Feb16

Black Twilight Circle – Desert Dances and Serpent Sermons Review

Black Twilight Circle – Desert Dances and Serpent Sermons Review

“In 2015 I had the pleasure of opening up the New Year with a review of Volahn’s Aq’ab’al; a black metal album filled with so much cultural content (Mayan in this case) that it would have made Quorton’s head spin. Just over a year later I am presented with another opportunity to review a new release from Volahn’s small record label, Crepúsculo Negro—aka Black Twilight Circle.” Cultural diversity is the mission statement here at AMG.

Ritual Chamber – Obscurations (To Feast on the Seraphim) Review

Ritual Chamber – Obscurations (To Feast on the Seraphim) Review

“Simply put, Obscurations (To Feast on the Seraphim), the début by one-man band Ritual Chamber, is easily an archetype of how “evil” music should sound. Guitar riffs and growled vocals rise from a gutter filled with tortured souls, putrid bile drips from drum kicks and rumbling bass lines, and a general atmosphere of rot and despair fills each and every song. Cliché as it may seem, it’s dread incarnated.” Ready for some dread and breakfast?

Protector – Cursed and Coronated Review

Protector – Cursed and Coronated Review

Protector first hit the scene with 1988’s Golem; a crushing mix of Kreator and Possessed sound that straddled the line between thrash and death. This approach continued with 1989’s Urm the Mad until founder Martin Missy left the band. Missy was replaced with guitarist/vocalist Olly Wiebel, whose contributions brought a more thrash-focused sound to A Shedding of Skin and The Heritage. But after The Heritage, the band pretty much fell off the face of the earth.” And now they’re back!

Sinbreed – Master Creator Review

Sinbreed – Master Creator Review

“Germanic power metal has really become its own little thing over the years, making it a reliably punchy alternative to the overly pompous, fancy-pantsy, chaos wizardy sounds of traditional Euro-power. One of the better purveyors of this muscular brand of Teutonic terror is Sinbreed.” Manly power metal for manly men (and women).

Headspace – All that You Fear Is Gone Review

Headspace – All that You Fear Is Gone Review

“As you may have noticed, we’re prog wusses at AMG. We look favorably on innovation, strong atmosphere and where progressive isn’t a synonym for purely technical. Enter Headspace. Comprising high profile musicians such as vocalist Damian Wilson of Threshold, keyboardist Adam Wakeman of Ozzy’s band (and son of the Yes legend) and Lee Pomeroy, of note for his work with almost everyone ever (including Steve Hackett), the line-up is experienced and successful. ‘Supergroups’ are, however, plagued as strong personalities pull the music in various directions, often devolving into vain wankfests.” The curse of the supergroup continues.

Oranssi Pazuzu – Värähtelijä Review

Oranssi Pazuzu – Värähtelijä Review

Oranssi Pazuzu narrowly missed out on Captain Ricard’s Best Black Metal Album of 2013 award (that went to Teethed Glory and Injury) with the magnificent Vaonielu. An instantly accessible yet bizarre and musically deep record, Vaonielu kept me away from my Toto loop for weeks with its sublime blend of catchy, aggressive riffs, trippy grooves, psychedelic synths, and menacing atmosphere.” Fear the wrath of Pazuzu’s schlong!

Rogash – Malevolence Review

Rogash – Malevolence Review

“It’s been a while since I’ve reached into the Grymm Grab Bag™ to review my next band, and this review doesn’t change that. Y’see, sometimes, like with Tom of… err, TOMB of Finland, the name alone just screams to be reviewed. This case, though, it was AMG himself saying, “Hey, Mr. Dan Swanö produced this.” Dan is a very talented mult-instrumentalist, a gifted songwriter, and the producer of some of my favorite records. So, I like Dan. And Dan produced Malevolence, the second album by German death metal machine, Rogash. When the Boss asks you to check something out, then damnit, you listen!” Grymm is working for the Man.

Bombus – Repeat until Death Review

Bombus – Repeat until Death Review

“I should probably hate this album. I’ve been having some difficulty trying to explain why I like Bombus’s sophomore Century Media release, Repeat until Death, but as Jordan Campbell would tell me: that’s my job. But it’s possibly easier to let me explain, first, why I shouldn’t like it. Because, trust me, I’m as confused as anyone about this whole thing and I need to get my thoughts straight.” AMG needs some space.