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

KHROMA
'Stasis'
INVERSE

Khroma might as well become Finland's answer to Japan's Crossfaith, an explosive rule-bending mix of electronic brutality, metalcore heaviness and an atmosphere to pierce your brain at it's very core, for their latest effort 'Stasis' will leave your mind completely f*cked. By lacing together elements of Metalcore, electronic music, Groove Metal and Alternative Metal, this hotly-tipped outfit are sure to tear Europe apart with their uniquely fashioned and original s. From start to finish, 'Stasis' will have you moshing your braincells to death, raving your sweat out and drinking alcohol like water, seriously this is proper hard party music. If Crossfaith, 5FDP and The Defiled ever had a three-some, then Khroma would be the offspring, a cataclysmic, unrelenting brand of Modern Metal. This shit is crazyyyyyy!!!!!

Download This: "Brace Yourself"

For Fans of: 5FDP, The Defiled, Crossfaith

'Stasis' is out now via Inverse Records

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

12 GAUGE OUTRAGE
'Deadly Sins'
INDEPENDENT

No let's not indulge in the Irish puns, even though the Guinness demands it. Hailing from the South-East coast of Ireland, the Heavy Metal trio 12 Gauge Outrage do more than just invent an interesting and rhyming band name, they're also capable of bleeding out a debut album that will almost certainly appeal to the metal masses. Pounding drums lead the backline as the riffs slit your throat right at the deadliest point, actually come to think of it have they managed to whip in some Melodic and Thrash Metal elements? Whatever you make of their debut album, 'Deadly Sins' is a joyous and satisfying nod to the classic sounds of Heavy Metal. Whilst it might not be as fast as Slayer or melodically heavy as Iron Maiden, the album will surely book the band their ticket across the Irish Sea and into the UK.

Download This: "Greed - Drag Me To Hell" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Kaine, Diamond Head, Metallica

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

HALIDOM
'Purity Corrupts'
INDEPENDENT

You might get stuck in the groove when checking out the premier EP by Israel's Halidom. The new kids on the block kick off their career with their EP 'Purity Corrupts' and whilst it offers something fresh, at times it becomes stagnant, that's not to say it's not enjoyable but rather the 'been here done that, sold the t-shirt' feeling. However through bolting together some flash riffs, thick and heavy bass, gritty vocals and an atmosphere primed to get any pit open, Halidom might be on to something, whatever it is they haven't found it yet. 'Purity Corrupts' serves as a respected nod to the Groove Metal movement, but nothing more, in fact their next release needs to be an improvement to enable the band to gain considerable attention from outside of Israel, or the Middle East.

Download This: "Turncoat" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Gojira, DevilDriver, Lamb of God

[7] RHYS STEVENSON

ROMAN KHRUSTALEV
'Our New Sun'
INDEPENDENT

When you think of Kazakhstan, you generally would not consider it a metal music nation and truth be told whilst it's scene can be traced back to the early 1990's, there are very few bands or projects going around. One such musician, Roman Khrustalev, has been releasing music since 2008 under different guises. However he now goes under his real name and has released his latest instrumental Progressive / Power Metal album 'Our New Sun'. From start to finish, this marathon run of epic riff shifting and abrasively loud atmospherics certainly demands a lot of attention as this work of art deserves it. Forget the flashy and technical wizardry Herman Li of Dragonforce can deliver, because Kazakhstan have got their own answer through Roman Khrustalev. His futuristic outlook is channelled through his music and ultimately could serve well as background music for the next sci-fi blockbuster.

Download This: "Cold Roots Of Earth" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Instrumental Metal, insanely godly music, epic music

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

BLEEDING TEARS
'The Fall Of Lucifer'
INDEPENDENT

Hailing from Venezuela, Bleeding Tears are a Dark Metal band whose sound features a lashing of Gothic Metal beauty, the dank atmospherics associated with Doom Metal and a sprinkling of menacing Death Metal. 'The Fall Of Lucifer' sadly is nothing new as it appears to have elements that some would agree sounds too similar to other bands in the said combined genre. However despite the near-evident comparisons, the music in question is one that will captivate you no matter where you are in the world, perhaps the EP was built to put Venezuela on the metal map or perhaps just to stand on it's own two as a decent release. Whatever the future holds for this sextet, with this effort they are sure to gain some attention from outside of their own country, perhaps even land a record deal....

Download this: "Premoniziones" - click to listen

For Fans of: Macbeth, Tristania, Darkwell

[7] RHYS STEVENSON

TROLLWALD'
'У гушчарах (U Huszczarach)'
INDEPENDENT

Formed out of the ashes left behind by Litvintroll, Belarusian Folk Metal maestros Trollwald carry on from where their predecessor left off. 'У гушчарах (U Huszczarach)' is the band's debut EP and it remains in touch with their folk heritage, utilising folk instruments normally associated with Pagan Metal. Unfortunately Trollwald aren't as with it as Litvintroll were and make light use of what could have been a potentially arousing EP, their inept self just does not enable their EP to reach it's fullest potential. Granted they've stuck to their mother tongue, being Belarusian, but this does not give the EP that needed kick up the backside that otherwise may well have demanded a more positive reception. Overall despite the lack of convincing elements, 'У гушчарах (U Huszczarach)' is an EP that marks the transition from Litvintroll to Trollwald.

Download This: "Bywaj!" - Click to listen

For fans of: Arkona, Litvintroll, Pagan Metal

[7] RHYS STEVENSON

WASTED HEROES
'Wasted Heroes'
INDEPENDENT

Returning after their debut album 'Between The Worlds' was released six years ago, Ukrainian Melodic Death / Metalcore horde Wasted Heroes justify the time spent in crafting their second offering. This self-titled album deploys all what you would expect from a band from said genre combination, full on smack-down brutality, infectious riffs, emotional vocals and a vision that should enable them to stand tall as possibly the most exciting Metalcore-based bands to emerge out of Eastern Europe. But with this comes their own form of Modern Metal influence, which almost breaches the 'Post Metalcore' territory, but it definitely aims to shove over the dominance of Black and Pagan Metal the Ukrainian Metal scene has been arguably enjoying for far too long. 'Wasted Heroes' is the band's calling card to the record labels, if you want us, come and get us.

Download This: "Burn Down This World" - click to listen

For Fans of: Imminence, In Flames, Zonaria

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

OHOL YEG
'Humanize'
INDEPENDENT

Emerging out of the deepest darkest depths of hell in Turkey is the one-man Black Metal project Ohol Yeg masterminded by Sazakan. 'Humanize' is a delightful listen with enough raw elements found across the entire release to ensure that it stands out as a kvlt release. By harmonizing together mid-paced drums with quick-fire riffs, spluttering vocals and audio clips taken from nature's own backyard, Ohol Yeg manages to create a truly authentic and inspiring sound. Given the project relies upon non-professional equipment and thus bolsters its obvious DIY production sound, homage must be paid to Ohol Yeg for developing a sound that is far from being artificial and rather closer to being completely pure. For the seasoned Black Metal fan, this ought to tickle your ears with delight, for the generic metalhead its a chance to experience something truly unique to the Turkish Black Metal movement.

Download This: "Becoming The Reality" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Carpathian Forest, Moribund Oblivion, Moonblood

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

MOURNING SUN
'Último Exhalario'
INDEPENDENT

Chile's Mourning Sun might as well become the scene's most exciting export of 2016 because their debut album 'Último Exhalario' is so emotionally enriched that it really taps into the mind and soul, calming and soothing the listener at the same time. Constructing a delicate balance of Avant Garde and Doom Metal, this sextet (now trio) harmonise the traumatic and emotional side of life and the wilderness to develop a sound that either you could fall asleep to or ultimately classify as 'easy listening metal'. 'Último Exhalario' gleams with a vibrant array of atmospherics, elements and emotions that coalesce to leave the listener in a state of entrancement. It won't be long before Mourning Sun are snapped up by a record label, because that is exactly what this album deserves, it needs to be heard far and wide. There's a storm brewing across the Andes...

Download This: "Hoowin (Mythic Ancestors)" - Click to listen
 
For fans of: Paradise Lost, Mar De Grises, Doom Metal

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

SOULBURNER
'The Throne of Armageddon'
INDEPENDENT

Fast paced Death Metal thundering out of the back streets of Bogota D.C., Colombia. That is the shortest way to explain Colombian Death Metal maniacs Soulburner and their long-awaited third album 'The Throne of Armageddon'. Released 10 years after their second album, 'The Throne of Armageddon' is a non-stop assault of guttural vocals of the most extreme kind, unrelenting and unforgiving blast-beats and some of the most grizzly riffs ever to be shat out of a guitarist. Designed to crush your cranium in such a way that it would make a simple punch to your skull seem an upgraded tickle. Consequently you need to be in the right mood to be blasted by this audio wave of mass constriction, fear it because you won't have heard anything like it (unless you're a metal elitist, in which case, you're not kvlt enough for this bruising music).

Download This: "World To Ashes" - click to listen

For Fans of: Crackdust, Abhorrent Decimation, Corpse Garden

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

INSANIAM
'Neurotic Mental Storm'
INDEPENDENT

It may well be perhaps as chaotic as a mental asylum, but the debut album by Spanish Black Metal masochists Insaniam undoubtedly gives the band justification for being one of 2016's most anticipated extreme metal bands. As disturbing and mind-intrusive as the album title suggests, this finely tuned masterpiece explores the various realms of the Black and Death Metal styles, pinches ideas here and there and ultimately devises a sound that Insaniam could call their own. If you like, this is what Donnie Darko and the SAW films merged together would sound like in music-form, gore-infested, psychopathic, excruciatingly painful and chilling to the bone. This album is guaranteed to mess with your mind, so here comes the health warning, proceed with caution.

Download This: "Infernal Waves Of Time" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Carpathian Forest, Behemoth, December Wolves

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

SLOWROT
'Baby On Board'
INDEPENDENT

Essentially Slowrot sounds like The Berzerker amped down a bit, whilst retaining some of the menacing brutality the band delivered across the period they existed. Hail the newcomers Slowrot with their unforgiving blend of fast riffage, gruelling vocals and cranial-crushing drums. 'Baby On Board' is this Australian trio's debut album and my god, does it unleash a torrential battering of face-punching, bone-crunchng, skin-munching and shit-dumping metal. With this effort they have perfected a sound that ought to turn heads there way, well you cannot get any more sickening than this, or can you? Whatever the future holds for this lads, they have the red carpet laid down in front of them. 'Baby On Board' is their wager, record labels come and get these lads, because with this effort they won't have to hang around long before being snapped up, you have been warned.

Download This: "Lucifetus" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Cattle Decapitation, Deathbound, The Berzerker

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

DEgITx
'Forest Spirits'
INDEPENDENT

The latest effort by Belarusian instrumentalist DEgITX could easily lend itself as a soundtrack to a sci-fi film, perhaps maybe the forthcoming Star Wars films? Think ethereal, think cyber metal meets Power / Death Metal instrumental elements, you'll get the idea. 'Forest Spirits' is Alexey Kasyanchuk's third album in this project and by the sounds of it, he shows no signs of stopping any time soon. Take for example the tune 'Moonlight & Sunrise', it's clear he is aiming to create his own unique sound and quite frankly he does so, we dub it 'Sci-Fi Death Metal'. With a host of various guest musicians helping out, 'Forest Spirits' could well be a strong contender for Belarusian Metal release of the year. The effort is certainly there, the music is definitely real and the atmosphere is beyond imagination. Immerse yourself in the wondrous mind of DEgITx, open your mind up and enjoy.

Download This: "Moonlight & Sunrise" - Click to listen

For Fans of: The Kovenant, Black Comedy, Breach The Void, instrumental metal.

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

BLACK ROW
'2016 Demo'
INDEPENDENT

Emerging from the depths of the Bolivian valleys is the all-female Thrashers Black Row, now whoever says that females cannot rock hard are lying to themselves. Females can't play metal? Bullshit. Black Row's 2016 demo has enough anger and ferocity on it to make you shit yourself so hard, your intestines will rupture with extreme pain. Equally as menacing as the likes of Slayer, Black Row's premier demo carries all the hallmarks of a truly epic South American metal band in the making. No punches are held back on this release as it goes balls-to-the-wall with every riff, pounding of the drum and erotic vocal line delivered, hell although some people would think of this as rather sexy, we think of Black Row as the sisters of Slayer, rather than just four females playing music. Some chicks are hell-bent for leather, some for sex, some possibly for glam, but Black Row are simply hell-bent for metal.

Download This: "Estereotipos" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Slayer, Anthrax, Cavalera-era Sepultura

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

BOGOTAH
'Um Brinde Ao Fim Do Mundo'
INDEPENDENT

Brazil's answer to 5 Finger Death Punch has finally arrived in the form of Bogotah, the quarter from the sun-kissed streets of São Gonçalo have their dues in order as their debut album 'Um Brinde Ao Fim Do Mundo' sends out shocks through the air and then some. Singing in Brazilian Portuguese, Bogotah would have no issues breaking out into Portugal but might struggle elsewhere in Europe, that said look at all those Folk Metal bands and indeed Rammstein, so anything's possible. As for the debut album, well this will certainly satisfy most metalheads as it is rampant, rhythmic and as obvious as it is, groovy. Lyrically it speaks about political and societal issues, so whilst the ideas may resonate with Thrash Metal (and some elements of this are present in the music), the core resides in Groove Metal. Hotly tipped to become Brazil's latest successful metal export.

Download This: "Eu Sou o Caos" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Five Finger Death Punch, Pantera, Metallica

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

Khanъ
'Знамение'
INDEPENDENT

Experimenting can go well if gone about it the right way, however sometimes during that process the result may come up as something rather incomplete. Sure when talking about the debut album by Bulgarian 'Folkcore' horde Khanъ it is clear that the intention to create something rather unique is there, but there are a few songs that just fall at the wayside as they lose focus. However the overall thought of the album is one of positive feelings, because this sound might as well be truly authentic to the Bulgarians thus calling it their own. By weaving Metalcore with the tambura, Khanъ are able to make worlds collide just as Apocalyptica did with their cello's. 'Знамение' is the debut album by this group and it is sure to appease those desiring for something new and original. As for Khanъ, well they simply are the true pioneers of 'Folkcore', long may the subgenre continue.

Download This: "Павле ми пие" - Click to listen

For fans of: Krampus, Ego Fall, Metalcore, traditional Bulgarian folk music

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

SEVENTH ARMY
'Artificial God'
THANATOLOGY

Chinese Black Metal is probably slightly darker than what resides in the Nordic nations, Seventh Army might as well back up that assumption with their debut album 'Artificial God'. By mixing together the harshened darkness of Black Metal with some rather snazzy industrial elements, this trio from Beijing position themselves as a rather exciting prospect. Having only been going eight months and now releasing their first album, it is clear Seventh Army don't plan to hang around and that their focus is extremely sharp. However this is no Aborym, far from it, this is their darker cousin. It's like as if you were comparing it to Star Wars where Darth Vader would be Aborym and Kylo Ren would be the Seventh Army. Granted it's as dark as the dark side, but it's anger and unpredictable being certainly relates to Kylo Ren.

Download This: "Resistance" - Click to listen

For Fans of: early The Kovenant, Aborym, The CNK

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

LICANTROPÍA
'Inconsciente Mente'
INDEPENDENT

What is amazing about this release is the crispness of the guitars and drums, yet the vocals despite all the hard work and attempts to perfect them, lack that slight bit of clarity that otherwise would have pushed this premier EP high on the rating scale. Instead 'Inconsciente Mente' by Colombian Melodic Death Metal pilgrims Licantropía perches itself at the lower end of the high scale. Infectious melodies, tight-ass riffs and elegant brutality may well give this band the credit they deserve but in the end the vocals need refining and polishing. Hopefully their next release will herald this change and as a result, give the band that range of song-artillery they can take to fire upon the South American metal scenes. Wedged in the Swedish Melodic Death Metal style, the boys from Bogotá have the creativity to make it, but for now they just not quite there.

Download This: "Unholy Shadows" - Click to listen

For fans of: early-Sonic Syndicate, Dark Tranquillity, Amon Amarth

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

INFERNAL ASCENSION
'Infernal Ascension'
INDEPENDENT

Hailing from Costa Rica, Infernal Ascension bring classic 80's Thrash Metal and sprinkle it with Black Metal influences ranging from the vocals to the evident corpse-paint. 'Infernal Ascension' is the band's self-titled EP and it holds much promise for this starlet group. Especially when the first track kicks off with a slowly increasing sound that eventually gives way quickly to unexpected murderous riffs and merciless drumming. Granted this is nothing new and probably won't evolve into something original in that sense, but clearly the lads have got their affairs in order and possibly could forge a respectable album out of this solid EP. Make no mistake, Infernal Ascension are not to be ignored for they will carry your soul on a plate to their rise to international stardom.

Download This: "Metal Oculto" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Aura Noir, Skeletonwitch, Sodom

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

LASHER ZOMBIE
'Belizean Carnage Collection'
METAL MAYHEM

Hailing from one of the most remote metal scenes in Central America, Belizean Death Metal conjurers Lasher Zombie return with their second studio offering five years after their debut. 'Belizean Carnage Collection' is a solid yet gritty slab of no-nonsense Death Metal that is designed to carve your senses in half, all done through the unrelenting drums clashing against the barbed-wire riffs, whilst the vocals deliver the raw and brutally aggressive stuff. 'Belizean Carnage Collection' might not necessarily be the album to set the world alight, far from it, but it does demand international attention from labels who specialize in said music genre; Comatose Music we're pointing at you. With this effort, Lasher Zombie reaffirm themselves as true leaders of Belizean Metal music; even though the first potentially noted band was Bestial Lust (1995), however with Lasher Zombie the scene has newfound glory.

Download This: "Cruel Reality" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Aborted, Death Suppressor (BZ), Vader

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

ESTAMPIDA
'Hard As The Wolfram'
INDEPENDENT

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

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

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

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

SPYDOR
'Predator'
INDEPENDENT

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

Download This: "War" - Click here to listen

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

[6.5] RHYS STEVENSON

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

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

Download This: " 晴雨 " - Click here to listen

For Fans of: Epica, Lacrimosa, After Forever

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

GEMINI ABYSS
'Regenerate'
INDEPENDENT

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

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

For Fans of: Nightwish, Rhapsody Of Fire, Kamelot

[7] RHYS STEVENSON

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

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

Listen to it here: "Official Soundtrack"

For Fans of: Video game instrumentals

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

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

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

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

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

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

For Fans of: Arkona, At The Lake, Żywiołak

[8] + [8] RHYS STEVENSON

FRANTIC AMBER
'Burning Insight'
INDEPENDENT

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

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

Download This: "Soar" - Click here to listen

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

AZURICA
'Warriors Don't Die'
INDEPENDENT

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

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

For Fans of: 'Melodic Death Metal'

[6.5] RHYS STEVENSON

KYMATICA
'Kymatica'
INDEPENDENT

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

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

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

[7] RHYS STEVENSON

STORM UPON THE MASSES
'Vengeance Of Madness'
INDEPENDENT

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

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

For Fans of: Aborted, Suffocation, Nile

[8] RHYS STEVENSON