NAFRAT
'Abnegation'
BRUTAL INFECTION

Singapore has a long standing history within the extreme metal community, it has been producing top notch bands for the past two decades. One of it's exports Nafrat re-emerge fresh from their 10 year slumber with their second unforgivable slice of no-bullsh*t Death Metal in the form of their new album 'Abnegation'. By taking elements from the old-school faculty and bolting on modern elements, the Singaporean quartet remind listeners as to why the South-East Asian Metal scenes are as brutal as they are. Demanding your attention at every passing second, this album will sit well with those well and truly seasoned with the genre, but moreover would provide a platform for those getting into Death Metal to explore it further. 'Abnegation' is one Death Metal album for the ages, gripping, tense and outright ferocious.

Download This: "Iconoclasts" - click to listen

For Fans of: Cannibal Corpse, Modern Death Metal, Rudra

[8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

MORS SUBITA
'Into The Pitch Black'
INVERSE

Just like being smacked in the head with a metal pole, Mors Subita's third effort 'Into The Pitch Black' comes slamming down on to your senses and leaves you left for dead. The strong opening track 'As Humanity Weeps' sets the tone for the album and arguably is the strongest track on the album. Throughout the album this Finnish outfit romp throughout. Bolting together the Modern Metal sound (with Industrial in tow) with the underlying current of Melodic Death / Thrash Metal, Mors Subita once again prove themselves to be the dark horse of the Finnish Metal scene. 'Into The Pitch Black' is loaded with aggression, slick swift elements, an electric atmosphere and a sound that is potent enough to leave you in a coma. For a band who has been going 19 years, they aren't giving up just yet not by a long shot as demonstrated on this album; if Scar Symmetry and In Flames are up your street, then Mors Subita is the mansion at the end of the road.

Download This: 'As Humanity Weeps'

For Fans of: Scar Symmetry, In Flames, Asylum 8

[9/10] RHYS STEVENSON

ASTRAY VALLEY
'Unneth'
WORMHOLEDEATH

Modern Metal seems to be the in-thing of late, it seems that the metal style cannot be shaken off and has arguably become the best thing since Nu Metal (was Nu Metal good though?). Escaping the claws of generic sounds is Spanish quartet Astray Valley, whose latest album 'Unneath' is laden with so much aggression you wouldn't know how to mosh to it. This quartet are young and full of energy, however they are also set to become the next successful Spanish Metal export having already hooked up with the likes of The Agonist for example. By lashing together elements from Metalcore, Alternative Metal, Melodic Metal and Groove Metal, Astray Valley are destined to go places with this rather unique and disturbing sound. 'Unneth' is one album that every fan of hard, abrasive metal should have, it's got more brutality in it than the Saw franchise ever delivered.

Download This: "Waters Of Skylah"

For Fans of: Butcher Babies, In This Moment, Jinjer

[8/10] RHYS STEVENSON

ACEFALO
'Sin Piedad'
INDEPENDENT

Sometimes the old ways are the best ways and Argentina's Acefalo have demonstrated this very well through their debut album 'Sin Piedad'. By harnessing the old-school Thrash Metal style and adding a side serving of grit and sweat, this quintet deliver a sound that echoes the early days of Slayer; full-on fast-paced Thrash that leaves your neck aching for days to come. Singing in their native Spanish, Acefalo know how to create an infectious sound that will make Thrash diehards weak at their knees; through the unrelenting drum-thumping, riff barrage and vocal onslaught. Granted it's nothing new, but it's worthy of utmost attention and once again, sometimes the old ways are the best ways. If you're seeking thunderous Thrash Metal then Acefalo will provide you with the best fix available.

Download This: "Apostoles De La Crueldad 1" - click to listen

For Fans of: Slayer, Machine Head, Nuclear Assault

[7/10] RHYS STEVENSON

BLOODSHED
'Scoundrel'
U-ORIES

Could you blame Vietnam's Bloodshed for using pig squeals in their gruelling and gritty form of Death Metal? Not really, seeing as the extreme forms of metal out in the Far East are ultimately in their own league. Digesting their debut EP 'Scoundrel' is like sinking your teeth into a gourmet burger, its full of flavour and warrants finishing to enjoy the full array of ingredients. It comes together lashed with a sizeable dollop of unintelligible vocals, thick riffs and battering drums, overarching all of this is an innate sense of aiming to craft a signature sound and whilst it's evident Bloodshed tries their best, the result is merely a cry for help or raising the white flag to surrender the generic pig-squealing Death Metal formula.

Download This: "Scoundrel" - click to listen

For Fans of: Prostitute Disfigurement, Suffocation, Visceral Bleeding

[5.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

KRUMMHOLZ
'Rooted In Despair'
INDEPENDENT

It's rare to find Black Metal in Sub-Sahara Africa let alone Atmospheric Black Metal, but Uganda-based trio Krummholz aim to change that and having released their debut EP 'Rooted In Despair', it would seem they've found their sound to march on with. Full of magical harmonies and riveting metal elements, this is one EP any metal fan should have in their collection because it's sound is so mesmerizing, it puts the Scandi-bands to shame. 'Rooted In Despair' comes in a 20-minute two-track onslaught that is almost guaranteed to keep you awake whilst listening to it. It would be fair to say that with this EP now in the wider world, that the dawn of 'True African Black Metal' is upon us, it's majestic sound is enough to satisfy anyone's musical thirsts.

Download This: "To Father Worlds in the Bones of Ancient Solitude" - click the link

For fans of: Windir, Winterfylleth, Carach Angren

[8/10] RHYS STEVENSON

ARTEMIS BLADE
'As Above… So Below'
INDEPENDENT

It's always fascinating whenever a band splits only for some of the members to form a new band, because at times they'll carry forward influences on from their previous outfit to their new one. Australian Melodic Death stalwarts Artemis Blade have done just that with their debut album 'As Above… So Below', having been a Thrash Metal band in The Blackened Beneath beforehand, it's clear some of these elements have seeped into their new music. Despite this the vocals are inhaled mostly but are savage enough to keep your attention from swaying away and if that's not enough, the three guitars, bass and drums will staple your ears to the speakers so hard that it won't be the staples that'll make your ear bleed, but the sharpness of Artemis Blade carving right through your senses.

Download This: "The Fall" - click to listen

For fans of: Silent Descent, Scar Symmetry, In Flames

[7.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

ASYLUM
'Domination'
GSD PRODUCTIONS

Prior to slaughtering the Wacken faithful this year by winning the Metal Battle Caribbean heats, Surinamese Groove / Metalcore outfit Asylum dropped their debut EP 'Domination'... and f**k does it kick some ass. Creating such a glowing effort in a relatively small metal scene is not easy, but Asylum have done just that, presenting a release that's guaranteed to smack a few jaws hard. Having been around six years, the wait for this release was worth it as the quintet summon every fighting spirit within their grasp to present metal so attention-grabbing, you would be a bloody-minded fool to ignore this promising outfit. Sure for some it's stripped bare and has no flashy riffs or trickery that the likes of Lamb of God might wield, but 'Domination' is one hell of a ride... free at that.

Download This: "Dis Na Mi Kondre" - click to listen

For Fans of: Lamb Of God, Fear Factory, DevilDriver

[8/10] RHYS STEVENSON

AOHEN
'失魂 (Lost Souls)'
INDEPENDENT

It goes without saying that the Asian Extreme Metal scene is by far the best to have ever existed and Taiwan's Aohen make that point loud and clear. Dropping their latest demo '失魂 (Lost Souls)' this year, the Doom / Death Metal stalwarts waste no time in delivering such raw and energetic music, yeah sure it's a demo and yeah their fifth demo in a row, but who cares? '失魂 (Lost Souls)' is a two-track dynamic force that exhibits thick distortion, raw vocals and riffs so fluid they make your urine seem viscous. With some dabbling in Black Metal along the way, this quartet know how to hone their craft and whilst it might not be groundbreaking, it certainly adds up for a refreshing listen.

Download This: "失魂 Lost Souls" - click to listen

For Fans of: Myrkur, Amorphis, My Dying Bride

[7.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

BURST
'You Must Die'
INDEPENDENT

It's always amazing to find bands from the most far flung lands and yet to discover their music to be as professionally done as you would find in the leading metal scenes. Entering the fray are Burst, a Death / Grind band from the Pacific island of New Caledonia whose debut album 'You Must Die' is a tour de force. All across the fourteen tracks, listeners are subjected to a barrage of double bass drums, thick and heavily distorted guitars, topped by some rather neat and brutal vocals. With songs exclusively in French and English (although it depends if you call it audible), this outfit are sure to garner attention from outside of the French island dependency. If you're digging and looking for something exotic, then Burst's 'You Must Die' is your first port of call.

Download This: "Bastard Extravagansa" - click to listen

For Fans of: Deathbound, Carcass, Cattle Decapitation

[8/10] RHYS STEVENSON

MAYSALOON
'The Forgotten Dawn'
INDEPENDENT

When it comes to metal bands singing about Middle Eastern or North African mythology or related topics, it's only truly authentic when the band originates from the MENA region; so no Nile are not authentic in this case. Arriving fresh on the Syrian Metal scene amidst civil conflict is Melodic Death Metal outfit Maysaloon with their raw and infectious metal sound laden with Middle Eastern mythology. So whilst ISIS or daesh deliver their unwelcome evil on the outer world, in response Maysaloon distance themselves from those betraying their country in bad light and as a result, lay waste in the metal world with their sheer brutal force and unrivalled demeanour, sending a message to the world that Syria has light in the form of metal music. Maysaloon will crush ISIS' message of hate with a message of love and solidarity amongst the brothers and sisters of the metal world.

Download This: 'The First Believer (Al Namroud)' - Click to listen

For Fans of: Scar Symmetry, Melechesh, Brood Of Hatred

[8/10] RHYS STEVENSON

INFINITAS
'Civitas Interitus'
INDEPENDENT

It's been eight years since the inception of Infinitas, this has however not stopped the Swiss quintet from delivering their debut album with such enthusiasm coursing throughout. 'Civitas Interitus' is an interesting masterpiece, combining the best of Heavy and Folk Metal together to create a sound that is not just full of upbeat euphoria, but also captures the very essence of what metal is all about. Think Iron Maiden meeting Eluveitie; without the Death Metal influence, and you get an idea of where this band is heading. Bard after bard, Infinitas are creating their own story and with their majestic sound doing the rounds, we could see them become the next successful Swiss Metal export. 

Download This: 'Samael' - Click to listen

For Fans of: Iron Maiden, Eluveitie, Skyclad

[8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

NOX VORAGO
'Al Chem'
INDEPENDENT

Visually the demonic side of Ghost, musically a leviathan rampaging on speed. Sweden's Nox Vorago are totally underrated when it comes to their musical creativity and it shows on their second album 'Al Chem'. Their blistering style of Symphonic / Progressive Death Metal is without a doubt a furious force that should not be taken lightly, it will cause your ears to bleed at the sheer might of their intensity; think Fleshgod Apocalypse meets Gojira and you get an idea, or perhaps Sweden's answer to Australia's Ne Obliviscaris, minus violin. Either way Nox Vorago are truly underestimated and with 'Al Chem' at their disposal, no one better doubt them... this album is far too tasty to let go. You might need some clean underwear after this, it will give you a boner and an almighty explosion.... truth be told.

Download This: "Nuremberg 1561" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Fleshgod Apocalypse, Septicflesh, Gojira

[8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

KADAWER DIALOOG
'Sterfbed'
INDEPENDENT

It's rare for a South African metal band to sing in their native Afrikaans, but when a metal band ends up singing in their native language it adds an extra element of cultural difference to it and as such makes the music that extra special. Kadawer Dialoog are a four-piece Groove Metal outfit who have just dropped their debut EP 'Sterfbed' and with that added guttural element through their language; off-shoot of Dutch, they've crafted an EP that will be favoured among many in the South African Metal scene, and yet has effectively pigeon-holed the band into a genre that probably will have a niche following. However it is sure to garner attention from their neighbours in Botswana and Namibia whose cultures seemingly transcend borders.

Download This: "Babel" - Click to listen

For fans of: DevilDriver, Pantera, Machine Head

[7.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

NIGHON
'The Somme'
INVERSE

Of what arguably could be perceived as 'Symphonic War Metal', Finland's Nighon certainly know a thing or to about breaking boundaries, in fact by stripping their new album 'The Somme' down to bare elements it's clear that the symphonic structure borrows influence from film scores and therefore could lend itself to a WW2 film; perhaps more specifically the Lapland war. Overarching the symphonic foundation are elements drawn from Industrial Metal, Black / Gothic Metal and Atmospheric Metal, all of which coalesce into a sound that could spark off a whole new metal genre; sure 'film score metal' is nothing new with fellow countrymen Ravenia waltzing down that path, but for Nighon this could be the album and sound they've been craving for – the dawn of 'Symphonic War Metal'.

Download This: "Marseille 1914" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Sabaton, Ravenia, Nightwish

[8/10] RHYS STEVENSON

DETHRONE THE CORRUPTED
'Sephirot'
INDEPENDENT

When will bands begin to realize that mixing Melodic Death Metal with Deathcore is not always a good idea? The latest band to attempt this unforgiving combination is Slovenia's Dethrone The Corrupted, sure at times they manage to escape the basic formula for this style and create their own variant, but in an overall sense the result of their latest EP 'Sephirot' is a tale of two halves. On one side there is an abundance of creativity, formulas dictating new musical constructions, on the other side is an EP that is so lost within the notion of escaping Deathcore that it does the exact opposite. If this Slovenian horde could harness more of the Melodic influence and lessen the Deathcore input, then they might well be on a winner.

Download This: "Seed Of Cerebrus" - Click to listen

For Fans of: The Black Dahlia Murder, Whitechapel, All Shall Perish

[6.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

COLD BLACK
'Circles'
ARTERY

Denmark's most promising Metal act Cold Black have success in their sights with their latest effort 'Circles', it's delicate balance of Electronic Post-Hardcore and Metalcore seems to work in this quintets favour. Since their well-received single 'Constellations' took flight years ago, they've been on the fast-track to making a name for themselves and it's with this effort that dedication and passion pays off. No more is the USA the home of Metalcore as 'Scandicore' takes flight with Sweden's Imminence and now Denmark's Cold Black leading the way. Crossfaith meets modern BMTH with elements of latter Linkin Park detectable in parts of the album, with this formula devised Cold Black are on course to reach the upper echelons and join the most successful Danish metal exports of Mnemic, Raunchy, King Diamond and Scarred By Beauty.

Download This: "Circles" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Escape The Fate, BMTH, Asking Alexandria

[8/10] RHYS STEVENSON

Pereplut / Переплут
'V Starodavnie Goda'
STYGIAN CRYPT

Pagan Metal has long been a staple sub-genre of metal within the Russian lands, so it's no surprise that Pereplut carry on this tradition in national fashion, that is singing in their native Russian language. Surely in time Cossack metal will become a thing as this style of folk metal would befit the said race. For those who don't speak Russian, it will somewhat be alien to them however it does lend itself well to the cultural heritage of the Russian motherland. 'V Starodavnie Goda' is the debut album by this sextet and it has a variety of songs in different speeds; from the fast and bouncy to the sing-song by the campfire style, but it also goes to show that Arkona are not the only Russian Pagan Metal band in existence. Just don't tease those bears with this music...

Download This: 'Русалья' - click to listen

For Fans of: Arkona, Skyforger, Graveland

[7/10] RHYS STEVENSON

FADING AZALEA
'Maze Of Melancholy'
INDEPENDENT

Starting off with with a gracious and elegant sound, the debut album by Swedish duo-combo fading Azalea waltzes into the infamous Gothernburg melodic death sound, with one evident difference. They strip away the brutality and replace it with an almost orchestral symphonic arrangement that would get any metalhead aroused from head to toes. Maze Of Melancholy can be compared to the works of Fleshgod Apocalypse minus the technical and extreme death metal undertone, in fact what Fading Azalea have done here is a work of genius, if you were to take pinches of Epica, Scar Symmetry and Amon Amarth and put them into a melting point and strip away all but a small of amount of Death Metal, then what you're left with is a symphonic barrage of almost Power Metal-esque music that will surely gain the attention of the record labels.

Download this: "Burning To Ashes" - Click to listen

For fans of: Epica, Nightwish, Scar Symmetry

[8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

ASSAULT
The Fallen Reich
TRANSCENDING OBSCURITY INDIA

Assault are another living proof that the South-East Asian Metal region is as brutal as it once was and that there is no signs of slowing down, sure it's taken the Singaporean unit 11 years to drop their debut album but f*cking hell it was worth the wait! No nonsense Melodic Death Metal comes crashing into Thrash Metal and Metalcore influences that give their debut album 'The Fallen Reich' the privilege of sticking the middle finger up at the overloaded Swedish Melodic Death Metal scene. Remember how extreme Impiety are? Well Assault have improved on that extreme nature and with their sound are sure to cause a shockwave across the wider Asian Metal scene; it might even have enough gusto to perk ears up in Europe. Close your eyes and let the insane audio blitz herewith provided rob you of your senses, this music is guaranteed to keep you awake into the early hours of the morning. Featuring ChthoniC's Freddy Lim as guest vocalist on 'Enslavement To Torture', this is another reason to check this album out.

Download This: "The Fallen Reich" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Nervecell, DevilDriver, Amon Amarth

[9/10] 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

FRISSON
'Exit Denied'
INDEPENDENT

When listening to the debut album release by Frisson, you would have to make your choice on what genre they are because they seem to wander through numerous styles, from Death Metal and Hardcore to elements of Black Metal and Thrash Metal... so let's call it extreme metal. 'Exit Denied' is a raw and brutal release that will appeal to a wide range of tastes, in fact it's a decent release from a scene that lacks in exposure... it's not easy hailing from Kosovo. Wherever the future takes these lads, one thing is for certain, they are flying the flag for the Kosovar Metal scene. For the record, Frisson is French for shivering and shivering is what you will do when finishing listening to 'Exit Denied'.

Download This: "Madness" - Click to listen

For fans of: Extreme Metal

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

SECTASYS
'Brotherhood Of Chaos'
INDEPENDENT

Without a doubt one of the tightest, most extreme metal bands to emerge out of the South American continent. Hailing from Venezuela is Sectasys, a Blackened Death trio of whom have summoned the darkest curses known to man to magic up 'Brotherhood Of Chaos', an album designed for those who love their metal to be fast and heavy, not weak and pathetic. From start to finish, this album is unrelenting in every aspect and as the chaos pursues, so does the thirst for more from this band. Think early Behemoth come cascading down into Immortal whilst simultaneously flirting with Carpathian Forest, well, you get the idea... complete chaotic carnage with enough brutality to crush your mind to pieces.

Download This: "Destroyers Of Humanity" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Behemoth, Carpathian Forest, early-God Dethroned

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

LIBERTAD O MUERTE
'En Carne Viva'
INDEPENDENT

Modern Metalcore meets Modern Melodic Death Metal once again as Libertad O Muerte drop their second album 'En Carne Viva', one year after their debut saw light. Exclusively singing in Spanish, this quintet from Uruguay hold nothing back when it comes to music creativity and it shows on their latest effort, it's none of that flashy stuff nor is it swishy, in fact this album is completely brutal and demands your immediate attention. If you think you've heard Melodic Death/ / Metalcore in it's entirety, think again for Libertad O Muerte feed their style with some groove elements as well to keep it bouncing along tickety-boo. 'En Carne Viva' is a delight to listen to, may they make more albums like this.

Download This: "Divide Y Conquistarás" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Mnemic, The Agonist, Scar Symmetry

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

NOVARIUM
'Omicron'
INDEPENDENT

With most Gothic Metal bands you tend to expect the vocals to be a battle between male growls and female harmonics, however Novarium seem to want to discard the whole 'beauty and the beast' aesthetic, and instead use the power of the music generated as a menacing sound to battle against the female vocals - quite an interesting take if one is being honest. This American quintet are challenging convention with their debut effort 'Omicron' (n.b. 15th letter of the Greek alphabet), taking a delicate balance of Nightwish style symphonies and slotting in influences from Evanescence, Lacuna Coil and Within Temptation along the way. To most this might seem another one of those cliche Gothic Metal releases, but this is a breath of fresh air, don't believe me? Check it out for yourself. I call this Modern Gothic Metal.

Download This: "The Unworthy" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Nightwish, Lacuna Coil, Evanescence, Within Temptation.

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

EX ANIMO
'Neverday'
INDEPENDENT

If you turn your attention towards Eastern Europe, in specific the broader Doom / Dark Metal movement that seems to be rather a craze in this part of the world, you will find bands like Ex Animo taking the initiative to constantly reinvent this already overdone crossover genre. 12 years may well be a shockingly long time between their debut album and their second album 'Neverday', but the Ukrainian quintet have pulled out all the stops on this effort and whilst sticking 'mostly' to their guns. They've ventured into other styles of metal including Symphonic Metal and Gothic Metal at the foremost periphery. Just don't expect a lot of growling to take centre stage, instead let the atmospherics do the talking because boy, it's terrific, it's hounding and it's going to consume your senses.

Download This: "Shattered Universe" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Moonspell, Poisonblack, Paradise Lost

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

EDGEFLAME
'Liberate Then Separate'
INDEPENDENT

This is more of a political statement in vendetta form rather than a Thrash Metal album, well when you consider Edgeflame to wallow in the 80's Thrash Metal sound, it fits. Mixing Speed and Heavy Metal as well and you have the complete package. For Turkey's Edgeflame, 'Liberate Then Separate' is more about making music and enjoying it rather than seeking something new and or to be superstars, it's a statement of intent that there is evident unrest within Turkish society - not to suggest that the middle finger should be raised at the state of modern Turkey, or at least ironically that is what Edgeflame seem to suggest. Instead it's a gentle nod to a much wider global issue.

Download This: "Sledgehammer Of Time" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Evile, Pantera, Testament

[7] RHYS STEVENSON

NAWATHER
'Wasted Years'
M&O MUSIC

Ever since Myrath exploded onto the global stage with their unique style of Oriental Progressive Metal, fellow Tunisian metalheads have adopted similar styles with their music, Nawather are no exception. They aren't trying to be clones of Myrath, no way, instead they add a bit more grit and another take on the flourishing Oriental Progressive Metal style and this is clear with their debut album 'Wasted Years'. By mixing growling male vocals with clean female vocals, Nawather add an extra dimension to create their own sound - through the use of a Qanûn, rather than synthetically create the 'Arabic' vibes via keyboard; not that there's anything wrong with that, either way is something special. But it's fair to say that Nawather, Myrath and Persona are leading the 'New Wave of Tunisian Metal'.

For Fans of: Myrath, Persona, Orphaned Land

Download This: "Defnouna" - Click to listen

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

INTRICATED
'The Vortex Of Fatal Depravity'
PERMEATED

If seismic activity was detected underneath the buzzing streets of Bangkok, you cannot blame mother nature for it, no not this time... the culprits would be Intricated. By unleashing a torrential, gruelling and disgusting slab of Slam / Brutal Death Metal, Thailand's Intricated are sickening enough to make you vomit and then some. When you consider 'The Vortex Of Fatal Depravity' is the band's debut album after 9 years since their inception, it certainly was worth the wait as the pig squeals, low-fi blastbeats and thick distorted riffs set destined course for pummelling your senses. The funny thing is though, Brutal Death Metal is so fixed on a particular formula it's hard to create anything musically different without treading over the same blueprints, either way 'The Vortex Of Fatal Depravity' is a heavy-hitting release.

Download This: "Represent Existence" - click to listen

For Fans of: Katalepsy, Suffocation, Dying Fetus

[7] RHYS STEVENSON

OMNIFARIUM
'Vitiate'
INDEPENDENT

There was once a time where most people would have never thought of any metal music scenes happening in The Caribbean, nowadays the island nations and dependencies are embracing this global phenomena and it's bands like Omnifarium who are spurring it on. Having unleashed their first demo 3 years ago, the time had come for them to drop their debut EP and boy what a beast it is. Vitiate borrows influence from Old-School Death Metal as well as the Floridian Death Metal style, so mid-pace drums, chunky riffs and mauling vocals all combine to deliver a harmonised music onslaught. Omnifarium have not vitiated the Death Metal scene, no in fact they've pushed themselves right into the mix of it all, but also positioned themselves to be flying the flag for the Puerto Rican Metal scene.

Download This: "Thorns Of Abomination" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Shadows Fall, Suffocation, Morbid Angel

FROZEN GATE
'Behind The Dark Ice'
INDEPENDENT

Perhaps it might be apt that Frozen Gate does indeed hail from the city of Winterthur in northern Switzerland, because this horde of ice warriors have sculptured a rather bitter, brutal and atmospheric style of Symphonic Black Metal. 'Behind The Dark Ice' is a new edition to the whole 'Winter Metal' theme that bands like Wintersun, Wintersoul and Immortal Soul seem to use, in fact truth be told Frozen Gate are the bastard sons of Wintersun and Dimmu Borgir. On one hand you have the icy symphonies and on the other hand the fast-paced brutality combined with an almost adventurous undertone. It is early days no doubt, but Frozen Gate might yet just prove to be the Black Metal band to reignite the Swiss Metal scene and potentially befit themselves as an up-and-coming force in the underground.

Download This: "Illuminate My Way" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Behemoth, Wintersun, Dimmu Borgir

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

TBOPTPIAS
'Caucasian Flagellation'
INDEPENDENT

Potentially hailing from Barbados, Tboptpias are veiled in secrecy and there's very little information about who is in the band, whether they are from Barbados or indeed if it's a legit band (think Rhanawa vs. Oriksha Shakpana). Either way 'Caucasian Flagellation' is a very interesting release as it binds together influences from both the Black and Death Metal genres and thus somehow develops it's own sound for Tboptpias to experiment with. With the raw and low-fi production adding a crisp and underground feel to it, this debut EP is one for the ages and will surely appeal to those who indulge in extreme metal from exotic locations... that is if they are from Barbados; we know Conrad are.

Download This: "Cholera" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Cannibal Corpse, Vader, Impiety

[7] RHYS STEVENSON

MEMORIAM
'Ravaged Approach'
INDEPENDENT

Cyprus does not exactly spring to mind when you think of metal music, yet this island nation in the Mediterranean has a bustling metal scene, full of hidden gems that will get your moshing before you book flights to this sunny and hot place. Memoriam so happens to be one of these gems, this ten-legged Melodic Death outfit certainly know how to deliver a cranial-crunching release, 'Ravaged Approach' is the bands debut EP and it gives generous nods to the whole modern style with Gothenburg elements in tow. 2017 could be Memoriam's year because this sort of sound will do well around Europe as Melodic Death Metal seems to be in demand of late, watch this band with vigorous interest.

Download This: "Sated Bull" - Click here to listen

For Fans of: Arch Enemy, Amon Amarth, Scar Symmetry

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

CHEPANG
'Lathi Charge'
INDEPENDENT

Now based in the USA, Nepalese Grindcore merchants Chepang drop their self-titled EP with such force that you cannot just simply ignore it. Come on the band features two drummers for heaven's sake, and yet at times you can distinguish this easily from the forethought of them having just the one. Singing exclusively in their native Nepali, Chepang know their stuff as they bolt political and social lyrics with the grizzly sound of thunderous drums, tight riffs and vocals so thick that they're hard to understand - what more can you expect? Chepang take their name from the indigenous Tibeto-Burman tribe and the EP title comes from the Indian Media expression for 'baton charge'... yeah imagine being hit by a baton, that's what this EP will do to you.

Download This: "Bidwa Ko Charam Sukha" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Napalm Death, Tengkorak, Multinational Corporations

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

SILENT TORTURE
'Your Creation'
INDEPENDENT

Revelling in the shadows of Old-School Death Metal, New Zealanders Silent Torture keep the style alive with their debut EP 'Your Creation'. With muffled growls at the helm, this ten-legged leviathan of bestiality slams down on the table an EP that spits vulgarity, hate and abhorrence. Whilst the core of the EP glimmers with the old-school sound, there's some parts which nick elements from the Modern Death Metal style and thus if you like, keeping both camps happy. 'Your Creation' might not be unique in any shape or form, but it's certainly a delightful blast to unleash upon your neighbours - unless their elderly and then in which case may the zimmer frame moshpit commence (joke).

Download This: "Blasphemy" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Napalm Death, Morbid Angel, Obituary

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

LUCIFUGE ROFOCALE
'Serpent Insurrection'
BLACKENDEATH

For the uneducated, Lucifuge Rofocale according to the Grand Grimoire, is the demon in charge of Hell's government by order of Lucifer. In the metal world they are a truly decent Black Metal outfit from the darkened pits of Nicaragua. This time round the trio come armed with their latest offering of demonic and bestial sermons in the form of their premier EP 'Serpent Insurrection'. Traditional Black Metal riffs course throughout whilst there's a delicate whiff of True Norwegian Black Metal in the atmospherics department, both aided by raucous vocals and riveting drumming. Overall a solid EP release that will definitely appeal to the Black Metal loyalists and those passionate about metal from exotic lands alike.

Download This: "Luciferic Enslavement" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Immortal, Carpathian Forest, Taake

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

LUCID NIGHTMARE
'Lucid Nightmare'
INDEPENDENT

Northern Ireland is one of those metal scenes that despite having a wealth of talent, rarely sees any of it's offspring fledge outside of it's lands if only for a few bands, Gama Bomb for example. So when the attention turns towards the underground and bands like Lucid Nightmare deliver their first effort, eyebrows are raised, because when you listen to their debut self-titled effort, not only is it raw and delicious, it's true to the underground sound. 'Lucid Nightmare' is a release that whilst evidently lacks the ability to convince that the band is the real deal, it does come as a consolatory pleasant listen, one that borrows influences from Black Metal, Thrash Metal and Heavy Metal without straying into either one too far. 2017 should have high hopes for this quintet, they're clearly onto something.

For Fans of: Toxic Holocaust, Slayer, Venom

Download This: "Hidden Victims" - Click to listen

[7] RHYS STEVENSON

COMMUNAL GRAVE
'Solace in Violencia'
ENFORCER

The members who make up the Pakistani Extreme Metal band Communal Grave have come out from their own communal grave (ha-ha... no), well the previous incarnation split back in 2011 before a new visage emerged just last year (2015) and with it they set on delivering a solid 'welcome back' release. The result? A powerful punch-in-the-face courtesy of their rather ironical debut album 'Solace in Violencia' which eventually came after 10 years since their inception. By throwing Melodic Death and Thrash Metal into the mixing pot, this Karachi-based horde have conjured up a release that is sure to draw some attention their way as its potency is second to none... it's sheer magnificence is untouchable.

For Fans of: Scar Symmetry, Kreator, The Haunted

Download This: "Pull The Trigger" - Click to listen

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

RAGE MOB
'Unforeseen Disaster'
INDEPENDENT

Done in the traditional style of South American Thrash Metal, Rage Mob's first ever demo 'Unforeseen Disaster' is laden with chugging riffs, headbanging vocals and Teutonic drums, but even more impressive is the variety of style on this demo. From the fast to the slick, 'Unforeseen Disaster' is a demo that should be heralded by the Paraguayan Metal scene as one of the finest releases seen this year. By taking the Groove influence from Sepultura and adding the brutality of Slayer, this quartet are set to embark on something remarkable in the years-to-come. Sticking to true 80's Thrash lyrics, the band dives head-first into social issues, violent unrest and humanity's demise, how more fitting can this be?

Download This: "Ritual Of Violence" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Slayer, Sepultura, Evile

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

APU RUMI
'Puka Yaku'
INDEPENDENT

The self-proclaimed 'Andean Folk Metal' sextet known as Apu Rumi have stamped their mark on the Peruvian Metal scene with their ethnic take on the Power / Folk Metal style. By releasing their debut album 'Puka Yaku', which is entirely in the Quechua language; thus becoming the first metal band to do so, they've effectively created a new style of Folk Metal. Quechua so happens to be the native language of the Incas and so thus making this album and band rather authentic to Peruvian culture. Immerse yourself in infectious melodies, thunderous drums and riffs, harmonious and Amazonian atmospherics but also traditional Inca folk music. 'Puka Yaku' is a truly unique and mesmerising release that will set the trend for Peruvian Folk Metal in years to come.

Download This: "Tanta Qarwa" - Click to listen

For fans of: Mägo de Oz, Skiltron, Angra

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

EXITUS
'Rot 'Em All'
INDEPENDENT

Hailing from The Philippines, the Extreme Metal trio Exitus bind together elements from Black Metal, Death Metal and Thrash Metal to once again conjure up another demo, 'Rot 'Em All'. Yet whilst it's only taken a year to unleash this beast, it's 15 years since the band's inception and so it makes you question what on earth have they been doing all this time? Sleeping under rocks? No idea. But the demo itself is not bad, it's not great, but it does well to pass the time. None the less Exitus will have their fair share of attention across the South-East Asian Metal scenes, but for the wider world? Questionable but certainly not wishful thinking.

Download This: "This Metal Lust" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Toxic Holocaust, Carpathian Forest, Immortal

[7] RHYS STEVENSON

DIABOLIZER
'Apokalypse'
THIRD EYE TEMPLE

It would be safe to say that Diabolizer are tastier than Turkish delight, although the latter is just more savoury. 'Apokalypse' is the Turkish Death Metal quintet's premier album and bloody hell does it slay, it's unrelenting pummelling of ferocious double bass drums coupled with unforgiving vocals and a guitar atmosphere that's sharper than barbed wire. Masochistic in it's production and clean in it's sound, 'Apokalypse' is one album that demands respect, it's filth and corroded smacking of extremity means you should bow down and suck off your genitals, you will find nothing more grim than this album, period (no pun). Hark the new wave of Turkish Death Metal, a sound so brutal you will need clean underwear after submitting yourself to this wondrous work of art.

Download This: "Condemned To Burn In Hell"

For Fans of: Suffocation, Dying Fetus, Unleashed

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

PLECTOR ALIQUEM CAPITE
'The End'
HAMMERKRIEG PRODS.

Delivering their latest effort in the form of an EP, Sri Lanka's Plector Aliquem Capite hold no bitterness back, resulting in the deliverance of a rather coarse, raspy and low-fi production certified to appease to those who love not only Extreme Metal, but also (you guessed it) exotic metal. Let's hope that 'The End' EP is not 'The End' for this bestial bunch, because their bizarre-yet-interesting EP release here is one that is hard to come by, it's indescribable to say the least. Unorthodox on every level, this EP might be brushed aside by the elitists as not a 'pure' Black Metal release, but for those with no such naivety, the listen will be a certified delight. By combining artificial atmospherics with old-school Black Metal, you might get a headache but damn it is worth it.

Download This: "Hypersomnia"

For Fans of: Gorgoroth, Taarma, 'Raw Black Metal'

[7] RHYS STEVENSON

NEUROTECH
'In Remission'
INDEPENDENT

Slovenia's Neurotech has never been a let down when it comes to putting out new music and the one-man project won't start now. Dropping his fifth album under this moniker, Wulf carries on the harsh industrial symphonies he masterminded at the very beginning. 'In Remission' is a transcending journey across cyberspace and the cybernet, riding the very data connections that makes this album so synthetically electrified, so much so you would need a ravepit to encompass a growing moshpit... welcome to the new wave of Cyber Metal. Lacing together the harmonies of symphonic metal with Industrial / EBM beats, Neurotech's music is designed to tap into your cranial infrastructure, probe your mind and download you into the musical matrix of which herewith is presented.

Download This: "The Last Hope" - Click to listen

For Fans of: The Kovenant, Eisenfunk, Within Temptation

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

DISTRICT UNKNOWN
'64 (Single)'
INDEPENDENT

It's very rare GMA reviews singles, but we give the exception to a select few. One of the latest privileged bands is Afghanistan's very own District Unknown. Their latest single '64' may well be in response to the Taliban attack back in April 2016 where 64 innocent Afghan civilians lost their lives, politics and war aside the single is drenched in gloomy doom atmospherics whilst the forefront sound is a combination of Progressive and Groove Metal. The single delivers a trance feeling to it, the dramatical musical representation of the eternal struggles Afghans face, but also the sound taps into their heritage and enables subtle whiffs of traditional Afghan music to flow into the guitar riffs. Overall this single is a statement of intent from the founders of the Afghanistan Metal scene, one that should not be brushed aside.

Download this: "64" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Sigh, Kylesa, Huntress

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

SLOT
'Septima'
SLIPTRICK

Modern Metal's latest product is made in Russia. Drenched in vodka and as ice-cold as the Siberian tundra, five-piece force Slot return with their latest infectious offering 'Septima', a bulldozing album with enough rampaging spirit to kick any moshpit into shit-faced brutality. Singing in their native Russian does not hold this unit back from conjuring up something magical, you know it's this sort of music that glimmers in originality, there are very few comparable bands; if you dig deep into the Russian Metal scene then the closest compatible band would probably be Save. As for Slot, well they will certainly notch up huge interest from Eastern Europe, some might argue they should sing in English to break into the international scene - Rammstein didn't, so why should Slot? Embrace yourselves in this beast from the east.

Download This: "Reincarnation"

For Fans of: Korn, Static-X, Save.

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

EFFIGY
'Eugenics'
INDEPENDENT

Effigy hail from Bosnia-Herzegovina, a metal scene that deserves more attention because when you take for example the brutal strength shown on their premier EP, you begin to think why weren't they snapped up by a label earlier? 'Eugenics' is your generic slab of modern Death Metal, but don't be put off by that sentiment because the sound itself is far more complex than that. Filthy rotten vocals lead the battle charge whilst the drums supply the artillery fire, the guitars meanwhile add the final blow and thus ignites the atmosphere with sheer brutal elegance. This band may have come from a country still divided, but their music whilst it speaks words, will not split any Death Metal fans up, it's too cute for that.

Download This: "Repulsion For Creed" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Aborted, Vallenfyre, Abhorrent Decimation

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

VOLUPTUARY
'Hóa Thân'
INDEPENDENT

Could this ultimately be Vietnam's long-awaited answer to Six Feet Under? Because f*ck, this is really heavy as hell. Voluptuary's premier album 'Hóa Thân' primarily sits on the fence between Groove and Death Metal, but secondarily has subtle injections of Progressive Metal to bolster the sound to a greater level. Vietnamese Metal is extremely underground, yet with this effort, we could be listening to the first ever metal band from Vietnam to be signed by a Western label - they deserve it with this effort. Sure some might find it tricky with the language difference, but truth be told the aggressiveness layered over it is really menacing. 'Hóa Thân' means 'incarnate', and what Voluptuary have done here is incarnated a sensational album out of the ashes.

Download This: "Vách đá"

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

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

PHERETRUM
'Still Being Maggots'
INDEPENDENT

It only took 6 years for Pheretrum's debut album to finally come out, of course between the band's inception and this album dropping there have been a handful of demo's, the wait for the album was worth it. 'Still Being Maggots' is a healthy and juicy slab of Death Metal designed to keep you on your twinkle toes, prancing and headbanging about the bedroom whilst you douse yourself in beer and wishing you were having sex at this breakneck speed; poor significant other. Uruguay has generally had a decent history with Death Metal and this album is no exception, but rather an example of how heavy this shit gets. 'Still Being Maggots' is a delight to behold, just like a chocolate cake, it's full of savoury goodness.

Download This: "Mass Acceptance" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Modern Death Metal

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

LAXSID
'Šañãm'
INDEPENDENT

For the disturbed and those who prefer eerie and weird music, you're reading the right review. Laxsid, a one-man project from Syria (now located in Brazil via Saudi Arabia) is not your typical Ambient Black Metal outlet, in fact there is very little Black Metal in the new EP. 'Šañãm' if you like, is a collection of weird and deranged sounds, sure whilst the ambiance might derail your nerves and send you insane, for those expecting guitars, drums and vocals, you will be met with disappointment. In fact let's call it simply 'Ambient', very little metal involved and yet after listening over and over again, the desire to enjoy the music sits between 'sod it I'm giving up' to 'lets fall asleep to this'. 'Šañãm' is a decent EP, but it lacks a place in this world, if such a place exists....

Download This: "Converted To Knowledge" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Ambient Music, Instrumentals, Computer Music.

[6.5] 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

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

ESTAMPIDA
'Hard As The Wolfram'
INDEPENDENT

Celebrating their 20th year anniversary, Argentinian quartet Estampida unleash an apocalypse with their 'Thrashtastic' EP 'Hard As The Wolfram'. Sure the simile used in the EP title might raise a few eyebrows given Wolfram is the alternate name for Tungsten, which in turn derives from Swedish for 'Heavy Stone', but if this is meant to describe the music then hell the words explain themselves. If you prefer your metal to be full of throttling pace, combined with an atmosphere that guarantees to spark a mosh-pit and one that harbors a sound that will snap your neck in two, then you are reading a review about that exact release. Wallowing between the furious pace of Bay Area Thrash Metal and the guttural harmonics of Melodic Death Metal, 'Hard As The Wolfram' is an EP to raise a pint to. They may be old in the scene, but their music is still fresh as daisies.

Download This: "Face The Fear (Captive Soul)" - Click here to listen

For Fans of: The Haunted, The Arcane Order, Dying Fetus

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

SPYDOR
'Predator'
INDEPENDENT

Despite all their efforts to sound unique and original, German Thrash Metallers Spydor just don't quite cut it. No disrespect to their debut EP 'Predator' which is a good solid slab of Thrash Metal, it just doesn't have anything excellent going for it, no 'wow' factor, no breakneck elements, nothing. It just doesn't seem whether they want to follow the Teutonic Thrash sound or the Bay Area Thrash sound, leaving them to ponder clueless as to where they want to be. 'Predator' for all it's might falls at the very last hurdle that otherwise would have given the band potential to establish a name for themselves in their homeland. Granted the members may well come from well-respected bands in their region, but as far as an international perspective goes, this EP is just another one to shelve in the category 'generic thrash', here's hoping their next effort is an improvement.

Download This: "War" - Click here to listen

For Fans of: Kreator, Slayer, 'Generic Thrash'

[6.5] RHYS STEVENSON

CRESCENT LAMENT
'花殤' ("Elegy For The Blossoms")
INDEPENDENT

Crescent Lament's second album answers the anticipation surrounding it with such conviction, that this could be the release that gives Crescent Lament international recognition. '花殤' ("Elegy For The Blossoms") tells the story of A-hiong, a Taiwanese geisha who endured sorrow and anxiety throughout the late-Japanese period, the Pacific campaign in WWII and thereafter upon the dawn of the Chinese Nationalist Party's dominance in Taiwanese history. By utilizing traditional Taiwanese and Japanese instruments to give the sound a Oriental-yet-traditional feel to the music, Crescent Lamant establish themselves as the pioneers of ''Oriental Gothic Metal' and as this album goes, delivers a dark, saddening and theatrical sound. What also makes this release all the more magical, is the entire story concept, with two cultures clashing on one record, this is one album everyone should have in their collection. If any Far Eastern film delves into the realm of the geisha, Crescent Lament should make an appearance on the strength of this release.

Download This: " 晴雨 " - Click here to listen

For Fans of: Epica, Lacrimosa, After Forever

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

GEMINI ABYSS
'Regenerate'
INDEPENDENT

Gemini Abyss' third full-length release 'Regenerate', at times feels like there is too much going on and thus loses track on what could be a powerful album. The male vocals hinder the album this time round, constricting the evident Symphonic Power Metal sound and clogging it up, whereas the female vocals need greater space instead of battling against the crunchy guitar riffs and blitzing drums. Despite this, 'Regenerate' is a respectable release that will surely give the fans of said metal genre and band to chew on, but in a holistic sense it might not be enough to propel the band into the international spotlight. Instead of growling, perhaps Marcin ought to adopt a Phantom of the Opera singing style; this combined with Klaudia's graceful singing would send the atmospherics sky-rocketing. There are pockets of songs that stand out as true anthems, such as 'Like The Wind' which ideally is the sound Gemini Abyss ought to follow more.

Download This: "Like The Wind" - Click here to listen

For Fans of: Nightwish, Rhapsody Of Fire, Kamelot

[7] RHYS STEVENSON

VARIOUS ARTISTS
'The Witch 3: Wild Hunt Official Soundtrack - Special Edition'
CD PROJEKT RED

To hear this momentous soundtrack from the Windows/PS4/Xbox One game 'The Witch 3: Wild Hunt' is a delight beyond all belief. Featuring a wide array of instrumentalists and an all-Polish-choir, the end product is one of sheer emphatic and epic proportions that relates to the LOTR trilogy in it's suspense, elements and dramatic numbers. It also features the Progressive / Folk Metal band Percival using only acoustic instruments (Percival Schuttenbach is the metal counterpart) of whose metal name ties in with one of the gnomes from "The Witcher" saga, which in turn is a book series and forerunner to the video game series. In fact, this all Polish affair really has put the spotlight on the band and musicians involved, but as for the soundtrack itself for those who manage to secure a copy it is worth the listen. With 31 tracks spanning over 70 minutes-worth of listening time, listeners will be spoiled for choice onto what to listen to, overall this is a majestic work of art that will enthrall anyone who plays the game and as said listens to the soundtrack (if you're lucky enough to get a copy).

Listen to it here: "Official Soundtrack"

For Fans of: Video game instrumentals

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

PERCIVAL SCHUTTENBACH / PERCIVAL
'Wild Hunt' & 'Mniejsze Zło'
INDEPENDENT / INDEPENDENT

Lubin-based Percival Schuttenbach and their sister band Percival lock horns on their folkloric split release 'Wild Hunt' and exercise their traditional Slavic roots with pomp, majestic atmospherics and similar pace to that of their national dance the Polonez. The evident difference between the two bands is that Percival uses solely acoustic elements and yet whilst the Russian-Polish group have their musical differences with both bands, the essence of folk music remains on both accounts. Yet, Percival Schuttenbach (whose name comes from a gnome in the "The Witcher" saga) go international and perform other traditional folk songs from Belarus, Bulgaria and Croatia and thus deliver a fantastic multicultural product.

Listeners will not get bored of this, nor will they get bored of the metal counterpart known (as said) as Percival. Sure whilst the latter band only has four songs on this 12-track release, it still delivers that excitement and folk-feeling you would expect. Singing exclusively in Polish, Percival keep their heritage and traditions alive through a cocktail blend of Progressive Metal guitar work and Folk Metal harmonics, just don't confused them with Pagan Metal because they are far from it. For Slavic Folk Metal, Percival stick true to their sister bands sounds and turn the amp up past 13. Overall this split is a remarkable testament to the Polish Metal scene, and is one that you ought to have in your collection.

As for Percival Schuttenbach's fourth album 'Mniejsze Zło', more of their Progressive Folk Metal is brought out again. Maxing out at over an hour, this is a joy to listen to as the Polish verbiage flows out like a cascading waterfall. Much alike to fellow contemporary Polish Folk Metal bands, Percival Schuttenbach weave together traditional sounds with the harsh grittiness of metal music to create a sound that will enthrall many fans alike. Sure the balance between clean and screeching vocals is paramount to making a release dynamic, and that is what exactly has happened, by mixing two types of vocals that are reminiscent of many Slavic Metal bands and of the bouncy and melodic traditional type, 'Mniejsze Zło' will surely stand the test of time as a true honor to Polish Slavic Metal.

Download This: "Żmij I Dziewczyna" - Click here to listen

For Fans of: Arkona, At The Lake, Żywiołak

[8] + [8] RHYS STEVENSON

FRANTIC AMBER
'Burning Insight'
INDEPENDENT

Metal knows no boundaries, so when Sweden-based quintet Frantic Amber unleash their debut album 'Burning Insight' upon the masses, what comes with it is a new take on the Melodic Death Metal style. With members from Sweden, Japan, Norway and Denmark bringing together their own unique tastes for metal, the consequential output is a mixing pot of different influences that all mesh together to create the Frantic Amber sound. Dynamic atmospherics laced with the unrelenting pummeling of the drums come colliding and crashing against the crunchiness of the riffs and sickening feminine-ish vocals. It may well be 7 years since the band's inception, but the wait is well worth it. 'Burning Insight' shows a vast improvement across the years since the band's first EP and with this effort, clearly deserve to be signed, for they are certainly Sweden's hottest-property-of-2015.

For Fans of: Arch Enemy, Scar Symmetry, Deals Death

Download This: "Soar" - Click here to listen

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

AZURICA
'Warriors Don't Die'
INDEPENDENT

Not to be confused with their second EP of the same name, Azurica's humble beginning started with their 2013 EP 'Warriors Don't Die' which takes the form of a Keyboard-led style of Melodic Death Metal. Despite it's might, the vocals seem to be whispered and thereby allowing the guitars to take center stage alongside the keyboards. And what with the drums providing very little agility let alone sound quality, you begin to question where the band wants to be heading and where they are actually heading. Suffice to say despite Azurica's attempts to make 'Warriors Don't Die' a feasibly and exciting release, it fails to make the cut and as a result, begs for their next release to be the one to gobsmack. How will the German quintet move on from this is the next question, one of which should have an interesting answer.

Download This: "The Inseparable Part" - Click here to listen

For Fans of: 'Melodic Death Metal'

[6.5] RHYS STEVENSON

KYMATICA
'Kymatica'
INDEPENDENT

Just utter the genre and you will raise an eyebrow. Symphonic Extreme Metal might be a paradox in terms of how the opposites of the metal scale collide on Kymatica's self-debut album, but it certainly leaves an ever-lasting taste for more. Whilst their first major release might not be a clear-cut work of art, it certainly delivers something fresh to the table, with a concoction of sounds deriving from Symphonic Metal, Black Metal, Post-Metal and Doom Metal, you would be left pondering what on earth did Kymatica drink in order to deliver this golden-piss-of-an-album. Despite its lack of presence for the most part, 'Kymatica' is a promising sign of good things to come from this Canadian quartet and whilst it may leave some listeners befuddled, the end result is as good as the start. Watch this band with some interest.

Download This: "Fate, Doom" - Click here to listen

For Fans of: Dimmu Borgir, Cradle Of Filth, White Empress

[7] RHYS STEVENSON

STORM UPON THE MASSES
'Vengeance Of Madness'
INDEPENDENT

Slamming the ground with a fist of fury is Belgian Brutal Death Metal masochists Storm Upon The Masses, now their EP 'Vengeance Of Madness' is a little heavier than your last hangover. By bolting together a furious rally of drumming, riffs and guttural verbiage, this quintet emerge victorious as perhaps becoming the natural successor to Aborted. 'Vengeance Of Madness' will grapple onto your senses, pound your skull into tiny fragmented pieces and leave you begging for your mummy; unless of course she's into brutally-crafted Brutal Death Metal. Whilst there is only three tracks, there is enough firepower to blow away any poser Death Metal band with ease and cement Storm Upon The Masses' place as one of 2015's hottest prospects, let alone place 'Vengeance Of Madness' as an early contender for Belgian release of the year. All in all, watch this band with interest.

Download This: "The Skin Collector" - Click here to listen

For Fans of: Aborted, Suffocation, Nile

[8] RHYS STEVENSON