Tag: music review

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TYRANNUS/Magicide – Tory Punching Music – REVIEW

Tyrannus and Magicide’s newest release may be short but it leaves a mark. The mash up idea of blast beating black metal and hard hitting EDM may sound weird on paper but totally works here

In this under 10 minute EP Tyrannus’s contribution track takes up the majority of the length with it’s 5 minute “Bricks & Flesh”. It’s a brutal assault that is sure to leave you senseless. There is plenty of finesse in their attack however. Between the buzzsaw driven guitars are some killer solos and savage vocals. The drums on this song are simply amazing.

Magicide starts off their contribution with “Madness” that starts off with some odd sounding EDM music mixed with some crushing Death Metal beats. Odd but it works. “Tory Punching Music,” is more of the same. While the track runs only 1:39 feel free to spend more time punching and beating down fascists.

Tory Punching Music is a short and savage EP. The contrast between blast driven metal and EDM beats are enough to keep this release interesting despite its short length.

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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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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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CULTIC – Of Fire and Sorcery – REVIEW

Upon gazing at the album cover, one may think they are in for an onslaught of over the top and epic Power Metal. The recording opens does open with a powerful sounding orchestral  intro that feels like march to slaying an army of dragons. This is followed by some of the murkiest, sludge and Doom filled riffs to assault your senses. Cultic pack a ton of atmosphere here without forsaking any of the heaviness.

The entire album plods along with an unending dreary filling and heavy dreary filling. The heavy atmosphere at points feels like a sonic dreamlike journey. Adding heavier then dark matter guitar tones ,eerie bass and thunderous drums on top of this leads just amplifies their sound.  Brian Magar’s guttural vocal work is impressive, oozing with heaviness and even haunting especially when he adds in some morbid whispers into the song.

Cultic do a damn fine job of creating an early Doom/Sludge sound while adding some modern touches. The electronics used are in forefront, yet never feel forced blending in perfectly with their murky sound. If you are new to listening to Doom/Sludge this is the album for you as the music is easily accessible and still heavy and murky as fuck. If Doom is your jam, check this album out now!

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HATEMONGER – The Vile Maxim – REVIEW

Hatemonger’s “The Vile Maxim” is simple, short and savage as fuck. The Chicago based group performs a killer style of no frills, no fads, no holds barred Death Metal that is set to stomp your skull into the soil. Their sound is fresh and familiar without the “retro” Death Metal sound that many bands are trying to emulate these days. Vocals are are vicious, the guitar work has plenty of thick and heavy riffs and the drums are filled with great blast beats, all the ingredients you need in your Death Metal stew. If you listen carefully enough, you’ll notice a hint of some early Swedish Death Metal style amongst the carnage. The songs within are both brutal and on topic with such titles as, “Plague for Days,” and “Disinformation Campaign.” If there is at least one good thing to come from the Pandemic, it has provided plenty of material to keep bands busy for years to come.