Abstract Spirit - Tragedy and Weeds
Anael - From Arcane Fires
Astral Luminous - Lunaric Tide
At War - Infidel
Black Pentagram Cult - No Mercy Shown
Black Pyramid - Black Pyramid
Blasphemer - On the Inexistence of God
Bloodsoaked - Sadistic Deeds...Grotesque Memories
Celestia - Frigidiis Apotheosia Abstinencia Genesiis
Charnel Valley - The Igneous Race
Code Of Lies - The Age of Disgrace
Count Raven - Mammons War
Culted - Below the Thunders of the Upper Deep
Cyclotron - Into a Subconscious Surreality
Dark Celebration - Phlegeton The Transcendance of Demon Lords
Darkestrah - The Great Silk Road
Debt Of Nature - Dreams Kill on Demand
Diktat - II
Disaster - The Battle Escalates
Doomraiser - Erasing the Remembrance
Downtrodden - Dark September
Egemony - Baptism of the Unborn
Epicrise / Ballgag - Kublo 69 / Tales of a Cornered Bitch
Exiled From The Light - Descending further into Nothingness
Far Beyond Innocence - Torture CircusFaust - From Glory to Infinity
Fraility - Lost, Lifeless, Lights
Fraility - Fraility
Funeral Fornication - Solitude and Suicide
Genocide Winter - Monastica Holocaust
Grand Demise Of Civilisation - Black Goat Apocalypse
Hedra - 3 Inches of Doom
Immolith - Hymns to the Countess
Immundus - Haunted Memories
Immundus - The Method Learned II
Inhumate - The Fifth Season
Let The Night Roar - Let the Night Roar
Limb From Limb - Rip Him from his Fucking Throne
Lord Of The Grave - Raunacht
Malebolgia - Requiems of the Inexorable
Mass Obliteration - Fratricide
My Own Grave - Necrology
Mythology - An Infernal Grave
Neige Et Noirceur - Demo V
Ol Scratch - The Sunless Citadel
Orbseven - the Linear Divide
Ordo Templi Orientis - Pagantum (Pagan Autumn)
Ordo Templi Orientis - Pant - The Doll
Ordo Templi Orientis - Vex Irritation
Ordo Templi Orientis - Where Eternally Autumn Winds Blow
Pathology - Age of Onset
Ponamero Sundown - Stonerized
Prayer Of The Dying - From the Mouth of the Passing
Psilocybe Larvae - Non Existence
SAAC - Evil Imagination
Sanctification - Black Reign
Seelenfrost - Im Schatten toter Worter
Sihr - Beneath the Twelwe Mile Zone
Souldeceiver - Mankinds Mistakes
Sound Of Detestation - Sound of Detestation
Stillness Blade - The First Dark Chapter
Switchblade - Switchblade
Tank Destroyer - Head of the Demon
Teutoburg Forest - Chao ab ordo
Teutoburg Forest - Anti-Subhuman Scum
Teutoburg Forest - Cult of the Individual
Towards Global Holocaust - ...Ever Onwards
Travma - Re-Animated
Tverd - Follow the Sun
Urt - Ex mortuis
Visions Of The Night - Nocturnal Militia
Volksmerink - The Suffering of One
Weltschmerz - Cry For War
Wo Fat - Psychedelonaut
Band: ABSTRACT SPIRIT
Country: Russia
Title: Tragedy and Weeds
Label: Solitude Productions
Year: 2009
Style: Funeral Doom
Review:
The new album “Tragedy And Weeds” shows some real progression and a change into more high quality production and more focused song construction. The material is still total Funeral Doom but sounds more mature and the songs sound more well thought out and arranged. Like "Liquid Dimensions Change", there is another 6 songs of depressive melodies, bleak atmosphere all played slow with the guttural growling vocals still there in check. They use the sound of sound of wind instruments to create a even more "Funeral Like Feeling" and while the style hasn't changed much, there is certainly more to this album compared with their previous effort. This music often promotes feelings of anxiety, depression and loneliness which is the whole point behind "Funeral Doom" and this band creates the mood for those emotions very well indeed. No track stands out anymore than any other, they all reek of the same sounds and quality but "Tragedy And Weeds" beats ""Liquid Dimensions Change" hands down in my opinion. Perfect music for your next day of heavy rain and howling winds.
Reviewed by Ed
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Band: ANAEL
Country: Germany
Title: From Arcane Fires
Label: Paragon Records
Year: 2009
Style: Black Dark Metal
Review:
This is my first encounter with this gloomy grim blackend Doom band from Germany. This is a band that does not appear to be satisfied with staying to just one musical genre. There are touches of more straight forward harsh Black Metal. And in the next track you might have your energy drained away by the most depressing blackend/doom metal to be heard in some time. There are even some touches of the ambient scene being thrown in. This is a must have for all fans of dark metal such as (older) Samael, Arcturus, and maybe even older Tiamat and Rotting Christ fans will appreciate this bands dark influences.
Reviewed by Patrick
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Band: ASTRAL LUMINOUS
Country: USA
Title: Lunaric Tide
Label: Hypnotic Dirge Records
Year: 2009
Style: Ambient Black Metal
Review:
This is a band I have been waiting to hear ever since I first contacted Hypnotic Dirge. Well I can defintly say Astral Luminious is right at home on the Hypnotic Dirge roster. 4 tracks of ambient soundscapes with some black /noise influences. The harsh black metal vocals are done compliments of Drew {of Dark Procession} but the musical side and strong point of Astral Luminous is created by Scott Johnson. The music is created almost flawlessly whether the music has you in a hypnotic trance or is tearing your soul with it's raw viciousness. This is a release fans of dark ambient/metal can not miss.
Reviewed by Patrick
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Band: AT WAR
Country: USA
Title: Infidel
Label: Heavy Artillery Records
Year: 2009
Style: Speed Thrash Metal
Review:
Man, this is a hell of a good news: At War are back! This band was formed back in 1983, when I was just loosing my dipers, hahaha. They were relatively active in the Underground and manage to make themselves a good reputation by releasing a demo, a split and 2 full-length albums by the year 1988, but after that unfortunately they broke up. They were back in 2002 with a new split (with Japanese Barbados) and now, finally they are releasing their third official effort. Big respect for Heavy Artillery who managed to sign this killer band. The best thing in At War is their line-up, that remained unchanged since their beginnings: Paul (bass, vocals), Shawn (guitar) and Dave (drums).
This album is composed of 9 tracks and lasts for a bit more than half an hour. It's an unrelenting Speed Thrash Metal attack the old way from the start till the end. This is like the '80's Metal times are back again, but with a better production. At War is: powerful, angry vocals, catchy thrash metal guitar riffs, very good, long guitar solos, and extremely fast Speed Metal thrashing rhythm section. An album that bursts out adrenaline from all its tracks. Recommended to everyone! Respect At War!
Reviewed by Adrian
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Band: BLACK PENTAGRAM CULT
Country: USA
Title: No Mercy Shown
Label: Thorn Laceration Rec.
Year: 2009
Style: Black Thrash Metal
Review:
This is an "advanced" copy of the new Black Pentagram Cult release coming mid-October on Thorn Laceration Rec. The EP consists of 5 tracks of pure old-school blackend speed/thrash metal. The band seems to draw alot of influences from the early 80's gods like Venom, Possessed, Kreator etc. and also adds some more modern raw black metal guitars within their insane metal sound. This is Black Pentagram Cult debut and is really good and shows alot of good song-writing skills and metal passion for the old-school metal genre. Fans of early Mayhem and the above mentioned thrash/speed metal bands will want to check these metal warriors out when this is released {special note: at time of writing this review their is no "official" release date has been set but keep watching the label or band's sites for more news and information}
Reviewed by Patrick
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Band: BLACK PYRAMID
Country: USA
Title: Black Pyramid
Label: Meteor City / Electric Earth
Year: 2009
Style: Psychedelic Stoner / Doom Metal
Review:
I have been thinking lately that the quality coming out on "Meteorcity" has fallen a little in the last year or so but now its gone right up there again with one of the best albums released this year. Black Pyramid's debut is a instant classic, featuring “Visions of Gehenna”, “Mirror Messiah” and “No Life King” from their demo plus 6 new tracks this is as good as anything you will hear this year. Anyone who has hear the original demo tracks know how good they are and here they seem to get even better. Guitarist/vocalist Andy Beresky’s use of Sabbathian riffs and the occasional Matt Pike induced melodic groove wash over you. All tracks are complete with killer solos, swagger with attitude and a sense of real Doom Metal quality songwriting. “Mirror Messiah” is a standout track along with “No Life King”. Both tunes have a kind of High On Fire feel about them but in my humble opinion are much better than anything that HOF are dishing at the moment. You have the sweeping, acoustic instrumental “Celephais” and the full on boogie Doom rock of “Twilight Ritual” which conjures up images of Sabbath and Ozzy in a "Hole In The Sky" frame of mind. There is a good dose of fuzz on this record but it is all done in a tasteful way and not overdone at all. Another good example is “The Cauldron Born” which starts off in a melodic way before kicking in the gut with some killer guitar hooks. The closer “Wintermute” is almost like a compilation of all the styles and sounds that are on the album all wrapped up in the one tune. Dynamic and powerful Doom meets classic 70's rock all blended together with a modern crossover edge. This album is almost perfect, just wish it was longer.
Reviewed by Ed
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Band: BLASPHEMER
Country: Italy
Title: On the Inexistence of God
Label: Comatose Music
Year: 2009
Style: Brutal Death Metal
This is proably one of the more extreme, brutal bands I have heard from Italy in a while. The band wastes no time in destroying the listeners eardrums with psychotic brutal blast beats, sick deep vocals and occasional shrieks of blasphemous hate, and the guitars and bass are played at lightning fast speed and add a nice final element to Blasphemer wall of sound. Some technical guitar riffs are added to keep the band sound interesting and fresh. Blasphemer have released one of the sickest releases of 2009!! Fans of US style brutality will want this in their collection.
Reviewed by Patrick
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Band: BLOODSOAKED
Country: USA
Title: Sadistic Deeds...Grotesque Memories
Label: Comatose Music
Year: 2009
Style: Old School Brutal Death Metal
Review:
Bloodsoaked are a band I have been hearing/reading a lot about the last year or so, so I was excited to finally get the chance to hear the band's new cd. Was it worth the wait? Does Bloodsoaked live up to the hype/coverage? In a word: yes!! and more. Extremly barbaric death metal with a old-school death metal influence all executed with class and originality while not sacrificing any of the brutality. Complex guitar riffs/solo's vicious growls and shrieks and very well programmed drum machine {trust me almost sounds like a human drummer} fans of {early} Deicide, Malevolent Creation or barbaric death metal in general will not want to miss out on Bloodsoaked!!
Reviewed by Patrick
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Band: CELESTIA
Country: France
Title: Frigidiis Apotheosia Abstinencia Genesiis
Label: Paragon Records
Year: 2008
Style: Black Metal
Review:
The French entity known as Celestia have possibly created one of the best Black Metal releases of 2008. Yes that is a huge statement to make since we are not even through the first half of the year. But one listen and you will know why I say this. 8 tracks of dark, atmospheric blackness. The band definitely has a firm grasp and love for the Black Metal genre but are not afraid to be creative with their music and the genre. Creating a masterpiece of mid-paced, blackness with some top-notch guitars and a vocalist that reminds of Abbath in mid-era Immortal. All fans of Black Metal are urged to get this now!
Reviewed by Patrick
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Band: CHARNEL VALLEY
Country: USA
Title: The Igneous Race
Label: Paragon Records
Year: 2008
Style: Black Metal
Review:
Charnel Valley return with a new full length. The debut CD (“The Dark Archives”) was good but lacking something. Well with “The Ingenious Race” they are back with a vengeance. Playing mid-paced Black Metal with a slight Death Metal influence. The guitar sound is not as thin this time around. The production is not top-notch, crystal clear but still a good one for this style of Metal. And vocally you get the typical screams, shrieks and some gruff almost speaking vocals. A good release and definitely worth spending your Christmas money on.
Reviewed by Patrick
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Band: CODE OF LIES
Country: Australia
Title: The Age of Disgrace
Label: Grindhead Records
Year: 2009
Style: Grind Hardcore
Review:
Hmmm, Code Of Lies claim to be grind and yes the music is fast and noisy but that bout it. The band seems to be lacking the brutal intensity of grind bands. Maybe fans of newer-school grind with some punkish influence will like code of lies but as for me I will stick with the more brutal old-school death/grind style of Napalm Death, Carcass etc.
Reviewed by Patrick
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Band: COUNT RAVEN
Country: Sweden
Title: Mammons War
Label: I Hate Records
Year: 2009
Style: Doom Metal
Review:
Been nearly 13 years between drinks for Count Raven but they are back with one of the most eagerly awaited Doom Metal albums in the past year. So has the long break between albums hurt the band, well the answer is a big no. In fact they sound like they are carrying on from where they left off with the 1996 release "Messiah Of Confusion". All of the Count Raven trademarks are still there including the "Ozzy" replica vocals and the true heart felt Traditional Doom Metal sound. "The Poltergeist" is a classic Count Raven opening track with a great pace and melodic chorus. They haven't lost anything over the years with their skills at producing some well constructed Doom meets old school Heavy Metal. The already well downloaded/stolen by the masses track "Scream" is spectacular and of course similarities to the almighty Sabbath are present on every tune on the album. "Nashira" is good but not outstanding in my book but things bounce back in full force with "The Entity" and the environmental epic title track "Mammon's War". This tune is features some cool keyboard work and the vocals really shine on this one. "A Lifetime" kicks off in a Funeral Doom style before shifting to a "Planet Caravan" inspired acoustic part, really cool tune. This one has a Candlemass feel to it. "To Kill A Child" is more of a Doom Ballad track of sorts, interesting but not a major highlight. You get even more acoustics in "To Love,Where Ever You Are" and yes they have mellowed in some respects. There is not much in the way of anger on this album, its more of a Psychedelic Cosmic Doom Trip. "Magic Is" produces what is the most real Metal track on the album and they certainty seem to be playing with a lot of passion on this number. One of the best tracks on the album without a doubt, a couple more like this would have been a bonus. The pure Doom returns with "Seven Days", a slugging riff pushes the track to Doom greatness and is my pick for best track on the album. "Increasing Deserts" moves the album back into Cosmic mode, similar to the title track. While Count Raven are known as a Doom band, they have always been more of a old school Traditional Heavy Metal band to me. Yeah, the Doom elements are still there but like previous albums they crossover between various heavy styles. Judging this album is difficult for me being such a huge fan of their earlier albums so i can't really say this is their best. Its not their worst either, just a great Count Raven album and a welcome return from them. Its been 13 years but some things never change and Count Raven is one of them, still sticking to their roots and playing very much from the heart. The album is not as "Doom" as i would have liked but i am just glad they are back. The artwork is not too shabby either and its also well produced.
Reviewed by Ed
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Band: CULTED
Country: Sweden / Canada
Title: Below the Thunders of the Upper Deep
Label: Relapse Records
Year: 2009
Style: Blackened Doom Metal
Review:
From the first time i heard this, it immediataly hit me that this is a album that might spark some debate among the Doom scene and i will tell you why. The music on this "Culted" can easily be viewed as a work of genius by one section of the Doom community while others will ultimatley find it overblown or too minimalist in places to have any lasting memory. To back my theory up, i have already heard both points of view from several close Doom friends on mine. I tend to lean towards the former, not a easy listening experience by any stretch of the imagination but for me this is a work of art that could have been done in today's digital age. The reason is this album and i hope i am right about this was made by sending musical idea's back and forth between Sweden and Canada via email.
To most people this would cause a total lack of chemistry between musicians by here they have actually pulled it off pretty well. The six tracks on here are cold, bleak and almost mechanical slabs of Doom done in a kind of simplistic, minimalist way using noise elements and tribal percussive ideas. The ambient/noise elements are all tastefully done however and there is enough contrasting moods to keep it interesting. On "Tyrant Cold" the focus is on a mood piece rather than crushing riffs while "Social Control" takes on a more energitic Doom approach. The tribal sounding percussion comes to the party on "Gunburn" creating a other worldy atmosphere and on "Place Of Skulls" they get about as cold and depressing as you can get. For the most part this comes off to me as sounding like a Psychedelic version of "Khanate" but they may be even more innovative and in some aspects more extreme. The vocals are especially cold, they sound like they were recorded in a dark grave or something with a feel that sounds distant from the rest of the music. You can hear the pain in Daniel Jansson’s vocals which makes it hauntingly beautiful but some people just won't get that experience from the album at all. While i write this review i can't help think its really a waste of time because you will have to judge this one for yourself, like i mentioned at the start of my review its has already creating mix feelings around my group of friends. This is one of the most unique and highly potent albums ever released on Relapse Records, hear it for yourself and don't listen to me on this one. The weak point about this album is the production which sounds weak but when you consider how this album was made, its to be expected. I have to take a point off for the low production values and another point off for some sections of tracks which just don't cut it for me.
Reviewed by Ed
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Band: CYCLOTRON
Country: Germany
Title: Into a Subconcious Surreality
Label: Selfreleased
Year: 2009
Style: Technical Death Metal
Review:
This is a demo I have been waiting to hear for a few months now and Germany's Cyclotron do not disapoint one bit. 7 tracks of brutal, technical death metal with grind influences. For those of you who have heard the "debut" demo from Cyclotron the band seems to be moving away from the expirmental/industrial influences which were a big part of the bands debut. On "Into a Subconscious Surreality" the band has gone more in the "technical" death metal realm with some amazing guitar work and solo's. The drums {which are programmed} are blasting assults of insanity but also have at times some actual mid-paced drum patterns which fit perfectly into the bands original and brutal sound. The vocals are brutal growls and occasionally whispery style of vocals. Fans of brutal, technical death metal will enjoy Cyclotron's brutal yet original approach to death metal. SPECIAL NOTE TO READERS: at time of writing/posting this review Cyclotron are offering BOTH demo's for FREE-download from their myspace page, so if interested take a few minutes and listen, and download.
Reviewed by Patrick
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Band: DARK CELEBRATION
Country: Brazil
Title: Phlegeton: The Transcendance of Demon Lords
Label: Paragon Records
Year: 2009
Style: Old-School Death Metal
Review:
Dark Celebration are Paragon Records latest signing/release and what a monumental metal release it is. This Brazilian band is pure old-school Death Metal through and through. Mid-to extremely fast chaotic drumming and insane whirlwind guitar riffs and some solo's thrown into the mix. The vocals are just as extreme and unpredictable with some gruff growls, screams/shrieks and the deeper brutal sounding growl. Fans of (old) Incantation, (old) Morbid Angel, Krisiun or pure Death Metal in general will want to find and this release as soon as possible!
Reviewed by Patrick
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Band: DARKESTRAH
Country: Germany
Title: The Great Silk Road
Label: Paragon Records
Year: 2009
Style: Black Pagan Metal
Review:
The guys at Paragon never cease to amaze me whether it be mind-numbing slow Doom, harsh Black Metal or crushing grind these guys know Metal inside and out. Germany's own Darkestrah play a nice blend of atmospheric Black Metal and cold/pagan Metal mix. The vocals are shrieks and some deeper growls blended in with the musicianship that is above average. Mid paced semi-raw guitars and even some acoustic parts added in to keep the dark feelings alive. And mid-paced drumming. I was a little worried when I saw the band had a synth player but the band uses them to their advantage mixing them right in with the other instruments to create a dark, haunting atmosphere. For fans of dark pagan Blackness.
Reviewed by Patrick
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Band: DEBT OF NATURE
Country: Germany
Title: Dreams Kill on Demand
Label: Selfreleased
Year: 2008
Style: Grinding Death Metal
Review:
Debt Of Nature is a band from Dusseldorf, Germany, formed in 2006. They have released 1 Demo CD a year after their forming and recorded/released this second Demo last year by themselves. Deams Kill on demand is an 8 tracks release lasting for around 23 minutes, professionally recordedin Gemhard Studio. Debt Of Nature's kind of death metal is one with a lot of influences from other genres like thrash metal, grind and even some modern touches a la Children Of Bodon (mainly in the twin guitars work). Aggressive, mostly very fast, sometimes groove oriented, catchy compositions that stick to your mind a long time after giving this EP a listen. The highlight of this release would be the great razor-sharp guitar lines that, supported by the intense rhythm section, are creating a whirlpool of assaulting sounds.
The cover artwork is very good but they could have worked a bit more on the booklet layout. Also a bit more work on the vocals mixing would do well; they have a lot of potential but are somehow hidden in the back.
A very good release for fans of intense grinding death metal.
Reviewed by Adrian
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Band: DIKTAT
Country: France
Title: II
Label: Selfreleased
Year: 2009
Style: Brutal Death Metal
Review:
French band Diktat are back with their second release up to date. "II" is their second demo, released after a well received debut in the underground. The band was formed back in 1997 and their debut demo was released only 3 years afterwards, in 2000. Now we have a new demo, released this year, so 9 years after, that proves this is not a productive band at all, unfortunately. Unfortunately because with their blend of intense violence and insane technical skills, they could be a leading band in the scene.
This demo is ugly, brutal as hell, dark, guttural, extreme to the point of deep sickness, twisted and complicated, a step further inth Brutal Death. Yes, I could say they are bringing a new level of brutality in the scene. You can find so many extreme metal bands nowadays, but Diktat stand apart, they have discovered their own style combining old-school atmosphere with the aggression and intensity of nowadays death grind. I have enjoyed their demo back in 2000 when I have reviewed it, but this one is over the top. I dare all of you to give a listen to this extremely sick band!
Reviewed by Adrian
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Band: DISASTER
Country: France
Title: The Battle Escalates
Label: Rewolucja Records
Year: 2008
Style: Death Grind
Review:
Fuck, this is aggressive to the bone! This debut album of Disaster is a continuous assault of insame death grind. Yes, it's insane to the point you imagine your ears bleeding and your body in the middle of a nuclear war, but it's that intensity carefully planned and orchestrated that makes you bow your head in front of these 4 sick instrumentists. The themes they are using for creating lyrics are perfectly exposed in their music, it's a perfect combination, I tell you, and this is that kind of band that is not satisfied on creating ultra-fast, brutal compositions, they go far beyond that by adding offensive (to some) samples, short and exquisite virtuoso instrumental insertions and overall growling vocals spiced with grind crust like screams. The album is professional from all points of view: music, awesome cover and booklet artwork, perfect sound, an album that stand tall in the underground. Check this band on Myspace and buy their album, you won't regret it.
Reviewed by Adrian
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Band: DOOMRAISER
Country: Italy
Title: Erasing the Remembrance
Label: Blood Rock Rec.
Year: 2009
Style: Doom Metal
Review:
Italy's "Doomraiser" first came on the scene back in 2004 with the demo "Heavy Drunken Doom". At the time it was a little hard to see them as serious contenders for any sort of Doom Throne because their image as a bunch of drunken Metal Heads.Man,have times changed because this album delivers the goods in every department.This is my kind of Doom Metal rock,they take all the best elements from the Maryland Doom Scene and mix it up with sounds ranging from Sabbath,Captain Beyond and other underground 70's proto Metal to guitar riffs and musical passages that remind me of early "Celtic Frost". Although there is nothing original about what they do,what they do is some infectious and full of so much groove.Its a real talent and strength to put together 7,9,10 and even 15 minute tracks and not once does it seem the tunes are long.They are structured with just the right amount of tempo and mood changes that nothing outstays its welcome.There is no low points to this release and highlights are plenty including "Another Black Day" that has one of the coolest mid-tempo headbanging sections heard in a long time."The Raven" and album closer "Rotten River" just reek of pure classic Doom with some unforgettable passages that are instantly accessible to mind of a Doom Metal fan like myself.Even the 15 minute "Vanitas" has so many twists and turns it never seems like 15 minutes has even passed by the end of this masterpiece.They released their first album "Lords Of Mercy" a couple of years back and while that was a good release,this really blows it out of the water.There is so many moods on here,reflective,aggression and even sometimes somber the arrangements are beautifully put together. This is engaging and convincing, thanks mostly to a mature songwriting and excellent production.Like i mentioned before most of this sounds like a Maryland Doom Act and bands like "Orodruin" and "Blood Farmers" spring to mind while listening to this but "Doomraiser" have got their place in the top of the Doom Metal pile and with a album as good as this it seems they will be there for a long time.Also i must mention this is available on a 2 LP set with bonus tracks.This is a essential purchase.
Reviewed by Ed
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Band: DOWNTRODDEN
Country: Canada
Title: Dark September
Label: Selfreleased
Year: 2009
Style: Sludge Doom
Review:
Downtrodden from Canada new album "Dark September" is one massive slab of Sludge and Doom. Listening to this album makes me think they maybe the best Sludge band ever to come out of Canada, yes they are that good. Let's start with the obvious, they are very much in the mold of Sludge Gods "Crowbar" even right down to the vocal work. This is not a bad thing at all to me, "Crowbar" are one of my favorite bands of all time. There no weak links here, "Take A Shot" is one of the strongest moments on the disc. The riff's are the key to their songs and the riff in this track slays, there is even some feeling to the heaviness. Its not just heaviness for the sake of being heavy, they create some real intensity to their method of Sludge and Doom. The guitar is immensely thick and full and the drum sound is especially huge. Take the track "Father" for a good example, again the riff rules everything. It sways with a kind of slowed down Black Label Society groove only much heavier, a lot has to be said about the solid guitar work of the two guitarist's from this band. They have talent to spare for creating some great Sludge riffage. Its not what you would called original but who the hell cares with tunes that are as a punishing as these monsters."Tragedy" is another killer track, the way the riffing compliments the throaty bellowing of the vocals creates the feeling of pure anguish. Downtrodden have managed to make a "textbook sludge album" so forget about the "Crowbar" reference and just dig it. This album is a keeper, check it out.
Reviewed by Ed
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Band: EGEMONY
Country: Italy
Title: Baptism of the Unborn
Label: Nice To Eat You Records / Sevared Records
Year: 2008
Style: Brutal Guttural Death Metal
Review:
This is the debut from Italy's one-man wrecking machine! Mainman Alessandro {vocals,all instruments} belts out eleven tracks of modern day guttural brutality. The music is is pure insane grinding metal to a more mid-paced slam style but Alessandro is not breaking any new ground or creating anything original. At the same time Alessandro has enough talent and brutal ideas of his own to create some memorable brutality that fans of guttural brutal death metal will not want to miss out on.
Reviewed by Patrick
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Band: EPICRISE / BALLGAG
Country: Ukraine / USA
Title: Kublo 69 / Tales of a Cornered Bitch
Label: Ukragh Prod.
Year: 2007
Style: Porn Grind / Crust
Review:
This Split CD, although a bit old, is becoming like a cult release within the Grindcore scene.
Epicrise present us a solid Porn Grindcore: strong, metallic guitar riffs, mostly fast paced drums spiced with a lot of groove (not linear at all), different kind of vocals (guttural vox, Mexican influenced screams, insane, almost "little girl in pain" type of screams, and hardcore/grindcore shouts), lots of porn flicks cuts and a few other effects. A funny, yet very powerful side of this split for Epicrise.
Ballgag is insane grind crust: inhuman growls, extremely low tuned bass lines, groove driven guitar riffs, good drumming (the mixing&mastering could have been better). A whirlpool of disgusting , sick, devastating aggression.
The whole split lasts for half an hour although there are 19 tracks. If you're into Grind / Crust, you should have this release already, but if you don't have it, check out these two bands, it will worth your time.
Reviewed by Adrian
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Band: EXILED FROM THE LIGHT
Country: New Zealand
Title: Descending further into Nothingness
Label: Hypnotic Dirge Records
Year: 2009
Style: Ambient Black Metal
Review:
I think since I first came into contact I have been hearing a lot about this release and now the long wait is over. New Zealand's Exiled From The Light release their debut. Everything was handled by Mort {vocals,all instruments}. According to the bio Mort had other more straight-forward black metal projects but with Exiled From The Light it seems he wanted more in the musical realm. Starting with an ambient, melodic intro, the music begins with a dark harsh guitar sound. The bass and guitars have the more modern scratchy/harsh riffs and sound. Mort seems to keep the pace of the songs to mid-paced to slower than most black metal bands today. The drums are in the same mode played exceptionally well and fit well with the range of the rest of music. The vocals {when used} are scratchy screams. Fans of somber, depressive styled black metal will bow down to this band and the amazing debut. Definitely one of Hypnotic Dirge's best releases to date!!
Reviewed by Patrick
Band: FAR BEYOND INNOCENCE
Country: Austria
Title: Torture Circus
Label: Selfreleased
Year: 2009
Style: Thrash Metal
Review:
Damn, where is this band hiding and why? This is one of the most professional acts I've had the chance to get in touch with lately. Far Beyond Innocence are an unsigned band from Austria and I have no damn idea why they are still unsigned, this is a goldmine for any major labels out there. Maybe they want to do everything themselves as French Inhumate are doing although they could be easily signed anytime.
FBI are around since the '90's, so this is an important piece of the Austrian metal scene. This is becoming clear right after the first sounds of this new album, an extremely tight and in your face piece of thrash metal. Great sound, delicious riffing, vicious bust still clean and perfectly comprehensive vocals, very catchy rhythm section and compositions, masterful cover artwork, and a band image that could make Slipknot jealous, basically this is what "Torture Circus" is all about, an album that I strongly recommend not only to the Thrash Metal followers, but to all listeners of good, kick-ass metal. A professional underground release by a band that I'm sure will be considered an underdog soon.
Reviewed by Adrian
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Band: FAUST
Country: USA / Italy
Title: From Glory to Infinity
Label: Paragon Records
Year: 2009
Style: Technical Death Metal
Review:
Originally formed by Aleister {vocals,guitars} in 1992 the band was put on hold while Aleister fulfilled his duties with Ancient. Well a new time and day are here and Aleister is back with a new all-star line-up and release. The line-up features Steve Digiorgio {bass Sadus, Death}, Luca Princiotta {guitar Doro} among others who contributed. Faust has created some extremly well crafted and executed technical death metal. The band seems to be in the vein of early 90's tech death metal {Death - Individual Thought Patterns era} Cynic, but also has alot of the modern technical influence and sound. I am not a huge fan of tech death metal but Faust have done a good job of mixing in straight-forward death with alot of modern technical guitar, bass lines. Fans of technical death metal or the above mentioned bands should defintly give this a listen.
Reviewed by Patrick
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Band: FRAILTY
Country: Lativa
Title: Lost, Lifeless, Lights
Label: Solitude Productions
Year: 2008
Style: Expiremental Death Doom
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Frailty are a band who are not afraid to expirement with different genre's of doom and mix them together. Starting off the release with dark, heavy riffs siliar to older Anathema or My Dying Bride but then they bring in some clean male vocals/chants for the newer goth/doom fans. Personally I think the band would have sounds a lot better and have a darker atmosphere/feel if they would loose the clean male vocals but I know a lot of bands are using the cleaner vocal/chants within their music so I understand why they use them. But with that being said the band stays pretty much close to the heavy guitar/bass driven doom metal. Fans of dreary, dim sounding doom/death metal should check out Lativa's doom horde. A decent release from this up and coming band.
Reviewed by Patrick
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Band: FRAILTY
Country: Lativa
Title: Fraility
Label: Selfreleased
Year: 2009
Style: Death Doom
Review:
After the release of their bands good debut CD "Lost, Lifeless, Lights" Lativa's Frailty wanted to release their older material as not to forget their roots and let their fans hear the band in the early days. What you will hear is 5 tracks of crushing death/doom. The band was defintly influenced by the early gods of the 90's such as My Dying Bride, Anathema, and maybe a little Paradise Lost. Personally I thought the debut full-length "Lost, Lifeless, Lights" was a good release of varied doom styles but this EP is a masterpiece. Fans of more straight-forward death/doom without the ambient/experimental influence will love this.
Reviewed by Patrick
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Band: FUNERAL FORNICATION
Country: Canada
Title: Solitude and Suicide
Label: Hypnotic Dirge Records
Year: 2009
Style: Ambient Black Metal
Review:
This is the third release {first for Hypnotic Dirge Rec.} and apparently a new beginning for this Canadian project. Looking at the band's site and bio I guess Funeral Fornication's first two releases were more in the Black/Thrash style. Well with Solitude and Suicide will shock alot of older Funeral Fornication's fans as it is more dark, dreary sounding. The band plays some decent dreary and depressing mid-paced black metal. I respect the band trying a new sound/genre but really for a debut of dreary ambient styled black metal this release is just decent. Fans of the newer black metal/ambient style might enjoy this.
Reviewed by Patrick
Band: GENOCIDE WINTER
Country: USA
Title: Monastica Holocaust
Label: Thorn Laceration Rec.
Year: 2009
Style: Black Metal
Review:
Here is a new band from the US black metal scene. I had this bands name before from various friends/contacts but I must admit I am a bit disapointed. The duo plays the minimalistic, raw style and the band is not a complete rip-off but they really don't seperate themselves from the past Norse bands who created and perfected this style. Fans of Dark Throne or Norse black metal might like this.
Reviewed by Patrick
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Band: GRAND DEMISE OF CIVILISATION
Country: USA
Title: Black Goat Apocalypse
Label: Selfreleased
Year: 2009
Style: Black Death Thrash Metal
Review:
This is a fairly new band coming out of the US metal scene. Grand Demise Of Civilization play some aggressive and brutal blackend death with hints of thrash metal mixed within the bands madness. The vocals are a mix of standard screechy black metal screams and deeper growls and the vocals fit perfectly with the bands brutal uncompromising intensity. If you enjoy the more brutal, straight forward blackend death with hints of thrash and even some moments of war metal then this is a band you will want to sink your teeth into.
Reviewed by Patrick
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Band: HEDRA
Country: USA
Title: 3 Inches of Doom
Label: Selfreleased
Year: 2009
Style: Doom Metal
Review:
The CD dishes up 2 tracks of unrelenting Doom, dirty and raw to the extreme. The first track "Dirtsea" has a repetitive slow grinding riff, pulsating along for about 4 minutes before taking the tempo up a notch with a killer groove before slowing down once again. The vocals are screaming, horror filled tortured yells which compliments the monstrous riffing. There is even some great soloing with even a hint of melody which adds some real color to the track. " Below the Graves" is the other track, once again it is about as doom as you can get. Slow but also with a sense of demented groove, once again the vocal work is sick and twisted. There is a lot of bands that do this stuff but this one of the better ones of the new league of Sludge Doom bands that have that sick vocal sound. "Below The Graves" is similar to the first track in the way it has a great tempo change to build up the tension. Being only a 2 tracker, this only a teaser for the future. I can't wait to see where this band doe's next, i have a feeling this band will finish up being on a lot of play-list's within a few month's if these 2 monster tracks are anything to go by. Check them out, this is some killer Doom.
Reviewed by Ed
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