The Shape of Things to Come...

Here are the albums I'm looking forward to hearing this year–or should I say the first half of this year.

KTL - IV (lp) - February or March
The cd version already came out on Editions Mego, but I'm waiting for the LP to come out on Japanese imprint Inoxia. Any time now...


Khanate - Clean Hands Go Foul - February
The last transmission from the NYC doomsters, recorded back in 2005, before they decided enough is enough. All good things must come to an end. Why couldn't it be Metallica instead? According to the latest from Hydrahead, this is set to drop any time now. Above is the picture LP version of the record released through Trust No One Recordings in Europe.


Neko Case - Middle Cyclone - March
Just gotta say it's about time she put out a new record. How long has it been, girl? Seems like an eternity. Hoping a tour will soon follow.


Mono - Hymn To The Immortal Wind - March
It's already leaked and I'm currently playing it to death, but nevertheless I will be forking out the cash for the actual LP when it comes out. I believe this record to be their finest moment. The pre-order for the album has been going on for a while now at Temporary Residence. First 1,000 LP orders get colored vinyl.


Wolves In The Throne Room - Black Cascade - March
Probably the most anticipated black metal release for me this year. They'll be in town in March with new label mates Pelican in tow.


OM - Conference Live (or Live In Japan) - April
The new album is written and will be recorded next month with Steve Albini at the helm, who did great justice to the band's sound by producing their last LP, Pilgrimage. No release date on that yet, but until then Important will be releasing a live album recorded last year in Japan with new drummer Emil Amos. Dude is ferocious behind the kit. If Chris Hakius is John Bonham, then Emil Amos is Elvin Jones.


Isis - Wavering Radiant - April (LP) & May (CD)
The official CD release date is in May, but the limited edition LP version comes out 2 weeks prior in April. Yes!


Sunn O))) - Monoliths & Dimensions - May
Wow. Besides the two principals, Stephen O'Malley and Greg Anderson, and contributions from usual suspects Attila Csihar and Oren Ambarchi, The band's guitar & bass drones is augmented and expanded by brass, winds, strings, piano and choir. All that AND Dylan Carlson. Maximum volume yields maximum results indeed. Info here.


Pelican - Title tba - May or June
This as-yet-to-be-titled EP will be the band's first release on their new label, Southern Lord. Three songs total, 2 new and 1 cover song featuring a very special guest musician.


Shrinebuilder - Title tba - Summer
Here's one for the ages: Shrinebuilder is Scott Kelly (Neurosis) and Wino on vocals and guitars, Al Cisneros (Sleep, OM) on bass and Dale Crover (Melvins) on drums. Dizamn. The album is recorded and set to be released this Summer on Neurot Recordings.


Baroness - Title tba - 2009?
The follow-up to their ridiculously rockin' 'The Red Album' should be out sometime this year. Question is, will it at least be just as good as its predecessor?

Album of the Week

Mono, Hymn To The Immortal Wind

This doesn't drop till next month, but I got a sneak listen and it's outstanding. Dare I say it, possibly one of the best albums in the post-rock genre. Been playing the first track, 'Ashes In The Snow' pretty much non-stop this week. NYC folks are in for a treat this May, when the band takes the stage for their only US appearance (thus far) with a full orchestra to celebrate their 10th year as a band. Needless to say, I wish I were going.

Title page for Fairytales From The Arabian Nights.



Title page and illustrations by Aubrey Beardsley from Le Morte d'Arthur.

After 85 years, Stacey's Books in downtown SF will be closing its doors for good come mid-march. I picked up a few goodies that, while I could've gotten them cheaper at amazon, I just wanted NOW, dammit. Nerd on.