SARMAT 'RS-28' INDEPENDENT It's easy to say that whenever a black / death metal band emerges out of the Polish underground, first comparisons with that band are usually drawn from either Behemoth or Vesania, for trio Sarmat they seem to straddle the two with their finely balanced blend of blitzkrieg black metal and death metal destruction. From the off we're treated to a ferocious onslaught of menacing riffs, thunderous drums and vocals harsh enough to make your ears bleed inside out. Sarmat takes it's name from the aptly named "Weapon of Ultimate Destruction", the Russian super-heavy intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) RS-28 SARMAT (also known as SATAN 2). Naturally this pretty much summarises the band's debut album "RS-28", not just musically in the sense that it's cataclysmic but also lyrically as they heavily lean on military terms, war and destruction. Sarmat are one to watch, watch this space. Download this: "Seeds of Uncertainty" For fans of: Behemoth, Vesania, Eastern Front, Vader 'RS-28' is out now via an independent release [8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON THE IRIDIUM EXPERIMENT 'Hero.Villain.Victim' INDEPENDENT It goes without saying that within planet metal, a vast swathe of the African continent tends to be forgotten to a larger extent except for a number of metal bands... just not enough to reach the number of fingers on your hand. It therefore comes as no surprise that the South African metal scene is largely disconnected from the rest of the world, but it's bands like The Iridium Experiment who carry the scene forward. This 10-legged leviathan might not exactly bring something totally fresh to the table, they do however bring something that will grab attention from further afield no doubt. Their debut EP ''Hero.Villain.Victim'' is poised within the progressive metalcore sound but with aspects of modern metal dabbled here and there. What could make the sound that bit more in your face would be some heavier synths, maybe a bass drop here and there, not suggesting they should walk down the lines of Asking Alexandria or The Browning, but for the style implemented here it may well become complementary. Otherwise a solid effort that will grab attention across the African continent and beyond. Download this: "Losing My Mind" For fans of: Cypher16, Monuments, Miss May I 'Hero.Villain.Victim' is out now via an independent release [8/10] RHYS STEVENSON SABHANKRA 'Death To Traitors' SATURNAL It's no secret that the Turkish extreme metal scene is one not to be taken lightly, just ask veterans Sabhankra who have been crafting unnerving music for over 20 years. Now the quartet have delivered a solid reminder of why the aforementioned is truthful, this reminder comes courtesy of their new album "Death To Traitors", a solid romp that samples sounds from the melodic black, death and thrash metal libraries whilst adding their own authentic flavour to the mix. If you're seeking metal that you could meditate or pray to, then Sabhankra is your answer, for this quartet have conjured up sounds that puts the mind at ease, whilst ironically making your limbs yearn to mosh. "Death To Traitors" may well be the most extreme release Sabhankra has put out to date. Download this: "Burn Down Their Halls" For fans of: Keep Of Kalessin, Aradin Azun, Damaar 'Death To Traitors' is out now via Saturnal Records [8/10] RHYS STEVENSON KHANDRA 'All Occupied By Sole Death' SEASON OF MIST / UNDERGROUND ACTIVITIES Whilst the country of Belarus is facing a barrage of criticism and unrelenting negative media coverage, it is then perhaps a welcome relief to see it's very own black metallers Khandra deliver their debut album 'All Occupied By Sole Death'. This album stamps it's authority from the off and epitomises the very nature of the new wave of black metal we are experiencing, sure it carries the classic black metal drums and riffs, but the raw intensity presented is so compelling it's almost as if it's a work of literature, with each song being a page that enthrals the listener into wanting to hear and learn more. Perhaps Khandra is the band to lead the Belarusian metal scene on the international stage, arguably they are now the flag-bearers, as for their debut album, well it's going to be rather tricky to do any better than this... no wonder Season of Mist took interest! Download this: "Nothing But Immortality For Aye" For fans of: Winterfylleth, Blaze Of Perdition, Mgła 'All Occupied By Sole Death' is out now via Season Of Mist - Underground Activities [8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON HAGEL 'Veneration Of The Black Light' PERSONAL Not much is known about the period of activity between 1995-2000, but come 2014 and it seemed that Hagel were back on the scene... fast forward to 2021 and the Mexican black / doom metal quintet deliver their debut album 'Veneration Of The Black Light'. Whether it was worth the wait is anyone's guess, but the truth of the matter is whilst the album is great to listen to and no doubt they have some good talent in their ranks, it's too cliche for most parts. Sure there are far worse records out there and as said their talent is not questionable, the album just lacks that 'wow' factor that would leave one yearning for more. The predictability of how each song goes is almost hard to ignore and barely features anything that would gain vast attention outside Mexico, but with finesse and a re-evaluation of their music, they could easily knock on Europe's door... but this album most likely won't do that. Download this: "Blindness" For fans of: Black / Doom Metal... 'Veneration Of The Black Light' is out now via Personal Records [6.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON UNFATHOMABLE RUINATION 'Decennium Ruinae' WILLOWTIP If you ever needed living proof that the British extreme metal scene is alive, well and downright dirty, then you would only need to tune into the new EP by London technical / brutal death metal architects Unfathomable Ruination. 'Decennium Ruinae' is a 4-track slam-a-thon that gets you smashing your head in no time; by embracing the unconventional time signatures, gut-rotten vocals and drumming sequences that rival that of a pneumatic drill, you'll be consumed by the total musical armageddon this quintet have to offer. 'Decennium Ruinae' roughly translates from Latin to 'decades destroyed' in English, but just as the Romans raided and pillaged England so to will Unfathomable Ruination raid and pillage your mind. Download this: "Disciples Of Pestilence" For fans of: Suffocation, Necrophagist, Spawn Of Possession 'Decennium Ruinae' is out now via Willowtip Records [8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON TORTUGA 'Flying Dutchman' INDEPENDENT Pirate Metal? No this is not another Alestorm coming to sink your ship, no this what Captain Jack Sparrow would probably be listening to whilst piloting the Black Pearl... to Tortuga? Echoing the early days of the German heavy metal band Running Wild, Tortuga has taken the classic heavy metal sound, sprinkled it with steampunk elements and a dabble of medieval rock. If you're after something quirky and something that gets you drinking till 'why is the rum gone', then Tortuga's latest effort 'Flying Dutchman' is for you. Who'd have thought that they would be on album number 9 and only pay their port charges in kegs of rum now?!?!?! The 'Flying Dutchman' is a treasure to behold... just don't leave it at the Davy Jones's locker. Download this: "Rackham's Revenge" For fans of: Running Wild, Nightcreepers, Subway To Sally 'Flying Dutchman' is out now via an independent release [8/10] RHYS STEVENSON BRILLIANT COLDNESS 'The Ultimate Dream. Plan B: Disposal Of Humanity" DEAD CENTER PRODS With the new album by the Ukrainian technical death metallers Brilliant Coldness, there is unrelenting fury and brutality right from the off. 'The Ultimate Dream. Plan B: Disposal Of Humanity" is the band's 3rd album and marks a change in personnel since their preceding release "Poisoned Reality", with 3 musicians coming and going. Nonetheless, the barrage of brutality exhibited on the album cannot be questioned or challenged, it simply has you hooked from the first note to the very last drum beat, the technicality is infatuating and the power is uncompromising. It would take something rather special for this quintet to upstage this album because it simply blasts anything in it's way to smithereens. You would call it technical death metal, they call it 'academic death metal'... let the examinations begin. Download this: "The Crown Of Darkness' For fans of: Necrophagist, Morbid Angel, Cryptopsy 'The Ultimate Dream. Plan B: Disposal Of Humanity" is out via Dead Center Productions. [8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON NOTHING NOBLE 'Modern Dismay' PRIME COLLECTIVE There must be something in the water in Denmark, because they always somehow manage to export scintillating modern metal and metalcore factions. Stepping up to the plate and bestowing their infectious blend of progressive metalcore is Nothing Noble, their 2nd album 'Modern Dismay' arguably positions itself away from the 7-string djent whoring that is found within some progressive metalcore bands. There is no nonsense on this album and is certified to take you on a thunderous, raucous yet blazing ride across groovy riffs and ground-shaking drums. Harmoniously put together, the album could easily lend itself to metal yoga for it's spiritual and soulful blend of majestic wizardry and energetic vocals. The new wave of Danecore is upon us.... Download this: "Black Earth" For fans of: Architects, Killswitch Engage, Jinjer 'Modern Dismay' is out 6th August via Prime Collective. [8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON VARANG NORD
'Pārķiuņa Uomurs' SLIPTRICK 'Pārķiuņa Uomurs' is the 3rd album by the Latvian Viking folk metal tribe Varang Nord, what is striking about the album is that it is not in the style you would expect... the music is not in the same vein as Skyforger per se, far from it... in fact it's become their own sound. Varang Nord on this album sing in the Latgalian language, which is a regional and historic language; which in itself is helping protect the language and is not too far-a-cry from what New Zealand's Alien Weaponry did with the Maori language. Naturally you would associate Latvian folk metal with the pagan metal sound, so to have a band like Varang Nord opt to sing about the Nordic culture, history and surrounding nature is something rather refreshing... and for that reason, 'Pārķiuņa Uomurs' could well be a contender for 'Latvian metal album of the year'. Download this: "Svietņeica" For fans of: Turisas, Metsatoll, Tyr. 'Pārķiuņa Uomurs' is out now via Sliptrick Records [9/10] RHYS STEVENSON
0 Comments
NARGAROTH 'Era Of Threnody' INTER ARMA PRODUCTIONS German Black Metal has a history of delivering robust and spine-chilling efforts, Nargaroth on the other hand somehow missed the robust aspect, with Ash's latest effort 'Era Of Threnody' seeming to at times fall apart at the seams on some songs, despite the obvious effort to sound epic and adventurous. However in an ironical sense it's this stray into the Epic Black Metal field that gives the album a truly insane feeling of euphoria, in that Nargaroth have decided to go ahead with this shift without any element of prudence. But also delivering a truly authentic and respectable album regardless of its lack of robustness. Sure sometimes its harder to deliver greater creative input; two heads are better than one, however with this effort Nargaroth seem to have defied that logic overall with the exception of said robustness. Download This:- 'Whither Goest Thou' - Click to listen For Fans of: Immortal, Carpathian Forest, German Black Metal [7] RHYS STEVENSON SHE MUST BURN 'Grimoire' ARTERY RECORDINGS Arguably one of the UK's most promising Metal bands found within the genre-bending category, by lashing together elements of Melodic Metal, Deathcore and Black Metal, She Must Burn have stepped up a level from their debut EP 'Under The Shadows' and seemingly abandoning their gothic-tinged caricature. Some would argue this is a Melodic Deathcore album and therefore easily comparable to most Deathcore releases, but in truth it's more the opposite, She Must Burn have crafted their own sound to stand out from the flooded sub-genre. However the slight downside is that there needs to be more keyboard / female vocals present as this really worked on their debut EP – this is the sole element that lacks in this album and would make one feel that it is this element they need to retain. Download This: 'A False Heaven' - Click to listen For Fans of: Abigail Williams, Motionless In White, Cradle Of Filth [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON PERSEFONE 'Aathma' VICISOLUM PRODUCTIONS Hailing from Andorra (and now some people are frantically googling or using an atlas to find out where this country is, little hint – it's landlocked between Spain and France, nestled in the Pyranees), Persefone have conjured up their best effort to date with the sensational layering of melodic death metal and progressive metal presented herewith. 'Aathma' is the sextet's 5th album and the first to feature their new recruits in the form of Sergi Verdeguer (drums) and Filipe Baldaia (guitars); both members from another Andorra band called Nami, the result? A face-punching effort that'll guarantee to leave you totally pulverised from your inside out. Leading the Andorran Metal scene, Persefone are arguably poising themselves as the underrated underdogs of the Progressive / Melodic Death Metal style, with 'Aathma' easily considered as their finest effort, it's about time they got the recognition they deserve. Download This:- "No Faced Mindless" - Click to listen For Fans of: Opeth, Gojira, Amon Amarth [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON BANDOLIRIUM 'Bandolirium' INDEPENDENT Tango Metal? Well with Latin Metal and Flamenco Metal already in existence then sure why not deliver this unsuspecting genre? Argentina's Bandolirium – a one-man project – do no more than stick to instrumental music with Latin American vibes, salsa and tango vibes throughout whilst the core Progressive Metal sound provides the perfect foundation for this rather unusual and inventive sound to be delivered across. Whether the debut album will perk up interest from across the pond remains to be seen, but it surely will do down well in the South American Metal scene and tango music scene consequently. So it's evident to say that Bandolirium are the undisputed pioneers of Tango Metal. May this journey continue... Download This:- 'Impulso' - Click here to listen For Fans of: Breed 77, Ill Nino, Instrumental Metal [8] RHYS STEVENSON APOLOGETH 'type: HUMAN - status: INCOMPATIBLE' INDEPENDENT Forming part of a trilogy, the first album by Belarusian Groove / Death Metal horde Apologeth wields ultimate promise as the guttural rhythmic onslaught that comes with it is so epic, it's almost a solid guarantee that Apologeth are the metal band to place Belarus on the map. Their low-key growling underlines the sharpened guitar riffs and supports the drums with a solidified foundation. If this was to make you wet yourself, then that's a certificate worth issuing because this album carries all the hallmarks of a band who knows what they're aiming for. How they will top this effort remains to be seen, but if this is what we can expect from the rest of the trilogy, then fresh underwear will be needed each time. Download This: "Human Zoo" - Click to listen For fans of: DevilDriver, Gojira, Lamb Of God [8] RHYS STEVENSON SAILLE 'Gnosis' CODE666 RECORDS Four albums in and Belgium's Saille are showing no signs of slowing down, in fact the Symphonic Black Metal outfit have arguably unleashed their most powerfully potent offering to date. With guest appearances by Niki Dierickx (female vocals) and Dries Gaerdelen (keyboards) giving the album a certain dimension, it might be worthwhile for Saille to keep this guest influence in check on subsequent albums since it works like a treat. Other than that, the album itself is far more effective and demanding than their Norwegian brothers in Dimmu Borgir, sure there is a gulf between the two in terms of success and how long they have been around, however Saille certainly seem to have kept true to themselves and have not strayed onto the commercialism path. Download This:- "Magnum Opus" - Click to listen For fans of: Carach Angren, Dimmu Borgir, Emperor [8] RHYS STEVENSON DESMOTERION D.T.N. INDEPENDENT Hardcore Thrashers Desmoterion are no strangers to the Venezuelan Metal scene having been around nearly 10 years but have only just this year dropped their debut album. The wait was clearly worth it as their debut album 'D.T.N.' is laden with brutality, ferocity and creativity, sure some would acquit this album as nothing but generic Crossover Thrash, but in truth there is something special going on. Venezuela might not be known on the international stage for having a metal scene, but it's bands like Desmoterion who are ideally aiming to change that with their Spanish-tinged metal music. For those who do not know Spanish, the band is basically singing about socio-political issues, not drugs or gang-related verbiage, this is not Narcos nor Breaking Bad in metal-form but perhaps speed in huge doses. Download This:- "Pandemia" - Click to listen For Fans of: Slayer, Biohazard, Metallica [9] RHYS STEVENSON ASCENDANT 'A Thousand Echoes' INDEPENDENT Featuring a line-up consisting of multiple nationalities including Emirati and Syrian, Ascendant are a truly multinational Power Metal band. They make this known throughout their debut album 'A Thousand Echoes' with clean and traditional Arabic vocals flowing throughout, sure the music doesn't touch any Arabic or Middle Eastern elements; which would really help their cause, however in the end their album does strike the perfect note. In some respect they don't remain bolted to the Power Metal style, this is evident on the track 'Morning Light' as they stray into Melodic Metal thanks to guest vocals by Lindsay Schoolcraft (Cradle of Filth). All in all the album is relatively decent with promise riding on it, it will be interesting to see where this outfit go next. Download This:- "Fog Of War" - Click to listen For Fans of:- Sonata Arctica, Sabaton, Persona [8] RHYS STEVENSON CARNAC 'Times Undone' INDEPENDENT Extreme Metal band Carnac are wasting no time in conjuring up a debut album worthy of a label release, signed to Sliptrick Records, this Turkish quintet lash together classic Melodic Death Metal with Progressive and Black Metal influences to deliver a chaotic and unrelenting surge of savage metal music. By cleverly mixing these different metal elements in a set way, Carnac have seemingly mastered the formula for delivering what easily could be dubbed Extreme Metal. Sure they will need to keep on the ball after this album to stand any chance of scoring major gigs across Europe, but with this effort it should not be a problem. 'Times Undone' should be in your CD collection for it wields together the likes of Carpathian Forest, early-Behemoth and Gojira to create it's own signature tune. Download this:- "The Lantern" - Click to listen For fans of: Ihsahn, Gojira, Strapping Young Lad [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON NUCLEAR WARFARE
'Devastation Upon The Battlefield' INDEPENDENT The Thai Metal scene is one that somehow is secluded from the rest of the world, despite it having a plethora of insane and imaginative metal bands – Nuclear Warfare are no exception with their neck-breaking Thrash Metal arsenal. Dropping their debut album 'Devastation Upon The Battlefield', this quartet stick true to the South-East Asian style of Thrash Metal; with Indonesia leading the way. However as a group they certainly know how to deliver a brutal and unrelenting sound that should ultimately be utilized again for their next release. No nonsense Thrash Metal is their game, Nuclear Warfare is their name, they certainly are a band to watch. Download This:- "War Command" - Click to listen For Fans of: Oracle, Slayer, Thrash Metal [8] RHYS STEVENSON KHROMA 'Stasis' INVERSE Khroma might as well become Finland's answer to Japan's Crossfaith, an explosive rule-bending mix of electronic brutality, metalcore heaviness and an atmosphere to pierce your brain at it's very core, for their latest effort 'Stasis' will leave your mind completely f*cked. By lacing together elements of Metalcore, electronic music, Groove Metal and Alternative Metal, this hotly-tipped outfit are sure to tear Europe apart with their uniquely fashioned and original s. From start to finish, 'Stasis' will have you moshing your braincells to death, raving your sweat out and drinking alcohol like water, seriously this is proper hard party music. If Crossfaith, 5FDP and The Defiled ever had a three-some, then Khroma would be the offspring, a cataclysmic, unrelenting brand of Modern Metal. This shit is crazyyyyyy!!!!! Download This: "Brace Yourself" For Fans of: 5FDP, The Defiled, Crossfaith 'Stasis' is out now via Inverse Records [8] RHYS STEVENSON 12 GAUGE OUTRAGE 'Deadly Sins' INDEPENDENT No let's not indulge in the Irish puns, even though the Guinness demands it. Hailing from the South-East coast of Ireland, the Heavy Metal trio 12 Gauge Outrage do more than just invent an interesting and rhyming band name, they're also capable of bleeding out a debut album that will almost certainly appeal to the metal masses. Pounding drums lead the backline as the riffs slit your throat right at the deadliest point, actually come to think of it have they managed to whip in some Melodic and Thrash Metal elements? Whatever you make of their debut album, 'Deadly Sins' is a joyous and satisfying nod to the classic sounds of Heavy Metal. Whilst it might not be as fast as Slayer or melodically heavy as Iron Maiden, the album will surely book the band their ticket across the Irish Sea and into the UK. Download This: "Greed - Drag Me To Hell" - Click to listen For Fans of: Kaine, Diamond Head, Metallica [8] RHYS STEVENSON HALIDOM 'Purity Corrupts' INDEPENDENT You might get stuck in the groove when checking out the premier EP by Israel's Halidom. The new kids on the block kick off their career with their EP 'Purity Corrupts' and whilst it offers something fresh, at times it becomes stagnant, that's not to say it's not enjoyable but rather the 'been here done that, sold the t-shirt' feeling. However through bolting together some flash riffs, thick and heavy bass, gritty vocals and an atmosphere primed to get any pit open, Halidom might be on to something, whatever it is they haven't found it yet. 'Purity Corrupts' serves as a respected nod to the Groove Metal movement, but nothing more, in fact their next release needs to be an improvement to enable the band to gain considerable attention from outside of Israel, or the Middle East. Download This: "Turncoat" - Click to listen For Fans of: Gojira, DevilDriver, Lamb of God [7] RHYS STEVENSON ROMAN KHRUSTALEV 'Our New Sun' INDEPENDENT When you think of Kazakhstan, you generally would not consider it a metal music nation and truth be told whilst it's scene can be traced back to the early 1990's, there are very few bands or projects going around. One such musician, Roman Khrustalev, has been releasing music since 2008 under different guises. However he now goes under his real name and has released his latest instrumental Progressive / Power Metal album 'Our New Sun'. From start to finish, this marathon run of epic riff shifting and abrasively loud atmospherics certainly demands a lot of attention as this work of art deserves it. Forget the flashy and technical wizardry Herman Li of Dragonforce can deliver, because Kazakhstan have got their own answer through Roman Khrustalev. His futuristic outlook is channelled through his music and ultimately could serve well as background music for the next sci-fi blockbuster. Download This: "Cold Roots Of Earth" - Click to listen For Fans of: Instrumental Metal, insanely godly music, epic music [8] RHYS STEVENSON BLEEDING TEARS 'The Fall Of Lucifer' INDEPENDENT Hailing from Venezuela, Bleeding Tears are a Dark Metal band whose sound features a lashing of Gothic Metal beauty, the dank atmospherics associated with Doom Metal and a sprinkling of menacing Death Metal. 'The Fall Of Lucifer' sadly is nothing new as it appears to have elements that some would agree sounds too similar to other bands in the said combined genre. However despite the near-evident comparisons, the music in question is one that will captivate you no matter where you are in the world, perhaps the EP was built to put Venezuela on the metal map or perhaps just to stand on it's own two as a decent release. Whatever the future holds for this sextet, with this effort they are sure to gain some attention from outside of their own country, perhaps even land a record deal.... Download this: "Premoniziones" - click to listen For Fans of: Macbeth, Tristania, Darkwell [7] RHYS STEVENSON TROLLWALD' 'У гушчарах (U Huszczarach)' INDEPENDENT Formed out of the ashes left behind by Litvintroll, Belarusian Folk Metal maestros Trollwald carry on from where their predecessor left off. 'У гушчарах (U Huszczarach)' is the band's debut EP and it remains in touch with their folk heritage, utilising folk instruments normally associated with Pagan Metal. Unfortunately Trollwald aren't as with it as Litvintroll were and make light use of what could have been a potentially arousing EP, their inept self just does not enable their EP to reach it's fullest potential. Granted they've stuck to their mother tongue, being Belarusian, but this does not give the EP that needed kick up the backside that otherwise may well have demanded a more positive reception. Overall despite the lack of convincing elements, 'У гушчарах (U Huszczarach)' is an EP that marks the transition from Litvintroll to Trollwald. Download This: "Bywaj!" - Click to listen For fans of: Arkona, Litvintroll, Pagan Metal [7] RHYS STEVENSON WASTED HEROES 'Wasted Heroes' INDEPENDENT Returning after their debut album 'Between The Worlds' was released six years ago, Ukrainian Melodic Death / Metalcore horde Wasted Heroes justify the time spent in crafting their second offering. This self-titled album deploys all what you would expect from a band from said genre combination, full on smack-down brutality, infectious riffs, emotional vocals and a vision that should enable them to stand tall as possibly the most exciting Metalcore-based bands to emerge out of Eastern Europe. But with this comes their own form of Modern Metal influence, which almost breaches the 'Post Metalcore' territory, but it definitely aims to shove over the dominance of Black and Pagan Metal the Ukrainian Metal scene has been arguably enjoying for far too long. 'Wasted Heroes' is the band's calling card to the record labels, if you want us, come and get us. Download This: "Burn Down This World" - click to listen For Fans of: Imminence, In Flames, Zonaria [8] RHYS STEVENSON OHOL YEG 'Humanize' INDEPENDENT Emerging out of the deepest darkest depths of hell in Turkey is the one-man Black Metal project Ohol Yeg masterminded by Sazakan. 'Humanize' is a delightful listen with enough raw elements found across the entire release to ensure that it stands out as a kvlt release. By harmonizing together mid-paced drums with quick-fire riffs, spluttering vocals and audio clips taken from nature's own backyard, Ohol Yeg manages to create a truly authentic and inspiring sound. Given the project relies upon non-professional equipment and thus bolsters its obvious DIY production sound, homage must be paid to Ohol Yeg for developing a sound that is far from being artificial and rather closer to being completely pure. For the seasoned Black Metal fan, this ought to tickle your ears with delight, for the generic metalhead its a chance to experience something truly unique to the Turkish Black Metal movement. Download This: "Becoming The Reality" - Click to listen For Fans of: Carpathian Forest, Moribund Oblivion, Moonblood [8] RHYS STEVENSON MOURNING SUN 'Último Exhalario' INDEPENDENT Chile's Mourning Sun might as well become the scene's most exciting export of 2016 because their debut album 'Último Exhalario' is so emotionally enriched that it really taps into the mind and soul, calming and soothing the listener at the same time. Constructing a delicate balance of Avant Garde and Doom Metal, this sextet (now trio) harmonise the traumatic and emotional side of life and the wilderness to develop a sound that either you could fall asleep to or ultimately classify as 'easy listening metal'. 'Último Exhalario' gleams with a vibrant array of atmospherics, elements and emotions that coalesce to leave the listener in a state of entrancement. It won't be long before Mourning Sun are snapped up by a record label, because that is exactly what this album deserves, it needs to be heard far and wide. There's a storm brewing across the Andes... Download This: "Hoowin (Mythic Ancestors)" - Click to listen For fans of: Paradise Lost, Mar De Grises, Doom Metal [8] RHYS STEVENSON SOULBURNER
'The Throne of Armageddon' INDEPENDENT Fast paced Death Metal thundering out of the back streets of Bogota D.C., Colombia. That is the shortest way to explain Colombian Death Metal maniacs Soulburner and their long-awaited third album 'The Throne of Armageddon'. Released 10 years after their second album, 'The Throne of Armageddon' is a non-stop assault of guttural vocals of the most extreme kind, unrelenting and unforgiving blast-beats and some of the most grizzly riffs ever to be shat out of a guitarist. Designed to crush your cranium in such a way that it would make a simple punch to your skull seem an upgraded tickle. Consequently you need to be in the right mood to be blasted by this audio wave of mass constriction, fear it because you won't have heard anything like it (unless you're a metal elitist, in which case, you're not kvlt enough for this bruising music). Download This: "World To Ashes" - click to listen For Fans of: Crackdust, Abhorrent Decimation, Corpse Garden [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 AKVAN 'آتش زاده' INDEPENDENT Throughout the rich and turbulent times found within the Iranian metal scene, the country's Black Metal contingent have never shied away from delivering releases of extreme quality and exotic beauty. The latest to join the allegiance is one-man project Akvan; fronted by Lord Vizaresa, who has just released his debut EP 'آتش زاده' (which roughly translates as 'Birth Of Fire') and culminates a dark, depressing yet purposeful sound. Wallowing in the darkest Black Metal sounds, 'آتش زاده' takes listeners on a historic journey through Ancient Persia and the lands of the Aryans. With an atmosphere that matches the traditional and elegant sounds of Iranian / Middle Eastern folk music, 'آتش زاده' is a real testament to the emergence of Iranian Black Metal as a global phenomena. Download This: "Iran, Land Ov The Aryans" (Click here to listen) For Fans of: Aras, Darkthrone, "Historical Metal" [8] RHYS STEVENSON TRISTANA 'Virtual Crime' BAKERTEAM Wired up to the electrical surge of thunderous riffs, electrical atmospherics, cryptic vocals and melodious keyboard elements, Tristana's third album 'Virtual Crime' takes their newer Groove / Alternative Metal sound and upgrades it with a new found sense of excitement. 'Virtual Crime' is one of those releases that demands an eclectic taste to like, sure it falls slightly short of being called Modern Metal (if some synths or industrial elements were added, this would have been a groundbreaking release), but it does offer something remarkable in return and that is a solid 40 minute explosion of pure Slovakian Metal music mayhem. Whether this is the band's best album to date is open for debate, but for now it can be positioned as a contender for Slovakian Metal release of the year despite it's subtle flaws. Watch with interest. Download This: "Fallen" (Click here to listen to and watch the music video) For Fans of: Dagoba, Sepultura, Bon Jovi [8] RHYS STEVENSON IRREVERSIBLE MECHANISM 'Infinite Fields' BLOOD MUSIC Music is unpredictable at the best of times, so when Belarusian duo get snapped up by Blood Music on the brink of their debut album release, there was obviously something magical about this duo and boy were they right. Unleashing a torrential battering of Progressive Death Metal, 'Infinite Fields' places Irreversible Mechanism on the map, and with it comes by far the most impressive Belarusian Metal release since the scenes inception. Just like War of the Worlds, V For Vendetta and the Orwellian novel 1984, 'Infinite Fields' guides listeners through a post-apocalyptic world full of dystopian ideologies, advanced technologies and natural cybernetic atmospherics. Now if there is one album that was calculated so precisely, so much so any form of erratic equation becomes eradicated as a result, it would have to be 'Infinite Fields'. This album, is the album to slam any predecessors in the technically-minded Progressive Death Metal arena and make them listen, listen to the noise coming from Eastern Europe, a noise that will give this band glorified international attention. Download This: "The Betrayer Of Time" (Click here to listen) For Fans of: Becoming The Archetype, Gorod, Obscura [9] RHYS STEVENSON DESERT 'Never Regret' RAVEN MUSIC Israel-based Power Metal outfit Desert make their welcomed return with their second album 'Never Regret'. Bringing to the table once again their fantasy-laden hooks, eloquent vocals and Middle Eastern flavorsome vibes. When you think about it, Middle Eastern Power Metal is not highly prevalent and so when Desert emerges with another offering, it's as if a once-every-1000 years opportunity has arisen. With the keyboards providing a taste of traditional influences and the vocals leading the charge with a smothering of Russian influence; developing a unique cultural clash. 'Never Regret' may not be the perfect Power Metal album in existence, indeed at times it leaves listeners stuck on the 'will there be a song different to the last' moment, it does however validate Desert as a unique unit in their own right, question is how long will it take for their own take on said music genre to be recognized further afield. Download This: "The Wolf's Attack" (Click here to listen) For Fans of: Orphaned Land, Iced Earth, Hammerfall [7] RHYS STEVENSON TERRA 'Untitled' HIBERNACULA Well if you ever get time to pass and want to check out something bizarre yet extreme, then Terra's debut album 'Untitled' should be on your hit list. Granted with only 3 tracks totaling up a grand time of 41 minutes, the ferocity and animosity explored and demonstrated is unmistakably valiant. This three-piece Cambridge horde muster up a sound that represents the true values of Atmospheric Black Metal in the veins of Winterfylleth and the like. Created by veterans of bygone years, Terra is an exciting addition to the resurgence of British Black Metal and will ultimately add to the plethora of BM bands across the lands. For seasoned Black Metal addicts, this is the crème de la crème, but for newcomers it might come across as rather bewildering, additionally this would most appeal to the lovers of rawer Black Metal in contrast to the more commercially appealing Borgir-esque and Cradle-esque sound. Download This: " I " (Click here to listen) For Fans of: Winterfylleth, Wolves In The Throne Room, Northern Oak [8] RHYS STEVENSON NEPENTE 'I Will Get Your Soul' CIMMERIAN SHADE South American metalheads tend to have an unstoppable addiction towards extreme metal, it's like as if the vast production of cocaine became eradicated and metal music has taken it's place. Welcoming to the forefront of the Black / Death Metal style is Colombian battalion Nepente with their second EP 'I Will Get Your Soul' and with it comes a thunderous explosion of acidic vocals, mauling riffs and bone-crunching drumming. Let's face it Nepente are set to take the Colombian Metal scene to greater heights with their new offering 'I Will Get Your Soul' and for those brave enough to check it out, you will not be disappointed. With every second comes a mauling explosion of chaos and fury neatly packaged in this unforgiving EP, if Nepente keep this sound going they will be sure to perform in Europe next year. Download This: "Show Me That You Are Suffering" - Click here to listen. For Fans of: "Old School Death / Black Metal", Impiety, Infernal War [8] RHYS STEVENSON DAMAGE SOURCE 'Raise Hell' INDEPENDENT It's very easy for a lack of imagination to marauder into the process of making a Thrash Metal release and sadly it seems Damage Source fell into that trap. With their debut EP 'Raise Hell' featuring some rather basic riffs that instead of complementing the vocals seem to bury them so deep, it's hard to catch on to what the lyrics actually are. For the new kids on the block, this is the quality you tend to expect on a demo at least, but despite it's negativity here and there, 'Raise Hell' does position itself as a platform for the Germans to magic up a debut album that ought to wow people. It will be interesting to see how the quartet aim to better themselves, because on the strength of 'Raise Hell' it is nearly a tall order. Granted mixing elements from the Bay Area and Teutonic scenes respectively might bode them well, it boils down to whether they can use this combination to their advantage. Download This: "The Disease" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Metallica, Holy Moses, Slayer [6.5] RHYS STEVENSON RED ROOM ENSEMBLE 'Red Room Ensemble' INDEPENDENT It's an undeniable fact that the Finnish do not need to take any iron supplements to keep their metal levels up, in fact they produce them. Marking their territory with their debut self-titled album is Melodic Heavy Metal outfit Red Room Ensemble, featuring a no-nonsense, no-rules attitude towards their recording and creating of their debut album. Hailing from the Åland Islands, Red Room Ensemble broods within the atmospherics of Iron Maiden and features vocals in the style that of Bon Jovi's 'Blaze of Glory'. Although the album is nothing new and therefore is not breaking new ground, it does offer itself as a delight to seasoned classic metal listeners. In a visual context, the band aren't dressed in your average metalhead outfit, but rather in dapper suits. As for 'Red Room Ensemble', it is a must-own album for any classic, heavy or melodic metal fan, period. Download This: "Everything Went Red" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Iron Maiden, Bon Jovi, "Melodic Heavy Metal" [8] RHYS STEVENSON MALDEVERA 'All Eyes On Jeff' INDEPENDENT Texas over the decades has delivered a whole host of unforgettable metal bands, focusing on the new wave of Texan Metal means paying attention to bands like Maldevera, whose infectious mix of Thrash Metal riffs, Groove Metal grit and thunderous atmospherics, bodes well for times ahead. 'All Eyes On Jeff' is the third demo by this now-trio and whilst it sadly is nothing new, it does offer some anticipation for their expected debut album. Sampling elements from Star Trek: Voyager and Spawn: The Animated Series, fans of both sci-fi and / or 80's Thrash Metal would drool over this raw-as-hell release. With each track dissimilar to each other, 'All Eyes On Jeff' ought to grab the trio some well-earned attention from across the States, let alone internationally. So sit back, succumb to Maldevera's tornado-like onslaught and batten down the hatches, for this Thrash Metal storm won't be going anywhere soon. Download This: "Maldevera" (Click here to listen) For Fans of: Pantera, Slayer, Motorhead [8] RHYS STEVENSON ACHELOUS
'The Cold Winds Of Olympus' Bands who use folklore or historical events in their lyrics usually tell the best stories through metal music, such a band is Greek Heavy Metal newcomers Achelous. Whilst there are no flash riffs, no emphatic beats or crushing vocals, the band's premier EP 'The Cold Winds Of Olympus' explodes with a colorful arrangement of classic Bon Jovi-esque vocals, emotional atmospherics and a powerful dramatization of bygone Hellenism. Achelous have proven that the classic sound of Heavy Metal is very much alive and well. Now whilst this EP might not satisfy the more modern heavy metal listeners, it does however pay homage to the founding metal genre of which our favorite metal sub-genres derived from. All in all 'The Cold Winds Of Olympus' drops hints of something even more majestic to come, watch this band with interest as the dawn of 'Hellenic Battle Metal' arises without mercy. Download This: "Guardians Of The Light" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Iron Maiden, Manowar, Van Halen, Bon Jovi [8] RHYS STEVENSON PANZERCHRIST 'The 7th Offensive' LISTENABLE It's always great to celebrate a landmark year and as Denmark's most notable extreme metal sons Panzerchrist make their twentieth year of existence, their seventh album is finally dawning. 'The 7th Offensive' carries on much of the war theme the four-piece have adopted ever since their inception and packs a more powerful punch than ever before, excruciatingly painful double bass drumming sets the intonation for what could be regarded as the most brutally tantalizing music you'll ever hear in 2013. What with Denmark recently winning the Eurovision Song Contest, could this really be the year of Danish music success? 'The 7th Offensive' is armed and primed to unleash a full out assault on the European battlefields, just like a Leopard II in full combat Panzerchrist will blow minds apart with this ferocious musical masterpiece. 'The 7th Offensive' is out 15th July (Europe) and 13th August (North America) via Listenable Records For fans of: Marduk, Cannibal Corpse and Bolt Thrower [8] RHYS STEVENSON NEMESIS 'Genocidal Battlefield' THORN MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT 2012 marked the debut album release of Nemesis, the Indonesian Melodic Death Metal / metalcore leviathan simmers machine-gun like drumming in sensational fashion and as 'Genocidal Battlefield' spews out sounds that fans of The Dead Lay Waiting and The Black Dahlia Murder will love. Pulsating drumming sets the course for this album to wreak total havoc and spark off some mosh-pits. Forget Indonesian Thrash Metal, Nemesis promise to take you on a journey that will be more powerful than any tsunami the island chain nation has ever encountered. As 'Genocidal Battlefield' paves the way for them to unleash another bout of metallic hell, could this be the best Melodic Death / Metalcore act to emerge out of South-East Asia? Download This: "End Of Breath" [8] RHYS STEVENSON BATTLE BEAST 'Battle Beast' WARNER MUSIC FINLAND / NUCLEAR BLAST Uprising from the darkest streets of Helsinki is Finnish sextet Battle Beast with their self-titled debut album from which features everything expected from a Heavy Metal band, heavenly vocals that come from the combination of powerful male and gritty female vocals, whilst the continuous epic riffs that wallow in the background along with the sincere drumming, keeps the listener on their toes and ultimately mixes to form a sound that even Lordi could not muster. 'Battle Beast' is not your average Heavy Metal album, it takes the whole Metal scene to a higher level and poises them as the natural rival to Canada's Kobra & The Lotus, whether you like ballsy metal or not this six-piece have enough power to ice up your eyes and slice your ears with a hailstorm of Finnish produced icicles, let the next onslaught commence. Download This: "Fight, Kill, Die" [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON FEEDBACK 'A Moment Of Transition' Considered perhaps the first ever metal band from Mauritius, Feedback employ a no-nonsense style of Progressive Metal / Rock that casts an explosive infusion of catchy riffs, unassailable vocals and an atmosphere that would inspire many, after all their debut album 'A Moment Of Transition' released three years ago carries a charismatic sound to it that makes some European bands look bad. Twelve songs equating to a generous total of one hour to listen to should keep Prog lovers gasping for more, in fact 'A Moment Of Transition' harmonizes the said genre and with their own unique twist, Feedback are firming themselves up to fly the flag for the Mauritian Metal scene. Download This: "Cursed" [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON ANOMALLY 'While The Gods Sleep' The Azores is not usually considered a hotspot for metal music, but when bands like Anomally let rip and release their majestic sound of Death / Thrash Metal with the elegance and visual image of the Gothic metal style, the result is outstanding. 2012 fell victim to the band's premier EP 'While The Gods Sleep', spewing out a free-flowing ambiance of guttural vocals that are harsh enough to make you scratch yourself. If 'While The Gods Sleep' was a footballer it would be Cristiano Ronaldo, full of guitar trickery, vocal projection and percussive explosive compositions that no one would save themselves from. Overall, whilst 'While The Gods Sleep' is a damn decent release, it is nothing new as such but still offers metal fans a tasty musical treat. Download This: "Controlled By Oppression" [7] RHYS STEVENSON LITVINTROLL 'Czornaja Panna' From the far eastern side of the European continent, a battle cry emits with such a high frequency the next door neighbors start to dance along to it. This battle cry is in the form of 'Czornaja Panna', the sophomore album by Belarus' Litvintroll. What comes with this sound is a rather odd mix of Scottish bagpipes, fluid Folk Metal percussion and the ethnic sounds of the band's mother tongue. However despite the originality and complete adhesion to the traditional melodies and sounds of their folk music garden, Litvintroll are an unsung band in that they are not as well known as they should be. This is proven on 'Czornaja Panna' as it draws stark similarities with bands like Arkona and the like. Ultimately for those who love their Eastern European metal, 'Czornaja Panna' is one release that should be in your collection, it captures the very essence of what makes Belarusian Folk Metal that little bit extra special. Download This: "Kryzak (Piesnia Pra Troliau II" [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON BONERIDE 'Weight Of Water' Making their next bold move once again is Boneride, the Finnish Heavy Metal quartet that celebrates their fifth anniversary this year. The lads have crafted their latest demo entitled 'Weight Of Water' and it features more of the classic sound produced on it's predecessor 'Arms of Mercy', sure the sound is not exactly new nor is it different, but it is still pleasurable to listen to, no fancy stuff just pure classic heavy metal. 'Weight Of Water' delivers three tracks that are at different speeds, but the same level of technicality, aggression and musicianship. In fact, this release may yet prove to be the best the band could ever muster. Download This: "Great Unknown" [7] RHYS STEVENSON MINSTREL 'Departure For Daydream Orbit' The Far East has always been a breeding ground for metal bands to experiment around with different music styles and elements, but never has melodic metal been infused on top of symphonic power metal in such a way that it eclipses bands like Sonata Arctica and Nightwish of whom fans of said bands will love. Unleashing their debut album is Taiwan's Minstrel and as the haphazardous elements fall into place, the overall impression is that this lot defy the rule of metal and create a sound that is remarkably hard to pin down. 'Departure For Daydream Orbit' ticks all the boxes as a breath of fresh air but whether that air is going to maintain it's freshness is a question worth asking oneself, all in all this album is for the eccentric metal fans, experience a bilingual release that flits between Asian and European power metal, just don't bank on the latter to pay attention to this four-piece. Download This: "Secret Time" [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON DRILLER 'All Shall Burn' Making their full blown debut album come to life is Polish Thrash maniacs Driller, it is not their first release but instead it is their first major release. 'All Shall Burn' blasts craters in the earth as it purges out a fluid explosion of fast and furious Thrash with the grit and dirt of Grindcore acting as a formidable backdrop. Fueled by the unrelenting surge of power from the drums, guitars and vocals, the album grills the senses until the anger inside builds up so much that you want to spit it out at anything living, including yourself! Think along the lines of the ferocity demonstrated on Slayer's 'Angel of Death' and you then get a clearer idea and feeling of what this band is really about. As for 'All Shall Burn', simply put it is an essential album for those who love a massive adrenalin rush and a heaving moshpit at the same time. Download This: "Drill & Blast" [9] RHYS STEVENSON DRAGONLANCE
'Holy Blood' Eleven years ago and the Japanese Power Metal force of Dragonlance emerged from the abyss, sweltering the land of the rising sun with their infectious riffs and audacious attitude towards metal music, that in turn spewed out their premier demo 'Holy Blood', an adventurous journey that is only marred by sadly the basic standards of Power Metal. For sure the two track release is only a snippet of what the band aimed to do in the recent decade or so, but as for the starting point 'Holy Blood' is a debatable release in terms of whether it actually is a respectable attempt or not, but as stated they have an audacious attitude towards metal music, it just not shows entirely on this release. What will their later releases deliver? Reprisal or a depressing downhill slalom? Download This: "Holy Blood" [6] RHYS STEVENSON |
If you enjoy reading this content, please consider a donation DonateMetal III
3rd Chronicles of Metal Music Reviews © 2011-2022
Global Metal Apocalypse Archives
May 2021
Categories
All
|