Creating music as a duo can present a paradoxical dynamic. It can be both easier, as there is only one other person to get in tune with, and more challenging when conflicts do arise, as the intricate interplay between two artistic visions will require a fine balance of compromise and creative synergy. Maria and Coley, the two members of Ragana, take turns on guitar, drums, and vocals, and since 2012 this approach has allowed them to maintain interest with their hybrid of unrefined Black/Doom Metal. Two hearts blast beat as one.
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Perky Macabre / SPÖoÖoKY STEVE – Halloween Kills Review
Perky Macabre never changes and has seemingly no desire to. If his music is supposed to be a joke, the literal zero supporters on most of his EP’s suggest that no one finds it particularly funny, either. Maybe that is why I can’t get him out of my head. Perky man, get out of my room!
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Nightmarer – Deformity Adrift: Reformed
The concept that the band might want to re-engineer and partially re-record such a well realized album before it is even a year old is at once intriguing and baffling. Can the deformity go even more adrift? Let’s see how well Nightmarer float with the anomalies.
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The Lion’s Daughter – Bath House Review
Bath House is a rawer experience that leans less on the synths, although they are still there – meaner, producing uneasy sounds that often recalls a wounded animal whining out its pain in the distance. The mood the combined elements strike is overall good and there are some hefty highlights here and there. Will Croque throw this album out with the bath water?
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Suffocation – Hymns From the Apocrypha Review
The band lost a lot when Frank Mullen decided to pursue being an actor, gifting the world his performance as the Manhattan Mutilator in James Balsamo’s Sexy Time. Mullen was an icon, much more than any of the other members could be. Yet, Mullen isn’t the most unique sounding vocalist in 2023 and it makes sense that the vocal performance of current vocalist Ricky Myers is noticeably different. Definitely not asphyxiated.
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Autopsy – Ashes, Organs, Blood and Crypts Review
Autopsy have a new album and it is time for The Goat to, yet again, praise the band for doing the things he would criticize other acts for. Autopsy sticks to what they know, but with Ashes, Organs, Blood and Crypts coming out barely a year after their last, should The Goat be concerned? Well there are guts in his teeth…
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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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Dungeon Wolf – The White Elf Review
I fail to believe that someone could have made an album like this and still be willing to release it, but incompetence goes a long way. The music may be as questionable as the mullet but rest assured, the sharpness of the sword will lure you in.
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Crypts of the Unknown: Khonsu – The Xun Protectorate
