Sumerlands

Desolate Realm – Legions Review

By Steel Druhm on March 15, 2023 in Reviews, Doom Metal, Heavy Metal, 19 comments

“Formed by two members of Finnish death metal act, Decaying, Desolate Realm is an old school trve metal project firmly rooted in the classic sword and sandals style. Their self-titled 2021 debut was quite the pleasant surprise and made its way onto my year-end list with its strident, uber-macho blend of Manowar, The Gates of Slumber, Argus, and Visigoth. It was riff-forward, burly, beefy stuff that made my back hair angry and I still return to it when I need a good kick in the ass plate. 2023 sees the project’s twosome return to our realm with sophomore entry, Legions, and little has changed with their battle plan.” Realm whelmed.

Screamer – Kingmaker Review

By Dolphin Whisperer on January 11, 2023 in Reviews, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, 30 comments

“Screamer doesn’t shout in the face of tradition—they never have and, predictably so, never will. Yes, here in this brand new year of 2023, young(ish) names chase the 40-year (or more) legacy of established icons like Rainbow, Van Halen, and Judas Priest, and there’s nothing wrong with that as many such surviving progenitors have trouble playing after bingo hours these days.” Still sreaming in the night.

El Cuervo’s and GardensTale’s Top Ten(ish) of 2022

By Dr. A.N. Grier on December 29, 2022 in Blog Posts, Lists, 58 comments

El Cuervo and GardensTale have lists. You’ll need to study them carefully to get maximum value. Get started!

Sumerlands – Dreamkiller Review

By Steel Druhm on September 14, 2022 in Reviews, Heavy Metal, 55 comments

“Since being impressed into service at AMG Reviewing Emporium, LLC back in 2010, few albums came out of nowhere to blindside me like Sumerland’s 2016 debut. A classic metal project hailing from the city of brotherly shove, Sumerlands perfectly captured lightning in a bottle, channeling a bygone era of metal with a collection of no-nonsense barn burners full of atmosphere and hooks. Long-time cult doom impresario Phil Swanson stepped out of his comfort zone to deliver an impressive vocal performance and everything from Ozzy’s early solo career to doom and the power-prog craze of the late 80s and early 90s was referenced adroitly.” Dreams and expectations die hard.

Soulfly – Totem Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on August 2, 2022 in Reviews, Death Metal, Thrash Metal, 64 comments

“For the most part, I enjoy Soulfly. Even if they rarely bring anything new to the table. I guess Soulfly and Primitive contradict that statement because Max Cavalera explored a new territory of Korny, Limp Bizkit metal. Contradicting because, while Cavalera stepped out of his comfort zone, I fucking hate those albums—even more than I hate Ferrous. Yet, when Marc Rizzo joined the ranks on 2004’s Prophecy, Cavalera and crew brought thrash, death, and inklings of Chaos A.D. and Roots back into the mix. From that point, I’ve grown accustomed to the existence of Soulfly and enjoy albums like Dark Ages, Conquer, and Enslaved. Now it’s 2022, and Rizzo is gone. What does this mean for ole Maxie?” Mad Maxie.

The Necromancers Union – Flesh of the Dead Review

By GardensTale on November 24, 2021 in Reviews, 29 comments

“Of all the things Europe has begun to assimilate from across the ocean, Halloween is probably the best one. Though it’s not yet an official celebration, grassroots parties and events are springing up more and more every year. My fiancée and I, and a few of our friends, have taken to carving pumpkins and eating lots of candy as well, and why not? It’s one of the few holidays that still has an everything-goes quality, and doesn’t force you to either spend time with family or be a social outcast. Darkwave artist Daniel Belasco (Glass Apple Bonzai) clearly adores Halloween as well. The Necromancers Union debut, Flesh of the Dead, is a loving homage to the campy horror of yesteryear, stuffed with samples from numerous VHS classics.” Dead man’s party.

Ryghär – Thurmecia Eternal Review

By Steel Druhm on September 27, 2021 in Reviews, Epic Metal, Heavy Metal, 42 comments

“Conan’s mighty name is heavy upon the wind of late around the stately AMG offices/black market organ emporium. Ancient Empire just released a Cimmerian-themed outing and now Texas trve metallers Ryghär are set to drop their Hyborian age debut. Adopting a sound somewhere between Savage Grace, Manilla Road and Sumerlands, this unheralded act has an iron fist locked firmly on the olden ways and know how to craft epic odes to all things rusty, tarnished and ancient.” Sëize the umlaut.

Lucifer’s Hammer – The Trip Review

By Steel Druhm on June 11, 2021 in Reviews, Heavy Metal, NWOBHM, 13 comments

“This is shaping up to be quite the old timey week for your old timey tour guide, Steel Druhm. I’ve trudged through the retro death numbskullery of Inhuman Condition, the American power metal throwback style of Starlight Ritual, and now Chile’s Lucifer’s Hammer want to drag me back to the NWoBHM era for some hard rocking fun. Banging the gong of early 80s metal since 2013, Lucifer’s Hammer dropped two prior platters of Maiden / Satan / Saxon-centric material, and third release The Trip finds them doing what they do best – crafting simple metal ditties with a minimum of bells and whistles, but plenty of hooks.” Nailed by the Devil.

Desolate Realm – Desolate Realm Review

By Steel Druhm on April 24, 2021 in Reviews, Doom Metal, 25 comments

“My thirst for epic doom has largely gone unslaked for too long now. I got a satisfying morsel of it with Servants to the Tide’s debut, but it merely served to arouse my appetite without bedding it back down properly. Now desperate, I stumble upon another 2-man epic doom project, this one called Desolate Realm and composed of 2 members of Finnish death metal act Decaying.” Deadlift doom.

Eternal Champion – Ravening Iron Review

By Steel Druhm on November 17, 2020 in Reviews, Epic Metal, Heavy Metal, 141 comments

“There are more swords hanging over our heads than usual lately in the Skull Pit of Unsafe Hanging Cutlery. With Megaton Sword fresh in our collective mindsheaths, here comes the might and majesty of Austin, Texas natives Eternal Champion. Ravening Iron is the band’s sophomore opus and it’s an improvement over 2016s entertainingly olde school The Armor of Ire.” Sword hoarders.