I’ve been in a bit of a metal fit lately.  Don’t worry, this isn’t an installment of Radiohead and Philosohy, page by page.  I’m not going to examine the psychological and neurological underpinnings.  I’m not going to write some metaphysical or aesthetic treatise. I won’t mention politics or Ann Althouse.  I’ll just look around for some new and obscure metal bands.

First into the net is Scarlet (Pure Volume page here, with some free downloads). I love the apocalyptic blurb:

Through member shift, multiple theft, and mayhem, SCARLET has managed to keep their aural bloodline pure and strong. Building a history of walking away from calamity unscathed time after time, and leaving the masses wondering how this is possible. This Was Always Meant to Fall Apart serves as a tangible relic commemorating this history. The fact that the new record is led by a new voice further reiterates a sense of tribute to a troubled past, while also serving as chapter one in a new testament. This is a reincarnation of SCARLET, and one that has not forgotten the knowledge of its former lives. This is an iron vein injected with new blood.

Here’s one that’s so obscure they don’t even exist anymore: Alexia. Since they’ve split the sheets you should download “I Eat Landmines by the Handful” with an altogether clean conscience here. Great, noisy, hoarse, melodic track.

There’s always “Lucky Like Kokura” by My Minds Weapon. Interesting composition…

…or “Sick,” From Chaos. Great stuff.