Category: Albums

French atmospheric black metal outfit Abduction returns with “Toutes Blessent, La Dernière Tue” (translated as “All Wound, The Last One Kills”). This album marks a shift for the band, delving into themes of human emotions and philosophical struggles rather than the historical narratives explored in previous works. Let’s dissect the album track-by-track and see if…

Memoriam returns to the battlefield with “Rise To Power,” their fifth studio album. The British veterans deliver another dose of their signature Bolt Thrower-inspired death metal, but this time with a few twists and turns that keep things interesting. Let’s break down the album track by track and see if Memoriam maintains their reign of…

None returns with “Inevitable,” an album that pushes the boundaries of depressive black metal (DSBM) while retaining the raw emotion and bleak atmosphere that have become their trademark. The record is a harrowing journey through despair, but with moments of unexpected beauty that leave a lasting impression. Track-by-Track Descent: Verdict: 4.5 out of 5 “Inevitable”…

Hailing from Chile, death metal outfit Blood Oath unleashes a whirlwind of fury on their debut album, “Lost in an Eternal Silence.” This record is a relentless assault on the senses, a throwback to the genre’s early days while still offering enough twists to keep things interesting. Track-by-Track Decimation: Verdict: 4.5 out of 5 “Lost…

Project Roenwolfe explodes onto the scene with their self-titled debut album, leaving listeners shrouded in mystery while simultaneously offering a potent blend of industrial metal and electronic soundscapes. The album is an enigmatic experience, cryptic lyrics hinting at a larger narrative without ever giving too much away. Track-by-Track: Verdict: 4 out of 5 Project Roenwolfe’s…

Mourning Sun’s latest offering, “Bahía Desolación,” takes the listener on a journey through a soundscape as desolate as its title suggests (Bahía Desolación translates to Desolation Bay). While labeled as atmospheric doom metal, the album pushes boundaries, incorporating elements of avant-garde and electronica to create a truly unique and immersive experience. Track-by-Track: Verdict: 4.5 out…

Marty Friedman, legendary guitarist for Megadeth and a virtuoso in his own right, returns with “Drama,” a captivating album that transcends the boundaries of genre. This release showcases Friedman’s masterful guitar work alongside a diverse soundscape, weaving together elements of rock, classical, and even world music. Let’s embark on this emotional journey, track by track.…

Kerry King’s debut solo album, “From Hell I Rise,” arrives in 2024, a fiery follow-up to Slayer’s final ride in 2019. King assembles a thrash metal dream team – Death Angel vocalist Mark Osegueda, ex-Machine Head guitarist Phil Demmel, Hellyeah bassist Kyle Sanders, and Slayer’s own Paul Bostaph on drums. Does “From Hell I Rise”…

Jinjer, the Ukrainian progressive metal outfit, brings their powerhouse live show to the world stage with “Live In Los Angeles,” a blistering DVD/Blu-ray capturing their energy and technical prowess. This release showcases a band at the peak of their powers, effortlessly weaving together intricate musicianship with brutal grooves and Tatiana Shmayluk’s phenomenal vocals. Let’s delve…

Jamey Jasta, the ubiquitous frontman of Hatebreed and resident metal ambassador, returns with his fourth solo album, “And Jasta For All.” This release finds Jasta reuniting with his longtime collaborators, the Bellmore brothers (Nick on drums and Charlie on guitars), resulting in a potent blend of thrashy aggression, catchy hooks, and the vocalist’s signature gruff…

Austrian crossover thrashers Insanity Alert take a break from their original material on their latest release, “Moshemian Trashody,” a four-track EP dedicated to covering iconic songs and injecting them with a healthy dose of thrash energy and playful humor. Does it work? Let’s dive into this mosh pit of nostalgia. A Track-by-Track Thrashing Through Covers:…

Guster’s ninth studio album, “Ooh La La,” marks a return to the band’s signature blend of quirky pop and introspective lyrics. While lacking the raw energy of their earlier work, the album offers a collection of catchy melodies, thoughtful songwriting, and a sense of seasoned musicality. Song by Song Breakdown: Overall Impression: “Ooh La La”…

Göden, the spiritual successor to death-doom legends Winter, returns with their sophomore album, “Vale of the Fallen.” This release delves even deeper into the oppressive atmosphere established on their debut, offering a collection of slow-burning, emotionally charged doom metal anthems. A Track-by-Track Descent: Overall Impression: “Vale of the Fallen” is not an easy listen. It’s…

Gatecreeper slithers back from the abyss with “Dark Superstition,” an album that oozes with raw aggression and a touch of melodic intrigue. This release isn’t just about pummeling the listener; it’s a meticulously crafted exploration of the darker corners of death metal, where groove and atmosphere intertwine with bone-crushing brutality. A Track-by-Track Descent: Overall Impression:…

Elvellon’s sophomore album, “Ascending In Synergy,” is a soaring testament to the power of symphonic metal. It’s a meticulously crafted journey filled with epic orchestrations, soaring vocals, and powerful riffs, sure to leave fans breathless. A Track-by-Track Ascension: Overall Impression: “Ascending In Synergy” is a masterclass in symphonic metal. Elvellon has crafted an album that…

Demon, the legendary British heavy metal band, roars back with “Invincible,” an album that proves they haven’t lost a shred of their fire. This release is a potent blend of classic Demon sounds and fresh energy, showcasing the band’s enduring legacy while pushing their sound forward. Track by Track Inferno: Overall Impression: “Invincible” is a…

Combichrist returns with a vengeance on “CMBCRST,” an album that throbs with industrial fury and critiques the nightmarish aspects of our modern world. Andy Combichrist’s signature aggression remains undimmed, but the songwriting feels more focused and deliberate, creating a potent industrial soundscape that is both punishing and strangely catchy. Song by Song Breakdown: Overall Impression:…

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…