Author: Metal Storm

Angus McSix, the self-proclaimed “Buff Berserker from the North,” returns with his band’s debut album, “Angus McSix and the Sword of Power,” released in April 2023 on Napalm Records. This offering dives headfirst into the world of power metal, promising tales of epic battles, mythical creatures, and, of course, the titular sword of power. But…

Danish artist Amalie Bruun, known for her atmospheric black metal project Myrkur, takes a captivating turn on her 2023 release, “Spine.” This album delves into the complexities of motherhood, weaving together elements of black metal, folk, and even hints of pop, resulting in a unique and deeply personal listening experience. Longtime fans of Myrkur’s earlier…

Warcrab, the Canadian sludge/doom metal veterans, return with a vengeance on their 2023 release, “The Howling Silence.” This album marks a noticeable evolution in their sound, showcasing a newfound focus on songwriting and atmosphere while retaining the crushing riffs and guttural vocals that have become their trademark. From the opening notes of “Black Serpent Coils,”…

Helleruin, the one-man black metal project helmed by the enigmatic Carchost, returns in 2023 with “Devils, Death and Dark Arts.” This sophomore album is a continuation of Carchost’s exploration of the darkest corners of the human psyche, venturing deeper into the abyss with a potent blend of raw aggression and introspective melancholy. From the opening…

Swiss traditional metal outfit Megaton Sword returns to the fray with their sophomore album, “Might & Power,” following up on their critically acclaimed 2020 debut, “Blood Hails Steel.” This new release proves the band hasn’t lost their taste for epic riffs, soaring vocals, and odes to all things metallic. While some minor improvements could be…

By Fire and Sword return in a blaze of glory (pun intended) with their 2023 release, aptly titled simply “Glory.” This offering from the Polish power metallers isn’t your typical foray into the genre. While it retains the soaring vocals, galloping riffs, and epic storytelling power metal is known for, “Glory” throws a healthy dose…

Melodic black metal outfit Valdrin takes a bold step forward with their sprawling sophomore album, “Throne of the Lunar Soul.” Released in late 2023, this ambitious double-length effort showcases the band’s growth, weaving together blistering black metal aggression with captivating melodies and a touch of symphonic grandeur. Fans of Valdrin’s previous work, “Two Carrion Talismans”…

San Diego’s Ascended Dead return from the depths with their sophomore album, “Evenfall of the Apocalypse,” six years after their well-received debut, “Abhorrent Manifestation.” This latest offering proves the band hasn’t mellowed with age, delivering a potent dose of old-school death metal that will satisfy fans of the genre’s early pioneers. “Evenfall of the Apocalypse”…

Curta’n Wall’s 2023 release, “Siege Ubsessed!,” isn’t your typical metal album. This California-based project takes listeners on a whimsical journey through a fictional medieval siege, blending elements of black metal, folk music, and even a touch of polka into a surprisingly catchy and cohesive whole. The album’s mastermind, Abysmal Spectre, utilizes a unique sonic palette.…

California-based death metal outfit Fabricant bursts onto the scene with their debut album, “Drudge to the Thicket,” a relentless exploration of technicality and dissonance. Released in September 2023 via Profound Lore Records, this album is a dense and demanding listen, but rewards repeated exploration for those seeking a fresh and challenging take on the genre.…

Gridlink’s 2023 release, “Coronet Juniper,” is a triumph for fans of the grindcore genre. Following up on their critically acclaimed “Longhena,” this album showcases the band’s unique blend of ferocious brutality and surprisingly nuanced melody. From the opening screech of “Silk Ash Cascade,” it’s clear Gridlink isn’t here to mess around. Blazing guitars, pummeling drums,…

Scottish power metallers Ascension return with their sophomore album, “Under the Veil of Madness,” after an eleven-year hiatus. This self-produced effort proves the band hasn’t lost a step, delivering a potent dose of high-octane metal that will leave listeners breathless. From the opening riff of “Sayonara,” Ascension throws down the gauntlet. Fast tempos, soaring vocals,…

Odz Manouk’s “Ծուռ (Tzurr),” a title that translates to “crooked” or “bent” in Armenian, defies easy categorization. This 2023 release is a wild and unpredictable journey that blends elements of Armenian folk music, black metal, and avant-garde experimentation into a truly unique listening experience. The album opens with an unsettling soundscape of distorted strings and…

In the realm of black metal, Danish outfit Afsky has carved a unique niche for themselves, blending traditional elements of the genre with a melancholic and atmospheric approach. Their 2023 album, “Om Hundrede År” (In a Hundred Years), stands as a testament to their evolving sound, showcasing a masterful blend of aggression, introspection, and a…

Faidra’s 2023 release, “Militant: Penitent: Triumphant,” isn’t your typical black metal album. This one-man project by the enigmatic Swedish musician delves into a deeper narrative, exploring themes of religious disillusionment, personal reflection, and ultimately, a form of self-determined triumph. Musically, the album falls under the umbrella of atmospheric black metal. Layers of distorted guitars create…

Swedish death metal veterans Vomitory returned in 2023 with a vengeance, unleashing their first full-length album in twelve years, “All Heads Are Gonna Roll.” This aptly titled record serves as a brutal reminder of the band’s prowess, delivering a pummeling dose of classic Swedeath with a few sinister twists. Vomitory doesn’t stray far from their…