3. Panopticon – split release with Vestiges (Flenser)
Panopticon very well could be my favorite black metal band from the good old USA. I never pick favorites, as evidenced in this list, but the music that Austin Lunn creates under the name Panopticon is so intense, it blows most other American black metal bands out of the fucking water. Only 2 tracks are needed (yeah there’s 3, but the last one is a cover) to drive this point home. From 4:55 to 5:25 in opener “A Letter,” Lunn does more sonic movement with a blast section than any of his peers and their 20 minute songs. Lunn recently stated he was wrapping up a new full length, so fingers crossed that is out next year. I’m sure it will be a “best of 2014” jam. The dude also owns the Hammerheart brewery in Minnesota, adding major brownie points for me!
