FRIGHT NIGHT 'Life Eternal' SOUND AGE PRODS. Russian Metal rarely gets a decent look in by it's Western contemporaries, so when Fright Night unveils the follow-up to their debut album 'The Play of Pain', they are sure to shock the masses. This Gothic Metal outfit employs a rather unique vocal combination, that is they use angelic female vocals alongside clean male vocals; unlike some bands who opt for growling. Maybe it is coincidental, but the vibe experienced on 'Life Eternal' matches up with the band name, as if the music was written for a Halloween opera. For a band who will be celebrating 10 years in 2015, this album certainly oozes intricate ideas that flow through the blissful riffs, elegant vocals and powerful drumming compositions, make no mistake as Fright Night's 'Life Eternal' is a contender for Russian Metal album of the year. Download This: "Numb" - click to listen. For Fans of: Lacuna Coil, Theatres Des Vampires, Lacrimosa [8] RHYS STEVENSON GENIUS ULTOR 'Nic Co Boskie Nie Jest Mi Obce' ARACHNOPHOBIA Ah those releases that feature songs in entirely one language, the sort that don't always break out into planet metal, but putting that aside and in context with Genius Ultor's second album 'Nic Co Boskie Nie Jest Mi Obce', what you have is a decent slab of Polish Black Metal. Right from the off, this album explodes into the cataclysmic force you would expect from such a genre. With vocals so raw it would make you want to eat your own feces, guitars so sharp they make the amps frost over with the bitterness of the genre, drums so insane ole Varg Vikernes would piss himself and all of this encased in an atmosphere that feels worse than death, yeah this is not for the faint of heart. Download This: "Zwycięstwo" - click to listen. For Fans of: "Anyone who can understand Polish", Stillborn, Watain [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON ODRAZA 'Esperalem Tkane' ARACHNOPHOBIA The same with Genius Ultor's release, Poland's Odraza adopts their native tongue to spread their raspy messages of alcoholism, depression and vanity via their premier album 'Esperalem Tkane'. Whilst as not as brutal as their label-mates, Odraza do not fail in summoning up a sound that would strike a string in any Black Metal fans heart. 'Esperalem Tkane' delivers a delicious 47 minutes of pure Polish underground Black Metal that ought to expand their name amongst the Central and Eastern European metal scenes, however whilst it might daunt some listeners, especially with two songs lasting 11 or so minutes each, the time used to listen to it all the way through pays off as this is probably the darkest BM seen in this country for sometime. Download This: "Wielki Mizogin" - click to listen. For Fans of: "Anyone who can understand Polish", Carpathian Forest, Watain [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON CODEDECODED 'Vorace' Of course if you want an absolute skull-crushing sound that has enough brutality to make you vomit your innards out and in repetitiously, you only have to look as far as Greece's Codedecoded to get the full package, that is an additional punch in the face. Unleashing ballistic hell through their debut album 'Vorace', this tight Technical Death Metal unit takes no prisoners and are primed to unleash a torrent of murderous carnage across Europe with their first album in their locker. Harder than your average boner, Codedecoded are a force to be reckoned with and with this effort they clearly warrant attention, we could see much more of this ensemble in the future, but for now the slaughtering has only just begun.... Download This: "Descends" - click to listen to the whole album For Fans of: Psycroptic, Neuraxis, Meshuggah [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON ELUVEITIE 'Origins' NUCLEAR BLAST The masters of Celtic-infused Melodic Death Metal have made their welcomed return with another slice of Helvetian history at the helm, following up from their sensational 2012 release 'Helvetios', 'Origins' carries on the unmistakeable Eluveitie sound that has stood them in great stead over the years. Blitzing along to a total length of one hour, listeners will never reach the state of boredom as the album is guaranteed to keep you on your feet. Vastly positioning themselves as not only a successful metal export, but as a highly regarded Swiss music export, Eluveitie have once again met expectations and have dropped an album that may just become Swiss Metal release of the year. 'Origins' is like a Celtic version of Disney's 'Fantasia', magically awe-inspiring. Download This: "King" - click to listen For Fans of: Primordial, Ensiferum, Blackguard [9] RHYS STEVENSON DEATH DEPENDANT 'Sacrifice For The Cross' Arising from the perched surfboards on Western Australia's sun-kissed beaches is Thrash Metal merchants Death Dependant with their debut album 'Sacrifice For The Cross'. From start to finish, this four piece group dishes out the old-style Thrash Metal of the glorious 1980's, with Metallica-esque vocals leading the lightning brigade alongside outrageously insane riffs and neck-breaking drumming; Death Dependant are sure to entrench their name withing the Australian scene. Alongside the evident Thrash Metal sound, elements of Groove Metal are clearly present and as a result, this finely tunes the band's ideal sound into something metalheads globally will enjoy. Death Dependant are flying the flag for the Australian Metal scene. Download This: "Drug Machine" - click to listen. For Fans of: Machine Head, Metallica, Slayer [8] RHYS STEVENSON RAVENCLAW 'Welcome To The Ravenland' + 'Today' Backtrack to 2009 and metalheads in Slovakia may recall the release of Ravenclaw's premier album 'Welcome To The Ravenland', a solid slab of valiant Melodic Power Metal that drags in various elements from the metal spectrum, such as Heavy Metal vocals, Power Metal keyboards and a Melodic chemistry between the instruments and vocals coincidentally. True it is nothing new, but it does have an element of originality held within it, sadly it seems to lack that killer note that otherwise would have given this album that extra boost in giving Ravenclaw European attention. Putting another downer on the album seems impossible, simply because whilst as said the album sound is nothing new, it certainly poises itself as a decent-enough effort. Fast-forward to 2014 and the quintet have delightfully dropped their second single 'Today', and with it, their sound has become much more refined and crisper than their debut album. It also appears that they have opened up the vocal channels more, giving different members points at which to sing in and as a result allowing that extra boost they needed to push them up another level. If they keep this sound and style well and truly in place, they could well make a late charge onto the European Metal circuit as probably headliners. Rallying amongst the evident comparisons of Sonata Arctica and Hammerfall, Ravenclaw might have just discovered their winning formula. Download This: "Today" - click to listen For Fans of: Sonata Arctica, Hammerfall, Olzon-era Nightwish [6.5] + [8] RHYS STEVENSON CHOMALETS 'Omerta' It's countries like Indonesia where Extreme Metal seems to be riding the highways and the other genres become relegated to the streets. Emerging from the abyss is Chomalets with their premier album 'Omerta', a 36-minute slab of gut-rotten, bone-crunching Death / Grind Metal. Singing exclusively in Indonesian, this four-piece butcher armada take no prisoners when it comes to blasting the masses with their gore-soaked torrent of murderous metal. With blastbeats ringing out like no tomorrow, vocals delivering rip-tides and riffs arising like ghosts out of a graveyard, Chomalets' album 'Omerta' proves itself to be a contender for Indonesian Metal album of the year. This is certainly guaranteed to go down well with metalheads of the more brutal kind. Download This: "Parodi Hitam" - Click to listen For Fans of: Cannibal Corpse, Dying Fetus, Napalm Death [7] RHYS STEVENSON GYMIR 'The Return Of The Raven' The lack of representation of Folk Metal in the UK seems rather apparent, this is probably why bands like Gymir hold the beacon of hope and aim to bring British Folk Metal to the foreground. A year into their existence and the quintet unleashes their premier single upon the masses, 'The Return Of The Raven' is a gallant and powerful two-track release. With elements originating within the Olde English sound, you get the feeling that Gymir are aiming for a more folkloric connection, however this irony since the band name relates to Nordic myth. As for the single, no Folk Metal fan would get bored of this, in fact it is that good, Gymir's debut album (when it comes) is going to be well anticipated. Gymir are definitely a band that will be on everyone's radar in due course. Download This: "Return Of The Raven" - click to listen For Fans of: Finntroll, Ensiferum, Skyclad [8] RHYS STEVENSON INNSMOUTH
'The Shadow Over Innsmouth' CRIME Firing up the insane time signatures and monstrous brutality for an assault never seen before is Danish bruisers Innsmouth. If headbanging to Mathcore proves to be a tricky challenge, then headbanging to the band's debut album 'The Shadow Over Innsmouth' would require a masters degree in mathematics. From start to finish, the insane mix of erratic time signatures and gritty Death Metal is enough to place anyone into a state of complete confusion, whilst the atmosphere developed is enough to deliver that final blow that is guaranteed to knock metalheads flat out. If Necrophagist and Nile had an illegitimate son, it would be Innsmouth, sure the release is an absolute belter, but the question is can their second effort keep the band standing up and not fall at the hurdle. Download This: "The Shadow Over Innsmouth" - click to listen For Fans of: Nile, Cacophony, Obscura, Necrophagist 'The Shadow Over Innsmouth' is out October 10th, 2014 via Crime Records [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON
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EVERGLOW 'Destination' Last year Belgian Power Metal sextet unveiled their premier album and with it comes an extremely well-presented sound. 'Destination' wields together some rather heavenly yet bellowing female vocals to blitzing drums and elegant riffs. Sure it has taken 13 years since the band's inception but the wait has been worthwhile, let's be honest here though - how many Power Metal bands do you know feature female vocals at the forefront? Probably not many, but as Cindy Baert's Everglow evidently show, you don't need to burst your lungs or introduce melodies such that swaying becomes almost uncontrollable and unrelenting oscillation. 'Destination' is an album of epic proportions and would appeal to most metal fans. Download This: "Frozen Tears" For Fans Of: Sonata Arctica, Delain, Edenbridge [8] RHYS STEVENSON INFERNAL OUTCRY 'Eclipsed' You'd have to either be stupidly drunk or high-on caffeine to actually understand what Infernal Outcry's debut demo 'Eclipsed' is all about, well the drumming is so uninspiring and the riffs are so simple it makes you question whether this was a practice session or they were legitimately aiming to release a well-crafted demo. The vocals are too forced and the whole feeling of the release is one of utter confusion, questioning what they were aiming to do. The only salvation point that the band can take from it, is that they managed to release a demo, let's just hope their second release is going to turn heads otherwise consider this a shot-in-the-foot moment. Download This: "Jaws Of Life" For Fans of: You tell us! [4.5] RHYS STEVENSON ONE MORE VICTIM 'Loyalty & Honour' Strutting out of the back streets of Liverpool is "Street Metal" mob One More Victim, hell actually it's a combination of bruising metal and gritty attitude. Laying down the law with their premier album 'Loyalty & Honour', the four-piece amass a sound that makes Wayne Rooney's post-match commentary seem like baby talk in comparison to the deliverance of this release. Damning as hell, you would want to take out life insurance to make it past the absolute concrete barrage of face-punching, ballsy metal One More Victim have served up here. Now whilst this may cause some listeners to reminisce a bit, through the intricate use of Groove Metal riffs and Ministry / Rammstein Industrial Metal elements, a DIY attitude and a bright future ahead, One More Victim are poised to make a buzz in the British Metal scene with this effort. Download This: "5 Days" For Fans of: Rammstein, Ministry, Pantera, Charles Bronson (if he was a musician) [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON LAPIS LAZULI 'Lost' 'Lost' marks the departure of Lapis Lazuli's third vocalist Frida Eurenius and welcomes in their new vocalist Cecilia Kamf. As for the Swedish Symphonic Power Metal outfit, Lapis Lazuli have not lost their trademark sound, that is their tasty mix of angelic vocals, cascading and ascending symphonies, smooth riffs and dramatic atmospherics. It could actually be said that Cecilia Kamf has vocals of the Tarja Turunen guild, that swan-like elegance in her voice caressing each note produced by her fellow band-members. This could be Lapis Lazuli's time to make a stand and go for a label deal, because this material certainly warrants a contract. Download This: "Forgive, Never Forget" For Fans of: Therion, Within Temptation, Tarja-era Nightwish [8] RHYS STEVENSON NECROBLATION 'Ablation Of Death' It might as well be ironic that a band using Christian lyrics amasses a sound so demonic that it would make Satan piss blood. Welcoming to the forefront of the Death Metal / Grindcore arena is Switzerland's Necroblation, whose 2013 debut album 'Ablation Of Death' features the brutality of an Alpine avalanche, but leaves the vocal clarity at times like the snow-dust from the subsequent avalanche. Sadly at times the album seems to run out of imagination and thus rests on the stereotypical Death Metal / Grindcore sound that seems to be generically churned out, despite this as said the vocals are the only major letdown, for you might as well just grunt in tune and hope for some lyrical inspiration to emerge from the almost-vacant clear-vocals. Consider it a learning curve. Download This: "Human Slave" For Fans of: Napalm Death, Dying Fetus, Mortification [6] RHYS STEVENSON EXCRUCIATION '[G]host' AURIC Unsigned bands who start and pause, split-up and reform over their entire career are often disinterred and re-emerge as a lost and forgotten relic, this may apply to the Swiss quintet Excruciation whose atmospheric mix of Doom Metal reverberates around the Matterhorn, so much so yodelling becomes a less-meaningful way of communicating a message. That message from Excruciation is one of human emotions, feelings and thus is felt with their third full length '[G]host'. Since their reemergence in 2005, you can tell that they have been buried down in a bunker mesmerizing over what their future sound will be like, possibly a lot different to the sound conjured up way back in 1985. As for their latest effort, it is a truly remarkable piece of work that solidly justifies this underground veteran's existence, you will never find another band quite like this. Download This: "Mother South" For Fans of: Saint Vitus, Candlemass, Hellhammer [8] RHYS STEVENSON HIJOS DE OVERÓN 'Prisionero De Agujas' Seven years down the line and Spanish Classic Heavy Metallers Hijos De Overón finally drop their debut album 'Prisionero De Agujas' (translates as: 'Prisoner Of Needles'), now whether satellites were involved or any form of help from the company Overon remains a question, but certainly their music is not questionable. Sticking to their mother tongue to deliver a release entirely sung in Spanish, you get the full flavor of where they come from, moreover the whole album is a masterpiece in it's own right as it sticks itself right within the realm of Iron Maiden, but wallows about to find it's own footing. Whether you like or dislike classic Heavy Metal, this album is a win for those willing to learn Spanish or indeed listen to a band that will go down well in Hispanophone countries. Download This: "Hijos De Overón" For Fans of: Iron Maiden, Van Halen, Helloween [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON HYBRIS 'Blinded Thoughts' This is quite simply a stellar start for Polish quartet Hybris, the face-smacking power exhibited on their debut EP 'Blinded Thoughts' is enough to make Behemoth turn heads. With 19 minutes of pure eccentric and accentuated Technical Death / Thrash Metal, it is worth a solid listen and subsequential replay. However at times the music gets too creative to sustain anything worthwhile and at most lacks a respectable level of convincing execution. Smothering all of that is some rather gritty and dirty vocals, so dirty it makes any porno film seem like a chick flick. Moreover you might want to go to a doctor after headbanging and moshing to this leviathan-of-a-release, it is that powerful and with the right attitude, could provide the springboard for this band to break out of the Polish Metal scene. Download This: "Mystic Circle" For Fans of: Fleshgod Apocalypse, Legion Of The Damned, Vader [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON TOTENGEFLÜSTER 'Vom Seelensterben (Re Issue)' As far as Germany goes on the metal battlefront, the nation generally does well with it's Extreme Metal and Totengeflüster are no exception. Re-releasing their debut album Vom Seelensterben, the only thing that has notably changed is the bonus track, the rest of the album is the same occult Symphonic Black Metal the band has employed. Sickening shrieks make you quake in your shoes as the shivers and bitterness of death creeps down your spine, so much so you feel repugnant to even attempt to sing along to this murderous release. With a bleak atmosphere shrouding the raw feeling of the riffs and atomic drum power, Totengeflüster have staked their claim as one of Black Metal's bands to watch in 2014. Download This: "Ein Monolog Im Mondschein" For Fans of: Dimmu Borgir, Emperor, Winterfylleth [8] RHYS STEVENSON GANGRENOMITY
'Demo 2014' Awh, you have got to admire the slamming Brutal Death Metal sound for what it is. No need to sing just gurgle away and make pig squeals, hell if you don't like this style of music, then there's always Justin Bieber and that will hurt your ears. Making their own style of noise is Swiss bruisers Gangrenomity whose 2014 demo spews out nothing but fairytale gore and peaceful murderous ideologies. From the bloody start to the infested finish, this demo covers everything you would want from that metal genre, just don't forget to brush your teeth after vomiting all your innards, because take note, this release is not for those with an unstable stomach, it will make you feel like you're about to puke. Welcome to the dark side of Swiss Metal. Download This: "Compulsive Murdering" For Fans of: Carnal Disfigurement, Aborted, 'Psychopathic Metal' [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON ELESSÄR 'Dark Desires' Welcoming to the international stage is Argentina's Elessär, whose premier album 'Dark Desires' released last year, delivers a magical and galloping sound of Symphonic Power Metal wrapped within the elegance of life and fantasy. There seems to be a love affair between any Hispanic nation and the Power Metal, Gothic Metal and Symphonic Metal styles, Elessär certainly seems to prove that point. In fact Elessär are the sort of band you would expect a European label to snap up immediately (what are they playing at?). As for their album, Alejandra's vocals almost certainly wallow in the style of Tarja-era Nightwish, and the music does too. Make no mistake, they might not be well known outside South America, but blimey they would be well received in Europe! Download This: "Heroes Born Dead" For Fans of: Sonata Arctica, Nightwish, Therion [8] RHYS STEVENSON APRIL WEEPS 'Outer Calm. Pain Within' What could be called somewhat more gratifying amongst other underground Progressive Metal releases, 'Outer Calm. Pain Within' is the debut album by Slovakia's April Weeps. What instantly hits out is the inevitable contrast between the female and male vocals, melodic and gritty respectfully. Whilst the vocals lead the front-line, the real artillery comes from the guitars, drums and keyboards, firing out a rally of riffs, beats and atmospheric elements that come together to deliver a sound that is guaranteed to crush your soul, make you spit blood and wish you had not shagged Dream Theater so hard, because this release is 10x more impressive then them. The modern wave of Progressive Metal is amongst us, lead by April Weeps who are flying the flag for the Slovak Metal scene. Download This: "Buried" For Fans of: Opeth, Soilwork, Killswitch Engage [8] RHYS STEVENSON HAMFERÐ 'Evst' TUTL What is so magical about the debut full length album 'Evst' by Faroe Islanders Hamferð is the sheer magnitude of power rumbling throughout Jón Aldará's vocals, breaking out into an almost operatic tone. Reminiscing of early Pavarotti, gone metal. Contrasting against that comes some of the grizzliest Death Metal vocals you could possibly imagine (OK this might be a bit of an over-exaggeration, but the elemental truth is the vocals are blindingly crushing). What this Faroese beast has done is taken the core essences of Paradise Lost, whipped in a Nordic atmosphere and turned the combo into a sound that inevitably was justifiable to why they got to play Wacken, their next effort will certainly be watched with interest. Download This: "Sinnisloysi" For Fans of: Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride, Amorphis [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON SEEDS OF IBLIS 'Anti Quran Rituals' UNMERCIFUL DEATH Possibly one of the most extremist Black Metal groups to emerge from the Middle East ever, Seeds of Iblis are an Iraqi quartet who exclusively preach about one thing: Anti-Islam. Such a controversial release made public is sure to cause a division amongst the metal community, but discounting the lyrics aside, their debut album 'Anti Quran Rituals' spits out venom in all directions. Through the use of barbaric riffs, traditional Middle Eastern music as the atmospheric backdrop, thunderous drumming and spleen-splitting vocals, Seeds Of Iblis are primed to make a name for themselves and for those who seek unique sounds or bands from far-flung lands, 'Anti Quran Rituals' is one album you must own, regardless. * We suggest a song to download, but due to the nature of the lyrics we are not going to suggest any. For Fans of: Gorgoroth, Carpathian Forest, Marduk [8] RHYS STEVENSON GAUNTLET 'Break The Chains' Greek Heavy Metallers Gauntlet made their voices known last year with the release of their first ever demo entitled 'Break The Chains', delivering what you would expect from any Classic-style Heavy Metal release: infectious vocals, melodic riffs and rallying drumming, all in the Iron Maiden-esque style. Sure granted it is nothing new and might bore some fans to tears, but the solidarity of the release pushes the band on and with this effort, we might not be waiting much longer for their next release which is surely poised to build upon this success. Standing at a modest 21 minutes, this is a demo that any Heavy Metal fan should own, however it was limited to 150 copies, so you would need to act very fast! Download This (if you can): Hearts Of Metal For Fans of: Van Halen, Iron Maiden, Metallica [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON GORESOERD 'Asülum' INVERSE Celebrating 10 years this year may surpass the fact that not only was 'Asülum' Goresoerd's third album, but it was their first release on Inverse Records. Estonia's most revered Death Grinders have once again served up another slab of face-mauling grit and stuck to their indigenous Estonian tongue. Now if this album was to be a film, it probably would be Saw 7, because it is soon over before it has started and it delivers a high velocity impact in a rapid rate of fire. Plus naturally it's gore, but that's besides the point. The point is 'Asülum' proves itself as a well-planned work of art, that delivers outrageously catchy riffs, ballistic drums and raucous vocals, all of which are guaranteed to gain attention across planet metal. Goresoerd are one hell of a hidden Estonian gem, mine it at will. Download This: "Soerd" For Fans of: Deathbound, Cannibal Corpse, Napalm Death [8] RHYS STEVENSON AKROMA 'La Cène' FANTAI'ZIC PRODS. Such a far outcry from what you would expect from a Symphonic-charged Progressive Black Metal album, the vocals sound so painful it makes stepping on Lego entertaining and feel as if under anesthetic. Seriously though the keyboards, female chanting and drums deliver the greater parts of this album, but the vocals, well, are enough for you to cry, the guitars are there but at times are muffled by the vocals. Perhaps if they were deeper and less on the verge of developing 'Blackened Screamo', this album might be going places, but Akroma's latest effort 'La Cène' is certainly not pushing them anywhere. This French lot may need to come up with something far more serious for their next effort, or consider it game over. This album is an own goal for Akroma. Download This: "Simon" For Fans of: Ihsahn, Dimmu Borgir, Enslaved. [5.5] RHYS STEVENSON THE WITCH 'Black Flower Field' You know when a release is going to be extra special when a film clip makes it's way into the introduction of a song, well The Witch have done just and with the Pulp Fiction reference where Samuel L Jackson delivers his excellent biblical passage before executing Brad, it really sets the tone for the release. This French Progressive Stoner unit have certainly delivered their A-game on their second EP 'Black Flower Field'. Infectious hooks, ravaging riffs and biting vocals charge this release into the next dimension, that is as a release placing The Witch firmly on the front line for an imminent signing next year; or we will eat our speakers .'Black Flower Field' is certainly one hell of an interesting EP Download This: "Skeleton Soul" For Fans of: Mastodon, Kyuss, Fu Manchu [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON THE BLEEDING 'Rites Of Putrefaction' They might as well just of made an instrumental and save the hassle of the vocalist turning up, granted the debut EP by Italian Death Metallers The Bleeding is enough to make you poop your pants, but the vocals are on par with grunts made by cavemen. Seriously though if anyone wanted to sign along to this, the best option would be to mime. The only credible aspect of 'Rites Of Putrefaction' is the ferocity of the drums, the guitars make the occasional 'wow factor', but the overall impression of the EP is one of mass frustration, there again this would mostly appeal to fans of Grindcore, Brutal Death Metal and Goregrind, so who can honestly complain? The neighbors next door of course.... Download This: "No Dawn" For Fans of: Aborted, Suffocation, Cattle Decapitation [6.5] RHYS STEVENSON FROSTBITTEN KINGDOM
'The Winter War Symphony' If anyone knows their history, then they will recall the bloody battle that took place between Finland and the former USSR, otherwise known as the "Winter War". What really sticks out like an impaled thumb on Frostbitten Kingdom's latest release is the sincerity of the music, from start to finish the blistering aggressiveness exerted here is near enough a musical representation of the brutality and pain experienced on the snow-trodden battlefield. Opening up with a ten minute wonder-opus and then cascading down to the 4 minute mark before reaching 6 and then 8 minute-long songs, 'The Winter War Symphony' warrants more attention than it is getting as it makes Immortal seem truly outdated, if you dig Melodic Black / Death Metal in the style of Hecate Enthroned, etc, then you're bound to be blitzed apart from this Finnish resistance. Download This: "Sentinels Of The Silent" For Fans of: Hecate Enthroned, Immortal, Behemoth [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON PERCEPTION OF DARKNESS 'Tyranny' Sweden's Perception Of Darkness go down the Rammstein route with their latest effort 'Tyranny', this is notable with the riffs on the song 'Shutdown', the song has strong links with the song 'Du Hast'. Pushing that aside and you are left with a much-improved sound by the trio, one that they can claim as their own unique style. However at times the industrial music side seems to drop off too much, leaving some songs with very little presence and just a basic metal sound. However on the song 'Destroy', the vocal effects really add a strange feeling to the mix and thus this ought to be used more than it has been, something they may do for their next effort. Download This: 'Destroy' For Fans of: Rammstein, Fear Factory, Ministry [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON KREMATED 'Three Minute Warning' Kremated serve up what you would expect from a Thrash Metal album: speed, power and brutality, their second opus 'Three Minute Warning' digs deep into the gravel and sprays out dirt out in all directions. As Pete Dee leads the ferocious storm with his vicious vocals, following in behind are some rather sizzling riffs and blazing drumming sequences, not to mention the whole attitude of 'Thrash ain't dead' stamped across this album in similar fashion to that of the 'wide load' tattoo spread over The Nutty Professor's ass. Make no mistake about it, Kremated have certainly upped their game since the release of their debut album two years ago and demonstrates a lot more promise for times ahead. It seems that their Bloodstock stint injected some fresh impetus into their music craftsmanship and this is clearly evident on 'Three Minute Warning', just remember to get your neck insured because this is guaranteed to give you whiplash. Download This: "Until The End" For Fans of: Slayer, Sodom, Pantera [8] RHYS STEVENSON THE HOURGLASS 'Through Darkness & Light' From what could be argued as Tarja-era Nightwish meeting Gothminister and Deathstars, Romania's The Hourglass have set out the blueprints to create a music style all of their own. Through molding together the classics of Symphonic Metal with crystal clear Industrial elements and a host of Gothic aesthetics topping the emphatic sound created here, their premier album 'Through Darkness & Light' is bound to turn heads across the world. With a fan-base that is endlessly growing and an album that is sure to appeal to metal fans worldwide, big things are destined for The Hourglass as they craft their illuminating atmosphere into a musical work of art and stake their claim as the "Electro-phonic Metal" juggernaut the world has been waiting for. Download This: "Dare" For Fans of: Therion, Nightwish, Gothminister, Deathstars [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON BLINDER 'Hegemonic Cult' We're not sure, but we think that Blinder might have just snatched Cuban Metal album of the year, and why? Well, for starters the emphatic brain-smashing that takes place throughout their latest release 'Hegemonic Cult' is enough to make the toughest of tyrants weak at the knees. Mauling Death / Thrash Metal courses through this album's veins with unrelenting power and a sound that will leave anyone who listens, left for dead. Now, whilst the blitzing mainly resides within the lyrics, the need to be voracious in terms of digesting the music is ultimately relieved through the majestic combination of savage riffs, machine-gun fire drums and of course heart-shredding vocals, with that in mind you be assured that Blinder are flying the flag for the Cuban Metal scene, shiver me timbers. Download This: Final Proclamation Of War For Fans of: Archaios, Pantera, Carnal Forge [8] RHYS STEVENSON DARKNESS BY OATH 'Seeds Of Desolation' ERZSEBET RECORDS The Basque Country does not tend to get much of a look in by the rest of Europe, but when you unearth the metal scene and find out that over twelve years and four albums released, you can tell that Darkness By Oath were and still are very dedicated to making everything 100% perfect. Unleashing hell through their fourth album 'Seeds Of Desolation', the quintet amass the sheer beauty and class of the Melodic Death Metal genre and infuse it with a brutal atmosphere and songs that give this band that identity they have created themselves. Such a release is sure to garner attention out of Spain and possibly across the seven seas, as for this living armada, the inevitable has come and so Darkness By Oath are flying the flag high for the Basque Metal scene. Diskoa besterik paregabe da. Download This: "Screams That Walk With You" For Fans of: Scar Symmetry, Sight of Emptiness, In Flames [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON THE FALLACY 'Love Division' It's not all that often that you come across Gothic Metal from Chile, in fact it comes as a surprise that there is a deviation from the well established Death Metal scene. Entering the affray is The Fallacy, a three-piece who released their third album 'Love Division' back in 2012. What you have here is the deep and masculine vocals in the form of Ville Valo being met with the elegant and feminine vocals of Cristina Scabbia, whilst the guitars and drums deal the final blow to what makes a Gothic Metal album, exactly that. Using the words of the band, it is a Fallacy that only Spain and Italy can pull of this style of metal, in fact The Fallacy have delivered such a brilliant album, you'd be a fool not to check it out. Download This: "Drops Of Fire" For Fans of: Lacuna Coil, H.I.M., Fields Of The Nephilim [8] RHYS STEVENSON CORNERS OF SANCTUARY 'Epilogue' MARCH BABY MEDIA Classic Hard Rock / Heavy Metal mob Corners Of Sanctuary dealt justice when releasing their third EP entitled 'Epilogue', with seven tracks of majestic riffs, bellowing vocals and powerful drums coursing throughout the EP, it is without a doubt that the trio have thought this one through very well. To some it might not seem any different to any other Classic Rock / Metal band, but through closer inspection you will notice that they have their own formulated sound. Even when you have the song "Aqua Luminoza" which was backed by Spanish vocals conducted by Lorenzo Partida, this release has everything going for the band except they need to eek out that one song that sets the world alight per se Iron Maiden's 'Fear of the Dark'. Download This: "Bleed With Me" For Fans of: Iron Maiden, Metallica, Motorhead [7] RHYS STEVENSON PABLO BAPTISTA 'Consummatum Est' What does Ill Nino, Orphaned Land and ChthoniC have in common? They all took traditional music from their country and mixed it with various metal forms. Now the attention turns towards Pablo Baptista, a three-piece Nu / Alternative Metal band from Mozambique, who released their debut album 'Consummatum Est'. By mixing together the aforementioned metal genres and traditional Mozambican music, this could spark a new wave for this African nation. With the vocals wallowing in the style of Corey Taylor and music that breathes out100% uniqueness, there is a lot of hope for Pablo Baptista to break out of their national scene and across Planet Metal. Nu Metal just got a new reason to exist. Download This: "Forgive Me" For Fans of: Slipknot, Ill Nino, Seether, Stone Sour [9] RHYS STEVENSON BEFORE THE BLACK GATES 'An Ancient Evil Rises' Despite the evident reference to the Lord of The Rings scene "The Black Gates Of Mordor", Canada's Black Metal five-piece (were a six-piece) Before The Black Gates held no fury back upon dropping their debut album 'An Ancient Evil Rises'. Now if syrup was not sweet enough, then this band certainly tops that by making a delicious 'pancake noir' full of grimace, darkness and utmost devastation that delivers barbaric blows to the body. 'An Ancient Evil Rises' is an apocalyptic album that sheds out shrapnel at every passing second and forces the listener to succumb to it's powerful presence. This is probably why this quintet ought to be sniffed out by their European contingent. This album promises big things for this band in the future, watch them closely with interest. Download This: "Blood Oak" For Fans of: Marduk, Dark Funeral, Immortal [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS
'Jamat-Al-Maut' SALUTE Mixing short bursts of Grindcore with Death Metal vocals and injecting some Hardcore Punk elements, Pakistan's Multinational Corporations do not welcome any form of mercy towards their music, that is, this music is not for anyone who listens to soft metal music. Since their debut demo 'Equality' in 2011, the duo have certainly upped their game and have produced a much more meaningful release. 'Jamat-Al-Maut' comes as the band's premier EP and whilst the EP delivers some rather assertive Death / Grind, the shortness in the release drags it down, you would expect a much longer release. Question is whether the computer space over there would have taken it, after all metal music in Pakistan is too far and few between. Whether the European metalheads roam outside of their safety zone and explore this band is another question. Download This: "White Collar Communism" For Fans of: Rotten Sound, Napalm Death, Terrorizer [8] RHYS STEVENSON QUARTZ 'Live & Revisited' Sometimes the classic ways are the best, even though Quartz are no stranger to the metal scene after being around on and off since their first album back in 1977 and of course their formation in 1974, 1977 being the year that Mr. Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath produced Quartz's debut album, small world eh? 39 years later and the five gentleman from Birmingham unleash their second ever live album 'Live & Revisited', proving they still have the agility and firepower to deliver such intense rock and metal music in one whole release. It just goes to prove you cannot knock off anyone who still has the ability to bang out a good tune, with that fuzziness of the guitar still present, the drums still delivering the thunderous sounds and the vocals harmoniously flowing freely out of David Garner, Quartz are far from finished yet! Download This: "Mainline Rider" For Fans of: Black Sabbath, Van Halen, 70's rock and metal. [8] RHYS STEVENSON FOETAL JUICE 'Big Trouble In Little Vagina' GRINDSCENE With a name that sounds like a pornographic post-mortem novel it is no wonder that Mancunian Death Metal plunderers Foetal Juice found a 'Big Trouble In Little Vagina', simply put it is pus-infested metal that will make you violently sick at the smelly hint of gore-rotten flesh and bad breath from licking out.... that's far enough you dirty bastards. 'Big Trouble In Little Vagina' broods slamming Death Metal / Grindcore in an rather unique way, through the use of death growls and obliterating speed on the drums and guitar sections, this is a murder waiting to happen. With hints of Cerebral Bore so indefinitely apparent it is always seemed likely that Foetal Juice are going to end up paying homage to a potential Bloodstock appearance next year, well we all need a bit of goreology now and then, oh wait that's the Saw films.... For Fans of: Gorerotted, Cerebral Bore, Deicide. 'Big Trouble In Little Vagina' is out 7th October via Grindscene Records and all main UK retailers [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON MEAN MESSIAH 'Hell' Being part of one of the Czech Republic's most notable metal bands is an honor, but to carry on the pillaging is another thing altogether. Entering the affray is the one-man project Mean Messiah which is the product of brainchild Dan Friml and predominantly focuses on a hybrid mix of Industrial Metal, Death Metal and Thrash Metal, although we call it 'Modern Cyber Metal. His debut album 'Hell' is pretty self-explanatory in that he delivers musical hell, in fact it is so fast, brutal and technically challenged that a mathematician could not even calculate the time signatures, a bouncer would be weakened by the sheer force of this unrelenting album and of course it would out-do Petr Cech's reaction speed. Make no mistake about it Mean Messiah are poised to go far, it would be extremely surprising if this project does not as it has everything you could ask for, except it could be a bit more Industrial. Just a bit. Download This: "Spiritual Resolution" For Fans of: Holy Moses, Strapping Young Lad, Fear Factory [8] RHYS STEVENSON PLOUGH 'The 10th Circle' The Dutch newcomers are here, well that was a bit of a brash starting statement to make so let's reiterate, the Dutch storm is brewing in the North sea.... right. Anyhow Plough's debut EP 'The 10th Circle' completely demolishes your senses with a cleverly weaved together sound of crushing Death Metal and funk-laden Groove Metal. The band name is quite unconventional for the style of music as it implies a farmer relation, not saying that this EP is sweet and tasty as potato mind you. 'The 10th Circle' is classic debut EP, full of oomph and utmost promise, let's just hope that the quintet from Amsterdam have what it takes to keep this sensational music going, it may be early days but the lads have got a fair way to go, even if 'The 10th Circle' is tantalizingly brutal, featuring gritty vocals, snappy riffs and solid drumming. Download This: "Emily Rose" For Fans of: Opeth, Machine Head, Pantera [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON CRIMSON CHRYSALIS 'Crimson Passion Cry' RAVENHEART MUSIC On the international circuit, South Africa is rarely looked over as a solid country for producing metal bands, it comes to as no surprise then that Crimson Chrysalis unleash their new album 'Crimson Passion Cry' via British label Ravenheart Music. Forged in the footsteps of some of most erotic and sensational Symphonic bands around this planet, the epic delicacy that lead member and vocalist Rene van den Berg has delivered is so musically palatable that it leaves a desire to hear more. Weaving together the elegance of soothing symphonies with the dramatics and unrelenting power of operatic atmospherics, Crimson Chrysalis are poised to become South Africa's answer to Finland's almighty Nightwish, a new chapter in Symphonic Metal story has just begun... Download This: "Deo Volente" For Fans of: Tarja-Nightwish era, Tarja Turunen, Within Temptation [9] RHYS STEVENSON PETROL PATROL 'Domestic Warfare' It must be said that upon listening to Petrol Patrol's premier EP 'Domestic Warfare', the feeling of nostalgia in Thrash Metal context begins to sink in, however at the same time the feeling of modern thrash metal overthrows that nostalgia with the amount of power experienced by a Swiss avalanche, or if you like, imagine being trampled over by a pack of St. Bernards. Therefore a warning must be issued as spinal surgery will be needed after being audibly doused with fast-paced riffs, grilling vocals and Teutonic drumming, all of which is inevitably experienced on Petrol Patrol's debut EP. Make no mistake about it, Petrol Patrol are poised to become the next successful export out of the Alpine country and with a fast-paced selection of music, watchmakers would be timed out easily and listeners of 'Domestic Warfare' will realize that Petrol Patrol's music is without a doubt, sweet as Toblerone. Download This: "Ravaged" For Fans of: Slayer, The Haunted, Sepultura [8] RHYS STEVENSON ANTIGOD 'The Collector' Delivering their highly controversial debut album is the Czech quintet Antigod, armed with their modern style of Death / Thrash Metal and an attitude that would piss a few people of, the premier release 'The Collector' explodes into life with the chaotic sounds of fast-paced music with such gritty growling vocals that it makes disembowelment seem like a daily occurrence. Now lets be honest you would find a lot of hatred towards a band that sings predominantly about how religion is corrupt, well one glance at the artwork which shows a half pope, half business tyrant masked behind a Satanic goat mask, this resonates not only within the album title, but also the music this tight unit delivers. Beneath the soft look of this band is an interior designed to make your music life bloody hell. 'The Collector' is poised to get this band some attention across the European mainland and as long as they keep the musical bombardment going, they are sure to be guaranteed a prestigious label deal in the near future. Download This: "Something In The Mirror" For Fans of: Early-Sepultura, The Haunted, Hatesphere [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON DEGOLA 'Corrosão' How many times does a Thrash Metal band try to pretty much re-write either the Metallica or Slayer discography? Increasingly more and more bands fall into that trap, Degola is no exception. But rather than just playing flat out a revamped version of 'Angel of Death', the Brazilian four-piece piece together a sound that circulates early Sepultura and adds a few modern elements into it through the use of subtle breakdowns. This is evident on their debut album 'Corrosão' and yes the songs are all in Portuguese, but don't let that throw you off from listening to Degola. If they stopped letting their instruments rust up from the heavy humidity of the Amazon, they could easily become an instant hit, but it will take another album or so before they reach the shores of Portugal, let alone Europe. Guaranteed, a hit and miss album that some Thrash Metal fans may smile or snarl at. Download This: "Alternativa" For Fans of: Early-Sepultura, Evile, Metallica [7] RHYS STEVENSON MAXDMYZ 'Cosmic Hearse' RENEGADE So picture this, Skindred sleeping with Fear Factory with Korn and SYL laying underneath the bed, a bit of an odd combo no? The same analogy can be applied to the 2010 release 'Cosmic Hearse' by London industrialists Maxdymyz, what happens here is that Nu Metal style vocals get covered with Industrial style elements and finalises with a total complicated sound being developed. Let's face it, trying to nail this album and band into one genre, you would have greater luck at headbanging to this sensational release. With Groove metal also making a subtle appearance as the vocals and riffs establish a musical chemistry with each other and nitro-glycerine explodes the drums into life, 'Cosmic Hearse' is effectively the upgraded and funkier version of Killing Miranda's sole release 'Consummate'. Oh how London is changing.... Download This: "Sayer" For Fans of: Mindless Self Indulgence, Skindred, Fear Factory [8] RHYS STEVENSON SPACE CHASER
'Decapitron' And the bill of the Gesundheitssystem (German health system) will now rocket thanks to German thrashers Space Chaser delivering their anticipated debut EP 'Decapitron'. Prepare to thrash those heads as the five-piece deliver a slice of modernized Slayer on their insanely-fast EP. From start to finish there is no stopping this mob from demolishing every last sense within your body, this is a release designed to maim the posers of the Thrash Metal scene. All four songs are good as one another and so to fully appreciate the band you have a choice of four songs to listen to, but the crux of this release is the unrelenting speed on the drums, rolling so fast it would make Michael Schumacher driving a mobility scooter almost like comparing the tortoise to the hare, except the hare wins. With such fast riff shredding going on alongside the blitz-like drums and the vocals wallowing in between Heavy Metal and Power Metal intonations, 'Decapitron' by Space Chaser is easy to class as 'Teutonic Thrash Metal'. Download This: "Drunken Zombies Killing Spree" For Fans of: Slayer, Gama Bomb, Holy Moses, Evile [9] RHYS STEVENSON FORTRESS OF THANATOS / WINTERCOLD 'When The Moon Is There...' SALUTE Once again here is another split release by the Swedish underground Gothic Doom Metal one-man project Wintercold and this time Satanic Tony duels with the long-going Black / Doom Metal ensemble Fortress of Thanatos from The Philippines. What more can you want than two grueling and abysmal bunch of musicians indulging in their musical passions, well how about a split release that broods in gloomy depression and powerful atmospherics, because that is exactly what Fortress of Thanatos kick off with and as the keyboard elements drag in an ecclesiastical feel, as if a funeral was taking place, the pitch is set for a blooming blackened storm of which there is no relenting mercy. Following the darkened epitome they initiated, the Filipino warlords curse and spit at every moment, that with their unruly and unconventional music plays right into the changeover hands for Wintercold. Wintercold in turn delivering another smacking of frosty darkness and carries on the gloomy doom emotions that Fortress of Thanatos laid out at the start. Certified not for those who cannot take the dark side of life lightly and absolutely for those who love their music to be as dark as death itself, Wintercold finishes up the split very nicely indeed and with it another shadow strike of true cult Doom Metal comes to a close... until next time. Download These: "Nahash" (Fortress Of Thanatos) & "Pitch Black" (Wintercold) For Fans of: Watain, Ghost, Candlemass [8] + [8] RHYS STEVENSON SODOMOPHILIA 'Demo 2013' SALUTE It's always nice to see a metal band arise from a hostile area such as Iraq in the Middle East, politics aside Iraq has over the last few years developed and nurtured a growing underground scene, the latest are bruisers Sodomophila of whose early style Death Metal plagues the atmosphere with guttural gluttony and abhorrent murderous incantations. This is of course their premier demo released this year via Salute Records and what comes with it is a face-smacking bombardment of blood-soaked Death Metal, verging on Deathgrind at intermittent points. Sure you would need to turn the speakers up to hear it, but given due this is a credible release and baths in the bloody history of the past decade or so in Iraq. Sodomophilia's 'Demo 2013' is a fine start and will surely give the band enough credibility to bring Iraq to the forefront of the emerging metal scenes. I would very much like to see them at Dubai Desert Rock Festival, if they plough this demo intro the ground then that dream will come true. Download This: "Incest" For Fans of: Cannibal Corpse, Dying Fetus, Gorgasm. [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON EATING SHIT 'Supersonic Black Metal' + 'Bon Appétit' + 'Paradox' For a band that has been going thirteen years, Eating Shit certainly have had their fair share of delivering a musical battering that would leave you on the toilet for ages with the runniest of shits. Enough graphic detail, their latest release 'Supersonic Black Metal' is apocalyptic to say the least, sure it's a modest 40 minutes long, but the songs are practically insanely fast music with pig squeels, exactly how it should be. However listening closely and you can get a whiff of industrial music in the background or indeed what The Berzerker once was called 'gabba' and 'cybergrind', so you could easily say that the French trio have kept that tantalizingly brutal sound alive. Whilst the title may suggest otherwise, there is very little Black Metal in this release, but it is there none the less. Turning back the clock to 2011 and the band's second album 'Bon Appétit' immediately kicks off with a bit of tongue-in-cheek, with a waitress welcoming customers to their tables in a restaurant whereby the food being served has been genetically modified using meats and vegetables and will kill the eater via pleasure, the closing part of the intro audibly features the famous French phrase ''Bon Appétit' before the full atomic explosion of extreme grindcore takes a foothold as the album kicks into fifth gear and delivers a full smacking of funky noise, even venturing cheekily into the French language on 'Bioman' at the beginning; clearly an extract from a popular song before the grindcore crushes it to death, such violent pleasantries are utmost welcome. Not as extreme as their third album, 'Bon Appétit' none the less features some face-grilling music. Turn the clock back even further to 2010 and the debut album 'Paradox' sees light and whilst it clearly is the least heaviest of the three albums it still warrants a listen, it still is as brutal and heavy as any other Grindcore release but compared to the other two albums it lacks that final panache. Even though it carries on that really funny tongue-in-cheek element that the band's second album also features, 'Paradox' is primarily a Grindcore release and features barely any industrial elements in the background except for some clever tricks done on the evident drum machine on "Wall E"; just for a few seconds or so though across the song. Overall the album is very impressive, just don't call it groundbreaking. Download These: "Your Ballot In My Box" For fans of: The Berzerker, Anaal Nathrakh, Aborym [8.5] + [8.5] + [7] BACKDAWN 'Backdawn' There's a reason why some underground bands stay underground, purely because they are not good enough to get well known, much is the case for French metal troupe Backdown whose debut self-titled EP makes Justin Bieber sound godly. Ok maybe that's a bit overboard, but the EP is not even worth entertaining, the vocals are relatively fine but the guitars and drums need fine tuning and more effort put in. Basic Groove / Death / Thrash Metal and nothing more, simply put there is nothing to suggest this band have done something no other band has done, ironically it is a decent release and shows the band has put some effort into it. Spin it how you will because 'Backdawn' has more confusion in it than someone who is high on meth. Download This: "Backdawn" For Fans of: god only knows. [6] RHYS STEVENSON LAGERSTEIN 'Drink 'Til We Die' Since Alestorm started the Pirate Metal craze, it seems nearly most folk metal bands want to join on board HMS Metal, however Lagerstein is a different ale of beer, in fact they go for straight and basic gaudy Pirate-themed Folk Metal. Pretty sure they have got a better connection with pirates given that convicts in the UK used to be shipped to Australia. However last year Lagerstein made their breakthrough with their emphatic debut album 'Drink 'Til We Die' which features a rather nifty booklet that opens out into a pirate map, now that is highly original as is their music. Using a keyboard to create the melodies of traditional pirate music and the same sort of Folk music experience in the Celtic guild, that traditional old folk / doom metal feel surging through the core of this album seals the sound very nicely. It is early days, but Lagerstein could be the metal fans new favorite Australian Metal band. Download This: "Pirate Music Piracy" For Fans of: Alestorm, Finntroll, Dropkick Murphys [8] RHYS STEVENSON SPEIRLING 'The Piper' UNHOLY DESIGN Who would have thought that Buckinghamshire would play host to a two-man Black Metal project, well that is exactly the case with Speirling. The sole and latest release 'The Piper' drives out the old school style of Black Metal, nothing too fancy nor too fast resides on this 2008 release. However the vocals do make up for that substitute as they deliver a level of sound that would equate to the said missing music elements, for you to to really get anything out of this album, you need to listen to it numerous time sadly. On a more positive note it does offer something new, and so for those who prefer their Black Metal to be pleasant and more percussive than raw or atmospheric, 'The Piper' by Speirling is for you, a true taste of the English underground Black Metal scene. Download This: "The World Breaks" For Fans of: Underground black metal [7] RHYS STEVENSON ETHERNAL 'Grim Ethernity' + 'The Black Sun' + 'Arkioas' UNHOLY DESIGN Buckinghamshire's Black Metal trio Ethernal delivered hell with their debut album 'Grim Ethernity' released back five years ago in 2013. Much like Mark's one man project (where he is known as Nechtan and partners Blaidd) Speirling, Ethernal also drives out the old school style of Black Metal and again nothing fancy happens on this album, just simple and true English underground Black Metal, with a thick and atmospheric feel to the sound and more organic feel to the lyrics in heritage context whereby English mythology comes into practice. Again like the drummer's side project, Ethernal's 'Grim Ethernity' also does offer something new, therefore those metalheads who prefer their Black Metal to be along the lines of Winterfylleth and Old Corpse Road, 'Grim Ethernity' by Ethernal is for you, another true taste of the English underground Black Metal scene. Focusing now on the premier EP 'The Black Sun' which was released back in 2011, the first thing that strikes out is the title and the artwork and some metalheads would now dub them NSBM owing to the Nazi links to The Black Sun, this simply is nonsense it is more of a pagan, wotanist, esotetic and occult symbol, as for the music well that in itself is an occult, much improvement can be heard on here in relation to the debut album 'Grim Ethernity', the drums have a more pronounced presence and so give that really dark feel to the ambient atmosphere and the feeling this EP sparks off is one of druidism ironically given that said movement is of the Celtic mythology and occult, even so the lead song "Order Of The Black Sun" belts out a colossal sound that can only be improved if it were blasted out at Bloodstock per se. For all the controversy surrounding the EP the music deals with it via a mesmerizing and powerful enchantment. Furthermore when checking out their latest album 'Arkioas' which was released last year, the two tracks from their premier EP make a stark appearance on the album as the first two tracks, they are also of the same quality as on the EP which is rather odd. Duplication aside the album carries on that mind-breaking power of chaotic occult Black Metal and leaves the listener with a great deal of satisfaction. Shrieking vocals curse the airwaves with venomous spit and whilst that happens the drums and guitars battle each other for monstrous supremacy, hark 'Arkioas' is an album to be afraid of as it is not for the commercial Black metal fan, this is an album that shines kvlt and utmost truth as a force to be reckoned with, this is only the beginning... Download These: "Echoes" + "Order Of The Black Sun" + "In Silent Halls Beyond..." For Fans of: Winterfylleth, The Meads of Asphodel, Old Corpse Road [8] + [8.5] + [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON INTERNAL CORROSION 'Spiritual Poverty' WOLFSOUND With a career spanning 20 years you would expect that Internal Corrosion has a fruity backlog of releases that follows a similar patten to those bands who have been around for two decades... but no. 'Spiritual Poverty' is only the band's second album and so you would question what the hell has been going on? Ah what the hell, California's Thrash maniacs wield an album that does everything a Thrash Metal album is meant to do, fast paced music laced with neck-breaking riffs, unrelenting drumming and radioactive vocals, needless to say that 'Spiritual Poverty' is definitely worth that extra dollar to buy but don't expect it to be another "Reign In Blood" or "Ride The Lightning", just expect good ole classic American Thrash Metal, old school style. Heck they might as well resort to becoming a pub band or a titanic band in a local setting, after all isn't that 'Spiritual Poverty'? Download This: "Draw The Line" For Fans of: Metallica, Dio, Megadeth [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON SAPROPHYTE 'The Aberrant Paradox' It has always seen to be the case that Canadian Metal tends to be very ballsy, with a lot of cheek entering the affray and I don't refer to South Park on this occasion, nor the consistent linkage with syrup and a horny moose. I refer to the second album by Progressive Death Metallers Saprophyte who have dropped a bombshell on this occasion, with djent making somewhat an abrupt appearance on some of the songs and yet the maniacal punching in the face sound continues to wallop the hearing senses as if ear fetish was the latest trend. 'The Aberrant Paradox' is a musical feast that even the most gluttonous person could not devour or apprehend to, with the sheer magnitude of the death growls that rot the songs dry, the chemistry between the razor-sharp riffs and the solidarity of the drums, it is safe to say you would need life insurance to get through this one. Download This: "Nightmares" For Fans of: Gojira, Opeth, Periphery [9] RHYS STEVENSON GLACIAL FEAR
'Equilibrium Part II' This is the kind of music you want to shove into everyone's face, especially the hypocrites of today who ruin every country through mass control, that includes the corrupt governments of the world. Can we say that sort of thing? Glacial Fear can. The Italian's latest EP 'Equilibrium Part II' spits venom into your face so hard you wish you wasn't born, formulating a sound that comprises of Death Metal, Metalcore and Technical metal, this is the sound of mass brutalization. With a crunchy bass line, an emphatic array of fluid riffs and mentally-destroying vocals, 'Equilibrium Part II' is the musical sound of mass murder and as the fury unfolds you better take out life insurance, because boy are you f**king going to need it. Now, unleash the pain of a thousand spikes stabbing your senses dead, because that is what Glacial Fear's is like 'Equilibrium Part II', a crude slaughtering. Download This: "Ghost City" For Fans of: Quo Vadis, Architects, Born Of Osiris [10] RHYS STEVENSON By Farzand Bawa
First things first this is not for the weak hearted! But then again which form of metal actually is? The theory behind Ghalazat ([Urdu] an excess of filth and impurity within an area or within a human being) MMXIII was to bring together some of the most highlighted bands of the underground scene in Nepal, Pakistan and the USA!! Does it succeed to do so? Well, read on to find out.. First up we have the Nepalese Brutal Death Metaller's "Binaash", who are highly acclaimed in their scene. They deliver what they call "Ancient Moot". Moot basically means urine in Nepali and the title comes as no surprise as the song is in Nepali. The fact that the lyrics are in Nepali affects the flow of the song in no such way! The vocals are a real highlight!! 1:50 minutes of pure mosh! Binaash - Ancient Moot http://ghalazat.bandcamp.com/track/ancient-moot http://www.facebook.com/binaashband Next up we have "UgraKarma", another Kathmandu based Death Metal band. They offer us with "Dang Dung (Disorder Lust)". Like "Ancient Moot",this is also a Nepali based song, but trust me Death Metal never sounded so real. Highly suggested for people new to this genre. It's made for the people who can't take Death Metal, not that it's light by any means, but it shows all the brutality there can be, if this can be in taken your into the genre my friend! UgraKarma - Dang Dung (Disorder Lust) http://ghalazat.bandcamp.com/track/dang-dung-disorder-lust http://www.facebook.com/Ugrakarmaofficial So we have two variations of the Death Metal genre, what about Grind? Can it be left behind? The guys at Ghalazat MMXIII, say HELL NO!! And then we get the Nepal-based Grindcore band "Terrifyer". Sticking true to their genre they give two short yet really heavy songs! In fact "Mortal Enemy" ends just as you thought it was picking up. But what follows is the epic "Urban Wasteland". These are some songs that I must say have a real thrashy feel to the sound (and I like that change). Go and jump into the fire of true GRINDCORE!! Terrifyer - Mortal Enemy / Urban Wasteland http://ghalazat.bandcamp.com/track/mortal-enemy http://ghalazat.bandcamp.com/track/urban-wasteland https://www.facebook.com/terrifyergrind?fref=ts - (for some reason the band disabled the link) And now for the song which will be the highlight for me! Pakistan's (Yes that country has a better way to express VIOLENCE) "Foreskin"!! They give us the true Thrash Metal song on this compilation with "Anti-kvlt". With unbelievable vocals and heavy use of the bass, this is some song! With a high replay value, this is the song of the album for me! God, Pakistan has some talent!! Foreskin - Anti-Kvlt http://ghalazat.bandcamp.com/track/anti-kvlt http://www.facebook.com/foreskinband?fref=ts An album with so much underground stuff to offer only gets real when we have the highly underground band "Kali X Gula", they are actually one band whose location has not been traced till now, now beat that! Two songs where the Hardcore Punk comes to the fore, what comes as a revelation is the use of Bollywood these guys do, yes you read it right, Bollywood!! They give intro's by Amrish Puri in "Kalimai" and Shakti Kapoor in "Shakti Kapoor" and then the pounding starts!! These guys have a sure love (or should I say anti-love for bollywood), but that comes as no surprise as it is the music which has hidden all other forms of music from South Asia!! Kali X Gula - Kalimai & Shakti Kapoor http://ghalazat.bandcamp.com/track/kalimai http://ghalazat.bandcamp.com/track/shakti-kapoor https://www.facebook.com/KaliGulaMachikne "Jugga", the next band has nothing funny about them except for the name and this is where things get serious hardcore wise. Hailing from Nepal this Metallic Hardcore band takes it to another level! With bestial vocals and a groove-like feel in the back-end of the longest song on the album, this is "Eternal Sleep". Power! Force! Total Blasphemy!! Jugaa - Eternal Sleep http://ghalazat.bandcamp.com/track/eternal-sleep http://www.facebook.com/jugaahc So, everyone thought this was South Asia specific? NO!! Gazalat goes global when the include "Sangharsha" from the USA!! These guys describe themselves as Peace Core but actually are Sludge Metal. Beat that for contrast. We get a Nepali based song "Chik De" which literally means 'F**k it' in Nepali, guess that is enough for some insight into the song. The bass is prominently used in this one and is a totally different song in the context of the generally high-paced compilation! I don't mind that and actually came as a pleasant surprise to me!! Sangharsha - Chik De http://ghalazat.bandcamp.com/track/chik-de http://www.facebook.com/shoutatsangharsa This album proves that metal exists in every part of the world and for true there is talent galore everywhere, we just need to dig in. Ghalazat MMXIII http://ghalazat.bandcamp.com/ Download for free here (Yes, it comes for free!!) : http://www9.zippyshare.com/v/1030251/file.html Some cult pick's: Anti-kvlt, Urban Wasteland, External Sleep, Ancient Moot. ANCKORA 'Открой мне дверь' (Open The Door For Me) LIFE MUSIC Russian Cyber Metal bands are always promising, not only do they lash together electrodes of industrial music along with synthesizers and the beautiful dark side of the Russian language, but bands like Anckora make it sexy time. Deep in the cold and bitter backstreets of downtown Moscow, Anckora emerge with their new album 'Открой мне дверь' (Open The Door For Me), showing a shift from Symphonic Gothic Metal to Electro 'Cyber' Metal, whilst continuing to mix their mother tongue with the musical shift. 'Открой мне дверь' (Open The Door For Me) is one for those who love the futuristic elements of electronic trance and the harsh bitter sounds of industrial laden with brutal metal foundations that compute this release as one of Russia's most exciting releases this year. Download This: "Врата рая" For Fans of: Nine Inch Nails, Breach The Void, The Kovenant, Gothminister [8] RHYS STEVENSON NOTHING MORE TO EAT 'Nothing More To Eat' For a quick 25 minute outburst of Death Metal and Grindcore, look no further than Finnish band Nothing More To Eat and their delicious self titled release, featuring a whole host of humorous and totally bonkers songs, this is extreme comedy central like never before. 'Nothing More To Eat' gleams with fourteen tracks of outrageous lyrics and barmy music, the two when together sum up as a frenzy like production. Sure this is nothing as grandeur as fellow countrymen Deathbound, but this isn't Brutal Death Metal either, this is simply fast music with heavy vocals that crushes and destroys anything that opposes it, devouring the senses until there quite literally is 'Nothing More To Eat'. Download This: "Death From Below" For Fans of: Deathbound, Fitcage, Goresoerd, Tengkorak. [7] RHYS STEVENSON BODRAGAZ 'Symphony' Eighteen years down the road and Colorado's Bodragaz have still got the power, their seventh full length 'Symphony' ironically does deliver symphonic-like Progressive Metal. However unlike most albums in this genre, 'Symphony' does not feature any whopping 7 minute plus songs, whether that is a good or bad thing remains debatable, but what is hard to debate is the level of excellence shown on this release, if this was a bird of prey it would be a peregrine falcon, swooping down each symphonic element as it glides over the sensational riffs, pecks at the electric vocals unleashed on this release and watches over the drums as all elements come together and deliver a spectacular release. 'Symphony' is an album that will appeal to almost any Progressive Metal fan and is sure to become a legend in the state of Colorado, if not beyond. Download This: "I Found You" For Fans of: Dream Theater, The Devin Townsend Project, Myrath [8] RHYS STEVENSON FALL OF PANTHEON 'The Shadow Envelops All' Easily one of Denmark's most promising extreme metal acts to emerge out of the abyss in the last few years, the five Danes wield together a sound that will get bands like Hail of Bullets (NL) wetting their pants, this sound resonates on their second 'The Shadow Envelops All' from which belts out drum sequences at a blistering pace whilst the riffs shred metal like bullets that are fired from an AK-47 and the vocals emit a brutal force that is reported to have swayed the Øresund Bridge so much that engineers are worried that anymore brutal force and it will collapse, perhaps then it will be made out of Lego or perhaps Fall Of Pantheon will make the Swedish Death metal scene shudder in fear. This year music belongs to Denmark, they already won the Eurovision and now they might as well have one best underground unsigned Death Metal band of the year. Download This: "Inner Dystopia" For Fans of: By The Patient, Narakam, Scarab, Unleashed [9] RHYS STEVENSON TENOCHTITLAN 'Сотворение Мира' BADMOODMAN Usually when singing about topics that are not related to the country you are from it is always less authentic, such is the case of Tenochtitlan of whom delves into the past histories of the Mayan, Aztec and Inca civilizations. Whilst the Russian lot are expanding their horizons beyond paganism and bard folk numbers, it is more so worrying that they decided to sing in Russian about South American people, who knows they may be cursing? Even so considering 'Сотворение Мира' is the band's fourth major outing, the integrity of it's existence is considerably questionable; this is about the release in general that seems to at one point offer something different and on the other copy every other Doom Metal band wallowing in the snow-laden lands of the Russian Federation. Tenochtitlan's 'Сотворение Мира' may be a unique journey, but it's a bumpy one sadly. Download This: "Sokol I Zmej" [6] RHYS STEVENSON SKARTHIA 'Retaliate' If the NHS wasn't screwed, it is now. Tracing back all those whiplash cases has left doctors pointing at the same cause, the ground-cracking sound of Skarthia and their apocalyptic powerhouse 'Retaliate'. Spewing out a plethora of cosmic elements that merge together to form a musical combustion of melodic angelic vocals, murderous riffs, solid drumming sequences and gut wrenching male vocals. 'Retaliate' from start to finish unleashes a whitewash torrent of groove-laden melodic death metal that would make bands like Devildriver perk ears up. Skarthia may be relatively new on the block, but the sound is their own and with Bloodstock in their sights, there is no reason why they should not go through. The time has come for Skarthia to 'Retaliate' against the over produced 'core' scene in England, if you want cranial corrupting music and slit-throat vocals then Skarthia is for you, if you don't then you don't know true metal. Download This: "Drill" For Fans of: Devildriver, The Agonist, Lamb Of God, Machine Head. [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON NATHICANA '2012 Demo' London in the last year or so has renewed itself as a breeding ground for some top notch bands, joining this fresh wave of grit is Nathicana, a West London force that produces enough brutality to sink a thousand ships, let alone cause havoc for those traveling towards Uxbridge due to the sensational force exerted on the band's premier demo. The '2012 Demo' purges out a raw and bitter sound that eclipses the earliest days of Behemoth whilst adding an experimental stance to the formula, pretty much like a Subway where you put what you want on it and what you want is a delicious slice of extremity, with Nathicana you get that and much more. Make no mistake, Nathicana are a force to be reckoned with and as 2013 opens new doors, who knows what this band will do next. Download This: "Entity" [8] RHYS STEVENSON ABSKE FIDES 'Abske Fides' SOLITUDE PRODS Suicide is perhaps an understatement after hearing this offering by Brazil's Abske Fides, their self titled debut comes nine years after their formation and it most probably will take that time for listeners to regain their lives. Seriously, what is here is on one hand a decent effort but on the other hand a total calamity that could drive listeners to enjoy opera. Not much else can be said about this release except if you're looking for eccentric and outstanding Doom Metal, look elsewhere; ideally the underground because 'Abske Fides' is worse than the Black Plague. But if you're up for listening to music that can only be worse than listening to flatulence on low audio wave, then go right ahead. [3] RHYS STEVENSON ETERNAL HELCARAXE 'Against All Odds' ABYSS Marking their debut album release last year and tenth anniversary this year, Ireland's Eternal Helcaraxe show a thing or two with their thunderous sound found on 'Against All Odds', unrelenting Black Metal slices and bleeds the atmosphere as if torture was a passionate hobby, or at the very least the soundtrack to the wishful film Saw 8. 'Against All Odds' features eight songs that are authenticated to unleash a battering of convincing Black Metal, whilst inevitably justifying why Eternal Helcaraxe ride alongside bands like Cruachan as masters of True Irish Black Metal. Whilst not being as pronounce as one would have hoped for, the band outperform the expectations on level of brutality and 'Against All Odds' sum up a masterpiece that will power them forward even more. Download This: "We Assist Death" For Fans of: Cruachan, Winterfylleth, Hecate Enthroned [8] RHYS STEVENSON HI-GH
'Loud Frequences On Planet Jupiter' LA RIOT SURVIVOR Spunk usually is associated with the white, sticky stuff that Rammstein spurt out when rubbing their microphones on stage too much, however in Italy it refers to the music genre that HI-GH have dreamed up. Abbreviated for Speed Metal and Punk, the four-piece from Rome deliver justice on their debut demo 'Loud Frequences On Planet Jupiter' released last year. Furiously paced drums power the rest of the band forward at a hundred M.P.H, whilst the overall sound is raw and gritty the satisfaction is well out of reach. Sure it is a classic 'flip the bird' release aimed at politics and rioting, but the overall productiono is one left to be desired, but that is what makes it great. 'Loud Frequences On Planet Jupiter' and HI-GH do not conform to rules and instead smash out a sound that will make you soil your pants. Download This: "You're Going Down" For Fans of: The Sex Pistols, Motorhead, The Ramones, Judas Priest [7] RHYS STEVENSON |
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May 2021
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