Defleshed – Grind over Matter (Review)

Defleshed - Grind over MatterThis is the sixth album from Swedish death/thrash metal act Defleshed.

It’s been 17 long years since Defleshed’s last album, but now they’re back with the 34-minute monster that is Grind over Matter. Hang on tight, as you’re in for a wild, but fun ride. Continue reading “Defleshed – Grind over Matter (Review)”

Dead Cross – II (Review)

Dead Cross - IIThis is the second album from Dead Cross, a hardcore band from the US.

Following on from 2017’s well-received Dead Cross, II hits like an adrenaline shot. Stitching together a carefully smashed up collection of hardcore, thrash and other miscellaneous styles, Dead Cross once again deliver a charismatic and characterful platter of punky tunes. Continue reading “Dead Cross – II (Review)”

Rhythm of Fear – Fatal Horizons (Review)

Rhythm of Fear - Fatal HorizonsThis is the second album from US thrash metallers Rhythm of Fear.

Now that’s some old-school cover art right there. The music is equally old-school, delivering 47 minutes of spiked crossover thrash metal heaviness. Continue reading “Rhythm of Fear – Fatal Horizons (Review)”

Ripped to Shreds – 劇變 (Jubian) (Review)

Ripped to Shreds - 劇變 (Jubian)This is the third album from US death metallers Ripped to Shreds.

Featuring current and ex-members of bands such as Azath, Disincarnation, and Spinebreaker, 劇變 (Jubian) contains 36 minutes of meaty death metal heaviness. Continue reading “Ripped to Shreds – 劇變 (Jubian) (Review)”

Daeva – Through Sheer Will and Black Magic… (Review)

Daeva - Through Sheer Will and Black MagicThis is the debut album from US black/thrash metallers Daeva.

This is the follow up to 2017’s Pulsing Dark Absorptions, which seems like it was released way back in the depths of time, but in reality was actually only five years ago. Through Sheer Will and Black Magic… delivers 37 minutes of characterful carnage. I’m not the biggest fan of blackened thrash, but when done well as it is here, I pay attention. Continue reading “Daeva – Through Sheer Will and Black Magic… (Review)”

Vorbid – A Swan by the Edge of Mandala (Review)

Vorbid - A Swan by the Edge of MandalaThis is the second album from Norwegian progressive metal band Vorbid.

A Swan by the Edge of Mandala offers a rich and colourful 59 minutes of progressive metal for listeners to get lost in. It’s an absorbing and enjoyable album, full of slick riffs, emotive melodies, and engaging songcraft. Continue reading “Vorbid – A Swan by the Edge of Mandala (Review)”

Goatwhore – Angels Hung from the Arches of Heaven (Review)

Goatwhore - Angels Hung from the Arches of HeavenThis is the eighth album from US black metallers Goatwhore.

Playing an unholy mix of black, death, and thrash metal, Goatwhore are a band that I always enjoy. The band’s last couple of albums were very enjoyable slabs of venomous ugliness, (2014’s Constricting Rage of the Merciless and 2017’s Vengeful Ascension), so it’s great to have some new material from the band after so many years. Continue reading “Goatwhore – Angels Hung from the Arches of Heaven (Review)”

Venom Inc. – There’s Only Black (Review)

Venom Inc. - There's Only BlackThis is the second album from Venom Inc., a thrash metal band from the UK.

Featuring two members of the legendary Venom, as well as a current and ex-member of bands such as Inhuman Condition, Kill Division, and Wombbath on drums, There’s Only Black contains 54 minutes of raging metallic heaviness that should have any fan of old-school thrash metal salivating. Continue reading “Venom Inc. – There’s Only Black (Review)”

Acod – Fourth Reign over Opacities and Beyond (Review)

Acod - Fourth Reign over Opacities and BeyondThis is the fifth album from French black metal band Acod.

Fourth Reign over Opacities and Beyond is a 52-minute journey into Acod’s lovingly-crafted world. Continue reading “Acod – Fourth Reign over Opacities and Beyond (Review)”

Revocation – Netherheaven (Review)

Revocation - NetherheavenThis is the eighth album from Revocation, a US death metal band.

I really enjoyed 2018’s The Outer Ones, (as well as its predecessor Great Is Our Sin), so have been looking forward to this one. Whereas The Outer Ones saw the band wading further into death metal waters, does Netherheaven see them retreating to safer depths? Continue reading “Revocation – Netherheaven (Review)”