Apr21

Wheel – Preserved in Time Review

By Doom_et_Al on April 5, 2021 in Reviews, Doom Metal, 39 comments

“Metal ebbs and flows. Sub-genres within metal ebb and flow. A few years ago, with Khemmis and Pallbearer leading the charge, it appeared we were entering a golden age of doom which honored its classic and heavy roots, while adopting a progressive sensibility. Sadly, Pallbearer veered into hard-rock territory, Khemmis went very prog, and suddenly, the cupboard seemed bare. Sure, Fvneral Fvkk made a classic, but it was the exception rather than the rule. Doom is not going anywhere, of course, and stoner doom bands are more common than Holdeneye 4.0s, but over the past few years, it’s played a supporting role to its black and death metal cousins. Well, Wheel (not to be confused with their identically named prog counterparts, reviewed recently) is here to remind you of the glorious, thunderous, epic power of classic doom.” Doom wheeling.

Plaguewielder – Covenant Death Review

By GardensTale on April 2, 2021 in Reviews, Atmospheric Black Metal, Post-Metal, Sludge, 15 comments

“I reckon most of you are familiar with the phrase “Jack of all trades, master of none.” Some of you may even say the full version is supposed to follow up with “but better than a master of one,” though this is a modern addition, not a historical version. In music, things aren’t so cut and dry. With some bands, the focus brought by doing one thing well serves the music better; other artists seem to think that the more eclectic their influences the better. Plaguewielder seems to be more of a latter mind; searching across the web reveals tags relating the band to sludge, black metal, doom, atmospheric metal, post-metal and so on.” Jack of all plagues.

Los Disidentes Del Sucio Motel – Polaris Review

By Steel Druhm on April 2, 2021 in Reviews, Alternative Metal, Post-Metal, Progressive Metal, Progressive Rock, Stoner Rock, 21 comments

“Oddball French heavy rock outfit Los Disidentes Del Sucio Motel (LDDSM) is difficult to assign to a specific genre or style. Over their career they’ve been described as stoner, psychedelic and prog rock, and none of that is completely wrong. Nor does it give you the full story. Now they’re back after 4 years in limbo with fourth album Polaris, and they’re every bit as tough to pigeonhole as always. If I were to make a Hail Mary effort to describe their style, it would be alt-rock mixed with prog, post-rock, and post-metal, with grunge/stoner/desert elements lurking at the edges.” A multiverse of influences.

Steel Bearing Hand – Slay in Hell Review

By Felagund on April 1, 2021 in Reviews, Death Metal, Thrash Metal, 31 comments

“It was the band’s logo that did it. Skulking around the promo bin like a slightly more disheveled Grima Wormtongue, I noticed this monstrosity right away. Take a closer look and you’ll see everything that makes metal metal: “Steel” written out with trve 80s flair (the ‘S’ is actually a steel bearing hand, guys!) nestled atop a more grotesque “Bearing Hand”, contorted, razor-sharp and deadly, book-ended by the ubiquitous devil horns. It’s the perfect statement for a self-proclaimed death/thrash group eager to meld genres and melt faces. Coupled with intricate, black-and-white cover art that calls to mind the barbaric and fiercely fun LIK, I was eager to see what this Texas foursome with only one other full-length under their bullet-studded belt was all about.” Steel hands and slay rides.

Avaland – Theater of Sorcery Review

By Twelve on March 31, 2021 in Reviews, Power Metal, Symphonic Metal, 33 comments

“The metal opera is, enduringly, one of my favorite concepts of the genre. Avantasia and Ayreon are the two projects that I return to most often, and it seems I’m not the only one. Adrien Gzagg, of Grenoble, France, has been similarly inspired, which is why today I’m introducing you to Avaland and its debut full-length, Theater of Sorcery, a symphonic power metal opera with a fantastical backstory.” Another rainy night at the metal opera.

Wode – Burn in Many Mirrors Review

By El Cuervo on March 30, 2021 in Reviews, Black Metal, 43 comments

“I’m struggling to think of a musical genre which so obstinately refuses to go away as traditional black metal. Despite the progression of 30 years since the ‘second wave’ style was crystallized by the lonely teenagers of Norway, new bands continue to produce metal which is entirely imitative of such teens. Wode, of Manchester, joined the fray in 2016 with their self-titled debut which was an especially mean and riff-dominated example of the sound. It was a powerful, if one-dimensional, release which was bettered by its sequel called Servants of the Countercosmos which wrapped intricate leads and dynamic song-writing into a more cohesive album. 4 year later and Burn in Many Mirrors is primed for unveiling, promising yet more tales of cosmic evil.” Wode to you of earth and sea.

Unflesh – Inhumation Review

By Kenstrosity on March 29, 2021 in Reviews, Melodic Death Metal, Technical Death Metal, 43 comments

“Unlike the New Hampshire trio’s debut Savior, which ranks among my earliest Bandcamp purchases, Inhumation flows like hot blood through open veins. Where the debut rode through a chaotic blizzard of technicality, Inhumation builds upon an ensemble of tight, catchy riffs, blackened leads and throbbing bass counterpoint. Drama drips from the walls of this cathedral of melodic tech-death. Excess has been excised from the exercise, exhibiting only that which enhances the experience.” All hail the Unflesh.