“For once this isn’t your typical ‘musical differences’ excuse, this is simply, due to distance and Sasha’s pursuit and focus in other directions, it became clear to all of us, he was no longer able to contribute the same dedication to Novembers Doom as the rest of the band. We wish Sasha the best in his future endeavors.”

The statement went on to confirm that they will be searching for a replacement:

“As for the future of Novembers Doom, we are currently seeking to fill this position. Anyone interested in this opportunity can contact us through drummer@novembersdoom.com. Several projects are already in the works, and where it’s too soon for any formal announcements, we can assure you, Novembers Doom’s best days are yet to come.”

Brandon Geist
Editor in Chief

Quicksand, Slip
“One of my favorite albums ever, Slip is pretty much always in my listening rotation. Come on, Walter Schreifels, forget Rivals Schools and get these guys back together!”

Morbid Angel, Illus Divinum Insanus
“Still rocking the new Morbid Angel, which is out June 7, and still enjoying it—even the almost audaciously dumb techno-industrial numbers like ‘Destructos Vs the Earth-Attack.’ ‘I Am Morbid’ might be my favorite song of the year so far.”

Decapitated, Carnival Is Forever
“The Polish death metallers have finally returned with a new album—out on July 12—their first since the tragic van accident that severely injured then-vocalist Covan and killed drummer Vitek. Nothing on here is as catchy, focused, and undeniably awesome as ‘Spheres of Madness,’ but there are plenty of the band’s signature twisty tech riffs, manic polyrhythms, and general brutality. Good to have you back, guys.”

WhoCares, “Out of My Mind”/“Holy Water”
“New music by a supergroup consisting of Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi, Deep Purple’s Ian Gillan, Jason Newsted formerly of Metallica, and Iron Maiden’s Nicko McBrain, among others? Count me in! I’ve been listening to the clips since they leaked, and I now have the full songs and can’t stop listening to them. They were written by Iommi and definitely sound more like his solo album than anything he’s done with Sabbath or Heaven & Hell. Gillan sounds great, too. Best part of it all is, proceeds from the tracks go to rebuilding a music school in Armenia.”

Marduk, Iron Dawn EP
“After Marduk’s ridiculously disappointing 2007 album, Rom 5:12, the Swedish black-metal group got my attention again on 2009’s Wormwood. The new EP, containing three songs that apparently don’t relate to the concept the band have for the next album, due in 2012, has the same aggression as Wormwood—and it’s even produced a little better (guitarist Evil sounds evil again)—but vocalist Mortuus’s gurgle-voice is noticeably more off-putting now that you can hear it better.”

Endstille, Infektion 1813
“This German black-metal group has never innovated much, and they don’t create anything new on this, their seventh full-length, which comes out Tuesday. What they do well, however, is create a tense, dark, unpleasant mood that occasionally complements my day. The guitar tone reminds me of prime-era Dissection, and frontman Zingultus’s pained screams, specifically on ‘The Deepest Place on Earth,’ remind me of the frustrated complaints Peter Steele yelped out in Carnviore. For a bad time, call these guys.”

Josh Bernstein
Creative Director

Danzig, Danzig
“It’s funny how you start listening to a record as a joke and then end up not only liking it, but falling in love with it. Case in point, Glenn Danzig. When I first heard that the dude from the Misfits had his own band, I was very excited, but thought the artwork, videos, and Jim Morrison impressions were a goof. Happily, the joke was on me.”

Stiff Little Fingers, Inflammable Material
“The Scottish Clash never got their due, but this disc rocks socks from start to finish. ‘Barbed-Wire Love’ and ‘Alternative Ulster’ are great tracks, and ‘Suspect Device’ is just as mean and gnarly as anything on the first Sex Pistols record.”

Volture, Shocking Its Prey
“I’ve been digging the new project Volture, which is a great side project from Municipal Waste’s Ryan Waste. What the Waste did to salute and honor crossover, Volture does that for the NWOBHM in spades. Check ‘em out!”

Josh Hart
Web Producer

Russian Circles, Geneva
“I have a weird habit of listening to new albums once or twice and then shelving them for a year before I come back to them and listen to them for months on end. This is one of those. I’m hoping now that Explosions in the Sky have a Top 20 album, these guys will get their dues as well.”

Skinny Puppy, Too Dark Park
“The best industrial album (not involving Trent Reznor) ever.”

Novembers Doom, Aphotic
I, like a lot of fans, was skeptical after Into Night’s Requiem Infernal saw the band trying everything they could not to be labeled as doom metal. Thankfully, this is a strong return to form. Check out the track ‘What Could Have Been,’ featuring ex-Gathering vocalist Anneke Van Giersbergen.”

Stephen Goggi
Art Director

Face to Face, Big Choice
“I’m going to see these duders with a bunch of friends from back in the day who I haven’t seen in a while. Trying to relive high school.”

Converge, Petitioning an Empty Sky
“Still my favorite Converge album. Give me sing-alongs and finger points in a song and I am a happy camper.”

Junip, Fields
“I’m down with Jose Gonzalez, so I’m down with this.”

Jimmy Hubbard
Photography Director

Agoraphobic Nosebleed/Despise You, And On And On… split EP
“Man, I love Agoraphobic Nosebleed! Last years Agorapocalypse was easily one of my favorite albums of 2010! This has a bit more of the classic power violence you expect from ANB and it destroys. I love listening to Scott Hull riff out. He is a total riff master. The Despise You stuff is great as well, their first material in 10 years.”

Decapitated, Carnival Is Forever
“Man, I have been waiting to hear the new record from Poland’s Decapitated ever since I heard they had entered the studio with a new lineup. After the untimely passing of drum powerhouse Witold ‘Vitek’ Kieltyka, I was curious to hear what guitarist (and Vitek’s brother) Waclaw ‘Vogg’ Kieltyka was going to come out with. Man, it’s great! Easily the most complicated and mature Decapitated music I have heard! Great stuff, more hardcore, less death, and just plain awesome!”

The Austerity Program, Black Madonna
“I love this band! A lot like a modern Big Black and a very snide Godflesh, awesome heavy bass and angular guitar backed by a Boss DR660 drum machine. 2007’s Black Madonna is a record I played a lot when it came out, and I have been listening to it nonstop this week for some reason…”

Eighth full-length, Aphotic, if not a return to form, is certainly the most consistent record the band has made in years. That’s not to say it’s boring or formulaic, though. There are enough twists and turns on this record to keep the listener interested all the way through. Those expecting to see the death-metal side of Novembers Doom may be a bit disappointed, although there are some pleasingly heavy moments on “The Dark Host” and “Harvester Scythe.”

A pleasant surprise is “What Could Have Been,” an almost-ballad that features a haunting guest vocal appearance by ex-Gathering vocalist Anneke Van Giersbergen. Aphotic may not bring fans back who left the band on Requiem, but those who stuck around will get to experience a group finally coming into their own. JOSH HART