Metal Music NEWS and interviews

A self released album from February 21 2013. Averse Concept is a BM project consisting of two members: Farace (Vox,guitar,bass) and Lujan (drums) residing in Philadelphia US. Symbol of Loss is an EP which starts of with "Grey Skies", really enjoying the way this sounds, clean guitar with a slight effect, creates a darken feeling at sets the atmosphere for "Welcome to the Trance", now we hear the BM influence coming through, guitars are raw in true obscure style. "Resigned Devotion", the opening riffs is great, it really stays in my mind. Vocals are somewhat different on this song as they go from screaming to BM style- which I enjoy. "Desolate Alleviate", haunting intro leading us into a dark void of despair. Drums are doing some solid kicks -although they sound a bit in the background than the other instruments, not a big deal it still kicks ass. "Clouded Recovery", guitar with a heavy effect creates a dismal and eerie feeling. This tra...

Released on Pulverised Records July 23 2013. Hailing from Sweden the band consist of Daniel "Daaz" Valström - vocals, Christian Älvestam - guitar and vocals, Christian Lundgren - guitar. "A New Storm Rising" is the first song, an instrumental, my first thoughts are, great production -drums sound clear and solid. "Seething Voids", brutal aggressive devastating. "Deadly Viral Strain", fast furious double kick by the drummer. Almost sci-fi type of synth through the track. "To No Avail", reminds me of At The Gates first album or even early In Flames on some of the guitar compositions. "Section 34", captivating and creative guitar licks start this one off. Some complex arrangements and heavy chunky fills to compliment the entire opus. "Anyx", a short fast devastator. "Dimout", grind and punk style drums as well as some thrash metal elements- we also get to hear some low guttural vox for a few moments. A very int...

Released on Pulverised Records July 22 2013. The Pete Flesh Deathtrip is a one man project and recorded with two other session players. Pete Flesh: Vocals/Guitars/Bass, Micke Broberg: Guest session vocals, Andreas Jonsson: Guest session drums. Originating in Sweden. "Fallen Bliss" is the first song, DM/BM is evident from the first riffs, high vocals and crushing type compositions. "The Eternal Dawn", haunting and captivating song, reminds me of early Forest of Impale. "Crave The Fire", brutal entrance, heavy solid guitar, some interesting harmonized riffs blend perfectly together. "The Suicide End", creepy eerie feeling corses through my body when listening to this song, then builds into a chanting ghost like atmosphere. A great song that should be listened to in the dark to get the full spectrum of its tones. "Burning Darkness", raw guitar sound give this track an edgy texture that is sure to get metalheads building devastating mosh pi...

A self release album from September 2012. Based in London the band consist of: Tal Itay - Vocals, Oded Grosz - Drums, Dave G. - Guitars, Uri "KaBuKiM" Ofir - Bass. They describe themselves as new wave alternative metal. The album is thirteen tracks, starting with the song "Your Mistake", warm guitar riff, once the vocals start I am drawn in for more inspection. "Corner of The Evening Sky", really enjoying the bass sound, solid and crisp. The more I listen to the vocalist the more I enjoy it. "Flush", drum bass hold a cool intro in the beginning, interesting lyrical content, clean vocals make easy to understand. "You" simple yet effective title, I here some Korn style of riffing at times but only on a few rhythms. Incline to say it reminds me a bit of a band I have seen a few times live -Otep, but with a much warmer and inviting sound. "Ode To You", a beautiful song, melodic in spirit engaging dynamics on the drum part, vocals ...

Video release on Housecorerecords. Phil's new project- new song Bedriden. I rather enjoy the video, its basic bare bones shot in a small bar much like you would see at a local metal event. Good jammin song not super complex just straight forward metal/dm thrash- very cool- check it out.

Sable Beldum, Nucleus, La Armada, Mutant Supremacy, and Malas. Live at The Underground Lounge on 952 W. Newport Ave. Chicago, IL. Malas (Path to Holocaust) CD release show. Hosted by Renato Brujo. All the pictures from this show can be found here  Artemortifica Photos The Underground Lounge is located on one of the busy parts of Chicago, Sheffield/Newport area near Wrigley Field. My first time checking out a metal show there. Small place in the basement, but overall good atmosphere and sound. The opening act Sable Beldam began their set around 8:45pm. Heavy thrash metal influence, very energetic and enthusiastic. Drummer Frenz played fast and solid. Guitars sounded raw and in true thrash metal sound. Next up Nucleus , although my first time listening to them the audience seemed to be familiar with them and were giving me positive feedback about how good of a band they are. After listening to them play, I must say they were correct. Definitely death m...

Another killer release on FDA Rekotz July 26 2013. "Destructive Intent" is the album from Dehuman Reign a band from Berlin, comprised of  Totte, Ulf , Tesk, Rouven, and Alex. The first track is "Prelude to Perdition", deadly tones and dark landscapes are my first thoughts. Next up is "Extinction Machine" brutal as it gets in true DM manifestation, the raw guitars destroy with much velocity. "Invocation I Black Seed", a spell is been cast or demons being released from its long slumber, that's what I envision when I first heard this. "Irreversible Soul Consumption", great title. drums are intense, precise and very devastating. My favorite track on the disc so far. "Staring Beyond the Edge of Time", another awesome title. the composition reminds me of old Sinister or early Hypocrisy. Vocals are low and guttural on this song in particular towards the end. "Invocation II Scorched Earth", another incantation of malevol...

FDA Rekotz release July 26 2013. Wound hails from Wiesbaden, Germany and is comprised of four members Schulz, Appel, Schettler, Last. "Odium" is the opening song and sets the mood perfectly for "Codex Arcanum", it comes in true DM style, raw guitar sound, high low mix vocals. I am transported back to the early nineties style of DM like Entombed or Grave, great sound. "Echoes", got to love the way this starts, I hear some triplet ride cymbal action and then it whips us into the pit. "The Unsolved Obscurity", a mosh stomper of a track, instant circle pit envision. The feeling of thrash metal influence is evident on this song. "Forever Denial", some cool open chord progressions with a fast solo to tie it all together."Confess to Filth", walking the fine line between DM and thrash, a great combo in my opinion. Drums are solid and relentless through out."Corroded From Withing", damn, shocked to hear a great bass line kick...

To be released in October 2013 on one of the most heavy labels around Comatose Records. Serocs describes themselves as "Technical Death-Grind from all over the world", featuring Antti Boman (DEMILICH), Chris Lollis (LECHEROUS NOCTURNE) and more. The project began in 2009 as a one man band (Antonio Freyre) guitar. "The Next" is an eight track album filled with speed, technicality and brutality. Some crazy time signatures churned up in a mad-mans lab in hell. The drums are blazing and never let up, a solid and precise yet chaotic and frenzied style. The bass is doing some superior fills that defy explanation at times. Most casual listeners might not understand what to make of it, more advance listener will absolutely love it. Some bands that come to mind are Gorod, Illogist, Necrophagist, Psycroptic and Braindrill. For death/grind that spans world wide it delivers many thrills and surprises. "Alienus Gignesthai" is the last track and is the only track the ha...

Released on Pulverized Records recently, Voodoo Dawn is an album by Skeletal Spectre consisting of Vanessa Nocera - All Vocals, Behold The Pentagram - Guitar & Bass, Haunting The Beyond: Drums. The first track "Voodoo Dawn", comes in strong, instantly reminds me me of early Benediction or Bolt Thrower. "Altar of Damballah", catchy riffs, strong vocals and killer bass tones drive this beast, very epic sound.  A distinct voice in the BM genre although rooted in BM she maintains a unique signature, achieving low to high pitch effortlessly.  "Serpent Moon", interesting title, raw production add to the feeling on the composition. "Bone Dust", surely to become a fan favorite amongst the underground culture if it hasn't already. This track just screams brutality in all aspects. "Shallow Grave", like the most memorable styles of the early nineties BM/DM this one bring it forth from start to finish."Black Augury Hollow", must s...

FDA Rekotz released on June 21 2013. Graveyard of Souls - Shadows of Life album. Melodic/Death Doom consisting of two members, Raúl Puente and Angel. "Genesis", intro track develops the atmosphere and leads us into "Shadows of Life", instantly think of many different doom bands but I will refrain from mentioning any and try to listen for its own aesthetics. Open chord progressions as well as keyboards create a smooth layer of epic feeling. "Dreaming of Some Day to Awake" this song grabs my attention, something about the opening riffs linger in my head way after the song is finished. "Memories of The Future" (We Are), vocals are in the range between brutal low and mid but yet understandable. Composition not super complicated, just simple and good rhythms. "Follow Me", in doing my research for this band, I found them to be obscure. not much info on their FB site, this lends to really playing close attention to their music and explore the ...

Apostasy Records released on July 5th "Ecstasy of God" by German based technical DM band Spheron. The five masterminds are Daniel Spoor -Vocals, Tobias Alter -Lead Guitar, Mark Walther -Rhythm Guitar, Matthias Minor -Bass and Tobias Blach - Drums. "A Means To An End" is first. great opening piece, it builds a huge epic atmosphere then slows just enough to set you up for the next assault. "The Beheaded Coachman" at first my ears are drawn to the drums, there is a lot happening in terms of dynamics, its mesmerizing. Amidst all the complexity the song goes into clean guitar parts that catch me by surprise and its a good one. "Prestige of the Mortals", lightning fast kicks highlight this track plus some awesome descending guitar licks. "Saturnian Satellites" thinking Nile or Cryptopsy, vocals are intense. "Clasp The Thorns", I played this track numerous times, the beginning sticks in my head. We hear a wide variety of tempos withi...

Released on Pavement Entertainment, Inc. May 2013 "Departure" is the latest release by Ocellus from Lyons, WI they are a six piece band: Matt - Vocals, Jordan - Guitars, Griff - Guitars, James -Guitars/Cleans, Phil - Bass/Cleans, Goody - Drums. Their first release "Crush. Kill. Destroy." was back in 2010. The new album Departure starts with "Bittersweet Misery", great production, I hear a variety of influences as well as a great range of vocals styles. "Sleepless" at times the vocals remind me of Fear Factory or Suicide Silence. "Epiphany" solid drum work, you can hear some very precise footwork as well as great executed arpeggio riffs in this track. "Endeavors" enjoying the way all the vocals don't clash with each other, they seemed to be in good collaborations through out all the songs. "Death of A Tyrant", interesting title, aggressive licks and grinding drums, this reminds me of The Haunted first album, this...

Released in France just last week on Kaotoxin Records. The Ep will be made available in the UK and US in August 2013. Hand of Glory features two tracks, the masterminds behind this opus are Boumt Hersina-Guitar, Arnaud Silvert-Guitar, Sebastien Tarridec-Bass , Chris Ito-Drums, Nicolas Tarridec -Drums. If you noticed two drummers listed its not a typo - there are two drummers playing on this EP. Doom drone sludge style. The first song is "A Whisper To The Thunder", heavy heavy is my first impression and I also get a huge Neurosis feeling happening, the guitars are setting a dramatic state of reality, its doom but has a certain heavy rock vibe to it not sure how to explain that but the song will have you moving and searching for someone to hit. Feelings of a dismal landscape, a dark heavy atmosphere of much malevolence.  "The Dreamcatcher" low deep bass begins this song. Intrigued by how well produced this is, consider the fact there are two drums and a low tuned bass...

GraVil is a five piece metal band from London, members are Grant Stacey - Vocals, Andy Slade - Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Tony Dando - Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Sparx - Bass and Backing Vocals, Conor Harkness - Drums. A very active and successful band they recently played The Download Festival back in June 2013 and are about to play HammerFest 6 2014 slated to play among major acts Kreator and Overkill. Thoughts of a Rising Sun is their latest album released in May. "Structurally Unsound" is the first song and it slams in with raw brutality. my first thoughts, amazed at how many styles I heard on just this first song, we get thrash, melodic, technical along with a good spectrum of vocalization. "Enemy Within" sounds kind of industrial metal at first then gets some riffing that give it a Machine Head type of vibe. "Beyond Reprieve" solid drumming and very catchy riffs, really sinking my ears on this track. "The Wanderer" has a modern metal style ...

Nuclear Blast Europe just posted a YT video as a teaser to the upcoming Carcass album. Check it out

Forlorn Path is a three piece metal band from NJ, USA. Previous releases include their first EP, Being Towards Death and second EP, Intifada. This is their current release Man's Last Portrait. The first track "The Coming Of Winter" sets the mood for an epic journey that is about to unfold. The first thing I notice is the amazing quality of production. The tones and rhythms are crystal clear, superior drum quality. At times sounding like there are more than three musicians with all the sounds taking place. "Empire of Decadence" thunders in in full BM glory then drops back with melody, some different vocal styles are exhibited from high to low and guttural. "Words Only Winds Can Speak" I like the guitar work on this particular song, some imaginative 'hammer on' 'pull off' work. Some of the influences I hear are old Dissection, At The Gates, early Behemoth and Samael. "As Hope Fades" a dismal atmosphere is created, very impressed...

Twisted Wrath are from west Ireland and are comprised of  Patrick Fitzgerald - Vocals/Guitar, Colin Dunne - Lead Guitar, David Mahony - Drums and Niall McGuinness - Bass Guitar. Madman's Chorus EP released in 2/2013. "North Titan" is the first track, heavy thrash and intense are what come to my mind. Vocal style is rooted in thrash metal but does hold a certain unique feel to it. "Madman's Chorus" title track, really enjoying the drums on this song, very precise and solid, also very involved solo work by the guitars towards the end. "To The Sword" brutality abound, this would be an instant mosh pit starter in a live situation. I hear many influences from Overkill, Exodus, early Testament, Nuclear Assault and Slayer. "Smoke" is the last song, metal as fuck- aggressive intense and relentless, the chorus sticks in my mind and all the lyrics are well understood yet stay brutal and forceful. If you are wanting to hear more the band also releas...

Melodic Death metal from Greece, God is an Atheist - album released in 2010. The band is comprised of: Kostas - Vocals, Petros - Drums, Nicolas-guitars and Marios - Bass. Previous work include Building Up the Underverse (demo) 2008 and Underverse (full length) January 2010, they are currently working on their third release. The first and title track is aggressive and brutal yet technical. Much talent is experienced right from the start. "Haunt' is a mosh stomper, very cool bass line can be heard on this track. "Deliverance" great verses and chorus, I can easily sing to this and all the content is clear and understandable. "Nightmare on Elm Street' an unexpected title but really good music plus it also happens to be one of my all time favorite movies. Very cool to listen to something that is away from the typical war or doom aspect and more based on a film, creative indeed in my opinion. On top of that at the 3:30 mark we get a haunting and captivating throw ...

New World Chaos released through STF Records in 2012. Nailgun is comprised of vocals - Manuel Blesch, guitar - Daniel Morsch, guitar - Nenad Eppli, bass - Sven Rakowitz and drums - Steffen Wiesel Making their brand of metal since 2008 and the bands previous releases include self release album Paindustry They are from South Germany. "Fragment of Chaos" has an epic start, grabs the attention from the first few riffs. "Traitor", loving the clean opening, definitely catchy riff and equally catchy rhythm. "I Have Enough" some hints of power metal influence in this track and a few others as well. "Abyss of Shadows" such an excellent bass line leads this one and remains in my head, I don't want to compare to much but the song reminds me somewhat of End Of Green, which is a band I am a huge fan of. I would have to say this is my favorite track from this album. "Deep Shades of Sorrow' much heavier the the previous tracks, chunky and strong r...

Check out the song I Am Many by I Am The Trireme from the Unholy album released on Saturday on Darkharvest records- You can purchase it at the following link darkharvestrecords.com  

Preludium hails from Mielec Poland and members are: Jan Skowron - Guitar, Marcin Deszcz - Bass, Lukasz Dziamarski - Guitar/Vocals, Piotr Ungeheuer - Drums. Impending Hostility album released on Transcending Obscurity. "Legacy of Destinations" armies marching through hell is my first impression then building into an aggressive force of massive proportions. "Realm of Void" an assault to the senses from the beginning, good open chord progressions. "Desolation" I hear some Vader influence as well old style DM, impressive solo work on the guitars. "Hostile Area" reminds me of early Morbid Angels Altars of Madness style. "Bitter Cold" I actually listen to this track on Youtube before I was even aware of the album so I am familiar with it. I enjoy the drums, making fast stops and keeping solid double kick work in precise timing, I would have to say this is my favorite track."Blessing of War', brutal and chunky guitar work. a mix of du...

Shadow Kingdom Records released on June 25th 2013. Scouring the Wreckage of Time, the debut album by The Vein from Aalborg Denmark. The Vein have created this journey of old school doom/ BM sometimes DM style ride that encompasses several old school genres in the modern day. "Pale Dawn Rising" sludgy and dark tones with deep guttural style of vocals. "Seeds of Blasphemy", we get to listen to some keyboards on this track and really enjoy the mood this sets, like old Paradise Lost or Novembers Doom but with heavy low vocals. "Acedia" without a doubt my favorite song, very much intrigued by the melody and atmosphere this track creates, I found myself captivated and only disappointed that it did not last much longer. "The Poisoned Chalice", close to nine minutes long is an epic story, keeps the listener intent from riff to riff. "The Great Deception",  we get to hear some dual vocals on this track and some long drone style compositions. the...

Besieged Thrash/ Death Metal band from Winnipeg, Manitoba. Fast, aggressive and relentless is what comes to mind from the opening track "Internal Suffering" reminds me a lot of Overkill or Vio-Lence. "Death" pure and straight to the point, really enjoying the solo work on the guitars for this one. This album will be available through Unspeakable Axe Records on July 9th 2013 so keep your eyes peeled for it. "Buried Alive" a thrash metal pleaser for sure, think of Death Angel early days on this one. "The End' want to hear some elaborate drum work? then check out this track, some killer dynamics are created by drummer and at times remind me of early Sepultura like Morbid Visions album. "Victims Beyond All Help" title track , sure to be an audience captivator, a flurry of solos like the kind experienced in the early Slayer albums, well executed. "Trapped Inside", speaking on the album cover, than this song would fit the best, as th...

Another great album has just thundered through my speakers. Hailing from Northern Ireland. Bakken is a band that is new on the scene having formed in 2011 this is their first release, The album starts with "Darkest day" many sirens going off as we prepare for some battle. Once the song starts I get a good idea on production, well balanced and clear. Guitar sound aggressive and tight. Solid drums and bass. "Mystic Mogul" reminds me a bit of Symphony X or early Dream Theater. "The Cursed" power metal influence on the majority of the tracks. "Sasquatch" interesting title for a song, a variety of rhythms can be experienced from triplets and slow mosh like chops. "Back to the Future" not sure what I was expecting but turns out to be a catchy track after all, kind of reminds me of Hammerforce. "Get Back To Your Feet", enjoy how this begins, clean guitars create a great harmony into some fast driven riffs like old Helloween style. ...

Self release April 5 2013. Gods of Science is an album which began taking form in 2011. Atius hails from Denmark and has been active since 2003. The opening track has an intriguing black metal feel and melds into something melodic and elegant. "Condemned"  is very pleasing to my ears, a certain catchy composition the reminds me of the classic BM riffs from the early nineties but done in way that sticks in your mind. Descending to Triumph brings me back to the old Dissection - At The Gates days, pure brutality mix with melodic passages, very well executed. "The Forsaken" solid drums highlight this song, double kicks are machine gun precise, they come through clear and crisp. "The World Forgotten" thinking Mayhem or Absu for this one. A well mix of vocals high and low together give it that certain unique aspect that transition perfectly with the instruments. Production quality is amazing when you consider this is a self release. Everything is on the level no...