Corvus Corax - The Atavistic Triad

A mostly unknown Pagan gem from Seattle's Corvus Corax. Released in 2000 on the Dark Symphonies label, the album made a relatively small splash in the scene, but deserves much more attention than it ever received.

If this album was released today it would be touted by critics as "amazing Cascadian Black Metal" or some such, but as it is, it was released long before its time and is largely unknown.

More info HERE and download HERE

Forced Entry - As Above, So Below

I am not the biggest thrash metal fan. Sure, I like most of the classics, but for me, Thrash Metal was merely a stepping stone to Death Metal. But Forced Entry's 1991 album "As Above, So Below" is a groundbreaking and mostly unrecognized classic with thrash.

This has the usual humor and good time feelings that is inherent in most thrash, but it is also wholly unique in the fact that it sounds like no other band. This band was fairly short lived, had only two full length albums, this one being their last. Check this out if you are not familiar, it is undoubtedly worth it.

More info HERE and download HERE

Soundgarden - Screaming Life/Fopp

I was talking to a friend today and the subject of Soundgarden came up and I mentioned these two EPs "Screaming Life" and "Fopp" and he had heard neither. So, I thought this post was necessary.

People who recognize how great this band are, are usually stuck in the "Superunknown" or "Badmotorfinger" crap, which is ok, but that stuff is fairly useless. Moments here and there, but overall a snooze fest. The REAL Soundgarden exists only on "Louder Than Love" and earlier. These two EPs are from '87 and '88 respectively, and this compilation of both EPs on CD came out in 1990.

Think Soundgarden aren't cool, are posers? Perhaps too weak, too poppy, too commercial? Listen to this, you can hear the influence of Melvins, Minor Threat as well as some serious doom moments and Chris Cornell can scream like no one else. So get a brain and check this out.

More Info HERE and download HERE