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
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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 GOTLAND 'Gloria Et Morte' Gotland from Italy plays an exclusive mix of Italian Folk Metal with Pagan Black Metal, marking their debut is Italian Folk Metallers Gotland with their premier effort 'Gloria Et Morte' (Latin for 'Glory and Death'). Whilst the album may lead some fans under false pretenses, that is, the style of Folk Metal is not what you would expect; there are melodic metal elements running here and there throughout, especially in the vocal and melody departments, the overall perception of the album is that it strikes fear hard. If you like, 'Gloria Et Morte' captures the very essence of the power and darkness experienced during the empirical battles, dramatizing the ferociousness of the Roman Empire in its wake, now whilst Caesar may not approve, it certainly would have appealed to Caligula for it's level of monstrosity and darkness. Download This: "Slaves Ov The Empire" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Finntroll, Amon Amarth, Septic Flesh [8] RHYS STEVENSON DISTANT PAST 'Utopian Void' Switzerland's Distant Past return with their fourth studio album 'Utopian Void', adorning much of the Progressive / Melodic Heavy Metal sound that has bound them together since 2002. 'Utopian Void' is a glistening hour of pure ballsy metal with twelve tracks of grit to keep you going, granted whilst it is nothing new and is certainly not groundbreaking, it offers another slice in this sensational crossbred music genre. 'Utopian Void' delivers that almost unmistakable sound of classic metal, you know with the bellowing vocals in the Iron Maiden-esque style and music so rocking, so metal, you have no choice but to let your hair down and go completely insane! Where the quintet go on from here is one question, whether 'Utopian Void' will be beaten by a better Distant Past album is another, but for now it stands as a decent album on it's own accord. Download This: "A Day Of Darkness" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Iron Maiden, Dream Theater, Airbourne [7] RHYS STEVENSON P.T.O.M.A 'Shit Into Existence' Finally a Thrash Metal band who takes no nonsense and delivers a sound that is what is expected of a Thrash Metal band. Greek quartet P.T.O.M.A. (Ptoma is the Greek word for 'corpse') drop their premier album 'Shit Into Existence' with such a thrashing force, it eclipses anyone involved in a boxing match. 'Shit Into Existence' is your classic Thrash Metal album, full of speed and agility that is smothered by the lovable Slayer influences. Whilst most Thrash Metal bands sing about politics, death and the cliche topics, P.T.O.M.A on the other hand cover every lads dreams... tits and fun. It's funny really because for most metalheads, metal, beer and boobs are all the rage, and yet this Greek outfit certainly jab in an element of humor, especially with track titles like 'die with titties in your face' making '50 Shades Of Grey' all of a sudden appear to be a children's bedtime story. Download This: "Die With Titties In Your Face" - Click here to listen. For Fans of: Slayer, Evile, Zimmers Hole [8] RHYS STEVENSON HIVERNA 'II. Macabre' Quebec has a very good track record regarding Black and Folk Metal bands, so when one of it's 2004 graduates Hiverna, released their second album 'II. Macabre' this year, expectations were sure to run high and sure enough, they have delivered. Now surely the theme here is that the albums form some sort of series, especially when there are Roman numerals present, but ignoring that ideology for a second and focusing on 'II. Macabre' itself. The album delivers the elements you would expect from such a band, the galloping yet ferocious drums set the pace whilst the flute delivers the melodies that the guitars cannot seem to do, in turn the guitars deliver that crisp yet sharp sound that is demanded from a Black Metal purview. What makes 'II. Macabre' such an interesting album does not reside with the French lyrics, but more so it's connection with nature, leaving it much likened to any album by England's Winterfylleth. Download This: 'Le Satyre' - Click here to listen For Fans of: Winterfylleth, Eclipse Eternal, Kampfar [8] RHYS STEVENSON PROTOKULT 'No Beer In Heaven' Anyone know any major Canadian beers? Because you cannot just listen to this release without a beer in your hand. 'This release' so happens to be Protokult's second album 'No Beer In Heaven', an album that exhibits a rather unique mix of Atmospheric Folk Metal with Black Metal elements. So picture this, the melodic beauty of Nightwish crashing against the blackened brutality of Windir and being entwined with the elegant happiness of Arkona, well you get the picture. Laden with angelic soprano-like female vocals alongside gnarly and clean male vocals, 'No Beer In Heaven' is a truly dynamic masterpiece, and that's just the vocals. Coupled with an emphatic array of riffs designed to melt your heart apart and drumming so juicy, it bleeds hops and fermenting grapes as to create an aromatic flavorsome production of Canadian Folk Metal, such an eclectic mix of elements will surely garner a lot of attention from around the world. Download This: "Get Me A Beer" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Skyforger, Arkona, Nightwish [9] RHYS STEVENSON FRAGMENTA 'Odimorsus' Returning with album number two is Australia's Fragmenta, of whose Thrash Metal effort 'Odimorsus' initially has a promising outlook on it, but when you realise how high you have to turn the speakers up to hear anything, positive anticipation turned into sour disappointment. Ignoring the production for now, what you have is a decent enough album that carries all the signatures you would expect from a Thrash Metal release, that is gritty vocals, crunchy riffs and bass lines. Topping out at over an hour long with twelve tracks, one of which lasting eight minutes long, is adequate evidence to say that there is something for everyone regarding the album as a whole. 'Odimorsus' may not be the album some die-hard Thrash Metal fans would expect, it is one of those left wide open to interpretation... literally. But the imagination of how this sounds live has a greater feel about it. Download This: "Darkest Storm" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Evile, Slayer, Kreator [7] RHYS STEVENSON LA DAMA OSCURA 'Caminando Sobre El Fuego' MOLUSCO PROD Last year Spanish Heavy Metallers La Dama Oscura released their third album 'Caminando Sobre El Fuego' and naturally what comes with it is a bout of sensational songs, all in the Spanish language. In fact this such a great album if you are learning the language, or want to, because you can really connect with Spanish culture through this album (and indeed all of the band's releases); not just lyrically but musically as well. The album itself is very much wedged within the Iron Maiden universe, with the vocals being in the tenor range demonstrated by Bruce Dickinson. As for the rest of the album, it simply is the basic classic Heavy Metal sound you would expect and so thus ought to appeal to a wide range of metal music fans, listen to it and live la vida loca. Download This: "La Hoguera" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Iron Maiden, Van Halen, Judas Priest [8] RHYS STEVENSON WARFIST 'The Devil Lives In Grünberg' WYDAWNICTWO MUZYCZNE PSYCHO Poland's love affair for Black Metal and Thrash Metal continues with Warfist's latest offering 'The Devil Lives In Grünberg' (the German name for the Polish town of Zielona Góra) - the trio from Zielona Góra (yes you guessed it right) - have rustled up another serving of Black / Thrash Metal, but with a tendency to lean more towards the latter genre. The thing is, it's nothing new and it sits well and truly within the generic sound you would expect, some would even go as far as calling it a shame to abuse their town name like that. The only thing that can be really said about 'The Devil Lives In Grünberg' is that it is a decent release, that is all. For a band celebrating ten years, you'd have thought there would have been a greater presence on the album, in a contradiction-context however it is there, just not all the time. Make of it what you will, it just simply does not completely impress. Download This: "The Devil Lives In Grünberg" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Deströyer 666, Toxic Holocaust, Skeletonwitch [6] RHYS STEVENSON BODY HARVEST 'Futile Creation' GRINDHOUSE MUSIC Murderous and cranial crushing comes to mind when devouring Body Harvest's debut apocalyptic album 'Futile Creation', from the word go this release will have you begging for mummy more than you did when you were a baby. 'Futile Creation' draws in elements from the Grindcore and Brutal Death Metal sub-genre's and thus combined together produces a musical onslaught of blood-splattered riffs, gut-rotten vocals and seismic drumming, all of which provides itself as a perfect soundtrack to any Saw movie. Funnily enough in recent times, Bristol has become a hotbed for some of the grizzliest bands ever to have emerged in the Death Metal and Thrash Metal styles, so with Body Harvest now a firm family member of the Bristolian metal clan, we can expect a lot more from these guys in times ahead. Download This: "Condemned To Suffer" - click here to listen For Fans of: The Berzerker, Suffocation, Hour of Penance [8] RHYS STEVENSON SINISFEAR
'Reigning Death' Drilling their flag of Death Metal in to the Canadian soil is Sinisfear with their premier EP 'Reigning Death', a colossal slamming of subterfuge in 25 minutes. We say subterfuge, because it is more like Deathgrind than actual Death Metal, but even so it is a rather interesting release to say the least. With squealing guitars forming a glut of whine on 'Wretched Stench' and guttural vocals imminent on every single song, this is an EP of all sorts. The downside is that at times it seems as if the music is going nowhere and has too much going on in such a short space of time, leaving the EP in the corner feeling sorry for itself. That does not mean to say it is trash, just that it lacks that punchline to label it a release of promising things yet to come, Sinisfear need to rethink their next offering otherwise it might as well be game over. Download This: "Wretched Stench" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Death Metal... ish [5] RHYS STEVENSON NADER SADEK 'The Malefic: Chapter III' INDEPENDENT RELEASE If you were to search for an architect, an architect who can mould body-slamming rhythms and destructive brutality into one solid blast of unforgiving Death Metal, then your attention should firstly be directed to Nader Sadek. The genius behind the multinational assembly of musicians has once again amassed a rally of songs that are guaranteed to deliver neurological pain as quickly and brutally as hydrochloric acid burns through skin. With Flo Mounier (Cryptopsy), Rune Eriksen (Aura Noir) and Travis Ryan (Cattle Decapitation) locking horns with Bobby Koelble (Death), Andreas Kisser (Sepultura) and Carmen Simoes (Moonspell), the feeling that the forthcoming EP 'The Malefic: Chapter III' will ignite and spread like wildfire is completely evident, just get the first aid kits at the ready, for this is certified to make you bleed from every orifice. For Fans of: Suffocation, Behemoth, Cryptopsy 'The Malefic: Chapter III' is out 3rd November 2014 via an independent release [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON ANNIHILATION 'The Undivided' INDEPENDENT RELEASE Annihilation are not your average Brutal / Technical Death Metal band, 'The Undivided' is not your average Brutal / Technical Death Metal release. So what are they both? Disappointingly confusing. The willingness to admit that at times their EP feels like as if it is going nowhere increases with every passing second, granted it is a decent effort, but in all seriousness it's as vile as mixing port with red wine and drowning yourself to death in it. Now, if more time was spent on pushing the atmosphere and emotions to a more respectable level, than seeing how heavy or brutal they can go, then this EP could well be promising for their International breakthrough. But 'The Undivided' is so indescribable, it would take more than a thesaurus to describe how ghastly this EP is, definitely not one of the Portuguese Metal scenes proudest releases.... For Fans of: Cryptopsy, Hour Of Penance, Fleshgod Apocalypse 'The Undivided' is out 4th November 2014 via an independent release [5.5] RHYS STEVENSON HOLY DRAGONS 'Dragon Inferno' PITCH BLACK Kazakhstan's most successful metal export Holy Dragons make their return with their 13th, 14th or 15th album, let's be honest, we lost track. Unlike our metal brethren here who have been shredding tracks out with sensational speed for 22 years. 'Dragon Inferno' marks the next chapter in this remarkable band's career, armed with a new vocalist in the form of Alexander "Demoraivola" Kuligin and the same blistering paced, unruly racket that they've conjured up each time, Holy Dragons are making a statement of intent once again, that they are by no means done and are truly deserving of greater international attention. 'Dragon Inferno' wields together the melodies of Power / Speed Metal, with the brutality of clean Heavy Metal and elegant agility of Thrash Metal influences. 'Dragon Inferno' is a release that any metal fan should have in their collection, it is simply awe-inspiring. For Fans of: Iron Maiden, Metallica, Judas Priest, Slayer 'Dragon Inferno' is out 17 October 2014 via Pitch Black Records [9] RHYS STEVENSON KARKAOS 'Empire' With Karkaos' new album 'Empire' starting off with such an emphatic and dramatic introduction, the feeling that the rest of the album will be just as majestic is firmly on the table. The resulting conclusion is that with the vocal battle between Veronica O. Rodriguez and Vincent Harnois arousing the atmosphere, as if to ignite it with a mixture of rampaging fire and wintry bitterness, 'Empire' is the illegitimate child of Wintersun and Arch Enemy. What Karkaos have created is a beautiful work of art that is sure to garner attention from their international contemporaries, moreover this release is easily a candidate for Canadian Metal release of the year, with it's eloquent lyrics being spouted out with additional acid, and the guitars and drums vying for front-line supremacy, this is one album that will get heads turning. Download This: "Depth Of Madness" - click to listen For Fans of: Amon Amarth, Arch Enemy, Wintersun [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON TONS OF POWDER 'To Destination!' Making their debut on the Moldovan Metal scene is Heavy Groove Metal merchants Tons Of Powder with their valiant effort 'To Destination!'. With an endless rally of groove-laden rhythms and riff's leading the charge, metalheads would not be hard to push into getting into this music. In fact, this is a promising step for the quartet as this really gives hope for the future, we say that, this is nothing new what they have done but it is certainly worth the listening time. Grizzly vocals and riff's lock onto your hearing senses like a SAM missile about to be launched to take out the moon, whilst the drums and atmosphere kills off any part of you left, it's a far cry from anything ground-breaking, but it will do for now, watch this band with interest. Download This: "Stone Faced" - Click to listen For Fans of: Machine Head, Pantera, Slayer [7] RHYS STEVENSON NASER MESTARIHI '1987' MUSIC BOX INTERNATIONAL History has been made, not only is '1987' the debut album by musician Naser Mestarihi, but it is the first album to be released outside of Qatar. He is joined alongside by Travis Marc and Craig Botes on the album and as a result, gives the sound that extra dimension. At first glance it seemed to be a general hard rock release, but after a closer inspection there is a lot more going on, with influences being drawn from Rock 'N' Roll, Heavy Metal and blues, Naser Mestarihi has developed an album that is sure to smack a few faces worldwide. Given the size of the Qatari rock and metal scene, this can be considered as a beacon of light for the scene and is sure to establish itself as a platform for further sensational release to materialize upon. Riff after riff, beat after beat and harmony after melody, '1987' is a gem in the Persian Gulf. Download This: "1987 album promo" - Click here to listen For Fans of: AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Van Halen [8] RHYS STEVENSON KONQUEROR 'Embrace The Abyss' TUTL The latest outfit to emerge from the Faroe Islands is Konqueror with their debut album 'Embrace The Abyss', it seems to be a common thing these days that these tiny islands in between Scotland and Iceland produces top quality bands and they have done it again. 'Embrace The Abyss' glimmers in the sunlight with a vibrant array of Death, Thrash and Melodic Metal (influence), but what also makes this album all that special is the pinpoint precision exercised on it, you cannot fault the album in any aspect it is that perfect. 'Embrace The Abyss' is definitely a sign for good things to come in the future and as long as Konqueror stick to this sound they have crafted, they will start to reap in and claim scalps from all across Europe. Download This: "T.R.T. (Third Reich Today)" - Click here to listen. For Fans of: Dew-Scented, Torture Squad, Legion Of The Damned [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON STREAKS 'La Dansa Macabra' Catalonian Death Metal veterans Streaks make their welcomed return with their second effort 'La Dansa Macabra' (The Macabre Dance), exclusively singing in Catalan (albeit 'The Dead Musicians) and covering topics including anti-religion and Catalan folklore / legends, Streaks are not your average Death Metal band. Granted the music is of the quality you would expect from an underground DM band, but the atmosphere exhibited on 'La Dansa Macabra' reflects in the morbidity of the artwork, that is, the music has an extremely necrotic feel to it and as a result is guaranteed to melt into your brain so violently, you wish you were the living dead. Tantalizingly brutal, 'La Dansa Macabra' should be included in any Death Metal fans collection. Let the blood spill over into your eyes and make you see true bloody Death Metal! Download This: "Malastrugança" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Cannibal Corpse, Aborted, Suffocation [7] RHYS STEVENSON SISTER SIN 'Black Lotus' VICTORY Following their successful appearance at this years Bloodstock Open Air, it was back to the studio for Gothenburg's illustrious Hard Rock / Heavy Metal ensemble Sister Sin. Now, the Swedish quartet are armed and ready to unleash a barrage of skin-piercing songs in the form of their forthcoming album 'Black Lotus'. Make no mistake, 'Black Lotus' is guaranteed to deliver anyone who listens to it an excruciating headache and body pain through endless headbanging, moshing and twerking. It's the sort of album that demands a pouring of Jack Daniels, leather-clad individuals (with women wearing the tightest leather) and the unforgiving sound of a Harley-Davidson squadron riding along Route 66. Sister Sin have returned with an album so menacing, it places them up with the greats of Lemmy Kilmister and Rob Halford. For Fans of: Doro, Motorhead, Judas Priest 'Black Lotus' is out 28th October via Victory Records [9] RHYS STEVENSON MYSTICA GIRLS
'Gates Of Hell' It is an undeniable fact that there needs to be a lot more females taking up metal music and being a musician. Mexico's Mystica Girls certainly aim to prove that point, by unleashing another bout of feline Heavy Metal through their third album 'Gates Of Hell', this quartet tick all the boxes in terms of what makes a metal band, metal. They have the attitude, the atmosphere and the ability to deliver a 'AAA' performance (in this case in the studio). Straddling themselves between the Heavy Metal and Hard Rock genres, Mystica Girls are without any doubt unsung heroes within the Mexican Metal scene. With 'Gates Of Hell' now firmly in the wilderness of planet metal, they are sure to arouse more and more metalheads with their infectious style of Heavy Metal, in fact 'Gates Of Hell' may as well be a contender for Mexican Metal release of the year. Download This: "The Conquest" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Unleash The Archers, Sister Sin, Iron Maiden [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 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 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 METAL 'Proving Our Mettle' You have to admit that the old ways are sometimes the best ways, well Australia's rather aptly named Metal seem to think so when delivering their debut album, with a tongue-in-cheek title of 'Proving Our Mettle' and that is exactly what they have achieved. Smoldering Heavy / Power Metal surges like an electrical storm across this album as if they were running on Duracell batteries. Fixating on that classic Iron Maiden Heavy Metal sound that provides a solid backdrop, the quartet smother it with Power Metal elements, through the use of intricate riffs, 'squeezed balls' vocals and oomph and gusto in tow, 'Proving Our Mettle' is without a doubt a metal album fit for anyone who prefers the original and perhaps less complex style of metal music. It might have only taken seven years to let this one out of the bag, but boy was it worth it. Download This: "Beneath The Banner Of The Iron Duke" For Fans of: Iron Maiden, 3 Inches of Blood, Van Halen [8] RHYS STEVENSON REPTILIAN DEATH 'The Dawn Of Consummation And Emergence' OLD SCHOOL METAL Fronted by Indian Metal veteran Demonstealer, Reptilian Death Metallers Reptilian Death make no mistakes or errors upon excreting their second album 'The Dawn Of Consummation And Emergence', ten years have passed since the concretion and unleashing of their debut release 'Total Annihilation' and the long wait has certainly paid off through a tightly-packed brutal sound that is guaranteed to shake the very foundations of planet metal. Perusing the many veins and arteries of Death Metal, this three-piece unit stitches together elements of Technical metal as the skeleton infrastructure and Brutal Death Metal as the blood-soaked, savage-scarred skin of this megalithic ensemble. What with Demonic Resurrection and Kryptos firmly leading the line, Reptilian Death are sure to follow firmly in-behind. Get your vaccinations at the ready, because this exotic Reptile bites and injects a rather toxic metallic venom. Download This: "Distorted By Bondage Blood And Bestiality" For Fans of: Strapping Young Lad, Cryptopsy, The Berzerker [9] RHYS STEVENSON SATAN'S WRATH 'Aeons Of Satan's Reign' METAL BLADE Reflecting the whole emotional side to the current situation of the Greek economy, blasphemous Blackened Thrash stalwarts Satan's Wrath spit out corrosive venom and unholy disturbances via their sophomore release 'Aeons Of Satan's Reign'. Immersing the atmosphere with the anti-christian profanity demonstrated amongst most Satanists and Luciferians, this quintet totally murder your future grave stone by pissing down your ear-holes with savage riffs (so savage that professional murderers would s**t themselves at the sharpness), vocals that would make Golden Dawn stand up and do the honors against the 'she-who-must-not-be-named', in spite of this Satan's Wrath's 'Aeons Of Satan's Reign' is definitely the future sound of Hellenic Extreme Metal, if you thought Rotting Christ were evil, that lot are cupcakes compared to Satan's Wrath. For fans of: Sarke, Aura Noir, Skeletonwitch [8] RHYS STEVENSON 'Aeons Of Satan's Reign' is out 12th November 2013 via Metal Blade Records HEATHEN FORAY 'Inner Force' Pagan Metal, it's like as if some bands cannot leave the topic alone, but when bands like Heathen Foray enter the fold, it is clear that they take their own unique twist on it. This Austrian machine embroils the atmosphere with heavy hitting melodies and the feeling of galloping across the lands with that highly noticeable Folk Metal element being developed through the guitars and drums in sync. 'Inner Force' clearly shows this style off, the quintet's third outing does not disappoint and whilst at times the language barrier may pose a problem (songs are in both English and German), the music inevitably does the talking and with this elaborated form of Melodic Viking / Pagan Metal, it is clear that Heathen Foray are one of Austria's unsung metal bands, with 'Inner Force' now out in the wilderness, they are sure to garner some attention from the surrounding European countries. Download This: "Mei Laund" For Fans of: Adorned Brood, Amon Amarth, Arkona [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON INSURRECTION 'Prototype' GALY Now for those who think Death Metal has to be blasted at the speed of sound and feature vocals that makes anyone s**t themselves, you are half mistaken, well, just a bit. Insurrection take this theory with a pinch of salt and maybe some Technical Metal elements thrown in here and there, but they are no Quo Vadis or Neuraxis, instead they implore a sound that eclipses Neuraxis, how you may ask? Simple, by switching from technical to melodic to harmonic in a flash, they carve out there own form of complexity and can be dubbed 'deus ex machina metal', a mouthful for sure but whence dissecting their latest offering 'Prototype', it does not fall short of the Modern Metal sound, in fact if Insurrection added some synths or industrial elements then the sound could easily be 101% groundbreaking. As it is, 'Prototype' is a mesmerizing album in it's own ball park and could provide the way for Insurrection to become known overseas as the new face of Canadian Technical Death Metal. Download This "Hellfire" For Fans of: Misery Index, Decapitated, Obliveon, Hypocrisy [9] RHYS STEVENSON SISARE 'Natures Despair' Finland rarely disappoints when it comes to producing metal bands and metal music releases, out of the abyss comes another underground and exciting band called Sisare, of whose debut album 'Natures Despair' ticks all the boxes for it to be a recommended metal album. The Progressive Metal four-piece deliver a sound that illuminates the entire surroundings with the sense of magic, natural goodness and the very essence of what makes Finnish metal all that special the unique musicianship skills. 'Natures Despair' glides between the Progressive and Avant Garde metal styles, with hints of experimentation clearly detectable and elements of melodies filtering through in the background. They may be a small unknown band in the Finnish lands, but they are a gem to the worldwide Prog Metal scene as 'Natures Despair' evidently proves. Download This: "Isolation" For Fans of: Rush, Dream Theater, Haken [8] RHYS STEVENSON HAMEREX 'IX' IX MUSIC There seems to be this certain type of aura flowing amongst the relatively underground classic heavy metal bands, they seem to go on for ever and only end up release a couple of albums, sadly this looks to be that way with Hamerex. Hailing from Yorkshire, this four-piece platoon wield that ever classic sound of British Heavy Metal and by adding some Thrash and Doom Metal elements here and there, the second album 'IX' (aptly titled seeing as Hamerex is nine years old) demonstrates the uniqueness of this metal music strain. Sure 'IX' is nothing more than a run-of-the-mill heavy metal album, but it certainly is decent enough for anyone to own, well, almost everyone (Justin Bieber + metal = disaster). Like most of their underground contemporaries, Hamerex will keep the faith going strong, with a rally of riffs, drum beats and vocal exasperation's, this is 'el clasico'. Download This: "Inferno" For Fans of: Black Sabbath, My Dying Bridge, Iron Maiden [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON REDEYE 'Violence' VIOLENT JOURNEY Seven years down the line and the first ever EP by Finnish maniacs Redeye finally drops, 'Violence' delivers a brittle and harsh sound that will amuse and abuse anyone who comes across it. Imagine this, being pummeled by belching vocals that lead this musical attack, with fist-punching drumming and slashing riffs that will bleed you dry in tow, this is exactly what listeners can expect from 'Violence', just be prepared to have a massive headache. By mixing the glorified old styles of Death Metal with Thrash Metal, Redeye summon up a work of art that will get heads banging so hard, brain hemorrhage is almost certainly on the menu. With an attitude that explores the alleys of murderous topics and music that will boil your senses dry, Redeye will certainly set the underground alight. Listen in closely and you can detect elements of Grindcore... For Fans of: Cannibal Corpse, Slayer, Obituary 'Violence' is out 29th November via Violent Journey Records [8] RHYS STEVENSON NO REMORSE NO SURRENDER 'Afflictions' As if Metalcore had not explored every possible avenue, well if you ask London bruisers No Remorse No Surrender they would say f**k you and shove that into every possible orifice you possess. Let's face it, the evidence is clear when indulging this quintets experimental-like EP 'Afflictions', from start to finish there is a cooking pot of various styles that all combine to smash your face in. Think of it as the agile complexity of martial arts mixed with the harsh mauling of Rugby, that might give you some indication of how unrelenting this lot are, needless to say 'Afflictions' is a highly promising EP and it is clear this band will go far, forgot the poncy generic metalcore breakdown trash that is plaguing every single f**king nation and douse yourself in one of British metal scenes hottest promising properties. Download This: "Ocean's Eyes' For Fans of: Parkway Drive, Killswitch Engage, Bleeding Through [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON MYSTERIOUS ECLIPSE 'Hell Of Pain' Now when listening to the third album by Slovakia's Mysterious Eclipse, there are times where the music disallows the vocals from keeping up and so it becomes disjointed, but at other times the overall sound is emphatic i.e. the melodies, brutality and sexual vocals kick in at the same time to develop a generous mix of glass-shattering and soothing ambiance. 'Hell Of Pain' definitely has an appeal to those Black / Death Metal and Melodic Metal fans, but this is no Hecate Enthroned nor is it Arch Enemy softened, instead what you have here is quite possibly the finest metal album this country has seen for a few years. Whilst the band has been around since 1996, they are relatively unknown to Western Europe, however with 'Hell Of Pain' now in their arsenal rally this is bound to change for the better. Download This: "Dark Side Of Humanity" For fans of: Children of Bodom, Arch Enemy, God Dethroned [8] RHYS STEVENSON ANTILLIA (Антиллия)
"Последний звездопад / Last Starfall" Them Russians, they do love their female fronted metal bands and so when Moscow-based Antilla deliver their premier EP, it comes as no surprise that they go full out with their style of Symphonic 'emotional' power metal. "Последний звездопад / Last Starfall" delivers a thunderous explosion of elegant keyboard elements, aligned with the dramatic-operatic vocals, Sonata Arctica-like riffs and drumming, that all together creates a sound that would be epic to play at the top of waterfall or a mountain looking over the ice-caped landscapes of the Russian tundra. Such dramatics in music has never been heard before, whilst on the other hand only Antillia can deliver this sound in such a mind-blowing way. We could see them touring Europe within the next two years if they keep this sound going and push it forward. Download This: "Шаман" For Fans of: Within Temptation, Sonata Arctica, Nightwish (Anette era) [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON BEL'O'KAN 'Thousands of Conquerors' BRENNUS MUSIC Weaving together a sumptuous sound of Melodic Heavy Metal and Power Metal is French sextet Bel'O'Kan in the form of their highly anticipated second album 'Thousands of Conquerors', from start to finish the music elements are as crystal clear as the sky, first impressions were that this was going to be one of those 'lets be another Evanescence' style of album, but bloody wars is this not the case. Instead what comes is a wave after wave barrage of emphatic 'angelic metal' which takes into account the majestic vibrancy of the female vocals and male vocals in tow, whilst the fluidity of the riffs and solos keep the album firmly powered up as the drumming drives the sound to terminal velocity, so much so listeners will be taken firmly into the clouds where the sonic explosion of Bel'O'Kan will be heard worldwide, 'Thousands of Conquerors' may just have booked the band international recognition, and maybe a prestigious festival slot next year. Download This: "Power Of The Throne" For Fans of: Nightwish, Avantasia, Beto Vázquez Infinity [10] RHYS STEVENSON BEAST 'Dead Or Alive' GAPHALS Dropping a bombshell on the Swedish rock and metal scene is Beast, a four-piece female-fronted mob who are about to drop their premier release 'Dead Or Alive' later this year. Much alike the resurgent force that seems to sweeping across the globe, Beast will join a legion of female-fronted Hard Rock / Heavy Metal bands that have stepped into the global abyss. 'Dead Or Alive' spews out a smooth and slick sound of classic ballsy rock and a metallic attitude that could easily become the result of a amplified ABBA. Just think AC/DC meets Stevie Nicks meets Iron Maiden and you get the idea of what this group sounds like. Chopping riffs lavished with erotic solo's, sidelined by vocals that will improve your sexual life like never before and supported by a drumbeat that would make you party the night away whether you're 'Dead Or Alive'. Download This: "Bad Habits" For Fans of: AC/DC, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest 'Dead Or Alive' is out 23rd October 2013 (Sweden) and 4th November (Europe) via Graphals in CD, Vinyl and is available through all major digital retails [8] RHYS STEVENSON EMPIRES FALL 'The Tyrants Genocide' Sadly no longer together so consider this as a post-review of their only ever EP 'The Tyrants Genocide' which came into being last year. Given the sheer velocity of this Australian Deathcore troupe, it is totally abysmal that they called quits. They have got so much potential and it shows on this EP, featuring unrelenting Deathcore vocals that charge the music with so much energy that it could keep Melbourne alight for a whole week without the use of a power station! The music itself wields grizzly riffs and uncompromising breakdowns that would make bands like Thy Art Is Murder s**t their pants, 'The Tyrants Genocide' overall is a heavy as f**k release that deserved much more recognition internationally than it has done, furthermore it is clear that Empires Fall have made a grave error calling it a day, it will certainly haunt them as they could have made it big. Download This: "Dreaming Of Eradication" For Fans of: Whitechapel, Buried In Verona, I Killed The Prom Queen [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON SEPTEKH 'The Seth Avalanche' ABYSS Looking rather dapper in their photo is one thing but the music by Septekh is beyond dapper, in fact it is mind-blowing, more so than trying to work out what style they are playing to a precise pigeonhole answer. 'The Seth Avalanche' is the Swede's second EP and was released last year, now what you can expect is a rather interesting approach and take on to the whole Death / Thrash algorithm, in fact this music will give you enough firepower to spit at anyone who messes your life, perhaps that could be the meaning behind 'The Seth Avalanche', but the music itself delivers crushing Death Metal vocals with the dripping of free-gliding riffs and child-friendly drumming, yeah right! This music is not meant for the emo's, so be warned. This music is meant for proper metal fans, that is all. Download This: "Blunt Force To The Head" For Fans of: The Haunted, Hatesphere, Slayer [8] RHYS STEVENSON CHICKSY DICKS 'Obsessed' Simply ballsy rock and heavy metal combined is what you can sum up Chicksy Dicks' debut EP as, 'Obsessed' is a non-stop rallying of classic hard rock with the embodiment of Heavy Metal. Hailing from Slovenia, this five-piece platoon of musical sophistication drops the sound that everyone craves, through the use of catchy vocals and lyrics, unpredictable riffs and solos, terrific bass notes and rapid-fire drumming, 'Obsessed' is a release to keep everyone on their toes. This is not just a band trying to redefine Iron Maiden, no not at all, instead Chicksy Dicks are doing this in their own way and that way is different from every other modern band playing the same or similar style. It took the band six years to make their first release appear but boy was the wait worth it. Download This: "Face To See" For Fans of: Van Halen, Metallica, Judas Priest [8] RHYS STEVENSON DYS INBUNDEN 'Pandemonium Unchained' LIFLÄTINN PRODS Desecrating the Black Metal scene of 2013 is Swedish chaos-commanders Dys Inbunden with their premier album 'Pandemonium Unchained', before the release this unit was in fact a one-man project headed by Gefandi Ör Andlät but now has transformed into a clan fit for a festival slot. 'Pandemonium Unchained' spews out the charismatic and enjoyable feeling of raw atmospheric black metal from which blankets the air with a cold and bitter feeling, as to drown the listener in eternal madness and consequential depression. It is early days for this Swedish Black Metal armada, but with this scrutable album now firmly within the wilds of the global metal wilderness I firmly believe they will go far and possibly could be touring Europe within the next two to three years. Download This: "Sansho Shima" For Fans of: Watain, Dark Funeral, Carpathian Forest [9] RHYS STEVENSON IRONOYA 'Testament' Swiss Groove / Deathcore group Ironoya dropped their debut EP last year before this year changing their name to Deus Ex Machina and having a band-member switch about. The former's EP 'Testament' glistens with the inescapable sounds of guttural Death Metal / Deathcore vocals whilst the guitars and drums fill in with the final slaying in the form of some rather nifty and funky Groove Metal. Switzerland is not normally known for this style of metal so it comes as a bit of a revelation to the said metal scene, however for the now defunct Ironoya this was a journey they have semi-started and semi-continued, it's just whether they should have carried on as this formation or have they made the right choice? Time will tell, as for the 'Testament' EP, it simply is a sensational release that deserves much more acknowledgement. Download This: "Veuve Noire" For Fans of: Lamb of God, Whitechapel, DevilDriver [8] RHYS STEVENSON ORPHEUM 'Treason' Now this is a rather odd release to be fair, mixing Progressive Metal with Gothic Metal is one thing but to have an EP out with only three tracks that equate to just over 22 minutes worth of listening is rather peculiar, some would expect much more given it has taken three years to make. Nonetheless 'Treason' does make way for a decent awe inspiring EP, however at times the drums tend to go overboard and totally ruin the pattern of the song 'Spiritus', but overall the EP does feature an easily identifiable sound that comprises of heavenly vocals, catchy and almost tricky riffs as well as bombastic drumming, the sad thing is it's not even near perfection but it will do as a trial run, it's just the case of whether Londoners Orpheum can find their feet for their next outing, what that next outing will be who knows. Download This: "Porcelain Doll" For Fans of: Within Temptation (Mother Earth era), Novembre, Noturna [7] RHYS STEVENSON ASARU 'From The Chasms Of Oblivion' SCHWARZDORN There comes a time where a Black Metal release will turn out to be total wank, unfortunately Asaru's second album 'From The Chasms Of Oblivion', which was released last year, borders that category. The good thing about the release is that it sticks to the bleak atmosphere that the band have carefully crafted out on their debut album, but the music itself is a little less impressive and needs a bit more working on, for instance you can just hear the bass drum and it has very little prominence, just like a third tier football team in Germany playing for the Deutsche Fussball Bund Pokal cup, hardly any chance at getting a look in. 'From The Chasms Of Oblivion' is firmly in the gray area, some aspects are good and some are shockingly bad, fans of Black Metal might be torn aside on this one. Download This: "Beyond The Bonds Of Time" For Fans of: Well... Black Metal. [6] RHYS STEVENSON LEFT FOR RED
'Vol 002 - Mercy Flight' Is that Devin Townsend on vocals?!?! Didn't know he could do a Brummie accent, is there anything that Canadian musical wizard cannot do? It would be rather interesting if Left For Red supported The Devin Townsend Project in the future, but for now their upcoming EP 'Vol 002 - Mercy Flight' features all of the characteristics that a successful three-track release is meant to have, brimming with insurmountable talent that is hard to come by these days in the Groove Metal department, the vocals on 'Vol 002 - Mercy Flight' are so powerful that they blew out all of the terminal windows at East Midlands airport, dubbing it 'musical terrorism' and leaving it as perhaps one of the best EP's the Midlands metal scene has seen in the year 2013. The melodies gently glide over the Teutonic rhythms and trippy riffs to finalize an EP that is simply inspirational. For Fans of: Pantera, Black Sabbath, Metallica 'Vol 002 - Mercy Flight' is out 25th November via A.R.C. Records [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON |
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Global Metal Apocalypse Archives
May 2021
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