Blood Red Throne – Nonagon (Review)

Blood Red Throne - NonagonThis is the eleventh album from Blood Red Throne, a death metal band from Norway.

Containing 43 minutes of burly, crushing material, Blood Red Throne’s latest delivers an exemplar of classic death metal mastery. Nonagon feels both old-school and fresh, giving it a timeless vibe that I find much of the best death metal has. Continue reading “Blood Red Throne – Nonagon (Review)”

Vitriol – Suffer & Become (Review)

Vitriol - Suffer & BecomeThis is the second album from US death metallers Vitriol.

After enjoying Vitriol’s vicious assault live a few years ago I was left with the favourable impression of Hate Eternal/Nile-esque death metal fury, so I’m glad to be finally hearing one of their albums; it’s time to find out if these musical comparisons are appropriate or not. Continue reading “Vitriol – Suffer & Become (Review)”

The Infernal Sea – Hellfenlic (Review)

The Infernal Sea - HellfenlicThe Infernal Sea are a black metal band from the UK and this is their fourth album.

Following on from 2015’s The Great Mortality and 2020’s Negotium Crucis, Hellfenlic contains 43 minutes of new material for us to eagerly get our grubby hands on. To me, The Infernal Sea are a standout band in the UK scene, and Hellfenlic simply reinforces their exalted status. Continue reading “The Infernal Sea – Hellfenlic (Review)”

Cognizance – Phantazein (Review)

Cognizance - PhantazeinCognizance are a death metal band from the UK and this is their third album.

2021’s Upheaval was a quality record, so I have been looking forward to Phantazein. I’ve enjoyed Cognizance since their debut EP Inquisition way back in 2013, and it’s been great to see them develop. Continue reading “Cognizance – Phantazein (Review)”

Cabal/Viscera/Vexed/Lifesick – Rebellion, Manchester – 16/01/24 (Live Review)

Cabal Viscera Vexed Lifesick - Rebellion, Manchester - 16.01.24 (Live Review)

Here’s a tasty show that I knew I wanted to catch. Both Viscera and Cabal are extremely well-regarded at Wonderbox Metal, so this was one for me to not miss. It was, however, one of the less well-attended gigs I’ve been to in a while. A shame, but it’s other people’s loss, as this was a damn good night out. Continue reading “Cabal/Viscera/Vexed/Lifesick – Rebellion, Manchester – 16/01/24 (Live Review)”

Narbeleth – A Pale Crown (Review)

Narbeleth - A Pale CrownThis is the sixth album from Cuban black metallers Narbeleth.

I always enjoy a new Narbeleth release. If you haven’t already, make sure you check out 2014’s A Hatred Manifesto, 2015’s Through Blackness and Remote Places, 2017’s Indomitvs, and 2021’s Svmma Cvm Nox Arcana, as all are records worthy of your attention if you enjoy second wave black metal. Continuing the trend of releasing albums with seven originals and one cover song, (Satyricon in this case), A Pale Crown contains 45 minutes of material for black metal devotees to savour. Continue reading “Narbeleth – A Pale Crown (Review)”

Mephitic Grave – Dreadful Seizures (Review)

Mephitic Grave - Dreadful SeizuresThis is the second album from Mephitic Grave, a death metal band from Hungary.

Dreadful Seizures contains 34 minutes of old-school death metal. Drawn up into the light from the most ancient of caverns, Mephitic Grave’s music is a rotten and fetid mass of nastiness and gruesome presence. Continue reading “Mephitic Grave – Dreadful Seizures (Review)”

Jenner – Prove Them Wrong (Review)

Jenner - Prove Them WrongThis is the second album from Serbian thrash metal band Jenner.

Prove Them Wrong contains 45 minutes of classic thrashing metal the likes of which you don’t commonly encounter in 2023. It’s very endearing and top fun – Jenner know how to play this sort of thing that’s for sure. Continue reading “Jenner – Prove Them Wrong (Review)”