2020

Sorcerer – Lamenting of the Innocent Review

Sorcerer – Lamenting of the Innocent Review

By Steel Druhm on May 27, 2020 in Reviews, Doom Metal, Heavy Metal, 21 comments

“Sweden’s Sorcerer has had a bouncy ride through the ages. They released a series of demos I really enjoyed back in the early 90s and then completely vanished from the metal scene for some 20-plus years. They reappeared in 2015 with a comeback album I slept on, then knocked me flat, silly and senseless with 2017s stupendous The Crowning of the Fire King. That album’s expertly crafted blend of traditional and doom metal was impossible to resist and Fire King seized my Record o’ the Year glory easily. Naturally I was quite stoked to receive the followup, Lamenting of the Innocent. With a concept based around the Inquisition and witch trials, all signs and omens pointed to another big dose of classy metal with hooks by the boatload.” No one expects the Swedish Inquisition!

Solar Flare – Solar Flare Review

Solar Flare – Solar Flare Review

By Emya on May 27, 2020 in Reviews, Heavy Metal, Power Metal, 24 comments

“Solar Flare, a five-man crew, has been a part of the Ohio metal scene for six years now, playing a blend of one part 80’s power metal and one part NWoBHM. Frontman Ethan Jackson, a classically trained vocalist, demonstrates impressive vocal range in the higher registers from the get-go.” Flare ups.

Sodomisery – The Great Demise Review

Sodomisery – The Great Demise Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on May 26, 2020 in Reviews, Black Metal, Death Metal, Melodic Black Metal, 34 comments

“Sweden’s Sodomisery began as a project that included live members from the monstrous Diabolical, as well as Katatonia’s Niklas Sandin on bass and Netherbird’s Johan Fridell on vox. At the completion of their 2017 self-titled EP, Fridell and Sandin left and a new lineup formed. Borrowing from their experiences with Diabolical, Sodomisery unleashes a crushing mix of black, death, Swedeath, thrash, and melodeath for their debut, The Great Demise. I know what you’re thinking: that’s a lot to digest. Well, at least the record title sounds uplifting?” Big death, big prizes!

Sinister – Deformation of the Holy Realm Review

Sinister – Deformation of the Holy Realm Review

By Mark Z. on May 26, 2020 in Reviews, Death Metal, 24 comments

“I’m always happy to see old school death metal bands that are still around and putting out new music, especially when that music is as good as Sinister’s. Though they formed in 1988, this Dutch group’s 2017 album Syncretism was my first exposure to the band and my neck has never been the same.” Deform the neck bones.

Wolves Den – Miserere Review

Wolves Den – Miserere Review

By Kenstrosity on May 23, 2020 in Reviews, Black Metal, Melodic Black Metal, 33 comments

“Wolves Den, a German blackened death quartet, unleashed an unsung monster of a record back in 2015 named Deus Vult. While it wasn’t genre-defining or anything like that, I often question why it gets such little fanfare. Perhaps with their sophomore full-length, Miserere, they can establish some kind of foothold in the heart-voids of our fair metal community.” Misery loves running with the pack.

Horn – Mohngang Review

Horn – Mohngang Review

By Dear Hollow on May 23, 2020 in Reviews, Black Metal, Folk Metal, 24 comments

“It’s neat seeing a progression of an artist across a project’s discography. From Anathema’s death/doom to prog-rock stylings, Ahab’s crushing funeral doom to, like, pretty funeral doom, to the deathcore to symphonic black metal to straight-up black metal of Abigail Williams, it shows true growth and maturity to acknowledge the past while stepping into the future. Today’s is German act Horn, comprised of sole member Nerrath, a prolific pagan black metal act with two demos, eight full-lengths, and an EP since 2002.” Change is in the air.