Steppenwolf

Hellripper – Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags Review

By El Cuervo on February 13, 2023 in Reviews, Black Metal, Speed Metal, Thrash Metal, 40 comments

“In a crowded market of goat suppliers in the metal scene, Scotland’s Hellripper stands above the mob. Their infectious blend of speed/thrash/black metal offered me a lifeline back into a thrash scene that was boring me in the 2010s. 2020’s The Affair of the Poisons was a typically rambunctious affair and very comfortably hit my year-end list. But I have most recently been experiencing the company of Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags which reaches even further north towards Orkney, an archipelago north of the Scottish mainland.” Put a goat in your moat.

Hellripper – The Affair of the Poisons Review

By El Cuervo on October 10, 2020 in Reviews, Black Metal, Speed Metal, 62 comments

“Despite enjoying metal my whole life, I used to struggle with thrash beyond the biggest names. I found it bland, chugging and neanderthalic. 2017 was a watershed time for my enjoyment of the thrashing style, and part of that watershed was Coagulating Darkness by Hellripper. Bridging black, speed and thrash, James McBain’s solo project did what so many others (including the ‘classics’) previously had not and opened the doors to the genre. Though I never got round to a write-up, it’s one of the premium speedy albums of the 2010s and Hellripper shot up my list of favorite bands.” Return of the Ripper.

Ashbury – Eye of the Stygian Witches

By El Cuervo on October 1, 2018 in 2018, American Metal, Hard Rock, High Roller Records, Progressive Rock, Proto-Metal, Reviews, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Progressive Rock, 51 comments

“Ashbury, of Tuscon, Arizona, are olde. Their debut called Endless Skies dates back to 1983 but evidently flew under the mainstream radar, while 2018’s Eye of the Stygian Witches is only their third full-length release in these past 35 years. Olde; Tuscon-dwellers; under-appreciated; unreliable; these are all characteristics of our very own Dr. A. N. Grier. Older than dirt and sky.

Howlin’ Sun – Howlin’ Sun Review

By El Cuervo on February 7, 2018 in 2018, Apollon Records, Hard Rock, Non-Metal Metal Things, Norwegian Metal, Psychedelic Rock, Reviews, Blues, Hard Rock, Psychedelic Rock, 10 comments

“I’ve already waxed poetic about my deepening love for ’70s rock but the ’60s remain a relatively uncharted territory for me. I’m of the not-so-humble opinion that The Beatles are overrated (though unquestionably hugely influential) and I find the progressive developments and greater variety found in ’70s rock far more appealing to a decade whose bands who were still much simpler and overtly blues-based. Thus, the promise of ’60s rock with a heavier edge, professed on the promo sheet appealed—on what am I missing out? Can the ’60s interest me? Will I ever stop questioning myself? Answers to some of these questions might be found below.” Question self, question music.

Night Flight Orchestra – Skyline Whispers Review

By Dr. Fisting on June 11, 2015 in 2015, Heavy Metal, Not Metal, Reviews, Swedish Metal, Heavy Metal, Not Metal, 65 comments

“Way back in 2012, the a little band called Night Flight Orchestra issued an under-the-radar gem called Internal Affairs. Despite having members from two past-their-prime metal bands (Soilwork & Arch Enemy), the music recalled the golden age of ’70s radio rock with passion and quality. Fast forward three years, we get word that NFO has released their follow-up, Skyline Whispers…a few days ago. We missed them twice!” We feel shame.