IN ROTATION: Our most played albums in October 2018

SPIRITUAL HEALING WITH MÖ!

Tune in to @BlessedAltarZin at the beginning of each month for my “Sinday Sermon” from the Pulpit of Deception… Where I’ll reveal my Top 5 Most Played Albums for the previous month! May be a brand new release I haven’t reviewed, an absolute Classic or perhaps that obscure record that hasn’t hit your turntable in ages…

October, in my opinion saw the first decline in high quality recordings in what has been another magical year for metal releases. Coming in all forms and formats we continue the renaissance that started in 2015. Here’s the albums I listened to the most this month and I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

October 2018 Top 5 Most Played Albums

SUFFOCATION – “Pierced From Within” (Roadrunner Records RR 8948-2)
Released: May 1, 1995

*”Pierced From Within” was the bands third Full-Length release and still in the golden era of Brutal Death Metal which Suffocation was clearly a major influencer and innovator in this space. What really drew me into the band was this release, which in my opinion had more thrash based riffage to go along with the brutality. It took me a few listens originally to really “Get It,” but once I did things became much clearer for how I would interpret this style, only enhancing my overall Death Metal experience. Torn Into Enthrallment(What an intro!!), Depths of Depravity and the amazing title track remain some of my all-time favorite Death Metal songs!

Favorite Track: Pierced From Within

BRIMSTONE COVEN – “What Was And What Shall Be” Self Released, Bandcamp
Released: July 21, 2018

*Mixing early Doom with Classic Hard Rock Brimstone Coven has created their very own sound that is simply addictive! Low, Earth and Ocean, The Red Witch and Burn Again will reel you in and keep you glued to “ What Was And What Shall Be”. Grooves, Melody, Harmonies and of course Monster Riffs highlight what in my opinion is one of the best releases of 2018. You can thank me later…

Favorite Track: Earth and Ocean

NIGHT DEMON – “Live Darkness” (Shadow Kingdom Records SKR158TLP)
Released: August 10, 2018

*Always been a sucker for a strong live album ever since the glorious 70’s brought so many great bands to life with incredible live performances highlighting what they were truly capable of. Night Demon which I’ve seen live on a fe occasions does not disappoint as the energy, delivery, crowd participation and authenticness of the band is front and center, Twenty Three tracks deep this is a really fun album for fans of the band and or any metalhead looking to simply rock n roll…

Favorite Track: Hallowed Ground

WINDHAND – Eternal Return (Relapse Records)
Released: October 5, 2018

*Soundgarden meets Sleep? Windhand’s fourth long player attempts to take the band beyond the obvious Black Sabbath worship and Doom Formula they’ve had on all of their albums, but in reality besides some of the unnecessary or lengthy winding parts of tracks throughout the impressive catalogue, this is another fantastic album! Tried and true to the Doom/Psyche Fuzzy Grooved out delivery matched with Dorthia Cottrell’s incredible voice…Yes its true I’m right in my sweet spot with all of this doomy goodness! Grey Garden, Halcyon and First To Die have been on repeat all month!

Favorite Track: Grey Garden

THE SKULL – The Endless Road Turns Dark (Tee Pee Records TPE-205-1)
Released: September 7, 2018

*Eric Wagner(Trouble) and company do it again with their second release drenched in doom, depression and monolithic delights! Similar to the debut “For Those Which Are Asleep,” but this recording stands on its own merits quite well with standout tracks like All That Remains(Is True), Breathing Underwater, Ravenswood, From Myself Depart and the monstrous title track. 2018 has been an incredible year for Doom, Stoner and Psychedelic releases and “The Endless Road Turns Dark” is an album that you will hold in high regard as well…Njoy!!

Favorite Track: The Endless Road Turns Dark