Black Orchid Empire – LORE (Review)

Black Orchid Empire - LOREThis is the fifth album from UK progressive rock band Black Orchid Empire.

Black Orchid Empire revealed themselves to be one of the best contemporary heavy/progressive rock bands around on 2023’s Tempus Veritas, and also showed their chops in the live environment at last year’s Mangata Festival. All of which is to say that the new 48-minute LORE promises great things. Does it deliver? Continue reading “Black Orchid Empire – LORE (Review)”

Lago – Vigil (Review)

Lago - VigilLago are a US death metal band and this is their third album.

Lago had a series of strong releases, (2014’s Tyranny, a 2016 split with Calm Hatchery, and 2018’s Sea of Duress), but it’s been a looooong time since then. Which is why, when the 42-minute Vigil appeared, it carried Continue reading “Lago – Vigil (Review)”

Gadget – Coerced (Review)

Gadget - CoercedThis is the latest EP from Swedish grindcore band Gadget.

A decade since The Great Destroyer, Gadget finally return. With two new members on vocals and guitar/vocals respectively, Coerced is the world’s first taste of the new Gadget. Has it been worth the wait? Continue reading “Gadget – Coerced (Review)”

Dragged into Sunlight/Vacuous/Plague Pit – Club Academy, Manchester – 30/05/26 (Live Review)

Dragged into Sunlight Vacuous Plague Pit - Club Academy, Manchester - 30.05.26 (Live Review)

Manchester’s hot ticket is tonight is Dragged into Sunlight, and people have turned out in force. As usual, their merch queue is ridiculous, and it stays ridiculous for a ridiculous amount of time. Good for them. They’re not the only tasty treat on this gnarled bill though; first comes death metal most foul. Continue reading “Dragged into Sunlight/Vacuous/Plague Pit – Club Academy, Manchester – 30/05/26 (Live Review)”