Obscura is somewhat of a modern classic band, they weren’t the first tech death band on the map but they have become one of the most iconic and popular. Cosmogenesis is the archetype of that sound and I have many fond memories of jamming that album back in my early college days. Unfortunately, there’s been […]
Gaahl’s Wyrd – The Humming Mountain
Gaahl and probably Gaahl’s Wyrd don’t need an introduction. Being around in the Norwegian music scene for three decades and lending his unique vocals to illustrious acts as Gaahlskagg, Trelldom, Gorgoroth and Wardruna, Gaahl is a force to be reckoned with. A few years back Gaahl’s Wyrd managed to release the highly acclaimed “GastiR – […]
Swallow The Sun – Moonflowers
There’s no band in metal, and possibly music overall, that can encapsulate the feeling of romance as well as Swallow the Sun. A gut-wrenching, painful romance, but a profoundly beautiful one as well. Their last release, “When a Shadow is Forced Into the Light” perfected that feeling and the listener could feel all the pain […]
Massacre – Resurgence
I have never listened to Massacre but was aware of their origins in the Florida Death Metal scene from its infancy. The first thing that jumped out at me was that absolutely beautiful guitar tone, the chugs and singiness in the chords and tremolo riffs is sublime. The drums aren’t exactly the fastest or most […]
Beast in Black – Dark Connection
This week, Finnish power metal band Beast in Black continues with its long-standing themes by releasing a cyber-punk themed album called “Dark Connection”. Since former Battle Beast guitarist Anton Kabanen started the band, Beast in Black has often referenced anime tropes – in particular, many songs have been themed off Berserk, and is actually the […]
Kaeck – Het Zwarte Dictaat
When starting to review this album Kaeck‘s debut “Stormkult” was still on my mind. This album is…..totally different in a few ways. So I tried to keep “Stormkult” out of my head and devoured “Het Zwarte Dictaat”. It took a few spins but now can say that this album is a pitch black and extreme […]
Cradle of Filth – Existence is Futile
Cradle of Filth.. what to say about this ground breaking act? The fact that they have released their 13th full length spawn? The fact that they managed to reclaim the extreme metal throne since “Hammer of the Witches (2015)” and also managed to surprise friend and foe with their first and now latest album(s)? Fact […]
Vildhjarta – Masstaden under vatten
This isn’t the first time I’ve said this and it won’t be the last. One of the things I enjoy most about doing reviews like this is that I get exposed to music I wouldn’t normally seek out on my own. I am familiar with Vildhjarta and the little bit of them I heard in […]
Netherbird – Arete
With their latest release, Arete, Sweden’s Netherbird dives deep into human psychology and thought process, provoking a reflection into what motivates us as humans and at what lengths and sacrifices that we will endure in order to accomplish these feats. This incarnation of reality is set through an ominous back drop of atmosphere created through […]
Iskandr – Vergezicht
Dutch black metal formation Iskandr, comprised multi-instrumentalist O (Turia, Lubbert Das, Solar Temple) and on drums M (Fluisteraars, Solar Temple), return to the foray with their third full-length ‘Vergezicht’. Supposedly, the album narrates six stories about resistance, deceit and regeneration, a theme that fits well with the epic approach to each of these songs. The […]