Bloodletter – Leave the Light Behind (Review)

Bloodletter - Leave the Light BehindBloodletter are a thrash metal band from the US and this is their fourth album.

Leave the Light Behind contains 35 minutes of well-written melodic thrash metal. Bloodletter bring something to thrash that I haven’t heard in ages – pure, unadulterated quality craftsmanship. I normally pass on thrash metal these days, but this one wouldn’t let me go. Continue reading “Bloodletter – Leave the Light Behind (Review)”

Mangata Festival – Nottingham, 12/07/25 (Live Review)

Mangata Festival - Nottingham, 12.07.25

Mangata Festival was not at all on my radar, until I found out that Ante-Inferno, Abduction, and Devastator were playing it, (originally The Infernal Sea too). Throw in Wolvencrown, who I’ve never seen before, and it certainly peaked my interest. Continue reading “Mangata Festival – Nottingham, 12/07/25 (Live Review)”

Sarcator – Swarming Angels & Flies (Review)

Sarcator - Swarming Angels & FliesSarcator are a Swedish thrash metal band and this is their third album.

Sarcator play a black/death-influenced style of thrash metal, and Swarming Angels & Flies contains 44 minutes of material. Think of a blend of early-period old-school metal in the form of bands such as Kreator, Sarcófago, Sodom, and Morbid Angel, and then blend this with more contemporary acts like Hellripper, Devastator, and Midnight, and you’ll be on the right lines. You can throw in some other refences too at various points, but ultimately, despite the ancient style that underpins this album, it’s remarkably fun and fresh sounding. Continue reading “Sarcator – Swarming Angels & Flies (Review)”

Ninkharsag/The Infernal Sea/Devastator/Abduction/The Sun’s Journey Through the Night/Andracca/Imperial Demonic – Rebellion, Manchester – 17/02/24 (Live Review)

Ninkharsag The Infernal Sea Devastator Abduction The Sun's Journey Through the Sky Andracca Imperial Demonic - Rebellion, Manchester - 170224 (Live Review)

This show is a special one, designed to not only highlight some of the best black metal that the UK has to offer, but also to act as a new release showcase, with special sets from many of the bands. It’s sold out too, which is great to see. Continue reading “Ninkharsag/The Infernal Sea/Devastator/Abduction/The Sun’s Journey Through the Night/Andracca/Imperial Demonic – Rebellion, Manchester – 17/02/24 (Live Review)”

Devastator – Conjurers of Cruelty (Review)

Devastator - Conjurers of CrueltyThis is the second album from UK black/thrash metallers Devastator.

Conjurers of Cruelty boasts 51 minutes of material, (44 without the two bonus tracks), delivering a feast of filthy riffs, corroded teeth, and overgrown claws. Continue reading “Devastator – Conjurers of Cruelty (Review)”