EPPING FOREST 'Lebabvoid' UNEXPLODED Eight to nine years have passed since Epping Forest delivered their unrelenting monstrosity known as 'Everblasting Struggle', and now the Portuguese Blackened Death maestros unveil their latest effort 'Lebabvoid'. What comes with it is a slapping of harmonious riffs, gritty vocals and an atmosphere that's very much akin to that of Behemoth kind. Dealing with the Sumerian myth this time round, this quartet amass together a sound that puts their debut album to rest, surpassing their first effort with ease and satisfaction. It might not be the prettiest release from the Blackened Death Metal style, nor was it intended to be, but it's certainly another successful release from the Portuguese Metal scene. Not for the faint-of-heart. Download This: "Demise: Twelve Times twelve Sars" For Fans of: Behemoth, Melechesh, Carpathian Forest 'Lebabvoid' will be out via Unexploded Records (date TBA) [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON INFERNO 'Genética Humana' NECROMANCE Spanish conquistadors Inferno finally drop their debut album eight years after their inception, by mixing Speed and Thrash Metal together and singing in their own native Spanish language, it's pretty safe to say that Inferno are your average run of the mill Spanish Speed / Thrash Metal band. Sure it's not easy being critical on an album which is not in the English language, but at times despite the effort it simply lacks that knack to ignite into a really epic release. Whether it's the fact they're from Ceuta, a Spanish city bordering Morocco or the fact it's taken so long for them to muster anything substantial up, the fact remains Inferno have found themselves in a rut, and sadly might remain there. Download This: "Cultura Del Egoismo" For Fans of: Slayer, Sodom, Gama Bomb 'Genética Humana' is now out via Necromance Records [6.5] RHYS STEVENSON AMBIVALENCE 'Hyena's Breath' PRC MUSIC Veterans of Ukrainian Death Metal Ambivalence make it four with their fourth album to date, the 'Hyena's Breath' must be rancid and vile as this music because the music is as rotten and sickening as a 'Hyena's Breath', see what was done there? The four-piece from Lviv explore the avenues of Groove Metal, Technical Metal and Death Metal to take the best of all three genres to create something rather brutal, something insanely non-understandable but moreover something delightful to listen to. Sadly this is the only release vocalist Dmytro Pliska will ever do, question is who did the drums? Line-up disputes aside, this is one for the ages and will surely be counted as the best album Ambivalence have ever mustered. Download This: "Swallowers" For Fans of: Aborted, Gorgasm, Spawn Of Possession 'Hyena's Breath' is out now via PRC Music [8] RHYS STEVENSON AKOMA 'Revangels' MASSACRE Denmark's Akoma have been knocking around since 2004 and have finally dropped their debut album in the shape of 'Revangels', a majestic journey across the Danish lands, drifting under and over the Øresund Bridge and ending up in Silkeborg where the music emanated. The quintet's second EP 'The Other Side' laid the foundations for 'Revangels' to be built upon, upwards they went with it and thus as they became signed, 'Revangels' became their Massacre Records-debut. Distancing themselves from the overused comparison between Nightwish and their chosen genre, Symphonic Metal, Akoma branch out and embrace elements from the Gothic Metal, Alternative Metal and Operatic Metal styles. This album is highly captivating and is one certainly guaranteed to bring 'hygge' to the home, Akoma are flying the flag for the Danish Metal scene. Download This: "Hands Of Greed" For Fans of: Evanescence, Within Temptation, Xandria 'Revangels' is out 27th January via Massacre Records [9] RHYS STEVENSON VICTORIUS 'Heart Of The Phoenix' MASSACRE Take out some health insurance, for your neck won't survive the ferocious onslaught that Victorius have laid out for you. Emerging out of the phoenix's ashes, Germany's Victorius are no strangers to the Power Metal vernacular and it's evident on their fourth album 'Heart Of The Phoenix', soaringly powerful vocals come colliding with emphatic riffs and thunderstruck drumming as the ten-legged leviathan lets rip with another juicy slab of true Power Metal. Join Victorius on a magical adventure as they aim to caress your mind and soul with such delinquent music that is almost Disney-esque, the sort of music that would give Germany their win at Eurovision 2017. Conchita Wurst might have begun to 'rise like a phoenix', but Victorius have come from the 'Heart Of The Phoenix'! Download This: "End Of The Rainbow" For Fans of: Sabaton, Sonata Arctica, Gloryhammer 'Heart Of The Phoenix' is out now via Massacre Records [9] RHYS STEVENSON AFTERTIME 'The Fall Of Light' INDEPENDENT After five years of activity, you'd have thought AfterTime would have ironed out all the imperfections along the way, well that is true to a certain extent. Take their debut EP, the music is great, the vocals sublime, the atmosphere spot on... what is wrong? The production. Sure it can't be helped, but for a first-time effort it's pretty decent. No doubt their debut album will be finely tuned, that is not to say 'The Fall Of Light' is a disaster by any means, it just needs cleaning up a bit. Funnily enough AfterTime manage to escape the shackles of the Nightwish 'Symphonic Metal' comparison and wander their own path, what the future will hold will be interesting for this American quintet. Download This: "The Final Act" - Click to listen For Fans of: Within Temptation, Liv Kristine, Therion [7] RHYS STEVENSON EX ANIMO 'Neverday' METAL SCRAP It's been twelve years since Ex Animo released their debut album and since then there has been a slew of members coming and going, yet they manage to deliver their next instalment in their career in the shape of 'Neverday', a dark, gloomy slab of Doomed Gothic Metal. But don't expect a host of thick, chunky riffs or depressing atmospherics, ironically the Ukrainian five-piece succeed in injecting an element of life or indeed positivity into the sound - almost the opposite to what Doom Metal is all about. Moreover they've seemed to find a vocalist in Yulia Zhukova who is more dynamic than her predecessor Anna Beliakova. Whether they will go one to search for album number three remains a question to be answered, but for now 'Neverday' stands strong as a productive release coming out of the Ukrainian Metal scene. Download This: "Aeons Of Sadness" - Click to listen For Fans of: My Dying Bride, Paradise Lost, Draconian [8] RHYS STEVENSON SATRIAS 'Doomsday Prophecy' ENVENOMED MUSIC Resistance is futile when it comes to Satrias' second album 'Doomsday Prophecy', just like the title suggests this Ukrainian ensemble want to send a message of foreseeable destruction, some would misconstrue this as a political statement but those true to metal will know this is not the case. Here is a band who execute modern Melodic Death Metal with ease and relative comfort, there is little slack in their craft and as the album raucously plays, one can but imagine Satrias coming to conquer Europe with their musical arsenal. It's simple but effective and whilst at times might leave you wondering how they can move on from this, the answer is clearer than the question - they evolve. Overall 'Doomsday Prophecy' is a solid nod to the Melodic Death Metal style. Download This: "V Age" - Click to listen For Fans of: In Flames, Omnium Gatherum, Dark Tranquillity [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON DEAD EDITION 'Network Failure' INDEPENDENT Get your funky groove on and smash those heads, because Dead Edition are coming to wreak havoc on your mind and body with their premier EP 'Network Failure'. Consisting of unrelenting vocals, flesh-searing riffs, bone-crushing drumming and an atmosphere so brutal, not even a mass murderer could stomach the monstrous chaos laid here before to bear witness. For a band with only three members, they sure know how to make their sound much louder and pronounced than you would imagine, in fact they make it sound like they're a five-piece band with the sheer energy displayed. 'Network Failure' should be enough to give the Ukrainian trio some attention, but they've set the bar high for themselves to succeed this EP with their future potential debut album... watch this space. Download This: "Crowdsoul" - Click to listen For Fans of: DevilDriver, 5FDP, Lamb of God [8] RHYS STEVENSON KREIGEN
'Therion Of Wawel' INDEPENDENT Drums? Nope. Bass? Nope. Keyboards? Nope. Guitars? Check. Vocals? Lots of? Check. How weird is it to think that a band can only work on programming, various operatic vocal styles (baritone, soprano and tenor) and a guitar and yet somehow manage to balance the unbalanced equation out, and deliver a rather interesting EP? Well just ask Kreigen who've done just that with their second EP 'Therion Of Wawel' which comes out a year after their debut EP 'Fimbulwinter Tale'. It's a very weird concept that somehow works, it might not be conventional nor what one would expect but it certainly is a standout release from the others on planet metal in 2016, if not the past decade. Either way Kreigen are more than content to work more songs for future releases in this experimental form of Symphonic Metal. Download This: "Seven Stones" - Click to listen For Fans of: Therion, Avant-Garde Metal, Gregorian [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON
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CHRONOLYTH 'Atrophy' INDEPENDENT / ROCKET DIST. Australian Metal is witnessing some sort of renaissance as it sheds its past deluge of Metalcore exports and swings to another position in the Extreme Metal scale. Hail the new beast from down under Chronolyth with their cranial-crushing second album 'Atrophy', by merging together the grit of Death Metal, danceable freedom of Groovy Metalcore and elegance of Melodic Metal, this five-piece assemble a sound of algorithmic proportions that is certain to leave listeners in a pile of their own crap. By challenging the conventional norms, Chronolyth have found their feng shui to unleash upon the world with. Big things are expected from this band of brothers, we could yet see them become the next hottest export from the other side of the world... Europe Chronolyth has you in their sights. Download This: "Revenants" For Fans of: DevilDriver, Lamb Of God, Killswitch Engage 'Atrophy' is out 29th April via an Independent Release / Rocket Distribution [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON LIGHTLESS MOOR 'Hymn For The Fallen' WORMHOLEDEATH Italy's Gothic / Doom Metal maestros Lightless Moor emerge out of the shadows with their second offering 'Hymn For The Fallen'. Continuing and improving their sound that they established on their debut album 'The Poem - Crying My Grief To A Feeble Dawn', this sextet clearly had vision in sight as this latest effort offers itself as the musical form to a dark poetic work, perhaps as sorrowful and touching as Shakespeare's Macbeth or Romeo & Juliet. Lurching over the hour mark, there is plenty on this album to keep listeners occupied with and unusually for a Doom-based album, none of the songs are extremely long. 'Hymn For The Fallen' is the latest example of the Italian Metal scene's love affair for Gothic and Doom Metal sounds, or let's call it 'Dark Metal'. Such beauty and dramatics have never entwined like this before. Download This: "Qualcosa Vive Attraverso" For Fans of: Draconian, Theatre Of Tragedy, Octavia Sperati 'Hymn For The Fallen' is out 9th June via Wormholedeath [8] RHYS STEVENSON MIDNIGHT ETERNAL 'Midnight Eternal' INNER WOUND REC. This is the sort of music you would expect to hear at Disney World Florida, you know? The Fantasia of the metal world is here with New York harmonisers Midnight Eternal unleashing their infectiously delightful self-titled album. With the vocals and keyboards wallowing in the upper echelons of Power Metal and the guitars and drums providing the symphonic infrastructure for this insanely perfect debut album to glide on through. 'Midnight Eternal' comes complete with arousing dynamics, theatrically-electric atmospherics and a sound that Midnight Eternal can call their own. In fact, it might as well be said that Midnight Eternal are the United States' long-term answer to Finland's Symphonic / Power Metal powerhouse Nightwish, may this American quintet's rise to international recognition begin. Download This: "Repentance" For Fans of: Delain, Sonata Arctica, Nightwish 'Midnight Eternal' is out 29th April via Inner Wound Records [9] RHYS STEVENSON DARKESTRAH 'Turan' OSMOSE PRODS. Considered to be the only currently active metal bands from Kyrgyzstan, Darkestrah have been residing in Germany as expatriates of late and although this means a cultural shift, it has not deterred them from unleashing albums with folk-laden Epic Black Metal as their adopted sound. 'Turan' is the quintet's latest offering and it comes brim-loaded with six tracks averaging out at eight minutes long, it does not get any less epic than that. Because the exoticness of the album cannot be ignored, it has a certain vibe to it that gives Darkestrah their own unique identity irrespective of cultural heritage. For those who prefer their Black Metal songs to be emphatic, valiant and above all adventurous, then 'Turan' is your next album purchase because seriously, not even the Black Metal greats could pull of an album as authentically outstanding as this one. Hails to the kings of the new wave of Kyrgyz Black Metal. Download This: "Erlik-Khan" For Fans of: Arbor Mortis, Arkona, Bal-Sagoth 'Turan' is out 29th April via Osmose Productions [8] RHYS STEVENSON FORGED IN BLACK 'Fear Reflecting Fear' INDEPENDENT The boys from Southend (Sarfend to those natives of the coastal town in Essex) leave their bunker with another EP in their hands, this time 'Fear Reflecting Fear' is their latest offering and in short might as well be a cornerstone in the band's career. They never stopped chugging away this lot, in fact this EP pretty much picks up from where they left off since their last EP 'The Tide' blew away the British Metal scene. If this is what Forged In Black are going to sound like in the future, then this will surely result in them scoring a slot on the RJD stage at Bloodstock. Hell-bent on creating their own sound, which they've managed to do, satisfactory is never good enough with this lot and thus having pulled all of the stoppers out, have crafted an EP that will shake the very foundations of the Thrash Metal hall of fame with newfound vigour. Mixing Thrash Metal with elements of Speed Metal, Heavy Metal and a pinch of Power Metal in terms of Stoz's vocals is what Forged In Black does best, long may it continue. Download This: "Fear Reflecting Fear" For Fans of: Judas Priest, Helloween, Grand Magus 'Fear Reflecting Fear' is out 29th April via an Independent Release [8] RHYS STEVENSON NEMESEA 'Uprise' NAPALM Nemesea are probably and arguably one of the most underrated Gothic Metal bands from the Dutch Metal scene, whilst their fellow countrymen Within Temptation, Delain and Epica run riot across planet metal, Nemesea are left picking up the pieces... not any more. With their latest album 'Uprise', they take the bold step and switch to an electronic-influenced sound which is already blessed with the majestic vocals of Manda Ophuis since day one. Whilst it might not appeal to some fans of Gothic Metal / Rock, it certainly will bring a new horde of fans to like the band. Nemesea are set on making a metal music revolution and boy with 'Uprise' as bloody infectious as it is, they've certainly gone the right way at setting up the blueprint for a new take on the already saturated Gothic Metal style. 'Uprise' and join Nemesea on their newfound quest for undiscovered music dynamics. Download This: "Time To Make It" For Fans of: Within Temptation, Amaranthe, Jesus On Extasy 'Uprise' is out 29th April via Napalm Records [8] RHYS STEVENSON RAVENIA 'Beyond The Walls Of Death' INNER WOUND REC. Enter the emergence of 'Symphonic Film Score Metal', a combination of Symphonic Metal music at the very core, glazed over with elements found within film scores as dramatic as Williams' Star Wars overture or as adventurous as Two Steps From Hell. Arguably considered the successor to Apocalyptica in terms of realizing the erotic relationship between metal and classical music, Ravenia is a force to be reckoned with. Lead by the elegant Armi Päivinen and her fellow suitors of whom provide the sheer sensational dynamics as a dramatic backdrop, simply through the utilization of guitars, drums, violins, a viola, cello and a contrabass. With 'Beyond The Walls Of Death' being the debut album from the Finnish nine-piece, they could easily be snapped up to pen the score for the forthcoming 2017 film 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales'. Seriously if you're looking for something new within the Symphonic Metal style, you've found your band. Download This: "We All Died For Honor" For Fans of: Tarja-era Nightwish, Apocalyptica, Hans Zimmer 'Beyond The Walls Of Death' is out 29th April via Inner Wound Records [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON INNER BLAST 'Prophecy' NORDAVIND Ten years since their inception and four years since their debut EP, Portuguese Gothic Metallers Inner Blast finally stamp their authority on the ground with their debut album 'Prophecy'. Whilst what they're doing is not really new, it does however serve as a delightful listen, you know? It's the kind of album that sits in the middle of what's new and what's old, it's neither groundbreaking nor cliche. But it has everything covered, there are some slow ballad-style songs and then there's the bouncy, joyful songs that would almost certainly brighten your day. This may do well in the Iberian, Italian and French Metal scenes, possibly also the British, but unfortunately it lacks that snapping point that otherwise would give it greater prospects. 'Prophecy' might not be a blast, but it will have you hooked to a certain extent, that's for sure. Download This: "Darkest Hour" For Fans of: Khael, La-Ventura, Shear 'Prophecy' is out now via Nordavind Records [7] RHYS STEVENSON DEVOLTED 'Broken Kings' INDEPENDENT Chugga-chugga goes the riffs on this insane beast-of-an-EP, 'Broken Kings' is the second EP by Dublin's Devolted and it is loaded with enough Heavy Thrashed-up Metal to make you choke on your own spit, or was that cum, or period juice? Whatever sickening description you can slap on this fine example of Irish Metal, the matter of the fact is that it will give you an orgasmic reaction so erotically disturbing, you would have put the red light district out of business. Thundering vocals come together hand-in-hand with rapid-fire riffs, dangerously violent drums and an atmosphere worthy of a pint of Guinness... or two. After indulging yourself in this release, you can easily imagine them becoming an instant hit across the Irish Sea in the UK, who doesn't love a bit of Thrash Metal right? 'Broken Kings' should belong in your collection for your journeys across the lands, it's gallant pace serving as the ideal soundtrack for said activity. Download This: "God Of Light" - Click to listen For Fans of: Savage Messiah, Gama Bomb, Evile [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON 350TERIC
'Undertones' INDEPENDENT Благој Цилаков (Blagoj Cilakov) is the mastermind behind the Progressive / Djent project 350teric (Esoteric) and he has conjured up his sixth album in the project's 7-year history. 'Undertones' is the latest offering by this Macedonian virtuoso and despite it being completely instrumental, like his previous releases, the music itself talks in it's own form of lyric. With multiple music layers binding this sound together, it's no surprise that listeners would become completely entranced and attached to the wizardry displayed herewith. Majestic and mesmerizing in every aspect, this is perhaps the finest instrumental release the Balkans has ever produced across the entire music spectrum. 'Undertones' lasts a respectable 35 minutes, and so with the variation in tracks clearly evident, listeners will not be stuck for lack of interest as not only is Progressive and Djent Metal present, there are Metalcore elements here and there as well. Download This: "Autumn Limbus" - click to listen For Fans of: Progressive / Djent Metal, instrumental music, Metalcore-tinged metal [8] RHYS STEVENSON DARKEND 'The Canticle Of Shadows' NON SERVIAM A decade has passed since the birth of Italian Symphonic Black Metal conjurers Darkend and with their third effort comes a thunderous yet gratifying explosion of furious speed, elegant harmonies and ear-crunching power. 'The Canticle Of Shadows' is the ideal soundtrack to your own murder, it's full of dynamic suspense, on-the-edge of your seat dramatics and uncompromising menace. Whilst not leaning towards the more Symphonic-based incantations spewed out by the likes of Dimmu Borgir, Darkend offer a new, refined and extreme perspective of this sub sub-genre. With the songs averaging at around 7 minutes long a-piece, you would need utmost patience to enjoy it to the fullest, that said for those who wait the magic laid herewith is spellbinding and awe-inspiring. Download This: "Of The Defunct" For Fans of: Shade Empire, Opera IX, Twilight Ophera 'The Canticle Of Shadows' is out 25th April via Non Serviam Records http://www.facebook.com/darkendofficial HORRICANE 'Synthetic Forms' INDEPENDENT Veterans of the Estonian Metal scene, Death Metal conspirators Horricane let the handbrake down on their latest offering 'Synthetic Forms'. What is to come is an onslaught of some truly refined old-school Death Metal tinged with modern elements that consequently leaves the sound straddled between the two. In addition to the three straight-edge Death Metal songs is a techno-upbeat version of the song 'Synthetic Forms' that quite frankly could pose as a rather unique sound, if you like call it 'Technodeath Metal'. However good the 'Synthetic Forms' EP is, Horricane won't and should not become complacent, they still have a lot left in their locker and by letting it all out, can give them that much deserved kick towards greater European recognition. For a Death Metal release it satisfies the thirst for something intriguing yet falls short of groundbreaking albeit for the last track. Download This: "Starblind" - Click to listen For Fans of: Unleashed, 'Modern Death Metal' [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON ETHS 'Ankaa' SEASON OF MIST A changing of the guard usually signals a change in direction of sound, but for Eths this rule does not apply, they won't allow it. Marching on across planet metal like an out-of-control tornado, France's most experimentally demanding and controversially challenging metal band Eths presents to the world their fourth album 'Ankaa'. Grinding out new and organically unique music is becoming more and more difficult, yet by pooling together Groove Metal, Nu Metal, Alternative Metal and Deathcore, Eths are questioning convention like never before. Not only could 'Ankaa' be considered a contender for 'French Metal release of the year', but also sparking a whole new wave of metal bands following this collated genre. Question is, why the hell they haven't they been playing at the UK festivals? Gojira are old-hat, Eths is the new shit. Download this: "Vae Victis" For Fans of: Whitechapel, Betraying The Martyrs, Lamb of God [8] RHYS STEVENSON LIVEEVIL 'Blacktracks' METALGATE They cannot escape being compared to Pain and Deathstars and for a damn good reason, they're Industrial / Goth Metallers, of course this is referring to Liveevil. Returning with their latest 'Cyber Metal' offering, the Czech quartet have ensured 'Blacktracks' tops their previous efforts with enough room to spare for future albums. More uniquely you could slot them into the whole 'Dance Metal' movement pioneered by Rammstein as you tap dance to their infectious electronic beats, headbang to the ground-punching brutality displayed and rave so hard that you sweat your pants off and let your jewels swing back and forth to this momentous release. Or if you like, you could pigeonhole the whole album into one made up genre such as 'Modern Dance Metal' or 'Futuristic Cyber Metal', whatever you want to call it, it's too damn good to ignore! Download This: "Vibes" For Fans of: Deathstars, Rammstein, Pain, Eisbrecher [8] RHYS STEVENSON HEATHEN BEAST 'Rise Of The Saffron Empire' TRANSCENDING OBSCURITY DISTRIBUTION Where freedom of speech is concerned, most of the time if what is being said is of a delicate or extremely controversial nature then it's best to say it through an alias. In Heathen Beast's case this is giving each member a unique name to hide their real identity, but what is not hidden is this trio's unique take on Black Metal. By incorporating various traditional instruments including the 'tabla' (Indian drums), 'sitar' (Indian stringed instrument), 'carnatic violin' (Indian classical instrument) and 'Shankh' (Conch), Heathen Beast might as well become purveyors of the First Wave of Indian Black Metal; call it that, or call it 'Hindi Black Metal'. 'Rise Of The Saffron Empire' is the latest effort by these Indian masterminds and with it comes all the exoticness of India mixed in a melting pot of grim, violent and political Black Metal. Out comes the harsh sounds, traditionalist elements and aspiration for innovation. Seriously if you're to look for new Black Metal releases to check out, Heathen Beast's 'Rise Of The Saffron Empire' should be top of the pile. Download This: "Swachh Bharat" For Fans of: ChthoniC, Rudra, Immortal 'Rise Of The Saffron Empire' is out April 25th via Transcending Obscurity Distribution [8] RHYS STEVENSON HOLY DRAGONS 'Civilizator' PITCH BLACK Kazakhstan's most successful metal export Holy Dragons emerge from the studio once again to deliver their (gasp) 17th full-length album 'Civilizator'. Once again they deliver that winning formula that has gotten themselves to this position in the first place, a rampant and immersing sound designed to capture the attention of whomever listens to it. 'Civilizator' is a sharp reminder that this group are far from done and are vastly set on course to rival the might of Iron Maiden. For a band who hails from one of the more remote metal scenes worldwide, they certainly know how to make a buzz across planet metal. Riff after savage riff, each one of the twelve songs on 'Civilizator' is designed to open the pits up, headbang like crazy and guzzle beer as if it was out of fashion. You know, if Holy Dragons ever caught the attention of Iron Maiden, fuck, they would become a supporting act no problem. 'Civilizator' is a stab in the back, let it infect your nervous system and control your inner senses. Download This: "My Fear (Litany)" For Fans of: Iron Maiden, Doro, Manowar [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON FERIUM 'Behind The Black Eyes' INDEPENDENT For a band who is celebrating their tenth anniversary by releasing a second album, Ferium appear to come across as a band who have just started crafting works of mass destruction. Hailing from Israel, this Death Metal / Metalcore platoon separate themselves from the boys as men of pure and brutally precise musicianship. 'Behind The Black Eyes' is the band's second album and fuck, does it pack a punch, so much so you would need to don a crash helmet to save your skull from imminent pulverisation. Adopting a protagonist point-of-view, this album is sure to pierce the hearts of those whoever manages to grasp the meaning behind the complex lyrics. Guttural in one hand, brutal on the other, 'Behind The Black Eyes' is a true testament to the burgeoning Israeli Extreme Metal scene and if they are not signed by the end of 2016, then I'll eat my speakers. Download This: "Losing The Grip" For Fans of: Lamb of God, Burgerkill, Livarkahil 'Behind The Black Eyes' is out now via an Independent release [8] RHYS STEVENSON CHARMCHARMCHU 'Majestic Brewing Order' INDEPENDENT Although Hong Kong now is a specially-recognized area of China along with Macao, the Metal scene there has grown immensely. The latest addition to the Hong Kong Metal scene are Thrashers CharmCharmChu, now despite the rather bizarre band name, the band's debuting EP 'Majestic Brewing Order' is of a socio-political nature and is sure to stir some emotions up in the higher echelons of the Chinese or Hong Konger Government. Full-on 80's style Thrash Metal is the preferred sound and whilst they sound more like Sepultura rather than Slayer at times (and vice versa), the fact they sing in their native Cantonese adds a rather unique dimension to their sound, that somewhat echoes their Taiwanese counterparts State of Emergency albeit with less aggression. 'Majestic Brewing Order' is a beacon for the smaller Hong Kong Metal scene and is one that will please Thrash Metal fans thoroughly. Download This: "War Horse" - Click to listen For Fans of: Slayer, Sepultura, State of Emergency [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON GENETIC DISORDER 'Cosmic Terror' INDEPENDENT Emerging out of the underground with their own brand of Technical Thrash Metal is El Salvador's Genetic Disorder and their debut EP 'Cosmic Terror'. Whilst the vocals would be more akin to Math Metal in the style of Psyopus, the riffs belong to the Modern Thrash era and the drums from the likes of Slayer, such a mixing pot no? 'Cosmic Terror' covers societal issues, humanity problems and the future as the main topics, and with it comes a sound that would get even the most evil Dalek army moshing to this spectacular musical Armageddon. Hailing from one of the most underground metal scenes in Latin America is not easy, but they have their ideas in check and ready to unleash themselves upon the world, we say good luck to them! Download This: "Genetic Disorder" - Click to listen For Fans of: Psyopus, Slayer, Voivod [8] RHYS STEVENSON PESTILENT REIGN
'The Zealot' INDEPENDENT After their debut EP established themselves in the Stuttgart Metal scene, German's Pestilent Reign make their filthy welcomed return with their second slab of skull-crushing, anal-fisting Death Metal. 'The Zealot' is a rampant face-punching music marathon that is guaranteed to carve your innards inside out, spewing your gore-rotted blood all over your squelching intestines as they flop out on the floor. Brutal and guttural as they come, Pestilent Reign are destined for big things with their loud and unforgiving maniacal production, with their latest effort well and truly up for grabs, it won't be long before some of the big boys pay attention. 'The Zealot' is a sharp contender for 'German Metal release of the year', you will not be forgiven for ignoring this band! Their music is filthier than your mums undergarments. Download This: "Ouroboros" - Click to listen For Fans of: Suffocation, Cerebral Bore, Abhorrent Decimation [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 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 BLOODSTREAM 'Steam Of Blood' INDEPENDENT Consider Bloodstream to be one of your rather unconventional Thrash Metal bands and that their latest offering 'Steam Of Blood' isn't completely Thrash Metal, funny right? Well, there are a lot of influences roaming around on this release from said metal genre to Heavy Metal and with dashes of Hardcore elements (especially in the vocals). That said, despite the decent effort in delivering a respectable album, it does not carry the hallmarks of a groundbreaking release and thus sadly will just sit as another Thrash-like metal album. Props though go to the band for creating a valiant effort, it certainly would appeal to those who are fans of the slower kind of Thrash Metal, but for the average metalhead it might not grab their immediate attention. Without being crude or detrimental, there isn't a lot of differences between each song and thus hinders the release's potential. Download This: "Jester" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Evil Scarecrow, Evile, Gama Bomb [7] RHYS STEVENSON CIRITH GORGOR 'Visions Of Exalted Lucifer' HAMMERHEART Celebrating their 20th anniversary, the Dutch Black Metal veterans Cirith Gorgor start the party off well with their sixth album-to-date 'Visions Of Exalted Lucifer'. What is expected of the album is what you get, a fully fledged onslaught of barbaric vocals, murderous riffs, emphatic drumming and the uncompromising atmosphere of which demands you to sacrifice your soul to. As far as Dutch Black Metal goes, these guys know what it takes to lead the battle front-line with axes at the ready, this is clear on 'Visions Of Exalted Lucifer' as there is no point on the album where interest and focus becomes lost. In fact, what we have here could pose itself as an early contender for 'Dutch Metal release of the year', it's devilish nature giving its masters something to drink and celebrate to. If this release does not herald a new wave of Black Metal in The Netherlands, I shall eat my speakers. Download This: "Into The Nameless Void" For Fans of: Enthroned, Trelldom, Taake, Gorgoroth 'Visions Of Exalted Lucifer' is out 15th February via Hammerheart Records [8] RHYS STEVENSON THE INFERNAL SEA 'The Great Mortality' CACOPHONOUS British Black Metal is enjoying a huge comeback, with the likes of Winterfylleth, Eastern Front, Cnoc An Tursa and others leading the way, it's the likes of The Infernal Sea who are following the readily laid path. Coming out of their bunker to unleash their long-awaited and highly-anticipated second album 'The Great Mortality', this horde from the Fens hold nothing back in releasing a horrific wall of sound that was inevitably designed to blast a gaping whole in your head, let alone your ears. Adventuring out of your comfort zone is not always easy, yet when The Infernal Sea incorporate Dutch words into the song 'Pestmeester', you get the feeling that they're seeking their own signature sound (not by using a different language mind). Having already laid down the law at Bloodstock, The Infernal Sea have once again proven that they're the real McCoy, accept no substitutes. Download This: "Plague Herald" For Fans of: Bal-Sagoth, Mayhem, Immortal 'The Great Mortality' is out 19th February via Cacophonous Records [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE 'King' NUCLEAR BLAST The pioneers of Classical Death Metal Fleshgod Apocalypse have once again masterminded the blueprints for a truly magical chapter in their career, this time 'King' is the album to be spewed out of the darkened corridors found within the Teatro Morlacchi. This extremely eccentric release bolsters acute-mathematical drumming, thunderous riffs, an atmosphere to satisfy the greats of classical times bygone and vocals to match the operatic nature of Pavarotti and bloodshed of the Romans. It cannot be denied that Fleshgod Apocalypse are in an element of their own, have devised a signature sound and ultimately are on the path to becoming equally successful as Lacuna Coil and other Italian Metal greats. Imagine Vivaldi, Puccini, Rossini, Palestrina and Monteverdi clashing head on with Technical Death Metal, inevitably the offspring would be Fleshgod Apocalypse, in fact what if the current line-up are the said composers reincarnated? After all metal music does use classical elements! The five gentleman of Perugia are to be rightfully crowned collectively, the 'King' of Classical Death Metal. Download This: "The Fool" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Classical Music, Septicflesh, Neuraxis 'King' is out now via Nuclear Blast [10] RHYS STEVENSON UNBORN SUFFER 'Nihilist' SELFMADEGOD Blood-soaked and gut-wrenched is what springs to mind when assessing the latest slab of Brutal Death Metal / Grindcore from Polish stalwarts Unborn Suffer. 'Nihilist' is the 5th studio album from this horde and it serves well as an acceptable bout of noise, there are lyrics somewhere (or you could just pig squeal) but what is definitely found is unlimited ferocity being channeled through the drums, guitars and vocals. Despite the appraise, it's nothing new this style and yet it does serve as a delightful listen for those who prefer their Death Metal to beyond brutal let alone recognition. Slam all you want because 'Nihilist' is an album that should be taken seriously, this is not for the weak-minded nor the faint hearted, this is for those who prefer murders of a Sunday morning and necrophilia as their occupation. Yeah, it's not pretty that's for sure. Download This: "Vain In Cage" For Fans of: Cannibal Corpse, Napalm Death, Dying Fetus 'Nihilist' is out 19th February via Selfmadegod Records [7] RHYS STEVENSON DELAIN 'Lunar Prelude' NAPALM Whilst we wait for the next full-length to come out of the Delain music factory, their tickling teaser EP 'Lunar Prelude' gives something for listeners to indulge in something rather musically succulent. Debuting two new songs in the form of the anthemic 'Suckerpunch' and erotically-charged 'Turn The Lights Out'. Charmed with select live recordings, the latest offering by the Dutch Symphonic Metal raconteurs will certainly not go amiss by fans and press alike. With dynamics at every second changing the course of the EP, it's riveting, sensational, and ready to be unleashed upon the arenas around the world. The EP will leave an after-taste and desire for more from this colorful bunch, make no judgement and make no mistake, Delain are in their prime-time, this is their time and with this effort making such a buzz, Delain are ready to join the elite. Download This: "Suckerpunch" - Click here to listen For fans of: Within Temptation, Tarja-era Nightwish, Evanescence 'Lunar Prelude' is out 19th February via Napalm Records [8] RHYS STEVENSON REVENIENCE 'Daedalum' SLIPTRICK Arising from the darkest depths of the Italian underground metal scene is the fresh-faced Revenience with their premier album 'Daedalum', exploding into life with a vast array of elements combining to create a dramatic style of Symphonic Gothic Metal. I can be said that once again the love affair between Italy and Gothic-based Metal is ever growing and on Valentines Day, this release would bode those romantic evenings with a luscious blessing, just be ready with that bottle of pinot grigio. 'Daedalum' offers a lot to the metal community as it draws in influences from Doom Metal, Atmospheric Metal and naturally the beauty and the beast battle from which pivots around the Gothic Metal infrastructure. There's the fast and rampant 'A Maze' and then the slow and emotional 'Lone Island', providing a wide breadth of music to satisfy anyone who listens to this album. Download This: "Shamble" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Lacuna Coil, Within Temptation, Evanescence 'Daedalum' is out now via Sliptrick Records [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON MERCY ISLE 'Storm' INDEPENDENT International bands are hard to run at best of times, let alone when they're on different continents. However the American-Dutch contingent Mercy Isle don't care about physical boundaries, in fact their latest effort 'Storm' drags together the best Melodic and Gothic Metal sounds from their respective surroundings and by doing so, enables them to create such a dynamic EP that should get some music industry personnel perking their ears up. Full of dramatic twists and turns, 'Storm' is one of those EP's that is destined to pull a number of heartstrings upon listening to it. Immerse yourself in a world full of chunky bass lines, harmonic vocals, crunchy riffs and ballsy drumming, collectively forming an atmosphere as thunderous as their premier EP title suggests. Download This: "Uncaged" - Click here to listen For fans of: WinterStorm, Within Temptation, Xandria [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON PAIN EMOTION 'As The Light Fades Through The Smoke' INDEPENDENT In musical form this could easily depict the dark days during the conflicts against the indigenous Berber tribe and the Moors who inhabited the southern Iberian peninsula. Especially since it features such a bleak and chilling atmosphere that could easily be used at a funeral or indeed as music to a war film soundtrack. Stretching out for 27 minutes over two tracks makes it more worthwhile listening to and in fact it's quite calming and arousing. 'As The Light Fades Through The Smoke' after all is the second demo by Moroccan one-man project Pain Emotion and given the band name it is clear that the nature of the music certainly depicts that holistically. One for the records, this is certainly one of the darkest releases to arise out of this sandy, North African nation. Download This: "Bright Light, Bless Me" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Xasthur, Austere, Forgotten Tomb [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON DRAMATIC MORALS
'Feel Good Factory' INDEPENDENT Hailing from Hungary, Progressive Metalcore outfit Dramatic Morals come out of the studio wasted having spent all brutality in recording an EP that is sure to gain much deserved attention from across Europe. Progressive without being Djent minded and Metalcore-based without using breakdowns after breakdowns like as if nothing else existed, that is how you can best sum up their effort 'Feel Good Factory'. Perhaps that's where they were, in a 'Feel Good Factory' because this EP will certainly make you happy if not give you a surprising erection. Hungary of late has suffered a setback in successful exports, so perhaps its the likes of Dramatic Morals who are set to rekindle the Magyar fire. There is hardly anything wrong with this EP and so this is why you should check them out and if you're a label, sign them. 2016 is sure to be this quintet's year, mark my words. Download This: "My Destiny" - Click here to listen For Fans of: No Consequence, Northlane, After The Burial [8] RHYS STEVENSON OVERHATED 'Into The Plague' INDEPENDENT Fresh off the beaches in the Dominican Republic is Death / Thrash horde Overhated with their premier EP 'Into The Plague' released last year. Some would expect to hear raw and low recording quality, whether you agree or not with that sentiment the organic sound mastered by this quintet is paramount to their scenes steady but growing metal scene. Granted it is nothing new and whilst originality prevails here and there on certain songs, the overall feeling is one of justifiable gratitude. It's an EP that should be taken seriously however not too much as to acknowledge that it is not an effort that warrants a label signing. However as blistering as the heat is out there, it is matched equally by the music of which constitutes bellowing vocals, gritty riffs and thunderous drumming. Hark the coming of age for the Dominican Republic Metal scene. Download This: "Into The Plague" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Gojira, Darkane, Hatesphere [8] RHYS STEVENSON DEADPOINT 'The Art Of Deception' INDEPENDENT Could Deadpoint prove to become Poland's long awaited answer to Lamb of God? You would think so. With the quintet's scintillating debut album 'The Art Of Deception' racking up some serious grooves and uncompromising brutality, you would need a damn good alibi to cover your reason for ignoring this album, in fact it would be criminal to turn a blind eye to said release and band. Already creating a buzz in their homeland, it is only a matter of time before Deadpoint arrive on your doorstep ready to blow the roof off of your local venue. 'The Art Of Deception' ironically sums up the album as a whole, at first you think it's another run-of-the-mill funked-up metalcore release, but when it kicks in you will suffer so much whiplash you would wish you had taken out medical insurance prior to listening to this musical apocalypse. Download This: "Lapidus" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Lamb Of God, Machine Head, Asking Alexandria [8] RHYS STEVENSON DEAD END 'Dead End' INDEPENDENT At first 'Dead End' seems to be heading to become just another average Heavy / Thrash Metal release, but it takes time for the real deal to kick in. 3 songs in and you're thinking more optimistically for the release, it is this slow wait for anything convincing to happen that hampers the EP as a whole. When it does pick up the pace, 'Dead End' is an EP that should be viewed with interest as it has promise among the pitfalls, sure first releases are not always the best, but there is enough potential riding on this EP that should enable the band Dead End to deliver a better follow-up release. Swiss Metal has suffered a slight setback in recent times and whilst bands like Dead End try to reinvigorate it, with this effort it is clear we might have to wait slightly longer for something magical to arise. Download This: "One Of Them" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Evile, Metallica, Gama Bomb [6.5] RHYS STEVENSON BELHAVEN 'Sage Of Hope' INDEPENDENT Poland's love affair with Symphonic Metal continues as the latest army to join the ranks emerges from the shadows, Belhaven are here with their premier EP 'Sage Of Hope' and they aim to reap your soul. Expect soaring harmonics combine with elegant vocals and be mashed together with eccentric music elements, sure it's near enough the same working formula devised for most Symphonic Metal bands nay releases, but it works. 'Sage Of Hope' is a delightful listen for those who are adventurous enough to try something new and will certainly provide Belhaven a starting point to build a career upon. Whether they took their name from a Scottish village remains a question needing answering, but the answer to whether they will be popular and successful is clear, keep up this effort and they will reach that point with ease. Download This: "Nightguide" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Within Temptation, UnSun, Amberian Dawn [8] RHYS STEVENSON STORMWOLF 'Swordwind' INDEPENDENT Modern Heavy Metallers Stormwolf kick off their career with a bang, by formulating a set of winning songs to slot into their debut album 'Swordwind', the Italian quartet deliver a romping stomp across various pitches, tunes and sounds. Majestic with every song, 'Swordwind' comes into its own with flirtatious riffs, riotous vocals and emphatically insane drumming. You get the feeling that Stormwolf are set to breathe life into a volatile yet over-populated metal genre, well by bolting melodic and Gothic metal influences onto the heavy metal sound, they have certainly got their eyes set on the future. 'Swordwind' is a treasure to behold, with some songs sounding as if they came from the soundtracks of 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' e.g. 'Marathon' (2:28-2:40) and 'Lord Of The Rings' e.g. 'Thasaidon', overall the sound is magical, it's sexy and most of all it's clearly done with creativity in mind. Let the Stormwolf roam across planet metal freely. Download This: "Marathon" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Kobra & The Lotus, Sister Sin, Iron Maiden [8] RHYS STEVENSON LE GÉNITEUR 'Les Pantins Du Péché' INDEPENDENT 'Les Pantins Du Péché' (trans: 'The Sin Of Puppets') is the debut EP of French Death / Thrash newbies Le Géniteur (trans: The Progenitor) and whilst you might hope for something spectacular, you will be left slightly disappointed. Irrespective of the language differences, the power is not there and it at times loses focus, that is, there is no clear direction as to where it is actually going. You know, you might find more entertainment and solitude in watching paint dry, ironically bide your time and there are some glimmers of hope that the band know what they are doing (but you have to wait till the fourth track). So whilst 'Les Pantins Du Péché' may do well in the local and regional scene in France, it lacks that potential ability to make a European if not national name for itself. There is far too much emphasis on the guitar riffs, very little composition from the drums and the vocals are too muffled, other than that good job. Download This: "Extremum" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Machine Head, Deathchain, Possessed [6] RHYS STEVENSON NAWATHER 'Wasted Years' M & O MUSIC Making your feelings and emotions heard is not always easy, but perk up your ears and hear the sounds of traditional Middle Eastern folk music collide head on with Progressive Metal and immerse yourself in the world of Nawather, Tunisia's latest export. Hot on the heels of fellow countrymen Myrath, Nawather take a unique root through the combining the vocals of Tunisian Raouf J Occulta and Omani Ryma Nakkach together. Perfect for Arabian nights, Nawather's 'Wasted Years' gives itself as a huge testament to Tunisia's flourishing metal scene. Some might argue that the 'Oriental Metal' movement is too narrow and that they sound too alike to Myrath, but this simply is not the case. Aside from the fact they sing in both English and Arabic, Nawather have their own sound envisioned and they will realize this with ease. Watch this group with utmost interest. Download This: "Daret Layyem (دارت الايام)" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Orphaned Land, Myrath, Sand Aura [8] RHYS STEVENSON ESHTADUR 'Oblivion' REBELSIGN Not letting go of their ascent to international recognition, Colombia's rampaging horde Eshtadur delivered their first EP and with it comes another horrific slab of Melodic-infused Black / Death Metal. You know to think that Colombia alone is infatuated with Extreme Metal, becomes immediately apparent when you have the likes of Eshtadur who unleash such an accentuating and distinguishable sound that sets them apart from their influential peers. Unrelentingly fast, uncompromising at it's best and without a doubt mind-blowing at it's absolute peek, 'Oblivion' is a truly magnificent release that proves Eshtadur have what it takes to raid Europe and then some. Unpredictable throughout the EP, there are twists and turns at every second, thus giving the EP a unique feel to it, one that demands your attention. If you don't check this EP out, you are no fan of Extreme Metal. Fact. Download This: "Heavens To The Ground" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Ihsahn, At The Gates, Behemoth [8] RHYS STEVENSON STORM 'Medusa' TIN IDOL PRODS. Following up from their promising start, Hawaii's premier Gothic Metal band Storm make no mistakes in unleashing another sensational album. 'Medusa' devotes itself as a conceptual album about the ancient creature spoken of in Ancient Greek mythology. With Eric Barker taking over keyboard duties, Storm found the missing piece that they lacked on ' Storm's a Brewin' ', giving greater atmosphere and prominent presence. By ingeniously mixing together storytelling with metal music, the Hawaiian horde manage to bring a new dimension to the metal music world, in fact Storm deserve all that comes their way in 2016 because with this effort, they will place Hawaii on the map just as 36 Crazyfists did for Alaska. 'Medusa' is essentially a Gothic / Power Metal album that opens and frees the mind from the shackles of the ever-narrowing corridor of Gothic Metal adventurism. Download This: "The Curse" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Within Temptation, Pythia, Seraphim, Epica [9] RHYS STEVENSON ACID FORCE
'Towards The Nuclear Load' INDEPENDENT Punk n' Thrash is not exactly a new concept having buried it's roots over the years, but it still lives on with fresh and exciting band emerging to lead it on. One such band is Slovakian quartet Acid Force whose premier EP 'Towards The Nuclear Load' dwells within the Old-School Thrash Metal era with Punk influences in-tow. Whilst yes it is nothing new it certainly does the rounds and features a host of songs designed to get a mosh-pit started without prior warning. Sadly it does not carry the warrant of immediate appraisal nor does it do the band injustice, 'Towards The Nuclear Load' despite it being a decent Thrash EP just does not cut it completely. At times it desperately tries to avoid being 'Slayer-like' and whilst it does this, it ironically does fall into that trap at certain sections, leaving the EP in a questionable state. Download This: "Ammunition" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Slayer, Nuclear Assault, Anthrax [7] RHYS STEVENSON AGORAPHOBIC NOSEBLEED 'Arc' RELAPSE Starting a chain of four EP's linked together, Grindcore veterans Agoraphobic Nosebleed waste no time in setting the musical express in motion. 'Arc' emblazons the very sound that the American quartet set out to create, master and guide into leaving a lasting legacy. Featuring three tracks of extremely hard hitting vocals, thick bass elements and sensational drum programming, this is one EP that will tickle the sense of those who like their music tantalizingly brutal and uncompromising. With each EP in this four-piece series representing each member of the band, you would not want to guess who came up with this soul-destroying epic, place your bets at the door and prepare your brain for mass, imminent carnage. Agoraphobic Nosebleed once again deliver what they do best, decently engineered music. Download This: "Deathbed" For Fans of: Pig Destroyer, Anal Cunt, Jesus of Nazareth 'Arc' is out 22nd January via Relapse Records [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON WOLFHORDE 'Towards The Gate Of North' INVERSE Fifteen years it took for Finnish Pagan Metallers Wolfhorde to drop their debut album and despite all their best efforts it sounds as generic as they come, albeit it is rather decent. 'Towards The Gate Of North' delves into the over-explored Viking mythology and corresponding world and realistically speaking reconstitutes what has already been done. Sure it's bouncy and energetic elements colliding with much slower and deep sounds give the atmosphere electric dynamics, it just does not cast itself off as a groundbreaking or completely exciting release. Authentic to it's creators, this release features traditional instruments native to Finland that otherwise would seem unnatural when singing about Vikings (lets face it were Vikings in Finland?). Other than that the album is one for those fans of Pagan / Folk Metal, just raise those horns and drink from them simultaneously. Download This: "Death-Long Due" For Fans of: Eluveitie, Korpiklaani, Arkona 'Towards The Gate Of North' is out 22nd January via Inverse Records [7] RHYS STEVENSON INFERNAL TENEBRA 'As Nations Fall' MASSACRE Infernal Tenebra are without a shadow of doubt the finest metal band to ever emerge out of the Croatian Metal scene. Unleashing their fourth masterpiece 'As Nations Fall', the quartet hold nothing back when it comes to creating music that not will only enthrall those who endeavor to listen to it, but ultimately crush their soul to minuscule pieces. Unrelenting Death / Thrash Metal roams throughout the album's veins and pumps it with endless energy, gritty vocals, thumping bass and emphatically ascending and descending atmospherics. Put it like this, Infernal Tenebra are going places and if you are not willing to follow them and or check out their beautiful masterpiece called 'As Nations Fall', then you might as well stop listening to metal music right now! Download This: "Legally Insane" For Fans of: Persefone, Opeth, Be'lakor 'As Nations Fall' is out 22nd January via Massacre Records [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON LIKE ANIMALS 'Feral' INDEPENDENT Get your groove on and hit the dance floor, Like Animals' latest offering 'Feral' dishes out some rather tasty riffs, crunchy bass, thumping drums and harmonic vocals, coming together to deliver a sound that would quench anyone's thirst for something unique. Math Rock clashes with Melodic Metal on their EP which in turn sends out sounds so gracefully heavy that it would take you days to recover from this epic music onslaught. Whilst they might not be as mathematically creative as perhaps their Mathcore counterparts, their timed groovy riffs set par for the course and essentially could push the band into the uniquely created genre called 'Funked-up Math Rock. Seriously there is not one second where you will get bored as the band always seem to drag out the unexpected on each song, now that is really 'Feral' for you. Download This: "The Lion's Share" For Fans of: Psyopus, 'Math Rock' 'Feral' is out 22nd January via an Independent release [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON ONE MORNING LEFT 'Metalcore Superstars' IMMINENCE It is apparent that the 'electronicore' or Electronic Hardcore Music movement has gained momentum over the last decade or so and with One Morning Left delivering a thousand-voltage-loaded third album, this barrage will never end anytime soon. 'Metalcore Superstars' is the latest cyber-assault by Finnish Trojan armada One Morning Left and whilst some metal fans may turn their nose up at the suggestion of the band being 'scene' or 'emo' influenced, open-minded metalheads may well cum in their pants or shit on their thong. Metal needs to evolve and this latest development certainly will become a staple evolving sound as it drags in and rolls up the wide array of electronic music styles. Granted it's unlikely bands like One Morning Left would dabble in club music but it's certainly not out of anyone's reach. Focusing back on the album, 'Metalcore Superstars' has already nominated itself as an automatic contender for 'Finnish Metal release of the year'. Download This: "¡Derailed!" For Fans of: Eskimo Callboy, I See Stars, The Browning 'Metalcore Superstars' is out 22nd January via Imminence Records [9] RHYS STEVENSON ECLIPSE 'Clandestine Resurrection' INDEPENDENT Eclipse are one of India's hidden metal gems having remained steadfast and head-strong for over a decade in the North-East, where metal music appears to be very few and far between. Dragging together the very essential elements of Heavy Metal and throwing in some Power Metal sounds, Eclipse deal justice to their elongated wait for a debut album to surface. 'Clandestine Resurrection' is a well-crafted release that will quench the thirst of those who revel in enjoying classic Heavy Metal; even with a twist. Granted it's nothing new but for the Indian Metal scene it is rather refreshing, with this effort you could imagine some record labels knocking at this band's door but sadly it might become a short-lived career, who knows? Majestic, elegant and unforgettably electric, 'Clandestine Resurrection' is a treasure to behold. Download This: "Rise Of The Dead" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Sonata Arctica, Iron Maiden, Freedom Call [8] RHYS STEVENSON SOREM 'Legion Ov Tengger Land' WIZARD Black Metal has always enjoyed thriving success in the Far East, the latest addition to the underground cult movement is bestial trio Sorem hailing from Indonesia. 'Legion Ov Tengger Land' is their debut album and it comes laden with sickening, cursing and abrasive music that is designed to plague your soul with dark and disturbing thoughts. To think that Thrash Metal dominates the scene gives bands like Sorem the ultimate chance to make a name for themselves, maybe not so internationally nor nationally but certainly locally. Thick and raw Black Metal is the sermon-bearer on this one and for those brave enough to sell their soul to the horde known as Sorem, you will be richly rewarded as 'Legion Ov Tengger Land' is a true testament to the ever defiant Indonesian Metal scene. Download This: "Sorem" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Emperor, Impiety, Immortal [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON GIRLZEROTH 'Kingdom Warrior' PLATD The debut album by Death Metal horde Girlzeroth leaves sadly a lot to be desired, falling short of being dubbed 'uninspiring Grindcore with Death Metal influence', 'Kingdom Warrior' is an album that certainly is capable of creating a division among those who listen to it let alone their homogeneous Indonesian Metal scene. Despite its lack of ability to convince, the album does however deliver a decent smacking of tight riffs, unrecognizable vocals, brutal drumming and sensational speed, all in all coming together to create a sound that so many other bands in said style produce. For the seasoned underground Death Metal lover this might just be the cherry on the cake, but for the general metalhead it may well allow them to ask questions about the integrity of the album. Download This: "Samaruk Gantend" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Cannibal Corpse, Deathbound, 'Underground Death Metal' [7] RHYS STEVENSON PADRA 'Hezartooye Tanafor' INDEPENDENT Hailing from Iran, Padra are not only unique in that they sing solely in the Farsi language, but also because they are sure to become another successful Iranian music export. Their debut album 'Hezartooye Tanafor' exhibits sections of both old-school and modern Thrash Metal, that when combined as a whole really make the album worth listening to. For those who want crunchy riffs tarnished with attitude, joined alongside by blistering drums and ballsy vocals, Padra may well just be that band who would fulfill that criteria. From the start to the very finish, 'Hezartooye Tanafor' is a truly remarkable album to behold and is sure to propel Padra out of the Iranian Metal scene and into the wider international scene if not the Middle East. Download This: "Shabe Mordegane Zende" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Gama Bomb, Evile, Acrassicauda [8] RHYS STEVENSON GEIST OF TRINITY
'Chains' INDEPENDENT Wallowing in Japan's heavily burgeoning metal scene is Melodic Death / Metalcore outfit Geist Of Trinity, who have emerged out of the shadows to drop their debut album 'Chains' and boy does this album rock the socks off you. With as much versatility across the album as a ninja army high on meth, the bar is set for other bands in the said sub-genre to match this emphatic effort. Blasting drums provide the spine of this release for the crushing riffs and volatile vocals to rest upon and form the flesh and tendons, of which are pulled and tightened by this musical group. Sure it too nine years for this album to emerge out of this highly successful metal nation, but it is evident the wait was well and truly worth it. They might not explode massively on the international circuit, but with 'Chains' leading their path to success they will become a sharp sounding beacon from the far flung nation of Japan. Download This: "Violent Demise" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Scar Symmetry, Mnemic, The Dead Lay Waiting [8] RHYS STEVENSON |
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