Aussie doomsters Halo are one of those bands who aren't content with just regurgitating conventional templates. On Guattari (from the West Flows Grey Ash and Pestilence) they combine the oppressive rhythmic nihilism of Filth-era Swans with the industrial soundscapes of Godflesh and of course sludge. Even though undemanding in a technical sense the compositions here emanate an ominous greyness which whether you like or not will cloud up your perky disposition. Self-funded initially, Relapse in an exceptionally discerning move snapped it up and re-released it. An unrefined gem for those who like to wander along the edges of extreme doom.
I have to say it is a bit of a mystery that despite their monumental contributions to the world of rock, experimental music and even industrial, England never really fancied itself as a pioneer in the black metal scene. Of course somebody could easily point us to some sporadic flashes like goth-showmen Cradle of Filth or Anaal Nathrakh but there is such a big heterogeneity in the sound of these bands that it'd be tough to cluster them into one cohesive movement. Be that as it may there are bands that crop up from time to time which raise interests with their unique and at the same time weird way they approach the genre. One of these bands is Yorkshire-born Axis of Perdition and their debut album The Ichneumon Method (and Less Welcome Techniques) (Rage of Achilles, 2003). Guitars here have been distorted to such an extent that they sound almost unrecognizable in comparison to the conventional tremolo and it's definitely something that forces you to sit up and take notice as soon as you hit the play button. The other-worldly guitar motifs influenced by the cyber-black coldness of Thorns combine flawlessly with the drum machine which in this case finds a fitting allotment along with the various effects which lace the songs at appropriate moments. The whole setup results in the creation of nightmarish soundscapes bringing to mind scenes from sci-fi inspired horror films (Event Horizon anyone?). Definitely up your alley if you wake up with Mayhem's De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas and go to sleep with Blud Aus Nord's The Work which Transforms God.
Gazing into the middle-distance and waiting for an apocalypse that never comes, that's how these motherfuckers so mercilessly make you feel. Inade's Burning Flesh (Loki Foundation, 1993 (tape) / 2007 (CD)) is a great example of how you should mix your power electronics mindfuck-works with penetrating shards of amorphous ambience. Be afraid, be very afraid.
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