2.0

DevilDriver – Dealing with Demons vol. II Review

By GardensTale on May 12, 2023 in Reviews, Groove Metal, Melodic Death Metal, 46 comments

“DevilDriver is not the most popular band with dyed-in-the-wool metalheads. Founded by Dez Fafara after the merciful death of Coal Chamber, this outfit embodies “you’ll grow out of it.” Core screams that aren’t quite growls, lyrics full of nonspecific angst and anger that appeal to teenagers, chug-laden straightforward riffs and simple solos. The Hot Topic crowd goes wild. But as such, it has been an important gateway band to many, and in my opinion, one of the few with redeeming qualities.” On the road again.

These Beasts – Cares, Wills, Wants Review

By Dolphin Whisperer on May 8, 2023 in Reviews, Noise Rock, Sludge, Sludge Metal, Stoner Rock, 11 comments

“These Beasts plays sludge of the stoner rock and noise rock-influenced variety—still nothing to do with dogs—right along the spectrum somewhere between the hypnotic pummel of early Melvins and the screeching chaos of The Jesus Lizard.” Bad dog!

Örnatorpet – Evigt Främmande, Evigt Fjärran Review

By Thus Spoke on May 2, 2023 in Reviews, Ambient, Dungeon Synth, 22 comments

“Dungeon synth. ‘That might be a nice palate cleanser. That might be something chilled and easy to listen to.’ So thought I when I read the promo. This is somehow the seventh album from Swedish dungeon synth/ambient project Örnatorpet. Even after reading Dear Hollow‘s not especially glowing review of their previous, I maintained a grain of optimism, because how bad could it really be?” The death of optimism.

Fimbulvet – Portale Review

By El Cuervo on May 2, 2023 in Reviews, Folk Metal, Melodic Black Metal, 11 comments

“Promising Paganistic black metal, and a single that at least piqued my curiosity, I had hoped that Germany’s Fimbulvet might execute on the rousing, fist-pumping feel of my favorite Viking and folk metal bands. I was surprised to find that their new record, Portale, is released close to the band’s 20th anniversary, being their fifth full-length but first in 9 years. There’s a lot to be said about a storied band but equally a lot to be said for a storied band that I’ve not encountered.” Unknown and unknowing.

Bonginator – The Intergalactic Gorebong of Deathpot Review

By Dolphin Whisperer on April 20, 2023 in Reviews, Death Metal, 21 comments

“Whether you dread the stock report, the job search, the general grind of hand-to-mouth life, times are tough. That’s why we here at AMG are announcing that we’ve decided to turn a new leaf to assist with a different kind of grind. In need of hip flower? Look no further than our direct-to-consumer weed delivery platform Angry Marijuana Guy, a service sure to fall into favor with ganja socialites and herbaceous intellectuals everywhere. For this launch on the most apt of days—that’s 4/20 for us of the brutish month-day persuasion—I, Dank Dolph, have three limited edition hybrids to present to you inspired by the munchie-fueled machinations of the like-minded Massachusetts act Bonginator.” Smoke on the weedeater.

Outlaw – Reaching Beyond Assiah Review

By Itchymenace on April 16, 2023 in Reviews, Black Metal, Melodic Death Metal, 42 comments

“Outlaw is a young band hailing from Sao Paulo, Brazil by way of Hamburg, Germany. They play a dense, melodic style of black metal. Or is it a more blackened style of melodic death metal? I confess this is one of those times where I’m not sure what to call it. Their third full-length album, Reaching Beyond Assiah may have a title that reduces Dr. Grier to boyish snickering, but make no mistakes, it has plenty of brutal riffage to kick your Assiah.” Breaking the jaw, breaking the jaw.

Haliphron – Prey Review

By GardensTale on April 7, 2023 in Reviews, Melodic Death Metal, Symphonic Metal, 21 comments

“Angry Metal Guy, Inc. is a mystery, wrapped in an enigma, wrapped in a paradox, like the world’s most mystifying turbriskafil. We both overrate and underrate every single record, according to our commentariat, and we are especially harsh and/or ass-kissing on commercially successful bands. But Arch Enemy has been a common enemy for years now. The condemnation of metal’s blandest headliner is practically uniform; the strongest defense on my last review of theirs amounted to a lone meek “Well I didn’t think it was that bad…” But in the interest of science, it behooves us to check on a control group. Another melodic death metal band with experienced members, female growls, and a bit of tinned symphonics.” Preypare the subject!

Medevil – Mirror in the Darkness Review

By Steel Druhm on April 6, 2023 in Reviews, Heavy Metal, Progressive Metal, 22 comments

“Sometimes you stumble upon a band entirely unknown to you (and I suspect, to everyone else) and you hear a lot of good things, yet the overall listening experience falls well short of good. Canadian prog-power-trad metallers, Medevil subjected your Steelness to such an unsatisfying experience with their sophomore outing, Mirror in the Darkness.” Lost reflections.

Black Sea of Trees – The Spiritual Beast Review

By Dolphin Whisperer on April 5, 2023 in Reviews, Gothic Metal, Post-Metal, Progressive Metal, 31 comments

Our promo sump feels piled these days, a good thing! And, it may be my attention to these distinctions that has grown over the year that I’ve now been with AMG, or it might just be the world we live in, but the independent release sub-pool seems to be growing drop by drop every day too. This fledgling, self-guided troupe, who funneled from afar to Australia, hasn’t even yet landed on the Encyclopedia Metallum (though they qualify), but they’ve graciously given us 2.4 gigabytes of WAV files to review for their debut outing The Spiritual Beast.” Forest packages available.

Lotan – Lotan Review

By Thus Spoke on April 4, 2023 in Reviews, Black Metal, 13 comments

“Look, I get why some metalheads don’t like black metal. Repetitive riffing, washed-out production, monotonous snarls and shrieks. In the right hands, this baseline style can be thrilling, epic, and beautiful—or so I believe. Lotan, however, are not going to change any minds. Their self-titled debut cleaves about as close to the modern hybridized trve template as a seven-headed dragon around a Leviathan Cross.” Black for blackness’ sake.