I refuse to hate my black skin to make followers of NSBM feel comfortable in their racist bodies. I refuse to believe the myth that for Black Metal to be dangerous, it has to be full of racism. Real talk, so many people cosplay by looking hard, but not too many people take a hard stance against oppression — look at the genocide that is taking place in real time as I write this. This is why the only kind of Black Metal I respect is the one that hates NSBM. Today I want to turn you all on to 2 bands that are killing it!
BLOODY KEEP – Rats Of Black Death
WTF, Bloody Keep’s Rats Of Black Death on Grime Stone Records is a Black Metal keeper. This band is so fucking rad because they just don’t give a fuck and create rocking music that gallops! They create songs that are free of creative doubt and full of awesome self-expression. Case in point, check out the title track and hear how amazing this band is. While I listen to “Nostalgic Vampire Magic,” I think about how music like this feels so empowering. If Bloody Keep reads this, I want them to know that their epic kind of Black Metal is fucking uplifting and a huge middle finger to all of the haters! With a HUGE smile on my face I say this loudly: Rats Of Black Death is fucking RAD!
Astral Lore S/T
I’m impressed with Astral Lore’s new record that is out now on Realm and Ritual–Primitive Archive. Throughout three long tracks, this band shows the world why they can’t be fucked with! Their cold riffs give my humanity space to think and be free of negative self-talk. I love how they weave empathy into their sonic atmosphere and let me know that this fucked up world does not have to end just yet. Dive into their dreary anthem “Wandering down the path towards the light” and allow your reality to turn bleak. Astral Lore manifests Black Metal that soars and slays all at the same time!
