Independent Release

Crow Black Sky – Sidereal Light Volume 2 [Things You Might Have Missed 2023]

Crow Black Sky – Sidereal Light Volume 2 [Things You Might Have Missed 2023]

Crow Black Sky’s second album, Sidereal Light Volume 1, caught my eye in 2018 for several reasons. Firstly, it received a well-deserved 4.0 on this here blog. Secondly, it came from a band located in my home (and favorite city in the whole world), Cape Town, South Africa. For those unaware, extreme metal is a tough sell in Africa. No established scene, no radio support, few venues, and conservative crowds. Any metal band from Africa faces an uphill battle from the get-go, which makes it all the more astonishing how many cool bands South Africa produces. Crow Black Sky are no exception” Early birds arrive late.

AMG’s Unsigned Band Rodeö: Thunderon – Beyond the Glow

AMG’s Unsigned Band Rodeö: Thunderon – Beyond the Glow

“AMG’s Unsigned Band Rodeö” is a time-honored tradition to showcase the most underground of the underground—the unsigned and unpromoted. This collective review treatment continues to exist to unite our writers in boot or bolster of the bands who remind us that, for better or worse, the metal underground exists as an important part of the global metal scene. The Rodeö rides on.” Thunderon the tundra.

AMG’s Unsigned Band Rodeö: Mindrazer – A Thing of Nightmares

AMG’s Unsigned Band Rodeö: Mindrazer – A Thing of Nightmares

“AMG’s Unsigned Band Rodeö” is a time-honored tradition to showcase the most underground of the underground—the unsigned and unpromoted. This collective review treatment continues to exist to unite our writers in boot or bolster of the bands who remind us that, for better or worse, the metal underground exists as an important part of the global metal scene. The Rodeö rides on.” Welcome to the Garden State!

AMG’s Unsigned Band Rodeö: Neural Dissonance – Under a Rain of Senses

AMG’s Unsigned Band Rodeö: Neural Dissonance – Under a Rain of Senses

“AMG’s Unsigned Band Rodeö” is a time-honored tradition to showcase the most underground of the underground—the unsigned and unpromoted. This collective review treatment continues to exist to unite our writers in boot or bolster of the bands who remind us that, for better or worse, the metal underground exists as an important part of the global metal scene. The Rodeö rides on.” Death in July.

AMG’s Unsigned Band Rodeö: War Dance – Sons of Thunder

AMG’s Unsigned Band Rodeö: War Dance – Sons of Thunder

“AMG’s Unsigned Band Rodeö” is a time-honored tradition to showcase the most underground of the underground—the unsigned and unpromoted. This collective review treatment continues to exist to unite our writers in boot or bolster of the bands who remind us that, for better or worse, the metal underground exists as an important part of the global metal scene. The Rodeö rides on.” Now featuring more ManoRodeö!

Gutslit – Carnal Review

Gutslit – Carnal Review

“India’s deathgrinding powerhouse Gutslit took me by surprise on 2017’s accomplished and wildly enjoyable sophomore album, Amputheatre, marking a sizable leap forward from their rough around-the-edges 2013 debut, Skewered in the Sewer. On reflection, I was shocked to learn it had been six years or so since being blindsided by Amputheatre, and thus stoked to delve into the latest platter from this gifted quartet, mauling their way into underground recognition.” Sex criminals.

Blackbraid – Blackbraid II Review

Blackbraid – Blackbraid II Review

“Yeah, Blackbraid I wasn’t perfect: it sounded a bit like an EP, relied too heavily on its singles, and felt, at times, a bit undercooked. But there was more than enough there to get most fans hyped for the follow-up. Blackbraid, fortunately, hasn’t made us wait long. Blackbraid II is here…” Braid surgery.

Ok Goodnight – The Fox and the Bird Review

Ok Goodnight – The Fox and the Bird Review

“Four years Ok Goodnight has pondered on their whimsical blend of art rock, math rock, and prog. Each member fresh off a stint at Berklee, and with frontwoman Casey Lee Williams additional years of experience as the voice of the RWBY soundtracks, Ok Goodnight felt it best to take a low and slow approach for this full-length follow-up to their debut.” The fox and the prog,

Red Cain – Näe’bliss Review

Red Cain – Näe’bliss Review

“2021 is one of those years that should have an asterisk attached for one reason or another, not the least of which is that our dear Kronos went and reviewed power metal favorably. Yes, it was Red Cain’s 2021 effort Kindred: Act II that solidified his inner weenie]—power metal of the most synth-entangled and anthemic variety.” Power to the people!