Among The Prey is a four piece band made up of, Iiro Kuntsi - vocals and guitar. Atte Palokangas - drums. Joni Laine - guitar. Toni Keskinen - bass. Music style is listed as, melodic death metal. Band location, Finland. Only For The Blinded Eyes album to be released on Inverse Records February 19 2016. My initial thoughts are, high energy and engaging riffs. A solid slab of pure brutality. Compositions that deliver a massive blow. A total on nine tracks. Great production, heavy distorted guitars and strong drum sound. At times reminding me of At the Gates, The Haunted, Mastodon and Lamb of God. The songs that stood out the most from this release would be "Pieces" and Wake Up", in Wake up I really enjoy the hammer-on pull-off arrangement, its memorable and adds a certain dynamic to the song. It is a track that will make you want to clench your fist and come out swinging. Final thoughts, a savage and intense album. Metal that comes at you at a hundred miles per hour and obliterates your senses. if you enjoy bands like Chimera and Lamb of God, then you will most certainly enjoy this release. ~Artemortifica facebook-amongtheprey
Sacrilegium is a five piece band made up of, Armeus-Drums. SuclagusGuitars, Bass. AleksandraKeyboards. Nantur Aldaron, Vocals. Music style is listed as, Pagan Black Metal. Band location, Wejherowo. Angelus album released on Release on 28 December 2015 Pagan Records. The band has been bringing their brand of madness since 1994 when they released their demo Sleeptime. This promo contains six different versions of the song Angelus. I will have to say my favorite version is by Angelus (Remix by Echoes of Yul), it is the atmosphere and penetrating hypnosis the synths create that most capture my attention. At times it reminds me of a Silent Hill type of soundtrack. Haunting and enthralling. At the time of this review the band has currently released a full album entitled Anima Lucifera. Below you'll find the link to the band BC so you can pick your favorite mix Final thoughts, six renditions each with its own flavor. ~Artemortifica facebook-SacrilegiumOfficial
Kult Mogił is a three piece band made up of, Kalkulator Chronometrażysta - Drums. Thisworld OutofGuitars. Karmiciel Wszy Zdrowych - Guitars, Vocals. Members as listed at metal-archives. Music style is listed as, death metal. Band location, Poland. Anxiety Never Descending Release on 24 December 2015 Pagan Records. Dissonance and chaos are the two main ingredients in this release. The opening track comes through like sharp razor blades and obliterates the senses. Raw and gritty seems to be the projection of the production. Low growls and blast beats can be heard demolishing everything in site. The band offers us six punishing compositions. Reminiscent of early Morbid Angel but with a twisted and maniacal structure. Some of my favorites from this release would have to be "Serene Ponds", thunderous double kick work and cut throat solos make this particular song stand out. "Początek Wrażeń", not sure what it means but the low tuned strings send shivers down the spine. Like a cold dark hand wrapping tightly around the neck. A punishing song that's worth checking out at a high volume. Final thoughts, if you like chaotic and dissonant riffing, then look no further, this is the album to add to your collection. ~Artemortifica facebook-kultmogil
Apathy Noir is a two piece band made up of, Viktor Jonas (All Instruments), Vidar Wetterhall (Vocals/Lyrics). Music style is listed as, Melodic Doom/Death Metal. Band location, Sweden. Across Dark Waters album to be released on Artnoir Productions February 12, 2016. My first impression, intense, deep and moving. The initial track "Beyond The Sea", sets a gloomy path that will leads us into the void of no return. Good production, every instrument is well defined and comes through perfectly. The keyboard pieces are mesmerizing and capture the dark essence they are projecting to the listener. A mixture of low growl vocalization and also singing is well spread out through every composition. Some of the influence that may be noted would be bands like, Torrens Conscientium, Infestum and Sentenced. The band offers us seven long tracks. Some of my favorites would have to be, "Lure of the Sirens", with sorrowful and oppressive sounds, it is a song that can be played over and over and you would not get tire of it. "Death of Hope" is another track worth mentioning. Filled with powerful double bass drums and melodic riffing. It captivates the thoughts of long and sad journeys. Final thoughts, hymns that penetrate the deep crevices of the mind. Rooted in the doom genre but adding a melodic touch that reflects an extra layer of sound exploration for both novice and frequent listeners of the genre. ~Artemortifica facebook.com-Apathy-Noir
Mangled is a five piece band made up of, Ryan Ritchie- Vocals. Matt Moyer - Bass & Vocals. Rafay Nabeel- Guitar. John Manger- Guitar. Joe Sweat- Drums. Music style is listed as, Death Metal/Thrash Metal/Grind. Band location, Atlanta, GA Involuntary Organ Donor EP to be released on Boris Records March 1st 2016. This will be a 7” limited to 300 black vinyl. Three songs. Bloody and bone crushing metal. From the deep depths comes sonic madness delivered in a destructive manner. Some of the influence that I may note would be bands like Six Feet Under, Mortician and The Kill. Pure death metal battery to the ears. Side one, "They’re Not Gonna Stay Down There Anymore", haunting footsteps and door creeks into open chords of madness. My head starts moving and you know its going to be a hell of a ride. Crushing drums with demonic vocals. "Involuntary Organ Donor", reminded me of Obituary or Grave, aggressive, like a towering inferno. Side b, "Butchery Loves Company", bring on the body bags, things are getting messy around here. Nice song title. Like the buzz saw of a mad butcher, this song completes our journey and leaves us wanting more. Final thoughts, a short but devastating release. If you love gore filled lyrics, distortion that rips your face apart, then look no further, this is the band for you. ~Artemortifica facebook-Mangled
Curse is a two piece band made up of, Eldur - Vocals, Guitars, Bass. Tybald - Drums. Styggelse, is a five piece band made up of, Skadeglade - Drums. Kallbrand - Guitar. Larsson - Vocals. Desekrator - Guitar. Thunderbolt - Bass. WAN: is a four piece band made up of, Tsjud - Vocals. Draup - Drums. Aganaroth - Guitar. Isengrim - Bass. Music style is listed as, black metal. Band location, Curse-Oslo. Styggelse-Gothenburg. WAN-Eskilstuna. Necroholic split released on Satanath Records December 27th 2015. The first group on this split is the band Curse. They offer us four tracks with tremendous sound lingering on sludge/heavy rock. Influenced by Motorhead. Dirty and gritty distortion and pure raw riffs. "War of One" is the best song for me out of all four. Next, is the band Styggelse. Much better production quality for their recording as oppose to the other two. Their song "Angel Blood Shed", has a great feeling. Mid distortion guitar sound and heavy reverb on the vocals. They offer us four compositions and my favorite is "No Team in I", one of the memorable pieces for me is the chorus line, it is catchy and moving. The solos are on point and fit well. The final band on the split is WAN, four tracks of pure aggression with massive distortion permeate every riff. Their song "Pa Korset Vi Krass", is the dominating song for me. Malevolent and fast drumming is the stand out track by this group. Final thoughts, an impressive split. All the bands deliver extreme doses of metal. ~Artemortifica facebook-cursefaen facebook-STYGGELSE facebook-TheUnholyWAN
Sorrow Plagues is a one man band made up of, David Lovejoy - All Instruments. Music style is listed as, Atmospheric/Post-Rock/Black Metal. Band location, UK. Sorrow Plagues album self released on February 8, 2016. My first impression, intense and atmospheric. The keyboard arrangements are the most dominant factors through out the album. A deep and adventurous journey is presented with long melodic passages. By far the most captivating song from this release would be "Redemption", this is an epic soundscape. A monumental sonic atmosphere with slow and moving melodies that eventually climax into a powerful ending. The opening song "Fade", is another track worth mentioning for its persistent intensity and keeping the listener engaged for the rest of the album. Final thoughts, this album offers many realms of exploration. The melodic passages are well written and the music remains interesting from beginning to end. Fans of Dissection, Atra Vetosus, Path of Destiny and Thorns of Sin will want to add this debut album to their collection. ~Artemortifica facebook-sorrowplaguesmetal
The Fog is a four piece band made up of, V. Lord - Vocals. C.C. - Guitar. Defiler - Bass. Avenger - Drums. Music style is listed as, Death/Doom Metal. Band location, Germany. Perpetual Darkness album released on Memento Mori, January 25 2016. Like storm grey clouds or a sudden morning mist over the graveyard. This album encapsulates these nightmarish realms. Low tuned strings, with heavy distortion layer the landscape and slowly wrap their dark cold hands upon the neck of those who are not prepared. The song "Crawling Doom", offers many horrors of slow but precise rhythms. "Creeping Lunacy", as the title implies it is exactly what you are going to be pummeled with. Like the early roots of Celtic Frost or Venom. The influence can be heard in most of these songs. Final thoughts, torturous and potent compositions. Seven tracks to melt your brain with dark savagery. ~Artemortifica facebook-thefogdoom
Drama / Perdition Winds. Drama band is made up of, Dym - Drums. Vindsarg - Guitars, Vocals. Torden - Bass. Perdition Winds is J.K.A. - Bass. R.S. - Drums. T. K. - Guitars. R.Ä. - Guitars. J.E. - Vocals. Music style is listed as, black metal. Band location, Russia-Finland. Drama / Perdition Winds Satanath split released on 25 December 2015. A short but effective and powerful combination. Starting out with Drama. They have two songs featured on here. "Create Your Own Death", starts out with a slow and unexpected intro, it builds up into a depressing but intense journey that I really enjoyed listening to. The second song is "Gloria Mortis", a strong blast beat with catchy rhythms kicks things off and the punishment is unleashed. This song is my favorite of the two. Next up is Perdition Winds with the song "Cult of Kain", like corpses wrecking havok upon unsuspecting prey. The band offers us a song that is about thirteen minutes worth of exploration. It destroys the senses with its devastating blast and rapid tremelo guitar riffs. Final thoughts, this split is menacing and torturous. If you like raw and relentless aggression, then look no further and add this to your collection. ~Artemortifica Drama facebook-perditionwinds
Akhenaten is a two piece band made up of, Jerred Houseman - All Music. S. Wyatt Houseman - All Vocals. Music style is listed as, Black/Death Metal with Middle Eastern Folk Influences. Band location, Manitou Springs, CO. Incantations Through The Gates Of Irkalla album released on Satanath Records 20 December 2015. My first thoughts, this is a heavy drum oriented album. The arrangements are tribal and ambient, middle eastern style of music with black metal influence. Among all the musical landscapes the band projects on this release, my favorite would have to be "The Watchers", heavy guitar laced and ominous keyboard pieces. This particular track is entirely instrumental and creates an ecliptic feeling. Another strong composition on here would be ,"The Passage Through Flames", is a strong and memorable song worth spinning several times. There is a cover by Septic Flesh, fans of the band will be interested in checking out the song "Anubis", found at the end of this album. A good rendition of this song, not building upon the original, but just adding their touch to the song. Final thoughts, don't expect a lot of grinds or blast, the music creates tribal and ritualistic moods. ~Artemortifica facebook-akhenatenmetal
Amorite is a two piece band made up of, Szabó Péter- Vocals, Drums and Keszi Csaba- Guitars, Bass. Music style is listed as, death metal. Band location, Hungary. Invisible Fire album released on Neverheard Distro, 15 October 2015. A pure assault of death metal supremacy. Raw and low end distortion sound. The album has a familiar old school death metal production, reminding me of Broken Hope, Bolt Thrower, Demolition Hammer, and Embalmer. The band offers us six destructive tracks that are structure edged in the early era old d/m. Among the more pronounced performances captured within this release would be, "Gathering Storm", a straight battery of riffs coming at you, the song takes no prisoners. The song "Enuma Elis", has classic and memorable phrases. Fast blast beats and strong double kicks with catchy rhythms. Final thoughts, music that is rooted in the early style of death metal. Die hard fans will truly enjoy this release and will want to mark it in their collection. ~Artemortifica facebook-amoritehun
Atrament is a four piece band made up of, Chad Gailey: Drums. James Meyer: Guitar. Sam Carr-Prindle: Bass. Mattia Alagna: Vocals. Music style is listed as, D-Beat Crust/Black Death. Band location, Oakland, CA. Eternal Downfall album to be released on Broken Limbs 4th March 2016. With high volume and savage intent the music is furious. Heavy distorted guitars and strong drums dominate. Trying to think what best describes this style, I would say a mix between Napalm Death, Agnostic Front, and Broken Hope. The song "Consumed", attacks with blast beats and open chord progressions. Some of the stand out performances from this album would "Aeon of Suffering", and "Circle of Wolves", aggressive guitars and vocals. Rhythms remain the same through out most of the album. My final thoughts, a strong performance is captured, the constant time signatures makes the songs sound similar to each other. Vocal delivery is intense and mosh pit inducing. ~Artemortifica facebook-blackatrament
Temple of Evil is a four piece band made up of, Arkhon Sakrificer - Unholy Chants and 4-String Conjuration. Nekrocurse - 6-String Thorned Whip and Skeletal Keys. Apethantos - 6-String Morbid Echoes of Necromancy. Angelwhore - Leather of Putrefied Skin. Music style is listed as, Black Metal. Band location, Cyprus The 7th Awakening album released on Deathhammer Records 7 January 2016. A very potent album unleashing malevolent and melodic music. Manic chants in the darkness is the vision that comes to my mind. Cryptic and oppressing compositions. The band offers us eight tracks of menacing and chaotic hymns to permeate all the deep crevices of the mind. Among my favorites from this album would have to be "One Last Breathless Sig", its is a short bass driven song with a simple, yet very effective arrangement. "Chalice of Impure Blood", sets an atmosphere of haunting malice. Like taking a journey into uncharted and desolate land. Its a powerful and captivating track. If I were to name some influences, Ancient, Beherit, Celtic Frost and Dark Funeral would be several that come to mind. Final thoughts, The 7th Awakening devastates with sonic totality. Melodies that invoke nightmares in the deep abyss. ~Artemortifica facebook-templeofevilband
Illusions Dead is a four piece band made up of, Johannes Katajamäki: Guitar, Vocals, Lyrics. Jake Lastujoki: Guitar. Mikael Aalto: Bass. Akseli Auralinna: Drums, Lyrics on track 6. Music style is listed as, Death/Black Metal. Band location, Finland. Celestial Decadence album to be self released on February 8, 2016. My first thoughts, fast and progressive. A very good recording. The band offers the listener complex arrangements, savage drums with thunderous double kick work. Reminiscent of Dissection, At The Gates and Cryptopsy. High levels of adrenaline persist through out every composition. In total there are eight tracks. Among my favorites would be "Shadow And Flame", it starts out with some catchy pitch harmonics on the opening riff, then it just goes off in high velocity. It's a song that can get your fist pumping and run into the pit. Way of The Deceiver", is another one high on my list. Final thoughts, brutal and intense from the very first song. If you like high velocity and melodic riffs with fast relentless drumming, then this is an album you must acquire for 2016. ~Artemortifica facebook-illusionsdeadofficial
Ildverden is a one piece band made up of, Kvolkaldur - all instruments. Music style is listed as, Black Metal. Band location, Ukraine. Temnich Chorna Jde Za Mnoyu album released on October 13 2015 Satanath Records. The deep catacombs of the Ukraine have opened up an sent forth an atrocious beast. Still breathing fire and wrecking chaos. Probably one of the most raw productions I have listen to since I did a review for a band called Mists of Poveglia from 2013. very similar in style both one man projects and very ambient and atmospheric. The drums remain in the background through out most of the songs. Guitars are set at a mid level distortion and many parts tremolo picking. The music is good but, I could not understand any of the lyrics at all because its in Ukranian. However, I can name the tracks I did enjoy "Temnich chorna yde za mnoyu", "Temna dalych zavikhryt', and the Satyricon cover "The Wolfpack", I also enjoyed the strange and invoking intros reminiscent of old horror films. Final thoughts, if you enjoy b/m that's from the deep caverns recorded with the bare necessities then this would be the perfect release for you. ~Artemortifica satanath-releases-sat134
Evil Whiplash is a five piece band made up of, JULIAN RUIZ - Drums & Backing Vocals. JHON TALAGA - Bass. EVIL DOZER - Guitar & Voices. JHONATAN CORREDOR - Guitar Music style is listed as, Thrashing Heavy Metal. Band location, Colombia. Beyond Dimensions album released on Iron, Blood & Death Corporation, October 31 2015. Pure and completely bare bone production. High screams and fast solos like the early days days of the thrash metal genre. Think of bands like Violence, Destruction, Dark Angel and Exodus. The production is limited but it adds to the characteristic of the early thrash metal sound they are invoking. One of the things that stands out the most to me is the guitar solos. Strong and well arranged, although dated compared to what the new generation is doing, for the sake of the era they invoke, it fits perfectly and governs above the musical scope of this album. Among my favorite songs would be, "I Still Remember", "In The Name of The Ancient Empire", and Possessed which comes in with a particular catchy acoustic guitar that captivates the thoughts. Final conclusion, fans of the old thrash metal underground era of the early 80's take note. These musicians are raising the old relics in exact form and are not to be missed. ~Artemortifica facebook-evilwhiplash
Istidraj is a four piece band made up of, A. Inferno - Vocals. Petyr696 - Drums. Zc:4 - Strings, Sfx Maestro. Music style is listed as, Black Metal. Band location, Singapore. Muerte Mundi Militia album released on Iron, blood and death Corporation Records, October 10 2015. Limited to 250 cassettes. This band has been around since 1993. Creating a raw and relentless style of black metal thought the decade and with this release show no signs of slowing down. A gritty productions lends itself to more character and punishing ride to the ears. Offering their fans ten compositions to make the fires of hell rise as high as the sky. Blackened screams, dirty and crunchy guitar expressions and wicked blast beats. Among my favorites would have to be the song "Triumphant Ends", it is a cryptic composition with occult like melodies that is sure to please the minions of the underground. "Thy Destroyer of Life", is another song worth mentioning. If I were to note some influences, I would say Black Witchery, Thy Antichrist, Demonic Christ and Hades Archer can be noted as an influence. Final thoughts, the band continues to deliver pure and intense black metal from every direction, blasphemous and relentless fury can be experienced in each composition. Fans of raw underground material will be interested in adding this to their collection. ~Artemortifica facebook-istidraj666
Rebel Wizard is a one piece band made up of, Nekrasov. Music style is listed as, heavy negative wizard metal. Band location, Australia. Invocation of the Miserable Ones EP self released on December 11 2015. An energetic and intense manifestation of pure metal madness. In some ways thrash rhythms are expressed but can easily be translated to the original metal styles of the early 80s. The thing that grabs my attention is the black metal style of vocalization. It works well in my opinion. Instead of high vocals like a Judas Priest or Maiden type, we get a Mayhem or Satyricon type of screams which make it interesting to listen to. In total we get four songs. Fast solos, rapid fire drums with aggressive double kicks. I would have to say my favorite track from this release is the title song "Invocation of the Miserable Ones", the main melody is easy to jam to and the guitar solos are fluid and fast. Final thoughts, the essence of the old metal music is captured and the black metal vocals make it interesting for the listener to explore its realms of darkness. ~Artemortifica facebook-rebelwizard
Blade of Horus is a three piece band made up of, IVAN ELLIS-Guitars. ERIC JENKINS- Lyrics. JAMES BUCKMAN- Guitars. KEVIN TALLY - Drums. Music style is listed as, technical death metal. Band location, Sydney and Newcastle. Monumental Massacre album released on Lacerated Enemy Records 29 January 2016. A powerful and intense release. Well thought out and arranged. With many arpeggios and elaborate scales through out, there is no shortages of interesting things to hear. If I were to name a few influences they would be bands like Misery Index, Soreption, Cryptopsy, Revocation and Archspire. In total, the band offers us seven crushing tracks with sudden stops and complex structures. Among my favorites would be the songs, "Descent into the Cosmic Realm of Everlasting Madness", catchy melodies and the solos are truly futuristic, the song "Succumb to the Overwhelming Stench of Necrophagia", I actually had this on repeat for a while on my player. The main riff is easily captured in my mind and it is a heavy tune to clench your fist and headbang to. Final thoughts, if you like technical and pure brutal music, then look no further, this is the album for you. ~Artemortifica facebook-Blade.of.Horus
Abyssus is a three piece band made up of, Kostas Analytis - Vocals. Panos Gkourmpaliotis - Guitars. Kostas Ragiadakos - Bass. Music style is listed as, old school death metal. Band location, Athens, Hellas. Once Entombed album to be released on Transcending Obscurity Classics February 28th, 2016. A huge offering with nineteen tracks of old school raw and persistent death metal. It is always interesting to hear the old d/m influence being expressed by new artist. With this release they touch base with many of the pioneers of the early years. Reminding me of bands Death, Grave, Napalm Death, Obituary and Venom. Paying tribute to all those relics in exact passion. Mixed along with original material are some covers by Sodom "Outbreak of Evil", Asphyx, "DeathHammer", and of course Slayer,"Post Mortem", as well as a few others. Not a bad rendition of those old songs. Well executed. As far as their own material, it takes on a shape similar to the album Slowly We Rot by Obituary in a lot of the riffing. Final thoughts, if you love old school d/m, this release will be right for you. However if you are looking for new and brutal, you will have to look elsewhere. ~Artemortifica facebook-Abyssus
