Take Over and Destroy

Svartkonst – May the Night Fall Review

By Ferox on October 4, 2023 in Reviews, Black Metal, Death Metal, 26 comments

“I beg your pardon, Svartkonst–but it appears you got your corpse paint on my cargo shorts. Over the course of two albums, Rickard Törnqvist–until now the only member of this Swedish outfit–has been concocting and refining his signature blend of Entombed-core Swedeath and Watain’s fierce approach to melodic black metal. 2020’s Black Waves was a revelation and a highlight of that dire year, taking the best of Svartkonst’s influences and boiling away whatever Törnqvist didn’t need. Not since the mad lads over at Reese’s had their mishap with chocolate and peanut butter has a mashup gone so swimmingly. Now Törnqvist is back with a five-man touring lineup in tow, as Svartkonst drops new long player May the Night Fall.” Be-Twix and between worlds.

Viral Tyrant – Vultures Like You Review

By Saunders on July 24, 2023 in Reviews, Doom Metal, Sludge, 14 comments

“Diving headlong into the promo sump, I decided to take a gamble on the debut album from Portland, Oregon’s raucous Viral Tyrant and their debut LP, Vultures Like You. Formed in 2018 the fiery four-piece have a lone demo and single behind their name, before arriving at this first foray into full-length territory. Being that sludge is a notoriously grimy, seedy back-alley style, let us dispense with the pleasantries and determine whether Vultures Like You is any good.” Sludge is a disease.

Take Over and Destroy – Fade Out [Things You Might Have Missed 2021]

By Dr. A.N. Grier on January 24, 2022 in Things You Might Have Missed 2021, Sludge Metal, 14 comments

“Like many of you, my allegiances are with my local scene. With Covid taking over bars and venues, it’s been challenging to keep up with the ever-changing scene as new basement bands emerge, and veterans call it quits. Thankfully, my fellow Phoenicians, Take Over and Destroy, didn’t let the pandemic get them down—quite the opposite, really. Earlier this year, they were a band that’s been quiet for almost five years. Later in the year, they surprised the entire metal community by materializing a new record out of the fucking ether. With a kickass, old-school vinyl cover and a straightforward attitude to doom and sludge, Fade Out is the Covid album we all wanted. Drop the needle, and let’s get mad.” Healthy destruction.

Dr. A.N. Grier’s Top Ten(ish) of 2021

By Dr. A.N. Grier on December 31, 2021 in Blog Posts, Lists, 189 comments

Dr. A.N. Grier delivers the goods with a Top Ten(ish) of 2021 to shock and awe the unwashed masses. Experience it.

GardensTale’s and Ferrous Beuller’s Top Ten(ish) of 2021

By Steel Druhm on December 29, 2021 in Blog Posts, 85 comments

GardensTale and Ferrous Beuller unleash their Top Ten(ish) lists in a reckless manner without regard for the safety of others. Wear your safety goggles!

Rottendawn – Occult Review

By Ferrous Beuller on September 3, 2019 in 2019, Death Metal, Doom Metal, Finnish Metal, Reviews, Saturnal Records, Death Metal, Doom Metal, 32 comments

“Finland’s Rottendawn hold doom metal in the highest regard. Boasting once and current members of Impaled Nazarene, Unholy and Sinisthra, the pedigree on debut album Occult is enviable. Unfortunately, good breeding doesn’t always precede a good album.”When does good breeding become inbreeding?

Spirit Adrift – Chained to Oblivion Review

By Grymm on August 7, 2016 in 2016, American Metal, Doom Metal, Prosthetic Records, Reviews, Doom Metal, 28 comments

“Everyone and their second cousin (twice removed) knows by now that there’s a glut of one-man black metal bands. You have a guitar, a barely functional computer, a mic, and some time to kill? That’s a perfect recipe to stave off boredom for at least a few months (or days, if you’re Vardan). One-man doom metal, though? That requires some serious time, dedication, and at least a decent knowledge of every instrument possible.” Bring forth the sad loner!