Reviews – Page 258 – Wonderbox Metal

Plague – Portraits of Mind (Review)

Plague are a Greek death metal band and this is their debut album.

Plague are an old-school death metal band that take influence from the 90s American scene, but do so in such a way that they seem to make it their own. This is ultimately a chunky slab of timeless death metal, shot through with classic influences, as well as some modern ones too. Despite an obvious debt to the mighty Death, the music has its own personality and brutal charm that can’t be denied. Continue reading “Plague – Portraits of Mind (Review)”

Pénitence Onirique – Vestige (Review)

This is the second album from French black metallers Pénitence Onirique.

It seems like ages ago that V.I.T.R.I.O.L. came out, and it was 2016 I suppose. The record made an impression, so I’m pleased to now be presented with its successor Vestige; 53 minutes of new material. Continue reading “Pénitence Onirique – Vestige (Review)”

Sepultura – Quadra (Review)

Legendary Brazilian metal band Sepultura return with their fifteenth album.

In my humble opinion 2017’s Machine Messiah was the band’s best album since the iconic Roots, and it’s a release I’m still really enjoying now. With Quadra the band continue their upward ascent with another album of sterling quality, one that promises to have every bit of longevity that its predecessor had. Continue reading “Sepultura – Quadra (Review)”

Krosis – A Memoir of Free Will (Review)

This is the second album from Krosis, a deathcore band from the US.

Here we have the follow up to 2018’s Solem Vatem, and it’s a damn good one. While Solem Vatem was a solid, enjoyable release, A Memoir of Free Will finds the band levelling up in pretty much every area as far as I’m concerned. Continue reading “Krosis – A Memoir of Free Will (Review)”

Atavisma/Void Rot – Split (Review)

Atavisma and Void Rot are both death/doom bands, the former from France and the latter from the US.

I do so enjoy a good split, and this is exactly one such release. We start off with Atavisma, who offer 3 tracks lasting 15 minutes. Continue reading “Atavisma/Void Rot – Split (Review)”

Loathe – I Let It in and It Took Everything (Review)

This is the second album from UK modern metallers Loathe.

Loathe’s music is based on a modern, contemporary vision of heavy music, and then added to by a wider set of influences. The end result is a multifaceted, textured album that spends 49 minutes exploring diverse and impactful soundscapes with the listener. Continue reading “Loathe – I Let It in and It Took Everything (Review)”

Ainsoph – Ω – V (Review)

This is the debut album from Dutch blackened post-punk/metal Ainsoph.

Ainsoph’s material is constructed from a sort of atypical blackened base that takes in elements of post-metal, post-rock, post-punk, avant-garde, progressive rock, doom, blackgaze, and jazz. It’s an eclectic mix on paper, but in execution Continue reading “Ainsoph – Ω – V (Review)”

Sons of a Wanted Man – Kenoma (Review)

Sons of a Wanted Man are a post-black metal band from Belgium and this is their debut album.

Sons of a Wanted Man mix post-metal, shoegaze, and melancholic atmosphere into their blackened concoction, resulting in a multifaceted album that hits many highs across its 47-minute playing time. Continue reading “Sons of a Wanted Man – Kenoma (Review)”

Leeched – To Dull the Blades of Your Abuse (Review)

Leeched are a UK hardcore band and this is their second album.

2018’s You Took the Sun When You Left was a violent shot of crushing heaviness and virulent foulness. The band have now returned, with 36 minutes of sonic extremity. And they don’t sound happy. Continue reading “Leeched – To Dull the Blades of Your Abuse (Review)”

Monolithe – Okta Khora (Review)

This is the eighth album from French doom metallers Monolithe.

Monolithe can do no wrong in my humble opinion. Across many releases, (here, here, here, here, here, and here, for example), the band have consistently delivered the sort of quality, engrossing doom metal that just keeps drawing you back no matter how much time you give it. Okta Khora is no different in this regard. Continue reading “Monolithe – Okta Khora (Review)”