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Tutti I Colori Del Buio – Initiation Into Nothingness Review

By Zephyrus on October 19, 2016 in 2016, Bare Teeth Records, Hardcore, Italian Metal, Powerviolence, Punk, Reviews, Hardcore, Powerviolence, Punk, 8 comments

“One of the most intriguing aspects of metal music is the incredible breadth of its various influences and styles. In fact, there are so many subgenres that some websites (mapofmetal.com) are entirely dedicated to their explanation and catalogue. This week I was introduced to another type of extreme music in the form of powerviolence. Characterized by hyper-aggressive, super-fast riffage and anti-establishment lyrics and themes, I have learned through experience that powerviolence is an excellent way to scare off potential dates and traumatize small children.” Will no one think of the children?

Iron Mask – Diabolica Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on October 16, 2016 in 2016, AFM Records, Belgian Metal, Neo-Classical Metal, Power Metal, Reviews, Neo-Classical Metal, Power Metal, 20 comments

“While Narnia has shifted their direction to a more power-metal sound, Iron Mask stayed true to the Mighty Malmsteen. Hell, Iron Mask even used an actual Malmsteen vocalist for their epic Black as Death release. But, the Belgian’s 2013 record, Fifth Son of Winterdoom, was not good. And I’m sorta afraid to hear this newest release. Well, duty calls. Here goes nothing…” Answer the call of Malmsteen.

Vorgrum – Last Domain Review

By Eldritch Elitist on October 16, 2016 in 2016, Argentinian Metal, Folk Metal, Melodic Death Metal, Reviews, Via Nocturna, Folk Metal, Melodic Death Metal, 12 comments

“Somewhere along my personal timeline of listening to extreme music I formed an imaginary line dividing two equally valid camps of folk metal. On one side, you have your bands of brooding boys who like to pose next to frozen streams for their promo shots in between discussions of just how great Windir was; on the other, you have your gangs of drunken revelers, crowding into the nearest tavern to relate raucous tales of wenches and trolls to any half-willing passersby.” Is that a troll on the cover or are you just happy to see me?

Age of Woe – An Ill Wind Blowing Review

By Grymm on October 15, 2016 in 2016, Doom Metal, Hardcore, Reviews, Sludge, Swedish Metal, War Anthem Records, Doom Metal, Hardcore, Sludge, 20 comments

“It was bound to happen. As I’m sitting here, writing a review of the appropriately titled An Ill Wind Blowing, the second album by Swedish sludgemeisters Age of Woe, I gaze out the rear door and see picturesque blue skies, mild temperate winds, and a garden teeming with life and vibrancy, complete with a Godzilla statue wolfing down some unfortunate garden gnomes. This is all important to note because, just a full day ago, Hurricane Matthew beat the ever-loving shit out everyone in its path through the Bahamas and parts of Florida, including my sleepy neighborhood.” From the storm comes…doom.

Cara Neir – Perpetual Despair Is the Human Condition Review

By Mark Z. on October 13, 2016 in American Metal, Black Metal, Broken Limbs Recordings, Punk, Reviews, Black Metal, Punk, 13 comments

“For those who love the bizarre black/grind/punk that vocalist Chris Francis and multi-instrumentalist Garry Brents have been producing since Cara Neir’s 2008 inception, Despair, has been a hotly anticipated record indeed. So turn off the lights, grab some white wine, and get ready to sulk in the corner as we explore the hopelessness of Perpetual Despair Is the Human Condition.” Does white wine even go with existential angst?

Heimdalls Wacht – Geisterseher Review

By Lord Lucan on October 13, 2016 in 2016, Black Metal, German Metal, Trollzorn/SMP Records, Black Metal, 15 comments

“For black metal songwriters in search of strong conceptual themes, few subjects capture the imagination like the intricate folklore of European paganism. Not only are the old myths and traditions fascinating in their own right, the celebration of pre-Christian heritage is unequivocally akin to waving a big fat middle finger in the direction of modern religion – a practice firmly in line with the general ethos of the genre. Hailing from the town of Ahlen in western Germany, Heimdalls Wacht are one such band. Describing themselves rather extravagantly as ‘anti-Christian pagan musical art.'” Music art for the pagan soul.

Katla – Embryo Review

By GardensTale on October 13, 2016 in 2016, Non-Metal Metal Things, Reviews, Stoner Rock, Svart Records, Swedish Metal, Non-metal Metal Things, Psychedelic Rock, Stoner Metal, 35 comments

“Ah, the seventies. An excellent decade for wanton sex, drug abuse and consequently, psychedelic music. In the common mindset, the foremost psychedelic band is of course Pink Floyd, and with good reason. But another influential band that tends to get overlooked, is Hawkwind, who had a bit more oomph than the aforementioned space rock colossus, using experimental timbres and textures to accentuate their otherwise fairly straightforward proto-metal. The influence of Hawkwind (who, amazingly, are still around) is clear on the debut of the trippy Swedish quartet Katla.” A might (Hawk)wind blows.

Eden’s Curse – Cardinal Review

By Steel Druhm on October 12, 2016 in 2016, AFM Records, Heavy Metal, Reviews, Scottish Metal, Heavy Metal, 51 comments

“Wait, come back! I know a quarter of you took one look at that lurid, mega-tacky cover and started to turn away in disgust, while another quarter started doing something worse (which results in hair growth in unsightly places). But before you judge this book based on its highly regrettable cover, hear me out. Eden’s Curse is a kind of low-rent “super group” of sorts that’s been puttering around the edges of metaldom since 2007, and despite the absence of household names they’ve managed to release some enjoyably melodic metal albums.” No one expects the Red Riding Hood Inquisition!

Agatus – The Eternalist Review

By Lord Lucan on October 11, 2016 in Black Metal, Greek Metal, Heavy Metal, Hells Headbangers Records, NWOBHM, Reviews, Black Metal, Doom Metal, Heavy Metal, 35 comments

“In today’s fast-paced world where instant gratification is king, once a winning formula has been established, it’s tempting for many bands to play it safe, shy away from experimentation, and resort to simply churning out variations on the same record every few years (*cough* Amon Amarth *cough*). I always have a lot of respect therefore for musicians who are willing to take a risk, mix things up a bit and diversify their style – creating their own record as opposed to simply writing what is expected of them. Agatus are one such band.” A double review brought to you by administrative tomfoolery.

Kremlin – Kremlin Review

By GardensTale on October 11, 2016 in 2016, Reviews, Stoner Rock, Svart Records, Stoner Metal, 12 comments

“One of the best ways to catch my attention with a promo blurb is to compare yourself to Clutch. Not only are the Marylanders among my all-time favorites, their instantly recognizable sound – courtesy of a host of imaginative rock ‘n roll riffs and the amazing throat and lyrics of Neil Fallon – hasn’t inspired a horde of imitators. Finland-based Kremlin had only this magical name listed as an influence on the promo, so it was with ample anticipation that I first fired up their self-titled debut.” Those who invoke Clutch had best be clutch.