Cognizance – In Light, No Shape (Review)

Cognizance - In Light, No ShapeCognizance are a death metal band from the UK and this is their fourth album.

Following on from 2024’s strong Phantazein, Cognizance have now returned with the 37-minute In Light, No Shape. Once again we get treated to the band’s take on modern technical death metal, and, as usual, it’s a winner. Continue reading “Cognizance – In Light, No Shape (Review)”

Ashen Horde – The Harvest (Review)

Ashen Horde - The HarvestThis is the fifth album from US progressive black metal act Ashen Horde.

2023’s Antimony was Ashen Horde’s best album up to this point. This means that The Harvest is an eagerly anticipated new record from this notable band. Will it have what it takes to knock Antimony from the top spot? Continue reading “Ashen Horde – The Harvest (Review)”

Totenwache – Der Thron der Uralten (Review)

Totenwache - Der Thron der UraltenThis is the second album from German black metal band Totenwache.

Der Thron der Uralten delivers a 72-minute classic blackened assault. Totenwache play their black metal with arcane skill, crafting a record that offers up the sort of material that adherents to the black metal underground simply cannot resist. Continue reading “Totenwache – Der Thron der Uralten (Review)”

Ordh – Blind in Abyssal Realms (Review)

Ordh - Blind in Abyssal RealmsOrdh are a death metal band from the US and this is their debut album.

Blind in Abyssal Realms brings us 43 minutes of progressive death metal from current/ex-members of Barishi and Come to Grief. Ordh impress with their ability to being multiple elements together into a very satisfying whole. Continue reading “Ordh – Blind in Abyssal Realms (Review)”

Aversio Humanitatis – To Become the Endless Static (Review)

Aversio Humanitatis - To Become the Endless StaticThis is the third album from Spanish black metallers Aversio Humanitatis.

It has been six long year’s since 2020’s Behold the Silent Dwellers, but now comes its 34-minute successor, To Become the Endless Static. Aversio Humanitatis have produced a top tier album that’s sure to find favour with fans of bands such as Deathspell Omega, Misþyrming, Panzerfaust, and Selbst. Continue reading “Aversio Humanitatis – To Become the Endless Static (Review)”

Pure Wrath – Bleak Days Ahead (Review)

Pure Wrath - Bleak Days AheadThis is the fourth album from Indonesian one-man black metal band Pure Wrath.

Bleak Days Ahead is the 41-minute folow up to 2022’s well-received Hymn to the Woeful Hearts. The artist behind Pure Wrath has returned, accompanied by a cast of associates that bring drums, additional vocals, and saxophone to the table. Continue reading “Pure Wrath – Bleak Days Ahead (Review)”

Portrayal of Guilt – …Beginning of the End (Review)

Portrayal of Guilt - ...Beginning of the EndPortrayal of Guilt are a blackened hardcore band from the US and this is their fourth album.

…Beginning of the End is the sound of Portrayal of Guilt pushing their sound harder and deeper. Across 31 evocative minutes, the band reach across genres and styles to grasp what they want in an unyielding iron grip. …Beginning of the End brings a lot to the table. Continue reading “Portrayal of Guilt – …Beginning of the End (Review)”

Pig’s Blood – Destroying the Spirit (Review)

Pig's Blood - Destroying the SpiritThis is the third album from US death metallers Pig’s Blood.

2019’s A Flock Slaughtered was an enjoyable record, but it’s been an age since then. Now, with the 33-minute Destroying the Spirit, are Pig’s Blood able to still cut it in today’s death metal killing fields? Continue reading “Pig’s Blood – Destroying the Spirit (Review)”