KREMATED 'Total Warfare' You want a blitz? Look at world war two documentaries, however if you want a blitz-storm then get a load of historical Thrash Metal produced by London masters of grit, the quartet known as Kremated. Returning from the pits of the south bank, Kremated thrust forward their latest offering 'Total Warfare' in epic fashion, through a myriad of tempo-changing tracks and outrageous riffs, both together powerful enough to make an AK-47 look like a spent lump of corrugated metal. Moral is if you think the old styles of metal are dead, if you feel that the 'core' genres are the best style of metal ever, you would be mistaken, 'Total Warfare' delivers thrashed-up music along with Hardcore brutality and slick Crustpunk atmosphere, just make sure you turn the speakers up past 13 or else. [9] RHYS STEVENSON Kannabinõid 'Kannabinõid' Considering most of the Eastern European Metal scenes deal with mainly Doom and Black Metal, when the Stoner Doom Metal quartet Kannabinõid emerge with their self-titled debut EP, it is looked open as the turning point for the Estonian extreme metal scene, full of melancholic, darkening and disturbing atmosphere, played on by the elegance of the Estonian language and the slow, thick sound of the guitar strings being plucked in a sorrowful way that leaves a bitter and cold emotion in the ears of whomsoever comes across this cleverly produced work of art, so much so irrespective of the language difficulties, here the music does the inevitable talking. [8] RHYS STEVENSON DARK HORIZON 'Diabolic Agreement' Two words: very disappointing. This is the best way without being crude upon summing up the debut album by Dark Horizon, their album 'Diabolic Agreement' delivers great music in the style of Melodic Black / Death Metal and at a precise tone too, but the vocals somehow seem to have gotten lost somewhere or at least practically are hard to understand, if there is anything else positive to take from this release is that it would pose well as an instrumental, but if the band are to exceed expectations and deliver a sound that critics and labels will pay more attention to, then the vocals need to keep a gear, there is great potential, just not as evident as it should be. [4.5] RHYS STEVENSON MYRA 'The Venom It Drips' EUROPEAN LABEL Falling back four years to the spark of Myra's career and you'll find their debut album 'The Venom It Drips', much is different here to their later album 'Godspeed', but the band still employs that phenomenal sound they coalesce, putting together lashes of Melodic Death Metal with Metalcore and Thrash Metal, the German quintet are a force waiting to take Europe by storm. With each song there is an explosion of technically crafted metal music and an atmosphere that would make any Bundesliga match sound and feel like a kindergarten, the album is that powerful. From the lush sounds of 'Doomed from the outset' which features female vocals to the delicate instrumental 'The Venom Part I', Myra prove that they are the new face of German Metal. [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON GHOST TRAIL 'Orkestergrav' It is a truthful fact that Norwegians are very good at producing grim Black Metal and Ghost Trail are no exception, putting together the cold and grave sounds of their True Norwegian Black Metal heritage with the progressive elements found in bands like Ihsahn, Enslaved and Emporer, the Norwegian trio deliver a promising start to their career and are sure to continue to create even darker music. As for their demo 'Orkestergrav', it is sure to please fans of the Progressive Black Metal style, with it's slow and long elements and formidable shrieking, it is a sound of death. [7] RHYS STEVENSON CRIMSON SHADOWS 'Glory On The Battlefield' From time to time Canada delivers a band that whilst unsigned, deserves international attention and proves themselves to be the next big act, this time that falls upon Ontario quintet Crimson Shadows as they smash the sound barrier with their emphatic debut album 'Glory On The Battlefield', mixing together the guttural vibrant sounds of Melodic Death Metal with the heavenly and majestic elements of Power Metal to deliver what could be perceived as Canadian Album of the year. 'Glory On The Battlefield' takes the listener on a forty-six minute journey through the fields of Canada to places as high as the Rockies and as low as the mountain bears riding bareback through the cities, to put it short, expect this band to go far as they prepare for 'Glory On The Battlefield'. Fans of 3 Inches of Blood, Blackguard and Unleash The Archers will love this album to bits. [10] RHYS STEVENSON WEEPING SILENCE 'For The Unsung' RAVENHEART MUSIC Malta's most prolific Metal band Weeping Silence return for a third time to deliver their sensational sound of Gothic-infused Doom Metal in emphatic fashion, the septet deliver another opus in what can be perceived as their greatest work to date. Mixing delicate female vocals with the harshness of the brutal male vocals spurted out here and together wrapped in music so atmospherically dynamic, it shook the very foundations of this small European island nation. For a Gothic Doom Metal band, they know how to make the balance just right so it doesn't place the listener in suicidal despair, instead what the Maltese septet have done is bring to the table another slice of fruity cake, one that any metal fan would savor and especially is delivered in honor 'For The Unsung' heroes that defended Malta during WW2, that is how strong this album and indeed this band are. [9] RHYS STEVENSON FIRES OF TARTARUS 'Fires Of Tartarus' Berkshire of late seems to be producing metal bands by the truckload and all sound out of this world, so when the new kids on the block Fires Of Tartarus released their debut s/t EP this year, the expectations were running high, by god did we not see this coming. Slamming, face-smashing Death Metal is unleashed to pummel the streets into total disrepair, wielding together killer riffs and earthquake-like drumming precision amongst sickening vocals and an atmosphere to make any hardnut become equated to a ballerina, 'Fires Of Tartarus' smacks out five tracks of insane music and yet leaves the listener begging for more, 'Fires Of Tartarus' is for fans of literally pure cold-blooded Death Metal. If this lot don't get signed in the next two or three years, I'll eat my speakers. [10] RHYS STEVENSON XENOSIS 'Haunted Skies' Whilst conventionally unconvincing as a perfect debut album, Xenosis' 'Haunted Skies' meets the expectations of what they claim to play, Progressive Death Metal. However for the American quintet the obvious lack of little timing here and there leaves some songs without any meaning or reason for purpose other than that to drag the entire album out of it's overall perception. Tracks like 'The Contactee' deliver what one was expecting, as for the first two tracks, skip them. However the real fudge-packer that will entice everyone is 'The Willows of the Brook surround us' with it's technically productive riffs and brutalizing drumming and vocal capabilities, overall the album has gems here and there, but there are a few areas to clean up on for number two. [6.5] RHYS STEVENSON BAAL ZE UB
'...From The Cave Of The Forgotten' Enter Baal Ze Ub with their debut full-length album '...From The Cave Of The Forgotten' and the new sound in the German Metal scene. Mixing traditional Blackened Thrash Metal with the darkness and grim atmosphere of war that plagued Europe for years, '...From The Cave Of The Forgotten' delivers fast and furious brutality in a barrage of blastbeats, death-defying riffs and insane shrieking vocals. Without dubbing them 'Black War Metal' would be a little of an understatement, there is evident parts of the album that relate to war and the air raid siren at the start is the first part of this extreme release. Emerging out of the darkness '...From The Cave Of The Forgotten' comes a quintet with enough cold bitterness to freeze your nipples off. [8] RHYS STEVENSON
0 Comments
P.S. Global Metal Apocalypse does not support or encourage the NSBM movement, nor do we condone it, we purely look at it as a Black Metal genre and focus purely on the music itself. FEUERNACHT 'Kamps Macht Frei' ONE PEOPLE ONE STRUGGLE The debut from the Austrian NSBM machine known as Feuernacht does not go without any compromise, singing entirely in their native German language, the band drag out from the darkness the most gruesome and evil types of Black Metal, the National Socialist kind. Whilst most will hate on the album, the music deals justice in that it delivers a cleverly structured slice of classic Black Metal. Fast-drumming on top of raw vocals that are so raw, it makes blood-red meat look pathetic. With a morbid, cold and damp atmosphere being drawn into the affray, this release could be the peak of the movement and as such, without any argument, a release worthy on anyone's shelves. Grim, black and practically old-school, 'Kamps Macht Frei' is the signature tune of Feuernacht. [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON MOSHPIT 'We Carry The Heart' ONE PEOPLE ONE STRUGGLE Let's face it, the 2012 offering by German Metalcore mob Moshpit is poised to smack the hell out of the cloned Metalcore bands that scatter the earth's surface these days. Their 2012 album 'We Carry The Heart' is a perfect example of how Metalcore 'should' be done. Brutal breakdowns, neck-slashing riffs and gut-rotting vocals accelerate the monstrosity that is Moshpit. Signed to OPOS Records, Moshpit are one hell of a promising band and are sure to smash their way through the German Metal scene like a dozen horses charging into battle, this, is, the, sh*t! [8] RHYS STEVENSON WARSENAL '2012 Demo' Give the lads due and praise, well after all Canada's Speed / Thrash Metal crackpots Warsenal make their debut on the scene with their 2012 demo. Regretfully quality is near appalling, but there again it makes you turn the volume up past 13, and then you'll find that this release has close links to the likes of Slayer and Anthrax. For the trio from the French-speaking region of Quebec, this could be the first step to bring back the old glorified sounds of 80's Speed and Trash Metal. Fast percussive beats, shredding riffs and slick vocals, Warsenal maybe become the war arsenal. [5] RHYS STEVENSON NIGHTCREEPERS 'Alpha' Gallantly wielding their swords, strapping together their barrels and priming their arrows, is French Pagan Folk Metallers Nightcreepers with their majestic sophomore album 'Alpha'. This sextet create an upbeat yet traditional sound with the usage of keyboards and a finely-tuned accordion to mix the classic French music sound with the harsh brutality of the Metal music infrastructure. It is not often that you come across bands similar to that of Arkona, Primordial or Cruachan; minus the Celtic Metal influence, or so one thinks. However, Nightcreepers are sure to storm the European lands, turn heads and most importantly sport that upcoming, needed label signing (and one could see them on a label like Nuclear Blast someday). [9] RHYS STEVENSON RISE OF AVERNUS
'Rise Of Avernus The debut EP by Australian quintet Rise Of Avernus does not go without it's drawbacks, it's too short. The EP kicks off the melodramatic and dark atmosphere through the delinquent sounds of the keyboard and the raw riffs of the guitar intertwining with the deep and depressive vocals, all of which bring together a real dank release. For the Progressive Gothic Doomsters, this is a great attempt on the first hurdle and it would seem that they have much more to offer in the next few releases. With clear-cut influences from Opeth, Paradise Lost and Candlemass, this is one EP to please any Doom Metal fan. [7] RHYS STEVENSON THOUGHTS OF REJECTION 'Thoughts Of Rejection' A face-punching, spine-cracking and soul destroying attempt comes from Austria's Thoughts Of Rejection and their self-titled debut album. The quintet weave together a riff-after-riff rampage with the very essence of Death/Thrash covered Metalcore for which devours the final sound into a million shards of glass, with each second bringing a delightful cut to the chase and the 'thoughts of rejection' eventually begin to slice through the listener's sense of hearing. Truth resides here and this effort will not fall far short of getting attention, rest assured this band has got more to offer. [7] RHYS STEVENSON OKERA 'A Beautiful Dystopia' Australian Melodic Death / Doom Metal quartet make their debut album jump and trip a bit, 'A Beautiful Dystopia' has all the flavourings of the traditional sounds from the stated genre's, but the atmosphere lacks in ambience and despair and thus results in a rather upbeat version. Hark, nonetheless Okera make a good attempt at their first release and is sure to bring out future promising sounds, but for now there is work to be done, perhaps the surfing needs to be cut down and spent more time absorbing the outside atmosphere during the BBQ season, or better still taking in the dark side of Australia, of which would become 'A Beautiful Dystopia'. [6] RHYS STEVENSON BELAKOR 'Of Breath & Bone' ROCKSTAR RECORDS Third strike lucky and coming out of the gates is Australia's Belakor and their third outing, 'Of Breath & Bone' sees the Melodic Progressive Death maniacs delve into the deepest sphincters of hell to deliver a face-smacking punch of evil music. With the riffs emanating the classic Scar Symmetry progressive gist and the vocals taken on the form of Unleashed, this is a truly remarkable effort. Without any remorse, Belakor produce music similar to that of Scar Symmetry, In Flames and Marionette, a classic Gothenburg sound escape and with this effort, the next step is global domination for the Victoria quintet; could easily be Australian Metal album of the year. [8] RHYS STEVENSON TEMPLE 'Structures In Chaos' NON SERVIAM RECORDS Blasting the barriers of sound is Dutch Brutal Death cowboys Temple and their emphatic debut album 'Structures In Chaos', this god-smiting release brings together the sounds of early Behemoth with Hail of Bullets-style vocals. It's sensational speed, riff intricacy and gut-rotten vocals devour the listener into a state of phantasmagoria via exploding the surrounding area with the sound of pounding beats, harmonious guitars and the overall sense that Temple, of whom are a trio, are in fact a mass army, ready to deliver the most brutal and sickening Death Metal in through 'Structures In Chaos'. [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON AKOMA
'The Other Side' If Carlsberg did prophecies, it would probably be the prophecy in the world, and this pretty much sums up Akoma's sophomore EP 'The Other Side'. Striking comparisons can be found between the heavenly vocals of Within Temptation; only made even more heavenly by Tanya and the thunderous drumming and riffing by three talented musicians, altogether producing one of the finest Danish Metal bands in years. 'The Other Side' takes the listener to a land of majestic adventures, harmonic rivers and waterfalls and changes the atmosphere into the realm of the beauty and the beast. Sounds like phantom of the opera, plays like godly music, concludes as the potential for being Danish release of the year, why aren't they signed? [10] RHYS STEVENSON GMA - Vol83 - Cursed By The Fallen, Theudho, Harvesta, Strange Facts In The Scalpel Case, Lelahell30/6/2012 CURSED BY THE FALLEN 'When The Sun Turns Red' Once in a while you come across a band that crosses two subgenres together and matches them with perfection, such is the band Cursed By The Fallen, the Austrian four-piece criss-cross Melodic Death Metal with the pummelling of Metalcore to devise an explosive sound of insane proportions. In the same musical veins as The Dead Lay Waiting and Sacred Mother Tongue, this Austrian quartet are by far very promising and are sure to end up with a record label, European-wide recognition and a fistful of greater sounds. 'When The Sun Turns Red' is in fact their debut EP.... what a corker, brutal enough to cause unexpected avalanches in the Alps. [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON THEUDHO 'When Ice Crowns The Earth' AURORA AUSTRALIS RECORDS In the band's 10th anniversary year, the fourth album from Theudho is released. 'When Ice Crowns The Earth' see's Belgian Pagan Black Metal take full flight and deliver an evil and eerie Norse sound. Within this record is the sounds of an almighty battle, fought on the plains of East Flanders with swords high and axes low, riffing out a majestic production and composing the marching tune to the tune of a darkened atmosphere. Taking a pinch of influence from bands such as Arkona, Ancient Rites and Rabenwolf, Theudho will remain as an underground Belgian legend, even 'When Ice Crowns The Earth'. [8] RHYS STEVENSON HARVESTA 'Harvesta' TERRORZONE RECORDS Hailing from Austria, comes a storm that was undetectable by satellites, well, it's actually a blizzard called Harvesta, who snow the listener in with an avalanche of hailstorm-like-Heavy Thrash Metal. The self-titled debut album by the quartet is quite simply sensational, with clear influences from bands like The Morning After, Metallica and Iron Maiden all mixed into one musical cooking pot, the outcome is a buffet of speed, heaviness and 100% face-melting riffs. With each song a health warning should be issued, because before long listener's will get hooked, guaranteed. Want some advice? Buy this album, 'cause this is going straight to the Emmy's. [10] RHYS STEVENSON STRANGE FACTS IN THE SCALPEL CASE 'Unearthed' Not conventionally like the over-produced Death Metal bands of today, well the debut EP from Belgian Death Metal merchants Strange Facts In a Scalpel Case go back to the original sounds of Death Metal. Immersed in a raw at'mosh'phere and darkened bleak production, the raw death metal sound is inevitably revitalising. The West Flanders duo coalesce to deliver a gloomy stance on music and with this EP in their roster, it can only get darker. Whilst not fast like Unleashed or thick like Morbid Angel, SFITSC is not like Napalm Death. 'Unearthed' is for those fans of 80's Death Metal and not for the modern day metal fan who thinks 'core music' is godly. [7] RHYS STEVENSON LELAHELL
'Al Inithar' The debut EP 'Al Inithar' from Algerian Death Metallers Lelahell comes without mercy, strapping together the vocalist of Litham and two talented musicians from Black Metal band Barbaros, this is the moment the Algerian Metal scene has been waiting for, the total onslaught of true North African Metal. Singing in both Arabic and English, the trio from Algiers summon up from the desert the darkest and most gruesome ever presented in this part of the world, a collection of six tracks spewing out guttural vocals so rotten, your body starts to decompose. The riffs and drum patterns only add more anguish and so fans of bands like Suffocation, Unleashed and Death/grind may find this to their liking. Lelahell has spoken, the torch is lit, Lelahell are flying the flag for Algeria. [8] RHYS STEVENSON CONQUEST OF STEEL 'Victorious In Defeat' NO FACE Bradford-based Power Metal quintet Conquest of Steel make their awaited return with their latest offering in the form of a four-track single (3 studio and 1 live), this being called 'Victorious In Defeat'. The only downside is, it does not sound anything like Power Metal, no high-pitch melodic vocals nor any gallioping speed on the drums / guitars, this is more like melodic heavy metal, for the West Yorkshire lads, this is a decent piece of musicianship, timed and excellent in beat and whilst the overall product is a good release, it should be noted that the riffs are a little repetitious. [6.5] RHYS STEVENSON RAW IN SECT 'Red Flows' WORMHOLE DEATH Musically representing the anger of the Greek nation and it's population, the Technical Death / Thrash Metal quartet Raw In Sect spit blood out with their debut album 'Red Flows', capturing and ensnaring the listener into sheer heavy brutality whilst murdering the human senses, rendering the human hearing ability obsolete. Here is a band with enough fury to overturn the faltering E.U, with a fistful of balls smashing against the skulls of the belligerent listener; the ultimate result is one of sheer decapitation and mental scarring, without a doubt Greek Metal album of the year. [10] RHYS STEVENSON _JAPANISCHE KAMPFHORSPIELE 'Kaputte Nackte Affen' UNUNDEUX Sad to say that the German Grindcore band Japanische Kampfhörspiele split up this year, none the less their fifth full-length release will not go without being noticed as an interesting release, not only do they sing in their native language of German but there is hardly any continual riffs, this is perhaps the signature tune for Grindcore, short songs with enough bizarre music to keep the listener questioning whether it is music or not, eighteen tracks amounting to 45 minutes, that is enough to save a place for the band in German Metal history. [7] RHYS STEVENSON SOULDRAINER 'Heaven's Gate' VICISOLUM Swedish Melodic Death Metal trio Souldrainer make their second return a real sweet one, returning to deliver their sophomore album 'Heaven's Gate' to the masses, the album features Scar Symmetry (old style) influences but with a lot more beat in it, somewhat funked up. Fist-slamming riffs pulverised by the mesmerising drumming of which are both fuelled and ignited by the fiery vocals that are emitted, this is pure modern metal at its finest, with each riff casting a new sound to each beat of the drum, Souldrainer is set to become the next best Melodic Death Metal export from Sweden. [7] RHYS STEVENSON ALL FALLS DOWN / REANIMA
'All Falls Down / Reanima Split' UNUNDEUX Utterly a poor split, one would have thought both Austrian Death Metal bands would have taken the moment to shed spit and light up a path to absolute decapitation, but this nothing better than Justin Bieber, an utter disgrace to the music genre. The riffs are too choppy and the drums lack any enthusiasm whilst the vocals, well, imagine a bodybuilder being castrated, it's that painful to listen to, seriously without any sheer motivation on this split, it lacks a lot to be desired. [1] / [1] RHYS STEVENSON CONNATURAL TERROR 'Lunacy Frenzy' PSYCHO LUNACY SOUNDS Arising from the grassy plains of Põlva in Estonia is Death Metal duo Connatural Terror and their disturbingly wretched debut EP 'Lunacy Frenzy', whilst the overall production is great, the vocal dynamics could be easily improved, however the music itself offers a two or three stroke battering and by jove is the double bass heavy. Although not exactly the greatest releases to start with, the effort in this is clearly felt with the vocals, what sets this duo apart from the rest of the Death Metal gathering, the level of precision in the vocals is paramount, almost explicitly morbid. [6.5] RHYS STEVENSON AMORAL 'Beneath' IMPERIAL CASSETTE / THE END Armed with the absolutely talented Ari Koivunen (Finland's Idol 2007 winner) on vocal duties, Finnish Power Metal (and Death Metal) machine Amoral make their warmed-welcome return with their fifth album 'Beneath', this brings a storm of blizzardous drumming along with some of the most epic riffs ever heard by the band and of course utilising the magic that the Finnish Power Metal vocalists seem to muster, none the less Amoral know what sound they want to create, one of epic dynamic sounds and endless neck-breaking Metal music, 'Beneath' is for fans of Sonata Arctica, Shade Empire and Children Of Bodom; with the release now out it has to be Finnish Metal album of the year. [10] RHYS STEVENSON IN LEAGUE 'Where The Silence Is Easy' Australia sees a new boy band on the block, this time it is In League with their debut album 'Where The Silence Is Easy', the Post-Hardcore sextet immerse the listener with gravitational-pulling riffs and brain-shredding drumming, all supported by some of the most melodic vocals heard from Australia. Sounding similar to that of Enter Shikari (minus the trance) and Rise Against, In League are sure to gain global attention from media and fans alike, 'Where The Silence Is Easy' is an exceptionally powerful release and with the attitude and musical direction displayed on this release, there is nothing to stop this furious blazing wildfire of six lads to dominate the globe. [8] RHYS STEVENSON ESSENZA 'Devils Breath' BIG MUD Totally unethical and despairingly common, Essenza's third album released in 2009 is nothing more than a standard Heavy Metal release, no enthusiasm or drive to make it entertaining, as if the guitars just rusted up or the drummers lost the groove. The only good thing about it is the fact they've tried to make another album, but with this effort they may as well want to re-record it and make it 10x better, whilst the album does offer some glimmer of hopes here and there, listeners may disobey their Metal traits for once and listen to Justin Bieber, back to square one for the Italian trio. [2] RHYS STEVENSON MITIGATE
'Welcome To Our World' Austrian Symphonic / Melodic Death Metal trio Mitigate make their debut album 'Welcome To Our World' sound out with axes raised high in view of the masses. Much goes by the basic drumming but more attention is drawn to the vocals of which give two contrasting feelings, one of majestic feeling and the other of being slaughtered, whilst conventionally the music has some progressive elements to it - especially in the symphonies, but even so the latter is a just reflection of 'Dimmu Borgir-like' symphonic metal. Mitigate for who they are, have created a separate sound regardless of the common drum sounds, rest assured it can only get better. [6] RHYS STEVENSON ONE WITHOUT 'Sweet Relief' Hailing from the centre of the Gothenburg Metal storm system, Swedish Gothic Metalcore quintet One Without storm out of the darkness with their all-so beautiful melodies and earthquake-rhythmetic beats in the form of their sophomore album 'Sweet Relief'. The Metalcore part stems from the source that seems to be the same as where fellow countrymen Sonic Syndicate have doused themselves in whereas the Gothic Metal part is in the style of the Italian maestros Lacuna Coil. None the less this is not Motionless In White mark 2, but more so a band in their own rights and sounds. Without a doubt this is the Swedish Metal album of the year 2011. [10] RHYS STEVENSON SENTENCED TO BURN 'We Represent' No prisoners and no prayers are welcome with the debut EP of Hardcore crew Sentenced To Burn, the quintet from the State of Brunei Darussalam (in South-East Asia) give no reason to why people should shy away from their music, full of breakdown and rib-snapping riffs, this is Hardcore beyond all belief. Drawing clear influences from the American Hardcore scene and especially Hatebreed, Sentenced To Burn are truly bringing metal to the masses with 'We Represent', simply put you would have to be totally insane not to check them out. Balls, sweat, brutality, masculinity, just about everything including the kitchen sink has been injected into this release, forget Hatebreed 'cause this is the new s***! The band may as well be caught saying 'We Represent' Brunei Darussalam, because they are flying the flag for their Metal scene. [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON INFLUENCE 'Where Does Your Way Lead To?' Without compromise and without any signs of respite, this is the brutal melodic storm the Polish Metal scene has been waiting for, clad in business suits and corporate like CEO's, the Technical / Melodic Death Metal quartet Influence shed noise on their debut EP 'Where Does Your Way Lead To?' Fast paced percussion encased by the viral sounds of outrageous riffs and solos and dogged by some of the harshest vocals heard this year, Influence are exactly what the band name says, an influence to the next generation of Metal bands, think twice before dismissing them as another average Melodic Metal band, you'd be a fool to do so, so in the end fans know where the bands way leads to, but 'Where Does Your Way Lead To?' [9] RHYS STEVENSON MITIGATE 'A New Day' Austrian Symphonic / Melodic Death Metal trio Mitigate return once again with swords raised high and in triumph of unleashing their second album 'A New Day' to the masses. Much goes by the basic drumming but more attention is drawn to the vocals of which give two contrasting feelings, one of majestic feeling and the other of being slaughtered, whilst conventionally the music has some progressive elements to it - especially in the symphonies, but even so the latter is a just reflection of 'Dimmu Borgir-like' symphonic metal. Mitigate for who they are, have created a separate sound regardless of the common drum sounds, rest assured it can only get better. [7] RHYS STEVENSON LIVARKAHIL
'Signs Of Decay' LISTENABLE Parisian Deathcore slammers Livarkahil commit double genocide with their emphatically grave-raping sophomore album 'Signs Of Decay'. Fisting in a smacking of brain-crushing Death Metal in its most extreme form whilst the gritty gravel of Hardcore digs down into the skull's chambers to unleash a torrential flooding of blood and sweat in an outrageous style. With smack-down breakdowns and vocals to give any emo a migraine, 'Signs Of Decay' is the most unforgivable Deathcore production this year, take no mercy, take no cowardice, Livarkahil have only just begun the humanity slaughtering. [10] RHYS STEVENSON GMN - Vol50 - The Way Of Purity, Harpia Deiis, Fake Idyll, Golliwog, Despite My Deepest Fear17/11/2011 THE WAY OF PURITY 'Biteback' WORM HOLE DEATH Storming the underground in a ballistic style is extremely promising Norwegian Melodic Death Metalcore crew The Way Of Purity of whom return with their cavalier-style attitude of an EP entitled 'Biteback'. Excruciating three tracks of mind-blowing sonatas hard enough to blow holes in any sound-proof room, the 2011 EP is short-listed as Global Metal Network’s EP of the year. For the quintet from Sandnes, this is the sound that will ultimately be assigned to them, a signature turn of sweaty-ballsy Metalcore with Melodic Death Metal flowing freely. Emerging as one of Norway's most promising talents, they are sure to 'Biteback' on the brutal history with neighbors Sweden; the sonic audio storm has just begun. [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON HARPIA DEIIS 'Collapse' Female-fronted renaissance connoisseurs Harpia Deiis make their name known with their breathtaking debut album 'Collapse', crisp vocals encased by a brutally enticing smack-down of hard-hitting Metal with a covering of Austrian excellency. Harpia Deiis are one of those bands that sounds totally unique, with soul-crushing masculine growls and heart-soothing feminine soprano-style vocals, all placed on a foundation of raging riffs and brain-bruising drumming, the quintet are something of a gem, something that is - they are Austria's next big band and one to watch at that. [9] RHYS STEVENSON FAKE IDYLL 'Therapist' UNUNDEUX Without physical presence in terms of a photo, the inconvenient German Death / Grind band Fake Idyll could be simply classed as sickening porno-grind with titles like 'therapist[getsallthegirls]', essentially it may as well fall under 'comedy metal'; comedy that is the vocals are ranging from good to diabolical to near suicidal. However their is a subtle level of tongue-in-cheek of which adds to individuality of this band, but what can be said is that their debut album 'Therapist' is one that has a pick and mix of genres, not essentially in the right order but passable as a decent release, just dont count on the second coming being an improvement. [4] RHYS STEVENSON GOLLIWOG 'Plague Allegiance' CHAINSAW Slovenian Hardcore Punk / Thrash merchants Golliwog unleash pure political banter on their latest album 'Plague Allegiance'; the topic being less controversial than the band name. As far as the music goes its all balls and brutality with the middle-finger clearly infused in the attitude of this band. From start to finish, the female-fronted quartet exhibit a get up and riot mentality, whilst driving a bullet of sonic audio blasting through the speakers at an alarming rate of knots. Golliwog maybe be the most racial of band names, but on the inside the band is four Slovenians with one motive, punk it out. [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON DESPITE MY DEEPEST FEAR
'Dimensions' Firing all of the trains on the underground into complete overdrive is Londoners Despite My Deepest Fear with their latest full-length album 'Dimensions', of which is set out to clearly define the absolute meaning of Metalcore. Mass murdering riffs are ingeniously enveloped by the craziest and harshest vocals found in the capital as well as the most sickening breakdowns ever experienced in the 21st century. Immersing the listener with melodic vocals and down-right brutal blastbeats, the quintet are certain to make a colossal impact on the British Metal scene, why these five lads are still unsigned is a valid question. Select tracks to indulge in include: 'reborn' (with a sensational riff introduction), 'melophobia' (for the truly sick breakdown) and 'dimensions' for the most irately bizarre introduction in Metalcore history. 'Dimensions' is one hell of a mind-crushing album and is sure to gain Despite My Deepest Fear some extreme notice and sensational reviews; Londoncore has just been born. [10] RHYS STEVENSON SVARTSORG 'In Jenem Kalten Winter' Austrian Black Metal newcomers Svartsorg do not fall far from a decent debut attempt, in fact 'In Jenem Kalten Winter' is tipped for best underground Black Metal album of 2011, not like conventional Black Metal which seeks fast and brutal music, Svartsorg sit in a mid-tempo basis but draw much more than bleak and cold atmosphere to their music, they indulge in a far more beautiful sound to cast the soul into the plundering wilderness of the Austrian Alps. Much like Iran's Aras, Svartsorg keep a decent beat with the drums and use the guitars to draft in the atmosphere whilst at the same time the keyboards and vocals bring the darkness in a cold, frostbitten form, enough to spine-chill. 'In Jenem Kalten Winter' is an essential album for any Black Metal fan, dark, raw, atmospherically powerful, Svartsorg have only just begun. [8] RHYS STEVENSON CHAOS BEYOND 'Confessions Of A Twisted Mind' TERRASOUND Bringing the fury from extremity is Austria's latest Melodic Death / Metalcore exports Chaos Beyond with their debut full-length album 'Confessions Of A Twisted Mind', with a ravenous fury-laden composition system, this is Austria's young answer to England's The Dead Lay Waiting. Pummelling drum beats occur in all areas of the drum-kit and subsequently fall allegiance to a rad rally of riffs and vicious vocals so violent it validates the meaning of extreme music. It is ominously evident that Austrian Metal is getting heavier and heavier and Chaos Beyond is no exception, for the quintet from the capital Vienna, this is a journey waiting to develop and uncover truths about the 'Confessions Of A Twisted Mind'. [10] RHYS STEVENSON EMPATIC 'Gods Of Thousand Souls' TERRASOUND Maybe one of those albums that's good but disappointing, anyhow Poland's Empatic released their debut album 'Gods Of Thousand Souls' last year, whilst the music itself is good there lacks some originality or unique sound quality per se. Whilst the vocals are little of touch, the drums and guitars soon make up for that unfortunate loss with a constant stream of riffing, blast-beating and double bass drumming, all in all serving as an adequate cocktail for any metal fan to savour, but essentially this is one of those mono-type albums, still a good attempt, just don't expect anything original on it. [6] RHYS STEVENSON TRENDKILL METHOD 'Affective Arousal' SONIC BLAST MEDIA Freshly unleashed from the depths of Riga is Latvian Metalcore tinged Groove Metal quintet Trendkill Method, sounding similar to Lamb of God, these burly Baltic statesmen fuel an apocalyptic explosion of sound-destruction on all levels, furious vocals alleviating the rib-cage ripping riffs and brain-bulldozing beats on the drum, with a cascade of influences clearly resounding in their latest effort 'Affective Arousal', a true mesmerising blitz of danceable tracks and head-banging extremism. Trendkill Method are a band to watch out for as they tear the European underground apart. [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON RUDRA
'Brahmavidya: Immortal I' SONIC BLAST MEDIA Singaporean Metal legends Rudra return with the apocalyptic finale to the 'Brahmavidya' trilogy with a sleek and sensual disarray of Black Metal-coated Death Metal to dislodge any previous negativity received from fans and critics alike, pioneers of the 'Vedic Metal' movement, Rudra are one of those bands from the Asian continent that is tucked away and barely see's any light in the European theatres, essentially one of Asia's top bands alongside bands like ChthoniC, Dir En Grey, Demonic Resurrection, Nervecell and Tengkorak, but whilst the Singapore Metal scene itself is laden with bands in such a small country, Rudra expel the country-city icon that their homeland portrays for something far brutal, as such 'Brahmavidya: Immortal I' is to be seen as a turning point in the Asian Metal scene. [8] RHYS STEVENSON FORTRESS UNDER SIEGE 'The Mortal Flesh Of Love' METAL MAD MUSIC As majestic as the Acropolis and brutal as the Spartans, Fortress Under Siege stand up and make their debut album 'The Mortal Flesh Of Love' sound extraordinarily powerful and easy to succumb to, mixing their Greek atmosphere with the elegance of Progressive Metal to unleash very high vocals, sensational riffs and bullet-blazing drumming in a package that could so easily rival every other Progressive Metal band, such an epic sound drives the listener in the front row of travelling on journeys of discovery, such sounds should be heard at Epcot more often, with trance music arriving via the keyboards, Fortress Under Siege are the next latest big metal export from Greece. [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON BAD MAMASAN 'Jeanine The Wolverine' Chinese Thrashers Bad Mamasan kick off serious business with their debut album 'Jeanine The Wolverine' with Iron Maiden-style vocals and a progressive thrash style of drumming, more so a unique combo of Heavy Thrash Metal with Chinese ideas. Whilst the sound essentially is nothing new, the difference between other bands and Bad Mamasan is simply with funk influences, almost so as if the songs are near enough easy to dance to, but overall the music just seems a little too standard, no sort of power behind it, but none the less a decent release, one that doesn't carry much negativity but positivity could be better. [6.5] RHYS STEVENSON INDOMITE 'Espejo Y Realidad' Hailing from Colombia, Power Progressive Metal troupe Indomite deliver their first ever release in the form of their 2011 demo 'Espejo Y Realidad', combining their native Spanish tongue with the valiant power found in Power Metal and fast beats found within Progressive Metal, the quintet are starting their efforts off in a decent fashion, not so because the language is different, but essentially they have the musical beats timed well, the riffs are tight and the vocals are in two-tone with both male and female chords at the rein of the lyrics themselves, a combination of fluttery Colombian beauty with the hard-hitting conquistadors of South America makes this demo essentially Colombia's best release this year, Indomite are flying the flag for the Colombian Metal scene. [8] RHYS STEVENSON XENESTHIS 'Thou Shalt Not' Escaping the vaults of the underground is Austrian Metalcore newcomers Xenesthis with their debut album 'Thou Shalt Not', mixing a sensational array of female melodic vocals with the brutality and heaviness of Metalcore, so essentially Melodic Metalcore. With classical elements somehow seeming present in the atmosphere, maybe a touch of Mozart in their or a classic response to the titans In This Moment, none the less a unique revelation in the common Metal genre, rhythmical drumming assisted by some of the most in-your-face vocal attitude going around, whilst sounding a little similar to Sonic Syndicate, this band is defining their own genre, as for Austrian Metalcore Xenesthis are flying the flag here, one band to watch for the future. [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON OSTITTO
'Genocide '71 Split (Ostitto side) and 'Menes' single' G SERIES Hailing from Bangladesh is Deathcore quartet Ostitto with their latest single 'Menes' and their own half of the split CD release with Bangladeshi Technical Death Metal band Chromatic Massacre, the split itself features a solid assault of brutality along with traditional Bangladeshi melodies on the single 'Menes', mixing Metal with the secrets of the Asian continent, Ostitto are sounding heavier than the American veterans Whitechapel, with a blazing array of drumming compositions amongst gut-rotting vocals and sharp riffs, extreme enough to make the cricket team seem like softies, essentially this is a pure sign that the Bangladeshi Metal scene is gaining momentum, watch this band at all costs, Ostitto are flying the flag for the Bangladeshi Metal scene. [6.5] + [8] RHYS STEVENSON |
© 2011-2022
|