive black metal that Enslaved has pioneered since the early 2000s, Ashen Horde emerges with their fifth album, The Harvest. This release makes a strong statement, establishing its own identity while celebrating the sound that has captivated many fans.

The album showcases a variety of clean vocals, offering enchanting melodies and bluesy cadences that contrast with the gritty harsh vocals that drive the sound forward. The dynamic interplay between straightforward, head-bangable riffs and intricate, progged-out passages creates a compelling listening experience that never descends into overly technical territory. The Harvest is a must-listen for fans of progressive extreme music.

–Kevin Zecchel

Conclusion

This month has delivered a myriad of musical experiences across various genres, showcasing the creativity and evolution of artists within the heavy music landscape. From the satirical grindcore of Houkago Grind Time to the expansive narratives of Crown Lands and Panopticon, each release reflects a unique voice and artistic vision. Whether you’re a fan of stoner metal, progressive rock, or atmospheric black metal, May has offered something for everyone.

FAQs

What are some standout albums from May 2023?

Notable albums from May include Sorry I Am Not From Japan by Houkago Grind Time, Restless Spirit by Restless Spirit, and Apocalypse by Crown Lands.

Who is the artist behind Panopticon?

Panopticon is led by Austin Lunn, known for his atmospheric black metal style and storytelling prowess.

What themes are explored in Crown Lands’ Apocalypse?

The album explores themes such as colonialism, corporate greed, and societal violence within a science fiction narrative.

What genre does Ashen Horde’s The Harvest belong to?

Ashen Horde’s The Harvest is categorized as progressive black metal, incorporating various vocal styles and dynamic riffs.