Metal Blade Records

Vomitory – All Heads are Gonna Roll Review

By Steel Druhm on May 25, 2023 in Reviews, Death Metal, 45 comments

“It’s been a good, long time since we’ve heard from Swedish death metal royalty, Vomitory. From 1996 through 2011 they regularly assaulted the metalverse with high-quality material adroitly blending vintage Swedeath ideas with American death of the Floridian persuasion. It didn’t break barriers but it sure as hell busted skulls, and ghastly platters like Blood Rapture and Carnage Euphoria stand the test of time. Their last album, 2011s Opus Mortis VIII, was a great parting shot full of ripping riffs and bashing brutality, and they were sorely missed when the silence settled. Now 12 years later the beast arises.” Assume the hurling position.

Cattle Decapitation – Terrasite Review

By Felagund on May 11, 2023 in Reviews, Death Metal, Melodic Death Metal, 134 comments

“What can be said about Cattle Decapitation that hasn’t already been said about your local ax murderer? They’re disgusting, blood-soaked, and pungent, yet oddly endearing once you get to know them. Following a uniquely Carcassian career trajectory, ,b>Cattle Decapitation first plopped on the abattoir floor as a vegan-powered grindcore outfit with their first full-length in 1999. 20+ years and nine albums later, they’ve evolved into a celebrated death metal band with more melodic (yet no less bloody) sensibilities.” Meat is back off the menu, boys!

Tanith – Voyage Review

By Steel Druhm on April 21, 2023 in Reviews, Heavy Metal, 85 comments

“Perhaps no metal band in history have had the second act that U.K.s Satan have these last 10 years. Everything they’ve touched has turned to gold, with 4 stunning albums of NWoBHM glory unleashed, most recently in the form of Earth Infernal. Apparently that Midas touch spills over to side projects as well, as Satan guitarist Russ Tippins’ collaboration with Tanith has certainly been noteworthy. Their 2019 In Another Time debut was an enjoyable love letter to 70s hard rock, and though it was a bit unfocused at times, it was a pleasant spin. Now Tanith is back with sophomore outing Voyage and everything has been improved, streamlined and laser-focused on twin guitar rock and the power of proto-metal.” Tanith your ass!

Downfall of Gaia – Silhouettes of Disgust Review

By Carcharodon on March 15, 2023 in Reviews, Atmospheric Black Metal, Crust Punk, Post-Hardcore, Post-Metal, 47 comments

“Now into their fifteenth year, German four-piece Downfall of Gaia need little introduction, particularly for longer-standing readers of this venerable blog. We didn’t cover their first two records, Epos (2010) and Suffocating in the Swarm of Cranes (2012) but since then, Downfall of Gaia has had a very good run in the hands of the normally-highly-critical Mark Z., with each of their next three albums swanning off with a coveted 4.0.” Worst downfall ever.

Siege of Power – This is Tomorrow Review

By Steel Druhm on February 15, 2023 in Reviews, Death Metal, 26 comments

“A death metal supergroup featuring members of Autopsy, Asphyx, and Hail of Bullets floating in the promo bin unguarded? I best grab that one for safekeeping! And so Steel didith claim the sophomore outing by Siege of Power. While their debut was a very uneven affair without truly memorable moments, what these super fiends opted to do on This is Tomorrow is much more interesting. There’s still a punky crossover vibe to some of the material, but there’s also a greater willingness to cross-pollinate genres and explore different soundscapes, making for a surprisingly diverse set of tunes.” Siege perilous.

Goatwhore – Angels Hung from the Arches of Heaven Review

By Saunders on October 5, 2022 in Reviews, Black Metal, Death Metal, Thrash Metal, 27 comments

“Goatwhore is an institution, and in 2022 celebrate their 25th anniversary, fittingly capping the occasion with their first album since 2017’s solid, if safe, Vengeful Ascension. During a recent binge-to-end-all-Goatwhore-binges, alongside several of my esteemed colleagues, I gained a renewed appreciation of what a consistently kick-arse and reliable outfit the NOLA legends have been over the years. Despite honing a well-worn thrash/black/death formula, each Goatwhore album possesses skillful tweaks, creating distinctive album-to-album character.” Rocking the Goat.

Talas – 1985 Review

By Crispy Hooligan on October 4, 2022 in Reviews, Hard Rock, 35 comments

“As old heads will know, Talas emerged from Buffalo as east coast contemporaries of late-70s hard rock acts like Van Halen. Following two solid records and a live album, Talas threatened to break into the mainstream with a proposed third album in 1985. After Diamond Dave ditched Van Halen, however, he recruited prodigious bassist Billy Sheehan for his solo band. Talas sat dormant for nearly forty years until Sheehan announced the original members of Talas—with new axeman Kire Najdovski—were finally finishing the songs that would have appeared on that third album.” Vintage wares.

Lybica – Lybica Review

By Grymm on September 13, 2022 in Reviews, Instrumental Metal, 34 comments

“First and foremost, and this should come as no surprise to any of you… but this wins Cover o’ the Year for me. Hands down, no competition. Sure, you’ve got your Eliran Kantors, your Travis Smiths, and your Necrolords. And that’s all fine and dandy. But here, we have a proud, majestic cat with its tongue out, as if to say, “I’m here, world… and I shall blep.” It’s only fitting, then, that Lybica, the South Floridian instrumental band featuring Killswitch Engage’s Justin Foley and members of Gravel Kings, would name themselves after the African wildcat species often referenced as the godfather to the modern-day domesticated cat.” Cats in the belfry.

Trial – Feed the Fire Review

By Steel Druhm on September 8, 2022 in Reviews, Heavy Metal, NWOBHM, 104 comments

“Way back in 2015, when the world was young and AMG was still using the cursed and damned Excel Promo Sheet ov Doom, an album called Vessel by Swedish prog/power/trad act Trial graced my earholes. It was like a joyous fusion of Crimson Glory, early Fates Warning, In Solitude and NWoBHM and I really enjoyed it. I planned to review it but time conspired against me and Vessel never got the AMG treatment it deserved. 2017s Motherless did, however, and that album was a hot mess lacking the old timey charm and mystique of its predecessor. Fast forward to 2022 and Trial return with Feed the Fire and a brand new singer, and the awkwardness of Motherless is nowhere to be found.” Trial by fire.

Revocation – Netherheaven Review

By Kronos on September 6, 2022 in Reviews, Death Metal, Technical Death Metal, 98 comments

“Revocation are cool again. To be fair, Revocation were almost always cool. From 2008’s Empire of the Obscene to 2014’s Deathless, the band were unstoppable, almost single-handedly revitalizing death thrash. With the speed and grace of a whipsnake, they gleamed through twisting, treacherous songs, dazzling with every move. Their music was not malicious; it was downright joyous, and bandleader Dave Davidson’s boisterous solo work hearkened back to the crazed fret flights of records like Rust in Peace while taking thrash in new directions.” Be not deaf in Heaven.