Gigan have crafted one hell of a technical death metal album, with an extra emphasis on technical riff craft and song composition, rather than a flurry of notes flung the listener’s way in a masturbatory ode to self-excess. More brain, less bludgeon.
Read moreVeilburner – 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?
Read moreBlack 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!
Read moreThe Black Dahlia Murder – Servitude Review
For newcomers, Servitude serves up the same kind of cutthroat melodic death metal that this band has been putting out for shy over 20 years now, with a sound that bleeds in colors of Carcass and At the Gates, among others. Fans will find a good album that harkens back to the sound of albums like Nocturnal. The Black Dahlia Murder are very much still alive.
Read moreMorticide – Death Cannot Hold Those with Purpose… Review
The call of fresh blood persists, and a new voice from beyond the mortal veil has risen to cast judgement on that which whelms neither of the over or under variety. But can the untested figure out how one kills death?
Read moreBlood 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.
Read moreWhores. – War. Review
Maybe you’re back at work with dredging feelings of longing for the weekend, yet again. Do not despair! Whores. latest album War. will make you feel like you’re stumbling out of a bar. Leave the Monday blues behind!
Read moreOdious Spirit – The Treason of Consciousness Review
James Oskarbski, the main brain behind Odious Spirit, is not afraid to use all kinds of effects to create the best kind of oppressive music. The main ingredient on this fantabulous album is psychedelic guitar witchcraft. Get spooky with Odious Spirit!
Read moreUnto 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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