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
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ESTAMPIDA 'Hard As The Wolfram' INDEPENDENT Celebrating their 20th year anniversary, Argentinian quartet Estampida unleash an apocalypse with their 'Thrashtastic' EP 'Hard As The Wolfram'. Sure the simile used in the EP title might raise a few eyebrows given Wolfram is the alternate name for Tungsten, which in turn derives from Swedish for 'Heavy Stone', but if this is meant to describe the music then hell the words explain themselves. If you prefer your metal to be full of throttling pace, combined with an atmosphere that guarantees to spark a mosh-pit and one that harbors a sound that will snap your neck in two, then you are reading a review about that exact release. Wallowing between the furious pace of Bay Area Thrash Metal and the guttural harmonics of Melodic Death Metal, 'Hard As The Wolfram' is an EP to raise a pint to. They may be old in the scene, but their music is still fresh as daisies. Download This: "Face The Fear (Captive Soul)" - Click here to listen For Fans of: The Haunted, The Arcane Order, Dying Fetus [8] RHYS STEVENSON SPYDOR 'Predator' INDEPENDENT Despite all their efforts to sound unique and original, German Thrash Metallers Spydor just don't quite cut it. No disrespect to their debut EP 'Predator' which is a good solid slab of Thrash Metal, it just doesn't have anything excellent going for it, no 'wow' factor, no breakneck elements, nothing. It just doesn't seem whether they want to follow the Teutonic Thrash sound or the Bay Area Thrash sound, leaving them to ponder clueless as to where they want to be. 'Predator' for all it's might falls at the very last hurdle that otherwise would have given the band potential to establish a name for themselves in their homeland. Granted the members may well come from well-respected bands in their region, but as far as an international perspective goes, this EP is just another one to shelve in the category 'generic thrash', here's hoping their next effort is an improvement. Download This: "War" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Kreator, Slayer, 'Generic Thrash' [6.5] RHYS STEVENSON CRESCENT LAMENT '花殤' ("Elegy For The Blossoms") INDEPENDENT Crescent Lament's second album answers the anticipation surrounding it with such conviction, that this could be the release that gives Crescent Lament international recognition. '花殤' ("Elegy For The Blossoms") tells the story of A-hiong, a Taiwanese geisha who endured sorrow and anxiety throughout the late-Japanese period, the Pacific campaign in WWII and thereafter upon the dawn of the Chinese Nationalist Party's dominance in Taiwanese history. By utilizing traditional Taiwanese and Japanese instruments to give the sound a Oriental-yet-traditional feel to the music, Crescent Lamant establish themselves as the pioneers of ''Oriental Gothic Metal' and as this album goes, delivers a dark, saddening and theatrical sound. What also makes this release all the more magical, is the entire story concept, with two cultures clashing on one record, this is one album everyone should have in their collection. If any Far Eastern film delves into the realm of the geisha, Crescent Lament should make an appearance on the strength of this release. Download This: " 晴雨 " - Click here to listen For Fans of: Epica, Lacrimosa, After Forever [9] RHYS STEVENSON GEMINI ABYSS 'Regenerate' INDEPENDENT Gemini Abyss' third full-length release 'Regenerate', at times feels like there is too much going on and thus loses track on what could be a powerful album. The male vocals hinder the album this time round, constricting the evident Symphonic Power Metal sound and clogging it up, whereas the female vocals need greater space instead of battling against the crunchy guitar riffs and blitzing drums. Despite this, 'Regenerate' is a respectable release that will surely give the fans of said metal genre and band to chew on, but in a holistic sense it might not be enough to propel the band into the international spotlight. Instead of growling, perhaps Marcin ought to adopt a Phantom of the Opera singing style; this combined with Klaudia's graceful singing would send the atmospherics sky-rocketing. There are pockets of songs that stand out as true anthems, such as 'Like The Wind' which ideally is the sound Gemini Abyss ought to follow more. Download This: "Like The Wind" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Nightwish, Rhapsody Of Fire, Kamelot [7] RHYS STEVENSON VARIOUS ARTISTS 'The Witch 3: Wild Hunt Official Soundtrack - Special Edition' CD PROJEKT RED To hear this momentous soundtrack from the Windows/PS4/Xbox One game 'The Witch 3: Wild Hunt' is a delight beyond all belief. Featuring a wide array of instrumentalists and an all-Polish-choir, the end product is one of sheer emphatic and epic proportions that relates to the LOTR trilogy in it's suspense, elements and dramatic numbers. It also features the Progressive / Folk Metal band Percival using only acoustic instruments (Percival Schuttenbach is the metal counterpart) of whose metal name ties in with one of the gnomes from "The Witcher" saga, which in turn is a book series and forerunner to the video game series. In fact, this all Polish affair really has put the spotlight on the band and musicians involved, but as for the soundtrack itself for those who manage to secure a copy it is worth the listen. With 31 tracks spanning over 70 minutes-worth of listening time, listeners will be spoiled for choice onto what to listen to, overall this is a majestic work of art that will enthrall anyone who plays the game and as said listens to the soundtrack (if you're lucky enough to get a copy). Listen to it here: "Official Soundtrack" For Fans of: Video game instrumentals [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON PERCIVAL SCHUTTENBACH / PERCIVAL 'Wild Hunt' & 'Mniejsze Zło' INDEPENDENT / INDEPENDENT Lubin-based Percival Schuttenbach and their sister band Percival lock horns on their folkloric split release 'Wild Hunt' and exercise their traditional Slavic roots with pomp, majestic atmospherics and similar pace to that of their national dance the Polonez. The evident difference between the two bands is that Percival uses solely acoustic elements and yet whilst the Russian-Polish group have their musical differences with both bands, the essence of folk music remains on both accounts. Yet, Percival Schuttenbach (whose name comes from a gnome in the "The Witcher" saga) go international and perform other traditional folk songs from Belarus, Bulgaria and Croatia and thus deliver a fantastic multicultural product. Listeners will not get bored of this, nor will they get bored of the metal counterpart known (as said) as Percival. Sure whilst the latter band only has four songs on this 12-track release, it still delivers that excitement and folk-feeling you would expect. Singing exclusively in Polish, Percival keep their heritage and traditions alive through a cocktail blend of Progressive Metal guitar work and Folk Metal harmonics, just don't confused them with Pagan Metal because they are far from it. For Slavic Folk Metal, Percival stick true to their sister bands sounds and turn the amp up past 13. Overall this split is a remarkable testament to the Polish Metal scene, and is one that you ought to have in your collection. As for Percival Schuttenbach's fourth album 'Mniejsze Zło', more of their Progressive Folk Metal is brought out again. Maxing out at over an hour, this is a joy to listen to as the Polish verbiage flows out like a cascading waterfall. Much alike to fellow contemporary Polish Folk Metal bands, Percival Schuttenbach weave together traditional sounds with the harsh grittiness of metal music to create a sound that will enthrall many fans alike. Sure the balance between clean and screeching vocals is paramount to making a release dynamic, and that is what exactly has happened, by mixing two types of vocals that are reminiscent of many Slavic Metal bands and of the bouncy and melodic traditional type, 'Mniejsze Zło' will surely stand the test of time as a true honor to Polish Slavic Metal. Download This: "Żmij I Dziewczyna" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Arkona, At The Lake, Żywiołak [8] + [8] RHYS STEVENSON FRANTIC AMBER 'Burning Insight' INDEPENDENT Metal knows no boundaries, so when Sweden-based quintet Frantic Amber unleash their debut album 'Burning Insight' upon the masses, what comes with it is a new take on the Melodic Death Metal style. With members from Sweden, Japan, Norway and Denmark bringing together their own unique tastes for metal, the consequential output is a mixing pot of different influences that all mesh together to create the Frantic Amber sound. Dynamic atmospherics laced with the unrelenting pummeling of the drums come colliding and crashing against the crunchiness of the riffs and sickening feminine-ish vocals. It may well be 7 years since the band's inception, but the wait is well worth it. 'Burning Insight' shows a vast improvement across the years since the band's first EP and with this effort, clearly deserve to be signed, for they are certainly Sweden's hottest-property-of-2015. For Fans of: Arch Enemy, Scar Symmetry, Deals Death Download This: "Soar" - Click here to listen [8] RHYS STEVENSON AZURICA 'Warriors Don't Die' INDEPENDENT Not to be confused with their second EP of the same name, Azurica's humble beginning started with their 2013 EP 'Warriors Don't Die' which takes the form of a Keyboard-led style of Melodic Death Metal. Despite it's might, the vocals seem to be whispered and thereby allowing the guitars to take center stage alongside the keyboards. And what with the drums providing very little agility let alone sound quality, you begin to question where the band wants to be heading and where they are actually heading. Suffice to say despite Azurica's attempts to make 'Warriors Don't Die' a feasibly and exciting release, it fails to make the cut and as a result, begs for their next release to be the one to gobsmack. How will the German quintet move on from this is the next question, one of which should have an interesting answer. Download This: "The Inseparable Part" - Click here to listen For Fans of: 'Melodic Death Metal' [6.5] RHYS STEVENSON KYMATICA 'Kymatica' INDEPENDENT Just utter the genre and you will raise an eyebrow. Symphonic Extreme Metal might be a paradox in terms of how the opposites of the metal scale collide on Kymatica's self-debut album, but it certainly leaves an ever-lasting taste for more. Whilst their first major release might not be a clear-cut work of art, it certainly delivers something fresh to the table, with a concoction of sounds deriving from Symphonic Metal, Black Metal, Post-Metal and Doom Metal, you would be left pondering what on earth did Kymatica drink in order to deliver this golden-piss-of-an-album. Despite its lack of presence for the most part, 'Kymatica' is a promising sign of good things to come from this Canadian quartet and whilst it may leave some listeners befuddled, the end result is as good as the start. Watch this band with some interest. Download This: "Fate, Doom" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Dimmu Borgir, Cradle Of Filth, White Empress [7] RHYS STEVENSON STORM UPON THE MASSES
'Vengeance Of Madness' INDEPENDENT Slamming the ground with a fist of fury is Belgian Brutal Death Metal masochists Storm Upon The Masses, now their EP 'Vengeance Of Madness' is a little heavier than your last hangover. By bolting together a furious rally of drumming, riffs and guttural verbiage, this quintet emerge victorious as perhaps becoming the natural successor to Aborted. 'Vengeance Of Madness' will grapple onto your senses, pound your skull into tiny fragmented pieces and leave you begging for your mummy; unless of course she's into brutally-crafted Brutal Death Metal. Whilst there is only three tracks, there is enough firepower to blow away any poser Death Metal band with ease and cement Storm Upon The Masses' place as one of 2015's hottest prospects, let alone place 'Vengeance Of Madness' as an early contender for Belgian release of the year. All in all, watch this band with interest. Download This: "The Skin Collector" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Aborted, Suffocation, Nile [8] RHYS STEVENSON SOULLINE 'Welcome My Sun' SEO When you take the time to search the globe for mesmerizing talent and end up checking a band that not only is signed, has performed at Wacken and toured with well respected metal bands and yet has very little recognition outside of their native country, you begin think to yourself 'something is wrong here'. Rest assured, SoulLine's fourth studio album is an absolute bone-crunching slab of Melodic Death Metal; with Metalcore influences dotted here and there. Having been around for 15 years, it's remarkable to think that this band has not grabbed the attention they evidently deserve and yet still put out releases that would probably result in the world's press smothering them. 'Welcome My Sun' is a huge testament to the Melodic Death Metal / Metalcore style and for those who check them out (you really should!), the time spent will be worth every second of it. Download This: "Anvils" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Sonic Syndicate, Cursed By The Fallen, Threat Signal [9] RHYS STEVENSON IN CAUDA VENENUM 'In Cauda Venenum' EMANATIONS If you were ever looking for something to pass the time with, or just to simply listen to Post-Black Metal that makes pop music seem even more livelier than roadkill, then check out the debut self-titled album by French duo In Cauda Venenum. Give credit though to the phenomenal length of the two tracks combined, a whopping 43 minutes of raw riffs, thick atmospherics, shrieking vocals and thunderous drums. However for the said appraisals, the album has no more redeeming qualities and as such falls as a rather uninteresting release, some people might even want to switch on the TV just to clear their heads from the damning misery exhibited here. If this is the best the French Metal scene can produce in the Post-Black Metal arena, then we might as well just give up. Download This: "Ωlpha" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Alcest, Falloch, Fen [5.5] RHYS STEVENSON METROPOLIS CHILD 'As Dreams Make Us Live' 2014 was the year that French quartet Metropolis Child unleashed their highly Modern Metal EP 'As Dreams Make Us Live' amongst the masses. This Progressive Metal unit wield together some rather tight-arse riffs, bulldozing drums and vocals so vicious, 'savage' would be an understatement. Whilst slightly diverting away from the Dream Theater-esque Prog Metal sound, 'As Dreams Make Us Live' borrows some of that influence and bolts it onto the seemingly apparent Djent influence, without ending up like a Periphery clone. The time signatures vary greatly and thus offers a varied mix of sounds on each song (let alone the use of both English and French), all in all this is 24 minutes of your life that will be greatly rewarded. This effort gives the band high hopes of establishing themselves worldwide. Download This: "Those XII Shades" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Breach The Void, Meshuggah, 'Djent' [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON BLINDRAGE 'Blindrage' When unsigned bands come to the point where they seek to release a debut album, they aim to have a complete and fully-comprehensive line-up. Well since Italy's Blindrage swapped the vocals position twice and landed Stefano Palmonari for their debut self-titled album, the feeling that they have found their winning music algorithm is present. Mixing together the agile, free-flowing rhythms of Speed Metal with the power and majestic-stance of Heavy Metal, this quintet deliver a debut album that is certain to perk up the ears of metalheads worldwide. Whilst it might be a tad late to spark a lengthy career, Blindrage however will be seen as a model for the new wave of Italian Heavy / Speed Metal bands to look up to. This album is truly a testament to said metal genre and would appeal to many metal fans. Download This: "Fool's Cant Cry" For fans of: Judas Priest, Motorhead, Rage [8] RHYS STEVENSON BLOODY TYRANT '水沙漣傳奇 (The Legacy Of Sun-Moon Lake)' Taiwanese Blackened Folk horde Bloody Tyrant mark themselves as the natural successor to ChthoniC with their second album '水沙漣傳奇 (The Legacy Of Sun-Moon Lake)' and ultimately delve into Taiwanese mythology whilst utilizing traditional instruments to give their sound that Oriental kick. Exclusively singing in Mandarin, this 7-track opus ought to give the band much deserved international attention and propel them onto greater heights within the global metal arena. Of course if Bloody Tyrant keep chugging away and putting out music like this, a record label deal will come along with it as this sort of music demands that level of attention. This may well be a sharp contender for Taiwanese Metal release of the year; with such ferocity and mind-blowing power, it deserves to be. Download This: "Final Battle Of Sun-Moon Lake" - Click here to listen For Fans of: ChthoniC, Ancient Rites, Tengger Cavalry [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON MYSTERION 'In The Emptiness Of Life' Creating a release with less members than your average band line-up becomes harder as more instrument duties have to be designated, however with that comes the greater freedom of creativity and this is what Germany's Mysterion have exploited. With Zkraciev on vocals and Stefan Jakobitz dealing with the instrument sections, this duo have lashed together a ferocious blend of Black Metal, epic symphonies and plagued atmospherics with the embodiment of Dark 'Gothic' Metal to create a sound beyond darkened imagination. Evidently present on their debut album 'In The Emptiness Of Life', their unique sound of Blackened Dark Metal caresses the senses and enlivens the mind, call it what you like as this release will undoubtedly capture attention across the breadth of the underground metal world. Download This: "Emptiness" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Anorexia Nervosa, Carach Angren, Agathodaimon [8] RHYS STEVENSON N R C S S S T 'Schizophrenic Art' INDEPENDENT 'Blackgaze' sounds interesting at first but in the end it boils down to post-black metal, a sub-genre that irks die-hard metalheads. Or at least N R C S S S T might argue, musical creativity. Hailing from Lithuania, this quintet immerse the surroundings in a blanket of mist, laden with noise beyond belief and a Black Metal attitude that stems from this Baltic nation's dark history. 'Schizophrenic Art' is the band's debut album and it demands a high level of attention to say the least, ironically it falls short of being anything decent, experimentation is good but you can get carried away with it, sadly N R C S S S T have fallen into that trap and it is up to their next release to rescue them from falling flat on their faces. 'Schizophrenic Art' may be different, but it just fails to make the cut, but is a half-decent listen none the less. Download This: "In Remorse" - Click here to listen For fans of: Falloch, Alcest, Deafheaven [6.5] RHYS STEVENSON AVERSION 'Aversion' Canada's Aversion go balls-to-the-wall to show that Scandinavian-style Black Metal is not geographically fixed and that it can be exploited anywhere. This is exactly what the quintet have done, with their self-titled album sweeter than syrup and grimmer than a mauling bear, they have the hallmarks of becoming the next successful Canadian metal exports. For an album that is trilingual (English, French and Polish), it certainly meets the criteria to acknowledge it as a well-worked debut album. Conjuring up an atmosphere that chills your spine and lashing it to vocals from the venomous vixen Vena Kava, erotic guitar work, blitzing bass elements and thunderous drumming parts, the result is an album that will give any Black Metal fan a whopping boner in their pants. Watch this band with interest, we could have the new Carpathian Forest in our midst? Download This: "Gangrene Harvest" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Carpathian Forest, Mayhem, Urgehal [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON HELL:ON 'Once Upon A Chaos...' FERRRUM.COM Following a decade of demolition in their native land, Ukrainian metal wielders Hell:On return with arguably their best offering ever. 'Once Upon A Chaos...' is a hell-raising leviathan-of-an-album that enthralls an satisfies any palatable tongues for bruising Death / Thrash Metal. Featuring an array of slick-tight-arsed riffs that dance around the furious yet persistent drum beats, this is one album that ought to be on anyone's 2015 hit-list for album purchases. With raw and rancid vocals adding to the already enraged drama, you can be assured of a heavy knock-out when being seduced by this quintets capability of defying all logic and reason. Technical in some parts, seismic all over, 'Once Upon A Chaos...' is a sharp contender for Ukrainian Metal album of the year. This album certainly is not for those who cannot cope with heavy music, word. Recommended Track: "Self-Destruction" For Fans of: Nervecell, Oshiego, old-Sepultura 'Once Upon A Chaos...' is out 31st August via Ferrrum.com [8] RHYS STEVENSON KHAEL
'Efímero' INDEPENDENT Four years have passed since Khael's debut album 'Dualidad' caught our attention and last year they released their follow-up album 'Efímero', and damn is it good. Sticking to their native Spanish, the now-duo embrace the beauty and the darkness of the Gothic Metal sound and add some Spanish flavors to give it an exotic feel. Whilst perhaps not as robust as their first album, 'Efímero' does bear all the hallmarks of a well-executed release, with crunching riffs combining with flamenco-style singing and bullish drums supporting the electric atmosphere, you would be stupid to dismiss this release on the very simplest of whims. Whilst perhaps not geared to spark interest across Europe, this album will certainly appeal to the Spanish-speaking metal nations worldwide. Khael may yet have proved themselves to be Spain's answer to Italy's Lacuna Coil. Download This: "La Tormenta" - Click here to listen. For Fans of: Lacuna Coil, Moi Dix Mois, Lumina Criptica [8] RHYS STEVENSON EDEN 'Memories' SOUND AGE PRODS. Bands who mix a metal genre with influences from their traditional music or cultural background ought to be merited each time for creating their own unique sound. One such band is Eden who lace together the free-flowing graceful tunes of the violin with the majestic Symphonic Metal style, giving it that distinctly ethnic Russian sound. No doubt some metalheads will whine that they sound similar to most Symphonic Metal bands, but in reality they are different. From start to finish, Eden's latest effort 'Memories' sums up how good the quintet really are and is an absolute delight to listen to, so for once turn off that overly-processed crap you listen to and indulge in true Symphonic Metal courtesy of Russia's Eden. Download This: "Memories" (sampler) - click here to listen For Fans of: early-Within Temptation, Lapis Lazuli, Silent Opera [8] RHYS STEVENSON BLOODY BROTHERHOOD 'Ritual Of Blood' As far as this debut album is concerned, either the producer does not know metal or the band were so tired they forgot how to play their instruments. 'Ritual Of Blood' may well be the first release from Spanish Death Metal mob Bloody Brotherhood, but it is a far cry from being anything spectacular. It falls well and truly in the category of 'cliche metal', stereotypical track titles are marred by the poorly executed vocals, miserable riffs and non-existent drumming. In all honesty gargling acid or listening to generic pop music would be far more entertaining, not to mention tolerable. As far as Spanish Metal goes, here's hoping that Bloody Brotherhood pull their socks up before their band career goes as flat as a bouncy castle mauled by a stampeding bull; as this album is a gigantic cry for help. What's that? 'Ritual Of Blood'? More like ritual of despair. Download This: "Inquisition" - click here to listen (if you dare) For fans of: 'Death Metal you cannot understand', Gorey Metal, Aborted perhaps? [5] RHYS STEVENSON AEONS OF ASHES 'Shutdown' NOISEHEAD Coming out of the underground with guns blazing, Austria's Aeons Of Ashes don't need a second invitation to drop a debut album capable of securing them festival slots in 2015. 'Shutdown' broods in the Melodic Death Metal sound and boy is it loaded with tons of attitude, energy and sexual evocation. Laden with ferocity and smoking with burning ashes, the five-piece have served up a release that is sure to gain much-warranted attention across the Alpine states let alone further afield. Now if this album was to befit a movie scene, it would have to be Frodo's majestic venture into Mordor and why? Well it's dark, it's mysterious and whilst at present it can be considered a product delivered by an underdog band, that underdog band is destined to leave a lasting legacy in the Austrian Metal scene, need we say more? Download This: "Remember My Name" (contains distressing images) - Click here to listen. For fans of: Arch Enemy (White-Gluz era), Dark Salvation, Sight Of Emptiness [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON STAINED BLOOD 'Hadal' Catalonia has well and truly been shaken up by Stained Blood's apocalyptic sophomore album 'Hadal', with enough enraged fury coursing through all musical departments, this is definitely an early contender for Spanish Metal album of the year. Weaving together a chaotic mix of Melodic Death Metal and Deathcore, the quintet have delivered an album that is as turbulent as their past, with this album featuring the same line-up as their debut album "One Last Warning", but a different line-up compared to their first demo in 2006. Why these guys are not signed is a question that must be addressed, they have enough firepower to give the titans of Deathcore like Whitechapel something to think about; albeit the inevitable headache. 'Hadal' is a testament to everything brutal, even your last demonic hangover. Download This: "Colossus Embrace" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Bleed From Within, Out Of Yesteryear, Shot At Dawn [9] RHYS STEVENSON ODIUM 'The Science Of Dying' NOISEHEAD It's hard to think of a number of Austrian Metal bands who have been going for a long time albeit Abigor, Darkwell and Visions of Atlantis, but for bands like Odium who have been going the same amount of time and yet in 2014 dropped their seventh album, things cannot be sweeter for the quintet. 'The Science Of Dying' is a Melodic Thrash Metal opus that without a doubt would appeal to the 80's metal fanatics. Featuring a guest appearance by the original Iron Maiden vocalist Paul Di'Anno on 'Die With Pride', you get the feeling of success flowing through the veins of this unit. Not just because of said musician making an appearance, but because 'The Science Of Dying' is a gem that any metalhead should own. If their was a time for Odium to contemplate releasing a best of compilation, that time is now. This latest offering will keep fans of Classic Metal entertained for hours on end, no mistake made. Download This: "The Science Of Dying (teaser)" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Metallica, Iron Maiden, 'Melodic Thrash Metal' [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON WÖLFRIDER 'Wölfrider' Keeping the tradition of the umlaut-band names alive, Poland's Wölfrider dropped their self-titled debut demo last year with as much satisfaction as winning gold at the Olympics. 'Wölfrider' is a charismatic release, laden with erotic riffs, valiant vocals and emphatic drums. The only downside is the appearing lack of diversity, but that's what you generally expect from demo's, that they often aren't the best of what a band can deliver, but on this strength it would appear Wölfrider know exactly what they must do to garner wider attention. In fact now they are signed, this suggests they have good potential, time for them to muscle up and lay down the blueprints for a classic Polish Heavy Metal resurgence, watch this band with interest. Download this: "Rise Of NWO" - Click here to listen For fans of: Iced Earth, Iron Maiden, Motörhead [8] RHYS STEVENSON RAINSHADOW 'Ghosts Of Great Enterprise' You see the problem with Gothic Metal is there are some bands who lean towards the darker topics of sadness and depression, and whilst that's completely acceptable, sometimes too much can make the release rather dower. Rainshadow's third full length 'Ghosts Of Great Enterprise' falls into that category, now whilst the atmosphere is of the H.I.M guild, the vocals lack 100% presence and instead leaves the drums and guitars to propel the release through and through. So of course those fans who indulge in the darkest emotions of humanity, this would appeal to them completely. But if this is how Rainshadow rolls, then they deserve a record label deal immediately, especially when this strain of Gothic Metal appears to be rare in Australia. Ironically 'Ghosts Of Great Enterprise' is a good solid 45 minutes of solid, darkened, erotically-charged Gothic Metal. Download This: "Anti-Hero" - Click here to listen For Fans of: H.I.M., Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride [7] RHYS STEVENSON CIRCSENA 'A Dryad Tale' If The Lord Of The Rings was represented via metal music, then Circsena's debut album 'A Dryad Tale' would claim that honor. With an eccentric mix of Post-Black, Experimental Metal and dashes of folk and pop elements, it's easy to see why such an album ought to perk up the ears of record labels worldwide. Rather uniquely done, 'A Dryad Tale' is a combination of music and storytelling, almost as if Daniel Kirchhoff wanted to redefine the definition of an audiobook. With the unbelievable power this album holds, and this part forming a part of a trilogy, it would seem silly not to unleash the next two albums to finish the story. At best it's experimental nature is top class, but at it's worst it has dabbled in an entertainment field not widely exploited, thus it might not appeal to a number of metalheads. Negative notes aside, Daniel Kirchhoff is a musical genius and this project and subsequent album he has created alongside other musicians who are as equally talented, will pave the way for a new breed of metal music, the dawning of "Story Metal" has begun. Download This: "Through Sand & Pain" For Fans of: Falloch, Sólstafir, Alcest [10] RHYS STEVENSON DEFACED 'Forging The Sanctuary' RISING NEMESIS After being snapped up by Rising Nemesis Records, the consequential action by Swiss Death Metal armada Defaced was to unleash a brutal-yet-improved onslaught of rapid-fire riffs, seismic drumming and uncompromising vocals, the result? 'Forging The Sanctuary'. This quintet's second offering sees a switch on vocal duties and given their debut album was extremely poor [see GMA134], they have tightened their belts and ventured into battle headfirst, emerging victorious. Demonstrating that they have found the right vocalist at the right time as 'Forging The Sanctuary' is a merciless 50-minute face-punching album (you have been warned). Defaced are set to become the ideal replacement for one of the Death Metal old guard, through their ballistic mix of barraging sound, atomic atmospherics and a renewed sense of making a name for themselves, this is the time for Swiss Death Metal to stand up, be counted and be led on valiantly by Defaced's latest offering. Sick buckets at the ready people! Download This: "Sower Of Discord" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Unleashed, Suffocation, Kin Beneath Chorus [9] RHYS STEVENSON ANTHROPIA
'Non-Euclidean Spaces' Lovecraft topics seem to be becoming more and more popular in metal music, Anthropia's third album 'Non-Euclidean Spaces' is no exception. The latest offering by the French progressive metallers exhibits vibrant vocals that ripple across the sound waves produced by the intertwining interactions between the guitars and drums. It's a rather majestic release that ought to keep many listeners entertained as it stick's it's neck out at 71 minutes long, with no track sounding similar to it's predecessor or successor, each track is 100% unique in structure, composition and atmosphere. Celebrating 12 years activity, why Anthropia are not already signed is a question that needs answering as 'Non-Euclidean Spaces' has all of the hallmarks of a record deal opportunity written all over it. Download This: "Silver Twilight Lodge" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Symphony X, Megadeth, Myrath [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON NIGHTCREEPERS 'Hreidd' What with 'Alpha' being the blazing album that it was, it was going to be tough to see how French Folk Metal sextet Nightcreepers could up their game. But they've succeeded and the result is a sensational offering in the form of 'Hreidd'. Utilizing much of the unforgiving brutality the band has exercised on previous releases, 'Hreidd' storms out of the barn with a trail of blisteringly-hot fire left behind it. What makes this release a powerful slap-in-the-face album is the brilliance in mixing Folk Metal with Extreme Metal elements, whilst avoiding being pigeon-holed in the Black / Folk Metal category. In fact 'Hreidd' has the attitude and firepower to ignite widespread interest for the band, if this does not deliver them a record label deal within the next year or so, then there is something seriously wrong with the..... labels. 'Hreidd' is set to win Nightcreepers a flurry of new fans worldwide. Download This: "Volcae" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Windir, Dimmu Borgir, Vanir 'Hreidd' is out now via an Independent release [9] RHYS STEVENSON YMYRGAR 'The Tale As Far' Sure Ymyrgar may be singing about Norse mythology and subsequently fall under the Viking Metal or Pagan Black Metal categories, but come on they are from Tunisia! That's just as misplaced as Skiltron from Argentina singing and playing Scottish Folk Metal. However their debut album 'The Tale As Far' really sets the par high for other Tunisian Metal bands albeit Myrath who have already cemented their place in the international arena. By lacing together melodic folkloric elements with the harshness of Black Metal, what Ymygar have delivered here is a rather unique culture clash of-a-release, one that ought to garner some attention from the North African metal scenes at the very least. Featuring Tuoksu (Arij Arbi ) as the guest soprano, her vocals add the missing dimension to the album and thus poise it perfectly as Tunisia's next successful album export. Download This: "Dawn Of Time" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Drakwald, Elder Tale, "Pagan Black Metal" [8] RHYS STEVENSON ARCHAIZE 'Liberation' It's not all that often an Australian Metal band gets international recognition, although Archaize might get this with their debut album 'Liberation' which explodes in a minefield of Groove, Death and Thrash Metal, accumulating to develop a brutal form of Modern Metal. 'Liberation' is a 41 minute assault of purely aggressive, insanely catchy and completely arousing numbers that will get your tits hard and cocks up in the air as if sex went out of fashion. With vocals that are so piercingly loud, riffs so savage they rip into your soul and drumming so full of fury, you would be hard to find any other Australian Metal band that can rival the Modern Metal machinists known as Archaize. This is the new sound of metal and it's coming to whip your sorry arse. 'Liberation' is guaranteed to give Archaize that platform needed to start their career, if they carry on this sound, they may well be playing in the UK in a few years to come. Download This: "Sunset" - Click here to listen For Fans of: DevilDriver, Mnemic, Six Feet Under [8] RHYS STEVENSON MANIC DEMISE 'The Bitter Blood Of Brutality' Call them blood brothers, call them brothers-in-arms, call them what you like, the fact is the duo known as Manic Demise do not mess around when it comes to releasing stellar material. Especially when the vocalist is in the USA and the instrumentalist is in Australia, the duo's debut EP "The Bitter Blood Of Brutality" may not be the convincing release they could have conceived but it certainly is a respectable slab of Death Metal. In fact it ought to be interesting to see how they progress from this release, surely the debut album will oust the EP with no mercy attached? 'The Bitter Blood Of Brutality' is a gore-guzzling sizzler-of-a-release that demands utmost attention and a stomach cast of iron, so as to stop you from puking at this orgasmic release. Download This: "Septic Crypt" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Gorguts, Avulsed, Dying Fetus [7] RHYS STEVENSON ALKIRA 'Juggernaut' Aiming to stake their claim on Australian soil (nay the international metal scene) is South Australia quartet Alkira with their infectious Groove / Thrash effort 'Juggernaut'. Their debut album comes hot off the heels from their second EP 'Red Devil' and with it comes a valiant neck-breaking storm of fast and furious Thrash Metal mixed with the funkiness and elegance of Groove Metal. Through a culmination of gnarly vocals, barbaric riffs and unruly drumming, Alkira's 'Juggernaut' has more balls than those two dudes on the Fosters TV adverts, in fact Alkira are not your average Australian Metal band either. They will go places if they keep this momentum going, the salient point is that 'Juggernaut' is without a doubt hotter than a typical Aussie BBQ on the beach and has tons more glamor than Kylie Minogue, however it does have the sexiness of her though... Download This: "Submission Therapy" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Anthrax, Motorhead, Pantera [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON ZARIA 'Po Poti Življenja' Very few bands from Central Europe deliver a sparkling demo and then top that by delivering a debut album that turns heads from further afield. Zaria, a six-piece Folk Metal unit from Slovenia certainly have struck the right chord in delivering their debut album 'Po Poti Življenja'. Aligned alongside fellow countrymen Brezno, it seems that we could have 2 bands simultaneously leading the Slovenian Metal scene. As for Zaria, the one thing holding them back is the lack of English, ironically if they ditched the Slovene language, then the music would lose it's cultural identity as true sounds of Slovenia. With infectious melodies and harmonious elements flowing freely throughout. Zaria's 'Po Poti Življenja' is a must-have album for avid Folk Metal fans, you'd be silly not to, as it expresses the beauty of traditional folkloric tales and the gracefulness of soft, melodic folk music. Download This: "Moč Brez Imena" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Brezno, Eluveitie, Ensiferum [9] RHYS STEVENSON HAMMERHEAD 'The Doom That Came To Sarnath' For those not in the know, Sarnath is the place of pilgrimage for Buddhists worldwide, so what inspired Hammerhead to call their second EP 'The Doom That Came To Sarnath'? Simple, the title is taken from the H.P. Lovecraft novel, moreover with this EP the Belgian trio hurl a barrage of gnarly, face-punching sounds that certainly would appeal to fans of neck-breaking Thrash Metal. With some rather dashing tremolo's creating a wall of sound alongside unrelenting drumming and vocals so vile, you'd have to wear a face mask to avoid being spat upon with cyanide; it is that corrosive. The EP is all good and proper but it does take time to kick in, so some impatient "Thrasheads" may switch off, but for those who wait, the rewards are certainly worth it. Hammerhead are a band to watch in 2015 because with this 2014 EP, they are rather promising. Download This: "The Doom That Came To Sarnath" - Click here to listen For fans of: Slayer, Exodus, Pantera [8] RHYS STEVENSON RETRACE MY FRAGMENTS 'Ethereal Flux' If there is one band that has never shied away from reinventing themselves or challenging the conventions of their own music, it's Retrace My Fragments. Their debut album 'Ethereal Flux' takes on board 101% originality; something that lacks in a vast swathe of modern Death Metal bands, lashing together an awe-inspiring science fiction story (split into chapters) conceived by vocalist Antonio Martija and bringing it to life through a dramatic-yet-theatrical production of brutal vocals, eerie riffs, apocalyptic drumming and an atmosphere so expansive, it makes a black-hole claustrophobic. 'Ethereal Flux' is the finest release by this Luxembourg quintet and should garner some international attention, why these guys are not signed is astounding, however with this album the labels cannot ignore them much longer. Retrace My Fragments are flying the flag for the Luxembourg Metal scene. Download This: "Rime Of The Instant Space Traveller" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Cephalic Carnage, The Dillinger Escape Plan, 'Modern Metal' [10] RHYS STEVENSON FROST TEARS
'九章 (Nine Chapters)' MAGNUM MUSIC Leading the way for the new wave of Oriental Gothic Metal is Taiwanese ensemble Frost Tears with their debut album 九章 (Nine Chapters). Singing in their native Chinese language, the sextet embody this with the gracefulness of European Gothic Metal, mix it with an Oriental atmosphere and create an overall sound that will appeal to a wide range of metalheads. '九章 (Nine Chapters)' explodes in all directions with the vocals ranging from operatic to melodic and the instruments delivering a combined solid force that will surely drive Frost Tears into the international limelight. Full of drama, twists and turns at every pulsating second, '九章 (Nine Chapters)' is one album everyone should own, literally everyone. Download This: "九章 (Nine Chapters) album trailer" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Lacuna Coil, Tarja Turunen, Within Temptation [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON POWERWOLF 'The History of Heresy II (2009 - 2012)' METAL BLADE German veteran Power Metallers Powerwolf return with another boxset full of emphatic sounds and majestic ballads to wet your whiskers by. 'The History of Heresy II (2009 - 2012)'. This time round they have whipped in classics from their albums "Bible Of The Beast" and "Blood Of The Saints", but have also included an orchestral release under the name of "The Sacrilege Symphony". Powerwolf are best described as mixing Power Metal with Gregorian chant elements here and there, one song that features this is "Moscow After Dark", but whatever you call them, 'The History of Heresy II (2009 - 2012)' is a beautiful testimony to a band who has lead the German Power Metal ever since 2003. So if any one in your family is looking for a timeliness classic and graceful present for Christmas, 'The History of Heresy II (2009 - 2012)' is your answer!!!! Download This: "Moscow After Dark" For Fans of: Sabaton, Hammerfall, Gloryhammer [8] RHYS STEVENSON SKÀLMÖLD 'Með Vættum' NAPALM Iceland's second most successful metal export (behind Sólstafir) Skàlmöld have returned with their third album 'Með Vættum' and with it comes sword-stabbing Viking Metal ballads, much akin to previous efforts "Börn Loka" and their debut "Baldur". Naturally preferring their Icelandic language over the English language, 'Með Vættum' brings the magical stories and myths of the bygone Viking era to life and really connects you with Europe's most North-Western country. By closing your eyes and listening to the album, you can easily place yourself in the position of a marauding Viking either marching into battle, living a daily Nordic life or doing what most Nordics do, drink beer as if it was going into rationing. Skàlmöld have set alight the beacons of true Viking Metal once again and as 'Með Vættum' gains momentum to it's inaugural release, one thing is clear, 'Með Vættum' is set to captivate planet metal. Download This: "Með Drekum" For Fans of: Nordheim, Ensiferum, Týr 'Með Vættum' is out 14 November 2014 via Napalm Records [10] RHYS STEVENSON FAITHFUL DARKNESS 'Archgod' CORONER Modern Metallers Faithful Darkness know exactly what they are after and with their latest effort 'Archgod', they have reached it. They have banished the Soilwork demons that Jimmy Persson had brought in and have replaced them with the sensational Jonathan Thorpenberg and thus with this change, Faithful Darkness have become a force to be reckoned with. 'Archgod' will have your neck snap in juxtaposed positions as you headbang to this absolute ballistic-missile-of-an-album. There is something about the Scandinavian nations that make them so damn good at Modern Metal, and this is extremely evident on 'Archgod'. It deals no bullsh*t and has 101% ferocity guiding it throughout it's entire self. 'Archgod' has bought Faithful Darkness the one-way ticket to European domination. Breathe it, hear it, f**king fear it. Download This: "The Witness" For Fans of: Mnemic, In Flames, Sonic Syndicate, ok and Soilwork (ish) 'Archgod' is out 08 December 2014 via Coroner Records [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON SEASON OF GHOSTS 'The Human Paradox' CORONER Season Of Ghosts is possibly one of the most exciting acts to emerge out of the Greek Metal scene in a very long time. Fronted by Sophia Aslanidou (who was vocalist for Blood Stain Child at one point) and featuring Ghost Legion as the power behind the instruments, this dynamic force will set the world alight with their emphatic sounds. 'The Human Paradox' is best described as "Futuristic Dance Metal" and as such combines a majestic array of music styles, ranging from Trance Metal to Cyber Metal and from Dance Pop to Sci-fi soundtrack elements. 'The Human Paradox' is a one of a kind album is sure to appeal to fans of the Modern Metal sound as well, in fact through the use of the synths, harsh male vocals, soprano-like female vocals and the unmistakable Disney's Fantasia feeling, this album has ground-breaker written all over it. Download This: "Time Travellers" For Fans of: Xe-None, Blood Stain Child, Amaranthe 'The Human Paradox' is out 8th December 2014 via Coroner Records [9] RHYS STEVENSON VEILBURNER 'The Three Lightbearers' American Extreme Metal bands come in leaps and bounds, Veilburner are definitely above that... to a certain extent. 'The Three Lightbearers' is a valiant effort and serves as the perfect springboard for the Pennsylvania duo to unleash their unruly fathomable sermons upon the unsuspecting Extreme Metal scene worldwide. Through the use of some rather erotic riffs and immensely brutal vocals, coupled with the thunderous drumming sequences and anger-enraged atmosphere, 'The Three Lightbearers' is an album to piss your neighbors off with. Earlier 'to a certain extent' was said, well the reason behind that is that it simply does not have that sparkle that otherwise would give them a record label deal, unless of course they did not want one... Download This: "Gospel of Blood-Stained Void" For Fans of: "Unruly noise", "Black / Death Metal" [7] RHYS STEVENSON ABIDE TILL DEATH 'Works Of Your Hand' Be honest, would you have expected Papua New Guinea to have a metal scene? Well it does, Christian Alternative Metal band Abide Till Death have unveiled their latest single 'Works Of Your Hand'. The best way to describe this is think of your average male-fronted Alternative Metal band and add Christian lyrics to it, but don't judge because of the lyric topics because at times the vocals break into deep growling. So, 'Works Of Your Hand' is essentially experimental as well as alternative and this is why many rock and metal fans will like it, it is catchy, groovy yet full of energy. 'Works Of Your Hand' is a song you should have on your mp3 player. Download the single here For Fans of: My Chemical Romance, Family Force 5, Stone Sour. [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON LASHER ZOMBIE 'King Of Kings' Belizean Death Metal armada Lasher Zombie make their voices heard with their latest offering 'King Of Kings'. Smouldering hot with the smells of Old School Death Metal, this trio assemble together an array of sounds that demand your attention with every passing second. Let's be honest if you cannot handle this, then Death Metal is not for you (and don't even try to argue). 'King Of Kings' delivers the mid-paced to fast-paced kind of drumming you would expect, coupled with some rather nasty yet gnarly vocals that savagely rip into you, whilst the riffs pour acid all over your organs and leave you to burn to death. The zombie plague has arisen, Lasher Zombie are leading and flying the flag for the Belize Metal scene.... you have been warned. Download This: "Belizean Blood Bath" For Fans of: Suffocation, Morbid Angel, Obituary [8] RHYS STEVENSON KOLONY 'Sledge' SELF-RELEASED Melodic Metallers Kolony make their return known with their second album 'Sledge', now if you were to strap a wire to both of your hands behind your back for just 45 minutes and bleed slowly to death whilst indulging in Quebec's finest release this year, then you would have had 45 minutes of enjoyment in your life towards your untimely demise... of course we're joking, don't do anything like that, it's stupid. But what isn't stupid, is the insurmountable attention that has been directed towards 'Sledge', in fact if the quartet play their cards right, this may well garner some attention from record labels worldwide. 'Sledge' is an absolute roller-coaster of a ride that will get blood pumping and moshpits working overtime, hell this is insanity in physical form!! AIEEEEEE!!!!! Download This: "Anthem" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Bullet For My Valentine, Megadeth, Avenged Sevenfold 'Sledge' is out 14th November via an independent release [8] RHYS STEVENSON MORLAS MEMORIA 'Follow The Wind' Arriving on the German Metal scene is sextet Morlas Memoria with their own unique style of Symphonic Gothic Metal, that is they introduce Folk Metal elements into the mix through the flute. 'Follow The Wind' is the band's debut album and it really carries that spark element, you know that spark to say 'sign us' to the record labels. Through the elegant use of harmonious female vocals and dramatic music supplementing a majestic yet emphatic sounding atmosphere, 'Follow The Wind' is an album that breathes beauty and speaks solemn grace. If you wanted to check out any new Symphonic Gothic Metal bands this year, make sure you have Morlas Memoria down on your list because rest assured, they are going places with this effort, they are Germany's answer to Within Temptation. Download This: "Follow The Wind" For Fans of: Within Temptation, Nightwish, Therion [9] RHYS STEVENSON BLACKOUT
'Armageddon' The French Metal scene is an oddball if you can call it so, an oddball in the sense that there are plenty of talented bands who are capable of making a name for themselves, but only a handful actually do, Gorod, AqME, The Algorithm per se. But when you have a band who tends to operate in the Avant-Garde approach to metal, that is the experimental form, attention cannot come sooner enough. Blackkout is a three-piece metal band who have recently released their debut album 'Armageddon' and with it comes a solid packing of infectious riffs, snazzy drums and violent vocals. Just imagine the artwork depicting their music, that is how ferocious it is, seriously if they get any heavier, they would have to have a restraining order placed on them because this album is f**king insane! They call it 'Blackout Metal', we call it 'Heavy Thrash Metal'. You decide what it should be called. Download This: "Blackout Album Teaser" - Click here to listen For Fans of: T.A.N.K., Evile, "Insane Metal" [8] RHYS STEVENSON BLOODSHOT DAWN 'Demons' INDEPENDENT Fired up from their recent Bloodstock face-melting appearance, Hampshire's beloved sons Bloodshot Dawn unleash a barrage of fiery hell in the form of their second album 'Demons'. Outrageously heavier than previous efforts, 'Demons' explodes into an unmerciful massacre with spark-shedding riffs, the drums as unrelenting as a Gatling gun (especially on 'Consequence Complex') and the vocals as murderous as a nuclear genocide. 'Demons' demonstrates the true capabilities of the Bloodshot Dawn and is sure to be met with rapturous appraisal from old and new fans alike, seriously if they were aiming to strike an impression and reach the desired sound simultaneously, then 'Demons' ticks both boxes. Nothing is missing from this fantastic release, it will blow your brains apart and thus places itself as a contender for English Metal release of the year. For Fans of: Sylosis, Obscura, Woe Of Tyrants 'Demons' is out 26th October via an independent release. [10] RHYS STEVENSON SUBSERVIENCE 'Upheaval' INDEPENDENT Change is inevitable and so when Dan Lofthouse took over vocal duties from ex-Subservience member Jay Fitt, the new era of Subservience was born. Exploding with the delightful sound of Groove-laden Extreme Metal, the Sussex armada unleash their third EP 'Upheaval' and with it comes an explosive array of riffs, charismatic vocals and menacing attitude. Wielding together the sounds of classic Death Metal from days-bygone with the atmosphere of Lamb of God, Subservience might have just dealt justice and in the wake of this EP, the right to stake their claim as one of England's hottest properties to watch out for in 2015. 'Upheaval' may be a sharp improvement from previous releases, the question is can they hold their nerve and keep this improvement progression going? Time will tell, that is for sure. For Fans of: Carcass, Strapping Young Lad, Cannibal Corpse 'Upheaval' is out now via an independent release [8] RHYS STEVENSON REIGN OF SIRIUS 'Mirror Figures' Sensationally dramatic and epically adventurous are two sentiments that can easily be placed upon Reign of Sirius' latest offering 'Mirror Figures'. The Symphonic Melodic Metal sextet from Macclesfield have delivered another erotic opus to wet your whiskers by. Through the meticulousness of the music and the vocals intertwining so elegantly with each other, 'Mirror Figures' can be claimed as the "metal world's version of Phantom of the Opera". From start to finish, you are taken on a roller-coaster of dynamic symphonies, articulate melodies and wintry / Gothic atmospherics, so much so that 'Mirror Figures' would be a perfect accompaniment to any birthday, Halloween, Christmas or New Years Eve celebrations. Make no mistake with this release, it is sure to give Reign of Sirius the perfect spring board to launch themselves into the European Metal circuit. Download This: "Mirror Figures" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Nightwish, Epica, Within Temptation [10] RHYS STEVENSON LIV KRISTINE 'Vervain' NAPALM Norway's beloved Liv Kristine, with her grace and beauty, returns with her fifth solo album 'Vervain'. Once again the soprano has delivered a spectacular album that will surely earn her accolades in the music industry. Joined by the same line-up as the preceding album 'Libertine', this output features a rather majestic and swan-like elegance feel to it, that is it exhibits a lot of grace, charm and power. Keeping intact the Symphonic Metal sound that bodes well with Liv's vocals, the new album drags in elements of Folk Metal, Industrial Metal and Gothic Metal; with a possible tinge of schlager (on some songs), giving it that almost Lord of the Rings escapology feel to it, or perhaps the grandeur of a winning Eurovision entry (although the possibility of Liv entering is probably low). It is safe to say that Liv Kristine has returned with her (and fellow band-members) best album to date. For Fans of: Within Temptation, Midnattsol, Tarja-era Nightwish. 'Vervain' is out 24 October 2014 via Napalm Records [9] RHYS STEVENSON LASTER 'De Verste Verte Is Hier' DUNKELHEIT PRODUKTIONEN The Dutch affair with Black Metal continues with Laster's debut album 'De Verste Verte Is Hier' (rough translation: 'The Furthest Distance Is Here'), if you can call it an album that is. The release is merely four tracks, three of the songs have an average length of 13 minutes and so if you want to be mightily bamboozled and have nothing worthwhile to do, then sit down and be mowed down by this unforgiving release. 'De Verste Verte Is Hier' is of the atmospheric kind, it does not aim to be the heaviest, fastest or more brutal release, but rather one that is full of body, soul and spirit. Granted it is nothing new and is a long way from being anything but, however it does demonstrate a really eery feeling, one that will surely appeal to the more underground Black Metal fans. For Fans of: Alcest, Drudkh, Wolves In The Throne Room 'De Verste Verte Is Hier' is out 1st November 2014 via Dunkelheit Produktionen [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON BEYOND CREATION 'Earthborn Evolution' SEASON OF MIST Canada's latest and hottest property Beyond Creation make their welcomed return with their latest slice of juicy Progressive-laden Technical Death Metal. 'Earthborn Evolution' is the second album by the Quebecois quartet and with it comes a battering onslaught of thunderous drums, electric riffs and raucous vocals, what more could you want? Simple. More where that come from! With ten tracks of some of the most complex metallic algorithms you'll ever come across, an atmosphere raining blood-soaked spikes and a release that could easily claim the title of Canadian Metal release of the year, Beyond Creation have successfully dug deep to find something funkier than 1970's disco, more brutal than your last New Years party and sweeter than pancakes topped with Canadian syrup. Prepare for some hazardous moshing, savage headbanging and crapped pants, you have been warned. For Fans of: Obscura, Fallujah, Alarum, "Mathematical Metal" 'Earthborn Evolution' is out 24th October 2014 via Season Of Mist [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON OBSIDIAN KINGDOM 'Mantiis' SEASON OF MIST Catalonia's (Spain) Obsidian Kingdom make their voices once again known with their third album 'Mantiis', now this sound is not easy to pin down and thus requires a level of mental deconstruction to unlock the various elements pressed onto each song. But what this quintet has done is strapped together a myriad of sounds to captivate and arouse the listener in every aspect (ay no need to think dirty here), through the use of eery atmospherics, progressive elements lodged in the drumming area, riffs so soft they make velvet more like sandpaper and vocals that flit between the melodic and gruff Black / Death Metal vibrancy, Obsidian Kingdom have produced a release they can be extremely proud of. As black as obsidian itself, the world can now witness the birth of "Obsidian Metal" and with it a 47-minute epic journey through a hellish heaven. For Fans of: Cult of Luna, Dälek, Drumcorps 'Mantiis' is out 24th October 2014 via Season Of Mist [8] RHYS STEVENSON NECROPHAGIA 'WhiteWorm Cathedral' SEASON OF MIST Death Metal's forefathers Necrophagia make their hallowed return with their seventh full-length offering 'WhiteWorm Cathedral', with it comes that classic old school Death Metal sound that concreted the genre to the ground and laid the foundations for the Death Metal bands you know as of today. 'WhiteWorm Cathedral' welcomes Mirai Kawashima back to the fore as the band's keyboardist (some will also know him from the band Sigh), with her return comes the spine chilling elements she is renowned for, add that to the brutality and grit that Necrophagia has always been known for and you get slammed with a force so reckoning, you would have to take out life insurance to survive the uniqueness of what we call "Horror Death Metal"; we could imagine Necrophagia as a decent addition to any Saw film soundtrack - it is that gory in an audio context. For Fans of: "Old School Death Metal", Autopsy, Asphyx 'WhiteWorm Cathedral' is out 24th October 2014 via Season Of Mist [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON AONIA
'Sunchaser' Uprising English "Symphonic Gothic Fantasy Metal" outfit Aonia mark their second coming with their latest EP 'Sunchaser', which sees a line-up extension with guitarist Przemek Drużkowski and second female vocalist Joanne Kay Robinson joining the band. With this change, 'Sunchaser' completely crushes Aonia's debut EP 'City Of Shadows' without any remorse or mercy, in fact the EP carries the sound that should give Aonia the attention they deserve. What with the dramatic elements found scattered all over like a starry night, the angelic vocals caressing the symphonic atmosphere (which is as powerful as Disney's Fantasia) and elegance as graceful as a swan, it is safe to say that 'Sunchaser' is one of Gothic Metal's best 2014 releases. Make no mistake about it, we will be hearing more of Aonia in the future. Download This: "Echoes" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Nightwish, Therion, Within Temptation [10] 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 INFLIKTED 'Inflikted' WORMHOLEDEATH Since the 1980's Thrash Metal has evolved into many various strains, some establishing a greater presence than others, but one strain that appears to be making a resurgent comeback is the Old-School Thrash Metal style, that is the sound that is rather raw, comes with that DIY attitude and features a slight whiff of Punk. Entering this domain is Swedish trio Inflikted with their self-titled album, featuring an hours worth of pure old-school Thrash Metal, that's enough to cause anyone whiplash sixfold, unless of course your drunk on Kopparberg and then what would happen next would certainly make good use as banter amongst the local Swedish police station. Party all night to this riff-a-thon of an album, take note as Inflikted have placed themselves in good stead as the latest promising Stockholm export. Download This: "Tyger" - Click To Listen. For Fans of: Kreator, Tankard, Destruction [8] RHYS STEVENSON NOCTEM 'Exilium' ART GATES If there is one scene in Europe that generally gets overlooked it is Spain, sure with the likes of Avulsed, Dark Moor and Mägo de Oz amongst a few others leading the way for fellow countrymen like Noctem to follow, it still needs to be fully excavated and with their latest effort 'Exilium' now under Prosthetic Records' wing in terms of selling it in Australia and the USA, Noctem are really on highway 666. Blitzing drums drive this monstrosity to the frontier of insanity, whilst the riffs do the deeds of masticating your brain to a pulp and the vocals simply obliterate what is left you. Make no mistake about this, Noctem's 'Exilium' is not for the faint of heart and certainly not for anyone who dislikes Extreme Metal, in fact this album is far more extreme than a ghost chili-laden paella... explosive. Download This: "The Rising Horns" - Click to listen For Fans of: Behemoth, Gorguts, Watain [9] RHYS STEVENSON ASA-NOIR 'Fall Of The Idols' WORMHOLEDEATH Asa-noir are a tricky band to pigeonhole into a specific metal style, even if their lyric topics cover the works of Edgar Allen Poe & H.P. Lovecraft, this does not nowhere near help. In fact you may just as well call it 'Mythical Melodic Metal', as there features a lot of fantasy, darkness and obscure aspects, whilst the music itself adds an element of mysticism and magical feelings to the production of their long-awaited debut album 'Fall Of The Idols'. Marking their 10th anniversary in style, 'Fall Of The Idols' may have come too late to make the band's career groundbreaking, but it certainly is a welcomed sound to the dynamics of the Finnish metal scene. Keyboard elements lace the chunky riffs and powerful vocals together with an almost adventurous atmosphere. Fans of the Avant-Garde and Experimental Metal movements may indulge in this alongside the Melodic Death and Symphonic Metal lovers. Download This: "Hawthorns For The Jotunn's Harlot" - click to listen For Fans of: Shade Empire, Waltari, Fleshgod Apocalypse, The Devin Townsend Project [8] RHYS STEVENSON ANGERMAN 'No Tears For The Devil' WORMHOLEDEATH Angerman are possibly the best rock act to come out of Norway since A-ha stormed the charts with hits such as 'Take On Me' and 'The Living Daylights'. In fact it could be argued that they are bringing back to the front what we've all been missing: proper grunge-laden rock 'n' roll, their premier album 'No Tears For The Devil' spits out Jack Daniels and blown-out amps at every passing second, and with the attitude of Alice In Chains deeply grounded within the epicenter of the release, the periphereal sounds of Machine Head and Guns 'N' Roses can work their magic. With vocals that could easily wipe smiles off peoples faces, riffs so sharp that they are capable of cutting deep into your soul, and the fieriness of a hog-roasted drumkit boiling your brains dry, Angerman are running riot and are leaving a blazing trail behind them. Download This: "Ritual" - click to listen For Fans of: Machine Head, Alice In Chains, Guns 'N' Roses, Tool [9] RHYS STEVENSON IMMINENCE 'I' WE ARE TRIUMPHANT For those who are not familiar with the 'T-Symmetry' theory, Imminence musically have represented it. By wielding together the aggression and sound of an established band, with the beauty and desire to become the flag-bearer of Swedish Metalcore, Imminence have managed to conjure up a release that is guaranteed to send shock-waves across the globe, resulting in the Metalcore powerhouses of the USA, Australia and the UK sitting down, shutting up and paying homage to their Swedish brothers. By injecting a Post-Metal and Technical Hardcore approach to their already well-acknowledged Metalcore skeletal infrastructure, Imminence's 'I' automatically qualifies as more complex than an Ikea store, more towering than Zlatan Ibrahimovic and more powerful than a SAAB Gripen breaking the sound barrier. Make no mistake, this is a groundbreaking release and firmly places itself as a candidate for Swedish Metal album of the year. Download This: "86" - click to listen For Fans of: Periphery, Architects, Miss May I [9] RHYS STEVENSON CLANDESTINED 'Angel Despair' BUSDEATH It's probably been said before, but even so it will be said again. The Japanese metal scene gets highly overlooked, especially when you have bruisers such as Clandestined sending shockwaves across the Far East. Unleashing hell in the form of their fourth outing, the quartet take no prisoners when exercising their raw and gritty mix of pure Thrash Metal and Death Metal elements. You know, this would be a good soundtrack to a sake drinking game, just trying to mosh afterwards might not be such a good idea. Staying put in the classic 80's Thrash Metal era, Clandestined have once again delivered a fantastic release, so for once stop prying eyes on Babymetal and listen to True Japanese Metal, man this is some cranial-crushing stuff. Download This: "Angel Despair" - click to listen For Fans of: Slayer, Machine Head, Kreator [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON NEAR RUIN 'No End' If not executed right, Melodic Metalcore can turn out to become so watered down, it would make the ALS ice bucket challenge replace the monsoon season. What Near Ruin have done here is avoided that trap, and as a result conjured up a sound that lashes together the spikiness of Metallic Hardcore with dollops and dollops of melody.... oh and the occasional trickling of technical and post-hardcore elements. Their debut album 'No End' is sure catch the eye of not just the Metalcore addicts, but the labels as well as it has everything you would wish for from a Melodic Metalcore outfit. The salient point is that Near Ruin deliver a rally of face-punching, straight-to-the-point music, with plenty of oomph, power and none of that 'omg we r a metalcore band, we are so br000tal' poser attitude. Watch with interest, Near Ruin are going places. Download This: "Apostles & Heretics" - click here to listen For Fans of: Killswitch Engage, Miss May I, No Consequence [8] RHYS STEVENSON DOOMSDAY PROPHET 'Our Predetermined Fate' SALUTE To think that sole musician Satanic Tony plays in seven other bands and projects alongside Doomsday Prophet, as well as running his own label Salute Records, it is pretty safe to say that he is a busy guy. Doomsday Prophet is his Funeral Doom Metal child and has just released the debut album 'Our Predetermined Fate'. What we have here is the expected thick and slow guitar playing associated with the Doom Metal signature and the funeral influence playing upon the atmosphere and lyrics as a whole. Unlike most Doom Metal albums, this one does not feature any really lengthy tracks and thus positions itself in a different league, added to the fact the level of raw audacity adds to the already depressing feeling experience when indulging in this release, it's thick, it's bitter, it's Swedish, it's underground Funeral Doom Metal at it's very best. This could do well as a soundtrack to films like Psycho and The Shining. Download This: "Not Our Freedom, Where Is My Freedom" - Click to listen For Fans of: Funeral Doom Metal (any band) [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON WINTERCOLD 'We All Are Dead' SALUTE 2013 bore witness to another one of Satanic Tony's releases, this time via his Gothic / Doom Metal project Wintercold. The EP 'We All Are Dead' keeps that unique sound that has been developed alive and as a result has dealt justice once again. Make no mistake about it, 'We All Are Dead' is a decent enough release that does not over-complicate anything, not even the artwork. With the DIY production sound clearly evident, this release will appeal to the fans of true underground metal, as well as the Gothic / Doom Metal army. Limited to only 200 copies, this release is worthy of being in your collection and should be considered as a rare release, as for the music, well only you can be the judge of that. Download This: "We Are Robots" - Click to listen For Fans of: Gothic Doom Metal (any band) [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON RAINOVER
"Transcending The Blue & Drifting Into Rebirth" WORMHOLEDEATH Alongside the likes of Italy and Finland, Spain definitely has a huge love affair for Gothic Metal. The latest edition to the Spanish circuit being Rainover with their debut album "Transcending The Blue & Drifting Into Rebirth", from start to finish this quintet conjures up an elegant and appealing sonata of angelic vocals, powerful atmospherics, mind-blowing riffs and an overall release that may well position itself as a contender for Spanish Metal album of the year. Far from crying itself out as a release you would blast out all over the Spanish resorts like Benidorm, it certainly carries the warrant to start a party, getting down, getting wasted and having a good time, just go easy on the piña coladas and paella. Download This: "Rain Over My Tears" - Click to listen For Fans of: Tarja-era Nightwish, Lacuna Coil, Leaves' Eyes [8] RHYS STEVENSON AGHARTI 'Change' WORMHOLEDEATH It's not often that you come across a band that totally obliterates everything in it's path, well Agharti's debut album 'Change' certainly ticks all the boxes for "album you must own". The Croatian sextet weave together a face-melting concoction of emphatic melodies, romantic beauty-and-the-beast style vocals, knife-edge riffs and hollow drumming, producing a sound that is sure to push their name across the European continent. With hints of Evanescence, Within Temptation and Sirenia coursing throughout the album, you would be silly to ignore this beautiful red rose. Agharti have poised themselves as one of Croatia's hottest properties and with this effort, are sure to catapult them into the limelight, this is their finest hour. Download This: "End Of Your Domination" For Fans of: Evanescence, Sirenia, Within Temptation, [9] RHYS STEVENSON ALL THIS FILTH 'Programmed To Suffer' Australian new kids on the block All This Filth dropped their debut demo last year and with it comes a skull-smashing lump of gritty Death / Thrash Metal laden with Groove Metal elements. Seriously this release punches your face in so hard you will eat yourself to death. 'Programmed To Suffer' literally speaks of what is wrong with the world, that everyone is told what to f**king do and so we suffer by being programmed as robots. Well from this release, as pissed off as it is, All This Filth provide the soundtrack to keep you sane and rid you of anger. Ballistic drumming supplements the disgusting riffs that course through and underneath the sickening vocals and vulgar atmosphere. You have been warned, this is not a release to f**k around with. Download This: "Two Faced" For Fans of: Chimaira, Machine Head, DevilDriver [8] RHYS STEVENSON SEVENTH SIN 'When Reality Ends' So thirteen years after the band's inception, Seventh Sin unleash their premier album and to a slightly negative note in that it doesn't escape the clutches of the generic Gothic Metal album trap. Granted 'When Reality Ends' is a decent release, but it's nothing new the sound. At times the album gets so slow, you could easily fall asleep, whether that is a good thing or a bad thing depends upon your perception. Seventh Sin however have delivered a decent enough album, just not one to have the potential of a label deal, but take in the moment because it certainly is one album that speaks volumes, literally. Download This: "Silent Tears" For Fans of: Delain, Lacuna Coil, "European Gothic Metal" [7] RHYS STEVENSON PYRAH 'Where Am I?' The sad thing about Pyrah's debut album 'Where Am I?' is that it flits about too much, that is it is a rather unconventional and unforgiving style of Progressive Metal. At times it seems lost and whilst the vocals deliver an angelic presence, the music needs harnessing and not being let run riot. Make of it what you will, but even the harsh vocals totally ruin the album - especially when placed next to clean vocals. 'Where Am I?' may well be a decent enough effort, but it just does not cut it and would make any die-hard Progressive Metal fan weep in their sleep. It seems too basic and lacks that convincing element that otherwise might have given it more credibility. Download This: "Reflection" For Fans of: "who knows?", Progressive Metal, "basic music" [4.5] RHYS STEVENSON SUOTANA 'Forgotten Soil Of This Land' There is much more to Lapland than just Santa Claus, reindeer, Lordi and the Arctic Circle. Arising from the snow-covered lands of Northern Finland are a sextet by the name of Suotana. Nine years since their inception and finally their premier demo see's the harsh light, 'Forgotten Soil Of This Land' promises to take you on a whirlwind journey through and across the mountains with the sounds of Melodic Black / Death Metal ringing all around. For those who are into that style of metal, be prepared to be blasted with an atmosphere so cold, vocals so bitter, riffs so sharp, keyboard elements so chilling and drumming so powerful, that adding these all together sums up to make a release worthy of a record label deal. Download This: "The Reason" For Fans of: Hecate Enthroned, Keep of Kalessin, "Arctic Metal" [8] RHYS STEVENSON DRATHOTH 'Demo 2014' It's not often you find a Black Metal band in the Middle East that delivers such a fantastic sound and yet slips in a raw and thick atmosphere, so thick it would choke your airways. Fresh from the sand dunes of The Lebanon, the one-man project Drathoth which is lead by musician Eddy Ferekh, delivers a rather grizzly yet mesmerizing sound that ought to appeal to many fans of the more Atmospheric Black Metal style. 'Demo 2014' features three tracks of some rather calming yet aggressive music that lasts for 20 minutes. So if you want something that sends chills up your spine, makes you calm and has something for you to listen to when going into town, Drathoth's 'Demo 2014' is for you. Download This: "As The Moon Rises" For Fans of: Atmospheric Black Metal [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON MANDRÁGORA 'First Attack' INKAS NOIZE Forget Llamas and Alpaca's for one moment, because Peru have a new addition to the Metal music family, well relatively new. Dropping their first ever EP, Heavy Metallers Mandrágora deliver a jaw-smacking punch of classic Iron Maiden-esque metal with female vocals so crushing, it's enough to make you pee your pants. With two tracks leading the charge, it is a fairly short EP, but what it lacks in length it makes up for quality. Now let's say they were likened to footballers, they would have Lionel Messi's elegance, David Luiz's powerful striking ability and an atmosphere equivalent to that of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Mandrágora are flying the flag for the Peruvian Metal scene with this enjoyable-to-the-full release. Download This: "Snakebite" For Fans of: Doro, Iron Maiden, Saxon [8] RHYS STEVENSON LEVANIA 'Renascentis' WORMHOLEDEATH The love affair between Italians and Gothic Metal is always destined to produce some rather magical music and bands, Levania sit firmly within that notion. Making their welcomed return with their second album 'Renascentis', the female-fronted quintet do not fail to impress with their unique concoction of angelic and beastly vocals, dramatic atmosphere and breathtaking musical elements. If you're a Gothic Metal fan, then you have no reason to not own this release because it simply puts Lacuna Coil to shame. 'Renascentis' guarantees you dramatic twists and turns at every second, it may be early to say but this is definitely a contender for Italian Metal album of the year, simply because when you listen to it, you cannot find the words to befit the emotions experienced, this is Levania's time to break into the global metal arena with their striking Epic Gothic Metal sound. Download This: "An Icy Embrace" For Fans of: Lacuna Coil, Elis, Sara Lee, Within Temptation [9] RHYS STEVENSON AERANEA 'As The Sun Died' It always seems to amaze that when bands who employ the Gothic / Doom Metal style, they tend to place the Doom Metal elements as the atmosphere and the Gothic Metal elements at the forefront. However Aeranea have taken a slightly different approach, they've mixed both together so that they do not remain fixed to one duty. 'As The Sun Died' is the premier album by this German unit and instantly gives a lot of promise for the band's time ahead, with Christina Vogt's calming vocals easing the sharpness of the riffs and drums, this is a release that ought to give Aeranea that push needed in order to break out into the European scene. One evident difference is that the songs aren't insanely long unlike other Gothic Doom contemporaries, moreover there is definitely high hopes for this band, watch with interest. Download This: "Prayers Die" For Fans of: My Dying Bridge, Flowing Tears, To Cast A Shadow [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON MASSIVE DEMOLITION
'Ritual Inferno' Word of warning, turn up the volume before indulging in Massive Demolition's second demo. The recording quality is not what you would expect, albeit you probably would as their second release 'Ritual Inferno' is actually a demo. Sparking off their chosen style of Thrash Metal, the German quartet do not dice with fate or intellectual instinct, instead with their demo they take off the handbrake and let the classics of Thrash Metal spew out like an over-flowing blood-bath, the downside to this is that it sounds too generic for it to be unique and thus whilst there is a level of effort and creativity residing in the release, it is nowhere near enough to be considered groundbreaking, just a decent enough release. Download This: "Chemical Abuse" For Fans of: German 'Teutonic' Thrash Metal [6] RHYS STEVENSON |
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Global Metal Apocalypse Archives
May 2021
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