Cory (Shape of Storms Records)
What are your top five albums that were released in 2023? (In order 1-5)
Pascow - Sieben
I might be one of maybe 67 people in the USA to follow these long running Germans, but I've stoked on them since the Jade LP in 2019. Catchy, dramatic punk sung in a language I don't understand, but friggin' fantastic and quite the lift to my day when I put it on.
Closet Witch - Chiaroscuro
The sweetest, most down-to-earth people making the most intense music you're likely to hear or witness live.
Rarely is something seemingly so close to flying off the rails feel so focused. Additionally, I think this record finally gets close to the tornado of chaos this band is in person.
When they return to the stage, you better make your way there. Its terrifying and wonderful.
Svalbard - The Weight Of The Mask
I'll always love this band. Recently they've jumped to the big time (Nuclear Blast), and there is no one more deserving of the attention they'll (hopefully) receive. Brilliant, unique post-hardcore, post-metal whathaveyou. The sheer talent and unassuming nature of its members is mind boggling and refreshing. This band needs to tour the US absolutely immediately.
Mistral - In The Throes Of Losing Love
Alongside Starer, I found these young Poles via Folkvangr Records or via praise of those nearby the same. Whichever. Anyways, this is misty, often emotional (post) black metal that should be getting more ears on it. This was very much one of my "summer" black metal records. Makes sense they're compared to Sadness, as I'll argue that both owe half their sound to '90s emo/screamo as much as Cascadian forest bookish black metal.
Chepang - Swatta
Forget what you know about extreme music, especially grindcore. These people are taking every opportunity to turn the genre on its head. This record is just mind boggling on so many levels. I mean, a whole side of collaboration, and a whole side of AI interpretations of the previous three sides. It's fucking bonkers. Live it's an experience.
What band did you discover in 2023 (can be a brand new band or an older band) that had an impact on your life? How so?
STARER . Through Starer I met the person behind it. And we've since become friends, and that's what listening to music and running a label and being in a band is for me.
Meeting and connecting with people.
How will you remember 2023 (in terms of music)?
A massive amount of great music was made, and made by outspoken, intelligent people to boot. I still cant keep up with the endless stream of things I "need to check out/listen to/et al." I feel like music in general, at least as I experience it, is even more interesting and inclusive than previously. Hardcore / punk (and not the ones from the '90s boom) is borderline mainstream now, which is interesting to watch. We'll see if the youth moves on to something else, but in the meantime I'm happy to see stagediving at huge multi-genre festivals I'll likely never attend.
ps. crowdkilling can still fuck itself. again.
What can we look forward to from you in 2024?
We will release records from NARZISSUS, GLYPH, FELSENMIRROR, DECULTIVATE, CHEPANG, and CLOUD RAT.
What records are you looking forward to most in 2024?
Sonata Arctica, Olhava, Unleash The Archers, Dodsrit, Saidan. I'm sure there's a million records I'll want to hear in a few short months.
With physical media sales seemingly less popular than ever, what are some the best ways that fans can help to support the musicians when they go to a live show?
BUY FUCKING MERCH. Talk to them. Repeat.
Cory – social media links
- Instagram: @shapeofstormsrecords
