English Metal

My Dying Bride – A Mortal Binding Review

My Dying Bride – A Mortal Binding Review

“I’ve been listening to My Dying Bride’s entire discography, including this new one, nonstop for a good two weeks straight. It’s begun to affect my daily life. A couple nights ago, after putting the Cherdlet to bed, my wife asked me what I’d like to do with the rest of our evening and without thinking I said, “Drink deep of your neck chalice.” While she was still quietly processing this, I complimented her on the whiteness of her breasts. She decided she wanted to watch “one of her shows” instead and bid me good night.” Gothic suave is tricky.

DragonForce – Warp Speed Warriors Review

DragonForce – Warp Speed Warriors Review

“We’ve all had that moment when we hear a new single from a band we love and think “well, maybe that’s just the worst song from the album!” In the case of “Doomsday Party,” I could not afford DragonForce and Warp Speed Warriors such optimism. Sure, Napalm Records releases are often heralded by absolute stinkers in an apparent gamble at mass appeal, but with the British power metal wanksters’ ninth record arriving on the heels of what was easily the band’s worst showing to date, my thin hopes for a makeup album quickly disintegrated.” Dragon, why do you cry?

Lionheart – The Grace of a Dragonfly Review

Lionheart – The Grace of a Dragonfly Review

“Anyone already familiar with the most popular, debatably metal bands of the 80s (Def Leppard, Whitesnake) will understand what’s going on with Lionheart. Big power chords in the verses, big vocals in the choruses, crunchy but accessible riffs, and an overly of keyboards that sometimes take the form of a piano and sometimes something synthier. Dragonfly largely makes for an upbeat, easy-going sort of listen.” Lions and bugs and Brits, oh my!

Eternal Rot – Moribound Review

Eternal Rot – Moribound Review

Eternal Rot are new to me but they’ve been slowly honing a truly repulsive death-doom sounds since way back in 2013. With two albums (that are really more like EPs) to their credit, this English/Polish collective took great pains to create some of the wettest, more caustic sewage spew out there. Third platter Moribound keeps the putrid times going with grisly, grotesque sub-sub-basement level filth suitable for a mass grave or Super Fund site.” Stepping in a rotpile.

Crepitation – Monstrous Eruption of Impetuous Preposterosity Review

Crepitation – Monstrous Eruption of Impetuous Preposterosity Review

“Toiling in the underground since forming in 2006, UK brutal death and slam exponents Crepitation have left a lengthy trail of demos, splits and singles but just the sole full-length, 2015’s comically titled, The Violence of the Slams. Even in its most brutal and over-the-top forms, when done well slam usually delivers big, bold, bucketloads of fun. And by all accounts Crepitation don’t take themselves too seriously, serving up goofball humor, zany songwriting and outlandishly silly song titles on their wordy sophomore album, Monstrous Eruption of Impetuous Preposterosity.” Premature Eruption.

Sermon – Of Golden Verse Review

Sermon – Of Golden Verse Review

“UK’s mysterious Sermon burst from out of nowhere on phenomenal 2019 debut album, Birth of the Marvellous. The debut was an incredibly accomplished, polished jewel of intense and emotive progressive metal, boasting excellent production and top-shelf writing and performances from the duo. Sermon bided their time crafting the follow-up to an unexpected underground hit, with combined efforts and careful craftmanship resulting in another triumphant release.” Preaching to the choir.