Vader

Saille – Gnosis Review

By Grymm on March 15, 2017 in 2017, Belgian Metal, Black Metal, Code666 Records, Reviews, Black Metal, 40 comments

“Have you ever been away from someone for a while, whether a friend, family member, or former love interest, and when you reunite, that person has changed dramatically? Was it because they cleaned up, got their shit together, lost or gained weight in a healthy matter, or otherwise became an outrageously successful person without you? Or did you see them with a beer belly, receding hairline, on their third divorce, and you try to find a nice way to cheer them up while thinking in your head, ‘What the hell happened to you?'” Absence makes the heart grow fatter.

Bear Mace – Butchering the Colossus Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on March 1, 2017 in 2017, American Metal, Death Metal, Reviews, Self-released, Death Metal, 50 comments

“Though I live in quasi-bear country, I had no idea “bear mace” was a thing until I started researching Bear Mace (the band). While I know encounters with real-life Pooh bears are no laughing matter, there’s something comical about whipping out a can of bear mace to fend off a charging Grizzly. I mean, seriously, what are the odds that everything is going to end well?” You have the bear minimum chance of success.

Witchmaster/Voidhanger – Razing the Shrines of Optimism [Split] Review

By Mark Z. on January 16, 2017 in 2017, Black Metal, Death Metal, Polish Metal, Reviews, Third Eye Temple, Black Metal, Death Metal, 9 comments

“From Vader to Behemoth, Polish death metal has always rocked my socks off and left me standing in line for all the blastbeats and pierogies I can stomach. From the same foul breeding grounds come the perpetrators behind today’s split.” Nasty and nastier.

Madam X’s Least Disliked Ten(ish) of 2016

By Madam X on December 29, 2016 in 2016, Blog Posts, Lists, 95 comments

“As the year winds to a close I find myself reflecting on what this year has been for me musically, and I have to say, unlike other reviewers on the site, I’ve found it extremely difficult to doll out any significantly high scores. This has led me to just one conclusion, Madam X’s Top Ten(ish) of 2016, shall instead be titled Madam X’s Least Disliked Ten(ish) of 2016.” There is no X in team.

Maschine – Naturalis Review

By Akerblogger on November 22, 2016 in 2016, English Metal, InsideOut, Progressive Rock, Reviews, Progressive Rock, 37 comments

“Things are getting worse. The seasons are becoming more unforgiving and natural disasters on a colossal scale are becoming more common. Species and their habitats are being pulverized into extinction at a rapid rate and humanity, instead of looking for a solution, seeks to jump ship to other planets. How are we, the powerless, going to solve this? What can we really do? Well, we can curl up into a ball and listen to Maschine’s second full-length that focuses on the ramifications of our disregard for Mother Earth.” Prog it up as the world goes down.

Vader – The Empire Review

By Ferrous Beuller on November 5, 2016 in 2016, Death Metal, Nuclear Blast, Polish Metal, Reviews, Thrash Metal, Death Metal, Thrash Metal, 54 comments

“In an effort to avoid consistency devolving into redundancy, Vader have opted to galvanize The Empire with the ever-present thrash that propels their classic sound. The results are a lot of fun. I love Vader, so if you’re at all interested in following me awkwardly avoid blathering on about how great they are, and actually offer objectivity, then read on. Careful, don’t trip on the hyperbole.” Objectivity is for posers.

Mithras – On Strange Loops Review

By Mark Z. on October 29, 2016 in 2016, Death Metal, English Metal, Reviews, Willowtip, Death Metal, 68 comments

“Mithras is finally back with fourth full-length On Strange Loops – an album reportedly six years in the making and probably the last with longtime vocalist/bassist Rayner Coss, who left the group earlier this year. Strap in, sit tight, and set phasers to ‘fuck yeah’ as we explore what’s likely to be the best death metal record of 2016.” Let’s get loopy!

Banisher – Oniric Delusions Review

By Eldritch Elitist on August 27, 2016 in 2016, Death Metal, Deformeathing Records, Polish Metal, Reviews, Death Metal, 29 comments

“Listening to Oniric Delusions this past week got me thinking about vanilla ice cream. It’s a dessert that’s not so much widely loved as universally accepted as a reliable standby to other, more complex dishes. Proper application of toppings however can transform this most mundane of treats into something special and unique. When I learned that Banisher hails from Poland and markets themselves as extreme death metal, I couldn’t help but raise my expectations at least a little.” Poland is for death lovers.

Centinex – Doomsday Rituals Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on July 3, 2016 in 2016, Agonia Records, Death Metal, Reviews, Swedish Metal, Death Metal, 9 comments

“When Centinex’s name appeared on the promo list, I was (un)pleasantly surprised. I even assumed it was a sick joke; faxing Steel without delay to confirm that Centinex indeed had a new album out. OK, so I knew the band hadn’t dissolved (again), but a year-and-a-half turnaround for a new album was quite a surprise.” That’s the only way you get surprises from Swe-death these days.

Nervosa – Agony Review

By Dr. A.N. Grier on June 4, 2016 in 2016, Brazilian Metal, Napalm Records, Reviews, Thrash Metal, Thrash Metal, 53 comments

“Name the first band that comes to mind when I say Brazil. OK, now name a second one. With some countries like Sweden, the choices are endless. The two picks made are usually based on my favorite bands or bands whose albums were most recently spun. In the case of countries like Brazil, my mind goes straight to timeless classics. Old-school Sepultura and Krisiun. But this game only works once. If you ask me again to name the first two Brazilian bands that come to mind, I will give the same answers. But what if you ask me to name a third? In that case, I’d add Nervosa to the list.” This game isn’t a lot of fun.