Our This Week in Metal post collects our thoughts on music released in or around this week in the music world. We cover mostly metal, but we consider other genres to allow our writers poseur flexibility. Follow us on Instagram too!
Scuttlegoat's Curmudgeonly Critiques
While the base is the skronky, fluid yet groove oriented Death Metal of Demilich, other influences make Fabricant have enough of an identity to be worthwhile and have staying power. The unpredictable nature of the material is one of the albums biggest strengths and it makes sense that the album begins and ends on its most extravagant tracks. Obviously Fabri-can.
Gains claim to fame is mainly being a child or teen actor in the 80s, starring in noteworthy supporting roles in films such as Children of the Corn or Back to the Future. Music is, however, more of a footnote in Gains’ career as his biggest musical claim to fame is that he once played live with Jam outfit Phish. What does Gains' have to offer and how does it connect to his prior work as an actor? Some Gains, some lose?
Metalligator's Chomping Commentaries
Alkaloid have not changed much of their formula of Morbid Angel meets Yes in 2023. New to the mix is a slight push towards Heavy Metal leads that crop up here and there, as seen in "A Fool's Desire" that opens with some acoustics recalling Caprae Idolum's Matches EP before mixing and matching Heavy Metal with Death Metal outbursts. It doesn't have any viola da gamba though.
At its best, Solar Temple has some novel ideas: the title track combines a Morbid Angel sounding riff with Grindcore intensity and "Dead Celestial" features a tremolo riff throughout that works well with the forward charging groove. So at least you could say that they're a good Trem Builder.
Cosmo's Chaotic Curveballs
The songs on here are for the most part quite fun, with “The Dark (Winter)” and “Retraversing the Void” being standouts. Each of these tracks showcase Uada’s strengths: tight riffs, strong vocals, and a captivating atmosphere. But is it enough to evoke high praise from Cosmo?
Opening with a trippy, almost psychedelic intro, Blood Oath admittedly take their time in getting the listener hooked. With what is essentially an intro track, “Beyond the Dimensional Gates” does a good job in setting up the stage for the rest of the album rather than impress with technical prowess that the remaining tracks do. Can Cosmo be saved from a dry-pants-September?
