Dr. A.N. Grier

Shine on you crazy (King) Diamond.

Sodomisery – Mazzaroth Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on September 8, 2023 in Reviews, Black Metal, Death Metal, Melodic Death Metal, 71 comments

“The Great Demise combined Dissection black, Hypocrisy death, and Amon Amarth melodeath to deliver a rollercoaster of intricacies, riff changes, builds, and atmospheres. At times, it worked. At times, it didn’t. As a whole, The Great Demise was missing the fluidity to pull everything together. Now they’re back with a Covid-inspired follow-up whose theme concerns mental health. This concept alone instills high-charged emotion into the album. But how Sodomisery delivers it completely floored me.” Sodom misers!

Skálmöld – Ýdalir Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on August 22, 2023 in Reviews, Folk Metal, Viking Metal, 20 comments

“Though Skálmöld does possess a weirdness with their hundred-guitar lineup and varying vocal styles, they combine the storytelling of Týr with the savagery of Fintroll. The result is some rather adventurous music with flailing riff changes, mead-swigging layers, and unexpected transitions from barks, rasps, and cleans. As one would expect, sometimes all this sorcery falls flat or straight-up doesn’t work. And after engaging with 2019’s Sorgir, I fear the band might be stuck in a well with great performances but incohesive songwriting and flow. Once I find the link to this fucking stream, I’ll let you know how Ýdalir fares.” Black möld? Comeback möld?

Exmortus – Necrophony Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on August 21, 2023 in Reviews, Death Metal, Thrash Metal, 29 comments

“With harsh, deathy vocals and neoclassical character, they began harnessing their style into records of swirling, whirling, technical thrash. While many would argue the ranking of their discography, it’s hard to deny that 2014’s Slave to the Sword was peak Exmortus. This neatly-packaged album showcased the very best Exmortus can be. With two follow-up albums since Slave to the Sword, the band continued to wow and amaze with their impressive noodling. But, as suggested earlier, they’ve yet to create a concise, flowing album like Slave to the Sword.” Unfinished swords.

Ars Moriendi – Lorsque Les Coeurs S’assèchent Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on August 2, 2023 in Reviews, Black Metal, Progressive Metal, 24 comments

“This time, Ars Moriendi has ditched many of the horn and wind atmospheres for traditional atmoblack ones. Instead of bombastic symphonies coating his vicious black metal slayings and soothing acoustic guitars, this focused approach allows Arsonist to explore and tinker with guitar-led atmospheres, female choirs, and bizarre yet unique effects. The result isn’t so much a change in direction as a new experiment. Though I know Ars Moriendi well, nothing prepared me for Lorsque Les Coeurs S’assèchent.” Atmo-blast.

Panzerchrist – Last of a Kind Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on July 30, 2023 in Reviews, Black Metal, Thrash Metal, 32 comments

“But since the departure of Summer and Kiilerich, each new album finds the band with a wholly rebuilt lineup around bassist/keyboardist Michael Enevoldsen. And, as one can predict, the outcome is not always the best. Especially because fans have to get used to a new death metal vocal approach and the inevitable debates if this new drummer is as good as Kiilerich. And, for Panzerchrist’s eighth record, Last of a Kind, everyone is out, and a new group of players is here to deliver.” Panzer attacks change people.

Blackning – Awakening Rage Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on July 26, 2023 in Reviews, Thrash Metal, 20 comments

“Brazil’s Blackning have been producing concise neo-thrash records for nearly a decade. After a six-year hiatus, this quartet is back with their third album, Awakening Rage. As with so many thrash greats, will this third offering be the band’s epic masterpiece? Or will it be forgotten like so many others before it?” Third time’s the harm.

Eleine – We Shall Remain Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on July 15, 2023 in Reviews, Symphonic Metal, 21 comments

“As all know, corset-core is not exactly my jam. But in 2020, Eleine set out to impress old Grier. And impress they did! And impress they did, and you all got to make various inappropriate comments as you experienced the heaviness of Dancing in Hell. And that heaviness and the vast supply of riffs impressed me the most about Eleine. Sure, the song structures are always about the delivery of the chorus but rarely did a song overstay its welcome. And the hooks were as pleasing as bourbon punch. Now Eleine is back, hoping to deliver their finest album yet and push Dancing in Hell off the mountaintop.” Come on, Eleine.

Vendetta – Black as Coal Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on July 10, 2023 in Reviews, Thrash Metal, 17 comments

“While the other German thrash bands of the time were branching out into their unique sounds, Vendetta rooted themselves in a Bay Area sound akin to Metallica. And like old-school Metallica, what made those albums great was Klaus Ullrich’s impressive bass presence. Brain Damage, in particular, is a concise record with ripping guitar work, impressive Steve DiGiorgio-level bass work, and the quirky but lovable vocals of Daxx Hömerlein. Fast forward to 2007, and the band is back. Ullrich surrounded himself with a new lineup for that year’s comeback record, Hate. Since then, Vendetta has been cranking out albums, but none have been the comeback we wanted. That said, they have the chops to create something great. Will it be Black as Coal?” Back for wengeance.

Tsjuder – Helvegr Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on July 3, 2023 in Reviews, Black Metal, 20 comments

“It’s been eight years since the band released their lukewarm Antiliv album, and I’ve been craving the nastiness that makes them so great ever since. While many will argue Antiliv was a great album, it lacked the energy the band typically brings to the table. No matter who this duo hires on the drums, everyone gives it all to each release. But I didn’t quite feel that on Antiliv. It doesn’t matter if you disagree because Helvegr doesn’t give a rat’s ass about our opinions.” Tsjuder jumping.

Onheil – In Black Ashes Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on June 27, 2023 in Reviews, Black Metal, Heavy Metal, Melodic Death Metal, Thrash Metal, 30 comments

“After almost a decade of utter fear that Onheil was no longer with us, ‘black metal’s Iron Maiden’ are back with In Black Ashes. When Dok Grier was a mere infant in the AMG ranks (and not yet a household name that all praise), he stumbled upon Storm Is Coming and has been erect ever since.” Onheil, on high.