OBSCURITIES — VOLUME XXXI: DOG DAYS

 Album Reviews  2 Responses »
Sep 072026
 

(We have another monthly collection of reviews and enthusiastic recommendations from Daniel Barkasi. This one dials in six albums released in August 2026.)

When I titled this column, it can be taken as a literal statement for me – we’ve got three dogs, after all – but it’s generally a reference to the hottest period of the summer, which ends in August. I’m used to melting in this month, but the transition to this time of year in the mountains is a stark contrast to that of the Florida soup that we’re used to.

Here, the weather has been absolutely gorgeous, with our former geographical locale still being a humid swamp. We’ve made sure to literally touch grass more often to make sure to enjoy it while it lasts. Watching our young foal Ezri growing every day has been the highlight of recent times for the wife and I.

Now, is this trade-off worthwhile for dealing with the icy, snowy winters – absolutely fucking not. Ice is for hockey, not for chopping and shoveling to get out of the house. But, hey, even my pessimistic self needs to look at the bright side sometimes! I just need to get Ezri a coat soon. Continue reading »

AN NCS PREMIERE: HORRIFIER — “BODY HOARDER”

 Premieres  No Responses »
Jul 022026
 

(written by Islander)

Maniacally savage and also macabre. A vicious killing spree, but trading off with chords of groaning menace and otherworldly agony. Ruthlessly bludgeoning but also parting interdimensional veils with melodies of hideous and haunting splendor.

Those were among our thoughts about the debut album from a group of young Norwegian marauders who took the name Horrifier, a record aptly titled Horrid Resurrection that Personal Records released in the fall of 2023. They are older now, of course, but the added years seem to have made them even madder, meaner, and more merciless, though no less proud in wearing the influence of such bands as Autopsy, Entombed, and Repulsion.

Those are some quick reactions to Horrifier’s forthcoming second album Revelations of Gore (another apt title), which is now set for international release by the same Personal Records on August 7th. We have a few deeper reactions to share along with our premiere today of a song called “Body Hoarder“. Continue reading »

AN NCS PREMIERE: HORRIFIER — “DERANGED SANITY”

 Premieres  No Responses »
Nov 152023
 

“Old school repulsive death metal from Oslo, Norway.” That’s how Horrifier themselves portray their music. Their label Personal Records drops references to the spirits of Repulsion and Autopsy as well as nods toward “the new wave of Norwegian deathrash” in the vein of Obliteration, Sepulcher, Inculter, and Condor.

Horrifier haven’t been around long, having come together only in 2022, and the members don’t look like they were alive when their major influences were laying down rotten foundations for death metal in the late ’80s.

But sometimes, and this is one of those times, something very good comes from people who aren’t trying to re-live their own distant youth but are right in the midst of it right now, and have found the right inspiration (along with bullet belts all ’round).

See for yourselves (or rather hear for yourselves) by lending an ear to Horrifier‘s “Deranged Sanity“. Continue reading »