Kerry King - From Hell I Rise

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

#FOR FANS OF: Thrash

I think, after repeated listens to, this LP never really "grew on me." Here are the likes to enormously talented members from long-time metal bands such as Death Angel (Osegueda), Forbidden (Bostaph), Machine Head (Demmel), Slayer (Bostaph, King) & Testament (Bostaph), to name a few. However, they maintain potential in their own bands, not Kerry's. Total generic guitar riffs & I pay most attention to the "axe-work" because I play as well! The structures to the songs musically have literally no creativity to them, so you can be exposed to how pathetic Kerry's musicianship is in writing & lyrical content as well. A lot of hype for this because of the talented line-up, but it was just that it didn't unlock any more potential. Basically, it was a flop.

In a great attempt to analyze the music here, well really reflects Kerry's Slayer-esque type of guitar rhythm structures & leads. He didn't break away from that to develop his own sound. Instead, it was leftover chunks of music that most likely didn't appear on any of Slayer's music because he's so bankrupt of ideas musically. There is nothing even creative here, the music is so boring, there are no songs that were on here that I even remotely liked. It was really upsetting, not my expectations, but I was sort of hopeful. It really upset me because it's no longer about making good music, just selling CD's & cashing in on Slayer fans, I presume. None of these band members were able to save him from disaster. Instead, they campaigned against originality by not coming up with unique sounds or ingenuity. Being since 2019 that most were with Kerry from the beginning, I guess to add to his not even mediocrity type of thrash metal (if you want to call it that). It can't all be bad, right? I know a lot of people were disappointed with this LP, including me, but other critics also annihilated it. It becomes so evident that in Slayer, King did the least amount of songwriting, Hanneman was the mastermind behind the band. Now that Hanneman has been gone (RIP 2013), the remnants of Kerry's participation in his former band showed how "sorry" he is as a musician. Even being coached by Bob Jeffers (years ago) couldn't even help improve his playing, no matter how much of that he got. These songs are just a waste of time & everyone should return to their previous bands except Kerry, he should just retire! He wants to keep writing (or lack thereof) while he's still alive & kicking, but I think he just wants money. The talent in Slayer was Hanneman & Lombardo. And Bostaph OK, but Kerry? Fill in the blank.

Osegueda, I have total respect for in his thrash band Death Angel, of whom he joined in 1984. He took voice lessons to prepare himself for being the frontman to his SFO based act. I guess Kerry ruined him too because Osegueda sounds awful screaming like Araya (Slayer), only his own voice in his long-time band is where he sounds the best to me! The lead trade-offs on the guitars (as well) were sloppy, especially Kerry's. And I can't recall a solo in Slayer that was clean, they were always muddled attempts that failed miserably. I can't see why he has a strong following, he's never impressed me, I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt here, though. Big mistake! 46+ minutes of absolutely nothing, none of the members improved their talent for Kerry. Maybe it just seems like everyone here is basically on their way out of the metal making music scene.

Again, total waste of money and time listening to this. The song titles were idiotic & all the guitar riffs are from an intellectual equivalent to a kindergartener that can't write or compose if his life depended on it! Don't even bother with this, there's really nothing good to say about it. People's IQ drops reading these lyrics, too. Slayer is dead, long live Slayer, not hacks! (Death8699)

(Reigning Phoenix Music - 2024)
Score: 45

https://kerrykingofficial.com/

Master - Saints Dispelled

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

#FOR FANS OF: Death Metal

Well, this was an immersion here because I didn't take note of this band until recently! I got this album as well as 'Vindictive Miscreant' (2018) and I didn't like it nearly as much as their latest! The vocals are all right, just if Paul got higher pitched, it would be annoying! They're a 3-piece, of which they originally began being based in Chicago and now in Uherské Hradiště, Zlín Region (Czech Republic). They've been pretty active with their current location emitting death/thrashing music on/off since their first origin (1983) more on than off since 1989, however. They've gone through many members since their first few recordings. However, they've done a great deed and conducted this album, and it was mixed/recorded at Studio Shaark.

 

I really like the riffs here, especially the structures of the songs and their originality, being composed just like they sufficed here to say "what a creative storm!".

 

Since I haven't the experience in the decades of Master's releases (full-length albums & compilation/best of disc). It seems as though they've managed to have quite an impact on extreme metal as it is! I know Mick Harris mentioned Master on Napalm Death's immonsterrible 'Live Corruption' 1990 release! Perhaps they're different from other extreme metal bands in the fact that they have a unique style & the vocals aren't full-throttle death metal, they're more raspy than anything else! Maybe a bit like the Michigan based band Plague Years (as an example).

 

There's much else to say about 'Saints Dispelled', mainly the better recording quality than the rest! I think that that's what's also to say here is if you listen to older LP's, you'll find a flaw in not the compositions, but the overall sound of each instrument! The bass and drums are well mixed on here, the guitars don't overpower the rest of the songs! Check out 'Saints Dispelled' if you want to hear a great release of fresh, invigorating metal in 2024! (Death8699)

 

(Hammerheart Records - 2024)

Score: 75

 

https://master.bandcamp.com/album/saints-dispelled

Dimmu Borgir - Death Cult Armageddon

BACK IN TIME:

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

#FOR FANS OF: Symph Black Metal

I think that this a highly underrated album. Of course, the synthesizers we can do without, but the rhythm guitars are killer! The music just slays and the aura to the album is pretty eerie and evil. Silenoz varies in his vocals to his own style, then clean. He's got one of the most unique voices in black metal. I'd say this is an above par symphonic black metal release. Too many people dismissing this as garbage. I'd say the newer material isn't very good, but this one is unique in its own way. I enjoyed every moment of it. The sound variety was the greatest experience with it. Absolutely!

I don't really have anything against this release, just an overabundance of the synthesizers (as previously mentioned). The guitars are pretty killer. I like the riffs. They are heavy and melodic, too! Not to mention wholly original! Silenoz really makes his voice fit in with the music quite well! There isn't a song on here that I disliked! I liked them all! Some of the tempos fast, some just mild. I'd say the variety spices up this release. It's not just continuous blast beating riffs/drums. It varies a lot. They just diversify. And the evil female voice just hits home on here. I would have to say this whole album is underrated.

The production quality is quite good. You can hear all the riffs and synthesizers not to mention vocals, too! I think the vocals and guitars saved this release. The music is entirely their own, it's so different from what I'm used to hearing from this band. Wholly killer release! I liked the melodic guitars too! The riffs are all original and spellbinding! I am into this album all the way. Critics can say what they want, this is a solid release! They really dig deep in the sound here, the rhythms I like the most and the fact that there aren't much lead guitar activity is good. I liked this from beginning to end.

If you don't have this album, I'd venture to say, check it out! It's really diverse and original! I liked the whole hour plus of music, totally killer! I'm giving this an "78" because it deserves it. It's one of their better releases, I don't care what anyone says. It's not their best, no, but it still is original and packs a punch! It's also not chronic blast beating guitar/drums. It's balanced. They toyed around with sound, here. I would say that this is one of my favorite releases from the band, in that it's so diverse. I would urge you to buy the album because that's what I did. It really captures the listener! Own it! (Death8699)

(Nuclear Blast - 2003)
Score: 78

https://www.facebook.com/dimmuborgir

Carcass - Heartwork

BACK IN TIME:

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

#FOR FANS OF: Techno Death

This is by far the most interesting, noteworthy, original, innovative Carcass release I've ever heard. 'Necroticism...' was excellent, but this release is beyond excellent. Probably one of the most original melodic death metal albums I've ever heard. Those B-tuned guitars, Walker's vocal outputs, Owen's intense drumming and both Michael/Bill amazingly orchestrate on guitars. They came up with such thick riffs but amazingly melodic. Everything seems to fit here, absolutely everything. This album is underrated by people on here (MA), I don't think there's a more perfect melodic death release than this.

 

'Necroticism...' opened up avenues of success for the band the way 'Symphonies...' did for death/grind. And of course, 'Reek...' was at the almost beginning with grindcore as we knew it. Carcass and Napalm Death both. But here came 'Heartwork' with just impeccable originality and likability. Every song on 'Heartwork' to me is good. The leads are probably Michael at his best. They aren't as good with Arch Enemy than they are on this album. And when I say Arch Enemy, I mean all of their albums. Christopher Amott smokes his brother, but Michael is way about feel. You can hear him on the wah-pedal on here. It's so prevalent.

 

So it's great that the band is still active with the tragedy about Ken Owen who cannot play drums for the band because of his brain hemorrhage. It's a darn shame, but I think people can still appreciate his longtime work with the band. Bill kind of lost a little bit of his lead wicked style, but 'Surgical Steel' is still pretty amazing. 'Heartwork' came out when I was a junior in high school, and boy did I fire it up when I heard it. Those were some good times on the guitar, ABSOLUTELY. 'Heartwork' smoked most melodic metal bands in the 90's like At The Gates, In Flames, et al. They blew the scene out of control after this.

 

This will remain to be my favorite Carcass release every and a top melodic metal release ever. You can measure it up to 'Slaughter of the Soul' by At The Gates, 'The Jester Race' by In Flames, et al. I'm not sure who did the bulk of songwriting on this one, it would probably be mutual between Amott and Steer. They put everything together and made a milestone of a record. My favorite parts of the album are the guitars. But I like the vocals and drums too. The production quality is fantastic. I wouldn't trade the guys in from Earache for anyone. They are just all about band's successes. Own this, TODAY! (Death8699)

 

(Earache Records - 1993/2021)

Score: 90

 

https://carcass.bandcamp.com/album/heartwork-full-dynamic-range-edition

Cannibal Corpse - The Bleeding

BACK IN TIME:

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

#FOR FANS OF: Brutal Death

Killer beat to this one and as Barnes is usually into his low-end bellowing voice it's a little different on here. It's not really guttural voice, he actually sounds just right on this one. It's low-throat, but not like 'Butchered at Birth' or 'Tomb of the Mutilated.' It's actually better than both. Not musically, but his voice doesn't ruin the music. The music with the vocals go hand in hand. The riffs are spot on! This is where he flourishes, especially various different vocals styles. Barnes is at his best on here, he's tops with me. I don't know why he wasn't able to spew out better vocals on the first few releases. They definitely hit their pinnacle here.

The music on here is simply killer! It's a little of the past mixed with the present releases. It's catchy. Every song on here deserves praise. They've just put some juice in these riffs that keeps them ever flowing! Barnes has a little bit of high-end screams, though they're not held with great immensity.

 

The riffs on the guitars mix well with the vocals. It just fits on here. By far, this is Barnes's best output and contribution to the band up until his departure. What an onslaught musically and vocalistically. It's strange that we didn't see this in a part of him when Cannibal was just starting out.

 

I'd have to say that the following outputs with Cannibal like "Vile", "Gallery of Suicide" and "Bloodthirst" were good, but they got even better. I'd say with Corpsegrinder they slay on "Kill", "A Skeletal Domain", "Red Before Black" and without O'brien they needed someone like Rutan to fill O'brien's shoes. The new one "Chaos Horrific" is one of their better with Rutan, not so much on "Violence Unimagined." 'The Bleeding' was able to capture some very good songwriting and is one of their finest. Barnes is at his best, the music just crushes, and the musicianship is astronomical. There will never be a release like this one. Whatever happened to the band was that they were duplicating releases. When Corpsegrinder joined, they had already established themselves as a primordial death metal musicians. And when Jack Owen left, part of Cannibal wasn't the same. Cannibal seemed to duplicate recordings, you sort of knew what to expect. But on 'The Bleeding', they were at their best. Cannibal and Barnes. They tore it up! (Death8699)

 

(Metal Blade Records/Northeast Steel Industry Records - 1994/2022)

Score: 80

 

https://cannibalcorpse.bandcamp.com/album/the-bleeding

Bones - Sons of Sleaze

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

#FOR FANS OF: Death/Crust

These guitars (which I notice the most of) have good bar chords/tremolo picking in the reminiscent to vein of Usurper. They're groove oriented and not overly technical but some quick parts as well as some grind pieces. The drums go along well with the guitars. As a highlight, the experimental guitars and vocals are different yet unique. I'd like to say that the music is aggressive, full of blast beats (sludge), a raw production sound and solid lead guitar.

These guys sure as hell CONQUER. I like the guitars and vocals the most. The guitars are ambient and unique. The vocals are pretty brutal, but they sound good alongside the rest of the music. That's what makes this release so dominating. Not only are they different as a band, they also have a great deal to contribute to the scene. I wasn't really sure what genre sludge meant in the metal arena, but now it makes sense. The only element that fell a little bit short is the production quality. Aside from that, everything is pretty solid. The music was very original and didn't sound like anything that I've heard from before. They're in their own zone, therefore that's what makes them the most dominating. All the songs are unique, they pack a punch and therefore leave the listener in awe.

They put on quite a stage presence and on this studio performance out in 2013 was well constructed. As I say, they sound just like they do, which is in their own capacities. I like all the songs and think that they show what a band they are, unique and resilient. The music dominates the most, with the guitars in their own. And the vocals yelling but thoroughly tolerable.

This is the first sludge oriented band that I've ever heard. The tremolo picking and bar chords show what a devastating band they've woven their way into. A full annihilation as it became constructed into this whole recording. They deserve positive feedback from me because they are such a valuable band! Check this out! (Death8699)

(Planet Metal - 2013)
Score: 73

https://boneschicago.bandcamp.com/album/sons-of-sleaze

Aborted - Vault of Horrors

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

#FOR FANS OF: Deathcore

I thought that this is an outstanding release. It slays from the putrid review that this got previously from another user. I thought it's definitely better than their previous release. I like how they switch off from burly vocals to screaming vocals. They are anything but boring! And plain or obligatory. These guys put together one quite an album. I like how they come easily into the segue of the onslaught! I don't see how they can explore such a great death/grind that they all they seem to do. There's no nonsense with this band, they are straight up abominating. The double bass drums fire off like cannons, and the lead guitar simply rips.

40% from an annihilation like this is quite a pretty poor rating that definitely is off-base with no critical efficacy. This release is definitely tops in my book, especially one of the tops of the March they greeted us with! What a monument of an album that's quite an abomination to the ears!

I think that it's gotten enough spins here to hear how intricate this release is! The music steels the listener and the vocals back and forth keeps you from guessing what's to come up next! The drums seem triggered and super highlight to the release as well!

Some people seem to want to show how disenchanting this release is, and I think the opposite! They're tops with me and I think that this album is better than their previous release of whom I thought a treasure as well! "Maniacult" I didn't think that it was as good as this one. It's the production quality, the vocals, the music and the mixing that make this into a gem into a release. It's my one of the top releases from this year so far. I think this will hold true for the remainder of the year! I like the guitars, I think that they were tops with me. The guitar alongside the drums is what sealed this into itself a "Maniacult", only this one is 'Vault of Horrors.'

These guys know how to belt out quite a release and with no compromise! The death/grind is simply there the whole way through! The music is the ultimate highlight of the album. I think this is how they were able to make this into an utmost vile and dismay reeking from Belgium! You can hear it in the vocals that they shred simply with precision! The death/grind is altogether there, and they don't seem to let up any less than their past recordings!

Check it out yourself and make and opinion not based on the negative reviews, consider what you think! (Death8699)

(Nuclear Blast - 2024)
Score: 75

https://abortedmetal.bandcamp.com/album/vault-of-horrors

Necrophobic - In The Twilight Grey

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

#FOR FANS OF: Black/Death

This is a softer release from the band, even though they mix black metal with death metal. I'd have to conclude that they are a "milder" Necrophobic than I'm used to. These guys mix what it sounds like more of a Viking metal sound with a death metal prerogative. The vocals go well with the music. This is my favorite Necrophobic album by far. Just everything is supreme and perfect, filling the listener with this slaying metal, metal listen to that clocks in about an hour in length. I don't mind them borrowing their name from a Slayer song, but at least they could've come out with stronger earlier albums. Those don't really sit well with me.

 

They're just more mature on here and the music is more melodic, but the brutality is less than their predecessors. I like how they fluctuate with various tempos, and they're just more experienced here. They don't seem to let up on the music. It's strikingly intricate! 

 

I think from the first few listens to, they're much sharper in musicality and maturity. In some songs they'll be faster than other with an orchaschedrial than other songs. The leads are top-notch. They really whiz through the fretboard with everything in unison.

The vocals are top screams, slaying the music wholeheartedly. This release doesn't really have with it any flaws. Hence, the reason I gave it a perfect score. They range between brutality, a milder form of metal, then a more clean song base which captures everything notwithstanding. What a kick ass black/death metal platter that seems to hit everything metal related. Even the clean guitars segue into a more brutal sound, bringing with it such a metal, such a metal event through in and throughout. I like everything on here. And it only took me a couple of listens to that picked up everything wholeheartedly. More than any Necrophobic release than any other!

 

Can you grasp this total onslaught? I was able to and let's hope that they don't get softer, hopefully this will be their mildest LP! (Death8699)

 

(Century Media Records - 2024)

Score: 80

https://centurymedia.bandcamp.com/album/in-the-twilight-grey-24-bit-hd-audio

Marduk - Memento Mori

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

#FOR FANS OF: Black Metal

One of the best releases of 2023, at least out of 10. Though, I do miss Legion on vocals, who gave up metal to pursue being a tattoo artist. Still though, Daniel had some big shoes to fill! I think he pulled it off quite well. And I like the fact that this release isn't like 'Panzer Division Marduk' with the utmost blast beating. There were many different tempos and the production sound was quite good! These guys have a lot of life left in them! I like the music mostly and the vocals, it's much promise to Marduk's longevity. Morgan on guitars and Simon on drums show almost a quite new of a band, and these musicians have some big shoes to fill (as I say).

They're still one of the best black metal musicians around. I like how Daniel's voice soars and holds out the screams. It's screaming throughout, alongside the blast beating. They uphold the blend of 'Nightwing' and 'Panzer Division Marduk.'

This is 40 minutes of a hellish Marduk still going strong even though the lineup has changed quite a bit, but it's good to hear that they're still going on strong! These guys have some unique riffs. A lot of tremolo picking and bar chord mania!

I've been able to get into this album quite easily because there's so much diversity to each song. On each track, you've got to figure the screaming and blast beating, but then there are points in here that are calmer. Not that many, but they do change it up. I like every song on here, they stayed true to their roots and with this newer lineup was able to not compromise in musical style and black metal onslaught. I thought that with the ending is quite abrupt. I admit that 'Panzer Division Marduk' is still my all-time favorite from them. They just never seem to let up on that one. But this one probably a more diverse one than that one, and it needed to be so. It's because they needed another side to them that wasn't brutal all the way through.

Definitely one of the best in 2023 in terms of black metal or just metal in general. Take a listen and you'll hear what I'm saying! (Death8699)

(Century Media - 2023)
Score: 80

https://centurymedia.bandcamp.com/album/memento-mori

Midnight - Hellish Expectations

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

#FOR FANS OF: Black/Speed/Thrash

This is definitely better than their predecessor 'Let There Be Butchery.' This one is just a bit shorter of an album, but they accomplished a lot! I saw them with Mayhem, and they put on one hell of a show, only they're missing a rhythm guitar player. The vocals fit well with the music. The music is sort of like punk based, and the vocals are pretty unique! I liked this whole release, all 25 minutes of this. Just wish it was longer. But it still packs a punch to it. The leads are a little sloppy, but the vocals and production quality is top-notch. These guys mix black metal with speed metal. Quite a unique pair of genres to go together, but they turn it off well.

25 minutes of brain wrenching metal into your eardrums, these guys don't mess around. Not much into their lyrical topics, but it is what it is. Just as long as the music is, quality is what matters to me. They've got a pretty big fan base, being from Ohio.

Their metal sound wreaks havoc on the eardrums, they're here to stay. All the songs rip and average about 2:50 minutes in length. But the intricate sound that they own themselves. Every song on here is good, the music and the vocals and sound quality rips 'Let There Be Butchery.' They're getting more creative and intriguing to listen to!

Athenar should not be doing everything on this release. Even if it's just a session musician, that would be OK. He's got to remember that they do tour, so he needs band members to accompany him to this metal, this metal event of onslaught! There are bands like Old Man's Child and Everydying that are in charge with everything. That (to me) gets a lot of ghosting with other musicians. I'm sure that they would want to be a part of this band, especially since he's built up a great fan base humbly. It may be because he's weary of them taking over what he wants for the band, and with a one-man piece, he's a part of everything. I'm not sure, but I do know that he's an outstanding musician, though maybe difficult to work with.

In any event, grab a hold of this, it's one of the best releases of March 2024! (Death8699)

(Metal Blade - 2024)
Score: 76

https://midnight-ohio.bandcamp.com/album/hellish-expectations

Nocturnus AD - Paradox

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

#FOR FANS OF: Sci-Fi Death Metal

Definitely some high-quality Sci-fi death metal! They pack a punch and do it so furiously! I don't see anything missing from this release, be it the metal that they put forward! The rhythms, leads and production quality are such high quality! I have not much of anything but good things that these guys deliver on here. They sure are exquisite death metal! The melodies, the aura and the put forward metal they have in store for you is a great illustrious platter! This one is probably a top rate or just about it release. Way close to that! These guys know what they're doing in regard to the making of a death metal record and how it should sound!

I like the rhythms the most. They're full of energy and diversity. The vocals do compliment the music quite a bit! There are actually a few different styles of which they sing: BURLY then SCREAMING interchangingly. It goes rather well with this platter.

This album clocks in at about 60 minutes, which makes it easier to listen to because they've spent plenty of time getting it
produced. Not to knock bands that have half of the amount of quality time. Some bands like Deicide or Slayer have shorter crank time. And word just about Deicide Jack Owen, who was with the band for about 20 years, ghosted them over a musical dispute. I'm just happy this band keeps working hard on getting LP's put out and quality music, not just quantity. The vocals sway as do the leads, but it isn't anything that isn't perfect of a recording. The production/mixing is quite well done! The music is totally Sci-Fi death metal. We knew that right away!

I wish that this CD wasn't unavailable on Amazon.com. I've just been hearing it via Spotify. I much want a physical copy to show that I support the band! These guys still have a length of life in them and need the word spread as much as able.

Definitely, one of the best release in 2019 and their new one is due out this year! Let's hope that it's another great one! (Death8699)

(Profound Lore Records - 2019)
Score: 80

https://nocturnusad.bandcamp.com/album/paradox

Destruction - Thrash Anthems II

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

#FOR FANS OF: Thrash

This is a good second round of re-done tracks by the MONUMENTAL Destruction. It's pretty tight, sounding better than the originals (I think). Though they don't have Harry Wilkens back in the band and I think their former drummer Olly still is supporting the band, it's just that he doesn't play on any of the newer albums. Mike (guitars) seemed to step up his game on leads. I'm used to him being a bit sloppy, but he's done a good job on here. It seems as though they sort of lost that spunk a bit on intensity, but they're getting up there in age. Mike admits that he smokes too much weed.

The music is classic Destruction, it just seems milder. And the Dead Kennedy's cover was good, showing that punk rock influence. I'm sure Jello Biafra knows or might know about them covering his former band. Weird to hear it in thrash metal fashion. Some great remakes her of songs like "Dissatisfied Existence", etc. shows that they still have it, just slowed down a bit like I said. At least they have two of the original members, Schmier and Mike. They've gone through a bunch of drummers since Tommy's departure way back in the 80s. The band never really changed, just their newer material all sounds the same.

The production quality is top-notch. I like the sound of it and how all the tracks mixed together. Though the guitars could've sounded a little more crunch-like, but still they did a good job of remaking these tracks. It really does sound like Harry on some leads it's just not specified on here, though it has to be him. Mike can't pull off such fast leads the way Harry did. I know that he did participate in more recent albums as a guest musician. Mike's great on rhythm. He's been a good songwriter in the 80s, though their more recent material doesn't seem to change. They're not as catchy as the old stuff. Which is probably why the remakes.

I have the physical CD of this release and enjoyed it a lot. I think the first one is good as well, maybe even better. Furthermore, I liked both of them, though, and I think it was a good idea to put these songs through better production quality and mixing. I think they did a good justice to the songs from the early days. Maybe they received some criticism over the older material sounding low-budget and the new material monotonous and songwriting monotonous as well. I liked this remake the entire way through. They did a good job from start to finish. Especially enjoy the Dead Kennedy's cover as well! (Death8699)

(Pledge Music - 2017)

Score: 70

 

https://www.facebook.com/destruction

Morgue Supplier - Inevitability

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

#FOR FANS OF: Death/Grind

This release is pretty "weird" in my opinion. It sways from slow to metal to grind to chill time. It's definitely the strangest release that I've heard from 2022. That's what makes it so intricate and appeasing. These guys have been around for a long while, but 38 minutes of different Aboriginal feel or vibe to it makes it what stands out. When you think you're being pulled into one extreme to total disheartening atypical dementia. These guys have some death metal mixed with grind action. Though they fluctuate quite a bit! Guitars are fast, mid-paced and overheartenly slow. Their lead guitar work is quite astringent. And the vocals you get quite a variation retro Napalm Death 'The Peel Sessions.'

Guttural vocals mixed with screaming you get all sorts, especially like Lee Dorrian (ex-Napalm Death, Cathedral). Those of whom they seem to draw their influence from. This album is only a little more than 38 minutes. However, what you get is 38+ minutes of death/grind.

I have not heard a band so strange yet episodic and manumatic as these guys via Morgue Supplier. They're incorporating many different sounds and vibes until finally the album fades out. The grind pieces are fluctuating and speedingly incorporated.

The guitars are just an atypical type of mixture between single picked notes to a little bit of everything. The vocals go with the guitars, but both, they encapsulate gore mixed with screaming anguish. Throughout, they seem to go nowhere except on the path of resilience. The vocals shriek highly and the guttural sound doesn't let up. It goes on and on with total morbidity. I enjoyed this album, but I'm thinking that what I enjoyed the most is them going on and on hitting walls with the drum slots and guitars mixed with praying different versions of guttural onslaught. I think the best part of the release is that it doesn't sway too much into oblivion, it is oblivion that slays it! (Death8699)

(Transcending Obscurity Records - 2022)
Score: 80

https://morguesupplierband.bandcamp.com/album/inevitability

Borknagar - Fall

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

#FOR FANS OF: Epic Black/Viking

What a transitory epic platter that's filled with the utmost soul-driven heart. I'm not a big fan of bands like Amon Amarth or other Viking metal bands, but Borknagar is one of the ones that I'm totally into their vibe. They're totally chill and hold an illicit like vibe. These guys over the years have kept it mild. Not their first releases, but some that I've come across have been mellow. The more releases they put out, the more they mellow out. It doesn't make them totally like eunuchs, it just means they're getting older and more musical. They have made a turn for their best in precepts with their latest sound, which is the greatest they've put out.

The guitars go mainly in a slow pace with some variation and melodic as all heck, do they swarm. The music is the best part of the release, alongside the vocals. They're in unison of the music wholeheartedly. What melodies and an overall beautiful all be that will never 'Fall.'

Every song on here is full of passion in the music! The vocals sway from hoarse to clean and back again. It's killer if there's an exact moment to highlight the whole release is a highlight! The guitars seem to go well with the songs/album/riff by riff. I've been a fan since I got 'Winter Thrice.' I just like their overall sound to their songs. This stuff isn't appeasing the brutal metal people, just those of whom are more into bands like Katatonia, et al. They're way mild and intricate in that sense. Just getting milder and milder they seem with each passing bar. To that realm, they appease the masses of listeners to Viking mild sense of direction that they have become.

These guys have been around for some time now, belting out their melodic metal till way back in the 1990's. I think they've moved on with careful progression and sticking to their Viking metal roots! This is one you don't want to pass up on! So many great songs! (Death8699)

(Century Media - 2024)
Score: 80

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

Nunslaughter - Angelic Dread

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

#FOR FANS OF: Death/Thrash

Killer death metal, though the songs are short. I didn't mind that, they reined with fury! Catchy riffs and tolerable vocals, there's no going wrong with this band! The vocals go well with the music! Best Nunslaughter I've heard from them. Excruciatingly immense death metal galore! Check out one of their lengthier songs called "Looking Into The Abyss."

The music is thrash/death metal, more thrash in the guitars and a tinge of death metal with the vocals. But I know they're considered to be solely a death metal band. The vocals reflect Jeff Walker via Carcass. Same screaming sound if you didn't notice, but it seems to be true to that!

Riffs sound crunchy and catchy. There isn't a Nunslaughter album I've heard that tops this one. And it's good they're re-establishing a great fan base. They need it and their music is unique.

The production quality on here is superb! I enjoyed how they weaved everything into place in terms of instruments/voice. The aggression is totally there, and wouldn't want to change anything on this release. They diversify, they're not aggression totally, but the guitars are HEAVY! I think that they down-tune the guitars to reach that thickness sound. What a great band, they're wholly underrated! I ordered their CD from Hells Headbangers because I thought it one album that I couldn't pass up! The music took over and I loved the vocal department. This band is way unique and uncompromising! Be sure to take a listen to the song I mentioned and see if it's up to your death metal pallet! (Death8699)

(Hells Headbangers Records/Fatalism Musickness - 2014/2021)
Score: 74

https://nunslaughter.bandcamp.com/album/angelic-dread

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

Sathanas - Psalm Satani

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

#FOR FANS OF: Black/Death

Only 30 minutes in length, but I feel like these guys put on some pretty great blackened metal. I love the vocals and the guitars. Paul indicated that the recording quality wasn't the greatest, but you can as sure as hell make out the riffs. No blast beats just underground metal galore.

Production wise, this album could've done better, but the guitars and the vocals made up for that! I like the fact that Paul's vocals are screams that fit well with the essence of this album. I really like this album, especially the riffs. Too bad, it's only a little over 30 minutes. It deserves a lengthier LP. But, nevertheless, it's better than quality music for this rare genre. It's really made metal to sound better than just unique. It's made it more experimental and creative. Each song is good to my standards. They put an effort into everything, especially in making this album flourish, even though there's a claim that they got somewhat screwed over by the label. But the next LP will be at Morrisound. So that's pretty exciting!

The music on here was in the vein of 'Necrohymns' but it has its own kick to it. Definitely looking forward to the new album, but for now it's this blaring through my speakers. It's a raw recording, again reminiscent of the past. Paul is the main contributor of the band as he's the driving force.

This band has their own sound, especially the blackened metal that they play. They have sort of weaved it into their own. I like how they display their talent throughout this recording and past recordings as well! The music on here is filled with progressive riffing and a unique style.

I've yet to find a way to get a physical copy of this album, preferably on Amazon or Hells Headbangers. But they're not stocking it. Best to download off bandcamp. Check this album out! It shan't disappoint! (Death8699)

(Vidar Records - 2023)
Score: 73

https://sathanaspsalmsatani.bandcamp.com/album/psalm-satani

Disinter - Designed By The Devil, Powered By The Dead

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

#FOR FANS OF: Grind/Death

These guys formed quite a bit ago, Native Chicagoans! I'm quite surprised that no one took a shot and reviewed this. The vocals sound like Adam via Cardiac Arrest (US). And the music is quite unique and technical as well. They hit home with me, I've found this platter to rip musically and aggressively. It's too bad that they dealt with a death in the band (Preston) RIP 2017. I've found nothing but good things to say about this band/album. It's just a little hard to find online. It isn't readily available on Amazon.com and there are different bands with changed names (Disinter). I can't fathom that it's been 10 years since this album was released!

Keeping the metal faith there on Disinter's end, they rip quick musically, and they're (I believe) five members making this release happen. I just so don't like to listen digitally without giving the band money to buy a CD. I would love to have this album as a part of my collection!

These guys are not only death metal, but their talent goes to show that it does still exist, and we hear here that talent belting out fast riffs mixed with upbeat but still underground vocals alongside burgeoning music that utterly is in command. There's so much going on with the vocals, music, and rhythm guitar sounds that perpetrate along with its unfathomably dark intricate metal. You can hear how much they unleash their musical display. Very talented musicians!

They have intricate groove and tenacious licks that simply catch you off guard. But yeah, the vocalist sounds like Adam Scott from Cardiac Arrest (US). If you've heard any of their music, you'll hear what I'm talking about. The other side of the vocals deals with screaming. The music is their own. I'm glad to be aware that metal is alive and well in Chicago. These guys rip it to pieces on the guitars, the production sound, varying vocals and undying spirit. They've owned Chicago since their birth in 1991. This band is the embodiment of terror, destruction, and songwriting.

I only took a little bit off because there were some slow parts but wholeheartedly uncompromising and intricate abomination! (Death8699)

(Desecrated Productions - 2014)
Score: 76

https://disinter.bandcamp.com/album/designed-by-the-devil-powered-by-the-dead

Cannibal Corpse - Chaos Horrific

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

#FOR FANS OF: Brutal Death

This album is a step-up from 'Violence Unimagined.' They seem to have more solid riffs, as Cannibal has taken another 5-piece band with one of the top releases for 2023 in my view. They deserved it! Everything seemed to be right on here, with no ounce of anything mediocre.

I think Rutan made more of a difference on here as well. He and Rob make a good combination on guitars. More wicked leads and rhythms on here! The songs are way tighter and this is my favorite release from Corpsegrinder ever since he started with the band replacing Chris Barnes. He's got way more range than Barnes ever had for Cannibal Corpse. The great thing about this release as well is that it's got a lot of variations with the songs. Even though they were more in B-flat tuning to get that chunky sound, it sounds great. All the tracks were good! I listened to the sample before I downloaded this and then bought the CD. I'm so glad I did!

This is one of the top 3 Cannibal albums I'd choose in their entire discography. The others would be 'Red Before Black', 'Torture' and 'Butchered At Birth.' This new one is going to get plenty of air time for me, especially sharing this information to readers to assure them that this is the band's monument ever since some of their previous work that is worth mentioning.

The mixing was top-notch to feature the guitars well in synch with the vocals. The only thing that I didn't hear a lot were Corpsegrinder's screams, they're mainly guttural. However, it suited the music!

If you want to know one top album from 2023 this LP hits the pinnacle for the band! Everything on here is killer! The production quality especially since they've been on Metal Blade is great. I don't see any signs of them slowing down! Loving this whole release! (Death8699)

(Metal Blade - 2023)
Score: 75

http://www.cannibalcorpse.net/

Deceased - Ghostly White

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

#FOR FANS OF: Death/Thrash

The last album with Dave "Scarface" Castillo, who drowned in El Salvador in 2018. It's too bad, this band has been in great progression with each upcoming release. I just happened to get a copy of this CD and 'Surreal Overdose.' This one isn't extreme death metal, it's milder with great riffs. The vocals are powerful and the production quality was solid. I think highly of this release! I feel like they have some riffs that are unique and exceptionally original. The vocals on here are hoarse and have a low-end growl to them. The music is non-duplicated by any of their others. They pretty sound different with each succeeding platter. The voice goes pretty well with the music.

The thing about the music is that they have tempos slow, medium, and up-to-fast shred. The leads were well done, and I feel like they really put their heart and soul into this recording. The music and vocals are what stole it for me. That's the reason for the "75" rating.

I only own two releases by this band, 'Ghostly White' and their previous 'Surreal Overdose.' I like both, but the former more so because I feel that the music is better on here than their predecessor. It's filled with catchiness and thickness in the riff category. I originally didn't think very highly of these albums, but my outlook has changed after multiple hearings. The vocals just go along-side the musical kingdom of originality in the sounds. Too bad about their drummer. And I'm curious to hear their latest release out this year, entitled 'Children of the Morgue.' This new one might even be better than this one, I'm not sure yet. We'll have to play the waiting game.

Five members in this band, one gone, but it doesn't take away from the magic of this release. I think that the music and vocals are what caught my attention the most. These guys have been going strong for years making quality death/thrash/heavy metal. Quite a mix of genres!

I like how they were able to piece things together in these genres, which is why they caught me a little by surprise. The music (being a guitar player myself) was the highlight to me. But they were able to lump those genres together, making it a win-win situation and never boring.

I like this band a lot and am going to be a long time fan because they were able to make their music unique and listenable. The vocals, the riffs, the leads, and the drums all were exquisitely composed. These guys are hopefully going to be around for many more years! If you don't believe me, just take a listen yourself and see what I'm talking about! (Death8699)

(Hells Headbangers Records - 2018)
Score: 75

https://the-true-deceased.bandcamp.com/album/ghostly-white