Metal – Page 27 – Wonderbox Metal

Conjurer – Páthos (Review)

This is the second album from UK sludge/post-metallers Conjurer.

This much-anticipated lab of heaviness is the 53-minute follow up to 2018’s punishing Mire.

A contemporary blend of sludge and post-metal, with elements of doom, hardcore, and progressive metal, Páthos takes the sound that Mire did so well and pushes it further, expanding on its core heaviness with a greater range of textures and emotions. It’s like a vicious nest of crushing riffs has been smashed together with a multifaceted collection of rich soundscapes, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Continue reading “Conjurer – Páthos (Review)”

Vexes – Imagine What We Could Destroy /// If Only Given Time (Review)

Vexes are a US alternative/post-metal band and this is their second album.

2018’s Ancient Geometry was a highlight of that year that I still regularly return to. Providing a slow-burning album that was full of emotive presence and luscious songcraft, it grew on me more and more over time. As such, I’m extremely pleased that Vexes have returned, but I have to say I wasn’t expecting them to bring a double album with them. Yes, Continue reading “Vexes – Imagine What We Could Destroy /// If Only Given Time (Review)”

Heart Attack – Negative Sun (Review)

This is the third album from French thrash/heavy metallers Heart Attack.

Described in the promo blurb as “the lovechild of Gojira, Machine Head and early Metallica”, this is a decent starting point for approaching Negative Sun. Across 45 minutes, (including a Genesis cover as a bonus track), Heart Attack unleash a mix of old and new thrash/groove/heavy metal, (with a touch of hardcore), and do so with passion and charisma. Continue reading “Heart Attack – Negative Sun (Review)”

Deathwhite – Grey Everlasting (Review)

Deathwhite are a melodic metal band from the US and this is their third album.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed witnessing Deathwhite’s continued development, (check out Ethereal, Solitary Martyr, For a Black Tomorrow, and Grave Image), so the appearance of Grey Everlasting is very welcome. On their latest release Deathwhite spend 48 minutes doing what they do best, only better than they ever have done it before. Continue reading “Deathwhite – Grey Everlasting (Review)”

Kardashev – Liminal Rite (Review)

This is the second album from US extreme metal band Kardashev.

Kardashev have an unusual sound that consists of a mixture of shoegaze and deathcore, to which elements of black, progressive, atmospheric, and post-metal have been added. This is then all rolled into an atypical contemporary package that lasts 60 minutes. Post-deathcore, maybe? Either that, or deathgaze, as the band style themselves.

Continue reading “Kardashev – Liminal Rite (Review)”

Kreator – Hate Über Alles (Review)

This is the fifteenth album from legendary German thrash metal band Kreator.

Five long years have passed since 2017’s Gods of Violence. Are you ready for a new Kreator album after all that time? Of course you are. Containing 46 minutes of new material, Hate Über Alles showcases the band as we love them – passionate, melodic, and full of fiery molten metal heaviness. Continue reading “Kreator – Hate Über Alles (Review)”

Astronoid – Radiant Bloom (Review)

This is the third album from US post-metal band Astronoid.

Combining post-rock, shoegaze, ambient, and progressive metal into a compelling and contemporary post-metal framework. Radiant Bloom is a 46-minute journey through mysterious cosmic realms, where unusual and awe-inspiring sights and plentiful. Continue reading “Astronoid – Radiant Bloom (Review)”

Defiatory – Apokalyps (Review)

This is the third album from Swedish thrash metal band Defiatory.

Following on from 2016’s Extinct and 2018’s Hades Rising, Apokalyps delivers 36 minutes of Defiatory’s Bay Area-influenced thrash. Continue reading “Defiatory – Apokalyps (Review)”

Druids – Shadow Work (Review)

This is the fourth album from progressive/stoner metal band Druids.

After very much enjoying 2016’s Cycles of Mobeum, 2017’s Spirit Compass, and 2019’s Monument, I knew I wanted to check out Shadow Work as soon as it saw the light of day. Continue reading “Druids – Shadow Work (Review)”

Dampf – The Arrival (Review)

This is the debut album from Dampf, a metal band from Sweden.

Brought to us by dance artist E-Type, and featuring members of Bathory and Sabaton, The Arrival contains 41 minutes of metallic fun; Dampf are in the business of big guitars, danceable beats, and even bigger choruses. Continue reading “Dampf – The Arrival (Review)”