“The life of the unpaid, overworked metal reviewer is not an easy one. The reviewing collective at AMG lurches from one new release to the next, errors and n00bs strewn in our wake. But what if, once in a while, the collective paused to take stock and consider the discography of those bands that shaped many a taste? What if multiple aspects of the AMG collective personality shared with the slavering masses their personal rankings of that discography.” UnDying Fetus!
“Between twenty-twelve and twenty-eighteen, Philadelphia’s Horrendous morphed from a straightforward old school death unit into a sophisticated and elite progressive death metal force, boasting a trio of gripping LPs on the back of a solid debut that hinted at Horrendous’ potential without fully preparing listeners for their stunning evolution.” Victory and mutation.
A new Mutoid Man release means a larger-than-life double review is necessary. Why? Because we said so!
“Diving headlong into the promo sump, I decided to take a gamble on the debut album from Portland, Oregon’s raucous Viral Tyrant and their debut LP, Vultures Like You. Formed in 2018 the fiery four-piece have a lone demo and single behind their name, before arriving at this first foray into full-length territory. Being that sludge is a notoriously grimy, seedy back-alley style, let us dispense with the pleasantries and determine whether Vultures Like You is any good.” Sludge is a disease.
“India’s deathgrinding powerhouse Gutslit took me by surprise on 2017’s accomplished and wildly enjoyable sophomore album, Amputheatre, marking a sizable leap forward from their rough around-the-edges 2013 debut, Skewered in the Sewer. On reflection, I was shocked to learn it had been six years or so since being blindsided by Amputheatre, and thus stoked to delve into the latest platter from this gifted quartet, mauling their way into underground recognition.” Sex criminals.
“Toiling in the underground since forming in 2006, UK brutal death and slam exponents Crepitation have left a lengthy trail of demos, splits and singles but just the sole full-length, 2015’s comically titled, The Violence of the Slams. Even in its most brutal and over-the-top forms, when done well slam usually delivers big, bold, bucketloads of fun. And by all accounts Crepitation don’t take themselves too seriously, serving up goofball humor, zany songwriting and outlandishly silly song titles on their wordy sophomore album, Monstrous Eruption of Impetuous Preposterosity.” Premature Eruption.
Bloodbath’s ginormous debut full-length is one for the ages. It’s also really olde now. Is the blood still wet? You bet!
“Unfamiliar with their first couple of albums, it doesn’t take long to become acquainted with The Bleeding’s gnarly formula. If you guessed Cannibal Corpse worship, you guessed wrong. Instead, The Bleeding channel ripping death-thrash with a mean blackened edge.” Blood for the Blood God!
“An unheralded young act from Denmark, I tackled Chronicle’s third LP, Where Chaos Thrives, without previous experience with the band’s material. Nevertheless, that may be my own unfortunate oversight, as Chronicle play a bouncy, raging style of thrashy melodeath meets technical death shreddery that can certainly fit neatly in my wheelhouse if the songwriting goods are up to scratch.” Chronicles of anger.
“Pennsylvanian-based independent label Willowtip Records was established by Jason Tipton in the late ’90s. From humble beginnings, the label has stood the test of time, becoming one of the most respected and highly regarded record labels in the extreme metal scene. It takes something special to create a label with a consistently unfuckwithable roster of quality, innovative artists while retaining long-term integrity and durability. Willowtip is the self-proclaimed forward-thinking label, releasing a slew of modern classics and top-shelf albums that may have a lower profile but are more than worth your while.” Math grinding.
