The Nine Circles Audio Thing

Morke, Veytik, and Weald + Woe on "castle metal", albums of the year, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Veytik, morke, Weald + Woe, colin) — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0000

A micro-genre/movement/what have you that I've been doing my hardest to champion this year at Nine Circles is "castle metal"; melodic black metal rooted in the sound and aesthetic of Obsequiae while incorporating a multitude of other influences. There is an ever-growing roster of bands that have taken up the banner in similar yet distinct ways, and three released full-length albums this year: Morke with To Carry On, Veytik with Carmina Aerea in Aetate Ferrea, and Weald + Woe with Far From the Light of Heaven.

The incredible musicians behind these three acts were kind enough to sit down with me to have an extended discussion on their main influences, lyrical and thematic inspirations, albums of year, and more. Don your chain mail, sharpen your sword, pour a chalice of your desired beverage, and enjoy!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Charlie Anderson of Weft on "The Splintered Oar," Bathory, coastal Texas history, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Charlie Anderson, colin stenzy, Chris Voss) — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 10:03:29 +0000

Discovering and giving exposure to brand new artists is one of the greatest privileges when it comes to writing about music. And when a fantastic musician you're already familiar with announces something completely new, it's hard not to set your expectations high. With Weft and debut LP The Splintered Oar (Bindrune Recordings) I can say with confidence that these expectations were not only met, but surpassed. Best known to the metal world as the live and session violinist for the almighty Panopticon, Charlie Anderson's debut album with his first solo project is a tremendous amalgamation of black, prog, and death metal with some beautiful folk passages to top it all off in a fresh and unique fashion.

In anticipation of The Splintered Oar's release next month Charlie was generous enough to chat with me about his influences and the musical journey to get here, the incredible musicians he worked with on this album, and more. Grab a cozy beverage, sit down, and enjoy!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Tanner Anderson of Majesties on their live debut, melodic death metal classics, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (colin stenzy, tanner anderson) — Wed, 3 Sep 2025 07:00:00 +0000

Joining together the righteous forces of Obsequiae and Inexorum for some Gothenburg-style melodeath throwback, it's been nearly two and a half years since the release of Majesties' debut album Vast Reaches Unclaimed (20 Buck Spin) and it's still a favorite amongst some of us here at Nine Circles. A follow-up may not (yet) be upon us, but myself and a couple others had the utmost privilege of catching their incredible live debut at this year's Fire in the Mountains festival on the Blackfeet Nation in Montana. I had asked the core trio of Tanner, Carl Skildum, and Matt Kirkwold if they were down for an interview at some point during the festival; naturally it's hard to arrange such a meeting with no cell service and schedules all over the place (not to mention not wanting to miss a ton of killer bands), but Tanner and I were able to set aside some time to record on the shore of Two Medicine Lake right near the festival grounds. We discussed how the show went, nerded out about classic melodic extreme metal (a lot), and more. Check back in the not-too-distant future as more from Majesties is on the horizon!

HUGE thanks to Tanner for the time and audio assist!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Best of 2024: Dan and Chris recap the year in NOT-Metal!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Chris Voss, Dan Kaplan) — Sun, 19 Jan 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Another year down -- okay, another year and a couple of weeks, give or take -- and that means another whole buttload of new music released in genres other than our beloved metal. Just sit with that for a second and ponder. There was punk! There was indie! There was shoegaze! And that's just in the rock sub-categories. What about jazz? Hip-hop? Electronic?

"Whoa. I need to sit down for a minute," you're thinking to yourself. No you don't, you big dummy! Dan and Chris have you covered!

Well, okay, they couldn't -- and, to be fair, don't -- even pretend to have you fully covered on all the myriad 2024 things that weren't metal. But bless their hearts, they do try on this, their... fifth or sixth annual end-of-year NON-metal podcast. It's a wide-ranging, two-plus-hour convo about all the best stuff they listened to from outside the heavy realm. Wanna catch up with 'em? Grab a (+/-) alcoholic beverage of your choice and get listening!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Thy Catafalque was November 2024's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (hera, angela, vince, ian, colin, nine circles) — Wed, 25 Dec 2024 05:05:00 +0000

Once again the gang comes forth with candidates, this time under the watchful gaze of Ian. But although strong arguments were put forth for the raw black metal conceptual piece by Ungfell, the morose progressive post-doom of Crippled Black Phoenix, and whatever insane caterwauling The Body did in the month of American Thanksgiving and apocalyptic elections, the rose could only be gifted to one. And that one was Hera with her pick of Thy Catafalque and their progressive world stew that is the unwieldy titled XII: A Gyönyörü Álmok Ezután Jönnek, which I’m sure is fantastic since I pre-ordered the vinyl but in all honestly haven’t had time to listen to it yet.

But that’s okay because the crew talked about it and a lot more, so unwrap your audio gift and check out what else the group was listening to in November!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Chat Pile was October 2024's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (ian, angela, nine circles, chris, colin, vince) — Thu, 21 Nov 2024 15:59:39 +0000

The Nine Circles Audio Thing is back with our Album of the Month for October!

Once again the gang comes forth with candidates, this time under the watchful gaze of Angela. But although strong arguments were put forth for the avant-black metal of Doedsmaghird, the exploratory and modern melodic black metal of Gaerea, and the ripping, quite possibly AOTY contender Blood Incantation the rose could only be gifted to one. And that one was Chris with his pick of Chat Pile and their sledgehammer classic in the making Cool World, which ups the ambition and stands as the voice for the rage and raw pain of a global space far greater than their native Oaklahoma.

Dig into the feast and also check out what else the group was listening to in October!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Alunah was September 2024's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (hera, chris, vince, ian, angela, colin) — Sun, 13 Oct 2024 06:00:00 +0000

The Nine Circles Audio Thing is back with our Album of the Month for September!

Once again the gang comes forth with candidates, this time under the baleful glare of Hera. But although strong arguments were put forth for the Brazilian prog of Papangu, the icy cold black metal of Marrow of Man, the might return of melodic death metal giants The Black Dahlia Murder, and the woeful fragile beauty of 40 Watt Sun the rose could only be gifted to one. And that one was Angela with her pick of Alunah and their fantastic new album Fever Dream, which isn't afraid to mix some Skynrd and flute in with their specific brand of stoner doom.

This one runs long (sorry, too much going on for a proper edit!), so dig into the feast and also check out what else the group was listening to in September!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Melt-Banana was August's 2024's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (vince, hera, colin, chris, ian, angela) — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 05:00:00 +0000

A month to the day the Nine Circles Audio Thing is back with our Album of the Month for August!

The staff approached, their pitiful, mewling offerings raised with trembling hands in full view of the gnarled stonework to vie for the attentions and affections of the new Judge. But despite Hera's impassioned plea for the acidic sludge post metal of Norna, Angela's sadly tossed asides poetics to the virtue of black metal chameleons Zeal & Ardor, Colin's progressive medieval circus ride that is the latest from Sur Austru and Ian's gleeful presentation of the blackened speed thrash attack of Demiser the Demiser's Demiser the rose could only be gifted to one. And that one was Chris, who revelled in the hyper-glitchy grind punk noise rock of Melt-Banana, back with their first album in 11 years 3+5, a blizzard of wonder that races by in only 24 minutes.

The gang gets in deep, with lots of talk about vocal tics and tremors, the increasingly silly labelling and confining our notions of what constitutes "heavy" or "extreme", and whether we can all kill Hera if we make her listen to enough thrash metal. There's also a lot of talk about what else we listened to in August, including a way too long conversation about how positively limp and punched in the long awaited(?) Time II from Wintersun is...you've been warned!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Vuur & Zijde was July 2024's Album of the Month!

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 06:00:00 +0000

It may be a week or so later than we intended but – as promised – the Nine Circles Audio Thing is back with our Album of the Month for July!

Candidates were offered up on the gnarled stonework that is the 9C dais, and despite strong arguments by Ian for the storming dissonant fretwork of Occulta Veritas, Colin’s impassioned please for the frigid and beautiful Finnish black metal of Autumnfall, and Dan’s out in the wilds remote pitch for the all guns blazing power metal of Orden Ogan, only one could wear the mantle of Album of the Month. As this month’s presiding Host and Arbiter of Metal Justice (and therefore the only one without a candidate to proffer), Chris got on one knee and handed the rose to Vince and his pitch for the ever evolving and mutating gothic black metal post-punk emo warmth of Vuur & Zijde and their debut full length Boezem (Prophecy Productions).

Lots of ground covered, as the gang gets into the difference between blending genres together as opposed to letting them sit haphazardly side by side, the love of a good warm muffled thump in your production, as well as the merits of forging new ground vs. flawless execution of a tried and true formula. We talk about the similarities between black and power metal, and three of us even geek out royally (sorry, Colin!) over 70s era Genesis…and that’s before we get into what else we’ve been listening to in the month of July!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Return of the 9C Audio Thing! A Mid-Year Review!

Mon, 1 Jul 2024 12:00:00 +0000

It's been a hot minute, but the gang returns along with a new intro to celebrate the return of the Nine Circles Audio Thing! We're going to get back into the Album of the Month starting with July, but for now Chris returns to the mic for the first time in forever to gather the crew and talk about a few select highlights from the first six months of the year. Colin, Vince, Ian, Hera and...holy shit, DAN?! Yup, it's a full crew at the ready and madness is had, whether it's risking Swiftian armies or generally squealing with delight over some very, very good metal this year.

Variety abounds as the crew gets into it, talking about Dödsrit, Inherits the Void, Ulcerate, Chapel of Disease, Job For A Cowboy, Alcest, Pallbearer, Hamferð, AWS, Thot, Ryujin, Aborted, Hammer King, Lascaille's Shroud, Farsot, and Lord Dying.

No spoilers for the anticipated albums, and only a short tease about the new AOTM format moving forward, but it's a blast to be back so grab your favorite beverage, put on those headphones and dig in. See you next month!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Alexander Bradley of SLIMELORD on debut LP "Chytridiomycosis Relinquished," technicality in thrash vs. death metal, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (alexander bradley, matt buchan) — Tue, 2 Apr 2024 05:00:00 +0000

Of all the death metal currently burbling in the cauldrons of 20 Buck Spin, SLIMELORD might be one of the most peculiar...and that's saying a lot!

Mixing vicious cavernous death metal with forward thinking technicality and hints of psychedelia in their brutal attack, the band released their debut full length Chytridiomycosis Relinquished in March. Guitarist Alexander Bradley sat down with Nine Circles to talk about the new album, the shift in direction from the technical thrash of Bradley's other band Cryptic Shift to the more filthy strains of SlimeLord, his love of From Software video games and their influence on his lyrics, and much more.

A lot of ground is covered in just over 30 minutes, so be sure to check out the conversation and grab yourself a copy of what is sure to be one of the most talked about releases come end of year time!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Josh Graham of GUILTLESS on new EP, "Thorns," the dual-edged sword of AI, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Josh Graham, Matt Buchan) — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 17:00:00 +0000

What do you get when you combine members of Generation of Vipers, A Storm of Light and Intronaut, then get their collective creative juices flowing about, well... a lot of really heavy shit? (Think global warming, AI, the slow decay of human society in real time... you know! Fun stuff!)

Well, you get GUILTLESS! (And also, you get one hell of a heavy listen.)

Back in February, the intranational quartet released their new EP, Thorns, via Neurot Recordings, and Buke sat down with guitarist Josh Graham to learn a bit more about it. Throughout their conversation, the duo chat about the band's origins, how they came to work with Neurot, and the long debate they had over whether to release Thorns as an EP or try to stretch it into a full-length. Then, as tends to happen in conversations like these, things diverge. They talk about Graham's "day job" in design, and the increasing creep of AI into his livelihood. They talk about a harsh lesson Graham learned about the music business while performing in an industrial band in high school. They even trade GWAR stories!

It's a short and sweet (by our standards), yet still wide-ranging conversation that you won't want to miss. Check it out!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Nick Schendzielos of Job For A Cowboy on their new album “Moon Healer” and much more!

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 02:06:00 +0000

Hard to believe it’s been a decade since Job For A Cowboy graced us with Sun Eater yet here we are on the eve of Moon Healer (Metal Blade) and we couldn’t be more stoked for it if we tried. This band occupies a special spot for most of here on staff as they exemplify our varied tastes in death metal and all things extreme. With this album that statement couldn't be more true as it is wildly all over the map yet cohesive and heavy as lead at the same time. Ian screamed the loudest when the news dropped of a new album so it was the obvious choice to get him on with our podcast maestro Buke to discuss all things Job For A Cowboy with bassist Nick Schendzielos. The guys cover the obvious items but as per usual they cover a whole lot more so get comfy and settle in for a spell. Enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Vitriol was January 2024’s Album of the Month!

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 13:00:00 +0000

It’s a well known fact that Vitriol slap, as they say. But did you know that they are one of a very few and select bands pushing death metal to new heights? That’s kind of a rhetorical question…more of a fact tidbit for you than anything since their latest effort Suffer & Become (Century Media) is somehow better than anything they’ve touched to date and blows everything out of the water thus far this year. Fitting it is that this album lands at our collective Album of the Month pick and also fitting that it was pretty much unanimous for those in attendance for this chat as well as those absent for this chat. No spoilers beyond the obvious though so you’ll need to grab a piece of floor or something comfy and kick back while we embellish on this album as well as several other highlights from the month and of course all the other places we meander to during these things. Dive in and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Best of 2023!

Sun, 21 Jan 2024 13:00:00 +0000

Yep, we’re strongly and firmly in 2024 annnnd late with this by just a bit. But hey, you guys know that‘s our way by now and if not, now you do. Anyway, 2023 was huge for metal and if you’ve followed along on the site, we’ve all plastered our picks for you to peruse, enjoy, and maybe find something new or a nugget you missed. We love list season and that’s whay our normal cast of fam (Angela, Hera, Ian, Colin, and Vincent) led by our MC Buke got together to put the proverbial nail in the “Best of 2023” coffin once and for all. As usual the discussion is all over the place and fun was had by all. With that said, grab a seat or a piece of floor, your favorite beverage, and enjoy! We are already looking forward to doing this again in 2024. Oh and a big THANK YOU is on order from all of us to all of you for visiting and listening, we really do appreciate it!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Best of 2023: Dan and Chris recap the year in NOT-Metal!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Chris Voss, Dan Kaplan) — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 17:00:00 +0000

Welcome back everyone! As is customary this time of year, our resident NOT-metal heads, Dan and Chris, are back to discuss their favorite music of 2023. Tune in for a sprawling, but not overly rambly discussion of all things NOT-metal, including country, jazz, Canadian punk, and everywhere in-between!

Timecodes:

(00:00) - Introduction
(04:18) - Shared Picks / "Top Two"
(16:50) - Chris: "We're in the Rock category"
(28:54) - Dan: Punk
(35:39) - Chris: "Just Left of Rock"
(46:15) - Dan: Country
(53:46) - Chris: "We've moved off the Rock Highway"
(1:06:50) - Dan: Pop (in its various guises)
(1:21:44) - Chris: "I'm Lost" (Off the Rock Highway, Pt. II)
(1:31:19) - Dan: The "Don't Get My Own Category"s
(1:39:57) - Honorable Mentions
(1:50:19) - New Old Music of 2023 (Chris)
(1:54:23) - New Old Music of 2023 (Dan)
(1:58:12) - Closing Thoughts

Artists and Albums Discussed:

Jason Isbell - Weathervanes
The Dirty Nil - Free Rein to Passions
Jeff Rosenstock - HELLMODE
Osees - Intercepted Message
The Damned - Darkedelic
Uriah Heep - Chaos & Colour
Brutal Youth - Rebuilding Year
Fucked Up - One Day
Sweeping Promises - Good Living is Coming for You
Mike Keneally - The Thing That Knowledge Can't Eat
Paramore - This is Why
Margo Price - Strays
Lucero - Should've Learned By Now
Sufjan Stevens - Javelin
Lana del Rey - Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd?
Everything But the Girl - Fuse
Blonde Redhead - Sit Down for Dinner
Caroline Polachek - Desire, I Want to Turn Into You
Jessie Ware - That! Feels Good!
Gunship - Unicorn
Disclosure - Alchemy
SZA - SOS
Sunwatchers - Music is Victory Over Time
The Reds, Pinks and Purples - The Town that Cursed Your Name
Questlove, David Murray & Ray Angry - Plumb
Parannoul - After the Magic
Grave Pleasures - Plagueboys
Rodrigo y Gabriela - In Between Thoughts... A New World
Beach Fossils - Bunny
Danny Brown - Quaranta
DOMi & JD Beck - NOT TiGHT (2022)
Owane - yeah whatever (2018); Chapter One: Shredemption [w/ Jack Gardiner] (2021)

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Panopticon was November 2023’s Album of the Month!

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Welcome back one and all to the final AOTM (Album of the Month) pick discussion for 2023 with Panopticon’s The Rime of Memory (Bindrune Recordings). It’s safe to assume our regular readers, and listeners, know our feelings on Panopticon at this point but to cut to the chase, we love the project and everything that has come from it. And The Rime of Memory is no different, hence why it ended up here in this discussion. We won‘t spoil any of the actual chat though so hit that play button to hear all about it as well as a follow up discussion on everything else that stuck out during the month of November. All that and a ton more is covered so grab a drink - or twelve - and settle in for the long haul. Enjoy! Oh and we’ll see you next month…ish for the Best of 2023 chat.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Leila Abdul Rauf and Daniel Butler of Vastum on their new album “Inward To Gethsemane” and much more!

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 13:00:00 +0000

By now, and as one of 20 Buck Spin’s longest running acts, the death metal institution Vastum needs zero intro from us, or you for that matter. Album number five, Inward To Gethsemane, continues the stomach churning filthiness they’ve so readily displayed but this time the songwriting and delivery has some incredible punch to it. The band has been long time favorites of most of us on staff but none moreso than our very own Buke who got the opportunity to chat with guitarist, vocalist, and synth master Leila Abdul Rauf and vocalist Daniel Butler about the album, some band history, and tons of other stuff along the way. Needless to say he was excited, as we are to bring you this conversation so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

Huge thanks to Leila and Daniel for their time!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Wayfarer was October 2023's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (wayfarer, nine circles team, nine circles, buke) — Sun, 19 Nov 2023 13:00:00 +0000

This was the first time of 2023 that we picked a favorite the fastest and the most solidified. We've all been fans of Wayfarer's Wild West black metal since their debut and with American Gothic (Profound Lore) this love has grown deeper. It's a fantastic album but I'm sure by now you already know this so we won't bore you with frivolity here. The fam got together with our man on the mic, Buke, to discuss this album, why it's our collective favorite of the month, other albums that grabbed our attention and should have your attention as well, and a ton of other stuff is covered. Fun was had by all as the convo went literally all over the place so grab a comfy seat, your preferred beverage, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Autarkh on their new album “Emergent” and more!

Wed, 8 Nov 2023 13:00:00 +0000

For anyone following along in the Nine Circles universe, it comes as no surprise that Autarkh is a huge favorite pretty much across the board. Form In Motion was, and still is, very high on our revisit list as it was unlike anything out there in the metal spectrum at the time. Progressive, epic, monumental, challenging are but some of the words to describe that first effort but even those barely scratch the surface. And now, they’re back with their sophomore outing, Emergent (Season of Mist), and yet again will change the face of metal as we know it. Anton and Buke were both ecstatic when presented with the opportunity to chat with 75% of the band (Michele Nienhuis (vocals, guitars), Tijnn Verbruggen (synths, beats), and Desmond Kuijk (bass)) for the second time and wasted no time getting into the new album, what’s been going on since they last spoke, and so much more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

Huge thanks to Michele, Tijnn, and Desmond for their time!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Troy Roberts of Fabricant on their new album “Drudge To The Thicket” and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (fabricant, troy roberts, nine circles, buke) — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0000

One might think that with an album name such as Drudge To The Thicket (Profound Lore), California’s Fabricant plays around with sludgy doom. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth as this debut is squarely in the death metal camp and is technical throughout, brutal at times, charred around the edges, and savvy beyond its years. So yea, you need to get in on this while things are getting off the ground floor. Buke recently chatted with lead guitarist and vocalist Troy Roberts about the new album, some band history, a stint in Mefitis, and a whole bunch more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

Huge thanks to Troy for his time!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Tomb Mold was September 2023's Album of the Month!

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0000

If you've been following along, The Enduring Spirit (20 Buck Spin) by Tomb Mold is an all encompassing hit for the Nine Circles crew and we pretty much blew our load talking about it on this interview right here. But, we're back in crowd format to blow the last bit of load we have left on it since it truly is that good of a death metal album. You know how these things work: the team picks an album from the month as a favorite then discuss then go over everything else that struck a chord then go over life and whatnot. Fun was had by all as the convo went literally all over the place so grab a comfy seat, your preferred beverage, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Payson Power and Max Klebanoff of Tomb Mold on their new album “The Enduring Spirit” and much more!

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0000

2017 saw the debut full length release, Primordial Malignity, of Ontario’s Tomb Mold and without knowing it changed death metal forever. It basically made everyone take notice and up their games. Now, with their fourth full length The Enduring Spirit (20 Buck Spin), they do the same thing yet again. It’s challenging and fluid yet melodious, brutal and unforgiving yet accessible, wildly technical yet super catchy without any sort of cliches. It’s been a homerun here at Nine Circles pretty much across the board so we’re extremely excited that Buke got the chance to chat it up with guitarist Payson Power and drummer / vocalist Max Klebanoff to shed some light on the band, new album, some backstory, and so much more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

Huge thanks to Payson and Max for their time!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Amos Williams of TesseracT on their new album “War of Being” and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (tesseract, amos williams, buke, nine circles) — Wed, 4 Oct 2023 12:00:00 +0000

TesseracT are as essential for progressive metal as blood is to most living organisms - some may say they are the grandfathers of the term ‘djent’ but that’s for another day. They’ve been the lifeblood of the genre since their debut landed in 2011 and have charted their own unique path ever since. Each album finds the band exploring their capabilities and possibilities but none so far has been heavier than their just released fifth effort War of Being (Kscope). As usual, it’s massive in scope and the songwriting is next level but the heaviness and clarity here will blow any long term fan out of their seat. Buke recently spoke with bassist Amos Williams regarding the new album, some history, other things coming, and tons more topics. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

Huge thanks to Amos Williams for his time!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Crow Lotus of Capra on their new album "Errors" and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (capra, crow lotus, nine circles, buke) — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Crow Lotus and Capra are no strangers to Nine Circles or this podcast. Their frenetic and damn captivating energy is second to none and with new album Errors (Metal Blade / Blacklight Media) they slam the door shut on any doubters and seal the deal that was inked in blood with their 2021 debut In Transmission. Any of you can find that album on tons of year end lists and this one will leave a bigger mark, trust us. Just ahead of the album's release, our man Buke got the chance to chat, once more, with the inimitable Crow Lotus surrounding the new album, the past, the future, and so much more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

Huge thanks to Crow Lotus for her time!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Horrendous was August 2023’s Album of the Month!

Wed, 6 Sep 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Hey, for once we’re not suuuuper late with this thing OR having to double up on picks in the same episode. Anyway, for our Album of the Month pick for August it was nearly an overwhelming victory for Ontological Mysterium (Season of Mist) from one of death metal’s brightest stars, Horrendous. And even still, some of us were there in spirit while Colin, Angela, Ian, Vince, Dan M, and Hera discussed this beast with Buke once again helming the festivities. In case you forgot how this works: each member gets a turn to discuss, Buke then asks for final thoughts, then the gang moves into everything else that tripped their triggers in August. Buke was recovering from a nasty bout of the ‘rona so he actually sounds, at times, like a death metal vocalist so there’s that. Fun was had by all as the convo went literally all over the place so grab a comfy seat, your preferred beverage, and enjoy.

P.S.: don‘t miss our interview with Damian Herring and Alex Kulick!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Damian Herring and Alex Kulick of Horrendous on their new album “Ontological Mysterium” and much more!

Wed, 30 Aug 2023 12:00:00 +0000

With Ontological Mysterium (Season of Mist) being the fifth full length from Horrendous, it goes without saying that this band is on one hell of a trajectory. And, with said fifth album they’ve outdone themselves and released the best of not only their career, but most likely in all of 2023. Bold? Yes. True? Also yes. This is death metal for the ages. With both Damian Herring (guitars, vocals) and Alex Kulick (bass) still reeling from the recent release date, Buke sat down with them for an extremely wide ranging discussion surrounding the new album, their career, and so much more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

Huge thanks to Damian And Alex for their time.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Thy Catafalque and Agriculture were June and July 2023’s Album(s) of the Month!

Wed, 9 Aug 2023 12:00:00 +0000

It’s slowly becoming the norm that our world gets away from us and we’re packing two months worth of album picks, aka podcasts, into one episode. If you like avant-garde, weird, folky black metal, you are in luck since our picks were Alföld (Season of Mist) from Thy Catafalque and Agriculture (The Flenser) from Agriculture and no, nothing to do with farming at all. Buke and the 9C staff have you covered, just like last time, with what is a conversation composed of many, many, MANY words. It's over three hours long, again. So yea, tons of words, tons of catching up, and tons of album talk.

Grab a comfortable seat..it's another Album of the Month episode of the Nine Circles Audio Thing.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Lo! and The Ocean Were April and May's Album(s) of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (LO!, The Ocean, vincent, hera, buke, nine circles) — Sun, 4 Jun 2023 07:00:00 +0000

Sometimes the world gets away from you and you have to pack two months of podcast into one episode. So whether your mood swings to the raucous sound of LO! and their new album The Gleaners or the more trepidatious approach of The Ocean and their latest Holocene (both coincidentally on Pelagic Records) Buke and the 9C staff have you covered with what is sure to be a conversation composed of many, many, MANY words. I mean, it's over three hours long - I'm assuming this is because of the amount of words being spoken but I supposed it could be something else: maybe there's some bird calls?

Smoke 'em if you got 'em...it's another Album of the Month episode of the Nine Circles Audio Thing.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Cattle Decapitation’s Josh Elmore on their new album “Terrasite” and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (cattle decapitation, josh elmore, nine circles, buke) — Wed, 26 Apr 2023 12:00:00 +0000

No one, and I mean no one in the extreme metal game has given us a better glimpse of what our impending apocalypse is going to look/feel/sound like than Cattle Decapitation. For the past nine albums the band have blazed a nasty deathgrind path and put the exclamation mark on it all with their last crowning achievement Death Atlas. So, where to go from there? How about deeper exploration of the textures and ambiance from that album and somehow coming away with a superior final product in the form of Terrasite (Metal Blade Records)! Crazy but oh so true. You’ll hear it soon enough but for now, our man Buke got a chance to chat with guitarist Josh Elmore about the new album, some history, their upcoming tour, and a whole lot more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Enforced's Knox Colby on their new album "War Remains" and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (knox colby, enforced, nine circles, buke) — Wed, 19 Apr 2023 12:00:00 +0000

It has been said that Richmond, Virginia turns out some incredible metal. Enforced are one of those bands that prove it with their brand of crossover thrash that nudges the gates of death and speed metal. With two incredible albums under their belts, their third, War Remains (Century Media Records), turns those on their head and curb stomps them...for real, it's that good. We could go on and on about how good but our man Buke recently sat down with vocalist Knox Colby to discuss the new album, band history, Richmond's metal scene, and so much more (you know how we roll). We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Enslaved was March 2023's Album of the Month!

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 12:00:00 +0000

There's no doubt as to whether or not Enslaved are household names at this point in their career, and have been for quite some time. With the release of Heimdal (Nuclear Blast) our back office halls went nuts so it was the obvious choice for the March Album of the Month pick. Well... maybe not obvious as in landslide but close. The rest of that story will surface during this discussion as Buke once again captions the episode alongside several of our usual suspects as they cover this album, catch-up discussions since last time, an enormous section on everything else that tripped their triggers across March, and the usual banter back and forth on literally anything and everything. Pro tip: pack a lunch and a case of beer, this one's lengthy.

In other words, just another Album of the Month episode of the Nine Circles Audio Thing.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Acid King’s Lori S. on their new album “Beyond Vision” and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (acid king, lori s, nine circles, buke) — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Thirty years is a long time, but this year marks exactly that for San Francisco’s Acid King. And, they’re still the lords of doom and the almighty riff even this far in. Zoroaster and Busse Woods stand as deeply seminal albums as well as stone cold classics. Beyond Vision (Blues Funeral Recordings) is an excellent continuation of their legacy but also marks a chance to really hear its members stretch out and reach for the sky in ways we’ve never heard before. Buke recently had the chance to speak with Lori S. on the new album and how it came to be, they also discuss her extremely storied history and career, and so much more. Lori is absolutely a legend and should be protected at all costs. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

VoidCeremony's Garrett Johnson on their new album "Threads Of Unknowing" and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (garrett johnson, voidceremony, nine circles, buke) — Wed, 5 Apr 2023 12:00:00 +0000

California's VoidCeremony are readying their second full length Threads Of Unknowing (20 Buck Spin) and if you dabbled with their debut, then you already know we're all going to be in for a hectic black and death metal ride. With this band, it's far more than just those two genres, the way they cross the chasm with their music is akin to the old style of jazz improv which to some says prog but to us it's just...massive. Just ahead of the album's release, Buke spoke to mastermind, vocalist and lead guitarist Garrett Johnson about the album, how it came to be, some band history, and so much more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Ulthar was February 2023’s Album(s) of the Month!

Sun, 12 Mar 2023 12:00:00 +0000

It’s Album of the Month time again and for this edition, Ulthar’s third AND fourth full lengths, Anthronomicon and Helionomicon (20 Buck Spin) won the most votes. For those keeping score of these sorts of things, the votes weren’t unanimous but really close. Buke once again captains the episode along with Ian, Dan M, Colin, Hera, and Vince. The conversation pretty much dives head first into the album, how it compares to the band’s first two, and deep thoughts surrounding it all and Ian gets lengthy runtime here since he nailed the double review. Elsewhere, the gang spends a good portion of the runtime gushing over everything else they listened to since they last spoke, and the usual banter back and forth on literally anything and everything.

In other words, just another Album of the Month episode of the Nine Circles Audio Thing.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Gorod’s Julien “Nutz” Deyres on their new album “The Orb” and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (gorod, julien deyres, buke, nine circles) — Wed, 8 Mar 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Metal fans know the difference when categorizing a band as tech death versus technical death metal. But, for those unaware, the former implies a bunch of noodling and wankery just because it can be done while the latter implies an actual gift for the technical side of death metal. And that’s precisely where you can find France’s Gorod as they’ve been cranking out extremely “technical death metal” now for over 25 years. The Orb, their seventh full length, finds them at their best; mind-bendingly technical, more brutal than ever in their attack, and quite possibly some of the best songs the band has ever written. Buke recently had the chance to chat with vocalist Julien “Nutz” Deyres about the new album, how it came to be, and many other topics. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Enslaved’s Iver Sandøy on their new album “Heimdal” and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (iver sandøy, enslaved, buke, nine circles, colin) — Wed, 1 Mar 2023 13:00:00 +0000

Enslaved is a name known far and wide by fans of metal and well beyond. The band are celebrating over 30 years which is in and of itself amazing, even more amazing is that they are more vital now than they’ve ever been. Over the years their sound has evolved but they’ve always kept their black metal roots intact and fully alive. Heimdal (Nuclear Blast Records) sees the band push their progressive nature even further while keeping a firm hold on icy venom and, no surprise, it’s an epic and glorious album. Buke and lifelong Enslaved fan Colin pair up to chat with drummer Iver Sandøy about the album, how it came to be, and many other topics along the way. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Ahab was January 2023’s Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (ahab, vince, nine circles, ian, buke, angela, colin) — Sun, 19 Feb 2023 13:00:00 +0000

It’s Album of the Month time again and for this edition, Ahab’s fifth full length, The Coral Tombs (Napalm Records) was nearly a unanimous pick among the staff. Buke once again captains the episode along with Ian, Angela, Colin, and Vince. The conversation opens with a lengthy back and forth on beer then dives head first into the album, how it compares to past efforts, and deep thoughts surrounding this band’s legacy to date. Elsewhere, the gang spends a good portion of the runtime gushing over everything else they listened to since they last spoke. That and the usual banter back and forth on literally anything and everything.

In other words, just another episode of the Nine Circles Audio Thing.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Majesties’ Matthew, Carl, and Tanner on their new album “Vast Reaches Unclaimed” and much more!

Wed, 15 Feb 2023 13:00:00 +0000

If anyone would‘ve hinted at Obsequiae and Inexorum combining forces in a new band, Majesties brand of 90s loving meloswedeath would not have been the first assumption. Yet, here we are on the eve of Vast Reaches Unclaimed (20 Buck Spin) and it’s an absolute beast of an album full of everything fans loved about that timeframe in melodic death metal. It’s almost as if these guys wrote the next chapter of the genre and the past twenty five years never happened. Buke recently sat down with Matthew Kirkwold (bass), Carl Skildum (guitars), and Tanner Anderson (guitars, vocals, drums) to get the lowdown on this new band and album, how it came to be, and so much more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Memoriam’s Karl Willetts on their new album “Rise To Power” and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (memoriam, karl willetts, buke, nine circles) — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 13:00:00 +0000

One thing is for sure, Memoriam don‘t need us to rekindle their storied history in this band or their members long and legendary careers. Basically, if you don’t know them by now you are on purpose avoiding it…they are just that much a part of death metal. For their fifth album, Rise To Power (Reaper Entertainment), it’s all about diversity and varying up the songs just a bit. And no, that doesn’t mean they’ve done a 180. It simply means, they’re building on what they’ve created over the course of the past four albums. Is it heavy? Yes. Still trademark Memoriam? Yes. Better than their previous outings? Our opinion only, but YES. Their sound is as vital to death metal as air and water is for humans to keep living and it only gets better with time. Buke recently sat down with the genre defining vocalist Karl Willetts to discuss the new album, how it came to be, Memoriam’s and its members histories, and a ton more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Best of 2022: The year in NOT-Metal!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Chris Voss, Dan Kaplan) — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 08:00:00 +0000

It's that time of year once again! Chris and Dan (K, that is -- we've got more than one Dan now!) are back for another lengthy conversation about their favorite non-metal releases of 2022.

With no shortage of terrific records to choose from, the guys highlight everything from Australian pub punk, to Australian dream pop, to Australian prog/jazz/uh... kind of everything? (Australia, as you'll see, had itself yet another tremendous year for music.)

But! There was plenty of stuff not from Australia, too. What kinds? You'll have to check it out! So grab your tasty armchair of choice, sit down in a comfy beverage, and strap on in for our Best of Non-Metal 2022!

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9C LINKS:
Website
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9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Best of 2022

Sun, 8 Jan 2023 13:00:00 +0000

List season has been in full swing on our site, as well as across the metal writing sphere, and we still have more fun to be had there. And yes, we love list season in case you were wondering. For this episode our maestro of the mic, Buke, pulls together Hera, Ian, Vincent, Angela, and two new members who have jumped in with both feet: Colin and Dan M., to discuss some of their favorites from 2022 and of course a lot of catching up was had since the last time these folks chatted together. The format “loosely” follows a round robin style of five picks with some honorable mentions thrown in for good measure. From there the conversation is all over the place as we do on these episodes of The Nine Circles Audio Thing. Be sure to pull up a chair and your favorite drink(s), this one is a bit longer than our norm.

Big thank you's are in order to our excellent staff, PR folk, bands, labels, and our dear listeners and readers for a HUGE 2022! Keep an eye out for a few more Best of 2022 lists to come, I assure you there are several you'll want to take note of. See you here, and on the site, throughout 2023, cheers.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Dream Unending was November 2022's Album of the Month!

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Album of the Month time again and for November the winner was Dream Unending’s second full length Song of Salvation (20 Buck Spin). The usual gang of suspects, along with some new blood, join in along with our main man on the mic Buke leading the charge. The gang spends time covering how this album compares to their last and why this one somersaults over their last effort. Elsewhere, the gang spends a good portion of the runtime gushing over everything else they listened to since they last spoke. That and the usual banter back and forth on literally anything and everything.

In other words, just another episode of the Nine Circles Audio Thing.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Phil "Landphil" Hall of Morbikon on their new album "Ov Mournful Twilight" and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (phil hall, landphil, morbikon, buke, nine circles) — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Supergroups in extreme metal take on a whole other meaning when it's comprised of Dave Witte, Mathias “Vreth” Lillmåns, and Phil Hall. Those names are synonymous with some of the best offerings extreme metal has to offer. And now with Morbikon, this supergroup crosses the threshold of 90s era Scandinavian black metal and melodic death metal on their debut Ov Mournful Twilight (Tankcrimes). To say this album rips would be a gross understatement, but with its membership this should surprise no one. Buke recently spoke to Phil "Landphil" Hall, who handles guitar and bass here, for a wide ranging chat about the band, the album, how it all came to be, and so much more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Kåre André Sletteberg of In The Woods… on their new album “Diversum” and much more!

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Norway’s In The Woods… have had a much storied trajectory over the spectrum of time since forming in the early 90s. Early on they were black metal to the bone but as many bands have done, they morphed into a progressive rock band with a black metal heart. And it has paid off in spades. One listen to Diversum (Soulseller Records) and it’s clear they have a hard grasp on what it means to age with grace and distinction. It’s an epic journey that begs repeat listens and now that the weather here in the States has turned colder, it’s like a warm blanket and a spiked cup of coffee. Buke recently sat down with guitarist and keyboardist Kåre André Sletteberg to find out more about the band and the album, and as always, a whole lot more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Exhumed's Matt Harvey on their new album "To The Dead" and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (matt harvey, exhumed, nine circles, buke) — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Death, gore, zombies, chainsaws, horrors of all sorts; these are all topics Exhumed have covered over their thirty plus years of existence and across a multitude of releases. The latest of which, To The Dead (Relapse Records), finds these deathgrind masters as blood soaked as ever. You'd think that in that many years there might be misstep or something just out of place, but this isn't the case as every single album is better, and more destructive, than the last. Buke recently sat down with split guitarist and vocalist, and founding member Matt Harvey as they cover the new album and how it came to be as well as some band history, juggling tons of projects, and so much more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat or a coffin lid, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Goatwhore was October 2022’s Album of the Month!

Sun, 13 Nov 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Album of the Month time again and for October the winner was Goatwhore’s eighth album Angels Hung From The Arches Of Heaven (Metal Blade Records). The usual gang of suspects join in along with our main man on the mic Buke leading the charge. The gang spends time covering how bad ass this album is as well as the band’s past and their road to the present. Elsewhere, the gang spends a good portion of the runtime gushing over everything else they listened to since they last spoke. That and the usual banter back and forth on literally anything and everything.

In other words, just another episode of the Nine Circles Audio Thing.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Adam Bjørn Schønemann-Warming of Orm on their new album "Intet • Altet" and much more!

Wed, 9 Nov 2022 13:00:00 +0000

Denmark's Orm have been active since 2015 and with their last two albums the band have shown a deep understanding of epic and melodic black metal that at times veers close to atmospheric and at other times close to the vicious and raw side. It's a beautiful amalgamation and even more so on their latest, Intet • Altet (Indisciplinarian), where they opt for longer compositions and more time to explore their multi-faceted approach. Buke recently spoke with drummer Adam Bjørn Schønemann-Warming to discuss the new album and how it came to be, the choice for longer songs, and so much more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Denis “Snake” Bélanger of Voivod on their new EP “Ultraman” and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (denis snake belanger, voivod, buke, nine circles) — Wed, 2 Nov 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Some 40 years and change has seen a lot in the Voivod camp. A handful of genres crossed, a deep discography, and tons of rabid fans that soak up anything and everything they can get their hands on. The Voivod of today makes some of the best sci-fi metal you’re likely to ever hear and on their newest EP, Ultraman (Century Media Records), they offer a stunning tribute to the TV series theme of the same name. As if that’s not enough, the EP also offers some bonus live tracks. Buke recently sat down with vocalist Denis “Snake” Bélanger to discuss the new EP, the band’s deep history, and so much more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Bryan Eckermann, Kobey Lange, and Derek Russell of Scars Of The Flesh on their new album "In Darkness Alone," and much more!

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Texas is known for a lot of things, and metal is one of those things. San Antonio in particular is home to none other than melodic black / death metallers Scars Of The Flesh who are about to release their third full length In Darkness Alone (pick it up here). Debut Harvest Of Souls was a barnburner and follow up Reaching Into The Void was a projectile of incendiary violence that far eclipsed the debut in many ways. In Darkness Alone stands to be the album that truly puts this band on the map with five brand spanking new tracks alongside four amazing cover songs that the band truly makes their own. Buke sat down with lead guitarist Bryan Eckermann, rhythm guitarist Derek Russell, and vocalist Kobey Lange to discuss the new album, how it came to be, and so much more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Bloodbath was September 2022's Album of the Month!

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Once again it's Album of the Month time and for September it was pretty much unanimous that Survival Of The Sickest (Napalm Records) from Sweden's death metal masters Bloodbath got the pick. The usual gang of suspects are present for the discussion as well as MC Supreme Buke leading the charge. Much is made of just how good Bloodbath are this far along in their career and how they still reign supreme in any discussion surrounding Swedeath. Elsewhere, the gang spends a good portion of the runtime gushing over everything else they listened to since they last spoke. That and the usual banter back and forth on literally anything and everything.

In other words, just another episode of the Nine Circles Audio Thing.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Josh Poer of Phobophilic on their new album "Enveloping Absurdity" and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (josh poer, phobophilic, buke, nine circles) — Wed, 5 Oct 2022 12:00:00 +0000

North Dakota's Phobophilic may be a new name to some but they've been mining the death metal underground since 2016 in the form of demos, EP's, and fast moving recommendations from those 'in the know.' But now, they have a vicious debut full length, Enveloping Absurdity (Prosthetic Records), and are set to turn heads all over the death metal sphere. Buke recently spoke with guitarist Josh Poer about the new album, how it came to be, some backstory, and a ton more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Steve Jansson and Enrique Sagarnaga of Daeva on their new album “Through Sheer Will And Black Magic…” and more!

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 12:00:00 +0000

It’s been awhile since last hearing from Daeva. Five years to be exact. And since that time they’ve taken their brand of sweaty, priest burning black / thrash metal to a whole new level. Their EP, Pulsing Dark Absorptions, was a lightning rod, but debut full length Through Sheer Will And Black Magic… (20 Buck Spin) will turn heads far below the southern end of the cross. To put it in quick layman’s terms; imagine Mayhem and GG Allin in a knife fight and you’re in the realm of what’s included here. Buke recently spoke with guitarist Steve Jansson and drummer Enrique Sagarnaga about the new album, how it came to be, their much lauded Crypt Sermon ties, and a ton more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Sammy Duet of Goatwhore on their new album "Angels Hung From The Arches of Heaven" and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (sammy duet, goatwhore, nine circles, buke) — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Goatwhore started out, at least for me, as the band you wanted to hear but couldn't get your hands on any material. That was then. And now with their eighth full length Angels Hung From The Arches of Heaven (Metal Blade Records) these dudes are a household name in any house that lifts up damn good metal. Call it blackened thrash or thrash and death with a splash of black metal or whatever you want to call it, bottom line is this band rules and that's all there is to it. Ahead of the new album, which rips the door to hell wide open, Buke got the chance to chat with guitarist and part vocalist Sammy Duet about the new album and how it came to be as well as the Goatwhore ethos and how it plays into metal in general. But, they don't stop there, a ton is covered beyond that, rest assured. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Matt Price of Behold! The Monolith on their new album "From the Fathomless Deep" and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (matt price, behold the monolith, buke, nine circles) — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Four albums in with From the Fathomless Deep (Ripple Music) and Behold! The Monolith are heavier than ever. Call it sludge with black metal and progressive tendencies, call it metal with a nasty attitude, or call it whatever you want; these guys hit and hit hard. There's no denying that fact. Buke sat down with guitarist Matt Price for a wide ranging discussion surrounding their new album, some band history, and so much more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Erika Osterhout of Acephalix on their new album "Theothanatology" and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (erika osterhout, acephalix, buke, nine circles) — Wed, 7 Sep 2022 12:00:00 +0000

It's been five years since Acephalix last graced the death metal scene and a lot has happened in that stretch of time. But, the band's upcoming fourth full length, Theothanatology (20 Buck Spin), is the kind of barbaric brutality we've come to think of from the now quintet, yet better, more furious, and nastier than ever. While it's true we'll have to wait just a bit longer to hear it in full, Buke sat down with bassist Erika Osterhout for a wide ranging discussion surrounding this new album, the meaning behind the title, and so much more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Russian Circles was August 2022’s Album of the Month!

Sun, 4 Sep 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Once again it's Album of the Month time and for August it was a little crazy. We had a pick, or not, and then had another, or not, then we put it to a vote to decide once and for all. In the end Gnosis from Russian Circles (Sargent House) ended up getting the most votes, and for good reason. The usual gang of suspects are present for the discussion as well as MC Supreme Buke. Much is made of just how good Russian Circles’ brand of post-instrumetal still is this far along and elsewhere the gang spends a good portion of the runtime gushing over everything else they listened to since they last got together. That and the usual banter back and forth on literally anything and everything.

In other words, just another episode of the Nine Circles Audio Thing.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Viktor "Storm" Gullichsen of Brymir on their new album "Voices In The Sky" and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (brymir, viktor gullichsen, nine circles, buke) — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Since forming in 2006 and presenting their debut in 2011, Finland's Brymir has captured lightning in a bottle with their symphonic laced and hard hitting melodic death metal. And now with their fourth full length Voices In The Sky (Napalm Records) the band is in juggernaut mode with their best songwriting and heaviest yet most epic songs to date. Buke sat down with frontman Viktor "Storm" Gullichsen for a wide ranging discussion surrounding this new album, what it's like to handle vocals, orchestration, writing, and producing, and so much more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

David Davidson of Revocation on their new album "Netherheaven" and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (david davidson, revocation, nine circles, buke) — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Since 2006, Boston's Revocation have churned out some of the most progressive and highly technical death metal. Now, with Netherheaven (Metal Blade Records), the band's eight full length, they still walk that line but have one of their most 'straight forward death metal' albums they've ever done. And it is GLORIOUS. Buke recently sat down with guitarist and vocalist David Davidson for a wide ranging discussion surrounding the new album, how it came to be, how David ended up in the engineer and producer's chair, and much more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Jon Davis of Conan on their new album "Evidence of Immortality" and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (jon davis, conan, nine circles, buke) — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 12:00:00 +0000

The UK's Conan are the heaviest doom metal band on the planet right now. Full stop and let that sink in. If their previous four albums haven't convinced, turn your attention to their fifth and newest offering Evidence of Immortality (Napalm Records). Their brand of doom is the embodiment of Mad Max level of destruction set low and slow and tuned down to the gates of Hell and this album just puts an exclamation mark on that statement. Buke sat down with guitarist and vocalist Jon Davis for a wide ranging discussion surrounding the album, the band, and much more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Imperial Triumphant was July 2022's Album of the Month!

Sun, 14 Aug 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Once again it's Album of the Month time and for July it was a pretty unanimous pick with Spirit of Ecstasy from Imperial Triumphant (Century Media Records). The usual gang of suspects are present for the discussion as well as MC Supreme Buke. Much is made of just how insanely good this album is and the band's penchant for being over the top in the best way possible. Elsewhere the gang spends a good portion of the runtime gushing over everything else they listened to since they last got together and since we had a technical glitch (absolute obliteration) with our June episode, some time was spent looking back on that as well.

In other words, just another episode of the Nine Circles Audio Thing.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Alex Baumann of Telekinetic Yeti on their new album “Primordial” and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (alex baumann, telekinetic yeti, buke, nine circles) — Wed, 3 Aug 2022 12:00:00 +0000

If psychedelic doom and blankets of weed haze surrounding a stack of Orange amps brings a tear of joy, Telekinetic Yeti is the band for you. Their debut Abominable was an absolute monster of doom and fuzz sonic impalement that was, and still is, the sweet nectar of the down tuned gods. And then we find out that all that sound is coming from a duo…mind blown. Now, here we are with their second full length Primordial (Tee Pee Records) and yet again, our minds are blown. It’s definitely a step up in nearly every department as well as several steps heavier while sounding better than ever. Buke recently had the chance to chat with guitarist and vocalist Alex Baumann surrounding the new album, how it came to be, and much more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Buke and Hera discuss their best of 2022 midyear picks!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (buke, hera, nine circles) — Sun, 31 Jul 2022 12:00:00 +0000

We've featured a few best of 2022 midyear written pieces but this is the first audio version we've had as Buke and Hera go head to head on what's grabbing their attention. And, what may or may not reappear for their end of year festivities. All that and a whole lot more, of course. Oh...no spoilers here so you'll have to listen to see what made the cut. We now bring you this conversation in full so get comfy, grab a refreshment, and buckle up.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Psycroptic's Dave Haley on new album "Divine Council" and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (dave haley, psycroptic, nine circles, buke) — Wed, 27 Jul 2022 12:00:00 +0000

If you're thinking Psycroptic are yet another tech death band in a sea of them, you'd be dead wrong and you obviously haven't been paying attention since 1999. They've always known that to be a tech death band that matters, the songs actually have to be good and catchy and deeper than just what's on the surface. Never has this been more the case than on their eighth full length Divine Council (Prosthetic Records and EVP Recordings). This is a nine track megalodon with teeth big enough to eat a continent and songs that are insanely good all based around an epic storyline with wicked good songwriting, quite possibly their best yet. Buke sat down with drummer Dave Haley to discuss the album, the band's history, and so much more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Autarkh III on Complexity Fest 2022, a vinyl release of Roadburn Redux 2021, and more!

Thu, 21 Jul 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Autarkh III is a mind blowing collective of musicians that are pushing metal far beyond its boundaries. This week, July 23 to be exact, the band will be performing at Complexity Fest 2022 located at Patronaat in Haarlem, Netherlands. And on this same date will be offering a special vinyl version of Roadburn Redux 2021, which we covered as our Album of the Month when it was digitally released back in April. If you’ll remember, this album is an alternative timeline to their debut Form In Motion and in a different musical context so, the words ‘pushing beyond boundaries’ takes on new and exciting meaning. Just ahead of their performance and vinyl release, Anton and Buke sat down with the band for a wide ranging discussion surrounding these events. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

WAKE's Ryan Kennedy on "Thought Form Descent" and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (ryan kennedy, wake, nine circles, buke) — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 12:00:00 +0000

What is there to say about Canada's WAKE that hasn't already been said? Since forming in 2009 they've positioned themselves as a frontrunner in the grind game and now with their sixth full length, Thought Form Descent (Metal Blade Records), they're shedding skin and growing new. Simply meaning, grindcore isn't the only tool in their box anymore. It's a cavalcade of extreme with lighter shades of gray that proves the band hit the nail on the head in their attempt to say that heavy and brutal doesn't necessarily mean chainsawing through an album at light speed. It's more nuanced, mature beyond its years, and shows a band fully open to growing without borders. Buke sat down with Ryan Kennedy for an insanely wide ranging discussion surrounding the new album and we now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Kardashev's Marc Garrett and Nico Mirolla on their new album and much more!

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 12:00:00 +0000

When talking about Kardashev, the tag du jour is deathgaze which pretty much hits the nail on the head. However, it, in a small way, minimizes the death metal side to their attack. Debut Peripety was both heavy in a musical sense but also an emotional sense, but new album Liminal Rite (Metal Blade Records) smacks the gas pedal on the death metal side and then slowly pulls you down the emotional slope with a funereal feel that casts a dark shadow over the proceedings. A good thing, to be sure. Buke recently sat down with vocalist Marc Garrett and guitarist Nico Mirolla to pull the curtain back on the new album as well as the band itself. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Oleg Zalman of Artificial Brain on their new album and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (oleg zalman, artificial brain, nine circles, buke) — Wed, 6 Jul 2022 12:00:00 +0000

New York's Artificial Brain are somewhat of an anomaly in the death metal world. Sure they're rooted in death metal but in the blink of an eye can cover tech-death, progressive death, jazz, and noise like world class pros. Their debut Labyrinth Constellation was like stepping on a landmine of infinite sounds and follow up Infrared Horizon saw them branch out a bit and experiment with obtuse and jagged rhythms and melodies that absolutely should not go together but somehow it all just gelled. And now with their third full length, a self-titled one (Profound Lore Records), it seems they're out for blood. It's a bit more on the death metal nose but more angular and aggressive than before. Definitely one that should be on your radar. Buke recently sat down with guitarist Oleg Zalman to dig into the ethos of the new album and of the band and how it all came together. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Cavernlight was May 2022's Album of the Month!

Wed, 22 Jun 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Once again it's Album of the Month time and Angela gets the pick (her first for 9C) for May and she went with the second full length from Cavernlight, As I Cast Ruin Upon the Lens That Reveals My Every Flaw (Translation Loss). She's joined by the usual gang of Ian, Vincent, and Hera as well as MC Supreme Buke. Much is made of the lyrical content and its association with or against DSBM and you can make your own mind up on that matter. Elsewhere the gang spends a good portion of the runtime gushing over everything else they listened to since they last got together.

In other words, just another episode of the Nine Circles Audio Thing.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Brandon Corsair of Nameless Grave Records on the label and much more!

Fri, 10 Jun 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Nameless Grave Records has become a synonymous name when it comes to all things death and heavy metal and label masthead Brandon Corsair doesn't just run the label, he's also a big name in the metal world with bands such as Drawn and Quartered, Azath, Draghkar, and others. Buke sat down with Brandon to discuss all things label related as well as how Brandon's dad got him into metal and how he forged his own path, what he values most as a record label owner, taking risks and his biggest missteps along the way, joining Drawn and Quartered, and so much more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Unbowed on their new album "Colour the Soul," and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (unbowed, nine circles, buke) — Wed, 8 Jun 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Somewhere around the intersection of Behemoth, Amorphis, and Amon Amarth you'll find the bombastic mix of black and death metal that Unbowed have perfected over the course of their last two full lengths. And now with their third effort, Colour the Soul, out on the airwaves it's clear to hear these influences as well as a larger sense of self than ever before. Buke recently sat down with members of the band to discuss the new album and how it came to be, they also discussed flipping the bird to social media when it's used negatively, how the band formed and what got them into metal, DnD campaigns, and so much more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Nechochwen’s Aaron on new album “Kanawha Black,” and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (nechochwen, aaron, nine circles, buke) — Fri, 3 Jun 2022 12:00:00 +0000

When it comes to folk inspired black metal, there’s not many bands better than West Virginia’s Nechochwen. And, on their fourth full length, Kanawha Black (Bindrune Recordings), they’ve managed to pull themselves to the front of the pack and widely eclipse their past work. This album has become a fast staff favorite here at Nine Circles for a myriad of reasons, but plainly put, no one out there is doing it better right now. Buke recently sat down with Aaron (aka Nechochwen) to discuss the new album and how it came to be, how the band are fans of French Indian warfare and Native American history and how those topics were lacking in heavy metal when the band formed, how the band got its start, their relationship with Panopticon‘s Austin Lunn and with Bindrune Recordings, the fact that Aaron is a classically trained guitarist, and so much more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Temple of Void's Alex Awn on new album "Summoning the Slayer," and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (buke, nine circles, temple of void, alex awn) — Wed, 1 Jun 2022 12:00:00 +0000

They say "third time's the charm" but we here at Nine Circles believe for Temple of Void, the fourth time's the charm on Summoning the Slayer (Relapse Records). The band is death doom at its core and has been extremely good at it since forming in 2013, but for Summoning... they bring out the ghosts of heavy metal, worship at the altar of the almighty riff, and truly find their calling in the world of extreme sounds. Buke recently sat down with guitarist Alex Awn to discuss the new album and how it came to be, they also discussed album art, working with the highly esteemed Arthur Rizk, the untimely passing of Trevor Strnad, playing Warhammer, and tons more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Gridfailure's David Brenner on new album "Dismemberment Cabaret," and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (buke, nine circles, david brenner, gridfailure) — Fri, 27 May 2022 12:00:00 +0000

It has been said that Gridfailure is for those that love a challenging listen. And, we are not ones to argue that point. However, Gridfailure is a band that must be experienced as the way they mold noise, drone, ambient, jazz, and dark sounds of all natures together into a cohesive mass of thought provoking music is a thing of beauty. Their most recent album, Dismemberment Cabaret (Nefarious Industries) finds the band collaborating with veteran trumpet player Mac Gollehon and the results are astounding. Buke recently sat down with David Brenner for a wide ranging discussion surrounding the new album, how it came to be, how it was working with Mac, and a multitude of other topics. This discussion is one for the record books so we don't want to spoil it any further. With that being said, we now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

The Spirit's Matthias Trautes on new album "Of Clarity and Galactic Structures," and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (nine circles, the spirit, buke, matthias trautes) — Wed, 25 May 2022 12:00:00 +0000

The Spirit just released their third full length of cosmic black and death metal, Of Clarity and Galactic Structures (AOP Records), and as expected, it rules. The edges are sharper, the riffs are more violent, and the cosmic aspect is more up front and center. Plus, it helps that they really paid attention to how memorable the songs are this time out as well as the pacing of the album. All in all, we'd say this is their best yet. Buke recently sat down with vocalist and guitarist Matthias Trautes for a wide ranging discussion surrounding the new album and how it came to be. They also discussed the music scene in and around their homebase of Germany, the value of good production, Matthias' origins into playing music, and so much more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Autarkh was April 2022's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (nine circles, autarkh, buke, ian, vincent, anton) — Sun, 22 May 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Anton had this month's pick and joins with Ian, and Vincent while Buke once again helms the show. The gang covers the alternative timeline of Form in Motion in different musical context from Autarkh, Autarkh III Roadburn Redux 2021 (Roadburn Records). As usual, the group covers this album at length and talks about nearly every facet of it as well as catching up since last chatting together, and a lengthy section on what else tripped our triggers in the month of April, in and around the metal spectrum.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Corpsessed's Matti Mäkelä on new album "Succumb To Rot," Finnish death metal, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (buke, nine circles, corpsessed, matti mäkelä) — Fri, 20 May 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Corpsessed just released their fourth full length, Succumb To Rot (Dark Descent Records), and it is an absolute beast of Finnish death metal that shines a light on where they've been but is a huge step forward in both the songwriting aspect and their heaviness factor as a whole. Buke sat down with guitarist and backing vocalist Matti Mäkelä to discuss the new album and how he feels it's different from the past, Finnish death metal and the differences to its Swedish and American counterparts, all of his various side projects and some breaking news on an upcoming black metal album, beer and how backstage beers are always the worst, how he is very hard on hisself and has thrown away tons of completed songs for even the slightest of details being off, and so much more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Master Boot Record's Victor Love on new album "Personal Computer," and more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (master boot record, victor love, buke, nine circles) — Wed, 18 May 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Creative and unique barely scratch the surface when referring to the electronic metal of Master Boot Record. On Personal Computer (Metal Blade Records) the tagline of "100% sythesized, 100% dehumanized" comes full circle as it sounds like what would happen between a war of computers and quite possibly the band's best effort to date. Buke sat down with mastermind Victor Love to discuss the new album and how it came to be, how he got into making music and using computer sounds, the early days of the internet, his thoughts on signing to Metal Blade and how it has been working with them, his thoughts on pirating software and his music, and so much more. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Egregore on new album “The Word of His Law,” letting the music do the talking, and more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (egregore, buke, nine circles) — Fri, 13 May 2022 12:00:00 +0000

As far as debuts go, The Word of His Law (20 Buck Spin) from Canada’s Egregore is a masterclass in black and death metal shrouded in mysticism, death, and occult themes. The use of synth, chanting, and even neofolk serve as vessels to enhance the experience and make for a unique outing. Buke recently sat down with Egregore to discuss the new album and how it came to be. They also discussed the band’s musical journeys, as well as the importance of letting the music speak for itself and preference for the listeners to draw their own conclusions and opinions about it. We now bring you this conversation in its entirety so grab your beverage of choice, a seat, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Luke Polipnick and Brian Courage of Abhorrent Expanse on their new album "Gateways to Resplendence," and much more!

Wed, 11 May 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Improvisational metal can take many faces, obviously, as it's about as close as you can get to free jazz, but from a metal lens. Abhorrent Expanse not only explore the world of improv metal, but they make it an extreme ride with black and death metal, funeral doom, noise, and yes, free jazz mixed in on their debut Gateways to Resplendence (Amalgam Music, Lurker Bias). Buke sat down with Luke Polipnick and Brian Courage to discuss the new album, improv metal as whole and how on the one hand is incredibly difficult, but on the other hand incredibly fun to play off the artists in the room, how the band literally set up the mics and just went for it, and so much more. We now present that conversation to you in its entirety so grab your drink of choice, a chair, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Spiral Skies' Frida Eurenius on new album "Death Is But A Door," growing up in Stockholm, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (nine circles, buke, spiral skies, frida eurenius) — Fri, 6 May 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Spiral Skies recently released their second full length, Death Is But A Door (AOP Records), and it is an exceptional example of just how good psychedelic doom and classic heavy metal can sound when paired the way this band does it. Buke recently chatted with vocalist Frida Eurenius regarding this new album and how it came to be. They also covered how it was to grow up in Stockholm, Sweden, a chance Opeth encounter at a local grocery store, women in metal and trying to be an inspiration for her daughter, how she got into singing, the band's shared love of power metal, and so much more. We now present that conversation to you in its entirety so grab your drink of choice, a chair, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Ufomammut on new album "Fenice," intense passion for art, and so much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (buke, nine circles, ufomammut, poia, urlo, levre) — Wed, 4 May 2022 12:00:00 +0000

On their ninth full length album, Fenice (Neurot Recordings), Ufomammut are all about the finesse of their already well established and powerful, psychedelic doom metal. They continue to push their own boundaries and move the bar even higher for any band trying to chase them. And let's face it, plenty have since Ufomammut have influenced countless others along the way. Just ahead of the album's release, Buke sat down with Poia, Urlo, and Levre for an in depth discussion surrounding the new album and how it came to be, band history and how they eventually landed on their signature sound, using synthesizer, their intense passion for art as well as a discussion on album art, how hard Covid hit Italy and how they all handled it, how it was for Levre to join an already established band, and so much more. We now present that conversation to you in its entirety so grab your drink of choice, a chair, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Ignite's Brett Rasmussen on their self titled album, what makes a good bassist, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (buke, nine circles, ignite, brett rasmussen) — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Ignite have had a long journey since their formation in 1993 and a journey that's seen them work harder and harder with every release. On their recently released full length, Ignite, (Century Media) they've knocked it out of the park in the punk / melodic hardcore scene and are ushering in a whole new era of fans. Surrounding this album's release, Buke sat down with bassist Brett Rasmussen to discuss the new album and what makes a good bassist, how his parents music collection influenced him, bringing in new vocalist Eli and his transition from metal to punk, his love of Joy Division, filming shows with cell phones and not actually experiencing it, and so much more. We now present that conversation to you in its entirety so grab your drink of choice, a chair, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Aeviterne's Ian Jacyszyn on "The Ailing Facade," drumming technique, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (buke, nine circles, aeviterne, ian jacyszyn) — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Aeviterne's debut The Ailing Facade (Profound Lore) hasn't been out long and has already garnered a ton of favorable press and chatter around the metal world for its unique take on experimental death metal. Wide ranging beast would be one way to put it but that misses the musical genius of this band. Experience it, you must. Buke sat down with drummer Ian Jacyszyn to discuss the new album as well as drummer techniques and how Phil from AC/DC was a huge influence, defining the band's sound, what excites him as an artist and the vinyl journey, and so much more. We now present that conversation to you in its entirety so grab your drink of choice, a chair, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Undeath's Alexander Jones on "It's Time...To Rise From the Grave," a writing and journalism major, New York, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (buke, nine circles, undeath, alexander jones) — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Now on a sophomore album run, Undeath have made a huge name for themselves by simply being as death metal as they can be. On paper, that sounds simple but some bands can go a lifetime and never find the groove Undeath has. Mining the meat and potatoes as well as the 'gimme that nasty riff' crowd, It's Time...To Rise From the Grave (Prosthetic Records) is a violent beast and a massive statement that they are here to stay. Buke sat down with vocalist Alexander Jones to discuss said album and how it was to make this album as a full band, how they've evolved from their 2019 demo, his writing and journalism major, early music interests and influences as well as several grindcore recommendations, living in New York and that music scene, how he landed in a death metal band, and so much more. We now present that conversation to you in its entirety so grab a beer, a chair, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Khemmis' Phil Pendergast on their upcoming tour, staying true to themselves, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (nine circles, khemmis, buke, phil pendergast) — Wed, 20 Apr 2022 12:00:00 +0000

By now, Khemmis is a household name for any house that counts doomed heavy metal as law. And for good reason, across four full lengths and a handful of EPs and singles they've trod their own path and created something musically that has no equal. It's heavy as lead, super emotional, and about as down to earth as it can be. They've garnered spots on best of lists around the world for each release and their star shines brighter each and every time out. Just ahead of a huge tour with Opeth and Mastodon, Buke sat down with vocalist and guitarist Phil Pendergast to discuss said tour and how it came to be and the fact that they've somehow been labeled a non touring band, how important it is to stay true to themselves, how difficult it was navigating their friend and ex bassist Dan departing during the pandemic, and a whole smorgasbord of other topics. We now present that conversation to you in its entirety so grab a beer, a chair, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Skull Fist's Zach Slaughter on new album "Paid In Full," hitchhiking for Iron Maiden, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (buke, nine circles, zach slaughter, skull fist) — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Skull Fist are a tried and true heavy metal machine. Period. And on their fourth full length, Paid In Full (Atomic Fire Records), they fully cement the deal. So, obviously, Buke jumped at the chance to discuss this beast with vocalist and guitarist Zach Slaughter. The pair discussed the new album which will be available April 22, as well as skateboarding and a broken neck, hitchhiking across Canada for Iron Maiden, getting a start on guitar at age 15 and early influences, what brings Zach joy, his other projects, hockey, and a whole list of other topics. We now present that conversation to you in its entirety so grab a beer, a chair, and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Monuments' Mike Maylan on new album "In Stasis," musical inspirations, and more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (buke, nine circles, monuments, mike maylan) — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 12:00:00 +0000

London's progressive metallers Monuments are on the eve of releasing their fourth full length album, In Stasis (Century Media), on April 15 and if you've been paying attention they've come along way since their debut. Their songwriting is more captivating than ever, the band's performances are better than ever, and to add to it all, they've added a technical component here that makes this quite possibly their heaviest release yet.

Just ahead of this album's release, Buke jumped in the interview machine to chat with drummer Mike Maylan to discuss a multitude of topics: the new album, his and the band's musical inspirations, injuries and overcoming some major struggles, drumming styles, selling guitar tabs, enjoying music without judgement, and a whole host of other topics. We now present that conversation to you in its entirety.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Falls of Rauros' Jordan Guerette on "Key to a Vanishing Future," simplicity in music and more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (jordan guerette, buke, nine circles, falls of rauros) — Fri, 8 Apr 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Portland, Maine, black metallers Falls of Rauros released their sixth full-length, Key to a Vanishing Future (Gilead Media / Eisenwald), on March 25. As you may already be aware, Key earned our Album of the Month honors here at Nine Circles, and it represents a tremendous next step in the evolution of a band for which our staff is quickly running out of superlatives.

On the eve of its release, Buke hopped on a call with guitarist Jordan Guerette to discuss a whole multitude of topics: the new album, the process of sonic evolution, simplicity in music... even the simple process of existing as a band during a global pandemic. We now present that conversation to you in its entirety.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Falls of Rauros was March 2022's Album of the Month!

Wed, 6 Apr 2022 12:00:00 +0000

Vincent had this month's pick and joins with Ian, Angela, and Hera while Buke once again helms the show. The gang covers the sixth full length from Falls of Rauros, Key to a Vanishing Future (Gilead Media) and unlike last month's pick, most are in agreement that this album is an absolute epic entry in the band's discography. As usual, the group covers this album at length and talks about nearly every facet of it as well as catching up since last chatting together, bike riding, books, and a lengthy section on what else tripped our triggers in the month of March.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Absent In Body’s CHVE and Mathieu on new album “Plague God,” skateboarding, Belgium, and much more!

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 15:00:00 +0000

Absent In Body are the absolute epitome of a supergroup with membership spanning Amenra, Neurosis, and Sepultura. Just the thought of these souls coming together for a project brings to mind some of the heaviest, most emotional and spiritualistic filled music on the planet. And that’s exactly what they’ve cooked up on debut Plague God (Relapse Records). It’s not unlike anything this group has done before yet it’s entirely its own thing with an industrial tinge that‘s pointed with sludge and doom and seismic levels of suffocating atmosphere. Buke sat down with Colin H. Van Eeckhout and Mathieu J. Vandekerckhove to discuss the new album, how it came to be, what brought the band together, and the multitude of ideas behind it all. They also discuss how it felt for these two artists to branch out a bit musically in the Absent In Body mindset, skateboarding and the joys, and pain, of the sport, the Belgian metal scene and how they both were first exposed to metal, their friendship with Scott Kelly and Igor Cavalera, working with Relapse Records, the decision to have Amenra’s last album in their native tongue, and so much more.

This is an epic conversation with two legendary artists, so grab your beverage of choice and settle in for another edition of the Nine Circles Audio Thing.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Hath's Frank Albanese on new album "All That Was Promised," working with Willowtip, Bandcamp, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (buke, frank albanese, hath, nine circles) — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0000

On their debut Of Rot and Ruin, Hath stunned a crowded death metal landscape with their brutal Opethesque take on it. Now, three years and a pandemic later, All That Was Promised is even better with tighter songwriting, even more razor sharp riffs than before, and an incredibly apocalyptic atmosphere. In two albums, Hath has reached a level that most bands take years to develop. Just on the heels of the new album's release, Buke had the chance to chat with vocalist and guitarist Frank Albanese about the new album and how the band dealt with the extremely high bar they set three years ago, how it's been working with Willowtip Records and how that union came to be, Bandcamp and the Epic Games recent purchase of same, how Frank learned to play guitar, and some of Frank's and the band's history in the Jersey scene. They also cover one of Frank's favorite albums of 2021, video games, album art, giving black metal artists free ideas, and a ton more.

This is an epic length conversation, so grab your beverage of choice and settle in for another edition of the Nine Circles Audio Thing.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Troglodyte's Jeff Sisson on new album "The Hierarchical Ecological Succession: Welcome to the Food Chain," bigfoot death metal, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (buke, jeff sisson, nine circles, troglodyte) — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 07:00:00 +0000

Troglodyte are the bigfoot themed death metal band you probably don't know about, but should. They've been around since 2005 and have, with new album The Hierarchical Ecological Succession: Welcome to the Food Chain (Blood Blast Distribution), four full lengths of gnarly, meat and potatoes death metal that sounds like a big, bloody slab of top shelf filet mignon tastes. Buke sat down with vocalist and mainman Jeff Sisson to discuss the new album and what they've been up to since 2015 and their last album, the band's bigfoot theme and how that came to be as well as themed metal bands in general and what it takes to make that work. They also cover Jeff's history in horror movies, owning a video store, some of his favorite movies in general, consuming music in the current streaming age, how the new album art came to be, and the band's killer merch game.

This is an epic length conversation, so grab your beverage of choice and settle in for another edition of the Nine Circles Audio Thing.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Allegaeon was February 2022's Album of the Month!

Wed, 9 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Buke once again had this month's pick and once again helms the episode along with Vincent, Ian, Angela, and Hera in tow. The gang covers the sixth full length from Allegaeon, Damnum (Metal Blade Records) and while everyone was absolutely not on the same page, everyone voiced their opinions and why's or why not's for or against. Damnum is galvanizing as it's not the same album as Apoptosis, for several reasons, but the crew covers this in length as well as Disney songs, catching up with one another, stews and soups, and of course what else tripped their collective triggers through February. In addition to this discussion, be sure to check out Ian's review of this album and Buke's recent interview with Allegaeon's own Riley McShane.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Phil Demmel of Vio-Lence on new EP "Let The World Burn," changing of the Bay Area scene, a long career, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (buke, nine circles, vio-lence, phil demmel) — Fri, 4 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Vio-Lence may not have the largest back catalog of releases but they're a band that's been around since 1985 and have been a huge force in thrash metal, even through the 29 years since their last full length. New EP, Let The World Burn (Metal Blade Records), sounds like they've been steadily releasing work since then, they haven't lost a step and in fact rip it up like never before. As an EP, it rolls by way too fast but is an amazing piece of work that no one should sleep on. Buke recently sat down with guitarist Phil Demmel to discuss the new EP, how it came together and getting back in that thrash mindset. They also cover Phil's storied career in Machine Head and how The Blackening was such a lightning rod as well as how his other projects have colored his playing over the years, fatherhood and how it's the best thing ever, Phil's bar and how that experience has been, and so much more.

This is a killer conversation, so grab your beverage of choice and settle in for another edition of the Nine Circles Audio Thing.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Crowbar's Kirk Windstein on new album "Zero and Below," the NOLA music scene, KISS, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (buke, nine circles, kirk windstein, crowbar) — Wed, 2 Mar 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Crowbar is a band that has long been in legendary status. They've blazed a path in sludge metal since 1990 and have roots as far back as 1979. They've influenced about as many bands as people they've played in front of throughout the world and through all this, and on album number twelve, they are still as heavy and vital as ever. Zero and Below (MNRK Heavy) is a beast of an album that is as much of the band's legacy as powdered sugar is to beignets or butter to crawfish. But, it's also an album that continues the trajectory of one of the most beloved bands in the history of metal. Sludge would be an entirely different animal if not for Crowbar and their savage riffs coupled with Kirk's gravelly vocals, and Zero and Below is yet another triumph in a long line of them. Buke sat down with Kirk Windstein (aka RIFF LORD) and discussed the new album and how it feels to be on album number twelve, the NOLA music scene and how all its musicians create the most original and unique sounds as well as how it feels like one big family, a bit of Crowbar history and how Kirk got started on the guitar, a lifelong fandom of KISS and his favorite member, Kirk's love of animals, absolutely zero retirement plans in the works, and a whole host of other topics.

This is a killer conversation, so grab your beverage of choice and settle in for a wicked edition of the Nine Circles Audio Thing.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Blood Incantation on new album "Timewave Zero," presenting ambient music as a band effort, the Colorado scene, and much more!

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 08:00:00 +0000

What can you say that hasn't already been said about the guys in Blood Incantation? Whether it's their incredibly deep and sprawling slabs of death metal like Starspawn or Hidden Histories of the Human Race or their other musical endeavors that read like a primer of the best extreme metal of the last 10 years (Spectral Voice, Stormkeep, Wayfarer)...it seems no matter what they put their hands in, it comes out righteous and heavy. So it's no surprise that their latest left turn, the ambient experiment Timewave Zero (Century Media Records) manages to retain the signature sound of the band even as it stretches into the furthest reaches of space without the raging riffs of down-tuned guitars to power it. We sat down with 3/4 of the band (Isaac, Paul and Morris) to discuss how the collaborative process works when you're creating an ambient record, the close-knit nature of the Colorado scene, keeping riffs fresh and alive in a world where almost everything has already been done, and so much more (just wait until the episode shifts to the majesty of Gorguts).

This is a killer conversation that just reinforces howe vital and essential Blood Incantation is to the extreme metal scene, so put down that fidget spinner, grab your beverage of choice and settle in for a wicked edition of the Nine Circles Audio Thing.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Allegaeon's Riley McShane on new album "Damnum," touring, no finish line on success, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (nine circles, buke, riley mcshane, allegaeon) — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 08:00:00 +0000

It's no secret that here at Nine Circles we love some Allegaeon. So, it's obvious we had to get vocalist Riley McShane back to chat about their new album Damnum (Metal Blade Records) and how it came together as well as how it was to work with new blood drummer Jeff Saltzman and what he brought to the table. They also cover how touring brings the best and worst out of people, the deeply personal lyrics in the new album, attachment to albums and when to let them go, how there's never any finish line to success and there's always room to grow, pandemic effects on the band and their touring, not taking criticism from someone you wouldn't take advice from, and gamer talk. All this and so much more.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Amorphis' Olli-Pekka Laine on new album "Halo," the band's long career, hardcore, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (buke, nine circles, amorphis, olli-pekka laine) — Wed, 9 Feb 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Amorphis has had a long and storied career in death metal that has seen the band become influences for so many and one that has produced many exceptional albums. Upcoming album Halo (Atomic Fire Records) is yet another feather in the hat of a band that gets better with age. Just ahead of the new album, Buke and bassist Olli-Pekka Laine uncover some backstory on Halo and some of the differences of this album to Queen of Time, they go down memory lane of Amorphis and how their sound has changed over the years and what's been instrumental in adding fans over the years, Olli's past with hardcore and some of his favorites from the genre, the importance of Tales from the Thousand Lakes, and they discuss an upcoming tour and memories of touring in the U.S. All this and so much more so dig in.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Wilderun was January 2022's Album of the Month!

Wed, 2 Feb 2022 08:00:00 +0000

January was atypically strong for metal even with short new release lists. However, Buke jumped all over picking Wilderun's fourth full length Epigone (Century Media Records) as soon as it was announced. Wilderun are no strangers to Nine Circles with a recent interview and album review, we dig them, obviously. So, the normal gang of Buke, Ian, Angela, Vincent, and Hera discuss the album at length and it's a pretty even split of those who love it and those who don't. They also cover several other albums that tripped triggers throughout January so be sure to keep a pen and paper handy. All that and more so dive into the first Album of the Month discussion for 2022!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

The Cheap Audio Man on how he helps others find the highest value hifi, home theater, headphone equipment and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (randy, the cheap audio man, buke, nine circles) — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 08:00:00 +0000

By now, everyone knows that Buke has his mind in many different places and for this episode of The Nine Circles Audio Thing he chats with Randy "The Cheap Audio Man" on how he helps folks like you and me find the best bang for the buck when it comes to hifi, home theater, and headphones which is something we all can use seeing as pricing for the high end stuff is oftentimes out of reach and we all have metal to listen to! They also cover how Buke found the channel and why he's such a fan, misinformation of the "how to" actually listen to music, decibels and hertz, tons of gear talk (keep your notepads ready), Randy's background and how he got into doing his YouTube channel, how Randy turned a ton of toys into hifi equipment back in the day, the definition of listener fatigue and what that means for your setup, tons of Metallica talk, and so much more. This is a lengthy but very informative chat so dig in and be sure to give Randy a follow over on YouTube!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Best of 2021: Chris and Dan share their NON-metal favorites!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Chris, Dan) — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Yes, we're a wee bit late, but who's really keeping track here? Chris and Dan are back for their annual recap of the best in NOT-metal. And as you're all well aware, "NOT-metal" can cast a pretty wide net. We've got entries from the worlds of R&B, jazz, country-pop and even prog here for you to sink your teeth into. (And others! Lots of others!)

So grab a few beverages and jump on in -- you'll need a few, 'cause this is a long one!

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9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Wilderun's Evan Berry on new album "Epigone," pandemic effects on the album and touring, inability to write short songs, Radiohead, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (nine circles, buke, evan berry, wilderun) — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 08:00:00 +0000

Wilderun has long been a favorite of Buke and Nine Circles so at the mention of new album Epigone (Century Media) it was a slam dunk to get vocalist, keyboardist, guitarist, and mandolin player Evan Berry on to chat about all things Epigone. This is the fourth full length from the band and consequently their most fully fleshed out effort and not to mention their, quite possibly, best to date. The band effortlessly weaves black metal, folk, and acoustic bliss with uncanny ease and it's no wonder we've all been head over heels with them since their debut.

With the ink still drying on Epigone, our maestro of the mic, Buke, chatted with Evan on the new album and how it came to be during the pandemic era, his inability to write short songs or at least for this project, a Radiohead cover and how much that band means to him and the rest of Wilderun, Evan's early days and how he aged to the Wilderun of today, and a chat on the mixing and mastering of the album. They then evolve into an audio hi-fi discussion surrounding lossless versus standard sound, preferred listening apparatus for certain albums, Evan's favorite track off the new album, and pick of best album for 2021. All this and so much more so dig in!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Best of 2021: Buke and David Stepanavicius of Atræ Bilis share their favorites and more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (buke, nine circles, david stepanavicius, atræ bilis) — Fri, 7 Jan 2022 08:00:00 +0000

David Stepanavicius of Atræ Bilis is no stranger to the podcast as he and Buke discussed Apexapien (20 Buck Spin) at length back in November and it was such an electric discussion that Buke reached back out to have David on again to discuss all things Best of 2021. The two catch up a bit since last time then launch into their biggest disappointments of 2021, their Honorable Mentions, and their collective Top 10. They also discuss Best of lists in general and how an artist / band views list season, how music usually finds David and how much labels play a part in it, whether Chris Barnes or memes are better, upcoming things for Atræ Bilis, and so much more. You'll definitely want to keep a pen and paper handy as they cover a ton of great albums, forty in total. No surprise here at all, this is an excellent discussion!

Huge thanks to David for joining us once again and we're already looking forward to the next one!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Best of 2021

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (buke, hera, ian, angela, vincent, nine circles) — Wed, 5 Jan 2022 08:00:00 +0000

List season. It's like Christmas every day of December and some of January where we get to regale the best metal that 2021 had to offer. It's a time to catch up and find things you slept on or had no idea came out but also a time to raise hell over picks and placements, ahhh good times. Buke wrangled Ian, Vince, Hera, and Angela to discuss their individual top three of 2021, picks of albums that were not in their top three but close, favorite song of the year, and biggest disappointments of the year. Spoiler alert: Rivers of Nihil's The Work was unanimously discussed here. They also cover the post Christmas spirit, coffee and coffee kettles, covid and awaiting tests, Yules in lieu of trad Christmas because Halloween is better, rainbow Christmas trees, our All In Nine Circles Best of 2021 list, how Buke has yet to grasp Jane Doe, and so much more.

Big thank you's are in order to our excellent staff, PR folk, bands, labels, and our dear listeners and readers for a HUGE 2021! Keep an eye out for a few more Best Of 2021 lists to come, I assure you there are several you'll want to take note of. See you in 2022, cheers.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Haunt's Trevor Church on new album "Unplugged Vol. 1," strong work ethic, skateboarding, family and upbringing, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (buke, nine circles, haunt, trevor church) — Wed, 8 Dec 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Through his projects, Haunt and Beastmaker, and intense work ethic, Trevor Church has become a household name for heavy metal fans and enthusiasts. Particularly if Bandcamp is part of said fans' daily visits. The discography between just these two projects is staggering and the speed in which he releases new music is astounding. With new album Unplugged Vol. 1, Trevor shows a side we haven't heard and yet again knocks it out of the park just as he has with every other album under his belt. The man is an anomaly to be blunt, and the kind we rarely see these days. His love of all things rock and metal, no matter the timeframe, shines through in everything he does and is part of why his fanbase has grown to epic proportions.

Buke had the chance to chat with Trevor about Unplugged Vol. 1, how it's easier said than done to make an unplugged album, and other landmark unplugged albums through the years. They cover how Trevor is always working and grinding the gears and how he prevents burnout, how instrumental Trevor's dad was in making this particular album and the significance of it being Vol. 1, his family and upbringing in a household with Bill Church who was bassist in Montrose and worked with Van Morrison, to name a few, volatile relationships in rock and metal and how they changed the landscape of music as we know it, and Trevor's label Church Recordings and a Night Demon tie in. They also cover who Trevor's rock and metal idols were, monster trucks and Guitar Center, favorite lyricists and his one biggest musical influence. All this and so much more is covered in this epic length conversation so pull up a chair or a piece of floor and enjoy!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Desert Island Albums (w/ the Power Trio)

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Buke, Chris, Dan) — Fri, 3 Dec 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Episode 102 is upon us! After an extended time away, Chris and Dan rejoin Lord Goldenvoice himself, Buke, for a rousing, back-and-forth-and-back-again discussion of their "desert island picks" -- the albums they'd want to be their Wilsons if ever stranded in the South Pacific. (Or South Atlantic. Or maybe even Indian. We don't discriminate here.)

In any case, the crew -- henceforth to be known as The Power Trio™ -- covers a wide net, with everything from jazz to progressive metal to classic hip-hop getting a seat at the proverbial, uh... log next to the signal fire? There's also a mention of the band Orgy, which is one more mention of the band Orgy than there should ever be in a Desert Island albums chat. But, we digress.

Our selections are linked for your listening pleasure in the notes below. (Though not spelled out in those links because, you know, spoilers and all that.) So grab a seat and at least one adult beverage, 'cause this is a long one. Enjoy!

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Buke's Picks: Album 1 | Album 2 | Album 3 | Album 4 | Album 5

Chris's Picks: Album 1 | Album 2 | Album 3 | Album 4 | Album 5

Dan's Picks: Album 1 | Album 2 | Album 3 | Album 4 | Album 5

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9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Imperial Triumphant's Steve Blanco on new live album "An Evening With Imperial Triumphant," New York City, local venues, jazz, and much more!

Wed, 1 Dec 2021 08:00:00 +0000

For Imperial Triumphant and extreme metal fans around the globe, Vile Luxury was a statement of avantgarde supremacy of the like none of us have ever seen and follow up Alphaville twisted that blade in even deeper. Their sound is the heartbeat of their home base New York City in the sense of its roots in jazz and the extremities found at every corner and perfectly encapsulates every aspect of day to day life in the city's grasp. Melodies, or hooks, are sparse and generally non existent but this is just the genius of what they do; every second is a different experience and every second of every song is monumental which is captured to near perfection in their latest live album An Evening With Imperial Triumphant (Century Media).

On the heels of this live album, Buke had the chance to chat with Steve Blanco about the album, the choice to record it at Slipper Room, and how it felt to finally get back on the road. They also cover the importance of the live aspect to their band as well as importance to all bands and the fans connection to the music in that setting, New York City and how it was eerily similar to Blade Runner during the height of the pandemic, evolution of the band since their debut and what's to come, how jazz being a part of their music isn't deliberate but instead just a natural part of the trio's fabric, BBQ and coffee, and David Lynch. All this and so much is covered so dive in and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

First Fragment was October 2021's Album of the Month!

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Time sure does fly but don't worry - the episode opens with what everyone was listening to for September, except for Hera, who talks about an album back in May. That's how we roll, folks! Then it's onto current matters with Anton reaching for Gloire Éternelle by First Fragment (Unique Leader).

It's an interesting choice for the team, with staunch tech death advocates on one side of the house and folks that...let's say lean toward the polar opposite in terms of musical tastes. And yet, there's something undeniable about the way First Fragment blend so many different styles into their unique brand of music. Of course it helps immensely when you have people like Phil Tougas and Dominic Lapointe bringing the heat in at a nuclear level. Unique Leader is no stranger to putting out great technical death metal, but in First Fragment we have something that colors outsides those lines and yet stands as a champion of what the label and genre have to offer.

All that and - surprising no one - a lengthy segment about some of the other great music that came out in October (though no mention of Mastodon...something we'll rectify for year, end ;-)) including fellow tech death nerds Archspire who released their mammoth second album Bleed the Future, Monolord's latest Your Time to Shine, and the death doom glory of Foreverglad by Worm.

Deep waters ahead so dive in and join the crew!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Atræ Bilis' David Stepanavicius on new album "Apexapien," deep dive into extreme metal, preferred way of listening to music, desert island albums, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (buke, nine circles, david stepanavicius, atræ bilis) — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Vancouver's Atræ Bilis made quite the splash with last year's EP Divinihility and nearly overnight made them a household name in any house that heralds death metal. A quick year later here we are with their debut full length Apexapien and they prove the success of that EP was no joke. From start to finish, this album is an absolute beast with teeth big enough to tear the planet in two. It hits hard as a ton of bricks but is amazingly smart in its construction. Not clinging to any one leg of death metal it blazes its own path forward with Albert Einstein level riffs and chest crushing blows around every corner. It goes without saying, this album is a favorite for us here at Nine Circles and for good reason.

For this discussion, Buke had an epic length chat with David about the new album and some backstory on it, how it's been working with 20 Buck Spin and owner David Adelson as well as the huge impact 20 Buck has made on the extreme metal landscape, a lengthy back and forth appreciation chat on metal of all sorts, and David's favorite strain of death metal and what got him hooked. They also cover Mortician, pandemic effects, David's life in Australia and the move to Canada and what spawned that decision, a pitch of an album and song choice from grindcore to get Buke into it and the key to knowing you've found a great grindcore album, and five desert island album picks. All this and so much more is covered in this excellent discussion so dive in and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Monolord's Thomas Jäger on new album "Your Time To Shine," readying for an upcoming tour, thoughts on the afterlife, being a music teacher, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (buke, nine circles, thomas jäger, monolord) — Wed, 3 Nov 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Your Time To Shine (Relapse Records) is Monolord's fifth full length release since exploding onto the doom metal scene back in 2014 with their excellent debut Empress Rising. To say their rise in this genre has been anything other than meteoric would be an atrocity, and even including 'rise' in that statement is misleading since their debut captured fans from across the globe and landed on many best of lists. Their sound has become the new standard in doom metal for anyone looking for something outside the 'paint by numbers' formula that's been around for so long. And, with every album since, their star shines ever brighter. Your Time To Shine continues this tradition and further cements their legacy in doom metal.

For this discussion, Buke caught vocalist and guitarist Thomas Jäger on the eve of the album's release as he was just starting to see the buzz surrounding the album get louder and louder. The two chat about the new album and how it came together, how they are hoping an upcoming tour will happen, his other profession as a music teacher and full on thoughts about that, whether the afterlife is a thing or not, and the amazing nugget of how the album cover art came together. They also cover the importance of not making the same album twice, having direction and rules within the band and how they enjoy a lack of all those most of the time, the choice to stick to five tracks and why, and a track pick that represents where the band are today. All this and so much more is covered so jump in and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Creeping Death's Trey Pemberton on EP "The Edge of Existence," Ohio State football, readying for an upcoming tour, MMA training, Riley Gale, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (trey pemberton, creeping death, nine circles, buke) — Tue, 5 Oct 2021 07:00:00 +0000

The Edge of Existence (eOne) is Texas based Creeping Death's third EP, but follows from their bludgeoning 2019 full length Wretched illusions. Death metal had no idea what it was in for when this band formed and called it its own. Their sound is immediately violent yet has a groovy, melodic edge to it that makes for fast kinship amongst fans of metal far beyond just death metal. Reviews came fast and furious for the full length and it seemed the band was an overnight success, rightfully so since said full length was such a hammer to the face of death metal that so many just couldn't get enough of, and us included.

Just ahead of the EP's release, our maestro of the mic, Buke, had the chance to cross paths, yet again, with guitarist Trey Pemberton to discuss The Edge of Existence and how it came to be. They also discussed how the pandemic shaped the album and how that allowed them time to really focus on the album and their individual mastery of the puzzle pieces, their upcoming tour and what to expect, Trey's MMA training and how that has helped him in so many ways, the passing of Powertrip's Riley Gale and how hard that hit the band as well as fellow Texans and metal fans in general, and how Trey's Mom shaped his musical history since she was a huge metal fan and an absolute shredder on the drum kit. Plus, what song Trey feels perfectly encapsulates the Creeping Death sound off the new EP. All this and so much more is covered in this amazing chat so dive in and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Deafheaven was August 2021's Album of the Month!

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 07:00:00 +0000

No doubt you know how this works by now...team members take turns picking their favorite album from a given month and for August 2021, it was a shoe in for Deafheaven's Infinite Granite (Sargent House) across the board. And, while no one on staff disagreed, not everyone was on the exact same page. Since 2010, Deafheaven have yet to make the same album twice or even close to the same album. The way they transition from black metal to shoegaze has made them critical darlings of a controversy that can never quite get its controversy correct. And now that they've gone full on shoegaze, the internet will never be the same. So it seems. The gang covers Infinite Granite and just how different it is as well as how much it rules, the fact that this might well be their "Opeth" moment, lyrics and how good George Clarke is in writing them as well as their impact over the years with certain team members, spooky season, a huge set of birthdays, and, as always, what else tripped our triggers during the month of August 2021 which features lengthy segments on both BTBAM's Colors II and WITTR's Primordial Arcana, obviously. So, do have a pen and paper on hand.

All this and so much more as we dive head first into our eighth AOTM for 2021! So jump in and get an earful!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Wolves In The Throne Room's Aaron Weaver on "Primordial Arcana," nature, preserving history, first moving musical experience, and much more!

Wed, 8 Sep 2021 07:00:00 +0000

With seventh full length, Primordial Arcana (Relapse Records), Wolves In The Throne Room literally have nothing else to prove to anyone. They make their brand of atmospheric black metal for themselves and their own spirits and have gained a massive following since their inception in 2002 due to their extremely nature inspired and spiritually grounded music and the feeling surrounding each release that fans have come to know and love. And, Primordial Arcana is no different yet is its own spirit animal as well as possibly their best release yet.

On the heels of the album's release, Buke had the chance to chat with drummer Aaron Weaver about the album and its nuances, nature and specifically a piece of it that relates to his upbringing and how it has informed not only his life but his musical choices, how preserving history is important and why, his experience at the Fire In The Mountains Fest and how amazing the Grand Tetons are, how it's been working with Kody Keyworth, and how he stays close to the earth and his interests in early ways of building and surviving. They also cover Aaron's influences and how he either opens up to them or shuts down pending where he is in the creative process for new music, his go to gas station foods, and his song pick off the new album. All this and so much more is covered in this amazing chat so dive in and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Rivers of Nihil's Jake Dieffenbach on upcoming album "The Work," finding a green thumb, musical directions, and much more!

Wed, 1 Sep 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Later this month, progressive / technical death metallers Rivers of Nihil will drop their fourth full length, The Work (Metal Blade Records), and by all accounts this album will be a crowning achievement for them as well as their fans and fans of extreme metal in general. 2018's Where Owls Know My Name really blew the lid off for them and received mountains of praise, as it should have. The Work finds the band at an even higher creative peak and, somehow, heavier than ever. We're foaming at the mouth over it and before long, you will be too.

Just ahead of the album's release, Buke had the chance to chat with vocalist Jake Dieffenbach about the album, creation of it, and how the pandemic actually helped them take their time with it. They also cover other jobs that Jake has had and some local (Pennsylvania) recommendations of must stops when in the area. Jake opens up about a hearing disability and how he's turned that into a positive, how he feels about expectations of new albums from a fan's perspective, upcoming touring plans, and he drops the album pick he feels is truly a showcase track for where they are right now. This is an excellent chat so dive in and enjoy!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Burial In The Sky on their new album "The Consumed Self," playing multiple instruments, history of the band, Kenny G, and much more!

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Burial In The Sky's third full length The Consumed Self (Rising Nemesis Records) is an absolute beast of progressive and technical death metal that easily stands out from the crowd with its clarity, punch, and originality. And, it blasts past their last two albums even though both of those were no slouches. This one is the culmination of all their hard work to date and should, by all accounts, make them household names for any fan of the extreme spectrum of metal.

Just on the heels of the album release, Buke had the chance to chat with James Tomedi, Brad Hettinger, Jorel Hart, Sam Stewart, and Zach Strouse about the new album and the state of their world post-release. They also cover how the pandemic shaped releasing it, what drove the members to the prog-tech spectrum of death metal, how they've evolved since forming, using the saxophone and a quick discussion on Kenny G, mechanics of songwriting within the band and lyrical content surrounding a story. Then they move into a history lesson and the importance of networking as well as their chemistry when playing. Unfortunately, we suffered technical difficulties near the end and lost them, but made the best of it in closing. Even with that, this was an excellent chat so dig in and enjoy!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Year Of No Light was July 2021's Album of the Month!

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 07:00:00 +0000

No doubt you know how this works by now...team members take turns picking their favorite album from a given month and for July 2021, Cat (Hera) yelled the loudest over Year Of No Light's Consolamentum (Pelagic Records). And, based on their heavy history, no one on staff disagreed. Since 2001, Year Of No Light have been churning out some of the heaviest post-metal by way of sludge, doom, and drone anywhere and this release finds them at their most vulnerable yet heaviest of the bunch in their discography. It's been said that any band choosing to go the instrumental route better have plenty of meat to make a statement and this band has the whole damn cow on the grill. The gang covers Consolamentum and how it stacks up to their past while standing completely on its own, comparisons to like minded bands and how Year Of No Light are 100% unique, how Hera's virtual Roadburn experience colored this pick as well as how this one fits in her spiritual tear as of late and the color she sees when listening to the album, new homes for certain staff, the relentless heat, branching out with different genres of music due to the pandemic, whether to move to the West Coast or not, Egypt and our resident Egyptologist, and, as always, what else tripped our triggers during the month of July 2021. So, do have a pen and paper on hand.

All this and so much more as we dive head first into our seventh AOTM for 2021! So jump in and get an earful!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Between the Buried and Me's Tommy Rogers on "Colors II," making videos, their impending tour, a look back on the band's history, and much more!

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Between the Buried and Me have blazed their own path and done things their own way now for some twenty years and change. So with a pandemic raging and nothing much else to do, they decided to record the follow up to their 2007 opus Colors, lovingly titled Colors II (Sumerian Records). Whether you go the Wikipedia route and call it new wave polka grunge or the band's route and call it adult contemporary progressive death metal, it kind of all fits and this is why the band is so endeared by its fans or, on the flip side, at arm's length to outsiders. Either way you slice it, Colors II is epic, colorful, and wildly entertaining.

Just ahead of the August 20 release date, Buke had the chance to chat with vocalist and keyboardist Tommy Rogers about the new album, how it came to be, and behind the scenes. They also take a look back on Colors as well as band history and Tommy's background in music, becoming a vocalist, and how he came to play the keyboard. Time is spent on how the band doesn't pre-plan going into a new album and just how much time and effort goes into getting everything just right and sounding good, length of albums and the band's position on folks that say their music is too hard to get into, Tommy's solo work, and a discussion on their upcoming tour called An Evening with Between the Buried and Me. This is an excellent chat so dig in and enjoy!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Allegaeon's Riley McShane on voicing a character in the Resident Evil series, gaming and favorite platforms, favorite vocalists in death metal, future band plans, and so much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (allegaeon, riley mcshane, buke, nine circles) — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Allegaeon has fast become a household name in the tech death metal arena, and for good reason. Their last album Apoptosis (Metal Blade Records) was a beacon in the tech-melodic-death-metal arena and placed the band on the same wavelength as the giants in this genre. And maybe even head and shoulders above their competition. Eye of the beholder sort of thing, obviously, but these dudes are the real deal. Period.

In close proximity to Riley McShane's voiceover in the Resident Evil series, our maestro of the mic, Buke, had the chance to dig into the whys and hows of this voiceover, Riley's gaming background and favorite platforms, Riley's video game publishing platform and future releases, Cannibal Corpse vs Six Feet Under vocalists, a section on Apoptosis and the creative process surrounding that album, cover songs, and a ton more! Dive in for an excellent chat.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Amenra was June 2021's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (amenra, angela, ian, buke, vincent, nine circles) — Thu, 8 Jul 2021 07:00:00 +0000

You know how this works...team members take turn picking their favorite each month and this month was technically a landslide between the 9C members joining and the others not able to due to life and whatever else got in the way. De Doorn from Amenra is the band's fifth full length and first for new label Relapse Records who scooped them up on the strength of their discography, and what a strong discography it is! The fact that this is only their fifth full length misses the fact that they've put out six volumes of their out-of-body-religious experience Mass series and all the one-offs, splits, and EP's that are just as powerful. Amenra are all about the experience and each and every effort speaks volumes to how much they put into their music and to see them live is truly an otherworldy experience. The gang covers De Doorn and how this album stacks up to their previous works and how much of an impact the spoken word approach (in their native language) makes, the Church of Ra and its collective, and correct pronunciation of the band name. Following that is a "what else tripped our triggers" in June on the metal landscape which features several albums you'll want to take note of.

All this and so much more as we dive head first into our sixth AOTM for 2021! So jump in and get an earful!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Gwar's Blothar on new EP "The Disc With No Name," the 30th anniversary extravaganza of "Scumdogs of the Universe," whether or not Covid was their fault, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (nine circles, buke, gwar, blothar) — Wed, 7 Jul 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Gwar is an absolute metal institution and one that has stood the test of time for 37 years strong. They've done things their own way and have carved their own path from the word go and have been inspiration to so many bands since their 1984 start and to be clear, not many bands can lay claim to as many accolades as Gwar is worthy of. Fuckin' legends, is what I'm saying. If anyone needs an intro to this band...leave the hall.

On the heels of their latest EP, The Disc With No Name, our maestro of the mic, Buke, chats with vocalist Blothar on this newest outing and details surrounding it as well as the decision to do some acoustic tracks. They also discuss the 30th anniversary remixed and remastered release of Scumdogs of the Universe and all the surprises surrounding this edition, whether or not they were to blame for Covid and whether or not they give a shit, a deep discussion on punk music that's kicked off by a mention of GwarBQ, some band history, Gwar as businessmen with all their new ventures, working with Brian Slagel (Metal Blade) and all he's done for metal and the band, LOADS (listen in), and so much more. This is an excellent chat so dive in and enjoy, and be sure to catch the 30th anniversary Scumdogs tour that was recently announced.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Beyond Creation's Simon Girard on their new collaborative beer "Entre Stout et Mirage," Montréal, Tech Death, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (buke, simon girard, nine circles, beyond creation) — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Beyond Creation have become a giant in the tech death arena since forming in 2005 (under a different moniker) and, have done this with just three full lengths which is impressive to say the least. Beyond that, the band has a progressive side as well that went full tilt on their last album Algorythm (Season of Mist). Now, they've paired with Vox and Hops Brewtal North America and Overhop for a stout beer named closely after one of their songs.

Our main man on the mic, Buke, chats with Simon Girard about this new beer venture and how it all came about as well as the whys of picking a coffee stout to be their maiden voyage into the beer market. They also cover technical death metal in general, band and personal musical history and how Simon's Grandfather made a huge impact on him, the explosion of craft breweries in Montréal as well as stateside, some of Simon's favorite beers and favorite death metal, and how they continue to experiment with tech death without crossing the line of alienating fans. As a bonus, we get some talk about Simon's upcoming solo album. This is an excellent chat so jump in and enjoy!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Thy Catafalque's Tamas on "Vadak," creating music on a Commodore Amiga, the art of blending multiple styles and genres, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (buke, nine circles, Tamás Kátai, thy catafalque) — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Thy Catafalque hold the great distinction of simply sounding like no other band out there. Hot off the heels of their stunning 2020 release Naiv comes Vadak (Season of Mist), and it's no secret to say the entire 9C crew is in the bag for more twisting songs that break genre convention yet maintain a level of heaviness that will induce even the most discerning of metalheads to thrash with abandon.

The Man with an Iron Voice Buke sat down with the mastermind behind the band Tamás Kátai to discuss the history and genesis of the band and that evolution from humble demo beginnings on a Commodore Amiga of all things to the lush melange of sounds that have permitted the most recent recordings and especially Vadak. From the opening synth of "Szarvas" to the sublime hints of Paul Simon of all people (does no one else hear that?) on "Köszöntsd A Hajnalt" all the way to the final seconds of closer "Zúzmara" you'll be in awe at where the album goes, and how successfully it marries everything onto a firm foundation of metal.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Majestic Downfall's Jacobo and Alÿ on "Aorta," the draw of doom, European vs. American fans, and much more!

Thu, 17 Jun 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Majestic Downfall trade in some epic doom that stretches and luxuriates in melancholic surges of blood and tears. Aorta (Personal Records) is their latest testament to the power of the morose, and it's a feat of stirring arrangements, mournful melodies, and a bass sound that burrows under your skin and lays its eggs deep in the flesh. It touches on the classic 90s era of the scene without mimicking it, and it's one of those albums you'll be feeling in your bones long after the last note is played.

Our Master of the Microphone Buke sat down with bassist/vocalist Jacobo Córdova and guitarist Alÿ to discuss the genesis of the band's latest record. Along the way all the usual detours are thoroughly explored, including the how's and why's of doom metal and the challenges of writing a long song and making it work (like the EXCELLENT 20-minute "Roberta" which kicks off the album), the differences between European and American audiences, and the growth found in writing and performing over the course of 15 years. This is one of those interviews that you just want to go on - a great conversation in service of an incredible record. Aorta lays its foundation in the earth of doom, but there are moments of blistering aggression balanced with delicate threads of hope.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Bossk's Tom Begley on "Migration," his history in music and playing bass, Star Wars, British food, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (bossk, buke, nine circles, tom begley) — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 07:00:00 +0000

With Migration (Deathwish Inc.), Bossk are only on their second full length since forming in 2005, give or take little, but that hasn't stopped them from being one of the heaviest bands in post-metal this side of Amenra. There, we said it. And, it's true. Migration is chock full of mood, atmosphere, and plain old heaviness...the kind you could hammer hot steel with. It's also an overall better album than their debut, the band has really stepped it up in the songwriting department and the construct of each and every track and how it reacts with its surroundings. Bottom line; this is an album you need in your life.

Our maestro of the mic, Buke, chats with Tom Begley about the new album, its bleak industrial cover art, and building momentum off the static one might encounter from an old vinyl or radio transmission. They also cover Tom's musical background and what made him pick up the bass, the band's "wall of sound" stance, life for musicians in the Covid era, British food and beer, social media and whether it really helps anything, Star Wars and The Mandalorian, and several other topics. Tom opens up here and the back forth between him and Buke makes this an excellent chat so dive in and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

An Autumn For Crippled Children was May 2021's Album of the Month!

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 07:00:00 +0000

You know how this works...team members take turn picking their favorite each month and As the Morning Dawns We Close Our Eyes (Prosthetic Records) was Vincent's pick. He had two reasons for doing so; one because it's up his alley and the other...you'll have to listen in to find out. The gang covers a slew of different angles and takes on the album, compares it to previous releases and attempts to get Buke up to speed on it as well as this genre crossroad. They also cover the slow maturation that An Autumn For Crippled Children has experienced since forming in 2009. Following that is a "what else tripped our triggers" in May section that prominently features the latest from Panopticon and several others worth taking note of.

All this and so much more as we dive head first into our fifth AOTM for 2021! So jump in and get an earful!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Boss Keloid's Ste Arands on "Family the Smiling Thrush," band and sound evolution, Toto, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (boss keloid, buke, ste arands, nine circles) — Tue, 8 Jun 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Over the course of, now, five albums with Family the Smiling Thrush (Ripple Music) Boss Keloid have gone from stoner metal to a progressive metal giant. They defy easy categorization and genre tags by keeping fans, and new listeners, on their toes with an amalgamation of styles and varying degrees of heaviness. To put it plain, no one else is doing what this band is doing, nor has the balls to put themselves out there like they do. And it works, tremendously so.

Our maestro of the mic, Buke, chats with Ste Arands about the new album and the pitfalls of jamming together in the midst of the pandemic, how the band has evolved over the years personally and in sound and scope, a more collaborative writing approach then in the past, and an enormous discussion on Ste's vast and eclectic ear for music and how his upbringing with music as a constant shaped him as a musician. They also cover upcoming tour plans, Toto, the negative effects of the social media age, a surprise family likeness, and Ste's background in drumming and how he got his start behind the kit. This is an absolute blast of a conversation so dive in and enjoy!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Perturbator's James Kent on "Lustful Sacraments," background in black metal, synthwave history, horror, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (nine circles, buke, perturbator, james kent) — Tue, 1 Jun 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Synthwave is one of those genres that has become a go to for metalheads due to its horror movie kinship, its wildly creative sound and its imagery which at times can mirror some of extreme metal's most enduring gorehounds. Perturbator and James Kent have been at the tip of this spear since Terror 404 back in 2012 and has shown more and more growth and depth on each successive album. Now, with Lustful Sacraments (Blood Music), the band dive further into the industrial side of the synth coin but do so in a way that doesn't leave anything behind. Think of it as an experiment gone incredibly right.

Our maestro of the mic, Buke, chats with James about the new album and how it was conceived, his extensive background-and knowledge of-black metal, his deep rooted love for horror and how it has shaped his musical output, and how much time actually goes into making this type of music and being happy with final results. They also spend some time on synth and electronic shop talk, what James listens to and how it keeps him vibrant, a video game appearance and Alcest tie in, James' favorite Darkthrone album, and many other topics. This is an excellent conversation so dive in and enjoy!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

TECHNICALLY INCLINED: Cerebrum's "Iridium"

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Hera, Buke, Dan) — Fri, 28 May 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Technically Inclined is back! And Hera -- having NOW (but not at the time of recording) newly completed grad school -- has rejoined the fold once again! And this time out, we're talking about Greek progressive death crew Cerebrum and their third album, Iridium.

But we're also talking about other stuff! Like Gojira. And how Hera is synesthetic, which mesmerized the hell out of Buke. And also, bands in Greece. And also also, the line between prog death and tech death, and what each entails. It was a fun time! There's much laughter on this here recording.

Plus, Iridium! It dropped in 2018 on Transcending Obscurity. It's also quite good and you should definitely listen to it.

For more details, jump on in and give the fifth iteration of Technically Inclined a full listen!

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CEREBRUM LINKS: Listen to Iridium | Website | Metal-Archives

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Drummer, sound engineer, and producer Hannes Grossmann on new album "To Where the Light Retreats," creative process between solo work and guest slots, TAMA drums, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (nine circles, buke, hannes grossmann) — Tue, 25 May 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Anyone familiar with Epitaph era Necrophagist or Obscura or Alkaloid, to name a few, will undoubtedly be familiar with Hannes Grossmann as he was an integral driving force behind all of it. Beyond drumming, he's also a sound engineer and producer with a long list of credits under his belt. As if all that wasn't enough, we're on the eve of his fourth solo album, To Where the Light Retreats, which promises to be as technical and heavy as anything he's ever been a part of.

Our maestro of the mic, Buke, chats with Hannes about the new album and what to expect, the different mindsets of drumming for his solo work and for other bands as well as the various mindsets that prepare him for producing music, his early days in drumming and how his fascinations and heroes paved the way, and a very long standing relationship with TAMA drums. They also cover how different drummers leave their own unique fingerprints on the music they make, plenty of shop talk, and a huge back and forth on Hi-Fi and headphones. This is a great discussion with plenty of nuggets all along Hannes' career, jump in and enjoy!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Metal Blade's founder and CEO, Brian Slagel, on the label, its history, hockey, and much more!

Thu, 20 May 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Metal Blade Records has been a household name for metal, and heavier music in general, lovers for longer than some of you listening to this podcast have been alive. Founder, owner, and CEO Brian Slagel had a vision back in 1982 with the first of the Metal Massacre compilation series, to highlight, then, unknown heavy artists. This led to the beginnings of Metal Blade Records and a long standing relationship with fans all across the globe. This week marks the XV edition of the Metal Massacre series as the label nears 40 years in existence, and remains a dominant force in metal and beyond.

Our maestro of the mic, Buke, chats with Brian on the label and its history, Brian's first book and making of a second, Blacklight Media, the label's exceptional PR team and plenty of back office label stuff. They also get into a somewhat recent partnership with Violent Gentlemen which led into a major discussion on hockey as well as Brian's Stanley Cup pick. This is an excellent discussion, so jump in and enjoy.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Capra was April 2021's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (ian, nine circles, angela, buke, vince, capra) — Tue, 18 May 2021 07:00:00 +0000

You know how this works...team members take turns picking their favorite album of the month and In Transmission (Metal Blade Records and Blacklight Media) was Ian's pick. This album was pretty much an instant hit, all the way around the back office, as soon as Ian announced it and it has only grown closer and closer to the heart as time has passed. It's an incredibly vicious album but with a deeply emotional soul to it through hardcore, sludge, a touch of punk, and an amazing vocalist that casts a huge presence. There's plenty of back and forth on just how good this album is, the dual label release, Capra's energy and insane talent throughout, and whether anyone can actually pick just one favorite track. Following that is a roundhouse of "what else tripped our triggers in April" and a wide array of personal achievements since our last album pick.

All this and so much more as we dive head first into our fourth AOTM for 2021! So jump in and get an earful!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

TECHNICALLY INCLINED: The Faceless' "Planetary Duality"

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Buke, Dan) — Tue, 11 May 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Another round of Technically Inclined! This time out, Dan and Buke dig into The Faceless, and their second album, Planetary Duality.

Planetary Duality came out in 2008 on Sumerian Records, and has since become a well-loved gem within the tech death landscape. It's too bad Dan thought The Faceless played deathcore and never listened to it until just this week!

So, how'd the album land with Nine Circles' resident tech-noob? You'll have to listen to find out! And stick around for brief tangents into Mortal Kombat, Maryland Deathfest, and more!

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THE FACELESS LINKS: Listen to Planetary Duality | Facebook | Metal-Archives

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Ageless Oblivion's David Porter on "Suspended Between Earth and Sky," dissecting a long hiatus, progression of sound, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (ageless oblivion, david porter, buke, nine circles) — Fri, 7 May 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Ageless Oblivion just broke a seven year hiatus with the outstanding Suspended Between Earth and Sky. This, their third full length, sees the band's sound veer further towards the ominously atmospheric side of death metal than their last outing, Penthos. This is an album that is as vicious as it is dark and as dense as it is vast. Put in other words, a truly excellent album for death metal fans and beyond.

Our maestro of the mic, Buke, chats with David about...literally anything and everything. Things open with a discussion of Penthos and how the band has honed their sound since then. Once the gears get moving they discuss technical death metal and how Neurosis has helped to evolve their sound, David's excitement on release day, the band's desire for a more focused album this time out, and the current state of the UK metal scene from Davids' point of view and a video tie in to Celestial Sanctuary. And from there the chat evolves into British history and food, chess, and a 2021 forecast for the band. This is a great discussion, so jump in and enjoy.

Suspended Between Earth and Sky is available now on Apocalyptic Witchcraft. For more information on Ageless Oblivion, visit their Facebook page.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Endseeker's Ben Liepelt on "Mount Carcass," the magic of Dimebag, European metal festivals, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (buke, ben liepelt, nine circles, endseeker) — Wed, 5 May 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Mount Carcass is the latest from German death metal merchants Endseeker, and it dives deep into that classic old school sound pioneered by the likes of Entombed, Carnage, and Dismember. Sure, it's easy to grab an HM-2 and tune down to Drop B, but Endseeker bring the songwriting chops and vision to not just emulate the old guard but bring their own modern spin to the genre. The riffs are tight, the groove is firmly in the pockets, and the tone? Chef's kiss, my friends.

Our man on the mic Buke took some time to sit down with Endseeker guitarist Ben Liepelt to run the usual Audio Thing gamut of, well...everything. Things kick off with life for a musician recording an album during lockdown and how the pandemic is still running riot in Europe, but once early influences kick and and the mighty Pantera is mentioned we're off to the races. It's a great conversation, so settle in for some fun and then make sure to check out Mount Carcass...just be prepared to break some furniture when you hear the hammer smash of songs like "Bloodline" and "Count the Dead" blast from those speakers...

Mount Carcass is available now on Metal Blade Records. For more information on Endseeker, visit their website and Facebook page.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Cryptosis's Frank te Riet on "Bionic Swarm," Metal in the Netherlands, Switching Names (and Direction), and Much More!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (cryptosis, frank te riet, nine circles, buke) — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Bionic Swarm, the debut from Cryptosis has become an early favorite for many of the staff at Nine Circles. Jamming together old school thrash, progressive death metal, and a healthy dose of symphonic black metal in its arrangements, it's the kind of debut that instantly slams into your skull and rewires your brain.

So it's only natural that Buke not only championed the band and album to everyone on the crew, but grabbed some time with bassist Frank te Riet to talk about album. But this is Buke we're talking about here, so of course the conversation winds its way into a number of interesting places, from the state of metal in the Netherlands, to the shared experience of Slipknot as a gateway to extreme metal, and to how you exactly mountain bike in a place not known for its mountains. It's a great talk as usual, and combined with the mighty riffs to be found on Bionic Swarm we're 89% sure you'll find your heart's desire tucked away in a drawer in your parent's old house. Or not - but you'll at least get some fantastic metal and a great chat.

Bionic Swarm is available now on Century Media Records. For more information on Cryptosis, visit their website and Facebook page.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

TECHNICALLY INCLINED: Beyond Creation's "The Aura"

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Hera, Buke, Dan) — Fri, 2 Apr 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Welcome back to another edition of Technically Inclined! In Round 3, we took a gander at Quebecois quartet Beyond Creation, and their debut album, The Aura.

Beyond Creation formed in Montreal in 2005 and released The Aura via PRC Music in 2011. (Season of Mist later reissued the album in 2013.) While the album can frustrate at times, it also showcases a (then-)young band with a lot of promise -- promise that the band would go on to fulfill on 2014's Earthbound Evolution and 2018's Algorythm.

No further spoilers in this here little blurb -- for our full thoughts, you'll have to jump in and take a listen!

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BEYOND CREATION LINKS: Listen to The Aura | Band Website | Facebook

NINE CIRCLES LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Demiser was March 2021's Album of the Month!

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 07:00:00 +0000

You know how this works...team members take turns picking their favorite album of the month and Through the Gate Eternal (Boris Records) was Josh's pick. This album fast became a favorite due to its blistering blackened thrash and its self awareness as well as its devilishly on point song titles and nods to the old guard of metal. There's plenty of back and forth on how this album forces involuntary reactions, the South Carolina tie in to Josh, Demiser's energy and insane talent throughout, past points of reference for everyone in the discussion and whether anyone can pick a favorite track. Following that is a roundhouse of "what else tripped our triggers in March" and a teaser, well...spoiler, for our April pick.

All this and so much more as we dive head first into our third AOTM for 2021! So jump in and get an earful!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Capra's Crow Lotus on upcoming album "In Transmission," missing live shows, a geology degree, lyrics, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (crow lotus, buke, capra, nine circles) — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Capra has caught lightning in a bottle on their upcoming full length debut In Transmission. It's equal parts metal, punk, and hardcore but the sum is way more than its parts. Blistering riffs, crushing blasts, and obliterating vocals are just some of what the band has to offer across these eleven tracks. It's hostile yet authentic, aggressive and angry yet carries so much depth and feeling and overall is a near perfect debut that fans all over the metal spectrum will unite around.

Just ahead of the album's release, vocalist Crow Lotus took the time to chat with Buke about In Transmission and the length of time it has been ready to roll, the band's larger than life stage presence and missing the opportunity to showcase it, her geology degree, details surrounding her joining Capra, and how being a vocalist in lieu of a bassist fits her better. All that and a huge section on gaming and the Metal Blade hosted Dungeons and Dragons stream, women in punk and metal and the sisterhood in the scene, the band's Slay At Home set from November of last year, and a whole host of other topics.

In Transmission will be available April 23 on Metal Blade Records and Blacklight Media. For more information on Capra, visit their Facebook page.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Cave Of Swimmers' Arturo Garcia on new album "Aurora," efficiency of being a duo, origin of the band's name, how his drumming career started, and so much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (buke, nine circles, arturo garcia, cave of swimmers) — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Cave Of Swimmers have been around since 2012 and have finally released their debut full length Aurora. And what a surprise it is after two EP's worth of what could be described as "doom-prog." This album shifts effortlessly between a Mars Volta meets System of a Down vibe to a thrashtastic Megadeth vibe while giving a world music spin to their particular brand of metal. It's a mouthful on paper but rest assured it works seamlessly and is an absolute blast to experience.

On the heels of Aurora's release, Arturo Garcia took the time to chat with Buke about the new album and just how different this band is than most out there right now, how freeing and efficient it is being a duo, origin of the band's name, how he got his start in drumming and when the music bug hit him, the impetus for moving from Venezuela to Florida, and his favorite track off the album. All that and a discussion on whether or not to defend the snare on St. Anger, the value of playing covers, and a whole host of other topics.

Aurora is available now on BroomTune Records. To keep up with all things Cave Of Swimmers, visit their official website and Facebook page.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

The Ruins of Beverast was February 2021's Album of the Month!

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 08:00:00 +0000

You know how this works...team members take turns picking the AOTM, and this month technically was a group pick but Vince screamed the loudest over The Thule Grimoires (Ván Records) as soon as it hit our inbox and, as you'll hear, is also The Ruins of Beverast's biggest fan. However, all is not in balance in the House of 9C, as there's plenty of back and forth on the vocals and how different the band has sounded over the years. One team member didn't even get to the vocals, so there's that. There's a lot of coffee talk, noodles and catfish (you'll have to listen in and figure that one out), the Martinek brothers sparring, and an in depth discussion on Vide, the latest from Emptiness, during the "what else tripped our triggers in February" section.

All this and so much more as we dive head first into our second AOTM for 2021! So jump in and get an earful!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

TECHNICALLY INCLINED: Spawn of Possession's "Incurso"

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Dan, Buke, Hera) — Fri, 5 Mar 2021 08:00:00 +0000

We're back for another round of Technically Inclined! Episode 2 -- which, for those keeping score at home, means this idea already has more traction than approximately 70% of ideas Dan has had for Nine Circles over the years -- features a conversation on Spawn of Possession, and their landmark final album, Incurso.

Plus, a new fighter joins! Nine Circles' own Scholar of the First Sin, Hera, enters the ring to share her own tech death enthusiasm with the crew. And to help educate our brave lil' boy further. She'll be a regular on this segment going forward, so everyone say a big "HI, HERA!"

Jump in, take a listen, and -- with apologies to Archspire -- stay tech!

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Listen to Incurso: Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Cannibal Corpse's Paul Mazurkiewicz on sports, band longevity, their upcoming album "Violence Unimagined," and so much more!

Wed, 3 Mar 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Cannibal Corpse have been an absolute death metal juggernaut for over thirty years now and have long since past the point of having to prove anything. They've toured all over the world, been recognized by outlets that many would think not metal friendly, been featured in movies, and have had a career that most bands could only dream of. And with their upcoming fifteenth full length, Violence Unimagined, they show absolutely no signs of slowing down or even softening the blow of their brutal and very unique brand of death metal.

Just ahead of the album's release, drummer Paul Mazurkiewicz took the time to chat with Buke about their over thirty year run and how he stays on top of his game this far in. They also spend a lengthy amount of time on sports and particularly hockey and how that was in direct competition to music at one time. Paul chats about his parents eventual support and the moment they became his, and the band's, biggest fans. They also discuss Erik Rutan joining the band and the positivity he brings, The Anchor Bar and La Nova and who has the best wings once and for all, Violence Unimagined, and a whole host of other topics.

Violence Unimagined will be available April 16 on Metal Blade Records. To keep up with all things Cannibal Corpse, visit their official website.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

TECHNICALLY INCLINED: Necrophagist

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Dan, Buke) — Sun, 21 Feb 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Woohoo, it's new segment time! Technically Inclined will be a new jam here on the Audio Thing, devoted primarily to appreciating the oft-overlooked -- at least on this blog -- genre of technical death metal.

Tech death: Buke's known and loved it for years; Dan's neutral and limited in his knowledge of it. And so, Technically Inclined will celebrate the genre by having Sensei Buke educate Padawan Dan on its many intricacies -- one album (or in this case, one band) at a time. (Plus, with these goons, you know there'll be jokes and banter involved. It's basically written into our contracts at this point.)

So! For our first (and hopefully not only) venture into this world, jump on in and join us for our thoughts on dormant German tech legends NECROPHAGIST!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Tribulation was January's 2021's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Tue, 9 Feb 2021 08:00:00 +0000

Episode 64 of The Nine Circles Audio Thing kicks off 2021 with a bang, as the gang waxes poetic about the latest from Swedish prog/goth/death rock/kitchen sink outfit Tribulation, whose new album Where the Gloom Becomes Sound out on Century Media and Metal Blade has folks in a tizzy. Buke again assumes the captains chair and leads the chase with the usual suspects, and introduces newest member of the 9C gang Didrik to the insanity!

You know how this works...team members take turns picking the AOTM, and this month has the combined love of Ian and Angela, who also co-wrote the review. However, all is not in balance in the House of 9C, as Didrik and Hera have a very different take on the band and album. Will the team survive this controversy? What side of the coin will Vince land on? How many tangents does Buke bring the crew to over the course of 90 minutes that was originally over 2 hours?

All this and more as we dive heard first into our first AOTM for 20201! So jump in and get an earful!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Tribulation's Adam Zaars on their new album "Where the Gloom Becomes Sound," Jonathan Hultén's exit and Joseph Tholl's entry, Adam's entry into, and fascination with, heavy metal, writing an album in the midst of a pandemic, what 2021 may hold for the band, and so much more!

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 08:00:00 +0000

At this point, Tribulation need zero introduction since they have been a powerhouse of both death metal and gothic metal over the course of four full lengths. And, with Where the Gloom Becomes Sound the band fully cement their gothic meets death metal stance. It's January but already we're feeling vibes of "best of 2021" with this album since it truly is their best yet and fully fleshed out album to date. And, that's saying a lot since any fan of the band would already say they've climbed that hill. Such is the power of Tribulation.

Just ahead of the album's release, guitarist Adam Zaars took the time to chat with Buke about Where the Gloom Becomes Sound and how it was to craft an album in the midst of a pandemic, Jonathan Hultén's exit and Joseph Tholl's entry and how he fits in, how genre labels don't always do justice, influences for donning the makeup, a brief history of the band and a timeline discussion, Adam's "nerding out" with heavy metal in his younger days and changes in listening habits over the years, Adam's favorite track off the new album and why. All that and discussions on their collective kids, gaming, Tribulation's live presence and what 2021 may hold for the band.

Where the Gloom Becomes Sound will be available January 29 on Metal Blade Records and Century Media Records. To Keep up with all things Tribulation, visit their official website, Facebook page, and Instagram page.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Chris and Dan count down their Non-Metal Favorites of 2020!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Dan Kaplan, Chris Voss) — Sun, 10 Jan 2021 08:00:00 +0000

With #BestOf2020 coverage having been fully underway here at Nine Circles for a couple of weeks, it’s time for a bit of a breather. Time to crank down the volume, switch off the HM-2 pedal, and talk some non-metal for a change. If you read Ian’s end-of-year Rainbows in the Dark blog post and thought to yourself, “boy, I sure would like a two-and-a-half-hour audio version of THAT,” well, reader, have we got the episode for you!

A little while back — okay, almost a month back now, because Dan works in a hospital and doing anything productive when he's not at work has been a tall order this year — he and fellow non-metal aficionado Chris Voss sat down to talk about their favorite stuff from all the other genres that dropped this year. There’s some shoegaze and some folk, some powerful hip-hop and some super-catchy synth pop. They covered as many bases as they could, for a near Buke-sized amount of time.

So if you, too, need a break from all the heavy stuff, jump on in and check it out. Maybe some of the stuff that floated their boats will float yours too!

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9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Best of 2020: Last Call

Wed, 6 Jan 2021 08:00:00 +0000

For this episode we go all in with most of the staff for our best of 2020 picks. We hit the high notes of what tickled our fancies for the year that was a shitstorm and even welcomed in a new member to the family. So, buckle up for an epic episode that has a wealth of stuff you may have missed and be sure to take notes, artists we mention need your support so open up those wallets and purses.

Needless to say, 2020 was a wasteland of a year but it drove metal to be an epic beast throughout its twelve months of existence. As always, Buke pilots this episode with Charles, Angela, Ian, Vincent, Heracat, and new member Didrik who all cover some of their favorites from the year. Discussions range from the best metal had to offer as well as Christmas traditions on the US side as well as the Canadian side, a brief primer on Didrik's metal background, pandemic woes, and the Slay At Home series and many other avenues our staff sought live entertainment in 2020. Settle in and enjoy some fireside conversation on what 2020 had to offer and we'll be seeing you in 2021.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Tombs' Mike Hill on new album "Under Sullen Skies," working with Season of Mist, making music from a fan's standpoint, refining sound, and so much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (nine circles, buke, mike hill) — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Tombs are on the eve of releasing their fifth full length Under Sullen Skies which is much like biting the head off a rocket and reveling in the burn of the explosion. No surprise really, the band have been incendiary since their debut Winter Hours and just get better and better with each release. This album however finds them better and more vicious than ever. It's not a stretch at all that they've already been placed high on one specific best of 2020 list and we are certain they'll be on many more to come.

Just ahead of the album's release, mainman Mike Hill took the time to chat with Buke about Under Sullen Skies and how Savage Gold was somewhat an impetus for it. They also spend some time talking about Mike's deep love of the extreme side of music and how it's shaped him over the years as well as some of Mike's early favorites and how Venom, Celtic Frost, and Norwegian Black Metal shaped Tombs' sound. Mike also reveals the album that made him pick up a guitar and how Tombs got its start as a band that he would love to hear as a fan. The two chat about the experience of working with Season of Mist and some old Relapse tie ins as well as the Anthrax Club and the Maryland Deathfest experience. All that and an extended discussion on mixed martial arts and combat sports in general.

Under Sullen Skies will be available November 20 on Season of Mist. To keep up with all things Tombs, visit their official website, Facebook page, Instagram page, and their YouTube channel.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Wolverine's Thomas Jansson and Marcus Losbjer on new album "A Darkened Sun," mechanics of making an audio/visual release, maturation, and so much more!

Wed, 4 Nov 2020 08:00:00 +0000

Sweden's Wolverine have just released their seventh full length, A Darkened Sun, and continue to be on the forefront of the progressive rock/metal landscape with lush melodies, heavy lyrical content, powerful performances, and music that is truly timeless. Along with that list of accomplishments they can now add an audio/visual release that is stunning, to say the least.

Just on the heels of this release, Thomas Jansson and Marcus Losbjer took some time to chat with Josh about the album and its accompanying film. They also spend some time on how this type of release came to be and the inner workings of it, maturity and ever evolving as we get older and how this translates to their catalog, how identity and societal theories play into this release, how Thoreau's Walden played into it, making music for the right reasons, being poetic while still leaving plenty of room for interpretation, and of course pandemic effects and the unintended topical nature of this release.

A Darkened Sun is available now on the band's official website. To keep up with all things Wolverine, visit their website, Facebook page, Instagram page, and YouTube page.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Blood Red, Audio Edition -- Episode 3: HOST (2020) and THE PLATFORM (2019)

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Chris Voss, Matt Buchan, Dan Kaplan) — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Someday, we'll be able to do these horror excursions in a more timely manner. But until then, here's the good news: we're sorry!

By way of an apology for our first episode in... almost two months... we jump back in the saddle with a conversation about TWO horror films for your listening, er... pleasure? And guess what? Our resident horror noob, Buke, picked both of them!

First up, we dig into Host: a nifty, resourceful little Shudder exclusive from earlier this year involving a seance gone wrong - all performed and produced over a Zoom call! (+ 19 current event points). After that, we take a look back at last year's The Platform - a psychological mind-bender with a metric fuckton to say about the world we're living in. SPOILER ALERT: we (mostly) liked 'em both!

All that as well as a bunch of the usual stuff -- Buke's video games, Dan's NOT-metal-listening, etc. -- you'd expect from Blood Red's audio edition. So jump on in and give it a listen!

MOVIE LINKS:
Host (2020) -- available via Shudder
The Platform (2019) -- available via Netflix

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Forêt Endormie's Jordan Guerette on new album Une voile déchirée, Using French as a Lyrical Basis, Pandemic Effects, Fire In the Mountains, Handling Creative Overlap Between Bands, and so Much More!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Wed, 14 Oct 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Portland Maine's Forêt Endormie recently released their second full length Une voile déchirée which sees the band further their vision of apocalyptic chamber folk with the theme of place and how it relates to each individual that experiences it for themselves. Since 2016, their music has been unique in not only sound but in the effect it has when enjoyed in the right setting.

Just behind Une voile déchirée's release, Jordan Guerette took some time to chat with Buke and Corey about the new album and the why's and intent for using French as a lyrical basis. They also spend some time on how the pandemic has affected the band, how Jordan handles creative overlap between Forêt Endormie and Falls of Rauros, using the theme of place to talk about internal journeys, how nature and the outdoors--specifically the ocean--inform the band's sound, the Fire In the Mountains experience both for Jordan and Corey, and the practice of appreciating the world around you. All that and talk surrounding local breweries, video games, and even nu-metal. This is truly an amazing discussion that covers a lot of ground so jump in and enjoy!

Une voile déchirée is available now on Red Nebula Records and Folkvangr Records. To keep up with all things Foret Endormie, visit their Facebook page.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Lik's Niklas Sandin on new album Misanthropic Breed, Pandemic Effects, Swedish Death Metal, the Power of the HM2 Pedal, Jazz, and so much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Thu, 1 Oct 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Sweden's Lik have just released their third full length Misanthropic Breed and stand to crush it in the Swedeath scene with a sound that is instantly recognizable yet inherently unique. It's heavy as hell yet deep in the pocket with fellow countrymen of the same ilk.

Just ahead of Misanthropic Breed's release, guitarist Niklas Sandin took some time to chat with Buke about their new album and the effects of this current pandemic on the band. They also spend some time on Swedish death metal in general, how the HM2 pedal has become such a signature in the Swedeath sound and their own sound, how much Nik enjoys jazz, the obvious Katatonia tie in, and so much more! This truly is an amazing conversation between two likeminded folks so jump in and enjoy!

Misanthropic Breed is available now on Metal Blade Records. To keep up with all things Lik, visit their Facebook page.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

The Ocean was September 2020's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Tue, 29 Sep 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Episode 55 of The Nine Circles Audio Thing is all about the Album of the Month for September which is Phanerozoic II: Mesozoic | Cenozoic by Germany's post metal/progressive metal juggernauts The Ocean which is available now on Metal Blade Records and Pelagic Records. Buke once again captains the episode joined by Vince, Ian, Angela, Hera (Cat), and Jon!

The pick this month was a mere suggestion from Corey which grew legs to become an all in team pick. And, it's easy to see why, this is The Ocean's 10th full length and they've yet to do anything less than EPIC. Ian puts his college learning to good use in explaining the history and timeline while Hera dives deep into themes and tie ins to Phan 1. Vince loves the concept but...prog...so, he is mixed on everything except the one track that features a strong black metal backbone. Go figure. Jon, Angela and Buke enjoyed it for what it is, another stellar entry into a major catalog from a truly amazing band. One thing is for sure, this just might be the deepest dive into an album we've done since the beginning of these album of the month picks. Plus, car alarms from possible dinosaurs roaming the streets?

All that and a "what else drove our boats" in September along with August since we missed that episode. But, pay close attention to the Steve Von Till section which was slated as the August pick from Josh but work and life didn't cooperate in time for it to flesh out. And, a heartwarming tribute to Power Trip's Riley Gale. At nearly 2-1/2 hours, this episode is chock full of stuff to keep you thinking of history, progressive metal and a whole host of albums to explore. So jump in and get an earful!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Blood Red, Audio Edition - Episode 2: VEROTIKA (2019)

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Sat, 29 Aug 2020 07:00:00 +0000

We're back, baby! A multitude of events in this increasingly dystopian world of ours forced us to sideline Blood Red for... [checks notes] ...three months... but now, with less than a month until the return of the annual Hooptober horror film marathon, we return with a doozie of a discussion on a highly entertaining, not-quite "horror," not-quite-"film."

It's Verotika. The thing we're discussing is Verotika, Glenn Danzig's 2019 directorial debut.

Actually "directorial debut" doesn't quite give you the full picture; Danzig directed, wrote, soundtracked and also, bizarrely, DP'd this three-part anthology, so it is his baby completely -- eyeball tits, face removals and all. (And yes, both of those things do feature in Verotika.) Is it any good? Listener, it is not. But was it fun to discuss? You bet your ass it was. Join us for an at-length chat with much laughter and bewilderment.

Of note: Dan's technology failed him yet again during recording. You'll notice several short skips during his speaking sections, seemingly at random. Not really sure what happened there, but the good news is he's still mostly comprehensible. (Inasmuch as he's ever "comprehensible.") We've included links to the books he mentions during the "Other Stuff" section -- the titles of which were both audio-skipped -- in the notes below. Sorry to all fans of books and/or competently recorded podcasts!

Anyway, jump in and give Episode 2 a listen!

BOOK LINKS: Point B (A Teleportation Love Story), by Drew Magary | We Were Eight Years in Power: An American Tragedy, by Ta-Nehisi Coates

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Cult of Lilith's Mario Infantes on new album Mara, employing odd instruments, meaning of Necromechanical Baroque, Cult of Overthinking as an alternate band name, and so much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Iceland's Cult of Lilith are technically a young band in the sense that they only have one EP available but with the release of their impending full length debut Mara they stand to crush it in the death metal scene with a sound that's akin to modern heavy weights in the scene but with their own unique take on it and unique use of odd instruments to firmly place the exclamation mark on it all. Harpsichord, 80s style synth, and intriguing songcraft make this band stand out from the crowd like an orange flag in a sea of black.

Just ahead of Mara's release, vocalist Mario Infantes took some time to chat with Buke about the album, its uniqueness and why certain odd instruments were used. They also spend some time on their self tag of Necromechanical Baroque and its meaning, how they overthink everything, Mario's entrance to the band and his backstory as it relates to music in general with Rammstein front and center, why it's important to not have a shitty sounding album, lyrical themes, how the game Doom ties in to one of the new tracks, an epic gaming conversation, album artwork, and so much more! This truly is an amazing conversation between two likeminded folks so jump in and enjoy!

Mara will be available September 4 on Bandcamp, and on Metal Blade Records. To keep up with all things Cult of Lilith, visit their official website and Facebook page.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Exist's Max Phelps on new album Egoiista, life for the band since their last album, advantages of longer songs, music teaching, Chuck Schuldiner's lasting legacy, and so much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Baltimore, MD's Exist have a deep lineage across the metal spectrum and with some of the most heralded bands in history. So it should come as no surprise they've made a splash since their mid 2000s debut or that they've shared tours with many elite bands. Their first two albums were an encyclopedia of how progressive metal is done and now with their third, Egoiista, ready to roll they, yet again, hold a masterclass in how to stay atop this crowded genre and dive deeper into their own mechanics to make a junior effort their best yet.

Just ahead of Egoiista's release, Max Phelps took some precious time to chat with Buke about the album, its mechanics and methods of constructing its many moving pieces, and how their complex music lands with fans. They also spend time on the network of metal and how they deal with sharing members across many other projects, the jazz community and its impact on Max, newest member Brody Smith's impact, Chuck Schuldiner's lasting legacy, remembering Sean Reinert, Max's Cynic and Death tie in, and so much more! It's an epic conversation -- jump in and take a listen!

Egoiista will be available August 28 on Bandcamp, and on Prosthetic Records. To keep up with all things Exist, visit their Facebook.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Primitive Man's Ethan Lee McCarthy on new album Immersion, their mind blowing live experience, being louder than anyone else, early influences, and so much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Denver Colorado's Primitive Man have been banging out the sickest and gnarliest sludge/doom jams since 2012 and have risen to the top of this heap in very short order. No light, no hope, ear smashing, and soul crushing are all things this band has been doing with aplomb since their debut Scorn. And now, with their third full length Immersion, the band is poised to slaughter eardrums and souls worldwide. They've figured out exactly how to build tension and let it simmer to the boiling point and have also figured out how to make it explode into a cauldron of hatred so nasty that many will have a tough time looking inside.

Ahead of Immersion's release, Ethan Lee McCarthy took some precious time to chat with Buke about the upcoming album and how it's better to be loud than just be there in the venue. They also spend some time on the band's stunning live experience, the influence of Crowbar, the definition of doom and relevance to the listener, amp and sound experimentation, and so much more! This is their conversation -- jump in and take listen!

Immersion will be available August 14 on Bandcamp, and on Relapse Records. To keep up with all things Primitive Man, visit their official website.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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Judicator was July 2020's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Tue, 11 Aug 2020 05:00:00 +0000

FIFTY EPISODES! HOLY CRAP! I wish we could say we had something special planned for this milestone, but nope...it's just another round of the Nine Circles Audio Thing. The gang gets together for July's Album of the Month: the blistering power metal opus Let There Be Nothing by USPM masters Judicator. Buke managed to wrangle Ian, Angela, Vince, and - in a rare sighting - DAN! Who incidentally had the pick for the month!

As Buke points out, this might be the first time a power metal got picked for AOTM, and it's been a long time coming. Though your humble editor didn't get a chance to join in the audio antics, he did write a rather glowing review of the record you can read here. The gang discusses their experiences with the genre, European versus American power metal, the boost in sonics now that they've moved to Prosthetic Records, and how Judicator continues to crush it in the vocal and guitar solo department.

All that and a "what else did we dig?" in July featuring copious amounts of praise for new label mates Rebel Wizard, among others. There's no better socially distant pastime than getting your mask and headphones on and jumping in on the antics, so let's go!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Necrot's Luca Indrio on their upcoming album Mortal, the importance of hard work, the impact of their debut Blood Offerings, Luca's early days, the Metal vs Racism platform and so much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Wed, 29 Jul 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Bay Area's Necrot have, in short order, become a household name for those of us that love our death metal sinewy and with tons of blood and guts yet keeping intact the basic tenets that death metal was built upon. Their first full length Blood Offerings saw the band explode with tons of positive coverage and electrifying live shows to back it up. And now with their second offering Mortal they build on this success with an even gnarlier sound that will appeal to not only death metal fans but fans of all metal far and wide. There's no escaping the hype train for these guys but it is well deserved, this is a band that is building their future by staying true to themselves and working as hard as they can to share true death metal with the masses. It's vicious, pummeling ecstacy and truly lightning in a bottle.

Ahead of Mortal's release, Luca took some precious time to chat with Buke about the upcoming album and how their hard work has paid dividends to gain as much attention to their brand of death metal as possible. They also spend some time on the impact of their debut Blood Offerings, Luca's early days in Italy organizing shows, why "Stench of Decay" was selected as the lead off single, Luca's Metal vs Racism joint venture with Eric from Gatecreeper, and so much more! This is their conversation -- jump in and take listen!

Mortals will be available August 28 on Bandcamp, and on Tankcrimes. To keep up with all things Necrot, visit their Facebook page.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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Aversio Humanitatis was June 2020's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Wed, 22 Jul 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Episode 48 of The Nine Circles Audio Thing is all about the Album of the Month for June which is Behold the Silent Dwellers by Spain's black metal purveyors Aversio Humanitatis. Buke once again captains the episode joined by Vince, Ian, Charles, and Anton who had the pick for the month!

The crowd may have been thin for this episode but that doesn't mean the discussion was any less than stellar regarding the latest by Aversio Humanitatis, which, as Anton very colorfully points out, may well be their finest work to date. The fact that Behold the Silent Dwellers has racked up loads of positive press is no mistake, the band cohesively marries black and death metal with hints of post and atmospheric metal as if they've been around for far more than ten years. The discussion covers their history and how it stacks up to this release, differing opinions on what they do right and wrong, favorite tracks from this release and their previous release, and praise for their label, Debemur Morti Productions.

All that and a "what else drove our boats" in June section that sees a lengthy discussion on the latest from Vile Creature, among others. At just over 1-1/2 hours, this episode is chock full of stuff to keep you occupied and content during the still ongoing COVID season. So jump in and get an earful!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Falconer's Stefan Weinerhall on new album "From a Dying Ember," closing the book on a 20 year run, future possibilities, who sits at the power metal roundtable, and more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Thu, 2 Jul 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Power metal elicits passion like no other fanbase in metal. As a genre it's stuck to its guns of pomp and bombast, technical wizardry and anthemic hooks and carved a truly unique niche that continues to surprise to this day. And for 20 years over the course of nine albums Falconer have been staunch advocates for forward-thinking, aggressive and righteous metal that never catered to a fad. New album From A Dying Ember may be the closing chapter of the band, but as you'll see from our interview with Stefan Weinerhall the future is always filled with possibilities.

Our champion of the mic Buke sat down with the visionary behind the band to talk about the steps that led to the closing of the Falconer book and the work that went into making From A Dying Ember the quintessential Falconer album. There's a lot to cover in a 20 year career, including songwriting, collaborators, fans and a band's legacy. But this is Nine Circles, so you know Buke manages to pull a lot more out. Synthwave? You bet!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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Netherlands' Timo Ellis on new album "Zombie Techno," side effects of current events and staying busy creating music, an explosive new video, and more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Wed, 1 Jul 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Current events have been a bitch for artists the world over but for Brooklyn rockers, Netherlands, it's afforded the opportunity to double down on creating music. Last week the band released their fifth full length Zombie Techno via frontman Timo Ellis's Records and Tapes Records imprint and it's another in a long line that's incredibly hard to pin down but for those of you living under a rock and completely unaware, their sound is somewhere between sludge, pop, avantmetal, and heavy as heck with amazing vocals. It's catchy, entertaining, unique and carries a powerful message. So, yeah...if you like Netherlands, it's time to get excited and if you don't know, it's time to get acquainted.

In conjunction with all that, Ellis took some time to chat with our own Josh Stewart about the making of Zombie Techno, how current events have affected them, staying extremely busy making music, and their latest video. And speaking of busy, we get a hint of their sixth full length! They covered all that and tons more in a terrific conversation, which we're thrilled to bring to you here on The Nine Circles Audio Thing. Jump on in and check it out!

NETHERLANDS LINKS: Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram (website and video linked above)

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Wilderun's Evan Berry on their latest album Veil of Imagination, patience in waiting for a label deal, cancelled touring plans, Berklee College of Music, and so much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Wed, 24 Jun 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Wilderun have, in a short timeframe, become a household name for progressive heavy metal fans and on the strength of their third full length Veil of Imagination, first for Century Media, they quite firmly place themselves at the forefront of thinking man's progressive metal. We all need a reason to jump, cheer, and throw the horns right now and this band, and new album, is reason for all this.

In light of Veil of Imagination's release, and subsequent major label release, vocalist, and guitarist Evan Berry took some precious time to chat with Buke about the album and how they were extremely patient about a major label deal. They also spend some time on their cancelled touring plans, Berklee College of Music, a quarantine video, and a whole mess of other topics. This is their conversation -- jump in and take listen!

Veil of Imagination is available now on the band's Bandcamp page and on Century Media Records July 17. To keep up with all things Wilderun, visit their official website.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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Paradise Lost was May 2020's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Wed, 3 Jun 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Episode 44 of The Nine Circles Audio Thing is all about the Album of the Month for May which is Obsidian by veteran UK gothic/death/doom/metal purveyors Paradise Lost. Buke once again captains the episode joined by Vince, Angela, and Ian, who had the pick for the month!

The crowd may have been thin for this episode but that doesn't mean the discussion was any less than stellar regarding the latest by Paradise Lost, which, as Ian points out, may well be their finest work to date. The fact that Obsidian has racked up loads of positive press is no mistake, our whole team has been head over heels for this thing pretty much since receiving it. The discussion covers their 30 plus year history and how it stacks up to this release, a battle over lead singer choices, prog elements (again), and a host of differing opinions of where to go next if you're just jumping aboard the Paradise Lost train.

All that and a "what else drove our boats" section, a gaming section, and a cooking section...yes, a cooking section. At close to 1-1/2 hours, this episode is chock full of stuff to keep you occupied and content during the still ongoing COVID season. So jump in and get an earful!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Blood Red, Audio Edition. Episode 1: BLOOD QUANTUM (2019)

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Tue, 26 May 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Is COVID still a thing? COVID must still be a thing, because we're all bored out of our minds in quarantine. But that's okay, because that boredom has brought us here: to the debut aural edition of the Blood Red column here on the Nine Circles Audio Thing!

That's right: we're gonna be talking horror here on the Audio Thing, folks. Blood Red mastermind Chris rounded up Dan and Chris for the first of what will hopefully be many shriektastic conversations going forward. Zombies, slashers, demons, psychologicals...you name it, we'll watch and then dissect it here on the pod. Between Chris and Dan's love of horror and Buke's love of comic relief, it should definitely make for a podcast.

In this first edition, the guys got together to talk about the 2019 film, Blood Quantum, by director Jeff Barnaby. The film tells the story of a zombie outbreak through the perspective of the Mi'kmaq First Nations tribe in northeast Canada. There's all the blood and gore you'd expect, but also an interesting perspective shift you might not see coming.

Can't say too much more without triggering a SPOILER ALERT, but take our word for it: it's worth a watch. Wanna learn more? You can stream Blood Quantum exclusively on Shudder. And then, jump on in and give Episode 1 a listen!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Nine Circles presents...an ALTERNATE take on the 2020 Name of the Year bracket!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Mon, 18 May 2020 07:00:00 +0000

On May 7, No. 1 overall seed Mathdaniel Squirrel cleaned up in the annual Name of the Year championship. The convicted carjacker from Topeka, KS, cleaned up not just the fan-voted tournament bracket, but also took top honors from the Name of the Year High Committee. It was a two-fer achieved only three times prior in the almost 40-year history of the tournament, by previous winners Vanilla Dong (2007), Taco B.M. Monster (2011) and Shamus Beaglehole (2014).

But was Squirrel the winner in the eyes of your Nine Circles staff? You'll have to listen to find out!

Kick back and listen to a hilarious discussion of some even more hilarious names, as Dan, Chris, Buke and special guest Patrick Leyn -- bassist in Pile of Priests -- get together to pick their own winner. Each took on one of the NOTY regions and let the others decide on the matchups. Will Squirrel emerge victorious once more? Or will unheralded sleepers like Hannah Moody-Goo or Dudley Onderdonk steal our title? Jump on in and find out!

And when you're done, make sure to check out the singles from Pile of Priests' new, self-titled album, which drops this Friday!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Pile of Priests on their upcoming self titled album, life during Covid, working with Dan Swanö, 70,000 Tons of Metal and so much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Thu, 14 May 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Denver's Pile of Priests have been around since 2009 and have slowly been carving out a name for themselves in the death metal arena. Their first full length Void To Enlightenment saw the band get down and dirty with their own style which traverses tech death but offered so much more than just tech and old school. And now with their second offering Pile of Priests they truly carve their own path in today's death metal landscape with razor sharp attention to detail and nasty little hooks that set deep. This is an album that will appeal to a broad set of metal and heavy rock fans, it's broad and diverse without ever losing its vicious edge.

Ahead of Pile of Priests' release, Evan, Patrick, and Daryl took some precious time to chat with Buke about the upcoming album and how it was to work with a legend such as Dan Swanö. They also spend some time on the 70,000 Tons of Metal cruise, the Denver metal scene, not being proggy, and a whole mess of other topics. This is their conversation -- jump in and take listen!

Pile of Priests will be available May 22 on Bandcamp, and on Extreme Metal Music. To keep up with all things Pile of Priests, visit their Facebook page.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Katatonia was April 2020's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Tue, 12 May 2020 05:00:00 +0000

Holy crap, we made it to Episode 40 of The Nine Circles Audio Thing! It may be May, but this here is the Album of the Month for April which is City Burials by veteran Swedish art/doom/metal/anything goes rockets Katatonia. Buke once again captains the episode joined by Vince, Ian, Angela, Charles, and Hera, who had the pick for the month!

Hearts may be divided concerning the latest by Katatonia, which traverses a family wide spectrum of styles. But that doesn't stop our stalwart staff from making this one of our longest episodes ever as the team discusses the bait-and-switch of lead single "Lacquer", the merits of prog elements in metal, and whether it's worth checking out the band's earlier, more overtly black metal releases (ed. note: It is. Very much so).

All that and a "what else drove our boats" section that clock in at almost an hour makes this episode chock full of stuff to keep you occupied and content during the Spring of COVID. So jump in and get an earful!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Metal Logo March... er, April... Madness!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Thu, 16 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Do you miss sports? Basket hoops and kicky foot...man, how have we gone a whole month-plus without those?

Well, some of the podcast crew here at Nine Circles misses sports, and others still are pretending to miss sports, so we decided to act on all that... missing... happening right now and create our own sports thing! Specifically, we made a March Madness-style bracket of 64 metal bands and decided to rank and eliminated them based on their logos.

Except it happened in April. And didn't have nearly as sound a methodology as actual March Madness does. And didn't involve any actual activity. But still, in these quarantined times, we've gotta lean on our kinda-sports for entertainment. Just like folks who watch ESPN 8: The Ocho.

Anyway! Dan, Buke, Corey and Chris got together and turned this half-cocked concept into probably our longest Audio Thing episode to date. Laughs? Many. Static? Much. Awkward pauses? ALMOST entirely edited out. But most importantly, a light-hearted conversation about a topic we all know and love, to break up the monotony of bleakness the novel coronavirus has draped over our lives? ...maaaaaaaybe?

If you've got an hour -- or two and 49 minutes -- to spare, jump on in and take a listen. You might not regret doing so!

9C LINKS: [Website][1] | [Facebook][2] | [Twitter][3] | [Instagram][4]
[1]: https://ninecircles.co
[2]: https://www.facebook.com/NineCirclesBlog/
[3]: https://twitter.com/_NineCircles
[4]: https://www.instagram.com/_NineCircles/

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Wake was March 2020's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Calgary heavyweights WAKE dropped their fifth full-length, Devouring Ruin, on March 27. The album marks a further sonic departure for the one-time grindsters; this time out, the quintet serves up a compelling amalgam of black-, death-, post- and everything in between. The album's gotten a ton of acclaim since its release, and that extends to the crew here at Nine Circles -- with a couple of folks even calling it an early Album of the Year contender.

For now, though, it'll have to settle for being our Album of the Month for March, and we had one of the biggest parties we've ever had on the pod -- properly isolated and on Zoom, of course -- to discuss it. A full EIGHT people from our blog team hopped on to chat, with Buke hosting Vince, Ian, Anton, Jon, Charles, Hera and Audio Thing first-timer Angela for a far-ranging conversation.

But that's not all! Charles also made the case for why the new Spectral Lore / Mare Cognitum split was his album of the month, while Buke steered the conversation toward the video game realm with his praise for the metallized soundtrack of the new Doom: Eternal. There was also more conversation than probably should have been had about the Netflix special, Tiger King -- which is to say, there was any discussion at all about it.

All that and tons more on this edition of the Audio Thing, so jump on in and take a listen!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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GiantBomb's Alex Navarro on Video Games, Metal, and More!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Sun, 29 Mar 2020 05:00:00 +0000

It's metal-adjacent time as Buke goes all in on his other passion - video games - with Alex Navarro of GiantBomb! I know...it's crazy to think we have other interests other than fist-raising, head-banging riffage, but video games are near and dear to many of our blackened hearts, and in this new world of self isolation there are few better diversions than jumping in for an hour (or eight or ten) of glorious high resolution twitch tomfoolery. Alex has been a presence in the industry for over 15 years, with both GameSpot and GiantBomb, so there's no one better to kick off some serious gaming conversations here at Nine Circles!

Check out the great content at GiantBomb here. You can follow Alex on Twitter and check out his band None Above All on Bandcamp.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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Traveler's Matt Ries on upcoming album "Termination Shock," touring at the outset of a pandemic, recording at home, and so much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Wed, 25 Mar 2020 07:00:00 +0000

In a year's time, Canada's Traveler have become a household name for heavy metal fans and are set to release their sophomore effort Termination Shock a month from now. Plainly put, it is yet another example of how necessary traditional heavy metal is in today's terms. We all need a reason to jump, cheer, and throw the horns right now and this band, and new album, is reason for all this. The band's self titled debut was a tour-de-force last year and this one eclipses it by a mile with better instrumentation, better songwriting and deeper references realized that us old heads hold so dear and that new fans will be over the moon for.

Ahead of Termination Shock's release, guitarist, founding member, and primary songwriter Matt Ries took some precious time to chat with Buke about the upcoming album and how they nearly were stuck abroad at the outset of our current pandemic. They also spend some time on the process of recording at home, several favorite artists, Iron Maiden, and a whole mess of other topics. This is their conversation -- jump in and take listen!

Termination Shock will be available April 24 on the band's Bandcamp page and on Gates of Hell Records. To keep up with all things Traveler, visit their Facebook page and support them on their Bigcartel page.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Intronaut was February 2020's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Fluid Existential Inversions is the sixth full length from L.A.'s Intronaut and it's another stellar stop on their journey that's taken them from sludge to atmospheric post-metal to truly progressive metal and everything in between. But, one thing is, and has been, abundantly clear about the band; each new album sees them actually progress in lieu of stagnate. Because of that, the conversation was all over the place but a deep discussion was had and resoundingly everyone liked it to one degree or another.

Jon had the pick this month and was joined by first-timer Ian and long-timer Vince with Charles and Buke rounding out the bullpen. There's lots of talk surrounding Intronaut's past and how it has shaped their trajectory over the years, the effects of a new drummer on this recording, the band's Cloudkicker connection, and BASS LINES aplenty, as well as colorful commentary surrounding the genius of Fluid Existential Inversions and how it stacks up.

All that, and of course lots of talk surrounding several other albums that piqued everyone's interest in February. And, since we missed January's pick, there's plenty more from the first month of the year. At a little over an hour there's a load of talk and great music mentioned, so jump in and satiate your desire for podcast companionship. Support your favorite music!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Chris and Dan Count Down Their Favorite Non-Metal of 2019!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Tue, 24 Dec 2019 06:00:00 +0000

Episode 34 of the Nine Circles Audio Thing takes a break from all that loud metal for the holidays as Chris and Dan go on for probably too long about their favorite non-metal music of 2019. NOW WITH FIXED AUDIO...KIND OF!

We don't often get a chance to wax poetic about the things that float our boat that don't include blast beats, breakdowns, and screaming on the site or podcast, so Chris and Dan sat down and (kinda) overcame a bunch of technical glitches to talk about what music moved them over the past year. We've got neo-country, African blues, garage and psych rock galore, not to mention a metric ton of pop that'll sizzle your earholes.

So don't be afraid...put down that brutal hardcore and join us as we get into corners previously hitherto unexplored on the Nine Circles Audio Thing. And Happy Holidays!!!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Schammasch was November 2019's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Tue, 17 Dec 2019 08:00:00 +0000

Hearts of No Light is the fourth full length from Switzerland's forward thinking black metallers Schammasch and it's packed with so many different genres, tags, and out-of-this-world jams that at times it seems that black metal is just a footer to hold up their massive sound. Their last album, Triangle, was a three disc epic but here they pack all that into one disc with a tight 67 minute run time making them the champions of fitting ten pounds of goo in a two pound bag. Because of that, opinions varied wildly and the conversation was all over the place.

Zyklonius and Corey had the pick this month but Corey was out tackling life so Zyklonius picked up the torch and ran with it along with Charles and Vincent. There's talk of Schammasch's past as well as plenty of commentary wizardry surrounding the genius of Hearts of No Light and how it stacks up to this grandiose discography as well as metal in general.

All that, and of course lots of talk surrounding several other albums that piqued everyone's interest in November, and, as usual, Charles doesn't like one of the picks. But, we love him anyway. At just shy of an hour there's a load of talk and great music mentioned, so jump on in and satiate your desire for podcast companionship. Support your favorite music!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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Vomit Fist's Nick and Leo Didkovsky on new album "Omnicide," the (un)importance of genre tags, Frogvasions, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 08:00:00 +0000

After five long years Vomit Fist just released Omnicide and it seriously challenges the basis for genre tagging in the sense that they've taken the blackened grindcore from their debut, Forgive But Avenge, and molded it into a forward thinking art form. It's wild, reckless abandon one second and jazzy exploration the next but even that explanation is selling its many successes short. Then there's the fantastic lyrical narrative here that continues the story from the debut and the words themselves from vocalist Malcolm Hoyt which are, again, their own art form. To put it another way, there's so much to unpack with this album that a few sincere listens just won't cut it, it deserves some serious time and attention to truly capture everything the band has to offer.

On the heels of Omnicide's release, guitarist Nick Didkovsky and drummer Leo Didkovsky took some time to chat with Josh about the album's development and how (un)important genre tags are in light of this new album. They also spend some time on Nick's label Punos Music, the fantastic album art from Paulo Girardi, how Josh initially discovered the band, a choice cut from their debut and its lasting impression, and a whole mess of other topics. This is their conversation -- jump in and take listen!

Omnicide is available now on the band's Bandcamp page and on Punos Music. To keep up with all things Vomit Fist, visit their official website.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Exhumed was October 2019's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Tue, 19 Nov 2019 08:00:00 +0000

Since Episode 31 of the Nine Circles Audio Thing is for the October Album of the Month, it's fitting we're chatting about Exhumed and their latest deathgrind masterpiece Horror. I mean, what better month to wax on blood, guts, death metal, and all those sorts of dark things! Plus, we had an almost full house which offered tons of viewpoints and tons of great discussion about this album and so much more.

Josh had the pick this month and was joined by Vince, Charles, Jon, Heracat, Buke, Anton, and Schuler, who some of you may remember from his 9C column Yelphammer or you might know him from his current radio show Deathdrive 90.5. With the house almost full, opinions varied but overall it's safe to say this is a FUN album but the best thing is we had a couple newcomers to Exhumed who will no doubt enjoy playing catch up. For a band that's been around since the early 90s, obviously the history went deep as did the comparisons to and recommendations for such a deep discography.

All that, and of course lots of talk surrounding several other albums that piqued everyone's interest in October, and some old arguments resurfaced which got interesting. At a little over an hour there's a load of talk and great music mentioned, so jump on in and satiate your desire for podcast companionship. Support your favorite music!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Opeth was September 2019's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Thu, 31 Oct 2019 02:00:00 +0000

Right at the tail end of the month we bring you our most delayed AOTM yet! Episode 30 of the Nine Circles Audio Thing has the geometry you need, provided it comes in fours, because that's how many people we have lined up to talk about the Swedish Gods themselves, Opeth and their groove-tacular new observation In Cauda Venenum! The gang tries to put words together to wax on and off about the album and other things as well...in other words, a totally typical Album of the Month selection for September 2019!

Chris and Buke had the joint pick this month, but a last minute wedding knocked Buke out, leaving Chris to face the ferocity of Charles who has...issues with the band's later output. Jon and Fearless Editor in Chief Josh level the playing field as the gang gets many words in regarding songwriting, the wank-level of keyboards, how Jon isn't ready to talk about Dream Theater's The Astonishing yet, and a lot more regarding Opeth's journey through metal's many many genres.

All that, and of course lots of gab around the other albums that piqued everyone's interest in September. Lots of tasty morsels on hand, so jump on in and satiate your desire for podcast companionship. Better yet, head over to your favorite streaming site and give In Cauda Venenum a listen...maybe even buy it. Support your favorite music!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Car Bomb's Greg Kubacki on "Mordial," advantages of DIY, Metallica, and much more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Wed, 23 Oct 2019 07:00:00 +0000

Car Bomb is, in many ways, an anomaly in extreme metal. They've done things on their own terms for nearly twenty years now and with each new album they continue to push not only their own boundaries but the boundaries of extreme metal. The recently released Mordial is yet another shining example of pushing forward and even toppling their fantastic Meta from 2016. Progressive, mathy, grind, bombastic, are all tags that fit the band's sound but still barely touch the totality of their capabilities and they showcase all of this and so much more on this new album.

On the heels of Mordial's release, guitarist and co-founder Greg Kubacki took some time to chat with Josh about the album's development and how important being DIY has been for them over the years. They also spend some time on Metallica and Gojira, a recent trip to Germany's Euroblast, a venture with Holy Roar Records, and a whole mess of other topics. This is their conversation -- jump in and take listen!

Mordial is available now on the band's Bandcamp page and on Holy Roar Records. To keep up with all things Car Bomb, visit their official website.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Creeping Death's Trey Pemberton on new album "Wretched Illusions" college football, and more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Wed, 9 Oct 2019 06:00:00 +0000

Wretched Illusions, the debut full-length from Dallas, TX's death metal powerhouse Creeping Death landed on September 27th on Entertainment One and it's a screeching old school groove death fest, with more riffs than a Catskill comic and an authenticity that's second to none. The 9C crew has been keeping this on repeat since it came into the old inbox, and we couldn't wait to get the chance to hit the band up for some more info.

Enter our Master of the Microphone Buke, who had the chance to talk to guitarist Trey Pemberton about all manner of things, including the Texas metal scene, the continuing perils of marketing yourself via cave video, and a veritable cornucopia of other things. We now proudly present that conversation to you, the discerning Nine Circles listener. Jump on in and take a listen!

9C LINKS: [Website][5] | [Facebook][6] | [Twitter][7] | [Instagram][8]

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Hope Drone was August 2019's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Wed, 18 Sep 2019 21:00:00 +0000

We're back in classic trio format to cover all the angles for Episode 27 of the Nine Circles Audio Thing! Chris, Vincent and Charles come together like some weird off-brand Voltron to discuss the long-awaited return of Australian black/post/little bit of everything hybrid **Hope Drone** and their new slab of grief Void Lustre - our Album of the Month selection for August 2019!!

Charles obstensibly has the pick this month, but unlike the last time the three of these knuckleheads got together it's a far more harmonious ship, as the gang agrees that - regardless how you label it - what Hope Drone accomplish on their new album is some might fine stuff. The question of genre labeling is brought up, as is the way a piece of music can affect different people in different ways. Much is made of that epic album closer, and the gang brings up a veritable stew of other music they dug in the month of August.

Lots of good stuff on deck, so jump on in and satisfy those nasty cravings with our inane ramblings. Better yet, head over to your favorite streaming site and give Void Lustre a listen...maybe even buy it. Support your favorite music!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Falls of Rauros was July's 2019's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Sun, 25 Aug 2019 18:44:00 +0000

With some last minute injuries our Scholar of the First Sin Hera is called from the bench to lead Episode 26 of the Nine Circles Audio Thing! Together with Vincent and Charles depths are plumbed and gauntlets are thrown concerning the many, many virtues of Patterns in Mythology, the latest from black/folk/all kinds of metal Falls of Rauros - our Album of the Month selection for July 2019!

Hera had the pick, but you would've thought it was Vincent - he's the Gilead cheerleader, after all. But everyone is in agreement this time: Falls of Rauros have knocked it out of the park and delivered their best album yet in Patterns in Mythology. The gang talks about integrating different genres into black metal without being disjointed, the dynamic tension between soft and heavy songs, and yeah - there's lots of talk about what else folks were listening to in July.

It's the dog days of summer, but Nine Circles has got your back with killer talk and recommendations. So jump on in and indulge in the succulent opinions contained herein. Better yet, head over to your favorite streaming site and give Patterns in Mythology a listen...maybe even buy it. Support your favorite music!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Baroness was June 2019's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Sun, 28 Jul 2019 12:00:00 +0000

Episode 25! How the hell did we make 25 of these?! It boggles the mind, but not as much as the production choices on Gold & Grey, the latest from Savannah rocking sludge merchants Baroness and not coincidentally our Album of the Month selection for June 2019!

Buke has the pick this month, and he guides there rest of the crew, including Chris, Hera, Jon and Vincent through the highs and lows of his experience with the album, and much is made of the stunning addition of Gina Gleason to the fold...but dang can we talk about the production? In other news it's also a chance for the gang to wax poetic on their favorite records from the first half of the year, so get your pencils sharpened because there's been a ton of great music released. It's the best kind of homework!

All that, and and a brief crash course in the silliness of early Christian extreme metal. In other words, just another day for the Nine Circles Audio Thing!

So jump on in and enjoy the mischief. Better yet, head over to your favorite streaming site and give Gold & Grey a listen too (or buy it even). Support your favorite music!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Darkthrone was May 2019's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Sat, 29 Jun 2019 02:00:00 +0000

It's a crowded house, but not Crowded House because we're a metal site and I can't get anyone to do a retrospective on the genius of Temple of Low Men. Anyway, if you're reading these words you know it's Album of the Month time and - as usual - it's right under the wire. But when you have a new album from Darkthrone you're damn right we're gonna want to talk about it. That's right, folks...Old Star is our Album of the Month selection for May 2019!

Chris has the pick this month, and his unbridled enthusiasm threatens to overwhelm the show. Luckily both Charles and Buke are on hand to cool the waters a bit, but since Chris also produces the podcast he can he can cut out any anti-Darkthrone language (don't worry - he didn't). Dan returns from the abyss to add his two cents about the album and to rally the troops around the best power metal album of the year, and Vincent? Well, Vincent's just here toss out choice bon mots sure to anger the online metal community.

In other words, just another ordinary episode of the Nine Circles Audio Thing!

So jump on in and enjoy the hijinks. Better yet, head over to your favorite streaming site and give Old Star a listen too (or buy it even). Support your favorite music!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Paladin's Taylor Washington on new album "Ascension" making videos, and more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Wed, 5 Jun 2019 07:00:00 +0000

Ascension, the debut full-length from Atlanta, GA's power/thrash outfit Paladin landed on May 17th on Prosthetic Records and it's a barn burner with more chops than a Shaw Brothers film. Seriously, this one is a rager, one the whole 9C crew is head over heels for, hitting old and new school sensibilities alike.

Over Memorial Day Weekend vocalist and guitarist Taylor Washington sat down to chat and ring the inaugural bell with the newest feather in Nine Circles's cap, Matt, about all manner of things, including the plethora of influences the band wears on its sleeve, the perils of making a video in the modern metal age, and a host of other things. We now proudly present that conversation to you, the discerning Nine Circles listener. Jump on in and take a listen!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Allegaeon was April 2019's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Wed, 22 May 2019 14:41:00 +0000

We're back, and in (almost) trio format! Think of it as Rush when they were a blues band, or like a bunch of folks with no idea what they're doing but enthusiastic about it anyway, the Album of the Month series keeps on a-rolling, with Allegaeon taking the honors thanks to their unbridled guitar-wheedling fury that is Apoptosis - our Album of the Month selection for April 2019!

Charles has the pick this month, and he takes Chris and Vincent on a wild ride through the twisted progressive tech death that is the fifth offering from Allegaeon. Charles loves the 20-ideas-a-minute riffage, Chris has a hard time getting past the first song, and Vincent? Well, let's just say this isn't in his wheelhouse!

All that plus a ghostly visit from beyond the ether courtesy of our Scholar of the First Sin Hera, who has her own strong (re: explicit) views on the album. Will she like it? Will anyone come out alive after this thing is over? You'll have to tune in to find out on the latest edition of the Nine Circles Audio Thing!

So jump on in and enjoy the hijinks. Better yet, dead over to Bandcamp and give Apoptosis a listen too! Support your favorite music!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Devin Townsend was March 2019's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Tue, 16 Apr 2019 01:19:00 +0000

It's almost as if we kinda know what we're doing! Like an elephant bashing the drums with a gorilla on guitar, the Album of the Month series continues its ramshackle adventure into the heart of metal, this time crowning Devin Townsend and his solo opus Empath as our Album of the Month selection for March 2019!

Once again it's (almost) all hands on deck as Chris, Hera, Dan, Jon, and Anton jump into the twisted journey that is Hevy Devy's latest offering, out March 29th through Inside Out Records. Much is made about Empath's sonic summation of Townsend's career to date, and the gang wander into many different corners of the man's creative powers. We talk about genre mashing, the many, many guests on the record (Chad Kroeger, really? Yes!), the question of where someone who has been as unfettered creatively as Townsend goes next, and we even take some time to talk about other albums that rocked the boat in the month of March.

All that plus more tangents, asides and rambling anecdotes than you can shake a stick at! So jump on in and enjoy the hijinks. Better yet, head on over to your service of choice and give Empath a listen, too!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

MASTOCHAT: "Crack the Skye" turns 10!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Fri, 12 Apr 2019 13:25:00 +0000

On March 24th, 1999 the heavens parted and the world was gifted the glory of "Crack the Skye," the fourth album from Mastodon. Their second outing on a major label, it's a sprawling prog-rock opus, sparing no expense to craft majestic riffs and killer hooks that ten years continue to reveal nuances and intricacies folks are talking about.

Or at least we are. Chris, Dan, and Josh sit down to talk about the role the album and the band had on their lives, the introduction of Brann Dailor as a major vocal contributor, and the evolution of Mastodon from "Remission" all the up to 2017's "Emperor of Sand." Much is made about opening and closing tracks, references to Judas Priest are made, and rankings are established for you the public to rail against. We also get to hear Josh's daughter accompany the podcast on piano.

Agree? Disagree? Either way, this chat was a ton of fun for us and we hope you enjoy it, too. Jump on in and take a listen!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Moon Tooth's Nick Lee on upcoming album "Crux," a new tour, and more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Wed, 20 Mar 2019 07:00:00 +0000

March 29 will see New York's Moon Tooth release their second full length Crux on Modern Static Records. To say it's hard rock with metal armor is putting it lightly since the band shifted their trajectory a bit from 2016's progressive leaning Chromaparagon and opted for some of the most hard charging, arena ready rock they've ever done. It's aggressive and memorable, two things that rarely go together these days but Moon Tooth nails it.

Just ahead of the album's release, guitarist Nick Lee took some time to chat with our own Josh Stewart about the new album, a current tour with one of the album's producers Mark Morton, lessons learned, solid advice for any new band, and all manner of other things Crux-related. We now present that conversation to you. Jump on in and take a listen!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Ithaca was February 2019's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Wed, 13 Mar 2019 00:53:00 +0000

Two in a row! And not nearly as late as usual! Like an out of control freight train in a late 90s action film, the Album of the Month series continues its perilous journey, this time picking Ithaca and their debut full-length The Language of Injury -- our Album of the Month selection for February 2019!

It's a full crew as Chris, Hera, Dan, Jon, Vincent and New Guy Charles dive into the brutal and beautiful hardcore of UK-based Ithaca's debut full length, out February 1st through Holt Roar Records. We celebrate Hera's birthday, put Charles through our ritualistic hazing, and talk a lot about the expectations of a hardcore album and how over the course of 30 minutes Ithaca subverts them. Technical difficulties are surmounted, and we dive into what else ticked our collective fancies in February.

All that plus a special end guest (not really - its just Josh)! So jump on in and enjoy the hijinks. Better yet, head on over to Bandcamp and give Ithaca a listen, too!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Mo'ynoq was January 2019's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Sat, 23 Feb 2019 17:13:00 +0000

And we're back! And late as usual! Happy 2019, folks...the Album of the Month series returns, bestowing the honor upon Mo'ynoq and their debut full-length Dreaming in a Dead Language -- our Album of the Month selection for January 2019!

Vincent and Hera captain the ship for the start of 2019 to discuss the debut full-length from North Carolina's Mo'ynoq which dropped into our lives January 11 via independent release. Much is made of albums that are "growers" and Vincent laments the lack of respect afforded his picks (don't worry, we love you Vincent!). Hera schools Vincent on the origins of the band's name, and the two discuss what else tickled their collective fancies in January.

So jump on in and enjoy the hijinks. Better yet, head on over to Bandcamp and give Mo'ynoq a listen, too!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Crypteria's Austin Burleigh and Kevin McCombs on the band's new self-titled album and more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 08:00:00 +0000

Floridian death metallers Crypteria released their debut full length, independently, back in October and it's not only a killer trip down the Floridian memory lane but also the perfect album to remind us all what a force that particular branch of death metal is in extremely capable hands.

To say we here at Nine Circles have been blown away by this band is an understatement and because of that Josh reached out to discuss the new album, the band's influences, and the state of death metal in general (including the Floridian strain). They covered all that and tons more in a terrific conversation, which we're thrilled to bring to you here on The Nine Circles Audio Thing. Jump on in and check it out!

CRYPTERIA LINKS: Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram (website linked above)

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Beyond Creation was October 2018's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Tue, 27 Nov 2018 15:42:00 +0000

Surprising no one, we're cutting it right down to the wire on this one...Huzzah! The Album of the Month series returns, bestowing the honor upon Beyond Creation and their new LP Algorythm -- our Album of the Month selection for October 2018!

Chris, Anton, Hera and Vince get together to talk about the Montreal band's third album which dropped October 12 on Season of Mist and its rich complexity, owing in no small part to the fretless bass heroics of new member Hugo Doyon-Karout. Tech death vs. technical death metal is debated, as are the merits of Archspire. What's never in question is how much Algorythm slaps, paying as much attention to songwriting and atmosphere as technical prowess. There's even some time left over to discuss what else the team has been listening to over the course of the month.

So jump on in and enjoy the hijinks. Better yet, head on over to Bandcamp and give Beyond Creation a listen, too!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

ALLFATHER's Tom Ballard on the process behind "And All Will Be Desolation"

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Tue, 20 Nov 2018 17:00:00 +0000

This past September, Rochester, UK, heavyweights Allfather dropped their new full-length, And All Will Be Desolation, to widespread acclaim. Ever since the release of their first EP, No Gods. No Masters, three years back, the band's consistently turned heads with their aggressive, groove-laden sludge riffs. But Desolation ups the ante even by Allfather's own lofty standards, serving up some of their most ferocious, Pike-iest (that's definitely a word, do not question it) tunes to date.

Shortly after its release, vocalist Tom Ballard took some time to chat with our own Josh Stewart about the process behind the album, the influences on display throughout, and all manner of other things Desolation-related. We now present that conversation to you. Jump on in and take a listen!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

A Forest of Stars was September 2018's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Sat, 27 Oct 2018 17:00:00 +0000

Hey, we're late again! A little less late than last time, but...still late! Huzzah! Anyway, we're back with another edition of our Album of the Month series. In this edition, we'll be chatting about A Forest of Stars and their latest effort, Grave Mounds and Grave Mistakes -- our album of the month pick for September!

A Forest of Stars hail from Leeds, UK, and dropped Mounds, their latest full-length, on September 28. To nobody's surprise, the things ends up being a complex listen, with the band leaning fully into its avant-garde tendencies once again. (And even prompting our panelists -- Hera, Vince and Jon -- to launch into a mini discussion about opera in the middle!) Your mileage may vary with our analysis, but hopefully it won't do so with the album!

So jump on in and give us a listen. And better yet, head on over to Bandcamp and give A Forest of Stars a listen, too!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Bummer was August 2018's Album of the Month!!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Fri, 28 Sep 2018 16:00:00 +0000

It's almost October, and...we're late with this! Blame Dan the Nurse. (Sorry, we mean, Dan the almost-nurse.) But, just in the nick of time for our one-month-late AOTM schedule, we're back with our chosen highlight from August: Bummer's Holy Terror!!

Holy Terror, Bummer's debut full-length, dropped on August 24 via Learning Curve Records and High Dive Records. And good lord, did the Kansas City noise/hardcore crew impress our blog team mightily with it. It's just got a little something for everyone -- whether you're into classics like Unsane, more recent stuff like KEN Mode, or just want some hilarious song titles with your sonic kicks-in-the-ass. ("Fred Savage 420," anyone?)

So join Josh, Vince and our newest team member Jonathan Petkau as they break it all down. It's definitely worth your time!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

METALLICAST: "...And Justice for All" turns 30!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Thu, 23 Aug 2018 07:00:00 +0000

On Saturday, Metallica's landmark album, ...And Justice for All, will celebrate its 30th anniversary. Originally released in 1988, the album is notable for many things: for the band's exploration of its progressive side; for their foray into music video-making, with "One"; and of course, for the near-complete lack of low-end through the entirety of the record. (#justiceforjason #woke #replacementbassistsneedlovetoo)

It is also notable for being an enormously successful and influential album, and a tremendous cap for the band's unimpeachable early-era. So, naturally, we wanted to talk about it.

Join Dan and Chris as they wax poetic about the album for more than an hour. The conversation covers the guys' first exposure to the album, a track by track breakdown, and where Justice stands in the pantheon of Metallica. It also covers totally unrelated stuff, like Dokken! And what Dan and Chris are working on musically! (Don't worry, the latter stuff's at the end; if you don't care, you can Irish exit and we will only judge you a little bit.)

Either way, this chat was a ton of fun for us and we hope you enjoy it, too. Jump on in and take a listen!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Imperial Triumphant was July 2018's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Thu, 16 Aug 2018 05:15:00 +0000

It's mid-August, and that means it's time to look back at July for our latest Album of the Month podcast. This month's honoree: Imperial Triumphant!

On July 13, the New York-based avant-garde/blackened death trio dropped their third full-length, Vile Luxury, via Gilead Media. Throughout the album, the band ponders the endless expansion and immensity -- and also, the ugliness and brutality -- of New York City...and its sound thoroughly matches that conceptual ambition. So much so, in fact, that we've scarcely been able to get it out of our heads.

So, we -- Dan, Corey, Chris, the two Joshes, Hera, Anton and Vince-- got together over the weekend to talk about it. Pretty much everyone came down on the same side of things (durr...this thing freaking rules), but almost everyone had a different way of getting to that conclusion. Which, as you might guess, made for a pretty cool discussion. We also talked to Audio Thing debutant Josh Thieler -- who, you know, also does music in Slaves BC, Twilight Fauna and more -- about some things he's got coming down the pipeline musically. SPOILER ALERT: you should be excited.

All that and loads more, so jump on in and take a listen!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

BEHIND THE CROOKED 'CAST: a 30th-anniversary look-back at Slayer's "South of Heaven"

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Thu, 2 Aug 2018 04:00:00 +0000

On July 5, Slayer's fourth album, South of Heaven turned 30 years old. And today -- juuuuust a bit late, because that's how we roll here at the Audio Thing -- we're here to celebrate it.

Widely acknowledged as a landmark in the band's catalogue and thrash in general -- if not quite as big of one as Reign in Blood -- the album was also an enormous influence on two of Nine Circles' elder statesmen -- Chris and Josh -- in their rampant, blood-spilling youths.

So in honor of that influence, they got together for an audio retrospective on South of Heaven. The two break things down track by track and try to get to the bottom of why exactly this thing scratched the itch for 'em back then -- and how it continues to do so now. Jump on in and take a listen!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Netherlands' Timo Ellis on the band's new album, "Black Gaia," and more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Thu, 26 Jul 2018 04:00:00 +0000

It's going to be a busy couple of months for Brooklyn rockers, Netherlands. On August 24, they'll be releasing their new album, Black Gaia via frontman Timo Ellis's Records and Tapes Records imprint. A week or so later, they'll head out on the road with none other than Mastodon and Dinosaur Jr. for a quick trek across the U.S. and Canada. So, yeah...if you like Netherlands, it's time to get excited.

Ahead of all that, Ellis took some time to chat with our own Josh Stewart about the making of Black Gaia, some of the influences that crept into the album, and just how that mega tour came about. (Hint: it involves Gojira frontman Joe Duplantier!) They covered all that and tons more in a terrific conversation, which we're thrilled to bring to you here on The Nine Circles Audio Thing. Jump on in and check it out!

NETHERLANDS LINKS: Bandcamp | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram (website linked above)

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Group Chat: Highlights from the first half of 2018!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Thu, 19 Jul 2018 04:52:00 +0000

Time for another audio thing! In this edition, the group gets together to discuss some of their favorite albums from the first half of the year. (Yes, we're aware it's halfway through July. Promptness, thy name is NOT Nine Circles.)

In any case...Dan, Corey, Chris, Hera and Vince got together for a Google Hangout a little while back to run through these. In some cases, you'll hear about stuff we've already covered on the blog (Ulvesang, Judas Priest, etc.) but most of these haven't been touched on in writing yet. It's well past time we gave them their due. Plus, Chris and Corey dropped, like, 25 different sarcastic references to In Flames' Battles, because reasons. It was...well, it was definitely words, I can tell you that much.

Anyway, there's loads more here to unpack, so jump on in and take a listen!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Gaerea was June 2018's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 04:05:00 +0000

Welcome back! In this month's edition of our Album of the Month chat, we discuss Vince's pick for June, Gaerea's Unsettling Whispers. The Portuguese black metal troop dropped their debut full-length on June 22 via Transcending Obscurity.

Your pod team this time out includes Dan, Corey, Chris, Vince and Hera, who got together for a Google Hangout this past weekend to talk about the album. And unlike previous editions of this segment, there were...some differing opinions to be had this time out?! (Shock. Horror. I know.) Anyway, we all had a good time with the conversation, and we hope you will, too. Jump on in and take a listen!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

Amorphis was May 2018's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 05:05:00 +0000

It's a new month, so we're back with another chat about our favorite album from the old month! For this May-2018-edition of old-month, that album is Amorphis' spellbinding new set, Queen of Time. It's the Finnish legends' thirteenth album to date, and we here at the blog were all pretty taken with it.

This time out, "we here at the blog" translates to: Dan, Corey, Chris, Vince, Hera and Mark. Josh S. wanted to be here, too, but Google Hangouts had other ideas and wouldn't let him in. SO MUCH FOR NOT BEING EVIL, AMIRITE? Anyway, we all got together this past Sunday to discuss the album and are thrilled to be bringing that conversation to you now. Jump on in and take a listen!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

YOB's Aaron Rieseberg on "Our Raw Heart," defeating adversity, and more!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Thu, 31 May 2018 04:00:00 +0000

After a tumultuous year-and-a-half-plus that, including a near-fatal case of diverticulitis for frontman Mike Scheidt, YOB is set to release its new album, Our Raw Heart, in a little over a week. It's one of the most anticipated albums of the year, both here at Nine Circles and in the metal world at large -- not just for the saga that led to its creation, but also...because YOB is kinda the best?

Ahead of the album's release, bassist Aaron Rieseberg took some time to chat with Josh about the album's development and how the band overcame the circumstances that spawned it. They also touched on touring, Aaron's side project, Norska, and a whole mess of other topics. This is their conversation -- jump in and take a listen!

Our Raw Heart will be out June 8 via Relapse Records. You can pre-order it via the label's online store or via Bandcamp.

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Panopticon was April 2018's Album of the Month!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Mon, 14 May 2018 03:39:00 +0000

The Nine Circles Audio Thing is back again! This time out, it's our album of the month for April 2018, which you'll already be able to identify if you read the title of the post. If you didn't, um...if at first you don't succeed, try, try again?

At any rate, April's album of the month was Panopticon's The Scars of Man on the Once Nameless Wilderness, I & II. (Henceforth referred to as "The Scars of Man" because dear lord, what a mouthful.) Dan, Corey, Chris, Vince and Hera got together on Mother's Day night ("Mother's Night"?) to discuss Austin Lunn's latest opus -- a two-hour journey through both black metal and, separately, folk and dark Americana.

But what'd we think of it? You'll have to listen to find out! This is the first in what we hope will be many of these going forward, so dive on in, soak it up, and let us know what you think! And don't forget to like, rate and review once we get things up and running on iTunes!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky

SPECIAL BIRTHDAY PODCAST YAY!

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Fri, 4 May 2018 21:29:00 +0000

Originally published 4/11/2018

That's right, folks -- four years ago(!), Dan and Corey registered the first email address for Nine Circles (then known as Horns Up…oof…) and started us off on this crazy adventure through which we’ve come to become, erm…somewhat positive contributors to the metal blogosphere? I guess?

SO, to celebrate, the two founders — plus current editors / writers / life-signer-awayers extraordinaire Josh Stewart and Chris Voss — got together and recorded a special birthday audio thing. We took a look back at the blog’s origins, assessed where we are now, and put forth some ideas for the future that we’re all pretty excited about. That’s all after the jump, so click on through and give it a listen!

(Excuse the somewhat muted audio from Chris’s feed throughout the chat. We blame Google for that. We don’t know how, exactly, but…somehow, it’s their fault.)

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Couch Slut's "Contempt" -- the Nine Circles group review

ninecirclesblog@gmail.com (Nine Circles) — Fri, 4 May 2018 21:06:00 +0000

Originally published 7/26/2017

As y’all know, we here at Nine Circles were pretty big fans of Couch Slut's first album, My Life as a Woman. (Or maybe you didn’t know that, I dunno.) Either way, that album — released just under three years ago on the now-defunct Handshake Inc. label — established the band, and vocalist Megan Osztrosits in particular, as a filthy, aggressive force in the New York scene and beyond. (Certainly in our Bandcamp collections, that’s for sure.)

Three years removed, the band’s gearing up to release album number two, Contempt, on July 28 via Gilead Media. What better way to celebrate than by getting a group to review the album? Five of us — Josh S., Chris, Zyklonius, Vincent and Dan — got together over the weekend to put our thoughts together.

In short: we like the thing. In long: well, you’ll have to listen to find out!

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter (X) | Instagram | Bluesky