Void of Sleep – The Abyss into Which We All Have to Stare (Review)

Void of Sleep - The Abyss into Which We All Have to StareThis is the fourth album from Italian progressive doom/sludge metallers Void of Sleep.

It feels like an age has passed since 2020’s sterling record Metaphora, so it’s great that Void of Sleep grace us with their progressive doom/sludge metal once more. Containing 52 minutes of new material, The Abyss into Which We All Have to Stare is an album to spend some quality time with, unlocking its multitude of secrets. Continue reading “Void of Sleep – The Abyss into Which We All Have to Stare (Review)”

Sanity’s Rage – The Dead Don’t Run (Review)

Sanity's Rage - The Dead Don't RunThis is the second album from Belgian thrash metallers Sanity’s Rage.

Way back in 2012 I encountered You Are What You Swallow, and I liked it a great deal. Over the years, it’s stood up well, and always reminds me that thrash metal can still be hugely enjoyable when played well. Then after that, nothing. No idea why. But now, unexpectedly, something. The Dead Don’t Run, in fact; 47-minutes of well-written, well-built thrash metal. Continue reading “Sanity’s Rage – The Dead Don’t Run (Review)”

Testament – Para Bellum (Review)

Testament - Para BellumTestament are a legendary thrash metal band from the US. This is their 13th studio album, (14th if you count First Strike Still Deadly).

At this stage Testament should need little introduction. They’re an absolutely classic band, and a long time favourite of mine. I’ll link the reviews of their last two albums here – Brotherhood of the Snake / Titans of Creation – as a precursor to Para Bellum, but basically with Testament you know that at the very least you’re going to get a very good metal album to headbang around too. Continue reading “Testament – Para Bellum (Review)”

Today Is the Day – Never Give In (Review)

Today Is the Day - Never Give InThis is the twelfth album from US metal band Today Is the Day.

Following on from 2014’s Animal Mother and 2020’s No Good to Anyone, comes the 47-minute Never Give In. Today Is the Day are fascinating, unique, and unpredictable, which makes every release something special. I’ve been looking forward to digging into this one, whatever it might hold. Continue reading “Today Is the Day – Never Give In (Review)”

Orbit Culture – Death Above Life (Review)

Orbit Culture - Death Above LifeThis is the fifth album from Swedish metal band Orbit Culture.

I enjoyed 2020’s Nija, 2021’s Shaman, and 2023’s, Descent, so Death Above Life is well-received. If you’re unfamiliar with Orbit Culture, check these previous releases out if you’re a fan of bands such as Gojira, In FlamesLamb of GodMeshuggah, Metallica, Slipknot, Soilwork, Static-X, SylosisThy Art Is Murder, and Trivium. Continue reading “Orbit Culture – Death Above Life (Review)”

Amorphis – Borderland (Review)

Amorphis - BorderlandThis is the fifteenth album from Finnish metallers Amorphis.

Following on from 2018’s Queen of Time and 2022’s Halo, comes the 50-minute Borderland. Considering how long they have been active and how many albums they have, it’s somewhat shocking that Amorphis are still releasing records that are of such high quality. Yep, Borderland is yet another winner from the mighty Amorphis. Continue reading “Amorphis – Borderland (Review)”

Paradise Lost – Ascension (Review)

Paradise Lost - AscensionThis is the seventeenth album from UK metal band Paradise Lost.

I’ve been listening to Paradise Lost since 1992, so any new Paradise Lost release is A Big Deal. Ascension is the 51-minute, (61 minutes with the bonus tracks), follow up to 2020’s Obsidian, and promises Big Things by virtue of simply being a new Paradise Lost album. Continue reading “Paradise Lost – Ascension (Review)”

Between the Buried and Me – The Blue Nowhere (Review)

Between the Buried and Me - The Blue NowhereThis is the eleventh album from Between the Buried and Me, a progressive metal band.

Every Between the Buried and Me release is An Important Event in my world. I’ve reviewed a handful, (Coma EclipticComa Ecliptic: LiveAutomata IAutomata II), but nowhere their full discography. I’m very pleased to add one more to the pile now though, with The Blue Nowhere, which brings us 71 minutes of new material to obsess over. Continue reading “Between the Buried and Me – The Blue Nowhere (Review)”