Altar Of Plagues-Mammal(2011)

You can tell by the cover. The new record by Altar Of Plagues is one fucked-up, fever dream, blast of sick Metal! Starting of a record with a 19 minute song is a daring and brave feat, and one that not hardly anyone can pull off. AOP do it so well you can hardly tell that amount of time has passed, and it actually leaves you wanting more. That song, "Neptune Is Dead" is a cinematic blast that sounds like Burzum, Tool, and Ennio Morricone all occupying the same rehearsal space. The record only consists of 4 tracks, but they are all beasts! When the shortest track clocks in at over 8 minutes, you know that you have to be patient for your rewards. I am absolutely amazed that this record wasn't on more end of the years lists! Forget Mastodon, this one beats you over the head with your perception of Metal and hands back to you in a neat cardboard package. If you have not heard this yet, I not only recommend, but DEMAND, that you run out and get it right now!! If not, your Metalhead Membership card might just be revoked!!