Thrash metal – Wonderbox Metal

End of Transmission: 1995-2025 The Final Tour – Orange Goblin/Grand Magus/Urne – Academy 2, Manchester – 13/12/25 (Live Review)

This is quite the event. Legendary band Orange Goblin are calling it a day after 30 years, sadly, and this is their farewell tour. It’s sold out, which I’m happy for them about, as they’re a band who deserves all the success they have had and more. Tonight they’re joined by two other bands that I’m a fan of too, the mighty Grand Magus and the riff-tastic Urne. It promises to be a good one. Continue reading “End of Transmission: 1995-2025 The Final Tour – Orange Goblin/Grand Magus/Urne – Academy 2, Manchester – 13/12/25 (Live Review)”

Damnation Festival 2025 – BEC Arena, Manchester – 08/11/25-09/11/25 (Live Review)

Another year, another Damnation Festival. Has it really been 20 years? I went to the very first one waaaaay back in 2005, and a love affair was born. It has been great to watch it become one of the world’s best festivals. Kudos to the organisers for their continued passion and ability.

This edition is therefore the festival’s twentieth year and sees Damnation bigger and arguably better than ever before. It’s across two days now, and the lineup is strong in both depth and breadth. From veteran classics to newborn sensations, the festival has it all. Continue reading “Damnation Festival 2025 – BEC Arena, Manchester – 08/11/25-09/11/25 (Live Review)”

Miasmata – Subterrania (Review)

This is the second album from New Zealand solo blackened heavy metal band Miasmata.

Subterrania brings us 39 minutes of material from the artist behind Miasmata. The style is a mix of black, speed, thrash, and heavy metal, and these six songs exemplify how to combine these elements into something cohesive and entertaining. Continue reading “Miasmata – Subterrania (Review)”

Werewolves – The Ugliest of All (Review)

This is the sixth album from Australian death metallers Werewolves.

Another year, another Werewolves album. Whether it’s 2022’s From the Cave to the Grave, 2023’s My Enemies Look and Sound Like Me, or 2024’s Die for Us, you basically know what you’re getting yourself into, and in my humble opinion it’s always gonna be good. If ferocious, unforgiving death metal, with a blackened bite and a technical edge is your thing, (along with some thrashy and grindy goodness), then The Ugliest of All is definitely for you. Continue reading “Werewolves – The Ugliest of All (Review)”

Sanity’s Rage – The Dead Don’t Run (Review)

This is the second album from Belgian thrash metallers Sanity’s Rage.

Way back in 2012 I encountered You Are What You Swallow, and I liked it a great deal. Over the years, it’s stood up well, and always reminds me that thrash metal can still be hugely enjoyable when played well. Then after that, nothing. No idea why. But now, unexpectedly, something. The Dead Don’t Run, in fact; 47-minutes of well-written, well-built thrash metal. Continue reading “Sanity’s Rage – The Dead Don’t Run (Review)”

Testament – Para Bellum (Review)

Testament are a legendary thrash metal band from the US. This is their 13th studio album, (14th if you count First Strike Still Deadly).

At this stage Testament should need little introduction. They’re an absolutely classic band, and a long time favourite of mine. I’ll link the reviews of their last two albums here – Brotherhood of the Snake / Titans of Creation – as a precursor to Para Bellum, but basically with Testament you know that at the very least you’re going to get a very good metal album to headbang around too. Continue reading “Testament – Para Bellum (Review)”

De Profundis – The Gospel of Rot (Review)

De Profundis are a death metal band from the UK and this is their latest EP.

I have a lot of time for De Profundis. If you haven’t already, check out 2014’s Frequencies, 2015’s Kingdom of the Blind, 2018’s The Blinding Light of Faith, and 2022’s The Corruption of Virtue. All are well-worth your time. The band are now back with The Gospel of Rot, which brings us four tracks across 17-minutes, as well as a new bassist and singer. Continue reading “De Profundis – The Gospel of Rot (Review)”

Orbit Culture – Death Above Life (Review)

This is the fifth album from Swedish metal band Orbit Culture.

I enjoyed 2020’s Nija, 2021’s Shaman, and 2023’s, Descent, so Death Above Life is well-received. If you’re unfamiliar with Orbit Culture, check these previous releases out if you’re a fan of bands such as Gojira, In Flames, Lamb of God, Meshuggah, Metallica, Slipknot, Soilwork, Static-X, Sylosis, Thy Art Is Murder, and Trivium. Continue reading “Orbit Culture – Death Above Life (Review)”

Revocation – New Gods, New Masters (Review)

This is the ninth album from US death metal band Revocation.

Revocation are a band I always enjoy. From 2016’s Great Is Our Sin onwards, (which includes 2018’s The Outer Ones and 2022’s Netherheaven), I’ve devoured each new release hungrily. On their new outing New Gods, New Masters, Revocation return triumphant, with 46 minutes of new material. Continue reading “Revocation – New Gods, New Masters (Review)”

Paradise Lost – Ascension (Review)

This is the seventeenth album from UK metal band Paradise Lost.

I’ve been listening to Paradise Lost since 1992, so any new Paradise Lost release is A Big Deal. Ascension is the 51-minute, (61 minutes with the bonus tracks), follow up to 2020’s Obsidian, and promises Big Things by virtue of simply being a new Paradise Lost album. Continue reading “Paradise Lost – Ascension (Review)”