SARMAT
'RS​-​28'
INDEPENDENT

It's easy to say that whenever a black / death metal band emerges out of the Polish underground,  first comparisons with that band are usually drawn from either Behemoth or Vesania, for trio Sarmat they seem to straddle the two with their finely balanced blend of blitzkrieg black metal and death metal destruction. From the off we're treated to a ferocious onslaught of menacing riffs, thunderous drums and vocals harsh enough to make your ears bleed inside out. Sarmat takes it's name from the aptly named "Weapon of Ultimate Destruction", the Russian super-heavy intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) RS-28 SARMAT (also known as SATAN 2). Naturally this pretty much summarises the band's debut album "RS-28", not just musically in the sense that it's cataclysmic but also lyrically as they heavily lean on military terms, war and destruction. Sarmat are one to watch, watch this space.

Download this: "Seeds of Uncertainty"

For fans of: Behemoth, Vesania, Eastern Front, Vader

'RS​-​28' is out now via an independent release

[8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

THE IRIDIUM EXPERIMENT
'Hero​.​Villain​.​Victim'
INDEPENDENT

It goes without saying that within planet metal, a vast swathe of the African continent tends to be forgotten to a larger extent except for a number of metal bands... just not enough to reach the number of fingers on your hand. It therefore comes as no surprise that the South African metal scene is largely disconnected from the rest of the world, but it's bands like The Iridium Experiment who carry the scene forward. This 10-legged leviathan might not exactly bring something totally fresh to the table, they do however bring something that will grab attention from further afield no doubt. Their debut EP ''Hero​.​Villain​.​Victim'' is poised within the progressive metalcore sound but with aspects of modern metal dabbled here and there. What could make the sound that bit more in your face would be some heavier synths, maybe a bass drop here and there, not suggesting they should walk down the lines of Asking Alexandria or The Browning, but for the style implemented here it may well become complementary. Otherwise a solid effort that will grab attention across the African continent and beyond.

Download this: "Losing My Mind"

For fans of: Cypher16, Monuments, Miss May I

'Hero​.​Villain​.​Victim' is out now via an independent release

[8/10] RHYS STEVENSON

SABHANKRA
'Death To Traitors'
SATURNAL

It's no secret that the Turkish extreme metal scene is one not to be taken lightly, just ask veterans Sabhankra who have been crafting unnerving music for over 20 years. Now the quartet have delivered a solid reminder of why the aforementioned is truthful, this reminder comes courtesy of their new album "Death To Traitors", a solid romp that samples sounds from the melodic black, death and thrash metal libraries whilst adding their own authentic flavour to the mix. If you're seeking metal that you could meditate or pray to, then Sabhankra is your answer, for this quartet have conjured up sounds that puts the mind at ease, whilst ironically making your limbs yearn to mosh. "Death To Traitors" may well be the most extreme release Sabhankra has put out to date.

Download this: "Burn Down Their Halls"

For fans of: Keep Of Kalessin, Aradin Azun, Damaar

'Death To Traitors' is out now via Saturnal Records

[8/10] RHYS STEVENSON

KHANDRA
'All Occupied By Sole Death'
SEASON OF MIST / UNDERGROUND ACTIVITIES

Whilst the country of Belarus is facing a barrage of criticism and unrelenting negative media coverage, it is then perhaps a welcome relief to see it's very own black metallers Khandra deliver their debut album 'All Occupied By Sole Death'. This album stamps it's authority from the off and epitomises the very nature of the new wave of black metal we are experiencing, sure it carries the classic black metal drums and riffs, but the raw intensity presented is so compelling it's almost as if it's a work of literature, with each song being a page that enthrals the listener into wanting to hear and learn more. Perhaps Khandra is the band to lead the Belarusian metal scene on the international stage, arguably they are now the flag-bearers, as for their debut album, well it's going to be rather tricky to do any better than this... no wonder Season of Mist took interest!

Download this: "Nothing But Immortality For Aye"

For fans of: Winterfylleth, Blaze Of Perdition, Mgła

'All Occupied By Sole Death' is out now via Season Of Mist - Underground Activities

[8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

HAGEL
'Veneration Of The Black Light'
PERSONAL

Not much is known about the period of activity between 1995-2000, but come 2014 and it seemed that Hagel were back on the scene... fast forward to 2021 and the Mexican black / doom metal quintet deliver their debut album 'Veneration Of The Black Light'. Whether it was worth the wait is anyone's guess, but the truth of the matter is whilst the album is great to listen to and no doubt they have some good talent in their ranks, it's too cliche for most parts. Sure there are far worse records out there and as said their talent is not questionable, the album just lacks that 'wow' factor that would leave one yearning for more. The predictability of how each song goes is almost hard to ignore and barely features anything that would gain vast attention outside Mexico, but with finesse and a re-evaluation of their music, they could easily knock on Europe's door... but this album most likely won't do that.

Download this: "Blindness"

For fans of: Black / Doom Metal...

'Veneration Of The Black Light' is out now via Personal Records

[6.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

UNFATHOMABLE RUINATION
'Decennium Ruinae'
WILLOWTIP

If you ever needed living proof that the British extreme metal scene is alive, well and downright dirty, then you would only need to tune into the new EP by London technical / brutal death metal architects Unfathomable Ruination. 'Decennium Ruinae' is a 4-track slam-a-thon that gets you smashing your head in no time; by embracing the unconventional time signatures, gut-rotten vocals and drumming sequences that rival that of a pneumatic drill, you'll be consumed by the total musical armageddon this quintet have to offer. 'Decennium Ruinae' roughly translates from Latin to 'decades destroyed' in English, but just as the Romans raided and pillaged England so to will Unfathomable Ruination raid and pillage your mind.

Download this: "Disciples Of Pestilence"

For fans of: Suffocation, Necrophagist, Spawn Of Possession

'Decennium Ruinae' is out now via Willowtip Records

[8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

TORTUGA
'Flying Dutchman'
INDEPENDENT

Pirate Metal? No this is not another Alestorm coming to sink your ship, no this what Captain Jack Sparrow would probably be listening to whilst piloting the Black Pearl... to Tortuga? Echoing the early days of the German heavy metal band Running Wild, Tortuga has taken the classic heavy metal sound, sprinkled it with steampunk elements and a dabble of medieval rock. If you're after something quirky and something that gets you drinking till 'why is the rum gone', then Tortuga's latest effort 'Flying Dutchman' is for you. Who'd have thought that they would be on album number 9 and only pay their port charges in kegs of rum now?!?!?! The 'Flying Dutchman' is a treasure to behold... just don't leave it at the Davy Jones's locker.

Download this: "Rackham's Revenge"

For fans of: Running Wild, Nightcreepers, Subway To Sally

'Flying Dutchman' is out now via an independent release

[8/10] RHYS STEVENSON

BRILLIANT COLDNESS
'The Ultimate Dream. Plan B: Disposal Of Humanity"
DEAD CENTER PRODS

With the new album by the Ukrainian technical death metallers Brilliant Coldness, there is unrelenting fury and brutality right from the off. 'The Ultimate Dream. Plan B: Disposal Of Humanity" is the band's 3rd album and marks a change in personnel since their preceding release "Poisoned Reality", with 3 musicians coming and going. Nonetheless, the barrage of brutality exhibited on the album cannot be questioned or challenged, it simply has you hooked from the first note to the very last drum beat, the technicality is infatuating and the power is uncompromising. It would take something rather special for this quintet to upstage this album because it simply blasts anything in it's way to smithereens. You would call it technical death metal, they call it 'academic death metal'... let the examinations begin.

Download this: "The Crown Of Darkness'

For fans of: Necrophagist, Morbid Angel, Cryptopsy

'The Ultimate Dream. Plan B: Disposal Of Humanity" is out via Dead Center Productions.

[8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

NOTHING NOBLE
'Modern Dismay'
PRIME COLLECTIVE

There must be something in the water in Denmark, because they always somehow manage to export scintillating modern metal and metalcore factions. Stepping up to the plate and bestowing their infectious blend of progressive metalcore is Nothing Noble, their 2nd album 'Modern Dismay' arguably positions itself away from the 7-string djent whoring that is found within some progressive metalcore bands. There is no nonsense on this album and is certified to take you on a thunderous, raucous yet blazing ride across groovy riffs and ground-shaking drums. Harmoniously put together, the album could easily lend itself to metal yoga for it's spiritual and soulful blend of majestic wizardry and energetic vocals. The new wave of Danecore is upon us....

Download this: "Black Earth"

For fans of: Architects, Killswitch Engage, Jinjer

'Modern Dismay' is out 6th August via Prime Collective.

[8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

VARANG NORD
'Pārķiuņa Uomurs'
SLIPTRICK

'Pārķiuņa Uomurs' is the 3rd album by the Latvian Viking folk metal tribe Varang Nord, what is striking about the album is that it is not in the style you would expect... the music is not in the same vein as Skyforger per se, far from it... in fact it's become their own sound. Varang Nord on this album sing in the Latgalian language, which is a regional and historic language; which in itself is helping protect the language and is not too far-a-cry from what New Zealand's Alien Weaponry did with the Maori language. Naturally you would associate Latvian folk metal with the pagan metal sound, so to have a band like Varang Nord opt to sing about the Nordic culture, history and surrounding nature is something rather refreshing... and for that reason, 'Pārķiuņa Uomurs' could well be a contender for 'Latvian metal album of the year'.

Download this: "Svietņeica"

For fans of: Turisas, Metsatoll, Tyr.

'Pārķiuņa Uomurs' is out now via Sliptrick Records

[9/10] RHYS STEVENSON

AGRONA
'Realm Of The Fallen'
UKEM

It pays to be different and to be different you have to a formula that steps away from the generic layers found within your chosen metal genre, which is exactly what Welsh Black Metallers Agrona have done here with their debut album 'Realm Of The Fallen'. Gone is the over-reliance of fast riffs, blitzing drums and raspy vocals and in comes a rather technical yet atmospheric and heathen approach to Black Metal, with this effort Agrona might as well be thee extreme metal band the Welsh Metal scene has ever so-long been craving. Insane creativity wriggles itself through this leviathan of an album at every second and whilst the barrage continues right till the end, the feeling that Agrona will become big is ever evident.

Download This: "Storms End" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Dimmu Borgir, Necronautical, Windir

[8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

DIATRIBA
'Mártires Del Cambio'
INDEPENDENT

It's not easy to make an album that stand's out easily, nor can it be easy to make an album that has an original sound that is void from other 'already done' sounds. However, take Venezuela's Diatriba and their new album 'Mártires Del Cambio' and you get the feeling that they're avoiding any sort of influence whatsoever, sure they're singing in Spanish but musically they straddle between Thrash, Hardcore and Speed Metal. 'Mártires Del Cambio' has a decent variation in tempo, pace and rhythm across the entire album so there is something for every thrash maniac, arguably this is one of the best albums to emerge out of Venezuela this year and will take something special to dethrone it.

Download This: "Judas" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Slayer, Biohazard, Motorhead

[7.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

SENTENCIA ÁCIDA
'Acta Est Fabula'
INDEPENDENT

If you want something to give you neck-ache and have nothing against listening to music in another language, then the second EP 'Acta Est Fabula' by Venezuelan Crossover Thrashers Sentencia Ácida is your immediate remedy. It comes laden with thick bass lines, raucous vocals and drumming so brutal it makes your last hangover seem mild. It's only around 13 minutes long, so make sure you have enough energy to rock out to this release because you'll need it, there is never a dull moment and no moment where the music becomes unrelenting. Sadly it's nothing new but it still is rather refreshing none the less.

Download This: "Crossover Is Not Over" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Slayer, Toxic Holocaust, Municipal Waste

[7.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

CRYPTOGRAM
'Ahrimanic Meditations'
INDEPENDENT

Seeing as Cryptogram hail from Uruguay, you would have thought they couldn't muster up a production that's decent enough to challenge the Nordic Black Metal scene... well you'd be wrong friend. This trio clearly know more about Black Metal than you'll ever know about the sub-genre, their debut album 'Ahrimanic Meditations' has lyrics in both English and Spanish, but over-arching all of that is their raw and atmospheric Black Metal sound which echoes the greats of Dark Funeral and Marduk; they could even become Uruguay's answer to these bands. 'Ahrimanic Meditations' is by far a solid effort that won't go unnoticed in the underground and with it should give this trio the proponent to go on further.

Download This: "The Black Gates Of Cosmic Chaos" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Satyricon, Dark Funeral, Marduk

[8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

VADEMEKHUM
'X'
INDEPENDENT

It would be pretty fair to say that the reason why the debut album by Uruguayan Death Thrashers Vademekhum is called 'X', is that they marked their 10th anniversary as a band in 2017; although album came out this year. Casting that aside and focusing on the music is simple enough, this quintet deliver Death / Thrash Metal in such a brutal and exciting fashion, leaving you baying for more as the ferocity courses through this full-on metal release. Singing in their native Spanish; who would have thought this language could be so brutal, Vademekhum make no mistake in dropping an album that's bound to catch some attention across the South American metal scenes.

Download This: "El Otro" - Click to listen

For Fans of: DevilDriver, Dew-Scented, Torture Squad

[8/10] RHYS STEVENSON

LEFT FOR RED
'Human Complex'
INDEPENDENT

Slamming their second album on top of the table is Left For Red, now whilst the Midlands quintet primarily bask in the Groove Metal sound, their new album does have elements of Doom Metal dabbled here and there - especially on the first track 'Dancing With Misery'. By no means is this another 5FDP clone, no way, in fact Left For Red have stuck themselves in their own concocted sound. 'Human Complex' comes bristling with the fast and heavy, the slick and groovy, but above all the balls and sweat that makes a compelling metal album... compelling. Marking their ten year anniversary with this album is like when Manchester City won the Premier League by a single goal difference, it leaves you on the edge of the seat anticipated for something magical, boy does it deliver.

Download This: "Hand Of God"

For Fans of: DevilDriver, Iron Maiden, Slipknot

[8/10] RHYS STEVENSON

PALE BASTARD
'Pale Bastard'
INDEPENDENT

Casting aside the overshadowing Welsh 'core' scene for a second, Stoner Metal crew Pale Bastard prove that there is more to the Welsh Metal scene than tight jeans, breakdowns and the occasional sheep-shag (yes it's an outdated joke, but it's still funny). Having crafted their self-titled debut album with such finesse, it's difficult to see where they can improve before their next outing, but there is always room for improvement right? However, it goes without saying that this is an album that any Stoner Metaller will be proud of, with grooves as thick and choking as the Welsh coal mines and riveting riffs laying down the red carpet for the ballsy atmosphere to take charge, Pale Bastard are certainly primed, tipped and ready to explode upon the British Metal scene with a brutal arsenal at their disposal.

Download This: "Spider Blood" - click to play

For Fans of: Orange Goblin, Fu Manchu, Kyuss

[7.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

LELAHELL
'Alif'
METAL AGE PRODS.

Four years have eclipsed since the debut album by Algerian Death Metallers Lelahell saw daylight, since then there has been a few members leave and thus has left frontman Lelahel taking command. Taking over bass duties and recruiting Hannes Grossmann on drums as guest, the Algerian outfit unleash their second album 'Alif' which offers more of the infatuating style of Death Metal presented on their debut 'Al Insane​.​.​. The (Re​)​Birth of Abderrahmane' albeit with Black Metal influences dotted here and there. It's been some time coming but 'Alif' delivers without fail, offering a slaughtering barrage of tight-ass riffs, menacing bass-lines and gut-rotten vocals along with crystal-clear production. 'Alif' may well be the album to set the Algerian Metal scene alight and bring much-earned attention to this part of the world, Lelahell are flying the flag for Algeria.

Download This: "The Fifth"

For Fans of: Aborted, Unleashed, Behemoth

[8/10] RHYS STEVENSON

TURBYNE
'Origins & Endings'
INDEPENDENT

Just for a second, think about the fact that Scotland has other metal bands. You know, other metal bands than that Pirate Metal band (you know who). Bands like Turbyne whose recent Bloodstock appearance was a statement of intent, a statement to prove that there is a truly active scene north of the border. Harking back to their debut album 'Origins & Endings' it's clear the band wanted to avoid being shackled down as just another flashy Melodic Metal band, determined to add some grit and attitude to the mix and the result is one of beauty. Sure members have come and gone since then (2015), but the formula will remain the same, this might be 'Turbyne Metal' but whatever it is, it's a breath of fresh air. Think Cypher 16 meets Scar Symmetry meets Iron Maiden, a metal concoction that will leave you drooling for more, the origin of Turbyne is Dumfries, Scotland, but the ending is nowhere to be seen.

Download This: "The Fate Of A Dying World"

For Fans of: Scar Symmetry, Iron Maiden, Cypher 16.

[8/10] RHYS STEVENSON

OBZIDIAN
'Obliteration Process'
ROCKSECTOR

17 years in and now four albums down, things cannot get any rosier for Obzidian could they? Well unless you count their amazing set at Bloodstock showcasing material from their latest album 'Obliteration Process', their tight-ass combination of Progressive Thrash and Death Metal is so sublime you'd have thought this band would have graced the bigger stages by now. Since 2012 they've been in a sturdy 2 year-album cycle, having had a rocky start in the beginning and 9 years between their debut and follow-up. But with this effort the Staffordshire outfit have clearly shed that past off and emerged with a glistening and sparkling sound, one that will bleed the ears of whomever checks this brilliant outfit out. Thundering drums, crunchy riffs, venomous vocals and a ballistic bass-line come together to leave you totally battered.

Download This: "They Led The Fall" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Malefice, Gojira, DevilDriver

[8/10] RHYS STEVENSON

NARSARAKH
'Thy Doomsday Lord Enthroned'
INDEPENDENT

Brunei's Narsarakh are a leading beacon in their national scene, 9 years in and their debut album comes out with a dank, dark and filthy sound, one that is as extreme as the Asian Metal scene itself. 'Thy Doomsday Lord Enthroned' takes the best from the Atmospheric, Black and Death Metal styles, through the use of harmonious keyboards, gritty vocals and riffs, this quintet are proving themselves to be capable of delivering a melting pot of sounds... a lot more than the initial one-man project did. Expect to flit from the rawest of raw sounds in the Black Metal dominion to the majestic of majestic sounds a Death Metal band could throw up, granted it's no groundbreaker in terms of 'it's been done before', but it's a solid enough release to get heads turning in the South-East Asian Metal regions. Narsarakh are flying the flag for the Bruneian Metal scene.

Download This: "Storms Of The Nine Kingdoms"

For Fans of: Demonic Resurrection, Behemoth, Unleashed

[8/10] RHYS STEVENSON

SRD
'Smrti Sel'
ON PAROLE

A one to watch in the Black Metal world, Srd are a Slovenian quintet who formed from the ashes of Terrorfront (project of Goran Slekovec) and with their debut album only just released last year, a year or so since the band's inception, this is one band that will rock the very foundations of the greats. Bands like Watain, Immortal, etc., will befall to the swagger and menace Srd deliver, their debut album 'Smrti Sel' is sung in mostly the Slovene language, but does have some English songs in the mix. It's amazing how such a South Slavic language can be utilised with Black Metal to create something so dramatic, so grim, so dark that you will be sweating in fear as the music sends blackened shocks down your spine and the suspense makes your hair stand on end.

Download This: "Kupa Trpljenja" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Eastern Front, Immortal, Carpathian Forest

[8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

LYNCHPIN
'Millennial Holocaust'
DEAD SEA RECORDS CARIBBEAN

This is no Pirates Of The Caribbean story, there is no black pearl, no dead man's chest, only some rather brutalising metal bellowing out, spewing across the sandy beaches and wind-swept palm trees of Trinidad & Tobago. The passage of course refers to Lynchpin, who after Wacken hit the studio to deliver their second EP 'Millennial Holocaust' and by steel drums did they deliver. OK enough with the puns. Lynchpin don't take no nonsense, this EP demonstrates that as they unleash a torrential flood of Progressive, Death, Nu Metal and Metalcore altogether in one solid package. There is never a dull moment on this EP, the metal does not slow down, nor does it go stale. If you're looking for something exotic, something brutal, something metal as f*ck, you've come to the right review. Lynchpin are flying the flag for the Trinidadian Metal scene.

Download This: "Graves Of A Thousand Unknown"

For Fans of: Meshuggah, Machine Head, Necrophagist

[8/10] RHYS STEVENSON

EMPHASIS
'Soul Transfer'
RED RIVET

Estonian Symphonic Prog Metallers Emphasis return with their second offering in the form of 'Soul Transfer', featuring a lengthy journey across soaring melodies, harmonious symphonies and beautifully orchestrated pieces, this is a step up from their debut album and with a new drummer at the helm (Stanislav Lint), the future looks bright for the quintet. The album thunders along for a whopping 73 minutes, but what makes it worth the lengthy wait is that the instrumentals included break the songs up; ingenious. 'Soul Transfer' carries on the soft yet powerful style of metal Emphasis have created, it's almost in Within Temptation territory. Given the evident planning that has gone into this album, it won't be long before Emphasis grace the rest of the Europe with their infectious masterpiece.

Download This: "Leviathans"

For Fans of: Within Temptation, Dream Theater, Tarja-era Nightwish

[8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

MOTÖR MILITIA
'World In Flames'
INDEPENDENT

Seven years have passed since Bahraini Thrashers Motör Militia released an album and now they present to the world, the 'World In Flames'. With three new members in the line-up including a new vocalist, this album is by far the best material they've ever released. Thrash Metal is the staple sound of this band, but on this album they manage throw in the occasional Middle Eastern vibe on the guitars. Otherwise the album is a neck-snapping work of magic, from start to finish there is the unrelenting surge of power coursing through each and every song. It's hard to see Motör Militia turning back after this, it's an album worthy of international recognition and could very well prove to be thee album to expose the Bahraini Metal scene to the world. 'World In Flames' arguably is one of the finest Thrash albums to be released for the last few years and reassures Motör Militia that they are flying the flag for the Bahraini Metal scene.

Download This: "Reckoning"

For Fans of: Holy Moses, Suicidal Tendencies, Evile

[9/10] RHYS STEVENSON

NECNON MORTUSS
'Válečné Konflikty 20. Století'
INDEPENDENT

The Czech Metal scene does seem to be slightly secluded from the rest of Europe, but it's bands like Necnon Mortuss who keep the underground thriving. Sure it's been six years since their second album, but was the wait worth it? Kind of. 'Válečné Konflikty 20. Století' is a decent enough effort but it just does not make the cut, there is something missing, that something is deviation, most of the songs seem to have a similar pattern in the music and this is what drags the album through the dirt. Props go to singing in their native tongue, but the album itself  fails to shift out of third gear. Despite this, the album is a decent effort but falls short of being excellent, it's not terrible but it's not sensational either.

Download This: "Karpatsko-Dukelská Operace"

For Fans of: Cannibal Corpse, Vesania, Aborted

[6/10] RHYS STEVENSON

DUSK OF DELUSION
'Funfair'
FANTAI'ZIC

To be inspired by established bands is one thing, but to try and emulate their sound is a no-no. Regrettably it seems France's Dusk Of Delusion have fallen into that trap, their debut effort 'Unfair' is predictable at it's best and sure whilst it carries the hallmarks of Slipknot and Korn as the bands that spring to mind imminently, the sound is too much of a likeness to said bands albeit the snippets of audio dialogue which somehow (no idea how) deters the attention away from the mimicking going on. In fact, there is far too much Corey Taylor going on here and this is what will leave the album undetected because said vocals, said artist, are established, period. Unless Dusk Of Delusion come up with a new formula for future releases they will always remain in second gear, welcome to the 'funfair'? Horror show more like.

Download This: "Casanova"

For Fans of: Slipknot, Drowning Pool, Korn, Stone Sour.

[4/10] RHYS STEVENSON

PRIMORDIAL
'Exile Amongst The Ruins'
METAL BLADE

Although they have been going for a vast number of years, Ireland's treasured sons Primordial have not lost any of their unrelenting energy that makes their albums all so great. Four years on since their previous album and the Celtic / Black Metal crew drop their new effort 'Exile Amongst The Ruins' with a ferocious onslaught of folk-laden beats, aggressive and enchanting vocals, and riffs so refreshing, so striking, that they take you by surprise. Now, some might be turned off by the length of the songs but for those who are bold and brave enough to vanquish the thirst for something extraordinary, the experience is rewarding in every aspect. Drafting in Doom Metal elements one some of their songs once again, Primordial drive into the ground the stake of which establishes them as one of the greatest Irish Metal bands of all time; it would take something spectacular to unseat this enchanting release.

Download This: "Where Lie The Gods"

For Fans of: Winterfylleth, Cruachan, Cnoc An Tursa, Skyclad

'Exile Amongst The Ruins' is out 30th March via Metal Blade Records

[8/10] RHYS STEVENSON

FRANCIS
'A Million Years Of Loneliness'
SLIPTRICK

Moldova might be a small country in the far flung corner of Europe, but it's metal scene is ramping and shaping up to be one that can challenge the Western elite. Entering into the fray is Francis with their Modern Metalcore / Melodic Death entwined sound, a sound that will capture the attention of many across the continent and into the global metal community. 'A Million Years Of Loneliness' is the group's new album and it comes fitted with an explosive form of musical armageddon as it twists and turns into a multitude of pitches, rhythms and atmospherics that will leave you jaw-dropped. Judging by this album it seems that Francis are set on creating their own definitive sound and aren't easy to pigeon-hole, thus making them probably the most exciting modern metal band to emerge in 2018... watch this space with sincere intent.

Download This: "Nothing Changed"

For Fans of: Arch Enemy, Dead By April, Nightwish

'A Million Years Of Loneliness' is out 27th March via Sliptrick Records

[8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

AUGURY
'Illusive Golden Age'
THE ARTISAN ERA

Nine years have passed since Augury dropped their second album and it is not really for the better, their latest effort 'Illusive Golden Age' musically is fine, vocals are OK (they are hard to understand for Death Metal standards), but overall? The expectation fell short of 'oh my god'. The album does well to stand on it's own two but it lacks the ability to shift out of third gear into fourth, and whilst it flits between the two genres it lacks organization is rather all over the place despite admitting the music is fine; production wise it's fine, but piecing together it lacks organization. I just wasted time on listening to this arguably decent effort, I just wish it could have sounded better...

Download This: "Carrion Tide"

For Fans of: Progressive Death Metal, Canadian Tech Metal, 'wtf' metal

'Illusive Golden Age' is out 30th March via The Artisan Era

[6/10] RHYS STEVENSON

BARBARIAN PROPHECIES
'Origin'
BASE RECORD PRODS / HECATOMBE

Heavy Black / Death Metal crew Barbarian Prophecies return with their fourth album 'Origin' and armed with a new vocalist, this is probably the strongest effort they have ever made. A non-stop thundering of raucous riffs, vomiting vocals and destruction drums pave the way for this album to lay waste on your senses with a sense of gratification at the very end. The funny thing is you would not think the vocals were female, such a brutal demonic force resides within Chousa's vocals, so much so they can easily challenge even the most guttural-singing of Death Metal vocalists. This effort shall create waves across the wider Spanish Metal scene, but even so it will strike a chord in the extreme metal community, this is an album to cherish.

Download This: "Path Of The Soul"

For Fans of: Behemoth, Death, Deicide

'Origin' is out 26th March via Base Record Productions / Hecatombe Records

[8/10] RHYS STEVENSON

KILLIBRIUM
'Purge'
INDEPENDENT

Upon hearing the debut EP by Death Metallers Killibrium, it's evident that the quartet know their craft extremely well and are perfectly capable of unleashing an unfathomable amount of extremity on the unsuspecting wider metal community. 'Purge' is a prime example of modern Death Metal should be done, no nonsense, no wishy-washy elements, just a straight and unchallenged stream of sheer ferocity marred by ballistic drumming, tight-arse riffs and vocals so brutal, they make your last shitting episode whimper at the gravity of this tantalisingly unmissable slice of Indian Death Metal. Honestly, if they are not snapped up in the next two years by a record label I shall question the activity of the metal music industry, Killibrium set to become the next big export from India.

Download This: "Purge"

For Fans of: Suffocation, Aborted, Behemoth

'Purge' is out now via an independent release

[8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

LAST DAYS OF EDEN
'Chrysalis'
PRIDE & JOY MUSIC

If Eluveitie, Within Temptation and Sonata Arctica had a threesome, Last Days Of Eden would be the offspring. Folk Metal, Symphonic Metal and Power Metal all come together into a mixing pot to produce something rather magical, something refreshing and something that should be in your music collection. 'Chrysalis' is the third album by this Spanish septet, and boy does it deliver a sound that is astoundingly beautiful. Whilst the folk metal elements float vividly in the background and the guitars and vocals take control on most songs, the delicate balance of all three genres make this album a joy to listen to. With this effort as solid as it is, it's no doubt that their live persona will match the likes of Epica, they certainly have this album nailed on the spot and whilst the Symphonic Metal genre may be overloaded with female-fronted bands, Last Days Of Eden have proven they are more than capable of holding their own.

Download This: "Dead Man's Tale"

For Fans of: Sonata Arctica, Epica, Eluveitie, Within Temptation

'Chrysalis' is out now via Pride & Joy Music

[9/10] RHYS STEVENSON

DEAD OF NIGHT
'The Evolving Science Of Self'
PRIDE & JOY MUSIC

So what can you call Dead Of Night's music? Well it could be Symphonic Metal, it could be Gothic Metal, but let's go with 'Symphonic Cinematic Metal'. Set to release their fourth album in four years since their inception, Dead Of Night are a force to reckon with and are set to become the UK's long awaited answer to Nightwish. 'The Evolving Science Of Self' has the sort of sound you'd imagine hearing on a Disney soundtrack, 'Frozen' for example, because it's majestic and cinematic atmosphere lifts your senses high up in euphoria as the keyboard elements battle for supremacy against Briony's infatuating vocals, the guitars and drums content to take back seat, but the overall composition sits right in front of you as arguable one of the finest unsigned Symphonic Metal releases Europe has ever seen. Dead Of Night are destined to set planet metal alight.

Download This: "Set The Night On Fire"

For Fans of: Nightwish, Within Temptation, Ravenia, Epica

'The Evolving Science Of Self' is out now via Pride & Joy Music

[9/10] RHYS STEVENSON

VALE OF AMONITION
'Those Of Tartarean Ancestry'
INDEPENDENT

Being a metal band in a country where the scene rests on your shoulders is a heavy burden to have, but it is something that Vale Of Amonition have taken in their stride. Unleashing their sound of True African Doom Metal once again with their second album 'Those Of Tartarean Ancestry', the Ugandan duo have served up something that can be considered a romantic affair with the occult, the dark side of myth and homage to Black Sabbath's Doom Metal pioneering. The magical side to this album and the duo's music is they tell stories through their music, the atmosphere providing a dank, dark, eerie and unnerving feeling and through the guitar distortion, harmonious and deep vocals and the entrancing pace of the drums, Vale Of Amonition have once again delivered a masterpiece opus, one that will delight Doom Metal fans everywhere.

Download This: "The Most Of Merry Funerals" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Black Sabbath, Huntress, Ghost

[8/10] RHYS STEVENSON

CARTAGENA
'Roma Delenda Est'
INDEPENDENT

Since Myrath stepped out into the wider world of metal music, Tunisia has been spewing out bands left, right and centre. The latest export to emerge Cartagena, is no ordinary Symphonic Metal band, this is a band who wants to take you on a journey back to the Roman Empire times and the invasion of Tunisia; band name refers to the then capital of the Carthaginian civilization (now Tunis). By mixing together the traditional sounds of Tunisia and the wider Arabic world with Symphonic Metal, Cartagena deliver a stellar debut album that will give them the proponents to lay waste at the festivals they are playing at this year. 'Roma Delenda Est' is an album everyone should own because it is finely balanced, between traditional music and metal music it straddles the two perfectly. Cartagena are flying the flag for the Tunisian Metal scene.

Download this: "Motherland" - Click to listen

For fans of: Myrath, Persona, Orphaned Land

[8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

YGGDRASSIL
'All Shall Burn'
ART GATES

It's true that the Vikings did land in Spain, so this is perhaps where Yggdrassil get their inspiration from as a band... although the thought of a Norseman eating paella is quite an amusing one, jokes aside this Spanish quintet are perfectly able to slap down their own branded form of Melodic Death Metal with Viking (of course) influences in tow. 5 years down the line and their debut album 'All Shall Burn' is born, what comes with it is a ferocious onslaught of fast-paced metal flirting with less pacey metal; a generous mixture of songs leaning towards both sides of the Melodic Death Metal sound. It is this effort that will certainly gain them some credible attention from the masses, thankfully they've avoided becoming Amon Amarth version 2.

Download This: "The Horde Above All" - click to listen

For Fans of: Amon Amarth, Scar Symmetry, Skálmöld

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

AS LIONS
'Selfish Age'
BETTER NOISE

Nothing says British than a reference to patriotism, well it's certain that these lions roar and they do so with such a ferocious feel to their music that it echoes the anthemic beats of Queen, metallic heaviness of Bullet For My Valentine and modern feel of Avenged Sevenfold. As Lions burst out of the ashes laid down by former moniker Rise To Remain and with the transition unleash a highly promising metal-cross-rock EP called 'Selfish Age'; what Dickinson manages to do, Worsnop didn't. They've clearly done their homework with this effort because it ticks all the boxes that metal and rock fans would want, a record worth opening the pit up for. As Lions are the modern Iron Maiden and join the likes of Asking Alexandria, BFMV and BMTH as leaders of the modern wave of British Metal.

Download This: "The Suffering"

For Fans of: Avenged Sevenfold, 5FDP, BFMV

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

CROSSBONES
'WWIII'
NADIR MUSIC

When you come to think of Albania, you're thoughts turn to the double-headed black eagle, the Balkan history and it's Mediterranean climate and yet in-between all of that is a small, vibrant metal scene spurred on by veterans such as Crossbones. This quartet are one of the earliest pioneers of the Albanian Metal scene and have just dropped their second album 'WWIII', exactly two decades after their debut album 'Days Of Rage'. Their effortless grinding together of Heavy Metal rhythms and Thrash Metal aggression remain unchallenged throughout and provide a delightful listen in it's wake, it's an honourable milestone for their national scene and is one that gives them automatic right to be flying the flag for the Albanian Metal scene.

Download This: "Gjallë"

For Fans of: Metallica, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

BEHEADED
'Beast Incarnate'
UNIQUE LEADER

Brutal Death Metal with Technical Metal elements dotted around, yup this is Beheaded as you would expect them. They have not lost their magic touch despite the five-year gap between their new album
'Beast Incarnate' and their fourth album 'Never to Dawn', in fact you might need some life insurance instated before indulging in this face-f*cking slab of fortified metallic cranial pulverisation. Whilst the vocals might not be as prominent as the music itself, the raw feeling certainly adds to the dynamics presented herewith... 'Beast Incarnate' is like an orgy gone insane, seriously you're sex would be spiced up when screwing to the sounds emanating from this beast-of-an-album. Prepare for the ultimate anal penetration.

Download This: "Crossing The House Of Knives"

For fans of: Suffocation, Prostitute Disfigurement, Gorguts

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

DAEDRIC TALES
'The Divine Menace'
INDEPENDENT

Taking their lyrical influence from the 'Elder Scroll' game series one begins to ponder why they decided to go down that chosen path, but when mixed with Symphonic Power Metal it makes more sense to indulge in the fantasy world. Austria's Daedric Tales are no newcomers to the scene despite
'The Divine Menace' being their debut album, they've been beating around the Alps for nearly a decade and yet this effort presented is a delightful one. Despite all their efforts, this album will probably become ignored by the labels as it lacks that final piece to make it an album that would leave people gob-smacked, despite this though the album is a decent piece of musicianship that should appeal to many metal fans worldwide.

Download This: "Planes Of Oblivion"

For Fans of: Epica, Edenbridge, Amberian Dawn

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

ANALEPSY
'Atrocities From Beyond'
VOMIT YOUR SHIRT | RISING NEMESIS

This is what you would call filthy-rotten Brutal Death Metal, the kind that would grapple hold of your bollocks and crush them to death by means of corkscrew castration. Sure to the unintelligible the vocals are prime pig squeals and low-fi guttural emittance, but behind the gut-wrenching vocals lies a pulverising mixture of unrelenting drums, barbaric riffs and overall loudness designed to keep your neighbours sweating in their sleep. 'Atrocities From Beyond' is the Portuguese quartet's second album and it's destined to be one of the heaviest metal releases of 2017, it's so metal it cannot be unleashed on the festival circuit without prior warning.

Download This: "Ferocious Aftermath" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Obituary, Nile, Suffocation

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

SILENT KNIGHT
'The Angel Reborn'
INDEPENDENT

Built in the style of German Power Metal, Australia's Silent Knight opt for practicality over technicality which (let's be honest) at times can become too much to comprehend and thus sometimes its good to break it down to basics and that's what Silent Knight do... good ol' fashioned Heavy / Power Metal. Dropping their latest EP 'The Angel Reborn', this ensemble from down under create music in the vein of Helloween and give it a dosing of Maiden-esque atmospherics, leaving the EP to enthral whomever listens to it. Silent Knight are perhaps a gem from down under yet to be discovered by the global masses, but damn they do deserve some form of attention - this EP cannot go unnoticed.

Download This: "The Ravens Return (Live)" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Helloween, Iron Maiden, Rage

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

HEAVENLESS
'Whocantbenamed'
INDEPENDENT

Brazil has a long history of extreme metal, but never has one heard a band quite like Heavenless who seem to want to strap together Deathcore elements with Death / Thrash Metal, weird right? Not as odd as their debut album title mind, if 'Whocantbenamed' is a subtle reference to Voldemort from Harry Potter then I'd love to see how they manage to perform their magic in front of the muggles. Either way the vocals are brutal but unrecognisable and yet that has a degrading effect on the album, the overall release is a decent one. Crunchy riffs lead the charge whilst the thunderous drums and thick bass supplement the onslaught perfectly, what more could you want? A Quidditch match? on your broom.

Download This: "Soothsayer" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Sepultura (early), Deathchain, Whitechapel

[7] RHYS STEVENSON

AETERNAM
'Ruins Of Empires'
INDEPENDENT

If truth be told, Aeternam are the bastard sons of Scarab (Egypt) and Myrath (Tunisia), by mixing together the brutality of Death Metal with the Arabic influences in the Symphonic and Folk Metal forms, this Moroccan-Canadian unit are priming themselves to become a force to be reckoned with. Their third album 'Ruins Of Empires' could be seen as the crusader soundtrack of the metal world, spewing out hatred against those who turn on each other for the sake of religion. Ultimately this album is enough to give this band fullest attention from all corners of planet metal. As for the Canadian Metal scene, well, this album will need something extra-special to surpass this album, because to be quite frank it's hard to see anything bettering this for sometime.

Download This: "Fallen Is The Simulacrum Of Bel" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Nervecell, Scarab, Myrath, Divine Disorder

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

DEGOTTEN
'Hexentrost'
BLACKSTORM 666

Chile has a sparkling history when it comes to Extreme Metal as it's metal scene is laden with it throughout the years, one of it's latest editions Degotten are determined to carry on the legacy through their debut album 'Hexentrost'. This four-piece leviathan spew out Black / Thrash Metal in a grim but pacey form and thus deliver a neck-breaking, raucous onslaught of raw riffs, battering drums and vicious vocals. For those who drool over the underground extreme metal sounds, this is for you as the album is a non-stop roller-coaster of Blackened Thrash and Thrashed-up Black Metal; it takes two. Whilst it might not be groundbreaking by any means, it certainly will have listeners glued for a considerable amount of time.

Download This: "Oath Of War" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Toxic Holocaust, Skeletonwitch, Aura Noir

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

NARGAROTH
'Era Of Threnody'
INTER ARMA PRODUCTIONS

German Black Metal has a history of delivering robust and spine-chilling efforts, Nargaroth on the other hand somehow missed the robust aspect, with Ash's latest effort 'Era Of Threnody' seeming to at times fall apart at the seams on some songs, despite the obvious effort to sound epic and adventurous. However in an ironical sense it's this stray into the Epic Black Metal field that gives the album a truly insane feeling of euphoria, in that Nargaroth have decided to go ahead with this shift without any element of prudence. But also delivering a truly authentic and respectable album regardless of its lack of robustness. Sure sometimes its harder to deliver greater creative input; two heads are better than one, however with this effort Nargaroth seem to have defied that logic overall with the exception of said robustness.

Download This:- 'Whither Goest Thou' - Click to listen

For Fans of: Immortal, Carpathian Forest, German Black Metal

[7] RHYS STEVENSON

SHE MUST BURN
'Grimoire'
ARTERY RECORDINGS

Arguably one of the UK's most promising Metal bands found within the genre-bending category, by lashing together elements of Melodic Metal, Deathcore and Black Metal, She Must Burn have stepped up a level from their debut EP 'Under The Shadows' and seemingly abandoning their gothic-tinged caricature. Some would argue this is a Melodic Deathcore album and therefore easily comparable to most Deathcore releases, but in truth it's more the opposite, She Must Burn have crafted their own sound to stand out from the flooded sub-genre. However the slight downside is that there needs to be more keyboard / female vocals present as this really worked on their debut EP – this is the sole element that lacks in this album and would make one feel that it is this element they need to retain.

Download This: 'A False Heaven' - Click to listen

For Fans of: Abigail Williams, Motionless In White, Cradle Of Filth

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

PERSEFONE
'Aathma'
VICISOLUM PRODUCTIONS

Hailing from Andorra (and now some people are frantically googling or using an atlas to find out where this country is, little hint – it's landlocked between Spain and France, nestled in the Pyranees), Persefone have conjured up their best effort to date with the sensational layering of melodic death metal and progressive metal presented herewith. 'Aathma' is the sextet's 5th album and the first to feature their new recruits in the form of Sergi Verdeguer (drums) and Filipe Baldaia (guitars); both members from another Andorra band called Nami, the result? A face-punching effort that'll guarantee to leave you totally pulverised from your inside out. Leading the Andorran Metal scene, Persefone are arguably poising themselves as the underrated underdogs of the Progressive / Melodic Death Metal style, with 'Aathma' easily considered as their finest effort, it's about time they got the recognition they deserve.

Download This:- "No Faced Mindless" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Opeth, Gojira, Amon Amarth

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

BANDOLIRIUM
'Bandolirium'
INDEPENDENT

Tango Metal? Well with Latin Metal and Flamenco Metal already in existence then sure why not deliver this unsuspecting genre? Argentina's Bandolirium – a one-man project – do no more than stick to instrumental music with Latin American vibes, salsa and tango vibes throughout whilst the core Progressive Metal sound provides the perfect foundation for this rather unusual and inventive sound to be delivered across. Whether the debut album will perk up interest from across the pond remains to be seen, but it surely will do down well in the South American Metal scene and tango music scene consequently. So it's evident to say that Bandolirium are the undisputed pioneers of Tango Metal. May this journey continue...

Download This:- 'Impulso' - Click here to listen

For Fans of: Breed 77, Ill Nino, Instrumental Metal

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

APOLOGETH
'type: HUMAN - status: INCOMPATIBLE'
INDEPENDENT

Forming part of a trilogy, the first album by Belarusian Groove / Death Metal horde Apologeth wields ultimate promise as the guttural rhythmic onslaught that comes with it is so epic, it's almost a solid guarantee that Apologeth are the metal band to place Belarus on the map. Their low-key growling underlines the sharpened guitar riffs and supports the drums with a solidified foundation. If this was to make you wet yourself, then that's a certificate worth issuing because this album carries all the hallmarks of a band who knows what they're aiming for. How they will top this effort remains to be seen, but if this is what we can expect from the rest of the trilogy, then fresh underwear will be needed each time.

Download This: "Human Zoo" - Click to listen

For fans of: DevilDriver, Gojira, Lamb Of God

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

SAILLE
'Gnosis'
CODE666 RECORDS

Four albums in and Belgium's Saille are showing no signs of slowing down, in fact the Symphonic Black Metal outfit have arguably unleashed their most powerfully potent offering to date. With guest appearances by Niki Dierickx (female vocals) and Dries Gaerdelen (keyboards) giving the album a certain dimension, it might be worthwhile for Saille to keep this guest influence in check on subsequent albums since it works like a treat. Other than that, the album itself is far more effective and demanding than their Norwegian brothers in Dimmu Borgir, sure there is a gulf between the two in terms of success and how long they have been around, however Saille certainly seem to have kept true to themselves and have not strayed onto the commercialism path.

Download This:- "Magnum Opus" - Click to listen

For fans of: Carach Angren, Dimmu Borgir, Emperor

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

DESMOTERION
D.T.N.
INDEPENDENT

Hardcore Thrashers Desmoterion are no strangers to the Venezuelan Metal scene having been around nearly 10 years but have only just this year dropped their debut album. The wait was clearly worth it as their debut album 'D.T.N.' is laden with brutality, ferocity and creativity, sure some would acquit this album as nothing but generic Crossover Thrash, but in truth there is something special going on. Venezuela might not be known on the international stage for having a metal scene, but it's bands like Desmoterion who are ideally aiming to change that with their Spanish-tinged metal music. For those who do not know Spanish, the band is basically singing about socio-political issues, not drugs or gang-related verbiage, this is not Narcos nor Breaking Bad in metal-form but perhaps speed in huge doses.

Download This:- "Pandemia" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Slayer, Biohazard, Metallica

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

ASCENDANT
'A Thousand Echoes'
INDEPENDENT

Featuring a line-up consisting of multiple nationalities including Emirati and Syrian, Ascendant are a truly multinational Power Metal band. They make this known throughout their debut album 'A Thousand Echoes' with clean and traditional Arabic vocals flowing throughout, sure the music doesn't touch any Arabic or Middle Eastern elements; which would really help their cause, however in the end their album does strike the perfect note. In some respect they don't remain bolted to the Power Metal style, this is evident on the track 'Morning Light' as they stray into Melodic Metal thanks to guest vocals by Lindsay Schoolcraft (Cradle of Filth). All in all the album is relatively decent with promise riding on it, it will be interesting to see where this outfit go next.

Download This:- "Fog Of War" - Click to listen

For Fans of:- Sonata Arctica, Sabaton, Persona

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

CARNAC
'Times Undone'
INDEPENDENT

Extreme Metal band Carnac are wasting no time in conjuring up a debut album worthy of a label release, signed to Sliptrick Records, this Turkish quintet lash together classic Melodic Death Metal with Progressive and Black Metal influences to deliver a chaotic and unrelenting surge of savage metal music. By cleverly mixing these different metal elements in a set way, Carnac have seemingly mastered the formula for delivering what easily could be dubbed Extreme Metal. Sure they will need to keep on the ball after this album to stand any chance of scoring major gigs across Europe, but with this effort it should not be a problem. 'Times Undone' should be in your CD collection for it wields together the likes of Carpathian Forest, early-Behemoth and Gojira to create it's own signature tune.

Download this:- "The Lantern" - Click to listen

For fans of: Ihsahn, Gojira, Strapping Young Lad

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

NUCLEAR WARFARE
'Devastation Upon The Battlefield'
INDEPENDENT

The Thai Metal scene is one that somehow is secluded from the rest of the world, despite it having a plethora of insane and imaginative metal bands – Nuclear Warfare are no exception with their neck-breaking Thrash Metal arsenal. Dropping their debut album 'Devastation Upon The Battlefield', this quartet stick true to the South-East Asian style of Thrash Metal; with Indonesia leading the way. However as a group they certainly know how to deliver a brutal and unrelenting sound that should ultimately be utilized again for their next release. No nonsense Thrash Metal is their game, Nuclear Warfare is their name, they certainly are a band to watch.

Download This:- "War Command" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Oracle, Slayer, Thrash Metal

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

EVIL REBORN
'Throne Of Insanity'
SATANATH

Stamping their authority hard in their own backyard, Venezuela's Death Metal newbies Evil Reborn have issued a statement of intent with the release of their debut album 'Throne Of Insanity'. Designed to keep you dancing on your toes like a metalhead doing ballet, this filthy-rotten slab of musical creativity will certainly keep you hooked from start to finish. By throwing modern Death Metal vocals, bone-crunching riffs, trailblazing drums and ballsy bass elements into the mixing pot, what comes out of this magical music transformation is a menacing, unrelenting and uncompromising cocktail that will certainly knock you out in one fatal punch. Forget those who think Death Metal is all about double bass drums and growling, Evil Reborn have devised a new rulebook... their own rulebook, so bloody study it! There are no excuses.

Download This: "Possessed Angels" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Aborted, Prostitute Disfigurement, Abhorrent Decimation

'Throne Of Insanity' is out now via Satanath Records

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

WHISPERED
'Metsutan - Songs Of The Void'
REDHOUSE FMP / INVERSE

Funny isn't it how Babymetal emerge on the scene and most metalheads freak out, Whispered gain attention outside of Finland and no one bats an eyelid. The self-proclaimed purveyors of 'Samurai Metal' carve out their third offering with such precise ninja-skill, the shamanic powers the members herewith possess must ultimately be accounted for as influencers on this dramatic release. By mixing together Power Metal harmonics with epic melodic death metal, and sprinkling it with Japanese music sounds, Whispered have arguably developed their own sound that could well become inspirational for bands further down the line. 'Metsutan - Songs Of The Void' is an anthemic album that will certainly go down in metal history as one of those albums that defied logic, defined a music genre created from the love of anime and manga and also brought some folk metal influences into the affray. Simply magical.

Download This: "Strike!" - Click here to listen

For Fans of: Children of Bodom, Grailknights, Wintersun

'Metsutan - Songs Of The Void' is now out via Redhouse FMP / Inverse Records

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

ENTHEAN
'Priests Of Annihilation'
INDEPENDENT

Whenever a band decides to create a new style or attempt to place a new derivative on an existing genre it can go one of two ways. Either it's successful and a new movement is born, or it can fall gracefully and be lost in metal history. So when you take South Carolina's Enthean into account, they sit precisely (and in a contradictory sense) between the two, sure mixing Technical Metal with Black Metal and dabbing it with Death Metal and Symphonic Metal influences might sound epic, but when actually hearing it, damn that sound is the nuts. 'Priests Of Annihilation' may well be this band's debut album, but in order for them to garner any greater attention they must harness this sound and refine it a bit. At times there seems there is too much going on, but overall it's a solid effort that should spark off a movement for the newfound Technical Black Metal caricature.

Download This: "Dysthanasia" - click to listen

For Fans of: Abigail Williams, Gorguts, Dimmu Borgir

[7] RHYS STEVENSON

OLD CORPSE ROAD
'Of Campfires & Evening Mists'
CACOPHONOUS REC.

British Black Metal is in a newfound renaissance period with it establishing it's own sound and outlook, leading this epic shift are a handful of bands and one of them, Old Corpse Road, are preserving traditional British folklore without touching the topic of nationalism. Some might confuse folkloric metal bands with the nationalist movement, but not OCR who like Winterfylleth use a far more historical approach. OCR's second album 'Of Campfires & Evening Mists' is a tale that even the most religious druids and bards would adorn to, let alone the Old Corpse Road taking it's name from the actual area where corpses were taken for burial, grim huh? 'Of Campfires & Evening Mists' is a treasure to behold and is an album that will appeal to all fans of Extreme Metal. Full of atmosphere, chilling elements and beautiful sounds, you will be blessed by enduring this album in it's entirety.

Download This: "Herne Of Windsor Forest"

For Fans of: Cnoc An Tursa, Winterfylleth, Fyrdsmann

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

ELDERBLOOD
'Messiah'
OSMOSE PRODS.

If anyone has worked out why the Ukrainian Metal scene is so damn good at producing Extreme Metal, then please let us know because Elderblood may well have just snatched 'Ukrainian Metal release of the year' with their latest effort. 'Messiah' is the band's second album and it carries on their infectiously sexy blend of Symphonic Black Metal and bleak atmospherics in such a way, BDSM will become inferior to this constricting release. Prepare your ears for some serious puncturing as the blitzing of the drums, rampaging of the raucous riffs and vomiting of the venomous vocals smash your senses to pieces. 'Messiah' is a fantastic work of art to behold, one that will give the band their well earned international recognition as not only a band to watch but also Ukraine's answer to Dimmu Borgir.

Download This: "Devil In The Flesh"

For fans of: Khors, Dimmu Borgir, Shade Empire

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

DEAD LABEL
'Throne Of Bones'
NUERRA

Dead Label are a band you should not take lightly, in fact they're positioning themselves as one of the most exciting metal bands to emerge out of Ireland since Waylander and Cruachan made waves. Mixing together a sharp array of metal styles from Thrash Metal to Death Metal and Metalcore to Prog Metal, this enables the cauldron to brew a sound that most would describe as apocalyptic, and we'd agree with them. 'Throne Of Bones' is the trio's second offering and it does well to punch you f*cking hard in the face with very little remorse, in fact if you tried to resist it's magic you might as well defect to listening to teen pop as a source of comfort, because Dead Label as said are not a band that should be taken lightly, because their music is certainly on the heavy side.

Download This: "Exhume The Venom"

For Fans of: Machine Head, Threat Signal, Skreamer

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

SOULS OF DIOTIMA
'The Sorceress Reveals - Atlantis'
ROCKSHOTS

Diotima was a female philosopher and just like her, the band Souls Of Diotima are full of elegance, grace and wisdom when it comes to making music. Their third album carries on their dramatically theatrical sound and instils a fast and romantic atmosphere, which becomes guided by the virtuosic nature of the guitarists as they lead the charge. Truth be told, the Italians have got the knack for creating epic dramas and as such when relayed through metal, emphatically rivals the likes of Therion and Apocalyptica for musical suspense. 'The Sorceress Reveals - Atlantis' may well be the band's third album, but it's sincere maturity might as well make the album the band's tenth because it's well refined, polished and enjoyable. In fact it's a great album to keep you awake by, because there is not one second which makes the album dull, it's full of goodness.

Download This: "Tears Of Fury"

For Fans of: Therion, Theatres Des Vampires, Fleshgod Apocalypse

'The Sorceress Reveals - Atlantis' is out 10th June via Rockshots Music

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

OBSOLETENOVA
'Oracle Demo 2016'
BRUTALREIGN PRODS.

Here comes another band from China's ever-strengthening Extreme Metal scene, hailing from Guangdong Province is Obsoletenova, a three-piece Technical Brutal Death Metal ensemble whose mish-mash of flash riffs, pulverising drums and epic pig squeals coalesces together to deliver a sound that's heavy enough to leave your bones crushed to dust. This may well be a demo, but damn the 'Oracle Demo 2016' certainly carries a punch and then some, in fact I would be shocked if they aren't invited to play outside of China within a year from now because this material would make even the most sick bands like Nile and Suffocation weak at the knees. Having released their 2016 demo which sold out immediately, clearly Obsoletenova are on to something and have considerable attention, good enough to make them a band to watch this year.

Download This: "Absolutely Solitary Monarchy Is Terminated Under The Slam!!" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Suffocation, Nile, Fleshgod Apocalypse

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

CHERNODEATH
'Demo​-​lition Thrash'
INDEPENDENT

Chernodeath hail from Guatemala, yeah you can picture it now, second-hand instruments and low-fi studio's, but let's not forget that the passion is 101% real. Dropping their first demo, the three-piece Thrashers get it perfect on the guitars and drums, but the vocals need far more presence. Generally speaking however it's a pretty decent attempt for a band from a country whose crime rate is beyond astronomical. No wonder metal thrives in the underground here as a means of dealing with societal pressure, poor justice and high corruption levels. Chernodeath certainly have earned the right to carry the flag for the Guatemalan Metal scene. As for the demo, well we only hope they sort the vocal issue out but also carry on believing in metal music.

Download This: "Cujo Terror" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Raw Thrash Metal, Slayer

[7] RHYS STEVENSON

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

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