 SARMAT 'RS-28' INDEPENDENT It's easy to say that whenever a black / death metal band emerges out of the Polish underground, first comparisons with that band are usually drawn from either Behemoth or Vesania, for trio Sarmat they seem to straddle the two with their finely balanced blend of blitzkrieg black metal and death metal destruction. From the off we're treated to a ferocious onslaught of menacing riffs, thunderous drums and vocals harsh enough to make your ears bleed inside out. Sarmat takes it's name from the aptly named "Weapon of Ultimate Destruction", the Russian super-heavy intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) RS-28 SARMAT (also known as SATAN 2). Naturally this pretty much summarises the band's debut album "RS-28", not just musically in the sense that it's cataclysmic but also lyrically as they heavily lean on military terms, war and destruction. Sarmat are one to watch, watch this space. Download this: "Seeds of Uncertainty" For fans of: Behemoth, Vesania, Eastern Front, Vader 'RS-28' is out now via an independent release [8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON  THE IRIDIUM EXPERIMENT 'Hero.Villain.Victim' INDEPENDENT It goes without saying that within planet metal, a vast swathe of the African continent tends to be forgotten to a larger extent except for a number of metal bands... just not enough to reach the number of fingers on your hand. It therefore comes as no surprise that the South African metal scene is largely disconnected from the rest of the world, but it's bands like The Iridium Experiment who carry the scene forward. This 10-legged leviathan might not exactly bring something totally fresh to the table, they do however bring something that will grab attention from further afield no doubt. Their debut EP ''Hero.Villain.Victim'' is poised within the progressive metalcore sound but with aspects of modern metal dabbled here and there. What could make the sound that bit more in your face would be some heavier synths, maybe a bass drop here and there, not suggesting they should walk down the lines of Asking Alexandria or The Browning, but for the style implemented here it may well become complementary. Otherwise a solid effort that will grab attention across the African continent and beyond. Download this: "Losing My Mind" For fans of: Cypher16, Monuments, Miss May I 'Hero.Villain.Victim' is out now via an independent release [8/10] RHYS STEVENSON  SABHANKRA 'Death To Traitors' SATURNAL It's no secret that the Turkish extreme metal scene is one not to be taken lightly, just ask veterans Sabhankra who have been crafting unnerving music for over 20 years. Now the quartet have delivered a solid reminder of why the aforementioned is truthful, this reminder comes courtesy of their new album "Death To Traitors", a solid romp that samples sounds from the melodic black, death and thrash metal libraries whilst adding their own authentic flavour to the mix. If you're seeking metal that you could meditate or pray to, then Sabhankra is your answer, for this quartet have conjured up sounds that puts the mind at ease, whilst ironically making your limbs yearn to mosh. "Death To Traitors" may well be the most extreme release Sabhankra has put out to date. Download this: "Burn Down Their Halls" For fans of: Keep Of Kalessin, Aradin Azun, Damaar 'Death To Traitors' is out now via Saturnal Records [8/10] RHYS STEVENSON  KHANDRA 'All Occupied By Sole Death' SEASON OF MIST / UNDERGROUND ACTIVITIES Whilst the country of Belarus is facing a barrage of criticism and unrelenting negative media coverage, it is then perhaps a welcome relief to see it's very own black metallers Khandra deliver their debut album 'All Occupied By Sole Death'. This album stamps it's authority from the off and epitomises the very nature of the new wave of black metal we are experiencing, sure it carries the classic black metal drums and riffs, but the raw intensity presented is so compelling it's almost as if it's a work of literature, with each song being a page that enthrals the listener into wanting to hear and learn more. Perhaps Khandra is the band to lead the Belarusian metal scene on the international stage, arguably they are now the flag-bearers, as for their debut album, well it's going to be rather tricky to do any better than this... no wonder Season of Mist took interest! Download this: "Nothing But Immortality For Aye" For fans of: Winterfylleth, Blaze Of Perdition, Mgła 'All Occupied By Sole Death' is out now via Season Of Mist - Underground Activities [8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON  HAGEL 'Veneration Of The Black Light' PERSONAL Not much is known about the period of activity between 1995-2000, but come 2014 and it seemed that Hagel were back on the scene... fast forward to 2021 and the Mexican black / doom metal quintet deliver their debut album 'Veneration Of The Black Light'. Whether it was worth the wait is anyone's guess, but the truth of the matter is whilst the album is great to listen to and no doubt they have some good talent in their ranks, it's too cliche for most parts. Sure there are far worse records out there and as said their talent is not questionable, the album just lacks that 'wow' factor that would leave one yearning for more. The predictability of how each song goes is almost hard to ignore and barely features anything that would gain vast attention outside Mexico, but with finesse and a re-evaluation of their music, they could easily knock on Europe's door... but this album most likely won't do that. Download this: "Blindness" For fans of: Black / Doom Metal... 'Veneration Of The Black Light' is out now via Personal Records [6.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON  UNFATHOMABLE RUINATION 'Decennium Ruinae' WILLOWTIP If you ever needed living proof that the British extreme metal scene is alive, well and downright dirty, then you would only need to tune into the new EP by London technical / brutal death metal architects Unfathomable Ruination. 'Decennium Ruinae' is a 4-track slam-a-thon that gets you smashing your head in no time; by embracing the unconventional time signatures, gut-rotten vocals and drumming sequences that rival that of a pneumatic drill, you'll be consumed by the total musical armageddon this quintet have to offer. 'Decennium Ruinae' roughly translates from Latin to 'decades destroyed' in English, but just as the Romans raided and pillaged England so to will Unfathomable Ruination raid and pillage your mind. Download this: "Disciples Of Pestilence" For fans of: Suffocation, Necrophagist, Spawn Of Possession 'Decennium Ruinae' is out now via Willowtip Records [8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON  TORTUGA 'Flying Dutchman' INDEPENDENT Pirate Metal? No this is not another Alestorm coming to sink your ship, no this what Captain Jack Sparrow would probably be listening to whilst piloting the Black Pearl... to Tortuga? Echoing the early days of the German heavy metal band Running Wild, Tortuga has taken the classic heavy metal sound, sprinkled it with steampunk elements and a dabble of medieval rock. If you're after something quirky and something that gets you drinking till 'why is the rum gone', then Tortuga's latest effort 'Flying Dutchman' is for you. Who'd have thought that they would be on album number 9 and only pay their port charges in kegs of rum now?!?!?! The 'Flying Dutchman' is a treasure to behold... just don't leave it at the Davy Jones's locker. Download this: "Rackham's Revenge" For fans of: Running Wild, Nightcreepers, Subway To Sally 'Flying Dutchman' is out now via an independent release [8/10] RHYS STEVENSON  BRILLIANT COLDNESS 'The Ultimate Dream. Plan B: Disposal Of Humanity" DEAD CENTER PRODS With the new album by the Ukrainian technical death metallers Brilliant Coldness, there is unrelenting fury and brutality right from the off. 'The Ultimate Dream. Plan B: Disposal Of Humanity" is the band's 3rd album and marks a change in personnel since their preceding release "Poisoned Reality", with 3 musicians coming and going. Nonetheless, the barrage of brutality exhibited on the album cannot be questioned or challenged, it simply has you hooked from the first note to the very last drum beat, the technicality is infatuating and the power is uncompromising. It would take something rather special for this quintet to upstage this album because it simply blasts anything in it's way to smithereens. You would call it technical death metal, they call it 'academic death metal'... let the examinations begin. Download this: "The Crown Of Darkness' For fans of: Necrophagist, Morbid Angel, Cryptopsy 'The Ultimate Dream. Plan B: Disposal Of Humanity" is out via Dead Center Productions. [8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON  NOTHING NOBLE 'Modern Dismay' PRIME COLLECTIVE There must be something in the water in Denmark, because they always somehow manage to export scintillating modern metal and metalcore factions. Stepping up to the plate and bestowing their infectious blend of progressive metalcore is Nothing Noble, their 2nd album 'Modern Dismay' arguably positions itself away from the 7-string djent whoring that is found within some progressive metalcore bands. There is no nonsense on this album and is certified to take you on a thunderous, raucous yet blazing ride across groovy riffs and ground-shaking drums. Harmoniously put together, the album could easily lend itself to metal yoga for it's spiritual and soulful blend of majestic wizardry and energetic vocals. The new wave of Danecore is upon us.... Download this: "Black Earth" For fans of: Architects, Killswitch Engage, Jinjer 'Modern Dismay' is out 6th August via Prime Collective. [8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON  VARANG NORD
'Pārķiuņa Uomurs' SLIPTRICK 'Pārķiuņa Uomurs' is the 3rd album by the Latvian Viking folk metal tribe Varang Nord, what is striking about the album is that it is not in the style you would expect... the music is not in the same vein as Skyforger per se, far from it... in fact it's become their own sound. Varang Nord on this album sing in the Latgalian language, which is a regional and historic language; which in itself is helping protect the language and is not too far-a-cry from what New Zealand's Alien Weaponry did with the Maori language. Naturally you would associate Latvian folk metal with the pagan metal sound, so to have a band like Varang Nord opt to sing about the Nordic culture, history and surrounding nature is something rather refreshing... and for that reason, 'Pārķiuņa Uomurs' could well be a contender for 'Latvian metal album of the year'. Download this: "Svietņeica" For fans of: Turisas, Metsatoll, Tyr. 'Pārķiuņa Uomurs' is out now via Sliptrick Records [9/10] RHYS STEVENSON
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 DUSK OF DELUSION 'Watch Your 6' FANTAI'ZIC Conceptually the second album by Dusk Of Delusion is wonderful, musically though at times it slacks badly. There are some really amazing elements that work wonderfully, but there are some elements which in all honesty shouldn't have even be used. Granted they're a Nu / Alternative Metal band and those genres demand countless influences and sounds, but at times during some of the songs the elements clash too much and arguably becomes a clusterf*ck. 'Watch Your 6' is a conceptual work regarding the First World War and delivers stories from all fronts, with songs in Russian, French, German, Serbian and English, with that in tow the album is rather brutal and unrelenting, but it falls short of being extraordinary and just about ticks the boxes of being listenable, they're on the right path, just. Download This: While He Sleeps For fans of: 36 Crazyfists, Slipknot, 5 Finger Death Punch 'Watch Your 6' is out now via Fantai'zic [7/10] RHYS STEVENSON  VIROCRACY 'Irradiation' BLACK SUNSET / MDD If you're looking for your next successful Death Metal export from Germany, then stop at Virocracy. For a band who has been around since 2018 and only dropping their debut album this year, you would have thought they would be seasoned pro's given the unforgiving brutality 'Irradiation' comes loaded with. Lead by the savage Anika Ov Moseberg (who might as well be a reincarnation of Angela Gossow; truth be told), Virocracy have nailed every criterion of what makes a debut album a statement album, it is sure to give them considerable attention across Europe and festival slots next year... you read it hear first, Virocracy are leading the next wave of German Extreme Death Metal. There is not one song on this album that offers any kind of weakness, it's designed to crush your cranium with maximum effect. Download This: Initio For fans of: Arch Enemy, Suffocation, Gojira 'Irradiation' is out now via Black Sunset / MDD [9/10] RHYS STEVENSON  ELCROST 'Benighted & Unrequited' INDEPENDENT Ask anyone about the Extreme Metal scene in the Far East and they'll tell you how dark, atmospheric and unforgiving it really is. Elcrost are a living proof of this as this trio's debut album is laden with atmospherics that are so unnerving, they leave you wincing in pain whilst the crackling vocals, barbaric riffs and seismic drums leave you in wonder as to what hit you. 'Benighted & Unrequited' is a raw journey through the darkest metal known in the Vietnamese Metal scene and sets itself apart as arguably one of the most darkest releases to emerge from said scene. If you think China has an impressive Black Metal scene, then just check out Elcrost for they are the band that Vietnam has long been craving. Download This: The Worm For fans of: Urgehal, Carpathian Forest, Naglfar 'Benighted & Unrequited' is out now via an independent release [8/10] RHYS STEVENSON  CORROSIÓN 'Matar Para Vivir' INDEPENDENT Sung exclusively in Spanish, the debut album 'Matar Para Vivir' by Uruguayan Death / Groove Thrashers Corrosión is laden with slickness so slick, it will let your senses slide into complete dysphoria. Granted it's nothing new in terms of the sound, but it does offer a refreshing reminder of the power conjured up in the Death / Groove / Thrash crossover genre. The only relative downside is the production level as it seems a little too raw for it to be considered a globally-worthy release, that said it will certainly satisfy those who love their metal unpolished and heavily dirty. Time will tell as to whether this Uruguayan unit salvage bits of the wreckage in time for their possible follow-up. Download This: Zapatos de cemento For fans of: DevilDriver, Sepultura, Machine Head 'Matar Para Vivir' is out via an independent release [7/10] RHYS STEVENSON  SVENGALI 'Sayonara' INDEPENDENT Svengali return locked and loaded with their second album 'Sayonara' with two new members in vocalist Adnan Mryhij and drummer Joshua Saldanha, boy what a force they have become. If you think you know Metalcore, think again, Svengali will impale your body for breakfast and spit-roast you for dinner with this new effort, it's like letting off an atomic bomb. The great thing about this release is that there is something for everyone, there are fist-punching anthems and there are toned-down metallic ballads (core style), but none of those cheesy, flashy riffs, lame bridges or uber predictable breakdowns; basically 60% of most Metalcore bands these days. It goes without saying that Svengali are the next best band to emerge from the Emirati Metal scene; even though by nationality the band comprises of Emirati, Jordanian, Lebanese and Iranian musicians, effectively becoming a part of the 'New Wave of Middle Eastern Metal'. Download This: This Is Kombat For fans of: Whitechapel, Hatebreed, Miss May I 'Sayonara' is out now via an independent release [9/10] RHYS STEVENSON  ZIFIR 'Demoniac Ethics' DUPLICATE RECORDS Veterans of the Turkish Black Metal scene Zifir hold nothing back with their fourth album 'Demoniac Ethics' as the darkness seeps through this raw and atmospheric opus. It's not exactly a secret that Turkey has a rather potent and bleak Black Metal scene, brimming with bands of all eras and yet Zifir, a trio that has been going for 14 years haven't given up at all. This shows in the brilliance exhibited with this latest effort, an echo of the first wave of Norwegian Black Metal albeit in the vein of Turkish attitude. 'Demoniac Ethics' no doubt will tickle the senses of those who prefer to have their Black Metal filthy, raw and atmospheric; even pleasing the elitists (such a thing still exists sadly), rest assured Zifir are not going anywhere anytime soon and will almost certainly conjure up another slab of Turkish Black Metal for people to savour. Download This: Spirit of Goats For fans of: Immortal, Carpathian Forest, Naglfar 'Demoniac Ethics' is out via Duplicate Records [8/10] RHYS STEVENSON  YMYRGAR 'Where The Oak Drowns Its Roots' INDEPENDENT Tunisian Pagan Black Metallers Ymyrgar unleash their second offering in 'Where The Oak Drowns Its Roots', 6 years after their debut album graced planet metal. This time it's bigger, it's bolder and it's double the length of their debut album and so thus more to cheer about. In all honesty this should give them some considerable attention across the region and into Europe as it's a big step-up since their debut. There is something for everyone on this album, whether you're into the Pagan style of Black Metal or prefer Folk Metal tunes that have enough bounce to give you a spring in your step, 'Where The Oak Drowns Its Roots' has it all. Let this septet take you on a magical journey through the dark nights of the Tunisian sands and across the folkloric streets of Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. Download This: Throne of the Damned For fans of: Arkona, Arallu, Barbaros 'Where The Oak Drowns Its Roots' is out via an independent release [8/10 RHYS STEVENSON  ABSENTATION 'Antimatter Rites' INDEPENDENT Originally from Syria, the now Germany-based one-man project Absentation (Salah Alghalayeeni) has unleashed his 4th album 'Antimatter Rites' a year after his critically-acclaimed 3rd album 'The Intellectual Darkness'. Absentation brings more of the tantalising and brutalising style of Death Metal we have grown accustom to with this Syrian musical genius. 'Antimatter Rites' is full of juicy riffs, outrageous drumming (although at times it does sound like a drum machine was used; it's that fast) and an unsteady atmosphere that is sure to make you feel sick to the stomach. Expect nothing more than a full smack to the face with this album, if you expect anything less then prepare for your ears to bleed internally outwards... it is not for soft people, word. Download this: The velocity of relativity talisman For fans of: Modern Death Metal, Scarab, Aborted 'Antimatter Rites' is out via an independent release [8/10] RHYS STEVENSON  UTEN HÅP 'Lys' INDEPENDENT Since 2017, the one-man Black Metal project Uten Håp has pumped out 1 album, 6 splits, 1 compilation and a whopping 15 EP's, the latest being 'Lys', a three-track atmospheric black metal work of art. Originally hailing from the Norwegian archipegalo of Svalbard, musician Danthor Wildcrow relocated to Spain and carried on with his Black Metal projects including Uten Håp which should carry on, because as this latest EP goes, the musical creative spark is still well and truly alive. 'Lys' is in the vein of the 'True Norwegian Black Metal' sound and rarely deviates, keeping true to an authentic sound and one that will resonate with this musician for many years ahead. Download This: Falling In Fear For fans of: Raw Black Metal, True Norwegian Black Metal 'Lys' is out via an independent release [8/10] RHYS STEVENSON  THE FALLEN PROPHETS
'Relentless Killing Motivation' MMD RECORDS Grab hold of your guts, wrench them until you yourself vomit them out and then digest yourself from the inside-out, because if you don't then The Fallen Prophets will. This South African outfit are not to be taken lightly as shown on their second album 'Relentless Killing Motivation', it comes with a mosh and headbang warning, said activities are expected instantaneously for the vicious form of Melodic Death Metal / Deathcore this horde produces demands it. Embrace the chug-a-thon, chill to the freely-flowing vocals and be captivated by the machine-gun drumming, this is no run of the mill music, hell no, this is the new face of South African Metal... Seether? Your time is up. With 'Relentless Killing Motivation', The Fallen Prophets may well have booked themselves European festivals for next year... Download This: Stench of Death For fans of: Whitechapel, Born Of Osiris, Hanging The Nihilist 'Relentless Killing Motivation' is out via MMD Records [8.5/10] 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  CYPECORE 'Identity' ADULRUNA Strap yourselves in for the musical journey of a lifetime as Germany's instigators of Cyber Melodic Death Metal make their welcomed return from out of their futuristic bunker. With their third album 'Identity' now out and ready to be unleashed on the unsuspecting masses, this could easily be the album to set the world alight in terms of intuitiveness and desire to challenge convention, let's face it where else would you find the perfect combination of Modern Melodic Death Metal with Cyberthrash Metal? But what is Cypecore? Is it a codeword for a branch of Modern Metal, or is it the storm from Germany you did not see coming. Assimilating drums provide the solidarity for the riffs to ripple across whilst the vocals add the final blow that will leave you for dead, embrace this album but fear it also, it's not for the weak nor elitist metalheads. Download This: "Saint Of Zion" For Fans of: Black Comedy, Fear Factory, Dagoba 'Identity' is out now via Adulruna Records [8] RHYS STEVENSON  THE HYPOTHESIS 'Origin' INVERSE Modern Melodic Death Metal seems to be the in-thing recently, and Finland's The Hypothesis are no exception. By layering together speed, brutality, electronic atmospherics, technicality and an attitude that says 'fuck you', The Hypothesis are primed to take over planet earth with their awaited debut album 'Origin'. No matter how many tracks you check out, you will never feel bored out enough to switch off, have a beer or a wank, depending on what takes your first preference. Engineered to run away like a thing possessed, this album will hit you like a bullet so hard that you will have noticed the album has finished playing before you come to your senses as to what has just happened. The latest exports from the Finnish Metal scene are sure to cause a buzz across the Nordic nations with this effort. Download This: "Atonement" For Fans of: Omnium Gatherum, Shade Empire, In Flames 'Origin' is out now via Inverse Records [8] RHYS STEVENSON  NOCTURNAL HOLLOW 'Deathless & Fleshless' UNDERGROUND MOVEMENT Let's be honest, the Venezuelan Metal scene is a very underground one and has ever really seen the light of day on the international circuit. So when the three-piece Old-School Death Metal horde Nocturnal Hollow step out of their bunker with their latest offering 'Deathless & Fleshless', you know that they mean business and the music demands attention from across the world. Plundering atmospherics aid the thickness of the riffs, pristine production levels and attitude that would get the likes of Unleashed and Morbid Angel raising their thumbs in approval. 'Deathless & Fleshless' is a gritty release designed to leave you battered and scarred, seriously if you love Death Metal but despise this release, then there is something wrong with you. Download This: "Devilish Blood" For Fans of: Unleashed, Celtic Frost, Morbid Angel 'Deathless & Fleshless' is out now via Underground Movement [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON  EMPHASIS 'Revival' UNDERGROUND SYMPHONY Never has such an exciting band from Estonia arisen like this since the days of early Metsatöll. The sextet Emphasis have gone from strength to strength throughout their tenure, having released an EP, a batch of singles and had a switch of vocalists, their attention to detail brought them to the point of unleashing their debut album 'Revival'. Replacing vocal duties is never easy, but Emphasis have done a like for like as both ex and current main vocalists deliver such a powerful vocal range, that luckily their gamble paid off. 'Revival' delivers epic solo's, thunderous drums, dynamically-electric atmospherics and vocals so angelic, they would have had to be made in heaven to be this captivating. With this effort, Emphasis clearly have a vision to follow and by doing so, will ultimately establish themselves as Estonia's long awaited answer to Nightwish. Download This: "Death Itself" For Fans of: Within Temptation, Nightwish, Delain 'Revival' is out now via Underground Symphony [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON  SINNERY 'A Feast Of Fools' PITCH BLACK There must be something in the Israeli waters because no matter what the year is, there is always a rally of sensational albums, and adding to this year's collection of 'oh my god what the hell just happened' releases is Sinnery's 'A Feast Of Fools'. Calling it 'thrashtastic' would be an understatement to say the very release as it's gritty reception leaves the listener gasping for more, or perhaps just gasping for water due to it's demanding nature for incessant headbanging. Given the strength of Sinnery's 'A Feast Of Fools', being their debut album, the expectations for this Israeli unit to do exceptionally well is certainly on the cards, there will be no place to hide for this quartet. As brutal as rapid machine-gun fire and as unpredictably technical as a surprise assault, 'A Feast Of Fools' is perhaps not only the finest Israeli Thrash Metal release to surface, but perhaps one of the finest Thrash Metal releases to arise out of the Middle East region. Download This: "Showing Teeth" For Fans of: Slayer, Gama Bomb, Holy Moses 'A Feast Of Fools' is out now via Pitch Black Records [8] RHYS STEVENSON  KRATOS 'Archlechino' INVERSE Seventeen years have passed since the debut album by Kratos was released and now, in 2016, they have emerged once again to drop their long-awaited second album 'Archlechino'. The Romanian quartet merge together the delicacies of Symphonic Metal with the twisted and atmospheric nature of Dark Metal to develop a sound that would lend itself to the dramatics found within operetta. In fact, 'Archlechino' could be the metal version of 'The Phantom Of The Opera' with the romantic side of the music being threatened by the darkened gritty side, which all in all makes Kratos truly unique. There is plenty of different sounds reverberating across all the songs herewith, but also with each song comes it's own unique emotional storytelling, something that will appeal to those who seek solace in metal's wide array of emotions. Download This: "Fishing" For Fans of: Epica, Lacuna Coil, Therion 'Archlechino' is out now via Inverse Records [8] RHYS STEVENSON  AGAINST 'Emerger' INDEPENDENT Returning with their second offering is Against, a Groovy Metalcore outfit who hail from the capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires. Their tightness on this release runs throughout and leaves an aftertaste when it's finished, an aftertaste of wanting and desiring more from this four-piece army. To translate the album title is taking the Spanish-English translation one step too far, because whilst in Spanish the album is 'Emerger', in English it is 'emerge'. Funny right? Maybe, but even so these lads certainly know what notes to string together as the album gleams with Tango-inspired grooves, smooth metalcore elements and a clear D.I.Y. attitude, hell let's not call it Groovy Metalcore, instead we'll call it 'Tango Metal'. Whatever you decided to call it, 'Emerger' is a decent enough album that deserves a listen regardless. Download This: "Voluntad" - Click to listen For fans of: Pantera, Lamb Of God, Machine Head [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON  ORDNANCE 'Echelon' INDEPENDENT After all of the technical brutality expressed on Ordnance's second album 'Echelon', you would imagine that they would be left without any energy. Hardly likely, when this band's efforts at unleashing a prim and proper debut album are highly noticeable that you begin to question why aren't they signed? Well there are subtle hints as to why this is the case, there is at times too much flash and not enough pelting, sure using a drum machine is not always the best idea and on 'Echelon' this proves the case. But for this Australian unit, they are sure to rectify these two issues on their next release. For now, listeners can explore the almost-splendour release that is 'Echelon', ignoring the two mentioned issues, the album slams hard with gritty vocals, dirty riffs and a filthy-rotten atmosphere, ironically the drum machine does the trick at hitting hard in the right places, the right notes to give the album that full-on whack feeling. Download This: "Thaumaturgist" - Click to listen For Fans of: Suffocation, 'Modern Death Metal', Disentomb [7] RHYS STEVENSON  CROWORD 'Manifest Of Mortal Sickness' INDEPENDENT Fresh from the snowy Alps of Austria, comes this ten-legged melodic machine known as Croword and their subsequent premier EP 'Manifest Of Mortal Sickness'. The EP is laced with infectious riffs, vocals so brutal that your last hangover has just been outclassed and drums so precise, they cannot get any more on point. For the Melodic Death Metal band, this ultimately is the dream start for them and is a sure sign there is a lot to come from this group. With this effort, Croword have quite rightfully instated themselves as a band to watch because their first EP packs a punch, that hits your brain so hard you would need a CAT scan to check out the imminent damage. Seriously you would be hard pushed to find an exciting premier release from a Melodic Death Metal band quite like this, this year! Download This: "Manifest Of Mortal Sickness" - Click to listen For Fans of: Myra, The Black Dahlia Murder, Deadlock [8] RHYS STEVENSON  KILL THE WHORE
'Chronic Anthropophagy Thanatophilia Fetistic Morgue' INDEPENDENT Kill The Whore return with their second album, it's title longer than the hardest boner you have ever had... 'Chronic Anthropophagy Thanatophilia Fetistic Morgue'. This dual project is primarily based in Belize, a country in Central America with a very small but active metal scene, one that Andy Chuc has had a lot of input in. However 'Chronic Anthropophagy Thanatophilia Fetistic Morgue' comes loaded with eight gore-infested tracks and two rotten covers, to some it's just noise and to others its maximum brutality, make of it what you will as it is simply Brutal Death / Grind Metal. Undistinguishable vocals lead the charge with the thunderous, tuned down guitars and drums supporting the bloody onslaught. So whenever you're up for a gore-horror fest, be it dramatics or film, just remember to indulge in this album before undertaking said activity. Download This: "Chronic Parasite Infestation Experiment" For Fans of: Fitcage, Regurgitate, 'Goregrind' [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON  EPPING FOREST 'Lebabvoid' UNEXPLODED Eight to nine years have passed since Epping Forest delivered their unrelenting monstrosity known as 'Everblasting Struggle', and now the Portuguese Blackened Death maestros unveil their latest effort 'Lebabvoid'. What comes with it is a slapping of harmonious riffs, gritty vocals and an atmosphere that's very much akin to that of Behemoth kind. Dealing with the Sumerian myth this time round, this quartet amass together a sound that puts their debut album to rest, surpassing their first effort with ease and satisfaction. It might not be the prettiest release from the Blackened Death Metal style, nor was it intended to be, but it's certainly another successful release from the Portuguese Metal scene. Not for the faint-of-heart. Download This: "Demise: Twelve Times twelve Sars" For Fans of: Behemoth, Melechesh, Carpathian Forest 'Lebabvoid' will be out via Unexploded Records (date TBA) [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON  INFERNO 'Genética Humana' NECROMANCE Spanish conquistadors Inferno finally drop their debut album eight years after their inception, by mixing Speed and Thrash Metal together and singing in their own native Spanish language, it's pretty safe to say that Inferno are your average run of the mill Spanish Speed / Thrash Metal band. Sure it's not easy being critical on an album which is not in the English language, but at times despite the effort it simply lacks that knack to ignite into a really epic release. Whether it's the fact they're from Ceuta, a Spanish city bordering Morocco or the fact it's taken so long for them to muster anything substantial up, the fact remains Inferno have found themselves in a rut, and sadly might remain there. Download This: "Cultura Del Egoismo" For Fans of: Slayer, Sodom, Gama Bomb 'Genética Humana' is now out via Necromance Records [6.5] RHYS STEVENSON  AMBIVALENCE 'Hyena's Breath' PRC MUSIC Veterans of Ukrainian Death Metal Ambivalence make it four with their fourth album to date, the 'Hyena's Breath' must be rancid and vile as this music because the music is as rotten and sickening as a 'Hyena's Breath', see what was done there? The four-piece from Lviv explore the avenues of Groove Metal, Technical Metal and Death Metal to take the best of all three genres to create something rather brutal, something insanely non-understandable but moreover something delightful to listen to. Sadly this is the only release vocalist Dmytro Pliska will ever do, question is who did the drums? Line-up disputes aside, this is one for the ages and will surely be counted as the best album Ambivalence have ever mustered. Download This: "Swallowers" For Fans of: Aborted, Gorgasm, Spawn Of Possession 'Hyena's Breath' is out now via PRC Music [8] RHYS STEVENSON  AKOMA 'Revangels' MASSACRE Denmark's Akoma have been knocking around since 2004 and have finally dropped their debut album in the shape of 'Revangels', a majestic journey across the Danish lands, drifting under and over the Øresund Bridge and ending up in Silkeborg where the music emanated. The quintet's second EP 'The Other Side' laid the foundations for 'Revangels' to be built upon, upwards they went with it and thus as they became signed, 'Revangels' became their Massacre Records-debut. Distancing themselves from the overused comparison between Nightwish and their chosen genre, Symphonic Metal, Akoma branch out and embrace elements from the Gothic Metal, Alternative Metal and Operatic Metal styles. This album is highly captivating and is one certainly guaranteed to bring 'hygge' to the home, Akoma are flying the flag for the Danish Metal scene. Download This: "Hands Of Greed" For Fans of: Evanescence, Within Temptation, Xandria 'Revangels' is out 27th January via Massacre Records [9] RHYS STEVENSON  VICTORIUS 'Heart Of The Phoenix' MASSACRE Take out some health insurance, for your neck won't survive the ferocious onslaught that Victorius have laid out for you. Emerging out of the phoenix's ashes, Germany's Victorius are no strangers to the Power Metal vernacular and it's evident on their fourth album 'Heart Of The Phoenix', soaringly powerful vocals come colliding with emphatic riffs and thunderstruck drumming as the ten-legged leviathan lets rip with another juicy slab of true Power Metal. Join Victorius on a magical adventure as they aim to caress your mind and soul with such delinquent music that is almost Disney-esque, the sort of music that would give Germany their win at Eurovision 2017. Conchita Wurst might have begun to 'rise like a phoenix', but Victorius have come from the 'Heart Of The Phoenix'! Download This: "End Of The Rainbow" For Fans of: Sabaton, Sonata Arctica, Gloryhammer 'Heart Of The Phoenix' is out now via Massacre Records [9] RHYS STEVENSON  AFTERTIME 'The Fall Of Light' INDEPENDENT After five years of activity, you'd have thought AfterTime would have ironed out all the imperfections along the way, well that is true to a certain extent. Take their debut EP, the music is great, the vocals sublime, the atmosphere spot on... what is wrong? The production. Sure it can't be helped, but for a first-time effort it's pretty decent. No doubt their debut album will be finely tuned, that is not to say 'The Fall Of Light' is a disaster by any means, it just needs cleaning up a bit. Funnily enough AfterTime manage to escape the shackles of the Nightwish 'Symphonic Metal' comparison and wander their own path, what the future will hold will be interesting for this American quintet. Download This: "The Final Act" - Click to listen For Fans of: Within Temptation, Liv Kristine, Therion [7] RHYS STEVENSON  EX ANIMO 'Neverday' METAL SCRAP It's been twelve years since Ex Animo released their debut album and since then there has been a slew of members coming and going, yet they manage to deliver their next instalment in their career in the shape of 'Neverday', a dark, gloomy slab of Doomed Gothic Metal. But don't expect a host of thick, chunky riffs or depressing atmospherics, ironically the Ukrainian five-piece succeed in injecting an element of life or indeed positivity into the sound - almost the opposite to what Doom Metal is all about. Moreover they've seemed to find a vocalist in Yulia Zhukova who is more dynamic than her predecessor Anna Beliakova. Whether they will go one to search for album number three remains a question to be answered, but for now 'Neverday' stands strong as a productive release coming out of the Ukrainian Metal scene. Download This: "Aeons Of Sadness" - Click to listen For Fans of: My Dying Bride, Paradise Lost, Draconian [8] RHYS STEVENSON  SATRIAS 'Doomsday Prophecy' ENVENOMED MUSIC Resistance is futile when it comes to Satrias' second album 'Doomsday Prophecy', just like the title suggests this Ukrainian ensemble want to send a message of foreseeable destruction, some would misconstrue this as a political statement but those true to metal will know this is not the case. Here is a band who execute modern Melodic Death Metal with ease and relative comfort, there is little slack in their craft and as the album raucously plays, one can but imagine Satrias coming to conquer Europe with their musical arsenal. It's simple but effective and whilst at times might leave you wondering how they can move on from this, the answer is clearer than the question - they evolve. Overall 'Doomsday Prophecy' is a solid nod to the Melodic Death Metal style. Download This: "V Age" - Click to listen For Fans of: In Flames, Omnium Gatherum, Dark Tranquillity [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON  DEAD EDITION 'Network Failure' INDEPENDENT Get your funky groove on and smash those heads, because Dead Edition are coming to wreak havoc on your mind and body with their premier EP 'Network Failure'. Consisting of unrelenting vocals, flesh-searing riffs, bone-crushing drumming and an atmosphere so brutal, not even a mass murderer could stomach the monstrous chaos laid here before to bear witness. For a band with only three members, they sure know how to make their sound much louder and pronounced than you would imagine, in fact they make it sound like they're a five-piece band with the sheer energy displayed. 'Network Failure' should be enough to give the Ukrainian trio some attention, but they've set the bar high for themselves to succeed this EP with their future potential debut album... watch this space. Download This: "Crowdsoul" - Click to listen For Fans of: DevilDriver, 5FDP, Lamb of God [8] RHYS STEVENSON  KREIGEN
'Therion Of Wawel' INDEPENDENT Drums? Nope. Bass? Nope. Keyboards? Nope. Guitars? Check. Vocals? Lots of? Check. How weird is it to think that a band can only work on programming, various operatic vocal styles (baritone, soprano and tenor) and a guitar and yet somehow manage to balance the unbalanced equation out, and deliver a rather interesting EP? Well just ask Kreigen who've done just that with their second EP 'Therion Of Wawel' which comes out a year after their debut EP 'Fimbulwinter Tale'. It's a very weird concept that somehow works, it might not be conventional nor what one would expect but it certainly is a standout release from the others on planet metal in 2016, if not the past decade. Either way Kreigen are more than content to work more songs for future releases in this experimental form of Symphonic Metal. Download This: "Seven Stones" - Click to listen For Fans of: Therion, Avant-Garde Metal, Gregorian [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON  CHRONOLYTH 'Atrophy' INDEPENDENT / ROCKET DIST. Australian Metal is witnessing some sort of renaissance as it sheds its past deluge of Metalcore exports and swings to another position in the Extreme Metal scale. Hail the new beast from down under Chronolyth with their cranial-crushing second album 'Atrophy', by merging together the grit of Death Metal, danceable freedom of Groovy Metalcore and elegance of Melodic Metal, this five-piece assemble a sound of algorithmic proportions that is certain to leave listeners in a pile of their own crap. By challenging the conventional norms, Chronolyth have found their feng shui to unleash upon the world with. Big things are expected from this band of brothers, we could yet see them become the next hottest export from the other side of the world... Europe Chronolyth has you in their sights. Download This: "Revenants" For Fans of: DevilDriver, Lamb Of God, Killswitch Engage 'Atrophy' is out 29th April via an Independent Release / Rocket Distribution [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON  LIGHTLESS MOOR 'Hymn For The Fallen' WORMHOLEDEATH Italy's Gothic / Doom Metal maestros Lightless Moor emerge out of the shadows with their second offering 'Hymn For The Fallen'. Continuing and improving their sound that they established on their debut album 'The Poem - Crying My Grief To A Feeble Dawn', this sextet clearly had vision in sight as this latest effort offers itself as the musical form to a dark poetic work, perhaps as sorrowful and touching as Shakespeare's Macbeth or Romeo & Juliet. Lurching over the hour mark, there is plenty on this album to keep listeners occupied with and unusually for a Doom-based album, none of the songs are extremely long. 'Hymn For The Fallen' is the latest example of the Italian Metal scene's love affair for Gothic and Doom Metal sounds, or let's call it 'Dark Metal'. Such beauty and dramatics have never entwined like this before. Download This: "Qualcosa Vive Attraverso" For Fans of: Draconian, Theatre Of Tragedy, Octavia Sperati 'Hymn For The Fallen' is out 9th June via Wormholedeath [8] RHYS STEVENSON  MIDNIGHT ETERNAL 'Midnight Eternal' INNER WOUND REC. This is the sort of music you would expect to hear at Disney World Florida, you know? The Fantasia of the metal world is here with New York harmonisers Midnight Eternal unleashing their infectiously delightful self-titled album. With the vocals and keyboards wallowing in the upper echelons of Power Metal and the guitars and drums providing the symphonic infrastructure for this insanely perfect debut album to glide on through. 'Midnight Eternal' comes complete with arousing dynamics, theatrically-electric atmospherics and a sound that Midnight Eternal can call their own. In fact, it might as well be said that Midnight Eternal are the United States' long-term answer to Finland's Symphonic / Power Metal powerhouse Nightwish, may this American quintet's rise to international recognition begin. Download This: "Repentance" For Fans of: Delain, Sonata Arctica, Nightwish 'Midnight Eternal' is out 29th April via Inner Wound Records [9] RHYS STEVENSON  DARKESTRAH 'Turan' OSMOSE PRODS. Considered to be the only currently active metal bands from Kyrgyzstan, Darkestrah have been residing in Germany as expatriates of late and although this means a cultural shift, it has not deterred them from unleashing albums with folk-laden Epic Black Metal as their adopted sound. 'Turan' is the quintet's latest offering and it comes brim-loaded with six tracks averaging out at eight minutes long, it does not get any less epic than that. Because the exoticness of the album cannot be ignored, it has a certain vibe to it that gives Darkestrah their own unique identity irrespective of cultural heritage. For those who prefer their Black Metal songs to be emphatic, valiant and above all adventurous, then 'Turan' is your next album purchase because seriously, not even the Black Metal greats could pull of an album as authentically outstanding as this one. Hails to the kings of the new wave of Kyrgyz Black Metal. Download This: "Erlik-Khan" For Fans of: Arbor Mortis, Arkona, Bal-Sagoth 'Turan' is out 29th April via Osmose Productions [8] RHYS STEVENSON  FORGED IN BLACK 'Fear Reflecting Fear' INDEPENDENT The boys from Southend (Sarfend to those natives of the coastal town in Essex) leave their bunker with another EP in their hands, this time 'Fear Reflecting Fear' is their latest offering and in short might as well be a cornerstone in the band's career. They never stopped chugging away this lot, in fact this EP pretty much picks up from where they left off since their last EP 'The Tide' blew away the British Metal scene. If this is what Forged In Black are going to sound like in the future, then this will surely result in them scoring a slot on the RJD stage at Bloodstock. Hell-bent on creating their own sound, which they've managed to do, satisfactory is never good enough with this lot and thus having pulled all of the stoppers out, have crafted an EP that will shake the very foundations of the Thrash Metal hall of fame with newfound vigour. Mixing Thrash Metal with elements of Speed Metal, Heavy Metal and a pinch of Power Metal in terms of Stoz's vocals is what Forged In Black does best, long may it continue. Download This: "Fear Reflecting Fear" For Fans of: Judas Priest, Helloween, Grand Magus 'Fear Reflecting Fear' is out 29th April via an Independent Release [8] RHYS STEVENSON  NEMESEA 'Uprise' NAPALM Nemesea are probably and arguably one of the most underrated Gothic Metal bands from the Dutch Metal scene, whilst their fellow countrymen Within Temptation, Delain and Epica run riot across planet metal, Nemesea are left picking up the pieces... not any more. With their latest album 'Uprise', they take the bold step and switch to an electronic-influenced sound which is already blessed with the majestic vocals of Manda Ophuis since day one. Whilst it might not appeal to some fans of Gothic Metal / Rock, it certainly will bring a new horde of fans to like the band. Nemesea are set on making a metal music revolution and boy with 'Uprise' as bloody infectious as it is, they've certainly gone the right way at setting up the blueprint for a new take on the already saturated Gothic Metal style. 'Uprise' and join Nemesea on their newfound quest for undiscovered music dynamics. Download This: "Time To Make It" For Fans of: Within Temptation, Amaranthe, Jesus On Extasy 'Uprise' is out 29th April via Napalm Records [8] RHYS STEVENSON  RAVENIA 'Beyond The Walls Of Death' INNER WOUND REC. Enter the emergence of 'Symphonic Film Score Metal', a combination of Symphonic Metal music at the very core, glazed over with elements found within film scores as dramatic as Williams' Star Wars overture or as adventurous as Two Steps From Hell. Arguably considered the successor to Apocalyptica in terms of realizing the erotic relationship between metal and classical music, Ravenia is a force to be reckoned with. Lead by the elegant Armi Päivinen and her fellow suitors of whom provide the sheer sensational dynamics as a dramatic backdrop, simply through the utilization of guitars, drums, violins, a viola, cello and a contrabass. With 'Beyond The Walls Of Death' being the debut album from the Finnish nine-piece, they could easily be snapped up to pen the score for the forthcoming 2017 film 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales'. Seriously if you're looking for something new within the Symphonic Metal style, you've found your band. Download This: "We All Died For Honor" For Fans of: Tarja-era Nightwish, Apocalyptica, Hans Zimmer 'Beyond The Walls Of Death' is out 29th April via Inner Wound Records [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON  INNER BLAST 'Prophecy' NORDAVIND Ten years since their inception and four years since their debut EP, Portuguese Gothic Metallers Inner Blast finally stamp their authority on the ground with their debut album 'Prophecy'. Whilst what they're doing is not really new, it does however serve as a delightful listen, you know? It's the kind of album that sits in the middle of what's new and what's old, it's neither groundbreaking nor cliche. But it has everything covered, there are some slow ballad-style songs and then there's the bouncy, joyful songs that would almost certainly brighten your day. This may do well in the Iberian, Italian and French Metal scenes, possibly also the British, but unfortunately it lacks that snapping point that otherwise would give it greater prospects. 'Prophecy' might not be a blast, but it will have you hooked to a certain extent, that's for sure. Download This: "Darkest Hour" For Fans of: Khael, La-Ventura, Shear 'Prophecy' is out now via Nordavind Records [7] RHYS STEVENSON  DEVOLTED 'Broken Kings' INDEPENDENT Chugga-chugga goes the riffs on this insane beast-of-an-EP, 'Broken Kings' is the second EP by Dublin's Devolted and it is loaded with enough Heavy Thrashed-up Metal to make you choke on your own spit, or was that cum, or period juice? Whatever sickening description you can slap on this fine example of Irish Metal, the matter of the fact is that it will give you an orgasmic reaction so erotically disturbing, you would have put the red light district out of business. Thundering vocals come together hand-in-hand with rapid-fire riffs, dangerously violent drums and an atmosphere worthy of a pint of Guinness... or two. After indulging yourself in this release, you can easily imagine them becoming an instant hit across the Irish Sea in the UK, who doesn't love a bit of Thrash Metal right? 'Broken Kings' should belong in your collection for your journeys across the lands, it's gallant pace serving as the ideal soundtrack for said activity. Download This: "God Of Light" - Click to listen For Fans of: Savage Messiah, Gama Bomb, Evile [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON  350TERIC
'Undertones' INDEPENDENT Благој Цилаков (Blagoj Cilakov) is the mastermind behind the Progressive / Djent project 350teric (Esoteric) and he has conjured up his sixth album in the project's 7-year history. 'Undertones' is the latest offering by this Macedonian virtuoso and despite it being completely instrumental, like his previous releases, the music itself talks in it's own form of lyric. With multiple music layers binding this sound together, it's no surprise that listeners would become completely entranced and attached to the wizardry displayed herewith. Majestic and mesmerizing in every aspect, this is perhaps the finest instrumental release the Balkans has ever produced across the entire music spectrum. 'Undertones' lasts a respectable 35 minutes, and so with the variation in tracks clearly evident, listeners will not be stuck for lack of interest as not only is Progressive and Djent Metal present, there are Metalcore elements here and there as well. Download This: "Autumn Limbus" - click to listen For Fans of: Progressive / Djent Metal, instrumental music, Metalcore-tinged metal [8] RHYS STEVENSON  DARKEND 'The Canticle Of Shadows' NON SERVIAM A decade has passed since the birth of Italian Symphonic Black Metal conjurers Darkend and with their third effort comes a thunderous yet gratifying explosion of furious speed, elegant harmonies and ear-crunching power. 'The Canticle Of Shadows' is the ideal soundtrack to your own murder, it's full of dynamic suspense, on-the-edge of your seat dramatics and uncompromising menace. Whilst not leaning towards the more Symphonic-based incantations spewed out by the likes of Dimmu Borgir, Darkend offer a new, refined and extreme perspective of this sub sub-genre. With the songs averaging at around 7 minutes long a-piece, you would need utmost patience to enjoy it to the fullest, that said for those who wait the magic laid herewith is spellbinding and awe-inspiring. Download This: "Of The Defunct" For Fans of: Shade Empire, Opera IX, Twilight Ophera 'The Canticle Of Shadows' is out 25th April via Non Serviam Records http://www.facebook.com/darkendofficial  HORRICANE 'Synthetic Forms' INDEPENDENT Veterans of the Estonian Metal scene, Death Metal conspirators Horricane let the handbrake down on their latest offering 'Synthetic Forms'. What is to come is an onslaught of some truly refined old-school Death Metal tinged with modern elements that consequently leaves the sound straddled between the two. In addition to the three straight-edge Death Metal songs is a techno-upbeat version of the song 'Synthetic Forms' that quite frankly could pose as a rather unique sound, if you like call it 'Technodeath Metal'. However good the 'Synthetic Forms' EP is, Horricane won't and should not become complacent, they still have a lot left in their locker and by letting it all out, can give them that much deserved kick towards greater European recognition. For a Death Metal release it satisfies the thirst for something intriguing yet falls short of groundbreaking albeit for the last track. Download This: "Starblind" - Click to listen For Fans of: Unleashed, 'Modern Death Metal' [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON  ETHS 'Ankaa' SEASON OF MIST A changing of the guard usually signals a change in direction of sound, but for Eths this rule does not apply, they won't allow it. Marching on across planet metal like an out-of-control tornado, France's most experimentally demanding and controversially challenging metal band Eths presents to the world their fourth album 'Ankaa'. Grinding out new and organically unique music is becoming more and more difficult, yet by pooling together Groove Metal, Nu Metal, Alternative Metal and Deathcore, Eths are questioning convention like never before. Not only could 'Ankaa' be considered a contender for 'French Metal release of the year', but also sparking a whole new wave of metal bands following this collated genre. Question is, why the hell they haven't they been playing at the UK festivals? Gojira are old-hat, Eths is the new shit. Download this: "Vae Victis" For Fans of: Whitechapel, Betraying The Martyrs, Lamb of God [8] RHYS STEVENSON  LIVEEVIL 'Blacktracks' METALGATE They cannot escape being compared to Pain and Deathstars and for a damn good reason, they're Industrial / Goth Metallers, of course this is referring to Liveevil. Returning with their latest 'Cyber Metal' offering, the Czech quartet have ensured 'Blacktracks' tops their previous efforts with enough room to spare for future albums. More uniquely you could slot them into the whole 'Dance Metal' movement pioneered by Rammstein as you tap dance to their infectious electronic beats, headbang to the ground-punching brutality displayed and rave so hard that you sweat your pants off and let your jewels swing back and forth to this momentous release. Or if you like, you could pigeonhole the whole album into one made up genre such as 'Modern Dance Metal' or 'Futuristic Cyber Metal', whatever you want to call it, it's too damn good to ignore! Download This: "Vibes" For Fans of: Deathstars, Rammstein, Pain, Eisbrecher [8] RHYS STEVENSON  HEATHEN BEAST 'Rise Of The Saffron Empire' TRANSCENDING OBSCURITY DISTRIBUTION Where freedom of speech is concerned, most of the time if what is being said is of a delicate or extremely controversial nature then it's best to say it through an alias. In Heathen Beast's case this is giving each member a unique name to hide their real identity, but what is not hidden is this trio's unique take on Black Metal. By incorporating various traditional instruments including the 'tabla' (Indian drums), 'sitar' (Indian stringed instrument), 'carnatic violin' (Indian classical instrument) and 'Shankh' (Conch), Heathen Beast might as well become purveyors of the First Wave of Indian Black Metal; call it that, or call it 'Hindi Black Metal'. 'Rise Of The Saffron Empire' is the latest effort by these Indian masterminds and with it comes all the exoticness of India mixed in a melting pot of grim, violent and political Black Metal. Out comes the harsh sounds, traditionalist elements and aspiration for innovation. Seriously if you're to look for new Black Metal releases to check out, Heathen Beast's 'Rise Of The Saffron Empire' should be top of the pile. Download This: "Swachh Bharat" For Fans of: ChthoniC, Rudra, Immortal 'Rise Of The Saffron Empire' is out April 25th via Transcending Obscurity Distribution [8] RHYS STEVENSON  HOLY DRAGONS 'Civilizator' PITCH BLACK Kazakhstan's most successful metal export Holy Dragons emerge from the studio once again to deliver their (gasp) 17th full-length album 'Civilizator'. Once again they deliver that winning formula that has gotten themselves to this position in the first place, a rampant and immersing sound designed to capture the attention of whomever listens to it. 'Civilizator' is a sharp reminder that this group are far from done and are vastly set on course to rival the might of Iron Maiden. For a band who hails from one of the more remote metal scenes worldwide, they certainly know how to make a buzz across planet metal. Riff after savage riff, each one of the twelve songs on 'Civilizator' is designed to open the pits up, headbang like crazy and guzzle beer as if it was out of fashion. You know, if Holy Dragons ever caught the attention of Iron Maiden, fuck, they would become a supporting act no problem. 'Civilizator' is a stab in the back, let it infect your nervous system and control your inner senses. Download This: "My Fear (Litany)" For Fans of: Iron Maiden, Doro, Manowar [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON  FERIUM 'Behind The Black Eyes' INDEPENDENT For a band who is celebrating their tenth anniversary by releasing a second album, Ferium appear to come across as a band who have just started crafting works of mass destruction. Hailing from Israel, this Death Metal / Metalcore platoon separate themselves from the boys as men of pure and brutally precise musicianship. 'Behind The Black Eyes' is the band's second album and fuck, does it pack a punch, so much so you would need to don a crash helmet to save your skull from imminent pulverisation. Adopting a protagonist point-of-view, this album is sure to pierce the hearts of those whoever manages to grasp the meaning behind the complex lyrics. Guttural in one hand, brutal on the other, 'Behind The Black Eyes' is a true testament to the burgeoning Israeli Extreme Metal scene and if they are not signed by the end of 2016, then I'll eat my speakers. Download This: "Losing The Grip" For Fans of: Lamb of God, Burgerkill, Livarkahil 'Behind The Black Eyes' is out now via an Independent release [8] RHYS STEVENSON  CHARMCHARMCHU 'Majestic Brewing Order' INDEPENDENT Although Hong Kong now is a specially-recognized area of China along with Macao, the Metal scene there has grown immensely. The latest addition to the Hong Kong Metal scene are Thrashers CharmCharmChu, now despite the rather bizarre band name, the band's debuting EP 'Majestic Brewing Order' is of a socio-political nature and is sure to stir some emotions up in the higher echelons of the Chinese or Hong Konger Government. Full-on 80's style Thrash Metal is the preferred sound and whilst they sound more like Sepultura rather than Slayer at times (and vice versa), the fact they sing in their native Cantonese adds a rather unique dimension to their sound, that somewhat echoes their Taiwanese counterparts State of Emergency albeit with less aggression. 'Majestic Brewing Order' is a beacon for the smaller Hong Kong Metal scene and is one that will please Thrash Metal fans thoroughly. Download This: "War Horse" - Click to listen For Fans of: Slayer, Sepultura, State of Emergency [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON  GENETIC DISORDER 'Cosmic Terror' INDEPENDENT Emerging out of the underground with their own brand of Technical Thrash Metal is El Salvador's Genetic Disorder and their debut EP 'Cosmic Terror'. Whilst the vocals would be more akin to Math Metal in the style of Psyopus, the riffs belong to the Modern Thrash era and the drums from the likes of Slayer, such a mixing pot no? 'Cosmic Terror' covers societal issues, humanity problems and the future as the main topics, and with it comes a sound that would get even the most evil Dalek army moshing to this spectacular musical Armageddon. Hailing from one of the most underground metal scenes in Latin America is not easy, but they have their ideas in check and ready to unleash themselves upon the world, we say good luck to them! Download This: "Genetic Disorder" - Click to listen For Fans of: Psyopus, Slayer, Voivod [8] RHYS STEVENSON  PESTILENT REIGN
'The Zealot' INDEPENDENT After their debut EP established themselves in the Stuttgart Metal scene, German's Pestilent Reign make their filthy welcomed return with their second slab of skull-crushing, anal-fisting Death Metal. 'The Zealot' is a rampant face-punching music marathon that is guaranteed to carve your innards inside out, spewing your gore-rotted blood all over your squelching intestines as they flop out on the floor. Brutal and guttural as they come, Pestilent Reign are destined for big things with their loud and unforgiving maniacal production, with their latest effort well and truly up for grabs, it won't be long before some of the big boys pay attention. 'The Zealot' is a sharp contender for 'German Metal release of the year', you will not be forgiven for ignoring this band! Their music is filthier than your mums undergarments. Download This: "Ouroboros" - Click to listen For Fans of: Suffocation, Cerebral Bore, Abhorrent Decimation [8] RHYS STEVENSON  WORMED 'Krighsu' SEASON OF MIST Unorthodox in every way imaginable, well all ways except for one - Technical Death Metal. If you like the latest effort by long-standing Spanish Death Metal horde Wormed is one of unthinkable brutality meshed together with such tight time signatures, that they make the djent sound seem as pansy as the so-called emo metal contingent. Vermicular as it comes, Wormed are the aficionados of the Technical / Brutal Death Metal movement and as such demand utmost respect. Lets face it right, try and head-bang to this unforgiving slab of extremity and you might as well have scooped your brain out and bludgeoned it with a mallet before succumbing yourself to this chaotic pace-shifting audio wall of death. For the seasoned Death Metal this will be another slice of cake, for those unaccustomed to said genre, you have been warned. Download This: "Eukaryotic Hex Swarm" For Fans of: Aborted, Scar Symmetry (lyrics), Cryptopsy 'Krighsu' is out 18th March via Season Of Mist [8] RHYS STEVENSON  MYSTIC PROPHECY 'War Brigade' MASSACRE 16 years in and 9 albums down, you would begin to think that Germany's Mystic Prophecy would think about hanging up their instruments and calling it quits. Not on this effort they won't. 'War Brigade' is the latest album from this Power Metal quintet and forms another important instalment in the band's illustrious career. Full of bouncy riffs and drums, charismatic vocals and warm-hearted atmospherics, 'War Brigade' is a beauty to hold. Not only does the album stand on it's own two, but it also comes with a rather interesting bonus track... a cover of 'Sex Bomb' (Tom Jones). It seems to be a growing trend for metal bands to cover pop songs (and they say metalheads should hate pop!!! HAH!); Children of Bodom once covered 'oops I did it again' (Britney Spears). As for the Germans, well, they have delivered an album that will satisfy any metalheads thirst for something interesting. Download This: "Sex Bomb (Tom Jones)" For Fans of: Sonata Arctica, Powerwolf, Helloween 'War Brigade' is out 18th March via Massacre Records [8] RHYS STEVENSON  DESTROYERS OF ALL 'Bleak Fragments' MOSHER Three years ago Portugal's Destroyers Of All dropped their debut EP, three years on and they're set to drop their awaited debut album. 'Bleak Fragments' carries on the formula the quintet mustered to make their debut EP picked up by media worldwide including Terrorizer (UK) who featured a song on their Fear Candy compilation series. As for the band's debut album the chunkiness of the bass and riffs remains, whilst the vocals and drums have become equally as impressive. What makes the album that little bit special is the short but snappy pauses throughout some of the songs, it adds suspense, drama and above all a moshing atmosphere. With this effort, Destroyers Of All will certainly be scouted by some of the top European Metal festivals for this summer and if they don't, then I might just have to eat my speakers, because 'Bleak Fragments' carries all the hallmarks of a release deserving of an early nomination for 'Portuguese Metal release of the year'. Open this pit!! Download This: "Hate Through Violence" For Fans of: DevilDriver, 5FDP, Six Feet Under 'Bleak Fragments' is out 18th March via Mosher Records [8] RHYS STEVENSON  NOVACROW 'Black Syrup' INDEPENDENT Hard, heavy, balls to the wall, that is just how you can describe the debut EP by Liverpool's very own Novacrow. 'Black Syrup' contains five tracks of hard rocking', heavy metallic tunes that will keep you singing and humming all the way down the Mersey and into the Irish Sea. With dashes of rockabilly (especially on the title track), sleaze and groove making the cut, Novacrow's debut EP 'Black Syrup' might just earn them a slot on the Jagermeister stage at Bloodstock - they are that kind of band.... they are that good! Whilst they might not reach the pinnacles The Beatles did, they certainly would gain the thumbs up approval from John Lennon and co., because they absorb the atmosphere well enough to deliver an EP that deserves said recognition. With Kitty's riot grrrl vocals leading the charge, Jonyx's riff-firing artillery matched by Torben's thunderous drums and Federico's slap-happy bass meshing together to deliver the 'Black Syrup' EP, utmost respect must be given to this snazzy lot. Download This: "Fight The Horde!!!" - Click to listen For Fans of: Halestorm, Sister Sin, The Pretty Reckless [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON  DAKESIS 'The New Dawn' CAPSAARX Dramatic at every twist and turn, the latest effort by Birmingham's Dakesis glimmers with chunky bass lines, flash riffs, harmonic vocals and an atmosphere ready to explode. Think adventure and rampaging across the hills and valleys of the Midlands and this album will provide itself as a perfect soundtrack to the journey. 'The New Dawn' is this quartet's second album and it is full of energy, so much so you would need to clear your mind to fully experience the magic laid herewith. Progressive Power Metal just effectively got kicked in the nuts, this album should be enough to hand them a slot at Bloodstock this year (yes Simon Hall looking at you), because when you imagine what the album would sound like live, you can imagine the hordes of punters uncontrollably headbanging and moshing their hearts out. 'The New Dawn' is a beautiful album that may just well give inspiration for bands in the Progressive Power Metal style in generations to come. Download This: "The Great Insurrection" - Click to listen For fans of: Pythia, Sonata Arctica, Within Temptation [8] RHYS STEVENSON  HERA 'Her Era' INDEPENDENT Being in a metal band or project in the Middle East is never easy unless you're from Israel or the Gulf states, moreover if you're a female playing rock or metal music in any given Islamic nation it's never easy - death is on the table. But just like Orphaned Land settled political differences with Palestine's Khalas, Emirati musician Hera seeks a similar path, that is to bring peace to society and prove females can rock as hard as men. Bringing to the fore is her premier album 'Her Era' which uniquely brings together the flavours of 'strong Emirati traditional linguistic elements' with the Western progressive metal sound. No doubt has she created a wonderful strain of Oriental Metal, but also an identity and music style to call her own. 'Her Era' is not a political message, but rather an album that expresses the commitment to understand, appreciate and challenge today's societal injustices and issues. Hera is flying the flag, not only for female metal musicians but also the Emirati Metal scene. Download This: "The Unborn" - Click to listen For Fans of: Liv Kristine, Myrath, Orphaned Land [8] RHYS STEVENSON  GONE IN APRIL 'Threads Of Existence' WAVETRANSFORM International projects are without question much harder to undertake and maintain in comparison to bands, well even more so when the musicians are in two different continents. Harking from the USA, Canada, Italy and Germany respectively, Gone In April is the Mozart of the metal world. With their much-awaited second album 'Threads Of Existence' finally here, the impression is that they all are truly focused on making their own sound without searching for it. Angelic female vocals crashing against beastly male vocals, whilst the riffs add much dramatics along with the drums who provide a solidified backdrop. Valiant in every aspect, 'Threads Of Existence' is a wonder to behold, a force to be reckoned with, for hells-sake this album will convert even the most hardened metal elitist into complete open mindedness. Seriously if Gone In April isn't in your metal collection, then there is something wrong with your music choice. Download This: "As Hope Welcomes Death" - Click to listen For Fans of: Scar Symmetry, Before The Dawn, Dark The Suns [8] RHYS STEVENSON  PERSONA 'Elusive Reflections' INDEPENDENT Tunisia of late has become a flourishing place for a lot of Progressive Metal, in the style of Oriental Metal at that. The latest edition to this spectacular metal scene is the female-fronted band Persona, whose debut album 'Elusive Reflections' is poised to set the world alight. Following the footsteps of fellow countrymen Myrath, Persona are sure to take their unique blend of Arabic melodies and progressive ambiance to newer heights, abseiling the face of international stardom with newfound vigour. Fronted by the majestic Jelena Dobrić, this sensational clash of two worlds brings a new sound with it and as the band prepare to line up in their sights an impending European tour, 'Elusive Reflections' can sit proudly as a sharp contender for 'Tunisian Metal release of the year'. Watch this group with interest, because they are destined to go places. Download This: "Monsters" - Click to listen For Fans of: Myrath, To-Mera, Lacuna Coil [9] RHYS STEVENSON  RAGE OF LIGHT 'Chasing A Reflection' INDEPENDENT Whip out those glow sticks, set the space in between the wall of death, on the count of 3 run at each other waving those sticks insanely! 1.. 2.. 3..!!! WELCOME TO THE RAVEPIT! This is probably what Rage Of Light should do when playing the first song live, because their virally infectious premier EP 'Chasing A Reflection' certainly defines a new genre. By mixing Groove Metal, Melodic Metal, Trance, and EBM together, this tight-knit entity are sure to make their music known across Europe - possibly even breaking into the trance clubs of The Netherlands and Germany (its that good). From start to finish, this Swiss unit's premier EP will keep you hooked throughout, leaving you begging for me and all whilst this happening you will be raving like a thing possessed, an excellent instalment in the Modern Metal phenomenon. Download This: "Beautiful Slave" - Click to listen For Fans of: Amaranthe, Silent Descent, Xe-None [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON  BLEEDING SPAWN
'Pathogenic Mechanized Abomination' INDEPENDENT Slam Metal and Brutal Death Metal, however you want to call the debut album by South African executioners Bleeding Spawn, this is proper sick sh*t. 'Pathogenic Mechanized Abomination' is all what you would automatically expect from a Brutal Death Metal release, unrecognisable vocals, pig squeals, thumping bass elements, chunky riffs, unrelenting drums, pig squeals, a bludgeoning atmosphere, pig squeals... OK enough of being 'baconist' and 'porkist'. The truth is, 'Pathogenic Mechanized Abomination' is a sharp contender for 'South African Metal release of the year' and why? Well simply because it's tenacity to leave the listener complete skull-smashed is just one sign that you've been pulverised by this murderous horde. F*ck 'The Walking Dead', Bleeding Spawn ARE The walking dead. Healthy and Safety is advised, prepare your digestive system for potential impact, because the side effects of this album include vomiting, extreme diarrhoea, internal bleeding.... and pig squeals. Download This: "Butchered & Beaten" - Click to listen For Fans of: Cattle Decapitation, Prostitute Disfigurement, Dying Fetus [8] RHYS STEVENSON  THE ERKONAUTS 'I Did Something Bad' ERKONOS You would find more solace and entertainment in watching paint dry than subjecting yourself to this extremely dismal debut album by The Erkonauts. Despite all of the Swiss quartet's best efforts, 'I Did Something Bad' does not carve itself out as a decent release, it lacks atmosphere, dwells too much on trying to become the next Dream Theater and ultimately weeps at the seams. Let's hope this album is short-lived and that the band pick up the pieces and redesign their blueprint, whether the album producer thought to themselves 'I Did Something Bad' is one possibility, the other being the thought belongs with the individual musicians. Check out if you dare. Download This: "Nola" - Click here to listen. For Fans of: Dream Theater, Periphery, Prog Metal [5] RHYS STEVENSON  CENTRATE 'Tiger Force' INDEPENDENT Cometh the modern wave of Teutonic Thrash Metal, sure Centrate's 'Tiger Force' is nothing new in terms of bringing something fresh to the over-saturated Thrash Metal style, it does however accomplish what it was created to do, that is deliver insanely heavy Thrash Metal. 'Tiger Force' is a four-track EP that glimmers with seismic drumming, maniacal riffs, ferocious vocals and an attitude that combined together sticks a few fists up your anus, knuckleduster in-tow. For the seasoned Thrash addict, this EP will tickle your taste-buds without leaving any desire to turn it off, meaning it might not appeal for those who love a wide array of metal. It is however a decent effort. Download This: "Tiger Force (promo)" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Holy Moses, Slayer, Tankard [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON  PROFUNDAE LIBIDINES 'El Viaje Definitivo' INDEPENDENT If you wish to be detrimental towards Profundae Libidines' second album 'El Viaje Definitivo', you can be. Because it strides the boundary of being insanely weird and insanely shit, point being it has too many influences fighting each other to gain supremacy over the entire release. The only decent aspect of this release besides it's creative artwork, is the intuitive-sounds developed on the release through the use of a violin and fret-less bass. France has a rich heritage in underground Black Metal, but unfortunately this album does not stand up to it's former pedigree and thus will be left to rot in the abyss of decaying metal releases. You could be slightly more detrimental by admitting it's stabbed the Avant-Garde / Black Metal partnership in the heart. Download This: "El Viaje Definitivo" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Avant-Garde / Black Metal, Andy Warhol, 'strange music' [4] RHYS STEVENSON  PRAVIA 'Pravia' INDEPENDENT Behold the purveyors of 'Pagancore', Pravia are Poland's latest export and they come in the form of a five-piece Pagan Melodic Death Metal / Deathcore outfit. By wielding together the grit and brutality of Deathcore, with the flashiness and eccentricity of Melodic Death Metal and lashing it together with the Slavonic perspective of Pagan Metal, Pravia are set to become hot property within the year ahead. For added flavor, if they added some folk instruments native to their Polish and / or Slavic heritage, then the added dimension will certainly hoist them up as a genre innovator. In fact due to the sheer excitement reverberated across this release, 'Pravia' might as well be 'Polish Metal release of the year' for this in all sincerity carries all of the hallmarks of a band destined to achieve great things. Download This: "Forest Brethren" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Eluveitie, Arkona, Heaven Shall Burn [8] RHYS STEVENSON  LAPPALAÏNEN 'Kraken's Awakening' INDEPENDENT Once again the whole 'we are not Nordic but let's do Viking Metal anyway' attitude comes to the fore with France's latest export Lappalaïnen. The difference being, it seems this bard sextet want to merge both Celtic Metal and Viking Metal together, so far it seems to be paying off but for how long? 'Kraken's Awakening' brings to the table a bouncy, LOTR anthem-like sound to the forefront and will surely appeal to the Folkloric Metalheads worldwide. Whilst perhaps not as majestic as their opposite numbers like Eluveitie and Tyr, they however are much akin to the likes of Nightcreepers. Fast, bouncy and highly energetic is what 'Kraken's Awakening' can be summarized as, just wait for the second coming as it will need to be something special to beat this effort. Download This: "Riding On The Load Of Hay" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Eluveitie, Nightcreepers, Tyr [8] RHYS STEVENSON  BUKO 'Elefantes' INDEPENDENT Madrid shook heavily on the grounds as the Spanish quintet Buko emerge out of the pits with their highly anticipated debut album 'Elefantes'. Smothered by the Spanish language, this Heavy / Groove Metal release comes laden with Death Metal influences from the American kind. Despite it's lack in breaking the ice, that is making it an instant it, Buko's 'Elefantes' will certainly delight anyone who listens to it. There's a lot of influences roaming around this album and to pigeonhole it into one genre is practically asking for suicide, but with the evident 5FDP groove, DevilDriver Death Metal pinching and Avenged Sevenfold Heavy Metal riffs, Buko's 'Elefantes' is a truly unique release, rest assured. Download This: "Huérfanos" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Five Finger Death Punch, DevilDriver, Avenged Sevenfold [7] RHYS STEVENSON  DEPRESSED 'Afterlife In Darkness' INDEPENDENT If you asked for raw Death Metal put your hands up, otherwise sit down, shut up and listen to perhaps the most rawest Death Metal emerging out of Brazil over the last decade. 'Afterlife In Darkness' serves as Depressed's long-overdue debut album, which comes a whopping sixteen years after their first demo back in 1999, and boy was the wait worth it. Vocals so guttural that they will bleed your brain dry, whilst the riffs rip into you like barbed wire caressing your skin and the drums just simply, finish you off. Granted this band might be short-lived, but for the underground fetishist and the metalheads who dig exotic metal, then 'Afterlife In Darkness' is for you. Brutal, snazzy, erotic and completely 100% Brazilian. Download This: "Reborn In Hellfire (Live)" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Cannibal Corpse, Suffocation, Krisiun [7] RHYS STEVENSON  IRONRAT 'Monument' VOLTAGE If they had better studio quality then the album would be pretty decent, but ignoring the said flaw the album still is a delightful listen. Of course taking seven years to drop a debut album you'd think that Yorkshire's Ironrat would want to make it as gorgeous as possible, sure it might not be smelling of sweet roses but it certainly doesn't stink of sweat either. Whether the passion boiled down prior to the recording or the band were high off their tits, 'Monument' is still a rampant Stoner / Groove Metal album that carries all the hallmarks you would expect from a said-genre album. Funky, heavy and gritty, now the question is where's the sex? Unless you can give CD's oral, you can give CD's oral, right? Download This: "Feed The Pigs" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Machine Head, Monster Magnet, Electric Wizard [7] RHYS STEVENSON  MINDPATROL 'The Marble Fall' INDEPENDENT Mindpatrol is the Derren Brown of the metal world, full of magical trickery, progressive illusions and a shadowy atmosphere, after all their second album 'The Marble Fall' plays into the minds of the listener, developing a world beyond mere imagination. With at least an hour's worth of listening to cascade through, at every turn there is a musical element you was not expecting and it is this that places Mindpatrol's 'The Marble Fall' as a huge contender for not only 'Luxembourger Metal release of the year' but also 'European Metal album of the year'. There is no doubt that the Luxembourg Metal scene is shaking at it's very foundations, with Mindpatrol being the latest band to emerge from this tiny nation. Mindpatrol are a band to watch out for in 2016. Download This: "Tabula Rasa" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Born Of Osiris, Cypher 16, Periphery [9] RHYS STEVENSON  DEEP RIVER ACOLYTES
'From The Voids Of Chaos' INDEPENDENT Wave your head from left to right and back again to the tune of Deep River Acolytes' premier EP 'From The Voids Of Chaos' because this Heavy / Doom Metal monster demands you to do so. Hailing from the cold north of Finland, this quintet do not fail to impress nor serve up a delightful release. Well stretching out at nineteen minutes across three tracks, your attention won't drift away too soon and in fact this EP sort-of pays homage to the founders of Heavy / Doom Metal, Black Sabbath. Whilst they may not be as illustrious as the sadly-splitting band, nor as inventive, Deep River Acolytes certainly know how to start off on the right foot. They may just yet become your new favorite Finnish Metal export, if not one to watch out for in 2016. Download This: "Dwellers In The Mist" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Black Sabbath, Candlemass, St. Vitus [8] RHYS STEVENSON  INFECTED CHAOS 'The Wake Of Ares' METAL MUSIC AUSTRIA Unleashing a ravishing bombardment of guttural onslaught and provocative thoughts is Austrian Death Metal masochists Infected Chaos, who have blessed the metal world with their sensational debut album 'The Wake Of Ares'. Expect nothing but full-on Death Metal here, none of that glamorous-fancy stuff, no, this is straight edge Death Metal and you better be prepared for it, otherwise you will be begging for your life as it consumes your brains inside out. Waltzing in-and-out of the Old School and Modern variants, Infected Chaos make no errors on this attempt and this is why they will be your new favorite Death Metal band. In fact, 'The Wake Of Ares' might as well be a hot contender for Austrian Metal release of the year, watch this band with interest as they are set to go places. Download This: "Ia, God Of War" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Hail Of Bullets, Abhorrent Decimation, Unleashed [8] RHYS STEVENSON  MIST 'Inan' ' SOULSELLER Mist are enjoying their current incarnation and with their new-found line-up, unleash their gloomy premier EP 'Inan' ' to the masses with renewed vigor. Wallowing in the deepest realms of Doom Metal, this Slovenian outfit mark their territory well with this effort and will give them the ropes to hoist themselves up the ladder of international recognition. The funny thing is though, whilst Doom Metal is meant to be rather bleak, sorrowful and near-depressive, Mist ironically do not befit the usual elements of Doom Metal and instead drag in a more upbeat style to the genre, this might not appeal to those who suckle Doom Metal in their sleep, but might appeal to the wider metal community. Black Sabbath may well be calling curtains, but for Doom Metal it is the likes of Mist that are writing the new chapters in this genres history, and are sure to follow in the legends footsteps. Download This: "Inan" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Black Sabbath, Saint Vitus, Candlemass [8] RHYS STEVENSON  GODSLAVE 'Whatever We Want!' GREEN ZONE MUSIC / H'ART So we have the German Thrash Metal Godslave go completely non-metal and metal at the same time, well how you may ask? Well Godslave would answer "we will do 'whatever we want!" and that is exactly what they did, they unleashed an EP in honor of the Quo, Status Quo. Now for the elitist metalhead this would be completely taboo, but for the more conservative metalhead this is an epic delight, and boy do Godslave nail it right on the head. Through the essential use of gritty guitar playing, neck-breaking drums and brutally harmonic vocals, Godslave deliver their trademark sound that has guided them over the last decade (ish) or so. Ultimately 'Whatever We Want!' is a must-have release for any rock or metal fan alike, and certainly can be considered simply 'Thrashtastic!', here's to the second Quo-Thrash!. Get the EP here:- http://godslave.de/product/whatever-we-want-ep/ For Fans of: Status Quo (obviously), Metallica, Motorhead [8] RHYS STEVENSON  IHDAMAS 'Multiverso Desconocido' SALUTE If you're hunting for exotic Extreme Metal, look no further than South America and in specific Colombia, whose Black / Thrash Metal sons Ihdamas have made their voices heard through their premier '2014 demo' released last year and this year via Salute Records (SE). Proclaiming themselves as 'Conexion Metal', it is relatively clear at what they are trying to conjure up. A carefully blended mix of Black Metal, Thrash Metal, Heavy Metal, Doom and Death Metal to create what essentially is 'Extreme Metal'. Raw in it's sound and furious in it's production, 'Multiverso Desconocido' is a delight to anyone who indulges in Extreme Metal and the South American abyss. Now whilst it's a decent release, it is doomed to stay in the underground for it's lacking that one element to make it an internationally recognized release, simply put:- to convince, because whilst the DIY sound may work for the underground, it would not bode well in the wider metal circuit. All in all a decent release. Get the demo via Salute Records here. For fans of: From Forgotten Being, Qafas, Seeds Of Iblis [7] RHYS STEVENSON  SARPENTRA 'Supernova' INDEPENDENT Russian Death Metal should have a genre of all it's own, because no matter what Russian band performs Death Metal, they all seem to be a league above the world. Making that notion more solid is Sarpentra who explode with their debut album 'Supernova' which is as brutally potent as sniffing arsenic after ingesting vodka and rum. With the blistering-paced drums leading the surcharge and the guitars adding the dimensional harmonics, coupled with vocals that Behemoth's Nergal would approve of and atmospherics similar to the likes of Fleshgod Apocalypse, 'Supernova' is a groundbreaking release that will spark off mass interest in many labels worldwide. Unrelenting in ferocity and uncompromising in energetic brutality, you may as well be looking at the Russian Metal release of the year, simply catastrophically 'Apocalyptic Metal'. For Fans of: Fleshgod Apocalypse, Behemoth, Katalepsy Download This: "Prometheus Unbound" - click here to listen [9] RHYS STEVENSON  LEAVE SCARS 'Chains Of Redemption' INDEPENDENT Cast your mind back and we gave Belgian Thrashers Leave Scars a fine going-over back in 2013, well fast forward to 2015 and the quintet have released another torrential battering of fine Thrash Metal in the shape of their second album 'Chains Of Redemption'. Pushing harder and faster since their first chronicle, 'Chains Of Redemption' demands your immediate attention with enough mosh power to command over a 1,000 and make the world's largest moshpit. Combining the Old-School anguish with the modern technicalities and glitz, Leave Scars are determined to 'Leave Scars' across Europe with their infectious Thrash Metal style. Loaded with aggression, you will need a spare set of pants because when this album is finished with you, there will be a shitty mess all over your chair - you have been warned. For Fans of: Evile, Fallen Fate, Savage Messiah Download This: "Final Chance" - click here to listen [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON  DEATH BRINGER 'Avoid Reality' INDEPENDENT Six years after forming, Spanish Melodic Death Metal outfit Death Bringer lay down the law with their all-out powerful debut album 'Avoid Reality'. Fronted by the beautiful Paloma Gómez, her vocals intertwine with Pablo Santamarta in a sort-of 'beauty and the beast' singing arrangement. Guttural vocals crash against melodic vocals whilst the riffs burn into your ears and the drums provide that final solid sound that makes 'Avoid Reality' a truly respected album. Accept no substitutes as Death Bringer have assurances that they are the real deal and are set to smash your head in unless you conform, this album is not for weak-minded people, this album is for those who can tolerate the thought of their skull being exploded by an explosive wall of Melodic 'Death' Metal, fear it. Download This: "Bring Me Fire" - Click here to listen For Fans of: The Agonist, Izegrim, 6th Awakening [8] RHYS STEVENSON  IMMORALIS 'Connected Visions' INDEPENDENT After seeing two of their members depart the camp, Immoralis were faced with the enormous task of delivering a follow-up release worthy of acclaim. 'Connected Visions' ticks that box, despite dropping the female vocals; which for this release is the missing piece, the ingenuity of the music in question is sexually evocative. By avoiding the overrated djent sound and wedging themselves in between Symphonic Metalcore and Progressive Metal, Immoralis have crafted out a new dimension within the Avant-Garde style. Harmonious keys provide the solidified background, whilst the crunchy riffs and bass dance along with Jesse's face-punching vocals. Overall this EP holds promise for this Minnesota outfit, it is an improvement from 'The Great Collapse', but it falls short of being spectacular as it demands Jacis vocal presence. Download This: "Leo" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Bleeding Through, Periphery, Soilwork [8] RHYS STEVENSON  LOST IN PAIN 'Plague Inc.' NOISEWORKS Luxembourg is enjoying a great year for exporting metal music, what with Scarred's performance at Bloodstock and now Lost In Pain's charismatic second album 'Plague Inc.' seeing the light. Expect nothing less than some good old fashioned Heavy Metal from this 46 minute adventure, through the use of majestic vocals, spiffing riffs, thick-and-heavy bass elements and punctual drumming, Lost In Pain pay homage to the greatest genre in music history. Not flash nor trying to be the next Iron Maiden, Lost In Pain's 'Plague Inc.' is guaranteed to satisfy the thirst for those who indulge in not only the classic Heavy Metal vernacular but also metal from lesser-known scenes like Luxembourg. 'Plague Inc.' is without a doubt, 'Luxembourger Metal release of the year'. Simply awe-inspiring. Download This: "Greed" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Pantera, Mastodon, Machine Head, ok and Iron Maiden (ish) [8] RHYS STEVENSON  CHRONOS
'Hour Of Atonement' INDEPENDENT Channeled in the right direction, Somerset outfit Chronos' debut EP 'Hour Of Atonement' could have been a mind-blowing release but it lacks that cutting edge that would make it so. Sure the ferocity behind the mixing of the Melodic Death Metal and Thrash Metal sounds on the EP go well together, it just does not have that convincing element to say that Chronos are ready yet to break out of the underground. In fact the title track 'Chronos' is perhaps the only one to be defined as 'convincing', if they utilize that flirtatiousness between the guitars and drums more often then this EP could have been a whole league better. 'Hour Of Atonement' is a decent start, there is much to learn and with the right guidance Chronos can make it. Download This: 'Chronos' (Live)' - Click here to listen For Fans of: Trivium, In Flames, Opeth [6.5] RHYS STEVENSON |
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