8. So Hideous - First Poem/Last Light (Self Released)
http://youtu.be/U8cwZbxffIA The Lowdown: Tagged with the dreaded 'hipster black metal" or "Shoe Gaze" label, New York's So Hideous fought the same battle as Deafheaven as grumpy metal fans simply judged these guys based on their coffee shop barista looks. While playing the same sort of melodic, shrill, slightly screamo (notably Japan's envy) inspired black metal as their peers, what sets So Hideous apart is the use of a real live, 10 piece orchestra and choir. No keys or synths. The resultant atmospherics are often knee wilting yet beautiful, but again was simply not 'tr00' enough for so called 'real' black metal fans. Just listen to the track above and tell me that does not make your heart strings strum a little. Recommended If You Like: Deafheaven, Liturgy, Classical Music