Punk – Page 4 – Wonderbox Metal

Julie Christmas – Ridiculous and Full of Blood (Review)

This is the second solo album from the iconic Julie Christmas, who plays a vert individual brand of rock/metal.

A new solo album from one of the best artists in the business, a mere 14 years after her last one? Someone who has one of the most individual and simply fantastic singing voices ever, and has given us some classic albums from bands like Battle of Mice and Made out of Babies? An artist who even managed to elevate the pretty much untouchable Cult of Luna to unexpectedly higher levels of excellence on Mariner? New songs from her? Sign me up without hesitation. Continue reading “Julie Christmas – Ridiculous and Full of Blood (Review)”

Beaten to Death – Sunrise over Rigor Mortis (Review)

Beaten to Death are a Norwegian grindcore band and this is their sixth album.

Beaten to Death are a well-regarded grindcore band that I’ve never listened to before now, but I’ve heard good things about for years. Branded as progressive/melodic grindcore, and stated as suitable for fans of Fuck the Facts, Gridlink, and Discordance Axis by the promo blurb, I knew I had to check this out. Continue reading “Beaten to Death – Sunrise over Rigor Mortis (Review)”

Thou – Umbilical (Review)

Thou are a sludge/doom band from the US and this is their sixth album.

Following on from 2018’s immense Magus, Umbilical contains 49 minutes of new music from the very well-regarded Thou. Umbilical takes a different route to heaviness than its predecessor, but is no less effective in achieving its goals. Continue reading “Thou – Umbilical (Review)”

Sulaco – Black Cloud (Review)

This is the latest EP from US deathgrinders Sulaco.

I’ve enjoyed following Sulaco over the years – 2011’s Build & Burn, 2018’s The Prize, and 2020’s The Privilege – so Black Cloud is most welcome here at Wonderbox Metal. Containing two songs, and with a duration of 8 minutes, there may not be much material here, but this is about quality, not quantity. Continue reading “Sulaco – Black Cloud (Review)”

Crawl – Altar of Disgust (Review)

Crawl are a death metal band from Sweden and this is their second album.

I thoroughly enjoyed 2018’s Rituals, so was pleased when Crawl’s split with Feral appeared last year. They’re now back again with Altar of Disgust, which delivers 31 minutes of crust-driven Swedeath heaviness. Continue reading “Crawl – Altar of Disgust (Review)”

Black Tusk – The Way Forward (Review)

Black Tusk are a sludge/metal /hardcore band from the US and this is their sixth album.

Following on from 2018’s TCBT comes The Way Forward, which gives us 36 minutes of material. With a new lineup comes an expanded sound, with now a second guitarist and an extra vocalist, (which brings the total to an impressive four individuals all contributing vocals). Continue reading “Black Tusk – The Way Forward (Review)”

Mountain Shadow – Mountain Shadow (Review)

This is the debut album from US black metal band Mountain Shadow.

Mountain Shadow play atmospheric black metal and their self titled record contains 53 minutes of material. It might not be what you’re expecting though, as Mountain Shadow have created something a little different in some ways on these eight tracks. Continue reading “Mountain Shadow – Mountain Shadow (Review)”

Midnight – Hellish Expectations (Review)

This is the sixth album from blackened speed metal solo act Midnight.

Containing 26 minutes of filthy raging mayhem, Hellish Expectations is a furious record of blackened speed/thrash metal that’s hard to dislike. It’s charismatic and nasty, which is a great combination for this sort of thing. Continue reading “Midnight – Hellish Expectations (Review)”

Balsam Grove – You’re Safe Here (Review)

This is the debut album from Balsam Grove, a post-hardcore band from the US.

You’re Safe Here contains 40 minutes of material brought to us by ex-members of Caves of Glass. Whereas that mighty band played a distinct brand of multifaceted post-metal, Balsam Grove’s music is a post-hardcore mix of punk, screamo, and metalcore. Continue reading “Balsam Grove – You’re Safe Here (Review)”

Ritual Clearing – Penitence (Review)

This is the debut album from US black metallers Ritual Clearing.

Penitence contains 38 minutes of dark hostility. This is black metal that’s raw and hateful, delivering aggressive music shrouded in blades, spikes, and darkness. Ritual Clearing are ones to watch. Continue reading “Ritual Clearing – Penitence (Review)”