Every month, I will recap the music I discovered on Bandcamp that spoke to me. I find music through word of mouth recommendations, recommendations from artists on their profile, Bandcamp editorial lists, and, occasionally, the site’s recommendation tools. These albums may or may not have been released in the month in which I am reviewing. The criteria is simply that I found them during that month. I will give each release a brief review and share the Bandcamp link. At the end of the article, a Spotify playlist of my favorite tracks from each release will be embedded. As always, you are welcome to follow the playlist, but I highly encourage you to purchase music from artists on Bandcamp.

Woah. This is the third month in review post here at Disparate Parts! Thanks for sticking with me. Time flies when you’re having fun and all that jazz. To my taste, this is the strongest monthly list to date, so buckle in.

One of Nine – Eternal Sorcery

Released October 27th, 2023

Alright. I’m not too proud. I absolutely judged Eternal Sorcery by One of Nine on its cover. The art, after all, is rad. I’m happy to report that, upon listening, the tunes are just as sick. On Eternal Sorcery, you’ll find eight tracks of throwback black metal. With no walls of reverb to be found, One of Nine pummels you with a focused attack that is both dynamic and, at times, surprisingly melodic, courtesy of guitar leads. Highly recommended.

https://oneofnine.bandcamp.com/album/eternal-sorcery

Spider God – The Killing Joke

Released on December 25th, 2023

Speaking of melodic, Spider God’s The Killing Joke is a shockingly melodic black metal record that, if I hadn’t already put out my best of list for 2023, would have certainly been included. After all, how many black metal records have legitimate hooks? This website is all about celebrating the strange. My favorite track is “silicon witch” for the juxtaposition of post-punk verses, complete with jangly guitar leads and chorus drenched rhythms, against absolutely shredded vocals.

https://spider-god.bandcamp.com/album/the-killing-room

Potion Mystique – Demo²

Released on January 2nd, 2024

Potion Mystique, a solo black metal project hailing from France, is nothing if not prolific. At the time of this writing, I received an email stating that Potion Mystique has released yet another EP this month, following four releases in 2023. Potion Mystique leans heavily into the use of synthesizers and counter melodies, giving the bizarre EP a very different flavor than the vast majority of solo black metal projects out there. The synthesizers, at times, feel very John Carpenter, and I certainly don’t think that’s a bad thing. Recommended for those looking for something adventurous.

https://feudesaintantoine.bandcamp.com/album/demo-3

Svdestada – Candela

Released on January 5th, 2024

It’s January, so it is bit premature to be talking about album of the year, but Candela by the Spanish blackened crust band Svdestada has certainly been added to my short list. I, personally, find the record to be reminiscent of Envy, the Japanese post-hardcore pioneers, but, instead of blending post-rock into their post-hardcore, Svdestada is pulling metal in. By design, these write-ups are brief, and I tried to single out one member’s performance. Yeah, that’s not going to happen. I’ll need to cover this record more comprehensively at a later date. Everyone in this band rips. This one is required listening.

https://svdestada.bandcamp.com/album/candela

Necrosferatul – Candelabrum Necrosferatulum

Released on July 21, 2023

Last but not least, we have the surf black metal Candelabrum Necrosferatulum by Necrosferatul. And yes, you did read that right. Surf black metal. The Austrian act refers to themselves as necrosurf, and sure, let’s go with that. I love the commitment to the aesthetic; tremolo effects and lo-fi synths frequently find themselves sharing space with raw vocals and blast beats. Like Potion Mystique, this one is highly recommended for those looking for a change of pace.

https://necrosferatul.bandcamp.com/album/candelabrum-necrosferatulum

Spotify Playlist

Intended to be played in order. Note: Necrosferatul and Potion Mystique are not on the platform. Please visit their bandcamp pages. I have included some songs from other releases I have already/will cover in other pieces.