Veilburner – The Duality of Decapitation and Wisdom Review

The number seven often holds special significance in western culture; a significance that goes beyond intra-number cannibalism. Artists have at times tried to transport this mystique to musical composition. As standard Western musical scales already hold seven individual notes, many artists seem to have tried their hand at incorporating the number seven into their rhythmic framework. But has anyone ever tried cutting off its head?

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Black Curse – Burning in Celestial Poison Review

Black Curse had huge shoes to fill with sophomore album Burning in Celestial Poison, as the sophomore hump is the true test for bands to prove that they’re not a once-and-done affair. Thankfully, Burning in Celestial Poison not only surpasses the hump, but makes every other war metal album released this year appear as threatening as pool noodles in terms of sheer aggression and vitriol. So grab your pool noodles, we’re going to war!

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Blood Incantation – Absolute Elsewhere Review

2022’s Timewave Zero served a synth-oriented ambient (zero death metal) work that felt more like a proof of concept than an album fully formed. Simple and not particularly deep synth textures could not feed what deathheads craved, and for synth enthusiasts, Timewave Zero had nothing to offer that could not be found much better elsewhere. In hindsight, that album appears to have been a necessary stepping stone. It’s not out of nowhere that Blood Incantation has called forth Absolute Elsewhere — OPEN THE FUCKING GATE.

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Unto Others – Never, Neverland Review

Unto Others have put out their third full length effort – Never, Neverland, a title that immediately brings an uneasy connotation by reminding me of Metallica and their self titled album. You could say that it’s a subtle telegraphing of the direction Unto Others have taken with this album, as more than half the songs lean toward the softer side of their style. Here’s hoping they’re just trying out a never groove.

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