Monstrosity

Alchemy of Flesh – By Will Alone Review

Alchemy of Flesh – By Will Alone Review

By Holdeneye on November 13, 2023 in Reviews, Death Metal, 13 comments

“The last time we saw Alchemy of Flesh around these parts, the project was peddling video game-themed Floridian death metal, and good video game-themed Floridian death metal at that. Tim Rowland is the one man behind this one-man band, and he impressed me with Alchemy of Flesh’s debut record, Ageless Abominations, a record that leaned heavily on Rowland’s love of all things Morbid Angel. Just a little over two years later, Rowland and Alchemy of Flesh are back, this time promising an experience that is “a lot more intense and demanding.” Lead to death gold.

Imperial Crystalline Entombment – Ancient Glacial Resurgence Review

Imperial Crystalline Entombment – Ancient Glacial Resurgence Review

By Kenstrosity on August 29, 2023 in Reviews, Black Metal, 32 comments

“In 2004, Imperial Crystalline Entombment unleashed their awesome debut record Apocalyptic End in White, which kicks off with a furious chant, “WE ARE. FUCKIN’. IIIIIIIICCCEEEEE!!!” Nothing can beat a line like that as the first lyric on an extreme metal album. Glorious and charming in equal measure, this war cry defines the cave-brained, explosive fun which characterizes the Maryland-based quartet’s particular brand of ravenous, chilly black metal. Fast forward to today, nineteen years later, and I.C.E. prepare their sophomore burst of icy blizzardry.” A new ice rage.

The Willowtip Files: Capharnaum – Fractured

The Willowtip Files: Capharnaum – Fractured

By Saunders on October 18, 2022 in Blog Posts, The Willowtip Files, Progressive Death, Technical Death Metal, 19 comments

“Pennsylvanian-based independent label Willowtip Records was established by Jason Tipton in the late ’90s. From humble beginnings the label has stood the test of time, becoming one of the most respected and highly regarded record labels in the extreme metal scene. It takes something special to create a label with a consistently unfuckwithable roster of quality, innovative artists, while retaining long-term integrity and durability. Willowtip is the self-proclaimed forward-thinking label, releasing a slew of modern classics and top-shelf albums that may have a lower profile but are more than worth your while.” Next stop: All star death.

Depravity – Grand Malevolence Review

Depravity – Grand Malevolence Review

By Ferrous Beuller on December 8, 2020 in Reviews, Death Metal, 31 comments

“We all know how pivotal that second album can be. Time after time, history has made an example of the all-important sophomore sway. When an inaugural record successfully seduces the masses, all eyes immediately turn to what comes next. In 2018, Australia’s Depravity took great pleasure in repeatedly slamming my face into the wall with their brilliant debut Evil Upheaval. The fact that it did so with such aplomb in a year dominated by death metal ensured its place on my end of year list. Now, follow-up Grand Malevolence arrives with something to prove.” Prove you harmed.

Decrepid – Endless Sea of Graves Review

Decrepid – Endless Sea of Graves Review

By Diabolus in Muzaka on July 6, 2020 in Reviews, Death Metal, 18 comments

“Decrepid is a death metal band from the UK. Predictably, I didn’t guess that on my first listen to Endless Sea of Graves wherein, like any responsible critic, I ignored every digital square inch of promo material the label sent me. Decrepid sound American to my ears, taking most of their songwriting cues from Immolation, Incantation, and Monstrosity and their production cues from Morrisound.” Death over nations.

Coffin Curse – Ceased to Be Review

Coffin Curse – Ceased to Be Review

By Saunders on February 1, 2020 in 2020, Chilean Metal, Death Metal, Memento Mori, Reviews, Death Metal, 31 comments

“Australia is in the midst of a devastating bushfire crisis and severe drought, so the fun-loving summery good vibes we are accustomed to, have been undercut by widespread devastation of habitat, wildlife, property, and loss of lives. Throw in the usual trials and tribulations of life and it’s been a strange time. But as is often the case, metal is a cathartic remedy to tough times. And some good old, no-frills death metal played with ferocity and feral rawness is just what the doctor ordered.” Casket case.

Horrific Demise – Excruciating Extermination [Things You Might Have Missed 2019]

Horrific Demise – Excruciating Extermination [Things You Might Have Missed 2019]

By Diabolus in Muzaka on January 6, 2020 in 2019, American Metal, Comatose Music, Death Metal, Reviews, Things You Might Have Missed 2019, Death Metal, 12 comments

“It’s winter again, and Ulver’s first three records express the beauty and wonder of the season that left us when we grew up and got annoyed at clearing a foot of snow off our cars so we can dutifully trudge to work. Horrific Demise’s debut record Excruciating Extermination conjures a world where Harambe comes back and decides to use your scrotum as a speedbag. That’s right, it’s one of these again.” Ouch.