Emma Ruth Rundle & Thou – The Helm of Sorrow (Review)

Emma Ruth Rundle & Thou - The Helm of SorrowThis is a collaboration between post-rock/folk solo artist Emma Ruth Rundle and doom/sludge metallers Thou, both from the US.

This is the second collaboration between these two artists, although sadly I managed to miss out on the full album that the two released together last year. On the strength of The Helm of Sorrow, this is a real shame, as something special appears to have been created here. Continue reading “Emma Ruth Rundle & Thou – The Helm of Sorrow (Review)”

Bacchus – Bacchus (Review)

Bacchus - BacchusThis is the debut EP from French black metal band Bacchus.

Bacchus feature current and ex-members of Dysylumn and Antropofago, and deliver us 29 minutes of atmospheric black metal.

This is music with an occult, ritualistic feel. It differentiates Continue reading “Bacchus – Bacchus (Review)”

Dread Sovereign – Alchemical Warfare (Review)

Dread Sovereign - Alchemical WarfareThis is the third album from Irish doom metal band Dread Sovereign.

I really like Dread Sovereign’s work, (see 2014’s All Hell’s Martyrs and 2017 For Doom the Bell Tolls), so listening to Alchemical Warfare was a must. Across 52 minutes the band kick out some of their best jams, so trust me when I say that if you’re at all into this style then you should make Alchemical Warfare a priority. Continue reading “Dread Sovereign – Alchemical Warfare (Review)”

Ruins of Elysium – Amphitrite: Ancient Sanctuary in the Sea (Review)

Ruins of Elysium - Amphitrite Ancient Sanctuary in the SeaRuins of Elysium are an international symphonic metal band and this is their second album.

Containing 73 minutes of symphonic power metal, Amphitrite: Ancient Sanctuary in the Sea is an epic work that covers a range of different aspects of power and heavy metal, all lusciously prepared with a rich symphonic and operatic coating. Continue reading “Ruins of Elysium – Amphitrite: Ancient Sanctuary in the Sea (Review)”

Devils Reef – Chosen by the Sea (Review)

Devils Reef - Chosen by the SeaThis is the debut album from Devils Reef, a death metal band from the US.

Chosen by the Sea contains 35 minutes of death metal that incorporates elements from both technical and thrash metal. Continue reading “Devils Reef – Chosen by the Sea (Review)”

Nicarus – Coal People, Coal Puppets (Review)

Nicarus - Coal People, Coal PuppetsThis is the debut album from Nicarus, a solo Israeli artist.

I confess that it was the album art that drew me to this release, as I’m not normally a huge fan of the less-heavy genres such as anything with rock in the descriptor. I’m glad that I did check it out though, as Coal People, Coal Puppets is an Continue reading “Nicarus – Coal People, Coal Puppets (Review)”

Mother of Graves – In Somber Dreams (Review)

Mother of Graves - In Somber DreamsThis is the debut EP from US death/doom metal band Mother of Graves.

In Somber Dreams contains 19 minutes of old-school melodic death/doom. The promo blurb mentions bands such as Katatonia, Paradise Lost, My Dying Bride, Cloak, and Khemmis, and these serve as suitable reference points, especially the first two. Continue reading “Mother of Graves – In Somber Dreams (Review)”

Shuulak – Rubedo (Review)

Shuulak - RubedoThis is the latest EP from Shuulak, a heavy metal band from the Netherlands.

I’m a big fan of Shuulak, and have been looking forward to hearing some new material from them since 2019’s Citrinitas. Containing 5 tracks and with a duration of 17 minutes, it’s enough to satisfy, and demonstrates once more just how good Shuulak are. Continue reading “Shuulak – Rubedo (Review)”