Chris Forbes’s Metal Reviews #23

Wow, we are in the middle of 2026 already, and the releases keep coming and coming.

Tear It Down: How Crossover Bridged Metal and Hardcore Punk by Alex Anesiadis (Book Review)

This is an incredible book about the whole crossover scene that took place in the late 80’s. The book is over 600 pages and doesn’t just cover the big-name bands like Agnostic Front, The Cromags, The Crumbsuckers, Sick of it All, Black Flag, Ludichrist, Gang Green, Dr. Know, D.R.I, SOD, MOD, etc. There are some thrash bands like Hirax, Whiplash, Slaughter, Nuclear Assault, etc. But this guy finds and interviews demo bands like Lethal Aggression (who rule), Deadspot, Hogans Heroes, etc. There are literally 100’s of band interviews, and some I had never heard of. It’s crazy how he managed to track these bands down. The crossover scene was incredible, and I saw many shows back then, and yes, I did go in the mosh pits back then. One crazy show was Venom/Black Flag/and Overkill all on the same bill at City Gardens, in Trenton, NJ. This book brought back a ton of memories and is written so damn well it’s not funny. It easily gets a 10 out of 10 from me and is absolutely a must-read. Info:

https://www.earthislandbooks.com/product-page/tear-it-down-how-crossover-bridged-metal-and-hardcore-punk-by-alex-anesiadis

STYGIAN MIND/The Fear Machine (Old Metal Records and Settle For It Records)

Oh, some pure classic 80’s like metal in the vein of Judas Priest and King Diamond. Some nice, tasteful and powerful vocals from the singer Joe Silver. The music is heavy as fuck and will pound and own you, I assure you. Classic metal riffing that will have your head moving and songs that stick in your brain and stay there. Nice solid production too. Finally, nice to hear a metal band playing pure heavy metal and not nu metal or some other crap. Info:

https://stygianmind.hearnow.com/thefearmachine

DEATHWARDS/In Deathlore 2017-2019 (Sepulchral Voice)

This is a best of, of sorts, from this band which had stuff released on Invictus Productions on tape format. This is classic, ripping, take-no-prisoners thrash/death metal. Think early Master, Morbid Angel, Incubus and the like. Fast and furious riffing that more than gets the job done. Fantastic vocals that fit right in with the music. This is a perfect mix of early thrash and death metal, and prepare to get your doors blown off as this shit hits hard and hits often. The riffing is so on fire, and the speed and intensity will make you think it is 1987 again. The cover of Infernal Majesty’s “Overlord” rules. This is fantastic that this label put all their music on one disc to enjoy. A must-have. Info:

http://www.facebook.com/SepulchralVoiceRecords

GOUGE/Pure Deathfuck (Hells Headbangers)

A pure, raw as fuck, chainsaw-pounding old school death metal like it was in the 80’s and early 90’s. Takes me back to my demo-getting days when I was doing Metal Core. Sick vocals from hell. I could feel the hatred pour out as he screamed the lyrics out. Music is mostly fast and raw death metal with some breaks here and there. Prepare to get crushed listening to this, I assure you. Info:

https://www.hellsheadbangers.com/

IMPERATHRON/Polemos Pater Panton (Caverna Abismal Records)

This just sounded like any other death metal band I have heard over the past 20 years and didn’t impress me much. Yes, the music is fast and furious, but it sounds the same as 1000’s of other bands, and it just gets old rather quickly. Same tired riffing and vocals made for a boring and generic release. Not good at all. Info:

https://www.cavernaabismal.com/

VOIDMAKER/A Cold, Unyielding Universe (Witches Brew Records)

Some pretty decent, fast thrash with some death metal-style vocals thrown in the mix. Wicked riffing and plenty of speed and power will make this a release thrash fans will eat up. Production is fantastic, and the guitar sound rules on this as I was sucked right in. Vocals are more on the death metal side, but aren’t like deep growls of death. This just has tons of catchy riffing that you won’t be able to stop listening to, trust me. The power behind the riffs is second to none, and this is just a fantastic release and well worth checking out. Info:

https://witchesbrew.eu/en

DESOLUS/Dwellers of the Twilight Void (Hells Headbangers)

Ripping old school thrash in the vein of early Kreator and Sodom. Just razor-sharp riffs with plenty of speed and intensity to boot. Pure screamy thrash metal vocals that fit right in with the music. The production is total old school sounding, and the singer is a mix of Mille and Don Doty; I love it. The songs are memorable and catchy and fast as fuck. This band crushes the weak for sure. Info:

http://www.hellsheadbangers.com

HELHEIM/Yersinia Pestis (Nomad Snakepit Productions)

I am not a big fan of keyboards in my metal, but this was ok for me. This was a mix of death and a bit of black metal with some wild vocals to boot. This originally came out in 2003 and now sees a re-release via this label. This is a vinyl-only re-release, and prepare for some fucked up punishing death/black metal all the way. Vocals sound like a man dying, and the music is out of control and wild too. Glad to hear it doesn’t sound like every band out there, and I don’t remember from back in 2003. It’s out of control and awaits your ears to check out. The keyboard parts work too for this band. I enjoyed this. Info:

https://nomadsnakepit.bandcamp.com/

BREEDING CHAOS/Distant Planets (Great Dane Records)

This is a re-release of a release that came out in 2024. This should have stayed unreleased. Bland, the music is terrible and generic. The singing is awful, and the songs have no feeling or power beyond them. The music is faceless, and there is just nothing to get excited about when it is playing. Not for me at all. Info:

https://greatdanerecords.bandcamp.com/album/distant-planets

APOGEAN/Waste Where Life Begins (The Artisan Era)

Horrible death metal that goes nowhere fast. Boring tunes that aren’t catchy and are just bland. The singer has a terrible voice, and he adds nothing to the music. The songs don’t come out and crush you and will bore you big time. Not for me. Info:

https://www.theartisanera.com/

ALTARED SATES/Last Rites (Self-Released)

Some decent thrash metal here. Solid riffing and vocals won me over. Good production and guitar sound, which is a must for me with my thrash bands. It reminded me of Raven if they played thrash metal at times. This is fast and powerful with good production and solid hooks that kept me interested. I liked it. Info:

https://altaredstates.bandcamp.com/album/last-rites

DRAGSHOLM/From The Bloodlines Of Bram (H.P.G.D.)

Straightforward, no-frills death metal that pounds and crushes. Vicious vocals, which I like, along with some ass-kicking death metal with catchy and memorable riffing to boot. Nice thick production as well, and this is a death metal feast you’ll want to get your hands on. Info:

http://www.horrorpaingoredeath.com

SIEGE PERILOUS/Becoming The Dragon (Self-Released)

This was weak power metal with nothing catchy music-wise. The songs fell flat and didn’t have anything in them to make me stand up and take notice. The singer wasn’t bad, but the music was just faceless and had no identity, at least to my ears. I was waiting for that killer riff, and it never came. Info:

https://siegemetal.bandcamp.com/album/becoming-the-dragon

MEGASCAVENGER/Toxic Noxious Undeath (Xtreem Music)

1st release in 6 years for this death metal band, and it is quite a release. Tons of catchy as hell Swedish death metal riffs along with some awesome vocals on this as well. Solid production and a nice mix of mid-paced and faster material. Different singers on each track, including Kam Lee. This is the brainchild of Rogga Johansson (guitars), who has been in lots of bands over the years. This is a death metal masterpiece as far as I’m concerned. Flawless in every way. Info:

https://www.xtreemmusic.com/

SHROUD/Pax Nocturna (Self Released)

Some nice thrash with plenty of fury and speed beyond it. Rip-roaring riffs that will have your neck moving, I assure you. Vicious vocals also work here as they fit the music rather well. Production is good and solid, and those thrashy riffs just ripped my soul apart and in two. With thrash, for me it is the riffs, the speed and intensity, and this had it all. This will just pound you into the ground, showing little or no mercy. Thrash crushes. Info:

https://shroudmtl.bandcamp.com/album/pax-nocturna

MARTYRS SAINT/From Strength To Strength (Self Released)

Horrible groove jump nu metal with the tough guy vocals. It isn’t even good groove metal. Songs are weak and terrible and not good at all. Singer is worthless, and his voice is so generic it’s not funny. No thanks. Info:

https://martyrssaint.bandcamp.com/merch

RUYNED/Profanum Sacrificium (Osmose Productions)

A crushing display of speed metal with brutal and crushing riffs that brought me back to the mid 80’s. The razor-sharp riffing is spot on and catchy as hell. Vocals are awesome and fit in with the music perfectly. Each track will have you playing air guitar or banging your head big time. This was when 80’s speed and thrash ruled the world. Info:

https://osmoseproductions.bandcamp.com/album/profanum-sacrificium

ATOMIC AGGRESSOR/The Occult Forces (Hells Headbangers)

This band started in 1989 in Chile and released 2 demos before breaking up. They reformed in 2007 and released a split 7” in 2013 and a full-length in 2014. Well, the band is back with their 2nd full-length, and it is an old school thrash/death metal masterpiece. Think old Death mixed in with old Kreator and Sodom. Vocals are violent and deadly and fit right in with the music. The songs are speedy, fast and violent, and the riffs are catchy as hell too. Production is right on the money as everything sounds perfect to my ears. This is a soundtrack to your old school death/thrash ears, dammit.

NECROMONGER/Emanation Of The Dying Perceptions (Xtreem Music)

Sick, low-tuned down death metal with a nice mix of slow and faster parts. Vocals are low and powerful and fit right along with the music. Production is good and solid, and this is so powerful shit I must say. The crushing riffs will have you on your knees. Love the guitar sound as well. This is some serious death metal. If you like bands such as, say, Autopsy, you’ll love this.

GRIM LEGION/Harbingers Of Death (H.P.G.D.)

While not original, this band offer up a vicious blend of fast and powerful death metal with plenty of wicked riffs, speedy parts and even some slower parts at times to keep you on your toes. Vocals are spot-on great death metal style, and the production is good too, and everything flows perfectly. Straightforward, no-frills death metal that gets the job done and then some. Solid effort. Info:

http://www.horrorpaingoredeath.com

DEAD TREE SEEDS/Toxic Thoughts (Self Released)

This is actually a re-release, as this came out 2 years ago. This band plays Bay Area-style thrash with some vicious riffs and plenty of power and speed beyond them. Think Exodus and Testament. I loved the riffs as they had me banging my head and playing air guitar. Vocals are nice and solid, and the production is spot on. Just a pure and solid thrash metal release and NO groove or any of that crap either. Info:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_pmuhv_JlAuTk3dMZHIZqQ

IRON KINGDOM/Shadows and Dust (Steel Shark Records)

A straightforward metal band is what we have here. Strong and catchy tunes with a high-pitched singer in the Halford vein. He has a nice set of pipes and really lets loose on this. This is a pure metal band, and they write and play some killer metal music. This will take you back to the days before thrash, and it’s not a bad thing, I can tell you that. A proud metal band, so get up your studded wrist and raise it high and give these guys a listen. Info:

https://iron-kingdom.bandcamp.com/music

VELTHARION/Black Hole’s Dance (Self-Released)

This is a death/black metal band, and I would say they lean way more towards the death metal side of things with hints of black metal. Strong songs that are catchy, heavy and fast, as I found the riffing very memorable to my ears. The vocals are death metal in style and are good and solid and fit the music as well. Production is also solid, and overall this is just one excellent release of underground metal that hits hard and fast and home. Absolutely check out these guys. Info:

https://sanguefrioproducoes.com/artistas/VELTHARION/135

MANGLED RECREMENT/Demo (Caligari Records)

While this is far from original, this band deliver a nasty brand of speedy death metal. Great death metal vocals as well. I love the guitar sound they have, and the riffing will just slice right through you. The band slow it down in parts to give you a rest and then turn up the speed and intensity to fry your brain. Production is not overproduced, as I like my death metal raw, and that is exactly what this is. Check out the sample track below, and further info is below that. Sample track link:

http://caligarirecords.bandcamp.com/album/demo-22

More info:

https://caligarirecords.bandcamp.com/

LOMOR/Sabouk Rouge (Rockshot Records)

This was some decent Bay Area-style thrash, but I absolutely hated the drum sounds, especially double bass parts. Yuk. The music was decent enough, as Testament and Exodus came to mind as it played on. The singer has a good, solid aggressive style that fits in with the music. Production is good and solid, and the band play straight forward thrash, none of this Pantera nonsense.

Video link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSBEQJOr754

Label info:

https://rockshots.eu/products/lomor-sabouk-rouge-cd

EYES OUT/Satiate The Blade (H.P.G.D.)

This is along the lines of crossover, and I was smiling ear to ear as this played on. I was heavily into the crossover scene back in the day (I’m 61), and this band just brought back some fantastic memories from those days. They blend a nice mix of metal and hardcore with hardcore-like vocals. The music is a metal/punk mix with lots of catchy and memorable riffs sure to stir pits up. They also don’t sound like every band on the planet, which helps out big time. They just have a nasty, raw, punk/metal sound to them and give these guys a listen and I think you’ll become a fan like me. Info:

https://hpgd.bandcamp.com/album/satiate-the-blade

ECAPEINOUT/The Age of Collapse

As Above, So Below (Brutal Records). I didn’t find this all that good or exciting. The riffs and music were generic and boring and didn’t have anything to it that made me stand up and notice. I felt the songs just dragged with nothing to them. The singer was terrible as well, just another faceless death metal singer that I have heard 100’s of times before. Nothing good on this, I’m afraid. Info:

https://orcd.co/brut89680

BEWITCHED/Diabolical Death Mass (Osmose Productions)

Yes, yes yes. This is the band’s 1st release since 2006, and it is quite a good one. This is crushing raw black/thrash with tons of classic hooks, speed and melody, and vocals to suck you right in and not let go. I was into this big time by song 2, as this band just grabbed me right away with their wicked and catchy riffs, the music style, and the singer, plus the production is perfect. A total blast of old school thrash mixed in with bits and pieces of black metal, and the sound and feeling the band get is 2nd to none. Easily one of the best releases I have heard this year. Get this and let them suck you in deep.

W RAMIONACH WIEDZ MY/Wywar (Self Released)

Some decent thrash with some solid playing and catchy tunes played with power and a deadly crunch. This is old school thrash and not Pantera crap. This is 80’s-like thrash with a screaming but powerful singer, whose voice fits the music. The band doesn’t have a typical sound, so that worked for me. They sounded like older Sepultura at times. I wish there was a bit more speed at times because I like my thrash speedy, but this band was still good nevertheless. Info:

https://www.facebook.com/WRamionachWiedzmy

CORROSIVE NAILS/Fragments Of A Broken Faith (Self-Released)

This band mix death metal with a bit of thrash at times. The vocals are death metal and are really good as the singer belts out the lyrics with feeling and passion. The music is a mix of slower and faster stuff, with some of the slower stuff having a thrash metal feel. The more up-tempo stuff is death metal all the way. Nice guitar sound the band has, and the tunes are memorable and not generic at all. A cool release that should be looked into. Some solid crushing music on this. Info:

https://www.facebook.com/corrosivenails/

MANGLED CARPENTER/Between Blood And Silence (Rottweiler Records and Broken Curfew Records)

Some god-awful death metal with programmed drums and some of the worst vocals I have heard this year. Those screeches he does are so annoying and generic it isn’t funny. The music is just regular generic death metal with nothing of value. The guy should lose the screeches, as his death metal voice isn’t too bad, but when he bursts into those screeches he loses me. Also lose the programmed drums, and maybe the band wouldn’t be too bad, but for now they are plain awful. Info:

https://www.rottweilerrecords.com/

DIABOLIC OATH/Unholy Barbaric Hymns (Sentient Ruin)

Some sick and raw death/black metal that hits hard and hits with power. A rip-roaring affair of fast and speedy death/black metal with the perfect mix of death metal vocals with some black metal-style ones thrown in the mix. The music is old school death metal, and the riffs will tear through you, and the speed and intensity will destroy you. This band doesn’t play around. This is an all-out attack, and the wicked old school death metal riffs and music owned me. I love the sound and production too. Fantastic vocals as he sings the song with fury and passion. One of the best releases of the year so far. Info:

https://sentientruin.com/

FOURNIER/Same (Caligari Records)

Crushing death metal that I quite enjoyed. Old school death metal like Immolation or Incantation with some fantastic low-sounding death metal. The guitar sound crushes and the production is right on the money. With death metal for me, it is either you got it, or you don’t, and this band has it. Heavy, crunchy riffs and a nice mix of speed and slower parts won me over in no time. Solid death metal release for sure. Info:

Sample track:

http://caligarirecords.bandcamp.com/album/demo-21

XZANTHUS/World Of Misery: The Demo Anthology (1988-1991) (Divebomb Records)

This band released 5 demos during their existence, and there is some ass-kickin ' thrash on this. Band trouble is when you go through 3 singers, and also thrash was starting to fade from popularity around this time. The 1st singer reminds me of Dave Mustaine voicewise, and the music is classic Bay Area thrash with those bone-crushing riffs and power that had me moving my head rather quickly. Singer # 2 reminded me a bit of Russ from Forbidden. Singer # 3 also has a solid set of pipes. The band, through their career, played bone crunching straight forward thrash, and it is great that this is seeing the light of day through Divebomb. Any thrash fan will eat this up for sure, as did I. Info:

https://www.divebombrecords.com/

ORLOKS PLAGUE/Grisly Hallucinations 7” (Driftline Distribution)

2 crushing old school death metal tunes with sick riffs, nasty vocals, and a nice mix of mid-paced and speedy parts. Just a pure death metal delight, and those vocals own me. Such passion and feeling in that death metal voice. The production is perfect and allows everything to flow freely. A full-length is in the works, and I can’t wait to hear it. This is a studio-based product of musicians, and that is amazing as well. Get this for sure. Info:

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579258615556

PHANTOM CORPORATION/CATBREATH Commando/Die By The Claw (Split) (Supreme Chaos Records)

Phantom Corporation are up first on this split, and to me they are just another faceless death metal band with non-memorable tunes and a not-so-good singer. He just growls out the words with no passion or feeling, and I couldn’t get into the band at all. Catbreath are up next and play a solid brand of death metal with some speed and intensity. Great riffs and a solid singer made this a band I was into. The riffs and songs are memorable, and a nice guitar sound and production to boot. Catbreath made this split worth something. Info:

http://www.supremechaos.com

ICON OF EVIL/Locust Cathedral (Selfmadegod Records)

Some rip-roaring death metal from this Polish bunch. Nice fast and furious riffing and plenty of speed, which is right up my alley. Production is good and solid, and the only thing I didn’t like was the screams used here and there; otherwise, the vocals were just fine. The band also do a nice cover tune of the song “Chain Reaction” by the band Amebix. Well worth checking out. Info:

https://selfmadegod-store.com/collections/icon-of-evil

FEBRUUS/Measures of Escalation (Transcending Obscurity)

This is some progressive death metal, and it isn’t bad, as it will take you on a rollercoaster ride of sorts. Yes, there is plenty of brutality and stuff, then at times they may throw a riff in here and there to keep you on your toes. It was a welcome change from all the straightforward death and thrash metal; I can tell you that. This band also makes it work, and nothing sounds forced or off the mark. Just prepare to be taken on a ride you may not want to get off. Production is crushing, as are the vocals. This rules. Oh, it’s all done by one person to top it off. Wow! Info:

https://tometal.com/

DESTRUCTOR/Tales of Glory (Shadow Kingdom)

Yes, this is that same Destructor from Ohio way back when, and this is the band’s 7th release, and it packs a wallop. This is classic power/thrash metal with heavy metal thrown in the blender as well. Songs are so fuckin heavy and catchy it isn’t funny. Singer Dave Overkill shines on this as his vocals are top-notch. Just 10 songs that will have your head banging till it falls off. This band is back and back in a big way. This simply rules. Sample track:

http://shadowkingdomrecords.bandcamp.com/album/tales-of-glory

Label info:

https://www.shadowkingdomrecords.com/

MARCHING OUT/Rock Will Never Die (Self Released)

This is straightforward ass-kickin ' rock'n ' roll with a singer who has one hell of a voice. The music is very catchy, and I easily got into it, and his voice just fit right in. Great production, and I don’t get to hear many rock/metal bands these days, and this brought me back to the 80’s for sure. Great tunes with incredible solos, and this was like a fantastic trip back in time. Info:

https://www.facebook.com/MARCHINGOUTFAN

ASGARD/Northland Pagan Storm (Black Metal Promotions)

I don’t get a lot of black metal to review, and to me this is nothing new I haven’t heard time and time again. The vocals are in the pure black metal style and aren’t bad, but the music is nothing special; it is ok, but there was nothing different or super exciting that made me jump out of my seat, so to speak. It didn’t suck, but wasn’t mind-blowing. The production is good and solid, and if you like a band such as Old Mans Child, you’ll love this. For me it was ok. Info:

https://asgard-canada.bandcamp.com/

WARTHRASH/No Light Shall Remain (Awakening Records)

Boring death metal with horrible vocals. The songs are flat as a pancake and go nowhere fast. They just drag along. The singer just growls and grunts with no emotion, and the songs just have nothing memorable about them at all. Not good at all. Info:

https://awakeningrecordscn.bandcamp.com/

ANGER WITHIN/Through The Eyes Of The Bedouin (Pavement Entertainment)

This was another boring release, and it was just like mindless thrash and not good thrash at all. Horrible, gruffy vocals and terrible tunes made for a not-so-good combo. No catchy or solid riffs, and the songs were flat and had no direction. Not a good release at all. Info:

https://www.pavementmusic.com/

ANATHEMMA/Bound By The Wicked (Self Released)

More boring thrash metal with no solid riffing nor solid songs. Just a bunch of mombo jumbo music thrown together with no catchy or memorable riffs, nor memorable songs. The music is just faceless and drags along with no end in sight. For thrash, you need that killer hook, and this lacked that. The singer was ok, but his voice doesn’t match the music in my book. Another generic bad band making the rounds. Info:

https://www.facebook.com/Anathemma0816

HEXORCIST/Crucificial Imprecations (Invictus Productions)

Fuck yeah, so bone-crushing death metal with brutal and catchy riffing. Plenty of power and speed and fantastic death metal vocals on top of it. Death metal the way it should sound, dammit. The brutality just crushed me, and the production is spot on as well. Classic death metal all the way with this. This destroys the weak; I can tell you that. One of the best releases of the year so far. Info:

https://invictusproductions.net/

ESCAPEINOUT/The Age Of Collapse

As Above, So Below (Brutal Records) So totally off the wall wicked death metal with some prog parts thrown in and I totally loved it. Nice low, throaty death metal vocals that are sung with passion and fit right in with the band’s style. The riffs are bone-crushing, catchy and just had me nodding along. Production is right on the money, and the keyboards, which are off in the background, work in perfectly, and this is just 100% brutality at its finest. It’s fresh too, and I loved this. Awesome job by these guys. Info:

https://brutalrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-age-of-collapse-as-above-so-below

DEAD SLEEP/Repulsion (Self Released)

This is a new EP by this band who play thrash metal and bits of death metal thrown in. Some nice and thrashy riffs easily won me over, and they aren’t a generic thrash band as they have their own sound too. I didn’t like the clean vocals at times, but that is me, as I am not a fan of clean vocals in my underground metal. The singer, who is female, sings in more of a death metal style than thrash, but it works as it didn’t sound out of place. The production is good and solid, and this is a good release overall, I must say. Info:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Cejh5unAfM0YK7nVQSYOj

ÄXE/Autogeddon (Caligari Records)

This is a speed metal attack with some punk-like vocals at times, along with death metal ones, and this is a total old school sonic attack. I felt like the late 80’s all over again. I love the guitar and bass sounds on this. Just crusty, nasty, and totally underground sounding. This band doesn’t let up in its attack throughout the 8 tunes, and you’ll be grinning from ear to ear listening to this. The singer screams and growls his head off, and the music just will have you in a tailspin. A total speed and vicious attack not to be missed. Sample track:

http://caligarirecords.bandcamp.com/album/autogeddon

RUYNED/Profanum Sacrificium (Osmose Productions)

A totally insane speed metal attack that blew me away. Sick and vicious as fuck vocals as well. The music is fast and chaotic and out of this world. Suck damn catchy riffing as well had me thinking I was back in 1986 or 1987. Those razor-like riffs just totally owned me, and I was banging my head like a madman as this played on. Think early Kreator at times. This is raw, unrelenting and a total pleasure to listen to, and you need this in your collection now, dammit. Info:

https://osmoseproductions-label.com/ruyned-profanum-sacrificium-cd-lp-mc-digital/

BLIND WATCHMAKER/Behold The Event Horizon (Self Released)

This one didn’t interest me much. I felt the songs lacked that killer hook or sound, as this just plodded along with little or no direction. This is a one-man band as Ray Howland does everything. I wasn’t a fan of the keyboards as they seemed to overshadow the music at times, and sorry to say, Ray doesn’t have a strong voice in my opinion. This came across as space metal at times, and it just didn’t click with me. Info:

https://blindwatchmaker1.bandcamp.com

HESPERIA/Picenum (True Marchigian Black Metal Renaissance) (Hammerheart Records)

Some really cool black metal on this release. Even with the songs being long, it didn’t bore me, and the riffs and song arrangements and structures did not bore me and were done really well. This is total straight forward black metal with twists and turns as well. The singer has the black metal voice sound pat, and they took me on a rollercoaster ride with slow parts, melodic parts, and speedy parts as well. The production was perfect as well, and this was a black metal release that deserves your attention. And this was a one-man band, which makes it even more amazing.

SOLYSTALGIA/Same (Nameless Grave Records)

Some total heart-crushing death/doom that will have you on your knees begging for mercy. The bone-crushing doom-like riffs, mixed in with death metal, will have you giving this band the horns up. Awesome vocals that fit the music perfectly, and the singer has passion and fury, and his voice just rules. Excellent production lets everything shine, and if you like a band like Disembowelment, you’ll go nuts over this. They did a great job on this, and this is death/doom at its finest in my book. Info:

https://namelessgraverecords.com/

SQUELCHING/Same (H.P.G.D.)

This band bring the hammer with them, and they don’t let up on these 14 tracks. Slow, punishing doom with faster death metal parts mixed in. The vocals were decent, although I am not the biggest fan of the lower-than-low growl vocals. I liked the guitar sound, as it was like a chainsaw, and the overall sound on this is total underground brutality. This apparently is a solo death metal project of sorts. They mix the 2 styles up rather nicely on this too.

FLESHCRAVE/Godhand (Self-Released)

Some decent death metal from India. The band have a pretty cool guitar sound to them, and they play fast at times as well as have some melodic parts. The singer is ok; he screams and growls his way through the tunes. He is not the best, but I have heard far worse over the years. The production is solid as well. During the melodic parts, I heard some thrashy sounds, but I liked it. Check em out:

https://fleshcrave.bandcamp.com/album/godhand-ep

DIVNI SAN/Dreamlike Tales (Self Released)

Some wicked heavy metal here, and by wicked I mean the guitar sound and the song arrangements. This is not your typical band here. This guitar sound just sucked me in by song # 2, and I was loving life. The band has just a tad of a progressive sound in their mix, and it works and also will show you this is not your typical band. I loved the singer; I was into his voice big time by line 3 of the 1st tune. Solid production allows everything to flow rather nicely, and each tune had its own identity. This is a kick ass band, and they deserve your attention. Info:

https://www.youtube.com/@divnisan

R.O.S.A./No Peace For You (This Charming Man Records)

Some beautiful and hard-hitting hardcore that knocked me for a loop like the old days. The bass sound on this is just totally crushing, and the speed and intensity on this just crush. The singer sings his ass off with such fury it’s not funny. The band do have a metal sound as well, and to me this would be like if Helmet played hardcore. This has such a vibe to it, and the songs will suck you in big time. Fantastic production and overall vibe on this. This crushed. Video link below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=it8CyqYsg2s

Ordering info:

https://thischarmingmanrecords.de/produkt/r-o-s-a-no-peace-for-you-col-lp/

LEGION OF DECADENCE/No Road Left to Burn (Self Released)

This is a heavy metal band from Canada, and you can throw some power metal in the mix as well. The songs are long, but are not boring at all, and the band come up with some fantastic riffing that had my head moving, and the songs are memorable too. Fantastic vocals that are sung with plenty of feeling and passion. A solid production on this just helps back up the music, and the damn tunes are so damn catchy it isn’t funny. A band well worth checking out for sure. Info:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0lckakpz2rQ5ZkvZY8RL2U

MOTÖRHEAD/Kiss Of Death 20th Anniversary Edition (BMG)

Damn, it has been 20 years already since this was originally released, and here it is in 2 LP form or 2 CD form (with 2 bonus tracks not on the LPs). In addition to the “Kiss of Death” release, you get a 2nd bonus LP/CD with a 12-song live set from 2007, and the band sounds tight and great as always. One of the bonus tracks is Motorhead doing “Whiplash” by Metallica, and they make it their own, and it sounds awesome. This is an awesome release bar none, and if you are a Motorhead fan, this is a must-have, and I’d grab the CD version as you get 2 bonus tracks. Info:

https://imotorhead.com/

MIND AFFLICTION/No Future, No Light (Via Nocturna)

This band hails from Krakow, and they return after a 10-year break to release this new album. It is a violent and furious attack of brutal and pounding fast death metal with tons of great riffs and fantastic vocals. They fit right along with what the band’s style is. Excellent production lets everything flow freely. Fantastic riffs that are catchy and memorable, and you back that up with crushing fast tunes. I was loving this. This is death metal played the right way, big time. Check out the video below as well as ordering info:

Video Music Track:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5BaBaxVhts

SNORLAX/Toxic Current (Avantgarde Music)

This is a one-man band, and he mixes mostly death metal with bits of grind and black metal. I didn’t think this was anything special, as the songs didn’t stand out and he sounded like a bunch of mombo/jumbo mostly. Nothing was memorable on this. The vocals are big-time buried, and they are sung in the back metal screechy vein, which to me takes away, not adds. He should just sing in a death metal style voice. The production is solid and good, but the songs all just sounded the same to these ears as well. Not a big fan of this, I’m afraid. Info:

https://snorlaxbm.bandcamp.com/album/toxic-current

SPIDERS/Crystal Eyes (Wild Kingdom Records)

This is decent rock n roll with a solid female singer. She really gets behind what she is singing, and the music is solid melodic rock'n ' roll with plenty of hooks. I like my music a bit heavier, but this was good and solid for what it is, and production is good as well. Info:

https://orcd.co/king140dig

DEATH METAL TRIBUTE TO OZZY/V/A (Death Metal Promotion)

This is easily one of the worst tribute releases I have ever heard in my life. These death metal bands totally butcher Ozzy and Black Sabbath tunes. Imperial Domain start with Mr Crowley and ruin the song, and the vocals are beyond bad. Hetrem ruin “Bark at the Moon” with some of the worst vocals and music. Roast Dead are the worst, and they destroy “Crazy Train” with some horrible playing and vocals to match. The guy just almost mutters into the mic with no feeling. Desekryptor destroy “Sabbath Bloody Sabbath” with vocals that need to be taken out in the trash, and they destroy the song too. OMG, this was just terrible. They could find some better quality bands, and there are 26 of them on this, and not one band does even a decent job on this. Horrible. Info:

https://deathmetalpromotion.bandcamp.com/

MOTHER OF MILLIONS/T (Vicisolum Production)

Some prog metal here, and it doesn’t go over your head. The band also has a solid singer, and he belts out the lyrics with feeling and passion. The music is just straightforward prog metal with keyboards. Solid catchy tunes, and some prog bands go over my head with their music, but not these guys. The tunes were solid and catchy and memorable, and when you throw in a fantastic singer, you've got yourselves a winner. Info:

https://orcd.co/vsp212

FROLIC/Legacies of Cybernetica (Hectic Records)

Some fast and furious thrash metal here. Vocals will remind you of Mille from Kreator, which isn’t a bad thing in my book. The music is fast and furious with a vicious twin guitar Bay Area thrash-like attack. The tunes are fast and catchy at the same time, which rules in my book. This is old school thrash too, no groove or nu metal or Pantera-like shit. This is thrash played the right way. Solid production too, and I love the guitar sound as well. Check these guys out. Info:

https://frolicbayarea.bandcamp.com/album/legacies-of-cybernetica

THE DUSKFALL/The Everlasting Shadows (The Circle Music)

Some crushing Swedish-sounding death metal with plenty of fire and intensity. That guitar sound melts me, and the songs and riffs are so damn catchy and heavy it’s not funny. The band also maintain some melody as well, which I didn’t mind at all. Good solid death metal vocals with this, as this easily won me over in no time. Solid production too. Info:

https://thecirclemusic.gr/

MAGEFA/Legion (Self-Released)

Some decent German death metal with bits of thrash metal thrown in the mix. The music is powerful and fast with some crushing riffs and a solid production. They also don’t sound like every other death metal band out there making the rounds out there. The vocals I didn’t love nor hate; I thought they were ok. It is nice to hear a band not trying to sound like Cannibal Corpse or Incantation or even Morbid Angel these days. Video link:

https://youtu.be/t7FEh833K6k?si=OtF9pl56N4_XxFNF

Band info:

https://www.magefa.com/

ECHOES OF A DYING WORLD/Revelations (Self-Released)

I found this to be rather boring as the songs were flat and not catchy and did nothing for me. The clean female vocals didn’t help either. The band have the Swedish guitar sound down pat, but the songs were neither catchy nor memorable and for me that made for not-so-good tunes. Throw in clean vocals, which I personally hate, you got a release that I don’t like, I’m afraid. Info:

https://echoesofadyingworld.bandcamp.com/album/tribulation

HEXORCIST/Crucificial Imprecations (Invictus Productions)

This was just some noisy, raw death metal with some not-so-good death metal on it. The tunes were everywhere and had no sense of direction and were not catchy or memorable at all. The vocals were just generic growls, and nothing on this stood out and made me stand up and take notice, I’m afraid. The songs lacked direction, and there was nothing that stood out for me at all, I’m afraid. Maybe next time. Info:

https://invictusproductions.net/

XENOS A.D./Reqviem For The Oppressor (Self Released)

The great thrash continues, and this was another with mighty speed, power and great catchy riffing that had me smiling from ear to ear. Powerful vocals fit right in with the music, and I felt like I was back in the 80’s was king. Fuckin riffs blew me away, and when you mix speed and power, you won me over in no time. This is a pure thrash metal delight, I assure you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0NFUXy28NA

Band info:

https://www.facebook.com/xenosa.d.thrash

ETHEREAL VOID/Primordial Dissonance​ (Spinebuster Entertainment)

Wasn’t feeling this one. From the horrible, almost machine-gun-sounding drums to the generic vocals, where the singer just growls and then screeches, and his delivery is totally generic. The songs, while fast, aren’t memorable at all, and this was just bad death metal as the songs lack that killer riffing and memorable riffing. Info:

​https://design.bandcamp.com/

TWIST OF FATE/Songs From The Attic (Steel Gallery Records)

Ok at best power metal with a decent guitar player (solos rock) and decent vocals that go well with the music. The music strays into the progressive field at times, which I’m not a big fan of personally. The production is nice and strong, and everything can be heard perfectly. If you like your power metal mixed in with some prog, you’ll like this band. Info:

Video clip:

https://youtu.be/K8m2RosCxYI

Ordering info:

https://steelgallery.com/metal-store/product/twist-of-fate-songs-from-the-attic-cd-pre-order/

PHANTOM CORPORATION/CATBREATH Split (Supreme Chaos Records)

Phantom Corporation start things off and deliver 5 tracks of blistering and powerful thrash metal with tons of catchy riffs and plenty of speed and power too. Vocals are sort of in the death/thrash style, and I love the production and guitar sound rules. I prefer my thrash fast, and this band does just that. Catbreath offer crossover speedy thrash with a nice cover of Exciter’s “Stand Up and Fight”. Production is good, and I also like Catbreath’s guitar sound and overall sound. This is a solid split with 2 good bands. Info:

https://supremechaos.com/

A TRIBUTE TO METALLICA/V/A (Antichrist Magazine)

The songs chosen were decent enough, but I had not heard any of the bands before, so I didn’t have high hopes and boy was I right. Soulbreaker ruin “Battery”, Morituri do a terrible version of “Fight Fire With Fire”, and Kerker ruin “Blackened. Pict destroy “For Whom The Bells Tolls”. This is as bad or not worse than the Ozzy tribute I reviewed above. Avoid like the plague.

​https://antichrist-magazine.bandcamp.com/music

PYROCLAST/Fractured State (Self Released)

Some solid pure heavy metal with some NWOBHM influences coming through now and then. The tunes are catchy as heavy and heavy too. Fantastic vocals to boot. Solid production, and this is heavy metal played well for sure. This was a very cool release and something fresh and different for my ears too. Info:

https://pyroclastrocks.bandcamp.com/

SIGYN/From Nation To Chaos (Noble Demon)

Horrible generic death metal with some of the worst vocals. The singer just growls and screeches like every other death metal singer, and I fuckin hate bands that use the screeching style. The music is pointless, groove-at-times death metal with boring and bad songs. Sorry, I was not into this whatsoever at all. Info:

https://sigynband.com/

VOLUBILIS/Theasterion (Self Released)

Oh, more bad death metal with those annoying screechy-style death metal vocals that just sound generic and awful; it’s not funny. The music is fast, but it is boring and not memorable at all. The songs just drag on with nothing catchy or good at all. The only thing good is that the production is solid, but this band need to work on their songwriting big time. Info:

https://volubilisband.bandcamp.com/album/theasterion

PUNGENT STENCH/Been Caught Buttering (Hammerheart Records)

This originally came out in 1991 and is now re-released with over 10 live tracks on it. This is prime Swedish-sounding death metal with just crushing riffs and powerful death metal vocals. Just listening to this brought back many memories, as death metal was in its prime back in 1991, and this release was great back then, and it is great now. Just listen to that guitar sound; it will have your head moving or air-guitaring. Vocals from hell and just power and intensity of this just rules. So great that Hammerheart decided to re-issue this and with all those bonus tracks too. This is a pure death metal delight. Info:

https://www.hammerheart.com

CAELESTIA/Revelations In Black (Eclipse Records)

Some cool and different death metal here. Songs that are heavy, powerful and speedy at times with some great death metal vocals. I could feel it as he was belting out the words. This is not your typical death metal band, which rules in my book. They have their own style to them, and the guitar sound I love it and couldn’t get enough. Solid production as well, and everything on this was just perfect. An A-plus release in my book. Info:

https://www.eclipserecords.com/

HORNS OF ABOMINATION/Same (Sentient Ruin)

This is some punishing raw as fuck death metal from this one-man-band wrecking crew. Vocals from hell are found on this. The music is raw, chainsaw-pounding death metal like a death metal demo from the 80’s! I feel like I am deep in a sewer as this plays on. This just oozes such a feeling; it’s not funny. Very cool release that brings me back to the old days. Info:

https://sentientruin.com/