Watts’ vocal performance on Intensities sickens me in the best way; his unhinged, demented rasps on key tracks cementing some of my favorite album moments. Henderson also has a phenomenal performance: being extraordinarily technical yet never too much. Will these sounds absquatulate from Cosmo’s desiring ears?
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Lower 13 – Deception Review
For better or worse, Deception sounds like it stepped out of the time capsule of Monster Energy-era Metalcore from 2005-2008. For what it’s worth, the production on this album as well as the talent of the band members is present though. Don’t chug and drive.
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Xoth – Exogalactic Review
The year is now 2023, and in the year of the purple castle, Xoth have erected one of their own in Exogalactic. Will this cosmic reign make all other castles turn lavender with envy?
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Tardigrade Inferno – Burn the Circus Review
There are moments of clarity on Burn the Circus that show hints of potential. “Clockwork God”, for example, is an early highlight. Keyboards that sound like circus organs are used heavily, and it works, along with the frankly great riffs present. When Tardigrade Inferno lean into riffwriting, it shows their penchant for writing groovy, fun riffs. But in the end, will we find Cosmo nailed to the Ferris Wheel?
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Sühnopfer – Nous sommes d’hier Review
Sühnopfer’s love of baroque themes makes itself known immediately in opening track “DSFR” with its classical guitar intro. These classical guitar motifs pop up throughout the course of the album, and they’re always a joy when they appear. Possibly unsavory baroque riffs.
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Vertebra Atlantis – A Dialogue with the Eeriest Sublime Review
This year, Gramaglia has released the follow-up Vertebra Atlantis album, A Dialogue With the Eeriest Sublime. Combining harsh, gnarled riffs and hypnotic dreamscapes, this specific blend of Progressive Death Metal may just be his magnum opus. This album is not afraid to show some real backbone, so make sure you don’t leave it at the bottom of the ocean.
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Mānbryne – O próbie wiary i jarzmie zwątpienia Review
Interregnum seamlessly continues the sonic journey Mānbryne started on their debut album, delving deeper into melancholic tones, and culminating in an explosive finale. Cosmo might not have been fishing for a new addition to his end of year list when he got caught in Mānbryne’s hooks.
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Arborescence of Wrath – Inferno Review
Arborescence of Wrath, a band adorned with members of Origin and Marduk, ventures into the realm of Technical Brutal Death Metal with their debut. Will their music soar above the sea of mediocrity, or drown into the pool of lacklustre blastfests?
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Solipnosis – Síntesis Silenciosa Review
The Chilean metal scene is an underrated gem. I’m constantly discovering bands that put a unique spin on genres such as Black Metal, Death Metal, and yes, even Thrash Metal. Solipnosis is one such band, and their take on Blackened Speed/Thrash might be the most out there version I’ve heard yet. The Chilean is out there!
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Crypts of the Unknown: Incubator – McGillroy the Housefly
