The Contortionist – Clairvoyant (Review)

The ContortionistThe Contortionist are a progressive metal band from the US and this is their fourth album.

Here we have 56 minutes of modern progressive metal that throws in elements of technical and atmospheric metal into the mix, as well as some post-rock and jazz. Continue reading “The Contortionist – Clairvoyant (Review)”

Arch Enemy – Will to Power (Review)

Arch EnemyThis is the tenth album from Arch Enemy, a Swedish melodic death metal band; although it’s likely that this is a band that you need no real introduction to.

On Will to Power Arch Enemy sound invigorated and full of fresh life. It has the trademark Arch Enemy sound and style, of course, but enhanced and honed to a deadly point. In some ways it’s probably their most diverse album to date, although you should obviously take that within the context that it’s meant. Continue reading “Arch Enemy – Will to Power (Review)”

The Haunted – Strength in Numbers (Review)

The HauntedThe Haunted are a Swedish thrash metal band and this is their ninth album.

The Haunted have produced quite the ripping album with their latest offering. Blimey. This is aggressive thrash metal played with style, passion, and plenty of riffs. Continue reading “The Haunted – Strength in Numbers (Review)”

Distress of Ruin – Insights (Review)

Distress of RuinThis is the latest EP from Finnish melodic death metal band Distress of Ruin.

Well, this is quality stuff. From the very start it’s clear that a lot of time, effort, and passion has gone into the creation of this release. Continue reading “Distress of Ruin – Insights (Review)”

Lucifer’s Chalice – The Pact (Review)

Lucifer's ChaliceLucifer’s Chalice are a heavy metal band from the UK and this is their debut album.

Featuring members and ex-members of bands such as Uncoffined and Horrified, this is a somewhat different proposition. Lucifer’s Chalice play a mix of classic heavy metal and traditional doom metal, with epic-length songs and strong vibes of days gone past. Continue reading “Lucifer’s Chalice – The Pact (Review)”

Ruins of Elysium – Seeds of Chaos and Serenity (Review)

Ruins of ElysiumRuins of Elysium are an international symphonic metal band and this is their debut album.

The music on this release is bold, bombastic, and grand, with many different feelings and emotions explored; all of them epic, over-the-top, and quite infectious. It’s an ambitious release that hits more than it misses.

If you think of the comprehensive and Continue reading “Ruins of Elysium – Seeds of Chaos and Serenity (Review)”

Skies in Motion – Life Lessons (Review)

Skies in MotionSkies in Motion are a UK modern hardcore/metal band and this is their debut album.

Combining raging intensity with heartfelt emotion, this is modern metalcore played with passion and skill. Continue reading “Skies in Motion – Life Lessons (Review)”

Hundred Suns – The Prestaliis (Review)

Hundred SunsHundred Suns are an emotive metal band from the US and this is their debut album.

Featuring an ex-member of Every Time I Die and the singer of Normal Jean, it was a complete no-brainer for me to listen to this as soon as I could once I was made aware of it. Thankfully,  I haven’t been disappointed with their very enjoyable brand of modern progressive/alternative metal. Continue reading “Hundred Suns – The Prestaliis (Review)”