Metal Music NEWS and interviews

Preparing my ears for some BM from Bangalore India. Here is a five piece band that started back in 2010. The E.P. is titled Blasphemous Pestilence, not knowing what to expect I start with the first track Dark Desolation, has an eerie intro and then it gets into some nice grinding riffs right away. Next up is Catechetical Somniloquence, interesting title, I like the guitar sound raw yet clear. Some really cool vocal trade off -from mid to highs. These guys play with great chemistry, its amazing to hear because they have only been together for a few years. This release is under Salute Records, you can hear and download on Bandcamp Dark Desolation EP  Futile Dogma, in this track you can clearly hear the bass playing some technical riffs along with killer guitar licks. The drums have a really good feel right in the middle of that track and its worth checking out the skills been presented. Insestuous Catacombs comes roaring in like a train right out of hell slamming through bodies ...

German death metal band Lifeless formed in 2006 but listening to the new album Godconstruct sounds like it came from the early nineties. Some of the influences I hear on the tracks are Grave and Entombed. This is a very solid album forged in brutality. The cover looks the the entrance to hell itself. Not to complicated and fits the music been experienced. The production is great, all the instruments are well balanced. Many cool intros and overlayed samples just like the old school days of death metal. Lifeless is a four member band and has released a split -Chapels of Lifeless Cult in 2012 and a full length Beyond the Threshold of Death in 2008. I grew up listening to 90's death metal and can say this band embodies every aspect of the genre. This new release will be out in March and will be both a digital and Vinyl release with some extras like stickers and poster so be sure to follow the band on  Lifeless FB . Although this album is done in 90's style death metal  there are s...

Nuclear Blast has just revealed the new album artwork and track listing for the brand new Hypocrisy album "End of Disclosure" you can check out the track on the Nuclear blast Soundcloud page. I will add the links to this post.  Nuclear Blast info link Tracklisting 01. End Of Disclosure 02. Tales Of Thy Spineless 03. The Eye 04. United We Fall 05. 44 Double Zero 06. Hell Is Where I Stay 07. Soldier Of Fortune 08. When Death Calls 09. The Return

Vasectomy has just released a sick new video for their song Blood Stained Chains. Visit their FB site and check out more of their brand of DM.

An interesting cover and title. With fresh ears, not knowing what to expect. The opening track House Full Of Colours intrigues me, guitars are warm and not to overpowering allowing the bass and drums to build a solid rhythm experience. The vocals do remind me of Messhuggah style in some points. I enjoy how the riffs are unassuming without being out of context, takes lots of skill to achieve that. The band started back in 2010 and have only one other full length album entitled Probiotic. The song Sexforce starts in, there are some good dual vocals happening on this track, I dig the chorus part the most. The Greatest Offender has a haunting clean riff as an intro. Lots of progressive dynamics are apparent here. I like the different aspects of vocals, from mid to high to low he is able to still keep the lyrical content clear and understandable which are important considering there are some deep topics being express through the entire album. Ride The Waves of Emotion, the drums are doing f...

A four member death squad from San Pablo, Philippines. Pathogen has been making their brand of death metal since 2001. Getting the word out the old school way by doing tape trading and Cd-r trading through zines and any other outlets that will allow their morbid musical obsessions. Miscreants of Bloodlusting Abberations will be released through German Dunkelheit Produktionen. Atrocity Exhibit begins this madness. Raw guitars, gritty vocals, they sort of remind me of the first Sepultura album Bestial Devastation. A solo drifts in and its impressive, grabs you by the ears and pulls them off, this is followed by some disharmonized riffing that is creepy as hell but yet effective for the style they are creating. Monolith follows with some killer arrangements true to the old death metal style. Heretical Wisdom, good grinding on the drums for this track, a good mosh-pitting riff right in the middle. Abyss of Perpetual Upheaval is a journey through hell with some raw and relenting battery t...

Live at The Hammersmith Odeon, London, 1989. Dark Angel, Dam, and Candlemass deliver some incredible performances captured for eternity from the thrash wave that influenced a lot of the metal bands of this era.

The cover to this album is awesome, simple but effective. The title says it all Demo'n'Beer, although the production quality is far better than a demo. ThermiT is a four piece band from Poland formed in 2009. Modern Warfare starts this album, nice and punchy bass sound, guitars come in with well balanced sound, vocals are good, they remind me of early Overkill style. Morituri Te Salutant, great verses and chorus happening here, I enjoy the high vocals, he is able to hit that perfect pitch. There are some very skilled guitar duels on this track towards the end which highlights the talent of both musicians. Mr. two Face, great composition with many dynamics, the vocals are impressive on this one, I also enjoy the harmonies of the guitars as they are well executed. Pirates, good aggressive start followed by clean riffs and awesome bass matching with some imaginative overtures, I like this very much, reminds me of Iron Maiden. Hatred is next, guitar does some cool triplet action an...

MadMaze is a five piece band from Italy, starting in 2002 and some line up changes this current release is on Punishment 18 with only one previous release in 2010 "No Time Left". My first time listening to this, I am reminded of the band Vio-lence or early Anthrax.  I am very impressed by the production quality, its very solid, clear and precise. Walls of Lies starts of this album with some riffs reminiscing of Nuclear Assault or Laaz Rockit with some tight drumming and intense vocals. The thrash metal genre has some big names to its roots so doing good thrash metal in this decade requires some high level of skill for it to appeal to the well trained ears of veteran fans, Madmaze is hitting this mark, maintaining originality yet staying true to the form. "Caught in The net is a song that's a perfect example of this featuring some dual vocals and complex riffing with some catchy verses. I have to say the production on the drums is incredible, I can hear every single h...

Pure brutality slamming you in the face. Thou Shalt Bleed For The Lord Thy God, I hear an early Morbid Angel influence, the dual vocals are evil incarnate, very intense and aggressive. Crown of Bones, the drums are impressive to say the least, an assault of pure madness unleashed. Feast of The Cross, a complex collection of riffs strung together to twist your mind, this is death metal the way it should be. Judas Among Twelve, Seth Van de Loo (drums) is lightning fast on the double kicks, must be a hell ride to watch a live performance. Antinomium, hints of early Behemoth influence with some twist and turns to have you in the pit smashing things. Centurian has released one demo and three full albums since 1998, these last two on Listenable records who have a list of some brutal bands under their banner so no surprise to see Centurian on the roster. The Will of The Torch, the complex motion of the riffs and accurate timing is impeccable. Damnatio Memoriae, a treat to my ears, always grea...

Veterans at their craft, ColdSteel is pure thrash metal from the New York area. Creating intense metal since 1988 and many lineup changes, this EP is released through Stormspell Records. It has been twenty years since the last release. Their was a reissue last year but this is all brand new thrash for your ears. The disc begins with the title track American Idle, good production everything is clear and balanced, vocals sound good, reminds me of Sacred Reich. Ashes to Ashes is next, I can hear the guitar work expertise all over this track, really good licks and great sounding guitar, the last riffs in this song show some technical and dynamic attributes which are amazing. Blink of An Eye, metal horns way up for this track, I can see this song being a crowd pleaser at their concerts. Blood Secrets, a very interesting beginning, drummer shows of some killer drumming skills here. You Lose is the final track, as soon as I hear the first riff I start to headbang - very cool track, from the ...

Going on the cover, I prepared myself for a thrash metal ride. Of all places where thrash metal dwells, Deceptor comes to us from London, formed in 2005 a powerful three piece with many roots in thrash metal genre down to the high vocals and speed riffing. This is EP released on Shadow Kingdom Records has a cover the reminds me of the Judas Priest album style covers. Transmission 1 opens the doors to this ride, the first riff has a Maiden influence. To Know Infinity, vocals are good but stray away from the song a bit at times, the highs are well executed. Heatseeker, the bass is very clear and pronounced in this track I enjoy it very much, all the bass lines are clear and understandable. Transmission 2 not sure why this was necessary, I personally would have enjoyed the next song coming in without the electronic voice intro thing, but hey its there. Oblivion's Call is the final track, some interesting riffs but have heard many like this before, the bass lines I dig, probably my fav...

This is a pleasant surprise. The album starts with an enticing track "Hallucination" like taking a bag of mushrooms, my journey into the band Mothership has begun. A three piece band from Dallas, TX, formed in 2010. Heavy rock the likes of early Black Sabbath or Motorhead but with a distinct vocals. Cosmic Rain comes roaring in and I am loving the guitars. Feels good to hear this style still prevailing in this decade and its done very well by this band. City Nights will be a significant track for this album, creating a party atmosphere, feel like riding a Harley and causing some trouble, very catchy chorus and groovy vibes happening on this one. Angel of Death, some sweet sounding solo starts this one of and if this track does not have you jammin nothing will. I am suddenly reminded there are only three members and they know how to rock, normally expect to see a five piece band pulling of  compositions like this. Win or Lose, clean, unassuming and memorable I am feeling the B...

Information on bands that are signed to Relapse Records. Upcoming releases, latest videos, tour dates, bands going into the studio etc.. Related links will be posted on the bottom of the video. Devourment new Video Dying Fetus Second Skin Agoraphobic Nosebleed FB INTERARMA FB

Dying Fetus has just released a video for the song Second Skin. Debut on Bloody Disgusting website. The song is pure brutality as I come to expect from DF. I was expecting something disturbing or bloody from the imagery but unfortunately that was lacking. On the bottom you can click the BD link and see it for yourself. Dying Fetus - Second Skin video

Here is a five piece band from Milan, Italy. The first track on this EP is "Believe in your Feelings". The vocals are unique, its the first thing that grabs my attention as I listen. They got their start in 2005. Next up on the EP is "Walking In the Rain" there are some very good clean guitar riffs in this composition, I also enjoy the solos taking place in this song. "Once Were Warriors" has some overlay vocals along with the clean vocals, not sure if this fits well together, on some verses it fits and then the others, they sound a bit forced."My Angel" is next, very impressed by the bass sound, it stands out and it almost reminds me of Steve Harris type of bass sound. An interesting start like an epic build up. In this song you can hear some really good vocal harmonizing, this works well in this composition. The ending to My Angel is my favorite, I think it brings all the elements together perfectly. To close the EP we have the song "Rage...

Atmospheric ambient BM from Turkey. Yayla is one man project with a high level of creativity. The embodiment of DIY spirit. He not only composes, records, mixes and masters the music he also hand paints all the cds and Yayla shirts. Emir Togrul takes us on a dark perilous journey into the abyss with this latest release, it is also part of a short film which you can view on the youtube video below this review. Integumental Grasp lays the ground work for the deep perpetual darkness that awaits in the coming tracks. The most intriguing element of this song is in its simplicity, an effortless composition that somehow manages to hypnotize and lead us into a splendid void of curiosity. Through the Sigil of Hate, raw guitars, dark ambient vocals reminds me of Nortt or early Behemoth. Immortalizing The Nine begins with a deep vortex of vocals followed by a layered gritty guitar riffs to compliment this dark structure. Disguises of Evil is a long path through hell itself, a long procession of...

If you are looking for thrash/speed metal, Anger As Art is the band you want to be listening to. They are a four piece band from California and got their start in 2004. The moment the album starts it is apparent that there are going to be some sweet solos all over this, which is something I particularly look forward to. Head of the Snake has a beautiful twelve string guitar riff that sticks in my head right away. The vocals are classic thrash metal style and are done with some incredible highs like those of the Overkill albums but with their own vibe happening. This band is composed of members from Hirax, Reverend, Evil Dead, Abattoir and Winterthrall. With a resurgence of thrash in the past few years only a few bands have been able to establish themselves as true thrash/speed metal for this decade and Anger As Art is one of these bands. Holding their ground on what they love to play and being very successful at it. They have gone on tour with some legendary bands like Testament and De...

BM from Germany, featuring two members, Ben Borucki and Sebastian Schneider. This album will be released on Apostasy Records. Abhorrence Vs Scum is the opening track, guitars sound really good not to overpowering and compliment the drums nicely. Clouds above the Desert has some amazing drums blazing through it along with some brutal harmonized screams that will send chills up and down your spine. The title track Monument in Black is death/black metal in its purest form, it reminds of the early days of the genre, its captured here with some brutal but distinct vocal style plus a build up that will have you moshing in no time. A Doctrine Unreachable has battle like tom rolls, like an army of darkness storming a fortress, it is a sweet track for my ears. The vocal style on this album is reminiscent of Carcass specially in the song Daily Nightmare Injected. Soul Flagellation closes this record with some brutal drums and high speed riffs, some high vocals are reached in this one on the chor...

Pure adrenaline from the moment you hit play. Skineater is a five piece band from Sweden. Got started back in 2008 but sound like they have been together for much longer. Solid production on these tracks perfect for the level of talent being exude in each track. The album is released on Pulverized Records which has quite the number of excellent bands on their roster. The song Dismantling has some great guitar riffs that are arranged perfect to be technical yet elegant.   I enjoy the vocal style, its not to low or high but rides a good middle ground and lyrics are well understood. "Made of Godsick" has an old Morbid Angel feeling to it, but retains its own vibe. Nice arpeggio action in the song "Through The Empire" plus some pummeling drum assault. "Stab" is an interesting piece since you will be banging your head then it takes to another dark place with some clean guitars appearing followed by some really good guitar riffs that lead you back to mosh sto...

Ulcer has a wealth of experience in their craft, current members come from several bands that include Christ Agony, Engrave, Blaze of Perdition, Eclipse and many more. They released two demos back in 2006 Property of God? and Slitwrist Society. A full length  in 2007 Serpent Trinity. The current release is on Pulverized Records.  Grant us Death, an enchanting twelve string harmony begins our trip into the deep. This song has an Entombed influence which is a good thing and deriving its own vibe. Devilspeed is next, the main riff in this track adopts to its title as its brutal and relenting. "The Love song" has some haunting vocal layers in the beginning and memorable guitar harmonies. "God Cremation" has a Dismember style to it until I heard the solo, wow- I really like this one and love the title as well. "Devitalized" so many aspects of this song are amazing composition to say the least, impressive overtures with interesting mix of old school style riff...

Making death metal since 1993. This band is from Denmark, album released on DeepSend Records. First track "Weakest of the Weak" the drums spark my interest right away, clear, precise and fast. Unwanted Horde follows with very clever and catchy riff, loving the harmonies and blend of technical composition. For having only three members, there is so much happening your mind thinks there's five members. "Murderous Creed" is intense onslaught of brutality its my favorite instantly.With some hammer on pull off riffing as the main course is definitely pleasing to the ears. Scorn of the Earth reminds me a bit of Immolation in the vocal style. This bands first release was back in November 2003 "With Lewd Demeanor". Followed by an EP 7" vinyl Seize the Moment of Murder. Back to the current album, listening to "Love Lies Bleeding" has a beautiful bass line as an intro which is clear and balanced leading you into a concrete wall of heaviness, some ...

This next album comes to me from South Carolina, alternative, ambient, experimental metal. My friend Danny S.O.D.D.(  FB  ) recommended this. Lets begin, first track "Countdown to Death" like a journey into the vowels of hell, great start, vocals are demonic and chilling like demons speaking tongues. "Silvertongue" very cool guitar melody happening here in its opening. "Breeding Pestilence" took me by surprise, wow great clean guitar riff, then into a perfect fitting brutal composition, this song will haunt me for many nights to come, by far my favorite. "Stay in your Hole" very cool title, clean riff in the beginning with chorus effect haunting and memorable, there are several layers of vocals which are done well like listening to the exorcist, cool ending on this one too. "Blood Runs Cold" lives up to its name, creepy and intense feeling on this song. "Worlds Collide" is the closer, sounds like a funeral procession in hell, ...

An interesting beginning on the first track, rolling toms and double kicks. Gritty and raw guitars. Nepente comes to us from Colombia, they are Death/Thrash/Black metal. The band formed in 2002 and have two releases on Metabolic records "Atonements" and "Ascensions". The cover to the album is very ambitious and brutal true to the music being projected here. This is a hard working band with many performances under their belts. "Hell is the name of this Land" is very impressive, I hear the black metal coming through on this track, excellent brutality, the drums are intense and determined, reminds me of The Abyss at times which is good, the high and low vocals are done very well. "Merciful Death" has a very cool intro, it had me headbanging right from the start. "Hear me Howl" a composition with many powerful overtures an instant favorite for this album. "Slaves will always be Slaves" rolling kicks military like stomp followed by...

BM from Attica Athens, Greece. The album starts with "Stary Throne of it" some killer guitar work on this one, there are wicked arpeggios transitions and some superior drum blast happening. I really dig the vocal style. "Black Holes Death Planets" is intense to say the least, it definitely lives up to its name. "The Scenerio" has some ambitious riffs happening true to their BM roots. "Surrealistic Shades of Color Black" that's a long title, try saying that three times fast. Well this track sounds like summonings straight from the bottom of hell, great composition. "Inner Psy-Trip' is exactly what it sounds like dismal abomination, feel like an acid trip in hell. "The Dual Hypostasis of Nihil" the main riff in this track is very catchy I think most people will be spinning this track for a while. Last track, the title track- wow- seriously got chills listening to it- so amazing and captivating. This one lives up to its name ...

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Going on first impressions I thought this was going to be on the death metal side of things, but as I listened the keyboards kicked in and was very surprised by it, this is a good thing. Once the vocals started, my mind instantly thought Dream Theater.  The composition is progressive and features many elements, which a lot of bands have a difficult time achieving. The production quality is very good as I can hear every instrument very clearly, since they have many instruments this an important thing. What I enjoyed most about this album is all the twist and turns, just when you think you know where the song is going it takes you to a totally different place, I really enjoy this aspect of musicianship. There are clean vocals on this so if you are not a fan of that you might get turned away. They have been around since 2006 but this is their first release. Coming from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon Mexico. A five piece bands with a high level of talent. I really can't find anything to compare...

The albums kicks off with an intro track that sounds like incantations right out of the necronomicon. The artwork on the cover is amazing, reminds me of Luis Rojo artwork, it grabs the attention from the moment you gaze upon it. Sometimes the artwork is more mind blowing than the music, but not here, the music is as captivating as the cover itself. The band is from North Rhine - Westphalia Germany. they are labeled as death metal but I hear a black metal influence in their style. A three piece band that formed in 2010. Their first release was in 2010, its a demo "Sulphur Plsams" and an EP in 2012 "Deep Deep down they Sleep". As I listened to this album I am reminded at times of early Behemoth and even Samael. The production is good, although at times the guitars are a bit over powering the drums. Monolithic is probably my favorite track on this album. "From the stars to the Sea" has some really good guitars going on as well as more incantations. Those who ...

The Graveyard is a death metal band from Spain and was pleasantly surprised by their work with the release of The Altar Of Sculpted Skulls. Despite my initial uncertainty, their latest release showcases some truly exceptional death metal. This band has been active since 2007, and they have released multiple vinyls and CDs throughout their career. I came across "The Altar of Sculpted Skulls," an album released in 2011 on Pulverised Records. The title track is captivating and reminiscent of bands like Entombed and early Sepultura. The second track, "An Epitaph Written in Blood," has an epic intro that I particularly enjoy, making it my favorite from this CD. It has a classic feel that reminds me of my younger years, and the guitars have a sound similar to Dismember, which I adore. The next track on the album is called "Deathcrowned". It starts off fast and furious, with a memorable guitar solo that stays with you. The vocals remind me of Sepultura's ...