Release Date: September 6, 2017 Average Rating: 3.7/5.0 Main Genres: Avant-Garde Metal, Experimental Rock Influence Genres: Noise, Post-Rock, Sound Collage Descriptors: Heavy, Experimental, Dark, Complex, Jazzy, Noisy, Dissonant, Angry Description: "Garthan: Twelve Movements for Broken Guitar" is an ambitious and unyielding statement from Slovakian avant-garde metal band Trial by Fire. With its twisted combination of avant-garde metal, noise, and post-rock, the album defies easy categorization. Each track is a genre-bending creation that feels both chaotic and calculated, showcasing their unique musical vision. Trial by Fire embraces dissonance, aggression, and unpredictability throughout the album, making it a challenging yet rewarding listen. Track Listing: 1. Tectonic Shift (6:25) 2. Desolation Carnival (5:57) 3. Garthan's Lament (8:17) 4. The Thousand Yard Stare (7:32) 5. Helix Unwound (6:10) 6. Sirens of Retribution (5:13) 7. Ink & Resin (4:46) 8. Orpheus Descending (8:09) 9. The Fever Breaks (7:17) 10. The Architect's Hand (6:01) 11. Shattered Ascension (5:52) 12. A Modern Prometheus (8:29) Select Critic Reviews: "The guitar work ranges from delicate post-rock arpeggios to crushing riffs that rival even the heaviest of metal offerings. The true brilliance, however, lies within the juxtaposition of these seemingly discordant elements that still manage to coalesce into something wholly original." - Sputnik Music "A truly unique piece of art; both powerful and genre-defying, impressively creative yet daringly chaotic. A must-listen for fans of experimental music." - Metal Injection Select User Reviews: "The whole album feels like a writhing, ever-changing beast that you can't predict. The transition from jazz sections to heavy bouts of noise is equal parts jarring and captivating." - User: MetalThrasher91 "Equal parts brilliance and madness, this album is an unrelenting journey through the darker corners of experimental music." - User: avantgardemangod Position on the year-end top albums chart: 84 Position on the all-time top albums chart: 2,134 Track Descriptors: Tectonic Shift - Chaotic, Noisy, Dark, Intense Desolation Carnival - Aggressive, Dissonant, Melodic Garthan's Lament - Melancholic, Jazzy, Unsettling The Thousand Yard Stare - Ambient, Heavily Textured, Dense Helix Unwound - Experimental, Rhythmic, Angular Sirens of Retribution - Soaring, Dramatic, Post-Rock Infused Ink & Resin - Percussive, Haunting, Noise-Influenced Orpheus Descending - Complex, Emotive, Gripping The Fever Breaks - Raw, Pulsating, Grinding The Architect's Hand - Controlled Chaos, Progressive, Inventive Shattered Ascension - Ethereal, Richly Layered, Tense A Modern Prometheus - Transcendent, Climactic, Resolute

Release Date: March 17, 2016 Average Rating: 4.1/5.0 Main Genres: Abstract Hip Hop, Irish Hip Hop, Experimental Influence Genres: Electronic, Celtic, Spoken Word Descriptors: Innovative, Lyrical, Intricate, Energetic, Atmospheric, Eclectic Description: "Dublin' Pride" marks a refreshing high in the realm of abstract hip hop, showcasing the unique soundscapes conjured up by Irish group DD2. The album is a rich blend of electronic beats, Celtic influences, and powerful lyrical delivery, making for an exciting listening experience that sets the group apart. Throughout the album, DD2 experiments with diverse sounds and styles, while maintaining a distinctive Irish identity, making "Dublin' Pride" an unforgettable entry in the annals of hip hop. Track Listing: 1. Emerald Isle Intro (1:45) 2. Street Poets (3:33) 3. The City's Breath (4:19) 4. Twisted Tongues (5:07) 5. Celtic Cipher (4:02) 6. Echoes of Eire (3:58) 7. Urban Odyssey (4:41) 8. Dublin's Dance (4:25) 9. A Hundred Thousand Welcomes (5:11) 10. Familiar Strangers (4:10) 11. Electronic Ceili (3:49) 12. Tales from the Capital (4:39) Select Critic Reviews: "DD2 have carved out a truly unique niche within the hip hop landscape, and their deft blend of abstract beats and Celtic flair sets 'Dublin' Pride' apart from its contemporaries." - The Irish Times "Simultaneously innovative and rooted in tradition, 'Dublin' Pride' proves that there's still plenty of uncharted territory to explore within the world of hip hop." - Pitchfork Select User Reviews: "One of the most unexpected and enjoyable surprises in recent hip hop memory - DD2 have created an album that is both familiar and boldly distinct." - User: HipHopAddict "The fusion of Celtic melodies with abstract beats gives this album an identity all of its own. Without a doubt, a new favorite." - User: GreenIsles Position on the year-end top albums chart: 48 Position on the all-time top albums chart: 945 Track Descriptors: Emerald Isle Intro - Atmospheric, Diverse, Spoken Word Street Poets - Lyrical, Pulsing, Uplifting The City's Breath - Delicate, Haunting, Cinematic Twisted Tongues - Energetic, Clever Wordplay, Driving Celtic Cipher - Instrumental, Hypnotic, Celtic Fusion Echoes of Eire - Soulful, Emotional, Engaging Urban Odyssey - Adventurous, Tribal Beat, Experimental Dublin's Dance - Celebratory, Infectious, Danceable A Hundred Thousand Welcomes - Anthemic, Inspiring, Evocative Familiar Strangers - Storytelling, Nostalgic, Intimate Electronic Ceili - Traditional, Futuristic, Unique Tales from the Capital - Finale, Euphoric, Vivid