Spectrum of Delusion – Neoconception (Review)

Spectrum of Delusion - NeoconceptionThis is the second album from Spectrum of Delusion, a death metal band from the Netherlands.

Neoconception features 44 minutes of technical/progressive death metal. The promo blurb states that “Neoconception will strongly appeal to fans of groups such as Spawn of Possession, Suffocation, Obscura, Defeated Sanity, The Faceless, Blotted Science, and Nile“. Hard to argue, although I’d also add groups like Gorod, Beyond Creation, and Aronious. Continue reading “Spectrum of Delusion – Neoconception (Review)”

Burial Remains – Spawn of Chaos (Review)

Burial Remains - Spawn of ChaosThis is the second album from Burial Remains, a death metal band from the Netherlands.

2019’s Trinity of Deception was an enjoyable dose of Swedish-influenced death metal. It was brief, (25 minutes), but made its point well. Burial Remains have now returned with its successor quite quickly, with a new collection of groovy Continue reading “Burial Remains – Spawn of Chaos (Review)”

Jupiterian – Protosapien (Review)

Jupiterian - ProtosapienThis is the third album from Jupiterian, a Brazilian atmospheric sludge band.

2017’s Terraforming was one of my favourite releases of 2017, so it’s great to have the band back. Protosapien gives us 36 minutes of characterful doom/sludge metal that sees Jupiterian once more producing the grimy Continue reading “Jupiterian – Protosapien (Review)”

Foretoken – Ruin (Review)

Foretoken - RuinThis is the debut album from US black/death metal band Foretoken.

So, you fancy a good-sized chunk of Scandinavian death metal? That’s no problem, take your pick. What’s that? You also want a decent black metal influence to be felt? That’s easily done. Now you want a take on the style that’s highly melodic too? Sure, Continue reading “Foretoken – Ruin (Review)”

Aenemica – Secret Lines (Review)

Aenemica - Secret LinesThis is the second album from Aenemica, a German progressive rock band.

This is the follow up to 2014’s Empty Inside,

These songs feature a mix of progressive, melodic, and alternative rock, nicely-written and neatly-presented. Aenemica understand the style that they play, meaning that these songs have plenty of hooks and memorable moments, while Continue reading “Aenemica – Secret Lines (Review)”

Oceans of Slumber – Oceans of Slumber (Review)

Oceans of Slumber - Oceans of SlumberThis is the fourth album from US progressive metallers Oceans of Slumber.

Oceans of Slumber is the much-anticipated follow up to 2018’s well-received The Banished Heart.

Oceans of Slumber’s progressive metal takes in elements of doom and Gothic metal to produce music that hits a lot of emotional highs, while still having kick where it counts. The band combine heaviness with ethereal beauty. Some of Continue reading “Oceans of Slumber – Oceans of Slumber (Review)”

Monthly Overview – the Best of August 2020

August came and went, and left us with some top tunes to enjoy. Here are a selection of those that I’ve particularly liked… Continue reading “Monthly Overview – the Best of August 2020”

Cult of Lilith – Mara (Review)

Cult of Lilith - MaraCult of Lilith are a death metal band from Iceland and this is their debut album.

After a decent wait, we finally have the follow up to the early promise of 2016’s Arkanum. Between the two releases the band have picked up a new singer and filled out to an entire band, so that only one member remains from that first EP. Mara is largely the sound of a new entity. Continue reading “Cult of Lilith – Mara (Review)”

Vacant Eyes – A Somber Preclusion of Being (Review)

Vacant Eyes - A Somber Preclusion of BeingThis is the debut album from US doom band Vacant Eyes.

Combining funeral doom, death/doom, melodic doom, and progressive doom, A Somber Preclusion of Being contains 75 minutes of sorrowful soundscapes. Continue reading “Vacant Eyes – A Somber Preclusion of Being (Review)”

Entry – Detriment (Review)

Entry - DetrimentThis is the debut album from US hardcore band Entry.

Despite being billed as an album, there’s only 15 minutes of material here, so you may guess that this is filled with high energy punk aggression and hardcore ferocity. If so, you’d be right, and it’s a damn good ride too. Continue reading “Entry – Detriment (Review)”