Author: Metal Storm

Extermination Dismemberment, the purveyors of all things slamming brutal death metal, return with their long-awaited sophomore album, “Dehumanization Protocol.” This offering promises a sonic assault that pits humanity against a rising tide of sentient machines in a brutal fight for survival. Let’s dissect this mechanical monstrosity track by track and see if “Dehumanization Protocol” delivers…

French black metal act Epheles returns from a twelve-year hiatus with their aptly titled album, “Promesses” (Promises). This atmospheric offering promises a descent into icy soundscapes, spiritual exploration, and a touch of melancholy. Let’s embark on this introspective journey, track by track, and see if “Promesses” fulfills its promise of a captivating black metal experience…

Albionic Hermeticism, the one-man project of O. W. G. A., returns with their latest opus, “Nova Nativitas Mundi” (New Birth of the World). This conceptual black metal album delves into a bizarre and fascinating narrative – a royal alchemist’s quest to establish a new Galactic Imperium fueled by dark forces. Let’s embark on this occult…

Hailing from the misty shores of Snohomish, Washington, the duo of Vision Master unveils their debut album, “Sceptre.” This offering is a genre-bending exploration of heavy metal, drawing influences from thrash, punk, and even a touch of black metal, all woven together with a unique science fiction narrative. Let’s strap on our spacesuits and delve…

German black metallers Thron return from the shadows with their fourth full-length album, “Dust.” This offering delivers a potent blend of their signature melodic black metal with thrash and death metal influences, all woven together with a thematic focus on the impermanence of existence. Let’s embark on this melancholic journey track by track and see…

Danish death metal veterans Undergang return from the crypt with a new mini-album, “De syv stadier af fordærv” (The Seven Stages of Corruption). This vicious offering delivers a potent blend of pummeling riffs, guttural growls, and a bleak atmosphere that perfectly captures the album’s title. Let’s delve into this sonic abyss track by track and…

Hailing from Mexico City, Freeroad bursts onto the scene with their debut album, “Do What You Feel!” This offering throws it back to the golden age of heavy metal, with soaring vocals, blazing guitars, and a youthful exuberance that injects fresh energy into a familiar sound. Let’s crank up the volume and delve into “Do…

Spanish black metallers Voidescent return from the shadows with their debut full-length album, “Dust and Embers.” Following a well-received EP five years ago, Voidescent unleashes a storm of icy riffs, fierce vocals, and a thematic exploration of nihilism and existential dread. Let’s delve into this sonic inferno track by track and see if Voidescent ignites…

Hailing from the fertile grounds of Kolkata, India, extreme metal duo Tetragrammacide return with their latest offering, “Typho-Tantric Aphorisms from the Arachneophidian Qur’an.” This album title, like the music it contains, is a whirlwind of esoteric references, blistering brutality, and unsettling beauty. Let’s embark on this whirlwind journey, track by track, and see if Tetragrammacide…

Swedish melodic death metal outfit Hrothgar steps out of the frozen fjords and onto the battlefield with their debut album, “Rise of Ragnarök.” This album is a blizzard of icy riffs, pounding drums, and Quentin “Q.K.” Koch’s fierce vocals, all woven together with tales of Norse mythology and apocalyptic battles. Let’s grab our axes and…

Hailing from the frozen wastelands of Montreal, Quebec, black/death metal duo Profane Order returns from the crypt with their sophomore album, “One Nightmare Unto Another.” Originally written in 1992 but left unreleased, this album offers a potent blend of old-school death metal aggression and a touch of the cavernous atmosphere characteristic of black metal. Let’s…

Veteran German metal vocalist Udo Dirkschneider, back under the U.D.O. moniker, returns with a vengeance on “Touchdown.” This album marks a reunion with several former U.D.O. band members, and the chemistry is undeniable. “Touchdown” delivers a potent blend of classic heavy metal, U.D.O.’s signature sound, and a surprising touch of youthful energy. Let’s delve into…

New York power metal quintet ShadowStrike returns with their sophomore album, “Traveler’s Tales.” Following their well-received debut, “Legends of Human Spirit,” the band continues to deliver soaring vocals, intricate guitar work, and fantastical storytelling. Let’s embark on this epic journey, track by track, and see if ShadowStrike reaches new heights with “Traveler’s Tales.” Track-by-Track Odyssey…

Australian act Umbrío dives deep into the cosmos with their latest release, “Proclamación al Vórtice de los Tiempos” (Proclamation to the Vortex of Time). This instrumental album transcends genre limitations, weaving a tapestry of atmospheric black metal, progressive rock, and psychedelic influences. Let’s embark on this celestial journey, track by track, and see if Umbrío…

Swedish power metallers Evermore return with their sophomore album, “In Memoriam.” Following up on the critically acclaimed “Court of the Tyrant King,” Evermore delivers another epic journey filled with soaring vocals, galloping riffs, and heartfelt tributes. Let’s raise our horns and delve into “In Memoriam” track by track. Track-by-Track Power Metal Glory: Verdict: 4.5 out…

Seattle crossover thrashers Colony Drop crash land onto the scene with their debut album, “Brace for Impact.” This record is a potent cocktail of classic thrash influences, modern mosh breakdowns, and a healthy dose of sci-fi themes. Let’s buckle up and dissect “Brace for Impact” track by track, seeing if Colony Drop delivers a sonic…

Philadelphia’s Blazon Rite returns with their sophomore album, “Wild Rites and Ancient Songs.” Building on the foundation laid by their debut, this album offers a potent blend of traditional heavy metal with epic storytelling. Let’s delve into the album track-by-track and see if Blazon Rite continues their winning formula. Track-by-Track Exploration of Epic Heavy Metal:…

Emerging from the depths of the early 90s death metal scene, New York’s cult act Sorrow returns with a vengeance on “Death of Sorrow.” This album, originally written in 1992 but left unreleased, picks up right where their debut “Hatred and Disgust” left off, delivering a potent blend of gnarly riffs, guttural vocals, and a…

Skálmöld, the Icelandic folk metal outfit, returns with their thunderous sixth album, “Ýdalir” (translated as “Valleys”). The band continues to blend elements of traditional Icelandic music with modern metal, creating an epic and immersive listening experience. Let’s delve into the album track by track and see if Skálmöld reaches new heights with “Ýdalir.” Track-by-Track Exploration…

Marc Hudson, vocalist for the mighty Dragonforce, takes a detour from his power metal roots with his debut solo album, “Starbound Stories.” Shedding the breakneck speeds and soaring falsettos of Dragonforce, Hudson embraces a more diverse and upbeat sound on this record. Let’s buckle up and embark on a journey through “Starbound Stories” track by…