Astronoid

Astronoid, “Resin”

We’ve frequently talked here about the blurry space between black metal and shoegaze, and some of the bands occupying that liminal space. There’s a fair bit of distance to travel between My Bloody Valentine and Bathory, mind you, but because they do exist on something of a continuum, most of the spots in-between are viable. So, today, we have Astronoid: those drums and rhythms are pretty metal, but the dreamy vocals and triumphant tilt to the music is very shoegaze. This record really very much sits at the midpoint, I’d say.

This Friday, 8/4/2017, Bandcamp will be donating all their revenue to the Transgender Law Center. I’m planning on buying a bunch of stuff from them that day, I hope you join me in supporting both human rights and musicians at the same time. Here’s today’s music.

Astronoid, “Trail of Sulfur”

In the wake of Deafheaven’s Sunbather, I’ve noticed more bands that are working in that same area: incorporating elements of black metal, but removing some of the ugliness that’s usually associated with the genre. It’s sort of partway between the old genre of shoegaze and black metal. Astronoid (and this track) is a good example. You have some of the hallmarks of the genre in terms of the tempo and drumming, but none of the shrieks or noise that you might otherwise get. It’s an interesting hybrid.