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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R
S T V W X Y Z
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I see V
Twenty-eight are described as an “Industrial death metal” band.
Which is certainly fair but I might put the words death metal first
in that description. As it is definitely their base sound "Violution"
is built upon
and directional choice. These Norwegians like to mix up some heavy
middle pace driving sections and moody / brooding sort of slow sections with
the odd lightning speed attacks sprinkled around. The vocals are a
mixed bag of growling, black metal rasps, clean vocal bits and some
obscure shadowy whispering. There are some guest appearances on this
record from Garm (Ulver) as well as members from G.G.F.H. and MZ.412.
As far as this style goes, this is not ground-breaking, or destined
to be a future classic in the genre. Yet there is enough diversity
and overall quality to make this recording enjoyable and worth some
repeated listening. If you are a devout death metal and industrial
fan, then, this is a worthy pick up. If you are instead an
occasional or cream of the crop collector you can get by without
this. – Dale
www.vendlus.com
www.v28.com |
Old school death
metal is a subgenre that sometimes can be limited by its own title.
Simply tagging on the words “old school” evokes a sense of being
stuck in the past. Vacivus remains unconfined, though, rather
bringing this style into a modern setting that utilizes production
quality (not spotless, but translucent) to its advantage. They also
don’t secure themselves to singularly death metal tropes, but rather
employ lessons learned from post-first wave black metal and plodding
doom to their advantage. Temple of the Abyss grounds these
influences in an adamantine OSDM foundation. The album commences
with “Premonitions”, which conjures an atmosphere populated with
creepy sighs, gasps, and faint instrumentation entering your ears
intermittently. It feels like blinking wearily, waking up after
being knocked out and dragged into a hidden site of some demonic
oracles’ séance. This track sets an eerie tone for the rest of the
album, which occasionally plays on this worshipful theme by
inserting chanting vocals into such tracks as “Black Flame Serpent”
and “Temple of the Abyss”. In terms of the elements more often heard
in this album, Vacivus presents a well-executed traditional guttural
vocal approach that is accented by relatively higher-pitched
shrieks, which can be heard in tandem (and in my humble opinion, at
their most awesome) in the fifth track, “Cosmological Necroticism”.
These vocals front instrumentation that keeps the listener on their
toes—taking them through passages that use spacing to their
advantage and sometimes appear straightforward, but have abyssal
depth. For example, “Filii Inferos” sticks with an initially
super-charged pace before the two-and-a-half minute mark where a
plodding section occurs, emblematic of their doom influence. Then,
the track progressively quickens, building up to a moment of mania
that guides the listener out of the track and into the final stage
of the album. If you enjoy hearing such dynamism and exploration
within roots-based metal subgenres, definitely give this album a
listen. – Aaron
https://vacivus.bandcamp.com/ http://www.profoundlorerecords.com/
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Well now that is
one hell of a band name, no?! Haha. These Austrian audio serial
killers bring the fucking heat and the depravity to their brand of
ultra intense goregrind. The music is just total death grind, but
fully drenched in gore with brutal head caving killer riffing, order
from chaos whirling dervish drumming that sounds like machine gun
fire. There are crazy background underlying synth music sample music
that can only be heard now and then when the punishing musical
violence lets up or pauses, which is not very freaking often.
VxPxOxAxAxWxAxMxCx possess a true arsenal of verbal emanations,
conjured up from the pits of hell might be a more apt description,
rather than just calling them vocals. Some of the sounds presumably
produced by human beings, such as the variety of totally
indecipherable (are there even lyrics half the time?!) broiling &
gurgling toilet growls, an insectoid alien from Doctor Who in it’s
purely menacing, disturbing form, in addition to those I expect
would be the sounds of an axe wielding backwoods killer to make as he is running down a
shrieking victim with a hatchet, plus more!! Yes, the battery of
wonderfully maniacal voices ejaculating is worth the price alone on
this motherfucking EP! I don’t listen to total goregrind a lot,
though I do love it, but when I am in that mood for some, this
EP will be among my elite collection of releases in this
sub-genre for sure. I think fans of bands like Cock And Ball
Torture, Dead, Gut, Squash Bowels, Dead Infection, Gore Beyond
Necropsy and the like then you will dig the hell out of this release
I am pretty certain. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/VxPxOxAxAxWxAxMxCx/
https://www.xenokorp.com/
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Valdrin are a
band who come out of the legendary blackened death metal scene.
Two Carrion Talismans is the bands second full length release
featuring eight songs of majestic black metal with a healthy dose of
death metal influence as well. The guitarist can write and perform
both mid paced passages and some extremely fast patterns very
adeptly, even adding some solos into a few of the songs. The
drumming is done with both slower, mid paced tempos drum beats and
elevating to a faster, more furious drum style. The vocals are a mix
of raw black metal screams and some deep death metal growls used in
a few of the songs. If you are looking for a new band that mixes a
unique blend of blackened death metal with some other elements, then
do yourself a favor and make sure you pick up this release once it
is out. - Patrick
https://www.facebook.com/valdrinausadjur
https://bloodharvestrecords.bandcamp.com
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Ohio's Valdrin
(previously known as Dawn Of Wolves from 2006-2010) return with
their third full-length release, once again working with the
dedicated Blood Harvest label. ‘Effigy Of Nightmares’ contains six
songs of majestic, well crafted black metal music that seems to be
rooted in the more melodic side of the black metal style. The
guitars are played with a high level of skill with the bands
experience showing through the mainly mid paced range music. But, it
does speed up to a faster guitar pace throughout some of the songs.
The drums are played at a high level of skill with mature drumming
patterns that are done with some slow drum passages, but do speed up
to a faster pacing in a few of the songs. 'Effigy Of Nightmares' for
me is a masterpiece of well impressively composed black metal that
is both flowing and fluid as well as majestic. - Patrick
https://www.facebook.com/valdrinausadjur
http://www.bloodharvest.se/
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Sweden's
Valkyrja have released their third release “The Antagonist Fire”,
seven songs of violent straight forward black metal. The band takes
no prisoners, with their musical approach; their guitars roll by
with fast riffs, some solos and mid tempo changes. Their drummer is
godly on this release going from ultra fast blast beats to the more
controlled mid paced style. The vocals are sick, demented blackened
shrieks. I think fans of violent Swedish black metal will love this
release. - Patrick
http://www.reverbnation.com/valkyrja
http://www.w-t-c.org/
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I must confess I
do not know a whole about this Italian band, besides hearing their
name from time to time over the years, and yes, there has been years
passed indeed. As despite this being a re-release of this bands
debut album, originally released in 2012 on CD, they had started way
back in 1996 and had no less than 4 demos out on tape and that disc
at that point in time. I am not sure what happened in the ten years
between their last demo and this debut full-length. But there is an
intro, followed by two decent but quite standard deathrash songs,
which again were okay yet quite standard and forgettable quite
honestly. Then the third track post intro, entitled “Dark Dressed
Shepard” kicks in and suddenly the sound on the guitars is more
brutal, more straight up good death metal. The riffs and song
structuring suddenly possess more dynamic quality, variation and
even feature some cool, brief guitar solos that really spice things
up. What a turn around from those first couple songs, which left me
a bit listless as a listener and wondering how this band was around
for 16 years already at that point, then suddenly before I can write
anything down the quality in nearly every aspect goes up a level.
That was a pleasant surprise! Maybe the band thought let’s keep
expectations low to start and then turn it up and hit them hard and
don’t look back? Maybe they just put every song they wrote during
that decade and just suddenly got way better? The growled vocals are
solid, deep and decipherable and pretty classic sounding. I would
say both the vocals are music remind me a lot to early to mid ‘90s
Floridian death metal (excluding those couple early songs) that is
catchy, heavy and features some really nice individual and
collective performances in the playing and construction of these
tracks. I don’t know what the two albums and ep released after
“Morning Will Come…” sound like, but it feels like the band were
starting to really find their sound and identity on this enjoyable
release. I will have to check out some of their later works one day,
but until then check out this unearthed hour long diamond in the
rough. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/valgrindband
https://nihilistic-webzine-distro.fr/
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Interesting
album title, and strangely it is hard to find much information about
this band online. The bio mentions that some of the members “have a
long history of performing the music of the black arts”. Well talk
about teasing you to wonder who these members might be and what
bands they were in previously or currently. I guess it is meant to
be kept as a sinister secret? The music on Beastificate has good
musicianship and is extremely slick melodic tinged black death
metal, played most often at breakneck speeds. You can definitely
hear the melodo metal Scandinavian roots of this Finnish band. It
has been a while since I heard them, but a meaner, slightly heavier
version of earlier Children of Bodom is the first band comparison
that springs to mind for some reason. Valoton tend to play it safe
and once you get beyond the first song, each subsequent hymn is
unlikely to surprise or intrigue you with anything adventurous or
off the beaten path. It is a heavy, fast and quite professional
album that honestly to my ear is so slickly produced that it is over
produced for my tastes and helps hide any own unique qualities of
Valoton. – Dale
http://www.hammer-of-hate.com/
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Coming out of
the German black metal scene is Vampyric Tyrant who plays a 90's
style of raw vampyric black metal. ‘Zorn Und Hass’ is the bands
latest release which is comprised of four tracks of cold and well
executed black metal music. "Vereinsamung" starts off the release
with a cold mid paced guitar and drum patterns, which is performed
with some nice skillful songwriting. The vocals are raw black metal
screams and a few traditional hollering lines are used. The title
track “Zorn Und Hass" is up next and is a much faster and aggressive
track that goes for the throat. The guitars and drum patterns are
played with a faster more intense pace in their wicked delivery. "Ein
Traum" is a instrumental track that is very well played with a mid
pacing and produces some atmospheric elements on this song. The
final track "Totschlag" is a good song that is played with a mix of
fast and mid paced passages to give the song it's own identity. On
this track the vocals are more of a gruff screaming style and
growling mixture that is done with intensity and power. This is my
first encounter with Vampyric Tyrant, but the band does a great job
of creating memorable traditional cold black metal. If you are a fan
of this style then I highly recommend you picking up a copy of this
strong release. - Patrick
https://www.facebook.com/vampyrictyrant
https://shop.purity-through-fire.com/en/
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Sweden's melodic
black death metal band Vananidr return with their third full length
release. “Damnation” contains seven well composed and crafted
tracks, which mix raging fast black metal with a more controlled
melodic style. The guitarist knows how to write and arrange some
skilled, extremely fast and furious guitars, but also utilizes more
of a restrained melodic guitar tone and style. This is my first time
hearing Vananidr, so I can’t compare this to previous releases, but
if you are someone who enjoys both fast, chaotic black metal with a
healthy dose of melodic guitars and drums then do yourself a favor
and pick up a copy of “Damnation” as soon as possible. - Patrick
https://www.facebook.com/vananidr
www.purity-through-fire.com
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The mighty legends
Varathron return! This new stuff is a bit different than the old
material. It is a simpler and stripped down but still in very dark. The
new vocal style is a rolling growl/whisper and reminds pleasently of a
raspier version of the vocals Mortuary Drape used on their superb ’92
MCD “Into The Drape”. The keys are used as an accent and don’t bother
me, which is nice. The Mercyful Fate cover of “Nuns Have No Fun” is a
surprising but welcome addition as Varathron slap their stamp all over
it with good results. I don’t enjoy this direction (a sort of
atmospheric blackened heavy metal) as heavily as the old stuff. But,
after this release I can safely still call myself a fan. – Dale
Varathron, c/o
Necroabyssious,
P.O. Box 1265, 451
10, Ioannina, GREECE
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Welcome back
Germany! Highly influenced by Darkthrone’s early BM offerings, one
could also say Mayhem 1993 to the early days of Bathory and Celtic
Frost. Vargsang is truly in a world all of his own. Vargsang has a
dark side unto himself that you can hear and feel, like he’s
stalking you, a one band of perfection and I’m waiting to be found.
This is slow yet energetic blackened death metal, Satanic sorrow and
induced death. As the earlier-mid ‘90s were, every song is
memorable, beautiful darkness in it’s pain and devotion. He’s deeper
than many BM gutturals, this man’s a demon, his musical talent is as
good if not better than most remembered bands today. It is sad for
me to announce that by being disgusted by the development of the so
called scene TOTF is Vargsang’s final release, he is calling it
quits. Come back V., we need you to again show scene what true black
metal is all about! You need this album. No contact or interviews
are welcome. Undertakers report that human bodies do not deteriorate
as quickly as they once did because of the many preservatives in the
modern diet, thus Vargsang shall return soon enough. - Clayton
www.undercover-records.de
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Austria has always had a very strong, but at the same time an
underrated scene to me. Whether it is a more atmospheric gothic,
dark metal band or more straight forward blackened death band the
bands have always been at least good. Well Varulv can definitely be
put in the genre of violent, straight forward black/death. The band
uses and shows a lot of musical talent and potential with the
song-writing on Hellish Presence. Filled with semi brutal
black/death metal guitars and thunderous pounding drums roll through
like a tank rolling its way into battle. The vocals are equally as
powerful and evil sounding with a deeper, gruff death metal growl
and harsh black metal shrieks. The overall sound is violent and
angry but the band does add some melody in some of the guitar
structures to give Hellish Presence that exact feel and sound. With
the brutal. violent black/death mixed with some melody it creates a
very dark and eerie piece of metal art. Varluv are a band you will
be hearing a lot about in the future. If you’re a fan of blackened
death metal with a dark atmosphere then definitely Varulv are a band
you will want to hear and own today!! - Patrick
http://www.myspace.com/oldwainds
http://negative-existence.com/ |
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This is this New
Zealand bands third album; there has been a three year gap since
their last record. But make no mistake they have not been resting on
their laurels, as their efforts have produced this double album that
clocks in at just over 65 minutes of music. You know, I would not
call Vassafor a doom band, but rather black death metal band even
though their mainstay pacing is slow-ish to middle pacing (with the
odd short sped up bursts now and again). This combined with long
songs ala the opener “To The Death” (12:03), “Eyrie” (10:35) & “The
Burning íthyr” (9:17) and that relatively ambling pace give off a
similar ominous, suffocating aura that a lot of doom metal tends to
conjure up in the listener. Something that really shines through for
me is the cold blackened darkness that permeates everything with a
rhythmic, ritualistic atmosphere that almost puts me in a hypnotic
state. This element of their begrimed sound reminds me somewhat to
the great early ‘90s Greek black death style, mixed with hints of
early Beherit and Blasphemy. The vocals on here are collection of
obscure sounding yells, screams, hissing whispers and all manner of
tortured spirit voices, all undoubtedly chanting evil incantations
that weave into the tapestry like an air bound poison. The music and
especially the production is more than clear enough for me
personally, but I could see some thinking it is too raw and murky
for their usual plastic pro tool’d to death sensibilities. This is a
satisfying old school black metal album that while sticking to the
genre’s roots has twisted and turned those classic sounds into
something feels like an own sound, which is something that is not
easy to do and be able to stand out in this day and age. This is
recommended. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/Vassafor/
https://ironboneheadproductions.bandcamp.com/
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If you looked at
this bands imagery, song titles, logo and so forth, you would
immediately think it has to be a black death metal band, you would
wrong. I mean sure, there are some elements of influence from those
two sub-genres, but this is purely evil and satanic heavy fucking
metal! Let’s start off the with the vocals, they are handled by the
duo of Esteban Walpurgis & Alucarda Bellows (aka Vanessa Nocera of
Wooden Stake, Razorback Records) give a real tour de force vocal
performance on the mic here. All of the various styles of vocal in
the extreme metal pantheon are employed here, encompassing almost
everything from deep garbled growling, decipherable growling, slower
spoken word kind of growls (ala Impetigo), higher and lower high
pitched nasal growling & screams etc… It would be cool to hear / see
those two doing this during a live gig. The music draws inspiration
from classic metal bands like Mercyful Fate, King Diamond, Iron
Maiden and some other bands I can I know I hear, but I can not quite
put my finger on them. The difference here is, it is heavy metal
music, but it is constructed in a way that is not traditional heavy
metal all the time, more like heavy metal composed in a black death
metal style, if that makes sense. The result is pretty cool, rather
frantic giving a different energy and aura to conventional heavy
metal, taking the old sounds and creating something new sounding and
different, but in a good way. There are keyboards used as more of an
accent and underlying atmosphere, again here it feels very black
metal influenced in style and deployment. I applaud this approach by
the band; they stay true to the roots of all of their various
influences, yet blend them in an interesting and somewhat unique
way. Which I do not have to tell anyone, the term unique does not
often apply in the metal scene, where it feels like everything has
been done a thousand times over. This is set to be released on
Halloween, it seems very fitting for this fine lethal cauldron
mixture of sinister heavy metal, to be unleashing it’s evil on the
day of the dead. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/vaultwraith/ https://shop-hellsheadbangers.com/
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This US band has
been around for a while, releasing a number of albums. I have heard
the name around yet I have not had the pleasure of listening to
their music until now. Veilburner I guess you would call them
progressive or even avantgarde black death metal that manages to
stay both dark and brutal at the same time. There is some really
off-kilter, seemingly wonky, deformed and unconventional rhythms,
riffs and eccentric song writing that can be a roller coaster ride
at times. I am generally not a fan of roller coasters both literally
and figuratively in the musical sense, but this one I can dig. The
band takes their extensive old school death metal roots and
influences, throws them in a blender while mixing in all sorts of
unusual outside influences like Laibach and other intense shit. So
many so-called progressive metal bands, in my view, go so far down
the progressive path that they become lost and forget where they
started from. I mean before long you can hardly even call them heavy
or extreme any longer, but I can tell you this band keep a rope
anchored to their brutal death metal nucleus at all times. Which in
turn, makes me trust them, and is why a purist leaning old goat like
me can buckle up and go along for the wild ride. Veilburner take the
weirdness and adventurousness of old bands like Pungent Stench,
Disharmonic Orchestra, Pan.Thy.Monium, Sigh, Dodheimsgard, later
Deathspell Omega and put their own spin on it. Possibly an argument
can even be made that they take it all a step further on this album.
It is impressive that somehow Veilburner has managed to musically
stick a square peg into a round hole, and in doing so created a
fascinating audio journey along the way. I find myself endlessly
amazed at the amount of promotion and sheer volume of merchandise
(discs, vinyl & special vinyl versions, shirts, hoodies, patches,
badges, coasters, cards, box sets and extensive packaging) that
Transcending Obscurity put into every band and every release! It
must cost a fortune, but they clearly believe in the bands and the
music they create. Veilburner is yet another example of the many
quality bands they support; this is well worth your time. - Dale
https://veilburnerband.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/TO
https://tometal.com/
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A scene that I
do not give much attention or generally think of as a thriving one
is the UG metal scene in Spain. Which is where this band rises out
of, and which I am finding out has more quality than I thought. Velo
Misere features members with ties to bands like Aversio Humanitatis,
Eohl, Eterna Penumbra and Primigenium (man I remember fucking loving
their ’94 demo tape when that thing came out back in the day). They
build their sound on a foundation of epic black metal, despite that
epic flowing nature; they manage to concentrate their song
compositions and pacing on a heavily moody and creepy aura. It is
kind of strange you could almost swear the songs are extremely long,
but that is not the case, apparently they just fit seamlessly
together from one to the next, as the song lengths only range from
less than five minutes to a little over six minutes. It is
interesting even though it is epic black metal heavily filtered
through an ambient fabric, somehow I can still feel that trademark
old school freezing cold hatred rear it’s dark head at times. The
vocals are well done and haunting bm rasps and obscured screams that
fit well with the evil yet gloomy nature of the underlying music. As
you can tell from my description (hopefully haha) Velo Misere while
always staying extreme and on task with their core sound, they also
have some range to their music. Which touches many facets of the
black metal sound and the sinister emotions and atmospheres this
musical movement richly and vividly creates. - Dale
https://velomisere.bandcamp
https://www.nebularcarcoma.com/
https://lunarapps.bandcamp
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Originally
Venereal Baptism started out as a one man band, but over time there
were more members added, to create a great blackened death metal
band. They are coming out of the Texas UG metal scene, bringing us
their debut album, featuring eight songs of devastating and violent
music. The vocals are a mix of gruff screams and heavier death metal
growls that really fit this bands style well. The drums are chaotic
blasting drum patterns. With “Deviant Castigation”, Venereal
Baptism, have unleashed a truly barbaric and vicious black death
metal masterpiece. - Patrick
https://www.facebook.com/venerealbaptism/ http://www.osmoseproductions.com/
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It's great to see labels in this day and time of digital labels,
cd's etc.. That still release cassette tapes! It gives me a little
more hope for the real d.i.y underground. Up first on the split is
Vestal Claret the best way I can describe their music is a mix of
70's "classic" rock with traditional heavy doom riffs. The vocals
are sung in a really well done clean voice which goes good with the
music. This is not really my style of metal/rock that I listen to on
a regular basis so I will end by saying if you enjoy classic rock
and early doom, then give Vestal Claret a shot you might enjoy them.
Up next is a band that you should be aware of if you have been a
black metal fan for a few years now. Germany's Ungod are masters of
raw, primitive black metal. Four songs of filthy, grim black metal
with thin guitars, fast drums that do slow down from time to time.
The vocalist unleashes harsh black metal shrieks that spew the
lyrics out. These four songs just prove why Ungod are still a force
within the black metal underground. This is a good release with two
very different bands but both are obviously old-school influenced
and have a lot of talent and show it their ability in their songs.
Old-school maniacs and tape collectors (just to interject the
packaging NVS comes out with always very unique / different for
tapes, always awesome and super collectable ~ Dale) show your
support for the smaller cassette labels and buy this gem of metal.
- Patrick
http://www.myspace.com/ungodstomb
http://nvslabel.blogspot.com/
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Cruz Del Sur
Records, for me at least, has really been hitting it out of the park
lately with the quality of the bands they are signing and releasing.
I am pleased to report, Vestal Claret are no exception as they keep
the labels hot streak going. Clearly, the label covets high end
musicians and furnishes them, with all the resources they need to
record and produce their records, because their releases always
sound fantastic. Not just in that plastic and cheap, pro tools way
either, no they have the sound only a real professional studio
helmed by people that know how to make music, which breathes and
retain its own identity. My first introduction to Vestal Claret,
came a couple years back on the split cassette (with the mighty
Ungod), released through NoVisible Scars records. Vestal Claret play
a form of classic 70s heavy metal and doom mix, which readers will
know that this are styles I worship, this nearly hour long album
provides me a new alter to kneel before. The music on here is
extremely introspective and emotive; it takes one on a mental
journey and hypnotizes me into hitting the play button again and
again. An extremely well crafted album; they just seem to
instinctively know when to sit on a groove and when to move along,
triggering the right sentiment that drips off of every hook and
rhythm. During some of those pensive sections, now and then, the
band drop in a great guitar noodle, slow guitar fill that will make
your heart skip a beat. Phil Swanson’s vocals are perfect for this
music, they convey a lot of melancholy, they are sort of a mix of
Bobby Liebling of Pentagram and a young Ozzy from Black Sabbath
(both bands are heavy musical influences as well), a quality mixing
of those two vocal influences. Yeah I just love those fucking vocals
man! Near the end of the record, the band do a very unique and cool
sounding, cover of Black Sabbath’s “Who Are You”. Which is the
perfect time period, for their Black Sabbath influence, this album
definitely gives me a vibe of the Sabs during mid 70s period, with
records like “Sabbath, Bloody Sabbath” & “Sabotage”. I am not sure,
how I will muster the strength, to hit the stop button on this
album. I simply can not get enough. Support this band and support
Cruz Del Sur, who are quickly becoming a benchmark for quality, in
the metal scene. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/VestalClaret
http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com/
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Finland's
Violent Hammer play a vicious and violent form of old-school death
metal with some aggressive thrash metal thrown into the musical
mixed. After releasing three demo's in 2006, 2008 and the final demo
in 2014 entitled “More Victims”. ‘Riders Of The Wasteland’ is the
bands debut full-length album being released through Hells
Headbangers on both cd and Lp. The drums are played with in a
whirlwind of aggressive and unrelenting fast blast beats. Even
though the drums are played mainly with blasting beats, the drummer
does write some well executed and performed drum passages that mixes
things up. The vocals are old school gruff death metal growls and
some gruff thrash screams are used in a few of the tracks. The
vocals really fit Violent Hammer's music perfectly. The guitars are
played at an extremely fast whirlwind pace that is features chaotic
and well executed arrangements. The guitarists do write some more
controlled guitar passages that are done with skill and their
experience shines through. If you are looking for a band that plays
unrelenting and destructive old school metal, then do yourself a
favor and pick up a copy of ‘Riders Of The Wasteland’ today. -
Patrick
https://www.facebook.com/violenthammer
http://www.hellsheadbangers.com/
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What do you get
when you mix grindcore, (frequently technical) death metal,
hardcore, and just a sprinkle of jazz? You get Utopia/Dystopia
from the Californian band by the name of Violent Opposition. No
punch line, and no pulled punches--just a lot of really fast, brutal
shit here. Utopia/Dystopia begins at a breakneck speed that
seldom pulls back on the reigns, despite occasional efforts by the
drums that last only for a short period of time, such as in the
first track “Controlled Opposition”. At first listen, this track
does not feel controlled at all, with Garna’s hyper-technical bass
skills being a leading factor in that, but the drums take it down a
notch or two for the listener only momentarily before returning to
the speedway. Violent Opposition digresses on this path far from the
commonly assumed hierarchy between guitar as melody and bass and
drums as solely rhythm by giving these instruments near-equal
representation in the fields of melody and rhythm. The guitar can
often be found playing rhythmic riffs while the bass is exploring
other territories, which frequently includes noodling around, but in
a way that serves a purpose unlike some bands in technical subgenres
of metal. Instead of being irritating, the relatively unorthodox
bass playing actually takes charge of the quick pacing of the album,
ensuring that no track is lacking in severity or urgency. This
supercharged pacing makes the 36-ish minutes of runtime on this
album fly by quicker than you can say nosebleed. Brace
yourselves—this one accelerates to attack speed. – Aaron
https://hpgd.bandcamp.com/album/utopia-dystopia
http://www.horrorpaingoredeath.com
|
Coming out of
Ireland’s blackened death metal scene is Vircolac with their newest
four song MCD. The music is played mainly in a mid paced style, with
some well written and played and played faster arrangements used
throughout the songs. The guitars are performed with middle tempo
patterns and chords, with a few faster parts. The guitarist does
seem more comfortable playing the heavier mid tempo guitars, but
does speed to a faster pace in a few of the songs, with some well
written and performed guitar solos and patterns. The drums are
played with a nice variety and skill, going from mid pace beats to
faster drum patterns. The vocals are raw, grim screams with some
deeper death growls mixed in. If you are a fan of this band or you
enjoy well written and executed blackened death metal then be sure
to pick this disc out as soon as possible. - Patrick
https://vircolac.bandcamp.com/
http://www.darkdescentrecords.com/store/
|
I have to be honest and say that Visions of Atlantis never really
appealed to me but that changed with their 2011 Maria Magdalena Mcd,
which had some good music/songs on it. So I was kinda interested in
hearing what Ethera had to offer and I'm happy I did. Ethera shows
the band progressing with much better song writing more memorable
songs that are both symphonic and memorable but also have some heavy
metal heaviness to them. So there is a little of everything to keep
the listeners attention. Beautiful keyboards and melodic guitar
structure intertwined with two of the best singers of this genre
Mario Plank and front lady Maxi Nil who work extremely well
together. Their vocals blend extremely well together and with the
rest of the music to add another layer of beauty and atmosphere.
This is definitely a must have for all fans of atmospheric, epic
metal.
- Patrick
http://www.myspace.com/visionsofatlantisofficial
http://www.napalmrecords.com/ |
It is good to
receive some US black metal. I have not heard much in recent days
coming from this territory. Vetus Obscurum is a new band made up of
three members who have been in the past or are currently in a whole
host of bands such Abazagorath, Drawn & Quartered, Infester, Krohm
etc… Apparently mainman Numinas of Krohm felt this material did not
fit with Krohm so the “Blood Revelations” release was born. Vetus
play some excellent black metal in the early 90s Scandinavian
tradition (Darkthrone is one of many that come to mind) and carry on
the tradition left by a great American band like Judas Iscariot.
Anyone who reads Canadian Assault regularly knows I am a hopeless
slave to this style, no matter how many times I hear it, as long as
it is well done, I appreciate the hell out of it. Vetus Obscurum is
no different and this cold blast of cryptic black metal done in the
traditional way gets my seal of approval. I guess the only real
drawback here is the release is only about 23 minutes. So hopefully
the price reflects that. But this is well worth your time if you are
disciple of this style, as I am. – Dale
www.debemur-morti.com
www.myspace.com/vetusobscurum
|
Let me just
preface this review with the following statement: “The New Age of
Chaos” is the best brutal death metal album I have heard this year,
possibly longer than that. I mean it is fan-fucking-tastic yet
experiencing something this devastating may be hazardous to your
health, robbing you of your reproduction abilities. The planet is
too over populated anyway right? There were two things that stood
out and struck me and that was how atmospheric this album is for
it’s brutish nature and again keeping in mind how punishing Vile
are, there playing bleeds a lot of emotion on through. I do not want
to harp on these points, however it cannot be glossed over that it
takes a hell of a lot of talent and vision to truly give this level
of emotional and ambiance to music that is this fast, this vile (hehe)
and blistering. “The New Age…” is also a record that grows on you,
the more you play the more you will appreciate some of the guitar
intricacies (see the smoking solo in the title track, around the 3
minute mark for proof positive) and counter points swirling through
the compositions with ease and with style. There is even a whisper
of black metal in some of the darker guitar melodies on here. The
vocals are classic death metal growls but even here I would class
them as top shelf, very deep, flowing and forceful reminiscent of
some of my fave growlers such as Dave Ingram, David Vincent etc…
with a just detectable King Diamond during his gruff deeper vocals
(too many levels to that mans voice to explain further, but KD die
hards know what I mean!). Great job with the recording it reminds me
much more of the early / mid 90s before Pro Tools turned everyone
into a robot, despite talent level. Colour me impressed and this is
coming from someone who previously was not really much a Vile fan.
– Dale
Unique Leader,
Box 6544, Los Osos, CA. 93412, USA
www.uniqueleader.com
info@uniqueleader.com
|
Now I do not
know much about Parasile records, they are likely not a black metal
label but Vinterriket never cease to amaze me. They manage to get
their stuff released by black metal record labels, time and again,
when their music has more in common with Danny Elfman and Nature
sound cds you see at your local bookstore for $4.99. I mean really
truly some of the ‘music’ on here sounds like the sound tracks to a
montage in a chick flick of the guy and girl falling in love, going
out to dinner, walking hand in hand and kissing at the outdoor
skating rink. I mean what the fuck is this shit?! What it is is a
boring pot luck meal of the most dainty ingredients, in other words
fruity sound samples, nature noises and loops on top of some really
boring synth music which is neither well timed nor variety rich and
not allowed to flow in a proper manner, it becomes increasingly
obvious that this is merely a bunch of parts sewn together like a
patch work quilt with plenty of thread bits sticking up out of the
stitching and way too many powder blue and barbie pink squares in
the color scheme. You would think flow and musical vision would at
the very least be a pre-requisite when playing a form of the music
(i.e. – atmospheric synth), that takes little to no talent. What do
I know? I had an old tape trader of mine who made a bunch of this
kind of garbage up over a weekend once and sent me a few tapes of
it, I told him it sucked but somehow he managed to get some damn
Italian label to release 2 albums full of that junk! I am not a fan
of this kind of…er…material but I would think those that are would
at least want to spend money on something of value that was
interesting, had musical vision and was actually executed with a
level skill? Maybe I ask too much, at very least this drivel should
be in the chick flick soundtrack or New Age fruit loop section of
the record store and not equated with metal or even black metal
music. Oh did I mention this is some sort of collection from
1996-2002, I am hoping that it was not meant to be a best of and
actually refers to the stuff Vinter previously thought was too lousy
to release but now that maturity has kicked in and they have bills
to pay, they said what fuck let’s release it, these morons will buy
anything with our name on it. This is very un-recommended and you
die if you buy! – Dale
www.vinterriket.com
www.parasilerecords.com
|
I must admit
Hammer of Hate do a really professional job with the packaging on
their releases and presentation of their bands. Not to even mention
that I am finding their releases reviewed far and wide in the UG
scene, good news for the bands on their roster. It is always
interesting though from one release to the next the difference at
times. I am talking about the recording here, the last Hammer band I
reviewed Sacrilegious Impalement had an almost sickeningly slick
glossy production. Then we have Sielunmessu from Vitsaus and it goes
in the other direction with an extremely raw, low-fi old school
early 90s black metal production. This might be far at the opposite
end of the scale of some people interpretation of a quality
recording. But I prefer the sound on this album to the pro tools
lacquer spread across many releases in recent years. You know in so
many reviews when I say well if you can not get enough of this style
then get this. That applies with Vitsaus, who throw at us a freezing
flame of creepy Nordic black metal in the early 1990s tradition. I
can not help but think of bands like Horna, Graveland, Darkthrone,
early Emperor, Judas Iscariot and the like. I am sure some will find
this derivative and over done. As for me I never tire of the cold
and sick black atmosphere created by this style. Just give me more
and more until death. It is funny I mentioned Horna as I have just
discovered Horna’s drummer plays drums and guitar in this band. Hail
Finnish black metal! – Dale
http://www.hammer-of-hate.com/
http://www.myspace.com/vitsausofficial |
Well now, this
is something different than what I have been getting to review
lately. Not to mention something a little different for Hells
Headbangers to release. We have before a horror themed punk rock
band. You will immediately have to think of The Misfits, Samhain and
Danzig (to a lesser extent) when you hear this. Now this might be
partly due to my shallow knowledge of the genre that I am not
summoning up more influences to list. But those influences are
prominent and I do not think the band could or would deny them. I
mean the vocalist even sounds an awful lot like early Glenn Danzig.
The song titles and lyrics draw me in right away being a huge horror
movie hound. I mean there is even a horror movie name as one of
their song titles with “City of The Living Dead”. You have got to
love it or at least I do, at any rate. Everything is done in a
pretty serious sounding way though and they try to capture the
frightening terror of the genre as opposed to just doing a spoof on
it like some bands, not taking it seriously. The Late Hours is a
pretty rocking album, they keep the pace quick, with some nice
guitar fills to keep things a little fuller, so to speak and not so
thin like some punk bands tend to be. The lyrics and choruses are
pretty memorable and you can sing along with them. Not sure what
else to say, they are not a total clone or anything, but again if
you like The Misfits and Samhain then I am sure you will dig this,
just remember to bring a shovel and headstone with you. – Dale
http://www.hellsheadbangers.com/
http://www.thevladimirs.com/
|
Polish label,
Australian band. Yet easily from your local madhouse, morbid passion
a-plenty into psychedelic maliciousness; all the shit that makes me
whole! Vociferian is an uncontrolled instrument of audio apocalyptic
masochism, chaos and regression once called Lord Genocide. Check out
“Babel Tower” and catch my drift with demented Satanic hymns as
beautiful in aural blasphemy as it comes for sick minds like my own.
A better vocal delivery in production would kill this release dead,
and that’s smart on their part. This vocalist is so infectious and
scornful, he sounds like he is ripping faces off. The lead guitars
and electrics guitars are fuckin “A” and “Possessed Worshippers Ov
Doom” highlights this band at their best. They sure don’t make them
like this anymore! They never let up and persist to bleed your ears
for ages, this vocal insanity is for real UG demons only. “Scardance
In Damnation” is like Abruptum on coke as “Mary’s Kunt Ripping” is
straight jacket style black metal. The “It’s supposed to hurt!” was
taken from Exorcist 3 and explains everything about this band for
you. Yes, I believe in murder, I believe in pain…in cruelty and
infidelity. I believe in slime and stink, and in every crawling
putrid thing, every possible ugliness and corruption you
son-of-a-bitch – I believe in you!” – George C. Scott 1990. In
Nomine Satanas, the noise, the filth and the fury. – Clayton
Shaver
www.time-before-time.com
|
The Swedes as a
collective, just keep pumping out music and bands like few other
countries, it is impressive especially when their population is
taken into account. Void Moon play a form of epic heavy metal, maybe
you could even call them a classic heavy metal doom band? I think
there is some influence in there from their mighty countrymen
Candlemass. But Void Moon is a little more melodic heavy metal
influenced than that classic band. I think you can hear some New
Wave of British Heavy Metal inspirations helping to shape the music
on On The Blackest Of Nights. The vocalist Peter Svensson, has a
different and perhaps even slightly original sounding voice and
conveys an interesting pedestrian-like, subdued yet still classic
vibe and pacing to his vocals. Yeah I like the vocals quite a bit.
The music overall though, while good, does not really pack much
power, it is not very memorable, nor does it contain large doses of
the usual with style, it is hypnotic, melancholic (outside the
vocals) or atmospheric really. Usually for me my classic doom bands
that I enjoy in my collection, have to hit on at least one or two
cylinders of the elements I just mentioned and Void Moon do not.
However, this is their debut album, I am interested to see how this
young band progresses. There is something there, they just need to
cultivate it a little more, if they do they could turn this into
something special. Until then I would only recommend this one for
clean and classic heavy metal doom completist’s. - Dale
http://www.myspace.com/voidmoonmetal
http://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com/
|
|
Void Of Apep is
a solo project coming out of Portugal's UG black metal scene.
‘Horror Vacui’ is the debut release featuring four tracks of mid
paced black metal. “Tenbris in Lux” starts off the release and is
played with mid paced guitars with strong drum passages that are
done with skillful writing. The vocals are harsh black metal
screams. “Ex Imperato Averno” is up next and starts off at a bit
faster pace that is done with some very well played guitars and
drums. The vocals are grim black metal screams that really seems to
work well with this band. “Lapsit Exillis” is a heavier and darker
song that has a variety of faster and mid paced melodies that create
eerie melodies. This EP finishes off the debut and is done with a
sinister guitar style that is mainly played with mid paced guitars.
Void Of Apep plays a style of occult black metal that is rooted in
the 90's. But is not a clone by any means and creates a dark and
haunting masterpiece. This has me for one looking forward to hearing
more this band. - Patrick
voidofapep.bandcamp.com
plaguedemonrecords.storenvy.com
bchrecords.storenvy.com
|
Volturyon hit us
up with their sophomore record and my first listening of this
Swedish group. Maybe you are expecting some old Swedish death metal
or perhaps the newer melodic Scandinavian sounds? You would be wrong
on both counts. What Coordinated Mutilation is all about is
brutality and I am talking about brutality of the American kind. I
think it would be fair to say Cannibal Corpse is a big influence on
these guys and a template for their music. Sure it is derivative,
but it is also executed quite well and Volturyon hit you with a
barrage of barbwire wrapped riffs, some excellent drum work, the odd
guitar soloing and caged bear adrenalized vocals. I enjoyed it. But
let’s be honest this is really only for diehard fans of vicious
American death metal made popular in the 90s. Then again if you are
shopping the United Guttural catalog then you already worship this
style of violent storm. – Dale
http://www.myspace.com/volturyon
http://www.unitedguttural.com/
|
Vomit Breath is
a two man crew, which features members from fellow NoVisible Scars
band, Elders Of The Apocalypse, as well the band Your Kid’s On Fire.
There are 16 short and nasty songs on here clocking in around 25
minutes. The band play straight ahead, no frills, no slam moshing,
no bullshit death grind insanity. It is just non-stop, no movie
clips all over the place grinding, with ripping riffs, and wall to
wall blasting with cool vomitous growls and the nasal screaming of a
raving lunatic. It is an exception to the rule, generally, but every
now and then they sit down on a death metal riff and ride it, before
diving headlong back into the unrelenting fury. This shit just
fucking steamrolls you man! I think fans of bands like Autopsy, with
early Grave elements, mixed heavily with stuff like Agathocles,
S.O.B., early Napalm Death, Repulsion, Defecation, Plutocracy,
Mortician, Gore Beyond Necropsy, Phobia etc… when listening to this.
So fans of the above mentioned should really like this one. -
Dale
https://www.facebook.com/Barthwell1978
http://novisiblescars.bandcamp.com/
|
This Australian
old school thrash/death band has been around for years. Several demo
releases along with an EP, a full length, and a live album. This is
their second full length released on Hell's Headbangers (US). I'm a
guitar player. I can appreciate the old fucking metal tone Death
Dealer (vocals/guitar) got on this recording. His playing style is
on the sloppier side of things but that's okie - it fits the band
nicely. This ain't a progressive metal band! Overall, a decent
effort although the vocals get weaker and weaker upon listening. I
would rather hear Death Dealer scream it out then talk/whisper with
effects. \m/ \m/ \m/ - Mark Sugiyama
http://www.myspace.com/thevomitor
http://armour.hellsheadbangers.com/
|
I have been into
this Australian band since they sent me their Roar Of War demo tape
in 1999, then followed that up by sending over their follow up demo
Neutron Hammer. I was immediately drawn into their thrashing metal
storm of violence and old school attitude. So here we sit nearly a
decade and a half later (fuck I am old and time flies), with the
bands third full length album, having joined forces with the
almighty Hells Headbangers in recent years. A perfect match, if
there ever was one. This album is patches on a denim vest, spiked
fist pounding the air, headbanging metal all the way and proud of
it. Vomitor hit you with a stripped down, no frills, no bullshit
speed / thrash metal assault with old school violent and awesome
riffing interspersed with little bursts of roaring insanity and
controlled chaos. You even get some spastic guitar leads / fills
clearly played by a demented barbarian looking to wreck your head.
The drums just pound right along to the monster “thermonuclear”
riffing and remind me to classic Sodom and Celtic Frost shit, just
awe inspiring. The vocals are cool whispery blackened yells with
that cultish hissing underbelly that many old South American bands
and the like employed to such perfection. I know I say old school
too much but old school maniacs of thrash played the way it was
meant to be back in the mid to late 80s need to own this fucking
album, pure and simply put, it is everything you love about that
time and music! - Dale
http://www.myspace.com/thevomitor
http://www.hellsheadbangers.com/ |
|
Sweden’s Voodus
(formerly known as Jormundgand for nearly a decade) have composed an
interesting and well rounded mini-album here. They play black metal,
some might even call it black death metal, but they combine those
sub-genres quite smoothly with sweeping, emotive guitar passages.
Those sections feel more like something from a progressive heavy
metal band ala something you might hear from (again guitar wise in
the more somber sections) Fates Warning, early Queensryche, Rush,
Dream Theater, Savatage etc… It is a surprising combination and
while the heavier, colder bm elements have an underlying melody,
these two styles tend not to overlap yet the transitions (back and
forth), as I alluded to above are smooth and relatively natural
sounding in the flow of the song. When they are on the black metal
sections they are quite cold, employing that old second wave early
‘90s black metal with a vocal that melds the bm rasp and a sinuous
dark death metal growling undercurrent. I feel like when reading
this back and thinking things over, this really should not work, but
Voodus find a way to make it work and feel pretty natural. Despite
this I can certainly see those with purist leanings (like myself)
having a problem with that and being turned off. I feel this way to
some extent myself, yet the music on here is strongly enough
composed and constructed that it managed to win me over on this
release. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/voodus666/
https://www.shadowrecords.se/
|
This was quite a surprise as I remember hearing, buying this bands
debut demo "Dead Kings Eyes" back in 1997. So it was great to hear
the band still going strong. This is Vore's fourth release.
Gravehammer is simply amazing and flawless death metal. I would say
the first thing that caught my attention was the bands sheer heavy
guitar sound and pounding drums. The musicians never stray away from
the mid-paced range, but Vore only prove you don't have to play a
million miles an hour to be heavy and intense death metal. I am not
sure why the band is still unsigned but this is another thing I
wanted to mention as this is a quality band that plays what they
love and want to, not what’s popular. Vore are a band that will
please all fans of heavy, pure death metal.
- Patrick
http://www.youtube.com/vorefare
http://www.reverbnation.com/vore
|
Well what can
one say about Vulcano. They are a legendary band among the extreme
underground and they are from the well respected Brazilian scene.
This is the come back album for Vulcano. I believe it was first
released back in 2004, but only in South America. So this is the
first time it has seen the light of day and the dark of night
worldwide. So cheers to I Hate Records for making this possible.
Well 14 years of inactivity is quite the feat to attempt to over
come. Yet Vulcano have appeared to do just that with “Tales From The
Black Book”. With this album they have left some of the old chaos
and mud behind. That might disturb some but I am quite satisfied
with this refined sound. But the old spirit is alive and well and
this album is a truly dark piece of work. It ensconces you with a
suffocating atmosphere of middle pace music propelled by dark
brooding riffs and decipherable maniacal vocals that give you that
wonderful dirty South American feeling that many of us worship. The
all important head bang factor is present on this album and I could
see it ruining some necks in a live setting. It may not be as good
as their early classics but all things considered and the time that
has passed this is a damn fine come back album. Now it has been 4
years so when do we get to hear the follow up record? – Dale
http://www.ihate.se/ http://www.myspace.com/vulcanobrazil
|
Greyhaze
continue on with their great line of re-releases of the early
hallowed bands of the Brazilian metal scene. As with Impurity and
Mystifier, all of these albums were released, many moons ago by the
cult Brazil label Cogumelo Records. “Bloody Vengeance” was
originally released in 1986, with this new version you get a
re-master of the original recording, but even despite this, the
bands rough intensity still shines through with their raw thrashy /
speed metal assault, even a little bit of a black metal sound and
feel to it. The guitarist knows how to play extremely fast and
chaotic riffs intertwined through murderous musical whole. The
drumming is great, fast blasting beats played with utmost aggression
and ferocity. Anyone into early thrash / speed metal with hints of
the first wave of black metal will definitely want to get their
grubby mitts on a copy of this classic as soon as possible. -
Patrick
https://www.reverbnation.com/vulcano/
http://greyhazerecords.com/
|
|
 
As you can see
from the title above, this release is a full-length compilation of
all of the bands releases so far, which consists of their 2018 demo
cd, 2019 demo tape and a 2019 7” EP. This is a really cool and
eclectic mixing of influences from this Brazilian band. The bio
really nails it on their influences and sound when they say it is a
mix of Motorhead and Venom with a myriad of old school punk and
hardcore influences. The result is a very enjoyable and fun listen
that is a ballsy, fast and raunchy ripping blend of ripping hard
rock and dirty metal punk. I found the music to be very infectious,
catchy and full adrenaline from start to finish. The vocals are a
similar mix like Lemmy mixed with a thrashy gruff style and tinge of
crazy ala The Accüsed maniacal vocals. It all works well together
with a sound that induces headbanging fury in the listener. There is
some really killer guitar work and fills in here too that flesh
things out. The only tiny complaint from me is the sound /
production, while clear enough is not heavy and as in your face as
it needs to be in my opinion. Having said that, honestly as things
go on in their discography that area gets better seemingly with each
release and by the last handful of songs the production improves. I
definitely would recommend this for old school Venom & Motorhead
fans that also dig aggressive hardcore and punk bands from the late
‘70s and early ‘80s. - Dale
https://vultor.bandcamp.com/
http://www.murder-records.com/
|
This Italian
power metal band seems to have been born, out of the ashes of death
thrash band Necromancer, with three of the four members having been
in that band. Yes, my friends this is 1980s heavy metal incarnate,
you will want to take note in particular if you are a die hard of
the genre, as this band digs deep into some of the more obscure cult
roots from past. I listen to this 27 minute ep, and hear influences
from bands like Maltese Falcon, Rage, Oz, and the early works of
bands like Liege Lord, Omen, TT Quick, Agent Steel. I would say,
maybe even some influence, from the first couple albums of the
legends Iron Maiden. The recording honestly sounds like it was
recorded 30 years ago and it sounds great to my ears. The music on
here overall is on the simple side, but it is very effective, catchy
and pretty memorable which is a rarity all by itself these days.
They write some good infectious ripping riffs and the there is some
really great smoking emotive guitar fills and leads. You can
definitely headbang hard to this; these boys really captured that
triumphant spiked fist in the air ‘80s power metal feel. The
vocalist spews hellfire passion out of vocal chords, superbly
matching the bombastic music. He even hits those old school heavy
metal ranges, with the high siren vocals every now and then, at one
point at the end of a couple crazy screams it sounds like an eagle’s
screech! The vocals are killer. I liked that the band made sure to
make it clear there is no damn synth on the record haha. This is
just a great throwback record that fans of early to late 1980s power
metal need to own! - Dale
https://vulturesvengeance.bandcamp.com/
http://www.gatesofhellrecords.com/
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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S
T U V W X Y Z
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Well the name
for this Finnish metal band certainly is interesting as it stands
for Wisdom Through Agony into Illumination and Lunacy. They have an
interesting sound, it is sort of like one long doom riff slowly
played over and over with moody obscure but clean vocals and
minimalist drumming as a backdrop. There are black death vocals as
well and at times it sounds slightly black metal mixed with their
extremely dark doom metal constant. The vocals are in the old
Swedish tradition and remind me to Grave or something along those
lines. There are some more upbeat, heavy metal-ish sounding doom
moments in the latter portion of the album and that sounds good as
well. But the plodding, gloomy atmosphere is the bands forte. I have
noticed this album getting some so-so reviews but to honest I think
it is fantastic. They sound like a lot of bands you have heard in
the past, but manage to morph it into something of their own with
their shrouded style / sound and feeling. Take a look into this
sickness, it will change you. – Dale
http://www.ahdistuksenaihio.com/
|
Hungary's Wall
of Sleep return with their fourth full length of doom laden metal.
The first thing that stood out to me was the production - clean,
punchy, yet a little retro - a good balance for a doom metal band.
As for the music, it's good. The vocal delivery doesn't gel with
the music to these ears. It's not bad at all but it's missing
something to really take the band to the next level. Almost like
the music is first and the vocals are second which should rarely, if
ever, be the case. I smell a bit of cheese in the lyrics but that's
easy to over look. Overall, a fairly solid release from beginning
to end. - Mark
http://www.myspace.com/wallofsleepdoommusic
http://www.psychedoomelic.com/
|
This is actually
this Greek bands first release, in fact, it is essentially their
demo that impressed Helter Skelter Records enough to want to pick up
and release it on all three of the prevailing physical formats. They
are a brand new band as you would expect from my preamble above, but
the members are certainly not new to the UG scene as all three have
previously done time in and/or are currently in a plethora of bands
like Kawir, Nergal, Cult Of Eibon, Black Blood Invocation, Caedes
Cruenta, Nargothrond, Funeral Chant and more! The 22 minutes of
music is permeated with a sinister suffocating aura, and a sound
that celebrates the great early ‘90s tradition of Greek black death
metal with nocuous evil influences from the old South American war
metal style. The music is the opposite of intricate, instead keeping
things stripped down in the old tradition with emphasis on the
overall malevolent atmosphere. It is dark and odious old fashioned
warring black death with a perfectly matching raw, but still clear
enough production on this recording that suits it. I am sure UG fans
that worship elaborate (possibly convoluted depending on your
tastes?), over produced modern style black death metal may well not
like this, but I certainly do and I think diehards of the glorious
early days of the scene will too. - Dale
https://walpurgia666.bandcamp.com/
https://helterskelterproductions.bandcamp.com/
|
|
The black metal
scene from Greece has always been a quality one with a lot of
history. It was for me on the same level in the early 90s through
the mid ‘90s, alongside Scandinavia as the best and more important
in the underground…period. That rich history of the Greek scene is
brought to life and carried on in grand tradition by some select
newer bands from that country, and for me it is safe to say you can
place Wampyrinacht in that collective. The traditional Greek sound
has never been about lightning speed or explosive bombast, no it
owes it’s roots more to the first wave of black metal than the
second wave of their aforementioned counterparts. This sound
generally ranges pace wise from slow and brooding, to middle paced
with speedy flourishes to add contrast and keep things that much
more interesting. This old style is chiefly in service of the song
and the atmosphere first and foremost. There is and often was
underlying background use of keyboards and piano, but it is not what
you are probably thinking, it is not pretty or melodic shit, it is
horror soundtrack style stuff again a staple of the old Greek bands
tradition. Now when I mention this movement of bands and sound, who
are some of the bands I speak of? That would be the earlier works of
bands like Rotting Christ, Necromantia, Kawir, Nergal, Thou Art
Lord, Zemial, Varathron and a few others. I am always tempted to
throw in the non-Greek legend band Mortuary Drape from Italy as part
of this movement, as they came along around the same time and share
so many traits with those ancient bands from Greece. Certainly
Wampyrinacht (who surprisingly to me put out their debut recording a
demo in way back in 1996, followed by an EP and then lay dormant for
20 years!) fits right in with those bands and does a fine job
carrying all of that forward here on their second full-length
release. So, in case you have not figured it out by now, this should
be of expressed interest to any fellow diehards of the mighty Greek
black metal scene of old, and to any who want to get a taste of what
it was about. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/Wampyrinacht/
https://ironboneheadproductions.bandcamp.com/
|
With a release title like "Enjoy The Filth" you pretty much know
what your getting and with Sweden's Wan you will not be
disappointed. It is filthy, raw grimy black metal. This album is the
follow up to 2010's Wolves Of The North. The music on this album sis
hateful, raging raw black metal the way it should be played. The
drumming is fast, it is both extremely fast and precise with it's
attack and truly played to perfection. The guitars are mainly played
with intense speed and chaotic riffs but there are some slower,
heavier mid-paced riffs before the band picks up the insane assault
again. The vocals are harsh black metal screams with a
raspy/whispery voice used on a few of the tracks. “Enjoy The Filth”
is one of best Swedish black metal bands I've heard in a while and
definitely recommended if you are a fan of the early nineties you
should definitely check this release out as soon as possible you
won't be disappointed.
- Patrick
http://www.last.fm/music/WAN
https://www.facebook.com/Carnalrecords.sweden
|
This is the
American Warfather, who are getting ready to release, their second
album “The Grey Eminence”. This record features some masterful
guitar playing, courtesy of Steve Tucker (ex-Morbid Angel
vocalist/bassist), this is my first time hearing Warfather, but the
band knows how to write, and perform, some really solid death metal.
There are nine songs power, and heavy death metal, similar to the
mid to late nineties death scene. The guitars are played with both
mid tempo sections, and some faster, chaotic guitar speed patterns.
The drums are performed with flawless playing, staying in tone with
the guitars, ranging from a middle paced tempo to a heavier
semi-fast drum pacing. If you are a fan of Warfathers first album,
or if you are just a fan of well performed solid death metal, then
be sure to pick this up when it is released. - Patrick
https://www.reverbnation.com/warfather
http://greyhazerecords.com/
|
This is some
rather good classic styled doom metal. Musically, I like Warning a
lot. The vocalist though largely decent could use a bit of work on
his delivery vocal patterns. The real let down for me though is the
lyrics. They are very poor and badly worded, so maybe he is
handcuffed a bit. If you can over look all that, underneath there is
some mighty doom to be had. - Dale
Send $16 US
World to: Miskatonic Foundation, P.O. Box 107, Dewsbury, West
Yorkshire, WF 13 3YS, UK |
Warsenal burst
out of the Quebec, Canada scene like a caged beast, finally set free
as they rip ‘n tear through some killer high velocity thrash metal
possessing rabid energy and zest. There is wall to wall vicious
riffs bouncing at you in every song at light speed with some killer
rhythmic force that, if you are like me, will force you to headbang
like a maniac! I can really pick out some influences, and they have
chosen to be inspired by some like truly classic releases from bands
like the early works of Kreator, Whiplash, Razor, Destruction and
especially old Voivod and Possessed. I feel like I even hear a hint
of the criminally underrated Canadian band Disciples of Power here
and there. The whole band kills it, the drummer is a real force, but
the guitar work on here is technical and superb with the band
showcasing it through some really tasty playing and infectious
songwriting. There are some really speedy and impressive guitar
solos worked into the musical maelstrom that will wreck your mind. I
think the band did a decent job of keeping up the speed and
aggression throughout the album, but they have crafted the songs
with just enough definition to each song to inject a touch of it’s
own stand alone character, which is impressive. This album is a slam
dunk excellent release for me. I think it will be the same for any
thrash metal die hard to want to make sure this is added to their
collection. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/WarsenalOfficial
https://svartrecords.com/
|
I have always
found the French scene to be a pretty diverse and interesting one.
It is not really a scene that you can pin down either and say has a
sound that represents many of the bands. Way to End, enjoy employing
a lot of diverse and quirky melodies and rhythms that almost sound
mental, but brilliant at the same time. In some spots it reminds me
of another very old quirky band named Disharmonic Orchestra and
possibly even a dash of early Pan-Thy-Monium. Though with WTE, they
tend to keep things darker, more atmospheric and introspective as
well. The vocals are a combination of growling and rasps, but they
are buried into the mix and kind of melt into the whole musical
tapestry. Which is likely for the best and possibly the only way
vocals could be employed on this record and work well, in my
opinion. If you had them contrasting and playing above or alongside
the music it would effectively kill the wonderful atmosphere they
worked hard to create. I think it is fair to label the band as black
death metal. Yet, as you can see from my description above there is
a lot more than just that going on here. I am really liking what I
am hearing here and find myself going into a cerebral trance under
its apocryphal, discordant and enchanting guidance. You must be
prepared for a depressive and almost emotionally confusing ride with
“Desecrated Internal Journey”, yet it is one that you will be
compelled to take and if your mind can handle it you will be better
off for it. In more simple terms this album is a depressing,
draining, dark and desperate psychological mindfuck that you will
want to take again and again. – Dale
www.debemur-morti.com
www.myspace.com/waytoendmetal
|
I have read a
lot of reviews absolutely fawning over this record. I mean I can see
hear some of the reason they are so impressed with it. There is
certainly some talent and vision going on with song writing and the
band impressively transition between somber atmospheric moments to
metallic blitzkrieg. They also incorporate a fairly wide variety of
influences and instruments and melt them into their somewhat doomy,
sort gothic, yet metal sound. All the parts are there to build
something really good, they have the talent to get it there. Yet
somehow at the end of the day, each time I listen to this (which is
half a dozen times now) I come not being all that impressed with the
musical whole and find the material ultimately forgettable. I could
seem people throwing this band in the realms of something like Opeth
and they would not be too far off. I have most of Opeth’s output and
they do remind me of that band, at times Opeth can be forgettable as
well, all the same Opeth is a definite cut above WADL. Well done,
production is nice, playing is good, variety is there in spades
(maybe too much is part of the problem?), but despite all of that
“Thoughtscanning” does very little for me. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/wealldielaughing
http://www.kaotoxin.com/
|
Always good to
get releases from my hallowed homeland of Canada. This is even more
special I suppose since this band is from the same area I grew up in
and where I cut my teeth in metal and the underground. I found it
interesting to read the founder of this band had moved to Bangledesh
and recorded this bands initial demo and ep, then moved back to
Canada, picked up more members and we are now on album two. Weapon,
are a marriage of old dark death metal and olden black metal and it
is superbly combined. The bands citing of the early works of Morbid
Angel and Mayhem are a good ones when naming some influences. Speed
and angry fury play big parts in their sound, but they know the
value of a good riff as well. The drums are a great pounding
barrage, as to be expected when you have my old acquaintance Paulus
(Sacramentary Abolishment, Rites Of Thy Degringolade, Warmach etc…)
lighting up the kit like a military bunker that has been targeted
from all sides. The vocals of founder Vetis Monarch are a
frightening blend of muffled growl and obscure gruff hiss and fit
the sinister and oppressive atmosphere the music wraps around you
superbly. An impressive release and band, I only wish now I was back
home so I might be able to witness this in a live setting. – Dale
http://www.weaponchakra.com/
http://www.agoniarecords.com/
http://www.theajnaoffensive.com/ |
This is some
dark acoustic folk music recorded between 2002 - 2006, with some
unreleased material from 2009 - 2010. Acoustic guitar and
vocals. Being a musician, I can appreciate the chord patterns at
times within these tunes. Very folk oriented. But, the vocals
though? They stink. Goodness. At least Erik E is in tune but when
you have such stripped down instrumentation, the voice has to carry
the tunes. Period. The melodies, delivery, and emotion are just not
there in my opinion. Most of the songs start with a chord pattern
that sets up the vocals. Then he starts singing and the tunes just
fall apart. If an outside producer was involved, he should be
reprimanded in the worst way. It's his job to red flag weakness in
an artist and help mask those areas of need. It's hard to take such
music seriously if you're going to use such bad vocal lines. I
think, as a folk album, this could of been decent as an instrumental
album - but, please, Erik, develop your vocals if you decide to
pursue more of this genre. I would also suggest add a little more
percussion on future releases. There are some tracks where the
percussion adds to the soundscape. Explore this further and the
tunes will improve - sound wise. Thankfully the last tune just
played. Now I can listen to some quality music - which isn't Weh.
- Mark Sugiyama
http://www.soulsellerrecords.com/
|
This time I’ve
one Russian band which is into black metal war. I have not heard
this band before so I don’t know if WELTKRIEG is an old band or not?
But from the musical side they are good! WELTKRIEG plays obscure
true black metal. The music based on such fast yet devastating riffs,
but here’s one fault – the band does not have a live drummer (it’s a drum
machine). The main band’s ideology is extermination of human race
(with this fact I agree?), and this aspect is great shown in the musical
structure, because the music is really sick and aggressive, from
time to time with some atmospheric means. I like also all of those
rhythm-changes and down tempos which are here and there on this
album. As a whole there is an intro, outro and 8 songs on about 48
minutes of destruction. What is yet to add to the statement that
here’s an old-school true black metal, based on rawness and gloom,
with such great necro touches in the main structure and is
devastating, full of hatred guitar riffs with screams. I think this
is enough for those fans, who are into true black metal rawness!
Worthy stuff, but with no live drummer. - Aleksandr Maksymov
http://www.myspace.com/weltkriegrus
|
|
The Floridian
band Wharflurch is new to me having formed in 2019, they previously
released a demo and an EP prior to this four songs, fifteen minute
‘Shitslime’ EP picked up by Personal Records. The music is very
rooted in the old school UG metal tradition yet they also have this
quirky edge (but not in a goofy or trying to just be progressive
way) with hard to describe little touches and accents that give off
that vibe. I am talking about things like tossing in a super catchy
headbang riff, a dramatic guitar fill (ala start of the song
“Intergalatic Death Spectrum Vortex”), a catchy sped up short
section of a song seemingly out of nowhere or just a strange sound
effect or sample, which is kept brief yet impactful. I can tell the
band is very careful that these elements do not distract from their
core sound, which is very much extremely heavy, sewer level guttural
death metal with a suffocating slowed aura wrapped around it all.
Their base nucleus sound to my ear is a mix of doom death metal, ala
Bolt Thrower and especially early Autopsy mixed with just ultra
brutal riffing and pummeling drums, but when things speed up it
reminds me a lot of early to middle ‘90s Floridian death metal. It
is all done so well though. My first couple listens this did not
grab me that hard, but with successive listen afterwards their
infectious grip tightened around me until I could no longer resist
and submitted to it’s suffocating embrace. - Dale
https://www.facebook.com/wharflurch
https://personal-records.bandcamp.com/
|
Blazing a path
through the German scene and no stranger to the pages of Canadian
Assault (see interview in issue 7), Witchburner are thrash and speed
metal in the grand tradition. They are a prolific band as well,
releasing albums regularly (this is their 4th album +
numerous ep’s & splits for those keeping score at home) and they
tend to clock in at close to or above 50 minutes. I must guilty
admit that though they are a killer band, there are small stretches
where they kind of drag a bit, that is only bad thing I could
possibly say. Otherwise, Witchburner are just fantastic thrash with
serious head bang qualities and pitch a whirlwind storm of top notch
riffs, beer drenched speed picking back stopped with wild 80 screams
and screeches that many bands and fans would consider cheesy but it
is literally music to my ears and missed by myself in the league
these days. The incinerators of the evil hags definitely will get
inside your head with their catchy lyrics and music and you will
have a hard time getting them out. In the immortal words of Ian
Gillian of the supreme Deep Purple “I am a Speed King”, hear
Witchburner sing it! – Dale
Undercover
Records, Stockhauserstr. 3a, 35638 Leun, GERMANY
alex@undercover-records.de
www.undercover-records.de |
Fit For Fucking
Fight huh?! This is a blast from the past for me. I have been
listening to this album for many a moon, for those that do not know
about this fantastic metal album, it was originally released back in
1984 on Roadrunner Records. This album is so highly regarded that I
believe Hells Headbangers is no less than the 4th record
label to release this fucking thing! As you might guess this is
classic mid 80s heavy metal, Witch Cross are from Denmark and you
can imagine them fitting in that scene right next Mercyful Fate and
Maltese Falcon – can you imagine a gig with all three of those
bands? My head would explode! The music on here is marvelous and
just chugs along with speedy ripping music that commands you like an
evil old witches spell to headbang and play air guitar. I mean
seriously listen to the songs Fight The Fire & Light Of A Torch and
tell me you were able resist rocking out those amazing tunes. Just
some fantastic guitar work on here with some smoking solos. The
vocals may be an acquired taste for some, they are very early to mid
80s dated vocals, quite high pitched with not a lot of range, some
might even mistake them for chick vocals, but they are great and
work with the killer music. Seriously if you have not heard this by
now you better get it or you do not even like classic heavy metal
and why are you still reading this review? This is a must own for
80s metal fans, get your grip on this intense fire ball of metal
now. - Dale
http://witchcross.dk/index.html
http://www.hellsheadbangers.com/ |
What is this I
see crawling out of Boston’s armpit? No it is not lice or crabs. It
is Witch Tomb who play black metal that is extremely raw, loose like
a hooker and evil. It did not take me very long to pinpoint their
influences on “Mocking Jehovah” as being the great, late old crusty
purveyors of filth and darkness – Profanatica. In fact it would not
even surprise me if that was Paul Ledney himself using the name
Drath and playing drums for Witch Tomb. Seriously, it is that
uncanny. I am not entirely sure what else to say, except, if you
think you would like a slightly more atmospheric version of
Profanatica? Then by all means, pick this up. If not, then just put
on some of the real shit instead, and start weeping in heaven. – Dale
www.bestialonslaught.com
|
I must say as a
big Witchcraft fan (starting with their debut seven inch). I am a
little offended at a statement in their bio, accompanying this
album. It states that this album shows Witchcraft “…moving away from
their generic doom rock…”. It is a shame to belittle an already
wonderful legacy built up by the band. While I admit “Alchemist” is
a bit of a departure from the past work of these Swedes. It is not
exactly a far trip in distancing itself from their rocking doom
roots and wonderful Pentagram worship. That organic 70s vibe and
atmosphere, I love so much, have not gone away. Another quote from
the bio that is, ahem, music to my ears – “Recorded 100% pro-tools
and digital free”. It sounds fantastic too and kudos to the band for
sticking to their guns. The band does seem very comfortable in their
skin with this record. Their flow is smooth and their playing is
really relaxed, like a needle gliding down the groove of a record.
Yes, this is still 70s rock but it has that floating sort of
psychedelic atmosphere that made the classic works of Led Zeppelin
so special. Vocalist Magnus Pelander still owes a debt to Bobby
Liebling but you can hear other influences creeping into his style
such as the front man of the aforementioned band (i.e. - Robert
Plant). The counter point and interplay between the more rocking
heavy moments and the soul grabbing, stream of consciousness
psychadelia, is wonderfully composed and executed. “Alchemist” was
not what I was hoping for or expecting. But I jumped on the ride
anyway with an open mind packed in my pocket. The end result is a
fascinating journey that sees the band morph their style somewhat
but continues to produce another wonderful record which will see
their legacy carried forth. Just give it a chance to put its spell
on you. I am now so curious to see where they will go next?! – Dale
www.riseaboverecords.com
|
The first song,
entitled “Bringers Of Heavy Metal Death” sets the tone, a raunchy
old Destruction vibe anthem and attitude. But after we get that out
of the way the band settles down into a little more subdued but
still ripping power metal vibe of the old school variety. I also
hear some tidbits of speed and thrash metal in there as well. Once
you are past that first song, which is different from the rest of
the record. I hear a number of influences like old Metal Church,
Manowar, Omen, Grim Reaper and the old cool underrated Canadian band
Deaf Dealer. The vocalist of Robb Bockman are great, a total
throwback clean yet sometimes deep, sometimes squealing siren
screams mixed in, all with solid range. Well in fact, let’s be
honest this whole album is a throwback, it really is, I would say if
you read this far and you are not an ‘80s power metal fan then stop
reading now. But if you are a fan this wonderfully dated style (why
the fuck do people always use the word dated always with negative
connotations?!), then honestly you need this fucking album in your
collection. Did I mention there are guest spot appearances on here
from Ross “The Boss” of Manowar, Jack Starr (Virgin Steele, Burning
Starr) among others. “Witching Metal Ritual” is an emotional,
powerful rocking record that I loved! - Dale
http://www.reverbnation.com/witchesmark
http://www.heavenandhellrecords.com
|
I read a review
online of this album. I could not agree more with the opening of
that review. It is stated that melodic death/black metal bands from
Scandinavia and Europe in general are a dime a dozen. The difference
here is Withering Soul hail from the States and they do have a touch
of an American sound. But for the most part they sound like every
other boring band from overseas. I guess I am just not and never
really have been the biggest melodic death fan. I like a few of the
excellent original bands. But after that I really lost interest in
the scene and it all sounds so interchangeable to mine ears.
Something that makes it even worse for me is Withering Soul like to
absolutely drown this sound / style in heavy keyboards, only
compounding my apathy towards No Closure. I think my (only)
favourite part of this album is the killer guitar solo / fill on the
song “Possession of Deception”. A little sad if that is the
highlight of the album. Suffice it to say I will not be listening to
this one again. – Dale
http://www.myspace.com/mortalmusic
http://www.myspace.com/witheringsoul
|
This is a very
talented Danish band who know what they want and execute it with
confidence. Too bad I didn’t get into it too much. W.S. play a melodic
death metal, with heavy metal (Iron Maiden) and black metal spice ups.
I could have enjoyed this a bit more without the soft female vocals,
goth touches and heavy keys, which dominate too much. I didn’t like this
but fans into the Gothenburg styled harmonic death should dig this.
Stunning packaging. – Dale |
|
These Australian
Sorcerers keep the old flames burning bright with their brand of
mixing old school NWOBHM with ‘70s and early ‘80s traditional doom
metal. This is my first dance with these Occult metallers, even
though this is the bands fourth full-length album. The vocals of Ol’
Rusty are really interesting and fairly unique sounding at times,
they could well be an acquired taste for some, but I found I enjoyed
them more and more with each successive listen. These guys write
some really cool riffs and smooth harmonies that sucked me in and
kept me engaged. The guitar work in general is so classic and
quality, dripping with strong emotive virtues, and even feature the
odd tasty guitar solo thrown into the mix. There is an array of
excellent bands general sounds and music swimming in my head as
listen to this, such as Witchfynde, Satan, Pagan Altar, Witchfinder
General, Solitude Aeturnus, Warlord, The Sword, In Solitude etc… As
usual Cruz Del Sur finds high quality bands that almost always
satisfy my musical tastes, now you can add The Wizar’d to that list
of bands. Check it out. - Dale
https://hcrthewizard.bandcamp.com/
https://www.cruzdelsurmusic.com/
|
This was not
what I was expecting just based upon the bands name and the label
that released it. I had imagined beforehand that Wizard’s Beard
would be a cleaner, classic old doom heavy metal band. I was instead
immediately taken aback by the sheer anger and hate that drips from
this album. This level of adrenalized vitriol is usually reserved
extreme thrash, death metal or grindcore played at break neck
speeds. I mean every now and then there are short sections of a
moderate level of quickness. But for the most part it just amazes me
they can give off such harsh and destructive energy playing such
slow, plodding doomy pace. The vocals on here are just as scathing
and raging, sure to will peel paint from your wall. The song writing
on Filth is a rather simple formula, but it is executed with such
feeling and preciseness that the end result really delivers the
goods. I would not even really know who to compare this band with?
Maybe Cavity and Iron Monkey mixed with Disembowelment, and a dose
of the quirky off-kilter rhythms you get from something like old
Pungent Stench. I liked on the opening track “Paint The Skies” where
the bassist drops out of lock step with the rest of the instruments
to do his own thing laying down some killer bottom end chug.
Definitely recommended for fans that like both death / doom and
sludge metal. – Dale
http://www.wizardsbeard.co.uk/
http://www.psychedoomelic.com/ |
|
I need to be up
front, a little bit here, I am an absolute diehard fanatic for early
to mid ‘90s Swedish death metal with that great archetypical
production style. With that out of the way, what we have here is a
young Russian death metal band on their debut album, where they
express much the same affinity I have for that scene. They do the
style very well here, a lot of Swede bands come to mind, but
probably the two that come to mind the most are chiefly Dismember
and also Entombed. Which is a-fucking-okay by me! Something that
strikes me about the band, besides some killer riffs, is the high
energy they play with energizes me as I listen. There is one thing
the classic bands from Sweden all possessed, and that was dm
vocalists that were very strong growlers with an ability to sing
extremely powerfully. Not only that, but also an ability to convey a
level of emotion and range (I know range with growling sounds
strange to some, but a discerning long time fan knows that is a
thing and knows what I mean), while still keeping the growl deep and
brutal. So, with that in mind, the vocalist on here is good he and
surely gets the job done, at the same time for me he does not quite
put them over the top like their inspirations did. It is a bit of
nitpick, but there you have it. Something related to that, which
seemed a little out of left field was the song “Godless Slaughter
(In The Name Of Doom)”, which feels a bit more Floridian death metal
and the vocalist suddenly, just for this song does his best John
Tardy impression and it is a very good one! Another thing that
should not go unnoticed is the bands ability to inject some
emotional dynamics into their structuring, which keeps things
interesting and shows some depth to their sound. There is also some
tasty guitar fills, which may go unnoticed by some, but not me. I
realize some reading this might be more discerning and picky with
style of dm, only wanting to hear the original classics or some new
mind blowing new twist, I can understand that. Because I am that way
with melodic death, where I only like the very best of the best and
the rest I can usually live without. But, as I mentioned, I just can
not get enough of this style of old school Swedish death metal!!
Fellow fanatics check this shit out; it is pretty killer to me, to
hear this from a Russian band. A final parting note, for buyers of
the cd, you will be getting three (two unreleased previously) good
bonus tracks not on the other version of this release overseas.
- Dale
https://wombripper.bandcamp.com/
http://www.redefiningdarkness.com/
|
I love the cover
artwork, it fits very well with a classic doom metal record. I think
that would look good on a vinyl LP cover size. I mentioned doom
metal, which to those who do not know much about The Wounded Kings,
is exactly what you will find lurking within The Shadow Over
Atlantis. The bio included explains the meaning behind their
moniker: “The Wounded King, also known as the Fisher King, is a
figure in Arthurian legend and guardian of the Holy Grail whose
kingdom suffers as he does”. Good to know for those of us that have
not brushed up on the legend. Their music and imagery also reminds
me of what a soundtrack, to many of HP Lovecraft’s classic novels,
might just sound like. Musically TWK for me, fall into the realms of
old great bands such as Candlemass, Solitude Aeturnus, Count Raven
and maybe even a little hint of something like Spirit Caravan (I was
lucky enough to be at their final show and it was fucking great!
Yeah a useless bit of information for you…). This is a very
hypnotic, sort of reflective cerebral album and you get lost in it
quite easily. I like it when an album can do that to me. It almost
feels ritualistic as much as just a journey inducing music. These
songs are pretty epic sounding with some clocking in over the ten
minute mark. Though there are a couple of short mood setting kind of
songs, but the rest are no shorter than eight minutes in length. The
vocals are also hypnotic as well, they really have no range most of
the time, no excited high shrieks or dynamic changes, rather they
drone along like the music, they are quite spellbinding for me and
fit the music nicely. I suppose some might find this drone a bit
monotonous or repetitive, but I find that is one of its strengths
here and the flow of the songs keep it moving in the right way. I
think this album is one that is really for doom fanatics like me
rather than those that just dabble here and there. I can recommend
this wholeheartedly to fellow doom mongers for sure. This is my
first experience with The Wounded Kings, it was a good one and I
hope not the last time we cross paths. – Dale
http://www.ihate.se
http://www.myspace/thewoundedkings2
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Now here is
something I do not hear every day. What is that, you say? I am
talking about British black metal, the UK does not seem like a
prolific place for black metal. I am good with one man bands so long
as they do not sound like a one man band if you know what I mean.
Thankfully that one man Leviathan plays all the instruments, so no
drum machine crap and he pulls it all together quite well. This is
old school black metal with maybe slightly more modern touches and
production and more of a pure metal sound than most bands in this
style. I like that the bass guitar actually sounds good and every
now and then stands out slightly, a rare thing for this genre. Yeah
this is some really quality stuff bringing to mind bands like Horna,
Judas Iscariot etc.. but with a more epic flair at times than those
aforementioned bands. There are some cool guitar fills on here as
well. It sounds and feels like a lot of thought went into this
album, it is a well constructed album and Leviathan has a talent for
writing both catchy almost head bang riffs with a cryptic feel and
also some nice sweeping grand guitar runs. I think about the only
thing I would change if I could, would be the vocals, they are
actually quite good and quality, but I think they could use a little
less of the growling undertone and employ more of the traditional
black rasp to fit the music a little better. But that is a very
minor complaint on an otherwise fantastic album that is very worthy
of your attention. - Dale
http://www.reverbnation.com/writtenintorment
http://www.gloriousnorth.co.uk/
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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S
T U V W X Y Z
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I am sorry I
missed out on this band the first time around. Xantotol were one of
the first Polish black metal bands in existence and featured two
members, including a sick female named Mala on guitars and vocals.
Yes this was a special band. This you can probably guess from the
title is a compilation of the bands releases. The first seven tracks
are from the “Thus Spake Zaratustra” demo excreted in 1995, eight to
twelve are from the '93 demo “Cult Of The Black Pentagram”, and
finally tracks thirteen to eighteen are off of the “Glory For
Centuries” demo tape from 1992. The worst thing about this promo
disc I have hear is that it only has a cross section of songs from
each of the above releases. Curse you Kampf! haha After a lengthy
and none too interesting intro, we are treated to some shadowy,
obscure and compelling riffing. Which border on doom metal but
managing always to still sound evil and black metal, they lead you
into the dark wilderness and abandon you for dead. The vocals are
just as mysterious and undefined but really help to set the
atmosphere of gloom. Returning to the intros. There is an intro /
interlude in between each song ala Acheron on their classic debut
“Rites of The Black Mass”… Only Xantotol write lyrics based around
the philosophy works of Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche. I could see
fans of the first Samael record, old Varathron and other quality old
school black metal bands like this. Cheers to Kampf Records for
digging this gem up!
– Dale
www.kampf.ws kampfrec@go2.pl
info@kampf.ws
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Well, well…this
is interesting, the debut release of Under Her Black Wings records
which interestingly enough is the new sub-label of stoner rock label
Freebird records. I would say this is quite a departure for them.
Replacing T-birds, denim, 8 tracks and mondo sweet leaf smoking
comes blood dripped skulls, growls, dark musty mold encrusted stone
chambers and the inhalation of burning flesh. I must say I was a bit
dismayed with the first 2 songs as they are very one dimensional,
monotonous and stale. These 1st two songs (“Insidie
Teradome” & “Neon Black Stronghold”) really lowered my expectations
with repetitive unimaginative drumming, thin sounding growls and
very simplistic non-quality riffing. I wonder if they put these two
snorers up front to lull you into a lowered hope for the potential
of “Necrophilia…”, because from that point onward winding through
the proceeding 8 tracks, it is like they have spawned from a
different band entirely. The one trick pony of the start of the
album is ‘morphed (hehe) into a roller coaster ride of rich point
and counter point brutal but brooding and moody death metal, which
knows when not to over sell the brutality and speed. Instead working
in some somber and thoughtful soundscapes and slower sections, which
in fact give the lightning speed and howling barbarism so much more
punch, intensity and effectiveness. The vocals after the opening
volley also spread their wings with added depth in the growl,
hightened highs and lows with the main growl adding a sort of oven
heated gurgle and boil onto the back end of sustained bellows. The
production is very good and there has been care taken not to let the
digital age completely squash all of the organic heaviness of the
guitars and pounding torture of the drums, though the high-hat and
cymbals are a little too much typewriter for my liking. Worth some
investigation on your part. – Dale
U.H.B.W Records,
Box 464, 5600 Al Eindhoven, The Netherlands
www.freebird-records.com
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I guess I expected more from this Turkish one man band when I read
the main musician behind the band Emir Torgrul is a composer,
instrumentalist etc.. The music on Nihahayat sounds like rehashed
early Burzum songs or early noisy Norse black metal with some
atmosphere intertwined in the chaotic noise. I supposed Emir shows a
few moments of good guitar playing but honestly not that much. This
is a pass for me as if I ever need a Burzum fix I'll just find my
Burzum cd's.
- Patrick
http://yayla.bandcamp.com/
http://merdumgiriz.org/
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Yellowtooth
hails out of Indiana, but when you listen to the music I
automatically figured they were from the south as they have that
southern nuance to their sound. This band features Peter Clemens as
some in the scene will surely remember him from bands like Shades of
Grey, Sea of Tranquility, Invasion (interviewed in CA back in the
day) and Skullview, while the other two members came from Chronic
Disorder. Yellowtooth play a rocking type of sludge metal, but maybe
not as heavy on the feedback as many sludge bands like Eyehategod,
Iron Monkey, Cavity and the like. But Disgust is rocking, the
riffage is really heavy and crushing yet always quite catchy,
seemingly keeping at bay the doom tag. By my ear you can hear the
members death metal roots in the guitar tuning / playing and also
the vocals are pretty deep death metal growling, but kept clear
enough that you make out most of what is sung. This is just some
good rockin’ simplistic sludge with some balls and nice groove
riffs, but not over done or cheesy like that mallcore shit or
whatever they call it these days. This is record is nothing
spectacularly groundbreaking or mind numbingly great by any means,
but it is a solid and even good album, a fine debut, but with a
couple demos under their belt and countless years experience that
should be expected. It is worth a listen. - Dale
http://www.myspace.com/yellowtoothmc
https://www.facebook.com/orchestrated.recordings |
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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S
T U V W X Y Z
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I Hate Records
just continue to find quality doom band after quality doom band!
This time, it is a band from my homeland of Canada, as well as being
my first time listening to them. They sign not just quality doom
bands, but as is the case with Zaum, also very unique sounding doom
bands. This band is very different, in that they use unusual
instrumentation, such as the liberally used sitar, as well as also
relying fairly heavy of synthesizer, along side some bass guitar and
that is the only guitar to be found on this record. They take the
foundation of heavy, plodding guitar riffs, as the foundation and
throw it out the window, for the large part. It is pretty amazing
the doomish, melancholy sounds they manage to create at times, with
mainly instrument soundscapes, emanating from the Sitar and some
Alphorn / Alpine Horn (you know like in the Ricola commercials) like
sound, which are both very heavily employed as a main instrument on
“Oracles”. I find it pretty striking they were able to pull that
sort of sound out of those instrument sounds. You can get lost in
them, going on a mental carpet ride, through the deserts and mirages
of the Middle East, where Zaum clearly draw a lot of their
inspiration from. During the songs or sections of songs, when they
mix those sounds in with a lot of rumbling doom bass guitar, it is
magic Zaum create. I will confess, on the flip side of that, when
they put the bass away for too long and push those soundscapes (if
you listen to this album you will understand why I keep using that
term), to the forefront, for long periods of time, for me it comes
across as a little too stripped down and thin and the song suffers
for it. Those sections are wonderful in their own way, but would be
better served as shorter interludes, briefer support sections, than
being employed as the heart of a song. But when they bring it all
together and use the right mix and length, bringing the bass guitar
more to the forefront, the result is just fantastic. I would love to
see the band concentrate a little more into this area, as it could
take their unique, even original approach to doom to a whole other
level. I realize in all of this, I have failed to mention the
vocals. They are sparsely used, clean but very sort of echo-y,
dreamy spoken / sung vocals, that are hard to pin down, sort of like
trying to catch smoke with your bare hands. They are more of a
sound, which blends into the music, rather vocals that are any kind
of a real central of musical whole. Anyway, for those searching for
something different and good, in the doom genre, you can not go
wrong with picking up this album. - Dale
http://zaum.bandcamp.com/
http://www.ihate.se/
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‘Spiritual
Sickness’ is the bands debut full length album featuring eight songs
that are well crafted and performed death metal insanity. The band
does a great job of crafting their own brand of death metal, with
some influences from the excellent mid ‘90s time period of this
genre. The guitar work on this debut is filled with extremely fast
guitar riffing though the guitarist does slow down to a slower and
guitar style at times. The vocalist does a good job of mixing both
gruff old school growls and some deeper death growls that Zealot
Cult’s style perfectly. The vocalist kind of reminds me of early
John Tardy and Chuck Schuldiner, but they are not a complete rip off
by any means. If you are looking for a band that pays homage to
early US death metal, without copying anything, then be sure to pick
up a copy ‘Spiritual Sickness’ when it is released. - Patrick
https://www.facebook.com/zealotcultDM/
http://www.bloodharvest.se/
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Zifir are a two
man band who comes to us out of the Turkish black metal scene. They
start things off with a short intro and the music kicks by hitting
the ground running at a speedy pace. I noticed the guitarist right
away, as he does a good job of crafting some well written sequences,
which feature an all out assault of fierce, fast riffing. But the
guitarist does slow things down to more of a mid tempo style at
times; he even adds some atmospheric elements to the music. The
vocals are gruff and raw screams with some raspy talking vocals. To
wrap things up, I would say Zifir plays a very unique and creative
style of black metal worth your time. - Patrick
https://www.facebook.com/zifirband
http://www.duplicate-records.com
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Ziggurat come
out of Israel’s slowly, but surely growing black death metal scene,
bringing their debut “Ritual Miasma”. This EP features five tracks
of vicious blackened death metal music. Mork handles the vocal
duties on this release, he does a great job of mixing both death
growls and raspy screams. Both of these vocal styles fit the bands
music very well. Tohu handles the bass and guitar duties, combining
both furious fast guitars, but also can change it up and play a
slower mid paced style. Zigguarat play a very solid and interesting
blackened death metal style, if you are a fan of mid ‘90s black
death, then you should definitely give this band a chance and buy
this release today. - Patrick
https://www.facebook.com/zigguratband666
https://bloodharvestrecords.bandcamp.com
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Serbia's black metal masters return after a couple of Mcd's and
singles the band has their debut full-length (clocks in at 27
minutes - Dale). The founding member Hunter {vocals, guitars,
bass} and Lord Gryma {drums} have written and released Zloslut's most
mature and best release to date. Musically Zloslut's style
is primitive, raw, mid-paced black metal. While the guitars are raw
and sometimes harsh sounding they are well-played and have some good
sections of excellent musicianship. Hunter's vocals approach is raw
violent screams and vicious shrieks. Lord Gryma's drumming is
really keeping pace with Hunter's guitars and vocal patterns which
range from mid-to fast range. If you enjoy raw, mid paced black
metal that mixes in their own ideas should definitely check out Zloslut soon!
- Patrick
https://myspace.com/zloslutserbia666
http://zloslutserbia.webs.com/darkchantsproductions.htm
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I first
encountered this Mexican death squad several years ago, and they
didn't make a huge impression on me for whatever reason. That has
changed. Zombiefication belched forth quite the album with this new
release, and it's solidly crafted and well-written death metal of
the highest order. Stylistically it reminds me of a
cross-pollination of mid-period Entombed (think To Ride Shoot
Straight and Speak the Truth or Uprising) and old
Desultory, and perhaps faster Asphyx material. There's a looseness
to this that makes it sound so much more human than a lot of modern
death metal, a violent swagger that not too many bands can own. The
vocals are quite different, being more of a yell than a growl, which
is refreshing. There is a little musical experimentation here, but
the morbidity never lets up, and the twists and turns the album
takes simply enhance the experience. The track order is paced
perfectly, and the frenetic style they present adds even more
character to the flow. Zombiefication has matured with this release,
and I look forward to the next record. This is going to stay in my
rotation for some time, and I dare say this is one of the best
releases of 2018.
– Andrew Parrish
https://www.facebook.com/zombieficationofficial/
https://doomentiarecords.bandcamp.com/
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This Dutch band
plays straight ahead black metal. After the keyboard intro, the band
tear into it. The four piece have that rawness to their sound,
particularly the guitar player, that brings back memories of the old
90's BM bands. "Haatstorm" is their only full length from 2010,
after releasing several demos. This release actually reminds me more
of the French BM scene than anything - which ain't a bad thing. I'm
liking it. Personally, I would of dumped the intro and outro and
just came out of the gates blasting. If you're in the mood for no
frills black metal from yesteryear, this one will do the trick.
- Mark Sugiyama
http://www.heidenshart.nl.nu/
http://www.myspace.com/zwartplaagblackmetal
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