Friday: Nero di Marte - Pulsar

     I knew absolutely nothing about Nero di Marte before hearing their latest song "Pulsar" (aside from an educated guess that they're Italian). After hearing this song, I now know one thing: they can write a badass, groovy post-death metal-y track.

     A few more things: "Pulsar" is the second song to be released from the band's upcoming sophomore effort Derviae, due out in October on Prosthetic Records. And maybe a couple more: "Pulsar" is maybe a tad heavier than "post-metal" (hence my waffley "post-death metal-y" above) but it's also got the kind of dynamics and atmosphere that reminds me of The Ocean. Even the vocals have a taste of Ocean here and there, which is only a good thing because I really dig The Ocean.

     So join me on a journey of discovery, won't you? Start with "Pulsar" and then go from there.

Tuesday: Set and Setting - Coping

     Regular readers will know that in addition to all things techy and proggy, I also have a place in my heart for all things post. Post-rock, post-hardcore, post-metal, whatever genre you want to try and move beyond, I'm right there with you.

     Which is why I'm stoked to be able to feature as today's song the latest from instrumental post-rock/metallers Set and Setting. "Coping" is the first single from the band's forthcoming Prosthetic debut A Vivid Memory, and it nicely straddles the post-rock and post-metal subgenres: some atmospheric guitar work and musical build-ups are here, but so are some blast beats and trem picking. So sit back and check out what could end up being one of the best instrumental post-anything records of the year.