VODUN
'Possession'
RIFF ROCK

It's the sort of music that would do well at the Notting Hill Carnival (maybe even winning the Eurovision for the UK), blending a mix of psychedelia with stoner metal and injecting Aretha style vocals, Royal Blood rock intuition and ancient West African voodoo vibes. All hail 'Possession', the latest effort by the London trio Vodun, which does more than just giving listeners something to rock out to, it is a conglomerate of rock/metal elements. With songs like 'Bloodstones' almost providing itself as an ideal bond song, well on this effort Vodun could easily write a bond song, even if Live & Let Die would provide the perfect comparison to the band's music. Vodun have proven that music not only brings different music styles together, but also it breaks down the ethnic barrier and as the band evidently proves, there is no room for discrimination. 'Possession' would certainly have been given the thumbs up by Baron Samedi, had he not been 'killed' by the snakes....

Download This: "Oya"

For Fans of: Royal Blood, Kyuss, Aretha Franklin

'Possession' is out now via Riff Rock Records

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

AL-NAMROOD / DARKESTRAH
'Tajer Al Punqia / Akyr Zaman'

Two of the most underground Black Metal outfits have come together to collaborate and unleash a truly unique and historical moment in the history of metal music as we know it. Saudi Arabian trio Al-Namrood and Kyrgyz trio Darkestrah lock horns to release the split album 'Tajer Al Punqia / Akyr Zaman', a full-on 22-minute, 3 track epic consisting of some rather unrelenting Black / Folk Metal seen from the Middle East / Central Asia regions. Quintessentially important to the survival of the smaller, 'endangered' (as-it-were) metal scenes, this split offers an insight into the extreme underground and with it, exposes a simply awe-inspiring and magical horde of musicians and subsequent music that defies the odds and stands for two things, one freedom of speech but more importantly to rejoice alongside the world's metal scenes. For ethos, charisma and utmost diligence in remaining true to their cause, 'Tajer Al Punqia / Akyr Zaman' is a truly symbolic release for those who believe in metal as a cultural expression.

Get it here:- http://www.shaytanproductions.com/Releases/Releases.html

For fans of: Black / Folk Metal, exotic music.

'Tajer Al Punqia / Akyr Zaman' is now out via Shaytan Productions

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

D.A.M.
'Premonitions'
INDEPENDENT

By layering classical, occultist and theatrical elements across Melodic Death Metal, Brazil's D.A.M. have crafted their own sound out of the forest of metal music. This evident on their latest offering 'Premonitions' as they hire the services of Marina Guimarães and Jéssica Delazare to cover the female side of this rather promising Brazilian outfit. Whilst perhaps the first two tracks may be unconventionally long, the latter 2/3 of the release certainly deal justice, through the use of intricate keyboard compositions, murderous riffs, blasting drums (programmed) and vocals so vicious that the favela's would weep in terror. To the trained ear you can tell that there are similarities with other bands, but for the more diverse metal fans, 'Premonitions' is a truly ambitious release from this promising unit. D.A.M. are flying the flag for the Brazilian Metal scene.

Download This: "Anorexic Dysphoria (An Elegy For The Brainless)" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Arch Enemy, Children Of Bodom, The Agonist

'Premonitions' is now out via an Independent Release

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

IFRINN
'Ifrinn'
IRON BONEHEAD

In the deepest grim and most serene valleys of bonnie Scotland resides a Black Metal band so youthful yet so mature in their music, that quite frankly deserves immediate appreciation. Hail to the new brethren Ifrinn and their tantalisingly raw premier self-titled demo. Smothered with atmospherics of all kinds, this demo demonstrates that this Scottish group hold much promise in joining the second wave of British Black Metal. Hiding their identities under a shrouded veil of mystery, all that can be said of the composers is that their dank and hallowing harrowing music is one not to be taken lightly and is ultimately intended for those who revel or succumb to the powers residing within the Black Metal force. 'Ifrinn' might as well become one of the darkest and eeriest releases found within the entire Scottish Metal scene, proceed with caution, you have been warned.

Download This: "Dweller Within The Gulf" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Winterfylleth, Immortal, Wodensthrone

'Ifrinn' is now out via Iron Bonehead Records

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

WILDWAYS
'Into The Wild'
ARTERY

Russia's long-awaited answer to Asking Alexandria is finally a reality, but with an additional twist here and there. Take for example their latest effort 'Into The Wild', it incorporates Trance, Hardcore, Metalcore, Post-Hardcore, Emocore and elements of Dubstep and EBM. Hell let's call them electronicore, but with that in mind because the band prefer to be genre-less let's call them a work of art. 'Into The Wild' is jam-packed with enough tunes to get a party started, chill out, surf to or whatever listeners do best, the salient point is that no matter what you're into, Wildways have it covered. Primed and prepared to instate themselves as Russia's most successful Metalcore export, Wildways are ready to assimilate the world with their infectious, emotional and well-thought-out works of musical art. This sh*t is too damn catchy.

Download This: "Princess" (feat. Rebecca Need-Menear) - Click to listen

For Fans of: Asking Alexandria, Eskimo Callboy, Enter Shikari, Betraying The Martyrs

'Into The Wild' is now out via Artery Records

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

DEMONSTEALER
'This Burden Is Mine'
INDEPENDENT

The latest effort by soloist Sahil 'Demonstealer' Makhija is here, featuring Ashwin Shriyan on bass and legendary drummer George Kollias of Nile. 'This Burden Is Mine' is a tremendous effort as it weaves its way through Death Metal, Thrash Metal and even into the Heavy Metal category. Through the use of guttural and clean vocals, savagely crafted riffs and thunderous drumming, this album flits from force to force and as a result is designed to satisfy all matters of metal music taste. 'This Burden Is Mine' is not just another album, it's a personal statement from the man himself that somewhat suggests that the achievements in life are being carried on his shoulders as depicted in the artwork. Sonically diverse, 'This Burden Is Mine' will have you head-banging, moshing, dancing and possibly masturbating at every passing song, who knows what you will do when listening to this release but one thing is for definite, this is just the start for this metal music genius; a true god within the Indian Metal scene.

Download This: "How The Mighty Have Fallen" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Nile, Demonic Resurrection, Fleshgod Apocalypse

'This Burden Is Mine' is now out via an Independent Release / Demonstealer Records

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

LAMORI
'To Die Once Again'
WORMHOLEDEATH

You could say that LAMORI hail from Finland, but we prefer to say they hail from the Åland Islands, an archipegalo straddled between Sweden and Finland; the latter owns it. 'To Die Once Again' is the band's second album and upon listening to it, stark comparisons with HIM can be drawn like a shooting star in the midnight sky. But despite the clear linkage, 'To Die Once Again' offers a darker overtone with the lyrics primarily covering topics like death, sadness, depression and Gothic aesthetics. Musically sound, 'To Die Once Again' is mainly a Hard Rock album but borrows elements from Alternative Metal and Gothic Metal; with subtle pinches of Doom Metal. This is more than just music, this album paints a picture of how the darker side of life and love becomes neglected, the harsh reality, the wicked truth and it goes without saying, 'To Die Once Again' is to suggest a rebirth gone wrong. But for LAMORI, this is the album that will take them to further international recognition. Now, about that geographical dispute....

Download This: "Lost In Love"

For Fans of: HIM, The 69 Eyes, The Doors

'To Die Once Again' is now out via Wormholedeath, digital release is 10th May

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

CRETURA
'Fall Of The Seventh Golden Star'
WORMHOLEDEATH

Hailing from the throne of Norwegian Black Metal that is Bergen, sextet Cretura throwaway the rulebook and write their own with their unforgiving and eccentric form of Symphonic Extreme Metal. By taking their forthcoming offering as a pure example and breaking it down, it is clear that the Symphonic, Black and Gothic Metal genres coalesce in becoming the nexus between their created vision and background heritage. Their forthcoming album 'Fall Of The Seventh Golden Star' is a genre-defining album if not at least an attempt to break free from the shackles of the Norwegian Black ('extreme') metal scene. Lasting a full-on hour, this album will serve the band as their calling card for the summer festivals, demanding that the band should be booked, because after hearing this effort you will definitely want to experience it live. In essence, Cretura are revelling in the time we can effectively call: 'The 3rd Wave of Black Metal'.

Download This: "Voices Of Hunger"

For Fans of: Dimmu Borgir, Nightwish, Theatres Des Vampires

'Fall Of The Seventh Golden Star' is out now via Wormholedeath

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

ELVARON
'Ghost Of A Blood Tie'
FANTAI'ZIC PRODS

After reforming back in 2014 after five years inactivity; formed in 1993, France's Elvaron are back and it seems with new and fresh ideas. With the current line-up consisting of two original members, an ex-drummer and a brand new keyboardist, it's a meeting of old and new ideas being channelled down  into new ambitions. 'Ghost Of A Blood Tie' is the band's fifth album and is consequentially the band's first album since reformation, now for those who are good at waiting for the music to kick off, this album is for you. However for those who prefer something quicker, well with 8 tracks collectively lasting 64 minutes, on average 8 minutes per track, well you get the picture. Despite the insane length, this Progressive Thrash Metal effort is a decent effort and will certainly get the Elvaron fan base rampaging once again. Emphatic solo's, ballistic drums, savage riffs, majestic vocals and keyboard elements so atmospheric, that all of this combined would be the perfect soundtrack to a summer's thunderstorm.

Download This: "Silent Windows"

For Fans of: Sonata Arctica, Voivod, Meshuggah

'Ghost Of A Blood Tie' is out 11th April via Fantai'zic Productions

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

ANIENT
'Elemental' + 'Consigned To Flames'
INDEPENDENT

To Anient is to frustrate or to annihilate, suffice to say that is what the Australian quartet have done on their premier EP 'Elemental' released last year. Splattering together a raucous mess of expertly laid Death / Thrash Metal with the embodied attitude of destruction, these boys have crafted a sound that whilst may bode well on the South Pacific circuit, might just lack that element to gain attention from fans overseas. That's not to say the release is crap, it just lacks that killer blow. Despite the stated criticism, it's a solid effort that garners some element of authority over it's listeners, demanding them to listen to the release to the very death. Gritty as it comes, tidy as it goes, 'Elemental' is a really interesting release that not only could be their best material, but also serves as a decent salutation to their 10th year of activity.

Their debut album 'Consigned To Flames' is a rather solid effort that ironically somehow is not as good as their later EP yet ironically once again does show elements that it is just as good as their EP, confusing right? The sad thing is that we've heard this thing before, it's nothing new and despite the excellent effort at making a mark, it slips slightly at the very last moment. That said, given it took the band nine years since their formation to craft this work, the overall impression given is that they wanted to take their time to make it sound perfect. They did make it sound perfect, just, it lacks that one bit of spark that would otherwise have given it a greater rating. But this should not deter Anient from hitting the studio and unleashing an expected belter in the future.

Download this: "Awakening" - Click to listen
Download this: "Haemoserous"

For Fans of: Nervecell, The Haunted, Hatesphere

[7.5] + [7] RHYS STEVENSON

WORMED
'Krighsu'
SEASON OF MIST

Unorthodox in every way imaginable, well all ways except for one - Technical Death Metal. If you like the latest effort by long-standing Spanish Death Metal horde Wormed is one of unthinkable brutality meshed together with such tight time signatures, that they make the djent sound seem as pansy as the so-called emo metal contingent. Vermicular as it comes, Wormed are the aficionados of the Technical / Brutal Death Metal movement and as such demand utmost respect. Lets face it right, try and head-bang to this unforgiving slab of extremity and you might as well have scooped your brain out and bludgeoned it with a mallet before succumbing yourself to this chaotic pace-shifting audio wall of death. For the seasoned Death Metal this will be another slice of cake, for those unaccustomed to said genre, you have been warned.

Download This: "Eukaryotic Hex Swarm"

For Fans of: Aborted, Scar Symmetry (lyrics), Cryptopsy

'Krighsu' is out 18th March via Season Of Mist

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

MYSTIC PROPHECY
'War Brigade'
MASSACRE

16 years in and 9 albums down, you would begin to think that Germany's Mystic Prophecy would think about hanging up their instruments and calling it quits. Not on this effort they won't. 'War Brigade' is the latest album from this Power Metal quintet and forms another important instalment in the band's illustrious career. Full of bouncy riffs and drums, charismatic vocals  and warm-hearted atmospherics, 'War Brigade' is a beauty to hold. Not only does the album stand on it's own two, but it also comes with a rather interesting bonus track... a cover of 'Sex Bomb' (Tom Jones). It seems to be a growing trend for metal bands to cover pop songs (and they say metalheads should hate pop!!! HAH!); Children of Bodom once covered 'oops I did it again' (Britney Spears). As for the Germans, well, they have delivered an album that will satisfy any metalheads thirst for something interesting.

Download This: "Sex Bomb (Tom Jones)"

For Fans of: Sonata Arctica, Powerwolf, Helloween

'War Brigade' is out 18th March via Massacre Records

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

DESTROYERS OF ALL
'Bleak Fragments'
MOSHER

Three years ago Portugal's Destroyers Of All dropped their debut EP, three years on and they're set to drop their awaited debut album. 'Bleak Fragments' carries on the formula the quintet mustered to make their debut EP picked up by media worldwide including Terrorizer (UK) who featured a song on their Fear Candy compilation series. As for the band's debut album the chunkiness of the bass and riffs remains, whilst the vocals and drums have become equally as impressive. What makes the album that little bit special is the short but snappy pauses throughout some of the songs, it adds suspense, drama and above all a moshing atmosphere. With this effort, Destroyers Of All will certainly be scouted by some of the top European Metal festivals for this summer and if they don't, then I might just have to eat my speakers, because 'Bleak Fragments' carries all the hallmarks of a release deserving of an early nomination for 'Portuguese Metal release of the year'. Open this pit!!

Download This: "Hate Through Violence"

For Fans of: DevilDriver, 5FDP, Six Feet Under

'Bleak Fragments' is out 18th March via Mosher Records

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

NOVACROW
'Black Syrup'
INDEPENDENT

Hard, heavy, balls to the wall, that is just how you can describe the debut EP by Liverpool's very own Novacrow. 'Black Syrup' contains five tracks of hard rocking', heavy metallic tunes that will keep you singing and humming all the way down the Mersey and into the Irish Sea. With dashes of rockabilly (especially on the title track), sleaze and groove making the cut, Novacrow's debut EP 'Black Syrup' might just earn them a slot on the Jagermeister stage at Bloodstock - they are that kind of band.... they are that good! Whilst they might not reach the pinnacles The Beatles did, they certainly would gain the thumbs up approval from John Lennon and co., because they absorb the atmosphere well enough to deliver an EP that deserves said recognition. With Kitty's riot grrrl vocals leading the charge, Jonyx's riff-firing artillery matched by Torben's thunderous drums and Federico's slap-happy bass meshing together to deliver the 'Black Syrup' EP, utmost respect must be given to this snazzy lot.

Download This: "Fight The Horde!!!"  - Click to listen

For Fans of: Halestorm, Sister Sin, The Pretty Reckless

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

DAKESIS
'The New Dawn'
CAPSAARX

Dramatic at every twist and turn, the latest effort by Birmingham's Dakesis glimmers with chunky bass lines, flash riffs, harmonic vocals and an atmosphere ready to explode. Think adventure and rampaging across the hills and valleys of the Midlands and this album will provide itself as a perfect soundtrack to the journey. 'The New Dawn' is this quartet's second album and it is full of energy, so much so you would need to clear your mind to fully experience the magic laid herewith. Progressive Power Metal just effectively got kicked in the nuts, this album should be enough to hand them a slot at Bloodstock this year (yes Simon Hall looking at you), because when you imagine what the album would sound like live, you can imagine the hordes of punters uncontrollably headbanging and moshing their hearts out. 'The New Dawn' is a beautiful album that may just well give inspiration for bands in the Progressive Power Metal style in generations to come.

Download This: "The Great Insurrection" - Click to listen

For fans of: Pythia, Sonata Arctica, Within Temptation

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

HERA
'Her Era'
INDEPENDENT

Being in a metal band or project in the Middle East is never easy unless you're from Israel or the Gulf states, moreover if you're a female playing rock or metal music in any given Islamic nation it's never easy - death is on the table. But just like Orphaned Land settled political differences with Palestine's Khalas, Emirati musician Hera seeks a similar path, that is to bring peace to society and prove females can rock as hard as men. Bringing to the fore is her premier album 'Her Era' which uniquely brings together the flavours of 'strong Emirati traditional linguistic elements' with the Western progressive metal sound. No doubt has she created a wonderful strain of Oriental Metal, but also an identity and music style to call her own. 'Her Era' is not a political message, but rather an album that expresses the commitment to understand, appreciate and challenge today's societal injustices and issues. Hera is flying the flag, not only for female metal musicians but also the Emirati Metal scene.

Download This: "The Unborn" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Liv Kristine, Myrath, Orphaned Land

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

GONE IN APRIL
'Threads Of Existence'
WAVETRANSFORM

International projects are without question much harder to undertake and maintain in comparison to bands, well even more so when the musicians are in two different continents. Harking from the USA, Canada, Italy and Germany respectively, Gone In April is the Mozart of the metal world. With their much-awaited second album 'Threads Of Existence' finally here, the impression is that they all are truly focused on making their own sound without searching for it. Angelic female vocals crashing against beastly male vocals, whilst the riffs add much dramatics along with the drums who provide a solidified backdrop. Valiant in every aspect, 'Threads Of Existence' is a wonder to behold, a force to be reckoned with, for hells-sake this album will convert even the most hardened metal elitist into complete open mindedness. Seriously if Gone In April isn't in your metal collection, then there is something wrong with your music choice.

Download This: "As Hope Welcomes Death" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Scar Symmetry, Before The Dawn, Dark The Suns

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

PERSONA
'Elusive Reflections'
INDEPENDENT

Tunisia of late has become a flourishing place for a lot of Progressive Metal, in the style of Oriental Metal at that. The latest edition to this spectacular metal scene is the female-fronted band Persona, whose debut album 'Elusive Reflections' is poised to set the world alight. Following the footsteps of fellow countrymen Myrath, Persona are sure to take their unique blend of Arabic melodies and progressive ambiance to newer heights, abseiling the face of international stardom with newfound vigour. Fronted by the majestic Jelena Dobrić, this sensational clash of two worlds brings a new sound with it and as the band prepare to line up in their sights an impending European tour, 'Elusive Reflections' can sit proudly as a sharp contender for 'Tunisian Metal release of the year'. Watch this group with interest, because they are destined to go places.

Download This: "Monsters" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Myrath, To-Mera, Lacuna Coil

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

RAGE OF LIGHT
'Chasing A Reflection'
INDEPENDENT

Whip out those glow sticks, set the space in between the wall of death, on the count of 3 run at each other waving those sticks insanely! 1.. 2.. 3..!!! WELCOME TO THE RAVEPIT! This is probably what Rage Of Light should do when playing the first song live, because their virally infectious premier EP 'Chasing A Reflection' certainly defines a new genre. By mixing Groove Metal, Melodic Metal, Trance, and EBM together, this tight-knit entity are sure to make their music known across Europe - possibly even breaking into the trance clubs of The Netherlands and Germany (its that good). From start to finish, this Swiss unit's premier EP will keep you hooked throughout, leaving you begging for me and all whilst this happening you will be raving like a thing possessed, an excellent instalment in the Modern Metal phenomenon.

Download This: "Beautiful Slave" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Amaranthe, Silent Descent, Xe-None

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

BLEEDING SPAWN
'Pathogenic Mechanized Abomination'
INDEPENDENT

Slam Metal and Brutal Death Metal, however you want to call the debut album by South African executioners Bleeding Spawn, this is proper sick sh*t. 'Pathogenic Mechanized Abomination' is all what you would automatically expect from a Brutal Death Metal release, unrecognisable vocals, pig squeals, thumping bass elements, chunky riffs, unrelenting drums, pig squeals, a bludgeoning atmosphere, pig squeals... OK enough of being 'baconist' and 'porkist'. The truth is, 'Pathogenic Mechanized Abomination' is a sharp contender for 'South African Metal release of the year' and why? Well simply because it's tenacity to leave the listener complete skull-smashed is just one sign that you've been pulverised by this murderous horde. F*ck 'The Walking Dead', Bleeding Spawn ARE The walking dead. Healthy and Safety is advised, prepare your digestive system for potential impact, because the side effects of this album include vomiting, extreme diarrhoea, internal bleeding.... and pig squeals.

Download This: "Butchered & Beaten" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Cattle Decapitation, Prostitute Disfigurement, Dying Fetus

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

INSANIAM
'Neurotic Mental Storm'
INDEPENDENT

It may well be perhaps as chaotic as a mental asylum, but the debut album by Spanish Black Metal masochists Insaniam undoubtedly gives the band justification for being one of 2016's most anticipated extreme metal bands. As disturbing and mind-intrusive as the album title suggests, this finely tuned masterpiece explores the various realms of the Black and Death Metal styles, pinches ideas here and there and ultimately devises a sound that Insaniam could call their own. If you like, this is what Donnie Darko and the SAW films merged together would sound like in music-form, gore-infested, psychopathic, excruciatingly painful and chilling to the bone. This album is guaranteed to mess with your mind, so here comes the health warning, proceed with caution.

Download This: "Infernal Waves Of Time" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Carpathian Forest, Behemoth, December Wolves

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

SLOWROT
'Baby On Board'
INDEPENDENT

Essentially Slowrot sounds like The Berzerker amped down a bit, whilst retaining some of the menacing brutality the band delivered across the period they existed. Hail the newcomers Slowrot with their unforgiving blend of fast riffage, gruelling vocals and cranial-crushing drums. 'Baby On Board' is this Australian trio's debut album and my god, does it unleash a torrential battering of face-punching, bone-crunchng, skin-munching and shit-dumping metal. With this effort they have perfected a sound that ought to turn heads there way, well you cannot get any more sickening than this, or can you? Whatever the future holds for this lads, they have the red carpet laid down in front of them. 'Baby On Board' is their wager, record labels come and get these lads, because with this effort they won't have to hang around long before being snapped up, you have been warned.

Download This: "Lucifetus" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Cattle Decapitation, Deathbound, The Berzerker

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

DEgITx
'Forest Spirits'
INDEPENDENT

The latest effort by Belarusian instrumentalist DEgITX could easily lend itself as a soundtrack to a sci-fi film, perhaps maybe the forthcoming Star Wars films? Think ethereal, think cyber metal meets Power / Death Metal instrumental elements, you'll get the idea. 'Forest Spirits' is Alexey Kasyanchuk's third album in this project and by the sounds of it, he shows no signs of stopping any time soon. Take for example the tune 'Moonlight & Sunrise', it's clear he is aiming to create his own unique sound and quite frankly he does so, we dub it 'Sci-Fi Death Metal'. With a host of various guest musicians helping out, 'Forest Spirits' could well be a strong contender for Belarusian Metal release of the year. The effort is certainly there, the music is definitely real and the atmosphere is beyond imagination. Immerse yourself in the wondrous mind of DEgITx, open your mind up and enjoy.

Download This: "Moonlight & Sunrise" - Click to listen

For Fans of: The Kovenant, Black Comedy, Breach The Void, instrumental metal.

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

BLACK ROW
'2016 Demo'
INDEPENDENT

Emerging from the depths of the Bolivian valleys is the all-female Thrashers Black Row, now whoever says that females cannot rock hard are lying to themselves. Females can't play metal? Bullshit. Black Row's 2016 demo has enough anger and ferocity on it to make you shit yourself so hard, your intestines will rupture with extreme pain. Equally as menacing as the likes of Slayer, Black Row's premier demo carries all the hallmarks of a truly epic South American metal band in the making. No punches are held back on this release as it goes balls-to-the-wall with every riff, pounding of the drum and erotic vocal line delivered, hell although some people would think of this as rather sexy, we think of Black Row as the sisters of Slayer, rather than just four females playing music. Some chicks are hell-bent for leather, some for sex, some possibly for glam, but Black Row are simply hell-bent for metal.

Download This: "Estereotipos" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Slayer, Anthrax, Cavalera-era Sepultura

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

BOGOTAH
'Um Brinde Ao Fim Do Mundo'
INDEPENDENT

Brazil's answer to 5 Finger Death Punch has finally arrived in the form of Bogotah, the quarter from the sun-kissed streets of São Gonçalo have their dues in order as their debut album 'Um Brinde Ao Fim Do Mundo' sends out shocks through the air and then some. Singing in Brazilian Portuguese, Bogotah would have no issues breaking out into Portugal but might struggle elsewhere in Europe, that said look at all those Folk Metal bands and indeed Rammstein, so anything's possible. As for the debut album, well this will certainly satisfy most metalheads as it is rampant, rhythmic and as obvious as it is, groovy. Lyrically it speaks about political and societal issues, so whilst the ideas may resonate with Thrash Metal (and some elements of this are present in the music), the core resides in Groove Metal. Hotly tipped to become Brazil's latest successful metal export.

Download This: "Eu Sou o Caos" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Five Finger Death Punch, Pantera, Metallica

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

Khanъ
'Знамение'
INDEPENDENT

Experimenting can go well if gone about it the right way, however sometimes during that process the result may come up as something rather incomplete. Sure when talking about the debut album by Bulgarian 'Folkcore' horde Khanъ it is clear that the intention to create something rather unique is there, but there are a few songs that just fall at the wayside as they lose focus. However the overall thought of the album is one of positive feelings, because this sound might as well be truly authentic to the Bulgarians thus calling it their own. By weaving Metalcore with the tambura, Khanъ are able to make worlds collide just as Apocalyptica did with their cello's. 'Знамение' is the debut album by this group and it is sure to appease those desiring for something new and original. As for Khanъ, well they simply are the true pioneers of 'Folkcore', long may the subgenre continue.

Download This: "Павле ми пие" - Click to listen

For fans of: Krampus, Ego Fall, Metalcore, traditional Bulgarian folk music

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

SEVENTH ARMY
'Artificial God'
THANATOLOGY

Chinese Black Metal is probably slightly darker than what resides in the Nordic nations, Seventh Army might as well back up that assumption with their debut album 'Artificial God'. By mixing together the harshened darkness of Black Metal with some rather snazzy industrial elements, this trio from Beijing position themselves as a rather exciting prospect. Having only been going eight months and now releasing their first album, it is clear Seventh Army don't plan to hang around and that their focus is extremely sharp. However this is no Aborym, far from it, this is their darker cousin. It's like as if you were comparing it to Star Wars where Darth Vader would be Aborym and Kylo Ren would be the Seventh Army. Granted it's as dark as the dark side, but it's anger and unpredictable being certainly relates to Kylo Ren.

Download This: "Resistance" - Click to listen

For Fans of: early The Kovenant, Aborym, The CNK

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

LICANTROPÍA
'Inconsciente Mente'
INDEPENDENT

What is amazing about this release is the crispness of the guitars and drums, yet the vocals despite all the hard work and attempts to perfect them, lack that slight bit of clarity that otherwise would have pushed this premier EP high on the rating scale. Instead 'Inconsciente Mente' by Colombian Melodic Death Metal pilgrims Licantropía perches itself at the lower end of the high scale. Infectious melodies, tight-ass riffs and elegant brutality may well give this band the credit they deserve but in the end the vocals need refining and polishing. Hopefully their next release will herald this change and as a result, give the band that range of song-artillery they can take to fire upon the South American metal scenes. Wedged in the Swedish Melodic Death Metal style, the boys from Bogotá have the creativity to make it, but for now they just not quite there.

Download This: "Unholy Shadows" - Click to listen

For fans of: early-Sonic Syndicate, Dark Tranquillity, Amon Amarth

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

INFERNAL ASCENSION
'Infernal Ascension'
INDEPENDENT

Hailing from Costa Rica, Infernal Ascension bring classic 80's Thrash Metal and sprinkle it with Black Metal influences ranging from the vocals to the evident corpse-paint. 'Infernal Ascension' is the band's self-titled EP and it holds much promise for this starlet group. Especially when the first track kicks off with a slowly increasing sound that eventually gives way quickly to unexpected murderous riffs and merciless drumming. Granted this is nothing new and probably won't evolve into something original in that sense, but clearly the lads have got their affairs in order and possibly could forge a respectable album out of this solid EP. Make no mistake, Infernal Ascension are not to be ignored for they will carry your soul on a plate to their rise to international stardom.

Download This: "Metal Oculto" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Aura Noir, Skeletonwitch, Sodom

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

LASHER ZOMBIE
'Belizean Carnage Collection'
METAL MAYHEM

Hailing from one of the most remote metal scenes in Central America, Belizean Death Metal conjurers Lasher Zombie return with their second studio offering five years after their debut. 'Belizean Carnage Collection' is a solid yet gritty slab of no-nonsense Death Metal that is designed to carve your senses in half, all done through the unrelenting drums clashing against the barbed-wire riffs, whilst the vocals deliver the raw and brutally aggressive stuff. 'Belizean Carnage Collection' might not necessarily be the album to set the world alight, far from it, but it does demand international attention from labels who specialize in said music genre; Comatose Music we're pointing at you. With this effort, Lasher Zombie reaffirm themselves as true leaders of Belizean Metal music; even though the first potentially noted band was Bestial Lust (1995), however with Lasher Zombie the scene has newfound glory.

Download This: "Cruel Reality" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Aborted, Death Suppressor (BZ), Vader

[8] RHYS STEVENSON