English Metal

My Silent Wake – There Was Death Review

My Silent Wake – There Was Death Review

By Saunders on February 21, 2018 in 2018, Death Metal, Doom Metal, English Metal, Gothic Metal, Minotauro Records, Reviews, Death Metal, Doom Metal, Gothic Metal, 0 comments

“Ah, the mysteries of the promo bin. Usually when selecting promo I like to have a bit of context to consolidate my choices. Whether it be firm knowledge of a particular band or genre, general curiosity based on word-of-mouth or information gathered, or a fanboy-like connection. But every now and then the urge strikes to pick something at random, with the hope of landing a surprise gem. That was how I happened upon There Was Death by long running UK act, My Silent Wake.” The promo bin gives, the promo bin takes.

Dream Tröll – The Witch’s Curse EP Review

Dream Tröll – The Witch’s Curse EP Review

By Eldritch Elitist on February 17, 2018 in 2018, English Metal, Heavy Metal, Reviews, Self-released, Heavy Metal, Power Metal, 1 comment

“Hang around the AMG blog dispensary long enough and you’ll quickly discover that we don’t have a lot of love for EPs. As recently outlined by our Supreme Leader, a lot of fucking albums make their way into the promo trough, and we’re almost certain to overlook them in favor of more fulfilling and fleshed-out full-lengths. So when Steel Druhm actually caves to a request to review an EP – one that we weren’t even provided a promo for – by a foaming-at-the-mouth Eldritch, you can be sure of two things. One: HR is almost certainly on its way to my tenticubicle. Two: British trve metal outfit Dream Tröll has something really special on their hands with The Witch’s Curse.” E.P. stands for Extreme Penalty.

Saxon – Thunderbolt Review

Saxon – Thunderbolt Review

By Steel Druhm on January 30, 2018 in 2018, English Metal, Heavy Metal, Militia Guard Records, Reviews, Silver Lining Music, Heavy Metal, 67 comments

“The New Wave of British Heavy Metal hasn’t been new in almost 40 years, but some of the bands birthed in that musical crucible are still soldiering on today. The chief influence for the classic mockumentary, This is Spinal Tap, Saxon, have been road warriors since the late 70s, rocking their traditional metal fare far and wide, though never coming close to the fame achieved by contemporaries like Iron Maiden and Def Leppard. If awards were given for stubbornness and dedication, Saxon would win in a clean sweep, and the fact we’re reviewing their 22nd album, Thunderbolt is further proof of their taciturn commitment to this whole “metal thing.”” Saxon-ma-phone!

Dawn Ray’d – The Unlawful Assembly [Things You Might Have Missed 2017]

Dawn Ray’d – The Unlawful Assembly [Things You Might Have Missed 2017]

By Roquentin on January 7, 2018 in Black Metal, British Metal, English Metal, Feast of Tentacles, Halo of Flies, Prosthetic Records, Things You MIght Have Missed 2017, Atmospheric Black Metal, Black Metal, 86 comments

“Dawn Ray’d’s black metal is dense and aggressive, often almost too brutal and hasty in its delivery, as if crumbling under the pressure of channeling the musicians’ revolt at the systemic inequality and oppression. Yet, at the same time, Dawn Ray’d deliver an incredibly melodic and tuneful sound.” OCCUPY!

Yer Prog Is Olde! Camel – Rain Dances

Yer Prog Is Olde! Camel – Rain Dances

By El Cuervo on December 17, 2017 in Blog Posts, English Metal, Non-Metal Metal Things, Progressive Rock, Yer Prog Is Olde, Progressive Rock, 36 comments

“You know Genesis right? And Yes? And Pink Floyd? And King Crimson? The big names of the English progressive rock scene which is more or less the best ‘scene’ to have ever existed (in music or otherwise). One name which flew relatively close to the ground during this era is Camel. It was only in retrospect that they began to enjoy their utterly deserved praise, thanks, in no small part, to the adoration of one Mikael Åkerfeldt of Opeth.” Camels!

Yer Prog Is Olde! Pink Floyd – Animals

Yer Prog Is Olde! Pink Floyd – Animals

By El Cuervo on November 12, 2017 in English Metal, Non-Metal Metal Things, Progressive Rock, Yer Prog Is Olde, Progressive Rock, Psychedelic Rock, 83 comments

“I hear Pink Floyd in so much of the music that I love. They’re a profoundly important and influential band generally but for me personally too. Their capacity to develop and retain quality through styles and songwriters is virtually unparalleled, one example of which is the subject of this post: Animals, which turns 40 this year.” Prog before swine.

The King is Blind – We Are the Parasite, We Are the Cancer Review

The King is Blind – We Are the Parasite, We Are the Cancer Review

By Ferrous Beuller on October 23, 2017 in 2017, Calva Records, Death Metal, Doom Metal, English Metal, Grind, Reviews, Death Metal, Doom Metal, Grind, 64 comments

“While my fair U.K. may be enjoying something of a qualitative metal renaissance as of late, I’m still not sure I am entirely convinced. The raw ingenuity of Anaal Nathrakh, Akercocke and, of course, Voices has yet to be matched—their capacity for redefining parameters gone largely unchallenged.” Disharmony in the U.K.

Power Quest – Sixth Dimension Review

Power Quest – Sixth Dimension Review

By Eldritch Elitist on October 19, 2017 in 2017, Avalon, English Metal, Inner Wound Recordings, Power Metal, Reviews, Power Metal, 72 comments

“In my personal pantheon of guilty pleasures, Power Quest reigns supreme. Formed in 2011 by ex-DragonForce keyboardist Steve Williams (lead songwriter and sole remaining original member), this band made a name for themselves in the early-to-mid 00’s by redefining the meaning of cheese, mashing Teutonic power metal together with synth-drenched glam rock—think Van Halen’s “Jump,” by way of Freedom Call, and you’ll have a reasonably accurate idea of what to expect. ” The cheese quest never ends.

Threshold – Legends of the Shires Review

Threshold – Legends of the Shires Review

By Steel Druhm on September 5, 2017 in 2017, English Metal, Nuclear Blast, Progressive Metal, Reviews, Progressive Metal, 93 comments

“2017 has been a challenging year for Steel’s favorite prog-minded bands. Pyramaze tried to craft a movie soundtrack of a metal album and crashed on a reef in the treacherous Michael Bay, and Anubis Gate opted for a heavier, darker sound that felt awkward and unrefined. Knowing Threshold had a massive double album inbound filled me with trepidation and worry this downward trend would never get reversed. And Legends of the Shires is nothing if not long, clocking in at over 1 hour and 22 minutes (2 discs, 3 LPs).” Legends last forever, as do some albums.