Global Metal Apocalypse
Connect With Us
  • Home
  • News
    • Alternative Music News
    • Metal News
    • Live News & Reviews
    • Other Music News
  • Reviews
    • Alternative Music
    • Film Reviews
    • Metal >
      • Metal II
      • Metal III
  • Interviews
    • Alternative Music Interviews
    • Metal Interviews
    • Music Related Interviews
  • Metal Scenes
    • Africa
    • Asia
    • Europe
    • North & Central America
    • Oceania
    • South America
  • Blogging
  • Extras
    • GMA Awards
    • GMA In The Press
    • Projects
    • Testimonials
  • Contact

GMA - Vol202 - Overhated, Deadpoint, Dead End, Belhaven, Stormwolf, Le Géniteur, Nawather, Eshtadur, Storm, Acid Force

28/1/2016

1 Comment

 
Picture
OVERHATED
'Into The Plague'
INDEPENDENT

Fresh off the beaches in the Dominican Republic is Death / Thrash horde Overhated with their premier EP 'Into The Plague' released last year. Some would expect to hear raw and low recording quality, whether you agree or not with that sentiment the organic sound mastered by this quintet is paramount to their scenes steady but growing metal scene. Granted it is nothing new and whilst originality prevails here and there on certain songs, the overall feeling is one of justifiable gratitude. It's an EP that should be taken seriously however not too much as to acknowledge that it is not an effort that warrants a label signing. However as blistering as the heat is out there, it is matched equally by the music of which constitutes bellowing vocals, gritty riffs and thunderous drumming. Hark the coming of age for the Dominican Republic Metal scene.

Download This: "Into The Plague" - Click here to listen

For Fans of: Gojira, Darkane, Hatesphere

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

Picture
DEADPOINT
'The Art Of Deception'
INDEPENDENT

Could Deadpoint prove to become Poland's long awaited answer to Lamb of God? You would think so. With the quintet's scintillating debut album 'The Art Of Deception' racking up some serious grooves and uncompromising brutality, you would need a damn good alibi to cover your reason for ignoring this album, in fact it would be criminal to turn a blind eye to said release and band. Already creating a buzz in their homeland, it is only a matter of time before Deadpoint arrive on your doorstep ready to blow the roof off of your local venue. 'The Art Of Deception' ironically sums up the album as a whole, at first you think it's another run-of-the-mill funked-up metalcore release, but when it kicks in you will suffer so much whiplash you would wish you had taken out medical insurance prior to listening to this musical apocalypse.

Download This: "Lapidus" - Click here to listen

For Fans of: Lamb Of God, Machine Head, Asking Alexandria

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

Picture
DEAD END
'Dead End'
INDEPENDENT

At first 'Dead End' seems to be heading to become just another average Heavy / Thrash Metal release, but it takes time for the real deal to kick in. 3 songs in and you're thinking more optimistically for the release, it is this slow wait for anything convincing to happen that hampers the EP as a whole. When it does pick up the pace, 'Dead End' is an EP that should be viewed with interest as it has promise among the pitfalls, sure first releases are not always the best, but there is enough potential riding on this EP that should enable the band Dead End to deliver a better follow-up release. Swiss Metal has suffered a slight setback in recent times and whilst bands like Dead End try to reinvigorate it, with this effort it is clear we might have to wait slightly longer for something magical to arise.

Download This: "One Of Them" - Click here to listen

For Fans of: Evile, Metallica, Gama Bomb

[6.5] RHYS STEVENSON

Picture
BELHAVEN
'Sage Of Hope'
INDEPENDENT

Poland's love affair with Symphonic Metal continues as the latest army to join the ranks emerges from the shadows, Belhaven are here with their premier EP 'Sage Of Hope' and they aim to reap your soul. Expect soaring harmonics combine with elegant vocals and be mashed together with eccentric music elements, sure it's near enough the same working formula devised for most Symphonic Metal bands nay releases, but it works. 'Sage Of Hope' is a delightful listen for those who are adventurous enough to try something new and will certainly provide Belhaven a starting point to build a career upon. Whether they took their name from a Scottish village remains a question needing answering, but the answer to whether they will be popular and successful is clear, keep up this effort and they will reach that point with ease.

Download This: "Nightguide" - Click here to listen

For Fans of: Within Temptation, UnSun, Amberian Dawn

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

Picture
STORMWOLF
'Swordwind'
INDEPENDENT

Modern Heavy Metallers Stormwolf kick off their career with a bang, by formulating a set of winning songs to slot into their debut album 'Swordwind', the Italian quartet deliver a romping stomp across various pitches, tunes and sounds. Majestic with every song, 'Swordwind' comes into its own with  flirtatious riffs, riotous vocals and emphatically insane drumming. You get the feeling that Stormwolf are set to breathe life into a volatile yet over-populated metal genre, well by bolting melodic and Gothic metal influences onto the heavy metal sound, they have certainly got their eyes set on the future. 'Swordwind' is a treasure to behold, with some songs sounding as if they came from the soundtracks of 'Pirates Of The Caribbean' e.g. 'Marathon' (2:28-2:40) and 'Lord Of The Rings' e.g. 'Thasaidon', overall the sound is magical, it's sexy and most of all it's clearly done with creativity in mind. Let the Stormwolf roam across planet metal freely.

Download This: "Marathon" - Click here to listen

For Fans of: Kobra & The Lotus, Sister Sin, Iron Maiden

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

Picture
LE GÉNITEUR
'Les Pantins Du Péché'
INDEPENDENT

'Les Pantins Du Péché' (trans: 'The Sin Of Puppets') is the debut EP of French Death / Thrash newbies Le Géniteur (trans: The Progenitor) and whilst you might hope for something spectacular, you will be left slightly disappointed. Irrespective of the language differences, the power is not there and it at times loses focus, that is, there is no clear direction as to where it is actually going. You know, you might find more entertainment and solitude in watching paint dry, ironically bide your time and there are some glimmers of hope that the band know what they are doing (but you have to wait till the fourth track). So whilst 'Les Pantins Du Péché' may do well in the local and regional scene in France, it lacks that potential ability to make a European if not national name for itself. There is far too much emphasis on the guitar riffs, very little composition from the drums and the vocals are too muffled, other than that good job.

Download This: "Extremum" - Click here to listen

For Fans of: Machine Head, Deathchain, Possessed

[6] RHYS STEVENSON

Picture
NAWATHER
'Wasted Years'
M & O MUSIC

Making your feelings and emotions heard is not always easy, but perk up your ears and hear the sounds of traditional Middle Eastern folk music collide head on with Progressive Metal and immerse yourself in the world of Nawather, Tunisia's latest export. Hot on the heels of fellow countrymen Myrath, Nawather take a unique root through the combining the vocals of Tunisian Raouf J Occulta and Omani Ryma Nakkach together. Perfect for Arabian nights, Nawather's 'Wasted Years' gives itself as a huge testament to Tunisia's flourishing metal scene. Some might argue that the 'Oriental Metal' movement is too narrow and that they sound too alike to Myrath, but this simply is not the case. Aside from the fact they sing in both English and Arabic, Nawather have their own sound envisioned and they will realize this with ease. Watch this group with utmost interest.

Download This: "Daret Layyem (دارت الايام)" - Click here to listen

For Fans of: Orphaned Land, Myrath, Sand Aura

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

Picture
ESHTADUR
'Oblivion'
REBELSIGN

Not letting go of their ascent to international recognition, Colombia's rampaging horde Eshtadur delivered their first EP and with it comes another horrific slab of Melodic-infused Black / Death Metal. You know to think that Colombia alone is infatuated with Extreme Metal, becomes immediately apparent when you have the likes of Eshtadur who unleash such an accentuating and distinguishable sound that sets them apart from their influential peers. Unrelentingly fast, uncompromising at it's best and without a doubt mind-blowing at it's absolute peek, 'Oblivion' is a truly magnificent release that proves Eshtadur have what it takes to raid Europe and then some. Unpredictable throughout the EP, there are twists and turns at every second, thus giving the EP a unique feel to it, one that demands your attention. If you don't check this EP out, you are no fan of Extreme Metal. Fact.

Download This: "Heavens To The Ground" - Click here to listen

For Fans of: Ihsahn, At The Gates, Behemoth

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

Picture
STORM
'Medusa'
TIN IDOL PRODS.

Following up from their promising start, Hawaii's premier Gothic Metal band Storm make no mistakes in unleashing another sensational album. 'Medusa' devotes itself as a conceptual album about the ancient creature spoken of in Ancient Greek mythology. With Eric Barker taking over keyboard duties, Storm found the missing piece that they lacked on ' Storm's a Brewin' ', giving greater atmosphere and prominent presence. By ingeniously mixing together storytelling with metal music, the Hawaiian horde manage to bring a new dimension to the metal music world, in fact Storm deserve all that comes their way in 2016 because with this effort, they will place Hawaii on the map just as 36 Crazyfists did for Alaska. 'Medusa' is essentially a Gothic / Power Metal album that opens and frees the mind from the shackles of the ever-narrowing corridor of Gothic Metal adventurism.

Download This: "The Curse" - Click here to listen

For Fans of: Within Temptation, Pythia, Seraphim, Epica

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

Picture
ACID FORCE
'Towards The Nuclear Load'
INDEPENDENT

Punk n' Thrash is not exactly a new concept having buried it's roots over the years, but it still lives on with fresh and exciting band emerging to lead it on. One such band is Slovakian quartet Acid Force whose premier EP 'Towards The Nuclear Load' dwells within the Old-School Thrash Metal era with Punk influences in-tow. Whilst yes it is nothing new it certainly does the rounds and features a host of songs designed to get a mosh-pit started without prior warning. Sadly it does not carry the warrant of immediate appraisal nor does it do the band injustice, 'Towards The Nuclear Load' despite it being a decent Thrash EP just does not cut it completely. At times it desperately tries to avoid being 'Slayer-like' and whilst it does this, it ironically does fall into that trap at certain sections, leaving the EP in a questionable state.

Download This: "Ammunition" - Click here to listen

For Fans of: Slayer, Nuclear Assault, Anthrax

[7] RHYS STEVENSON
1 Comment

GMA - Vol197 - Blackdrawn, Storm (HI), Ordo Caper, Ares, Draugûl, Age Of Dust, Luciferum Penis, Lost In Pain, Siroll!, Cerebral Abscess

20/10/2015

0 Comments

 
Picture
BLACKDRAWN
'Blackdrawn'
BD MUSIC

Now you might well have thought that because of Greece's demoralizing and brutal economic downfall that the quality of metal would deplete as a result; not to mention quality of gear and services available, well, you would be mistaken. Enter Blackdrawn, the new kids on the block who come armed with their rather unforgiving blend of mystical keyboard elements, technical groove riffery, blazing drums and not to mention vocals so gritty they would embed in your soul for eternity. Eloquently expressed, the self-debut album by this Greek unit lashes together the aforementioned Groove / Tech combination with elements of Nordic Melodic Death Metal, conjuring up what could be accepted as part of the 'new wave of Modern Metal'. Already set to perform as support to Arch Enemy in November, Blackdrawn are the Greek Metal band you never saw coming. Simply magical.

Download This: "What I Am" - Click here to listen

For Fans of: Soilwork, In Flames, DevilDriver

[9.5] RHYS STEVENSON

Picture

STORM
'Storm's A Brewin' '
TIN IDOL PRODS.

Granted the USA has a gargantuan range of metal bands stretching across from the Atlantic to Pacific West, but ever thought of Hawaiian Metal? Well emerging from the secluded island archipegalo is the female-fronted Gothic Metal band Storm with their infectious debut album 'Storm's A Brewin' '. Borrowing properties from the Doom Metal and Symphonic Metal styles, this quintet certainly have ambition on their mind as proven with this effort, despite lacking something that would make this album extra special; no idea what it is, but it's lacking something, Storm certainly are looking the real deal when it comes down to initiative and original-thinking throughout constructing these hallowing and spine-chilling songs. With this album, Storm are leading the Hawaiian Metal scene to greater recognition.

Download This: "Angel Eyes" - Click here to listen

For Fans of: Evanescence, Lacuna Coil, Paradise Lost

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

Picture
ORDO CAPER
'Promo 2015'
ONLY DEATH'S REAL.

Costa Rica in recent years has been enjoying a flourishing of metal bands emerging from the pits of the underground to more continental and international recognition. The latest to make this move is Death Metal duo Ordo Caper of whose 2015 promo exhibits more of the old-school Death Metal style, rather than the polished-off kind you find all too common these days. What also makes this release all the more interesting is one of the songs 'Igbodu', simply because trying to google what it means and not getting anywhere demands more curiosity to be given. The only immediate downside to this promo (and what can you expect?) is that at times the vocals override the music too much, the drums fade too much and thus you're left quite unsure of what to make of the promo holistically.

Download This: "Red Moon Ritual" - Get the promo from the band via their Facebook here

For Fans of: Morbid Angel, Old-School Death Metal

[6.5] RHYS STEVENSON

Picture
ARES
'Divine Creation'
SLEASZY RIDER

We've already ascertained that the Japanese Metal scene is built upon breaking the rules, saying no to taboo issues in context with metal music itself, and supporting that notion with their second album 'Divine Creation', is the trio Ares. This is not Melodic Death Metal as you know it, there is much more going on to even demand it's own genre from which can be called 'Modern Apocalyptic Metal'. Seriously there are elements of Symphonic Metal, Power Metal and Metalcore that all combine together to create a sound that is sensationally mind-blowing, one that inevitably demanded a record label deal and one that will catapult Ares higher in the Asian, if not the Japanese Metal scene. Granted the production might well have helped, despite it possibly being naff, sometimes the bad things are actually ironically good. Keep this band in your line of sight, they are sure to make waves.

Download This: "New Created Sky" - Click here to listen

For Fans of: Fleshgod Apocalypse, Arch Enemy, Demonic Resurrection, 'Modern Metal'

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

Picture
DRAUGÛL
'Chronicles Untold'

PESTTANZ KLANGSCHMIEDE

Be honest it's always fascinating when a solo project or a band focuses on singing about topics totally unrelated to where they are from. So when Sweden-based project Draugûl divulges in Nordic mythology and Tolkien-related subjects, immediately the thought of Swedish musicians comes to mind, except that this project has its roots in Malta. Geographical differences aside, Draugûl revels in the Epic Viking Metal style and broods it well with the third full-length album 'Chronicles Untold', but it's stuff we've heard before in other forms and as a result the project probably cannot escape being compared to similar bard-like bands. Putting that notion aside, 'Chronicles Untold' does what it intends to do and does so gracefully, there is no doubt it will capture the attention of Folk Metal addicts, but for the broader metal-listener it might fall short of anything interesting. In short, the album is decent but definitely not groundbreaking nor incomparable.

Buy the album here:
Draugûl - Chronicles Untold

For Fans of: Windir, Watain, Faun

[7] RHYS STEVENSON

Picture
AGE OF DUST
'Messenger In A Soulless World'
INDEPENDENT

As far as Operatic Metal goes, this is a new chapter in the genre and without a doubt the small-but-strong Catalan Metal scene. Unleashing their majestic and energetic masterpiece 'Messenger In A Soulless World', is trio Age Of Dust. Drawing the beauty, elegance and dramatics from musical scores like 'The Phantom of the Opera', Age of Dust are positioning themselves as Spain's answer to Sweden's long-running Therion. With 50 minutes of pure lively 'beauty and the beast' serenades rampaging throughout, you would be silly to knock off 'Messenger In A Soulless World' as just another Symphonic Metal album. High hopes are expected of this group and there next outings will be closely watched with interest, what with a choir providing background substance this could develop into something rather interesting to say the least.

Download This: "No Shade Of Grey" - click here to listen

For Fans of: Therion, Epica, Lacuna Coil

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

Picture
LUCIFERUM PENIS
'15 Years of Silence and Rituals'
SALUTE

For a band who has been going 15 years, you'd have thought that by now their sound would have been refined, matured and tolerable. Unfortunately Luciferum Penis have not followed that pattern, instead what you are faced with when listening to their monumental '15 Years of Silence and Rituals' compilation, is in short a waste of air. There is very little redeemable quality on this release and despite it's obvious kvlt status, it fails to capture any real imagination and lacks that convincing element. However for those who associate themselves with the more extreme, underground variant of Black Metal, this is an absolute diamond. But for the all-round metal listener, yeah, this doesn't hold interest on all of the songs, in fact the best one of the lot is 'Tenebris Irae' and to think that this one of the few acceptable songs on the compilation says something about the entire release right?

Download This: "Tenebris Irae" - Click here to listen

For Fans of: Satanic Warmaster, Behexen, Horna

[5.5] RHYS STEVENSON

Picture
LOST IN PAIN
'Plague Inc.'
NOISEWORKS

If you seek classic Heavy Metal from the Benelux region, then look no further than Luxembourg's Lost In Pain. This quartet deliver a glorious splattering of Modern Heavy Metal with Old-School influences floating around in the background. Their second album 'Plague Inc.' builds upon their successful self-titled debut album and shows that they are a match for anyone, however they choose to build upon this effort will ultimately determine on whether they keep their feng shui intact. With the eccentricity of the riffs, power behind the drums, gritty vocals and unbelievably electric atmosphere, Lost In Pain's 'Plague Inc.' is a solid contender for Luxembourg Metal release of the year, they certainly would do well in the UK that's for sure.

Download This: "Gone" - Click here to listen

For Fans of: Steel Panther, Iron Maiden, Sister Sin

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

Picture
SIROLL!
'Més llenya'
BLOOD FIRE DEATH


Now you probably would not have imagined Metallic Hardcore having a musical relationship with the Spanish language right? Well Siroll! have done exactly that and make their next sermon 'Més llenya' more brutal than being gored at The Running of the Bulls. But please refrain from using the term Spanishcore because one it sounds slightly silly and two it makes the band seem seclusive just because they're singing in their native tongue. 'Més llenya' comes loaded with riffs after juicy riffs, menacing vocals and drums so agile, Lionel Messi has been made redundant. If there was to be a cheeky tongue-in-cheek track it would be '902' because lets face it, it starts off with a phone ringing, it's random, weird and perhaps should not have been, or should it? You decide.

Download This: "902" - Click here to listen

For Fans of: Hatebreed, Converge, All Pigs Must Die

[7] RHYS STEVENSON


Picture
CEREBRAL ABSCESS
'Promo 2015'
PUTRESCENCE

Low-fi recording, gritty, ballsy and downright dirty is what springs to mind when indulging in the the 2015 promo by Russian Brutal Death horde Cerebral Abscess. You can imagine it, extremely guttural sounds, noises, you get the idea. That is just the vocals, the guitars are so thick they seem almost non-apparent and the drums are so low it is as if they were in a recording studio the size of a football pitch. Despite this, the track called 'Exterpation Of The Brain' does have its merits in that it stays true to the designated genre, it just does not warrant any re-listening. It falls short of being called music but does not fall short of being noise, it just falls on it's knees and has very few qualities worth noting. Bit of luck this is a promotional demo right?

Download the promo here

For Fans of: Brutal Death Metal, Russian Gore Metal, 'noise?'

[5] RHYS STEVENSON
0 Comments

    If you enjoy reading this content, please consider a donation

    Donate

    Metal III

    3rd Chronicles of Metal Music Reviews

    © 2011-2022
    Global Metal Apocalypse


    

    Archives

    May 2021
    February 2020
    January 2020
    November 2019
    April 2019
    December 2018
    August 2018
    February 2018
    December 2017
    September 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    February 2014
    December 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013

    Categories

    All
    Afghanistan
    Åland Islands
    Albania
    Algeria
    Alternative
    Ambiant
    Andorra
    Argentina
    Armenia
    Atmospheric
    Australia
    Austria
    Avant Garde
    Azerbaijan
    Bahrain
    Balearic Islands
    Bangladesh
    Barbados
    Basque Country
    Belarus
    Belgium
    Belize
    Black
    Bolivia
    Bosnia-Herzegovina
    Brazil
    Brunei
    Brutal
    Bulgaria
    Cambodia
    Canada
    Catalonia
    Celtic
    Channel Islands
    Chile
    China
    Christian
    Colombia
    Comedy
    Compilation
    Costa Rica
    Croatia
    Crossover
    Crust Punk
    Cuba
    Cyber
    Cyprus
    Czech Republic
    Dance
    Dark
    Death
    Deathcore
    Denmark
    Depressive
    Djent
    Dominican Republic
    Doom
    Drone
    Ecuador
    Egypt
    EHM
    Electro
    Electronicore
    El Salvador
    England
    Epic
    Estonia
    Experimental
    Extreme
    Faroe Islands
    Film Score
    Finland
    Flamenco
    Folk
    France
    Georgia
    Germany
    Glam
    Goregrind
    Gothic
    Greece
    Greenland
    Grindcore
    Groove
    Grunge
    Guatemala
    Guernsey
    Hardcore
    Hard Rock
    Hawaii
    Heavy
    Hong Kong
    Hungary
    Iceland
    Incan
    India
    Indonesia
    Industrial
    Instrumental
    International
    Iran
    Iraq
    Ireland
    Israel
    Italy
    Japan
    Jersey
    Jordan
    Kazakhstan
    Kenya
    Kosovo
    Kuwait
    Kyrgyzstan
    Lapland
    Latin
    Latvia
    Lebanon
    Lithuania
    Live
    Luxembourg
    Macedonia (FYROM)
    Madeira
    Malaysia
    Malta
    Math
    Mauritius
    Mayan
    Melodic
    Melodic Death
    Metalcore
    Mexico
    Middle Eastern
    Modern
    Moldova
    Morocco
    Neo Classical
    Neo-Classical
    Nepal
    Netherlands
    Neue Deutsche Härte
    New Caledonia
    New Zealand
    Nicaragua
    Northern Ireland
    North Macedonia
    Norway
    Nsbm
    Nu
    Old School
    Old-School
    Oman
    Operatic
    Orchestral
    Oriental
    Pagan
    Pakistan
    Panama
    Papua New Guinea
    Paraguay
    Parody Metal
    Peru
    Pirate
    Poland
    Pop Metal
    Portugal
    Post Hardcore
    Post Metal
    Post Metalcore
    Power
    Progressive
    Psychedelia
    Puerto Rico
    Punk
    Qatar
    Quebec
    Raw Black
    Romania
    Russia
    Samurai
    Saudi Arabia
    Scotland
    Serbia
    Shoegaze
    Singapore
    Slam
    Slovakia
    Slovenia
    Sludge
    Soundtrack
    South Africa
    Southern
    South Korea
    Space
    Spain
    Speed
    Sri Lanka
    Stoner
    Suriname
    Svalbard
    Sweden
    Switzerland
    Symphonic
    Syria
    Taiwan
    Tango
    Technical
    Thailand
    The Azores
    The Philippines
    Thrash
    Thrashcore
    Trance
    Trinidad & Tobago
    Tunisia
    Turkey
    UAE
    Uganda
    UK
    Ukraine
    Uruguay
    Usa
    Venezuela
    Vietnam
    Viking
    Visual Kei
    Wales

    RSS Feed