January 2024 – Page 3 – Wonderbox Metal

Ὁπλίτης (Hoplites) – Παραμαινομένη (Review)

This is the fourth album from Ὁπλίτης, (otherwise known as Hoplites), a solo post-black metal band from China.

So, it was January 2023, and out of nowhere Ὁπλίτης appeared into my life with the devastating Ψευδομένη; a uniquely brutal record that introduced me to the atypical blackened world of this enigmatic entity. This, rather unexpectedly, was quickly followed up by the equally destructive Τρωθησομένη and then Ἀντιτιμωρουμένη. This punishing rate of releases Continue reading “Ὁπλίτης (Hoplites) – Παραμαινομένη (Review)”

Thirsting Altar – Reclamation (Review)

This is the second EP from US black metallers Thirsting Altar.

Following up on 2020’s debut release Ascension, and back with a new, expanded lineup, we have Thirsting Altar with their latest 21-minute EP Reclamation. Continue reading “Thirsting Altar – Reclamation (Review)”

Resin Tomb – Cerebral Purgatory (Review)

This is the debut album from Australian death metal band Resin Tomb.

Cerebral Purgatory is brought to us by members of Descent and Siberian Hell Sounds, and assails the listener with 29 minutes of scathing deathgrindsludge mayhem. Continue reading “Resin Tomb – Cerebral Purgatory (Review)”

Abhoria – Depths (Review)

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

Featuring members of the mighty Ashen Horde, Depths is the 45-minute follow up Abhoria’s 2022’s self-titled record. There’s a new vocalist this time around too, (from In the Company of Serpents), who delivers a visceral performance throughout, with savage screams and world-swallowing growls. Continue reading “Abhoria – Depths (Review)”

Andracca – To Bare the Weight of Death (Review)

Andracca are a black metal band from the UK and this is their second album.

To Bare the Weight of Death clocks in at 39 minutes long and showcases a capable band playing a style they clearly love. Andracca weave the their dark magic through a mixture of melodic malevolence, bleak blackened fury, sinister atmosphere, and classic icy might. Continue reading “Andracca – To Bare the Weight of Death (Review)”

Distances – Abstruse (Review)

Distances are a post-metal band from the US and this is their fifth album, (assuming you count 2016’s covers album Rip Offs).

Eagerly awaited after 2018’s hugely impressive Diableries, which rightfully made it into the top 3 of my album of the year list for that year, its follow up is finally here. Abstruse contains 41 minutes of new material, and finds the band altered, but full of fire and creative passion. Continue reading “Distances – Abstruse (Review)”

Lord Dying – Clandestine Transcendence (Review)

This is the fourth album from Lord Dying, a sludge metal band from the US.

I absolutely loved 2019’s Mysterium Tremendum, (it ended up in fourth position in that year’s best of list), so I was thrilled when the 59-minute Clandestine Transcendence appeared. Well, it’s five years later and the band have a new lineup, (current/ex-Eight Bells/Tithe), so what does Clandestine Transcendence have to offer discerning metal fans in 2024? Continue reading “Lord Dying – Clandestine Transcendence (Review)”

Ribspreader – Reap Humanity (Review)

Ribspreader are a Swedish death metal band and this is their tenth album.

Brought to us by the incredibly prolific Rogga Johansson, (Down Among the Dead Men, Echelon, Megascavenger, Paganizer, Those Who Bring the Torture, and a million others), along with current/ex-members of Deicide, Inhuman Condition, Kill Division, Venom Inc., and Wombbath), Reap Humanity boasts 36 minutes of experienced death metal carnage. Continue reading “Ribspreader – Reap Humanity (Review)”

Vemod – The Deepening (Review)

This is the second album from Norwegian black metallers Vemod.

The Deepening contains 48 minutes of dark blackened worldscapes. It’s the sort of record that is worth exploring in a thorough and comprehensive manner, as there are many rewards to be had within its beautifully coated exterior. Continue reading “Vemod – The Deepening (Review)”

Upon Stone – Dead Mother Moon (Review)

Upon Stone are a melodic death metal band from the US and this is their debut album.

Upon Stone play melodic death metal in the classic Scandinavian style. The band list influences such as At the Gates, In Flames, and Dissection, so you should have a decent idea of where Dead Mother Moon is coming from. Across a lean 32 minutes Upon Stone demonstrate that they understand the style well. Continue reading “Upon Stone – Dead Mother Moon (Review)”