Metal in May Part 1: Idle Hands, Lice, Nyt Liv

Moving into May, after just one week there is already a host of releases demanding your attention. And rightfully so. May is looking to be one of the busiest months of the year for metal and if the three picks for this article are any indication, we’re in for a great month.

Cover for Idle Hands' Mana

Idle Hands – Mana

Following an EP, Idle Hands release their debut album, Mana. The american four-piece delivers a fusion of gothic rock and heavy metal with unprecedented levels of catchiness and integrity. The way Idle Hands marry the cold atmosphere of gothic rock with its solitary guitars and deadpan vocal delivery with the melodies and electrifying energy of heavy metal really is a stroke of genius. With a sound that is distinctly 80s and a presentation that is so here and now there is no better time for this album than right now. Idle Hands stake a confident claim for one of the best albums of 2019.

Cover for Lice's Woe Betide You

Lice – Woe Betide You

Another debut, trio Lice unleash Woe Betide You. With J of Teitanblood on drums and the GG Allin of black metal, Niklas Kvarforth, on the mic, Kirill Krowli completes the line-up on guitars and effects. Describing the music on this album as anything but avantgarde proves difficult as Lice throw together elements of black metal, jazz, post-rock, blues and… surf rock? This is an album that has to be experienced to be understood and though the experiment may not have exactly been a success, Woe Betide You is as baffling as it is entertaining.

Cover for Nyt Liv's Ensomhedens Kolde Kald

Nyt Liv – Ensomhedens Kolde Kald

To finish the trinity of debuts for this article, last is Nyt Liv with Ensomhedens Kolde Kald. These danes come at you with in-your-face and down-to-earth hardcore. Fist pumping riffs and memorable hooks make Ensomhedens Kolde Kald as solid a hardcore release as they get. Also worthy of mention: The album is released by Indisciplinarian. For those unaware, Indisciplinarian is home to bands such as Rising and Anti Ritual among others and a label worth keeping an eye on.

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