Wolves In The Throne Room - Black Cascade (2009)

Even since I heard Two Hunters by Wolves In The Throne Room, I knew they were different from other black metal bands. Yes, you still get the traditional black metal sound, but combined with the atmospheric/ambient elements on that album, it puts the album on a whole different level. Black Cascade is the follow-up two 2007's Two Hunters and it follows solidly on the footstep of Two Hunters. With the traditional tremolo picking and hypnotic guitar lead played on top of the pounding drum, Black Cascade takes you on a fantastic journey.

Track Listing

1. Wanderer Above The Sea Of Fog - 10:33
   
2. Ahrimanic Trance - 14:05
   
3. Ex Cathedra - 10:58
   
4. Crystal Ammunition - 14:20

Download: Rapidshare
Discog: Link (Release on March 31)
Purchase: Southern Lord (Release March 31)

Krallice - Krallice (2008)

My favourite metal release for this year, this self-debut album by Krallice features Mick Barr (Orthrelm) and Colin Marston (Behold... The Arctopus). This album is similar to materials by Weakling and early Ulver, but is more technical in nature. Definitely get this album if you are a fan of Black Metal. The standout track from this album is definitely the 15-minute album closer, "Forgiveness In Rot". The first 10 minutes of the song begins with pounding riffs, slowly building tension, until a maelstrom is released during the last 5 minutes of the song.

Track Listing:

1. Wretched Wisdom - 10:14
2. Cnestorial - 10:42
   
3. Molec Codices - 9:35
   
4. Timehusk - 6:05
   
5. Energy Chasms - 9:45
   
6. Forgiveness In Rot - 15:21

Download: Rapidshare
Discogs: Link
Purchase: Amazon (MP3 Download)