Hagoroth – Hagoroth (Review)

Hagoroth - HagorothHagoroth are a black metal band from an unknown location, and this is their second album.

No information is available as to whether Hagoroth is a full band or a solo venture. Either way, Hagoroth play black metal with progressive and avant-garde tendencies, and it’s really rather special. Across 38 expressive minutes, Hagoroth reveals itself to be a carefully curated blend of aggression, atmosphere, emotion, and exploration. Continue reading “Hagoroth – Hagoroth (Review)”

Protest the Hero – Within (Review)

Protest the Hero - WithinThis is the sixth album from Canadian progressive metal band Protest the Hero.

Within contains 35 minutes of Protest the Hero’s inimitable brand of progressive metal. The band’s style has always been a happy marriage between chaos and beauty, to a greater or lesser extent depending on what you’re listening to, and Within continues their storied discography by contributing yet another Grade A winner. So much for spoilers, eh?

Protest the Hero operate in a Continue reading “Protest the Hero – Within (Review)”

Bear – Anhedonia (Review)

Bear - AnhedoniaBear are a progressive hardcore/metal band from Belgium and this is their fifth album.

This new 19-minute EP from the mighty Bear packs a punch. It’s five songs and no messing around. These songs are short and to-the-point. Two do their damage, then get out swiftly, laughing as they do so with murderous glee. Continue reading “Bear – Anhedonia (Review)”

The Callous Daoboys/Knives/Love Rarely – Rebellion, Manchester – 25/02/26 (Live Review)

The Callous Daoboys Knives Love Rarely - Rebellion, Manchester - 25.02.26

It’s a sold out show tonight, and Rebellion is busy. The Callous Daoboys are roasting hot right now, as they should be. It promises to be an intense, exciting evening for fans of atypical heavy/alternative music. Continue reading “The Callous Daoboys/Knives/Love Rarely – Rebellion, Manchester – 25/02/26 (Live Review)”

Uncultivates – This Will Become Clear Later, Like the French Revolution (Review)

Uncultivates - This Will Become Clear Later, Like the French RevolutionThis is the debut album from Irish hardcore band Uncultivates.

This Will Become Clear Later, Like the French Revolution brings us 29 minutes of hard rocking hardcore shenanigans. Featuring members of God Alone and Worn Out, (both of whom I sadly haven’t reviewed, but I would definitely recommend you check out), Uncultivates mix together Continue reading “Uncultivates – This Will Become Clear Later, Like the French Revolution (Review)”

Irk – The Seeing House (Review)

Irk - The Seeing HouseIrk are a noise rock band from the UK and this is their second album.

I got to The Seeing House far later than I wanted to or should have. Despite earmarking it for review, it somehow slipped through my Carefully Crafted and Highly Professional reviewing process, only surfacing once more to shout in my face about a month and a half or so after I should have written about it. D’oh! Ah well, better late than ever, eh? Continue reading “Irk – The Seeing House (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)”

Deadguy – Near-Death Travel Services (Review)

Deadguy - Near Death Travel ServicesThis is the second album from US hardcore band Deadguy.

It’s been 30 years since 1995’s classic Fixation on a Coworker, which is so much time that I can’t even think about it. Onto more positive things then, which is the 37-minute Near-Death travel Services. A new Deadguy album was not something I expected, but here we are, and I’m extremely happy with it let me tell you. Continue reading “Deadguy – Near-Death Travel Services (Review)”

Byonoisegenerator – Subnormal Dives (Review)

Byonoisegenerator - Subnormal DivesThis is the third album by Russian grindcore band Byonoisegenerator.

Jazzgrind, eh? Okay, I’ll bite. Subnormal Dives brings together, as advertised, the worlds of grindcore and jazz. It’s aggressive and dense, and Byonoisegenerator make a splash with the 23-minute free form savagery that is Subnormal Dives. Continue reading “Byonoisegenerator – Subnormal Dives (Review)”