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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Wayfarer – American Gothic Review
Atmosphere in Wayfarer’s world is a consequence of understanding the history of the genres they decided to meld, rather than relying on samples or insisting on flavor where there is none, like so many Black Metal artists tend to do. Take a sip of American Gothic.
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Dreamwell – In My Saddest Dreams, I Am Beside You Review
If Screamo and elements of Math and Hardcore variety meets Post-Rock build-ups sounds like your idea of a bad gimmick, perhaps Dreamwell’s sophomore album, In My Saddest Dreams, I Am Beside You will come as a pleasant surprise. Hopefully as a good dream.
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Cirith Ungol – Dark Parade Review
The Dark Parade has the ideal kind of throwback production. The album feels organic, warm but natural. The worst tendencies of retro producers – too much reverb and artificially roughing up the production – are mostly eschewed. RAISE YOUR SWORD!
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Crypts of the Unknown: Bergraven – Det Framlidna Minnet
