Demoniac: Nube NegraOut 1st September on Edged Circle Productions Even the name “thrash” metal causes a problem. In its earliest phase, it was simply a stylistic divergence from heavy metal referred to as speed metal. Before commentators – not unreasonably – saw fit to delineate further this new trend (a Slayer from a Helloween for... Continue Reading →

Cvinger: Doctrines by the Figures of CrnobogOut 25th August on Nocturna Records Cvinger try to do a number of things almost immediately with this album. They want to maintain the liminal mysticism of classicist black metal via that oddly cloaked, veiled mix that makes the music feel once removed from our plain of reality. But... Continue Reading →

The lads chat Norwegian black metal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpPCZ1q4eEA

Ontological MysteriumOut 18th August on Season of Mist Philly content sifters descend with characteristically good timing for another trope dump of trending hashtags. A buffet of the hottest brands available on the metal market, duly homogenised and processed . With the release of ‘Ontological Mysterium’ – a title screaming pop philosophy non-speak – they at... Continue Reading →

Sleepwalker: SkopofoboexoskelettOut 4th August on Sentient Ruin Embourgeoisment continues apace. Another edict from the arthouse descends to mark extreme metal’s homework, finding its imagination wanting. Metalheads are once again told to get on board with a concoction of noise rock, jazz, and spiced up guitar leads lifted from blandist pseudo intellectual dad rockers in chief... Continue Reading →

Shadow LegionOut 9th August, self-released The arrival of Shadow Legion’s self-titled debut has prompted some to once again dig through the files on dark metal's patchy legacy. Despite the tag’s frugal elegance when taken against the clunkier but much more commonly used "death/black metal", “dark metal” has failed to gain any traction with the listening... Continue Reading →

VerminiscenceOut 28th July on XenoglossyDes Seraphins en HybrisOut 28th July on Xenoglossy Riff salad is a legacy term that sometimes gets thrown into conversation, and like much music criticism terminology, it tends to engender utter confusion. So for clarity, it’s usually deployed to refer to death metal (and occasionally thrash) of the more complex, one... Continue Reading →

Burning down but not out Underground culture sits on a foundation of voluntary participation. Metal has survived multiple heat deaths, blooms, and retractions over the years thanks to a core crowd of dedicated – and often unhealthily fanatical – underground activists. It’s participatory infrastructure arguably anticipated the online norms of today. The 24/7 engagement, the... Continue Reading →

Brian Malone is a true virtuoso in the realm of death metal, having previously led the renowned band Diabolic as its chief creative force. His exceptional guitar skills were instrumental in propelling Diabolic to commercial success. Currently, his musical journey continues with Shadow Legion, a new venture that showcases his virtuosity once again, encompassing a... Continue Reading →

A new album from a legacy acts always provides a good opportunity to take stock. Although it must be said that the rate at which older artists “return to form” or “carry the flame” with new material has created a glut of such opportunities lately. But exceptions must be made for a new Godflesh album.... Continue Reading →