LYNCHPIN 'God Complex' INDEPENDENT It might well be presumptuous to call Lynchpin leaders of the Caribbean Metal scene, but they certainly are strong enough to carry the scene forward. Hailing from Trinidad & Tobago, this Progressive Death unit wager themselves against fate as their latest effort 'God Complex' catapults them into the limelight with their recent announcement of them competing for a slot at Wacken Open Air 2016. Far from your glitzy tech-laden European Progressive Metal style, Lynchpin opt for a more practical approach and instead join allegiance with the likes of Gojira, Opeth and Machine Head. 'God Complex' gives Lynchpin some hope at cementing their place at Wacken, but for now they stand tall as unarguably the finest Trinidadian music export the Caribbean island nation has ever seen. If you love your Gojira, you'll love Lynchpin hands down. Download This: "Softest Floor" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Gojira, Machine Head, Opeth [8] RHYS STEVENSON PYRAWEED 'Inside Green Chaos (live @ Le Chateau)' INDEPENDENT What makes a live album decent depends on two things, how clear is the music and how organic the recording is. It needs to be clear but not too much in order to avoid being accused of being 'refined', on the other hand it needs clarity to avoid it becoming trashy and not organic. Pyraweed's debut live album certainly carries the hallmarks of a D.I.Y live album, you know it's as if you were in the crowded-out Le Chateau rock bar. Never letting a note go awry, Azerbaijan's Pyraweed deliver a delicious slab of live Sludge / Stoner Metal that would appeal to any fan of the said genres. With thick bass elements holding up the gritty riffs and angry vocals, this is a live album to savor. Given the relatively small but ever-strengthening Azerbaijani Metal scene, Pyraweed certainly know how to deliver a rather sensational live performance, even if it's recorded. Download This: "Green Bullet" - Click here to listen For Fans of: The Melvins, Baroness, Kylesa [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON MA'ANISH 'Under The Fig Tree' INDEPENDENT 'Under The Fig Tree', the band dub it Technical Progressive Death Metal, we call it 'Experimental Death Metal'. There are a ton of genres going on here and to think that you can headbang to the beat would be a generous overstatement. Despite the inability to keep to time, the album does however reward its listeners with over forty minutes of Tech / Progressive slapped Death Metal that would please anyone who dares listen to it. There's the slow and progressive "Let It Burn" and then there's the absolutely crazy and mindbogglingly fast "Revolution \ Evolution", both evidently offering a wider choice than at first conceived when going through the album. Whilst this is a solid and decent effort, it will require a tad more effort and greater accuracy when experimenting to establish a name well and truly outside of Israel, the Middle East and perhaps Eastern Europe. Download This: "Revolution \ Evolution" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Periphery, early-Sepultura, Testament [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON THE ORDER OF ELIJAH 'War At Heart' LUXOR When Metalcore reached it's peak it became harder for bands to evade the generic over-cliche sound of riffs and breakdowns romancing each other, then came Motionless In White with their Gothic-tinged outlook and now it's The Order Of Elijah's turn. Who'd have thought that mixing Technical Metal and elements of Melodic Metal would conjure up what you could theoretically call 'Experimenticore'? Because let's face it with the sudden shift in riff pace and sound, coupled with the brutality of the rampaging vocals, and the drums providing the final smacking, you would automatically admit that the latest effort by this Missouri machine has stapled itself to the very hear of 'Experimental Metal'. Make of it as you wish, 'War At Heart' is one album to be taken seriously as it demands utmost attention. Deathcore has Whitechapel, but Metalcore now has The Order Of Elijah. Download This: "God's Unwanted Children" For Fans of: Whitechapel, Born Of Osiris, The Browning 'War At Heart' is out now via Luxor Records [8] RHYS STEVENSON DENIGRATE 'Hollowpoint' INDEPENDENT Possibly considered as a one-off release, 'Hollowpoint' certainly stirs up the emotions as the melancholic and emphatic sounds caress your soul and mind with every passing second. Making a comeback is never easy, but given the strength of the album Denigrate certainly seem to have a lot more to give to the Finnish Gothic Metal movement. Whilst perhaps not as dark or hallowing as fellow countrymen HIM, Poisonblack or the late Vanguard, Denigrate don't lay a finger wrong on this album and as a result unleash a record to be proud of. With harmonic vocals leading the charge and the musical elements providing a solidified atmosphere, this is an album that deserves a nod or two. Twelve years have passed since their debut, and yet they manage to whip out a delicious release, what more can you ask from the quartet? Download This: "My Corrupted Soul" For Fans of: Poisonblack, The 69 Eyes, Paradise Lost [8] RHYS STEVENSON ELIZIUM 'Elysium' STF It's sad to see that sometimes, bands do not know when exactly it is their time to pack up their instruments and disband. Despite the effort demonstrated on 'Elysium', the album as a whole does not make the cut, it fails to ignite any interest and instead gives itself a bad name as a supposed 'Gothic / Doom Metal' release. For the Dutch band Elizium, this is quite detrimental to their lengthy career but it seems as if the curtains are ready to be drawn to a close. Quite frankly you could easily fall asleep to this release and not regret missing a bit, again the effort is there but without the rousing ability to make jaws drop, this album will just fall to the wayside as a pitiful waste. 'Elysium' may well appeal to the hardened Gothic Doom contingent, but for the average metalhead it's just another yawn away from boredom. Download This: "Elysium" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Draconian, Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride [5] RHYS STEVENSON HORDAK 'Padre' CASUS BELLI MUSICA 'Celtiberian Pagan Metal' has officially become a new form of Folk Metal, well given it's pioneers appear to be one of few bands who actually could use the term, it seems apt then for Hordak to adopt it. The Spanish contingent return to deliver their next installment in their career with the raucous sounds of 'Padre' at the forefront. Album number four, 'Padre' stamps its authority with a convincing sound, it's raw infectious elements gnaw at your ears with the savage bite begging for your anticipation. With the vocals as gritty and grueling as they are, it only makes sense that the music be as bleak and hostile as the Celtiberian and Roman conflicts. 'Padre' is a well-made Pagan Metal and will certainly give Hordak a boost across the European landscape. Good job they made their own genre, because that is the best way to describe them. Download This: "Soaring" For Fans of: Arkona, Heidevolk, Celtiberian (of course) [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON ARCANE SYMPHONY 'A New Day Begins...' INDEPENDENT Symphonic Metal with female vocals is always a godsend and Arcane Symphony are no exception, the Russian quintet muster together a sound that is just as powerful as Anna Volodina's vocals are angelic. 'A New Day Begins...' is the band's debut album and it heralds praise from the moment you kick off the first song, brimming full of elegance, power and eroticism, Arcane Symphony have it all sussed out. With the atmospherics as cold as a Siberian winter, guitars as savage as aged vodka and vocals as majestic as the Moscow State Circus, it would be stupid to knock off this lot as just another Female-fronted Symphonic act. Open up the heavens, let the rain pour and enjoy what this quintet have conjured up. Arcane Symphony are a band to watch in 2016, they will be knocking at your door with their infectious sounds. Download This: "A New Day Begins" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Tarja-era Nightwish, Lanewin, Within Temptation [9] RHYS STEVENSON SHOW ME WOLVES 'The World They Took Over' FALSE BEING PRODS. If you didn't feel dazed and confused before listening to this release, you probably will be once you're finished. Creating some rather freakishly eerie sounds and instating a spine-chilling atmosphere is what Show Me Wolves clearly intended to do on their second offering 'The World They Took Over'. Masterminded by Icelander Hörður Lúðvíksson, the evident wafting in and out of Progressive, Black and Avant-Garde Metal seems all too paramount when summing up the album, but it has been done in such a way that you cannot begin to comprehend how Hörður Lúðvíksson conjured up the music ideas in the first place. By drifting from slow atmospherics and gritty vocals to fast, sometimes Metalcore-like and progressive-laden sounds, 'The World They Took Over' is a treasure to behold, the magic is there all right, just let it in. Download This: "Mother" For Fans of: She Must Burn, Ne Obliviscaris, Ihsahn 'The World They Took Over' is out 16th January via False Being Productions. [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON MARIO TURIS
'Luminance' INDEPENDENT Space Metal is a relatively new conceptual genre, even though it can bounce off of the likes of Modern Metal and Cyber Metal it has a distinctive element to it. Take for example the premier EP by Slovakian instrumentalist Mario Turis, 'Luminance' lashes together elements of Progressive Metal and Symphonic Metal to develop a sound that demands its own unique recognition. It's all you could wish for from an agile release, it's fast, heavy and flashy, yet it lacks vocals with could hinder it somewhat. However Mario's tenacity towards creating a sound so technically simple has enabled the EP to escape any considerable comparison against other bands indeed releases, so if you're thinking of wanting a space-like feel to any game or film soundtrack, forget the Hollywood catalog and go for a musical-genius-in-development as Mario Turis will certainly make a name for himself given this effort. Download This: "Stardustborn" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Cypher16, Dol Ammad, The Kovenant [7] RHYS STEVENSON
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INFECTED CHAOS 'The Wake Of Ares' METAL MUSIC AUSTRIA Unleashing a ravishing bombardment of guttural onslaught and provocative thoughts is Austrian Death Metal masochists Infected Chaos, who have blessed the metal world with their sensational debut album 'The Wake Of Ares'. Expect nothing but full-on Death Metal here, none of that glamorous-fancy stuff, no, this is straight edge Death Metal and you better be prepared for it, otherwise you will be begging for your life as it consumes your brains inside out. Waltzing in-and-out of the Old School and Modern variants, Infected Chaos make no errors on this attempt and this is why they will be your new favorite Death Metal band. In fact, 'The Wake Of Ares' might as well be a hot contender for Austrian Metal release of the year, watch this band with interest as they are set to go places. Download This: "Ia, God Of War" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Hail Of Bullets, Abhorrent Decimation, Unleashed [8] RHYS STEVENSON MIST 'Inan' ' SOULSELLER Mist are enjoying their current incarnation and with their new-found line-up, unleash their gloomy premier EP 'Inan' ' to the masses with renewed vigor. Wallowing in the deepest realms of Doom Metal, this Slovenian outfit mark their territory well with this effort and will give them the ropes to hoist themselves up the ladder of international recognition. The funny thing is though, whilst Doom Metal is meant to be rather bleak, sorrowful and near-depressive, Mist ironically do not befit the usual elements of Doom Metal and instead drag in a more upbeat style to the genre, this might not appeal to those who suckle Doom Metal in their sleep, but might appeal to the wider metal community. Black Sabbath may well be calling curtains, but for Doom Metal it is the likes of Mist that are writing the new chapters in this genres history, and are sure to follow in the legends footsteps. Download This: "Inan" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Black Sabbath, Saint Vitus, Candlemass [8] RHYS STEVENSON GODSLAVE 'Whatever We Want!' GREEN ZONE MUSIC / H'ART So we have the German Thrash Metal Godslave go completely non-metal and metal at the same time, well how you may ask? Well Godslave would answer "we will do 'whatever we want!" and that is exactly what they did, they unleashed an EP in honor of the Quo, Status Quo. Now for the elitist metalhead this would be completely taboo, but for the more conservative metalhead this is an epic delight, and boy do Godslave nail it right on the head. Through the essential use of gritty guitar playing, neck-breaking drums and brutally harmonic vocals, Godslave deliver their trademark sound that has guided them over the last decade (ish) or so. Ultimately 'Whatever We Want!' is a must-have release for any rock or metal fan alike, and certainly can be considered simply 'Thrashtastic!', here's to the second Quo-Thrash!. Get the EP here:- http://godslave.de/product/whatever-we-want-ep/ For Fans of: Status Quo (obviously), Metallica, Motorhead [8] RHYS STEVENSON IHDAMAS 'Multiverso Desconocido' SALUTE If you're hunting for exotic Extreme Metal, look no further than South America and in specific Colombia, whose Black / Thrash Metal sons Ihdamas have made their voices heard through their premier '2014 demo' released last year and this year via Salute Records (SE). Proclaiming themselves as 'Conexion Metal', it is relatively clear at what they are trying to conjure up. A carefully blended mix of Black Metal, Thrash Metal, Heavy Metal, Doom and Death Metal to create what essentially is 'Extreme Metal'. Raw in it's sound and furious in it's production, 'Multiverso Desconocido' is a delight to anyone who indulges in Extreme Metal and the South American abyss. Now whilst it's a decent release, it is doomed to stay in the underground for it's lacking that one element to make it an internationally recognized release, simply put:- to convince, because whilst the DIY sound may work for the underground, it would not bode well in the wider metal circuit. All in all a decent release. Get the demo via Salute Records here. For fans of: From Forgotten Being, Qafas, Seeds Of Iblis [7] RHYS STEVENSON SARPENTRA 'Supernova' INDEPENDENT Russian Death Metal should have a genre of all it's own, because no matter what Russian band performs Death Metal, they all seem to be a league above the world. Making that notion more solid is Sarpentra who explode with their debut album 'Supernova' which is as brutally potent as sniffing arsenic after ingesting vodka and rum. With the blistering-paced drums leading the surcharge and the guitars adding the dimensional harmonics, coupled with vocals that Behemoth's Nergal would approve of and atmospherics similar to the likes of Fleshgod Apocalypse, 'Supernova' is a groundbreaking release that will spark off mass interest in many labels worldwide. Unrelenting in ferocity and uncompromising in energetic brutality, you may as well be looking at the Russian Metal release of the year, simply catastrophically 'Apocalyptic Metal'. For Fans of: Fleshgod Apocalypse, Behemoth, Katalepsy Download This: "Prometheus Unbound" - click here to listen [9] RHYS STEVENSON LEAVE SCARS 'Chains Of Redemption' INDEPENDENT Cast your mind back and we gave Belgian Thrashers Leave Scars a fine going-over back in 2013, well fast forward to 2015 and the quintet have released another torrential battering of fine Thrash Metal in the shape of their second album 'Chains Of Redemption'. Pushing harder and faster since their first chronicle, 'Chains Of Redemption' demands your immediate attention with enough mosh power to command over a 1,000 and make the world's largest moshpit. Combining the Old-School anguish with the modern technicalities and glitz, Leave Scars are determined to 'Leave Scars' across Europe with their infectious Thrash Metal style. Loaded with aggression, you will need a spare set of pants because when this album is finished with you, there will be a shitty mess all over your chair - you have been warned. For Fans of: Evile, Fallen Fate, Savage Messiah Download This: "Final Chance" - click here to listen [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON DEATH BRINGER 'Avoid Reality' INDEPENDENT Six years after forming, Spanish Melodic Death Metal outfit Death Bringer lay down the law with their all-out powerful debut album 'Avoid Reality'. Fronted by the beautiful Paloma Gómez, her vocals intertwine with Pablo Santamarta in a sort-of 'beauty and the beast' singing arrangement. Guttural vocals crash against melodic vocals whilst the riffs burn into your ears and the drums provide that final solid sound that makes 'Avoid Reality' a truly respected album. Accept no substitutes as Death Bringer have assurances that they are the real deal and are set to smash your head in unless you conform, this album is not for weak-minded people, this album is for those who can tolerate the thought of their skull being exploded by an explosive wall of Melodic 'Death' Metal, fear it. Download This: "Bring Me Fire" - Click here to listen For Fans of: The Agonist, Izegrim, 6th Awakening [8] RHYS STEVENSON IMMORALIS 'Connected Visions' INDEPENDENT After seeing two of their members depart the camp, Immoralis were faced with the enormous task of delivering a follow-up release worthy of acclaim. 'Connected Visions' ticks that box, despite dropping the female vocals; which for this release is the missing piece, the ingenuity of the music in question is sexually evocative. By avoiding the overrated djent sound and wedging themselves in between Symphonic Metalcore and Progressive Metal, Immoralis have crafted out a new dimension within the Avant-Garde style. Harmonious keys provide the solidified background, whilst the crunchy riffs and bass dance along with Jesse's face-punching vocals. Overall this EP holds promise for this Minnesota outfit, it is an improvement from 'The Great Collapse', but it falls short of being spectacular as it demands Jacis vocal presence. Download This: "Leo" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Bleeding Through, Periphery, Soilwork [8] RHYS STEVENSON LOST IN PAIN 'Plague Inc.' NOISEWORKS Luxembourg is enjoying a great year for exporting metal music, what with Scarred's performance at Bloodstock and now Lost In Pain's charismatic second album 'Plague Inc.' seeing the light. Expect nothing less than some good old fashioned Heavy Metal from this 46 minute adventure, through the use of majestic vocals, spiffing riffs, thick-and-heavy bass elements and punctual drumming, Lost In Pain pay homage to the greatest genre in music history. Not flash nor trying to be the next Iron Maiden, Lost In Pain's 'Plague Inc.' is guaranteed to satisfy the thirst for those who indulge in not only the classic Heavy Metal vernacular but also metal from lesser-known scenes like Luxembourg. 'Plague Inc.' is without a doubt, 'Luxembourger Metal release of the year'. Simply awe-inspiring. Download This: "Greed" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Pantera, Mastodon, Machine Head, ok and Iron Maiden (ish) [8] RHYS STEVENSON CHRONOS
'Hour Of Atonement' INDEPENDENT Channeled in the right direction, Somerset outfit Chronos' debut EP 'Hour Of Atonement' could have been a mind-blowing release but it lacks that cutting edge that would make it so. Sure the ferocity behind the mixing of the Melodic Death Metal and Thrash Metal sounds on the EP go well together, it just does not have that convincing element to say that Chronos are ready yet to break out of the underground. In fact the title track 'Chronos' is perhaps the only one to be defined as 'convincing', if they utilize that flirtatiousness between the guitars and drums more often then this EP could have been a whole league better. 'Hour Of Atonement' is a decent start, there is much to learn and with the right guidance Chronos can make it. Download This: 'Chronos' (Live)' - Click here to listen For Fans of: Trivium, In Flames, Opeth [6.5] RHYS STEVENSON BLACKDRAWN 'Blackdrawn' BD MUSIC Now you might well have thought that because of Greece's demoralizing and brutal economic downfall that the quality of metal would deplete as a result; not to mention quality of gear and services available, well, you would be mistaken. Enter Blackdrawn, the new kids on the block who come armed with their rather unforgiving blend of mystical keyboard elements, technical groove riffery, blazing drums and not to mention vocals so gritty they would embed in your soul for eternity. Eloquently expressed, the self-debut album by this Greek unit lashes together the aforementioned Groove / Tech combination with elements of Nordic Melodic Death Metal, conjuring up what could be accepted as part of the 'new wave of Modern Metal'. Already set to perform as support to Arch Enemy in November, Blackdrawn are the Greek Metal band you never saw coming. Simply magical. Download This: "What I Am" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Soilwork, In Flames, DevilDriver [9.5] RHYS STEVENSON STORM 'Storm's A Brewin' ' TIN IDOL PRODS. Granted the USA has a gargantuan range of metal bands stretching across from the Atlantic to Pacific West, but ever thought of Hawaiian Metal? Well emerging from the secluded island archipegalo is the female-fronted Gothic Metal band Storm with their infectious debut album 'Storm's A Brewin' '. Borrowing properties from the Doom Metal and Symphonic Metal styles, this quintet certainly have ambition on their mind as proven with this effort, despite lacking something that would make this album extra special; no idea what it is, but it's lacking something, Storm certainly are looking the real deal when it comes down to initiative and original-thinking throughout constructing these hallowing and spine-chilling songs. With this album, Storm are leading the Hawaiian Metal scene to greater recognition. Download This: "Angel Eyes" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Evanescence, Lacuna Coil, Paradise Lost [8] RHYS STEVENSON ORDO CAPER 'Promo 2015' ONLY DEATH'S REAL. Costa Rica in recent years has been enjoying a flourishing of metal bands emerging from the pits of the underground to more continental and international recognition. The latest to make this move is Death Metal duo Ordo Caper of whose 2015 promo exhibits more of the old-school Death Metal style, rather than the polished-off kind you find all too common these days. What also makes this release all the more interesting is one of the songs 'Igbodu', simply because trying to google what it means and not getting anywhere demands more curiosity to be given. The only immediate downside to this promo (and what can you expect?) is that at times the vocals override the music too much, the drums fade too much and thus you're left quite unsure of what to make of the promo holistically. Download This: "Red Moon Ritual" - Get the promo from the band via their Facebook here For Fans of: Morbid Angel, Old-School Death Metal [6.5] RHYS STEVENSON ARES 'Divine Creation' SLEASZY RIDER We've already ascertained that the Japanese Metal scene is built upon breaking the rules, saying no to taboo issues in context with metal music itself, and supporting that notion with their second album 'Divine Creation', is the trio Ares. This is not Melodic Death Metal as you know it, there is much more going on to even demand it's own genre from which can be called 'Modern Apocalyptic Metal'. Seriously there are elements of Symphonic Metal, Power Metal and Metalcore that all combine together to create a sound that is sensationally mind-blowing, one that inevitably demanded a record label deal and one that will catapult Ares higher in the Asian, if not the Japanese Metal scene. Granted the production might well have helped, despite it possibly being naff, sometimes the bad things are actually ironically good. Keep this band in your line of sight, they are sure to make waves. Download This: "New Created Sky" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Fleshgod Apocalypse, Arch Enemy, Demonic Resurrection, 'Modern Metal' [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON DRAUGÛL 'Chronicles Untold' PESTTANZ KLANGSCHMIEDE Be honest it's always fascinating when a solo project or a band focuses on singing about topics totally unrelated to where they are from. So when Sweden-based project Draugûl divulges in Nordic mythology and Tolkien-related subjects, immediately the thought of Swedish musicians comes to mind, except that this project has its roots in Malta. Geographical differences aside, Draugûl revels in the Epic Viking Metal style and broods it well with the third full-length album 'Chronicles Untold', but it's stuff we've heard before in other forms and as a result the project probably cannot escape being compared to similar bard-like bands. Putting that notion aside, 'Chronicles Untold' does what it intends to do and does so gracefully, there is no doubt it will capture the attention of Folk Metal addicts, but for the broader metal-listener it might fall short of anything interesting. In short, the album is decent but definitely not groundbreaking nor incomparable. Buy the album here: Draugûl - Chronicles Untold For Fans of: Windir, Watain, Faun [7] RHYS STEVENSON AGE OF DUST 'Messenger In A Soulless World' INDEPENDENT As far as Operatic Metal goes, this is a new chapter in the genre and without a doubt the small-but-strong Catalan Metal scene. Unleashing their majestic and energetic masterpiece 'Messenger In A Soulless World', is trio Age Of Dust. Drawing the beauty, elegance and dramatics from musical scores like 'The Phantom of the Opera', Age of Dust are positioning themselves as Spain's answer to Sweden's long-running Therion. With 50 minutes of pure lively 'beauty and the beast' serenades rampaging throughout, you would be silly to knock off 'Messenger In A Soulless World' as just another Symphonic Metal album. High hopes are expected of this group and there next outings will be closely watched with interest, what with a choir providing background substance this could develop into something rather interesting to say the least. Download This: "No Shade Of Grey" - click here to listen For Fans of: Therion, Epica, Lacuna Coil [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON LUCIFERUM PENIS '15 Years of Silence and Rituals' SALUTE For a band who has been going 15 years, you'd have thought that by now their sound would have been refined, matured and tolerable. Unfortunately Luciferum Penis have not followed that pattern, instead what you are faced with when listening to their monumental '15 Years of Silence and Rituals' compilation, is in short a waste of air. There is very little redeemable quality on this release and despite it's obvious kvlt status, it fails to capture any real imagination and lacks that convincing element. However for those who associate themselves with the more extreme, underground variant of Black Metal, this is an absolute diamond. But for the all-round metal listener, yeah, this doesn't hold interest on all of the songs, in fact the best one of the lot is 'Tenebris Irae' and to think that this one of the few acceptable songs on the compilation says something about the entire release right? Download This: "Tenebris Irae" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Satanic Warmaster, Behexen, Horna [5.5] RHYS STEVENSON LOST IN PAIN 'Plague Inc.' NOISEWORKS If you seek classic Heavy Metal from the Benelux region, then look no further than Luxembourg's Lost In Pain. This quartet deliver a glorious splattering of Modern Heavy Metal with Old-School influences floating around in the background. Their second album 'Plague Inc.' builds upon their successful self-titled debut album and shows that they are a match for anyone, however they choose to build upon this effort will ultimately determine on whether they keep their feng shui intact. With the eccentricity of the riffs, power behind the drums, gritty vocals and unbelievably electric atmosphere, Lost In Pain's 'Plague Inc.' is a solid contender for Luxembourg Metal release of the year, they certainly would do well in the UK that's for sure. Download This: "Gone" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Steel Panther, Iron Maiden, Sister Sin [8] RHYS STEVENSON SIROLL! 'Més llenya' BLOOD FIRE DEATH Now you probably would not have imagined Metallic Hardcore having a musical relationship with the Spanish language right? Well Siroll! have done exactly that and make their next sermon 'Més llenya' more brutal than being gored at The Running of the Bulls. But please refrain from using the term Spanishcore because one it sounds slightly silly and two it makes the band seem seclusive just because they're singing in their native tongue. 'Més llenya' comes loaded with riffs after juicy riffs, menacing vocals and drums so agile, Lionel Messi has been made redundant. If there was to be a cheeky tongue-in-cheek track it would be '902' because lets face it, it starts off with a phone ringing, it's random, weird and perhaps should not have been, or should it? You decide. Download This: "902" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Hatebreed, Converge, All Pigs Must Die [7] RHYS STEVENSON CEREBRAL ABSCESS
'Promo 2015' PUTRESCENCE Low-fi recording, gritty, ballsy and downright dirty is what springs to mind when indulging in the the 2015 promo by Russian Brutal Death horde Cerebral Abscess. You can imagine it, extremely guttural sounds, noises, you get the idea. That is just the vocals, the guitars are so thick they seem almost non-apparent and the drums are so low it is as if they were in a recording studio the size of a football pitch. Despite this, the track called 'Exterpation Of The Brain' does have its merits in that it stays true to the designated genre, it just does not warrant any re-listening. It falls short of being called music but does not fall short of being noise, it just falls on it's knees and has very few qualities worth noting. Bit of luck this is a promotional demo right? Download the promo here For Fans of: Brutal Death Metal, Russian Gore Metal, 'noise?' [5] RHYS STEVENSON PITBULLS IN THE NURSERY 'Equanimity' KLONOSPHERE France seems to have a love affair with the Progressive, Technical and Death Metal sub-genres as the latest installment in the genres metal history becomes real. 'Equanimity' is the second album by Pitbulls In The Nursery and it has enough bite to give you a severe case of 'headbangulitis'. Mixing sheer brutality and velocity with technical elements so precise, that even Einstein would not be able to figure them out. Taking the eccentric 'Insiders' and lengthy 'Your Dream's Not Mine', it is clear that the Pitbulls have got their vision for a refreshed Modern Metal well and truly recognized. If Gorod and Gojira were to produce offspring, Pitbulls In The Nursery would be the offspring you never saw coming, as they bring the apocalyptic, cataclysmic sound of full-on volatile metal to the forefront, you have been warned. Download This: "Insiders" - Click here to listen (link tba) For Fans of: Gorod, Gojira, The Faceless [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON WINTERCOLD 'Paradise Is Not Here' SALUTE One of the latest releases by Wintercold is a single featuring two tracks, the first 'Paradise Is Not Here' is an instrumental and the second is a cover of Blitz's 'Razors In The Night'. Mastered once again by multi-instrumentalist Satanic Tony, this instrumental is loaded with enough doom and gloom to set the atmosphere straight, make the hairs on your neck stand up and position itself as a truly remarkable work of art. Standing at a whopping 14 minutes long, this instrumental will keep fans of Gothic Doom Metal entertained indefinitely whilst the cover offers a far more heavier and brutal side to the release; with of course Tony's infamous raspy, raw vocals. Limited to a run of 20 copies, this will be a sought-after single in the underground metal scene. 'Paradise Is Not Here' is without a doubt, a delightful listen. Get the single from the official Salute Records website here For Fans of: Demorian, Gothic Doom Metal [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON CRUADALACH 'Rebel Against Me' METALGATE Arguably the Czech Republic's answer to Switzerland's Eluveitie, purveyors of Folk-laden Melodic Death Metal. Four years since their debut album, it was inevitable that Cruadalach would return to splatter a second offering across the Folk / Melodic Death Metal spectrum, by infusing Bohemian folk sounds (or wider Slavic) with bouncy aggressive beats, this octet set the bar high for fellow Czech folk metal bands to do better. Whilst perhaps leaning towards more of a Pagan Metal sound, this does not detract the music from becoming related to perhaps the Russian or Ukrainian approach, but rather setting itself up as standalone approach. For the seasoned metalhead who is indulgent in folk metal and melodic death metal in-tow, 'Rebel Against Me' guarantees to wet your whiskers. Cruadalach will certainly maintain a cult following whilst building upon the 'Bohemian Folk Metal' sound. Download This: "Life-Worshipping Bastards" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Eluveitie, Netherfell, Dalriada [8] RHYS STEVENSON WINTERAGE 'The Harmonic Passage' INDEPENDENT As orchestrated as Fleshgod Apocalypse, symphonic as Rhapsody of Fire and elegant as Lacuna Coil, Winterage are the latest installment in the vibrant Italian Metal scene. Marching in with their debut album 'The Harmonic Passage', this inquisitive sextet utilize the majestic sounds of Power Metal with the gracefulness of Symphonic Metal to brood their own dramatic result. One that echoes the upper echelons of bygone operettas and modernizes the antiquarian nature of Italian renaissance masterpieces. In a nutshell 'The Harmonic Passage' is an honorable nod to the bygone years of classic opera, the already-veteran Italian Metal scene and lends itself as a path for new Symphonic Power Metal bands to follow. Lasting a sensational 70 minutes, this debut effort should draw attention from suited labels who would wish to take Winterage under their wings. Check out: "Winterage - The Harmonic Passage EP teaser" - click here to view. For Fans of: Rhapsody Of Fire, Therion, Avantasia [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON FLAMEDROP 'Thoughts On Fire' INDEPENDENT Flamedrop are probably that one band you never thought you would see coming, well embrace it because this Hungarian horde are here to stay. Mustering up a cataclysmic of thunderous riffs, ground-shaking drums and vocals so vicious, venomous snakes are set to become obsolete. This quintet's debut album 'Thoughts On Fire' certainly ticks all of the boxes that guarantee it to be an instant hit across Europe if not the Hungarian Metal scene, it is brim-full of power, heaviness, brutality and technicality. There is no doubt that the following release will have to be extra-special to knock this one for six, because by this effort if Flamedrop are not snapped up by a major metal label, then clearly there is something wrong with this industry; 'Thoughts On Fire' is an easy contender for Hungarian Metal release of the year. For Fans of: The Haunted, Arch Enemy, Malefice Download This: "Cruel Intentions" - click here to listen [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON BREZNO 'Kri' INDEPENDENT Four years on from their excellent debut EP, Slovenia's Brezno have shown no signs of stopping by delivering their debut album 'Kri' released last year. Maintaining their devotion to singing in the Slovene language, the sextet make no mistake at making their first effort a memorable one. Remaining true to their roots, Brezno once again prove themselves to be a key part in the 'New Wave of Slovenian Folk Metal' alongside the likes of Zaria and Avven, with 'Kri' providing Brezno a platform to build upon, we may very well see more of this tight-unit. Alongside their early Bloodstock appearance, it is inevitable that sometime in the future they will make their return, well with 'Kri' as decent as it is, it would be a high demand for their return. Download This: "V Nebo" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Avven, Zaria, Dalriada [8] RHYS STEVENSON DREADED MORTUARY 'Vulgar Way To Die' INDEPENDENT To think that Indonesia is the only South-East Asian to produce quality Thrash Metal is a complete understatement, take for example Dreaded Mortuary's second album 'Vulgar Way To Die', it has enough Slayer in it to make Slayer retire early. This 30 minute adventure offers listeners a brutal onslaught of the classic 80's Thrash Metal sound, full on fast music with enough brutality to make you crack your head open. But whilst this is a solid album in it's own right, it is nothing new and therefore might just appear to be another Thrash Metal release to many, but despite this it still packs a punch and then some. 'Vulgar Way To Die' certainly gives Dreaded Mortuary the upper hand in staking their claim as a successful Filipino Metal export, watch them with interest. Watch this: "Vulgar Way To Die teaser" - click here to watch/listen For Fans of: Slayer, Megadeth, 80's Thrash Metal [8] RHYS STEVENSON WATERLAND 'Our Nation' INDEPENDENT Be honest, Portugal is one of those countries that doesn't really get much attention when it comes to metal music with the exception of Moonspell. Take away the veil and you find a fired-up, pacey metal scene and it's bands like Waterland who keep it going. Take their third album 'Our Nation', it's sensational blend of Symphonic, Melodic and Power Metal gives it that so-called 'Epcot' feel, the sort of vibes experienced at the Disney park. Either that or the sort of sound that would give Portugal their long-awaited win at the Eurovision Song Contest. It is because of the contrasting sounds, that this album can be considered one of the best albums to emerge from the underground melodic / symphonic metal scene in years. 'Our Nation' can easily be considered a contender for Portuguese Metal release of the year, with it's emphatic transcending symphonies, bouncy melodies and majestic heaviness, there is no real room to argue against said statement. Download This: "Land Of Dreams" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Sonata Arctica, Dotma, Seraphim [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON REZISTOR 'By Any Means Necessary' INDEPENDENT Despite the effort displayed on the second album by Romanian Groove Thrashers Rezistor, it lacks that wow factor. 'By Any Means Necessary' constitutes as your average Groove / Thrash Metal release and so with that in mind, don't expect anything special. That said the composition is still a worthy listen, it just does not carry the ability to convince that it is a label-signing release. Given the album is 30 minutes long, it is a rather short, if not unexpected disappointment. The drums deal justice, whilst the vocals and guitars lack any authentic stamping-power, leaving the album to revel in the 'what-could-have-been' category. If Rezistor want to gain a name for themselves across 'By Any Means Necessary', this album is almost certainly not going to do it. Download This: "Wake Up!" - Click here to listen For Fans of: late-Sepultura, Soulfly, Cavalera Conspiracy [7] RHYS STEVENSON EVOLVENT
'Whatever Happens' BERNETT France's love affair with Symphonic Gothic Metal continues with Evolvent's second album 'Whatever Happens', following such a strong debut album (2011) and a below-par EP (2014) the anxiety of whether this album would be decent was on the table. Suffice to say, 'Whatever Happens' is a rampaging voyage across blackened symphony after blackened symphony, with tantalizingly erotic vocals and an electric atmosphere, it is clear that this album was built to cast away the band's demons. The result? Success. 'Whatever Happens' pays homage to the dramatic, the operatic and the atmospheric elements that form the foundation of the very Symphonic Gothic Metal sound, as for Evolvent this can be considered as their finest hour as they stand as one of France's unsung metal gems. Download This: "Love Doesn't Love Me" - click here to listen For Fans of: Within Temptation, Tarja-era Nightwish, The Hourglass (RO) [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON KRYOCELL 'Entrail Fuelled Leviathan' INDEPENDENT If there is one band name that should be on everyone's lips in the Death Metal scene this year, it's Kryocell. Exploding with sheer confidence through their premier EP 'Entrail Fuelled Leviathan', it is crystal-clear that this Liverpool quartet know where they want to take their infectious blend of complex rhythms, barbaric riffs and gut-grinding vocals. This four-track beast has enough ferocity to crush your cranium with such conviction, you would immediately begin to believe that Kryocell are one of the most exciting bands to emerge out of the British Metal scene this year. On the strength of this EP, the eventual debut album will certainly have a lot of expectation riding on it, in fact this could be the time that the Liverpool Metal scene gets a shake-up. If you like your Death Metal full of grit, thick elements and stomach-wrenching vocals, then you have come across the perfect release. Download This: "Entrail Fuelled Leviathan" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Nile, Machine Head, Decapitated [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON BLACKENED RITUAL 'Blackened Ritual' INDEPENDENT Dropping a release before any major festival appearance always bodes well in allowing punters to get a taste of whats to come, this is exactly what Blackened Ritual have done. These bonnie Scottish lot lay down the law with their uncompromising mish-mash of Thrash Metal maniacal brutality and heavy-punching Heavy Metal beats with their self-titled debut album. Hailing from the home of fellow metal brethren Alestorm, Blackened Ritual form the next link in the chain of hidden gems from the Gaelic north and whilst Thrash Metal appears to be seeing a slight lull in the overall British scene, Blackened Ritual certainly keep the flag flying for Scotland. If you are not banging your head to this delicious beast-of-an-album, then ponder why that is.... Blackened Ritual just blew up your speakers, word. Download This: "Eradication Of The Human Disease" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Pantera, Megadeth, Iron Maiden [8] RHYS STEVENSON WE ARE THE CATALYST 'Monuments' SEVEN13 We Are The Catalyst are without a shadow of a doubt, Sweden's answer to Evanescence. Through the magical dynamics developed between the crunching riffs, mind-blowing vocals, unrelenting drumming and thunderous atmospherics, this Swedish quintet's debut album 'Monuments' may well just position the band as perhaps one of the most exciting prospects to emerge out of the Nordic nation in the last few years. Funnily enough this is the sort of effort that could enable Sweden to retain their Eurovision 2015 crown (well Finland did win with Lordi!), whether this is in the scope of the band's career is another proposition, but what is clear is that 'Monuments' has given WATC well deserved attention. In fact there are some pop elements wafting in and out of this release alongside the crystal-clear metallic rock sounds, make no mistake WATC are here to stay and are going places. Amaranthe and Evanescence rolled into one = We Are The Catalyst, you better believe it. Download This: "Time Will Show" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Evanescence, Amaranthe, Linkin Park [10] RHYS STEVENSON OVEROTH 'Kingdom Of Shadows' FORBIDDEN REALM You would have to take a trip back to the year 2010 to see the latest official material by Northern Irish Death Metal mob Overoth. Their debut album 'Kingdom Of Shadows' blasts out a furious hailstorm of ballistic drumming, gnarly riffs and guttural sermons that coupled with the almost Doom-inspired atmospherics, immerse the listener in a sea of rotten blood, horror-orgasms and cranial dispositions. In other words, a skull-cracking effort. Upon listening to 'Kingdom Of Shadows', you will experience a sensational mauling that will leave you whimpering for your mummy. For this slab of concrete Death Metal should be taken with a serious conviction, as it is not for those who love their Death Metal full of flash and beautiful elements, this is for the down-and-dirty-laden-with-blackened-grit Death Metal fans. Take it away Captain Mainwaring. Download This: "The Serpent Of Old" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Obituary, Unleashed, Cattle Decapitation [8] RHYS STEVENSON INCIPIT 'Demo 2013' INDEPENDENT Given the strength of their premier demo released in 2013, Incipit's forthcoming debut album will be one exciting release to keep an eye out for, especially given this Blackened Death Metal unit know how to deliver a rapid firing of blazing drums, murderous riffs and ferocious vocals, sure the line-up between the two releases has changed, but the spirit of Incipit still remains as solid as it did at the point of the band's inception. Whilst not as clean-cut as the likes of Behemoth, the level of raw emotion and sounds pouring out of this demo is riveting, pleasing and without any doubt a fine way of paying homage to the Norwegian Extreme Metal scene. If Incipit do not get a record label deal within the next year or so, then either there is something drastically wrong with the music industry or there is something wrong with me, if it's the latter I'll quit my day job. Download This: "Iconoclast" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Enslaved, early-Myrkskog, Eastern Front [8] RHYS STEVENSON COUNTLESS SKIES 'Countless Skies' INDEPENDENT For their first effort, Countless Skies' self-titled EP is not half bad, but is not half good either. The EP itself is split 50/50 into two bad and two good tracks, so despite the attempt to create something that would give them the ammunition to take things seriously, they are not near that stage. Ignoring the production qualities, the vocals are too domineering in the way they are delivered and whilst the guitars save the EP with eccentric elements, the drums at times are so dirge, it would make you cry. But despite all of the said negativity, there is glimmers of hope in that Countless Skies can re-arrange their outlook and craftsmanship into something that will keep listeners hooked. That is not to say they aren't trying, they just don't seem to be looking in the right areas with this effort. Download This: "Reverence" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Amon Amarth, Kalmah, Dark Tranquility [7] RHYS STEVENSON MUTAGENOCIDE 'Devolve' & 'Demo 2015' RAD NAUSEAM One of Oxfordshire's most exciting metal exports Mutagenocide show why they are the next Thrash Metal band that will be paying your local venue a visit in years to come. Reflecting back on their follow-up EP 'Devolve' released last year and the progression made is evident, the brutality has amplified, the rhythms gone complex and the effort as crisp as glacial water. In fact, this EP ought to come with a health warning of imminent neck-ache, for the velocity shat out has enough power to blow your skull clean off your spine. Thrash Metal in the UK certainly seems to be going through a transitional phase and it is bands like Mutagenocide who are overseeing it with sexy efforts like this. Then of course forward a year and then you come across their latest material. Demo's are always a hit or miss, usually a miss and sadly this time it's a big miss. The vocals are poor, the drums forming a wall of sound and the riffs so messy they couldn't organize a festival er-hem. In all honesty given their EP 'Devolve' was so well done, this is a huge step down for the boys from Oxfordshire, it really lacks that killer instinct and thus brings the band back to the drawing board. Here's hoping though that they pick up the pieces and deliver another belting EP not before long in order to eradicate this demo from recent memory. For Fans of: Slayer, Evile, Fallen Fate Download These: "Half-Born" & "The Reason" - Click here to listen [8] & [5.5] RHYS STEVENSON SAILLE 'Eldritch' CODE666 Soon to become veterans of the Belgian Black Metal scene, sextet Saille take no prisoners when it comes to unleashing seismic belting albums. Their third album 'Eldritch' released last year sees them carrying on their furious undertone of soul-soothing symphonies and erratic-yet-erotic Black Metal compositions. All within the Lovecraft sermons from which embodies their albums lyrically, as for their latest effort, it's nine tracks lasting a phenomenal 56 minutes gives any listener plenty to chew on. From start to finish, the majestic nature of this Black Metal outfit begins to bore down into 'Eldritch' with such conviction, their recent Bloodstock appearance would certainly be deemed as their just reward and will no doubt be the start of something rather magical. Move over Dimmu Borgir, Saille want your scalps and they want them now! Download This: "Walpurgis" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Dimmu Borgir, Vesperian Sorrow, Advent Sorrow [8] RHYS STEVENSON BATTALION 'Generation Movement' INDEPENDENT It does not get any better than this for Battalion, or does it? Having released their fourth album 'Generation Movement' upon the masses, they then had the privilege of performing at Bloodstock Open Air Festival. For this Swiss quartet, their fashioned style of Thrash Metal bodes well in the eyes of whomever listens to their latest offering or at said live performance. 'Generation Movement' packs a seismic punch that will get you fist-pumping, banging your head to death and snorting beer before you can say 'what the fuck is this?'. But that's not all, what with the unrelenting, vocals so gritty they make your ears bleed and riffs so tasty, they relegate Swiss chocolate becomes relegated, 'Generation Movement' is a toast to one of the oldest forms of metal music. This may be a 'Generation Movement' in terms of new wave of Thrash Metal, but as far as Battalion goes, this is just another chapter in their sensational career. Download This: "Rapid Damage" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Evile, Metallica, Dublin Death Patrol [8] RHYS STEVENSON VALKYR
'Sovereign' INDEPENDENT It's all well and proper to make your own music but it is not alright to sound exactly like tens to hundreds of other bands and this is exactly what Valkyr have done. Ironically the music is just as good, full of punch, grit, sweet and blood. Said sentences are about the German quintet's premier EP 'Sovereign, there is very little key changes and the songs sound too similar, leaving the EP to fall into the trap of being lauded as one that perhaps needs revisiting in order to make their impending debut album the best it can be. However there is some conciliation in as far as their cover of Kreator's 'Phobia' is a remarkable effort that needs a gentle nod to. But as a whole the EP just does not cut it and thus may fall short of some listener's expectations, irrespective of the effort because effort does not always equal success, Valkyr need to configure their sound before they become entrapped in the 'common metal' cesspool for good. Download This: "Under The Spell Of Time" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Omnium Gatherum, 'Melodic Death Metal' [6] RHYS STEVENSON MORNIR 'Entfesselt' INDEPENDENT Germanic Paganism is certainly nothing new, but when it comes to mixing it with metal, it's more recent than you think. Carrying on this noble style is German Pagan Metallers Mornir with their premier EP 'Entfesselt' ('Unleashed'), through the maze of adventurous riffs that ride this EP with such fluidity to the gruffness of the vocals that embody the typical German Pagan Metal sound as a whole. Singing exclusively in their native German language, this quintet have got a promising future ahead as long as they keep the oomph in their music up and on top of what they aim to achieve. Mixing the classic Pagan Metal sound with a violin is not easy, yet as you let the EP play through it's entirety, the magic behind such a crossover becomes more and more crystal clear, simply spellbinding. Download This: "Erdenblut" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Arkona, Helrunar, Wolfchant [7] RHYS STEVENSON SIRION '2014 EP' INDEPENDENT This American lot are tipped for big things, well when you take the time to indulge in their 2014 EP you cannot escape the urge to place it on repeat for infinity, pun-intended. When you consider their concoction of Swedish Melodic Death Metal heaviness, Power Metal melodies, Modern Metal atmospherics and vision to create a unique sound, you wouldn't be wrong for calling Sirion the offspring of Scar Symmetry and Children Of Bodom. On the strength of this EP, we tip this exciting quintet for a record label deal within a year's-time. Lyrically adopting the Modern Futuristic Metal approach of singing about space, the apocalypse and artificial intelligence through some hefty cybernetic verbiage, Sirion have certainly got their act together and with their impending debut album on the cards, their next release will be closely monitored with interest. Download This: "Interstellar" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Scar Symmetry, Children Of Bodom, Wintersun [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON IN VACUO 'In Vacuo' INDEPENDENT If you ever felt insanely depressed or down, trodden and saddened, then go ahead indulge in In Vacuo's self-titled album, because this would only make you feel that much worse. 'In Vacuo' is the self-harming equivalent in the music world, it seriously lacks any kind of feeling and thus loses the intended ability to wow listeners. Despite this, the riffs are very bland, so bland you feel like stabbing your ears vigorously to save your hearing from the dreadful monstrosity herewith presented. For all the intended might, the album simply does nothing to excite or captivate and should be avoided with ease, that is, go ahead listen to it, but you will regret it. Forget going back to the basics of Black / Doom Metal, this is too bad for the basics. Download This (if you dare to): "Urpower" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Black / Doom Metal [4] RHYS STEVENSON POWER OF GROUND 'The Butcher' SALUTE Slamming and slaughtering are just two adjectives that can be used to describe the Premier EP by Bangladesh's latest metal export Power Of Ground. 'The Butcher' EP employs a corpse-spread of Brutal Death Metal marred with some rather eccentric Technical Metal influences weaving in and out of the gory onslaught. Pig squeals and guttural vocals front this maddened release and are joined by said riffs and thumping drums. This EP is not only perfect for those who get boners over Extreme Metal, but also for those who love exotic metal, aside from this 'The Butcher' is a really good starter by this Chittagong horde, bestial at it's most extreme as well as brutally menacing. Fury, grit, gore, whoring-riffs and mathematics at their most extreme make this EP what it is, and so be prepared to face the abattoir of 'The Butcher'. Download This: "Murder Is An Art" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Psyopus, Suffocation, Severe Dementia [8] RHYS STEVENSON DILIGENCE 'Amendment' INDEPENDENT 'Amendment' summarizes what you would expect from a Deathcore / Death Metal band, unrelenting drums, crunching riffs, bellowing vocals and an atmosphere designed to crush your senses. Enter Czech metallers Diligence with their premier EP released last year. Fronted by the sensationally talented Daniela Neumanová, this quartet emblazon their image with the perceptions of Modern Death Metal and in doing so prep themselves to become the next successful Czech Metal export. 20 minutes of unruly brutality may not seem enough, but by the time the last song closes you begin to realize it sounded longer than it actually did. It would be surprising if labels like MetalGate don't snap up this hot property, because damn this Death Metal / Deathcore combination certainly demands immediate attention. 'Amendment' is one EP any adventurous metal fan should own, forget what you love, Diligence's 'Amendment' is the real shit. Download This: "Ways Grown Obsolete" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Cerebral Bore, Arch Enemy, Whitechapel [9] RHYS STEVENSON KILL ROBOT KILL 'Aeon Of Damnation' INDEPENDENT Deathcore is like a plague, it contaminated the world and every once in a while it needed to mutate in order to survive, sadly such mutations end up with the output more shit than your average fecal matter. Thankfully Austrian horde Kill Robot Kill avoid that pitfall and unleash a menacing onslaught of Death Metal-infused Deathcore. Whilst their debut EP 'Aeon Of Damnation' might not be the best this outfit can produce, it certainly has the force of a thousand atomic bombs and as such will pummel your face into wasted skin. Crunchy riffs lead the attack, whilst the drums send seismic shocks through the infrastructure of this formidable effort and the vocals lead the final blow to what can be perceived as the dawn of the new wave of Austrian Deathcore. Watch this band with interest at all costs. Download This: "Still The Ashes Reveal" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Whitechapel, Betraying The Martyrs, Kin Beneath Chorus [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON OVERDOZES 'E.P.' INDEPENDENT Hailing from one of the least explored metal scenes on the international stage (in terms of press coverage), Thrash Metal unit Overdozes aim to please with their premier 2015 EP. Despite it's epic pace-shifting Thrash Metal sound, the Thai quartet immerse their sound in raw, DIY atmospherics and end up giving possibly a nostalgic feeling to veteran metalheads, reminiscing of the 80's Thrash Metal fury. Whilst this is nothing new, the raw sound and almost-apparent lack of respect for the guidelines to making a groundbreaking release, make this EP a release anyone should own, because it simply has enough oomph to make anyone headbang incessantly. Their EP might well just become Thai Metal release of the year; watch this band with interest. Download This: "Goat Divinity" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Nuclear Assault, Sodom, Slayer [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON INSURRECTION 'Catatonic' BIG BAD WOLF Insurrection's debut EP 'Catatonic' takes its time to kick into full swing, and yet when it does it becomes clear that some elements are missing. It lacks that convincing punch to make it a stellar release, but that's what EP's are for right? Granted the unrelenting pace the drummer sets is matched by the guttural velocity of the vocals and the uncompromising riffs, but the atmosphere is as boring as watching paint dry. Hence the atmosphere is one of the major substances this EP lacks in, the other pitfall is when you take on too many sub-genres and fluff it, which in Insurrection's case is Melodic Death / Thrash; there is too much going on for the band to formulate a sound that will define this band, but despite this the effort is there and if the Dutch quartet play their cards right, they could make a buzz on the continent if not the Benelux. It's not the best of starts for the band, but they have potential. Download This: "Apotheosis" - Click here to listen For fans of: The Arcane Order, The Haunted, Malefice [6.5] RHYS STEVENSON THUNDERSTEEL 'The Exorcism' TMINA If not the most exciting metal act of 2015 to emerge from the Serbian Metal scene. That is what comes to mind when listening to Thundersteel's debut album 'The Exorcism'. By mixing together the hallowing sounds of Speed Metal in the style of Sabaton and Judas Priest, with the emphatic slow melodies and majestic sounds of Iron Maiden, this quartet set the bar higher in the Heavy / Speed Metal arena. 'The Exorcism' has given Thundersteel a solid platform to walk upon, not only because of their imminent label deal, but because this effort will perk the ears of Europe up, it has the potential to push Thundersteel onto the conveyor belt for the likes of Bloodstock and beyond. In addition we could be looking at a sharp contender for Serbian Metal release of the year as well, keep an eye on this lot. Download This: "Past Time Lords" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Sabaton, Iron Maiden, Judas Priest [8] RHYS STEVENSON ELVELLON
'Spellbound' INDEPENDENT With the Symphonic Metal movement having gained rapid momentum over the last two decades and since it's first emergence in 1990, the need for bands to distance themselves from the established-household names has become paramount. Elvellon manage to escape this entrapment, just. Granted they have not included any Power Metal, nor any cliche elements that seem to have been exhausted these days, but the similarity between them and the likes of Turunen-era Nightwish cannot be mistaken, not that is a bad thing, it just means that 'Spellbound' has given the band a decent platform to stand on. With 'Spellbound' being the band's debut EP, we can expect a lot more from this German quintet and here's hoping they become a successful metal export, because they certainly have the vision and musicianship to do so without anything holding them back. Swishing symphonies and angelic vocals combined with thunderous drumming and savage riffs, if you're ravenous for some 'Dramatic Symphonic Metal' then 'Spellbound' is for you. Download This: "Born From Hope" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Turunen-Era Nightwish, Delia, Within Temptation [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON ACROSS THE ABYSS 'Silhouettes Of A Perfect World' EQUATORIAL STORM Whilst Oriental Metal may not exactly be new, with the likes of ChthoniC, Melechesh and Orphaned Land leading it, searching further down the line you will find a new cluster of bands to step into the breach. One such band is Across The Abyss, of whose debut album 'Silhouettes Of A Perfect World' ticks all of the boxes that guarantees itself as a successful release, one that metalheads worldwide ought to tune into. Hailing from Singapore, this Polish-Singaporean contingent certainly have got a vision to make 'Far Eastern Oriental Metal' as distinguishable as possible through the eccentricity of the riffs used, the atmospherics developed and of course by mashing it with Symphonic Metal elements, keeping the traditional music sounds in-mind. Across The Abyss are flying the flag for the Singaporean Metal scene and are set to become the natural successors to fellow countrymen Impiety on the international circuit. Download This: "Lost Moon" - Click here to listen For Fans of: ChthoniC, Crescent Lament, Shangren [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON DIVINE DISORDER 'Garden Of Dystopia' INAZUMA PRODS. The debut album by Divine Disorder cannot remain unnoticed by the masses, simply because their ferocious combination of Progressive Metal and Symphonic Death Metal delivers a tantalizingly brutal onslaught that epitomizes the Middle Eastern Metal scene and gives hope for the smaller nations in said region. 'Garden Of Dystopia' is a juicy 60-odd minute adventure that takes listeners on a journey through cascading riff velocities, Arabic-like atmospherics and dynamics so fluid, the River Jordan would develop jealously traits at the mere sound of it. Fluctuating through various speeds across eleven tracks, Divine Disorder have positioned themselves perfectly to become the finest metal band Kuwait has ever seen, and in doing so gives them automatic right to fly the flag for the Kuwaiti Metal scene. They are destined to achieve big things, watch this band very closely. Download This: "The Puppeteer" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Fleshgod Apocalypse, Gojira, Septicflesh [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON MIDVEST 'Reinkarnation' INDEPENDENT Two worlds collide when the majestic darkness of Symphonic Black Metal comes crashing into the visual representation of Steampunk. This pretty much sums up Midvest, the German five-piece who released their premier EP this year. Singing exclusively in their native German language, this gloomy industrial-like production really crafts a well-constructed atmosphere that absorbs your soul into a deep and darkened paralysis. Whilst there is considerable comparisons evidently present on the EP, meaning the sound is nothing new, does not disregard the EP as a decent release. Sure the vocals need a bit of work in terms of clarity, but the dramatic characteristics exhibited give the release that welcomed feeling of potential success on the European Black Metal circuit. Midvest in fact have brought a new metal sub-genre to the table, welcome to the dawn of 'Steampunk Black Metal' Download This: "Reinkarnation" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Dimmu Borgir, The Men That Will Not Be Blamed for Nothing, Carach Angren [8] RHYS STEVENSON MOSHNIX 'Black Monk' INDEPENDENT Sad to say it seems that Moshnix have fallen into the trap of delivering a generic Thrash Metal release, sure it holds promise for the Swedish newbies, but it lacks that killer edge that otherwise would give them the edge to reclaim the Thrash Metal crown for Sweden. 'Black Monk' is the band's premier EP and for those brave enough to check it out, some will turn it off quicker than the first riff played on the release. That said, by bringing in Heavy Metal influences on 'Kill Her Quick', the band may have just saved themselves the embarrassment of going through a whole EP of delivering the same old same old Thrash most bands seem to be pummeling out these days. Despite all their last-shot might, 'Black Monk' is a flash in the pan and is a disappointing release. Time to put the kettle on and take a break. Download This: "Black Monk" - Click here to listen For Fans of: 'Thrash Metal' [6] RHYS STEVENSON WINTERHEART 'Facing What I'm Becoming' INDEPENDENT Black Metal in Hungary has a rather rich heritage and so when new bands emerge on the scene, there is a certain amount of expectation riding on them. One band who knows about this is Winterheart, as their second album 'Facing What I'm Becoming' delivers a raw and depressive slice of Black Metal that would dampen anyone's mood. Whilst the bass drum has too much presence, the fuzziness of the riffs fill in the void and couple with the raspy vocals, give the release a good platform to stand on. Granted its not the best release, but what more can you expect from an underground band? Despite the said negativity, 'Facing What I'm Becoming' features 8 tracks which equate to 49 minutes-worth of listening. Certainly its an album for the die-hard Black Metal collectors, but for the average metalhead who peers over various sub-genres, it would be seen as a disappointment. Download This: "And Finally... I Just Hate Myself" - Click here to listen For fans of: Underground Black Metal, Raw Black Metal [6.5] RHYS STEVENSON LEATHER PHANTOM 'Electric Leather Land' INDEPENDENT Bringing a brighter side to Thrash Metal, is Germany's Leather Phantom with their premier EP 'Electric Leather Land' released last year. Whilst not as conventionally fast as most Thrash Metal releases, the band instead adds funk and Heavy Metal elements to it, giving the EP a rather unique sound. Not partially because of the sonic keyboard sounds included, but also because they've clearly taken the time to endow in creating their own signature sound, which is what some bands tend to fall short at these days. 'Electric Leather Land' may only be a shot in the dark for this German quartet, but for the underground it is pretty damn good. If you're seeking new music to check out that defies the rules and challenges taboo when it comes to Thrash Metal, then you've found your band. Bring on their debut album. Download This: "Urgent Needs" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Evile, Guns 'N' Roses, Machine Head [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON ARKHAM 'Weapons Of Mass Destruction' INDEPENDENT Over a decade has passed since the inception of Arkham to when their premier release dropped, which seems too long to wait, but boy was it worth it. Despite the immensely long wait, their debut EP 'Weapons Of Mass Destruction' is a good solid example of Heavy Thrash Metal at it's finest. The Spanish quintet have made a good job of making their first release one to capture a lot of attention, whilst also giving themselves and immediate platform to perhaps launch their one and possibly only album (referring to the years lost - 13). None the less the EP does offer listeners a good experience through some rather heavy yet monstrous riffs, coalescing with sharp vocals and thick bass playing alongside solid drumming. They may be a flash in the pan, but they are certainly a good one. Download This: "Full EP" - Click here to listen to the full EP For Fans of: Slayer, Municipal Waste, 'Heavy Thrash Metal' [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON CYBERNETIC WITCH CULT 'Morlock Rock' INDEPENDENT Despite the band name sounding like another way of describing a robotic army of wicked witches, the Cybernetic Witch Cult is a Stoner Metal trio with enough oomph in their bones to raise the dead nationwide. Psychedelic with every second passing by, this trio's debut album 'Morlock Rock' comes loaded with funky, bluesy riffs and happiness as you light a spliff to 'chillax' to this epic record. In fact it would be so apt if the Cybernetic Witch Cult did the score for a ghost-horror film along the likes of The Sixth Sense or Paranormal Activity, because the music exhibited on their debut album is of that guild, that is, it sends chills down your spine whilst enthralling your senses with a musical concoction that makes Stoner Metal what it is. 'Morlock Rock' should be in anyone's collection because of its sheer beauty, as for the English trio, they have a bright future ahead and so keep an eye on them. Download This: "Tyrannosaurus Hex" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Electric Wizard, Orange Goblin, Ghost [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON PHEAR 'Insanitarium' INDEPENDENT Could this be the most exciting Heavy Metal band to emerge out of Canada since Kobra & The Lotus stormed the globe? Phear's debut album 'Insanitarium' not only boasts a plethora of sensational guest musicians, but also the music to give them international attention on an unprecedented level. With the likes of Glen Drover (Megadeth, Testament) and Bjorn 'Speed' Strid (Soilwork) offering their services alongside fellow Canadians Jon Howard, Travis Montgomery (both Threat Signal) and Rick its ferocious power. 'Insanitarium' is without a doubt the Ontario-based band's finest hour, knowing that they will capitalize on this moment and with their infectious vocals, gnarly riffs and all-round sexy musical persona present, will bode them well in times ahead upon new releases and sequential ventures. Download This: "Don't Scream" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Iron Maiden, Testament, Megadeth [8] RHYS STEVENSON THARAPHITA
'Ülestõus' VAARANG With their name deriving from the god of thunder 'Taarapita' in Estonian mythology, Tharaphita are a Pagan Black Metal band from the Rakvere / Tallinn area. Celebrating 20 years activity this year, their fifth full-length album pays homage to the bands successful and lengthy career in the underground metal world. 'Ülestõus' sees the quintet stick to singing in their native Estonian and by doing so, continues to drag in traditional values as well as the fabled Baltic Paganism. But the language barrier has never been an issue for most Estonian bands, sure some sing in English, but fellow countrymen Metsatöll sing in Estonian and so it just goes to show singing in your own language can have its positives. As for 'Ülestõus', the album itself is sheer beauty in terms of its level of creativity and diversity, what Tharaphita have done here is created a work of art that in no doubt will stand the test of time and enthrall future Pagan and Black metal newbies. Download This: "Viimsepäeva Koidik" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Tarm, Sõjaruun, Skyforger [8] RHYS STEVENSON ESTAMPIDA 'Hard As The Wolfram' INDEPENDENT Celebrating their 20th year anniversary, Argentinian quartet Estampida unleash an apocalypse with their 'Thrashtastic' EP 'Hard As The Wolfram'. Sure the simile used in the EP title might raise a few eyebrows given Wolfram is the alternate name for Tungsten, which in turn derives from Swedish for 'Heavy Stone', but if this is meant to describe the music then hell the words explain themselves. If you prefer your metal to be full of throttling pace, combined with an atmosphere that guarantees to spark a mosh-pit and one that harbors a sound that will snap your neck in two, then you are reading a review about that exact release. Wallowing between the furious pace of Bay Area Thrash Metal and the guttural harmonics of Melodic Death Metal, 'Hard As The Wolfram' is an EP to raise a pint to. They may be old in the scene, but their music is still fresh as daisies. Download This: "Face The Fear (Captive Soul)" - Click here to listen For Fans of: The Haunted, The Arcane Order, Dying Fetus [8] RHYS STEVENSON SPYDOR 'Predator' INDEPENDENT Despite all their efforts to sound unique and original, German Thrash Metallers Spydor just don't quite cut it. No disrespect to their debut EP 'Predator' which is a good solid slab of Thrash Metal, it just doesn't have anything excellent going for it, no 'wow' factor, no breakneck elements, nothing. It just doesn't seem whether they want to follow the Teutonic Thrash sound or the Bay Area Thrash sound, leaving them to ponder clueless as to where they want to be. 'Predator' for all it's might falls at the very last hurdle that otherwise would have given the band potential to establish a name for themselves in their homeland. Granted the members may well come from well-respected bands in their region, but as far as an international perspective goes, this EP is just another one to shelve in the category 'generic thrash', here's hoping their next effort is an improvement. Download This: "War" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Kreator, Slayer, 'Generic Thrash' [6.5] RHYS STEVENSON CRESCENT LAMENT '花殤' ("Elegy For The Blossoms") INDEPENDENT Crescent Lament's second album answers the anticipation surrounding it with such conviction, that this could be the release that gives Crescent Lament international recognition. '花殤' ("Elegy For The Blossoms") tells the story of A-hiong, a Taiwanese geisha who endured sorrow and anxiety throughout the late-Japanese period, the Pacific campaign in WWII and thereafter upon the dawn of the Chinese Nationalist Party's dominance in Taiwanese history. By utilizing traditional Taiwanese and Japanese instruments to give the sound a Oriental-yet-traditional feel to the music, Crescent Lamant establish themselves as the pioneers of ''Oriental Gothic Metal' and as this album goes, delivers a dark, saddening and theatrical sound. What also makes this release all the more magical, is the entire story concept, with two cultures clashing on one record, this is one album everyone should have in their collection. If any Far Eastern film delves into the realm of the geisha, Crescent Lament should make an appearance on the strength of this release. Download This: " 晴雨 " - Click here to listen For Fans of: Epica, Lacrimosa, After Forever [9] RHYS STEVENSON GEMINI ABYSS 'Regenerate' INDEPENDENT Gemini Abyss' third full-length release 'Regenerate', at times feels like there is too much going on and thus loses track on what could be a powerful album. The male vocals hinder the album this time round, constricting the evident Symphonic Power Metal sound and clogging it up, whereas the female vocals need greater space instead of battling against the crunchy guitar riffs and blitzing drums. Despite this, 'Regenerate' is a respectable release that will surely give the fans of said metal genre and band to chew on, but in a holistic sense it might not be enough to propel the band into the international spotlight. Instead of growling, perhaps Marcin ought to adopt a Phantom of the Opera singing style; this combined with Klaudia's graceful singing would send the atmospherics sky-rocketing. There are pockets of songs that stand out as true anthems, such as 'Like The Wind' which ideally is the sound Gemini Abyss ought to follow more. Download This: "Like The Wind" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Nightwish, Rhapsody Of Fire, Kamelot [7] RHYS STEVENSON VARIOUS ARTISTS 'The Witch 3: Wild Hunt Official Soundtrack - Special Edition' CD PROJEKT RED To hear this momentous soundtrack from the Windows/PS4/Xbox One game 'The Witch 3: Wild Hunt' is a delight beyond all belief. Featuring a wide array of instrumentalists and an all-Polish-choir, the end product is one of sheer emphatic and epic proportions that relates to the LOTR trilogy in it's suspense, elements and dramatic numbers. It also features the Progressive / Folk Metal band Percival using only acoustic instruments (Percival Schuttenbach is the metal counterpart) of whose metal name ties in with one of the gnomes from "The Witcher" saga, which in turn is a book series and forerunner to the video game series. In fact, this all Polish affair really has put the spotlight on the band and musicians involved, but as for the soundtrack itself for those who manage to secure a copy it is worth the listen. With 31 tracks spanning over 70 minutes-worth of listening time, listeners will be spoiled for choice onto what to listen to, overall this is a majestic work of art that will enthrall anyone who plays the game and as said listens to the soundtrack (if you're lucky enough to get a copy). Listen to it here: "Official Soundtrack" For Fans of: Video game instrumentals [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON PERCIVAL SCHUTTENBACH / PERCIVAL 'Wild Hunt' & 'Mniejsze Zło' INDEPENDENT / INDEPENDENT Lubin-based Percival Schuttenbach and their sister band Percival lock horns on their folkloric split release 'Wild Hunt' and exercise their traditional Slavic roots with pomp, majestic atmospherics and similar pace to that of their national dance the Polonez. The evident difference between the two bands is that Percival uses solely acoustic elements and yet whilst the Russian-Polish group have their musical differences with both bands, the essence of folk music remains on both accounts. Yet, Percival Schuttenbach (whose name comes from a gnome in the "The Witcher" saga) go international and perform other traditional folk songs from Belarus, Bulgaria and Croatia and thus deliver a fantastic multicultural product. Listeners will not get bored of this, nor will they get bored of the metal counterpart known (as said) as Percival. Sure whilst the latter band only has four songs on this 12-track release, it still delivers that excitement and folk-feeling you would expect. Singing exclusively in Polish, Percival keep their heritage and traditions alive through a cocktail blend of Progressive Metal guitar work and Folk Metal harmonics, just don't confused them with Pagan Metal because they are far from it. For Slavic Folk Metal, Percival stick true to their sister bands sounds and turn the amp up past 13. Overall this split is a remarkable testament to the Polish Metal scene, and is one that you ought to have in your collection. As for Percival Schuttenbach's fourth album 'Mniejsze Zło', more of their Progressive Folk Metal is brought out again. Maxing out at over an hour, this is a joy to listen to as the Polish verbiage flows out like a cascading waterfall. Much alike to fellow contemporary Polish Folk Metal bands, Percival Schuttenbach weave together traditional sounds with the harsh grittiness of metal music to create a sound that will enthrall many fans alike. Sure the balance between clean and screeching vocals is paramount to making a release dynamic, and that is what exactly has happened, by mixing two types of vocals that are reminiscent of many Slavic Metal bands and of the bouncy and melodic traditional type, 'Mniejsze Zło' will surely stand the test of time as a true honor to Polish Slavic Metal. Download This: "Żmij I Dziewczyna" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Arkona, At The Lake, Żywiołak [8] + [8] RHYS STEVENSON FRANTIC AMBER 'Burning Insight' INDEPENDENT Metal knows no boundaries, so when Sweden-based quintet Frantic Amber unleash their debut album 'Burning Insight' upon the masses, what comes with it is a new take on the Melodic Death Metal style. With members from Sweden, Japan, Norway and Denmark bringing together their own unique tastes for metal, the consequential output is a mixing pot of different influences that all mesh together to create the Frantic Amber sound. Dynamic atmospherics laced with the unrelenting pummeling of the drums come colliding and crashing against the crunchiness of the riffs and sickening feminine-ish vocals. It may well be 7 years since the band's inception, but the wait is well worth it. 'Burning Insight' shows a vast improvement across the years since the band's first EP and with this effort, clearly deserve to be signed, for they are certainly Sweden's hottest-property-of-2015. For Fans of: Arch Enemy, Scar Symmetry, Deals Death Download This: "Soar" - Click here to listen [8] RHYS STEVENSON AZURICA 'Warriors Don't Die' INDEPENDENT Not to be confused with their second EP of the same name, Azurica's humble beginning started with their 2013 EP 'Warriors Don't Die' which takes the form of a Keyboard-led style of Melodic Death Metal. Despite it's might, the vocals seem to be whispered and thereby allowing the guitars to take center stage alongside the keyboards. And what with the drums providing very little agility let alone sound quality, you begin to question where the band wants to be heading and where they are actually heading. Suffice to say despite Azurica's attempts to make 'Warriors Don't Die' a feasibly and exciting release, it fails to make the cut and as a result, begs for their next release to be the one to gobsmack. How will the German quintet move on from this is the next question, one of which should have an interesting answer. Download This: "The Inseparable Part" - Click here to listen For Fans of: 'Melodic Death Metal' [6.5] RHYS STEVENSON KYMATICA 'Kymatica' INDEPENDENT Just utter the genre and you will raise an eyebrow. Symphonic Extreme Metal might be a paradox in terms of how the opposites of the metal scale collide on Kymatica's self-debut album, but it certainly leaves an ever-lasting taste for more. Whilst their first major release might not be a clear-cut work of art, it certainly delivers something fresh to the table, with a concoction of sounds deriving from Symphonic Metal, Black Metal, Post-Metal and Doom Metal, you would be left pondering what on earth did Kymatica drink in order to deliver this golden-piss-of-an-album. Despite its lack of presence for the most part, 'Kymatica' is a promising sign of good things to come from this Canadian quartet and whilst it may leave some listeners befuddled, the end result is as good as the start. Watch this band with some interest. Download This: "Fate, Doom" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Dimmu Borgir, Cradle Of Filth, White Empress [7] RHYS STEVENSON STORM UPON THE MASSES
'Vengeance Of Madness' INDEPENDENT Slamming the ground with a fist of fury is Belgian Brutal Death Metal masochists Storm Upon The Masses, now their EP 'Vengeance Of Madness' is a little heavier than your last hangover. By bolting together a furious rally of drumming, riffs and guttural verbiage, this quintet emerge victorious as perhaps becoming the natural successor to Aborted. 'Vengeance Of Madness' will grapple onto your senses, pound your skull into tiny fragmented pieces and leave you begging for your mummy; unless of course she's into brutally-crafted Brutal Death Metal. Whilst there is only three tracks, there is enough firepower to blow away any poser Death Metal band with ease and cement Storm Upon The Masses' place as one of 2015's hottest prospects, let alone place 'Vengeance Of Madness' as an early contender for Belgian release of the year. All in all, watch this band with interest. Download This: "The Skin Collector" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Aborted, Suffocation, Nile [8] RHYS STEVENSON 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 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 |
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