Newsletter 15 February 2025

Week Ending:
15 February 2025

Album Of The Week

TheBigBlack

Orgasmatron

Motorhead - Orgasmatron (1986)

[Hard Rock]

In the three years since their last album, the generally panned Another Perfect Day, Motorhead had made many changes. Apart from frontman and band leader Lemmy Kilmister, this was an entirely new group - and with a twin guitar attack instead of the usual three piece. This new version of the band had been introduced to the world previous on the four new tracks from the No Remorse compilation two years earlier, but those tracks only hinted at the potential, and were generally pretty 'safe'. Orgastmatron was the band's first chance to really show the fans what this new version of the band could do. 'Deaf Forever' opens the album at a slow pace, but with a grinding intensity that the earlier band had never had. It feels free of excesses, and gets to the point with little fuss. Even the lyrics are focused, and Lemmy sings with a 'take no prisoners' attitude. It's an ode to war, at the same time as a harsh criticism of it, and the song feels like it was carefully chosen to introduce us to a streamlined 1986 edition of the band. 'Nothing Up My Sleeve' sound more like the familiar Motorhead, speeding along like an out of control race car. The production, although often criticised by the band, is perfect for the music, sounding aggressive and in your face. It is a little bit muddy, but it adds a certain 'live' feel to the songs. 'Claw', an immediately fan favourite, is packed with fast guitar riffs and double entendres galore, and is the final nail in the coffin of the old brigade fixated on the band's 'classic' line-up of the earlier albums. 'Mean Machine' is straight up punk rock, and is one of the most intense songs performed up to this point by the band. There is little room to breathe, and closes the first half of the album nicely. Side B deliberately slows the pace with 'Built For Speed', and much like a boxer in the ring, the band now knows they have the listener subdued. The original plan for the album was to name it Riding With the Driver (hence the cover art), and although the title is a little flat, the same can't be said about the song. There are more moments driven by speed (both descriptively and likely by the actual substance) on this album than any previous, and although the album clocks in at under 45 minutes, it is both an energizing and exhausting listen. Drawing the album to a close is the grinding masterpiece that is the title track. It is unique, not just in the band's discography, but in general. The swirling production gives the repetitive plodding riff an otherworldly feel that is almost unsettling. Lemmy sings of the great hypocrisies of religion, politics, and war, all veiled in cosmic references to gods and times both past and future. As a lyricist he could run the gamut of shallow sexism right through to intensely bold and intelligent lyrics, and this song is far right on that scale, possibly being the greatest words that ever left his mouth. The track is bold and profound in a way that the band rarely ever explored again. Although the album is solid, the band itself was still in rough waters at this point, with drummer Pete Gill barely lasting the next album, and guitarist Wurzal also gone a few short years later - but guitarist Phil Campbell went on with the band for another three decades until Lemmy's death, making him the second longest member (behind Lemmy himself). Ultimately Orgasmatron is an album that demands attention, and creating such in a time where the band was at a 'do or die' juncture was placing a bet that ultimately paid off. The band created an album that will never quite be their best, but will never be close to their worst - A very solid middle of the road effort, that was as much about renewing faith in themselves, as it was the fans.

mindkiller8

Candlemass

Candlemass - Candlemass (2005)

[Doom Metal]

Incredibly these guys had been around since the 80's, but it wasn't until 2005 that I came upon them and their self-titled release. Not having anything to compare with I was blown away at the frenetic pace for the most part and original vocalist Messiah Marcolin. It ended up being the one and only release with him following their reunion in early 2000's. Despite being part of the early classic era, it seemed he just didn't gel as hoped with the band and was shown the door for some reason. I'm just glad I got to experience it - he has an amazing metal voice. There is no misconception about what you are about to hear due to the opening track 'Black Dwarf'. Fast-paced aggressive tempo with quite a unique vocal effort from Messiah. You can't not notice it. I love it. This flows beautifully through the remainder of the record. Surprisingly on track 2, to pull back the reigns and put together a slow-paced, foot-tapping ballad of some sorts. Smart play by band leader Edling who has written all the tracks on this record. Listening back now after many years not doing so, this is truly a genius effort. I could call out each song as being a standout for different reasons. I'll limit though my call-outs to such classics as 'Assassin Of Light' (brilliant guitar work on this one - love it!) which is followed by 'Copernicus' - that double kick at the start is killer, following by that doomy entrance to the song. Just brilliant!! When they changed lead singer for future releases I did listen to the next couple but just wasn't the same. Great to see they are still going. Looks like there is a 2025 release in the works. I should pick it up for a listen.

Artists: New Additions

These are new artists added this week.

Click on any images below to see artist details.

Harakiri For The Sky

Post-Black Metal

Harakiri For The Sky is an Austrian post-black metal band formed in Salzburg and Vienna in 2011 by vocalist JJ (Michael V. Wahntraum) and multi-instrumentalist Matthias Sollak, formerly of black metal band Bifrost.

The Great Old Ones

Post-Black Metal

The Great Old Ones is a post-black metal band formed in 2009 in Bordeaux, France. The band specialises in H.P. Lovecraft themed songs.

The Halo Effect

Death Metal (Melodic)

The Halo Effect is a Swedish melodic death metal supergroup formed by former members of In Flames and Dark Tranquillity.

Core Discographies: New Additions

These are new releases available in the Core Discographies this week.

Remember, Core Discographies accepts Requests. Click HERE to request your favourite album to be included.

Click on any links below to see release details.

MP3

FLAC

Dream Theater
Parasomnia

[Album]
7 February 2025
Progressive Metal

'Parasomnia' is the sixteenth studio album by Dream Theater. It is the band's first studio album to feature original drummer Mike Portnoy since Black Clouds & Silver Linings (2009), nearly sixteen years earlier; it is also the first album with Portnoy to not feature him as co-producer since Falling Into Infinity (1997). Instead of being a conventional concept album based around a cohesive narrative, it is a thematic concept album about parasomnia, encompassing a wide range of unusual and undesirable experiences and behaviors people experience in their sleep, also known as disruptive sleep disorders.

Label(s):

Inside Out Music (Region: International)

MP3

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Harakiri For The Sky
Scorched Earth

[Album]
24 January 2025
Post-Black Metal

'Scorched Earth' is the sixth album by Harakiri For The Sky.

Label(s):

Art Of Propaganda (AOP) Records (Region: International)

MP3

FLAC

The Great Old Ones
Kadath

[Album]
24 January 2025
Post-Black Metal

'Kadath' is the fifth album by The Great Old Ones.

The Great Old Ones is a post-black metal band formed in 2009 in Bordeaux, France. The band specialises in H.P. Lovecraft themed songs.

Label(s):

Season Of Mist (Region: International)

MP3

FLAC

The Halo Effect
March Of The Unheard

[Album]
10 January 2025
Death Metal (Melodic)

'March Of The Unheard' is the second studio album by The Halo Effect.

The Halo Effect is a Swedish melodic death metal supergroup formed by former members of In Flames and Dark Tranquillity.

Label(s):

Nuclear Blast Records (Region: International)

MP3

FLAC

Parasitic Ejaculation
Isolation

[Album]
7 July 2017
Death Metal

'Isolation' is the third album by Parasitic Ejaculation.

Parasitic Ejaculation is a brutal death metal band formed in Santa Cruz, California, U.S.A. in 2011.

MP3

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Soen
Lykaia

[Album]
3 February 2017
Progressive Metal

'Lykaia' is the third studio album by Soen.

MP3

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Rival Sons
Hollow Bones

[Album]
10 June 2016
Rock

'Hollow Bones' is the fifth studio album by Rival Sons.

Rival Sons is a rock band formed in Long Beach, California, in 2009 and also affiliated with Nashville, Tennessee.

MP3

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Parasitic Ejaculation
Echoes Of Depravity

[Album]
13 January 2015
Death Metal

'Echoes Of Depravity' is the second album by Parasitic Ejaculation.

Parasitic Ejaculation is a brutal death metal band formed in Santa Cruz, California, U.S.A. in 2011.

MP3

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Hidden Intent
Walking Through Hell

[Album]
16 November 2013
Thrash Metal

'Walking Through Hell' is the debut album by Hidden Intent.

Hidden Intent is a thrash metal band from Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.

MP3

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Annihilator
Feast

[Album]
13 August 2013
Thrash Metal

'Feast' is the fourteenth album by Annihilator. The cover art of the album features Spanish model and presenter Pilar Rubio. It is the final Annihilator album to feature vocalist Dave Padden, who parted ways with the band at the end of 2014, ending his decade-plus long tenure. The decision came after Padden became fed up with Annihilator's rigorous touring schedule that followed the album's release, leaving him wanting to spend more time with his family.

Annihilator is a Canadian thrash metal band founded in Ottawa in 1984 by Jeff Waters. Waters is the band's sole constant member and has acted as its guitarist, bandleader, writer, producer, engineer, and occasional bassist and vocalist. They are also considered to be part of the "second wave" of thrash metal bands from the late 1980s and early 1990s. Annihilator is the highest-selling Canadian heavy metal group, although most sales have been generated outside of Canada.

MP3

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Parasitic Ejaculation
Rationing The Sacred Human Remains

[Album]
22 July 2013
Death Metal

'Rationing The Sacred Human Remains' is the first album by Parasitic Ejaculation.

Parasitic Ejaculation is a brutal death metal band formed in Santa Cruz, California, U.S.A. in 2011.

MP3

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Philip H. Anselmo / Warbeast
War Of The Gargantuas

[E.P.]
8 January 2013
Groove Metal

'War Of The Gargantuas' is a split E.P. by Philip H. Anselmo & The Illegals and Warbeast.

Philip Hansen Anselmo (born June 30, 1968) is an American heavy metal musician best known as the lead singer for Pantera, Down, and Superjoint, amongst other musical projects. He is the owner of Housecore Records. Anselmo is regarded as one of the greatest frontmen in metal history, known for being particularly animated and donning a machismo attitude that became emblematic of the general theme of Pantera. Earlier in his career with the band, Anselmo took considerable inspiration from heavy metal vocalists such as Rob Halford, singing in full head voice. However, he later became recognized for a more abrasive style of vocals.

Performer(s):

Phil Anselmo - Vocals [Member]

MP3

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Jeff Ament
While My Heart Breaks

[Album]
12 June 2012
Grunge Rock

'While My Heart Breaks' is the second solo album by Jeff Ament.

Jeffrey Allen Ament (born March 10, 1963) is an American musician best known as the bassist of rock band Pearl Jam, which he co-founded alongside Stone Gossard, Mike McCready, and Eddie Vedder. Prior to his work with Pearl Jam, Ament was part of the 1980s Seattle-based grunge rock bands Green River and Mother Love Bone. He is known particularly for playing with the fretless bass, upright bass, and twelve-string bass guitars. Ament is also a member of the bands Temple Of The Dog, Three Fish, RNDM, Tres Mts., and P.E.S.T.

Performer(s):

Jeff Ament - Vocals / Bass Guitar [Member]

MP3

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Parasitic Ejaculation
Sickening Conduct

[E.P.]
?? March 2012
Death Metal

'Sickening Conduct' is the debut E.P. by Parasitic Ejaculation.

Parasitic Ejaculation is a brutal death metal band formed in Santa Cruz, California, U.S.A. in 2011.

MP3

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Jeff Ament
Tone

[Album]
16 September 2008
Grunge Rock

'Tone' is the debut solo album by Jeff Ament.

Performer(s):

Jeff Ament - Vocals / Guitar / Bass Guitar [Member]

Jeff Ament - Cover Art [Additional]

MP3

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Diamond Head
All Will Be Revealed

[Album]
13 October 2005
Heavy Metal

'All Will Be Revealed' is the fifth album by Diamond Head. This was the band's first album with new singer Nick Tart and also the only album to feature Rob Mills on guitar, who was replaced by Andy 'Abbz' Abberley during the second leg of the tour. This album was the band's first release since their 2002 Acoustic First Cuts E.P. and the first studio album since 1993's Death And Progress.

Diamond Head are an English heavy metal band formed in Stourbridge, West Midlands, in 1976. They were part of the New Wave Of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) movement and is acknowledged by bands such as Metallica and Megadeth as a significant early influence.

MP3

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Pink Floyd
Shine On

[Albums; Boxed Set; Reissue]
24 November 1992
Classic Rock

'Shine On' is a box set by Pink Floyd. It was released to coincide with Pink Floyd's 25th anniversary as a recording and touring band. All albums were digitally remastered.

Pink Floyd are an English rock band formed in London in 1965. Gaining an early following as one of the first British psychedelic groups, they were distinguished by their extended compositions, sonic experiments, philosophical lyrics and elaborate live shows. They became a leading band of the progressive rock genre, cited by some as the greatest progressive rock band of all time. They have sold more than 250 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music artists of all time.

Performer(s):

Syd Barrett - Vocals / Guitar [Member]

Roger Waters - Vocals / Bass Guitar [Member]

David Gilmour - Vocals / Guitar [Member]

Richard Wright - Keyboard [Member]

Nick Mason - Drums [Member]

MP3

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The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Live At Winterland

[Album; Live]
?? May 1987
Classic Rock

'Live At Winterland' is a live album by The Jimi Hendrix Experience. It compiles performances from the band's three concerts at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco, where they played two shows each night on October 10, 11 and 12, 1968. The album was the first Hendrix release to be specifically conceived for the compact disc format.

James Marshall 'Jimi' Hendrix (born Johnny Allen Hendrix; November 27, 1942 - September 18, 1970) was an American guitarist, songwriter and singer. Although his mainstream career spanned only four years, he is widely regarded as the greatest and one of the most influential electric guitarists in the history of popular music, and one of the most celebrated musicians of the 20th century. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame describes him as "arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music."

Performer(s):

Jimi Hendrix - Vocals / Guitar [Member]

MP3

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The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Jimi Plays Monterey

[Album]
?? February 1986
Classic Rock

'Jimi Plays Monterey' is a live album by The Jimi Hendrix Experience. It documents The Jimi Hendrix Experience's performance at the Monterey Pop Festival on June 18, 1967.

Performer(s):

Jimi Hendrix - Vocals / Guitar [Member]

MP3

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The Who
It's Hard

[Album]
4 September 1982
Classic Rock

'It's Hard' is the tenth studio album by The Who. It was the final The Who album to feature bassist John Entwistle, who died in 2002. It was also the second and final The Who studio album with drummer Kenney Jones. It was released on Polydor Records in the UK, peaking at No. 11, and on Warner Bros. in the US where it peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Pop Albums chart.

The Who are an English rock band formed in London in 1962. They are considered one of the most influential rock bands of the 20th century and have sold over 100 million records worldwide. Their contributions to rock music include the development of the Marshall stack, large public address systems, the use of synthesisers, their influential playing styles, feedback and power chord guitar technique, and the development of the rock opera. They are cited as an influence by many hard rock, punk, power pop and mod bands. The Who were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.

MP3

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The Who
Sell Out

[Album]
15 December 1967
Classic Rock

'Sell Out' is the third studio album by The Who. A concept album, it is structured as a collection of unrelated songs interspersed with fake commercials and public service announcements. The album purports to be a broadcast by pirate radio station Radio London. The reference to 'selling out' was an intended irony, as The Who had been making real commercials during that period of their career.

Location(s):

De Lane Lea Studios

Core Discographies: This Year's Releases Coming Soon

These are new releases coming to Core Discographies soon.

All new releases are available.

Digital Library: Tagged Releases

These are new releases completed in the Digital Library this week.

Digital Library Links: Digital Library

Click on any links below to see release details.

MP3

FLAC

Dream Theater
Parasomnia [HD Version]

[Album]
7 February 2025
Progressive Metal

Label(s):

Inside Out Music (Region: International)

MP3

FLAC

Dream Theater
Parasomnia

[Album]
7 February 2025
Progressive Metal

Label(s):

Inside Out Music (Region: International)

MP3

FLAC

Harakiri For The Sky
Scorched Earth

[Album]
24 January 2025
Post-Black Metal

'Scorched Earth' is the sixth album by Harakiri For The Sky.

Label(s):

Art Of Propaganda (AOP) Records (Region: International)

MP3

FLAC

The Great Old Ones
Kadath

[Album]
24 January 2025
Post-Black Metal

'Kadath' is the fifth album by The Great Old Ones.

Label(s):

Season Of Mist (Region: International)

MP3

FLAC

The Halo Effect
March Of The Unheard

[Album]
10 January 2025
Death Metal (Melodic)

'March Of The Unheard' is the second studio album by The Halo Effect.

Label(s):

Nuclear Blast Records (Region: International)

Digital Library: New Additions

These are new releases added in the Digital Library this week. These will be tagged at a future date.

Digital Library Links: Digital Library

Click on any links below to see release details.

Dream Theater
Parasomnia [HD Version]

[Album]
7 February 2025
Progressive Metal

Label(s):

Inside Out Music (Region: International)

Dream Theater
Parasomnia

[Album]
7 February 2025
Progressive Metal

Label(s):

Inside Out Music (Region: International)

Harakiri For The Sky
Scorched Earth

[Album]
24 January 2025
Post-Black Metal

'Scorched Earth' is the sixth album by Harakiri For The Sky.

Label(s):

Art Of Propaganda (AOP) Records (Region: International)

Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts
Big Change

[Single]
2025
Folk Rock

The Great Old Ones
Kadath

[Album]
24 January 2025
Post-Black Metal

'Kadath' is the fifth album by The Great Old Ones.

Label(s):

Season Of Mist (Region: International)

The Halo Effect
March Of The Unheard

[Album]
10 January 2025
Death Metal (Melodic)

'March Of The Unheard' is the second studio album by The Halo Effect.

Label(s):

Nuclear Blast Records (Region: International)

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Live At Fillmore East, 1969

[Album]
2024
Folk Rock

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Live At Fillmore East, 1969 [HD Version]

[Album]
2024
Folk Rock

Various Artists
Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2023

[Album]
2024
Classic Rock

Eric Clapton
Meanwhile

[Album]
2024
Classic Rock

Motorhead
The Lost Tapes, Vol. 6 (Live In Berlin 1992)

[Album; Live]
24 December 2024
Hard Rock

'The Lost Tapes, Vol. 6 (Live In Berlin 1992)' is the sixth in a series of archival live albums by Motorhead.

Performer(s):

Lemmy Kilmister - Vocals / Bass Guitar [Member]

Phil Campbell - Guitar [Member]

Phil 'Philthy Animal' Taylor - Drums [Member]

Label(s):

BMG Records (Region: International)

Satan
Songs In Crimson

[Album]
2024
Heavy Metal

Motorhead
The 90s Hits

[E.P.]
2023
Hard Rock

Motorhead
The 80s Hits

[E.P.]
2023
Hard Rock

The Halo Effect
Path Of Fierce Resistance

[Single]
2023
Death Metal (Melodic)

Harakiri For The Sky
Aokigahara MMXXII

[Album]
2022
Post-Black Metal

Satan
Earth Infernal

[Album]
2022
Heavy Metal

Bewitcher
Cursed By Thy Kingdom

[Album]
16 April 2021
Speed Metal

'Cursed By Thy Kingdom' is the third studio album by Bewitcher.

Label(s):

Century Media (Region: International)

Various Artists
Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival 2019

[Album]
2020
Classic Rock

Bewitcher
Under The Witching Cross

[Album]
10 May 2019
Speed Metal

'Under The Witching Cross' is the second studio album by Bewitcher.

Label(s):

Shadow Kingdom Records (Region: U.S.A.)

The Great Old Ones
Cosmicism

[Album]
2019
Post-Black Metal

The Rods
Brotherhood Of Metal

[Album]
2019
Heavy Metal

Harakiri For The Sky
Arson

[Album]
16 February 2018
Post-Black Metal

'Arson' is the fourth album by Harakiri For The Sky.

Label(s):

Art Of Propaganda (AOP) Records (Region: Europe)

The Great Old Ones
EOD, A Tale Of Dark Legacy

[Album]
2017
Post-Black Metal

The Great Old Ones
Tekeli-Li

[Album]
2014
Post-Black Metal

Bob Dylan & The Band
The Basement Tapes [Mobile Fidelity]

[Album]
2012
Classic Rock

The Great Old Ones
Al Azif

[Album]
2012
Post-Black Metal

Messiah
Reannimation 2003 At Abart

[Album]
2010
Death Metal

Buddy Holly
Memorial Collection

[Album; Compilation]
2008
Rock & Roll

Crosby, Stills & Nash
Daylight Again [Reissue]

[Album]
2006
Folk Rock

Crosby, Stills & Nash
Crosby, Stills & Nash [Reissue]

[Album]
2006
Folk Rock

Messiah
Powerthrash / The Infernal Thrashing

[Album; Compilation]
2005
Death Metal

Candlemass
Wiz

[Single]
1998
Doom Metal

Eric Clapton
My Father's Eyes

[Single]
1998
Classic Rock

Burzum
Burzum [Darkness] / Aske [Ash] [Reissue]

[Album; Compilation; Reissue]
1995
Black Metal

Messiah
Underground

[Album]
1994
Death Metal

Messiah
The Ballad Of Jesus

[Single]
1994
Death Metal

Messiah
Rotten Perish

[Album]
1992
Death Metal

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young
Carry On

[Album; Compilation]
1991
Folk Rock

Performer(s):

Neil Young - Vocals / Guitar [Member]

Messiah
Choir Of Horrors

[Album]
1991
Death Metal

Messiah
Psychomorphia

[E.P.]
1990
Death Metal

Messiah
Hymn To Abramelin / Extreme Cold Weather [Reissue]

[Album; Compilation; Reissue]
1990
Death Metal

Messiah
Extreme Cold Weather

[Album]
1987
Death Metal

Messiah
Hymn To Abramelin

[Album]
1986
Death Metal

The Rods
Heavier Than Thou

[Album]
1986
Heavy Metal

Buddy Holly
20 Golden Greats

[Album; Compilation]
1978
Rock & Roll

Buddy Holly
The Buddy Holly Story, Vol. II

[Album; Compilation]
1960
Rock & Roll

Buddy Holly
The Buddy Holly Story

[Album; Compilation]
1959
Rock & Roll

Physical Media: New Additions

These are new additions to the Physical Media this week.

Physical Media Links: Physical Media

Click on any links below to see release details.

Opeth
The Last Will And Testament [Special Edition]

[Album]
22 November 2024
Death Metal (Progressive)

Purchased Media
Purchase Date: 15 February 2025

Performer(s):

Mikael Akerfeldt - Vocals / Guitar [Member]

Ian Anderson - Vocals [Guest]

TheBigBlack's Last.FM Listening History

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Week Ending: 15 February 2025

Album Of The Week

Motorhead - Orgasmatron (1986)

Candlemass - Candlemass (2005)

Artists: New Additions

Harakiri For The Sky

The Great Old Ones

The Halo Effect

Core Discographies: New Additions

Core Discographies: This Year's Releases Coming Soon

Digital Library: Tagged Releases

Digital Library: New Additions

Physical Media: New Additions

TheBigBlack's Last.FM Listening History

⚠️ Known Page Issues

Week Ending:
15 February 2025