MAYSALOON
'The Forgotten Dawn'
INDEPENDENT

When it comes to metal bands singing about Middle Eastern or North African mythology or related topics, it's only truly authentic when the band originates from the MENA region; so no Nile are not authentic in this case. Arriving fresh on the Syrian Metal scene amidst civil conflict is Melodic Death Metal outfit Maysaloon with their raw and infectious metal sound laden with Middle Eastern mythology. So whilst ISIS or daesh deliver their unwelcome evil on the outer world, in response Maysaloon distance themselves from those betraying their country in bad light and as a result, lay waste in the metal world with their sheer brutal force and unrivalled demeanour, sending a message to the world that Syria has light in the form of metal music. Maysaloon will crush ISIS' message of hate with a message of love and solidarity amongst the brothers and sisters of the metal world.

Download This: 'The First Believer (Al Namroud)' - Click to listen

For Fans of: Scar Symmetry, Melechesh, Brood Of Hatred

[8/10] RHYS STEVENSON

INFINITAS
'Civitas Interitus'
INDEPENDENT

It's been eight years since the inception of Infinitas, this has however not stopped the Swiss quintet from delivering their debut album with such enthusiasm coursing throughout. 'Civitas Interitus' is an interesting masterpiece, combining the best of Heavy and Folk Metal together to create a sound that is not just full of upbeat euphoria, but also captures the very essence of what metal is all about. Think Iron Maiden meeting Eluveitie; without the Death Metal influence, and you get an idea of where this band is heading. Bard after bard, Infinitas are creating their own story and with their majestic sound doing the rounds, we could see them become the next successful Swiss Metal export. 

Download This: 'Samael' - Click to listen

For Fans of: Iron Maiden, Eluveitie, Skyclad

[8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

NOX VORAGO
'Al Chem'
INDEPENDENT

Visually the demonic side of Ghost, musically a leviathan rampaging on speed. Sweden's Nox Vorago are totally underrated when it comes to their musical creativity and it shows on their second album 'Al Chem'. Their blistering style of Symphonic / Progressive Death Metal is without a doubt a furious force that should not be taken lightly, it will cause your ears to bleed at the sheer might of their intensity; think Fleshgod Apocalypse meets Gojira and you get an idea, or perhaps Sweden's answer to Australia's Ne Obliviscaris, minus violin. Either way Nox Vorago are truly underestimated and with 'Al Chem' at their disposal, no one better doubt them... this album is far too tasty to let go. You might need some clean underwear after this, it will give you a boner and an almighty explosion.... truth be told.

Download This: "Nuremberg 1561" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Fleshgod Apocalypse, Septicflesh, Gojira

[8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

KADAWER DIALOOG
'Sterfbed'
INDEPENDENT

It's rare for a South African metal band to sing in their native Afrikaans, but when a metal band ends up singing in their native language it adds an extra element of cultural difference to it and as such makes the music that extra special. Kadawer Dialoog are a four-piece Groove Metal outfit who have just dropped their debut EP 'Sterfbed' and with that added guttural element through their language; off-shoot of Dutch, they've crafted an EP that will be favoured among many in the South African Metal scene, and yet has effectively pigeon-holed the band into a genre that probably will have a niche following. However it is sure to garner attention from their neighbours in Botswana and Namibia whose cultures seemingly transcend borders.

Download This: "Babel" - Click to listen

For fans of: DevilDriver, Pantera, Machine Head

[7.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

NIGHON
'The Somme'
INVERSE

Of what arguably could be perceived as 'Symphonic War Metal', Finland's Nighon certainly know a thing or to about breaking boundaries, in fact by stripping their new album 'The Somme' down to bare elements it's clear that the symphonic structure borrows influence from film scores and therefore could lend itself to a WW2 film; perhaps more specifically the Lapland war. Overarching the symphonic foundation are elements drawn from Industrial Metal, Black / Gothic Metal and Atmospheric Metal, all of which coalesce into a sound that could spark off a whole new metal genre; sure 'film score metal' is nothing new with fellow countrymen Ravenia waltzing down that path, but for Nighon this could be the album and sound they've been craving for – the dawn of 'Symphonic War Metal'.

Download This: "Marseille 1914" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Sabaton, Ravenia, Nightwish

[8/10] RHYS STEVENSON

DETHRONE THE CORRUPTED
'Sephirot'
INDEPENDENT

When will bands begin to realize that mixing Melodic Death Metal with Deathcore is not always a good idea? The latest band to attempt this unforgiving combination is Slovenia's Dethrone The Corrupted, sure at times they manage to escape the basic formula for this style and create their own variant, but in an overall sense the result of their latest EP 'Sephirot' is a tale of two halves. On one side there is an abundance of creativity, formulas dictating new musical constructions, on the other side is an EP that is so lost within the notion of escaping Deathcore that it does the exact opposite. If this Slovenian horde could harness more of the Melodic influence and lessen the Deathcore input, then they might well be on a winner.

Download This: "Seed Of Cerebrus" - Click to listen

For Fans of: The Black Dahlia Murder, Whitechapel, All Shall Perish

[6.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

COLD BLACK
'Circles'
ARTERY

Denmark's most promising Metal act Cold Black have success in their sights with their latest effort 'Circles', it's delicate balance of Electronic Post-Hardcore and Metalcore seems to work in this quintets favour. Since their well-received single 'Constellations' took flight years ago, they've been on the fast-track to making a name for themselves and it's with this effort that dedication and passion pays off. No more is the USA the home of Metalcore as 'Scandicore' takes flight with Sweden's Imminence and now Denmark's Cold Black leading the way. Crossfaith meets modern BMTH with elements of latter Linkin Park detectable in parts of the album, with this formula devised Cold Black are on course to reach the upper echelons and join the most successful Danish metal exports of Mnemic, Raunchy, King Diamond and Scarred By Beauty.

Download This: "Circles" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Escape The Fate, BMTH, Asking Alexandria

[8/10] RHYS STEVENSON

Pereplut / Переплут
'V Starodavnie Goda'
STYGIAN CRYPT

Pagan Metal has long been a staple sub-genre of metal within the Russian lands, so it's no surprise that Pereplut carry on this tradition in national fashion, that is singing in their native Russian language. Surely in time Cossack metal will become a thing as this style of folk metal would befit the said race. For those who don't speak Russian, it will somewhat be alien to them however it does lend itself well to the cultural heritage of the Russian motherland. 'V Starodavnie Goda' is the debut album by this sextet and it has a variety of songs in different speeds; from the fast and bouncy to the sing-song by the campfire style, but it also goes to show that Arkona are not the only Russian Pagan Metal band in existence. Just don't tease those bears with this music...

Download This: 'Русалья' - click to listen

For Fans of: Arkona, Skyforger, Graveland

[7/10] RHYS STEVENSON

FADING AZALEA
'Maze Of Melancholy'
INDEPENDENT

Starting off with with a gracious and elegant sound, the debut album by Swedish duo-combo fading Azalea waltzes into the infamous Gothernburg melodic death sound, with one evident difference. They strip away the brutality and replace it with an almost orchestral symphonic arrangement that would get any metalhead aroused from head to toes. Maze Of Melancholy can be compared to the works of Fleshgod Apocalypse minus the technical and extreme death metal undertone, in fact what Fading Azalea have done here is a work of genius, if you were to take pinches of Epica, Scar Symmetry and Amon Amarth and put them into a melting point and strip away all but a small of amount of Death Metal, then what you're left with is a symphonic barrage of almost Power Metal-esque music that will surely gain the attention of the record labels.

Download this: "Burning To Ashes" - Click to listen

For fans of: Epica, Nightwish, Scar Symmetry

[8.5/10] RHYS STEVENSON

ASSAULT
The Fallen Reich
TRANSCENDING OBSCURITY INDIA

Assault are another living proof that the South-East Asian Metal region is as brutal as it once was and that there is no signs of slowing down, sure it's taken the Singaporean unit 11 years to drop their debut album but f*cking hell it was worth the wait! No nonsense Melodic Death Metal comes crashing into Thrash Metal and Metalcore influences that give their debut album 'The Fallen Reich' the privilege of sticking the middle finger up at the overloaded Swedish Melodic Death Metal scene. Remember how extreme Impiety are? Well Assault have improved on that extreme nature and with their sound are sure to cause a shockwave across the wider Asian Metal scene; it might even have enough gusto to perk ears up in Europe. Close your eyes and let the insane audio blitz herewith provided rob you of your senses, this music is guaranteed to keep you awake into the early hours of the morning. Featuring ChthoniC's Freddy Lim as guest vocalist on 'Enslavement To Torture', this is another reason to check this album out.

Download This: "The Fallen Reich" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Nervecell, DevilDriver, Amon Amarth

[9/10] RHYS STEVENSON

VODUN
'Possession'
RIFF ROCK

It's the sort of music that would do well at the Notting Hill Carnival (maybe even winning the Eurovision for the UK), blending a mix of psychedelia with stoner metal and injecting Aretha style vocals, Royal Blood rock intuition and ancient West African voodoo vibes. All hail 'Possession', the latest effort by the London trio Vodun, which does more than just giving listeners something to rock out to, it is a conglomerate of rock/metal elements. With songs like 'Bloodstones' almost providing itself as an ideal bond song, well on this effort Vodun could easily write a bond song, even if Live & Let Die would provide the perfect comparison to the band's music. Vodun have proven that music not only brings different music styles together, but also it breaks down the ethnic barrier and as the band evidently proves, there is no room for discrimination. 'Possession' would certainly have been given the thumbs up by Baron Samedi, had he not been 'killed' by the snakes....

Download This: "Oya"

For Fans of: Royal Blood, Kyuss, Aretha Franklin

'Possession' is out now via Riff Rock Records

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

AL-NAMROOD / DARKESTRAH
'Tajer Al Punqia / Akyr Zaman'

Two of the most underground Black Metal outfits have come together to collaborate and unleash a truly unique and historical moment in the history of metal music as we know it. Saudi Arabian trio Al-Namrood and Kyrgyz trio Darkestrah lock horns to release the split album 'Tajer Al Punqia / Akyr Zaman', a full-on 22-minute, 3 track epic consisting of some rather unrelenting Black / Folk Metal seen from the Middle East / Central Asia regions. Quintessentially important to the survival of the smaller, 'endangered' (as-it-were) metal scenes, this split offers an insight into the extreme underground and with it, exposes a simply awe-inspiring and magical horde of musicians and subsequent music that defies the odds and stands for two things, one freedom of speech but more importantly to rejoice alongside the world's metal scenes. For ethos, charisma and utmost diligence in remaining true to their cause, 'Tajer Al Punqia / Akyr Zaman' is a truly symbolic release for those who believe in metal as a cultural expression.

Get it here:- http://www.shaytanproductions.com/Releases/Releases.html

For fans of: Black / Folk Metal, exotic music.

'Tajer Al Punqia / Akyr Zaman' is now out via Shaytan Productions

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

D.A.M.
'Premonitions'
INDEPENDENT

By layering classical, occultist and theatrical elements across Melodic Death Metal, Brazil's D.A.M. have crafted their own sound out of the forest of metal music. This evident on their latest offering 'Premonitions' as they hire the services of Marina Guimarães and Jéssica Delazare to cover the female side of this rather promising Brazilian outfit. Whilst perhaps the first two tracks may be unconventionally long, the latter 2/3 of the release certainly deal justice, through the use of intricate keyboard compositions, murderous riffs, blasting drums (programmed) and vocals so vicious that the favela's would weep in terror. To the trained ear you can tell that there are similarities with other bands, but for the more diverse metal fans, 'Premonitions' is a truly ambitious release from this promising unit. D.A.M. are flying the flag for the Brazilian Metal scene.

Download This: "Anorexic Dysphoria (An Elegy For The Brainless)" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Arch Enemy, Children Of Bodom, The Agonist

'Premonitions' is now out via an Independent Release

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

IFRINN
'Ifrinn'
IRON BONEHEAD

In the deepest grim and most serene valleys of bonnie Scotland resides a Black Metal band so youthful yet so mature in their music, that quite frankly deserves immediate appreciation. Hail to the new brethren Ifrinn and their tantalisingly raw premier self-titled demo. Smothered with atmospherics of all kinds, this demo demonstrates that this Scottish group hold much promise in joining the second wave of British Black Metal. Hiding their identities under a shrouded veil of mystery, all that can be said of the composers is that their dank and hallowing harrowing music is one not to be taken lightly and is ultimately intended for those who revel or succumb to the powers residing within the Black Metal force. 'Ifrinn' might as well become one of the darkest and eeriest releases found within the entire Scottish Metal scene, proceed with caution, you have been warned.

Download This: "Dweller Within The Gulf" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Winterfylleth, Immortal, Wodensthrone

'Ifrinn' is now out via Iron Bonehead Records

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

WILDWAYS
'Into The Wild'
ARTERY

Russia's long-awaited answer to Asking Alexandria is finally a reality, but with an additional twist here and there. Take for example their latest effort 'Into The Wild', it incorporates Trance, Hardcore, Metalcore, Post-Hardcore, Emocore and elements of Dubstep and EBM. Hell let's call them electronicore, but with that in mind because the band prefer to be genre-less let's call them a work of art. 'Into The Wild' is jam-packed with enough tunes to get a party started, chill out, surf to or whatever listeners do best, the salient point is that no matter what you're into, Wildways have it covered. Primed and prepared to instate themselves as Russia's most successful Metalcore export, Wildways are ready to assimilate the world with their infectious, emotional and well-thought-out works of musical art. This sh*t is too damn catchy.

Download This: "Princess" (feat. Rebecca Need-Menear) - Click to listen

For Fans of: Asking Alexandria, Eskimo Callboy, Enter Shikari, Betraying The Martyrs

'Into The Wild' is now out via Artery Records

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

DEMONSTEALER
'This Burden Is Mine'
INDEPENDENT

The latest effort by soloist Sahil 'Demonstealer' Makhija is here, featuring Ashwin Shriyan on bass and legendary drummer George Kollias of Nile. 'This Burden Is Mine' is a tremendous effort as it weaves its way through Death Metal, Thrash Metal and even into the Heavy Metal category. Through the use of guttural and clean vocals, savagely crafted riffs and thunderous drumming, this album flits from force to force and as a result is designed to satisfy all matters of metal music taste. 'This Burden Is Mine' is not just another album, it's a personal statement from the man himself that somewhat suggests that the achievements in life are being carried on his shoulders as depicted in the artwork. Sonically diverse, 'This Burden Is Mine' will have you head-banging, moshing, dancing and possibly masturbating at every passing song, who knows what you will do when listening to this release but one thing is for definite, this is just the start for this metal music genius; a true god within the Indian Metal scene.

Download This: "How The Mighty Have Fallen" - Click to listen

For Fans of: Nile, Demonic Resurrection, Fleshgod Apocalypse

'This Burden Is Mine' is now out via an Independent Release / Demonstealer Records

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

LAMORI
'To Die Once Again'
WORMHOLEDEATH

You could say that LAMORI hail from Finland, but we prefer to say they hail from the Åland Islands, an archipegalo straddled between Sweden and Finland; the latter owns it. 'To Die Once Again' is the band's second album and upon listening to it, stark comparisons with HIM can be drawn like a shooting star in the midnight sky. But despite the clear linkage, 'To Die Once Again' offers a darker overtone with the lyrics primarily covering topics like death, sadness, depression and Gothic aesthetics. Musically sound, 'To Die Once Again' is mainly a Hard Rock album but borrows elements from Alternative Metal and Gothic Metal; with subtle pinches of Doom Metal. This is more than just music, this album paints a picture of how the darker side of life and love becomes neglected, the harsh reality, the wicked truth and it goes without saying, 'To Die Once Again' is to suggest a rebirth gone wrong. But for LAMORI, this is the album that will take them to further international recognition. Now, about that geographical dispute....

Download This: "Lost In Love"

For Fans of: HIM, The 69 Eyes, The Doors

'To Die Once Again' is now out via Wormholedeath, digital release is 10th May

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

CRETURA
'Fall Of The Seventh Golden Star'
WORMHOLEDEATH

Hailing from the throne of Norwegian Black Metal that is Bergen, sextet Cretura throwaway the rulebook and write their own with their unforgiving and eccentric form of Symphonic Extreme Metal. By taking their forthcoming offering as a pure example and breaking it down, it is clear that the Symphonic, Black and Gothic Metal genres coalesce in becoming the nexus between their created vision and background heritage. Their forthcoming album 'Fall Of The Seventh Golden Star' is a genre-defining album if not at least an attempt to break free from the shackles of the Norwegian Black ('extreme') metal scene. Lasting a full-on hour, this album will serve the band as their calling card for the summer festivals, demanding that the band should be booked, because after hearing this effort you will definitely want to experience it live. In essence, Cretura are revelling in the time we can effectively call: 'The 3rd Wave of Black Metal'.

Download This: "Voices Of Hunger"

For Fans of: Dimmu Borgir, Nightwish, Theatres Des Vampires

'Fall Of The Seventh Golden Star' is out now via Wormholedeath

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

ELVARON
'Ghost Of A Blood Tie'
FANTAI'ZIC PRODS

After reforming back in 2014 after five years inactivity; formed in 1993, France's Elvaron are back and it seems with new and fresh ideas. With the current line-up consisting of two original members, an ex-drummer and a brand new keyboardist, it's a meeting of old and new ideas being channelled down  into new ambitions. 'Ghost Of A Blood Tie' is the band's fifth album and is consequentially the band's first album since reformation, now for those who are good at waiting for the music to kick off, this album is for you. However for those who prefer something quicker, well with 8 tracks collectively lasting 64 minutes, on average 8 minutes per track, well you get the picture. Despite the insane length, this Progressive Thrash Metal effort is a decent effort and will certainly get the Elvaron fan base rampaging once again. Emphatic solo's, ballistic drums, savage riffs, majestic vocals and keyboard elements so atmospheric, that all of this combined would be the perfect soundtrack to a summer's thunderstorm.

Download This: "Silent Windows"

For Fans of: Sonata Arctica, Voivod, Meshuggah

'Ghost Of A Blood Tie' is out 11th April via Fantai'zic Productions

[7.5] RHYS STEVENSON

ANIENT
'Elemental' + 'Consigned To Flames'
INDEPENDENT

To Anient is to frustrate or to annihilate, suffice to say that is what the Australian quartet have done on their premier EP 'Elemental' released last year. Splattering together a raucous mess of expertly laid Death / Thrash Metal with the embodied attitude of destruction, these boys have crafted a sound that whilst may bode well on the South Pacific circuit, might just lack that element to gain attention from fans overseas. That's not to say the release is crap, it just lacks that killer blow. Despite the stated criticism, it's a solid effort that garners some element of authority over it's listeners, demanding them to listen to the release to the very death. Gritty as it comes, tidy as it goes, 'Elemental' is a really interesting release that not only could be their best material, but also serves as a decent salutation to their 10th year of activity.

Their debut album 'Consigned To Flames' is a rather solid effort that ironically somehow is not as good as their later EP yet ironically once again does show elements that it is just as good as their EP, confusing right? The sad thing is that we've heard this thing before, it's nothing new and despite the excellent effort at making a mark, it slips slightly at the very last moment. That said, given it took the band nine years since their formation to craft this work, the overall impression given is that they wanted to take their time to make it sound perfect. They did make it sound perfect, just, it lacks that one bit of spark that would otherwise have given it a greater rating. But this should not deter Anient from hitting the studio and unleashing an expected belter in the future.

Download this: "Awakening" - Click to listen
Download this: "Haemoserous"

For Fans of: Nervecell, The Haunted, Hatesphere

[7.5] + [7] 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]

DEATH BY KI
'The Right Of Might'

Something strange is happening down in the West country and it isn't an upsurge in apple and cider production, although the latter would accompany well alongside Death By Ki's debut EP 'The Right Of Might'. The Somerset assailants lash together a blistering paced record that would surpass the fastest riff that Trivium could ever dream of. For a debut release, 'The Right Of Might' is what is expected of the band, a solidified explosion of Thrashed up Metalcore that spews out slick speed, savage brutality and ballsy face-punching music. Weaving in and out the Slayer-esque riffs and Lamb of God influenced deep vocals, Death By Ki may well just become one of Somerset's hottest properties this year.

For fans of: Metallica, Trivium, As I Lay Dying, Lamb Of God

'The Right Of Might' is out Monday 20th May 2013 via all digital outlets or through the band.

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

PANKRATION
'Beretta's Kiss'

The debut album by Germany's Pankration is a major blow to the system, not only does the guitar playing at times sound a little under-produced, but some songs are so common it lacks variation. However songs like 'Revenge' give the album a kick up the back side, 'Beretta's Kiss' is a gunshot wound to the head, not because of the various limitations on the album but mainly because the sound is rather mixed, good and bad all over the place. Melodic Death / Groovy Thrash Metal it may be, but until Pankration actually find a common ground to settle on when releasing their next musical output, they will continue to be a disappointment. On that note 'Beretta's Kiss' is certainly a strange album.

Download This: "Revenge"

[5.5] RHYS STEVENSON

ABOLISH OASIS
'Retrospections'
AKASHIC

The ultimate storm has arrived, uprising from the dark depths of the Atlantic abyss is the Floridian Post-Hardcore / Metalcore tour-de-force Abolish Oasis, delivering their highly anticipated EP 'Retrospections' in spectacular sound and fashion. Exhibiting a precise construction of magical riffs and heavenly guttural vocals that splatter ad hoc murders all across the Orange county, more than any Hurricane or thunderstorm could apprehend; that is the shear force of the music, it is so heavy it makes even the most ferocious weather whimper. 'Retrospections' sets out the band nicely from the cloned bands of the same music genre, with an infectious playing style and bouncy feel to their music, the international music scene may well have another epic band on there hands. Abolish Oasis plan national domination and then who knows, maybe a global apocalypse?

'Retrospections' is out 19th April 2013 via Abolish Oasis / Akashic Records

[9] RHYS STEVENSON

SCARS ON MURMANSK
'Into Dead Lights'
GREAT DANE

Of recent years, French Death Metal seems to sprouting out of the ground like a volcano readying itself to explode, no wonder then that the quartet Scars On Murmansk dropped their emphatic debut album 'Into Dead Lights' last year. Full of skull smashing grit and heavier balls than a testosterone-charged bull on heat, 'Into Dead Lights' explodes with shimmering radioactive radiance through the sensational drumming speed whilst the vocals and guitars stab the bleak atmosphere to make it bleed with the smell of irresistible sickening music. What separates 'Into Dead Lights' from the rest of the burgeoning underground Death Metal squabble is the insurmountable sincerity produced on the release itself, causing utter chaos.

Download This: "Buried Dreams"

[10] RHYS STEVENSON

DISGRACER
'Worms'

From the first song to the very last, Disgracer's debut demo 'Worms' spits out Slayer influences as if it was totally obvious, the truth is you cannot ignore the sheer comparison and yet when the Catalonian Thrashers finally get going, they can't stop - it was as if the off button was not invented. 'Worms' is your classic Thrash Metal release, pounding beats out the drums like no tomorrow whilst the rest of the music churns and lashes out a sound that is sure to give some people epic whiplash. In the words of London's Kremated 'Thrash Ain't Dead' and Disgracer know that evidently, there first outing is a delight to listen to but at times the guitar playing can get a little too high and less clear, but besides that the release does what it was designed to, to slay minds.

Download This: "Warning Bell"

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

DEATHABALONE
'Somewhere In Between'

Making their return back in 2011, Japan's Deathabalone unleashed what was their final release under that name. 'Somewhere In Between' delivers the signature sound and vocals that makes this band what they are, brutally powered by grizzly female Death Metal vocals, 'Somewhere In Between' is an essentially for any fan of the nitty gritty side of metal music. It is a vast improvement from their previous effort 'Rise In Rebellion' and gave them enough force to rename themselves as Faintest Hope, with the same line-up and the same level of panache, it is unlikely that 'Somewhere In Between' Deathabalone shifting to Faintest Hope, there was any thoughts of the band splitting, in fact it could be said they are just getting started, this Japanese quartet are sure to explode on the international scene in years to come.

Download This: "Kaleidoscopic Dream"

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

WOMAN IS THE EARTH
'This Place That Contains My Spirit'

You would have to be a complete die hard Black Metal fan to get any of this, sure the atmospheric ambiance that develops as a result of listening to the second album by American trio Woman is The Earth is one to keep anyone on their toes, but the reality behind 'This Place That Contains My Spirit' is that its bizarrely overproduced, there is far too much going on and as a result leaves the album in an awkward position, for example the somewhat evident blast-beats on 'Bird Song' get merged into the riffs on the same song and thus become rather messy. The upside to the release, besides being on average twelve minutes to each of the four songs, is that it carries a raw and unique feel to it, whether it be credible as a well perceived release is another question, but for now it remains a fairly decent effort.

Download This: "Sage Moon"

[5] RHYS STEVENSON

UTOPIAN.HOPE.DYSTOPIAN.NIHILISM
'Pact With Solitude'

If you like you could call this one-man project Progressive Black Metal, but objectively it is more than that, with the usage of keyboards and flutes, one could argue it has a more ethnic approach to the music and as the Portuguese musician Élvio Rodrigues delivers his first crafted musical piece 'Pact With Solitude', the feeling of gloomy nostalgia takes over, regardless of the fact that on average each song is 10 minutes long. The main focal point of this release is this Iberian influence that seems to flow in the background and as the project Utopian.Hope.Dystopian.Nihilism sounds out across the bleak atmosphere, the sense that this project has a something unique is an understatement as evidently it is not unlike Ihsahn but ironically is far from the Norwegian musically. Overall 'Pact With Solitude' is an album that would appeal to many, not because of its lengthy songs but its atmospheric ambiance that steals the show.

Download This: "Pandora's Box"

[8] RHYS STEVENSON

DELETE THE MASS
'Μάζα'

Just in time to rescue the Greek economy and delete the mass being of 'ολοκληρωτικό ευρωπαϊκό έλεγχο?' Can that be said? Anyways Greece's Death Metal / Grindcore merchants Delete The Mass make their anticipated debut album worth the wait, full on bone-crunching brutality that leaves you spitting blood from the continuous face-punching music that bellows out at insane speeds. Sure at times the listener may be a little lost with the Greek language, however on the other hand it offers a chance to learn the language of extreme music and at the same time a very old language. The major point behind this release is that it is what you would expect from a Death / Grindcore album, short and quick outbursts of disturbed pummelling music that leaves a pandemic horror scene in its wake, simply put the album 'Μάζα' is perhaps the best the Greek underground metal scene has seen in years.

Download This: "The Essence of Existence"

[8.5] RHYS STEVENSON

TEARDOWN
'Inner Distortions'
GRAVE NEW MUSIC

Metal music seems to come natural for the Finnish people, that said when band's like Teardown drop their debut album over a decade after the band had formed, the anticipation gets to a point where it reaches almost 'die-hard' status, no doubt when 'Inner Distortions' comes alive with the sound of angelic melodic vocals and the signature Heavy Metal sound, it leaves a long lasting impression that reasons for the long wait as if the band wanted to make the album worthwhile and they achieved it. 'Inner Distortions' takes listeners on a magical journey across the frozen lakes and countryside of the Finnish wilderness, through it's spread out cities and into the most northern regions of Lapland, think of the album as an adventurous journey soundtrack; on par with Lord of The Rings and then think of the music as one of the contenders for Finnish Metal album of the year, no doubt this music is breathtaking.

Download This: "Dead Cry For The Sun"

[9] RHYS STEVENSON