January 2025 "The Infinite" Playlist - Progressive Metal Constellations

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2Wtb5QsNObO9w62f7ThQNF?si=6284435ed08f4430

1. Alchemist – Jar of Kingdom (2006)

2. Almah – Beyond Tomorrow (2008)

3. Artificial Language – Trauma (2024)

4. Atheist – Unquestionable Presence (1991)

5. Conjurer, Pijn – Sunday (2019)

6. Death – Spirit Crusher (1998)

7. Devin Townsend – Tiny Tears (2001)

8. Dvne – Summa Blasphemia (2024)

9. Extol – The Things I Found (2005)

10. Fallujah – Chemical Cave (2024)

11. Gojira – Mea Culpa (2024)

12. Hypno5e – Los Heraldos Negros (2018)

13. ISIS – Weight (2002)

14. Leprous – Rewind (2015)

15. Novembre – Come Pierrot (2001)

16. Nuclear Power Trio – Vamos, Brandito! (2023)

17. Orse – Affogato (2024)

18. Rendezvous Point – Apollo (2019)

Wow, we're starting off the new year quite well with some amazing playlists you've made, Saxy! Such an amazing job that I have the incentive to comment on all the tracks in it. So here are all my thoughts:

Alchemist – Jar of Kingdom (2006)

4.5/5. The cacophonic title track of Alchemist's first album once again has 70s space rock twisted into intricate thrashy death metal rhythms.

Almah – Beyond Tomorrow (2008)

5/5. OK, the truth is I originally included this track as one of my submissions for this playlist, but I found out it wasn't available on Spotify in my country, so I replaced it with a different track. Seems like this Almah track is available in Saxy's country, so thanks Saxy for including this submission along with its replacement. This lineup has everything including the epic vocals of Edu Falaschi, the blazing riffing and soloing by Marcelo Barbosa and Paulo Schroeber (RIP), the booming bass of Felipe Andreoli, and the mighty drumming of Marcelo Moreira. So f***ing cool! Too bad we haven't heard from Edu since the band's hiatus and departure from Angra. You gotta believe how awesome he is!

Artificial Language – Trauma (2024)

4.5/5. Progressive greatness should never stop! It's a blessing that has touched upon us last week, shortly after Christmas. The ethereal intro leading heavy riffing sounds so good. Absolutely stunning!

Atheist – Unquestionable Presence (1991)

5/5. This Atheist highlight is my original replacement submission for the Almah track, and is the best of its awesome original album! The rhythmic twists will blow your mind.

Conjurer, Pijn – Sunday (2019)

4.5/5. Maybe I should've saved listening to this playlist for January 5th, so it really would be a Sunday. I love the f***ing heavy and beautiful intro.

Death – Spirit Crusher (1998)

4/5. This one has riffing mixing brutality and melody, the latter appearing more in the chorus.

Devin Townsend – Tiny Tears (2001)

4/5. Although I haven't listened a lot of Devin Townsend in a couple years, I still underrated magical songs like this one. The lyrics are somewhat relatable.

Dvne – Summa Blasphemia (2024)

4.5/5. Then after that flight through ethereal Heaven, we drop into bleak Hell with this heavy post-sludge track.

Extol – The Things I Found (2005)

5/5. This somber highlight is my favorite track in its original album. It starts almost dark, but the chorus is so emotional in the lyrics. Awesome!

Fallujah – Chemical Cave (2024)

5/5. I think I just found a brand-new favorite progressive/tech-death band with this atmospheric riff-tastic track!

Gojira – Mea Culpa (2024)

4.5/5. The song Gojira performed in the 2024 Paris Olympics is perhaps the most brutal the band has performed in nearly two decades, probably heavier than "The Heaviest Matter of the Universe"! While the performance itself is pretty epic, you don't have to watch the ceremony itself to witness all this kick-A beast has to offer. I'm just glad Gojira have their earlier technical heaviness back.

Hypno5e – Los Heraldos Negros (2018)

4.5/5. Flamenco metal?!? Another intriguing combo! Though more recognition would be nice. It sounds so beautiful and unique, and it might be worth a classic. This collab with A Backward Glance on a Travel Road is like two universes merged into one. Lots of dynamic mood in the Spanish guitar, making such a great song.

ISIS – Weight (2002)

5/5. Perhaps my favorite song by Isis, with lyrics sung by guest vocalist Maria Christopher of 27 taking you far beyond.

Leprous – Rewind (2015)

4.5/5. It's songs like this when I wish I could rewind back in time and appreciate this band's masterpieces more. So f***ing captivating! The way it gradually builds up from a suspenseful beginning to an intense ending is pure genius. The drumming by Baard Kolstad sounds so cosmic. Set free, rewind, and clear your mind!

Novembre – Come Pierrot (2001)

4/5. I regret leaving this band's material behind so soon. I should get back in touch with the deathly gothic progressive metal Novembre's early 2000s era has to offer. The soloing that starts the last minute sounds so big and sweet. As of listening to this piece, we have just left December and started a new year in January. The song has such strong beauty! In a way, Novembre is like the Italian Opeth. A major difference is how overlooked Novembre is. But there might still be hope in the future...

Nuclear Power Trio – Vamos, Brandito! (2023)

3.5/5. Another good piece of flamenco metal, though a little too funky for me.

Orse – Affogato (2024)

3/5. Nice post-metal epic but a bit forgettable. And that cover art makes me want vanilla ice-cream with caramel syrup, along with mint Mentos after seeing a Mentos YouTube ad appear IN THE F***ING MIDDLE OF THE SONG!!!!!

Rendezvous Point – Apollo (2019)

3.5/5. At least we can end this playlist with some good music and beautiful vocals.