SARMAT
'RS​-​28'
INDEPENDENT

It's easy to say that whenever a black / death metal band emerges out of the Polish underground,  first comparisons with that band are usually drawn from either Behemoth or Vesania, for trio Sarmat they seem to straddle the two with their finely balanced blend of blitzkrieg black metal and death metal destruction. From the off we're treated to a ferocious onslaught of menacing riffs, thunderous drums and vocals harsh enough to make your ears bleed inside out. Sarmat takes it's name from the aptly named "Weapon of Ultimate Destruction", the Russian super-heavy intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) RS-28 SARMAT (also known as SATAN 2). Naturally this pretty much summarises the band's debut album "RS-28", not just musically in the sense that it's cataclysmic but also lyrically as they heavily lean on military terms, war and destruction. Sarmat are one to watch, watch this space.

Download this: "Seeds of Uncertainty"

For fans of: Behemoth, Vesania, Eastern Front, Vader

'RS​-​28' is out now via an independent release

[8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

THE IRIDIUM EXPERIMENT
'Hero​.​Villain​.​Victim'
INDEPENDENT

It goes without saying that within planet metal, a vast swathe of the African continent tends to be forgotten to a larger extent except for a number of metal bands... just not enough to reach the number of fingers on your hand. It therefore comes as no surprise that the South African metal scene is largely disconnected from the rest of the world, but it's bands like The Iridium Experiment who carry the scene forward. This 10-legged leviathan might not exactly bring something totally fresh to the table, they do however bring something that will grab attention from further afield no doubt. Their debut EP ''Hero​.​Villain​.​Victim'' is poised within the progressive metalcore sound but with aspects of modern metal dabbled here and there. What could make the sound that bit more in your face would be some heavier synths, maybe a bass drop here and there, not suggesting they should walk down the lines of Asking Alexandria or The Browning, but for the style implemented here it may well become complementary. Otherwise a solid effort that will grab attention across the African continent and beyond.

Download this: "Losing My Mind"

For fans of: Cypher16, Monuments, Miss May I

'Hero​.​Villain​.​Victim' is out now via an independent release

[8/10] RHYS STEVENSON

SABHANKRA
'Death To Traitors'
SATURNAL

It's no secret that the Turkish extreme metal scene is one not to be taken lightly, just ask veterans Sabhankra who have been crafting unnerving music for over 20 years. Now the quartet have delivered a solid reminder of why the aforementioned is truthful, this reminder comes courtesy of their new album "Death To Traitors", a solid romp that samples sounds from the melodic black, death and thrash metal libraries whilst adding their own authentic flavour to the mix. If you're seeking metal that you could meditate or pray to, then Sabhankra is your answer, for this quartet have conjured up sounds that puts the mind at ease, whilst ironically making your limbs yearn to mosh. "Death To Traitors" may well be the most extreme release Sabhankra has put out to date.

Download this: "Burn Down Their Halls"

For fans of: Keep Of Kalessin, Aradin Azun, Damaar

'Death To Traitors' is out now via Saturnal Records

[8/10] RHYS STEVENSON

KHANDRA
'All Occupied By Sole Death'
SEASON OF MIST / UNDERGROUND ACTIVITIES

Whilst the country of Belarus is facing a barrage of criticism and unrelenting negative media coverage, it is then perhaps a welcome relief to see it's very own black metallers Khandra deliver their debut album 'All Occupied By Sole Death'. This album stamps it's authority from the off and epitomises the very nature of the new wave of black metal we are experiencing, sure it carries the classic black metal drums and riffs, but the raw intensity presented is so compelling it's almost as if it's a work of literature, with each song being a page that enthrals the listener into wanting to hear and learn more. Perhaps Khandra is the band to lead the Belarusian metal scene on the international stage, arguably they are now the flag-bearers, as for their debut album, well it's going to be rather tricky to do any better than this... no wonder Season of Mist took interest!

Download this: "Nothing But Immortality For Aye"

For fans of: Winterfylleth, Blaze Of Perdition, Mgła

'All Occupied By Sole Death' is out now via Season Of Mist - Underground Activities

[8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

HAGEL
'Veneration Of The Black Light'
PERSONAL

Not much is known about the period of activity between 1995-2000, but come 2014 and it seemed that Hagel were back on the scene... fast forward to 2021 and the Mexican black / doom metal quintet deliver their debut album 'Veneration Of The Black Light'. Whether it was worth the wait is anyone's guess, but the truth of the matter is whilst the album is great to listen to and no doubt they have some good talent in their ranks, it's too cliche for most parts. Sure there are far worse records out there and as said their talent is not questionable, the album just lacks that 'wow' factor that would leave one yearning for more. The predictability of how each song goes is almost hard to ignore and barely features anything that would gain vast attention outside Mexico, but with finesse and a re-evaluation of their music, they could easily knock on Europe's door... but this album most likely won't do that.

Download this: "Blindness"

For fans of: Black / Doom Metal...

'Veneration Of The Black Light' is out now via Personal Records

[6.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

UNFATHOMABLE RUINATION
'Decennium Ruinae'
WILLOWTIP

If you ever needed living proof that the British extreme metal scene is alive, well and downright dirty, then you would only need to tune into the new EP by London technical / brutal death metal architects Unfathomable Ruination. 'Decennium Ruinae' is a 4-track slam-a-thon that gets you smashing your head in no time; by embracing the unconventional time signatures, gut-rotten vocals and drumming sequences that rival that of a pneumatic drill, you'll be consumed by the total musical armageddon this quintet have to offer. 'Decennium Ruinae' roughly translates from Latin to 'decades destroyed' in English, but just as the Romans raided and pillaged England so to will Unfathomable Ruination raid and pillage your mind.

Download this: "Disciples Of Pestilence"

For fans of: Suffocation, Necrophagist, Spawn Of Possession

'Decennium Ruinae' is out now via Willowtip Records

[8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

TORTUGA
'Flying Dutchman'
INDEPENDENT

Pirate Metal? No this is not another Alestorm coming to sink your ship, no this what Captain Jack Sparrow would probably be listening to whilst piloting the Black Pearl... to Tortuga? Echoing the early days of the German heavy metal band Running Wild, Tortuga has taken the classic heavy metal sound, sprinkled it with steampunk elements and a dabble of medieval rock. If you're after something quirky and something that gets you drinking till 'why is the rum gone', then Tortuga's latest effort 'Flying Dutchman' is for you. Who'd have thought that they would be on album number 9 and only pay their port charges in kegs of rum now?!?!?! The 'Flying Dutchman' is a treasure to behold... just don't leave it at the Davy Jones's locker.

Download this: "Rackham's Revenge"

For fans of: Running Wild, Nightcreepers, Subway To Sally

'Flying Dutchman' is out now via an independent release

[8/10] RHYS STEVENSON

BRILLIANT COLDNESS
'The Ultimate Dream. Plan B: Disposal Of Humanity"
DEAD CENTER PRODS

With the new album by the Ukrainian technical death metallers Brilliant Coldness, there is unrelenting fury and brutality right from the off. 'The Ultimate Dream. Plan B: Disposal Of Humanity" is the band's 3rd album and marks a change in personnel since their preceding release "Poisoned Reality", with 3 musicians coming and going. Nonetheless, the barrage of brutality exhibited on the album cannot be questioned or challenged, it simply has you hooked from the first note to the very last drum beat, the technicality is infatuating and the power is uncompromising. It would take something rather special for this quintet to upstage this album because it simply blasts anything in it's way to smithereens. You would call it technical death metal, they call it 'academic death metal'... let the examinations begin.

Download this: "The Crown Of Darkness'

For fans of: Necrophagist, Morbid Angel, Cryptopsy

'The Ultimate Dream. Plan B: Disposal Of Humanity" is out via Dead Center Productions.

[8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

NOTHING NOBLE
'Modern Dismay'
PRIME COLLECTIVE

There must be something in the water in Denmark, because they always somehow manage to export scintillating modern metal and metalcore factions. Stepping up to the plate and bestowing their infectious blend of progressive metalcore is Nothing Noble, their 2nd album 'Modern Dismay' arguably positions itself away from the 7-string djent whoring that is found within some progressive metalcore bands. There is no nonsense on this album and is certified to take you on a thunderous, raucous yet blazing ride across groovy riffs and ground-shaking drums. Harmoniously put together, the album could easily lend itself to metal yoga for it's spiritual and soulful blend of majestic wizardry and energetic vocals. The new wave of Danecore is upon us....

Download this: "Black Earth"

For fans of: Architects, Killswitch Engage, Jinjer

'Modern Dismay' is out 6th August via Prime Collective.

[8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

VARANG NORD
'Pārķiuņa Uomurs'
SLIPTRICK

'Pārķiuņa Uomurs' is the 3rd album by the Latvian Viking folk metal tribe Varang Nord, what is striking about the album is that it is not in the style you would expect... the music is not in the same vein as Skyforger per se, far from it... in fact it's become their own sound. Varang Nord on this album sing in the Latgalian language, which is a regional and historic language; which in itself is helping protect the language and is not too far-a-cry from what New Zealand's Alien Weaponry did with the Maori language. Naturally you would associate Latvian folk metal with the pagan metal sound, so to have a band like Varang Nord opt to sing about the Nordic culture, history and surrounding nature is something rather refreshing... and for that reason, 'Pārķiuņa Uomurs' could well be a contender for 'Latvian metal album of the year'.

Download this: "Svietņeica"

For fans of: Turisas, Metsatoll, Tyr.

'Pārķiuņa Uomurs' is out now via Sliptrick Records

[9/10] RHYS STEVENSON

NIGHTMARE A.D.
'Corruptors'
YAB MOUNG

Even in the smallest countries across the world, there is bound to be a metal band or indeed someone listening to metal music awaiting discovery. Take for example Cambodian Thrashers Nightmare A.D. who have just released their debut EP 'Corruptors', the title does not need much explanation as does not their own views on society as a whole in this mainly-Buddhist nation. By unleashing a chaotic mix of breakneck Thrash Metal with flash riffs giving the sound added harmony and Hardcore lacing it with spicy attitude, the 'Corruptors' EP is a good sign of things to come and yet its production sound is crystal clear, something most people would not envisage happening in a country like Cambodia... yet did anyone foresee metal arising? Clearly Nightmare A.D. have their visions in check, they are sure to go far.

Download This: "Dissent Surge" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Slayer, Suicidal Tendencies, Nuclear Assault

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

NARSARAKH
'Prevail'
INDEPENDENT

If you're craving for some raw Death Metal, something laden with thick distorted riffs, muffled growling and an atmosphere as gritty as a bullet storm, look no further than Narsarakh's premier demo 'Prevai'. Hailing from Brunei, this four-piece machine waste no time in crafting a sound so underground it gives a solid nod to the early days of extreme underground metal. 'Prevail' offers a 15-minute journey from which one can experience incomprehensible lyrics, pounding drums and guitars so Black Metal-esque, you'd begin to wonder what genre exactly this Bruneian outfit can be included in. It's the sort of raw sound that would provide itself as the perfect accompaniment to a seance or candlelit event, it's atmosphere as bleak as night and the music as nasty as death itself. 

For Fans of: Murder Squad, Carpathian Forest, early-Cannibal Corpse

Download This: "Malevolent Coronation"

[7] RHYS STEVENSON

RADTSKAFFEN
'Worldwide Anarchy'
INDEPENDENT

Get your dancing shoes in, switch on the disco lights and get that groove on, for the debut EP by Denmark's Groove / Thrash stalwarts Radtskaffen will have you sweating through your clothes like it's Saturday Night Fever. From the ultra funky 'Deus Lo Vult' to the full-on face-melting 'Oblivion', the 'Worldwide Anarchy' EP will keep you amused for a long time, just be sure to pay your dues at the end for wanting more. For a band fresh on the scene, they certainly have enough potential to go far, just as long as they harness the sound they've developed on this EP. The music won't be hard to sing to, but pronouncing the band name probably will be the sole challenge, after all it's Danish for... 

Download This: "Deus Lo Vult' - Click to listen

For Fans of: Metallica, Sworn Amongst, Soulfly

[7] RHYS STEVENSON

QAF
'Muthalath Al A'asarem - The Triangle Of Esraam'
INDEPENDENT

Very little is known about Qaf, a project run by two Egyptians who indulge in Oriental Black Metal, singing about Arabic and Persian Myth. That said, their premier EP 'Muthalath Al A'asarem - The Triangle Of Esraam' is a bitter and raw slice of Black Metal that encases you in a blazing atmosphere. Exclusively singing in their native Arabic, Qaf go full-pelt with this EP and as a result clearly demonstrate that they know how to put together a winning release off the bat. Whilst this might not appeal to Black Metal aficionados, those who crave the darker side of metal will certainly wet themselves at the almighty sound here produced. 'Muthalath Al A'asarem - The Triangle Of Esraam' is a statement of intent, that ordinary people will not be put down by Conservative figures, it's a punch in the face for all metal elitists.

Download This: "Al Qassam W Al Qurbaan (The Oath and the Offering)" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Arallu, Melechesh, Borknagar

[7] RHYS STEVENSON

THE PERFECT MASS
'World On Fire'
SALUTE

It seems that ever since Arctic Spirits made headway as Greenland's first metal band (known at least), the genre has come in leaps and bounds on this remote island of ice. The latest export from these barren lands is the one-man project The Perfect Mass, masterminded by Kunuk Groenvold the interesting mix of Black Metal, Melodic Metal, Death Metal and classic Heavy Metal certainly demands attention and at the very least, respect. What makes 'World On Fire', the debut album by The Perfect Mass so special, is it's unique and intricate combination of raw production, unrelenting power cruising through the vocals and music, but also it's unchallenged nature at creating a sound symbolic to this project, one that hopefully will echo across planet metal with positive results.

Download This: "Faith" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Carpathian Forest, God Dethroned, King Diamond

[7] RHYS STEVENSON

DARK PHANTOM
'Nation Of Dogs'
SALUTE

Underneath the whole blanketing of ISIS / ISIL-related news is a burgeoning and establishment defying metal scene brooding on Iraqi sands. The latest addition to this awesome scene is Dark Phantom's debut album 'Nation Of Dogs', a bellied-up smacking of gritty Heavy / Thrash Metal that would be sure to keep you entertained for ages. By mixing growling and almost Arab-like (traditional singing) vocals together, Dark Phantom embrace the Oriental Metal style with open arms and as a result connect with the heritage more than they did on their premier EP. 'Nation Of Dogs' clearly is a slight dig at religion, but let's not go there, in fact we can say that Dark Phantom's new effort is one that most metalheads will find intriguing. Acrassicauda might have escaped Iraq, but Dark Phantom still breathes the dusty air, spewing out some rather blindingly-decent songs as a result, rest assured we will see more of this lot in years to come.

Download This: "Judgement Call" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Holy Moses, Sepultura, Death Angel

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

LUST OF A DYING BREED
'Cat Of Nine Tails'
INDEPENDENT

In our quest to cover at least one metal band from each metal scene in existence, our attention turns towards Kenyan Death Metal / Deathcore stalwarts Lust Of A Dying Breed of whose 2012 EP 'Cat of Nine Tails' is the main critiquing point. Whilst as you can imagine there is very little in the way of decent production, clarity or refined elements, it's made up of determination, aggression and dedicate to the metal music art. 'Cat Of Nine Tails' is a delinquent romp through the slowly-but-steadily emerging 'Africacore' movement (if we can call it so), expect nothing else but a splattering of gutturally-rotten vocals, menacing riffs and double bass drums so brutal you would need clean underwear after the unexpected spontaneous poop. Lust Of A Dying Breed might not be the finest Deathcore / Death Metal outfits around, but they're flying the flag for the Kenyan Metal scene, long may they continue.

Download This: "Fearless" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Cannibal Corpse, Jungle Party, early-Whitechapel

[7] RHYS STEVENSON

SHAMBLES
'Realm Of Darkness Shrine'
INDEPENDENT

It's taken 19 years for the first debut album by Thailand's Shambles to drop, now you'd think given the lengthy duration the band would have packed in by now... clearly they haven't. Sadly those years culminating in the underground Death Metal scene have not enabled the vocals to have wondrous prominence on the release, instead they're largely low-fi and lack any real punch. Ironically the drums and thick riffs deliver the punch voided by the vocals, 'Realm Of Darkness Shrine' may well be the band's debut album but it's one that will probably get minimal attention outside of the South-East Asian Metal communities if not for a very select handful of passionate extreme metalheads, that or those thirsty for metal from the more exotic lands. However, 'Realm Of Darkness Shrine' live is probably different story and one can imagine the carnage this album would cause when unleashed on the unsuspecting (or suspecting) masses.

Download This: "Bitter Abysmal Depths"

For Fans of: Morbid Angel, Death, Cannibal Corpse

'Realm Of Darkness Shrine' is out 15th November via an Independent release

[6.5] RHYS STEVENSON

MAYLA
'Possession Of The Wretched'
INDEPENDENT

Truth be told, the whole Deathcore is generally dominated by the Americans and Russians, but in between the two power-houses are bands like Mayla who are standing up for their national metal scene. Hailing from Latvia, this quintet hold nothing back with their debut album as they go balls-to-the-wall and unleash a horrific belter that is guaranteed to make even the most ardent 'core fan piss their pants. By strapping together influences from the Deathcore, Death Metal and Groove Metal styles, Mayla conjure up a sound destined to attract attention from the likes of Metal Blade Records and Nuclear Blast. Preternatural's Sergey Baidikov guest vocals on 'Obsessive Putrification', helping Mayla to come out the Latvian underground with such unrelenting force, that they are ready to take on the European masses and lay down the law with their own crushing style of Death-laden Deathcore. Whilst listening to the album, toilet paper is advised.

Download This: "Lick The Dust" - click to listen

For Fans of: Whitechapel, Ease Of Disgust, Livarkahil

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

CHASING THE RISE
'Chapters'
INDEPENDENT

Leading the Metalcore style in their home nation of Lithuania, Chasing The Rise are certainly capable of delivering music heavy enough to challenge their American cousins. This was proven on their premier EP 'The Dawn' and even more so now on their follow-up EP 'Chapters', a cataclysmic concoction of Melodic Metal, Metalcore and technical riffage. If you like, they dabble in the trending Modern Metal style and yet whilst not fully embracing the style, remain to the sound they devised since their inception. There is no question that 'Chapters' is a delightful romp through five tracks of energised, electric and pulsating modern metalcore. They are set for big things, so come 2017 expect them to be touring on your doorstep. European festivals are certainly on the table for this lot.

Download This: "Maybe It's Just Me" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Bring Me The Horizon, Bleeding Through, Architects

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

HELL: ON
'Age Of Oblivion'
METAL SCRAP

Considered as perhaps the best ever release Ukrainian Death / Thrash merchants Hell: On has ever done, 'Age Of Oblivion' blasts a hole in the wall through the trickery exerted on the guitars and the epic rate of knots on the drums, whilst the vocals themselves add that final blow. Ukraine may be the land that everyone knows because of Chernobyl, but there is much much more to this land and indeed Hell: On at first sight. 'Age Of Oblivion' is a beautiful soundtrack that features trippy double bass drumming on each song that acts as a foundation for the guitars to follow suit and as the vocals hit highs and low's the sign is clear, the 'Age Of Oblivion' has dawned and Ukrainian Metal has a new face.

Download This: "Punk Guys"

For fans of: Impious, Vader, Dew-Scented

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

NECNON MORTUSS
'Likvidace'

Whilst conventionally not the greatest at clocking on to how Black / Death Metal is meant to be played, Czech mob Necnon Mortuss simply don't give a flying f**k about how to play it. Take for example their second album 'Likvidace' and then take the inescapable reality that such bands play it differently and realize that this band are exactly that style of band. Even if they sing in their native tongue, it just adds a unique dimension to the release. If you're after fast and snappy riffs, grueling vocals and sharp drumming, look no further than Necnon Mortuss and 'Likvidace' as they battle their way forward out of their home nation with a sound that will keep Central Europe shaking.

Download This: "Genetic Code NM07"

For Fans of: Behemoth, Marduk, Dissenter

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

SOLARIS (2006-2011)
'The Truth Can Only Be Learned by Marching Forward'
P3LICAN

Well the truth is if you have got the time to sit and wait for the music to really kick in, then you have patience, if not then this release is not for you. 'The Truth Can Only Be Learned by Marching Forward' was the second and last album by Latvia's Solaris, a Sludge Drone / Doom Metal entity that was short lived and could have been a good influence in the metal scene. Delivering a high range of melodramatic and deeply depressing sounds, this release peruses the darkened ambiance and uses it to lay the down the path for the rest of the album to take. Sure it takes a while to kick off, but for those who can wait the returns are worth it. Solaris evidently were not short of ideas and were surely to make waves outside of their native homeland, some could question the irony of their album title 'The Truth Can Only Be Learned by Marching Forward' to what happened with the band.

Download This: "Distant Crusades / From Bloodwaves to Frost"

For Fans of: sun o))), Jesu and Melvins

[7] RHYS STEVENSON

DEVASTRACKTOR
'Beer Force One'

There are three things you will need in Heavy Metal: tits, metal music and beer. However Devastracktor's specialty is beer as highlighted on their premier EP 'Beer Force One', a four track belter that encompasses Finnish Thrash Metal to it's core essence, the unrelenting shredding of riffs amongst furious drumming and grizzly vocals. As for each track, they offer that distinct classic sound experienced by bands like Holy Moses and Metallica / Slayer, for a band that has only been going four years, they are sure primed to take Europe by storm and enlighten the Nordic lands with streaks of white and blue and a sense of spine-snapping Thrash that will get everyone smashing skulls together like it's a piss up party, bottoms up.

Download This: "Diesel Cobra"

For Fans of: Holy Moses, Slayer, Metallica, Evile

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

SACRAMENT OV IMPURITY
'Anguishing In Obscurity'

If you're after a generic Black Metal band that gauges out high shrieking vocals, a bitterly cold atmosphere and insane drumming, turn your head away from the Norwegian swamps and look at American duo Sacrament Ov Impurity... yeah right. Sure the duo's second attempt 'Anguishing In Obscurity' is covered lavishly in a coating of evil and occult music, but in all honesty it is so commonly produced that it begs the question are they any different? Well, yes and no. The first track 'God Ov This World' holds itself as a unique work of art yet ironically it highlights so many comparisons with other duo BM acts its unreal. On the other hand if you're musical fetish is raw underground and slaughtering musical abilities, then 'Anguishing In Obscurity' is an album for you, just don't count on the hot dogs getting any more satanic or at least hotter than this album.

Download This: 'Under The Wretched Tomb'

[7] RHYS STEVENSON

CITADEL BESIEGED
'The Winter Of Evermore'

It would seem that the American style of the classic strain of Heavy Metal is so contagious that is mutates into a myriad of different slanted styles, this could be said about 'The Winter Of Evermore', the 2011 debut album by duo Citadel Besieged as it caresses Iron Maiden-esque style vocals like no other underground American Metal band does, sure the riffs at times seem a little repetitious and the drums at times appear to be non-existent, but the reality is that this is a well crafted piece of music, in fact you might as well consider it a hidden gem, one that glimmers with ugly beauty and silent loudness, on the other hand those solo's do seem to go a little overboard. However you spin it 'The Winter Of Evermore' is an album in it's own league.

Download This: "Prelude To Anarchy"

[7] RHYS STEVENSON

SCAPHISM
'Festering Human Remains'

Imagine ordering a plate load of ribs smoked in the hottest BBQ sauce ever and then imagine gorging on it until you are violently sick, that is simply what 'Festering Human Remains' by Boston's Scaphism sounds like. A futile splattering of Brutal Death Metal that circulates the musical style laid out by bands like Suffocation, Psycroptic and Carcass; the sort of Death Metal that punches you in the face until you look like death (how aptly ironic in album title context). Scaphism may as well be the next exciting troupe to emerge from the American underground abyss and as 'Festering Human Remains' rightfully proves, they are a force to be reckoned with. The zombie apocalypse is now a reality, you better be scared...

Download This: "Butchered And Devoured"

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

AMACHINE
'Abrasive Absurd'

When you consider the New Zealand on a global scale, most metal outlets only think of Dawn Of Azazel and Ulcerate, but wallowing in the underground growths of this diverse nation is Amachine, a pure slamming Death Metal band with more haka haka than the All Blacks, more guts than their Australian adversaries and more brutality than a volcanic eruption, this is evidently proven on their phenomenal debut EP 'Abrasive Absurd', not only does it offer four tracks of totally unique sounds, but a whole new style of Death Metal. Amachine call it 'Aotearoa Metal', this reflects the Maori influences incorporated in the band by one Johnny Raimona, Aotearoa is the Maori name for New Zealand. With all this in mind, the honest reality is that Amachine are a thousand leagues above any Death Metal band yet they are not well known, so for some truly cultural metal listen to Amachine.

Download This: "Killer Behind The Shadows vs. The Great Beast"

For Fans of: Suffocation, Gojira, Ulcerate

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

NONSERVIAM
'Ordinance Of Reason'

Could this be the moment Malaysia explodes onto the international scene with a band that will totally represent them? It would seem that way, Melodic Death Metal fanatics Nonserviam deal justice to their nations undiscovered metal scene with their sensational debut EP 'Ordinance Of Reason', gut-rotten vocals surge through the chaotic composition of slaying riffs and tantalizing drumming to mold a sound that is guaranteed to get record labels perking ears up, 'Ordinance Of Reason' spews out a fluid torrent of gritty Death Metal that would make any fan wet their pants whilst the melodies exerted would make Alexi Laiho poop his. All eyes in years to come will turn to the Nonserviam storm as it brews  and gathers strength and excels themselves to be the rightful flag flyers of the Malaysian Metal scene.

Download This: "Fragments"

For Fans of: Children of Bodom, Dark Tranquility, Insomnium

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

IMMENSION
'Immension'

Ok so a few years ago Immension released their self titled debut EP, this will be soon followed up this year by their second EP 'The Enemy Within' so it will be interesting to see how the band changes or if they will continue the same sound found throughout this release. 'Immension' is a delicate balance of classic Heavy Metal with some rather melodic and mellow songs that keep the calmness and extremity worlds apart. Yet what Immension cleverly do is throw in a whole host of other elements such as harsh vocals, progressive elements (especially on the guitars) and fast drumming, all in all whether you like them or not, this band could be the next big thing.

Download This: "In Vain"

For Fans of: Bullet For My Valentine, Avenged Sevenfold, Evile

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

WAGARS
'Wagars'
P3LICAN

The debut EP by Wagars has finally dropped, the self-titled release by the Latvian Black  Metal / Crust Punkers delivers a whole new meaning to the term extreme metal. Chunky bass lines linking up with harmonious riffs and savage vocals that makes Skyforger sound bad. 'Wagars' spews out sensational music and lyrics that are evil enough to make you wet your pants, enough to make Latvian Metal even darker and more so power this lot forward to greater things. Furious drumming commands the direction of this release as it rips through the skin of the week and inserts a hypodermic needle of extreme metal into the veins of the unwary, 'Wagars' may well yet prove to be Latvian Metal release of the year as well as Latvian newcomer of the year.

Download This: "Velnezers"

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

LOGICAL TERROR
'Almost Human'
REALITY ENTERTAINMENT

In times of late there seems to be a flourish of electronic metal bands and projects on the European circuit and Italy's Logical Terror is no exception. Bolting on Thrash Metal to synthesizers and industrial elements, the sextet emboss the atmosphere in an artificial feeling, that one of cybernetics and beloved modern metal. 'Almost Human' is the debut album by these technical architectural musicians and wallows in the shadows of bands like Breach The Void, Xe-None, Sybreed, Mnemic, the list goes on. But what separates this fashionable lot from the myriad of upsurging modern metal bands is there carefully constructed sound that stands out as their own unique identity, furthermore Logical Terror are sure to conquer Europe very soon with their catchy smooth and aggressive songs as well as proving themselves to be poised as a band to watch in 2013.

Download This: "Self Extinction"

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

THE CONFLICT WITHIN
'The Conflict Within Sampler'

Here is a collection of old and new tracks released by Suffolk's The Conflict Within, spewing out a free-flowing sound of Metalcore underbelly and lashings of Thrash and Groove elements along the way, this really shows how well the band has progressed over the past few years. 'Breathe Again' has enough groove elements in there to resonate similarities with American titans Lamb of God. The lads have certainly improved their sound evidently on this free release that is available at shows. 'The Conflict Within Sampler' is as close to as a true gritty metal release from Suffolk as close as you might be getting drunk from a vat of adnams cider.

Download This: "To Hell & Back"

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

THE DEAD LAY WAITING
'Ascent Of The Murder'

Overcoming the death of their former label Rising Records, Swindon's black crows known as The Dead Lay Waiting picked up the pieces and used the shrapnel to develop their new EP 'Ascent Of The Murder', a face-melting apocalypse that carries the infamous signature sound of technically melodic metal forward once again. The first track of the release 'The Dream Is Over' delivers a slow guitar build up before unleashing hell through electronics and technical metal, coalescing into a rapid melodic wall of sound that sets the tune for the rest of the song, with added brutal vocal sections here and there, the song fades nicely for their single 'Roses Are Grey' to be initiated, which effectively is a subtly crafted melodic metal song that fades out halfway through for it to fade in again with Luke's explosive growls and Ben's sensational backing vocals, leading to 'Cyrus' to come into focus as being the softer song on the EP and perhaps the more simpler of the lot until 'Blinding Preacher' comes to close the EP up in apocalyptic fashion, this is without a doubt the most technically melodic song on the EP (it even leans to djent style riffing in places) and is sure to cement as the band's new sound, in fact reverting back to 'Roses Are Grey', the single provides more of Luke's high-pitch shrieking, Ben's high-pitch backing vocals and that is just the skin of this EP, the heart lies within the guest appearances by Katy Jackson (The Hype Theory), Liam Kavanagh (Burials) and Sam Ryder (Blessed By A Broken Heart & The Morning After), but also the evident infusion of Ben and Steve's technical guitar skills, Tom's unrelenting drum pulsations, Luke's commanding vocals and Sam's bass playing that is as deep as the Atlantic ocean, altogether combining as one sums up the blueprints for the future and the as the 'Ascent Of The Murder' kills of another thousand crows, The Dead Lay Waiting, waiting for all.

'Ascent Of The Murder' is out 13th May as an independent release

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

KING HISS
'Snakeskin'

Stoner Metal is not as a well popular genre as it used to be, even so when band's like King Hiss make a noise you know that they know what they are on about. Take their debut EP 'Snakeskin' and you'll realize they are the real deal, somewhat on par with bands like Fu Manchu and the like. The fact being King Hiss are one of those bands that you either love them or you hate them, but you love them for doing what they want and keeping the Stoner Metal style alive with dignity still intact. 'Snakeskin' is best enjoyed whilst sipping a tipple of whiskey or any other spirit as the happy vocals take you into a deep trance for the music itself, comprising of bouncy riffs and drum beats, to knock you out cold for a whole half an hours worth.

Download This: "Snakeskin"

[7] RHYS STEVENSON

ABNORMAL THOUGHT PATTERNS
'Manipulation Under Anesthesia'
LIFEFORCE

It's always a revelation when a group of musicians drop the vocal duties and instead opt for instrumental music, no wonder when Lifeforce Records snapped up this American trio that they instantly set time aside to create their debut album 'Manipulation Under Anesthesia', a twisted mix of progressive instrumental elements with additional sensational shredding that is guaranteed to leave listeners spellbound, twisting and turning every second into what could be perceived as complex harmonics; especially with the guitar playing on 'Calculating Patterns'. Molding the trickery mastered by bands like Dream Theater onto their very own unique style of music, Abnormal Thought Patterns could easily develop sounds for any upcoming Hollywood blockbuster. Word, they are sure to emerge valiantly across the globe as one of the most exciting fresh talents from the States in 2013 and with 'Manipulation Under Anesthesia' already pinned down, what the trio will do next is surely going to be brimming sheer brilliance.

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

For fans of: Animals as Leaders, Dream Theater, Death, Trioscapes

'Manipulation Under Anesthesia' is out 14th June, 2013 (G/A/S, Finland), 17th June , 2013 (Europe) and 25th June, 2013 (North America) via Lifeforce Records

ABOVE THIS BURNING SKY
'Rise From This'

Pennsylvanian Metalcore mob Above This Burning Sky make a lasting impression on their premier EP 'Rise From This', the band delivers a full on face-mauling musical grit storm that splits your brain in two. Formed two years ago, the five lads have conjured up a sound that is sure to garner them attention from across the Atlantic. 'Rise From This' radiates similarities to bands like Hatebreed and Killswitch Engage, that no-nonsense classic Metalcore that cracks skulls open with one riff and completely destroys anyone's senses. It will be tough for this American lot to explode out of their home nation, but with their debut album looming, this lot will almost certainly score some deserved attention and as 'Rise From This' proves, they are not your average Metalcore band either. Above This Burning Sky are putting the 'metal' back into Metalcore, posers be warned, here comes the real deal.

Download This: "Impalist"

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

ZATREON
'Shemhamphorae'
SALUTE

The sophomore album by Egyptian Symphonic Black Metal maestro's Zatreon has finally dropped, this time the band opt to sing about the Hebrew term 'Shemhampforash' from which is an irony in itself as Hebrew belongs to Judaism and Egypt is an Islamic nation, but the music does the talking not the religion. 'Shemhamphorae' delivers more of the fabled extreme metal that Zatreon laid out in their debut album 'Ice Maiden', however the new album is far more tidier, more extreme and more attached to the music they chose to play. Delivering shrieking vocals that would make the ancient Pharoah's salute in gratification and the deliverance of music that sends tidal waves up the Nile into the Mediterranean. Simply put Zatreon are back with a greater improved sound and are sure to become Egypt's next biggest metal exports.

Download This: "Majestic Horns"

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

IN MY RESTLESS DREAMS
'Bury The Past'

It's not easy emerging out of a scene or an area that is dogged by the same music genre, or at the very least a music genre that controls a huge portion of the music industry, but as Post-Hardcore / Metalcore masochists In My Restless Dreams spurge out their fresh EP 'Bury The Past', the tantalizing sense that they are sure to make waves in the year ahead becomes even more completely apparent. Fusing together Teutonic vocals on a fuselage of titanium-solid drumming and slick riffs that course through this EP together like a heat-seeking missile, it is evident that this five-piece tour - de - force are stronger than Sheffield steel and are sure to leave a lasting impression on the posers that scatter across the British landscape, 'Bury The Past' and focus on the future, the future of British Post-Hardcore / Metalcore.

Download This: "The Hollow"

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

SUPER MASSIVE BLACK HOLES
'2012 EP'

Somewhat a toned down version of Psyopus, Canadian troopers Super Massive Black Holes are enough to confound anyone, for example their '2012 EP' lashes solid proggy Death Metal with jazz elements, but in a uniquely crafted way. Named after the Muse song, it is at times questionable if the band were 100% serious on this release because at times, there are some let downs that Justin Bieber would aptly fill in for. However, the progressive and jazz side to the EP does work well, it's the vocals that lack any real oomph; perhaps for some a translator might be needed. Ok maybe the production is not helping, but even still if you were to turn it up, your speakers might as well blow up from the failing attempt of delivering musical satisfaction. Sad to say it's back to the drawing board for this one.

[5.5]