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VHS – Quest for the Mighty Riff – REVIEW

 

You gotta hand it to VHS. Death Metal hasn’t been this fun in ages. Not only that, but their music simply rips and consistently gets better with each release. Each album also follows a different theme usually having to do with some sort of movie or television show. Past themes include Vampires, Italian horror and killer sharks. This time VHS ventures slightly outside of horror and into the realm of fantasy. Quest for the Mighty Riff is one awesome journey that you’ll want to be part of. ( *SPOILER ALERT* There are plenty of mighty riffs to be found here)

VHS plays tribute to some of the best there is in Sci-Fi and Fantasy films suchs as Excalibur, Highlander, He-Man and Beastmaster.  As a product of the 80s I wholeheartedly approve.

The album starts with some perfectly epic narration as VHS begins their Quest for the Mighty Riff. “Cleve ’em and Leave ’em,” starts things out fast with some nice and fierce punk fueled mayhem. It’s the perfect blend of Death and punk. In true punk fashion it barely last 90 seconds but still leaves a mark.

VHS keeps the party going buy continuously melding genres. You’ll hear plenty of Death Metal mixed with grind, thrash, punk and even some old school traditional metal (“Hail King Arthur,” I’m looking at you.) No two songs sound the same as VHS throws more killer riffs and styles than you know what to do with.

For me, “Eternia Needs a Hero,” is the standout track. Not just because the world needs more songs about Skelator. I’m a sucker for anything in the vein of Black Thrash and this song fucking delivers that and more. The riffs are punchy, the vocals are sicks and twisted and the lyrics are funny as hell.

dea does what many albums hope to do; provide a little something for everyone. No matter what genre of Metal you dig, you are gonna find something to love here.

 

 

 

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CORPSESSED – Skeletal Grotesquery – REVIEW

If it wasn’t for the few moments of crowd interactions between songs and the band introduction towards the end of the album, I would not have pegged this for a live album. Corpsessed are just that tight live. Not to mention fucking brutal.

Skeletal Grotesquery was recorded live just last year at the Braincrusher in Hell Festival that took place in Germany. Corpsessed must have taken the festival name to heart as this is a totally savage performance. If you are one that finds themselves on the fence regarding live albums, this may the one that sways your outlook.

If you are new to the band, this performance highlights 9 of groups best tracks. The vocals are awesomely savage and guttural  matching perfectly with the mid tempo and murky guitars. There is plenty of complexity to their sound. The fact that they can pull this sound off so efficiently makes for such a satisfying listen. You can literally feel the brutality coming off this recording.

Judging from what is heard here, Corpsessed are a fucking ferocious live.

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DEMONSTEALER – The Propaganda Machine – REVIEW

 

Coming to us from India is Demonstealer. The man behind Demonic Resurrection has put together 8 tracks that are the collective vision of 4 drummers, 4 bassists, 3 lead guitarists and one keyboardist from all across the planet.

While that’s a lot of cooks working on the same meal, the results here are for the most part pretty damn impressive. “The Fear Campaign,” starts off the album with a huge jolt and barley lets up in it’s 6 minute playtime. Everything sounds larger than life from the thunderous bass and drums, sick vocals and some really catchy synth tones. Is it Melodic Death Metal or is it Symphonic? I dont give a shit, all I know this is one helluva a banger and it perfectly starts the album.

As you listen to the following tracks, you can hear the different flavors that each artist brings to the table. Some parts are more brutal, some are more technical but it all feels like it is coming from the same band. That’s a big plus in my book as often times collaborative efforts feel like a different band with each song.

The only parts I can’t deal with are the Metalcore clean chorus parts. They are too monotonous and take me completely out of the song. Maybe I’m just an old man and don’t understand the genre. The Death Metal vocals however are brutal as fuck and thoroughly make up for it.

While the album seems to loose a little steam at the midpoint, the first 2 tracks on this recording are so intoxicating, you’ll find yourself wanting to listen to more.

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GYRDLEAH – Spellbinder – Review

Often I stream albums for review during my day job. It’s a great way to kill two birds with one stone and makes the work day much more enjoyable. However this album gave me pause. Spellbinder does not work well with the exciting world of Excel Spreadsheets.

That’s not a dig in the slightest. Gyrdleah’s long awaited debut album is meant to be savored and digested with minimal distractions. The band was formed in the UK back in 2005 and took until just this year to release what is considered their “debut” album. While the group did manage to release an EP back in 2011, this is their first full length.

Grydleah perfectly deliver plenty of Black Metal staples with their sound from the low-fi production, eerie treble and savage shrieks. Most of the album has a slow and somber feel as the songs lurch and lumber from track to track. The band includes a good amount of clean vocals in their attack. While many extreme metal fans balk at even the mention of clean vocals, Grydleah make great use of them. Often their tracks are darker even more bleak with them.

Another reason why it was difficult to work and review this album was that it took a few spins for the sound to sink in. There is a lot going on here as the music often easily goes from savage to somber and vice versa. There is a lot to unpack here. The more you listen, the more you pick up the next time.

Opening track, “Stab the Lamb,” starts with a crawl and soon sees the band at their fastest towards the middle of the song.It is also the perfect song to open to as it gives you an idea of what is in store. All in all, if you are looking for some depressive black doom that dosen’t get old after several spins, be sure to check this one out!

 

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LAST LEGION – Metall, Blod & Aska- REVIEW

You know that feeling when you hear the first few notes of an album and you instantly realize that you are going to love it? That’s the exact same feeling I had when I heard the opening and title track, “Metall, Blod & Aska.”

Last Legion is a Swedish band that formed in 2009. After releasing an EP in 2021 the band return with their debut full length album. And it’s a helluva debut too. It’s equally savage as it is thrashing; Black ‘n Roll madness. If you are a fan of Midnight, Hellripper or Cloak this is definitely worth your time checking out.

After the first neck snapping track Last Legion changes gears a bit with “Dodens Falang.” With it’s somber and atmospheric beginning it helps showcase that the band is not just your average Black Thrash band. The violins add the perfect uneasy touch. The band quickly blasts the speed back up towards the midpoint of the track. Last Legion blends in plenty of classic Black Metal eerines and savagery to keep it compelling.

All of the lyrics are sung in the groups native Nordic language. Although many English speaking Metalheads may not understand the lyrics, they are delivered perfectly savage here. Something about the lyrics being sung in their native language ups the brutality for me.

This album contains tons of hooks, groovy riffs and plenty of blast beats. At some times it feels Black N Roll or Black Thrash and at other times it feels like classic tried and true Black Metal. However at all times, they are savage as fuck. While they aren’t offering anything we havent’t heard before, they are giving us one hell of a ride.

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ARDENT NOVA – Self Titled – REVIEW

Upon playing the opening into track, I was prepared for a heavy handed dose of Power Metal. While I quite enjoy the style and sound in the intro the rest of the album’s sound is vastly different.  Once the second track, “Rise from the Ashes,” kicks in Ardent Nova quickly change gears to a Heavy Thrash and Melodic Death style. There are still plenty of epic Power Metal elements here. Only without the operatic and often times chessey over the top vocals. The vocals on the this album are harsh,callous and out for blood.

The band was originally known as Pagan Thunder when they first formed over 20 years ago, now going Ardent Nova, they have released an amazing self titled release. If you are a fan of Melodic Death Metal, you’ll find yourself enjoying the abundant harmonies and groves. Thrashers will enjoy the speed and fans of Power Metal will be ready to ride into battle.

Some may want to label the band “Viking Metal,” as most of the songs are written about epic battles and Pagan beliefs. Which may be fair but it would be an injustice to Ardent Nova to compare them to other well known “Viking Bands.”  I love Amon Amarth but Ardent Nova just hit on a whole new level.

Make sure to give this one a listen, you won’t be disappointed.

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SORROWFUL LAND- Faded Anchors of the Past – REVIEW

One man bands impress the hell out of me. I could hardly play the recorder in elementary school, so this level of virtuosity is way beyond anything I could dream of achieving. Max Molodtsov is the magician behind Sorrowful Land which he formed in 2014. Based in Kharkiv, Ukraine, Molodtsov is a member of several other Ukrainian metal bands which span over several different genres.

Faded Anchors of the Past is a huge treat for fans of atmospheric Doom Metal. It’s perfectly melds tragic and somber tones that feel equally as strong and powerful. This is the perfect soundtrack to let your mind drift and have the music carry you away. The contrast of soft clean vocals and some impressive growls are a nice touch and have an early Amorphis Tales of a Thousand Lakes feel on some of the tracks.

Each of the eight songs included here are a separate story to a complete journey. Although the album is over an hour in length, Molodtsov does a fantastic job keeping the listeners attention as everything flows so expertly well. From the piano fills to the heavy and plodding riffs, this album checks every mark on what it takes to make a fantastic Doom album.

Keep an eye on this release as it’s sure to show up in many album of the year lists for 2023.

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GRA – Lycaon – REVIEW

Ever since my interview with Heljarmadr late list year, I had been looking forward to Lycaon’s release. Fortunately, the wait was well worth at it. Lycaon is a beast of a recording stuffed full of skull crushing beats and darkened riffs.

The first track, “White City Devil,” is a powerful song with some of the most melodic moments of the entire album. The sound is big here and veers into more of a “Black n Roll” style. It’s a total banger and one of my favorite tracks on the album.

Don’t worry GRA hasn’t abandoned their roots . “Flame of Hephaestus,” brings the back the more familiar Swedish Black Metal sound the band sound  “Torn Asunder,” sees GRA melding more darkness while adding dome more killer riffs. Heljarmadr’s demonic vocals take center stage here.

The title track “Lycaon,” is sang in the band’s native Swedish language. For me, this makes the song go harder than any of the songs that the band performs in English. Next we treated to a straight up ripping cover of Bathroy’s “Chariots of Fire,” GRA goes hard as fuck here making it an absolute must listen. It’s fast, it’s aggressive, it’s mean, It’s awesome!

“Brannmarkt” slows things down but turns up the darkness. It’s a murky trek deep into darkness. “Jaws of the Underworld,” acts as the perfect send off for Lycaon.  The instrumental track boots some incredible drum work and cinematic flair.

All in all, Lycaon is another solid release from GRA. It stays true to its Swedish Black Metal roots while adding in more melodic and black n roll sounds. Luckily, none of this feels force or “experimental.” What you have here is a damn fine Metal album that’s worthy of your attention.

 

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VEILCASTE – Precipice – REVIEW

 

 

 

From our good friends at over at Wise Blood Records comes the third release from Indianapolis Sludge masters, Veilcaste.  Precipice is full of deep and murky riffs that weigh thick and heavy in the air. Along with this, Veilcaste manages to create plenty of cosmic and spaced out atmosphere. Precipice is sure to please any fan of Stoner or Doom music.

Velicaste keeps the music rather simple throughout the recording. There is no overproduction here. They guys don’t stay too long playing one long riff.  However, the album is packed full of plenty of dragging and dirty riffs. (that don’t overstay their welcome)  The guitar tones are low with plenty of fuzz, playing in more of a Stoner style. You will find yourself slowly headbanging along to this release, maybe even sparking some herbage. (or go hardcore and drink an Arnold Palmer like in my case)

Vocals come of in a much more “hardcore” style than usually seen in this genre. There is also a little bit of clean singing sprinkled in here and there that actually works really well on this recording.This along with the underlying atmosphere Veilcaste manages to craft some weill written and structured songs.

All in all, it’s not a bad listen and feels like a nice palate cleanser to the extreme music that I usually punish my ear holes with.I have always been more of a speed freak when it comes to my music but Veilcaste may be one of those bands that will leave me venturing out and seeking out more bands in the Doom and Sludge Metal genres.

 

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OMNIFARIAM – The Summoning – REVIEW

 

 

The first thing that struck me with this EP, is the savage artwork. It’s both clean and vicious. The same can be said for Omnifariam’s musical output in their latest offering, The Suffering. This is pure Death Metal with intense guttural vocals and hammering drums with a super clean and tight production.

According to their bio on Bandcamp, Omnifariam are one of the heaviest acts in Puerto Rico. Judging from their opening track, “Deceivers of the Bleak,” they easily have a case. It’s a powerful barrage of intense riffs, and savage growls. “Leaders of the Dark,” starts off a little slower allowing you a chance to catch your breath with a tight groove. The pace soon picks up into frenzy of killer riffs.

The drumwork on “Enslaved,” is intense and manic. Josean Orta (Fit for an Autopsy) puts on an absolute clinic here. “The Outsiders,” slows the pace down as it gives more focus on the vocals. The track has a much more melancholy feel with as the vocals cry out in more of a raspy filled desperation.

If slower tracks aren’t your bag, don’t fret. “Dehumanized,” ends the EP speeds things back up for a strong finish. All in all a great listen full of clean and savage Death Metal.