Tribulation

I saw Swedish metal band Tribulation a couple of years ago, and was kind of blown away by how overtly theatrical they were.  Combining aspects of death metal and black metal, but gothed up and played with earnest dramatic zest, the music and performance feels like theater kids aping our metal forebears but without a hint of irony.  They're buying into it, and so should you.  If you're only going to listen to one goth metal band today, make it Tribulation.  Watch the video for "The Lament" below and get the "Down Below" LP at the end of January from Century Media.

Pinkish Black

Opening for Goblin last night was Fort Worth's Pinkish Black, a heavy metal band i heard a couple of years ago, but kind of forgot about.  The duo put out their second album, "Razed to the Ground," last year on Century Media, and going on that album, and the band's performance last night, they were the perfect fit for a Goblin tour.  Sinister prog rock for the masses.  Listen to "Ashtray Eyes" below.

Vattnet Viskar

I dare say that black metal is on the cusp of going almost mainstream these days.  Over the last couple of years, band like Wolves in The Throne Room and Deafheaven are pushing boundaries and changing perceptions on just what black metal is supposed to be.  Aspects of the genre are starting to bleed into releases by any number of different bands (see Sigur Ros), and some of the lines between metal and shoegaze are starting to break down.  I totally support this.  One act starting to make some ripples in the pond is Vattnet Viskar, a loud and reverby metal band out of New Hampshire.  Their "Sky Swallower" LP is due in September from Century Media, and it's brutal and melodic at the same time.  Be prepared.  Listen to "Mythos" below.