1) Falls of Rauros - Key to a Vanishing Future

Release Date: 3/25/2022 | Label: Gilead Media | Genre: Atmospheric Black Metal

Falls of Rauros has expanded their horizons on their sixth full-length release, Key to a Vanishing Future. For the first time the band has pulled back on the grand and sweeping atmosphere that they are known for in favor of some more straightforward riffing. That is not to say that this album is a complete surprise though, as the band makes it abundantly clear that they have not abandoned their roots. Instead, these sections of direct riffing are sprinkled throughout the record to tastefully break up the wide swath of atmospheric guitar layers. With their ability to write emotionally provoking melodies and lyrical themes that deal with social issues of the modern day, Key to a Vanishing Future is a heavy and impactful listen. Falls of Rauros have crafted their most diverse record to date with this release, and it is probably my personal favorite of the month.

Read my full review here: https://www.mountainofmetal.com/falls-of-rauros-key-to-a-vanishing-future-review/

2) Desolate Shrine - Fires of the Dying World

Release Date: 3/25/2022 | Label: Dark Descent Records | Genre: Death Metal

Desolate Shrine has a unique approach to writing death metal. In the past, the band has relied on dense walls of distortion and raw production to give their music an overwhelming sense of magnitude. On Fires of the Dying World, the band has cleaned up their production and compositional style to make for a much more listenable experience. That’s not to say that this record is tame, though, as this release is fueled by destructive riffing and demonic vocals throughout its entirety. The songwriting here is as dynamic and interesting as always, but this time the nuances are actually discernable. This change only makes the band’s sound more appealing and allows for listeners to truly appreciate the depth of material being presented. Fires of the Dying World is Desolate Shrine’s best release yet.

3) Messa - Close

Release Date: 3/11/2022 | Label: Svart Records | Genre: Drone/Doom Metal

Messa is an extremely difficult group to pin down. Metal Archives defines their genre as “Doom Metal, Ambient/Drone,” which doesn’t even come close to describing the depth and range of the band’s sound. While Messa’s sound is undoubtedly rooted in doom metal, they also incorporate a wide range of other influences such as surf rock, ritual ambience, and world music. Close is the band’s third release and it is a sublimely interesting listen. Every track here is unique and presents its own absorbing ideas. The riffing in particular is divergent from anything else going on in the doom metal genre, as it frequently uses out-of-the-box rhythms and chord progressions. The vocal performance of Sara Bianchin is another standout component to the band’s sound. Her dynamic inflections and full-bodied timbre make her a commanding presence within the band’s overall tone. There is way too much going on with this release to fully describe it here, but Messa’s Close is by far the most unique release to come out in March 2022.

4) Kvaen - The Great Below

Release Date: 3/25/2022 | Label: Black Lion Records | Genre: Black Metal

Kvaen is a one-man black metal project spearheaded by Jakob Björnfot. The Great Below is his second release, and it effectively pushes forward the foundations established by his 2020 debut, The Funeral Pyre. Kvaen brings forth a thrashy take on black metal, which charges forward with an undeniable energy. Björnfot’s shrieks sit atop the frenzy and give it the additional harshness that it needs to truly rip. Guitar solos are predominantly handled by guests including Jeff Loomis (Nevermore), Mike Wead (King Diamond), and Sebastian Ramstedt (Necrophobic), which ensures that the release contains its fair share of shredding. The Great Below is definitely not pushing any boundaries, but not every album needs to reinvent the wheel and Kvaen knows how to put together a blast of a record.

5) Hath - All That Was Promised

Release Date: 3/4/2022 | Label: Willowtip Records | Genre: Progressive Death Metal

Hath is a progressive death metal band from New Jersey that cemented their place on the “Bands to Watch” list since the release of their debut EP in 2015. After the lukewarm full-length Of Rot and Ruin in 2019, Hath returns again with the follow-up, All That Was Promised. It is with this release that the band has refined their sound and crafted their best material so far. Laser-precise riffing and drumming, drippingly brutal vocals, and gripping songwriting makes this one of the most impressive releases of 2022 so far. This time around the band also incorporates some clean vocal accents that do a lot to add depth and enhance the music. A risky move in death metal for sure, but one that pays off for Hath thanks to their tasteful method of incorporating them. All That Was Promised is a dense record with a massive array of riffs and intricacies that makes it one of the best of the year so far.