Chris Forbes’s Metal Reviews #21

Wow, we are in 2026 now. I have been reviewing and interviewing underground metal bands for 40 years now! It started in 1986 with the release of my 1st issue of Metal Core in print form, in 1986 and here I am still going strong at age 60 in 2026. I was into the underground before 1986. I was buying Kerrang, Metal Forces, Metal Hammer and any metal fanzine I could get my hands on. I actually did a few interviews for a local zine, Total Thrash, before I started Metal Core. I was sending him so much stuff, editor Scott Helig said I should start up my own fanzine, and I took that up as a bit of a challenge, and I started Metal Core, and here I am still going strong in 2026. There are still many bands out there playing and releasing fantastic releases, as you will read when you read my reviews below. I am glad to see the underground is still going strong in 2026, and with that, onto my reviews:

HETEROPSYE/Embalming (Caligari Records)

Typical Swedish style death metal music that has been done to death and then some. Nothing was exciting about this at all. Entombed like riffing along with average at best death metal vocals. The band sounds like every other Swedish death metal band before them. They need to do something, even just a bit different, to separate themselves from the tons of other Swedish-sounding death metal bands. Nothing of value, I’m afraid.

ORBSTRUCT/Ostracism (Paragon Records)

Decent death metal, except some of the death metal vocals spots I wasn’t loving as they seemed to go a bit too low for my liking. Otherwise, the singing was fine, and the deep growls fit right in the music. The music is down, and dirty death metal is played fast, the way I like it. Production is solid too, as is the guitar sound. Overall, this is some good death metal music.

HELLBEARER/Darker Fates (Self Released)

Just a crushing display of classic 80’s style thrash delivered with speed, power and a fury to boot. Classic Bay Area riffing had me nodding along in seconds. The power and speed are a winner in my book. Great thrash metal vocals as well. Love the wicked guitar sound on this as well. A pure thrash metal delight, no doubt about it. My neck is still hurting.

VOID/Forbidden Morals (Shadow Kingdom Records)

This is some wicked technical thrash like Toxik and a mix of Mercyful Fate at times, too. It is quite awesome, and the singer has a strong set of lungs, and he uses them quite well on this, and his voice gets the music perfectly too. The music, while technical, doesn’t fly over your head, which I loved. The music is also fast and powerful, and I love the sound the band have and the production is right on the money. One of the best releases of the year in my book.

JESTER MAJESTY/Infinite Measure, Finite Existence (Xtreem Music)

What a fantastic and mind-blowing release this is. This band mixes prog, thrash and death metal into one ball and the results are unreal. Wicked and catchy tunes that won’t fly over your head, either. The music will suck you in and not let you go, I can tell you that. The vocals are more in the death metal vein, and the music is a mix of thrash and prog with some touches of death metal. The songs are so damn strong, I loved this 30 seconds in. The music is so famn catchy, and it is fresh too. Easily one of the best releases I have heard this year.

FERETRO/The Mortuary Destiny Of Flesh (Nihilistic Holocaust)

Some decent, well-played death metal here. Vocals that reminded me of John from Obituary, which isn’t a bad thing. The music is cool death metal played with speed and power, and some great riffing. The music is a mix of speed and slower, doomy-like parts. I also liked the wicked guitar sound on this, and the production is right where it needs to be. A band to check out for sure.

WYLD TIMES/Infernal Possession (Self Released)

Some decent thrash metal that sounds like Toxic Holocaust at times. Simple, but effective thrash metal riffs are a highlight with some gruff thrashy vocals. Production is right on the money, allowing everything to shine, especially that thrashy guitar sound. I am a sucker fr good riffs, and this release had me banging my head at times, I can tell you that. Check out the video and then the band:

DARK ANGEL/Extinction Level Event (Reversed Records)

I was looking forward to reviewing this as D.A. Is one of my favourite bands from back in the day. Now, while this isn’t “Darkness Descends”, it is nowhere near as bad as I had been reading about. To me, this is bone-crushing thrash played at a speedy style at times, and the music is pretty damn good to my ears. The singer Ron Rinehart, who is back for round 2 with the band, also sounds pretty damn good to my ears. I enjoyed this comeback album, and it is bone-crushing thrash all the way.

ADUANTEN/Apocryphal Verse (Nameless Grave Records)

Some tasteful and powerful death metal on this release. Fast, furious and powerful is what you will find on this. Vocals from hell, too. I like that this isn’t typical death metal and that the band have their own sound. Riffs that are catchy and heavy as fuck and memorable as well. There is value for a death metal fan on this

For sure.

HYDRA VEIN/Perpetual Violence Machine (Iron Shield Records)

Nice, fast and aggressive thrash metal with a great and wicked guitar sound that I loved. Love the power and speed in these tunes as well. Solid thrash vocals too, they are aggressive but not tough guy crap, and fit the music well. Production is on the money, and this is thrash metal played and performed well.

FATAL EMBRACE/Seventh Sadistic Serenade (Iron Shield Records)

This band has been around since 1993, and this is their 1st release in over 6 years. This is absolute crushing old school thrash with tons of chunky and catchy riffs that are played with speed and power. Fantastic vocals as the singer screams his head off with fury and passion. I loved every second of this. The money production allows everything to flow freely, and the power and speed of this won me over in seconds. Classic thrash all the way. Love this.

FIMBUL WINTER/What Once Was (Self-Released)

Some kick ass melodic Swedish death metal with some great sounding death metal vocals. Chunky, death metal riffs fill the air, and they are both heavy and catchy. Yes, this band isn’t super fast within their music, but I loved it. Catchy tunes and still heavy as fuck, and not to mention awesome death metal vocals. Great production to boot as well. This isn’t your typical generic let’s sound likean  Entombed death metal band, and the horns are up for that. Great job on this.

EVILCULT/Triumph Of Evil (Awakening Records)

This band play old school speedy thrash, and it is pretty good as the razor sharp riffs had me nodding my head. The vocals are growls and shrieks, and the shrieks remind me of John from Raven at times. The production is good and solid, and it allows those razor-sharp riffs to come into play, as that is what will suck you into this if you’re an old school fan like myself. This will take you back, I assure you.

MOTORHEAD/The Manticore Tapes (BMG)

This is a long-lost recorded Motorhead record from August of 1976 and has the famous line-up of Lemmy, Fast Eddie Clarke, and Phil Taylor. Even back then, you can hear that explosive Lemmy bass sound and this is a damn solid release. You can already hear that Motorhead sound on this. Deluxe LP throws in an extra show from 1977 and a 7” 2-song live show as well. The band are nasty and dirty rock n roll back then, and this is something any Motorhead fan needs big time.

BLOOD DESECRATION/Demonvangelist (Self Released)

I love the music on this as it is a speedy blast of prime death metal. The vocals are hit and miss with me. I am not a fan of the screechy screams that some bands have within their vocals, and this had some. When the guy sings in a death metal style, I love it, but the screams and screeches I did not like. The songs are fast, pounding death metal tunes with a nice, thick, solid production. This was hit and miss with me.

MURDERESS/Time To Kill. Vol II (Electric Funeral Records)

This was a death metal band from Brazil, and they are pretty good. Not a typical band, and they play fast, speedy death metal that I enjoyed. Singer is good, as well as the growls, which come out non-generic-sounding. Cool guitar sound as well, and production was on the money as well.

CAESAREAN/Wretched Decrepitude (H.P.G.D.)

Sick, punishing death, grind, and thrash all mixed into one. This shit is powerful and will crush the weak. I love the guitar sound and the songs just totally crushed. Excellent death metal style vocals, and I can just hear the singer totally getting into it as he growls away. Love the speed and intensity on this and the feeling the band ooze out as well. Excellent release.

DETERIOROT/Awakening (Xtreem Music)

This band has been around for a long time, and they are back with a fantastic new release. A total onslaught of old school death metal that will please any fan of real death metal. Some of the most savage riffs and vocals from hell and speed, and power with intensity to match. This blew me away completely. This is a death metal release that belongs in every fan of death metal’s collection. That unreal guitar sound owns me! An instant classic this is. Easily a top 5 release of the year for me.

KAIVS/After The Flesh (Brutal Records)

Crushing and pounding death metal in the Swedish death metal vein. Those riffs just slice through me, and I was playing air guitar before long. Solid death metal growls as well. I am a sucker for a good riff, and this had lots on the release. Production is on the money, and if you liked say Entombed, you’ll love this band as well. Good job on this, guys.

KINGDOM/Primaeval Cult Of Strength In The Womb Of Suffer (Osmose Productions)

This was fast and brutal death metal, but it didn’t catch on with me. Just sounds like any other fast death metal band making the rounds these days. The singer was probably the best part of the band as he growls out the words with passion big time. The band are just kinda there and doesn’t do anything to separate themselves from the back, I’m afraid.

IMPERATIVE MUSIC AGENCY/Music Compilation Vol 19 (Imperative Music Agency)

20 different bands on this, and the only one I ever heard of was Kerry King, whose song is ripping thrash metal. As with all comps, there is good and bad, and this had mostly good, as I enjoyed the thrash sounds of Black, Scars of Atrophy, and the metal sounds of Phantom Power. These comps are always cool to check out because you get to hear many new bands and some you will probably become a fan of, so check this out for sure.

PERCUSSOR/Remnants Of Horror (H.P.G.D.)

Some total kick ass old school death metal with tons of crippling riffs, excellent vocals and some nice speed and power behind the riffs. Catchy as hell too. Love the guitar sound they have, and the speed and power will blow you away. Nice thick production on this as well, and everything just sounds perfect on this. Great and solid release of old school death metal.

DREAMLORD/Artificial Imprisonment (Wormholedeath)

Some ass-kicking power metal with some great vocals to boot. Very catchy tunes that I was into within seconds of this playing. Solid production and that guitar crunch won me over big time. I am a sucker for a good riff, and this release had them all over the place. Memorable tunes that you nor I nor you will soon forget, I assure you. This is a release that is a must-have for sure.

PANDEMIC OUTBREAK/Torment Beyond Comprehension (Godz of War Productions)

Some nice choppy hard-hitting thrash with some death metal mixed in. I like the cool guitar sound the band uses, and the vocals are in the death metal vein, and for me, the combo works. The music hits hard and fast, and I liked it big time. Nice thick production, and when you write memorable songs such as on this release, I take notice. Very cool band here for sure.

CONDITION CRITICAL/Degeneration Chamber (Self Released)

Some nice, hard-hitting NJ thrash here. No groove metal crap, just speedy old school thrash that hits hard and hits often. Crunching riffs with some wicked speed had me smiling. Nice solid guitar crunch and production on this. Strong vocals, too, as they are aggressive and nasty and hit right along with the music. Nice to see some ass-kickin’ NJ thras

ETERNAL RETURNS/Let There Be Sin (Brutal Records)

This just didn’t really catch my ear. Same ole heard it so many times before death metal. It just kinda stood there and didn’t suck, but it wasn’t anything special either. Typical growl vocals that were nothing special either. Just another faceless death metal band in an overcrowded underground.

APOCALYPTIC SOCIETY/Instinctual Self-Slaughter (Self Released)

Some progressive death metal is the ticket on this release, and it is pretty good. The songs didn’t fly over my head, and the riffs and song structures were good and solid. The singer has his death metal growls down, and he sounds great on this. The music is fast and aggressive as well, and I was digging this. Check these guys out for something fresh.

DYING REMAINS/Merciless Suffering (Maggot Stomp)

I detect a huge Obituary influence with this band, not that it is a bad thing. Brutal crunching riffs, along with some death metal growls, are a highlight on this. The band have lots of slower, crunchy parts and mixes in some speed at times to make things flow rather well. The thick, crunchy riffs will make any death metal fan happy, and the production is right on the money as well. Cool stuff on this

ANITY’S RAGE/The Dead Don’t Run (Self Released)

Good, solid, nicely played thrash metal on this with some solid vocals to boot. Riffs are catchy and easy to get into, and no groove either. Thrash played the way it should be. Production is nice and thick, and this is another solid thrash band that is making the rounds these days. Check ’em out.

RAVAGER/From Us With Hate (Iron Shield Records)

Oh, this deadly thrash metal rolls on. This is a total speedy, thrash metal assault with tons of crushing riffs and power behind them. The singer is great as well, as he belts out the lyrics with plenty of aggression and feeling. If you love early Testament, Havok, etc, you will go bonkers over this, and it totally kills. Thrash at its best for sure.

PUTREVORE/Unending Rotting Cycle (Xtreem Music)

This may not be original, but it is so crushing and brutal, I can’t help but love the damn thing. Some of the sickest death metal vocals alongside some crushing, low-tuned death metal riffs make for a punishing combo not to be missed. I love the ultra-thick guitar sound, and the production is right on the money. This will punish and hurt you. This is the reason I love death metal, when it is played right, and this is played right. A nice mix of mid-paced and faster stuff, too. If you crave bands like Immolation and Incantation, this is right up your alley. A must-have for any death metal fan.

TRISKELYON/Maelstrom of Chaos” (Moribund Records)

This is this band’s 4th release, and it has some good and bad things about it. The music is decent thrash, but the vocals are terrible. I hate the clean vocals they use at times, and the singer. I was not a fan of his vocals. I thought they were weak and out of place on this. The music is thrash, and they aren’t a typical band, as I thought they had a kind of progressive edge to them at times. The tunes are speedy and heavy, but the vocals just bring this down for me, I’m afraid.

CARNAGE INC/Same (Self Released)

Some ass-kickin’ straight-forward no frills thrash with plenty of ass-kickin’ riffs, speed, and power behind it. Solid vocals behind the music with a nice production as well. I am a sucker for a good riff, and this has tons of them here, and the tunes are justas  catchy as hell. This is thrash played the right way, too.

COMPULSED/Amalgamated Anguish (Iron Fortress)

While this band is far from original, I thought this was pretty good. A total old Suffocation sound with plenty of choppy riffs and low vocals. The vocals aren’t so low that they are generic and stupid. The riffing and songs are pretty solid as well, and don’t sound like a wall of noise. Vocals are low, but not super low to the point of sounding stupid. A good production also helps out this band. If you love Suffocation, Internal Bleeding, etc, you’ll want this for sure.

CHUFFED/Demo 2025 (Self Released)

A very cool one-man band is what we have here. Down and dirty speedy death metal with some nice choppy riffing, along with some tasteful speed and John Tardy-like vocals at times. Production is solid for a demo as well. The songs don’t sound like a million other bands, which is a plus. This will please any fan of death metal, I assure you of that.

SCARS/Topic (????)

Some nice tasteful death metal here. The music is catchy and heavy, and the singer has a good voice that fits the music quite well. Production on this is solid as well. The songs don’t all sound the same, which was a plus. This band has been around for over a decade, and they are still kicking ass, let me tell you, and this was my 1st time hearing them, and I liked what I heard. Check out their YouTube channel below:

FUNERAL VOMIT/Upheaval Of Necromancy (Xtreem Music)

While this is far from original, it is still enjoyable. Sick, low-tuned death metal in the vein of bands like Autopsy and Mortician. Thick riffs with low death metal vocals and the speedy parts I love. Throw in some slow, doomy parts, and you’ve got a nice mix here. Good for what it is, for sure.

WAR GRAVE/Free Will (Self Released)

A smart label will snatch up these metal monsters ASAP. This was a pure ass-kicking delight to listen to. Pure heavy metal verging on power metal at times, with some fantastic vocals. The singer really gets into it and sings the tunes with a ton of feeling and passion. Awesome, catchy as hell tunes that are big time memorable as well. Production is on the money, and this is just a brilliant release. I don’t see these guys being unsigned for long.

ETERNAL RETURNS/Let There Be Sin (Brutal Records)

Some nice death/thrash metal here with plenty of catchy, chunky riffing and death metal growls that had me smiling. The band mixes up the speed and power, and the songs are catchy and memorable, too. Nice thick production, and I liked the guitar sound and what the band was doing. No Pantera-like thrash, either. Just the best of both worlds of death and thrash metal, and they combine the styles quite well. I liked this.

CENTINEX/With Guts And Glory (Black Lion Records)

This veteran band returns with their 12th release! This was some pretty cool stuff in my book. Solid death metal vocals for sure. The music is death metal, but played with some melodic parts at times, and that is ok as the songs just kicked ass. Very catchy and powerful at the same time. Great riffing had me into this big time. The band did a great job on this for sure.

PLAGUE PIT/A Whispered Curse (Road To Masochist)

This was nothing special, death metal. Sounds like 100’s of other bands playing death metal. Nothing stood out or was special. The songs were just there. Low-tuned guitars and growl vocals. A mix of speed and slower parts. Nothing to separate themselves or make a dent with me.

VIOLENT TESTIMONY/Aggravate (H.P.D.G.)

This was like the above band in some ways. The music is just there, plain old nothing special death metal that gets old rather quickly. I was not a fan of the low growls mixed in with the screechy yelling vocals. I am not a fan of the screechy vocal style. I will say this, the band don’t sound like a million other bands, but the songs weren’t strong and interesting, and it didn’t keep me interested long, and I grew rather bored with this. Songs lacked that crushing punch in my ears.

DARAH/Holier Than Thou (Underground Syndicate Records)

While this band is not original at all, I liked them. The songs are solid, speedy death metal tunes with good death metal vocals with them. This isn’t far off from say Cannibal Corpse or Vader. The songs were powerful, catchy and most of all memorable. They kept my attention, and that’s the bottom line. Production was also solid, and when you write good, catchy riffs, you’re going to win me over as these guys did.

MORAL IMPLANT/Delusion (Caligari Records)

Same heard it a million times before death metal, but this wasn’t bad. Thick, chunky riffs and nice, speedy parts kept me interested. Production was also good, as were the vocals. Decent effort by these guys, and a sample track is below.

CRUEL BOMB/Same (Self Released)

Some wicked-sounding crossover thrash that I quite enjoyed. Think Municipal Waste and you will have an idea what these guys sound like. Crushing riffs and explosive vocals are a highlight on this. Songs that are catchy, heavy and speedy at times. A total crossover display all the way. Thick production, and these guys just nailed it on this release.

SANITY’S RAGE/The Dead Don’t Run (Self Released)

The band plays thrash metal, and I wished and needed more speed from this band. I hate mid-paced and slower thrash. This band has been around since 2002, and this is my 1st time hearing them. I need speed and violence, and this didn’t give it to me. I like the singer’s voice, and they have a good sound to them, but jam up the speed guys, that is what thrash is, at least to me and what it was back in the 80’s.

MORDETH/Hermetic Creation (Heavy Rock Records)

For a band that has been around for 37 years now, I expected some crushing, brutal, and unreal. What I got was a powerful slab of brutal death metal with some good vocals. Thick, chunky riffing and speed and power what a plenty on this. Production right on the money as this is some heavy as fuck music and I love the speed and power. Plus music and riffs that are memorable as well. A crushing release that deserves to be heard by all out there.

ANASARCA/Godmachine (Awakening Records)

While not original by any means and these days who is, this is a re-release of a release that came out in 1998. This band hits with their brand of death metal hard and speedy, just the way I like it. Choppy and wicked riffs fill the air along with some nice throaty death metal vocals that had me nodding right along with the music. Plenty of speed and power made this a re-release that I am glad is seeing the light of day again.

DEMIURGUS/Equilibrio (Awakening Records)

A nice mix of death and thrash on this, with death metal vocals like Chuck from Death. The music is catchy, fast, and memorable to these ears. The band mixed up the speed, which is nice, and this didn’t bore me at all. Nice production on this as well. A great blend of 2 styles that when done right can be great, but when done wrong, suck. This was done right for sure.

CHAINED TO THE DEAD/Something Happened On The Way To Hell (H.P.G.P.)

Not a fan of this. All we had was some chaotic, out-of-control death metal that went nowhere, with a singer just yelling/growling into the mic with just a bunch of nothing to it. Not impressed at all.

BURNING DEATH/Same (Caligari Records)

A complete onslaught of brutal fast thrash metal that had me grinning from ear to ear. Catchy as fuck riffs, along with a fantastic production and vocals, made this a thrash metal attack nobody can miss. This is fast, powerful, brutal and is old school thrash all the way.

NECRONOMICON/Revenge Of The Beast (Total Metal Records)

This is the 1st re-release by this label of the 6 albums released by this band. This one came out 25 years ago and is some raging German thrash. Crippling riffing and awesome vocals had my head moving and feet tapping away at the crushing sounds of the band. The vocals have a bit of a punkish edge to them as well. Think Sodom when you listen to this, but they are not Sodom clones at all and have their own sound as well. Very cool to see this see the light of day again.

OWLS WOODS GRAVES/Strix (Malignant Voices)

Raw, stripped-down punk rock with some tasteful punk vocals thrown in. Plenty of up-tempo punk tunes with some catchy riffs as well, and plenty of power and speed behind them. Cool to see a band like this making the rounds these days, as not many of them are around. This was a pleasant and happy surprise.

CALCRAFT/Reborn Through Torture (Lifeforce Records)

Some cool crushing low-tuned death metal with a nice mix of speed and doom to it. Fantastic death metal vocals, and the production is on the money, too. Thick riffs haunt the air as the music plays on. Songs have catchy and memorable riffs, and I enjoyed this a lot, and you will too.

INFINITY DREAM/Silver Lining (Nameless Grave Records)

A band playing an NWOBHM style in 2025. Pretty cool, actually, in my book. The music is heavy and catchy, and the singer has a great set of pipes. The music sounds fresh and doesn’t sound like every generic underground band out there. This was a pure heavy metal delight.

TUMULO/Evangelho Do Canhoto (Caverna Abismal Records)

A simple, amazing slab of crushing, total old school death metal that will crush and destroy you. Vocals are a mix of death and black metal, and I love them sort of like Cronus from Venom. The music is totally out of control death metal with tons of feeling and passion, and the riffs and song structures own me. I felt like I was back in 1986 again. This is raw, unpolished and one of the best releases of the year, bar none. Get it.

FIMBUL WINTER/What Once Was (Self-Released)

Nothing caught my ear with this death metal act, as the music was generic and went nowhere fast. No catchy riffs or memorable music, along with boring growled vocals. This band should work on their writing skills, and next release, come out with a monster release.

WOUNDED IN FOREST/Antihuman Artist (Inverse Records)

This was more of the same as the above band, as this band also play generic death metal with nothing memorable on it, I’m afraid. The vocals are even worse, as those generic screams need to go. The music is a mix of slower and faster stuff, but there was nothing on this that kept my attention at all.

ALAMON/Primitive Infernal (Self Released)

While not breaking any new ground, this is some wicked and crushing death metal. A nice mix of doomy parts and speedy parts. Love the death metal vocals as well. Sings with passion and feeling. The music is a total old school death metal onslaught that my ears liked, and they deliver the goods. Nice guitar sound and production as well. A band to be checked out for sure.

GHOULHOUSE/Realm Of Ghouls (H.P.D.G.)

Some crushing Swedish death metal with bits of grind thrown in the mix. I love the guitar sound, it’s heavy as fuck, and the riffs are catchy and memorable as well. Good, solid death metal singer as well. Production is right on the money, and this just plain rules. Old school Swedish death metal that doesn’t let up, and I loved this. Well worth checking out.

HARVESTED/Dysthymia (Self Released)

The ass-kicking death metal releases go onward. This is chunky, fast-filled death metal with tons of speed and power and solid death metal vocals behind it. The thick riffs and pounding drums won me over in no time. Songs that are catchy and memorable as well.

This is a must for any death metal fan. Video link below:

HETEROPSYE/Embalming (Caligari Records)

While far from original, this was some decent death metal. Swedish style forms of death metal are on this, with some nice spots of up-tempo speed at times. The vocals were hit and miss with me, as sometimes he goes off the beaten path with some of his growls, and for me, I just didn’t like it. Luckily, it didn’t happen often. The production is good, and if you love the Swedish style, you’ll love this.

BLOOD SKY/MMXXV (Self Released)

This is a project of sorts between Michael Mills, who handles the lead and back vocals and Richard Moseley, who handles all the instruments and provides backing vocals as well. What you get is a fantastic blend of power metal with tons of catchy riffs and great, powerful vocals that are sung with plenty of passion and feeling. This is on the melodic side at times, and I don’t care because when music is this good, I don’t care what genre it is in. This will suck you in and not let you out till the last note. Just terrific songs, singing, and production. If you say, like Helloween, you will do backflips over this. Awesome release for sure, and I loved it. Video track link below:

SUMMONING HELLGATES/Spear Of Conquest (Osmose Productions)

A blistering assault of powerful, speedy death metal that should not be missed. Great death metal vocals sung with feeling, passion, and anger. The music is fast and pounding, but not noisy. Just a complete assault on your ears and is vicious, the way death metal should be. Think Angelcorpse is what vein this band plays in. This is just an attack on your senses, and I love it. Death metal, the way it should be.

MASS STRANGULATION/The Red Tip Massacre (Sign Of Evil Productions)

This was a 3-track EP by this death metal band. Nothing on this really floored me, as it was just another fast, faceless death metal band making the rounds. They don’t suck, but nothing on this had me standing up to take notice. The songs are just straightforward death metal tunes with nothing special to them, with an average growl singer. Need to work on creating some more memorable tunes next time, guys.

DIVINI SAN/Dreamlike Tales (Self Released)

This was a pretty cool prog metal band with some good, catchy and memorable music attached to the band. Singer has a solid voice as he belts out the tunes with fury and passion. The band also mix in touches and pieces of death metal in the mix as well. Production is thick and heavy, and I like the guitar sound as well. The music didn’t fly over my head as some prob bands do, and I enjoyed this.

TAEDIFER/Indivinus (Archaic Sound)

Another faceless death metal band that uses the Swedish death metal sound and sounds like an Entombed or Dismember clone. The production is good, and the singer has a good voice and all, but this is just a rehash of the 1000’s of other Swedish death metal-sounding bands before these guys.

TRISKELYON/Maelstrom Of Chaos (Moribund Records)

This was a cool mix of speedy old school thrash and some melodic metal parts thrown in. Love the singer, he has a fantastic voice, and he fits right in with the music. His voice is powerful as well. Catchy as fuck riffing and the speed and power behind it won me over instantly. This is the way it should be, and with the mix and touches of melodic parts made this stand out even more. You will be banging your head in no time.

MORAL IMPLANT/Delusion (Caligari Records)

Simple, balls-to-the-wall crushing death metal that gets the job done along with some impressive vocals to boot. Love the thick guitar sound and the riffs and speed sucked me right in, along with the crushing vocals. Perfect production for a band like this, raw and massive guitar sound. Songs that were memorable as well. This packed a wallop.

UNCHURCH/Same (Chaos Records)

Pretty decent death metal band, and I hear an old Morbid Angel influence popping out as this played on, which is not a bad thing. The band at least doesn’t sound like the tons of Cannibal Corpse Jr bands out there. The music is solid and fast and keeps that old school feel, and the singer has a good growl death metal voice as well. The songs are strong ,as is the production too. A solid death metal release all the way, love the guitar sound on this it crushes.

BLOODTRUTH/Execration (Selfmadegod Records)

This is some decent death metal, but it just sounds like so many other death metal bands making the sounds these days. Fast, speedy songs with typical death metal-like vocals. This didn’t suck, but there was nothing that blew me away or made me stand up and take notice. This band was just kind of there, and I hated the death metal screeches they did at times. This was just “ok” in my book.

STAR.GATE/The Moment Of Time (Steel Gallery Records)

Some tasteful power metal with powerful clean vocals that sounded perfect for what this band is doing. The singer has a fantastic voice, and he sings the songs with feeling and passion. The songs are good and solid power metal numbers that are catchy as hell, too. Rapid-fire riffing, along with those melodic sounds just sucked me right in and kept me there. Solid power metal outfit that did not leave me bored at all.

BLOOD OF THE WOLF/V: Indomitable (H.P.G.D.)

Just total brutality from the music to the vocals. Rip-roaring riffing along with some of the best vocals of the year. An intense release of fast death metal that hits home and hits home a lot. Love the guitar sound on this, and the vocals are an A plus as well. Fantastic production to boot, and this is just prime death metal that any fan of the genre would love, as did I. A band worth checking out big time.

BORN DIVIDED/Chronicle Of A Shipwreck (Self Released)

This was some melodic death metal, and I was quite impressed with it except for the clean vocals the band uses. The songs are catchy and still retain the death metal sound, and they are catchy and memorable as well. The music never went over my head, either. I was playing air guitar quite often to this.

DOGS IN CHARGE/Self-Titled (Self-Released)

This was like an alternative rock/metal band with a killer bass sound. The band has a weird and cool sound at the same time. They are very different from most of the stuff I get to review. The keyboards are perfectly placed on this, too. I don’t mind prog metal as long as the music doesn’t go over my head, and with this band, it didn’t. The singer has a solid voice, and he sings with passion and fits right in with what the band is doing musically. I got a Soundgarden vibe at times from these guys. I liked it, and they did a good job on this.

CARNAL SAVAGERY/Crypt Of Decay (Moribund Records)

A ripping and savage display of speedy death metal that I quite enjoyed. Ripping riffs and intense speed and power, along with a singer sporting a nice set of death metal pipes, made for a great release to my ears. Loved the guitar sound and the production just tore through me as well. Songs that you will remember for sure. Pick this up.

DEMONIC RAGE/Desecration Rites (Nihilistic Holocaust)

This will bring you back to the early days of death metal. Think Morbid Angel, Incantation, etc. Sick, punishing riffs with some solid death metal vocals had me enjoying this very much. It also has that old-school production, which was a plus for me. This is old school all the way, and the band does slow it down at times to let you catch your breath, and then it is back to crushing and destroying you with their brand of death metal. While this is by no means original, it more than gets the job done, and any fan of old school death metal or who was around back in the late 80’s/early 90’s will love this as much as I.

KILLER WITCH/Palace Of The Dragon (Witches Brew)

Some nice tasteful straight forward metal that will get your fists banging in the name of metal. Straight ahead heavy metal with no nu metal or Hammerfall type of metal, either. Think Judas Priest or Saxon and bands of that nature. Songs are catchy and memorable, and you cap that with a fantastic singer, you’ve got a solid, excellent metal release. Singer sings with passion and fury on these songs, and this is heavy metal at its best.

SPIRIT OF REBELLION/Transcendent Chaos (CDN Records)

A total crushing display of powerful death metal. I love the speed and intensity this band displays. Riffs that stand out and will have your head moving in seconds. Perfect death metal vocals as he growls out the lyrics with total fury and passion. I love the production as it just destroys. If you love older Morbid Angel or the band Immolation, you will do backflips over this, as this is one devastating release of pure death metal.

INFESTATIO/Ethe:Real (Self Released)

Some nice, good, solid thrash by this band. Nice chunky and catchy riffs, along with some solid thrash metal vocals, made this a winner in my book. The music is heavy, and the band rely more on the riffing to be heavy than speed, but this works. This will have your head banging, and I loved the guitar sound and music just sucked me in as it was so damn catchy. Production is good and solid on this as well.

PYTHONIC/Decomposition (Self-Released)

Boring generic death metal is the ticket here. Non memorable songs with those annoying screeching vocals mixed in with low death metal vocals. This is such a generic style, it’s not funny. The music is just faceless deathcore that goes nowhere fast and sounds like every other band doing this style. Not good at all.

PHANTOM CORPORATION/Time And Tide (Supreme Chaos Records)

This is a sonic thrash attack with tons of riffs that will have your necks moving a million miles an hour. The vocals are more in the hardcore style, and it took me about 2 songs, but then I was along for the ride with them as well. This band just know how to write and play thrash the right way. The riffs are catchy as hell and are just so damn catchy that you will fall in love with this band instantly. Production is perfect, and everything is right where it needs to be. Thrash at its best here.

SUMMONING HELLGATE/Spear Of Conquest (Osmose Productions)

A crushing display of speedy death metal that hardly lets up on the brakes. Speedy, rip roaring riffs and pounding drums along with some awesome death metal vocals had me loving this. Perfect production as well. I could feel the power and the aggression as this played on. If you love a band like say Angelcorpse, you’ll love this. This is death metal at it’s finest.

SKY IN FLAMES/The Funeral Winds (Self Released)

This had its good and bad points. The good was that it was heavy as fuck and had some nice chunky riffing, and the music didn’t bore me. The production was also nice, and I liked the guitar sound. I didn’t like the clean singing parts through and keep in mind that is just me. The music is brutal and crushing, and I think most death metal fans would like this, as they do keep the clean singing to a minimum.

ELSINORE/7” (Caligari Records)

2 songs of some nice thrashing death metal with death metal-like vocals. 2 awesome speedy tunes that I totally got into. Catchy riffs big time, and fantastic vocals to boot. A total old school sound and production too. An incredible 7” and can’t wait for more.

DEATHRAISER/Forged In Hatred (Xtreem Music)

Some total unrelenting display of some furious thrash by this band. This is their 2nd release, and the 1st one was 15 years ago! The band just rip and tear it up with tons of aggression, speed and intensity to boot. Great vocals, too, and they fit the music as well. No groove in sight, which I loved. Think Exodus and Havok, you crazed motherfuckers. Great thrash release.

MONASTERY DEAD/Seeds Of Apostasy (Self Released)

Some fast and brutal death metal to crush your brains on this. The band mix up the speed with some slower parts to help you catch your breath. Vocals are solid growls of death, too. Production is nice and thick, and I love the guitar sound on this. Just an onslaught of intensity that will dull your senses. Good Job on this, guys.

THREE SIXES/Call Me The Devil (Self Released)

Some solid death metal with bits of groove to it, that I didn’t mind. Music is dark and heavy and powerful, too. I liked the guitar sound, and the tunes were catchy and memorable as well. Good singer as he belts out the tunes with feeling and emotion without coming across like one of those nu metal singers. Cool band here.

HARVESTED/Dysthymia (Self Released)

This was just a case of another faceless death metal band making the rounds, and they just sound like so many other bands. The music is just fast death metal with slower choppy parts that so many other bands do. The singer has the typical death metal growl voice and mixes it in with those annoying screeches that are so typical nowadays. Sorry, this was just a case of heard it all before and then some.

TEUTONIC SLAUGHTER/Cheap Food (Self Released)

Some decent razor-sharp fast thrash that got a little old at times because the songs all kind too similar to each other. Death Angel and Havok came to mind as this played on. There is no Pantera sounds or crap like this on this. It’s old school thrash played and delivered the right way. The band just need to work on their songs next time a bit, but for now, this was cool.

BRAHMASHIRAS/Trinitite (Caligari Records)

Some terrible death metal that goes nowhere fast. The music is pointless and not memorable at all. Just a complete mess. Singer is ok as he growls and screams out the tunes. The music just had no value, at least to me. Hey, you can scream the entire release, so don’t just take my word for it.

TWISTED SISTER/Rock N Roll Saviours-The Early Years (Live) (Cleopatra Records)

I loved early Twisted Sister, so this release was right up my alley, and this was from 1979. Some songs I had never heard, and others that would appear on their debut album  “Under The Blade”. This release was from a show the band did in Detroit, and they are on fire. Great sound on this, and the band sounds tight and 15 tunes on here to sink your death into. If you like T.S. This is easily a must. The crowd is hot too.

DIAVOLA/Without Judgement (Self Released)

Some decent death metal with some groove to it, but it doesn’t get too annoying. The music is hard hitting and pounding and I like the singer as he growls the lyrics with a feeling and passion. They add a bit of progression to their sound as well, which works for them. Production is nice and everything flows well. Not bad at all and they don’t sound like a million other bands as well.

KRUSHOR/Taste Of Hatred (Inverse Records)

Wasn’t into this much as this band had that groovy thrash sound like Pantera, and I am not into that style at all. Singer wasn’t very impressive, either, as all he did was just growl out the lyrics without much feeling or passion to my ears. This is modern groovy thrash metal and just not my thing.

TUMULO/Evangelho Do Canhoto (Caverna Abismal Records)

An unreal display of crushing old school death metal with some thrash in the mix. Think Venom, Celtic Frost, Sarcofago, and bands of that nature. Total feeling and power, and this blasted I was loving it. The music just has such power behind it, and the emotion just knocked me for a loop. Great production giving us the old school 80’s vibes of years past. The singer is great as he belts out the lyrics with passion and fury, and he fits right in too. Fantastic release all around.

KOSUKE HASHIDA/Moment Of Silence (H.P.G.D)

Solid, speedy death metal that hits home hard. Good, solid songs with a goofy death metal singer who fits in perfectly with the style the band is playing. I love the speed and energy this band has on this release, too. Production is right on the money, too. A damn good release.

HELLWALKER/Reincarnation (Rotem Records)

This was ok death metal. The music didn’t blow me away, nor did it suck. I liked the chainsaw-sounding death metal riffs. The music was a mix of slower and some fast parts too. Wasn’t a big fan of the singer as he just had that generic-sounding death metal voice, and I felt he brought the band down. The production is good and all, but the singer just didn’t do it for me, I’m afraid, didn’t feel the passion and emotion with his vocal delivery.

THALIDOMIDE/Le Retour A La Barbarie (Adipocere Records)

This band has been around since 1992, and they sent me over their latest release to review. I didn’t like it at all, I’m afraid. The songs weren’t good, nothing catchy about the music, and the clean vocal lines didn’t help matter much. The singer wasn’t bad as he has a nice, solid death metal voice. The band also aren’t generic in style; it’s just that the music is there, and there is nothing memorable about it in my book. Check out their Bandcamp and make up your own opinion.

CHUFFED/Demo 2025 (Smashed Wrist Recordings)

A wicked release of death metal mixed in with some grind, and I love the guitar sound, it’s that sludgy sound, and it fits in perfectly here. Great death metal growls, as well as the singer fits in so well. Solid production to boot on this. Songs are memorable and catchy as well. A band to check out, no doubt. Info:

BRICK SHOT/Same (Self Released)

Some serious, hard-hitting hardcore on this release. This took me back to the 80’s when I was really getting into hardcore and the crossover scene. This is not some fake or wanna-be hardcore band. This is the real deal. Fantastic vocals that fit the music perfectly. Hard-hitting tunes that just rip, and the production is right on the money, too. No nu metal crap, this is hardcore, real hardcore, all the way. Info:

TAEDIFER/Indivinus (Archaic Sound)

Some nice swedish sounding death metal with some solid death metal vocals and crushing riffs and song structures that more than kept me happy. Songs that I was playing air guitar to and nodding my head along to as well. Thick production allows everything to flow freely ,and this is prime time death metal played the right and most powerful way.

PHANTOM WITCH/Forced To Worship (Self-Released)

This is some new Bay Area thrash. They aren’t very good, unfortunately. The songs lack that killer crunch, and while the songs are played in the early thrash metal vein, the songs weren’t strong, the riffs weren’t very catchy, and the music just became kinda “blah”. The singer wasn’t bad, but the music is lacking big time on this, I’m afraid.

BLOODRUNNER/Same (Self-Released)

Ah, some wicked sounding thrash, with that crunch and speed and also memorable tunes that had me smiling and playing air guitar. Great sounding tunes on this, and I also liked the singer as well. Strong set of lungs and very aggressive, too. This is how I like my thrash: speedy, powerful, and catchy. This just totally ripped and shredded big time. Seek these guys out. Info:

BENEFACTOR DECEASE/Abnormal Attachments (Xtreem Music)

Some decent, speedy thrash metal that at times felt like Iron Maiden playing speed metal. The riffs and songs were decent and didn’t bore me. The singer, I didn’t like some of his screams at times, but that is just because I am not a fan of the screaming style. The production is good, and they play thrash the right way, so check ’em out, ok.

BUDDAH/Amyotrophy (Godz Of War)

Some punishing death metal on this release. Speed and power, and a singer who growls with feeling on this. They don’t sound like a million other bands, so that is a plus as well. I like the guitar sound and the song structures on this, too. Not your run-of-the-mill death metal band here, that’s for sure. Good stuff. Info:

AGAINST I/Anti Life ( Twisted Flesh Recordings)

Boring as hell death metal with touches of black metal, with some of the vocals. The music is very bland, and nothing stood out of excited me. Just basic riffing that was not catchy at all, and the music just kind of stood there with no direction. Nothing good on this at all. Info:

ALTARED STATES/Borrowed Time (Self Released)

Some cool thrash with plenty of catchy hooks and power behind the music and vocals as well. The vocals are melodic at times, but they fit the music, so I didn’t mind. Music is pure thrash with some great song structures and sounds to boot. A solid production, and a good guitar sound to boot. Get this. Info:

MOONCHAPEL/Three Faced Trinity For A Two-Faced World (H.P.G.D.)

Sick, raw, uncompromising death metal with some black metal thrown in the mix. Crushing riffs and sick, low death metal vocals are the ticket, and it’s a ride you won’t want to get off of. The songs are fuckin great, and they just display a feeling of emotion and power that I loved within minutes. It’s dark, dirty, fast and uncompromising. A release not to be missed, I assure you. Info:

DIATRIBES/Degenerate (Brutal Records)

Some cool death metal on this release. Fast and powerful with some catchy and memorable riffing and plenty of power and feeling in the songs. I loved the guitar sound and the band have some serious crunching riffs that any death metal fan would enjoy. Vocals are great as he belts out the tunes with passion in that voice. Solid release by these guys.

BEYOND THE PALE/Monument In Time (Black Metal Archives)

Typical, generic death/thrash metal. The songs lack any substance, and the riffing and song structures were god-awful. The vocals are the worst as he does those annoying death metal growls a lot, and when he is just singing, that was terrible, too. No feeling or emotion at all. This was pretty bad. Nothing good on this at all.

VANISHMENT/And Now We Die (M-Theory Audio)

Some ass-kickin’ thrash metal with a mix of Judas Priest sounds. Quality tunes with riffs that are memorable and catchy, too. Songs are powerful, as is the singer with his fantastic voice, singing the songs with feeling and passion. This band have the perfect blend of metal and thrash, and I love the guitar sound as well. A release not to miss for sure.

DEHYDRATED/(Compilation): Victims: Over 30 Years Of Sickness (Paragon Records)

This is a double CD of almost all their music. It starts off with their 2025 EP, and then the 2019 EP and the 2017 full-length. Disc 2 has their debut full-length from 1997, a split from 1994 and their demo from 1992. The band play straight forward brutal death metal that any fan of the genre, I think, would enjoy. The music is catchy, fast, and straight-ahead full-blown death metal. Production for the most part is good too, and for a band to be around 30 years and still delivering the goods as these guys do says something. Very cool to see something like this see the light of day.

RIKET/Same (Black Lion Records)

Some crushing and heavy thrash metal mixed in with some heavy metal. The songs were catchy and memorable, and fast at times, too. Vocals were a bit in the death metal style, and that was ok as they didn’t sound out of place, and he sang the songs with feeling and passion. Love the guitar sound, thick chunky riffs that had my head moving. Good release.

MOLLY HATCHET/Southern Rock Masters (Cleopatra Records)

Cool release of some great cover tunes done by M.H., “The Boys Are Back in Town”, Tumbling Dice”, to name a few, some re-done Hatchet tunes “Dreams I’ll Never See”, and some live tracks “Whiskey Man” “, Beatin The Odds”, “Flirtin With Disaster”, among others. I have always been a big fan of this band, and they show me again why with this release. Southern Rock lives on big time with this release.

EVIL DAMN/Eons Of Horror 12” (Hells Headbangers)

A crushing display of great death metal with hints of black metal and riffs and vocals from hell. Music is fast and furious just the way I like it. This is old school all the way, and the production is right on the money, too. Think Anglecorpse if I had to name a band, but this band has their own way of doing things. I totally lay to waste the weak for sure. This crushes.

INVICTUS/Nocturnal Visions (Memento Mori/Me Saco Un Ojo)

Some wicked and punishing death metal from Japan. Fast and furious and non-relenting, I quite enjoyed this. Not your typical death metal band, either. A sick, heavy as fuck guitar sound with riffs that are catchy and memorable, along with some speed to go with it. Solid death metal vocals, too. A band to check out for sure.