Algaion - General Enmity

Algaion were one of my favorite bands from Sweden, but also one of the most under-rated and unknown, being almost totally overshadowed by the sweethearts of the Swedish scene; In Flames, Dark Tranquillity, etc. Algaion offered a slightly different edge than the run of the mill Gothenburg sound, offering something a bit more bleak, a bit more dark, and I loved it.

Presented here is their 2nd and last full length album. "General Enmity" was a huge departure for the band, but may be my favorite release of theirs, period. It is like no other record I have heard, but still sounds very Swedish.

The band recently reformed (who hasn't?) and signed with Pulverised Records, and are planning another full length. Although Algaion may be fairly unknown, the members have been in some other well regarded bands such as Octinomos, The Abyss, Morifade, Vergelmer and others. Metal luminaries Peter Tagtren, Frederik Soderlund and Havard Ellefsen, better known as Mortiis, have all been a party to Algaion in one form or another.

Info on the band HERE and download the album HERE.

In Slaughter Natives - Enter Now The World

In Slaughter Natives are without question my favorite industrial band. Some call them Martial Industrial, some call them Death Industrial... I'm not really sure what to call them, but their command of this style is amazing.

The band formed in 1985 and this is their second full length album, released in 1992 on the Cold Meat Industry label. Their latter albums are a bit more mature, a bit more dynamic, but "Enter Now The World" shows a raw primal energy that is thrilling and compelling, and I felt it was best to start toward the beginning with this band.

Oh yeah, and they are from Sweden. Jouni Havukainen is the man behind this project, and when I say "they" I really mean "he" and it is more or less a one man project. "He" or "they" play live from time to time, but release albums very sporadically.

More information HERE and download HERE.

Pan Thy Monium - III Khaooohs And Kon-fus-ion

I don't care what anyone says, Pan Thy Monium is the best Dan Swano project.  I like Edge Of Sanity and most of his other projects, but there will never be another Pan Thy Monium.  The band was only around for a short period of time, and only released three full length albums, a demo and an EP, but in that short period of time they turned death metal on its ear.

"III Khaooohs And Kon-fus-ion" was their last album, and their best.  It's impossible to describe  properly, it just must be heard to be believed.  This is one of the best examples I can think of of a truly great experimental avante-garde metal album.  When boundaries are pushed, and new things are tried, and it all works,  flawlessly.  More info on the band HERE and download the album HERE. 

Comecon - Converging Conspiracies

It is no secret that I am a massive fan of Martin Van Drunen, one of the best death metal vocalists ever.  I had the pleasure of performing with his latest band, Hail Of Bullets in Austria last month, and it reminded me of one of his little known secrets; Comecon.

Comecon isn't his band by any means, each Comecon album has a guest vocalist, so this is the only album with Martin singing, but what a strange and powerful album it is.  The album before 'Converging Conspiracies" was called "Megatrends In Brutality" and featured Entombed vocalist LG Petrov.  Comecon definitly knew how to pick their vocalists.

This album was released in 1993, and really just flew under the radar.  Not many people know about Comecon at all, but I think this album in particular needs more attention.  Go HERE for more information about the other albums and line-ups.  I see this album on Amazon a lot of about 5 USD, so pick it up after you download it.  Classic early 90's death metal.

Download HERE