July 2023 – Page 2 – Wonderbox Metal

Signs of the Swarm – Amongst the Low & Empty (Review)

This is the fifth album from US deathcore/death metal band Signs of the Swarm.

It’s always good to have some new Signs of the Swarm, as the band haven’t disappointed me yet. 2017’s The Disfigurement of Existence, 2019’s Vital Deprivation, and 2021’s Absolvere were all crushing slabs of heaviness, and the 42 minutes of new material on Amongst the Low & Empty is no exception. Having said that, it’s not completely business as usual either, and Signs of the Swarm have produced their best work so far. Continue reading “Signs of the Swarm – Amongst the Low & Empty (Review)”

Thra – Forged in Chaotic Spew (Review)

This is the debut album from US death/sludge metallers Thra.

Forged in Chaotic Spew is an ugly union of foul death metal and dirty sludge, which has resulted in a merciless 37 minutes of malevolent heaviness. If you’re into the dark underbelly of extreme music, then Thra have birthed a monster for you. Continue reading “Thra – Forged in Chaotic Spew (Review)”

Organ Dealer – The Weight of Being (Review)

This is the second album from US grindcore band Organ Dealer.

It’s been a very long time since Organ Dealer’s 2015 debut album Visceral Infection, but the quality of that release has stuck with me. So, when The Weight of Being appeared, I was ready for it. Continue reading “Organ Dealer – The Weight of Being (Review)”

Astralborne – Across the Aeons (Review)

Astralborne are a melodic death metal band from the US and this is their second album.

Featuring a member of Blood of the Prophets, Across the Aeons takes us on a 56-minute journey into cosmic melodic death metal, via 12 tracks, (including an In Flames cover). Continue reading “Astralborne – Across the Aeons (Review)”

Beyond the Permafrost – Fallen from the Throne (Review)

This is the debut album from French black metallers Beyond the Permafrost.

Fallen from the Throne contains 33 minutes of black metal that’s influenced by the traditional style and second wave era. Beyond the Permafrost have created an album that should easily find favour with any adherent of the old-school blackened arts. Continue reading “Beyond the Permafrost – Fallen from the Throne (Review)”

Alghol – Night Eternal (Review)

This is the second album from US one-man black metal band Alghol.

Night Eternal contains 40 minutes of second wave black metal, delivered with an authentic skill and passion that’s raw and honest. It’s also catchy and moreish as all Hell. Continue reading “Alghol – Night Eternal (Review)”

Formless Oedon – Streams of Rot (Review)

Formless Oedon are from the Philippines and this is their debut album.

Streams of Rot is a 36-minute death metal album that drips with foul menace and grim old-school heaviness. Formless Oedon have produced an album of satisfying death metal horror. Continue reading “Formless Oedon – Streams of Rot (Review)”

Project Renegade – Ultra Terra (Review)

This is the second album from Greek symphonic modern metallers Project Renegade.

Ultra Terra is a 57-minute expression of contemporary metallic heaviness that takes in a range of old and new influences to produce an album of catchy, accessible songs. In other words, they play stadium-friendly heavy music with big choruses and symphonic enrichments. Continue reading “Project Renegade – Ultra Terra (Review)”

James and the Cold Gun – James and the Cold Gun (Review)

This is the debut album from Welsh rock band James and the Cold Gun.

Containing an ex-member of Holding Absence, James and the Cold Gun are high energy and addictive. Their charismatic rock music has a strong presence and well-formed personality, and the music oozes confidence and dazzling style. Continue reading “James and the Cold Gun – James and the Cold Gun (Review)”

Ageless Summoning – Corrupting the Entempled Plane (Review)

Ageless Summoning are a death metal band from the UK and this is their debut album.

Featuring members of Abyssal, Inculcator, and Of Spire and Throne, Corrupting the Entempled Plane contains 49 minutes of ancient death metal that’s baleful and absolutely packed with evil riffs. Continue reading “Ageless Summoning – Corrupting the Entempled Plane (Review)”