Progressive metal – Wonderbox Metal

Protest the Hero – Within (Review)

This 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)”

Black Sites – For Eternity (Review)

This is the fifth album from US heavy metallers Black Sites.

2021’s Untrue and 2024’s The Promised Land? were both quality metal records, so For Eternity appearing on the horizon was most welcome. Black Sites keep regularly pumping out good music, and album number five is no different in this regard. With a new lineup in tow, Black Sites deliver a masterclass in song-based heavy metal. Continue reading “Black Sites – For Eternity (Review)”

Million Moons – You Be Good, I Love You (Review)

This is the third album from UK post-rock band Million Moons.

You Be Good, I Love You contains 56 minutes of atmospheric instrumental post-rock. Million Moons invite the listener to feel something on this record, and it’s an invitation you shouldn’t say no to. Continue reading “Million Moons – You Be Good, I Love You (Review)”

Loneshore – Nothing Left to Deconstruct (Review)

This is the second album from Brazilian progressive doom/post-metal band Loneshore.

Nothing Left to Deconstruct contains 52 minutes of immersive soundscapes for the listener to explore. Loneshore’s music is a mix of styles, which can be loosely termed as a combination of progressive doom and post-metal. Whatever you call it though, it’s pretty damn good. Continue reading “Loneshore – Nothing Left to Deconstruct (Review)”

Urzah – A Tranquil Void (Review)

This is the second album from UK sludge/post-metal band Urzah.

A Tranquil Void is the 49-minute successor to 2024’s The Scorching Gaze. This debut record caused more than a few to pay attention to Urzah’s progressive, sludgy post-metal. Have they band managed to capitalise on this for its follow up? Continue reading “Urzah – A Tranquil Void (Review)”

Bear – Anhedonia (Review)

Bear 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)”

Impure Wilhelmina – Le Sanglot (Review)

This is the eighth album from Impure Wilhelmina, a Swiss post-metal band.

2021’s Antidote was a very strong record, so it’s great to see follow up Le Sanglot appear. It’s a 50-minute case study in portraying emotion and depth of songcraft. Impure Wilhelmina once again show just why they are held in such high regard by Continue reading “Impure Wilhelmina – Le Sanglot (Review)”

Ashen Horde – The Harvest (Review)

This is the fifth album from US progressive black metal act Ashen Horde.

2023’s Antimony was Ashen Horde’s best album up to this point. This means that The Harvest is an eagerly anticipated new record from this notable band. Will it have what it takes to knock Antimony from the top spot? Continue reading “Ashen Horde – The Harvest (Review)”

Sagor Som Leder Mot Slutet – IV (Review)

This is the fourth album from Swedish instrumental post-metal band Sagor Som Leder Mot Slutet.

Existing somewhere between progressive metal, post-metal, doom, and post-rock, IV contains 44 minutes of atmospheric material. Sagor Som Leder Met Slutet have crafted a record of Continue reading “Sagor Som Leder Mot Slutet – IV (Review)”

Witch Ripper – Through the Hourglass (Review)

This is the third album from US stoner/sludge metal band Witch Ripper.

2023’s The Flight After the Fall was a thoroughly enjoyable progressive stoner sludge album, so it’s with some expectation that the coming of Through the Hourglass is greeted. Across 44 minutes of new material, Witch Ripper Continue reading “Witch Ripper – Through the Hourglass (Review)”