Category: Albums
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Horrendous Unveils “Ontological Mysterium”: A Death Metal Masterpiece
Horrendous, the rising stars of progressive death metal, returned in 2023 with their critically acclaimed album, “Ontological Mysterium.” This record marked a turning point for the band, showcasing their ability to deliver a thrilling death metal experience while pushing the boundaries of the genre. “Ontological Mysterium” is a lean and mean album, clocking in at…
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Tomb Mold Emerges from the Wilderness with Progressive Masterpiece: “The Enduring Spirit”
Canadian progressive death metal outfit Tomb Mold returned in 2023 with a bang, unleashing their fourth studio album, “The Enduring Spirit.” After a four-year hiatus following their critically acclaimed “Planetary Clairvoyance,” the band returns with a renewed sense of purpose, venturing into uncharted territories while retaining their signature sonic assault. “The Enduring Spirit” marks a…
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Overkill Scorches with 20th Studio Album: A Return to Thrashing Glory
Overkill, the veteran thrash metal band from New Jersey, delivered a potent shot of aggression with their 20th studio album, “Scorched,” which arrived in April 2023. Marking their longest gap between albums (four years since “The Wings of War”), “Scorched” finds Overkill revitalized and recapture the intensity that made them thrash metal pioneers. The album…
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Cirith Ungol Marches On With Dark Parade: A Descent into Doom-Laden Despair
Cult metal veterans Cirith Ungol returned in 2023 with a vengeance, unleashing their album Dark Parade upon the world. This offering marks their second since their reformation and proves the band hasn’t lost a step in their ability to craft crushing, atmospheric metal. Dark Parade is a stark departure from Cirith Ungol’s earlier fantasy-themed works.…
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Panopticon’s “The Rime of Memory”: A Haunting Exploration of Mortality
Panopticon’s latest offering, “The Rime of Memory,” released in November 2023, is a sprawling and ambitious work that marks a culmination of the project’s artistic journey. For those unfamiliar, Panopticon is the solo project of American musician Austin Lunn, known for weaving a unique tapestry of atmospheric black metal with elements of folk and Americana.…
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Moonlight Sorcery Summons the Eternal Night with “Horned Lord of the Thorned Castle”
Finnish melodic black metal outfit Moonlight Sorcery unleashes their debut full-length album, “Horned Lord of the Thorned Castle,” a chilling blizzard of icy riffs and haunting melodies. Released in September 2023, the album marks the culmination of the band’s musical evolution, following their well-received EPs “Piercing Through the Frozen Eternity” (2022) and “Nightwind: Conqueror from…
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Sacred Outcry Reach New Heights with “Towers of Gold”
Hellenic heavy metal outfit Sacred Outcry returns with their sophomore album, “Towers of Gold,” solidifying their place among the genre’s elite. Released in vocalist John Heiman’s signature bombastic style, the album is a feast for fans of power metal with soaring vocals, epic storytelling, and intricate guitar work. “Towers of Gold” isn’t just another collection…
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Dying Fetus Pulverizes with “Make Them Beg for Death”
American death metal veterans Dying Fetus returned in 2023 with their ninth studio album, “Make Them Beg for Death,” solidifying their reputation for unrelenting brutality. Released on September 8th by Relapse Records, the album delivers exactly what fans expect: a savage onslaught of technical riffs, gut-churning vocals, and punishing blast beats. Recorded in Baltimore with…
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Cattle Decapitation Unleashes Ecological Annihilation on “Terrasite”
Cattle Decapitation, the Californian death metal veterans known for their unflinching portrayal of human-caused environmental devastation, returned in 2023 with their eighth studio album, “Terrasite.” Following up on the critically acclaimed “Death Atlas” (2019), “Terrasite” dials up the despair while retaining the band’s signature brutality. Thematically, “Terrasite” focuses on overpopulation and its catastrophic impact on…
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Malokarpatan Conjures Epic Atmosphere with “Vertumnus Caesar”
Slovakian atmospheric black metal outfit Malokarpatan unleashed their latest offering, “Vertumnus Caesar,” in October 2023. The album takes listeners on a journey through a soundscape that blends the ferocity of black metal with the grandeur of epic heavy metal. While elements of black metal are present in the scorching vocals and moments of blast beats,…
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Hellripper Unleashes a Scottish Maelstrom with “Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags”
Hellripper, the one-man black/speed metal force from the Scottish Highlands, returns with his most ambitious and diverse work yet, “Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags.” Released in February 2023, the album pushes the boundaries of Hellripper’s signature sound, incorporating epic melodies alongside the band’s trademark breakneck speed and scorching riffs. “Warlocks Grim & Withered Hags” draws…
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Dødheimsgard Returns with Introspective and Brutal “Black Medium Current”
Norwegian avant-garde metal outfit Dødheimsgard, or DHG for short, unleashed their sixth studio album, “Black Medium Current,” upon the world on April 14, 2023, via Peaceville Records. This offering marks a continuation of the band’s exploration into the extreme fringes of metal, weaving together elements of black metal, progressive metal, and even post-metal into a…
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Sylosis – Conclusion of an Age (2008): A Thrashing Force Forged in Metal’s Crucible
Sylosis’ 2008 sophomore album, “Conclusion of an Age,” finds the British thrash outfit building upon the foundation laid by their promising debut, “Edge of the Earth.” While retaining the raw energy and technical prowess that defined their earlier work, “Conclusion of an Age” showcases a band maturing in their songwriting and sonic exploration. The album…
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Sylosis – Edge of the Earth (2011): A Thrashing Debut Sharpening Its Teeth
Sylosis’ 2011 debut album, “Edge of the Earth,” is a raw and energetic exploration of modern thrash metal. Emerging from the British underground scene, the band, led by vocalist and guitarist Josh Middleton, unleashes a relentless sonic assault heavily influenced by the Bay Area thrash giants like Testament and Exodus. While lacking the progressive polish…
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Sylosis – Monolith (2012): A Monumental Thrash Odyssey Filled with Progressive Flair
Sylosis’ 2012 album, “Monolith,” stands as a landmark achievement in their discography. Building upon the foundation laid by their previous releases, it offers a potent blend of technical thrash mastery, progressive song structures, and a newfound focus on atmosphere. “Monolith” is a sprawling and ambitious record, a testament to Sylosis’ creative evolution and their place…
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Sylosis – Cycle of Suffering (2020): A Return to Form Fueled by Fury
Sylosis’ 2020 album, “Cycle of Suffering,” marks a ferocious return for the British metal outfit. After a five-year hiatus and a lineup shuffle, the band led by vocalist/guitarist Josh Middleton unleashes a potent blend of their established thrash roots and a renewed sense of aggression. “Cycle of Suffering” is a relentless sonic assault, showcasing a…
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Sylosis – Dormant Heart (2015): A Darker Journey with Progressive Flourishes
Sylosis’ 2015 album, “Dormant Heart,” marks a significant shift in their sonic direction. While retaining the technical proficiency and thrash influences that established their sound, the album delves into a darker and more atmospheric soundscape, incorporating progressive elements and a newfound emphasis on melody. “Dormant Heart” is a compelling listen that showcases Sylosis’ artistic growth…
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Delain – We Are the Others (2012): A Polished Pop-Metal Blend with Dark Undercurrents
Delain’s 2012 album, “We Are the Others,” finds the Dutch symphonic metallers venturing further into the realm of pop-infused metal. While retaining the core elements that define their sound – Charlotte Wessels’ soaring vocals, intricate symphonic arrangements, and powerful riffs – “We Are the Others” prioritizes catchy hooks and radio-friendly melodies, potentially dividing fans who…
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Delain: Lucidity (2006) – A Spellbinding Debut Ushering in the Symphonic Metal Era
Delain’s 2006 debut album, “Lucidity,” is a landmark release that not only established the band as a major force in symphonic metal but also helped solidify the genre’s place in the mainstream metal landscape. Fronted by the charismatic Charlotte Wessels and spearheaded by keyboardist and songwriter Martijn Westerholt (formerly of Within Temptation), “Lucidity” is a…
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Iron Maiden – The Book of Souls (2015): An Epic Journey with Divisive Length
Iron Maiden’s 2015 release, “The Book of Souls,” marked a monumental chapter in their career. This double album, their first ever, finds the band at a peak of experience, delivering a collection of lengthy, intricate songs that delve into historical and mythical themes. While brimming with impressive musicianship and moments of brilliance, “The Book of…