Genghis Tron – Signal Fire (Review)

Genghis Tron - Signal FireThis is the fourth album from US experimental rock act Genghis Tron.

Following on from 2021’s change of direction Dream Weapon, Signal Fire contains 43 minutes of new material. Genghis Tron’s return is a most welcome one, and this time they’ve brought with them some older tools to build and destroy with. Continue reading “Genghis Tron – Signal Fire (Review)”

Portrayal of Guilt – …Beginning of the End (Review)

Portrayal of Guilt - ...Beginning of the EndPortrayal of Guilt are a blackened hardcore band from the US and this is their fourth album.

…Beginning of the End is the sound of Portrayal of Guilt pushing their sound harder and deeper. Across 31 evocative minutes, the band reach across genres and styles to grasp what they want in an unyielding iron grip. …Beginning of the End brings a lot to the table. Continue reading “Portrayal of Guilt – …Beginning of the End (Review)”

Melvins with Napalm Death – Savage Imperial Death March (Review)

Melvins with Napalm Death - Savage Imperial Death MarchThis is a collaborative album between two legendary acts, Melvins from the US and Napalm Death from the UK.

Originally released last year as a 6-track limited tour CD/vinyl, Savage Imperial Death March is now getting a full release, with two extra songs and new artwork. It’s a 40-minute journey into an uncrowded collaborative space that brings together the sludgy melodic skill of Melvins and the off-centre experimental side of Napalm Death. Continue reading “Melvins with Napalm Death – Savage Imperial Death March (Review)”

Ligation – After Gods (Review)

Ligation - After GodsThis is the debut album from Finnish death metal band Ligation.

After Gods is billed as a full album, although it actually only contains 24 minutes of new music, spread over five tracks. However, there’s also a version with three additional bonus tracks that have been taken from Ligation’s previous two split releases, which brings the total up to 41 minutes. Either way, it’s an unconventional approach, but then Ligation’s music is unconventional too. Continue reading “Ligation – After Gods (Review)”

Kostnatění – Přílišnost (Excess) (Review)

Kostnatění - Přílišnost (Excess)This is the second album from US solo extreme metal band Kostnatění.

2023’s Úpal was a notable record, standing out from the crowd with its atypical approach to black metal. Now comes Přílišnost, and it’s a refined beast of uncommon extremity we find ourselves faced with. Continue reading “Kostnatění – Přílišnost (Excess) (Review)”

Pupil Slicer – Fleshwork (Review)

Pupil Slicer - FleshworkThis is the second album from UK mathcore band Pupil Slicer.

Following on from 2023’s well-received Blossom, Pupil Slicer have returned with the 36-minute Fleshwork. In this review I’ll make the case that this is peak Pupil Slicer so far. Fleshwork is a monster. If a mix of bands such as Converge, Deafheaven, Heriot, Rolo Tomassi, and Svalbard, sounds good, then this is one for you. Continue reading “Pupil Slicer – Fleshwork (Review)”

Sanguisugabogg – Hideous Aftermath (Review)

Sanguisugabogg - Hideous AftermathSanguisugabogg are a death metal band from the US and this is their third album.

Following on from 2023’s Homicidal Ecstasy comes the 48-minute Hideous Aftermath. Sanguisugabogg have created a limbering death metal monster. Laying bloody waste to all around it, it’s ridiculously enjoyable and well-crafted. Yep, this beats Homicidal Ecstasy to death and revels in its destruction. As much as I liked that record, this is superior in every way that counts. Continue reading “Sanguisugabogg – Hideous Aftermath (Review)”

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

Signs of the Swarm - To Rid Myself of TruthThis 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)”