Ashbringer – Subglacial (Review)

Ashbringer - SubglacialThis is the fifth album from US post-black metal band Ashbringer.

Following on from 2019’s Absolution and 2023’s We Came Here to GrieveSubglacial brings us 40 minutes of Ashbringer’s compelling approach to black metal. Let’s get this out of the way first – this Continue reading “Ashbringer – Subglacial (Review)”

Serpent Ascending, Ôros Kaù, Swords of Dis, and Midnight Odyssey – From the Waters of Death – Split (Review)

Serpent Ascending, Ôros Kaù, Swords of Dis, and Midnight Odyssey - From the Waters of Death - SplitSerpent Ascending, Ôros Kaù, Swords of Dis, and Midnight Odyssey have joined together to produce an epic split album.

Now here’s an interesting and unusual release. This massive split is a collaborative concept album aimed at providing a contemporary retelling of the Epic of Gilgamesh. From the Waters of Death brings together an array of atypical talent from the exceptional I, Voidhanger roster, and is something you should definitely be paying attention to if Continue reading “Serpent Ascending, Ôros Kaù, Swords of Dis, and Midnight Odyssey – From the Waters of Death – Split (Review)”

Stygian Bough (Bell Witch & Aerial Ruin)/40 Watt Sun – Rebellion, Manchester – 09/02/26 (Live Review)

Stygian Bough (Bell Witch & Aerial Ruin) 40 Watt Sun - Rebellion, Manchester - 090226

Tonight, Manchester gets a severe case of The Doom. Stygian Bough Volume II is an excellent record that should have had pride of place on last year’s end of year list, (but frustratingly, there always seems to be one that slips through the cracks), so the opportunity to see it played live tonight was too good to miss. Added bonus – 40 Watt Sun. An unlooked for treat that’s Continue reading “Stygian Bough (Bell Witch & Aerial Ruin)/40 Watt Sun – Rebellion, Manchester – 09/02/26 (Live Review)”

Fossilization – Advent of Wounds (Review)

Fossilization - Advent of WoundsFossilization are a Brazilian death metal band and this is their second album.

Following on from 2023’s monstrous Leprous Daylight, Fossilization have once more emerged from their ancient slumber with the 36-minute Advent of Wounds. Strap yourself into the slime-covered pain machine, as it’s about to get nasty. Continue reading “Fossilization – Advent of Wounds (Review)”

Worm – Necropalace (Review)

Worm - NecropalaceThis is the fourth album from US black/death/doom act Worm.

In many quarters Necropalace is a big deal. Through a range of EPs, splits, and albums, (such as Foreverglade and Bluenothing), Worm have continued to develop and grow over the years, essentially Continue reading “Worm – Necropalace (Review)”

Converge – Love Is Not Enough (Review)

Converge - Love Is Not EnoughConverge are a hardcore band from the US and this is their tenth album, (or eleventh if you count their collaboration with Chelsea Wolfe).

Love Is Not Enough is the hotly anticipated follow up to 2017’s The Dusk in Us and 2018’s Beautiful Ruin. It must be stated early on that Converge have not disappointed – Love Is Not Enough is excellent. Continue reading “Converge – Love Is Not Enough (Review)”

Slaughterday – Dread Emperor (Review)

Slaughterday - Dread EmperorThis is the fifth album from German death metallers Slaughterday.

I really like Slaughterday. I’ve been following them since 2013’s very tasty Nightmare Vortex, through the following year’s Ravenous, 2016’s Laws of the Occult, 2018’s Abattoir, to their last album in 2020 – Ancient Death Triumph. Hold on though, it turns out Continue reading “Slaughterday – Dread Emperor (Review)”

Ponte del Diavolo – De Venom Natura (Review)

Ponte del Diavolo - De Venom NaturaThis is the second album from Italian blackened metal/post-punk band Ponte del Diavolo.

Following hot on the heels of 2024’s Fire Blades from the Tomb comes the 40-minute De Venom Natura. Ponte del Diavolo’s new record is a good one, with much to enjoy if you’re a fan of quality metal with an uncommonly tasty flavour. Continue reading “Ponte del Diavolo – De Venom Natura (Review)”

Oreyeon – The Grotesque Within (Review)

Oreyeon - The Grotesque WithinOreyeon are an Italian stoner rock band and this is their fourth album.

I enjoyed 2022’s Equations for the Useless, so wanted to check in with Oreyeon once more to see what this stoner rock crew were up to. The Grotesque Within is what. It’s a record bursting with stoner rock flavour, spiced up with grunge, doom, and progressive rock seasoning. Continue reading “Oreyeon – The Grotesque Within (Review)”