Dr. A.N. Grier

Shine on you crazy (King) Diamond.

Yer Metal Is Olde: Sodom – Obsessed by Cruelty

By Dr. A.N. Grier on August 2, 2016 in Black Metal, German Metal, Metal Blade, Thrash Metal, Yer Metal Is Olde, 52 comments

“I’ve been prolonging the YMIO article for Sodom’s debut Obsessed by Cruelty for months now. All year I’ve been trying to come up with the words that would do it justice. What “justice” that may be depends on the listener’s perspective. To these ears, this thirty-year-old debut is one hot mess of an album. But now that Sodom’s newest release, Decision Day, is upon us, I find the courage to pull Obsessed from the stockades to give it another listen.” The obsession may be olde, but the sodomy still burns.

Eerie – Eerie Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on July 26, 2016 in 2016, American Metal, Black Metal, Doom Metal, Reviews, Sludge, Tee Pee Records, Black Metal, Doom Metal, 27 comments

“After spending hours on the web searching for the band Eerie, I’ve finally found them and their self-titled debut. With a band name like that, I passed by everything from comic books to Polish black metal to unsettling porn. And, as it turns out, it was well worth the frustrating Google search. Debuting on Tee Pee Records (a much easier name to search), the label describes the band as being black metal/rock—a combo that could go many ways.” When Google goes wrong….

Ghoul – Dungeon Bastards Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on July 23, 2016 in 2016, American Metal, Death Metal, Reviews, Tankcrimes Records, Thrash Metal, Death Metal, Thrash Metal, 21 comments

“When first discovering that Ghoul was releasing a new album, a friend of mine had this to say: “I didn’t realize Impaled… I mean, Ghoul, was still around.” Then, while phoning home recently, this was what my mother had to say about the new album: “Who in the fuck is Ghoul?” Whether surprised by the news of a new Ghoul release or not, one thing is for certain: my mom has a potty mouth.” Moms ruin all the fun.

Yer Metal Is Olde: King Diamond – Fatal Portrait

By Dr. A.N. Grier on July 20, 2016 in Danish Metal, Heavy Metal, Roadrunner, Yer Metal Is Olde, 78 comments

“Do you ever pop in an album that reminds you of a specific time or place in your life? There’s been a lot of talk of “first times” around here, but this is me with every album I ever buy. I remember where I was when I bought my first album as much as I remember where I was when I bought yesterday’s album. And I especially remember my first King Diamond album.” The King is olde but still bolde.

Nuke – Nuke Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on July 16, 2016 in 2016, American Metal, Hells Headbangers Records, Reviews, Speed Metal, Speed Metal, 18 comments

“If you are looking for groundbreaking speed metal, Nuke doesn’t have it. But it is exactly what you want from a speed-metal record and it has become the rebellious soundtrack to my sultry weekends. Once spun, you begin to hear the rolling thunder of domesticated, metal-head dads everywhere. They all roll out of bed on a Saturday morning, raise middle fingers to their front yards, and tell that unkempt grass to go fuck itself.” The Lawn Doctor is out!

Seedna – Forlorn Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on July 8, 2016 in 2016, Black Metal, Reviews, Swedish Metal, Transcending Obscurity, Black Metal, 41 comments

“Sweden’s Seedna is a captivating brew. Taking cues from bands like Alcest, Cobalt, and Shining, they overlaps post-black soundscapes and blend their seams into one smooth surface.” You like brews, don’tcha?

Third Ion – Biolith Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on July 5, 2016 in 2016, Glasstone Records, International Metal, Progressive Metal, Reviews, Progressive Metal, 19 comments

“I’ve never been a fan of video games. Do I hate them? Well, no, but my anger management specialist suggested I give up this vice or he’d walk. For years he has been trying to convince me that Guile is no match for Ryu and my stubbornness will lead to homicide. But, if there is a style of metal appropriate for all the video game mumbo jumbo, it’s prog.” Prog with video game themes no less.

Centinex – Doomsday Rituals Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on July 3, 2016 in 2016, Agonia Records, Death Metal, Reviews, Swedish Metal, Death Metal, 9 comments

“When Centinex’s name appeared on the promo list, I was (un)pleasantly surprised. I even assumed it was a sick joke; faxing Steel without delay to confirm that Centinex indeed had a new album out. OK, so I knew the band hadn’t dissolved (again), but a year-and-a-half turnaround for a new album was quite a surprise.” That’s the only way you get surprises from Swe-death these days.

Spellcaster – Night Hides the World Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on June 30, 2016 in 2016, American Metal, Heavy Metal, Prosthetic Records, Reviews, Heavy Metal, 59 comments

“I have many friends that share my exquisite taste in music. If this were not the case, I would not have stumbled across Spellcaster and their newest release, Night Hides the World. Suggested to me by a member of War Curse, Spellcaster is a purveyor of the simple and the accessible. Fusing six-string details with strong vocals, these Portlanders combine Iron Maiden-esque hooks with Ghost-ish melody.” Metal friends beat Super Friends any day.

Black Fucking Cancer – Black Fucking Cancer Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on June 24, 2016 in 2016, American Metal, Black Metal, Osmose Productions, Reviews, Black Metal, 36 comments

“Now that I have my fill of Waxen’s bizarre Weihung Auf Satan, it seems only right for some everyday black metal. That’s if you’re into that sort of thing. If not, today’s review will only upset you, but the name of today’s band alone ought to catch your attention.” What’s in a name, anyway?