Naglfar - Cerecloth

http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Swedish Black, Dissection

This release is a re-visitation of the "old" Naglfar via the 'Vittra' release with a little fine-tuning. The guitars are similar like in the past tremolo picking and a slight reverb upon the production the vocals are similar as well just darker I'd say. They're screaming vox but darker and dreary. It sets the tone on how the album is going to be like, especially on the production quality.

 

I don't agree that this album averages a moderate "65" rating I believe that it's top-notch. It stole me right away, and I liked it immediately. Especially the doom if there entails. There really aren't an overabundance of lead guitar work, just some. It weaved into the tremolo picking of the rhythm guitar.

They really did well on here, I mean so eerie and desolate are the guitar riffs with vocals accompanying the riffs making it so depressing. They really upped their game in the melancholic department, as most of their work has done. I'd say it's more morbid than 'Harvest.' The melodies flow in the depths of hell.

 

If you key into the production/mixing/sound departments, you'll hear that they wanted this to sound ultimately grueling.

 

I'm not much into the lyrical conceptions, I just care about the vocals and the music. I feel they're at a really strong point and that they are at the pinnacle of their melodic black metal. They are pretty much experts on how to make such good recordings in this genre, and I feel that they were undercut on the ratings. They really are sending home a message that they're not letting up in their intensity. And the tremolo picking is superb. There's a lot of it on here, not too many bouts of slower tempos, most of it is fast, I'm a huge fan of this band and rightfully so because they keep putting out songs/albums that grasp the listener with their immense intensity. Don't pass this one up!

 

The eerie sense of this release is all there, and they definitely upped their underground vibe that you can feel totally throughout! Check it out and see! (Death8699)

 

(Century Media - 2020)

Score: 76

 

https://centurymedia.bandcamp.com/album/cerecloth-24-bit-hd-audio

Skeletal Remains - Fragments of the Ageless

http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Brutal Death Metal

Heavily DEATH and OBITUARY influence like the previous recordings ('Devouring Mortality' & 'The Entombment of Chaos'), they have more of their own sound to them on this release. The vocals are a little bit different too, less echo and reverb, just a grueling sound. The last two releases have been solid, and this one is definitely another "winner" so to speak. The leads are chaotic, the rhythms are chunk filled, and the recording quality is top-notch. These guys put together one creative platter for us death metal fans to incorporate it. Take the last two releases, put them combined into two, and then you have this one ultimately creative. Also features a Hate Eternal cover song entitled "Messiah of Rage."

This release is pretty fast metal all in all and it's tight. This one is definitely a "screamer." They seemed to be on the cutting edge and more mature than the previous two releases. This one is another 45 minutes in length and by no means is it "boring." High energy and great riffs.

I'm not one into lyrics in metal, just as long as the music is good, and the production quality is awesome, then I'm totally locked in. Anyway, the whole bulk of this album is interesting when you pick apart the riffs. Very good musicianship all the way through!

I like the crunch tone guitar sound. And the leads are highly technical and a tad bit of reverb/delay on those navigating through the fretboard. The ultimate quality in sound, and the drums sound great. I dug this whole album, it was an entire masterpiece. Nothing to take away or add to it, the whole album is superb. I caught onto the fact that this album is utterly brutal. They really seem not only to be maturing, but also taking death metal to new heights. I would say that they're constantly maturing. They're taking it a step more brutal each succeeding release. And the guitars are done with ultimate precision! These native Californians sure as hell upped the brutality and are coming into their own, especially on here! (Death8699)

(Century Media - 2024)
Score: 80

https://centurymedia.bandcamp.com/album/fragments-of-the-ageless-24-bit-hd-audio

Insomnium - Anno 1696

http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Melo Death

Good release, I'm just having some animosity with the vocals, not so much the music. So instead of a top rating, I docked some points away because I didn't care for the voice on this album. It usually contains a barometer into my writing up on the band. Sure the intensity is there, I suppose it's an acquired taste as to how much I'd like to enjoy most of this. The screaming is all right, just sort of growing on me, I suppose. I do think that the music is critical here, and in retrospect I think it's definitely the driving force to this album. They sure are an intense band that bring about their all influences, be it At The Gates, or bands within the melodic death arena.

Solid recording. No complaints there really, and it seems like the more I hear of the vocals, I like them in small increments. The vocals and guitars I think are the segue into a solid release that this album is and therefore accepting the most good out of it, I must do!

Mixing was also good, and if you notice that they've signed with a major label (Century Media). That got them deep into some fame that they must take home and the band shall flourish in this genre. They are by no means as good as say Arch Enemy's old work but maybe that's a band that's more established since they've been around in the metal world since '96, Arch Enemy that is. These guys are not from Sweden though, they're from a Finnish act. They definitely got some good positive ratings on this one, and rightfully so! The music takes everything away. They kind of make me think of Children of Bodom as well, in the vein of Hatecrew Death Roll'.

Love the melodic guitar, and the leads are pretty decent! Overall, this album (for me) went from when I first heard it as a maybe 75 or 70 rating to 80. The experimenting was all there and the moods with the guitars are ever so wicked. They're not totally in your face melodic death. They're pretty experimental in sounds, and it fits the mood if you're heavy into melodic death like I am. Definitely one of the top releases in 2023.

If you have a way to get a song or two to take a listen to, I think it's the best idea as to see if they're going to be on your radar. Check them out, melodic death freaks, or just lovers of extreme metal! (Death8699)

(Century Media - 2023)
Score: 80

https://centurymedia.bandcamp.com/album/anno-1696

Napalm Death - Time Waits For No Slave

BACK IN TIME:
http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Grind

It's sad to say that the grindcore days are over. But at least Napalm Death is still making music, even though it's totally different from what they began as. 'Time Waits For No Slave' is a good illustration where they're coming to two genres, death metal and some grind. It's odd because I was so used to the Mick Harris blast beats from the six years that he was with the band. But Danny is an OK replacement. This album is heavy, but the tempo changes are evident and totally there, but the blasting is limited. The production quality is a little raw, but OK. I liked the whole album. I thought that, at least for death metal fans, this is a good one.

The guitars aren't riffing too fast. That intensity is gone, but at least the music sounds good. It's a shame that they lost Jesse. I think he was a big influence on the band, being that he was with Terrorizer in the early days. I guess when Mick left the band, that was the end of the real extreme days. I felt that he was the best grindcore drum in existence. Danny is good, especially on here. It seems as though he's matured behind the set and is more comfortable being alongside this band. It's amazing that they've been around since 1981. I was 5 when they formed! Anyway, it's difficult to pinpoint specific highlights on here, just that some tracks are fast then they completely chill out.

I like the variety on this release, it can get really intense. Their newer stuff is LOUD. Meaning their latest release. This album is one of their longer releases, it clocks in at about 50+ minutes. It's worth listening to, but it just takes some getting used to. If you're expecting Napalm Death of the old, it's sad, but they're not really doing it. This release I'd say in the death metal genre is solid. I actually decided to order the CD. I know that this album is outdated, and they're working on new material. I just thought that I'd write about it anyway. Even if it is an older Napalm Death release.

Saying farewell to Jesse and the departed members of the earlier Napalm. It's a good line-up still, and there literally are no leads on this album. It's just all rhythms, which is why I like the album. Jesse was more solid in the lead department, but Mitch has constructed some pretty good riffs. They're diverse and that's what makes the album interesting to listen to. I know earlier it sounded as though I wanted old ND back, but that just isn't going to happen. What they evolved to is something totally different. A lot of their albums post-Mick are strictly death metal, except 'Utopia Banished'. But that one wasn't very good in my opinion. (Death8699)

(Century Media Records - 2009/2021)
Score: 70

https://centurymedia.bandcamp.com/album/time-waits-for-no-slave 

Vital Remains - Icons of Evil

BACK IN TIME:
http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Brutal Death

It's a toss-up for me, either 'Dechristianize' or this one 'Icons of Evil'. I don't pay attention to anyone else's reviews, so there is no influence on scores or review material latched onto. I think 'Icons of Evil' is a little less raw and I favored it a bit more than the predecessor, it was a little more death metal oriented too. I like a bit of the guitar harmonics as well. Glen sounds like he does on later Deicide releases. A little monotonous but that's alright. It fit well with the music and lyrical topics (since he is a Satanist). I enjoyed the whole album, just didn't key into the lyrics since they're not my cup of tea.

A long album, but that's a little atypical of death metal releases. The average is about 30–45 minutes, this one is over 60 minutes! I thought that it was good, though they spent a while with the songwriting. And I liked the guitars, not so much the leads, just the rhythms and harmonics (like I mentioned). Brutal music, but I thought better than the earlier Vital Remains. Too raw for me, not 'Dechristianize' but their earlier work. Wasn't a big fan of the earlier stuff. They have not released an album since this one, but they're still active. I'm not sure when they're going to come out with new music but this one and 'Dechristianize' I'll settle with.

The production was top-notch I believe thanks to Erik Rutan who's now in Cannibal Corpse replacing Pat O'Brien. I'm not sure if there are any original members left of the original band. They've gone through so many line-up changes! And even though they're continuing on the Satanic route sort of death metal they could sure put out something of the "newer" sound for the band. We'll have to wait and see. I don't think Glen is going to do any more guest lead vocals since he's still tied up with Deicide. But I'll be watching for that, and he did a great job filling in with the time that he had with the band.

I had to order these CDs from eBay ('Dechristianize' and 'Icons of Evil'). They (to me) were worth ordering. Even if it is the only two that I'll ever own of the band. Don't expect anything utter than brutal death metal with a tinge of melodic work from those albums and this one even more brutal. Both 'Dechristianize' and 'Icons of Evil' are some of my favorite death metal albums of all time. I'm glad that I took the time to wait and see how they were on Spotify before purchasing both. I collect CD's so these two are greatly precious to me. Let's just not get into the lyrical concepts! Long live Vital Remains! (Death8699)

(Century Media/Osmose Productions - 2007/2022)
Score: 80

https://centurymedia.bandcamp.com/album/icons-of-evil

Krisiun - Ageless Venomous

BACK IN TIME:
http://www.secret-face.com/

#PER CHI AMA: Death Metal

‘Ageless Venomous’ is a milestone. This is second to ‘Conquerors…’, a previous release that was impeccable. This one is right there too. Amazing death metal from Brazilian natives. They’ve had a great career and are still making good music. Definitely one of their best. The songs are so catchy. Moyses shows that he could still shred. This release was from 22 years ago... still is a classic. I’m surprised it took me so long to review this. I’m glad that I am now. This is death metal supreme. This one has bonus tracks that I have. Good the whole way through impeccable as I say. These guys have been around for over 30 years. I still don’t think they get the recognition they deserve and touring with top bands in the genre.

The sound quality on here was good. Top notch. How long is the recording though is the question really! The songs are really well composed. They have some great riffs on here. On all the tracks though, not just some. I really enjoy this album immensely! It’s one that I can jam over and over. It doesn’t get old. They put together some spotless riffs and Alex is great on vocals. The drums are good too. There’s more variety on this one than ‘Conquerors'. It’s not just blast beating. A lot of double bass. Sounds kick ass.

These guys are brilliant songwriters. Their new one is really good too. They are kind of like veterans now, but they’re still going strong. I didn’t really get into the early material just ‘Conquerors’ onward. I’ve had a great career so far I just wish they had a bigger fan base. I will always support this band.

These guys have some more albums to put out. And they just had a most recent one released this year. You can download this one on Spotify or listent to on YouTube but I bought the CD. As usual, of course. This is to show support for the band, pick this up. If you haven’t already heard this the music on here is fantastic. They just smoke. Check it out! (Death8699)

(Century Media Records/Svart Records - 2001/2022)
Score: 80

https://www.facebook.com/krisiun.official/

Old Man's Child - Ill-Natured Spiritual Invasion

BACK IN TIME:
http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Symph Black

I don't think this album is "boring" at all. Sure maybe to other critics but not to me. I thought that this was a total monument. Such a great follow-up from 'The Pagan Prosperity'. It has better music and production quality. I liked the songs on here more than their predecessor. The vocals are still solid on here matches up with the music. Kind of guttural Galder but still GOOD! He's done great things for his project here. I think maybe nowadays he's spending too much time in Dimmu Borgir where he should be capitalizing with this project. Dimmu hasn't had a good album since maybe 'In Sorte Diaboli'. On here, he dominates on all instruments!

Every song is good and they are somewhat lengthy. But that's good, he has so much to offer musically. A true legend in every respect. I like his vocals too they're dark and the screams are totally fathomable. He really topped his musicianship on here. I think that this is one of his best releases out of all of them. The music, the production, sound quality, vocals and overall effort was ingenious. This guy knows exactly how to make music that's within a somewhat dying genre: melodic black metal. Naglar is tops on their genre like this one. But I like Old Man's Child more. They aren't all about speed.

This album is super catchy. I liked every single song on here but just to give you an idea, here's some: "Towards Eternity", "Demoniacal Possession" and  "My Evil Revelations." These are just to give you an idea of what this album is like. He has such catchy capabilities on this release. I think more so than 'The Pagan Prosperity', he just stepped it up a notch and the fact that the sound quality is much better he had it made on here. No need to criticize the album and coin it as "boring." He did a great job on the songwriting and overall musicianship. Totally dominated!

Check out those songs or the other tracks too and see what you think. This album was recorded about 25 years ago and still holds weight in the best albums category. Galder has spent a lot of time with Dimmu and I think that if Old Man's Child is still active he should release a new album. Dimmu hasn't done many good albums for a long while. He should take a step back from them and record an album with this project! He founded this band and has shown us his amazing talent on all instruments not to mention vocals that totally crush! He tears it all up on here. Have a listen! (Death8699)

 

(Century Media/Cosmic Key Creations  - 1998/2020)

Score: 80

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFyoA1M-MXg 

Old Man's Child - In Defiance of Existence

BACK IN TIME:
http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Black/Thrash

Another good one in the making recognized 20 years later but Galder has not expired as founder of this one-man-band. This was a good follow-up to 'Revelation 666...'. I think that the guitars are solid making solid sounds beget admirable compositions. Galder doesn't seem to let-up in making good releases. All of the instruments and vocals go well alongside one another. Some tinge of acoustic work here too, but very briefly. This album is mostly hardcore melodic black metal. Galder's vocals don't shift much as they are pretty much screaming voice throughout the album. Not much variation to them.

I especially like how the music goes well with the synthesizers. I'm not one that is a favorite of these things co-existing but Galder makes it work. I enjoyed this album the whole way through. All the songs are good. Everything seemed to work on a whole!

I would think it's safe to say that all Old Man's Child releases are solid. But this is a key release for the band. It shows not only maturity, but the progression in the melodic black metal arena and how Galder is a pivotal person in the metal community. Not only has he brought his own unique style to this genre but creativity and undying metal. It's good that he's staying active here in this arena of the genre providing key sounds to his uncompromising aggression. This album features Cradle of Filth's drummer Nicholas Barker. The whole album again turns out good making it an "75" in my book for a rating!

In concluding, don't expect anything but the finest melodic black metal in 2003. This guy is the force behind extreme music. He's done a great job in both his band and Dimmu as well. Let's hope he'll continue to make great music in the up and coming years! (Death8699)

(Century Media - 2003)
Score: 75

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063931800901

Necrophobic - The Nocturnal Silence

BACK IN TIME:
http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Swedish Black

Razor sharp death/black that has a production that isn't overly raw for a 1993 underground LP. This is the beginning of their career in the metal scene and what a gem this is! It's a sad thing about their guitarist though, he passed away in 2013 from suicide. Died too young that's for sure and he was featured in other bands such as a brief period in the band Dark Funeral. This one was a helluv an effort by the band especially named themselves off a Slayer song from 'Reign In Blood'. These guys don't fool around. The guitars were melodic and straightforward the highlight of the LP the vocals as well!

There is kind of an echo/reverb to the voice making it sound darker than it really is. The musical aspect was quite original and forthright. I enjoyed this whole release it is a gem to their discography. Not a lot of bands that fit in this category of metal.

The music isn't too fast but there is quite a bit of tremolo picking and bar chords that make it sound pretty heavy. I like the harmonies. And the riffs sound a little bit like Dark Funeral's and some other bands from the darker side of metal. I like the fact that they're underground completely and their attitude seems to be "don't take no prisoners" which reflects their musicianship.

I can't say more good things about this album that I already talked about. They're quite diverse and noteworthy. For a debut, this shows some pretty good maturity musically. I've owned some of their LP's before nothing as good as this one. This is where everything started for them and they've been pretty popular in the metal community for underground music. I should've started collecting them from the start, but I'm getting this when they've already been well established. Nevertheless, they're a great addition to metal in general. They've had a long career so far and are still active. I hope they continue on this path of the underground scene. (Death8699)

(Blood Mark Production/Century Media - 1993/2022)
Score: 85

https://www.facebook.com/necrophobic.official

Arch Enemy - Deceivers

http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Melo Death

This is definitely a solid more consistently good release than their predecessor 'Will To Power'. It has good rhythms and melodies that they seemed to go back to but never as good as the first three Arch Enemy albums in their established discography. I don't think it's ever going to be what it once was but at least they're making new albums. Alissa has better vocals than Angela to me but Johan fit in the first three releases. They had hallmark rhythms in the early days that 'Deceivers' seemed to touch upon. And with Jeff Loomis on lead guitar fits where Nick I don't think did and Christopher yes in the early days.

AE is Michael's band after he left Carcass spending time working on two albums with them 'Necroticsm' and 'Heartwork'. I suppose he wanted his own style of melodic melodies and so forth. 'War Eternal' got a lot of negative press too being there were only 3 songs that I care to listen to. But 'Deceivers' seems to be a rebirth of magic melodies that they've constructed. And Alissa is consistent as well lighting up with her brutal vocals some clean, too! But not many at that. I believe that this is an album with multiple combinations of clean, heavy and heavier guitars with Jeff contributing his lead guitar amazing licks.

It seems as though there's multiple contributions in the songwriting, though I believe Michael still has the bulk of the songwriting and melodies. This is a pretty fresh hitting release but with Angela, 'Wages of Sin' probably was her best. For Alissa, this is her best most diverse attack on the vocal department. These guys refuse to go away. I tell you, some of the songs they released before this album came out I didn't like. But when I heard the whole album it reigned supreme. It's not entirely brutal, there are segments of clean vocals and melodies. But it seemed to fit in the direction it took with a more progressive type of melodic death.

I had to order this CD because I think it's one that I'm going to play to death. A lot on here I hold to be true to what metal I'm in favor of. The guitars have a lot of highlights. And the vocals as well. Production quality is fantastic which made the album more likable. I didn't rate this higher than a "75" because I think it didn't hit higher than that mark. Pose more melodic riffs I would've probably hit a higher score of. But yes, this didn't to me deserve any negative marks really. A really well arranged melodic death metal release that they can chalk up to a successful contribution to the metal community. (Death8699)

(Century Media - 2022)
Score: 75

https://www.archenemy.net/en/

Krisiun - Mortem Solis

http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Brutal Death

A step into the older Krisiun via 'Conquerors of Armageddon' but slower. There's a similar production quality but better. The riffs on here seem to flow. Reminds me also of 'Ageless Venomous' at least the songwriting as well. It's a dive into the middle of those both releases mentioned! I like this one a lot, but it's not getting higher than a "75" rating. They basically found some riffs to work with the vocals but the time signatures are not constant blast beating. In fact, a lot slower. These guys have been going strong since their origin in the year 1990. I'm surprised no second guitarist this whole time just the brothers Alex, Max and Moyses.

This one lasts for about 40-45 minutes and well worth it. A lot of the riffs are technical though they don't receive the blast beating like 'Conquers...' did. I don't think they'll ever make an album as good as that one in my humble opinion. But they show us fresh riffs and that they still have it in the songwriting category. Moyses doesn't have a whole heck of a lot of leads but the licks shine in glory. Brazilian death metal-ers never seem to let up. The sound quality of the album is quite good nothing really muddled everything flows well. The vocals, guitar and drums are top notch. They've gotten a little experimenting with the music.

It's wholly brutal here but they have a lot of things that they've done differently. I still think that 'Conquerors...' and 'Ageless...' are better but this one has a lot of high points where they've just constructed some great melodies for a death metal band. Maybe take out the acoustic guitar and leave it to utter brutality. I suppose that they just wanted to vary it a little but I didn't find it necessary to include that. Otherwise the whole album just shines. It's just a different approach to their music. I thought it could be a little faster but maybe this is going to be the way they're going to be writing like till they break up and go their own ways.

There are a lot of highlights to this album I just think it could've been faster. That's my only beef I have of this whole album. The end of 'Conquerors..' and 'Ageless...' into their own "new" era of the band. They still uphold the brutality at times but all is variety. I like the album and I encourage purchasing a CD or if you wish to stream it's on YouTube and Spotify. These guys need support even though they've been around for over 30 years. They still have it and hope that they will continue have it. Show your gratitude that these guys still are making good brutal death metal! (Death8699)

(Century Media - 2022)
Score: 75

https://www.facebook.com/krisiun.official/

Grave - Out of Respect For the Dead

http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Swedish Death, Dismember

This is a quality album, I'm not sure why people think it's "generic." I thought it anything but that. This is a MONUMENTAL release from the band. Hope that they come out with a new album soon, too. But this one is a good one that they left off with. I think that the rhythms are awesome and the vocals go along well with the music. Every song on here was worth its wait at the time. They put in some phenomenal music to this one. I like the sound to it. The vocals are tolerable and vicious! There is an unrelenting vibe to strike here. A great follow-up album I thought that they did an outstanding job.

The songs are furious and INTENSE. The riffs are victorious in sound. They all seem to flow together. And some demon-struck sort of vibe to the music. I thought that this was a good release from 2015. And a boon to the death metal community. Nothing generic about this. The music just reigns supreme. They really show maturity being in the death metal community for a long time. And yes, they conquer! Not every song is fast and furious, they change it up here and there. And the leads are pretty good, too. But mostly the riffs are MONUMENTAL. I don't think this band has an album where they don't play their heart out.

The quality of the production was great and they sound great! Everything on here I liked. It took some time to get used to this one, but when I laid it all out, everything went together. And the more I hear the album, the more I like it. I think that they really dominate the scene and are able to show the metal community that they're still kicking ass after many years being active. I hope that they come out with a new one sometime soon. I'd be curious to hear what it'd sound like. They really are killer through and through again. More people need to find out about this one since nobody is really writing much about them.

I bought the CD since I'm a CD collector but you can probably hear this on YouTube. I'm pretty sure that's the best avenue to hear it. It's been some years since it was released so yeah, check it out on there. You'll hear sounds that never before have been heard. It's HEAVY and straightforward death metal. They have a certain groove to them as well so you won't get bored with it. Just the leads aren't the greatest that they could be but still the rhythms make up for that. I gave the album a "77" because I think that even though it was solid on the forefront, there were still some things that needed better working. Own it! (Death8699)

(Century Media Records - 2015)
Score: 77

https://www.facebook.com/GraveOfficial

Lacuna Coil - Broken Crown Halo

#PER CHI AMA: Gothic Alternative

Se pensate che la più originale e anticonformista goth band italiana, da sempre eccentricamente vestita di nero e capace di compiere la coraggiosa e inaudita scelta di cantare in inglese, percorrendo sonorità desuete come il gothic-pop alla Evanescence e il nu-metal adolescenziale, potesse addirittura arrivare a confezionare un originalissimo concept dall'inconsueta copertina su tematiche praticamente inedite quali l'occultismo e l'horror vintage tardosessanta, beh, se siete riusciti a formulare un pensiero tanto assurdo, allora siete sicuramente quel genere di persona che non riesce a perdonarsi di pensare che Cristina Scabbia abbia le gambe corte e le tette piccole. (Alberto Calorosi)

(Century Media - 2014)
Voto: 50

https://www.lacunacoil.com/

Asphyx - Incoming Death

http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Death Metal

The album here is better than a "65" rating to me. It's different, but cool. Good death metal and if you're into the vocals of this band, you'll like this. Their new one is excellent too. This one is somewhat slow, but not entirely. The guitar riffs are pretty exquisite. I like the quality of the sound on here, it's just that mixture of death/doom metal. Hence the slow riffs. But this album as a whole is pretty well rounded. I liked the whole thing and if you're a fan I'm sure you'll like it as well. It's slower tempos than there are fast ones. But still the quality of the guitar riffs are superb. They'll just stick with you!

The vocals are an acquired taste and if you like them, then you'll like this. Definitely! I like the guitar and vocals pretty equally so there's no discrepancy there. The production quality is top notch. I like the recording, ABSOLUTELY! The whole album is full of diversity. Not to mention originality and hostility. The music I think you'll like the most. And that distortion is absolutely amazing. These guitars are seriously amazing. The riffs are wholly original. Everything fits together perfectly. All the tracks on here I liked. But don't expect many fast tempos, you'll just be disappointed.

The production quality is top notch. Really good for a death/doom band. I like how they mix the two genres together. They seem to know how to structurally arrange everything so that it fits this double genre. It took me a while to get used to the vocals but eventually I started liking them. It just seemed to make sense. I think that this band keeps on improving after each succeeding release. I like the sound quality the whole way through. It definitely hits the mark on this album. I would say it's almost as good as their new album, but not as good. I think their new one is a slight bit better.

This is available on Spotify and YouTube as well. They really tear it up on here and I think any metal fan will enjoy this. Even the slow tempos are still to my liking. There really aren't many solos (if at all) but that's OK because the riffs are pretty phenomenal. They are balls out amazing on here. I think for any metalhead they'll like this one. It has a lot of variety and likability. All the elements of a good album has me rating this one a "70-". Check it out! (Death8699)

(Century Media - 2016)
Score: 68

https://www.facebook.com/officialasphyx

Tankard - Kings of Beer

BACK IN TIME: recensione gentilmente concessa da Nihil Zine

#PER CHI AMA: Thrash Metal

Mai mi sarei aspettato, che i Tankard dopo 'Disco Destroyer' riuscissero a superarsi ed invece, 'Kings of beer' è quasi un capolavoro. Un album thrash demenziale portato al massimo come solo loro sanno fare. Stavolta mancano quasi del tutto gli elementi punk che erano soliti usare per rendere ancora più divertenti i loro lavori. Su tutto l'album domina comunque quella potenza che conosciamo bene del thrash metal tedesco, quello senza troppi fronzoli per intenderci. Le intenzioni dei quattro ubriaconi teutonici si concentrano su canzoni dirette che colpiscono subito al primo ascolto e con l'opener "Flirtin' with Disaster" sarete immediatamente investiti dalla rabbia contenuta del disco. Ogni canzone è significativa, ma legata comunque alla title-track che troneggia su tutte. 'Kings of Beer' poi non vuole solo rendere omaggio alla birra ma, se ci fate caso, è simile a 'Kings of Metal' dei Manowar e non è un caso, perché il testo vuole ironicamente prendere in giro le famose parole dei quattro newyorkesi, leggetelo e capirete.

(Century Media - 2000)
Voto: 78

https://www.tankard.info/

Dark Funeral - We Are The Apocalypse

http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Black Metal

This is a good follow-up album still staying way underground and fast. Satanic, too just listen to some of the words...but the music is what I concentrate on since metal isn't as well know for the lyrical concepts as it is the music itself. The whole underground image is clear to keep the darkness high especially here which I don't focus on. On here, the vocals are good like previous releases. They sound a little like Naglfar and Shagrath from Dimmu Borgir. In any case, they are their own despite this. The music is way on high tremolo picking and chord progressions. There's quite a lot of tempo changes which makes it more diverse.

You definitely get a mix of fast-medium-slow paced music here it's not just entirely brutal like say on Markuk's 'Panzer Division', that one smokes. I think it's close to 'Where Shadows Forever Reign'. I liked the whole album because it's quite diverse. The recording quality is quite good. They just have it all together here. I like the vocals and music the most, ENTIRELY! These guys know how to design some pretty wicked music especially keeping things underground, too. They've yet to compromise their style, they are way to the extreme music scene. I'm not sure if they're entirely convincing of their Satanic lyrics, but it sure seems to be.

The people in the black metal scene like to stay dark into the concepts whereas I just listen to the music and appreciate that the most. And like I said, the recording quality is damn good on here. Well mixed too! All of the songs are good and the vocals are tops with me. The guitars still very good, probably their best in a while. If you don't like the lyrics like me, you can still appreciate the music. These guys I don't think will ever shy away from the concepts and if they do they'll probably change their name. There's just so much to talk about with the darkness and Satanism until it just gets blah. Main influences are teenagers into the lyrics taken literally.

I decided to buy the CD before listening to it on Spotify, it was well worth it. These guys use a lot of fast picking guitars with little to no lead guitar work. There literally isn't much in the lead department but they'll change things up on the rhythms and some clean tone but not too much. The music goes well with the vocals. And the drums are right on target! These guys will hopefully stay around for quite a while wreaking havoc to the scene. They have quite a few followers it's the darkness where people identify with. What a gigantic effort by these guys clocking in a little under 45 minutes in length. Check it! (Death8699)

(Century Media Records - 2022)
Score: 78

https://www.darkfuneral.se/index.php

Aborted - Maniacult

http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Brutal Death

This is the first time stumbling upon this band despite their wide discography. Yes, a lot of triggers in the drums but it keeps up with the fast paced tempos. And the leads in my humble opinion are epic! I really dig the guitars the rhythms were dynamic. I think that this is one top album from 2021. Sucks that I just discovered this up until recently. I haven't heard much of it talked about for a great album then but I'm telling you it is a great album. The vocals are brutal and in your face along with the music it just compliments everything. One of those albums that you can listen to ad nauseum and not get bored.

So they are in the death/grind genres and they've pulled it off clearly got this one absolutely! The album doesn't seem to let up, though there are slower tempos to go along with the music. A lot of blasting too though. I feel like on this one they're not getting many points off. The production quality is top notch and they sure as heck made this one to remember. I'm surprised other people have not discovered this or they have and haven't written about it. Come on, one review this whole time?! I am going to put this down in history with and almost immaculate release filled with some many good elements!

The one thing I like about this is that it's totally their own. The variety in vocals, tempos, and top notch leads make it entirely impeccable! I like the higher end vocals more than the low-end but both are complimentary to the songs. First time, me hearing an extreme brutal death metal band in the origin of Belgium. At least in this few genres mixed. They really put a lot of effort into this one and it shows. There isn't a track on here that's sub-par. They all have equal amounts of good tracks to grab the listener. I think that they stole the genres making this into a revelation. What a great album the whole way through!

Yes! They certainly stole the show with this one. I actually bought this on CD which I'm not saying that you should, but it's definitely worth downloading. I just took a chance buying the CD and I was totally satisfied. You have to check it out and form your own opinion. I'm saying that these guys know what they're doing to make quality metal. A lot of albums I didn't care for that were released in 2021 but not this one. I liked it the whole way through! I'm sure that they'll be back again to make an even better performance (if that's possible). Worth looking into and owning it eventually! (Death8699)

(Century Media Records - 2021)
Score: 84

https://goremageddon.be/

At The Gates - The Nightmare of Being

http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Swedish Death Metal

A 5-piece still and I'd say a way overrated album I don't care what Decibel said about this. It has the roots in melodic death metal, but none of the riffs really struck me as awe-inspiring. They were pretty generic and a good portion of clean tone guitar-work. The vocals aren't that swift and I really think that they're not hacking it anymore. 'At War With Reality' wasn't that great either. I prefer 'Slaughter of the Soul' and they've had gaps in their remaining together or not. I think that they should just hang it up. There was nothing on here that took me aback as to saying "wow, what a milestone." Nothing of that sort.

I guess I just feel that they lack the intensity and originality of the old. Really, I though this was a mountain of poor musicianship. I'm not hearing tints of the old, I'm hearing generic of the new. They're not hacking it and I think that pretty much none of the riffs hold weight in my brain. The intensity is not there nor is the songwriting capabilities. I thought that maybe the vocals would've been good as well but they just lacked balls on the whole of this LP. I was hopeful when I bought this given that Decibel had a hold on this then looking at the scores that I madly disagreed with wholeheartedly.

The production was decent, but to a shadowing cloud of dismay and dismantling. The fire is gone, I'm not hearing it. It should be among the realm of melodic rock 'n roll. They seem to not be really metal at all, just gearing more of what Opeth did with their career. Not as bad here though but that's the direction that they seem to be. What a letdown. I wasn't overzealous when I played this in my car the whole way home. I had to put Deicide back on because At The Gates made me disturbed with their latest creation.. It is just piss-poor of a release and a disenchanting, disheartening platter of melodic crap.

Draw your own conclusion to this release. Maybe listen on Spotify or YouTube and see if this is for you. If you're thinking At The Gates of the old, think again. It's really nothing of what the critics are saying such as "best album of the year" or thereabouts. I wish I could've said nice things about the release but the music was just pitiful. If you're asking why would I think that well it lacks intensity of the old and weaves in the generic of the new. Way way overrated album it's nothing like what's been described even to the ones who think that they're giving it a chance in the metal world. Caveat Emptor! (Death8699)

(Century Media - 2021)
Score: 65

https://www.facebook.com/AtTheGatesOfficial

Morgoth - Ungod

http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Death Metal

This is a killer release featuring riffs that are impeccable. The sound quality of this album is also superb. Everything seemed to fit on this one. I don't own much of their material aside from digital, but I'll tell you this...it is a monument of an album 'Ungod' devastates. It's too bad this band is defunct. They really would've had a lot of years together. I get it if you lose the passion but they left the music scene on a great note because 'Ungod' is impeccable. I have nothing bad to say about this release. The music is amazing. And original sounding to the utter maximum degree! An array of metal perfection!

I like the guitar riffs and vocals plus the sound quality is illustrious. I think that this is one of the better death metal albums from 2015. They reached the pinnacle in the songwriting. Nothing shy of just an utter gem! The music is what takes it away and gets you in the realm of yes Morgoth. I haven't heard much of their earlier material but I'll be that it's good if not better than this one. I don't think that's possible though. 'Ungod' is an unmistakable album of perfection. Make no mistake about it the guitars and vocals just steal the listener. At least they did that with me. So much of a landmark.

I don't mind the vocals really, I actually thought that they complimented the music very well! And I can hear the tint of Industrial mixed with the death metal here. But overall, the riffs are totally death metal. I like the harmonies too, they enhance the rhythms. The riffs themselves are just so diametrically sound. They really did a great job in the songwriting. I wish a lot of death metal bands wrote like this. Just original, catchy, smooth, and ever flowing. They may come back to the music scene, who knows?! I'm just glad that I had a chance to review and appreciate this album their music.

It's very difficult to find this album maybe eBay because Amazon is just ridiculous as to what they want for this album. About $200 on Vinyl. Like I said, ridiculous. I may buy it on eBay, that is if I want to dish out $40 for the CD. It is good enough to spend that much on it rather than to just have it downloaded on Spotify. But in any case, it's an album well worth checking out. I had nothing ill to say about it. Everything seemed to flow. Enjoy this release if you come by it on Spotify. Then form your own opinion on it and I'm sure you won't be disappointed especially if you're into metal. Check it out! (Death8699)

(Century Media Records - 2015)
Score: 80

https://www.facebook.com/MorgothOfficial

Frozen Soul - Crypt of Ice

http://www.secret-face.com/

#FOR FANS OF: Death Old School

I like the vibe of this album. It's dark, dreary and HEAVY. The sound quality gives it justice as well. Varying tempos, brutal vocals and the riffs are just dynamic! I enjoyed this whole release. It's not too long in length, pretty much about right! I made a purchase to this one it's the first encounter with this band and a debut LP what a steal! The vibe is death metal in a black metal aura, sort of Darkthrone-ish but the death metal genre. The guitars are sick and the feel is totally dark! I thought it pretty innovative though, especially the music. A solid album, it never got old. It's one of those albums you can listen to over and over and not get sick of!

All of the tracks stand out, nothing really on here that's dull or boring. I think the main tempos are not too fast they're not exhibiting blast beats at all, just heavy, slow music that's suitable to my pallet in the vein of death metal that is. This band has a long life to them if they stick together! I'm hoping a decade or more! Hope that they keep it underground as well. I've felt the vibe also to sort of a Dismember-esque type in terms of the tremolo picking pretty neat! Like I said though, it's innovative type of riffs and the sound is just superb! The vocals are very dismal and dark. They set the tone for the music.

My favorite highlights of this album is that the band sticks to its roots and stays grim as well as underground. I like the guitar the most and the vocals just compliments it. The production quality is great they did a good job in the recording! If I were to change one thing about the album, I'd probably say that it'd be more intense if they were playing a little faster in tempos. The album is great, but it's not too fast. Only some blast beats but they were kind of generic. That's my main beef with the album. Other than that, it's all good! I'd have to say this blew me away when I heard it for the first time!

Do the band some justice and check them out! You may be able to download them on Spotify or YouTube, but show the band some respect: buy the CD like I did! Supporting always the industry! I was surprised to read that this band is from Texas. I was for certain out of the country but I was sadly mistaken. But yeah, expect a slow paced death metal album that has some killer riffs to it. If I still played the guitar, I'd like to jam along to this! I just ran into the album at the record store (yes they still exist) so I thought that I'd check them out! I was happy that I did so because I was blown away! Check them out! (Death8699)

(Century Media Records - 2021)
Score: 73

https://frozensoultx.bandcamp.com/releases