Author: Metal Storm

Dead and Dripping, the one-man brutal death metal machine helmed by Evan Daniele, returns with “Blackened Cerebral Rifts,” an album that lives up to its name and then some. This isn’t just brutal death metal; it’s a technical labyrinth of monstrous riffs, guttural vocals, and enough chaotic energy to implode a star. “Blackened Cerebral Rifts”…

Lunar Chamber, the Australian psychedelic rock outfit, embarks on a cosmic voyage with their sophomore album, “Shambhalic Vibrations.” Following their critically acclaimed 2018 debut, “Lunar Chamber” refines their sound, blending elements of space rock, psychedelia, and progressive rock to create a captivating and cerebrally stimulating listening experience. Is “Shambhalic Vibrations” a worthy follow-up, or does…

Trha, the enigmatic Polish project helmed by Weronika Spyra, returns with “Alëce iΩic,” an album that transcends genre definition and plunges the listener into a world of ritualistic drone and oppressive dark ambient soundscapes. “Alëce iΩic” is not an album for the faint of heart; it’s a challenging and unsettling listen, but one that rewards…

Hexvessel, the Finnish folk metal outfit, ventures into a new sonic territory with their sixth studio album, “Polar Veil.” While their previous works explored vibrant landscapes and rich mythology, “Polar Veil” embraces a colder, more introspective approach, immersing the listener in the desolate beauty of the Arctic. Does this departure from their established sound result…

Arnaut Pavle unleashes a torrent of sonic violence with their debut album, “Transylvanian Glare.” This offering from the one-man black metal project is a raw, unrelenting assault on the senses, steeped in the icy atmosphere and blistering aggression of the genre. “Transylvanian Glare” is not for the faint of heart, but for those seeking a…

Slovakian power metallers Signum Regis return with their seventh studio album, “Undivided,” a forceful declaration of their unwavering commitment to the genre’s core tenets. Following the critically acclaimed “The Seal of a New World” (2019), “Undivided” refines the band’s signature sound, delivering a potent blend of soaring vocals, intricate guitar work, and fist-pumping anthems. Is…

One of Nine emerges from the shadows with their debut album, “Eternal Sorcery,” offering a potent blend of classic black metal elements and a modern production sheen. This review explores the strengths and weaknesses of this promising first outing from the mysterious American act. A Love Letter to the Second Wave: “Eternal Sorcery” is a…

Swedish traditional heavy metallers Air Raid return with their fourth studio album, “Fatal Encounter.” Following a string of well-received releases that cemented their place in the new wave of Swedish metal, “Fatal Encounter” sees the band refine their sound while staying true to their roots. This review explores the album’s potent blend of classic influences,…

Godflesh, the industrial metal pioneers, are back with a vengeance on their ninth studio album, “Purge.” Following a critically acclaimed reunion and a string of well-received albums, “Purge” marks a significant return to form, channeling the raw power and sonic devastation that defined their early work. This review delves into the crushing riffs, haunting atmosphere,…

Ningen Isu, the legendary Japanese psychedelic rock band, returns with their 13th studio album, “Shikisokuzekū,” a captivating blend of retro rock influences, experimental elements, and the band’s signature melancholic sound. Following their critically acclaimed 2019 album, “Synchro no Ranbu,” Ningen Isu continues to push the boundaries of their genre, delivering a listening experience that is…

Fleshvessel’s debut album, “Yearning: Promethean Fates Sealed,” is a genre-bending odyssey that defies easy categorization. Emerging from the shadows, this enigmatic act throws a metaphorical kitchen sink of influences into their sonic cauldron, crafting a hauntingly beautiful and undeniably chaotic listening experience. Is it a masterpiece of audacious experimentation, or a case of too many…

Finnish power metallers Excalion return with their sixth studio album, “Once Upon a Time,” a title that evokes a sense of classic fantasy and epic storytelling. Does the album live up to its fairytale promise? Let’s delve into the world of Excalion and see if “Once Upon a Time” delivers the melodic might and heroic…

Brazilian death metal duo Fossilization unleash their debut full-length album, “Leprous Daylight,” a crushing display of unrelenting brutality and cavernous atmosphere. Following a string of acclaimed demos and splits, Fossilization solidifies their reputation as a band to watch within the extreme metal scene. “Leprous Daylight” is a punishing listen, but for those seeking an immersive…

Swedish heavy metal traditionalists Enforcer return with their sixth studio album, “Nostalgia,” a title that perfectly encapsulates the record’s essence. This energetic and hook-laden offering is a celebration of all things 80s heavy metal, packed with soaring vocals, blazing guitar riffs, and fist-pumping anthems. A Return to Roots: Following their critically acclaimed but slightly more…

Sweden’s Carnosus returns with “Visions of Infinihility,” a sophomore album that delivers a potent blend of technical death metal with thrash influences. Following their impressive 2017 debut, “Dogma of the Deceased,” Carnosus refines their sound on this new release, offering a tighter, more focused assault on the senses. Breakneck Speed and Technical Mastery: “Visions of…

Sammath, the Swedish black metal project helmed by the enigmatic A.C., returns with “Grebbeberg,” an album that plunges listeners into the frigid depths of atmospheric black metal. This follow-up to their 2018 critically acclaimed debut, “Förfädernas Äventyr,” builds upon that foundation, offering a chilling soundscape steeped in Scandinavian folklore and existential dread. A Lo-Fi Canvas…