 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
1 Comment
 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  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  LYNCHPIN 'God Complex' INDEPENDENT It might well be presumptuous to call Lynchpin leaders of the Caribbean Metal scene, but they certainly are strong enough to carry the scene forward. Hailing from Trinidad & Tobago, this Progressive Death unit wager themselves against fate as their latest effort 'God Complex' catapults them into the limelight with their recent announcement of them competing for a slot at Wacken Open Air 2016. Far from your glitzy tech-laden European Progressive Metal style, Lynchpin opt for a more practical approach and instead join allegiance with the likes of Gojira, Opeth and Machine Head. 'God Complex' gives Lynchpin some hope at cementing their place at Wacken, but for now they stand tall as unarguably the finest Trinidadian music export the Caribbean island nation has ever seen. If you love your Gojira, you'll love Lynchpin hands down. Download This: "Softest Floor" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Gojira, Machine Head, Opeth [8] RHYS STEVENSON  PYRAWEED 'Inside Green Chaos (live @ Le Chateau)' INDEPENDENT What makes a live album decent depends on two things, how clear is the music and how organic the recording is. It needs to be clear but not too much in order to avoid being accused of being 'refined', on the other hand it needs clarity to avoid it becoming trashy and not organic. Pyraweed's debut live album certainly carries the hallmarks of a D.I.Y live album, you know it's as if you were in the crowded-out Le Chateau rock bar. Never letting a note go awry, Azerbaijan's Pyraweed deliver a delicious slab of live Sludge / Stoner Metal that would appeal to any fan of the said genres. With thick bass elements holding up the gritty riffs and angry vocals, this is a live album to savor. Given the relatively small but ever-strengthening Azerbaijani Metal scene, Pyraweed certainly know how to deliver a rather sensational live performance, even if it's recorded. Download This: "Green Bullet" - Click here to listen For Fans of: The Melvins, Baroness, Kylesa [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON  MA'ANISH 'Under The Fig Tree' INDEPENDENT 'Under The Fig Tree', the band dub it Technical Progressive Death Metal, we call it 'Experimental Death Metal'. There are a ton of genres going on here and to think that you can headbang to the beat would be a generous overstatement. Despite the inability to keep to time, the album does however reward its listeners with over forty minutes of Tech / Progressive slapped Death Metal that would please anyone who dares listen to it. There's the slow and progressive "Let It Burn" and then there's the absolutely crazy and mindbogglingly fast "Revolution \ Evolution", both evidently offering a wider choice than at first conceived when going through the album. Whilst this is a solid and decent effort, it will require a tad more effort and greater accuracy when experimenting to establish a name well and truly outside of Israel, the Middle East and perhaps Eastern Europe. Download This: "Revolution \ Evolution" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Periphery, early-Sepultura, Testament [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON  THE ORDER OF ELIJAH 'War At Heart' LUXOR When Metalcore reached it's peak it became harder for bands to evade the generic over-cliche sound of riffs and breakdowns romancing each other, then came Motionless In White with their Gothic-tinged outlook and now it's The Order Of Elijah's turn. Who'd have thought that mixing Technical Metal and elements of Melodic Metal would conjure up what you could theoretically call 'Experimenticore'? Because let's face it with the sudden shift in riff pace and sound, coupled with the brutality of the rampaging vocals, and the drums providing the final smacking, you would automatically admit that the latest effort by this Missouri machine has stapled itself to the very hear of 'Experimental Metal'. Make of it as you wish, 'War At Heart' is one album to be taken seriously as it demands utmost attention. Deathcore has Whitechapel, but Metalcore now has The Order Of Elijah. Download This: "God's Unwanted Children" For Fans of: Whitechapel, Born Of Osiris, The Browning 'War At Heart' is out now via Luxor Records [8] RHYS STEVENSON  DENIGRATE 'Hollowpoint' INDEPENDENT Possibly considered as a one-off release, 'Hollowpoint' certainly stirs up the emotions as the melancholic and emphatic sounds caress your soul and mind with every passing second. Making a comeback is never easy, but given the strength of the album Denigrate certainly seem to have a lot more to give to the Finnish Gothic Metal movement. Whilst perhaps not as dark or hallowing as fellow countrymen HIM, Poisonblack or the late Vanguard, Denigrate don't lay a finger wrong on this album and as a result unleash a record to be proud of. With harmonic vocals leading the charge and the musical elements providing a solidified atmosphere, this is an album that deserves a nod or two. Twelve years have passed since their debut, and yet they manage to whip out a delicious release, what more can you ask from the quartet? Download This: "My Corrupted Soul" For Fans of: Poisonblack, The 69 Eyes, Paradise Lost [8] RHYS STEVENSON  ELIZIUM 'Elysium' STF It's sad to see that sometimes, bands do not know when exactly it is their time to pack up their instruments and disband. Despite the effort demonstrated on 'Elysium', the album as a whole does not make the cut, it fails to ignite any interest and instead gives itself a bad name as a supposed 'Gothic / Doom Metal' release. For the Dutch band Elizium, this is quite detrimental to their lengthy career but it seems as if the curtains are ready to be drawn to a close. Quite frankly you could easily fall asleep to this release and not regret missing a bit, again the effort is there but without the rousing ability to make jaws drop, this album will just fall to the wayside as a pitiful waste. 'Elysium' may well appeal to the hardened Gothic Doom contingent, but for the average metalhead it's just another yawn away from boredom. Download This: "Elysium" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Draconian, Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride [5] RHYS STEVENSON  HORDAK 'Padre' CASUS BELLI MUSICA 'Celtiberian Pagan Metal' has officially become a new form of Folk Metal, well given it's pioneers appear to be one of few bands who actually could use the term, it seems apt then for Hordak to adopt it. The Spanish contingent return to deliver their next installment in their career with the raucous sounds of 'Padre' at the forefront. Album number four, 'Padre' stamps its authority with a convincing sound, it's raw infectious elements gnaw at your ears with the savage bite begging for your anticipation. With the vocals as gritty and grueling as they are, it only makes sense that the music be as bleak and hostile as the Celtiberian and Roman conflicts. 'Padre' is a well-made Pagan Metal and will certainly give Hordak a boost across the European landscape. Good job they made their own genre, because that is the best way to describe them. Download This: "Soaring" For Fans of: Arkona, Heidevolk, Celtiberian (of course) [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON  ARCANE SYMPHONY 'A New Day Begins...' INDEPENDENT Symphonic Metal with female vocals is always a godsend and Arcane Symphony are no exception, the Russian quintet muster together a sound that is just as powerful as Anna Volodina's vocals are angelic. 'A New Day Begins...' is the band's debut album and it heralds praise from the moment you kick off the first song, brimming full of elegance, power and eroticism, Arcane Symphony have it all sussed out. With the atmospherics as cold as a Siberian winter, guitars as savage as aged vodka and vocals as majestic as the Moscow State Circus, it would be stupid to knock off this lot as just another Female-fronted Symphonic act. Open up the heavens, let the rain pour and enjoy what this quintet have conjured up. Arcane Symphony are a band to watch in 2016, they will be knocking at your door with their infectious sounds. Download This: "A New Day Begins" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Tarja-era Nightwish, Lanewin, Within Temptation [9] RHYS STEVENSON  SHOW ME WOLVES 'The World They Took Over' FALSE BEING PRODS. If you didn't feel dazed and confused before listening to this release, you probably will be once you're finished. Creating some rather freakishly eerie sounds and instating a spine-chilling atmosphere is what Show Me Wolves clearly intended to do on their second offering 'The World They Took Over'. Masterminded by Icelander Hörður Lúðvíksson, the evident wafting in and out of Progressive, Black and Avant-Garde Metal seems all too paramount when summing up the album, but it has been done in such a way that you cannot begin to comprehend how Hörður Lúðvíksson conjured up the music ideas in the first place. By drifting from slow atmospherics and gritty vocals to fast, sometimes Metalcore-like and progressive-laden sounds, 'The World They Took Over' is a treasure to behold, the magic is there all right, just let it in. Download This: "Mother" For Fans of: She Must Burn, Ne Obliviscaris, Ihsahn 'The World They Took Over' is out 16th January via False Being Productions. [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON  MARIO TURIS
'Luminance' INDEPENDENT Space Metal is a relatively new conceptual genre, even though it can bounce off of the likes of Modern Metal and Cyber Metal it has a distinctive element to it. Take for example the premier EP by Slovakian instrumentalist Mario Turis, 'Luminance' lashes together elements of Progressive Metal and Symphonic Metal to develop a sound that demands its own unique recognition. It's all you could wish for from an agile release, it's fast, heavy and flashy, yet it lacks vocals with could hinder it somewhat. However Mario's tenacity towards creating a sound so technically simple has enabled the EP to escape any considerable comparison against other bands indeed releases, so if you're thinking of wanting a space-like feel to any game or film soundtrack, forget the Hollywood catalog and go for a musical-genius-in-development as Mario Turis will certainly make a name for himself given this effort. Download This: "Stardustborn" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Cypher16, Dol Ammad, The Kovenant [7] RHYS STEVENSON  ANACHRONISM 'Reflecting The Inside' INDEPENDENT Get the aspirin ready and prepare yourself for the worst headache you have ever had, because that is exactly what Anachronism's premier EP 'Reflecting The Inside' will do to you. Beg for mercy because you're going to god-damn need it when listening to this "apocalyptic death metal" release, by mixing together the tight-ass elements of Technical Metal with some of the grittiest and grueling Death Metal vocals you'll ever come across from said genre, this Swiss five-piece have crafted a release that ought to perk a few record labels' ears up and pay attention. Slamming and tantalizingly brutal at every second, 'Reflecting The Inside' is your death warrant written in the musical format, now organize the pits, align the walls of death and let f*cking merry hell take over. You want pummeling and intensely-calculated Technical Death Metal? Look no further. Your answer lies with Anachronism. Download This: "A Way To Emptiness" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Suffocation, Cryptopsy, Gojira [9] RHYS STEVENSON  SENSORIUM 'The Art Of Living' INDEPENDENT It is safe to say that the Israeli Metal scene is enjoying a successful establishment on planet earth and it's latest products, Sensorium, has delivered what could be considered as a candidate for 'Israeli release of the year'. 'The Art Of Living' is the band's debut album and it resides deep within the Power Metal and Operatic Metal styles, with emphatic keyboard elements cementing a harmonious atmosphere and the vocals sounding highly reminiscent of the Phantom of the Opera film, 'The Art Of Living' is a new chapter in the ever-differentiating Power Metal sub-genre. Maxed out at 69 minutes long, this erotic opus grabs your attention and never loses it as it twists and turns and delivers unexpected sounds at every passing second. For Sensorium this is a great start and they have already demonstrated that greater things are yet to come and in doing so, establish them as the next great Israeli Metal export. Download This: "Haunting Verity" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Sonata Arctica, Sabaton, Therion [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON  BLUDY GYRES 'Bludy Gyres' INDEPENDENT So if you have over 20 minutes spare to listen to a two-track EP, you're either mad or completely bored. But both possibilities are worth it, since Bludy Gyres' self-titled EP delivers an orgasmic display of Progressive Doom Metal. The problem is, it lacks that one strike that would cast it as a good release. One of the good parts of the EP resonates with the song "To Live Is To Bleed" which comes from a Scottish ballad by Robert Burns written in 1782. Other than that, the EP lacks redeeming qualities, sure this may seem contradictory with respect to the orgasmic quip, but these orgasms come every so often because the tracks seem too dull to endure. But the time will come when this American quartet arrange the right notes to create a release that would at least warrant a second listening, this EP is not that release. Download This: "To Live Is To Bleed" - Click here to listen For Fans of: "Progressive Doom Metal", early-Black Sabbath, Novembers Doom [6] RHYS STEVENSON  DOWN RIGHT DIRTY 'Drunk And On Drugs' INDEPENDENT Well if you want your cliche 80's style Thrash Metal, once again it is here, but you got to love it to appreciate it. Canadian Thrash whackers Down Right Dirty take no prisoners when it comes to delivering cock-snapping songs, this is clearly evident on their debut EP 'Drunk And On Drugs' as it explodes with the sound of roaring-riffs, blitzing drums and savage vocals. Now imagine your head being smashed against the wall in rapid outbursts, this is the sheer force and reckoning power that 'Drunk And On Drugs' holds in store for anyone who dare listens to it. With ten tracks available to destroy your hearing by, by the tenth song you will have forgotten what the first one sounds like, let alone being deafened by it all.... ok, so maybe 'Drunk And On Drugs' is not a groundbreaking release, it doesn't have to be in order to pack a punch. Download This: "Fuck You Pay Me" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Slayer, Biohazard, Agnostic Front [7] RHYS STEVENSON  DEIFIED 'Chaos, Blood & War' INDEPENDENT Dropping their debut EP 'Chaos, Blood & War' is Greek Heavy / Power Metal mob Deified, what comes with this EP is the imminent face-smacking sound of majestic vocals, this seems to be the most outstanding part of the EP albeit the solo's being cleverly crafted, and the rest of the music seemingly befitting the standards of said metal genre. 'Chaos, Blood & War' is a testament to the epic tales from the Greek mythology realm and pays homage to the Greek Metal scene as a potential release for Deified to use in order to propel themselves from. Granted it is nothing new, and now and then demonstrates a lack of creativity, it does however serve its purpose as the first effort by this quintet, no doubt there is more to come - we have not heard the last of this group, not at all. Download This: "Chaos, Blood & War" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Blind Guardian, Achelous, Iron Maiden [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON  GROTESKH 'Code: End' CURSED If there was a metal version of the Eurovision Song Contest, then Groteskh would easily represent Austria; Lordi for Finland mind you. The thing about Black Metal is, you can have it blisteringly fast or atmospherically depressing, Groteskh however utilize the best of both styles, with each song on their second album 'Code: End' offering a variety of paces, elements and ultimately extreme metal as the vocals flirt with both the Black and Death Metal sub-genres. Groteskh are showing that they are ready to be recognized as Austria's next successful metal export. With the effort shown on this unforgiving, yet cranial-crushing Black Metal album, they can build on this and aim for major festivals in the year(s) ahead. If you think you know Black Metal, you are mistaken, for this is trve kvlt Black Metal. Download This: "Displaced Axis" - Click here to listen For fans of: Abigor, Carpathian Forest, Eastern Front [8] RHYS STEVENSON  OKAZAKI FRAGMENTS 'Abandoned' INDEPENDENT Well it's certainly correct to note that Okazaki Fragments have discovered the DNA found within the Death Metal / Grindcore partnership, with the drums powering their debut album 'Abandoned' through all forces of velocity, it would seem that this whacky Canadian bunch have done their homework and studied how said metal genre combination works. Pig squeals, tight-arse time signatures and a brutalizing wall-of-sound pummel your senses into a squashed pulp. For a debut album this is a statement of intent, that Okazaki Fragments are priming themselves to become another successful metal band to be shat out of the streets of Canada. Just be sure to have the aspirin at the ready, as it's one of those albums that never takes a break, and could easily be considered as Canadian metal release of the year. Download This: "Vermin" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Psyopus, Aborted, Prostitute Disfigurement [8] RHYS STEVENSON  CONGIURA 'iBlood' SLIPTRICK Who'd have thought a metal band could make Melodic Death Metal so damn funky, that it takes control of your body and makes you move every single muscle? Well Italy's Congiura have nailed that right on the spot, their debut album 'iBlood' might be flooding out your senses with erotic Gothenburg-style Melodic Death Metal, but with the added post-rock influences, it doubles up as a 'Death Dance Metal' album. 'iBlood' uniquely takes you on a journey throughout the tunnels of the Modern Metal as it reaps your mind and controls the thousands of neurons to make you move to the groove exhibited all over this fantastic release. With an adventurous sound to the riffs, dramatic drum elements, vicious vocals and an atmospheric more powerful than an atomic bomb, 'iBlood' is one album you must have in your collection, there is simply no exception. Download This: 'iBlood' - Click here to listen to their 'iBlood' music video For fans of Amon Amarth, In Flames, Dark Tranquility [9] RHYS STEVENSON  CRUCIFIED BARBARA 'In The Red' DESPOTZ In 2014 the Swedish Hard Rock / Heavy Metal bombshells Crucified Barbara delivered their fourth album 'In The Red'. Eight months on and it still rocks your socks off, full of attitude and grit, this latest outing is the very definition of what makes female rock / metal musicians that extra-sexy, not just because of the looks, but they make the music far more powerful and vibrant than their male counterparts. 'In The Red' carries on the Swedish Hard Rock revival with enough oomph in the band's lockers, they could tour with fellow countrymen Sister Sin and make a sensational pact. As for their latest release, it's highly self-explanatory and does not take much to work out what the album is all about, that said you would need to have a shot of whiskey or jagermeister at the ready, cause this is a drinking album! Chin-chin!. Download This: "I Sell My Kids For Rock 'N' Roll" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Sister Sin, Vanilla Ninja, Kobra & The Lotus [8] RHYS STEVENSON  PAEAN
'Scorn Of Eternity' INDEPENDENT It's not all that often you find a Progressive Death Metal band have the guts to bolt on another metal genre to create a unique sound, such a band who has taken that bold step is Paean from Estonia. By combining Progressive Death Metal music with Doom Metal atmospherics, their debut album 'Scorn Of Eternity' brings something relatively new to the table; sure the said combination has been done before, it just has not been done enough times. What is also amazing about this album is that it really amps up the progressiveness of the riffs, whilst the drums alternate with the riffs in doing the same thing, bringing in a Gojira-style groove. Whatever people make of this release one thing is for certain, Paean are flying the flag for the Estonian Metal scene and with 'Scorn Of Eternity' are sure to gain the attention of some record labels. Download This: "First Breath" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Gojira, Agonyst, Human Ground [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON  AKVAN 'آتش زاده' INDEPENDENT Throughout the rich and turbulent times found within the Iranian metal scene, the country's Black Metal contingent have never shied away from delivering releases of extreme quality and exotic beauty. The latest to join the allegiance is one-man project Akvan; fronted by Lord Vizaresa, who has just released his debut EP 'آتش زاده' (which roughly translates as 'Birth Of Fire') and culminates a dark, depressing yet purposeful sound. Wallowing in the darkest Black Metal sounds, 'آتش زاده' takes listeners on a historic journey through Ancient Persia and the lands of the Aryans. With an atmosphere that matches the traditional and elegant sounds of Iranian / Middle Eastern folk music, 'آتش زاده' is a real testament to the emergence of Iranian Black Metal as a global phenomena. Download This: "Iran, Land Ov The Aryans" (Click here to listen) For Fans of: Aras, Darkthrone, "Historical Metal" [8] RHYS STEVENSON  TRISTANA 'Virtual Crime' BAKERTEAM Wired up to the electrical surge of thunderous riffs, electrical atmospherics, cryptic vocals and melodious keyboard elements, Tristana's third album 'Virtual Crime' takes their newer Groove / Alternative Metal sound and upgrades it with a new found sense of excitement. 'Virtual Crime' is one of those releases that demands an eclectic taste to like, sure it falls slightly short of being called Modern Metal (if some synths or industrial elements were added, this would have been a groundbreaking release), but it does offer something remarkable in return and that is a solid 40 minute explosion of pure Slovakian Metal music mayhem. Whether this is the band's best album to date is open for debate, but for now it can be positioned as a contender for Slovakian Metal release of the year despite it's subtle flaws. Watch with interest. Download This: "Fallen" (Click here to listen to and watch the music video) For Fans of: Dagoba, Sepultura, Bon Jovi [8] RHYS STEVENSON  IRREVERSIBLE MECHANISM 'Infinite Fields' BLOOD MUSIC Music is unpredictable at the best of times, so when Belarusian duo get snapped up by Blood Music on the brink of their debut album release, there was obviously something magical about this duo and boy were they right. Unleashing a torrential battering of Progressive Death Metal, 'Infinite Fields' places Irreversible Mechanism on the map, and with it comes by far the most impressive Belarusian Metal release since the scenes inception. Just like War of the Worlds, V For Vendetta and the Orwellian novel 1984, 'Infinite Fields' guides listeners through a post-apocalyptic world full of dystopian ideologies, advanced technologies and natural cybernetic atmospherics. Now if there is one album that was calculated so precisely, so much so any form of erratic equation becomes eradicated as a result, it would have to be 'Infinite Fields'. This album, is the album to slam any predecessors in the technically-minded Progressive Death Metal arena and make them listen, listen to the noise coming from Eastern Europe, a noise that will give this band glorified international attention. Download This: "The Betrayer Of Time" (Click here to listen) For Fans of: Becoming The Archetype, Gorod, Obscura [9] RHYS STEVENSON  DESERT 'Never Regret' RAVEN MUSIC Israel-based Power Metal outfit Desert make their welcomed return with their second album 'Never Regret'. Bringing to the table once again their fantasy-laden hooks, eloquent vocals and Middle Eastern flavorsome vibes. When you think about it, Middle Eastern Power Metal is not highly prevalent and so when Desert emerges with another offering, it's as if a once-every-1000 years opportunity has arisen. With the keyboards providing a taste of traditional influences and the vocals leading the charge with a smothering of Russian influence; developing a unique cultural clash. 'Never Regret' may not be the perfect Power Metal album in existence, indeed at times it leaves listeners stuck on the 'will there be a song different to the last' moment, it does however validate Desert as a unique unit in their own right, question is how long will it take for their own take on said music genre to be recognized further afield. Download This: "The Wolf's Attack" (Click here to listen) For Fans of: Orphaned Land, Iced Earth, Hammerfall [7] RHYS STEVENSON  TERRA 'Untitled' HIBERNACULA Well if you ever get time to pass and want to check out something bizarre yet extreme, then Terra's debut album 'Untitled' should be on your hit list. Granted with only 3 tracks totaling up a grand time of 41 minutes, the ferocity and animosity explored and demonstrated is unmistakably valiant. This three-piece Cambridge horde muster up a sound that represents the true values of Atmospheric Black Metal in the veins of Winterfylleth and the like. Created by veterans of bygone years, Terra is an exciting addition to the resurgence of British Black Metal and will ultimately add to the plethora of BM bands across the lands. For seasoned Black Metal addicts, this is the crème de la crème, but for newcomers it might come across as rather bewildering, additionally this would most appeal to the lovers of rawer Black Metal in contrast to the more commercially appealing Borgir-esque and Cradle-esque sound. Download This: " I " (Click here to listen) For Fans of: Winterfylleth, Wolves In The Throne Room, Northern Oak [8] RHYS STEVENSON  NEPENTE 'I Will Get Your Soul' CIMMERIAN SHADE South American metalheads tend to have an unstoppable addiction towards extreme metal, it's like as if the vast production of cocaine became eradicated and metal music has taken it's place. Welcoming to the forefront of the Black / Death Metal style is Colombian battalion Nepente with their second EP 'I Will Get Your Soul' and with it comes a thunderous explosion of acidic vocals, mauling riffs and bone-crunching drumming. Let's face it Nepente are set to take the Colombian Metal scene to greater heights with their new offering 'I Will Get Your Soul' and for those brave enough to check it out, you will not be disappointed. With every second comes a mauling explosion of chaos and fury neatly packaged in this unforgiving EP, if Nepente keep this sound going they will be sure to perform in Europe next year. Download This: "Show Me That You Are Suffering" - Click here to listen. For Fans of: "Old School Death / Black Metal", Impiety, Infernal War [8] RHYS STEVENSON  DAMAGE SOURCE 'Raise Hell' INDEPENDENT It's very easy for a lack of imagination to marauder into the process of making a Thrash Metal release and sadly it seems Damage Source fell into that trap. With their debut EP 'Raise Hell' featuring some rather basic riffs that instead of complementing the vocals seem to bury them so deep, it's hard to catch on to what the lyrics actually are. For the new kids on the block, this is the quality you tend to expect on a demo at least, but despite it's negativity here and there, 'Raise Hell' does position itself as a platform for the Germans to magic up a debut album that ought to wow people. It will be interesting to see how the quartet aim to better themselves, because on the strength of 'Raise Hell' it is nearly a tall order. Granted mixing elements from the Bay Area and Teutonic scenes respectively might bode them well, it boils down to whether they can use this combination to their advantage. Download This: "The Disease" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Metallica, Holy Moses, Slayer [6.5] RHYS STEVENSON  RED ROOM ENSEMBLE 'Red Room Ensemble' INDEPENDENT It's an undeniable fact that the Finnish do not need to take any iron supplements to keep their metal levels up, in fact they produce them. Marking their territory with their debut self-titled album is Melodic Heavy Metal outfit Red Room Ensemble, featuring a no-nonsense, no-rules attitude towards their recording and creating of their debut album. Hailing from the Åland Islands, Red Room Ensemble broods within the atmospherics of Iron Maiden and features vocals in the style that of Bon Jovi's 'Blaze of Glory'. Although the album is nothing new and therefore is not breaking new ground, it does offer itself as a delight to seasoned classic metal listeners. In a visual context, the band aren't dressed in your average metalhead outfit, but rather in dapper suits. As for 'Red Room Ensemble', it is a must-own album for any classic, heavy or melodic metal fan, period. Download This: "Everything Went Red" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Iron Maiden, Bon Jovi, "Melodic Heavy Metal" [8] RHYS STEVENSON  MALDEVERA 'All Eyes On Jeff' INDEPENDENT Texas over the decades has delivered a whole host of unforgettable metal bands, focusing on the new wave of Texan Metal means paying attention to bands like Maldevera, whose infectious mix of Thrash Metal riffs, Groove Metal grit and thunderous atmospherics, bodes well for times ahead. 'All Eyes On Jeff' is the third demo by this now-trio and whilst it sadly is nothing new, it does offer some anticipation for their expected debut album. Sampling elements from Star Trek: Voyager and Spawn: The Animated Series, fans of both sci-fi and / or 80's Thrash Metal would drool over this raw-as-hell release. With each track dissimilar to each other, 'All Eyes On Jeff' ought to grab the trio some well-earned attention from across the States, let alone internationally. So sit back, succumb to Maldevera's tornado-like onslaught and batten down the hatches, for this Thrash Metal storm won't be going anywhere soon. Download This: "Maldevera" (Click here to listen) For Fans of: Pantera, Slayer, Motorhead [8] RHYS STEVENSON  ACHELOUS
'The Cold Winds Of Olympus' Bands who use folklore or historical events in their lyrics usually tell the best stories through metal music, such a band is Greek Heavy Metal newcomers Achelous. Whilst there are no flash riffs, no emphatic beats or crushing vocals, the band's premier EP 'The Cold Winds Of Olympus' explodes with a colorful arrangement of classic Bon Jovi-esque vocals, emotional atmospherics and a powerful dramatization of bygone Hellenism. Achelous have proven that the classic sound of Heavy Metal is very much alive and well. Now whilst this EP might not satisfy the more modern heavy metal listeners, it does however pay homage to the founding metal genre of which our favorite metal sub-genres derived from. All in all 'The Cold Winds Of Olympus' drops hints of something even more majestic to come, watch this band with interest as the dawn of 'Hellenic Battle Metal' arises without mercy. Download This: "Guardians Of The Light" - Click here to listen For Fans of: Iron Maiden, Manowar, Van Halen, Bon Jovi [8] RHYS STEVENSON  BLOOD EVERYWHERE 'First Blood' Given the tenderness of the ongoing skirmishes in the Middle East, this band name certainly is highly controversial. Rest assured, the choice of genre befits the name very well. Unleashing a barrage of ballistic Death Metal is Israel's Blood Everywhere, even though the release dropped way back in 2010, the sincere amount of effort and insanity purged into the sole EP is paramount. 'First Blood' may be the band's first and last EP, let alone release, the brutality they have instilled here is one to get any Extreme Metal off their asses and moshing as if it was the end of the world as we know it. Blood Everywhere were the band never to be, as for their EP though, may it remain as a piece of undiscovered Israeli metal history. Unleash the torrent of blood..... Download This: "Total Eradication" - Click to listen For Fans of: Whorecore, Aborted, Cephalic Carnage [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON  MANOR<? 'The Reckoning Of Manor: The Story Of A Downward Spiral' Being the only band in your area to play a certain music style is never easy, but when Kent's Manor<? aim to take that challenge, they take it in their stride and unnerve Medway's residents in the process. The quintet's new EP 'The Reckoning Of Manor: The Story Of A Downward Spiral' roots itself within the Industrial Metal matrix, whilst peripheral genres like Shock Rock and Alternative Metal add that distinctive Manor<? flavor. This is definitely a breath of fresh air since this metal style severely lacks representation in the UK, yet it has enough ferocity to turn you psychopathic. What with Luci's vocals leading the thunderous onslaught of sexed up Rob Zombie influences and the instruments taking a harsh Rammstein-cross-Deathstars approach, Manor<? are not a band to f*** around with. Prepare yourself for a murderous journey of savage carnage. Download This: 'Kill Or Be Killed' - Click to listen For Fans of: Rob Zombie, Rammstein, Deathstars 'The Reckoning Of Manor: The Story Of A Downward Spiral' is out 25th September via independent release [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON  WARDENCLYFFE 'Graveside Legacy' Possibly taking their name after the Wardenclyffe Tower (Tesla Tower), Leicester's new kids on the block step out on terra firma with their debut demo 'Graveside Legacy'. The demo features that evident feeling of the band putting in a total, solid effort to make the demo as-much-of-a-credible release as it can be, sure the vocals at times need refining and the drums given greater presence, but the overall impression that it leaves is a long-lasting one of 'this band has got a future ahead of them'. Bolting together elements of Progressive Metal onto the skeletal sound of Melodic Death Metal, this trio successfully immerses the listener in a world of the supernatural and darkened horror. Halloween has come early, Wardenclyffe are going to haunt you in your sleep with the sound of grizzly vocals, psycho riffs and menacing drums. Download This: "Carrie" - Click to listen For Fans of: Carcass, Opeth, Dark Tranquility [7] RHYS STEVENSON  EUTANOS 'Lo Que Te Lleva A La Muerte / Live Death Valley' Ten years down the line and Ecuadorian Black Metal armada Eutanos unleash Anti-Christian and devastating hell through their premier compilation 'Lo Que Te Lleva A La Muerte / Live Death Valley'. Conveniently split onto two disks, this release throws out the chaotic scenes and atmosphere of true South American Black Metal. That is, mind-splitting vocals leading the front-line whilst the drums and guitars combine to deliver that level of raw production you would expect from an underground release. Sure some people might struggle at the Spanish lyrics, but overall if you have the trained ear to pick out some rather grizzly and bitter tracks, then you would have no problem getting to grips with Eutanos. Whilst some underground Black Metal bands opt for speed and technicality as a means of trying to impress, Eutanos take the brutality up a notch and use that to their advantage, giving the honored right to fly the flag for the Ecuadorian Metal scene. Download This: "Lo Que Te Lleva A La Muerte" - Click to listen For Fans of: Marduk, Carpathian Forest, Behemoth [8] RHYS STEVENSON  ILENKUS 'The Crossing' You'd have to be rather insane to give Ilenkus any reason to roam your mind with their Prog-infused slab of Post Metal, yes insane. If you are sane, then their music would make you go insane because their music is.... insane. Enough of the confusing babbling-on, Ilenkus' second album sets out on a psychedelic journey of technical brutality, with a dollop of Hardcore vocals, mathematical calculations riding the riffs and an atmosphere that develops a cold, damp, yet machinery-style feeling upon indulging in their 38-minute assault. 'The Crossing' is bound to give Ilenkus the overseas exposure that they thoroughly diverse with this effort, funnily enough this may well appeal to fans of Ambient, Djent and possibly Drone Metal. This is the band to turn the tides of the Irish Metal scene, keep an eye on this group at all costs, this band are going places. Download This: "Devourer" - click to listen For Fans of: Xerath, Isis, "Unique Metal" [8] RHYS STEVENSON  DISTORTED HARMONY 'Chain Reaction' Strapping together an electric mix of elements including Progressive Metal, Symphonic, Melodic, Jazz, Progressive Rock and Djent, Distorted Harmony have produced a sound that is sure to challenge the already flooded Progressive Metal arena. Whilst perhaps not as Oriental-influenced as fellow countrymen Orphaned Land, Distorted Harmony certainly place their power and fire within the beats and atmosphere of the music to develop their own unique style of Israeli music; let's call it "easy listening metal". Let Progressive Metal be damned if Distorted Harmony don't get a record label deal this or next year, because boy are they going to whip the rest of the world into line, 'Chain Reaction' has a lot going for it, so much so this may well become a hot contended for Progressive Metal album of the year by a lot of global media. Download This: "Every Time She Smiles" - Click to listen to the entire album as well. For Fans of: Dream Theater, Muse, Periphery, Porcupine Tree [10] RHYS STEVENSON  EVIL SCARECROW 'Galactic Hunt' Salutations must be bestowed upon a band that has defied the rules of metal, crushed rubber duckies under the weight of their furious 'Parody Black Metal' sound and amassed an army of human crabs scuttling to the sound of the soon-to-be number one chart hit 'Crabulon'. This is of course Nottingham's beloved Evil Scarecrow who have crafted another spectacular album. 'Galactic Hunt' is the quintet's third full-length and once again the elegance of their own form of Black / Thrash Metal has been polished and presented to the masses. With a cyber / futuristic theme seeming to emerge from the album, it will only take a few seconds for E.T. to not go home, mosh alongside the Terminator and crowd-surf over a crowd of Daleks. With Princess Luxury providing the sci-fi sounds, Brother Pain, Kraven Morrdeth and Ringmaster Monty Blitzfist fighting over musical supremacy and Dr Hell letting rip with a barrage of savage vocals, 'Galactic Hunt' is by far the best release they have done thus far. Download This: "Crabulon" - Click to listen to the Bloodstock live version For Fans of: GWAR, Slayer, Cradle of Filth 'Galactic Hunt' is out 13th October 2014 via an independent release [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON  ORANGE GOBLIN 'Back From The Abyss' CANDLELIGHT Unleashing their eighth wave of unmistakeable Stoner Metal is Orange Goblin. Their upcoming album 'Back From The Abyss' is packed with everything you love about the band, it comes chock-a-block full of ballsy erotic riffs, harmonious-yet-melodic vocals and classic hints of meth 'wafting' around in the background. Now for a band who celebrates their 20th anniversary next year, a forthcoming October and November European tour and of course their forthcoming album, things could not be sweeter. Or could they? 'Back From The Abyss' definitely places itself as a contender for album of the year, but whether this is their best album to date is well and truly wide open for debate. Make no mistake, Orange Goblin have got plenty more where 'Back From The Abyss' came from and boy do they intend to slay your sorry asses with this effort, essentially it is sex in music form. Preview This: "Demon Blues" - click to listen a preview of each song For Fans of: Led Zeppelin, Pentagram, Atomic Rooster 'Back From The Abyss' is out 6th October 2014 via Candlelight Records [9] RHYS STEVENSON  RAPTORE 'Demo 2014' Welcoming to the front-line is Argentinian Heavy Metal quartet Raptore unleashing their first ever release in the form of a demo, this unit strolls down the alleyway of the Classic Heavy Metal sound many Metalheads grew up with and produces material that is sure to appeal to many. Firmly and deeply rooted within the NWOBHM style, Raptore's premier demo delivers a lot of promise for this band, proving that they certainly know how to turn up the volume past 13 and blast out a sound that is far more controlling than your mother-in-law. With elements of Speed Metal clearly present, Raptore are sure to make a buzz in the years ahead. Imagine your partner grabbing you hard by the balls or boobs and then as a result you emit a high-pitch shriek, well this is what the vocals are like. Whilst the pain barrier is broke, the riffs lash your spine with barbed wire, whilst the drums keep your head spinning to the beat. Hell hath no fury with this lot. Download This: "Rage N' Fever" - Click to listen For Fans of: Motorhead, Iron Maiden, Saxon [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON  WINTERFYLLETH
'The Divination Of Antiquity' CANDLELIGHT The immediate thoughts of Black Metal usually drag up the common associations of Satanism, blood, darkness and evil. Winterfylleth on the other hand have their own unique style of Black Metal to wage war with, their forthcoming album 'The Divination of Antiquity' comes as the band's fourth full-length to-date and features the majestic elegance exhibited on it's predecessors, but with added Doom Metal to create a more dynamic-yet-fluid atmosphere; one that is sure to impress even the more underground Black Metal followers. Lasting a sensational 62 minutes, 'The Divination Of Antiquity' can be considered another chapter in the Winterfylleth chronicles, carrying on their unmistakable Anglo-Saxon heritage and Paganism lyrics along with their fast, majestic and totally awe-inspiring Black Metal sound. A true diamond within the darkened caves of English Black Metal. Download This: "A Careworn Heart" - when the album is out For Fans of: Fyrdsman, Cnoc An Tursa, "Folkloric Black Metal" [9] RHYS STEVENSON  NAURRAKAR 'Epilog Lidstva' WEREWOLF PRODS. Well if anyone was to think that Black Metal always works best in the Western side of Europe, they'd be horribly mistaken. Hailing from the Czech Republic is the five-piece Satanic Black metal crew Naurrakar whose debut album 'Epilog Lidstva' spits acidic venom on many levels. Granted the band sing in the Czech language and as a result posing as a bit of a problem for non-speakers, but with such a vibrant and darkened atmosphere delivering such bitter crisp feelings it comes as no wonder that they are being monitored by fans and music industry personnel alike. From the start to the very end, 'Epilog Lidstva' bleeds grim and abhorrent Black Metal that will keep you screaming in your sleep till your very last breath. Think along the lines of the 1990's wave of Norwegian Black Metal and ideally Carpathian Forest and Gorgoroth, then you'll get a little indicator of what Naurrakar are like. Download This: "Dedicove Jaderneho Veku" For fans of: Carpathian Forest, Gorgoroth, Raw Black Metal [8] RHYS STEVENSON  INNER REFLECTIONS 'Reset' France in recent years has picked up in the international metal scene, with that in mind it comes as no surprise that quintet Inner Reflections have released such a tantalizingly brutal album. Mixing together a ferocious onslaught of Thrash Metal, Metalcore and Djent, the sound that comes out is one that will keep anyone on their toes. You know if this lot were a brand of automobile, they would be a Mercedes-Benz SLR, beautiful on the outside, comfortable on the inside, bloody unpredictable in motion. 'Reset' paves the way for Inner Reflections to drive their own style of metal to the battlefield, the damning thing is the quality is a little about in the grey area, but besides that they have dealt justice with the compositions alone, their next release will be interesting. Download This: "Sworn Enemy" For fans of: Threat Signal, Meshuggah, Machine Head [7] RHYS STEVENSON  KATASTROF 'Screams Of Silence' You have to admit that the Israeli Metal scene has been a little stagnant on the international stage in recent years and yet historically a number of bands have emerged to whip the world with their own metal sounds such as Orphaned Land, Salem and Melechesh. But burgeoning and wallowing in the deep sand pits of this historical land are Katastrof, a Melodic Death Metal hailing from Haifa Bay who with their debut album 'Screams Of Silence' plan to cause chaos across the Middle East. Take it like this, imagine the rhythmic grooves of Pantera crashing against the melodic solidarity and grit of In Flames and Amon Amarth together, this is what you will be posed with. Besides being named after the Swedish word for 'Disaster' and obviously being influenced by the Gothenburg sound and Floridian Death Metal arena, Katastrof are missing one thing in their world, a record label. 2014 is around the corner and so watch these guys with intent, they are sure to create waves in the coming months. Download This: "No Price" For Fans of: Amon Amarth, In Flames, Pantera, Slayer [9] RHYS STEVENSON  CLAIM THE THRONE 'Forged In Flame' PRIME CUTS MUSIC Making their welcomed return to the international stage is Australian Melodic Death / Folk Metallers Claim The Throne, having dropped their fourth outing entitled 'Forged In Flame' the quintet deliver the goods in exceptional form. However to think that the closest drink most Australians seem to drink is Fosters, it bodes well that this bands lyrics revolve around battles and ale, whether you get drunk and then fight is open for debate. But what is not open for debate is how sensational this band are, make no mistake about it having supported Alestorm on a national tour, 2014 will be Claim The Throne's time to tour the world. With 'Forged In Flame' now firmly out in the open and having proven their worth as a band to watch, it could be said that their music was 'Forged In Flame', burning at your ears throughout. Bard folk melodies and drunken madness, what more can you want? Download This: "At The Ocean's Edge" For Fans of: Alestorm, Wintersun, Amon Amarth [8] RHYS STEVENSON  ADAGIO FUNEBRE 'Of Grief & Insanity' LEVIATHAN MUSIC What could be considered the best Doom Metal band to come out of the Czech Republic since the inception of Silent Stream of Godless Elegy, quartet Adagio Funebre harness the cathedral's power and lashes together sombre atmospheric emotions with the cold bitterness of Doom Metal. Their debut album 'Of Grief & Insanity', although a little disappointing at places due to the lack of presence, musters up a classic sound that will appeal to many fans of depressive, sorrowful and macabre music, now whilst the songs at times are very quiet and as said the presence lacks here and there, the overall reception is that this release is one that signals intent but yet quite not manages to convince as the best Adagio Funebre can offer, even though it is a decent enough listen. For Fans of: Ghost, Silent Stream of Godless Elegy, Candlemass, My Dying Bride Download This: "The Meaning Of Life" [7.5] RHYS STEVENSON  QAFAS 'Mesonoxian Conspiracies' Bahrain has always been known for it's fairly active Extreme Metal scene, so it comes to as no surprise that one of it's products, Qafas, unleashes a torrent of darkened misanthropic, raw and essentially bleak atmospheric music in the form of the one-man projects first compilation entitled 'Mesonoxian Conspiracies'. Mixing together elements of Middle Eastern music to give it that Arabian nights feel, this is perhaps one of the darkest releases ever to come out of the island Kingdom. This is an essential release to have if you're a fan of Black Metal and or intrigued by the the ever-developing Middle East Metal scene. Given this solid sound and precise note execution, you are sure to see Qafas arise from the underground in 2014. For Fans of: Melechesh, Burzum, Aras (Iran), early Salem Download This: "Time Only Rotts Old Wounds" [8.5] RHYS STEVENSON  SIGHT OF EMPTINESS 'Instincts' Following from their well received second album "Absolution of Humanity", Costa Rica's Sight Of Emptiness up the volume and open full throttle on their much-anticipated third album 'Instincts'. By delivering a majestically captivating mix of Scandinavian Death Metal and melodic elegance, the sextet scrape out the barrels and use the power gained from 2013 to mold a release that will blow the global metal scene apart with such sheer force, earthquakes will quake themselves, and listeners will be entranced by this magical musical trigger. Enlisted with guest appearances by musicians such as Whitfield Crane and ex-Scar Symmetry's Christian Älvestam amongst others, 'Instincts' takes the listener back to the roots of this Hispanic group, connects melodic metal with the historical cultural aspects of Costa Rica's glorious surroundings and using their own 'Instincts', Sight of Emptiness unleash the finest metal album Latin America has seen since the days of Sepultura's "Roots". Download This: "Fearless (feat. Glen Drover & Christian Alvestam)" For Fans of: Scar Symmetry, In Flames, Gojira, Advent Of Bedlam [10] RHYS STEVENSON  KILLERS LODGE 'Unnecessary I' Sometimes going down the classic original route is the best way, Italian trio Killers Lodge demonstrate this on their debut album 'Unnecessary I', with elements of Speed Metal and Thrash Metal creeping in behind the crux of their sound. What Killers Lodge have done here is revamped the classic 'bikers metal' sound and sped it up, through inducting an array of infectious riffs that are scratching away at your soul at every second, whilst the drums exhibit that classic mid-70's rock 'n' roll, Motorhead-esque sound, that in turn supports the viciousness of the vocals and manages to captivate the listener right throughout the album. Killers Lodge are showing the world that original Heavy Metal is not dead, thus If you're a fan of classic metal, then this album is for you. For Fans of: Motorhead, Judas Priest, Led Zeppelin, Saxon Download This: "New Life" [8] RHYS STEVENSON  STARBREEZE 'N7' Let's be honest, Russia's Starbreeze have nailed it when they play Symphonic Power Metal, or as they call it 'Space Symphonic Metal', effectively what you have here is keyboard symphonies, Power Metal vocals and electronic influences here and there to give Star Wars a run for it's money. 2013 saw the trio drop their debut album "N7" and with it comes a meteor shower of musical genius, from start to finish listeners can expect a barrage of sensational music. What makes Starbreeze that extra special is the sheer dynamics in the music, captivating and transforming the atmosphere so much that cosmic dust no longer exists. After you have listened to "N7" you can honestly admit to yourself that Starbreeze would be the ideal candidate to write the soundtrack for the upcoming Star Wars film. Rest assured, this is a solid start and it can only progress, watch this band with intent in 2014. Download This: "A Long Time After In Our Galaxy" For Fans of: The Kovenant, Nightwish, Dol Ammad, Sonata Arctica [8] RHYS STEVENSON  OXYMORON
'Oxymoron' Back in 2012, India's Heavy Groove maniacs Oxymoron aimed to unleash sheer hell through their self-titled EP release. Whilst not including the grandeur of Groove Metal in the style of Lamb of God per se, the EP instead features a sound that tends to lean towards a cross between Pantera, Iron Maiden and Kreator, but don't expect anything completely face-melting as the music, whilst decent, does not deliver that convincing blow that you would at first expect. Given due it is a fair attempt and will serve the Indian quintet very well, but whilst that final cutting edge note is lacking in clarity and precise deliverance, Oxymoron will remain rooted within the underground. Again as said it is a fair attempt and will surely be developed upon. The vocals need the most work, they need to be less forced and more naturally produced, the guitars are inch perfect but the drums need more experimentation in the composition. Download This: "Mirror" For Fans of: Pantera, Kreator, Iron Maiden [6.5] RHYS STEVENSON |
If you enjoy reading this content, please consider a donation DonateMetal III
3rd Chronicles of Metal Music Reviews © 2011-2022
Global Metal Apocalypse Archives
May 2021
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed