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This is the
debut release from this Swedish black metal band featuring members
who are also in bands like HellGoat, Amuleto de Calamidades &
SlaughterCoffin. There are three tracks of grim yet well executed
black metal spite. The music and the vocals are done with skillful
writing and gruff black metal screams that cut into you. Check it
out. - Patrick
https://bchrecords.storenvy.com/
https://plaguedemonrecords.storenvy.com/
CDR promo for
full Length vinyl only release on Serpens Caput. Dark ‘n cold black
metal, Norge kind of type, it just did not do much for me. Sub-par.
*See Aids Review for contact… - Dale
This Kentucky horde produces raw and heavy
black metal with atmospheric touches and a sinister aura in the
early ‘90s tradition. But not second wave Scadinavian bm, but rather
gloomy black/death metal akin to the early works of bands like
Rotting Christ, Varathron, Beherit, Mystifier, Mortuary Drape,
Ancient Rites, Nergal etc… If dig that stuff, you will want to check
this out. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/apochryphalrevelation/ http://www.nwnprod.com/
This is a re-release of this French bands 2005
demo, originally only released on CDR. This is a one man band of old
school death metal, the sound is a bit thin and it does sound like a
one man band. But the music on here is good and it is a demo, so
considering all that it is actually solid music, at times fast &
pounding, other times gloomy dm music on here. If you missed out the
first time you should make this second chance count. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/visceralcircuitryrecs/
https://visceralcircuitryrecs.bandcamp.com/music
Aegrus return
with a brand new EP featuring four songs of aggressive and well
played black metal. The skillful music varies in tempo, but the
mainstay style is fast, raging guitars and precise lightning drum
passages. The vocals are raw and grim black metal screams that are
intense and powerful. If you are looking for a band that plays
traditional black metal done in Finland's trademark style then do
yourself a favor and pick up a copy of ‘The Carnal Temples’ today.
- Patrick
https://www.facebook.com/Aegrusofficial/
https://osmoseproductions.bandcamp.com/
This is a
re-release (one half of this band duo A. Petterson owns Nordvis) by
this now defunct yet excellent Swedish black metal band. I followed
this band during their first few albums released 2002-2004 time
frame. Great cold and hateful early ‘90s second wave Scadinavian
black metal! - Dale
https://nordvis.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/nordvis
  
Oh man this is
some seriously brutish Costa Rican death with just heavy as all fuck
riffing! With some cool really deep guttural growling over top of
this old school death metal with roots I can hear from the US,
Sweden and the UK. Some band influences I hear are Autopsy,
Repulsion, Baphomet, Morpheus Descends, early Grave, Bolt Thrower
and the often, in my opinion, underrated Benediction. Solid stuff.
- Dale
https://astriferous.bandcamp.com/
https://mesacounojo.bandcamp.com/
It is good to get a pure black metal band out of South America.
Belzec play raw bm with a really cold atmosphere. It is not the
usual Scandinavian sound; it is a more rough and different kind of
dark aura. The vocals are evil whispery ‘n gruff throat grating vox
filled with malice & spite. Belzec interestingly remind me most to
black metal bands from the Czech Republic like early Master’s Hammer
(demos & 1st album), Root (1st album) & some
Maniac Butcher plus maybe a little Immortal. I enjoyed it. -
Dale
https://www.facebook.com/belzecperu
https://www.facebook.com/Headbangerrecords666
I have Berator’s demo tape (only 60 made
apparently) and now this EP is the second release from this Chicago
band for the great Dark Descent no less. Their ranks feature
current/former members of bands like DeathCult & the mighty
CorpseVomit. I mentioned before the vocals reminds me of a mix
Speckmann from Master & Glen Benton of Deicide, they still do and
they are killer! The music is relentless OSDM featuring some good
songwriting. Get it now. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/berator/
https://darkdescentrecords.bandcamp.com/
  
Not to be confused with the great Chilean
Black Beast I reviewed elsewhere. This Finnish band play high octane
intense thrashing black metal that is like a nice nightmarish mix of
the “Panzer Division Marduk” album mixed with healthy touches of
early Impaled Nazerene insanity and the evil filthy earlier works of
Venom! - Dale
https://primitivereaction.bandcamp.com/
http://www.primitivereaction.com/
Rising out of Boston like a spiked fist is the
metal triumvirate Black Mass. They play thrash metal in the classic
‘80s vein. The songs really rip along with some killer riffing,
heavy yet catchy rhythms. Vocalist Brendan O’Hare is good and so
eighties it hurts. I can hear so many old bands in their sound like
Kreator, Exodus, Sodom, Slayer, Celtic Frost, Destruction, Possessed
etc… If you are an old die in the wool thrash fan than you should
check this out. - Dale
https://blackmassband.bandcamp.com/
https://shop.redefiningdarkness.com/
Tennesse's Blaspherion returns with a brand
new four song EP, which is filled with raw primal black metal. The
guitars are played with fast and intense passages that feature
skillful writing by mixing in some slower mid paced patterns before
going back to the faster pace, The vocals are grim, gruff growls and
black metal screams. Blaspherion's music is utterly uncompromising
and primitive in it's delivery. - Patrick
facebook.com/Blaspherion
https://bchrecords.storenvy.com
plaguedemonrecords.storenvy.com
 
This is a band done by an old contact of mine.
We became friends through his long time band Aggressive Mutilator,
which is very different from this band as it is extreme black metal
with some punk touches. Blixtnedslag (Struck By Lightning) on the
other hand play 1970s style rock w/Swedish lyrics, it very obvious
when listening that ‘70s Kiss is the main influence for the band. If
you are a big fan of old Kiss you should give this a try. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/Blixtnedslag-108454637775179/
https://blixtnedslag.bandcamp.com
This is the new band of guitarist Jamison
Palmer of Visigoth’s debut release. The two songs are “The Fear” &
“Tortured Earth”. Blood Star play classic heavy metal with touches
of hard rock in the tradition of the NWOBHM up through the mid ‘80s
with nods to bands like Rainbow, Accept, Saxon, Riot, Manilla Road,
Chastain, BOC etc… Vocalist Madi Smith has those traditional late
‘70s/early ‘80s metal lyrics down injecting some melody into her
voice to push the music along. Nice debut. - Dale
https://blood-star.bandcamp.com/
https://www.shadowkingdomrecords.com/
  
This TX band is
essentially a metal band with heavy punk/hardcore influences. The
first listen it just felt like a fun party band, but the more
listens I gave it the more layers I found here. The music (lyrics
too) is actually pretty involved and impressive if you have the
patience for it. The vocalist Hurricane G. fucking rules and kills
it. Böndbreakr are a bit like the Bad Brains without the reggae
influences. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/bondbreakratx https://www.bondbreakr.band/
I have seen this bands name around, but this
my first time hearing this Finnish (Great UG metal scene!) band,
despite this being their 4th album. Bonehunter plays
absolutely amazing, bombastic & ornery black thrashing speed metal
with a high level of skill. Many killer influences pop to mind but a
few are Venom, Bathory, Bulldozer, Abigial, early Sodom etc… Hells
Headbangers have a real tiger by the tail with this band! Hold on
tight and get this ASAP. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/bonehuntermetal
https://shop-hellsheadbangers.com/
This is solo artist Bryan Eckermann’s eight
full-length in eight years, all self released. It took all of one
listen to realize Bryan is one talented fellow seemingly on all
instruments he employs. He writes some high level, skilled
black/death metal. My personal hang up is I am not the biggest fan
of highly melodic black or death metal. I turn to heavy metal
(especially the old school variety) for that in my metal. But if you
are into melodo extreme metal it is hard not to recommend this for
you. - Dale
https://bryaneckermann.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/bryaneckermannofficial/
Callous has
members coming out of both of New York and Vermont. This is their
debut album featuring a primitive, old school black metal style. The
guitars are played with a mix of flowing evil sounding mid paced
patterns with lots of faster more aggressive passages, the guitarist
even adds in a few solo's. The vocals are raw bm screeches & rasping
screams that add in an extra level of menace to their music.
Recommended for fans of primeval harsh black metal. - Patrick
https://callousbm.bandcamp.com/
https://bornforburning.bigcartel.com/
I have to confess when I pressed play I was
not expecting what I heard from this Finnish band. Think of a mix of
classic heavy metal doom with Glenn Danzig singing the doom parts,
mixed with get this - raging hardcore! I shit you not; it suddenly
transitions from doom to a fucking mix of Earth Crisis, Sick Of It
All, Cro-Mags musically / vocals wise. I have heard it all now.
Crazy! - Dale
https://casketsopen.bandcamp.com/
http://shop.nine-records.com/
This Finnish
band play straight up heavy, ripping ‘80s speed metal with some
heavy metal touches. For me it brings to mind bands like Manilla
Road, Cirith Ungol, Brocas Helm, Warlord, Omen etc… Vocalist Emma
captures those ‘80s speed metal vocals quite well. This is a strong
debut album that old metal fans will dig a lot. - Dale
https://chevalier.bandcamp.com/
https://www.gatesofhellrecords.com/
 
This is some
really raucous, noisy speedy thrashing crossover metal punk music
from Italy. This is their third album (I reviewed their debut a
decade ago if you look for it). They are still ripping out some high
energy, attitude filled songs I enjoy. I think the
recording/production on the past material was more precise and
clear. The sound on here is really tinny/noisy and a bit annoying.
But the music is killer, so fuck it! - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/COTofficial
https://shop-hellsheadbangers.com/
Paul is back
with his Soulgrinder comp series, this time around though he has
partnered with Thrashback for this release. This disc lives up to
it’s name, it is filled with 15 bands all playing explosive spiked
fist to your face thrash metal with balls & attitude! Every song is
a killer. Some bands include Kraken, The Donner Party, Evil Army,
Dick Vomit, Fatal Agent, Paralysis, Disruptor + more. You get a 12
page full-colour booklet with contact / pics of all the bands. -
Dale
https://thrashbackrecords.com
https://www.facebook.com/soulgrinder.zine
I have been a big fan of this band since their
classic & influential 1992 debut album. These old warriors of the
metal UG scene are still going after all these years! Cianide are
still pumping out their addictively pernicious brand of doomy death
metal madness. Support these legends! - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/svarttjern
http://www.soulsellerrecords.com/
Clairvoyance from Poland is a new band with
only a demo under their belts prior to this EP. The band plays, for
me, an enjoyable brand of OSDM that is grimy, gloomy and brutal
melding of things like early Grave with some of the classic Finnish
dm sound and injecting a little New York ancient death into the mix
from time to time. This is some solid stuff worth checking out.
- Dale
https://www.facebook.com/clairvoyancedeathmetal
https://www.bloodharvest.se/
This is the debut album from Chile’s duo known
as Convilivm. They produce blackened death metal with a truly
oppressive & suffocating evil aura that wraps itself around their
mid paced brutality. There is a great balance struck between raw
primitive simplicity and refined guitar work and songwriting. This
is a quality record worth your time. - Dale
https://concilivm.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/IronBoneheadProductions
This Finnish
band keeps chugging along, this is their 3rd album and I
think all of them have been released by the well respected Dark
Descent Records. Corpsessed features members of Tyranny & Lie In
Ruins and play excellent dark and brutal death metal with a dank
aura that fits nicely alongside great bands like Incantation, Dead
Congregation, Disma, Funebrarum and the like. I enjoyed this one.
- Dale
https://www.facebook.com/Corpsessed
https://darkdescentrecords.bandcamp.com/
Cortége return
to the pages of Canadian Assault with their first offering for new
label Desert Records. The music on this two song, sixteen minute EP
is super slow droning doom metal, like if you took the first Sabbath
album and slowed it down a couple notches haha. If you like hypnotic
doom with a post apocalyptic doom feel then check these guys out.
- Dale
https://www.facebook.com/cortegeatx
https://desertrecords.bandcamp.com/
This was sent to me by Paul from Soulgrinder
‘zine (Cheers!). This band is based in PA near me. They create some
crossover sounding, high energy ‘80s Thrash filled with ripping
riffs. They remind me of a mix of big 4 ‘80s thrash with a spicing
of lesser known bands like Biohazard, Pro-Pain (music & vocals),
Forced Entry, C.O.C.’s “Animosity” album etc… Definitely a new young
band to keep an eye on! - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/Cruelbomb/
https://cruelbomb570.bandcamp.com/
The debut album
from this Canadian duo that features William of the mighty Expunged.
The main focus is driving brutality & nothing gets in the way of
that run away train. The drumming of E.H. is an unrelenting
blitzkrieg of precise, carpet bombing strikes. There are brief
slower sequences to catch your breath, but gulp it fast my friends.
Definitely worth your attention if you dig bands like Benediction,
Asphyx, Grave, Bolt Thrower and the ilk. - Dale
https://dsadeath.bandcamp.com/
https://www.bitterlossrecords.com/
Death Invoker is
from Peru, this was released originally in 2018 on 7” EP (plus a
bonus unreleased track cut from the vinyl due to length) and now
gets the tape treatment. The band plays dirty & heavy deathrash
music with an evil aura to it. If you love things like the very
early works from Sepultura, Sodom, Destruction mixed with Sarcofago
& Blasphemy then get this ASAP! - Dale
https://deathinvoker.weebly.com/ https://nihilisticholocaustrecs.bandcamp.com/
A book for
diehards of the early strange diabolical years of this legendary
occult band. I am a Death SS fan going back to the early ‘90s, when
I tape traded first for their 1981 demo tape, and it took off from
there. This is the history of Death SS & Sylvester himself. Prepare
yourself for a wild ride of haunting music, rituals and the insanity
that is this man and his charismatic eccentric ways. First time in
English! Get it! - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/theajnaoffensive
https://www.theajnaoffensive.com/
Deathhammer is a
Norwegian band, who is the epitome of relentless and lightning quick
thrash metal. There are a million wall to wall riffs and all of them
are killers and I dig when they mix in the manic guitar fills. The
vocals are so ‘80s with gruff vocals mixed with screeching siren
banshee yells. This is for diehard fans of old mid to late ‘80s
thrash ala Slayer, Destruction, Kreator and the like fit in with
newer whorshippers of that time period like Aura Noir, Nifelheim,
Nekromantheon, Antichrist. - Dale
https://hellsheadbangers.bandcamp.com/
http://www.hellsheadbangers.com/
 
My musical
tastes and Cruz’s match up 9 out of 10 times. This is one of those
rare times they diverge. The band presents largely as classic doom.
But to be honest, there is something missing here for me, the music,
vocals & lyrics do not project gloom, melancholy, depression &
oppressiveness. No, it comes off more as I lost my girl & miss her
so much, sappy sad vibe reminding more of an Emo or goth style band
than what I consider doom. I will pass, but maybe this is you’re cup
of tea? - Dale
https://deaththeleveller.bandcamp.com/
https://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com/
Deathcult
returns with their 2nd album proving through their high octane OSDM
roots that this metal horde from Switzerland is anything but
neutral, they pick sides & go for the throat. The band takes early
Swedish death metal (Dismember & Unleashed) and mix it liberally
with early ‘90s US death metal ala Possessed, Autopsy, early Death
plus Brits Bolt Thrower. Has a crisp production that also manages a
dark & dirty atmosphere. Good shit. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/DeathMetalCult/
https://invictusproductions.net/
This is so great, how can you not love that
fucking cover artwork?!! King Fowely has been talking about doing a
thrash cover album for many years. He finally pulled the trigger and
the result is a damn entertaining listen for old fanatic thrash
metallers. There are cover versions of songs from Whiplash,
Sacrifice, Blessed Death, Bulldozer, Stone, Cyclone, Artillery,
Stone, Voivod, Razor & more. Oh and every single one rules! -
Dale
https://hellsheadbangers.bandcamp.com/
http://www.hellsheadbangers.com/
  
Deiquisitor hail from Denmark and despite the
band releasing three albums and a handful of demos and extended play
releases, this is my first encounter with them. They play extremely
brutal ‘90s style death metal and it is high quality stuff. The
vocals and slight doomy touches that whispers at the fringes of
their brutality reminds me a little of Immolation. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/Deiquisitor
http://www.darkdescentrecords.com/
Man the death
metal scene in Quebec, Canada is getting really good and prolific
again! Add Disembodiment to that movement, who bring a strong early
Incantation vibe to their music that suffocating, crushing style
that dramatically manipulates you emotionally like a methodical
torturer. This is the kind of album you can not just take out one
song, as the whole album is a continual experience. It is great old
school death metal to the max. - Dale
https://caligarirecords.bandcamp.com/
http://www.caligarirecords.com/
This Sverige band do their country proud
playing my fave brand of death metal, which is early to mid ‘90s
brutal Swedish death metal. They do nothing new, nothing
groundbreaking, nothing progressive. What they do do, as mentioned
above is create explosive, barbarous and morbid sunlight dm. When it
is done this well then I am here for it all fucking day long! -
Dale
https://disrupted.bandcamp.com/ www.memento-mori.es
www.denihilrecords.com
  
You would never
know from looking at these graying old goats (I am right behind
them) that they play utterly speedy, pissed off & violent hardcore
punk that is only a couple steps away from mince/grind. This is the
kind of hardcore & punk I like and listen to, it has to be fast,
caustic and aggressive. Dropdead have been around since 1991 and
they are still wrecking all in their paths!! - Dale
https://dropdeadhc.bandcamp.com/ https://armageddonlabel.bandcamp.com/
“White-Eyed
Trance” has a good mix of slower mid paced death metal, but the band
does add some faster, more punishing sections alongside some well
written & performed solos. The vocals are deep dm growls that fit
the bands music perfectly. If you love old school death metal then
do yourself a favor as this is for you. - Patrick
https://www.facebook.com/Ectoplasma-1579524392276613
http://www.memento-mori.es/
This release is
the bands debut. The music is a caustic, lethal yet skillful mix of
Power Violence and Grindcore. Everything is played with pinpoint
accuracy. The vocalist Katerina is a ferocious beast on the mic!
Check it out grind fans. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/escuelagrind
https://armageddonlabel.bandcamp.com/
  
Evangelist is a Polish band that creates a
really emotional, introspective mix of epic heavy metal and classic
doom metal. The vocalist has a smooth and fitting voice for this
style of music. I think fans of bands like Manilla Road & Pagan
Altar mixed with Solitude Aeturnus & Solstice (U.K.). If you like
those bands I think you will dig this well crafted album. - Dale
https://evangelistdoom.bandcamp.com/
http://shop.nine-records.com/
Expunged is a
new band out of the Canadian death metal scene. This debut contains
5 tracks of dm that is pounding and heavy as hell! The guitarist
writes a mix of crushing mid paced riffing patterns, but does speed
to a much faster pace often. The drumming is a devastating double
hammers mix of pummeling middle paced beating that does speed up to
a faster enjoyable yet chaotic pace at times. If you enjoy raging,
filthy old-school dm then you need this! - Patrick
https://expunged.bandcamp.com/
https://shop-hellsheadbangers.com/
A relatively new
duo from Canada featuring Jo Steel from Ice War, Aphrodite and
William Finn from Dead Soul Alliance. The band plays energetic death
metal with a dark & crushing feel and atmosphere. It is no secret on
here, I worship old school Swedish dm and that is what you get here.
Think of Bolt Thrower mixed heavily with the early works of Carnage,
Grave, Dismember etc… Even the great growling vocals remind me of a
more in your face version of Ola Lindgren. Solid stuff. - Dale
https://expunged-canada.bandcamp.com/
http://www.hellsheadbangers.com/
  
These Australian
brutal death metallers to me are a near picture perfect mix of old
school and new school death metal. They have that traditional
ruthless dm foundation and song writing within that framework that
is more adventurous & lively like a lot of modern bands. There are
some nice guttural growling vocals on here and also some tasty
little guitar fills now and again. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/facelessburial/ https://darkdescentrecords.bandcamp.com/
This is a
technically proficient, high energy melting pot of thrash crossover
and death metal with bits of grind influence as well. It is
adrenaline inducing stuff that really grabs me at times. There are
other times when it is almost a little too adventurous in it’s
inventive and crazy song crafting, but I can tend to be a purist at
times. No matter that I can not deny the intelligence, skill and
creativity involved. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/FeedtheCorpsestothePigs
https://hpgd.bandcamp.com/
I have to mention F.Z. is from the brain of
renowned veteran UG artist Mark Riddick. Fetid plays dirty & heavy
death metal with nods towards the old school roots. There is a
cavalcade of guest appearances here. Mark also employs more synth
than you would expect with this style, as well as flourishes of
melody in between the brutality and growling. Some killer guitar
solos on here too. It all gives Fetid Zombie an own feeling apart
from most bands in this style. This is well worth checking out for
something familiar yet also a little different, slightly progressive
at times, but always well done. - Dale
https://fetidzombiedm.bandcamp.com/
https://tometal.com/
https://www.facebook.com/torecs
 
Well long time readers of Canadian Assault
will know I am a Funeral Mist admirer and interviewed Arioch (aka
Mortuus vocalist of Marduk) way back in the print issue days. Arioch
is the main man in Funeral Mist, many bands soften and wimp out when
they get progressive. Not Arioch with F.M. the music, the
songwriting and song construction are very inventive & dynamic, but
everything in their unique black metal sound strives to be as evil,
harsh and cruel as possible! - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/funeralmistofficial
https://www.noevdia.com/
I have long been a fan of split EPs and LPs.
This one features two Greek bm bands. Funeral Storm kicks off on
this two song affair with “Mistress Of The Night”, which is great
early / mid ‘90s style Greek black metal bringing to mind the early
works of bands like Varathron & Necromantia. Synteleia also honour
their countries bm roots with a gloomy track that reminds me to
early Thou Art Lord & Rotting Christ, but a bit more melodic maybe.
Nice split vinyl. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/funeralstorm666
http://www.hellsheadbangers.com/
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