Deathcore – Wonderbox Metal

Mastiff – For All the Dead Dreams (Review)

This is the latest EP from UK hardcore/sludge metallers Mastiff.

A new Mastiff release is always something to pay attention to. Since 2019’s Plague I’ve thoroughly enjoyed betting beaten around the head by their brutal heaviness. On 2021’s Leave Me the Ashes of the Earth and last year’s Deprecipice they only seemed to get heavier and nastier. Which brings us to For All the Dead Dreams, which delivers seventeen minutes of punishment for us to soak up. Continue reading “Mastiff – For All the Dead Dreams (Review)”

Orbit Culture – Death Above Life (Review)

This is the fifth album from Swedish metal band Orbit Culture.

I enjoyed 2020’s Nija, 2021’s Shaman, and 2023’s, Descent, so Death Above Life is well-received. If you’re unfamiliar with Orbit Culture, check these previous releases out if you’re a fan of bands such as Gojira, In Flames, Lamb of God, Meshuggah, Metallica, Slipknot, Soilwork, Static-X, Sylosis, Thy Art Is Murder, and Trivium. Continue reading “Orbit Culture – Death Above Life (Review)”

Signs of the Swarm – To Rid Myself of Truth (Review)

This is the sixth album from US deathcore band Signs of the Swarm.

From 2017’s The Disfigurement of Existence to 2019’s Vital Deprivation, to 2021’s Absolvere to 2023’s Amongst the Low & Empty, Signs of the Swarm have been reliably pumping out solid deathcore material for fans of the style to lap up. Which brings us nicely to this year’s To Rid Myself of Truth; 40 minutes of new material, and another dependably good slab of heaviness. Continue reading “Signs of the Swarm – To Rid Myself of Truth (Review)”

Abigail Williams – A Void Within Existence (Review)

This is the sixth album from US black metal band Abigail Williams.

Brought to us by current/ex-members of bands such as Aborted, Changeling, Chrome Waves, Fear Factory, The Faceless, Lord Mantis, Nachtmystium, Vale of Pnath, and Wolvhammer, a lot of experience and skills has gone into A Void Within Existence. In fact, due to the members, I’m amazed I’ve never listened to Abigail Williams prior to this new album. I’ve heard the name many times, but this is my first exposure to their brand of black metal. Continue reading “Abigail Williams – A Void Within Existence (Review)”

Fallujah – Xenotaph (Review)

This is the fifth album from US death metal band Fallujah.

Fallujah have a storied list of releases at this point, (The Flesh Prevails, Dreamless, Undying Light, Empyrean), all worth getting your teeth into. After the slight dip in quality that was Undying Light, Fallujah returned very strong with Empyrean. All of which means I have been interested to see what the 42-minute Xenotaph brings us this time around. Continue reading “Fallujah – Xenotaph (Review)”

Kardashev – Alunea (Review)

This is the third album from US extreme metal band Kardashev.

Kardashev return, after the acclaimed Liminal Rite from 2022. The self-styled deathgaze band have provided us with 43 minutes of new material on Alunea. Continue reading “Kardashev – Alunea (Review)”

Cabal – Everything Rots (Review)

This is the fourth album from Danish deathcore band Cabal.

I really like Cabal, so was well chuffed when Everything Rots appeared on the horizon like a gathering storm. 2020’s Drag Me Down and 2022’s Magno Interitus were both first class examples of deathcore heaviness. The latter showed a progression in the band’s sound too, reducing the blackened influences. What will the 38 minutes of new material on Everything Rots reveal? Continue reading “Cabal – Everything Rots (Review)”

Crown Magnetar – Punishment (Review)

This is the latest EP from US deathcore band Crown Magnetar.

Containing 13 minutes of material, Crown Magnetar play deathcore on the more brutal end of the spectrum. Punishment is aptly named, dishing out four succinct beatings that don’t hold back. Continue reading “Crown Magnetar – Punishment (Review)”

Whitechapel – Hymns in Dissonance (Review)

This is the ninth album from US deathcore/death metal band Whitechapel.

I do so enjoy a new Whitechapel album. Our Endless War, Mark of the Blade, The Valley, Kin – take your pick; all Whitechapel albums have something a to offer, and all hit the spot for yours truly. Well, the band are back once more with a new 45-minute album in the shape of Hymns in Dissonance. Continue reading “Whitechapel – Hymns in Dissonance (Review)”

The Origin of Madness Tour – Enterprise Earth/Distant/The Last Ten Seconds of Life/Harbinger – Rebellion, Manchester – 27/02/25 (Live Review)

I didn’t want to miss the chance to see Distant and Enterprise Earth, so I have been looking forward to this show. The latter in particular keep impressing me, to the point where they are now easily one of my favourites when it comes to the deathcore and related styles.

It’s not one of the busiest shows I’ve been to unfortunately, (although it certainly wasn’t as empty as some), but for those in attendance it was riotously good fun. Continue reading “The Origin of Madness Tour – Enterprise Earth/Distant/The Last Ten Seconds of Life/Harbinger – Rebellion, Manchester – 27/02/25 (Live Review)”