Category: Death Metal

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MORGUE TERROR- Self Titled -REVIEW

At first glance the cover to Morgue Terror’s debut EP looks like a Dangerous Toys album or a Flea Market grade Art the Clown. The truth is Morgue Terror is an album about Horror’s newest Icon, Art the Clown from the Terrifer films. The band likely had to tweak the image enough to keep everyone’s lawyers happy.

Just like the films the songs are based off, Morgue Terror plays sick and brutal. There is a ton of groove behind the mayhem that gives off impressive early Cannibal Corpse vibes. “Salt the Wound,” is a neck snapper with some sick riffs and even nastier vocals. As the track goes on Morgue Terror turns up the heat and adds some pretty tasty solos.

“Night Stalker,” slows the pace but keeps the groove. The blast beat drums at the mid point pair perfectly with another impressive solo buy guest guitarist Brian Mason. “Broken, Beaten, Beheaded,” brings more intense riffage to the table that hammer the licks into your head. “Morbid Curiosities,” has a nice early thrash feel in the beginning that quickly quicks into high gear making it one of the more faster and brutal tracks on the EP.

“Chopped up Chum,” closes things out with a crawl that quickly amps up it into a wild frenzy of mayhem. Just as the song nears the end, everything slows down to an erries on easy crawl as the sound filters out.  Much like the films the music is based on Morgue Terror are a sick assault on the senses, with stabbing riffs, bludgeoning drums and sickening vocals.

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ESANGUINATE – Eldritch Anatomy – REVIEW

 

Now that we are settled down in the New Year, it’s time we revisit some filth from years past with Esanguinate’s nasty debut album, Eldritch Anatomy. Not for the faint of heart, this release hits almost as hard as a steaming cup of our Kaffe Storm.

When the record starts, Esanguinate rockets out of the grave. The band leaves not a moment to waste.Starting out you will instantly notice some old school Death Metal sounds and feels that resemble Massacre and Morbid Angel. It has an old school feel but the band adds another layer of murkiness that elevates the atmosphere. Esanguinate songs here mostly draw upon a dark occult theme. The band does a great job including just the right of tremolo picking to drive  that feeling home. Not quite Black Metal here but just enough to bring in the right amount of darkness.

There is a ton to like here. For the most part Esanguinate has a mixed bag tunes here. Some tracks come in hard and thrashy perfectly rattling your spine. Others slow down, taking more of a Doom feeling atmospheric approach. Vocalist Andrej Čuk does an incredible job here switching his sound from style to style.  Plenty of killer thrash and Death Metal riffs to keep your inner head banger happy.  There is enough variety here that this album was made for repeat listens. It would really be interesting to see how the band handles performing these songs alive.

For a debut band this is one hell of a solid release. This will be one to watch.

 

 

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SUFFER, Gristle, Bruised Spots & Trimmed Fat – REVIEW

 

South Dakota’s Suffer was formed way back in 1989. The members were only teenagers at the time but where still able to boast themselves as pioneers of the early Brutal Death Metal movement. Admittedly I had never heard of Suffer prior to checking out this EP. I quickly learned that I need to correct this mistake.

While the band never really enjoyed the attention other extreme bands enjoyed in the 90s, Suffer has plenty left to prove with this EP. Opening track, “Human Primal Cuts,” is a brutal monster. The riffs are hard as hell but they still leave plenty of melody with the guitar solos. The vocals go hard and are right on par with Carcass. That’s a huge plus in my book. Speaking of Carcass, the lyrics are sick, twisted and foul. Suffer may not have released a proper album in over 20 years but they sure haven’t lost any of their brutality in any of that time.

With only 3 new songs on this EP it’s enough to whet your appetite for the next album. Thankfully Suffer isn’t going to make us “Suffer,” (sorry) and wait too long for their next release. Their next full length album, Grand Canvas of Aesthete, is coming out this year. You can preorder the upcoming album at Wise Blood Records  starting 1/29/23.

In the meantime, I’m going to check out the rest of Suffer’s discography.

 

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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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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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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.

 

 

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MULCIBER – Misery of One – REVIEW

Misery of One is the debut EP from yet another killer band from OSDM from Ohio, Mulciber. Through 5 brief and brutal tracks, Muliber tells the proverbial tale of Lucifer’s fall from the heavens. While the subject matter is nothing new for fans of extreme metal, Muliber still manages to serve up plenty of satisfyingly meaty riffs and savage vocals.

Opening track, “Caught in Fire,” dosent waste a moment coming in quick with an early and savage Cannibal Corpse vibe. The second part plods along into a heavier and a well welcomed sludgy feel. “Forsaken in Lies,” is a track that really benefits from the vocals. The chorus is haunting and addition of the higher pitched shrieks blend in very well.

“Christ Deceiver,” one of the longer tracks on the EP has some excellent drumwork that really stands out on the song. This along with some hammering riffs and an ending in a vicious breakdown make it the strongest song on the release.

Misery of One does exactly what an EP needs to do. It’s enough to peak your interest and leave you ready for more.

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A LA CARTE – Soup Dejour – REVIEW

Alright. Here’s a new Metal genre for y’all. Culinary Metal.

This is one of those few albums that come out and every now and then that really surprise you. The album cover instantly grabbed my attention with its morbid and cartoonish style. I had never heard any mention of this Death Metal/Grind band before this review. I wasn’t too sure as what to expect. Quickly reading the song titles, “Aborted Eggs Benedict,” “Rancid Risotto,” and “Heinous Hassenpfeffer,” I knew I was in for something truly different and fun.

A La Carte’s debut full length is equally impressive in both terms of music technicality and heaping servings of darkened humor. After working in a kitchen as a young Metalhead, I can really appreciate the band’s theme, morbid songs about preparing and serving food. To top things and come full circle the band performs their live shows wearing maitre d’ outfits. Just when you thought you’ve seen and heard it all in Metal.

Most “gimmick” bands spend too much time on the gimmick and not enough time on the music itself. A La Carte satisfyingly serve up some good tunes. I actually thought this might have been a side project for some more seasoned scene musicians! The band does a great job mixing in elements of Grindcore, Technical and Brutal Metal into some face melting music. One moment they are playing a soft Castlevania feeling melody and the next they are bringing a savage beatdown on your senses.

This a solid album that has no business being this good. If I was still working in the kitchen, these tunes would be blasting on my prep station. I only wish I had heard this album earlier as it totally would have made it into my top release list for 2022.

Dig in!