Ars Moriendi - La singulière noirceur d'un astre
Atom - Atom
Avulsed - Revenant Wars
Ceremonial Castings - Cthulhu
Desaster - Live in Bamberg
Disloyal - Nineth Gate
Doomed - Our Ruin Silhouettes
DoomVS - Earthless
Drap - En Naturlig Dod
Evenline - Dear Morpheus
Grace Disgraced - The Primal Cause Womanumental
Hypertension - Distant Thunders Call
Iron Fist - Motorpunk Madmen
Lebensabend - Blood Is Always Nameless
Napalm Storm - Harmless Cruelty
Narrow House - Thanathonaut
Ordo Inferus - Invictus Et Aeternus
Pantheon I - From the Abyss They Rise
Schattenthron - Der alte Thron, siechend im Schatten
Sequoian Aequison - Onomatopoeia
Sercati - The Rise of the Nightstalker (Tales of the Fallen part 2)
Skyconqueror - Under the Pentagram
The Black Coffins - Dead Sky Sepulchre
The Hole - A Monument to the End of the World
The Morningside - Letters from the Empty Towns
Witcher - Boszorkanytanc
Various Artists - Metal Scrap Compilation Vol.7
Various Artists - New World Black Metal

 

Band: ARS MORIENDI
Country: France
Title: La singulière noirceur d'un astre
Label: Archaic Sound
Year: 2014
Style: Atmospheric Dark Black Metal

Review:
It seems Arsonist, the man behind this solo project, seems to be from Belarus, or at least this third full-length album was recorded at Wave Hill Records in Belarus, and I highly doubt a French band would chose a Belarussian studio with no prior connections. Anyway, the resulted material is absolutely impressive, and it could very well rival with the work of French project Pensees Nocturnes, it is as complex and as limitless and it will capture and drag the listener in its own world, a twisted, shocking, dying world. Even if Arsonist isn't using as many instruments as Vaerohn, he manages to create his own identity, to express his ideas in a perfectly comprehensive manner for the listener. We're treated here with 5 long tracks totaling almost 50 minutes of atmospheric, melodic, twisted and crazy Dark Metal with important Black Metal influences all over, and excellent work highlighted by probably the best bass lines I've heard this year, by desperate and terrifying vocals, pounding drums and catchy quitars, all served on a dark layer of mysterious keyboards, a masterpiece! Highly recommended!
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 9.5/10

Contact:
www.facebook.com/arsmorie
www.archaic-sound.com

Band: ATOM
Country: Greece
Title: Atom
Label: Selfreleased
Year: 2013
Style: Thrash Death Metal

Review:
Young Greek quartet from the city of Thessaloniki founded in 2009 I think. This is their debut demo, a 4 tracks effort clocking 17 minutes of '80's type Thrash Death Metal, fast paced, primitive, with occasional virtuoso displays especially on bass, highly influenced by Death, by the first releases of the legendary US band. Although there are plenty of mistakes all over the place and everything seems to have been done on a hurry, without much double-checking, these guys' potential is enormous, they are very talented musicians and I really think they can come up with some very memorable and influencial tunes in the near future. On this debut demo I have to highlight the raspy, original vocal timbre, but also the guitar and bass lines, both sounding unpolished but at the same time somehow very complex and well-thought. A paradoxical full of raw potential, to keep an eye on, definitely!
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 8/10

Contact:
www.facebook.com/AtomDeathThrash

Band: AVULSED
Country: Spain
Title: Revenant Wars
Label: Unholy Prophecies Records
Year: 2013
Style: Death Metal

Review:
Cool release by Unholy Prophecies, their first 7"EP released as a statement they are interested in becoming a strong name on the scene. Spanish Death Metal legends Avulsed were chosen for this release and I guess they happily agreed since there are only 2 tracks featured here, the title track and a cover of Nihilist's "Sentenced to Death". The first track has everything an old-school Death Metal fan expects from its fave band: deep growlings but quite comprehensive, crunchy and catchy guitar riffs, demented solos, double-bass drums and impressive bass lines. The Nihilist cover is spot-on, it's nice to hear this track with a better production than the original. Fans of Avulsed and European Death Metal will enjoy this EP released on white vinyl, but beware it's limited to only 500 hand-numbered copies.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 8/10

Contact:
www.avulsed.com
www.label.unholyprophecies.com

Band: CEREMONIAL CASTINGS
Country: USA
Title: Cthulhu
Label: Dark Forest Productions
Year: 2014
Style: Black Metal

Review:
What's sad about this review is that the band recently announced its indefinite hiatus, probably disbanded after almost 20 years of raising the Black Metal standards in USA. This is their eight full-length album to date and although it's made of 2 CDs, it's not a double-album, the second CD being made of only 1 track, the keyboard lines of the first CD tracks combined all together. An interesting idea, never saw something similar, although probably it's not an original either. Ceremonial Castings prove once again why they are so respected (or at least they should be) in the USBM scene, this is an amazing release, a masterpiece dragging the listener through eerie, mysterious places and at the same time delivering one of the most brutal and technical traditional Black Metal around, fast, devastating, fierceful, deminant and terrifying; the combination of technical, complex guitar work with uncompromising rhythm section, raw vocals and that heavy, dense, piercing keyboard atmosphere, is fantastic. For the ones of you  in search of something original that keeps traditional patterns intact. 
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 10/10

Contact:
www.ceremonialcastings.net
darkforestproductions@hotmail.com

Band: DESASTER
Country: Germany
Title: Live in Bamberg
Label: High Roller Records
Year: 2014
Style: Thrash Death Black Metal

Review:
Celebrating 25 years of activity, the German legends Desaster recorded 23 of their best tracks to be featured on this live double album, and the result is absolutely devastating, another proof (if there still was any need for it) that Desaster is a proud follower and continuer of Venom's legacy. I was never a die-hard Desaster fanatic, but I have to admit with this new live album they managed to win me over for good, their devotion, their energy and their enthousiasm is absolutely contagious; also the top-notch execution and sound quality are something to praise on this massive release, the listener has the chance to feel like in the audience but at the same time experience the clear production like in the confort of its home. I have the Double CD version of this release, but it's out on double-vinyl as well, I'd recommend you not to miss it even if you're not a Desaster fan; although I'm generally sceptic towards live albums this one is killer, very inspiring and praise-worthy: excellent sound quality, impressive live display from Desaster, devastating attitude, I can't get enough good words to explain it. 
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: -/10

Contact:
www.total-desaster.com
www.hrrecords.de

Band: DISLOYAL
Country: Slovakia
Title: Nineth Gate
Label: Selfreleased
Year: 2012
Style: Atmospheric Black Death Metal

Review:
It's not everyday I come across a material I can label as strange nowadays, but this Disloyal fourth full-length album falls exactly into that category, and that's excellent, at least for me, once in a while I can say I've listened to something different. This 9 tracks album clocks an hour of atmospheric and technical Extreme Metal, a combination of Black and Death Metal with eerie moods, intelligent structures, dissonant parts from time to time, and from my point of view highlighted by a great bass work and by the expressive effects and keyboard backgrounds generating a unique atmosphere and something I think is a conept theme for the whole album. An experiment not many can afford or have the courage to try, and as example this is an album you'll either hate to death or understand and appreciate, but you'll have to give it at least a complete spin before making a decision; during the first track I thought I would be bored to tears, but what followed changed my view completely, it's still not my fave album, but it's definitely one I respect and will play again when in need for something strange and original. I haven't heard about the band until now, but I will follow their story from now on, that's for sure. Recommended!
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 8.5/10

Contact:
www.disloyal.sk

Band: DOOMED
Country: Germany
Title: Our Ruin Silhouettes
Label: Solitude Productions
Year: 2014
Style: Doom Death Metal

Review:
Although it's a one man band, Doomed seems to be a live act, too, since Pierre Laube usually gets session musicians for his live acts, and that's impressive and gives more trust in this moniker and its ambitions. This is its third full-length album and second out on Solitude Productions, and I have to say it's a crushing hour of music, 7 tracks of traditional Doom Death Metal highlighted by brutal, low-tuned guitar riffs, melodic leads and solos, deep guttural vocals, intense bass lines and tight druming, and I also have to mention the crystal clear, awesome production by Pierre himself, probably he should think of making this a real job as I'm sure a lot of similar bands would appreciate and book his work. Ah, and the cover and booklet artworks are all done by Pierre, too, so I guess with this new release he makes a statement and it might be a real milestone for him as an artist, I'm sure a good reaction from the listeners will give him more courage to continue on this way. What I liked the most about this release were the guitar leads and solos, they sound like starting to have an own identity, and if developed in the same direction I'm sure we'll soon say the band has its own identity in this scene. If you think you'll like a tough, melodic and just a bit melancholic Doom Death Metal with a stong approach on the Death side, too, go for it, this is a very good choice.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 8.5/10

Contact:
www.doomed-band.de
www.solitude-prod.com

Band: DOOM:VS
Country: Sweden
Title: Earthless
Label: Solitude Productions
Year: 2014
Style: Funeral Doom Death Metal

Review:
Solitude Productions managed to secure this classy signing, namely Doom:VS, one man project of Draconian founding member Johan Ericson founded a decade ago. Doom:VS already released 2 full-length albums on Firedoom Music, a division of well-known Firebox Records. 6 years after the second material, here's a new one that from Johan's apologies to Solitude's owners on the booklet of this CD I understand was supposed to be released way back, a 6 tracks effort that makes all waiting well worth the waiting. In fact all music on this new album was composed and performed by Johan, except for the main vocals, some of the deepest and creepiest growls by none other than Saturnus' founding member Thomas A.G. Jensen. This is the way to do some deep, personal, emotional and involving Funeral Doom Death Metal music leaving absolutely no space for boredom. This could have been THE perfect album if Johan would have performed more of his touching clean vocals in support of Thomas' growls, and I say this because the instrumental part, the production, the covar artwork and even the lyrics (I usually don't pay much attention to this part) are perfect, and I'm sure both fans of '90's Doom Death scene like me and newer fans of Funeral Doom will embrace this new release at once. The melodic, emotional guitar leads are supported by a steady but not monotonous layer of riffs, and a complex rhythm section. Let yourselves fall into this amazing, bottomless Doom Death well, you'll feel safe. For my taste this is probably the best album of 2014 in this genre.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 9.5/10

Contact:
www.facebook.com/deadwordsspeak
www.solitude-prod.com

Band: DRAP
Country: Sweden
Title: En Naturlig Dod
Label: Embrace My Funeral Records
Year: 2013
Style: Punk Crust Grind

Review:
Drap was founded in 2013 by its vocalist, Joachim, as an attempt to release an album and then quit; the album would have been dedicated to his mother who passed away 3 years before. This is how this debut album came into being, but I guess the response or simply the members' passion for this music made them decide they will continue. Talking about En Naturlig Dod the album is made of 10 short tracks totaling less than 25 minutes of fast paced Punk Crust Grind with demented, quite original vocals, lots and lots of energy and a lot of rage; there are even some Thrash Black Metal influences here and there, and the production is unpolished but actually very good, very fit for their music. Fans of bestial metal will enjoy this a lot, I have no doubts. Embrace My Funeral released the CD format, the band released it as vinyl, and I think they will also release it as tape if they haven't already, so a wide range of choices here, if you're into brutal Punk Metal you should give it a try.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 7/10

Contact:
www.drapcrust.bandcamp.com
www.soundcloud.com/emfrecords

Band: EVENLINE
Country: France
Title: Dear Morpheus
Label: Dooweet Records
Year: 2014
Style: Alternative Rock Metal

Review:
"For fans of Alter Bridge, Staind, Nickelback, Creed and Breaking Benjamin", this statement says it all, the label shouldn't wasted money on sending this promo to us, but since they did I can at least mention it and say my opinion although I'm nowhere near an expert in this music. 4 guys looking like a boys band from the '90's (I'm sure girls will appreciate it deeply) delivering very good, commercial and modern Alternative Rock with occasional Metal influences; very good, versatile and expressive vocals backed by occasional screams to enhance the atmospheres, tight rhythm section, and memorable guitar work, ranging from melodic to energetic and groovy moods this debut album should hit its target, honestly, although I'm not a fan of the genre, I can't see too much difference between them and the bands they are mentioning as influences...
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: -/10

Contact:
www.evenline-music.com
www.dooweet-records.com

Band: GRACE DISGRACED
Country: Russia
Title: The Primal Cause: Womanumental
Label: More Hate Productions
Year: 2014
Style: Technical Death Metal

Review:
The female-fronted, Moskow based quartet Grace Disgraced are back two years after their debut album and 10 years after their foundation, with a new opus made of 7 long tracks totaling a bit more than 50 minutes of Technical Death Metal heavily influenced by the legendary Death, but at the same time not sticking strictly to that old-school pattern, Grace Disgraced is like a modern continuator of what Death started back in the '80's. If they would only have been from the States, or from Germany for example, their ways would have been much smoother. Anyway, Polina, the beautiful female vocalist of Grace Disgraced proves once again she's one of a kind, her ferocious and offensively brutal vocal timbre perfectly leads this band, but it would be unfair not to mention the fantastic work of her colleagues: the rhythm section is very technical and complex but at the same time groovy and catchy, and the guitars are fenomenal, starting with the memorable riffs up to the fresh, well-crafted leads and solos that will catch your attention for good. Excellent followup to their debut album, this is, without a doubt, a step forward for the band, they deserve more attention and I hope they'll get it.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 9.5/10

Contact:
www.reverbnation.com/gracedisgraced
www.morehate.com

Band: HYPERTENSION
Country: Sweden
Title: Distant Thunders Call
Label: StormSpell Records
Year: 2014
Style: Speed Thrash Death Metal

Review:
Speed Metal starts to make its way back through all this old-school revival movement nowadays and it's only natural that happens, especially now when there are so much more bands then when this genre was in its prime years. Hypertension are mixing Speed with Thrash and a hint of Death Metal too in order to create a hyper-active, extremely energetic blend of old-school metal. The vocals remind me of Quorton, and the instrumental part reminds me of the '80's German Thrash Metal scene, and their blend is exquisite resulting a dirty, simple but catchy, entertaining and addictive music. If you're a fan of those years when Thrash, Heavy, Death and Black were not so separated by prejudice, the beginning of the '80's, this 9 tracks full-length album could be a very good pick. I only hope they'll add more of those great guitar solos, and maybe add more diversity the next time around, but for a debut album I'd say this is a proof the Swedish trio are headed the right way. In the meantime they have already released a second album... 
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 8.5/10

Contact:
www.facebook.com/hypertensionswe
www.stormspell.com

Band: IRON FIST
Country: USA
Title: Motorpunk Madmen
Label: Nightfall Distro / Visceral Vomit Records
Year: 2013
Style: Punk Metal

Review:
I find Motorpunk Madmen o be the perfect title for this release, it gives you an exact idea on what you'll get: a combination of Punk with Motorhead's Metal played by madmen with Hellhammer's attitude, a complete and utter devastation from start to finish. Fast Punk Metal with bestial attitude delivered over 19 tracks, a compilation of previously released material from 2009 to 2011, now released on white tape in cardboard case, including a lyrics sheet, but unfortunately limited to 53 hand-numbered copies only. If you like Speed, Punk and dirty Heavy Metal you'll love this drunken combo, there's nothing pretentious here, only straight to your face sonic abuse.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 7/10

Contact:
www.ironfist.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/nightfalldistro
www.vvrecords.webs.com

Band: LEBENSABEND
Country: Russia
Title: Blood Is Always Nameless
Label: Margin Art Records / Dark East Productions
Year: 2013
Style: Black Death Metal

Review:
One man band from Russia founded 10 years ago, in 2005, Lebensabend released this second album on Dark East and Margin Art, although its limited to only 500 copies on CD. The 7 tracks featured here display a combination of Black Metal (mainly) and Death Metal (secondary) with a powerful melodic and technical edge. It's obvious Iblis took his time to compose these 7 tracks and the final result is quite interesting, diverse and not at all ordinary, but in my opinion he should have worked a bit more on curdling everything. The music is highlighted by abrasive, raspy vocals, good sounding drum machine, traditional Black Metal guitar riffs, melodic leads, intense bass lines. The lack of a dark or cold atmosphere will distract most Black Metallers, and the Death Metallers will need more power, so in the end the final result isn't the best around, although Iblis' technical skills would allow him to do much more...
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 7/10

Contact:
www.darkeastproductions.weebly.com

Band: NAPALM STORM
Country: Spain
Title: Harmless Cruelty
Label: WormHoleDeath Records
Year: 2014
Style: Thrash Metal

Review:
Formed in 2010 as Napalm, the Zaragoza based quartet changed their name in 2013, not long before releasing this debut album. Harmless Cruelty is made of 11 tracks totaling almost 45 minutes of quite traditional mid-tempo to fast paced Thrash Metal with some Heavy and Death influences thrown in here and there. It's one of those albums you enjoy listening to but forget right after the audition, it has no originality, nothing to distinguish the band among the rest. Nonetheless, as I said, it's an album you'll enjoy, the sound quality is top notch as WHD used us with so far, the riffs are pretty catchy for fans of Heavy Thrash Metal, the vocals are raspy but quite comprehensive, the solos, as rare as they are, are enjoyable and bring back memories of the '80's, the bass lines are well defined and intensive, and the drums are well played, so as a debut album it proves what it's supposed to, that the band is professional and aims high. Now it's time to find an identity.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 7/10

Contact:
www.napalmstorm.com
www.wormholedeath.com

Band: NARROW HOUSE
Country: Ukraine
Title: Thanathonaut
Label: Solitude Productions
Year: 2014
Style: Experimental Atmospheric Doom Metal

Review:
The second full-length album from Narrow House offers the listener even more diversity and experiments than their debut. If A Key to Panngrieb was surprising through their addition of violin, this new opus brings in even more such "unusual" instruments like cello or contrabass, quite bold move by the band, but that proves they are aiming at originality. The 10 tracks featured here have more instrumental parts, vocals are pretty scarce but whey they do appear they don't make a big difference anyway, so I gues it was a wise choice after all. To me it seems the guitar tone is not what this band needs (just listen to the opening riffs of The Last Retreat, it sounds like a begginer Hard Rock band, I would have liked it better a bit more downtuned, a bit heavier, and since we're talking about things I don't like I'd also say I feel the album has no flow, there are several parts when I lost interest. I would also have to admit there are a few parts when the music is absolutely great, innovative and fresh sounding, but as a whole the album sounds like an intermediary step, something that needs more work. Still an interesting pick, don't hesitate, this band is aiming high, be a whitness.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 7/10

Contact:
www.narrowhouse.net
www.solitude-prod.com

Band: ORDO INFERUS
Country: Sweden
Title: Invictus Et Aeternus
Label: Doomentia Records
Year: 2014
Style: Death Metal

Review:
Young band made of mature and experienced musicians former members of bands like Necrophobic, Godhate, Funebrarum or Malfeitor, Ordo Inferus were formed in 2012 and shortly after debuted with a 3 tracks EP. Now it was time for their full-length debut, a new release consisting of 12 tracks and lasting for almost 50 minutes. If this would have been released back in the '90's I'm sure it would have been an instant classic, I see no quality difference between this Ordo Inferus album and any of the classics from Unleashed, Entombed or Grave for example, it's an amazing release featuring everything a fan of the Stockholm sounds would ever need: ugly but comprehensive growls, very catchy, complex and memorable guitar riffs, heavy rhythm section, melodic guitar leads and excellent acoustic interludes, oppressive and dark atmospheres and an excellent story built up by the lyrics talking about the Roman Empire, and perfectly supported by the music. Ah, and also the cover artwork is better than the one from their EP. From my point of view, as a Swedish Death Metal fan that I am, I'd label this album as masterpiece, I could listen to it over and over (and I'll do just that), you shouldn't miss it, too.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 10/10

Contact:
www.facebook.com/pages/Ordo-Inferus/373896722727651
www.doomentia.com

Band: PANTHEON I
Country: Norway
Title: From the Abyss They Rise
Label: Non Serviam Records
Year: 2014
Style: Progressive Black Metal

Review:
Hopefully Pantheon I are currently working on new material and this is just an apetizer of things to come, something to bring the band back in our attention after a 5 years drought on discographic level. This new release is actually a compilation of older, released and unreleased material, tracks that never made it on their albums, but it's also a fine occasion to understand how the band's music and skills evolved during their more than 10 years of activity since the compilation also features some newer material, too. The vocals of Tjalve improved the most, or actually he adapted his vocals to the level of professionalism and complexity of his bandmates; if on the first recordings his vocals are clearly rougher than the rest of the instruments and it feels like he's not in the same picture, lately his vocals are much more fit, actually improving the whole and not standing out by themselves as a discordant element. The instrumental part is the same technical Black Metal with plenty of progressive and melodic touches, with a highlight on Julianne's cello work, they actually remind me of the '90's Czech extreme metal scene and its countless flirtations with such instruments in search for the perfect harmony between brutality and melody. Almost 70 minutes of excellent music, a proof of why this band's name is so over there even 5 years after their latest studio release. I have to mention the excellent idea to print in the booklet a few words from present and past members on each track featured here, you have an even better insight on what actually is Pantheon I. Recommended!
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: -/10

Contact:
www.pantheon-i.com
www.non-serviam-records.com

Band: SCHATTENTHRON
Country: Germany
Title: Der alte Thron, siechend im Schatten
Label: Heretic Wisdom Productions
Year: 2014
Style: Black Metal

Review:
Maybe because there are so many one man bands on the Black Metal scene nowadays that I thought Schattenthron is the same, a one man band, but I have to admit it was a nice surprise to see this is actually a full line-up band, a quartet actually. It's a young outfit founded last year only, but this is already their debut album. Although it's made of 3 tracks only, the album lasts for more than half an hour of cold, distant, dark and mysterious Black Metal without too many flourishments, no keys, no additional instruments, only the basic stuff. The rhythms range from slow and repetitive, almost hypnotizing, to more brutal, mid-tempo, to fast and energetic rhythms, but almost all with fast double-bass drums. The atmosphere is cold, sombre and the distant vocals only make it more intriguing, but the problem comes after a couple of spins when you realize it becomes kind of boring, there's nothing exciting, nothing to show passion, and this type of Black Metal was previously done again and again by countless other bands. A decent debut, hope they will improve.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 6.5/10

Contact:
www.schattenthron.bandcamp.com
www.facebook.com/hereticwisdom

Band: SEQUOIAN AEQUISON
Country: Russia
Title: Onomatopoeia
Label: Slow Burn
Year: 2014
Style: Post Doom Metal

Review:
Debut album, 4 tracks totaling more than 40 minutes of calm, dreamy and sludgy Post Doom Metal from this young Russian quartet, all instrumental, without traces of vocals. Honestly I can't see anyone listening to this album and remembering it or parts of it afterwards, it more a soundtrack album than one with its own identity, this is music that goes hand in hand with something (anything) visual, but stand alone is quite faceless although it's interesting to listen, it flows well, it's not monotonous or over-repetitive and there's always something more to discover here and there, but again, among the countless other similar releases this doesn't stand out with anything, it's enjoyable and forgetable.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 7/10

Contact:
www.sequoian.bandcamp.com
www.slowburn.ru

Band: SERCATI
Country: Italy
Title: The Rise of the Nightstalker (Tales of the Fallen part 2)
Label: Self-released
Year: 2014
Style: Melodic Black Metal

Review:
Not sure if this album was released by the band themselves or by Grom Records as I've seen mentioned on the internet, but there's no mention about the label anywhere on the booklet, so probably it was self-released at first and then picked up by the label who released its own version later. Anyway, Sercati offer us 11 tracks in 45 minutes, a melodic and atmospheric type of Black Metal with loads of keyboards, clean vocals and semi-acoustic elements, elements that quite frankly make the highlights of this album. Unfortunately the vocals are horrible, they sound like the guy is a burping and choking Donald Duck, and in my opinion they are ruining the rest; the music benefits of an organic melodic touch and quite technical (even folkish) guitar work, and that's promising for the future. The sound is good enough to offer the listener a confy audition, so if you think you can get over the hilarious vocals and enjoy the instrumental part only, you have plenty of good elements to taste from Sercati.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 6/10

Contact:
www.sercati.com

Band: SKYCONQUEROR
Country: Germany
Title: Under the Pentagram
Label: Selfreleased
Year: 2014
Style: Heavy Metal

Review:
I've been listening this album all day now, a rare thing for me nowadays since I get so much material to review, but something about Skyconqueror caught my attention and kept it for a few hours now, and that even before reading anything about the band, so not little was my surprise when I saw they are actually from Germany and I could've bet my hat they were an American band. Why American? Because their music, its rawness and at the same time melodic approach, and also their decision to go mostly mid-tempo, all of these reminded me of a combination of US and Canadian Heavy Metal scenes a la '80's, and Twisted Tower Dire comes first to my mind although Skyconqueror are not as fast and not as technical either, with probably a bit of UK Power Thrash Metal as well. 11 tracks, almost 50 minutes of mid-tempo Heavy Metal based on quite liniar rhythm section, impressive bass lines though, catchy guitar riffs, sharp guitar leads and a fierce, unpolished and raspy vocalist without an original tone but with correct and careful execution. There's also plenty of melody here, so all in all I'd say Skyconqueror did a very good job with this second album, not something to remain in history as memorable, but definitely not something to overlook either. I like it.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 8/10

Contact:
www.skyconqueror.de

Band: SONS OF FAMINE
Country: USA
Title: Alcohol and Razor Blades
Label: Selfreleased
Year: 2013
Style: Black Death Metal

Review:
Not sure if you're familiar with CorpseVomit (they were around since 1992 till 2002 and released a full-length album on Blackened Moon Records), but this band was founded on its ashes in 2012, and this is their debut demo, a 4 tracks effort clocking almost 15 minutes of punkish, thrashing, blackened Death Metal played fast, drunk and dirty as hell. It's quite good actually, very entertaining, perfect for headbanging, a real hell-raiser during live gigs, I have no doubts. Fans of the new wave or retro Metal will surely dig this primitive but at the same time well crafted and well delivered piece of angry Metal. The catchy combination of Punk, Thrash, Heavy, Black, Death, with a few epic/majestic elements here and there, too, will surely entertain you. I only hope this is not just a project and the 4 members (including Lividity's drummer) will aim for a full-length album soon. Until then I warmly recommend this debut demo, is one of the best and most honest I've heard this year.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 8/10

Contact:
www.sonsoffamine.bandcamp.com

Band: THE BLACK COFFINS
Country: Brazil
Title: Dead Sky Sepulchre
Label: Black Hole Productions
Year: 2012
Style: Death Metal

Review:
The Metal Archives website mention this band as split-up, and it seems they have recently disbanded if that's the case, they have Facebook posts as recent as May 2014, but there's no official statement about this. Anyway, what I have here is their debut album, a 12 tracks, 40 minutes long effort released only a year after the band started. We're dealing with a mostly fast paced, angry, a bit chaotic but quite catchy mix of Crust and old-school Death Metal with double-bass lead fast drumming, shouting vocals, crusty and groovy guitar riffs, occasional catchy leads that will lead your mind to the mighty Swedish Death Metal school, and a good, organic, professional sound. As faults I'd name only the unconvincing guitar solos and the lack of a darker atmosphere overall as you are lead to expect by the excellent, creepy intro, but don't worry, they won't ruin your audition at all. All in all this is a good album, recommended to all of you who think they can handle such a combination of Crust and Death at a fast pace.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 7.5/10

Contact:
www.facebook.com/theblackcoffins
www.blackholeprods.com

Band: THE HOLE
Country: Spain
Title: A Monument to the End of the World
Label: Necromance Records
Year: 2014
Style: Thrash Death Metal

Review:
Here's a band from the beautiful Canary Islands, probably one of the very few ones from there, a quartet founded back in 2009. This is their debut full-length album made of 11 tracks and totaling 45 minutes of fast paced, aggressive Thrash Metal with Death Metal influences. "A Monument..." is quite brutal and the band seems to be determined to annihilate everyone and everything, but unfortunately it lacks quite a lot in order to be considered a successful release: the riffs are too generic and simple for these days and age, the drum machine sounds way too synthetic in order to offer a smooth audition, the synchronization between voicals and instruments seems a loosing point, too, and finally the vocals are extremely abrasive, but that could also be considered a positive aspect, too. What I liked about this release and band were the determination, the energy and enthousiasm, but there's still plenty of work to do.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 6/10

Contact:
www.facebook.com/theholeofficial
www.necromance.eu

Band: THE MORNINGSIDE
Country: Russia
Title: Letters from the Empty Towns
Label: BadMoodMan Music
Year: 2014
Style: Modern Melodic Death Metal

Review:
Wow, this third work of Russians The Morningside is nothing we were used to by their previous albums, the calm, atmospheric Doomy parts are only a hint on this one. The quartet decided it's time to try new areas and as a conclusion they tried to squeeze as many modern Metal influences as they could, "Letters..." could be described as a combination of In Flames, Paradise Lost, Death and even Carcass; plus a heavy, heavy dose of melody all over the place, so all in all it's a very interesting, very entertaining album delivered by some seriously skilled musicians, but it's definitely nothing their fans were used to, so I predict some massive disapointments too. On the other side they can also win some new listeners with this album, it's like a rebirth of the band, an attempt to intensify things, the only problem is that this Modern Melodic Death Metal scene is so overcrowded nowadays and so very talent filled that it will be a more than difficult task for Th Morningside to build up their name from scratch. If you're expecting a new traditional The Morningside album better skip this one, but if you're interested in some new Modern Death Metal sonorities give this a try, you might enjoy it.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 8/10

Contact:
www.themorningside.bandcamp.com
www.solitude-prod.com

Band: VOODOO GODS
Country: International
Title: Anticipation for Blood Leveled in Darkness
Label: Saturnal Records
Year: 2014
Style: Thrash Death Metal

Review:
Have you ehard of Voodoo Gods before? Neither do I, but it seems they've been around even since 2001 although the only other release was an EP from 2008 where Nergal and Mike Browning were invited. Now it's time for some other great names of the scene to be featured: George Fisher from Cannibal Corpse, David Schankle who was Manowar's guitarist in 1992, Jacek Hiro from Polish Death Metal legends Dies Irae / Sceptic, so we're dealing here with a super group based around drummer Alex Voodoo and vocalist Seth Van de Loo, also known from his work in Centurian and Severe Torture. This is their debut full-length album, an 8 tracks effort highlighted by the excellent guitars work ranging from melodic and technical Power Thrash Metal to energetic and oppressive Death Metal, Swiss-clock precise drums, incisive bass lines, and a brutal double vocal part. Professional musicians delivering professional, entertaining music; a really great surprise was the fantastic bass work of Jean Baudin, a less known or even unknown name, but a very talented musician. Try it even if you're not exactly the Thrash Metal or Death Metal fanatic, you'll most probably find something to like inhere.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 9/10

Contact:
www.voodoogods.net
www.saturnalrecords.com

Band: WITCHER
Country: Hungary
Title: Boszorkánytánc / Witchdance
Label: Dark East Productions / Mercy Despise
Year: 2013
Style: Ambient Black Metal

Review:
Joint union between these 2 labels to release Witcher's debut demo as full-length album on CD. I have reviewed this material back when it was first released, in 2011, and my opinion hasn't changed since then, I still like the melancholic atmospheres created mainly by a '90's type keyboard on a layer of slow drumming and fast Black Metal riffs; the main part of this 53 minutes album is made of those oppressing keyboards, and when the vocals finally kick in the mood is already all built. The sound, when all instruments are on, is not as good as a full length would require, but when the keys are left alone everything is perfect; the vocals are the most abrasive and it's quite obvious they could have done a lot better with a proper recording. Anyway, even if this material lacks in sound quality, the potential is high, I would recommend you to at least check a track from this album, if you're into '90's type melodic and melancholic Ambient Black Metal you'll probably like it.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: 7.5/10

Contact:
www.witcherzenekar.uw.hu
www.darkeastproductions.weebly.com
mercydespise@mail.ru

Band: Various
Country: USA
Title: New World Black Metal
Label: Plastik Musik
Year: 2012
Style: Ambient Death Black Metal

Review:
Plastik Musik attacking here with what they name as 4 Black spells of apokalyptik madness, a 4 ways Black Metal split from the USA, each band offering exclussive tracks for it. 
Opening the hostilities is Bitter Peace, a two men band from Connecticut beaturing Lance Gifford from Godless Rising (I'm sure you're more familiar with this moniker) and a guy called The Many (who's also featured here with his own project) on bass and vocals. Fast and freezing cold Black Metal with occasional doomy parts and an overall apocalyptic atmosphere. Esoterica from Pennsylvania is next, again a two men band with The Many taking care of the bass lines here too, and A. Poole from Krieg of the rest. Chaotic, fast, devastating and grinding Black Metal without compromises, a brutal assault from start to finish highlighted by demented vocals and a sickening, vertiginous atmosphere. Krieg is next and it's the best known name on this split, a legend of US Black Metal scene featuring here a mid-tempo Black Metal track with hints of Shoegaze in the guitar work here and there, and unpolished but still hypnotic track lead by hoarse background vocals. The Many moves away from Black Metal and offers a Psychedelic Doom Metal with Black Metal shrieks on the backgrounds, but also some clean vocals that reminded me of the Grunge attitude actually; not my type of stuff, I find the guitar work way too simplistic.
If you're a fan of US Black Metal I guess this is a must have, it benefits of a good production and a nice vinyl format release.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: -/10

Contact:
www.facebook.com/bitterpeaceusbm
www.facebook.com/esotericabm
www.facebook.com/officialkrieg
www.facebook.com/officialkrieg
www.plastikmusik.net

Band: Various
Country: Various
Title: Metal Scrap Compilation Vol.7
Label: Metal Scrap Records
Year: 2013
Style: Metal

Review:
Wow, great way to celebrate their 2 decades of activity for Metal Scrap Records; this compilation reached its 7th volume, but I only have this one that celebrates one of the most active and at the same time one of the most professional Ukrainian Metal labels. The 2 discs released in Double Digipack CD format offer us 23 audio tracks and 9 official videos from bands signed by MSR (Hell:On, Infected, Crusher, Majesty of Revival, Druknroll, Cryogenic Implosion, Symphony of Symbols, Symuran, Ungrace and others), plus an extensive video interview with Anatoliy, the owner of MSR, interview about his activities and about the state of Ukrainian Metal. A high class release I'd recommend to anyone who has already heard about MSR and its releases, but also to anyone interested in discovering new talent, it comes at a very cheap price, don't think about it twice.
Reviewed by Adrian
Rating: -/10

Contact:
www.metalscraprecords.com