Lokust – Infidel (Review)

Lokust - InfidelThis is the debut album from UK metal band Lokust.

Infidel is a 52-minute metal album that uses modern, groove, and thrash metal to produce a crushing assault that’s shockingly accomplished for a debut album. Despite the genre tags I’ve just thrown around though, Infidel might not be what you’re expecting. Continue reading “Lokust – Infidel (Review)”

Starer – Wind, Breeze, or Breath (Review)

Starer - Wind, Breeze, or BreathThis is the third album from Starer, a one-man black metal band from the US.

It’s time for some new Starer once more! After making a splash with 2021’s stellar 18° Below the Horizon, and then following up with last year’s The What It Is to Be, the artist has returned to us once more. Wind, Breeze, or Breath contains 38 minutes of symphonic black metal, divided over seven movements, and it’s quite exceptionally good. Continue reading “Starer – Wind, Breeze, or Breath (Review)”

Urbain – A Soul Purged (Review)

Urbain - A Soul PurgedUrbain are a black metal band from the US and this is their debut album.

With a description of urban black metal, and a recommendation for fans of Emperor, White Ward, early Dimmu Borgir, and Cradle of Filth, I was intrigued to hear what Urbain had to offer. The fact that the band contain members of Ovnev and Wills Dissolve was further reason, if any were needed. Continue reading “Urbain – A Soul Purged (Review)”

Tongues – Formløse Stjerner (Review)

Tongues - Formløse StjernerTongues are a black metal band from Denmark and this is their second album.

Tongues create quality extreme metal – just check out 2014’s Thelésis Ignis or 2017’s Hreilia for ample evidence of this. It’s been a while, but Tongues have now returned with Formløse Stjerner, a 40-minute odyssey of abyssal exploration. Continue reading “Tongues – Formløse Stjerner (Review)”

Signs of the Swarm – Amongst the Low & Empty (Review)

Signs of the Swarm - Amongst the Low & EmptyThis is the fifth album from US deathcore/death metal band Signs of the Swarm.

It’s always good to have some new Signs of the Swarm, as the band haven’t disappointed me yet. 2017’s The Disfigurement of Existence, 2019’s Vital Deprivation, and 2021’s Absolvere were all crushing slabs of heaviness, and the 42 minutes of new material on Amongst the Low & Empty is no exception. Having said that, it’s not completely business as usual either, and Signs of the Swarm have produced their best work so far. Continue reading “Signs of the Swarm – Amongst the Low & Empty (Review)”

Thra – Forged in Chaotic Spew (Review)

Thra - Forged in Chaotic SpewThis is the debut album from US death/sludge metallers Thra.

Forged in Chaotic Spew is an ugly union of foul death metal and dirty sludge, which has resulted in a merciless 37 minutes of malevolent heaviness. If you’re into the dark underbelly of extreme music, then Thra have birthed a monster for you. Continue reading “Thra – Forged in Chaotic Spew (Review)”

Organ Dealer – The Weight of Being (Review)

Organ Dealer - The Weight of BeingThis is the second album from US grindcore band Organ Dealer.

It’s been a very long time since Organ Dealer’s 2015 debut album Visceral Infection, but the quality of that release has stuck with me. So, when The Weight of Being appeared, I was ready for it. Continue reading “Organ Dealer – The Weight of Being (Review)”

Astralborne – Across the Aeons (Review)

Astralborne - Across the AeonsAstralborne are a melodic death metal band from the US and this is their second album.

Featuring a member of Blood of the Prophets, Across the Aeons takes us on a 56-minute journey into cosmic melodic death metal, via 12 tracks, (including an In Flames cover). Continue reading “Astralborne – Across the Aeons (Review)”

Beyond the Permafrost – Fallen from the Throne (Review)

Beyond the Permafrost - Fallen from the ThroneThis is the debut album from French black metallers Beyond the Permafrost.

Fallen from the Throne contains 33 minutes of black metal that’s influenced by the traditional style and second wave era. Beyond the Permafrost have created an album that should easily find favour with any adherent of the old-school blackened arts. Continue reading “Beyond the Permafrost – Fallen from the Throne (Review)”