Vallenfyre

Godthrymm – Distortions Review

By Grymm on August 15, 2023 in Reviews, Doom Metal, 71 comments

“Back in 2020, before things would go pear-shaped in literally everyone’s lives, I reviewed Reflections, the debut album from Godthrym, the new band featuring former My Dying Bridesmen Hamish Glencross (guitars/vocals) and Shaun Taylor-Steels (drums). I was enamored by how heavy, dirge-y, and Paradise Lost-y the entire album was. However, once the pandemic went into full swing, Reflections only gained in momentum and solace as everything around us quickly turned to shit on a planetary scale, bringing with it a sense of comfort and catharsis and landing itself on my Top Ten of a year we all would love to forget (but can’t). Now, in a happier(?) time and with a fuller line-up, Godthrymm are back with their highly-anticipated follow-up, Distortions.” Doom for End Times.

Grymm’s Top Ten(ish) of 2022

By Grymm on December 30, 2022 in Blog Posts, Lists, 134 comments

Grymm has tidings of musical wisdom in his Top Ten(ish) of 2022. Partake of it.

Strigoi – Viscera Review

By Grymm on September 28, 2022 in Reviews, Death Metal, Doom Metal, Grind, 40 comments

“As much of a doom metal cat as I am, I’ll woefully admit when I miss the boat on a band.Vallenfyre, the death/doom side-project that Paradise Lost axeman Gregor Mackintosh created to process the loss of his father, released three albums of 90s throwback Asphyxiation before Mackintosh put the band to rest in 2018, stating that he felt the band had run its course thematically. However, he still wanted to continue in that murky, grotesque vein, so with the help of live ‘Fyre bassist Chris Casket, Mackintosh unearthed Strigoi, a grindier, filthier proposition.” Death as paradise.

Godthrymm – Reflections Review

By Grymm on February 12, 2020 in 2020, British Metal, Doom Metal, Profound Lore Records, Reviews, Doom Metal, 54 comments

“Valentine’s Day is normally reserved for lovers. Cards are exchanged, chocolates and red velvety things are consumed, uglies are bumped… Valentine’s Day is a time that romance, passion, and love fill the air. But you know what pairs well with VD? DOOM. Not just any doom metal, mind you, but rather oppressive, downtrodden, and lightless British DOOM, complete with bold typeface and italics. And who better to serve you that kind of doom than not one, but two former members of My Dying Bride?” Heavy love.

Crucifyre – Post Vulcanic Black Review

By Dr. Wvrm on February 9, 2018 in 2018, Death Metal, Pulverised Records, Reviews, Swedish Metal, Thrash Metal, Death Metal, Thrash Metal, 0 comments

“Crucifyre are no strangers to the crucible of the Angry Metal Guy review. Way back in 2014, Madam X pilloried Crucifyre’s Black Magic Fire for “mimicking what’s been done before” and its “lack of adventure.” It appears the band took at least one of those criticisms to heart. Past adding a new vocalist and a new bassist, third try Post Vulcanic Black plays up the band’s quirks, sounding more eclectic and experimental than ever before (at least as far as death-thrash goes).” Evolve or die.

Stass – The Darkside Review

By Dr. Wvrm on September 16, 2017 in 2017, International Metal, Melodic Death Metal, Mighty Music, Reviews, Melodic Death Metal, 36 comments

“Eating, or looking for things to eat. Boning down, or looking for people to bone down with. Shitting, or looking for music to shit on. The angry metal life devotes countless hours to these simple activities. How Rogga Johansson makes time for even one of these is a mystery. Metal Archives lists The Darkside, the debut of Stass, his project of the month with Crematory’s Felix Stass, as his 11th release of 2017.” No rest for the Rogga.

Paradise Lost – Medusa Review

By Grymm on August 29, 2017 in 2017, Doom Metal, English Metal, Nuclear Blast, Reviews, Doom Metal, 65 comments

“If there was ever a band that has truly come full-circle with their music, Paradise Lost would be it. From atonal death/doom metal to Gothic metal to the full plunge into Depeche Mode-esque electronica before returning in sequential order, the British doom band proved to capably transform with each release, and yet still sound unmistakably like Paradise Lost.” Head of snakes, feet of lead.

Vallenfyre – Fear Those Who Fear Him Review

By Dr. Wvrm on May 31, 2017 in 2017, British Metal, Century Media, Death Metal, Doom Metal, Reviews, Death Metal, Doom Metal, 16 comments

“Team-ups are all the rage nowadays, ditching the confines of comic book crossovers for screens both small and large. Vallenfyre struck while the crossover iron was hot. Since 2010, they’ve smashed members of My Dying Bride, Paradise Lost, and At the Gates into a throwback Swedeath outfit as gloomy as it is doomy.” Super groups to fear.

70,000 Tons of Metal Live Review

By Mark Z. on February 13, 2016 in 2016, Blog Posts, 39 comments

“I don’t agree with my dad on everything, but there’s one thing we do agree about: cruises are the best way to vacation. Free all-you-can-eat buffets, breezy tropical weather, alcohol and entertainment available everywhere, and – most importantly – you’re always within walking distance of your room, so you never have to worry about getting a DUI or throwing up in an Uber on your ride back to the Red Roof Inn. But a cruise with 60 metal bands and over 3,000 fans from all over the world, making a four day round-trip to Jamaica with bars that never close? That’s a whole different beast entirely!” In the Navy, you can rock the seven seas!

My Dying Bride – Feel the Misery Review

By Grymm on September 15, 2015 in 2015, Death Metal, Doom Metal, English Metal, Peaceville, Reviews, Death Metal, Doom Metal, 69 comments

“My Dying Bride is one of those bands that I call a “soundtrack band,” meaning that its music has played a key part in my teenage years as well as my early 20’s. I must have played The Angel and the Dark River so much as a young adult that I’m sure I burned through a couple layers of that CD. “The Cry of Mankind,” to this day, still astounds me whenever I hear it. In other words, My Dying Bride has a special place in my heart.” Journey into the heart of Grymm.