Release date: 5/20/2022
Origin: Metheun, MA
Personnel: Stephen Brodsky-vox/guitar, Adam McGrath-guitar, Nate Newton-bass, John-Robert Conners-drums
Yet another entry on the list of a band we weren’t exactly sure was going to continue into the future. Bassist Caleb Schofield’s death in 2018 looked like it might spell the end of Cave In. However, the guys recruited Nate Newton of Converge to take over bass duties. Heavy Pendulum is a massive statement by this band. It really feels like a new chapter has opened for the band and they have announced that things are going to be heavy. Very sludgy sound. I maintain that Stephen Brodsky is one of the most charming frontmen in the business. His combination of stellar guitar work, amazing vocal range and comedic chops are right on par with Mikael Akerfeldt of Opeth. I will say that the length of this record kept it from a perfect 5 flip flops out of five. At 15 tracks, it is a bit bloated. Had they trimmed 3-4 subpar tracks off of here, it damn well could have nabbed the top spot. As it is, the meat of this record is so good that I can ignore the lapse in editorial discretion and slot this puppy at #2 on the list.
4.5 flip flops out of 5
The list so far:
2. Cave In-Heavy Pendulum
3. Porcupine Tree-Closure/Continuation
4. Megadeth-The Sick, The Dying…and The Dead!
5. Amon Amarth-The Great Heathen Army
6. Elder-Innate Passage
7. King’s X-Three Sides of One
8. Psychonaut-Violate Consensus Reality
9. Eric Wagner-In the Lonely Light of Mourning
10. SpiritWorld-Deathwestern
11. Psycroptic-Divine Council
12. My Diligence-The Matter, Form and Power
13. Blind Guardian-The God Machine
14. Ghost-Impera
15. Jungle Rot-A Call To Arms
16. High Command-Eclipse of the Dual Moons
17. Soilwork-Overgivenheten
18. Messa-Close
19. Ty Tabor-Shades
20. Lamb of God-Omens
DISPATCHES FROM THE VOID 