Danish Metal

Manticora – To Kill to Live to Kill Review

Manticora – To Kill to Live to Kill Review

“Of all the hundreds of underground power metal acts that you will never, ever hear of, Manticora is one of only a handful deserving of widespread recognition. For twenty years and over the course of seven records, these good Danish boys have gradually shed their former obsession with Blind Guardian and Iced Earth, growing proggier and thrashier with each passing release to become one of the genre’s most stylistically distinct acts. Even with their evolutionary tendencies in mind, though, I could not have predicted the forward leap that To Kill to Live to Kill represents.” Nature or suture.

Down Among the Dead Men – …And You Will Obey Me Review

Down Among the Dead Men – …And You Will Obey Me Review

“Vibrant old school death releases from Lik, Skeletal Remains and Ripped to Shreds have highlighted 2018 so far, and with an upcoming full-length from Extremity on the horizon, things are looking bright for fans of the retro style. That said, can Down Among the Dead Men raise the bar and lay waste to the standout competition?” Old dogs, deadly tricks.

Odd Palace – Things to Place on the Moon Review

Odd Palace – Things to Place on the Moon Review

“Many of us at AngryMetalGuy.com make no effort to hide the fact that we love music that falls just off the beaten path. A good way to get mine and others’ attention is to name-drop The Mars Volta and King Crimson in a promo blurb: I’m immediately like a small child accepting candy from a stranger.” Free opinions!

Thorium – Blasphemy Awakes Review

Thorium – Blasphemy Awakes Review

“What a swell dude Rogga Johansson is. Even though he is getting ever closer to having a band for every letter of the alphabet, he still finds time to assist his buddies with their songwriting troubles. One such buddy is Michael “MHA” Andersen, managing director of Danish label Mighty Music and frontman for death metal band Thorium.” A Rogga for every season.

Møl – Jord Review

Møl – Jord Review

“Maybe it’s just me, but shoegazey black metal just isn’t as exciting as it used to be. It’s easy to forget just how groundbreaking Alcest’s debut truly was, and though Deafheaven caught a lot of flack for their apparent Pitchfork pandering, I always found Sunbather to be a captivating, dreamy, and refreshingly honest record in a genre that’s far too often up its own ass with being ‘cvlt’ and ‘trve.’ But as happens, the style got saturated, the pioneers got mediocre, and these days the release of a new ‘blackgaze’ album generates about as much anticipation as getting a colonoscopy.” Pucker up, hipstercups!

Daze of June – Heart of Silver Review

Daze of June – Heart of Silver Review

“Thank you for registering your interest for the Daze of JuneHeart of Silver Situational Response Kit. Here at Anodyne Metalcore Industries™ we pride ourselves on delivering products that are designed for any delicate occasion in need of a solution. Below you will find a number of scenarios that outline the efficacy of our product. With its polished delivery and muted dynamics, Daze of JuneHeart of Silver can be counted on when a calming, neutered experience is called for, no matter how fragile the circumstances. Be assured that this Danish-made item is professionally engineered and focus-tested to give you exactly what you expect with no surprises or unwanted excitement.” Fake Placid.

Final Hour – Final Hour Review

Final Hour – Final Hour Review

“I often wonder why bands ape a particular sound to death, but pass over another. Is Iron Maiden truly more worthy than Judas Priest? Why does Dark Tranquillity never get the same love as In Flames and At the Gates? What makes Bathory a hot ticket but not Type O Negative? Final Hour, as you may suspect, evoked this line of questioning with their take on melodeath’s tried and true tropes. Their influences are exactly the ones you would expect, and their music works inside the box.” Crazy like a box.

Royal Hunt – Cast in Stone Review

Royal Hunt – Cast in Stone Review

Royal Hunt has reached the “long running career” stage, with Cast in Stone being their 14th album. Over most of that decade spanning career, they’ve stuck to their original formula, taking rock sensibilities and applying them to prog-metal. While the band was never afraid to wank and strut their musical stuff, they always wrote a catchy tune first, then packed the showboating in the right places.” Rock for the King.

Savage Machine – Abandon Earth Review

Savage Machine – Abandon Earth Review

“The crack of lightning, the rumble of thunder: If I had a nickel for every time I heard a song with such ominous bleatings, I still wouldn’t be able to buy a pint. But, this time, there’s no falsettos to back the rumble or guitar shredding to support the raining blood. Instead, Denmark’s Savage Machine uses this sky screaming to launch mankind from this puny planet. But, what’s in store for mankind on Abandon Earth?” Into the void trvly.