Nov21

Eternity’s End – Embers of War Review

Eternity’s End – Embers of War Review

“A week ago, progressive/technical death metal titans Obscurareleased a well-received album that featured the return of longtime guitarist Christian Münzner. Münzner had left the band in 2014 after developing focal dystonia, an overuse condition that left his fretting hand neurologically compromised. Needing a break from the relentless touring cycle of a band like Obscura, Münzner turned to other projects. Recruiting former Obscura bandmates Linus Klausenitzer and Hannes Grossmann, Münzner formed Eternity’s End with the goal to produce high-quality progressive power metal.” Powerful hobbies.

Hypocrisy – Worship Review

Hypocrisy – Worship Review

“Like Angry Metal Guy said in his review for Hypocrisy’s A Taste of Extreme Divinity, there aren’t enough people who know of Hypocrisy. I’ll add to that by saying if you don’t know the brainchild of Peter Tägtgren, you’re an idiot, your mom hates you, and all your friends think you’re ridiculous. Look in the mirror and repeat after me: ‘I’m a nobody.'” Tough love and flagrant Hyprcrisy.

Cynic – Ascension Codes Review

Cynic – Ascension Codes Review

“If you aren’t familiar with Cynic… I guess just fuck you? Look at another website, loser. If you are, I can tell you right off the bat that the Seans are dearly missed. I’m not familiar with the role of Malone & Reinert in shaping the band’s ambitions, but Ascension Codes does seem like a case of Masvidal just running with it and trying to make the most Cynic-ass record he could without them.” Rise and get weird.

The Necromancers Union – Flesh of the Dead Review

The Necromancers Union – Flesh of the Dead Review

“Of all the things Europe has begun to assimilate from across the ocean, Halloween is probably the best one. Though it’s not yet an official celebration, grassroots parties and events are springing up more and more every year. My fiancée and I, and a few of our friends, have taken to carving pumpkins and eating lots of candy as well, and why not? It’s one of the few holidays that still has an everything-goes quality, and doesn’t force you to either spend time with family or be a social outcast. Darkwave artist Daniel Belasco (Glass Apple Bonzai) clearly adores Halloween as well. The Necromancers Union debut, Flesh of the Dead, is a loving homage to the campy horror of yesteryear, stuffed with samples from numerous VHS classics.” Dead man’s party.

Concrete Winds – Nerve Butcherer Review

Concrete Winds – Nerve Butcherer Review

“Finnish two-piece Concrete Winds emerged from the ashes of Vorum in 2019, with debut Primitive Force marrying an unrelenting death metal onslaught with a passionate love of gobbledygook song titles. The band’s approach bears a close resemblance to the ferocious stylings of war metal, albeit with less of a blackened edge. Accordingly, while Concrete Winds’ moniker is a head-scratcher, the title of their sophomore effort Nerve Butcherer leaves little ambiguity about how the listener is intended to feel.” Mad nerve butcher!

Tower – Shock to the System Review

Tower – Shock to the System Review

“The retro metal movement continues unabated, dragging modern metal back to the past (read as: the 70s). New York City’s Tower want their piece of that retro/proto-metal pie, and on sophomore platter Shock to the System, they’re ready to do whatever it takes to get it. Their stock in trade is high-octane, gritty, ballsy metal influenced by 70s rock, 80s traditional metal, and early speed, and folks, these cats are out for blood and treasure.” System upgrade.

Lynx – Watcher of Skies Review

Lynx – Watcher of Skies Review

“Boy have we gotten lucky with some sweet traditional metal fare this month. Recent releases from both Black Soul Horde and Tower are sure to worm their way onto a few year-end lists—at least for the olde at heart. Upstart band Lynx aim to join this exalted group with their debut, Watcher of Skies.” Cat scratch fever?

FireWölfe – Conquer All Fear Review

FireWölfe – Conquer All Fear Review

“It’s been a sparse year for traditional metal for old Holdeneye. I usually cover at least a few albums of the classic variety each year, but as I look back over the travesty that is my “Albums Reviewed” spreadsheet, I see only one 2021 album with the lone “heavy metal” tag. A couple of factors play into this shortage, namely supply chain issues (read: Steel Druhm takes most of the classic metal albums for himself because he’s old) and my own lack of productivity. Well, the holiday season is the perfect time to set all wrongs right, so I swiftly grabbed this, the third record from FireWölfe.” Power…of the Wölfe.

Dauþuz – Vom schwarzen Schmied Review

Dauþuz – Vom schwarzen Schmied Review

“German black metal band Dauþuz (Death) have created an discography based on mining in Europe. Vom schwarzen Schmied (Of the Blacksmith) is their fourth full-length, following 2019’s Monvmenvm, which received the TYMHM treatment from this esteemed blog. An enthusiastic Muppet called it an underground (haha) gem, extolling its “psychotic vocals” and “plentiful riffs.” I was slightly less enamored, and found it an entertaining—if unremarkable—collection. Have this Germanic duo struck gold this time?” Dig dug.