Death Metal – Page 3 – Wonderbox Metal

Retching – Charming the Decomposed (Review)

This is the debut album from US death metal band Retching.

What is this rotten bag of offal that has been unceremoniously stuffed through my letterbox? Oh, there’s a note, written in something quite unwholesome that I’d rather not look too closely at. It says – Retching. Then, beneath – Charming the Decomposed. Sounds nasty. Okay, I’d better hold my gag reflex and examine this pile of filth before it gets even more disgusting and I never get the stains out. Continue reading “Retching – Charming the Decomposed (Review)”

In Mourning – The Immortal (Review)

This is the seventh album from Swedish death metal band In Mourning.

In Mourning play melodic death metal with a progressive edge. With a duration of 47 minutes, The Immortal paints a rich canvas that captivates with its emotive depth and melodic colour. Continue reading “In Mourning – The Immortal (Review)”

Defacement – Doomed (Review)

Defacement are an international death metal band and this is their fourth album.

I enjoyed 2021’s Defacement, but then totally managed to overlook its follow up from last year – Duality. This oversight ends now, as a year on from that release we have the 41-minute Doomed. Continue reading “Defacement – Doomed (Review)”

Signs of the Swarm – To Rid Myself of Truth (Review)

This is the sixth album from US deathcore band Signs of the Swarm.

From 2017’s The Disfigurement of Existence to 2019’s Vital Deprivation, to 2021’s Absolvere to 2023’s Amongst the Low & Empty, Signs of the Swarm have been reliably pumping out solid deathcore material for fans of the style to lap up. Which brings us nicely to this year’s To Rid Myself of Truth; 40 minutes of new material, and another dependably good slab of heaviness. Continue reading “Signs of the Swarm – To Rid Myself of Truth (Review)”

Ashen – Leave the Flesh Behind (Review)

This is the second album from Australian death metallers Ashen.

Following on from 2023’s Ritual of Ash comes the 39-minute Leave the Flesh Behind. The Ashen death metal juggernaut continues to roll, crushing all in its path. This time though, there are more layers to Ashen’s assault. Continue reading “Ashen – Leave the Flesh Behind (Review)”

Castrator – Coronation of the Grotesque (Review)

Castrator are an international/US death metal band and this is their second album.

Containing a member of Gruesome, Castrator play ferocious death metal, and they mean business. Coronation of the Grotesque is a 33-minute whirlwind of devastation, (37 minutes with the bonus track – an Exodus cover). Continue reading “Castrator – Coronation of the Grotesque (Review)”

Grand Cadaver – The Rot Beneath (Review)

This is the latest EP by Swedish death metallers Grand Cadaver.

Both 2021’s Into the Maw of Death and 2023’s Deities of Deathlike Sleep were quality excursions into Swedish death metal waters, so it’s great to see Grand Cadaver back with this 16-minute EP. Continue reading “Grand Cadaver – The Rot Beneath (Review)”

Malthusian – The Summoning Bell (Review)

This is the second album by Irish blackened death metallers Malthusian.

2018’s Across Deaths was a nightmarish, venomous first record from Malthusian, ably showcasing their hideous blackened death metal style. In 2022 we were gifted with Time’s Withering Shadow, their split with Suffering Hour, which was another impressive outing, for both bands concerned. Which brings us to the 54-minute The Summoning Bell. Have Malthusian continued their ascent from the bowels of the underworld? Continue reading “Malthusian – The Summoning Bell (Review)”

Haxprocess – Beyond What Eyes Can See (Review)

This is the second album from US death metal band Haxprocess.

Beyond What Eyes Can See contains 45 minutes of music divided into four epic songs. Haxprocess play progressive death metal, although that simple appellation doesn’t really due justice to what you’ll discover here. This record is a real beast. Continue reading “Haxprocess – Beyond What Eyes Can See (Review)”

Ancient Death – Ego Dissolution (Review)

This is the debut album from US death metal band Ancient Death.

I missed this back in April, but it’s come repeatedly recommended to the point where I had to check it out. I’m glad I did. Ego Dissolution contains 35 minutes of vibrant classic death metal, played so well that I can easily see why Ancient Death have created a bit of a buzz around themselves. Continue reading “Ancient Death – Ego Dissolution (Review)”