Natalie is here to tell you all about French black metallers, Reverence. She seems quite smitten with them but it sounds like an abusive relationship to me.
4.5
Krampus – Survival of the Fittest Review
To say I’ve been moved by this album is just a slight understatement… bear with me while I try and reign in my fangirl-ism! It’s rarely that I’ve come across an album that carries such a strong and powerful message, while sounding mind-blowing at the same time. This 8-piece, modern folk metal band hail from Udine, in north-eastern Italy, and it seems this city, known for its iron commerce, will soon be known for a slightly more folk inspired kind of metal. Krampus have a style that is reminiscent of new wave folk metal act Eluveitie and sometimes progressive, mostly melodic, folk metal acts Amorphis, Wintersun and Korpiklaani. Where they differ however, is that instead of looking to the past for inspiration, Krampus have crafted Survival of the Fittest wholeheartedly, lyrically and musically, looking towards the future and a rather bleak, battered and bruised future it appears to be. This is the bands first full release, however Krampus have already released two very tempting EP offerings (Shadows of Our Time and Kronos’ Heritage), and will be leaving for their first extended European (Heidenfest) tour shortly (joining the likes of Wintersun and Korpiklaani), and therefore there is a definite expectation that Survival of the Fittest will be well-received.
Bedemon – Symphony of Shadows Review
Are you wearing a vest? Well, since Steel Druhm feels like he’s found the Holy Grail of doom metal, you best get to the tailor and get fitted for an old timey one. Actually, better make it two because this is big!!
Sophicide – Perdition of the Sublime Review
Technical death metal was the darling of the death metal scene about 5 or 6 years ago, but since the ever-growing retro-death craze has begun to take over the number of quality technical death metal releases that I’ve gotten my hands on has dramatically decreased. Still, that didn’t stop the now 22 year-old Adam Sazslo from writing a bunch of pretty fucking sweet techy songs and getting himself a worldwide deal with Willowtip. Perdition of the Sublime is Sophicide’s debut record and one can see why this record – produced by someone who can’t tour to support it – is being released by a label of this quality: because it’s a truly elite technical death metal experience.
Necrovation – Necrovation Review
Not your dad’s Swedish death! This has enough odd ideas and influences to make you sit up and spit out your beer (or a nice white zinfandel if you prefer).
Vintersorg – Orkan Review
Last year when Vintersorg released Jordpuls I wasn’t expecting that 15 months later I’d be writing another review of a new Vintersorg record. But earlier this year, Matte Marklund (the guitar player) showed up on the Internetz and said something surprising: there was a new record on the way, right on the heals of Jordpuls, and it would be called Orkan which means “Hurricane.” And now that record is here…
Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody – Ascending to Infinity Review
New Rhapsody? It’s music to my ears! Hahaha. Oh man. Oh god… Read the fucking review.
Be’lakor – Of Breath and Bone Review
Be’lakor has a new record and we’re finally reviewing it. Saad, are you happy now? ARE YOU HAPPY?
Dawnbringer – Into the Lair of the Sun God Review
Chris Black has this little act called Dawnbringer….they kinda rule.
Ne Obliviscaris – Portal Of I Review
Happy Metal Guy probably needs another colder shower to deal with the uncomfortable levels of joy he’s getting from this record.