Sodom

Accuser – The Mastery Review

Accuser – The Mastery Review

“I guess it’s only fitting that I’d follow up a review of the newest Machine Head record with another long-lost thrash band. This time, it’s a German outfit that hit the scene in 1986 and has more thrash metal cred than the thrash/groove/rap-metal outfit from Oakland, CA. Even if no one has any idea who they are. Accuser’s first two records, 1987’s The Conviction and 1989’s Who Dominates Who?, are underrated thrash metal classics. The latter, in particular, is a thrashpiece that combines the technicality of Testament and Annihilator with Kreator, Metallica, and Destruction. But after 1987, the band swan-dived straight into the groove-metal pavement for the next four releases. With this nightmarish Pantera-like tailspin finally coming to a halt after Taken by the Throat. And, to no one’s surprise, the band was no more.” Thrash through the ages.

Hexx – Wrath of the Reaper Review

Hexx – Wrath of the Reaper Review

“There are albums and there are comeback albums. While the former can have their share of pressure and anticipation, pressure and anticipation are inevitable for the latter. Especially the larger the gap between a band’s previous releases and their comeback. Celtic Frost’s Monotheist, for example, had a ridiculous amount of hype surrounding it. The band felt it, the fans felt it. But, after sixteen years of CF silence, Monotheist arrived and left its mark. Another legend to return from the grave is Autopsy. After another sixteen years, they returned with a vengeance—proving to the world they could still be as raunchy as ever. But, why a come back?” Back from the dead with the Reaper in tow.

FireForce – Annihilate the Evil Review

FireForce – Annihilate the Evil Review

“Like Sabaton, Belgium’s FireForce focuses all their energy around battles come-and-gone, the bravery of the few, and the historical instances that led to war. With two albums under their belt, this five-piece is back with another history lesson. This time on Greece’s Oxi Day, the Danevirke, the infamous Iron Brigade, and much more. So, come along, dweebs. School’s in session. Grab your Thermos and knapsack, it’s time to get learneded.” The professor is a doctor.

Venom Inc. – Avé Review

Venom Inc. – Avé Review

“All of us — even we manly men — have at some point, stumbled unnervingly into love. And we’ve all felt that multiverse-reverberating kidney punch when it inevitably goes to hell. To be so hopelessly enamored until destiny deigns to dissolve said bond and leave us only with a collection of increasingly pallid memories that cast a pall over once cherished years. Thus was my young love affair with Venom.” Of loves remembered and Satanic leagues disbanded.

Phylactery – Necromancy Enthroned Review

Phylactery – Necromancy Enthroned Review

“I won’t mince words: Necromancy Enthroned is the riffiest album I’ve ever heard. This album makes Master of Puppets look like Music for Airports. This album makes Sodom look like Sunn O))). This album is the reason why my socks remain unfolded while I stand over my bed playing air guitar.” The socks have been rocked.

Apostate Viaticum – Before the Gates of Gomorrah Review

Apostate Viaticum – Before the Gates of Gomorrah Review

“At first glance of Apostate Viaticum’s debut, Before the Gates of Gomorrah there’s not much that indicates if a diamond has been pried free from the earth or it’s just another lump of coal. Time to dust off the jeweler’s loupe to see if we have something that glitters.” Death metal does not favor the shiny.

Suppressive Fire – Nature of War Review

Suppressive Fire – Nature of War Review

“Given how great 2016 was for me personally, my resolution for the New Year, if I was forced to make one, would be to keep doing what I was doing but do even more of it. The more things stay the same, the more things keep coming up Milhouse Diabolus. With that in mind, 2017 is off to a great start! Case in point: just like 2016, my first review of the year’s subject is Raleigh’s Suppressive Fire.” Thrashy deja vu.

Sarkom – Anti-Cosmic Art Review

Sarkom – Anti-Cosmic Art Review

“The biggest difference between 2013’s Doomsday Elite and their previous work is the amount of inspiration they brought into every track of Doomsday. They brought in The Kovenant’s Psy Coma to handle the closing orchestral arrangements, Negator’s Nachtgarm for vocal assistance, and the guitars of Keep of Kalessin’s Vyl. And Anti-Cosmic Art is here to take it one step further. The band brings more guests, unleashes more riffs, more blastbeats, and a plethora of guitar solos. The result is Sarkom’s best release to date. ” Is this the Avantasia of blackness?

Dead Conspiracy – Dead Conspiracy Review

Dead Conspiracy – Dead Conspiracy Review

“It shouldn’t surprise you that Dead Conspiracy plays the sort of death metal that has little in common with modern incarnations of it or even Morbid Angel, but rather sounds like over the top thrash. My first impression was a less punky war metal or Possessed on speed but with less cool solos.” From the days when every town had Seven Churches.