Author: Metal Storm

Cognitive returns with “Aborrence,” an album that reaffirms their position at the forefront of technical death metal. This release is a relentless exercise in sonic brutality, interwoven with complex philosophical themes that challenge the listener’s perception of existence. Song by Song Dissection: Overall Impression: “Aborrence” is not for the faint of heart. It’s a brutal…

Five years after their last release, Cage The Elephant electrifies with “Neon Pill,” an album marked by introspection and a newfound maturity. While retaining their signature blend of garage rock and catchy hooks, the band grapples with themes of loss, addiction, and the search for meaning. Song by Song Breakdown: Overall Impression: “Neon Pill” is…

Botanist returns with “Paleobotany,” an album that further cements their position at the forefront of progressive death metal. This record is a masterful blend of brutality, beauty, and scientific intrigue, offering a captivating journey through the prehistoric world. Song by Song Breakdown: Overall Impression: “Paleobotany” is a remarkable achievement. Botanist manages to balance their signature…

Bat’s “Under The Crooked Claw” isn’t merely an album; it’s a journey into a world of shadows and unsettling whispers. The influence of gothic rock and dark wave is undeniable, but Bat weaves a unique tapestry that transcends genre. Song by Song Commentary: Overall Impression: “Under The Crooked Claw” is not an easy album to…

Album Review: Babylon A.D. – Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day Babylon A.D., the legendary hard rock band hailing from the heart of the San Francisco Bay Area, returns with their latest studio album, “Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day.” Packed with anthemic riffs, infectious hooks, and powerhouse vocals, this album is a testament to…

The Australian funeral doom titans, Mournful Congregation, return in 2023 with the second installment of their “The Exuviae of Gods” series. Following the critically acclaimed Part I, this release delves deeper into the realm of sonic desolation, showcasing the band’s mastery of atmosphere, emotional depth, and crushing heaviness. Let’s embark on this mournful journey, track…

German melodic black metal outfit Derdian return with the triumphant conclusion to their “New Era” saga, “New Era Pt. IV – Resurgence.” Following a critically acclaimed trilogy, this album delivers a satisfying culmination, showcasing the band’s growth, ambition, and ability to blend traditional black metal fury with progressive elements and melodic richness. Let’s dissect this…

The Howling Void, the one-man project of Ryan Wilson, returns in 2023 with “Into Darkness Ever More Profound,” their eighth foray into the realm of funeral doom. This genre is known for its glacial tempos, crushing riffs, and oppressive atmosphere, and The Howling Void embraces these elements wholeheartedly. Let’s embark on this melancholic journey, track…

Thrash metal veterans Sadus emerged from a near two-decade hiatus in 2023 with “The Shadow Inside,” a relentless display of technical proficiency and old-school aggression. The album proves that these California thrashers haven’t lost a step, delivering a potent blend of headbanging riffs, scorching solos, and Darren Travis’ signature raspy vocals. Let’s delve into the…

Finnish grindcore veterans Rotten Sound return in 2023 with a sonic Molotov cocktail titled “Apocalypse.” Clocking in at a lean 20 minutes, the album is a whirlwind of fury and frustration, a perfect distillation of everything that makes grindcore such a potent force. Let’s dissect this aural assault, track by track: Rotten Sound – Apocalypse…

Arghoslent’s reputation precedes them. The French death metal outfit has garnered notoriety for their blend of sonic brutality and blatantly white supremacist lyrics. “Resuscitation of the Revanchists,” their 2023 release, offers another helping of pulverizing riffs and guttural vocals, but the hateful ideology continues to be a major stumbling block. Let’s dissect the music itself,…

Emerging from the Finnish underground, The Abbey unleashes their debut album, “Word of Sin,” a potent blend of occult rock, doom metal, and progressive flourishes. The album is a mesmerizing soundscape, steeped in a dark atmosphere and driven by vocalist Ranta’s captivating vocals. Let’s delve into the sonic ritual, track by track: The Abbey –…

Symphonic metal veterans Kamelot returned in 2023 with a triumphant new album, “The Awakening.” Following the departure of longtime vocalist Tommy Karevik, the band welcomes the talented Fabio Lione (ex-Rhapsody of Fire) on vocals, marking a new chapter in their storied career. “The Awakening” is a powerful and cohesive record, showcasing Kamelot’s ability to blend…

Oregon’s Dying Wish roars back with their sophomore album, “Symptoms Of Survival,” a relentless display of metallic might that builds upon the foundation laid by their 2021 debut. The album is a whirlwind of crushing riffs, throat-shredding vocals, and raw emotional intensity, exploring themes of personal struggle and societal ills. Let’s dive into the sonic…

Greek melodic death metal outfit Aetherian returns with their sophomore album, “At Storm’s Edge,” released in July 2023. Building on the promise of their 2017 debut, “At Storm’s Edge” is a demonstration of growth, refinement, and a melodic onslaught that will leave fans of the genre breathless. The album opens with a wordless instrumental intro,…

Fresh off the presses in October 2023, Thriller’s debut album, “Street Metal,” explodes onto the scene with a potent blend of classic heavy metal energy and a modern, urban edge. This German outfit isn’t afraid to wear its influences on its leather sleeve, channeling the spirit of Judas Priest and Iron Maiden while injecting a…

Dutch one-man project Shylmagoghnar emerges from the shadows with “Convergence,” a sprawling and ambitious album that defies easy categorization. Composed entirely by the enigmatic Nimblkorg, “Convergence” weaves a tapestry of black metal fury, progressive rock grandeur, and melancholic beauty. The album’s strength lies in its willingness to explore. Opener “I Hear The Mountain Weep” sets…

Ohio’s death metal outfit Sanguisugabogg returns with a sophomore effort even more punishing than their critically-acclaimed debut, “Tortured Whole”. Released in February 2023, “Homicidal Ecstasy” is a brutal death metal smorgasbord, a whirlwind of guttural vocals, pulverizing drums, and riffs that could cave your skull in. The album wastes no time on atmospherics or slow…

Outsider kicks off with the atmospheric “Prelude,” setting the tone for the album’s narrative journey. The title track follows, delivering a high-energy, catchy anthem that establishes the album’s thematic and musical foundation. From there, the album seamlessly blends various styles and influences, maintaining a cohesive story throughout its nine tracks. Songs like “Obsidian” and “Escape…

Xandria’s eighth studio album, The Wonders Still Awaiting, marks a significant return for the symphonic metal band. Released in early 2023, this album follows a tumultuous period for the group, including multiple lineup changes and personal controversies. With only guitarist and founding member Marco Heubaum remaining from the original lineup, the album introduces a refreshed…