Druids – Cycles of Mobeum (Review)

DruidsDruids are a doom/sludge metal band from the US and this is their latest album.

Druids take elements of modern bands like Mastodon and Behold! The Monolith and infuse them with an earlier style of doom and blues, as produced by bands like Earth and Black Sabbath.

There’s a quality level of musicianship on Cycles of Mobeum, and this Continue reading “Druids – Cycles of Mobeum (Review)”

Inculcator – Void Abecedary (Review)

InculcatorInculcator is a one-man UK black metal project. This is his début album.

With roots firmly growing out of the distant 80s, this is black metal with thrash influences. Or thrash metal with blackened influences. Who cares; turn up the volume, press play and revel in the ridiculously OTT 80s nature of this thoroughly endearing release.

The recording has a wonderfully cosmic edge, surely influenced by Continue reading “Inculcator – Void Abecedary (Review)”

Omnicide – Constants and Variables (Review)

OmnicideThis is the second album from this Swiss death metal band.

This is 34 minutes of modern death metal that effectively combines speed and groove.

Cannibal Corpse-esque riffs mix with elements of deathcore and bands like The Kennedy Veil and Origin, as well as sprinklings of thrash metal here and there. The resultant music sounds like none of the above bands too much, although you can hear where their influences come from. That the band can clearly acknowledge Continue reading “Omnicide – Constants and Variables (Review)”

Snake Tongue – Raptor’s Breath (Review)

Snake TongueThis is the début album from Swedish hardcore band Snake Tongue.

Snake Tongue play modern chaotic hardcore with a violent punk edge to it, recalling a cross between Converge, All Pigs Must Die and Botch.

Heavy, rhythmic hardcore merges together with Continue reading “Snake Tongue – Raptor’s Breath (Review)”

Thundering Herd – Backyard Junkyard (Review)

Thundering HerdThis is the début album from this US Southern/stoner metal band.

This is a riotous, rocking collection of tracks that offer high energy hooks and a filthy disposition.

Barkyard Junkyard is full of hard rocking tunes with plenty of swagger Continue reading “Thundering Herd – Backyard Junkyard (Review)”

Gutter Instinct – Age of the Fanatics (Review)

Gutter InstinctThis is the début album from this Swedish death metal band.

Their début EP The Insurrection was a brief blast of authentic Swedish death metal, complete with chainsaw guitars, bestial vocals and brutal delivery. As I asked at the time; what’s not to like here?

So, onto their full-length release, Age of the Fanatics. Well, the band have progressed on from what they started on their EP; now they have actually Continue reading “Gutter Instinct – Age of the Fanatics (Review)”

Candlemass – Death Thy Lover (Review)

CandlemassThis is the latest EP from epic Doom Metallers Candlemass, who are from Sweden and probably require little introduction for most people.

This EP not only showcases their new full-time singer/long-time-associate Mats Levén, (Aeonsgate), but celebrates 30 years of existence for the band. Continue reading “Candlemass – Death Thy Lover (Review)”

Panychida – Haereticalia – The Night Battles (Review)

PanychidaThis is the fourth album from Czech band Panychida, who play black metal.

Panychida’s 2013 release Grief for an Idol was an enjoyable slab of Pagan-influenced black metal, which is why I have been looking forward to their latest release.

Let’s start off with the album artwork; I like a good cover and this is one Continue reading “Panychida – Haereticalia – The Night Battles (Review)”

Uhtcearu – The Plight of Wanderers (Review)

UhtcearuUhtcearu are a melodic black metal band from the US. This is their début album.

The production on The Plight of Wanderers is enough to turn blood to pure ice. It’s the perfect kind of recording that allows for that intimate sense of frozen fragility and icy winds to permeate every fibre of your being, while at the same time retaining enough clarity and power to showcase the band in the best darkened light. Also, the bass can be heard. Bonus. Continue reading “Uhtcearu – The Plight of Wanderers (Review)”