This is the debut EP from German post-metal band Haven.
This is music with dark undertones and ambient atmosphere. Haven mix together the atmospheric allure of post-metal, with the harsher framing of post-hardcore, and the delicate introspection of progressive rock. These influences collide Continue reading “Haven – Anima (Review)”
This is the debut album from Embra, a black/death metal band from the US.
Here we have a very tasty and impressive slice of modern atmospheric black metal, shot through with dark death metal influences for added bite. Continue reading “Embra – Abjection (Review)”
Sågverk are a Finnish blackened crust band and this is their second album.
This is the follow up to the belligerent Sahataan ne Kaikki from 2015. Like Royalty finds Sågverk in fine form. They have managed to take what made their debut album so enjoyable and refine and develop it further into the very satisfying 38 minutes of music that they have given us here. Continue reading “Sågverk – Like Royalty (Review)”
Lucifer’s Fall are an Australian doom metal band and this is their latest release. It’s an oddball collection of rarities – live tracks, rehearsals, covers, splits, demos, etc. – 62 minutes of raucous, rocking doom metal. Sorry, DOOM METAL!
I can’t help but really like Lucifer’s Fall. They’ve got songs, they’ve got attitude, and they’ve got balls. What’s not to like? Continue reading “Lucifer’s Fall – Tales from the Crypt (Review)”
Grey Czar are an Austrian progressive rock band and this is their second album.
This is a pleasingly multifaceted beast, mixing progressive, heavy, psychedelic, stoner, doom, avant-garde, and sludge rock into a 47-minute album that entertains with zig zag focus and wild personality. Continue reading “Grey Czar – Boondoggle (Review)”
This is the seventh album from Dirge, an atmospheric sludge/post-metal band from France.
I loved 2014’s Hyperion, which was one of my favourite releases of that year. Last year the band released the experimental electronically-slanted Alma | Batica, which I also really enjoyed. It’s great to finally have a new full length from the band though, one which offers us their rich use of guitars once more. Continue reading “Dirge – Lost Empyrean (Review)”
Blockthesun are an Australian grindcore band, and this is their debut EP.
There’s 10 minutes of nastiness here, with 40% of the playing time taken up by the closer Freedom Is Slavery. Continue reading “Blockthesun – Blockthesun (Review)”
This is the second album from Of Spire and Throne, a doom/sludge band from the UK.
Now here’s a band I really enjoy the work of, (Toll of the Wound, Sanctum in the Light), so it’s great to have them back. Continue reading “Of Spire & Throne – Penance (Review)”
This is the fifth album from Majestic Downfall, a Mexican death/doom band.
Having enjoyed very much Majestic Downfall’s 2014 split with The Slow Death, a new album of 52-minute duration is well-received. Continue reading “Majestic Downfall – Waters of Fate (Review)”
Irk are a noise rock band from the UK and this is their debut album.
My first encounter with Irk was on their split with Wren, and it was a very favourable one. They have now returned with their debut album; 38 minutes of infectious chaos and barbed personality. Continue reading “Irk – Recipes from the Bible (Review)”
Wonderbox Metal 