Infecting the Swarm – Abyss (Review)

Infecting the SwarmThis is the second album from Infecting the Swarm, a one man brutal death metal project from Germany.

2014’s Pathogenesis was somewhat of a highlight for me in the brutal death metal genre, despite it somehow escaping me at the time that it was by a one-man band, (not that this really matters, it just makes it that little bit more impressive). Continue reading “Infecting the Swarm – Abyss (Review)”

Ophidian Spell – Nux/Hêmera (Review)

Ophidian SpellOphidian Spell are a symphonic/melodic death metal band from France and this is their debut album.

Combining aspects of melodic, progressive and symphonic death metal into their delivery, Ophidian Spell offer up the listener a modern blend of these various influences. I can hear aspects of The Faceless, Devin Townsend, In Flames, Emperor/Ihsahn, Ne Obliviscaris, Delain and Septic Flesh in the mix, along with some others. Continue reading “Ophidian Spell – Nux/Hêmera (Review)”

Downfall of Gaia – Atrophy (Review)

Downfall of GaiaThis is the fourth album from German band Downfall of Gaia. They play post-black metal.

This is a release that creates and fosters atmosphere like a second skin. It’s dark and mystical, and keeps its secrets close to its chest despite also being quite warm and welcoming in some respects. Ice-cold black metal full of hatred and blasphemy this is not. That’s not to say that Continue reading “Downfall of Gaia – Atrophy (Review)”

Tarnkappe – Winterwaker (Review)

TarnkappeTarnkappe are from the Netherlands and this is their second album.

The band’s first release Tussen Hun En De Zon introduced us to the band’s take on classic black metal, with lashings of Burzum and Darkthrone influences lacing the old-school venom of the music. Continue reading “Tarnkappe – Winterwaker (Review)”

Fornicus – Hymns of Dominion (Review)

FornicusFornicus are a black metal band from the US and this is their second album.

Since 2014’s Storming Heaven it seems that Fornicus have only become harsher and more extreme with their black metal. Hymns of Dominion is 43 minutes of fast and scathing icy hatred. Continue reading “Fornicus – Hymns of Dominion (Review)”

Sirenia – Dim Days of Dolor (Review)

SireniaThis is the eighth album from Norwegian symphonic/Gothic metallers Sirenia.

After being around for a good 15 years now, Sirenia know a thing or two about the style they play. Largely held in high regard for their symphonic/Gothic metal, they’re back once more with what is, I think, one of their Continue reading “Sirenia – Dim Days of Dolor (Review)”

Grausig – Di Belakang Garis Musuh (Review)

GrausigThis is the third album from this Indonesian death metal band.

Here we have a 30 minute feast of underground, ugly brutality inspired by the classic USDM sound. This is for fans of Suffocation, Deeds of Flesh, Dying Fetus, Origin and the like. Grausig pay homage to their heroes across this relatively short album by playing their death metal as brutally as they can. Continue reading “Grausig – Di Belakang Garis Musuh (Review)”

Crimson Moon – Oneironaut (Review)

Crimson MoonThis is the third album from this German-based black metal band.

This release is a solo affair, masterminded by just one talented individual and backed up by some guests.

Oneironaut is black metal with an epic, mystical, even cosmic, feel to it. The songs are on the lengthy end of the spectrum on average, (which for this kind of music is always something I like), culminating in Continue reading “Crimson Moon – Oneironaut (Review)”

Vermin Womb – Decline (Review)

Vermin WombVermin Womb are a blackened sludge/grind band form the US. This is their debut album.

Due to my love of their first EP Permanence, as well as all things Primitive Man and Clinging to the Trees of a Forest Fire, (who they share members with), this release has been highly anticipated by yours truly.

On Permanence Vermin Womb channelled the destructive essence Continue reading “Vermin Womb – Decline (Review)”