KHROMA 'Stasis' INVERSE Khroma might as well become Finland's answer to Japan's Crossfaith, an explosive rule-bending mix of electronic brutality, metalcore heaviness and an atmosphere to pierce your brain at it's very core, for their latest effort 'Stasis' will leave your mind completely f*cked. By lacing together elements of Metalcore, electronic music, Groove Metal and Alternative Metal, this hotly-tipped outfit are sure to tear Europe apart with their uniquely fashioned and original s. From start to finish, 'Stasis' will have you moshing your braincells to death, raving your sweat out and drinking alcohol like water, seriously this is proper hard party music. If Crossfaith, 5FDP and The Defiled ever had a three-some, then Khroma would be the offspring, a cataclysmic, unrelenting brand of Modern Metal. This shit is crazyyyyyy!!!!! Download This: "Brace Yourself" For Fans of: 5FDP, The Defiled, Crossfaith 'Stasis' is out now via Inverse Records [8] RHYS STEVENSON 12 GAUGE OUTRAGE 'Deadly Sins' INDEPENDENT No let's not indulge in the Irish puns, even though the Guinness demands it. Hailing from the South-East coast of Ireland, the Heavy Metal trio 12 Gauge Outrage do more than just invent an interesting and rhyming band name, they're also capable of bleeding out a debut album that will almost certainly appeal to the metal masses. Pounding drums lead the backline as the riffs slit your throat right at the deadliest point, actually come to think of it have they managed to whip in some Melodic and Thrash Metal elements? Whatever you make of their debut album, 'Deadly Sins' is a joyous and satisfying nod to the classic sounds of Heavy Metal. Whilst it might not be as fast as Slayer or melodically heavy as Iron Maiden, the album will surely book the band their ticket across the Irish Sea and into the UK. Download This: "Greed - Drag Me To Hell" - Click to listen For Fans of: Kaine, Diamond Head, Metallica [8] RHYS STEVENSON HALIDOM 'Purity Corrupts' INDEPENDENT You might get stuck in the groove when checking out the premier EP by Israel's Halidom. The new kids on the block kick off their career with their EP 'Purity Corrupts' and whilst it offers something fresh, at times it becomes stagnant, that's not to say it's not enjoyable but rather the 'been here done that, sold the t-shirt' feeling. However through bolting together some flash riffs, thick and heavy bass, gritty vocals and an atmosphere primed to get any pit open, Halidom might be on to something, whatever it is they haven't found it yet. 'Purity Corrupts' serves as a respected nod to the Groove Metal movement, but nothing more, in fact their next release needs to be an improvement to enable the band to gain considerable attention from outside of Israel, or the Middle East. Download This: "Turncoat" - Click to listen For Fans of: Gojira, DevilDriver, Lamb of God [7] RHYS STEVENSON ROMAN KHRUSTALEV 'Our New Sun' INDEPENDENT When you think of Kazakhstan, you generally would not consider it a metal music nation and truth be told whilst it's scene can be traced back to the early 1990's, there are very few bands or projects going around. One such musician, Roman Khrustalev, has been releasing music since 2008 under different guises. However he now goes under his real name and has released his latest instrumental Progressive / Power Metal album 'Our New Sun'. From start to finish, this marathon run of epic riff shifting and abrasively loud atmospherics certainly demands a lot of attention as this work of art deserves it. Forget the flashy and technical wizardry Herman Li of Dragonforce can deliver, because Kazakhstan have got their own answer through Roman Khrustalev. His futuristic outlook is channelled through his music and ultimately could serve well as background music for the next sci-fi blockbuster. Download This: "Cold Roots Of Earth" - Click to listen For Fans of: Instrumental Metal, insanely godly music, epic music [8] RHYS STEVENSON BLEEDING TEARS 'The Fall Of Lucifer' INDEPENDENT Hailing from Venezuela, Bleeding Tears are a Dark Metal band whose sound features a lashing of Gothic Metal beauty, the dank atmospherics associated with Doom Metal and a sprinkling of menacing Death Metal. 'The Fall Of Lucifer' sadly is nothing new as it appears to have elements that some would agree sounds too similar to other bands in the said combined genre. However despite the near-evident comparisons, the music in question is one that will captivate you no matter where you are in the world, perhaps the EP was built to put Venezuela on the metal map or perhaps just to stand on it's own two as a decent release. Whatever the future holds for this sextet, with this effort they are sure to gain some attention from outside of their own country, perhaps even land a record deal.... Download this: "Premoniziones" - click to listen For Fans of: Macbeth, Tristania, Darkwell [7] RHYS STEVENSON TROLLWALD' 'У гушчарах (U Huszczarach)' INDEPENDENT Formed out of the ashes left behind by Litvintroll, Belarusian Folk Metal maestros Trollwald carry on from where their predecessor left off. 'У гушчарах (U Huszczarach)' is the band's debut EP and it remains in touch with their folk heritage, utilising folk instruments normally associated with Pagan Metal. Unfortunately Trollwald aren't as with it as Litvintroll were and make light use of what could have been a potentially arousing EP, their inept self just does not enable their EP to reach it's fullest potential. Granted they've stuck to their mother tongue, being Belarusian, but this does not give the EP that needed kick up the backside that otherwise may well have demanded a more positive reception. Overall despite the lack of convincing elements, 'У гушчарах (U Huszczarach)' is an EP that marks the transition from Litvintroll to Trollwald. Download This: "Bywaj!" - Click to listen For fans of: Arkona, Litvintroll, Pagan Metal [7] RHYS STEVENSON WASTED HEROES 'Wasted Heroes' INDEPENDENT Returning after their debut album 'Between The Worlds' was released six years ago, Ukrainian Melodic Death / Metalcore horde Wasted Heroes justify the time spent in crafting their second offering. This self-titled album deploys all what you would expect from a band from said genre combination, full on smack-down brutality, infectious riffs, emotional vocals and a vision that should enable them to stand tall as possibly the most exciting Metalcore-based bands to emerge out of Eastern Europe. But with this comes their own form of Modern Metal influence, which almost breaches the 'Post Metalcore' territory, but it definitely aims to shove over the dominance of Black and Pagan Metal the Ukrainian Metal scene has been arguably enjoying for far too long. 'Wasted Heroes' is the band's calling card to the record labels, if you want us, come and get us. Download This: "Burn Down This World" - click to listen For Fans of: Imminence, In Flames, Zonaria [8] RHYS STEVENSON OHOL YEG 'Humanize' INDEPENDENT Emerging out of the deepest darkest depths of hell in Turkey is the one-man Black Metal project Ohol Yeg masterminded by Sazakan. 'Humanize' is a delightful listen with enough raw elements found across the entire release to ensure that it stands out as a kvlt release. By harmonizing together mid-paced drums with quick-fire riffs, spluttering vocals and audio clips taken from nature's own backyard, Ohol Yeg manages to create a truly authentic and inspiring sound. Given the project relies upon non-professional equipment and thus bolsters its obvious DIY production sound, homage must be paid to Ohol Yeg for developing a sound that is far from being artificial and rather closer to being completely pure. For the seasoned Black Metal fan, this ought to tickle your ears with delight, for the generic metalhead its a chance to experience something truly unique to the Turkish Black Metal movement. Download This: "Becoming The Reality" - Click to listen For Fans of: Carpathian Forest, Moribund Oblivion, Moonblood [8] RHYS STEVENSON MOURNING SUN 'Último Exhalario' INDEPENDENT Chile's Mourning Sun might as well become the scene's most exciting export of 2016 because their debut album 'Último Exhalario' is so emotionally enriched that it really taps into the mind and soul, calming and soothing the listener at the same time. Constructing a delicate balance of Avant Garde and Doom Metal, this sextet (now trio) harmonise the traumatic and emotional side of life and the wilderness to develop a sound that either you could fall asleep to or ultimately classify as 'easy listening metal'. 'Último Exhalario' gleams with a vibrant array of atmospherics, elements and emotions that coalesce to leave the listener in a state of entrancement. It won't be long before Mourning Sun are snapped up by a record label, because that is exactly what this album deserves, it needs to be heard far and wide. There's a storm brewing across the Andes... Download This: "Hoowin (Mythic Ancestors)" - Click to listen For fans of: Paradise Lost, Mar De Grises, Doom Metal [8] RHYS STEVENSON SOULBURNER
'The Throne of Armageddon' INDEPENDENT Fast paced Death Metal thundering out of the back streets of Bogota D.C., Colombia. That is the shortest way to explain Colombian Death Metal maniacs Soulburner and their long-awaited third album 'The Throne of Armageddon'. Released 10 years after their second album, 'The Throne of Armageddon' is a non-stop assault of guttural vocals of the most extreme kind, unrelenting and unforgiving blast-beats and some of the most grizzly riffs ever to be shat out of a guitarist. Designed to crush your cranium in such a way that it would make a simple punch to your skull seem an upgraded tickle. Consequently you need to be in the right mood to be blasted by this audio wave of mass constriction, fear it because you won't have heard anything like it (unless you're a metal elitist, in which case, you're not kvlt enough for this bruising music). Download This: "World To Ashes" - click to listen For Fans of: Crackdust, Abhorrent Decimation, Corpse Garden [8] RHYS STEVENSON
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VODUN 'Possession' RIFF ROCK It's the sort of music that would do well at the Notting Hill Carnival (maybe even winning the Eurovision for the UK), blending a mix of psychedelia with stoner metal and injecting Aretha style vocals, Royal Blood rock intuition and ancient West African voodoo vibes. All hail 'Possession', the latest effort by the London trio Vodun, which does more than just giving listeners something to rock out to, it is a conglomerate of rock/metal elements. With songs like 'Bloodstones' almost providing itself as an ideal bond song, well on this effort Vodun could easily write a bond song, even if Live & Let Die would provide the perfect comparison to the band's music. Vodun have proven that music not only brings different music styles together, but also it breaks down the ethnic barrier and as the band evidently proves, there is no room for discrimination. 'Possession' would certainly have been given the thumbs up by Baron Samedi, had he not been 'killed' by the snakes.... Download This: "Oya" For Fans of: Royal Blood, Kyuss, Aretha Franklin 'Possession' is out now via Riff Rock Records [8] RHYS STEVENSON AL-NAMROOD / DARKESTRAH 'Tajer Al Punqia / Akyr Zaman' Two of the most underground Black Metal outfits have come together to collaborate and unleash a truly unique and historical moment in the history of metal music as we know it. Saudi Arabian trio Al-Namrood and Kyrgyz trio Darkestrah lock horns to release the split album 'Tajer Al Punqia / Akyr Zaman', a full-on 22-minute, 3 track epic consisting of some rather unrelenting Black / Folk Metal seen from the Middle East / Central Asia regions. Quintessentially important to the survival of the smaller, 'endangered' (as-it-were) metal scenes, this split offers an insight into the extreme underground and with it, exposes a simply awe-inspiring and magical horde of musicians and subsequent music that defies the odds and stands for two things, one freedom of speech but more importantly to rejoice alongside the world's metal scenes. For ethos, charisma and utmost diligence in remaining true to their cause, 'Tajer Al Punqia / Akyr Zaman' is a truly symbolic release for those who believe in metal as a cultural expression. Get it here:- http://www.shaytanproductions.com/Releases/Releases.html For fans of: Black / Folk Metal, exotic music. 'Tajer Al Punqia / Akyr Zaman' is now out via Shaytan Productions [9] RHYS STEVENSON D.A.M. 'Premonitions' INDEPENDENT By layering classical, occultist and theatrical elements across Melodic Death Metal, Brazil's D.A.M. have crafted their own sound out of the forest of metal music. This evident on their latest offering 'Premonitions' as they hire the services of Marina Guimarães and Jéssica Delazare to cover the female side of this rather promising Brazilian outfit. Whilst perhaps the first two tracks may be unconventionally long, the latter 2/3 of the release certainly deal justice, through the use of intricate keyboard compositions, murderous riffs, blasting drums (programmed) and vocals so vicious that the favela's would weep in terror. To the trained ear you can tell that there are similarities with other bands, but for the more diverse metal fans, 'Premonitions' is a truly ambitious release from this promising unit. D.A.M. are flying the flag for the Brazilian Metal scene. Download This: "Anorexic Dysphoria (An Elegy For The Brainless)" - Click to listen For Fans of: Arch Enemy, Children Of Bodom, The Agonist 'Premonitions' is now out via an Independent Release [8] RHYS STEVENSON IFRINN 'Ifrinn' IRON BONEHEAD In the deepest grim and most serene valleys of bonnie Scotland resides a Black Metal band so youthful yet so mature in their music, that quite frankly deserves immediate appreciation. Hail to the new brethren Ifrinn and their tantalisingly raw premier self-titled demo. Smothered with atmospherics of all kinds, this demo demonstrates that this Scottish group hold much promise in joining the second wave of British Black Metal. Hiding their identities under a shrouded veil of mystery, all that can be said of the composers is that their dank and hallowing harrowing music is one not to be taken lightly and is ultimately intended for those who revel or succumb to the powers residing within the Black Metal force. 'Ifrinn' might as well become one of the darkest and eeriest releases found within the entire Scottish Metal scene, proceed with caution, you have been warned. Download This: "Dweller Within The Gulf" - Click to listen For Fans of: Winterfylleth, Immortal, Wodensthrone 'Ifrinn' is now out via Iron Bonehead Records [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON WILDWAYS 'Into The Wild' ARTERY Russia's long-awaited answer to Asking Alexandria is finally a reality, but with an additional twist here and there. Take for example their latest effort 'Into The Wild', it incorporates Trance, Hardcore, Metalcore, Post-Hardcore, Emocore and elements of Dubstep and EBM. Hell let's call them electronicore, but with that in mind because the band prefer to be genre-less let's call them a work of art. 'Into The Wild' is jam-packed with enough tunes to get a party started, chill out, surf to or whatever listeners do best, the salient point is that no matter what you're into, Wildways have it covered. Primed and prepared to instate themselves as Russia's most successful Metalcore export, Wildways are ready to assimilate the world with their infectious, emotional and well-thought-out works of musical art. This sh*t is too damn catchy. Download This: "Princess" (feat. Rebecca Need-Menear) - Click to listen For Fans of: Asking Alexandria, Eskimo Callboy, Enter Shikari, Betraying The Martyrs 'Into The Wild' is now out via Artery Records [8] RHYS STEVENSON DEMONSTEALER 'This Burden Is Mine' INDEPENDENT The latest effort by soloist Sahil 'Demonstealer' Makhija is here, featuring Ashwin Shriyan on bass and legendary drummer George Kollias of Nile. 'This Burden Is Mine' is a tremendous effort as it weaves its way through Death Metal, Thrash Metal and even into the Heavy Metal category. Through the use of guttural and clean vocals, savagely crafted riffs and thunderous drumming, this album flits from force to force and as a result is designed to satisfy all matters of metal music taste. 'This Burden Is Mine' is not just another album, it's a personal statement from the man himself that somewhat suggests that the achievements in life are being carried on his shoulders as depicted in the artwork. Sonically diverse, 'This Burden Is Mine' will have you head-banging, moshing, dancing and possibly masturbating at every passing song, who knows what you will do when listening to this release but one thing is for definite, this is just the start for this metal music genius; a true god within the Indian Metal scene. Download This: "How The Mighty Have Fallen" - Click to listen For Fans of: Nile, Demonic Resurrection, Fleshgod Apocalypse 'This Burden Is Mine' is now out via an Independent Release / Demonstealer Records [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON LAMORI 'To Die Once Again' WORMHOLEDEATH You could say that LAMORI hail from Finland, but we prefer to say they hail from the Åland Islands, an archipegalo straddled between Sweden and Finland; the latter owns it. 'To Die Once Again' is the band's second album and upon listening to it, stark comparisons with HIM can be drawn like a shooting star in the midnight sky. But despite the clear linkage, 'To Die Once Again' offers a darker overtone with the lyrics primarily covering topics like death, sadness, depression and Gothic aesthetics. Musically sound, 'To Die Once Again' is mainly a Hard Rock album but borrows elements from Alternative Metal and Gothic Metal; with subtle pinches of Doom Metal. This is more than just music, this album paints a picture of how the darker side of life and love becomes neglected, the harsh reality, the wicked truth and it goes without saying, 'To Die Once Again' is to suggest a rebirth gone wrong. But for LAMORI, this is the album that will take them to further international recognition. Now, about that geographical dispute.... Download This: "Lost In Love" For Fans of: HIM, The 69 Eyes, The Doors 'To Die Once Again' is now out via Wormholedeath, digital release is 10th May [8] RHYS STEVENSON CRETURA 'Fall Of The Seventh Golden Star' WORMHOLEDEATH Hailing from the throne of Norwegian Black Metal that is Bergen, sextet Cretura throwaway the rulebook and write their own with their unforgiving and eccentric form of Symphonic Extreme Metal. By taking their forthcoming offering as a pure example and breaking it down, it is clear that the Symphonic, Black and Gothic Metal genres coalesce in becoming the nexus between their created vision and background heritage. Their forthcoming album 'Fall Of The Seventh Golden Star' is a genre-defining album if not at least an attempt to break free from the shackles of the Norwegian Black ('extreme') metal scene. Lasting a full-on hour, this album will serve the band as their calling card for the summer festivals, demanding that the band should be booked, because after hearing this effort you will definitely want to experience it live. In essence, Cretura are revelling in the time we can effectively call: 'The 3rd Wave of Black Metal'. Download This: "Voices Of Hunger" For Fans of: Dimmu Borgir, Nightwish, Theatres Des Vampires 'Fall Of The Seventh Golden Star' is out now via Wormholedeath [8] RHYS STEVENSON ELVARON 'Ghost Of A Blood Tie' FANTAI'ZIC PRODS After reforming back in 2014 after five years inactivity; formed in 1993, France's Elvaron are back and it seems with new and fresh ideas. With the current line-up consisting of two original members, an ex-drummer and a brand new keyboardist, it's a meeting of old and new ideas being channelled down into new ambitions. 'Ghost Of A Blood Tie' is the band's fifth album and is consequentially the band's first album since reformation, now for those who are good at waiting for the music to kick off, this album is for you. However for those who prefer something quicker, well with 8 tracks collectively lasting 64 minutes, on average 8 minutes per track, well you get the picture. Despite the insane length, this Progressive Thrash Metal effort is a decent effort and will certainly get the Elvaron fan base rampaging once again. Emphatic solo's, ballistic drums, savage riffs, majestic vocals and keyboard elements so atmospheric, that all of this combined would be the perfect soundtrack to a summer's thunderstorm. Download This: "Silent Windows" For Fans of: Sonata Arctica, Voivod, Meshuggah 'Ghost Of A Blood Tie' is out 11th April via Fantai'zic Productions [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON ANIENT
'Elemental' + 'Consigned To Flames' INDEPENDENT To Anient is to frustrate or to annihilate, suffice to say that is what the Australian quartet have done on their premier EP 'Elemental' released last year. Splattering together a raucous mess of expertly laid Death / Thrash Metal with the embodied attitude of destruction, these boys have crafted a sound that whilst may bode well on the South Pacific circuit, might just lack that element to gain attention from fans overseas. That's not to say the release is crap, it just lacks that killer blow. Despite the stated criticism, it's a solid effort that garners some element of authority over it's listeners, demanding them to listen to the release to the very death. Gritty as it comes, tidy as it goes, 'Elemental' is a really interesting release that not only could be their best material, but also serves as a decent salutation to their 10th year of activity. Their debut album 'Consigned To Flames' is a rather solid effort that ironically somehow is not as good as their later EP yet ironically once again does show elements that it is just as good as their EP, confusing right? The sad thing is that we've heard this thing before, it's nothing new and despite the excellent effort at making a mark, it slips slightly at the very last moment. That said, given it took the band nine years since their formation to craft this work, the overall impression given is that they wanted to take their time to make it sound perfect. They did make it sound perfect, just, it lacks that one bit of spark that would otherwise have given it a greater rating. But this should not deter Anient from hitting the studio and unleashing an expected belter in the future. Download this: "Awakening" - Click to listen Download this: "Haemoserous" For Fans of: Nervecell, The Haunted, Hatesphere [7.5] + [7] RHYS STEVENSON LYNCHPIN 'God Complex' INDEPENDENT It might well be presumptuous to call Lynchpin leaders of the Caribbean Metal scene, but they certainly are strong enough to carry the scene forward. Hailing from Trinidad & Tobago, this Progressive Death unit wager themselves against fate as their latest effort 'God Complex' catapults them into the limelight with their recent announcement of them competing for a slot at Wacken Open Air 2016. Far from your glitzy tech-laden European Progressive Metal style, Lynchpin opt for a more practical approach and instead join allegiance with the likes of Gojira, Opeth and Machine Head. 'God Complex' gives Lynchpin some hope at cementing their place at Wacken, but for now they stand tall as unarguably the finest Trinidadian music export the Caribbean island nation has ever seen. If you love your Gojira, you'll love Lynchpin hands down. Download This: "Softest Floor" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Gojira, Machine Head, Opeth [8] RHYS STEVENSON PYRAWEED 'Inside Green Chaos (live @ Le Chateau)' INDEPENDENT What makes a live album decent depends on two things, how clear is the music and how organic the recording is. It needs to be clear but not too much in order to avoid being accused of being 'refined', on the other hand it needs clarity to avoid it becoming trashy and not organic. Pyraweed's debut live album certainly carries the hallmarks of a D.I.Y live album, you know it's as if you were in the crowded-out Le Chateau rock bar. Never letting a note go awry, Azerbaijan's Pyraweed deliver a delicious slab of live Sludge / Stoner Metal that would appeal to any fan of the said genres. With thick bass elements holding up the gritty riffs and angry vocals, this is a live album to savor. Given the relatively small but ever-strengthening Azerbaijani Metal scene, Pyraweed certainly know how to deliver a rather sensational live performance, even if it's recorded. Download This: "Green Bullet" - Click here to listen For Fans of: The Melvins, Baroness, Kylesa [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON MA'ANISH 'Under The Fig Tree' INDEPENDENT 'Under The Fig Tree', the band dub it Technical Progressive Death Metal, we call it 'Experimental Death Metal'. There are a ton of genres going on here and to think that you can headbang to the beat would be a generous overstatement. Despite the inability to keep to time, the album does however reward its listeners with over forty minutes of Tech / Progressive slapped Death Metal that would please anyone who dares listen to it. There's the slow and progressive "Let It Burn" and then there's the absolutely crazy and mindbogglingly fast "Revolution \ Evolution", both evidently offering a wider choice than at first conceived when going through the album. Whilst this is a solid and decent effort, it will require a tad more effort and greater accuracy when experimenting to establish a name well and truly outside of Israel, the Middle East and perhaps Eastern Europe. Download This: "Revolution \ Evolution" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Periphery, early-Sepultura, Testament [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON THE ORDER OF ELIJAH 'War At Heart' LUXOR When Metalcore reached it's peak it became harder for bands to evade the generic over-cliche sound of riffs and breakdowns romancing each other, then came Motionless In White with their Gothic-tinged outlook and now it's The Order Of Elijah's turn. Who'd have thought that mixing Technical Metal and elements of Melodic Metal would conjure up what you could theoretically call 'Experimenticore'? Because let's face it with the sudden shift in riff pace and sound, coupled with the brutality of the rampaging vocals, and the drums providing the final smacking, you would automatically admit that the latest effort by this Missouri machine has stapled itself to the very hear of 'Experimental Metal'. Make of it as you wish, 'War At Heart' is one album to be taken seriously as it demands utmost attention. Deathcore has Whitechapel, but Metalcore now has The Order Of Elijah. Download This: "God's Unwanted Children" For Fans of: Whitechapel, Born Of Osiris, The Browning 'War At Heart' is out now via Luxor Records [8] RHYS STEVENSON DENIGRATE 'Hollowpoint' INDEPENDENT Possibly considered as a one-off release, 'Hollowpoint' certainly stirs up the emotions as the melancholic and emphatic sounds caress your soul and mind with every passing second. Making a comeback is never easy, but given the strength of the album Denigrate certainly seem to have a lot more to give to the Finnish Gothic Metal movement. Whilst perhaps not as dark or hallowing as fellow countrymen HIM, Poisonblack or the late Vanguard, Denigrate don't lay a finger wrong on this album and as a result unleash a record to be proud of. With harmonic vocals leading the charge and the musical elements providing a solidified atmosphere, this is an album that deserves a nod or two. Twelve years have passed since their debut, and yet they manage to whip out a delicious release, what more can you ask from the quartet? Download This: "My Corrupted Soul" For Fans of: Poisonblack, The 69 Eyes, Paradise Lost [8] RHYS STEVENSON ELIZIUM 'Elysium' STF It's sad to see that sometimes, bands do not know when exactly it is their time to pack up their instruments and disband. Despite the effort demonstrated on 'Elysium', the album as a whole does not make the cut, it fails to ignite any interest and instead gives itself a bad name as a supposed 'Gothic / Doom Metal' release. For the Dutch band Elizium, this is quite detrimental to their lengthy career but it seems as if the curtains are ready to be drawn to a close. Quite frankly you could easily fall asleep to this release and not regret missing a bit, again the effort is there but without the rousing ability to make jaws drop, this album will just fall to the wayside as a pitiful waste. 'Elysium' may well appeal to the hardened Gothic Doom contingent, but for the average metalhead it's just another yawn away from boredom. Download This: "Elysium" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Draconian, Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride [5] RHYS STEVENSON HORDAK 'Padre' CASUS BELLI MUSICA 'Celtiberian Pagan Metal' has officially become a new form of Folk Metal, well given it's pioneers appear to be one of few bands who actually could use the term, it seems apt then for Hordak to adopt it. The Spanish contingent return to deliver their next installment in their career with the raucous sounds of 'Padre' at the forefront. Album number four, 'Padre' stamps its authority with a convincing sound, it's raw infectious elements gnaw at your ears with the savage bite begging for your anticipation. With the vocals as gritty and grueling as they are, it only makes sense that the music be as bleak and hostile as the Celtiberian and Roman conflicts. 'Padre' is a well-made Pagan Metal and will certainly give Hordak a boost across the European landscape. Good job they made their own genre, because that is the best way to describe them. Download This: "Soaring" For Fans of: Arkona, Heidevolk, Celtiberian (of course) [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON ARCANE SYMPHONY 'A New Day Begins...' INDEPENDENT Symphonic Metal with female vocals is always a godsend and Arcane Symphony are no exception, the Russian quintet muster together a sound that is just as powerful as Anna Volodina's vocals are angelic. 'A New Day Begins...' is the band's debut album and it heralds praise from the moment you kick off the first song, brimming full of elegance, power and eroticism, Arcane Symphony have it all sussed out. With the atmospherics as cold as a Siberian winter, guitars as savage as aged vodka and vocals as majestic as the Moscow State Circus, it would be stupid to knock off this lot as just another Female-fronted Symphonic act. Open up the heavens, let the rain pour and enjoy what this quintet have conjured up. Arcane Symphony are a band to watch in 2016, they will be knocking at your door with their infectious sounds. Download This: "A New Day Begins" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Tarja-era Nightwish, Lanewin, Within Temptation [9] RHYS STEVENSON SHOW ME WOLVES 'The World They Took Over' FALSE BEING PRODS. If you didn't feel dazed and confused before listening to this release, you probably will be once you're finished. Creating some rather freakishly eerie sounds and instating a spine-chilling atmosphere is what Show Me Wolves clearly intended to do on their second offering 'The World They Took Over'. Masterminded by Icelander Hörður Lúðvíksson, the evident wafting in and out of Progressive, Black and Avant-Garde Metal seems all too paramount when summing up the album, but it has been done in such a way that you cannot begin to comprehend how Hörður Lúðvíksson conjured up the music ideas in the first place. By drifting from slow atmospherics and gritty vocals to fast, sometimes Metalcore-like and progressive-laden sounds, 'The World They Took Over' is a treasure to behold, the magic is there all right, just let it in. Download This: "Mother" For Fans of: She Must Burn, Ne Obliviscaris, Ihsahn 'The World They Took Over' is out 16th January via False Being Productions. [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON MARIO TURIS
'Luminance' INDEPENDENT Space Metal is a relatively new conceptual genre, even though it can bounce off of the likes of Modern Metal and Cyber Metal it has a distinctive element to it. Take for example the premier EP by Slovakian instrumentalist Mario Turis, 'Luminance' lashes together elements of Progressive Metal and Symphonic Metal to develop a sound that demands its own unique recognition. It's all you could wish for from an agile release, it's fast, heavy and flashy, yet it lacks vocals with could hinder it somewhat. However Mario's tenacity towards creating a sound so technically simple has enabled the EP to escape any considerable comparison against other bands indeed releases, so if you're thinking of wanting a space-like feel to any game or film soundtrack, forget the Hollywood catalog and go for a musical-genius-in-development as Mario Turis will certainly make a name for himself given this effort. Download This: "Stardustborn" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Cypher16, Dol Ammad, The Kovenant [7] RHYS STEVENSON THE ERKONAUTS 'I Did Something Bad' ERKONOS You would find more solace and entertainment in watching paint dry than subjecting yourself to this extremely dismal debut album by The Erkonauts. Despite all of the Swiss quartet's best efforts, 'I Did Something Bad' does not carve itself out as a decent release, it lacks atmosphere, dwells too much on trying to become the next Dream Theater and ultimately weeps at the seams. Let's hope this album is short-lived and that the band pick up the pieces and redesign their blueprint, whether the album producer thought to themselves 'I Did Something Bad' is one possibility, the other being the thought belongs with the individual musicians. Check out if you dare. Download This: "Nola" - Click here to listen. For Fans of: Dream Theater, Periphery, Prog Metal [5] RHYS STEVENSON CENTRATE 'Tiger Force' INDEPENDENT Cometh the modern wave of Teutonic Thrash Metal, sure Centrate's 'Tiger Force' is nothing new in terms of bringing something fresh to the over-saturated Thrash Metal style, it does however accomplish what it was created to do, that is deliver insanely heavy Thrash Metal. 'Tiger Force' is a four-track EP that glimmers with seismic drumming, maniacal riffs, ferocious vocals and an attitude that combined together sticks a few fists up your anus, knuckleduster in-tow. For the seasoned Thrash addict, this EP will tickle your taste-buds without leaving any desire to turn it off, meaning it might not appeal for those who love a wide array of metal. It is however a decent effort. Download This: "Tiger Force (promo)" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Holy Moses, Slayer, Tankard [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON PROFUNDAE LIBIDINES 'El Viaje Definitivo' INDEPENDENT If you wish to be detrimental towards Profundae Libidines' second album 'El Viaje Definitivo', you can be. Because it strides the boundary of being insanely weird and insanely shit, point being it has too many influences fighting each other to gain supremacy over the entire release. The only decent aspect of this release besides it's creative artwork, is the intuitive-sounds developed on the release through the use of a violin and fret-less bass. France has a rich heritage in underground Black Metal, but unfortunately this album does not stand up to it's former pedigree and thus will be left to rot in the abyss of decaying metal releases. You could be slightly more detrimental by admitting it's stabbed the Avant-Garde / Black Metal partnership in the heart. Download This: "El Viaje Definitivo" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Avant-Garde / Black Metal, Andy Warhol, 'strange music' [4] RHYS STEVENSON PRAVIA 'Pravia' INDEPENDENT Behold the purveyors of 'Pagancore', Pravia are Poland's latest export and they come in the form of a five-piece Pagan Melodic Death Metal / Deathcore outfit. By wielding together the grit and brutality of Deathcore, with the flashiness and eccentricity of Melodic Death Metal and lashing it together with the Slavonic perspective of Pagan Metal, Pravia are set to become hot property within the year ahead. For added flavor, if they added some folk instruments native to their Polish and / or Slavic heritage, then the added dimension will certainly hoist them up as a genre innovator. In fact due to the sheer excitement reverberated across this release, 'Pravia' might as well be 'Polish Metal release of the year' for this in all sincerity carries all of the hallmarks of a band destined to achieve great things. Download This: "Forest Brethren" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Eluveitie, Arkona, Heaven Shall Burn [8] RHYS STEVENSON LAPPALAÏNEN 'Kraken's Awakening' INDEPENDENT Once again the whole 'we are not Nordic but let's do Viking Metal anyway' attitude comes to the fore with France's latest export Lappalaïnen. The difference being, it seems this bard sextet want to merge both Celtic Metal and Viking Metal together, so far it seems to be paying off but for how long? 'Kraken's Awakening' brings to the table a bouncy, LOTR anthem-like sound to the forefront and will surely appeal to the Folkloric Metalheads worldwide. Whilst perhaps not as majestic as their opposite numbers like Eluveitie and Tyr, they however are much akin to the likes of Nightcreepers. Fast, bouncy and highly energetic is what 'Kraken's Awakening' can be summarized as, just wait for the second coming as it will need to be something special to beat this effort. Download This: "Riding On The Load Of Hay" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Eluveitie, Nightcreepers, Tyr [8] RHYS STEVENSON BUKO 'Elefantes' INDEPENDENT Madrid shook heavily on the grounds as the Spanish quintet Buko emerge out of the pits with their highly anticipated debut album 'Elefantes'. Smothered by the Spanish language, this Heavy / Groove Metal release comes laden with Death Metal influences from the American kind. Despite it's lack in breaking the ice, that is making it an instant it, Buko's 'Elefantes' will certainly delight anyone who listens to it. There's a lot of influences roaming around this album and to pigeonhole it into one genre is practically asking for suicide, but with the evident 5FDP groove, DevilDriver Death Metal pinching and Avenged Sevenfold Heavy Metal riffs, Buko's 'Elefantes' is a truly unique release, rest assured. Download This: "Huérfanos" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Five Finger Death Punch, DevilDriver, Avenged Sevenfold [7] RHYS STEVENSON DEPRESSED 'Afterlife In Darkness' INDEPENDENT If you asked for raw Death Metal put your hands up, otherwise sit down, shut up and listen to perhaps the most rawest Death Metal emerging out of Brazil over the last decade. 'Afterlife In Darkness' serves as Depressed's long-overdue debut album, which comes a whopping sixteen years after their first demo back in 1999, and boy was the wait worth it. Vocals so guttural that they will bleed your brain dry, whilst the riffs rip into you like barbed wire caressing your skin and the drums just simply, finish you off. Granted this band might be short-lived, but for the underground fetishist and the metalheads who dig exotic metal, then 'Afterlife In Darkness' is for you. Brutal, snazzy, erotic and completely 100% Brazilian. Download This: "Reborn In Hellfire (Live)" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Cannibal Corpse, Suffocation, Krisiun [7] RHYS STEVENSON IRONRAT 'Monument' VOLTAGE If they had better studio quality then the album would be pretty decent, but ignoring the said flaw the album still is a delightful listen. Of course taking seven years to drop a debut album you'd think that Yorkshire's Ironrat would want to make it as gorgeous as possible, sure it might not be smelling of sweet roses but it certainly doesn't stink of sweat either. Whether the passion boiled down prior to the recording or the band were high off their tits, 'Monument' is still a rampant Stoner / Groove Metal album that carries all the hallmarks you would expect from a said-genre album. Funky, heavy and gritty, now the question is where's the sex? Unless you can give CD's oral, you can give CD's oral, right? Download This: "Feed The Pigs" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Machine Head, Monster Magnet, Electric Wizard [7] RHYS STEVENSON MINDPATROL 'The Marble Fall' INDEPENDENT Mindpatrol is the Derren Brown of the metal world, full of magical trickery, progressive illusions and a shadowy atmosphere, after all their second album 'The Marble Fall' plays into the minds of the listener, developing a world beyond mere imagination. With at least an hour's worth of listening to cascade through, at every turn there is a musical element you was not expecting and it is this that places Mindpatrol's 'The Marble Fall' as a huge contender for not only 'Luxembourger Metal release of the year' but also 'European Metal album of the year'. There is no doubt that the Luxembourg Metal scene is shaking at it's very foundations, with Mindpatrol being the latest band to emerge from this tiny nation. Mindpatrol are a band to watch out for in 2016. Download This: "Tabula Rasa" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Born Of Osiris, Cypher 16, Periphery [9] RHYS STEVENSON DEEP RIVER ACOLYTES
'From The Voids Of Chaos' INDEPENDENT Wave your head from left to right and back again to the tune of Deep River Acolytes' premier EP 'From The Voids Of Chaos' because this Heavy / Doom Metal monster demands you to do so. Hailing from the cold north of Finland, this quintet do not fail to impress nor serve up a delightful release. Well stretching out at nineteen minutes across three tracks, your attention won't drift away too soon and in fact this EP sort-of pays homage to the founders of Heavy / Doom Metal, Black Sabbath. Whilst they may not be as illustrious as the sadly-splitting band, nor as inventive, Deep River Acolytes certainly know how to start off on the right foot. They may just yet become your new favorite Finnish Metal export, if not one to watch out for in 2016. Download This: "Dwellers In The Mist" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Black Sabbath, Candlemass, St. Vitus [8] RHYS STEVENSON INFECTED CHAOS 'The Wake Of Ares' METAL MUSIC AUSTRIA Unleashing a ravishing bombardment of guttural onslaught and provocative thoughts is Austrian Death Metal masochists Infected Chaos, who have blessed the metal world with their sensational debut album 'The Wake Of Ares'. Expect nothing but full-on Death Metal here, none of that glamorous-fancy stuff, no, this is straight edge Death Metal and you better be prepared for it, otherwise you will be begging for your life as it consumes your brains inside out. Waltzing in-and-out of the Old School and Modern variants, Infected Chaos make no errors on this attempt and this is why they will be your new favorite Death Metal band. In fact, 'The Wake Of Ares' might as well be a hot contender for Austrian Metal release of the year, watch this band with interest as they are set to go places. Download This: "Ia, God Of War" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Hail Of Bullets, Abhorrent Decimation, Unleashed [8] RHYS STEVENSON MIST 'Inan' ' SOULSELLER Mist are enjoying their current incarnation and with their new-found line-up, unleash their gloomy premier EP 'Inan' ' to the masses with renewed vigor. Wallowing in the deepest realms of Doom Metal, this Slovenian outfit mark their territory well with this effort and will give them the ropes to hoist themselves up the ladder of international recognition. The funny thing is though, whilst Doom Metal is meant to be rather bleak, sorrowful and near-depressive, Mist ironically do not befit the usual elements of Doom Metal and instead drag in a more upbeat style to the genre, this might not appeal to those who suckle Doom Metal in their sleep, but might appeal to the wider metal community. Black Sabbath may well be calling curtains, but for Doom Metal it is the likes of Mist that are writing the new chapters in this genres history, and are sure to follow in the legends footsteps. Download This: "Inan" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Black Sabbath, Saint Vitus, Candlemass [8] RHYS STEVENSON GODSLAVE 'Whatever We Want!' GREEN ZONE MUSIC / H'ART So we have the German Thrash Metal Godslave go completely non-metal and metal at the same time, well how you may ask? Well Godslave would answer "we will do 'whatever we want!" and that is exactly what they did, they unleashed an EP in honor of the Quo, Status Quo. Now for the elitist metalhead this would be completely taboo, but for the more conservative metalhead this is an epic delight, and boy do Godslave nail it right on the head. Through the essential use of gritty guitar playing, neck-breaking drums and brutally harmonic vocals, Godslave deliver their trademark sound that has guided them over the last decade (ish) or so. Ultimately 'Whatever We Want!' is a must-have release for any rock or metal fan alike, and certainly can be considered simply 'Thrashtastic!', here's to the second Quo-Thrash!. Get the EP here:- http://godslave.de/product/whatever-we-want-ep/ For Fans of: Status Quo (obviously), Metallica, Motorhead [8] RHYS STEVENSON IHDAMAS 'Multiverso Desconocido' SALUTE If you're hunting for exotic Extreme Metal, look no further than South America and in specific Colombia, whose Black / Thrash Metal sons Ihdamas have made their voices heard through their premier '2014 demo' released last year and this year via Salute Records (SE). Proclaiming themselves as 'Conexion Metal', it is relatively clear at what they are trying to conjure up. A carefully blended mix of Black Metal, Thrash Metal, Heavy Metal, Doom and Death Metal to create what essentially is 'Extreme Metal'. Raw in it's sound and furious in it's production, 'Multiverso Desconocido' is a delight to anyone who indulges in Extreme Metal and the South American abyss. Now whilst it's a decent release, it is doomed to stay in the underground for it's lacking that one element to make it an internationally recognized release, simply put:- to convince, because whilst the DIY sound may work for the underground, it would not bode well in the wider metal circuit. All in all a decent release. Get the demo via Salute Records here. For fans of: From Forgotten Being, Qafas, Seeds Of Iblis [7] RHYS STEVENSON SARPENTRA 'Supernova' INDEPENDENT Russian Death Metal should have a genre of all it's own, because no matter what Russian band performs Death Metal, they all seem to be a league above the world. Making that notion more solid is Sarpentra who explode with their debut album 'Supernova' which is as brutally potent as sniffing arsenic after ingesting vodka and rum. With the blistering-paced drums leading the surcharge and the guitars adding the dimensional harmonics, coupled with vocals that Behemoth's Nergal would approve of and atmospherics similar to the likes of Fleshgod Apocalypse, 'Supernova' is a groundbreaking release that will spark off mass interest in many labels worldwide. Unrelenting in ferocity and uncompromising in energetic brutality, you may as well be looking at the Russian Metal release of the year, simply catastrophically 'Apocalyptic Metal'. For Fans of: Fleshgod Apocalypse, Behemoth, Katalepsy Download This: "Prometheus Unbound" - click here to listen [9] RHYS STEVENSON LEAVE SCARS 'Chains Of Redemption' INDEPENDENT Cast your mind back and we gave Belgian Thrashers Leave Scars a fine going-over back in 2013, well fast forward to 2015 and the quintet have released another torrential battering of fine Thrash Metal in the shape of their second album 'Chains Of Redemption'. Pushing harder and faster since their first chronicle, 'Chains Of Redemption' demands your immediate attention with enough mosh power to command over a 1,000 and make the world's largest moshpit. Combining the Old-School anguish with the modern technicalities and glitz, Leave Scars are determined to 'Leave Scars' across Europe with their infectious Thrash Metal style. Loaded with aggression, you will need a spare set of pants because when this album is finished with you, there will be a shitty mess all over your chair - you have been warned. For Fans of: Evile, Fallen Fate, Savage Messiah Download This: "Final Chance" - click here to listen [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON DEATH BRINGER 'Avoid Reality' INDEPENDENT Six years after forming, Spanish Melodic Death Metal outfit Death Bringer lay down the law with their all-out powerful debut album 'Avoid Reality'. Fronted by the beautiful Paloma Gómez, her vocals intertwine with Pablo Santamarta in a sort-of 'beauty and the beast' singing arrangement. Guttural vocals crash against melodic vocals whilst the riffs burn into your ears and the drums provide that final solid sound that makes 'Avoid Reality' a truly respected album. Accept no substitutes as Death Bringer have assurances that they are the real deal and are set to smash your head in unless you conform, this album is not for weak-minded people, this album is for those who can tolerate the thought of their skull being exploded by an explosive wall of Melodic 'Death' Metal, fear it. Download This: "Bring Me Fire" - Click here to listen For Fans of: The Agonist, Izegrim, 6th Awakening [8] RHYS STEVENSON IMMORALIS 'Connected Visions' INDEPENDENT After seeing two of their members depart the camp, Immoralis were faced with the enormous task of delivering a follow-up release worthy of acclaim. 'Connected Visions' ticks that box, despite dropping the female vocals; which for this release is the missing piece, the ingenuity of the music in question is sexually evocative. By avoiding the overrated djent sound and wedging themselves in between Symphonic Metalcore and Progressive Metal, Immoralis have crafted out a new dimension within the Avant-Garde style. Harmonious keys provide the solidified background, whilst the crunchy riffs and bass dance along with Jesse's face-punching vocals. Overall this EP holds promise for this Minnesota outfit, it is an improvement from 'The Great Collapse', but it falls short of being spectacular as it demands Jacis vocal presence. Download This: "Leo" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Bleeding Through, Periphery, Soilwork [8] RHYS STEVENSON LOST IN PAIN 'Plague Inc.' NOISEWORKS Luxembourg is enjoying a great year for exporting metal music, what with Scarred's performance at Bloodstock and now Lost In Pain's charismatic second album 'Plague Inc.' seeing the light. Expect nothing less than some good old fashioned Heavy Metal from this 46 minute adventure, through the use of majestic vocals, spiffing riffs, thick-and-heavy bass elements and punctual drumming, Lost In Pain pay homage to the greatest genre in music history. Not flash nor trying to be the next Iron Maiden, Lost In Pain's 'Plague Inc.' is guaranteed to satisfy the thirst for those who indulge in not only the classic Heavy Metal vernacular but also metal from lesser-known scenes like Luxembourg. 'Plague Inc.' is without a doubt, 'Luxembourger Metal release of the year'. Simply awe-inspiring. Download This: "Greed" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Pantera, Mastodon, Machine Head, ok and Iron Maiden (ish) [8] RHYS STEVENSON CHRONOS
'Hour Of Atonement' INDEPENDENT Channeled in the right direction, Somerset outfit Chronos' debut EP 'Hour Of Atonement' could have been a mind-blowing release but it lacks that cutting edge that would make it so. Sure the ferocity behind the mixing of the Melodic Death Metal and Thrash Metal sounds on the EP go well together, it just does not have that convincing element to say that Chronos are ready yet to break out of the underground. In fact the title track 'Chronos' is perhaps the only one to be defined as 'convincing', if they utilize that flirtatiousness between the guitars and drums more often then this EP could have been a whole league better. 'Hour Of Atonement' is a decent start, there is much to learn and with the right guidance Chronos can make it. Download This: 'Chronos' (Live)' - Click here to listen For Fans of: Trivium, In Flames, Opeth [6.5] RHYS STEVENSON PITBULLS IN THE NURSERY 'Equanimity' KLONOSPHERE France seems to have a love affair with the Progressive, Technical and Death Metal sub-genres as the latest installment in the genres metal history becomes real. 'Equanimity' is the second album by Pitbulls In The Nursery and it has enough bite to give you a severe case of 'headbangulitis'. Mixing sheer brutality and velocity with technical elements so precise, that even Einstein would not be able to figure them out. Taking the eccentric 'Insiders' and lengthy 'Your Dream's Not Mine', it is clear that the Pitbulls have got their vision for a refreshed Modern Metal well and truly recognized. If Gorod and Gojira were to produce offspring, Pitbulls In The Nursery would be the offspring you never saw coming, as they bring the apocalyptic, cataclysmic sound of full-on volatile metal to the forefront, you have been warned. Download This: "Insiders" - Click here to listen (link tba) For Fans of: Gorod, Gojira, The Faceless [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON WINTERCOLD 'Paradise Is Not Here' SALUTE One of the latest releases by Wintercold is a single featuring two tracks, the first 'Paradise Is Not Here' is an instrumental and the second is a cover of Blitz's 'Razors In The Night'. Mastered once again by multi-instrumentalist Satanic Tony, this instrumental is loaded with enough doom and gloom to set the atmosphere straight, make the hairs on your neck stand up and position itself as a truly remarkable work of art. Standing at a whopping 14 minutes long, this instrumental will keep fans of Gothic Doom Metal entertained indefinitely whilst the cover offers a far more heavier and brutal side to the release; with of course Tony's infamous raspy, raw vocals. Limited to a run of 20 copies, this will be a sought-after single in the underground metal scene. 'Paradise Is Not Here' is without a doubt, a delightful listen. Get the single from the official Salute Records website here For Fans of: Demorian, Gothic Doom Metal [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON CRUADALACH 'Rebel Against Me' METALGATE Arguably the Czech Republic's answer to Switzerland's Eluveitie, purveyors of Folk-laden Melodic Death Metal. Four years since their debut album, it was inevitable that Cruadalach would return to splatter a second offering across the Folk / Melodic Death Metal spectrum, by infusing Bohemian folk sounds (or wider Slavic) with bouncy aggressive beats, this octet set the bar high for fellow Czech folk metal bands to do better. Whilst perhaps leaning towards more of a Pagan Metal sound, this does not detract the music from becoming related to perhaps the Russian or Ukrainian approach, but rather setting itself up as standalone approach. For the seasoned metalhead who is indulgent in folk metal and melodic death metal in-tow, 'Rebel Against Me' guarantees to wet your whiskers. Cruadalach will certainly maintain a cult following whilst building upon the 'Bohemian Folk Metal' sound. Download This: "Life-Worshipping Bastards" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Eluveitie, Netherfell, Dalriada [8] RHYS STEVENSON WINTERAGE 'The Harmonic Passage' INDEPENDENT As orchestrated as Fleshgod Apocalypse, symphonic as Rhapsody of Fire and elegant as Lacuna Coil, Winterage are the latest installment in the vibrant Italian Metal scene. Marching in with their debut album 'The Harmonic Passage', this inquisitive sextet utilize the majestic sounds of Power Metal with the gracefulness of Symphonic Metal to brood their own dramatic result. One that echoes the upper echelons of bygone operettas and modernizes the antiquarian nature of Italian renaissance masterpieces. In a nutshell 'The Harmonic Passage' is an honorable nod to the bygone years of classic opera, the already-veteran Italian Metal scene and lends itself as a path for new Symphonic Power Metal bands to follow. Lasting a sensational 70 minutes, this debut effort should draw attention from suited labels who would wish to take Winterage under their wings. Check out: "Winterage - The Harmonic Passage EP teaser" - click here to view. For Fans of: Rhapsody Of Fire, Therion, Avantasia [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON FLAMEDROP 'Thoughts On Fire' INDEPENDENT Flamedrop are probably that one band you never thought you would see coming, well embrace it because this Hungarian horde are here to stay. Mustering up a cataclysmic of thunderous riffs, ground-shaking drums and vocals so vicious, venomous snakes are set to become obsolete. This quintet's debut album 'Thoughts On Fire' certainly ticks all of the boxes that guarantee it to be an instant hit across Europe if not the Hungarian Metal scene, it is brim-full of power, heaviness, brutality and technicality. There is no doubt that the following release will have to be extra-special to knock this one for six, because by this effort if Flamedrop are not snapped up by a major metal label, then clearly there is something wrong with this industry; 'Thoughts On Fire' is an easy contender for Hungarian Metal release of the year. For Fans of: The Haunted, Arch Enemy, Malefice Download This: "Cruel Intentions" - click here to listen [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON BREZNO 'Kri' INDEPENDENT Four years on from their excellent debut EP, Slovenia's Brezno have shown no signs of stopping by delivering their debut album 'Kri' released last year. Maintaining their devotion to singing in the Slovene language, the sextet make no mistake at making their first effort a memorable one. Remaining true to their roots, Brezno once again prove themselves to be a key part in the 'New Wave of Slovenian Folk Metal' alongside the likes of Zaria and Avven, with 'Kri' providing Brezno a platform to build upon, we may very well see more of this tight-unit. Alongside their early Bloodstock appearance, it is inevitable that sometime in the future they will make their return, well with 'Kri' as decent as it is, it would be a high demand for their return. Download This: "V Nebo" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Avven, Zaria, Dalriada [8] RHYS STEVENSON DREADED MORTUARY 'Vulgar Way To Die' INDEPENDENT To think that Indonesia is the only South-East Asian to produce quality Thrash Metal is a complete understatement, take for example Dreaded Mortuary's second album 'Vulgar Way To Die', it has enough Slayer in it to make Slayer retire early. This 30 minute adventure offers listeners a brutal onslaught of the classic 80's Thrash Metal sound, full on fast music with enough brutality to make you crack your head open. But whilst this is a solid album in it's own right, it is nothing new and therefore might just appear to be another Thrash Metal release to many, but despite this it still packs a punch and then some. 'Vulgar Way To Die' certainly gives Dreaded Mortuary the upper hand in staking their claim as a successful Filipino Metal export, watch them with interest. Watch this: "Vulgar Way To Die teaser" - click here to watch/listen For Fans of: Slayer, Megadeth, 80's Thrash Metal [8] RHYS STEVENSON WATERLAND 'Our Nation' INDEPENDENT Be honest, Portugal is one of those countries that doesn't really get much attention when it comes to metal music with the exception of Moonspell. Take away the veil and you find a fired-up, pacey metal scene and it's bands like Waterland who keep it going. Take their third album 'Our Nation', it's sensational blend of Symphonic, Melodic and Power Metal gives it that so-called 'Epcot' feel, the sort of vibes experienced at the Disney park. Either that or the sort of sound that would give Portugal their long-awaited win at the Eurovision Song Contest. It is because of the contrasting sounds, that this album can be considered one of the best albums to emerge from the underground melodic / symphonic metal scene in years. 'Our Nation' can easily be considered a contender for Portuguese Metal release of the year, with it's emphatic transcending symphonies, bouncy melodies and majestic heaviness, there is no real room to argue against said statement. Download This: "Land Of Dreams" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Sonata Arctica, Dotma, Seraphim [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON REZISTOR 'By Any Means Necessary' INDEPENDENT Despite the effort displayed on the second album by Romanian Groove Thrashers Rezistor, it lacks that wow factor. 'By Any Means Necessary' constitutes as your average Groove / Thrash Metal release and so with that in mind, don't expect anything special. That said the composition is still a worthy listen, it just does not carry the ability to convince that it is a label-signing release. Given the album is 30 minutes long, it is a rather short, if not unexpected disappointment. The drums deal justice, whilst the vocals and guitars lack any authentic stamping-power, leaving the album to revel in the 'what-could-have-been' category. If Rezistor want to gain a name for themselves across 'By Any Means Necessary', this album is almost certainly not going to do it. Download This: "Wake Up!" - Click here to listen For Fans of: late-Sepultura, Soulfly, Cavalera Conspiracy [7] RHYS STEVENSON EVOLVENT
'Whatever Happens' BERNETT France's love affair with Symphonic Gothic Metal continues with Evolvent's second album 'Whatever Happens', following such a strong debut album (2011) and a below-par EP (2014) the anxiety of whether this album would be decent was on the table. Suffice to say, 'Whatever Happens' is a rampaging voyage across blackened symphony after blackened symphony, with tantalizingly erotic vocals and an electric atmosphere, it is clear that this album was built to cast away the band's demons. The result? Success. 'Whatever Happens' pays homage to the dramatic, the operatic and the atmospheric elements that form the foundation of the very Symphonic Gothic Metal sound, as for Evolvent this can be considered as their finest hour as they stand as one of France's unsung metal gems. Download This: "Love Doesn't Love Me" - click here to listen For Fans of: Within Temptation, Tarja-era Nightwish, The Hourglass (RO) [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON MORNIR 'Entfesselt' INDEPENDENT Germanic Paganism is certainly nothing new, but when it comes to mixing it with metal, it's more recent than you think. Carrying on this noble style is German Pagan Metallers Mornir with their premier EP 'Entfesselt' ('Unleashed'), through the maze of adventurous riffs that ride this EP with such fluidity to the gruffness of the vocals that embody the typical German Pagan Metal sound as a whole. Singing exclusively in their native German language, this quintet have got a promising future ahead as long as they keep the oomph in their music up and on top of what they aim to achieve. Mixing the classic Pagan Metal sound with a violin is not easy, yet as you let the EP play through it's entirety, the magic behind such a crossover becomes more and more crystal clear, simply spellbinding. Download This: "Erdenblut" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Arkona, Helrunar, Wolfchant [7] RHYS STEVENSON SIRION '2014 EP' INDEPENDENT This American lot are tipped for big things, well when you take the time to indulge in their 2014 EP you cannot escape the urge to place it on repeat for infinity, pun-intended. When you consider their concoction of Swedish Melodic Death Metal heaviness, Power Metal melodies, Modern Metal atmospherics and vision to create a unique sound, you wouldn't be wrong for calling Sirion the offspring of Scar Symmetry and Children Of Bodom. On the strength of this EP, we tip this exciting quintet for a record label deal within a year's-time. Lyrically adopting the Modern Futuristic Metal approach of singing about space, the apocalypse and artificial intelligence through some hefty cybernetic verbiage, Sirion have certainly got their act together and with their impending debut album on the cards, their next release will be closely monitored with interest. Download This: "Interstellar" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Scar Symmetry, Children Of Bodom, Wintersun [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON IN VACUO 'In Vacuo' INDEPENDENT If you ever felt insanely depressed or down, trodden and saddened, then go ahead indulge in In Vacuo's self-titled album, because this would only make you feel that much worse. 'In Vacuo' is the self-harming equivalent in the music world, it seriously lacks any kind of feeling and thus loses the intended ability to wow listeners. Despite this, the riffs are very bland, so bland you feel like stabbing your ears vigorously to save your hearing from the dreadful monstrosity herewith presented. For all the intended might, the album simply does nothing to excite or captivate and should be avoided with ease, that is, go ahead listen to it, but you will regret it. Forget going back to the basics of Black / Doom Metal, this is too bad for the basics. Download This (if you dare to): "Urpower" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Black / Doom Metal [4] RHYS STEVENSON POWER OF GROUND 'The Butcher' SALUTE Slamming and slaughtering are just two adjectives that can be used to describe the Premier EP by Bangladesh's latest metal export Power Of Ground. 'The Butcher' EP employs a corpse-spread of Brutal Death Metal marred with some rather eccentric Technical Metal influences weaving in and out of the gory onslaught. Pig squeals and guttural vocals front this maddened release and are joined by said riffs and thumping drums. This EP is not only perfect for those who get boners over Extreme Metal, but also for those who love exotic metal, aside from this 'The Butcher' is a really good starter by this Chittagong horde, bestial at it's most extreme as well as brutally menacing. Fury, grit, gore, whoring-riffs and mathematics at their most extreme make this EP what it is, and so be prepared to face the abattoir of 'The Butcher'. Download This: "Murder Is An Art" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Psyopus, Suffocation, Severe Dementia [8] RHYS STEVENSON DILIGENCE 'Amendment' INDEPENDENT 'Amendment' summarizes what you would expect from a Deathcore / Death Metal band, unrelenting drums, crunching riffs, bellowing vocals and an atmosphere designed to crush your senses. Enter Czech metallers Diligence with their premier EP released last year. Fronted by the sensationally talented Daniela Neumanová, this quartet emblazon their image with the perceptions of Modern Death Metal and in doing so prep themselves to become the next successful Czech Metal export. 20 minutes of unruly brutality may not seem enough, but by the time the last song closes you begin to realize it sounded longer than it actually did. It would be surprising if labels like MetalGate don't snap up this hot property, because damn this Death Metal / Deathcore combination certainly demands immediate attention. 'Amendment' is one EP any adventurous metal fan should own, forget what you love, Diligence's 'Amendment' is the real shit. Download This: "Ways Grown Obsolete" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Cerebral Bore, Arch Enemy, Whitechapel [9] RHYS STEVENSON KILL ROBOT KILL 'Aeon Of Damnation' INDEPENDENT Deathcore is like a plague, it contaminated the world and every once in a while it needed to mutate in order to survive, sadly such mutations end up with the output more shit than your average fecal matter. Thankfully Austrian horde Kill Robot Kill avoid that pitfall and unleash a menacing onslaught of Death Metal-infused Deathcore. Whilst their debut EP 'Aeon Of Damnation' might not be the best this outfit can produce, it certainly has the force of a thousand atomic bombs and as such will pummel your face into wasted skin. Crunchy riffs lead the attack, whilst the drums send seismic shocks through the infrastructure of this formidable effort and the vocals lead the final blow to what can be perceived as the dawn of the new wave of Austrian Deathcore. Watch this band with interest at all costs. Download This: "Still The Ashes Reveal" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Whitechapel, Betraying The Martyrs, Kin Beneath Chorus [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON OVERDOZES 'E.P.' INDEPENDENT Hailing from one of the least explored metal scenes on the international stage (in terms of press coverage), Thrash Metal unit Overdozes aim to please with their premier 2015 EP. Despite it's epic pace-shifting Thrash Metal sound, the Thai quartet immerse their sound in raw, DIY atmospherics and end up giving possibly a nostalgic feeling to veteran metalheads, reminiscing of the 80's Thrash Metal fury. Whilst this is nothing new, the raw sound and almost-apparent lack of respect for the guidelines to making a groundbreaking release, make this EP a release anyone should own, because it simply has enough oomph to make anyone headbang incessantly. Their EP might well just become Thai Metal release of the year; watch this band with interest. Download This: "Goat Divinity" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Nuclear Assault, Sodom, Slayer [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON INSURRECTION 'Catatonic' BIG BAD WOLF Insurrection's debut EP 'Catatonic' takes its time to kick into full swing, and yet when it does it becomes clear that some elements are missing. It lacks that convincing punch to make it a stellar release, but that's what EP's are for right? Granted the unrelenting pace the drummer sets is matched by the guttural velocity of the vocals and the uncompromising riffs, but the atmosphere is as boring as watching paint dry. Hence the atmosphere is one of the major substances this EP lacks in, the other pitfall is when you take on too many sub-genres and fluff it, which in Insurrection's case is Melodic Death / Thrash; there is too much going on for the band to formulate a sound that will define this band, but despite this the effort is there and if the Dutch quartet play their cards right, they could make a buzz on the continent if not the Benelux. It's not the best of starts for the band, but they have potential. Download This: "Apotheosis" - Click here to listen For fans of: The Arcane Order, The Haunted, Malefice [6.5] RHYS STEVENSON THUNDERSTEEL 'The Exorcism' TMINA If not the most exciting metal act of 2015 to emerge from the Serbian Metal scene. That is what comes to mind when listening to Thundersteel's debut album 'The Exorcism'. By mixing together the hallowing sounds of Speed Metal in the style of Sabaton and Judas Priest, with the emphatic slow melodies and majestic sounds of Iron Maiden, this quartet set the bar higher in the Heavy / Speed Metal arena. 'The Exorcism' has given Thundersteel a solid platform to walk upon, not only because of their imminent label deal, but because this effort will perk the ears of Europe up, it has the potential to push Thundersteel onto the conveyor belt for the likes of Bloodstock and beyond. In addition we could be looking at a sharp contender for Serbian Metal release of the year as well, keep an eye on this lot. Download This: "Past Time Lords" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Sabaton, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest [8] RHYS STEVENSON ELVELLON
'Spellbound' INDEPENDENT With the Symphonic Metal movement having gained rapid momentum over the last two decades and since it's first emergence in 1990, the need for bands to distance themselves from the established-household names has become paramount. Elvellon manage to escape this entrapment, just. Granted they have not included any Power Metal, nor any cliche elements that seem to have been exhausted these days, but the similarity between them and the likes of Turunen-era Nightwish cannot be mistaken, not that is a bad thing, it just means that 'Spellbound' has given the band a decent platform to stand on. With 'Spellbound' being the band's debut EP, we can expect a lot more from this German quintet and here's hoping they become a successful metal export, because they certainly have the vision and musicianship to do so without anything holding them back. Swishing symphonies and angelic vocals combined with thunderous drumming and savage riffs, if you're ravenous for some 'Dramatic Symphonic Metal' then 'Spellbound' is for you. Download This: "Born From Hope" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Turunen-Era Nightwish, Delia, Within Temptation [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON EYES OF GAIA 'The Power Of Existence' INDEPENDENT As far as emphatic sounds goes, Eyes of Gaia's debut album 'The Power Of Existence' positions itself right at the pinnacle of powerful, yet epic masterpieces. Seven years have passed since their inception and so the wait for their debut album was truly worth it, featuring the noticeable Maiden-esque vocals, blistering-paced drums and heavy riff Armageddon. That said, Brazil has had a rich past in the classic heavy metal arena so it comes as no surprise that this album features such characteristics. But taking this album as a whole, it shows that Eyes of Gaia have the ability to do well and excel themselves as a metal group worldwide with their infectious take-on the classic heavy metal sound. Watch this band with interest. Download This: "Hidden From The Light" - Click here to listen For fans of: Iron Maiden, Dragonforce, Judas Priest, Motorhead [8] RHYS STEVENSON HELION 'Duat's Calling' INDEPENDENT If you don't have a headache before listening to Helion's debut EP, you sure will afterwards. This filthy-rotten slab of Technical Death Metal wizardry is a testament to the sub-genre as it pummels out insanely fast drums, algorithmic riffs and vocals so brutal, Deathcore just became the new pop music. 'Duat's Calling' is the first offering by this Italian quartet and by jove it offers some elements of promise, it does however take some time to kick in. The only slight downside is that there appears to be too much going on at times and thus loses focus in becoming a respected debut EP. However diligence is soon paid off with an emphatic 12 minute epic that is 'Duat's Calling: The Cosmic Collision', a supersonic song that demands utmost attention. All in all 'Duat's Calling' may not be pretty, but it certainly is not the beast. Download This: "The Way Of Stars" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Neuraxis, Decapitated, 'Tech Death Metal' [7] RHYS STEVENSON XUL 'Extinction Necromance' INDEPENDENT On the strength of their first EP 'Extinction Necromance', Canadian quintet Xul have their eyes on international recognition with their gritty-form of Blackened Death Metal. Maxing out at a whopping 30 minutes, this ferocious assault of blazing drums, raucous vocals and tight-as-a-nun's-arse riffs, collectively delivers a musical force to be reckoned with. Granted it is not as glorified as perhaps Behemoth or as dynamic as some of the Norwegian contingent, it does however offer a truly underground sound that would appeal to fans of Extreme Metal and ones who just like their meat, love it 100% raw. 'Extinction Necromance' is an important step for Xul, where they go now is one question, the other being can they surpass this effort with ease? Download This: "Orbit Of Nemesis" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Enslaved, Immortal, Behemoth [8] RHYS STEVENSON SYNERGY PROTOCOL '2014 Demo' Last year saw the first demo by Dutch Prog Metal newbies Synergy Protocol, now whilst the band is new, the musicians themselves have been around for much, much longer. However their 2014 demo exhibits much of the old Prog Metal style and thus keeps the traditional aspects alive. Granted the recording is not at it's greatest and thus needs the volume turning up, but that's ok, because what greats you is a sensual yet erotic smacking of pure, crisp metal. Lasting for 22 minutes, this three-track effort certainly ticks the right boxes as a promising of things yet-to-come. Whatever this band does next is pretty much safeguarded for the expertise driving it, let's just see how their second offering pans out before seeing them as a resurgent Dutch force. Download This: "Puppet On A String (Live)" - Click here to listen For fans of: Dream Theater, To-Mera, Stream Of Passion [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON DAEMONA 'Il Demone Dentro' INDEPENDENT Arising as the East Anglian Death Machine, Daemona have no restrictions to their versatility as demonstrated on their debut demo "Il Demone Dentro", which is Italian for 'The Demon Inside'; the title of which was evidently crafted by lead vocalist Nina Pain. Executing a solid slab of Death Metal to wet your whiskers by is not always easy, but for this quintet it was simply taken in their stride. To think they are building themselves up to take on the mighty British Death Metal scene is an understatement, with this effort they have clearly demonstrated they are capable of slaughtering the globe with their chemically-engineered potion of destruction that is, 'Il Demone Dentro'. Watch this band with interest. Download This: "Grave Separator" - Click here for the 'live' version For Fans of: Cerebral Bore, Cannibal Corpse, Sanctorum [8] RHYS STEVENSON IMPERIAL CULT 'Rise Of Yalamber' SALUTE India in the last two decades or so has seen a surge of metal exports. But fast forward to the last few years and it's bands like Imperial Cult who bear the honor for leading the Indian Metal scene. This Black / Death Metal outfit spew out a sound that bears the hallmark of Asian extreme metal, low and raw recordings with that added attitude that seems to have been born with the Himalayan nations. If you love your metal as raw as cow hide, as dirty as satanic sluts and as brutal as mass genocide, then you are probably reading about the right release. 'Rise Of Yalamber' being the band's debut EP offers an insight into things yet to come, here's hoping they keep this power and grimness together for the years ahead, because this band offers a lot of potential. Download this: "Pain Of Mortals" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Keep Of Kalessin, Necrophobic, Immortal [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON EXALTER 'Democrasodomy' SALUTE Ensure that you are fit and well to headbang yourself to death when listening to Exalter's debut EP 'Democrasodomy', because it is one not to be taken lightly, in fact this is some serious shit. Bangladeshi Thrash Metal tends to get overlooked on the international stage and as a result gets largely ignored, but with Exalter's effort having enough fury to blow out a platoon of tanks, the only solution is to give this band your immediate attention. With infectious riffs rampaging like a thing possessed, drums providing the solidified backdrop and unforgiving, unrelenting and ungodly lashes of Slayer-esque vocals, it would be idiotic to disregard Exalter as a force to be reckoned with. 'Democrasodomy' is a testament to the 80's Thrash Metal onslaught and serves as a honorable yet leading release in the Bangladeshi Metal scene. Download This: "White Phosphorus Shell" - Click here to listen For fans of: Slayer, Evile, Sepultura [8] RHYS STEVENSON SPEEDEMON 'First Blood' Looking beyond Portugal's sole export Moonspell and you come across a small-yet-burgeoning metal scene, one band in particular looks set to send out their own branded form of Speed / Thrash Metal to the masses. Speedemon is a four-piece beast who roars with such ferocity, we heard them over here in the UK, and their premier EP 'Firstblood' is to blame. Now whilst to some it may appear simply as another Judas Priest-Slayer mish mash, it does offer something special in that it is totally 100% original in composition - sure influences are clear enough, but at least the riffs are not recycled, and at least they don't sound like a cloned band. For a good solid 14 minutes, it is well worth checking this EP out if you get boners over Judas Priest especially, be sure to have the tissues ready... just in case. Speedemon are flying the flag for the Portuguese Metal scene. Download This: "Blood Runs Cold" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Judas Priest, Slayer, 'Speed Thrash Metal' [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON KOBOLD 'Madman's Overture' Serbia's rich Thrash Metal heritage should be something to go by when considering fresh metal bands emerging off the streets. Kobold for example exploit the very expectations you would have for a Thrash Metal EP, chaotic riffs, infectious drums and gritty vocals. 'Madman's Overture' lasts for a respectable 22 minutes, with three tracks leading the charge. So if you asked for some Thrash Metal that is designed to crush your skull into nothingness, then you are reading the right review. The first outing for these chaps certainly yields promising times ahead and whilst the music delivers a rather rewarding, yet crisp satisfaction, the expectation for something better arises as a result. Given this was recorded in their own studio, the output is sublime in every aspect. Download This: "Madman's Overture EP" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Suicidal Tendencies, Gama Bomb, Slayer [8] RHYS STEVENSON ASHTAR
'Ilmasaari' CZAR OF CRICKETS PRODUCTIONS Upon listening to Ashtar's debut album 'Ilmasaari', you start to think to yourself 'where do i begin in thinking what my thoughts of this release are?', because simply put it is a thought-invoking and dank album that demands complete attention to it. This Finnish-Swiss duo pair up the depressive atmospherics of Doom Metal, the thick sounds of Sludge Metal with the embodiment of Black Metal to create a sound that is almost as if Sun O))), Kylesa and Woods Of Ypres had a threesome and produced offspring in the form of Ashtar. However whilst 'Ilmasaari' may not be in the ranks of awesome, it certainly has the potential to prick a few ears up and is sure to gain some attention across Europe, for now at least. Download This: "She Was A Witch" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Kylesa, Woods Of Ypres, Katatonia, Sun O))) [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON ANACHRONISM 'Reflecting The Inside' INDEPENDENT Get the aspirin ready and prepare yourself for the worst headache you have ever had, because that is exactly what Anachronism's premier EP 'Reflecting The Inside' will do to you. Beg for mercy because you're going to god-damn need it when listening to this "apocalyptic death metal" release, by mixing together the tight-ass elements of Technical Metal with some of the grittiest and grueling Death Metal vocals you'll ever come across from said genre, this Swiss five-piece have crafted a release that ought to perk a few record labels' ears up and pay attention. Slamming and tantalizingly brutal at every second, 'Reflecting The Inside' is your death warrant written in the musical format, now organize the pits, align the walls of death and let f*cking merry hell take over. You want pummeling and intensely-calculated Technical Death Metal? Look no further. Your answer lies with Anachronism. Download This: "A Way To Emptiness" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Suffocation, Cryptopsy, Gojira [9] RHYS STEVENSON SENSORIUM 'The Art Of Living' INDEPENDENT It is safe to say that the Israeli Metal scene is enjoying a successful establishment on planet earth and it's latest products, Sensorium, has delivered what could be considered as a candidate for 'Israeli release of the year'. 'The Art Of Living' is the band's debut album and it resides deep within the Power Metal and Operatic Metal styles, with emphatic keyboard elements cementing a harmonious atmosphere and the vocals sounding highly reminiscent of the Phantom of the Opera film, 'The Art Of Living' is a new chapter in the ever-differentiating Power Metal sub-genre. Maxed out at 69 minutes long, this erotic opus grabs your attention and never loses it as it twists and turns and delivers unexpected sounds at every passing second. For Sensorium this is a great start and they have already demonstrated that greater things are yet to come and in doing so, establish them as the next great Israeli Metal export. Download This: "Haunting Verity" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Sonata Arctica, Sabaton, Therion [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON BLUDY GYRES 'Bludy Gyres' INDEPENDENT So if you have over 20 minutes spare to listen to a two-track EP, you're either mad or completely bored. But both possibilities are worth it, since Bludy Gyres' self-titled EP delivers an orgasmic display of Progressive Doom Metal. The problem is, it lacks that one strike that would cast it as a good release. One of the good parts of the EP resonates with the song "To Live Is To Bleed" which comes from a Scottish ballad by Robert Burns written in 1782. Other than that, the EP lacks redeeming qualities, sure this may seem contradictory with respect to the orgasmic quip, but these orgasms come every so often because the tracks seem too dull to endure. But the time will come when this American quartet arrange the right notes to create a release that would at least warrant a second listening, this EP is not that release. Download This: "To Live Is To Bleed" - Click here to listen For Fans of: "Progressive Doom Metal", early-Black Sabbath, Novembers Doom [6] RHYS STEVENSON DOWN RIGHT DIRTY 'Drunk And On Drugs' INDEPENDENT Well if you want your cliche 80's style Thrash Metal, once again it is here, but you got to love it to appreciate it. Canadian Thrash whackers Down Right Dirty take no prisoners when it comes to delivering cock-snapping songs, this is clearly evident on their debut EP 'Drunk And On Drugs' as it explodes with the sound of roaring-riffs, blitzing drums and savage vocals. Now imagine your head being smashed against the wall in rapid outbursts, this is the sheer force and reckoning power that 'Drunk And On Drugs' holds in store for anyone who dare listens to it. With ten tracks available to destroy your hearing by, by the tenth song you will have forgotten what the first one sounds like, let alone being deafened by it all.... ok, so maybe 'Drunk And On Drugs' is not a groundbreaking release, it doesn't have to be in order to pack a punch. Download This: "Fuck You Pay Me" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Slayer, Biohazard, Agnostic Front [7] RHYS STEVENSON DEIFIED 'Chaos, Blood & War' INDEPENDENT Dropping their debut EP 'Chaos, Blood & War' is Greek Heavy / Power Metal mob Deified, what comes with this EP is the imminent face-smacking sound of majestic vocals, this seems to be the most outstanding part of the EP albeit the solo's being cleverly crafted, and the rest of the music seemingly befitting the standards of said metal genre. 'Chaos, Blood & War' is a testament to the epic tales from the Greek mythology realm and pays homage to the Greek Metal scene as a potential release for Deified to use in order to propel themselves from. Granted it is nothing new, and now and then demonstrates a lack of creativity, it does however serve its purpose as the first effort by this quintet, no doubt there is more to come - we have not heard the last of this group, not at all. Download This: "Chaos, Blood & War" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Blind Guardian, Achelous, Iron Maiden [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON GROTESKH 'Code: End' CURSED If there was a metal version of the Eurovision Song Contest, then Groteskh would easily represent Austria; Lordi for Finland mind you. The thing about Black Metal is, you can have it blisteringly fast or atmospherically depressing, Groteskh however utilize the best of both styles, with each song on their second album 'Code: End' offering a variety of paces, elements and ultimately extreme metal as the vocals flirt with both the Black and Death Metal sub-genres. Groteskh are showing that they are ready to be recognized as Austria's next successful metal export. With the effort shown on this unforgiving, yet cranial-crushing Black Metal album, they can build on this and aim for major festivals in the year(s) ahead. If you think you know Black Metal, you are mistaken, for this is trve kvlt Black Metal. Download This: "Displaced Axis" - Click here to listen For fans of: Abigor, Carpathian Forest, Eastern Front [8] RHYS STEVENSON OKAZAKI FRAGMENTS 'Abandoned' INDEPENDENT Well it's certainly correct to note that Okazaki Fragments have discovered the DNA found within the Death Metal / Grindcore partnership, with the drums powering their debut album 'Abandoned' through all forces of velocity, it would seem that this whacky Canadian bunch have done their homework and studied how said metal genre combination works. Pig squeals, tight-arse time signatures and a brutalizing wall-of-sound pummel your senses into a squashed pulp. For a debut album this is a statement of intent, that Okazaki Fragments are priming themselves to become another successful metal band to be shat out of the streets of Canada. Just be sure to have the aspirin at the ready, as it's one of those albums that never takes a break, and could easily be considered as Canadian metal release of the year. Download This: "Vermin" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Psyopus, Aborted, Prostitute Disfigurement [8] RHYS STEVENSON CONGIURA 'iBlood' SLIPTRICK Who'd have thought a metal band could make Melodic Death Metal so damn funky, that it takes control of your body and makes you move every single muscle? Well Italy's Congiura have nailed that right on the spot, their debut album 'iBlood' might be flooding out your senses with erotic Gothenburg-style Melodic Death Metal, but with the added post-rock influences, it doubles up as a 'Death Dance Metal' album. 'iBlood' uniquely takes you on a journey throughout the tunnels of the Modern Metal as it reaps your mind and controls the thousands of neurons to make you move to the groove exhibited all over this fantastic release. With an adventurous sound to the riffs, dramatic drum elements, vicious vocals and an atmospheric more powerful than an atomic bomb, 'iBlood' is one album you must have in your collection, there is simply no exception. Download This: 'iBlood' - Click here to listen to their 'iBlood' music video For fans of Amon Amarth, In Flames, Dark Tranquility [9] RHYS STEVENSON CRUCIFIED BARBARA 'In The Red' DESPOTZ In 2014 the Swedish Hard Rock / Heavy Metal bombshells Crucified Barbara delivered their fourth album 'In The Red'. Eight months on and it still rocks your socks off, full of attitude and grit, this latest outing is the very definition of what makes female rock / metal musicians that extra-sexy, not just because of the looks, but they make the music far more powerful and vibrant than their male counterparts. 'In The Red' carries on the Swedish Hard Rock revival with enough oomph in the band's lockers, they could tour with fellow countrymen Sister Sin and make a sensational pact. As for their latest release, it's highly self-explanatory and does not take much to work out what the album is all about, that said you would need to have a shot of whiskey or jagermeister at the ready, cause this is a drinking album! Chin-chin!. Download This: "I Sell My Kids For Rock 'N' Roll" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Sister Sin, Vanilla Ninja, Kobra & The Lotus [8] RHYS STEVENSON PAEAN
'Scorn Of Eternity' INDEPENDENT It's not all that often you find a Progressive Death Metal band have the guts to bolt on another metal genre to create a unique sound, such a band who has taken that bold step is Paean from Estonia. By combining Progressive Death Metal music with Doom Metal atmospherics, their debut album 'Scorn Of Eternity' brings something relatively new to the table; sure the said combination has been done before, it just has not been done enough times. What is also amazing about this album is that it really amps up the progressiveness of the riffs, whilst the drums alternate with the riffs in doing the same thing, bringing in a Gojira-style groove. Whatever people make of this release one thing is for certain, Paean are flying the flag for the Estonian Metal scene and with 'Scorn Of Eternity' are sure to gain the attention of some record labels. Download This: "First Breath" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Gojira, Agonyst, Human Ground [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON BLOOD EVERYWHERE 'First Blood' Given the tenderness of the ongoing skirmishes in the Middle East, this band name certainly is highly controversial. Rest assured, the choice of genre befits the name very well. Unleashing a barrage of ballistic Death Metal is Israel's Blood Everywhere, even though the release dropped way back in 2010, the sincere amount of effort and insanity purged into the sole EP is paramount. 'First Blood' may be the band's first and last EP, let alone release, the brutality they have instilled here is one to get any Extreme Metal off their asses and moshing as if it was the end of the world as we know it. Blood Everywhere were the band never to be, as for their EP though, may it remain as a piece of undiscovered Israeli metal history. Unleash the torrent of blood..... Download This: "Total Eradication" - Click to listen For Fans of: Whorecore, Aborted, Cephalic Carnage [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON MANOR<? 'The Reckoning Of Manor: The Story Of A Downward Spiral' Being the only band in your area to play a certain music style is never easy, but when Kent's Manor<? aim to take that challenge, they take it in their stride and unnerve Medway's residents in the process. The quintet's new EP 'The Reckoning Of Manor: The Story Of A Downward Spiral' roots itself within the Industrial Metal matrix, whilst peripheral genres like Shock Rock and Alternative Metal add that distinctive Manor<? flavor. This is definitely a breath of fresh air since this metal style severely lacks representation in the UK, yet it has enough ferocity to turn you psychopathic. What with Luci's vocals leading the thunderous onslaught of sexed up Rob Zombie influences and the instruments taking a harsh Rammstein-cross-Deathstars approach, Manor<? are not a band to f*** around with. Prepare yourself for a murderous journey of savage carnage. Download This: 'Kill Or Be Killed' - Click to listen For Fans of: Rob Zombie, Rammstein, Deathstars 'The Reckoning Of Manor: The Story Of A Downward Spiral' is out 25th September via independent release [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON WARDENCLYFFE 'Graveside Legacy' Possibly taking their name after the Wardenclyffe Tower (Tesla Tower), Leicester's new kids on the block step out on terra firma with their debut demo 'Graveside Legacy'. The demo features that evident feeling of the band putting in a total, solid effort to make the demo as-much-of-a-credible release as it can be, sure the vocals at times need refining and the drums given greater presence, but the overall impression that it leaves is a long-lasting one of 'this band has got a future ahead of them'. Bolting together elements of Progressive Metal onto the skeletal sound of Melodic Death Metal, this trio successfully immerses the listener in a world of the supernatural and darkened horror. Halloween has come early, Wardenclyffe are going to haunt you in your sleep with the sound of grizzly vocals, psycho riffs and menacing drums. Download This: "Carrie" - Click to listen For Fans of: Carcass, Opeth, Dark Tranquility [7] RHYS STEVENSON EUTANOS 'Lo Que Te Lleva A La Muerte / Live Death Valley' Ten years down the line and Ecuadorian Black Metal armada Eutanos unleash Anti-Christian and devastating hell through their premier compilation 'Lo Que Te Lleva A La Muerte / Live Death Valley'. Conveniently split onto two disks, this release throws out the chaotic scenes and atmosphere of true South American Black Metal. That is, mind-splitting vocals leading the front-line whilst the drums and guitars combine to deliver that level of raw production you would expect from an underground release. Sure some people might struggle at the Spanish lyrics, but overall if you have the trained ear to pick out some rather grizzly and bitter tracks, then you would have no problem getting to grips with Eutanos. Whilst some underground Black Metal bands opt for speed and technicality as a means of trying to impress, Eutanos take the brutality up a notch and use that to their advantage, giving the honored right to fly the flag for the Ecuadorian Metal scene. Download This: "Lo Que Te Lleva A La Muerte" - Click to listen For Fans of: Marduk, Carpathian Forest, Behemoth [8] RHYS STEVENSON ILENKUS 'The Crossing' You'd have to be rather insane to give Ilenkus any reason to roam your mind with their Prog-infused slab of Post Metal, yes insane. If you are sane, then their music would make you go insane because their music is.... insane. Enough of the confusing babbling-on, Ilenkus' second album sets out on a psychedelic journey of technical brutality, with a dollop of Hardcore vocals, mathematical calculations riding the riffs and an atmosphere that develops a cold, damp, yet machinery-style feeling upon indulging in their 38-minute assault. 'The Crossing' is bound to give Ilenkus the overseas exposure that they thoroughly diverse with this effort, funnily enough this may well appeal to fans of Ambient, Djent and possibly Drone Metal. This is the band to turn the tides of the Irish Metal scene, keep an eye on this group at all costs, this band are going places. Download This: "Devourer" - click to listen For Fans of: Xerath, Isis, "Unique Metal" [8] RHYS STEVENSON DISTORTED HARMONY 'Chain Reaction' Strapping together an electric mix of elements including Progressive Metal, Symphonic, Melodic, Jazz, Progressive Rock and Djent, Distorted Harmony have produced a sound that is sure to challenge the already flooded Progressive Metal arena. Whilst perhaps not as Oriental-influenced as fellow countrymen Orphaned Land, Distorted Harmony certainly place their power and fire within the beats and atmosphere of the music to develop their own unique style of Israeli music; let's call it "easy listening metal". Let Progressive Metal be damned if Distorted Harmony don't get a record label deal this or next year, because boy are they going to whip the rest of the world into line, 'Chain Reaction' has a lot going for it, so much so this may well become a hot contended for Progressive Metal album of the year by a lot of global media. Download This: "Every Time She Smiles" - Click to listen to the entire album as well. For Fans of: Dream Theater, Muse, Periphery, Porcupine Tree [10] RHYS STEVENSON EVIL SCARECROW 'Galactic Hunt' Salutations must be bestowed upon a band that has defied the rules of metal, crushed rubber duckies under the weight of their furious 'Parody Black Metal' sound and amassed an army of human crabs scuttling to the sound of the soon-to-be number one chart hit 'Crabulon'. This is of course Nottingham's beloved Evil Scarecrow who have crafted another spectacular album. 'Galactic Hunt' is the quintet's third full-length and once again the elegance of their own form of Black / Thrash Metal has been polished and presented to the masses. With a cyber / futuristic theme seeming to emerge from the album, it will only take a few seconds for E.T. to not go home, mosh alongside the Terminator and crowd-surf over a crowd of Daleks. With Princess Luxury providing the sci-fi sounds, Brother Pain, Kraven Morrdeth and Ringmaster Monty Blitzfist fighting over musical supremacy and Dr Hell letting rip with a barrage of savage vocals, 'Galactic Hunt' is by far the best release they have done thus far. Download This: "Crabulon" - Click to listen to the Bloodstock live version For Fans of: GWAR, Slayer, Cradle of Filth 'Galactic Hunt' is out 13th October 2014 via an independent release [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON ORANGE GOBLIN 'Back From The Abyss' CANDLELIGHT Unleashing their eighth wave of unmistakeable Stoner Metal is Orange Goblin. Their upcoming album 'Back From The Abyss' is packed with everything you love about the band, it comes chock-a-block full of ballsy erotic riffs, harmonious-yet-melodic vocals and classic hints of meth 'wafting' around in the background. Now for a band who celebrates their 20th anniversary next year, a forthcoming October and November European tour and of course their forthcoming album, things could not be sweeter. Or could they? 'Back From The Abyss' definitely places itself as a contender for album of the year, but whether this is their best album to date is well and truly wide open for debate. Make no mistake, Orange Goblin have got plenty more where 'Back From The Abyss' came from and boy do they intend to slay your sorry asses with this effort, essentially it is sex in music form. Preview This: "Demon Blues" - click to listen a preview of each song For Fans of: Led Zeppelin, Pentagram, Atomic Rooster 'Back From The Abyss' is out 6th October 2014 via Candlelight Records [9] RHYS STEVENSON RAPTORE 'Demo 2014' Welcoming to the front-line is Argentinian Heavy Metal quartet Raptore unleashing their first ever release in the form of a demo, this unit strolls down the alleyway of the Classic Heavy Metal sound many Metalheads grew up with and produces material that is sure to appeal to many. Firmly and deeply rooted within the NWOBHM style, Raptore's premier demo delivers a lot of promise for this band, proving that they certainly know how to turn up the volume past 13 and blast out a sound that is far more controlling than your mother-in-law. With elements of Speed Metal clearly present, Raptore are sure to make a buzz in the years ahead. Imagine your partner grabbing you hard by the balls or boobs and then as a result you emit a high-pitch shriek, well this is what the vocals are like. Whilst the pain barrier is broke, the riffs lash your spine with barbed wire, whilst the drums keep your head spinning to the beat. Hell hath no fury with this lot. Download This: "Rage N' Fever" - Click to listen For Fans of: Motorhead, Iron Maiden, Saxon [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON WINTERFYLLETH
'The Divination Of Antiquity' CANDLELIGHT The immediate thoughts of Black Metal usually drag up the common associations of Satanism, blood, darkness and evil. Winterfylleth on the other hand have their own unique style of Black Metal to wage war with, their forthcoming album 'The Divination of Antiquity' comes as the band's fourth full-length to-date and features the majestic elegance exhibited on it's predecessors, but with added Doom Metal to create a more dynamic-yet-fluid atmosphere; one that is sure to impress even the more underground Black Metal followers. Lasting a sensational 62 minutes, 'The Divination Of Antiquity' can be considered another chapter in the Winterfylleth chronicles, carrying on their unmistakable Anglo-Saxon heritage and Paganism lyrics along with their fast, majestic and totally awe-inspiring Black Metal sound. A true diamond within the darkened caves of English Black Metal. Download This: "A Careworn Heart" - when the album is out For Fans of: Fyrdsman, Cnoc An Tursa, "Folkloric Black Metal" [9] RHYS STEVENSON |
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