International Metal

Selcouth – Heart is the Star of Chaos Review

By Treble Yell on June 25, 2017 in 2017, Experimental Metal, I Voidhanger Records, International Metal, Progressive Metal, Reviews, Experimental Metal, Progressive Metal, 23 comments

“I’m always skeptical when the term “avant-garde” is flung in the direction of a work of art. Declaring with any degree of certainty that an artistic creation surpasses the confines of the status quo is a fool’s errand. Time is the great leveler, and only on its scales can we weigh an artwork’s impact against the feather of the chattering masses. So, when I received the promo for Selcouth’s debut album Heart is the Star of Chaos and saw it described by the label as “avant-garde,” my hackles raised immediately in response to such hubris.” Dare to be different.

A Hero for the World – West to East, Pt 1: Frontier Vigilante Review

By Lokasenna on June 18, 2017 in 2017, International Metal, Power Metal, Reviews, Power Metal, 101 comments

“I suppose this hokey shit is penance for my last review, which was of a great album. Here we have a third album following a sophomore release which was actually a Christmas album (no, really), West to East Pt.1: Frontier Vigilante is a Western-themed slice of Euro-power cheese, with members from Sweden, the US, and the Philippines. An international posse such as this usually brings a menagerie of influences to the table, planting seeds for great work, but whether that potential pays off is always uncertain.” This dog don’t hunt.

Divine Element – Thaurachs of Borsu Review

By Eldritch Elitist on May 19, 2017 in 2017, Black Metal, I Voidhanger Records, International Metal, Reviews, Black Metal, Death Metal, 26 comments

“Based on my review stats thus far into my AMG career, I’ve got a 66 percent chance of snagging a record featuring Spectral Lore guitarist Ayloss whenever I pull an I, Voidhanger release from the promo bin. It’s easy to see why the label is so eager to back his work; he’s one of the few black metal guitarists I can recall who possesses a unique playing style, slapping an unmistakable stamp onto pretty much every product he touches. But before he staked his claim to black metal fame with Spectral Lore, he cut his teeth on Divine Element.” Sharp teeth, sharp riffs.

Earth Electric – Vol I: Solar Review

By Steel Druhm on May 2, 2017 in 2017, Doom Metal, Heavy Metal, International Metal, Progressive Metal, Reviews, Season of Mist, Doom Metal, Heavy Metal, Progressive Metal, 53 comments

“Rune Eriksen is a well-traveled gentleman of metal. He was an important part of Mayhem’s second creative wave and continues to be a foundational part of Aura Noir. He’s also known for his gothic doom vehicle Ava Inferi, which released one of the most enduring albums in the genre with 2011s Onyx. Now he’s launching another project with long-time Ava Inferi collaborator Carmen Susana Simoes. Earth Electric could be called experimental goth rock, and rocking it is, taking an enormous 70s rock influence and shoehorning it into Ava Inferi’s ethereal goth style.” Rock in a soft place.

Vescera – Beyond the Fight Review

By Steel Druhm on April 4, 2017 in 2017, Heavy Metal, International Metal, Pure Steel Records, Reviews, Heavy Metal, 15 comments

“As a kid growing up in the 80s, one of my favorite metal bands was Connecticut’s own Obsession. After getting featured on Metal Massacre II way back in 82 they went on to release a killer EP and two very impressive albums of heavy but melodic metal merging speed with an almost hair metal approach loaded with hooks. A big part of Obsession’s charm came from the powerhouse, leather-lunged delivery of Michael Vescera. After Obsession folded up shop in 88, he became a kind of metal Ronin, wandering the Earth selling his talents to the likes of Loudness and Yngwie Malmsteen, even putting in a regrettable stint in Animetal USA, as well as fronting several super groups (MVP, The Reign of Terror) and his own eponymous act (Michael Vescera).” Ride on, Metal Gypsy.

Firewind – Immortals Review

By Steel Druhm on January 17, 2017 in 2017, Century Media, Heavy Metal, International Metal, Power Metal, Reviews, Heavy Metal, Power Metal, 41 comments

“Long running Greek power metal warriors Firewind have always been a reliable second-string act thanks to the capable stewardship of axe God, Gus G. When news broke in 2009 that he was to be Ozzy’s new guitar wiz, I wondered if he’d be able to keep his first love alive on the side. Immortals marks the third Firewind platter since he joined with metal’s original maniac, so it seems the man can multi-task just fine.” This Gus is on fire!

Heavens Decay – The Great Void of Mystery Review

By Steel Druhm on December 15, 2016 in 2016, Chaos Records, Heavy Metal, International Metal, Reviews, Heavy Metal, 8 comments

“We all know December is the Great Dumpster Fire of Destiny for promos, and one does not simply sort through it without being stunned by the world-class dreck the labels unleash upon us poor, defenseless reviewers like so much coal in our stockings. Even in dead-end December though, you can sometimes trip over an industrial grade gem – the kind that will never shine like a pricey diamond, but may just win your affection anyway with its durable, utilitarian badassery. The Great Void of Mystery by Heavens Decay is one such stone of note.” December dumpster diving is risky business.

Stench Price – Stench Price Review

By Eldritch Elitist on December 2, 2016 in 2016, Grind, International Metal, Reviews, Transcending Obscurity, Death Metal, 14 comments

“Can a death-grind equivalent of Avantasia featuring members of Cynic, Anthrax and Bolt Thrower possibly live up to its pedigree?” The Stench Price is too damn high!

Bethlehem – Bethlehem Review

By Madam X on November 29, 2016 in 2016, Black Metal, Doom Metal, German Metal, Industrial Metal, International Metal, Polish Metal, Prophecy Productions, Reviews, Russian Metal, Uncategorized, Black Metal, Doom Metal, Industrial Metal, 26 comments

“With Christmas just around the corner, it gives me wry amusement that Bethlehem are about to unleash their latest slab of blackened thrash on the unsuspecting masses. Tis the season and Bethlehem are in a very giving kind of mood!” Grim yule tidings.

Clouds – Departe Review

By Steel Druhm on November 16, 2016 in 2016, Doom Metal, International Metal, Reviews, Self-released, 47 comments

“Sometimes a piece of music is entirely about a single, specific feeling, be it rage, joy or sadness. Departe, the second album by atmospheric post-doom super group Clouds, is definitely about the latter, and it attempts to drown the listener in a vast sea of chilling, cloying melancholy without offering the slightest hint of hope or beam of light. Formed by members of The 11th Hour, Eye of Solitude, Rapture, Barren Earth and Shape of Despair, the line up reads like doom royalty and their vast experience helps make this one of the bleakest, most depressive listens of this year or any other.” Got something in your eye? You’re about to.