Reviews
ANY BANDS/LABELS that want their releases reviewed can send me a
promo kit at the following address. Anything sent will be reviewed and posted
within 30 days.
Metal Core Zine
c/o Chris Forbes
7 Laurel Drive
Maple Shade, NJ 08052
THE RISE OF L.A. THRASH METAL DVD/Same (Inside Metal) Inside Metal has released several DVD's and not they have released 2 that focus on the entire early LA thrash metal scene. Tons of interviews done by heavy metal journalist Bob Nalbandian are found on this from such musicians such as Lars Ulrich (naturally, Dave Lombardo, Gene Holgan, Eric Peterson, Brian Slagel, Katon from Hirax and trust me many, many, more. While watching this and listening to the musicians talk I felt like I was taken back on a time machine to the mid 80's. This also focus's in parts to certain bands, those being Metallica, Slayer, Megedeth, and even though they weren't all out thrash Armored Saint. I really can't find any complaints on this as all the musicians have some great stories from the old days about how it was way back when most of the clubs were booking hair metal and only a few indie labels were around and the only in the LA area being Metal Blade. These were the days and you can check them out for the 1st time be ordering this or if you were around back then, come back in time and relive the good ole days of the underground scene. Info:
Deathcall/Eternal Darkness (???) Typical death metal that does nothing exciting or new. Generic riffs and songs that will bore you to death and this was just a waste of my time and just another faceless death metal in an overcrowded death metal scene.
ABHORRENCE/Megalohydrothalassophobic (Svart Records) More garbage death metal that is just so boring and bad. The songs are weak and terrible and offer nothing of value. It is like getting stale milk. The vocals are weak and offer nothing. This is completely bad in all ways of music. Nothing on this is even remotely good. Avoid. Info:
THROAT/Bareback (Svart Records) This to me is very Pearl Jam inspired and it isn't bad, but it is not something I would listen too on a regular basis. The music has that grunge sound to it and the vocals are like Pearl Jam too. It is heavy and doomy and groovy at times as well. Not my cup of tea, but it is good for what it is. Info:
GRAVEWARDS/Ruinous Ensoulment (Unspeakable Axe Records) Absolute crushing death metal that hits hard and hits fast. Brutal crushing riffs and speed to knock you over like a ton of bricks. Real death metal vocals that are sung with power and feeling. This is heavy as fuck and I love the speed and feeling this band gets out of this. This is real death metal and this is how death metal should sound. Nuff said. Info:
PIOUS LEVUS/Beast of the Foulest Depths (Warfare Noise Productions) These 3 members are from the band Thornspawn, who were a killer band from Texas a few years back. Well now how about their present band? Well the present band delivers a wicked blend of death/black metal that just totally kills. Punishing riffs and intense speed that never lets up and vocals from the pits of hell. The speed and feeling on this is unreal. This is old school big time and this is the real deal not some pretender shit neither. A perfect combo of death/black metal and done the right way. Info:
piouslevus.bandcamp.com
IRON HUNTER/Mankind Resistance (Fighter Records) Classic metal is what you will find on this release. Crunchy riffs and soaring vocals are a highlight on this. Iron Maiden was a band that came to mind as this played on, but who gives a rats ass as this band write and play some ass kickin metal tunes that will have the fists up and the heads moving in no time. This is no Hammerfall Jr and more than satands on its own. Info:
RIBSPREADER/The Van Murders - Part 2 (Xtreem Music) While this doesn't break any new ground, this is some punishing and vicious death metal. Growling vocals that fit right in along with the death metal music. The guitars are totally over the top and the production on this is top notch. Prepare to be assaulted and knocked over with a ton of bricks as this band totally deliver the death metal goods. Info:
SATAN MY MASTER/The King Of Hell Arrives (Helldprod Records) This really didn't grab me much and just sounded like typical death metal and while the vocals weren't bad, but the music wasn't anything special. Nothing stuck out and this was below average pretty much. Just a bunch of mumbo jumbo black metal this was. Info:
Sample track: https://soundcloud.com/helldprod/satan-my-master
Label info: www.helldprod.com
HAUNT/Burst Into Flame (Shadow Kingdom) A great mix of speedy and classic power metal on this with some fantastic vocals top boot. Pure heavy metal on this with songs that are catchy and memorable and that thick guitar sound won me over as well. No junk on this and this is not that happy power metal crap as well, which also was a plus. Info:
Sample track: http://shadowkingdomrecords.bandcamp.com/album/burst-into-flame
Label info: www.shadowkingdomrecords.com
Liberty Rising/Immortal Sÿnn Machine Men (Self Released) This wasn't anything to write home about and was pretty average, if even that, heavy metal. The weak ass riffs were nothing special and were actually kinda weak and they didn't do a thing for me. There was power behind them and they were just kinda there and didn't do a bloody thing and were easily forgettable after each song. Not for me at all.
SEAN BLISS/Letters From The Edge (Hammerheart Records) Heard it a million times before black metal with only this band being a little more melodic at times. Other than that, this was heard it before many, many times. Info:
BODYFARM/Into Battle (Vic Records) This is this band's demo pressed onto CD and it is a pretty cool demo I must say. Wicked death metal with plenty of speed and intensity and feeling. I love the pounding double bass drums and the intense riffing and speed of this band. Vocals are brutal and total death like and this is like old Death and Autopsy and bands of that nature. Need a fill of death metal this band will fill your need for sure. Info:
Malthusian/Across Deaths (Invictus Productions / Dark Descent) Just a bunch of senseless black metal noise that goes nowhere fast. The band play super fast and then slow at times with a bunch of mumbo jumbo for the vocals. Heard this a million times before and been done better a million times before. Info:
Sample track: http://invictusproductions666.bandcamp.com/album/across-deaths
Label info: www.invictusproductions.net
PYRE/Human Hecatomb (Redefining Darkness Records) Totally crushing death metal in the vein of early Pestilence. Heck the singer sounds like Marten at times which was fine by me. The music just blasts and crushes and the speed and feeling and intensity totally rules. Nice thick heavy guitar sound which I loved and this is what death metal should sound like big time. A Slaughter cover on this great release too. Get this. Info:
http://www.redefiningdarkness.com/
MORTUARY DRAPE/Necromancy/Doom Return (Iron Tyrant Records) I have heard this bands name thrown around a lot within the underground over the years, but never really heard their music. Well here we have two early demos of the band and this is some serious raw as fuck black metal and Mr Forbes loved it. This is how it is done. Tons of feeling and power and not some stupid band in the forest with keyboards and growled screeching vocals at 3am. Chainsaw pounding riffs that hurt and destroy. If you want quality black metal here is your band. Info:
https://www.facebook.com/irontyrantrecords/
CRUCIBLE OF HATE/Dark Metamorphosis (Self-Released) Some ok thrash metal with some decent riffing and good vocals. This didn't blow me away, but it was far from sucking. The band thankfully don't play all that happy thrash and weak ass early 90's style thrash. There is some speed and power behind their music. The singer sings with some power and conviction in his voice as well. The production isn't bad and overall I would say after listening to a few songs that this is a bit above average.
Beyond Carnage/Profane Sounds Of The Flesh (Firecum Records) Run of the mill death metal that has been done to death and then some. Nothing of value on this at all. Awful. Info:
Those Who Bring the Torture/Pain Offerings (Iron, Blood & Death Corp) More generic vocals with awful music and a tired worthless singer as this band adds nothing in a super overcrowded underground metal scene. Boring to the core death metal.
ANCIENT EMPIRE/Eternal Soldier (Stormspell Records) Some wicked cool pure heavy metal that any fan of fist pounding metal will enjoy. Great riffs and awesome soaring vocals were a highlight on this for me. I like the fact that this is a pure heavy metal, grab you by the balls release and not some Hammerfall Jr band. This also is not over produced and that is a plus as well. I had never heard of this band before and if your into the sounds of early Priest, Raven, and Maiden add this band to your list. Info:
DIABOLIC FORCE/Praise of Satan (Hells Headbangers) Just a bunch of senseless raw noise that tried to pass itself off as black metal. The vocals were awful too as all it is, is stupid screams/growls. This didn't impress me at all. Info:
Sample track: http://diabolic-force.bandcamp.com/album/praise-of-satan
Label info: www.hellsheadbangers.com
Taipan/The Nine Battleground (Dead Sea Records) Modern sounding nu metal thrash with death metal vocals. The music was awful as was the vocals. It was too modern sounding and the production was way too clean for my liking. It just had too much of that nu metal sound for me to get into this as well. Info:
https://www.Deadsearecords.com
INFERNAL EXECRATOR/Obsolete Ordinance (Pulverised Records) While this is far from original, this black metal band delivers the goods. Catchy and powerful riffs and awesome vocals on this easily won me over. The production easily kills as the guitar sound is crushing and the speed and power is totally blasting. A above average release to say the least. Info:
ULTRA-VIOLENCE/Operation Misdirection (Candlelight/Spinefarm) This is some awesome thrash I must saw. Bay area style crunch riffing and speed galore. Riffs that will have your head banging and air guitar as well. I love the guitar crunch this band has and no Pantera like thrash this is the real deal. A pure old school lovers dream. Get this. Info:
http://www.candlelightrecords.co.uk/
WILD/Sin Piedad (Fighter Records) This is some good solid metal in the vein of old Accept and Judas Priest. Chock full of solid riffs and song structures and soaring vocals this will take you back into the early 80's when metal was king. Fat chunky riffs and songs that will have your spiked wrists smiling and being glad a band like this exists these days. Great vocals by the singer. He sings with a ton of passion and feeling and by no means is he going through the motions. Are you a pure metal fan? Then this is a must. Info:
SARCOFAGO/The Worst (Greyhaze Records) This is a re-issue of an album that came out in 1997 and at the time was the last album of the band before they called it quits. The release is pretty awful as it is way much slower than previous work, machine like drums and doesn't have that intensity past releases had. This also had some groove metal flavor to it that was getting popular at the time as well. Why this is getting re-issued is beyond me. Info:
CAST THE STONE/Empyrean Atrophy (Agonia Records) Heard it a million times before death metal with the low and mid paced style vocals backed by some groove laden death metal. Awful. Info:
Burial Shrine/Labyrinth of Bridges (Saturnal) A complete wall of senseless noise that offers nothing of value. The songs suck, the vocals are buried and the music is just pointless. Info:
Sample track:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=paDjtwzpmdI&feature=youtu.be
Label info: www.saturnalrecords.com
PHARAOH/After the Fire (Cruz Del Sur Music This is a vinyl reissue and to me it is limp wristed metal that is so generic on so many levels. Boring songs that have that wimpy power metal sound that was and still is overdone when Hammerfall came out. The singer is good and solid, but he has to be around generic power metal music he ultimately fails. Info:
CRONAXIA/COLLAPSING THE OUTER STRUCTURE (LUSITANIAN MUSIC) This is some decent death metal that hits fast and hard. The band mix up the speed and the slower parts and the vocals are good solid death metal vocals too. I was not a huge fan of the drum sound as it took this down for me anyway a few notches. The band play death metal the right way so they score points for that, so it was enjoyable that way. Info:
PRIMAL FEAR/Apocalypse (Frontiers Music) I have liked some of the past releases of this band and this one is no exception. Great songs that are catchy and don't sound generic and also you have some fantastic vocals to go along with the music. His style fits right in with the band and the songs will just have your head up and moving, at least it did mine. Perfect production and guitar sound as well. This blows away all those so called power metal band. Why get something fake when the real deal is here. Info:
http://www.frontiers.it/index.php
DECAYED/Of Fire And Evil (Lusitanian Music) An absolute crushing release of down and dirty death metal that hits home fast, nasty, raw and dirty. Riffs from hell and singing now far behind will make this a death metal lover's dream. Riffs that tear into you and shred you. Vocals that a pure death lover's dream as well. The production is perfect and this band nails it on the head as far as death metal goes. Perfect. Info:
CRONAXIA/Collapsing The Outer Structure (Lusitanian Music) Typical Cannibal Corpse like death metal without the super low vocals. Hear this style a million times before and it has been done to death. Boring.
PARASITE INC/Dead and Alive (Reaper Entertainment) This is what I call happy metal, but I liked it. Very catchy tunes and even the keyboard parts were cool. The singer sings in a semi death metal style and the music is melodic death metal and doesn't sound generic or stupid neither. To me it all comes downs to songs and riffs and song structures and this band had it all. This has its death metal elements to it and also has its happy side too. Give these guys at least a try, you might like what you hear. Info:
http://reapermusic.de/en/home-en/
BONEHUNTER/Children of the Atom (Hells Headbangers) This is a mix of early Bathory meets thrash and thrown in a slab of punk rock too. The singer total Bathory sounds while the music is a nasty slab of what I just said. It totally works too. A total slab of old school production as well. The music is also big time catchy and the music will flow through your veins and pound you into the ground making you think this is the 80's again. Just prepared to be ripped apart as this plays on as it totally crushes. Sample track:
http://bonehunter-finland.bandcamp.com/album/children-of-the-atom
Label info: www.hellsheadbangers.com
MAD MAX/35 (Steamhammer/SPV) This is some solid well played rock n roll with a touch of metal mixed in. This is like early 80's style rock n roll you would heard on the radio, but not that GLAM SHIT mind you. Great vocals and awesome catchy tunes won me over in no time. This is like AOR rock and just totally rules and blows away a lot of the bands of today and this band knows how to write songs I can tell you that and the singer fits the music big time as well. Classic rock all the way. Info:
VALDRIN/Two Carrion Talismans (Blood Harvest/Regain Records) Same ole heard it before black/death metal although this wasn't anything good to me. I was not a fan of the keyboards they used at all and the music just didn't grab me and reel me in like some bands do. It was just kinda there and nothing stood out or make me take notice. Just another band in the underground I'm afraid. Info:
https://bloodharvestrecords.bandcamp.com/
NECRONOMICON/Unleashed Bastards (El Puerto Records) These guys were around back in the 80's released a few great albums then broke up and reformed and released a new album back in 2004 and then ones in 2007 and 2012 and that brings us to this new album. It is some speedy thrash and you will have your neck moving to it no doubt. The music is not over produced and I love the guitar crunch and the singing totally rules as well. Just killer riff after killer riff and this band delivers the thrash metal goods on this no doubt so go get the bloody thing. Info:
https://www.el-puerto-records.com/
KOMMANDANT/Blood Eel (ATMF) A weird band to me, but a good one that it took a bit to get into. For me as I have said black metal I either love or hate ya and while I didn't like this at first, it grew on me and now I like it. Vocals I liked from the get go and they fit in well and he does a fantastic job on this. The music is just a blistering slab of a nightmare of music that hurts and punishes. Those guitar riffs are something special and fuck do they crush. This takes a bit, but it will suck you in and take control as what good back metal does. This might take a bit to get into, but when you do your in for a ride you won't forget. Info:
EOSPHOROS/Eosphoros (Iron Bonehead) Just a bunch of senseless noise with a guy screaming into the mic. A totally weak attempt at black metal that is totally worthless. Info:
Sample track:
http://soundcloud.com/iron-bonehead-productions/eosphoros-feral-heart/s-rzTHP
Label info: http://www.ironbonehead.de
ABANDONED BY BEARS/Headstorm (Victory Records) A totally awesome and catchy power punk band here. The songs are full of classic hooks and just have that edgy punk to them too. Fantastic vocals by the singer easily won me over in seconds. If only we had more bands that know how to write catchy songs and not a bunch of garbage. This is just a great band and I have not heard many bands doing this style and it was a welcome change of pace that's for sure. A total winner. Info:
https://www.victoryrecords.com/
MOB RULES/Beast Reborn (Steamhammer / SPV) Another one of those Hammerfall Jr bands with the clean vocals (which I don't mind), but the music I have heard a million times before and this just bored me as it was nothing I have not heard before and before that. Info:
WARDANCE/Heaven Is For Sale (Dying Victims Productions) This is a re-release of a release that came out 23 years ago. This is some strong totally old school speed/power metal from this German band. Strong female vocals that remind me of the sadly missed Znowhite. Lots of catchy guitar crunches and some wicked speed had me loving this and if you get the CD you get 5 more bonus tracks. If you were around in the 80's you will easily want this and if you crave old school thrash and are looking for something new to fancy, this is your band. Info:
MUTILATED BY ZOMBIES/Scripts of Anguish (Redefining Darkness Records) This wasn't bad as this is Incantation inspired death metal, but it got old after a few songs and the songs weren't strong enough to hold my attention for long. I also didn't like some of the screeching vocals and the singer is better off just singing in the growling tone as that is a million times better. The band no doubt it brutal and heavy and plays death metal the right way, just try to get ride of some of those screeches guys. Info:
https://redefiningdarknessrecords.bandcamp.com/
VORUS/ The Wretched Path (Death in Pieces) Crushing death metal that has slow doom like Autopsy like riffs and then mixes in with faster death metal material with a killer death metal growler to make one heck of a death metal release. Thick guitar sound adds to the madness too as this band got a great production on this no doubt. This is a soundtrack to your worst nightmare and is the way death metal was meant to be played and should be played. Well worth getting. Info:
www.facebook.com/deathinpiecesrecs
PARANOID/Heavy Mental Fuck-Up! (The Sign Records) Some fast and furious punk/hardcore music with shouted vocals. This isn't bad though the bass is a bit too much up in the mix for my liking. The tunes are blasts of speedy hardcore like Agnostic Front and older DRI with a cool singer who sounds good on the mic. The music isn't just a wall of noise and good to hear a hardcore sounding band these days that knows how to play the style too. Info:
WITCHES HAMMER/Canadian Speed Metal (Nuclear War Now! Productions) This is absolutely ruined by one of the worst productions I have ever heard. The guitar is buried so far in the mix it isn't funny. The singer is awful as his vocal delivery leaves a lot to be desired and I wasn't feeling the vocals at all as it sounded to me like a going through the motions type of thing. Judging by the name of the album I was hoping for something good, but all I got was a lame attempt at speed metal. Info:
Sample track:
http://nuclearwarnowproductions.bandcamp.com/album/canadian-speed-metal
Label info:
DEATHHAMMER/Chained to Hell (Hells Headbangers) A totally out all attack of thrash and speed and chaos that will rip you into pieces. This also doesn't sound like a million bands out there and the music is just an out of control mess and I loved it. Sort of like older Whiplash and Nuclear Assault and Sodom in spots and the singer totally smokes on this as he screams and haunts you with his vocals. The production fits this band well and this is one kick ass release that any fan that was around back in the 80's will love and if your new to the scene and want to experience what is was like back then, here is your band. Info:
Sample track:
http://deathhammer.bandcamp.com/album/chained-to-hell
Label info:
RUIN/Human Annihilation (Memento Mori) Yes this all out brutal death metal and has lots of speed and intensity mixed in with some doom laden riffs, but I have heard countless bands like this over the years and it is going to take more than a band like this to get my blood pumping. Now if you're a newcomer this will be something that will go through your body and you will certainly love it. Me I have heard it just too many times to get excited much. Info:
Sample track:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJmXHVuNgmU
Label info:
VALKYRIA/Tierra Hostil (Fighter Records) Weak, happy metal that is totally awful. Nothing good on this. Weak, easily forgotten riffs that have nothing to do with metal let alone rock n roll. The singer isn't bad, but he has faceless music behind him though. Forget this band and their music as it sucks. Info:
http://www.fighter-records.com/
HOUSE OF ATREUS/From the Madness of Ixion (Iron Bonehead) Nothing good stuck with me on this as the songs just played on and nothing caught or grabbed my attention after each song was over. The songs were kina weak as with the singing. Nothing stood out and this made for a pretty much below average release of melodic death metal. Info:
Sample track: http://soundcloud.com/iron-bonehead-productions/house-of-atreus-oath-of-the-horatii/s-89riM
Label info:
WITCH KING/Voice of the Ossuary (Blood Harvest) Just a pulverizing crush of black/death metal at its finest. Riffs and songs that will chop you into pieces and take you back to when the underground ruled. This has an almost demo like production and that only makes it better. The speed and intensity of this is unreal and the vocals, which sound like a man dying fit right along with what this band is doing. Prepare for a dose of underground metal and razor sharp riffing the way it should be and blast beats galore. Info:
Sample track:
http://bloodharvestrecords.bandcamp.com/album/voice-of-the-ossuary-2
Label info:
Abhorrence/Megalohydrothalassophobic (Svart Records) Boring death metal that did nothing for me. The band mix up death and doomy parts, but again it is nothing I haven't heard a million times with the same death metal growls that have been done to death and then some. Pass on this my friends. Info:
Black Funeral/The Dust and Darkness (Iron Bonehead) Very raw sounding black metal, but I didn't like it much. Just sounds like 99% of the other black metal bands I have heard and that goes for the music and the vocals. Nothing new or exciting tickled my fancy on this and in fact it was rather boring and this got old quick. Nothing of values on this at all. Info:
Sample track:
http://soundcloud.com/iron-bonehead-productions/black-funeral-dankuis-daganzipas-dark-earth/s-S5iiG
Label info:
CULTURAL WARFARE/Warmageddon (M-Theory Audio) This is some decent thrash metal that is the Exodus style for sure. Those whipping thrash riffs along with plenty of speed and those crunchy as fuck riffs won me over. Solid vocals by the singer and he sounds convincing and fits the music and he doesn't sound out of place on this neither. Production is good and that guitar crunch just kills and this is a damn good thrash release. Info:
You Tube Video: https://youtu.be/pFUQzKiQigg
Label info: www.m-theoryaudio.com/store
LIZZIES/On Thin Ice (The Sign Records) Some nice 80's style rock n roll full of catchy and chunky riffs and some solid singing by the female singer, who has a nice voice and sings the songs on here with power and conviction. The tunes are 80's style rock tunes with catchy riffs all the way. Not hair metal, this is more AOR rock style stuff. I thought this was pretty neat myself. Info:
MALPHAS/The 39th Spirit (Via Nocturna) Absolutely awful weak as fuck black metal with horrible keyboards and just a overall wimpy sound not to mention the terrible vocals. The music will put you to bed or you will want to shut it off in minutes. Oh the opera like vocals at times made this even worse. Avoid at all costs.
Blasphemy/Blood Upon the Altar (Nuclear War Now! Productions /Ross Bay Cult) This is the band's classic demo now released on vinyl and it is one unholy release if you have not heard it. A total lay to waste the wimpy souls that attempt to play black metal and fail. This is played and sung with such feeling and emotion it is not funny. Crushing riffs and vocals that sound like the devil himself and this band just get such a vibe with this you will love life if you're a black metal fan and don't own this. A 110% must for ANY black metal fan. Info:
https://nuclearwarnowproductions.bandcamp.com/album/blood-upon-the-altar
HEIR APPARENT/The View From Below (No Remorse Records) This band was around back in the mid 80's and released a few records and then called it an evening. Well they return with a new release after a long time away and it is very limped wristed material on this. The songs lacked any power and were just there and nothing heavy at all on this. Nothing of value and I know it is tough for any of these old bands to recapture their former selves and you can add this band to the list. Info:
Video track: https://youtu.be/h-eKEaPkMoI
Label info: https://www.noremorse.gr
BEGRAVNINGSENTREPRENORENA/Jämna Plågor (Ektro) Some very cool rock n roll on this. Solid riffing and song structures played with feeling and a fantastic singer who more than gets the job done. His voice just rules and goes well with the music. The production also has that 70's like feel and this is like early Def Leppard music wise and throw in a big of T Rex as well as early AC/DC. If you a fan of real rock n roll you will want this. Info:
http://soundcloud.com/ektrorecords/begravningsentreprenorerna-det-ar-bara-i-mitt-huvud
Label info:
NUISIBLE/Slaves and Snakes (Deadlight Entertainment /Terrain Vague) A crushing mix of thrash and hardcore. Speed and intensity with death metal vocals and I loved it. A raw production only added to this and my head was banging away on this and band mix in some speed of classic hardcore and thrash and come up with a wicked of music. The singer growls his lungs out and he fits right in with what the band is doing. The slower doomy parts will absolutely own you as well. A must if you love it fast.
ARCHGOAT/The Luciferian Crown (Debemur Morti Productions) A killer slab of old school thrash in the vein of early Destruction. The bio says this band play black metal, well my ears no black metal I just heard the thrashing riffs that came out of the speakers and I was for sure loving it I can tell you that. Plenty of speed and slower parts as well. The vocals I guess you could say they are a bit on the black metal side, but it is the razor sharp thrash riffs that kill on this. Give this a listen and I think you will like what you hear. Info:
https://www.debemur-morti.com/en/
HYPERDONIA/Nexus of Teeth (Dark Descent Records) While nothing I haven't heard before, this band does get the job done as far as brutal playing death metal. Punishing riffs and deathlike vocals will have the death metal fan smiling. Plenty of power and speed and intensity on this too. Production is right where it needs to be as well. Growls of death metal with punishing riffs are on this release and the songs are fast and catchy too. Buy it dammit. Info:
SEX MESSIAH/Eastern Cult of Sodomy (Nuclear War Now! Productions) Complete junk. A wall of senseless noise and just screeching vocals. Nothing of value and it sounds like everybody playing songs going in a different direction. Avoid. Info:
Sample track:
http://nuclearwarnowproductions.bandcamp.com/album/eastern-cult-of-sodomy
Label info:
ZEALOT CULT/Spiritual Sicknes (Blood Harvest) Typical death metal no different than a million other bands except the songs are weak on this and I hated the singing. He sounds horrible and sounds like he is going through the motions too. Nothing good on this and with so many other, better death metal releases this just doesn't stack up I'm afraid. Info:
Sample track:
http://bloodharvestrecords.bandcamp.com/album/spiritual-sickness
Label info:
ZARRAZA/Necroshiva (Self Released) Some decent death metal is what is found here. The music is fast, pounding, speedy death metal. The vocals are growling style, I just found them a little weak at times. They just didn't thrill me all that much. The solos where the band slows down is also a bit out of place, but eventually you will get used to it. The drummer is wicked cool and plays a killer double bass kicks and the fast parts just crush. This band is not doing anything new, however, they are good at what they are doing and that counts for something in my book and guys just keep it fast as that is where you crush. Info:
https://zarraza.bandcamp.com/album/necroshiva
TOP SEKRET/Piggy Op (Maximed Records) This was a death/gore/grind band and I am not a fan of grind music at all as I just think the vocals are just useless. All this guy does is scream and growl super low into the mic. Why anyone would like these types of vocals is beyond me. The music actually isn't bad as it is short blasts of speed and grind and didn't sound like a wall of noise. If your thing is grind metal then you will for sure like this. Just not my thing. Info:
GNODA/S.Y.F. (Defense Records ) The death metal like vocals are really good on this as I found feel the hate and power evoke from the singer's throat on this. The music is some wicked fast death metal with a touch of groove, but not that happy groove shit. The production is mega heavy and the guitar sound is crushing and mega heavy big time. The fast parts are so fuckin fast I was loving it and this is one exploding, killer death metal attack for sure and well worth picking up. Info:
CHAOS SYNOPSIS/Gods of Chaos (Defense Records) Typical Cannibal Corpse like death metal except the vocals aren't the super low death metal vocals they are the barking dog like vocals. The music actually isn't that bad, but it is the vocals that are weak part on this. They aren't convincing at all and it is a “let's go through the motions” type of vocals. This isn't that bad, but the downfall is the vocals I'm afraid. Info:
AMOCLEN/Diagmosis: Grindcore (Maximed Records) I am not a big fan of grindcore, but this band is pretty damn good. The only negative thing in my book is vocals. Now when the singer sings low and growly I like it, but the screeched vocals I am not a fan of. The music is a total onslaught of super fast grind/death metal that crushes. A super thick guitar sound and blast beats galore may this something I easily got into. If your into grind, this is about the best band I have heard doing this style in ages. Info:
R.O.D./Society Kill (Defense Records) Some nice crushing death/thrash is found here. The songs are catchy and intense and speedy to just the way Mr. Forbes likes it. The vocals are good as they are more in the death metal style as opposed to that horrible tough guy style in all that nu metal crap. The stand out for me on this is the music as the riffs just reach out and grab you with the speed and power that this band has you can't help but love this. The production is spot on and oh does that guitar sound rule. Info:
FETOR/No Poems Just Slam (Live at the Grind Em All Fest ) (Mythrone Prod) The music on this isn't bad, but the vocals are a total joke. All the guy goes is grunt into the mic as low as possible. I am sorry that is not in any way possible and I'd love for someone to tell me otherwise. It is pointless to me actually. The music isn't bad, it is chunky death metal and except for the vocals this is more death metal than grind. The sound is good for a live gig as well. If you can look past the vocals you might like this actually as the music also isn't fast like a grind band it is more slower like Autopsy for instance. Info:
OVERRULED/Hybris (Punishment18 Records) This band play thrash the way I like it speedy, crunchy and tons of killer riffing. Good singer to boot on this as well. Razor sharp riffs just fill the air as this plays on and I was playing guitar to this big time. They have the Bay Area crunch down pat on this and the singer has a great aggressive style and his vocals flow right along with the tracks too. A hear a bit of Iron Maiden flowing from the veins as well in a few parts of the tunes when they aren't speedy. Solid production and the guitar crunch kills. Great thrash band. Info:
http://www.punishment18records.com/
ICHOR/God Of Thunder God Of War (Seance Records) This is some killer black metal played with a lot of feeling and power and oh my satan the vocals are just totally killer and fit right in with the music and band. The band just play with a lot of emotion and feeling and aren't just a bunch of noise and mumbo jumbo like a lot of black metal bands I have heard over the years. This just ozzes complete destruction of wimps and posers and wanna-be black metal jr. bands. This is the real deal my friends. Info:
XIBALBA ITZAES/Ah Tza Xibalba Itzaes (Nuclear War Now! Productions) This band hasn't released anything in over 20 years and now they are back with a new release. The music is raw black metal and is actually pretty cool and doesn't sound like a million other bands, but it is the vocals that are bad. It is like they are mixed where he is signing backwards on the tape! Why they thought this sounded good is beyond me as it is just plain stupid to my ears and they are totally disorted ha ha. The music is a weird, but wicked style of black metal that easily has its own style and is wicked cool and makes them stand out from all the generic garbage out there. Lose the vocal effects guys.
Sample track:
http://nuclearwarnowproductions.bandcamp.com/album/ah-tza-xibalba-itzaes
Label info:
TEMPLE RECONDEMNATION/Recondemnation (Iron Bonehead) Typical straight ahead death metal that sounds like 1000's of other bands before them. You could take Death Leprosy's album and you could have their album only not as good. While this is death metal played the right way, there is nothing I haven't heard time and time before that I am impressed at all. Info:
Sample track:
Label info:
VUHOHI/Witchcraft Warfare (Saturnal) Just a bunch of senseless black metal with no direction and horrible singing. I will say this, they don't sound like a million of other black metal bands, but the singer is terrible and the songs just didn't impress me at all and the music to me just had no catchiness tunes and while I don't expect black metal to be like a pop tune, I just need something to grab me and this didn't at all. Check out a sample track below and maybe you will like:
http://soundcloud.com/saturnal-records/vuohi-pissing-otnf
Label info:
TERROR/Total Retaliation (Pure Noise Records) Killer old school hardcore with killer riffs and song styles and of course those pissed off vocals that all those killer bands back in the day had. Ripping through short after short tunes with the classic speed style of hardcore this was a welcome change from all the garbage and trash bands in the scene today. Perfect production too and that guitar sound is totally spot on. This is one unholy release and if you like speed or hardcore this is a fuckin must and is easily one of my favorites of the year. Everything on this is spot on my friends. Info:
www.facebook.com/terrorhardcore
THRONE/Alter of the Dying (Self Released) Some fast, crushing death metal is your ride on this and it is quite the ride so prepare for mayhem and speed and extreme brutality. This band isn't reinventing the wheel, but they will pound you into the ground with their unrelenting death metal attack. Death metal vocals from hell and a pure death metal attack that is played the right way and is fast as fuck the way I like it. Well worth checking out these guys are. Info:
https://thronemetal.bandcamp.com/album/altar-of-the-dying
ARCHGOAT/The Luciferian Crown (Debemur Morti Productions) Now this is some killer. Raw death metal and oh that razor sharp guitar sound did me in along with some great vocals. Keyboards also help set up the mood as they are here and there and fuck if this isn't one the best death metal release of the year. Just enough speed and power and the songs are meaty and catchy too and also some slow parts as well and the combo just crushes. Old school all the way and pick this up you will not be disappointed trusty me. If you love Celtic Frost's “Morbid Tales” this is a must. Info:
https://www.debemur-morti.com/en/
THRASH BOMBZ/Prisoner of Disaster (Pure Steel Some solid thrash on this with crunchy riffs and lots of power behind them will have any headbanger banging his head and whipping out that air guitar. Now this band isn't doing anything new, but they are still enjoyable big time. The singer has a good and solid voice and he sounds really good with this music too. Wicked guitar sound and plenty of speed and double bass drums sounds as well. Like thrash metal? Well you will like these guys no doubt. Info:
www.facebook.com/ThrashBombzOfficial
External/The Blurry Horizon (Self Released) Garbage groove/thrash metal with the Pantera like vocals and also some clean vocals to boot. This is pure trash and I hated it.
MNEMOCIDE/Debris (Self Released) Boring death metal and this band can't write a good song at all. The riffs are just there and are not catchy or memorable at all. The singer isn't anything to write home about and when you have songs that just plod along and nothing well the band has nothing. When you bring nothing to the table you get an empty plate.
Lethal Injury/Melancholia (Self Released) This was ok thrash. The music isn't bad as it is speedy thrash metal not played like Pantera and crap, but I wasn't so hot on the singer. His screechy vocals I was not a fan of and kinda yanked this down a couple notches for me. The production isn't bad and the guitar sound I liked, but if you can get past the vocals hey this is only me talking then you will like this thrash band for sure.
DEATH WORSHIP/Extermination Mass (Nuclear War Now! Productions) This was made in a home studio and is the demo version of the bands actual release hense the raw as fuck production. Me I love the raw production and this is some serious crippling black metal with violent riffing and vocals from hell. These are songs you remember when they are done and not just a wall of noise not just a bunch of mish mash and songs that go all over the place. Nope this band play lays it all on the line and when black metal is played this way it is savage as fuck and totally crushes. This is a pure black metal masterpiece. Info:
Sample track:
http://nuclearwarnowproductions.bandcamp.com/album/extermination-mass-demo
Label info:
FLAGELADOR/Predileção Pelo Macabro (Helldprod Records) Boring thrash metal with horrible vocals. No power beyond the music or the vocals. The music is flat and forgettable thrash and the vocals are nothing special and good and not because they are not in English neither. The tunes after each song there is nothing that makes you want to bang you head or happily waiting for the next tune. Pass on this and find something else.
Sample track:
https://soundcloud.com/helldprod/flagelador-terror-pos-atomico
Label info:
HOUSE OF ATREUS/From the Madness of Ixion (Iron Bonehead) Boring death metal with gruffy vocals that did nothing for me. Just nothing death metal pretty much that goes nowhere. Info:
Sample track:
https://soundcloud.com/iron-bonehead-productions/house-of-atreus-oath-of-the-horatii/s-89riM
Label info:
OUTRAGE/Demos 1985 (Vic Records) This is a re-release of this bands music from 1985 and it is pretty killer. A nice mix of total old school death metal mixed with black metal. If you love old Sodom or Destruction you will go postal over these guys as did I. Just that raw guitar sound and feeling of the band won me over from 5 seconds in. Why they didn't become more of a household name in the underground is a mystery to me, but pick this up you will be glad you did. Info:
DEFY THE CURSE/Defy The Curse (Hammerheart Records) Sick old school death metal with Autopsy like vocals and chainsaw riffing like Entombed. As for me I was loving this as this was right up my alley. Killer tunes with riffs and songs you remember and played with a ton of feeling and emotion. This is a death metal horror soundtrack and this is how death metal needs to be not all this clean vocals and cup the mic crap. Check these guys out you will love em. Info:
DOGHOUSE SWINE/HiFi Music For LoFi Kids (Sliptrick Records) Oh I love this hard rock/punk rock band from NJ. Simple, but so damn effective and catchy riffs this band delivers. I was into this from the 1st note as this is down and dirty rock with some punk thrown in kinda like how the early AC/DC material is as it is down and dirty. Great singer as his vocals go right along with the music and hell they are from NJ where I live makes it even that much more better. Awesome release. Info:
AWAITING SACRIFICE/Uprise (???) Not sure if they are releasing it or a label, but I know wearing masks in their promo was smart to the world doesn't have to see this band and their horrible music. Typical groove death metal with the super low vocals and then he even almost raps the lyrics like that at times. Total junk and a waste of yours and mine time.
BLACK MOLD/Atavism (Helldprod Records) A bunch of senseless, noisy black metal that sounds like a band version of Hellhammer. This goes nowhere fast all and is just a waste.
Sample track:
https://soundcloud.com/helldprod/black-mold-void-intoxication-demo-sample
Label info:
SKULL FIST/Way Of The Road (Napalm Records) Some solid straight ahead heavy metal that wouldn't be out of place in the early 80's. Chock full of catchy and solid riffs and tunes that any headbanger would love. The vocals are that semi high pitched ones that some of the more glam like bands used back in the day, but he good nevertheless. Production is on the money and with not many bands doing this sort of thing this easily stands out and I enjoyed this. Info:
https://shop.napalmrecords.com/
ZEALOTRY/At The Nexus of All Stillborn Worlds (Unspeakable Axe Records) This is kinda like just there death metal. It doesn't suck, but it isn't very good. It is just another run of the mill death metal band crowding up the scene offering nothing new or exciting and the chanting vocals in the opening song are beyond bad too. Pass on this. Info:
http://unspeakableaxerecords.com
HISSING/Permanent Destitution (Profound Lore Records) An absolute pulverizing release that will hit you like a ton of bricks. These guys don't play around. Fast, crushing death metal that hits fast and hard and doesn't let up. A rip roaring raw sound exits your speakers and you taken in deep by the music as well as the vocals, which crush. This is deathnoise at it's best and while I am not a huge fan of this style, this band easily stood out and won me over so go and get this. Info:
http://www.profoundlorerecords.com
SEX MESSIAH/Eastern Cult of Sodomy (Nuclear War Now! Productions) Run of the mill black metal with the raw pounding chainsaw guitar sounds and the typical black metal vocals and this grew boring quickly and did nothing for me. Info:
Sample track:
http://nuclearwarnowproductions.bandcamp.com/album/eastern-cult-of-sodomy
Label info:
DEATHHAMMER/Chained to Hell (Hells Headbangers) A total old school onslaught of black/thrash that you won't soon forget if you pop it on. From the guitar riffs and songs to the vocals this just kills. Like early Destruction or Sodom from the mid 80's this will have you loving life if you're a fan that grew up on this stuff in the 80's. If your not, well it is time to dive in deep and check out a band that more than delivers the goods. The production even has that 80's type of feeling and this band just brings it and this is like coming for dinner and getting a HUGE meal. Info:
Sample track:
http://deathhammer.bandcamp.com/album/chained-to-hell
Label info:
BLASPHEMOUS/Emerging Through Fire (HBGD Productions) Some killer death metal all the way. Sick, possessed like vocals like Chuck from Death and vicious riffs are found throughout this release. The speed parts on this are insane and will easily have that head banging or playing air drums. This is how death metal should be, songs that are memorable and are played with feeling and passion and just hit you like a bolt of lighting. Production is awesome too and this is one of the best death metal releases of the year dammit so go and get it. Info:
https://hpgd.bandcamp.com/album/emerging-through-fire
EVIL/The Gate of Hell (Nuclear War Now! Productions) Musicwise this isn't bad, but the singer all he does his grunt in the mic with little feeling or passion and he pretty much sucked. The music was old school speed metal with some killer riffs and pounding speed that will make heads roll. The production is almost demo sounding which was fine by my ears. If you can tolerate the vocals you will love this. Info:
Sample track:
http://nuclearwarnowproductions.bandcamp.com/album/the-gate-of-hell
Label info:
RITUALS/Neoteric Commencements (Sleeping Church Records) Some pretty cool death metal with some impressive vocals that totally crush and fit right in with what this band is doing and he sings with passion and feeling and the music is crushing heavy and speedy death metal. This is a band that more than delivers the goods in the death metal world and are one of the better bands making the rounds these days. Info:
https://sleepingchurchrds.com/index.php
TERRORIZER/Caustic Attack (The End Records) This release totally crushes and the band unleashes a brutal attack of blistering death metal and riffs that will have your head spinning around and air drums a plenty. Tons of speedy parts and blast beats as only Pete Sandoval can do as well. Awesome death metal vocals are also on this no kiddie stuff I assure you. An unreal production allows everything to be heard perfectly and this just might be the death metal release of the year. See for yourself and buy the damn thing. Info:
http://smarturl.it/CausticAttack
GROG/Macabre Requiems (Helldprod Records) Nothing great or good about this. This was released in 1996 and is now seeing a re-release now. Why I have no idea. This is a below average death metal band playing a style of death metal that has been done to death and those screechy death metal vocals suck. Avoid as there is nothing new or exciting and this should have stayed in 1996 not 2018. Info:
Sample track:
https://soundcloud.com/helldprod/grog-dawn-of-the-living-dead
Label info:
SABOTER/Architects Of Evil (No Remorse Records) This was some decent at best power metal, but I was not a big fan of the clean vocals. I don't mind clean vocals, but he just didn't sound good to these ears. The music is speedy power metal and some decent tunes are on this and thank god not a Hammerfall clone. The singer tries too much to be Rob Halford and this just brings the band down a notch in my book. Info:
Video link:
Label info:
HAIDUK/Exomancer (Self Released) This is a one man band/project of a man named Luka who plays blackened death metal with a focus on fast riffs and atmospheric guitars. It is very different and is not your average release. There is some vocals so this is not just a bunch of instrument music as that for me, would make it difficult to get into. This guy weeds a bunch of different styles within and it is pretty cool and hell if he got a few band members he could really do some damage as this is some pretty cool stuff and I got into it more as it played on. His vocals aren't even half bad as well. This is something fresh and I enjoyed it. Info:
ORDER OF THE NAMELESS ONES/Utter to Me the Word of Wrath (Iron Bonehead) Just another old school death metal band that plays death metal the right way, but there are so many other bands before them that this just bored me. This is just like Immolation or Incantation and I can just pop one of their releases on not some clone band. Info:
Sample track:
http://soundcloud.com/iron-bonehead-productions/order-of-the-nameless-ones-runes-of-cosmic-blasphemy
Label info:
FACELESS BURIAL/Multiversal Abattoir (Blood Harvest) Same ole heard it a million times run of the mill death metal that sounds no different that Immolation, Incantation and the many bands before them. While this band plays death metal the right way and convincing way, there was just nothing new or exciting on this that knocked me out of my chair unfortunately. Same run of the mill death metal I'm afraid. Info:
https://bloodharvestrecords.bandcamp.com/album/multiversal-abattoir ???
MARCH IN ARMS/Same (Self-Release) Some pretty ass kickin metal is the ticket on this self-release. Crunchy riffs and melodic vocals sucked me in and kept me there. Quality songs all the way and the singer has a fantastic voice as he sings the songs with a ton of passion and feeling and he sucked me right in big time. I could easily see this band getting signed as yeah they are that good. They don't sound like a million other bands and just carve out their own style as well. They also speed it up at times and damn those thrashy party just rule all. This band is well worth checking out I assure you. Info:
https://marchinarms.bandcamp.com/album/march-in-arms-self-titled
BAD LIFE/Younger Then (Standby Records) This is an indie rock band and they aren't too bad in my book. Sort of like REM at times at least I thought. The music is a big weird and the vocals are really cool and he is different as well. The tunes are also kind of punky in a way and may take a listen to get into if your more into the underground metal side of things like me. Check out the bands video on You Tube at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fg99uCuZTXM
Ordering info:
https://standbyrecords.fanlink.to/BadLife
WURM FLESH/Excoriation Evisceration (Comatose Music) More sound like a million bands before them death metal. Think Suffocation and Broken Hope and Cannibal Corpse, though the vocals aren't as low as those bands, but the music is no different than those bands and all those bands that sound like them (and there are lots boy there are). Nothing new or exciting on this at all I'm afraid. Info:
TEXAS METAL OUTLAWS/Same (Heaven and Hell Records / Texas Metal Underground Records Total classic straight forward heavy metal that crushes. Think Riot bands such as that. Pulverizing riffs with soaring vocals and songs that will have your head banging and none of this wimpy fake power metal crap. This features over 25 players on this and also includes a Riot cover tune, “Running From The Law” as a tribute to the band. Each song has different from members from different bands Jason McMaster is the singer on most of the tunes, but you also have James Rivera from Helstar on a couple too. Each tune is bone crushing metal no who the matter is playing I can assure you of that. A fabulous release that belongs in your collection dammit. Info:
https://heavenandhellrecords.bandcamp.com/album/texas-metal-outlaws
JT RIPPER/Gathering Of The Insane (I Hate Records) This has that old 80's ripping Kreator and Possessed sound which I was loving. A pure speed assault and attack on my old ears ha ha. Hellish vocals which sound perfect for this bands style and sound. Chainsaw pounding riffs with tons of p[ower and speed beyond them and vocals from hell which I must say I enjoyed a lot. Sort of like old Mille vocals. It felt like 1986 again. One of the few bands these days bringing out the old school style and bringing it out well I might add. If your into old school speed and death metal here is a band that needs to go in your collection at once. Info:
SCROLLKEEPER/Path To Glory (Self Released) Here a NWOTHM band and a pretty good one. Good, solid, catchy, memorable tunes along with some tasteful vocals to boot won me over easily. I am a sucker for a solid and catchy riff and this had plenty of them on it. Now keep in mind this isn't Diamond Jr. ok. They just have that NWOTHM style to them that's all. A good production is also on this and this was a damn good band and one that any metal fan should give a listen too. Info:
http://scrollkeeper.bandcamp.com/yum
PROFANATIA/Altar of the Virgin Whore (Hells Headbangers) This band need no introduction and are back with a new EP and it totally crushes. A pure black metal assault on your ears and Paul's vocals are second to none and are some of the best in the business. The music is just a straight forward, no frills black metal party that you will never want to leave trust me on that. Speed and power on this big time and this is no funny business or weak crap on this neither. Prepare for battle and prepare to be destroyed when you pop this on. Info:
Sample track:
http://profanatica-us.bandcamp.com/album/altar-of-the-virgin-whore
Label info:
MASQUERAGE/Hangman's Revelations (Stormspell Records) Damn I had never heard of this of this band, but now I am glad. Stormspell does it again. Another classic metal with bits and pieces of power metal thrown in for good measure. Roaring vocals that aren't annoying or oversang and they fit right in with the band actually. Classic metal riffing that will have your foot tapping and your hands moving play air guitar I know at least mind did. This band writes and plays classic straight forward no frills metal and they do it expertly I might add. If you're a big fan of bands like Savatage, Gamma Ray, etc, add this band right now. Info:
http://www.cdbaby.com/all/stormspell
IMPERATIVE MUSIC COMPILATION/Volume XIV (Imperative Music) This is a huge 40 band compilation with bands from all over the place, the US, Germany, Brazil. Japan, Belgium, France, Canada, Sweden, etc. Even a few bigger bands like Kreator, Obituary, November's Doom, etc as well. Now with all compilations you get some great, good, and not so good bands. It is also a great way to hear and check out new bands and at 40 bands how they hell can you go wrong. I had not heard most of these bands neither. Most I liked, like Deathtale, Torturizer, The Undead Manz, etc. Of course I loved Kreator and Obituary and both still deliver the goods big time. This comp has the most bands I have every seen on any compilation and is well worth checking out. Info:
www.imperative-music.com
IMPERATIVE MUSIC COMPILATION/VOLUME XV (Imperative Music) Another comp by this wonderful metal label and this time round you only lol get 35 bands. As with the above comp, bands from all over the world including some big underground bands such as Death, Destruction, Hammerfall and bands I had never heard of like, West of Hell, Saints of Death, Karyttah, Risingfall, Hangingdeath, and many others. I loved some bands on this and others I didn't care for, but as with comps you get the good, the bad and the ugly. Hell with 35 bands and 40 like the one above you can't go wrong I assure you. Info:
www.imperative-music.com
Ye Goat-Herd Gods/Ashes Shall Be Made of Them (Self Released) This was some good and solid melodic black metal that didn't sound like a wall of noise and the singer wasn't just screaming in the mic neither. There was also a mix of some death metal within the sounds and that was fine by me as well. The band have a nice thick, guitar crunch and the band is also not a speed for speeds sake band as well. I could see a smart label snatching these guys up as they are trying to be a bit different and it works. Info:
https://yghg.bandcamp.com/
ICHOR/Hadal Ascending (Unholy Conspiracy Deathwork /WOOAAARGH) Boring run of the mill the death that has been done to death and then some. Nothing exciting on here as this band was flat as a pancake. This band brought nothing to the table as this band plays music that has been done to death and has been over and over and then some. Terrible. Info:
https://bit.ly/2yPl2bX
SECOND TO SUN/The Walk (Self-Release) This is some pretty cool stuff. The band play a melodic brand of death metal with some solid tunes that are catchy and also heavy and speedy at the same time. The singer screams his heart out and I could feel it while the songs played on. The band also to me original and don't sound like a million other bands making the rounds these days. The production is good and solid and I could see this band getting signed with this release for sure. Info:
https://secondtosun.bandcamp.com/album/the-walk
UNLEASHED/The Hunt For White Christ (Napalm Records) This band has been around since and 1989 and they are back and they deliver quite an impressive release with this new album. Just crushing balls to the wall no frills death metal with some awesome vocals by founding member and bass player Johnny Hedlund. Crunchy riffs and memorable riffs and songs that are both catchy and fast and heavy. Just quality and not garbage and nothing generic on this baby I can assure you of that. Death metal that hits hard and fast and will have you smiling from one ear to the other big time. This band is back and more than bring a full meal to the table. Info:
http://www.napalmrecords.com
MASS INFECTION/SHADOWS BECAME FLESH (COMATOSE MUSIC) A complete late to waste death metal attack. While not original, I don't care as this ultra fast death metal attack by this band just crushes and is too good not too luck. Just a pound you in your face attack like say a band like Monstrosity does if I can compare a band. The riffs had my head nodding and the drums just had me playing air drums. I miss death metal like this and I am glad a band like this is around and this band brought me a plate of death metal to the table and I love it.
Info:
www.imperativepr.co.uk
ANTHROPIC/Tatanka (Self Released) I realize this is a self-release, but the drum sound is horrible and the blast beats sound like tin cans and it can be very annoying. This is pretty much run of the mill death metal with the low cup like vocals and that is not far off from Obituary, Suffocation, etc. The guitar sound is good and solid and heavy of course, but the vocals didn't do much for me and along with the drum sound this wasn't so great and also the drummer does and this is over and over mind you, the same repetive blast beat over and over and it just doesn't give the songs any identity. This band need to work on their song writing next time. Info:
https://anthropic2.bandcamp.com/
HEXECUTOR/Hangmen of Roazhon (Dying Victims Productions) 4 crushing tracks of raw thrash metal that will melt you. Hell you will think your back in the 80's when this plays. Just pounding riffs and lighting speed with some great thrash like vocals made this an easy winner for me. Hell I wish there was more than 4 songs ha ha. This is just pound you into submission real thrash and trust me this is the real deal and riffs that are catchy and songs that are memorable and this ain't no Pantera crap or groove thrash this is like Whiplash, Razor, Iron Angel, etc. Pick this one up at all costs. Info:
www.dying-victims.de
ZARRAZA/Necroshiv (Self Released) This is a pretty decent mix of thrash/death metal with more death metal side of vocals. Think Jeff from Possessed. The music is fast and brutal and has a nice mix of thrash and death and the riffs and songs are pretty catchy and easily head banging material. The production is great and the guitar sound is really cool as well. This is easily better than a lot of the other unsigned bands making the rounds these days and a smart label should do themselves a favor and pick these guys up. Info:
https://zarraza.bandcamp.com/album/necroshiva
DESTRUCTION/Bestial Invasion of Hell (Vic Records) Oh is this awesome that this classic band's demo is now being re-issued for all to check out and here. Even back then the bands trademark guitar sound was big time present and Schmie's vocals as well. Just 6 songs of raw, bone crushing German thrash metal at its best. God the songs just totally kill on this and the production, which was remastered, sounds awesome on this. Easily a 10 out of 10 and a must have for any metal fan reading this and if you weren't around then you get to re-live the golden oldie days and trust me they were awesome. Info:
www.vicrecords.com
GUTWRENCH/The Art of Mutilation (Vic Records) This is a re-issue of this bands 2 demos from 1993 and 1994, a comp tracks and 4 outakes of songs. This is some damn good crushing death metal in the vein of Celtic Frost at times and I love the vocals as well, as I could feel the pain and emotion in his voice as he sang the lyrics. The band, when they slow it down, deliver some bone crushing doom like parts and then they speed it up taking you on a roller coaster ride big time. Production is damn fine for demos and there is nothing a fan of real death metal won't enjoy on this. Info:
www.vicrecords.com
OUTRAGE/Demo(n)s (Vic Records) Holy shit does this kill. This is a re-issue of 2 of this bands demos that came out in 1985 and let me tell you that pack quite a punch. This is raw death metal with a touch of black metal. Total Celtic Frost worship down to the uh vocals of the singer, but I don't give a fuck cause early Celtic Frost is totally insane. The songs are big time catchy and the singer just will rip your heart out with his power, feeling, and emotion on this. The raw production also adds to the madness and damn does that guitar sound just own me. Absolutely check this out and damn Vic Records is re-issuing some great old stuff I must say. Info:
www.vicrecords.com
JT RIPPER - Gathering Of The Insane (I Hate Records) This was some fast and pounding death metal with some Possessed like vocals the big problem is they also sound a like. There is no variety and each song sounds like the past tune and by song number 4 I was out. This band needs to work on having a little bit of variety in the tunes and not just have ever song sound like one big, long song. Info:
http://www.ihate.se
REVOLUTIO/Vagrant (Inverse Records) This is a decent thrash band and the music is some aggressive style thrash played with plenty of speed and power, but I was not a fan of the vocals at all. They go in that tough guy almost Pantera style and then he sings clean and then goes into an almost death metal style and sorry but that is not my thing at all. He would be best off sticking with the Pantera actually as it is isn't that bad, but the clean vocals are plain awful and are out of place with their music as well. The music is up tempo thrash and isn't bad at all. The band use razor sharp riffing and speed and power behind it with a good production. So for me this was hit and miss. Info:
https://bit.ly/2LIP4mG
PILEDRIVER/Rockwall (Rockwall Records) This to me is just ass kicking rock n roll like old AC/DC. Plenty of catchy riffs and throaty vocals like Bon Scott or Brian Johnson. The production is nice and gritty and this blows away any of these new rock bands you hear on the radio as I think most of these modern rock bands suck. This is real rock n roll and this band should be proud of this release cause it kicks major ass all the way.
ATHROX/Through the Mirror (Revalve Records) This was terrible. God awful clean vocals and terrible music. This was described as heavy/thrash metal. Ha not hardly. This was more along the lines of the newer Metallica material and has NOTHING to do with thrash at all and the songs were just plain awful. Tired, boring, generic riffs and thrown in a terrible singer and you have one terrible release. Info:
https://www.facebook.com/revalverecords/
SARGEIST/Unbound (W.T.C.Productions) Raw, crushing black metal with some crushing riffs, intense speed, and from the depths of hell. The guitar sound totally rules and the production is just perfect. Hate filled vocals fill the air as this plays and this is just the way black metal should be played. The band just totally rule so if you crave black metal get this. Info:
http://www.w-t-c.org/
HOMICIDE HAGRIDDEN/Effect Lucifero (The Goatmancer Records) Nice, vicious, violent thrash metal with some wicked vocals that might take a bit to get used too, but once you do you'll love this. Razor sharp riffing that will tear through you and pounding speed as well. I love the guitar sound as it will have your neck moving in no time as well. I also like that this doesn't sound like 5 million other thrash bands as well. If you like your thrash old school like me here ya go. Info:
Video to check out:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB6vnAvCvUY
Label info:
http://www.thegoatmancer.com/
SPEARHEAD/Pacifism is Cowardice (Invictus Productions) This is a nice killer mix of death/black metal, but it didn't impress me all much due to the fact I have heard bands like this over and over and over the past few years and this just didn't knock me over for a loop. The band play fast super fast death metal in the vein of say Angel Corpse and Morbid Angel with the vocals being more black metal, but I have heard it done before and done before. This just didn't strike the right cord with me. Info:
Sample track:
http://invictusproductions666.bandcamp.com/album/pacifism-is-cowardice
Label info:
www.invictusproductions.net
ORGANIC/Carved In Flesh (Testimony Records) Sorry but this is old Entombed Jr. Swedish style death metal that I have heard 1000's of times back in the 90's. This, while well played and the way death metal should be, is just something that has been done to death and this band pretty much offers nothing. Info:
Sample track:
https://youtu.be/gviaHxl7zWw
Label info:
http://testimonyrecords.bigcartel.com
MASTER/Vindictive Miscreant (Transcending Obscurity Records) These legends return with a brand new release and what a killer release it is. Paul's vocals sound great as ever. The music is classic death/thrash played with plenty of power and catchiness. Each tune just rips through the speakers and I love the wicked guitar sound and just thrown in Paul's godly vocals and you have a winning combination. An absolute must for any underground music fan. Info:
Video track:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=47&v=2vZbt7yDLPoeo
Label info:
https://tometal.com/
FURZE/Same (Polytriad Fingerprints) Some destroying black metal here. Vicious vocals help this get to me no doubt about that. Fast, crushing music will destroy the weaklings on this as well. Just go for the throat and not let go neither. I love the production on this and just the feeling and emotion that poured out while this was playing as well. This guy doesn't fuck around and not a million sounding bands like this incredible and it's a one man band to boot so well worth checking out. Info:
www.https://furze.bandcamp.com/
ROADKILLER/Roadkiller (Self Released) 5 cool tracks from a vicious almost Motorhead meets punk band. The band also have a female singer and she has a great voice and she belts out the tunes with plenty of power and feeling on this and the tunes are raw slabs of metal/punk rock. A great, solid combo and the songs are also catchy and just have that wicked vibe to them and also sound original as well. The songs are easily catchy and you will be into each tune within seconds I can tell you that. Wish a had a band contact, but I don't sorry.
BLOODBATH/The Arrow of Satan is Drawn (Peaceville) This band is comprised of members from Paradise Lost, Katatonia, Opeth and Craft and heck this release is better than anything they are putting out I know that. This is bone crushing bones against your fuckin brain death metal all the way. Razor sharp riffs that will pinch you and punish you. Vocals from hell and are sung with a ton of feeling and passion top boot. Guitar sound that will chop you into pieces. A pure death metal dream that crushes the weak and a must have. Info:
www.peaceville.com
MALLEUS/Night Raids (Self Released) Oh this totally crushes. A wicked combo of old Celtic Frost meets Hellhammer and the feeling and emotion I heard this played on was wicked cool. I love the guitar sound and the singing is top notch big time. This is the way old school should be and needs to be big time. A mix of thrash and death metal is the ticket on this ride and it is a ride you won't want to get off trust me. This is fast and the band mix in a few slow parts to let you catch your breath, but then it is back on the ride of death you motherfuckers. Prepare to have your body whipped in shape with this band and this will just grab you and not let you go. Info:
https://malleusheavymetal.bandcamp.com/album/night-raids
DECEASED/Ghostly White (Hells Headbangers) This veteran band return with their 8th album and this band have had their ups and downs and everything in between. 8 tunes are on this, including one that clocks in at over 13 minutes! The one thing about this band is that they always deliver the goods and on this release it is no different. The band mix up their death metal from the grave style with some injections of pure heavy metal into the mix at times. King sounds great on the mic and sings with a ton of feeling and just doesn't do the typical low guttural growls that tons of other generic bands do these days. This band have never changed their style whether death metal was in fashion or not and they sure you again that they are a force to be reckoned with. Info:
www.hellsheadbangers.com
PRAECIPITIUM/Omnipotence (Iron Bonehead) Typical black metal with fast music, razor sharp riffs and black metal style vocals. This band did nothing to separate itself from the million other bands out there and pretty much bored me. Info:
Sample track:
http://soundcloud.com/iron-bonehead-productions/omnipotence-beyond-the-boundries-of-being
Label info:
http://www.ironbonehead.de
BOURN ULTRA/Aforetime Masters (Self Released) Pretty much worthless death metal with bad songs that are not memorable and vocals that at best are ok. The songs just lack anything worth remembering and no killer riffs or memorable hooks at all. It is just like a big blah pretty much. Nothing of value on this I'm afraid. The band needs to work on writing more memorable tunes. Info:
https://bournultra.bandcamp.com/releases
PERPETUAL/Maze of chaos (Suspiria Records) Generic death metal with terrible tunes and awful vocals. The song are totally not memorable and the singer just growls into the mic. Just lovely. Don't waste your time.
Video track:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S02XUg6hs6I
Label info:
https://shop.suspiriarecords.com/suspiria-records/397-perpetual-maze-of-chaos.html
NOCTAMBULIST/Atmospheres Of Desolation (Blood Harvest) Some fast as fuck, crippling, go for the throat death metal with pulverizing riffs and vocals from hell. The songs are memorable, catch, and yes the music is played with blazing speed and fury. Great guitar sound and production on this and the band slow it down here and there to let you catch your breath and then it is back to the fast lane. This is how death metal should sound and the crunching riffs on this will bowl you over like a mac truck and this is death metal the way it was meant to be played. Info:
https://helterskelterproductions.bandcamp.com/album/atmosphere-of-desolation
BLOODFEAST/Chopped, Sliced and Diced (Hells Headbangers) NJ old time thrashers return with a new release and it is a good one. Total old school style thrash in keeping with the Bloodfeast style of thrash with speedy songs and Chris's vocals are right on the money. Perfect production and the feeling and emotion on this is perfect. Songs are big time memorable and catchy and there is no let down on this if you're a thrash fan. This band bring you a steak dinner if you're a thrash fan so get this at all costs. Info:
https://blood-feast.bandcamp.com/album/chopped-sliced-and-diced