Modern Metal

Death’s-Head and the Space Allusion – LUC-II-FARUL Review

Death’s-Head and the Space Allusion – LUC-II-FARUL Review

As I surfed the AMG promo wave, Finland’s Death’s-Head and the Space Allusion (DHATSA) caught my eye. It was the attached “Modern Melodic Metal” tag that made me curious. It’s the kind of descriptor that lacks substance since the terms “modern” and “melodic” are often thrown around to the point of meaninglessness. I found myself almost instantly assuming the music would be trite and overproduced. I’d wager that some of you reading this did as well. But in truth, that’s hardly fair to DHATSA.” In space no one can hear your Death Head.

Man Must Die – The Pain Behind it All Review

Man Must Die – The Pain Behind it All Review

“Bursting onto the extreme metal scene in the mid ’00s with a strong trio of albums, underrated Scottish band Man Must Die has long been a reliable death metal act, despite a decade-plus of sporadic output and questions over whether the band would remain active. 2019’s Gagging Order EP showed much-needed signs of life in the band’s revamped ranks, leading to their first LP in a decade, fifth album, The Pain Behind it All.” Man unkind.

Source of Rage – Witness the Mess Review

Source of Rage – Witness the Mess Review

“Uh oh. The dreaded phrase, that cursed moniker. Boasting hooks, riffs, breakdowns, what could possibly go wrong?? Yes, Source of Rage is “modern metal.” I feel dread coursing through my veins. But hey, when the Promo Gods shrug their broad shoulders and a Metalville release Witness the Mess topples from an almighty schlong, you don’t question (1) why modern metal is tucked in the divine crotch somewhere, or (2) why modern metal gives the Promo Gods such a hard-on. The gods work in mysterious ways. Glory fuckin’ be.” Witness the modern age.

Karpenter – Sleepless Review

Karpenter – Sleepless Review

Karpenter plays an Americanized version of the Swedish sound which was foundational to bands like As I Lay Dying, along with the Swedish take on that Americanized Swedish sound which was done by Soilwork and In Flames on Stabbing the Drama, Sworn to a Great Divide, A Sense of Purpose, and Come Clarity. The newest of the above is thirteen years old, the oldest sixteen – Karpenter is an unintentionally hard-hitting commentary on the passage of time.” Sleeping in the past.

Black Crown Initiate – Violent Portraits of Doomed Escape Review

Black Crown Initiate – Violent Portraits of Doomed Escape Review

Black Crown Initiate began their career with such promise and explosiveness with the one-two punch of their Song of the Crippled Bull EP and The Wreckage of Stars LP, that the more experimental and progressive 2016 album, Selves We Cannot Forgive, was a minor disappointment. Although a solid album with scattered high points, a lack of cohesion and mixed experimentation found the album falling short of expectations. Nevertheless, Black Crown Initiate remain a talented entity in the modern progressive death landscape. Following a four year period since their sophomore release, the band return with the anticipated Violent Portraits of Doomed Escape.” Progress and devolve.

Reject the Sickness – The Weight of Silence Review

Reject the Sickness – The Weight of Silence Review

“Creative stagnation has plagued the modern melodeath scene for years, with the over-saturated market dominated by a handful of select bands injecting life into the sub-genre, while mediocre imitators pile up beneath. So does The Weight of Silence redeem Reject the Sickness and do enough to elevate their status beyond cookie-cutter levels of third-tier tedium?” Oh wah ah ah ah.

The Haunted – Strength in Numbers Review

The Haunted – Strength in Numbers Review

“It’s strangely liberating to write about a high profile record after its official release when, presumably, all those interested in hearing it have done so and made their decisions on its merits or lack thereof. Such is the case with The Haunted’s new record, Strength in Numbers. Those who are longtime fans will already be enjoying their disc or LP, and those on the fence will likely not be swayed in their opinion by the prose of a halfway decent writer on the internet, but instead by another run-through on Spotify.” Revisiting old haunts.

Black Crown Initiate – Selves We Cannot Forgive Review

Black Crown Initiate – Selves We Cannot Forgive Review

“A couple of years ago some noisy factions of the Angry Metal Guy readership kicked up a stink by our lack of coverage of the debut LP from promising Pennsylvanian deathsters Black Crown Initiate. Following the over-the-top acclaim for The Wreckage of Stars, a fine full-length debut loaded with potential, the boys return with the crucial and much anticipated follow-up, Selves We Cannot Forgive. Sophomore albums are often tricky propositions, especially in the wake of a well received debut.” Stop harassing us!

VOLA – Inmazes [Things You Might Have Missed 2015]

VOLA – Inmazes [Things You Might Have Missed 2015]

VOLA are highly unusual in their approach to modern progressive metal. The most apt description I can define is prog-power by way of djent, offering the catchy melodies of Anubis Gate and Voyager but executed with the staccato, modern heaviness of a post-Meshuggah era.” Some things just sell themselves.