The Nine Circles Audio Thing (Nine Circles)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

---

Listen to Incurso: Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

9C LINKS: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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!

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

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.

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

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!

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

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. 

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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!

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

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!

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

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.

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