As always, we’re not going into the new year entirely unprepared. There’s a few releases that have already been confirmed for this year that I’m keeping an eye on. Rumor has it that some more noteworthy artists might make a return this year as well. Read More
Conclusion of a Decade Part 5: 2014
The conclusion of last decade is far from over, despite my inability to release these posts with any sort of frequency. Either way, 2014 brought a whole gauntlet of releases that remain relevant in my life even now. This is a great opportunity to honor them. Read More
Porta Nigra – Schöpfungswut
Schöpfungswut is the title of the third album by german duo Porta Nigra. It marks a departure in their sound from avantgarde and martial dark metal to a more traditional and cinematic brand of black metal. Read More
The State of Noise Vortex 2019
Like every year, I want to take the time to recap how Noise Vortex fared over the last year. Read More
Conclusion of a Decade Part 4: 2013
This year is one I’ve been waiting to write about. 2013 might well be one of the best years for metal of this decade. Veterans and newcomers alike came out with releases that would stand the test of time. Read More
Conclusion of a Decade Part 3: 2012
The conlusion of the decade continues and next up is the year the world ended, 2012. Some of these picks are very close to me and others will certainly cause some raised eyebrows. Read More
Conclusion of a Decade Part 2: 2011
The round-up of the decade continues with Conclusion of a Decade Part 2. Much like the previous part, the picks for 2011 span the entire width of the genre. The albums I picked for this year, however, might be the most controversial picks in the entire series. Read More
Conclusion of a Decade Part 1: 2010
With just about two months left before the end of the decade, it’s time to look back at the past ten years in metal. Over the coming weeks, this series of posts will highlight the best of the best. The most influential, genre-bending, mold-breaking, overlooked, or underrated releases of this decade. Read More
(A belated) Metal in July: Wormed, Bushwhacker, Brache
After a bit of a summer lull in June, this month brings a steady flow of releases. Today’s selection covers a variety of subgenres with a concept album I never knew I needed at its center. Meanwhile, the next few months promise to close out the year with big releases. Read More
Wishfield – Wishfield
If you’ve been following Noise Vortex for a while you will know that I endorse all kinds of creative takes on established styles. Over the course of this decade, black metal has seen a particular amount of exciting experimentation. Bands like Deafheaven, Lantlôs and Alcest left a mark on the scene by defining the blackgaze sound. On their self-titled debut, american Wishfield draw from these bands as they put their own spin on blackgaze with dream pop vocals and outstanding fretless guitarplay. Read More