The Big South Market - Muzak

#PER CHI AMA: Hard Rock

Si esordisce con un groove intimidatorio, compatto e rissaiolo, rintuzzato da semicelate evoluzioni batteristiche da vecchio thrashettone impenitente ("Big Deal"). Nella diametrale "Before (You Make it Deeper") invece languono sensazioni eminentemente alt-metal, forse per via del trattamento distorsivo riservato alla traccia vocale, forse per mero spirito di contrapposizione. Il resto dell'EP dirige la prua nella confortevole direzione di certo magmatico hard rock novantiano ("Moondrink"): a proposito della proposta dei The Big South Market, ve li ricordate ancora i Pride and Glory? Di certo blues suburbano riscaldato sul cucchiaino nella maniera, per esempio, degli Alice in Chains (ascoltate il mood di "Red Carpet" o la anagraficamente desertica "Desert Motel"). 'Muzak' è la musica per ambienti: musica da parrucchiera, da dentista, da ascensore, da centro commerciale. La musica di merda, insomma. Quella finalizzata unicamente a coprire il silenzio. 'Muzak' era una autorevole rivista indipendente di RPI. Segue un estratto dal manifesto culturale pubblicato sul numero 1 della rivista: "Con questa parola gli inglesi indicano la musicaccia. Quella di Orietta Berti. O Engelbert Humperdick. O David Cassidy. / ... / E perché no? Anche i Beatles. Anche quelli disguistosamente muzak di Michelle...". (Alberto Calorosi)

(Red Cat Records - 2016)
Voto: 50

https://www.facebook.com/thebigsouthmarket/

Enforced - At The Walls

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

#FOR FANS OF: Thrash/Crossover

The only thing that lacked on here, was a good production sound. There seemed to be somewhat of an echo to the vibe, but the music is top notch! I like the fact that they're a 5-piece. These types seem to be the best there is! I love the riffs on this one too! They're fast and furious, definitely an album worth checking out. The music is quality. And the vocals go well with the music, too! They did a good job with the lead guitars as well. But the rhythms I key in more than anything else! Totally original riffs and songs filled with ultimate vigor! Their energy on here was phenomenal!

This band is definitely underground! I'm not too familiar with crossover metal but I do know that Power Trip is one also. Enforced had a definitely stronger production sound on the new album, but this one might've been on a lower budget. Though these guys tear it up! Everything on here is quality and I'm sure hearing the songs live would sound better than this recording. I'm not sure about that, I just know that is why I took points off from this release. It could've been longer, too. It's clocked in under 30 minutes in length. It's still good, though! I like this album and band quite a lot, that's for sure!

As I've pointed out, the production could've been better, but the mixing was good. You can hear everything quite well. And the music on here is tops with me! The riffs original, the vocals unique and the overall sound the music has to it is above average! I will continue to support this band! They seem like down-to-earth people and their music is enjoyable to listen to! I think thrash is my favorite genre and that mixed with crossover is a definite boon to this quality debut! I have no beef with the guitars or the vocals. Everyone seemed to do their part in this recording. I'm just surprised that I found out about them a little bit later on in their career.

I have yet to get this on CD, right now I'm working with the Spotify version of the album. I still think that CD's are better when listening to an album. I think I'm right in saying that! Anyway, this one is definitely worth checking out. The riffs are what hit home with me! I just wish the album was longer, it's under 30 minutes. I suppose they wanted to put what they had at the time out there just to get in with the metal community. Everything else is fine, I talked about the production being sub par. It's not the greatest, but at least you get to hear the riffs and everything else in quality form. Check it out! (Death8699)

(War Records - 2019)
Score: 75

https://enforced.bandcamp.com/album/at-the-walls

Carcass - Torn Arteries

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

#FOR FANS OF: Death Metal

It took a lot of spins to come up with a comprehensive text and score for this album. I wanted to be as fair as possible. This one holds in the ranks of not Surgical Steel but Swan Song where that one left off. It seemed easier to like 'Surgical Steel' because it was fairly straightforward and catchy. 'Torn Arteries' is an acquired taste. It's a mix of melodic death with death 'n roll. So watch for those two styles meshed into one. The whole 49 minutes became interesting after a while. That's why I hesitated before I scored this and simply waited. The rhythms are just a little weird. They weren't entirely catchy, though some things stuck!

Jeff's voice doesn't change on here and there were a little back-up grunts (not many) though it was mainly the raspy vocals. They went good with the guitar riffs, they seemed to flow. I just think that Bill could've done a better job in the riff department. However, they were riffs that weren't duplicated on previous releases. Bill felt that the split that they had in time when they reformed he felt that it'd never happened because he failed in music (he's contention). It was because Carcass never amassed the popularity that At the Gates and In Flames did. It was based on a two-part YouTube interview less than 10 years ago.

A lot of people didn't care for this one. But I just thought it's different but it's still them. At least Bill and Jeff are playing new music. I wasn't happy it took about 8 years for this one to be released and I can't for a fact say it is their pinnacle in contribution to the metal community. I just felt it was a "B." I swore that I told my friends it was a 75% but I raised it after further analysis. Carcass of the old era will never be again, especially since Ken is permanently damaged and can't play for Carcass anymore. And Michael is off with Arch Enemy making his contribution to the melodic death metal genre. If it weren't for 'Heartwork' I don't think Michael would've left. I'm not sure.

A review poured out on its debut to the music world and it's taken me weeks to amass an assessment of it. I wanted to be as thorough as I could be. Yes the music is good in higher ranks, the production was solid, the compositions strong, and it's overall essence is positive. For those streaming, I bought the CD. However, I listened on Spotify the day it was released. I thought it good enough to buy but dwelled on this review for almost a month. Not that long, but you get what I'm saying! Be careful in making a judgement of the album, give it playing time and a fair shake before determining whether or not you'd say good things about it! Great effort! (Death8699)

(Nuclear Blast - 2021)
Score: 78

https://carcass.bandcamp.com/album/torn-arteries

Eclipse - Dorsacharms Venomous Colours

BACK IN TIME:

#PER CHI AMA: Symph Black, Limbonic Art

'Dorsacharms Venomous Colours' è un album di black epico-sinfonico ove sottolineare la presenza di una voce growl che si alterna ad uno screaming, a volte a dir poco straziante. A bilanciare ecco la presenza di una gentil donzella e il suo cantato, pulito e gotico. Diverse melodie disperate si dipanano su uno sfondo assai grezzo, costituito da chitarre sparate alla velocità della luce, e da un basso che rimane un po’ nascosto nella architettura ritmica del disco. Le tastiere, che si alternano alle chitarre cosi lanciate, risultano davvero ispirate al pari di una batteria articolata, dirompente, cupa e variegata quanto i brani inclusi in questa prima fatica dei polacchi Eclipse. Brani che si mostrano come inseguimenti e fughe anche in quei pochi rallentamenti che possiamo scorgere, particolari perchè costruiti da armonie di chitarra, pianoforte e tastiere sognanti, delineando parti intensamente ariose in contrasto all’aggressività proposta, come lo sono per l’album la strumentale iintro e l’outro finale. Un dischetto interessante in un paese dove all'epoca i Behemoth spopolavano con il loro condensato black. (Francesco Scarci)

(Blackend - 2000)
Voto: 68

https://eclipse11.bandcamp.com/releases

Oneiros Way - The Dawn is Near

#PER CHI AMA: Dream Pop/Ethereal Wave

Non proprio il mio genere quello dei milanesi Oneiros Way e forse nemmeno il luogo più adatto quello del Pozzo dei Dannati per parlarvi del loro debut 'The Dawn is Near', tuttavia il disco è fra le mie mani, tanto vale rendervi edotti su questa release. Un lavoro che ci condurrà attraverso le maglie del dream pop, suonato peraltro attraverso l'uso di strumenti analogici, pianoforti acustici, synth, banjo e molto molto altro, il che sottolinea immediatamente come il duo, costituito da Regina e Claudio, faccia della sperimentazione sonora il proprio credo. Una sperimentazione che affonda le proprie radici nel trip-hop dei Massive Attack, cosi come nell'ethereal wave dei Cocteau Twins, ma fortunatamente qualche fraseggio post rock si riesce anche a ritrovare nel corso del disco. L'apertura affidata a "Scura" delinea immediatamente le caratteristiche della band, cosi dark nel loro approccio etereo darkeggiante, con un sound minimalista, delicato e suadente. In "Luna" compare la voce angelica di Regina in apertura ed è come se mi cullasse l'anima, accarezzasse lo spirito, poi è in realtà Claudio a guidare la song attraverso sua voce ed un flebile flusso armonico. In "Glass Bell" emerge qualche stravagante sonorità elettronica con le voci dei due musicisti ad accompagnarci, attraverso il cantato in italiano, in una sorta di fiaba, amplificata da un'effettistica che prova a scuotere un sound, forse talvolta troppo timido. "Alba" prosegue sulla stessa scia delle sonorità delle prime tracce, però il disco, per quanto peculiare esso sia, fatica a coinvolgermi ed emozionarmi. Sembra manchi un guizzo, una melodia vincente, un qualcosa di abbastanza catchy in grado di rapirmi. Questo per dire che c'è ancora molto lavorare per raggiungere vette qualitative. Certo, non mancano spunti interessanti: in "Raining Frogs", ma più in generale, preferisco quando è il cantato femminile ad avere la leadership, cosi caldo, delicato e sensuale. In "Rainfall", i nostri palesano le loro qualità nelle partiture strumentali e nella cinematicità di un sound forse qui più ispirato che altrove, in un incedere comunque oscuro e malinconico. "Immersion" è il singolo scelto dalla band per rappresentare il disco, un esempio di elettronica nebulosa e decadente, che ha qualche passaggio interessante, ma che in linea di massima, è lacunoso di quel quid indispensabile a farmi balzare dalla sedia. Bello poter sperimentare con tutta quel vasto armamentario di strumenti, ma io avrei francamente osato un po' di più, il rischio di sprofondare in un torpore durante l'ascolto di 'The Dawn is Near' rischia di essere molto elevato. (Francesco Scarci)

(Dischi del Minollo - 2021)
Voto: 67

https://soundcloud.com/oneirosway/sets/the-dawn-is-near/s-anALmIJEUGX

Lutharo - Unleash The Beast

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

#FOR FANS OF: Heavy/Thrash

This EP has been monumental in Lutharo's discography. It's just entirely amazing in composition. Clocking in at about 25 minutes in length and 5 songs (technically 4 plus the intro), I really enjoyed this fresh heavy/thrash metal vibe with utterly spellbinding vocals. The music and vocals draws you in entirely, somewhat resembling Alissa White-Gluz but with more variety! The riffs are like magic too, utterly captivating! This album isn't immensely fast, but it's just captivating! The riffs are balls out intense and the lead guitars are QUALITY. They're just somewhat new into the metal world, but with this they've made a monument!

I enjoyed this whole EP and I would venture to say there's nothing wrong with the songs at all. The vocals make the music more rectified. Really great songs on here and a Canadian based band, another has struck the metal world. That's a good thing! I'd have to make note to say that they're a little metalcore-ish as well. That's not listed in the type/genre but it does have those elements. The music and intensity are way there throughout this entire release. I'm totally immersed in this EP, there's really nothing I'd discount or take away in the release. Everything is just perfect. The leads could be a little better, but still I think everything is pretty solid!

Production quality was top notch! Everything is worthy of utmost praise and glory they're drowning in! I would have to say that upon hearing this i had no idea it would be so great in composition. Definitely a great contribution to the metal world and for the band getting themselves started in an upmost luxurious manner. They don't fail at all on here everything is up to par and fits together totally. I'm surprised that they've not gotten more press that 1 review for this. I'm about in the ranks of the current score on this site, 1% higher in rating because I only took off points for a few minor things, nothing major.

I found this on Spotify and have been hooked! These guys really know how to hit home in their genre(s), they did a great job with this. The vocals and the music is what grabbed me the most! I felt that the sound quality was top notch as well! The vocals were way grand! So yes, this hits home on my end or final evaluation. If you just like metal itself aside from all of the different styles, I think you'll like this. It's so immensely diverse and catchy, they were at the pivotal best. I'm not sure if Amazon carries this or if it's entirely digital, but definitely check it out and low behold the BLACK SCORPION! (Death8699)

(Self - 2018)
Score: 78

https://lutharoband.bandcamp.com/album/unleash-the-beast

Foul Body Autopsy - Shadows Without Light - Part One

#PER CHI AMA: Melo Death, In Flames

Ebbene, io i Foul Body Autopsy non li conoscevo e con un moniker del genere mi sarei aspettato qualcosa vicino al brutal o al grind e invece, per mia somma gioia, scopro che la one-man-band originaria di Leicester e guidata da Tom Reynolds, è in realtà attiva dal 2010 con un blend di death e black sinfonico. Tuttavia questa release propone un melo death fresco e dirompente. Lo certifica l'opener, nonchè title track di questo 'Shadows Without Light, Pt​.​1', la prima release di una presunta trilogia. Quel che è strano è che quanto incluso in questo EP sia comunque lo stesso brano in tre versioni differenti, ma andiamo con ordine. Con la prima song ci assestiamo su dinamiche musicali vicino a quanto fatto dagli In Flames, con ritmiche veloci, molto melodiche e catchy, e voci tra l'urlato e il growl, il tutto condito da ottimi synth. Quegli stessi synth che si prendono tutta la scena nel synth remix della stessa song, in un pezzo strumentale, dai forti e accattivanti rimandi ottantiani vicini al post punk; se avete dubbi, vi confermo che la traccia ha comunque il suo perchè. La terza song è invece un hybrid remix che fondamentalmente miscela gli elementi fortemente sintetici della seconda traccia con quelli più pesanti della prima, in una riproposizione forse ancor più ruffiana che corre il solo rischio di annoiare. Da annotare che la release è uscita digitalmente ma anche su una "originalissima" USB stick da mettere nella vostra auto a tutto volume. (Francesco Scarci)

(Self - 2021)
Voto: 70

https://foulbodyautopsyofficial.bandcamp.com/album/shadows-without-light-pt-1

Words of Farewell - Inner Universe II

#PER CHI AMA: Melo Death, In Flames

In attesa di ascoltare un nuovo full length, e sarebbe il quarto della loro discografia, tornano i tedeschi Words of Farewell con il secondo episodio della saga 'Inner Universe', dopo quello rilasciato lo scorso anno e recensito dal sottoscritto su queste stesse pagine. La formula alchemica dei nostri non cambia di una virgola rispetto al precedente EP, proponendo un sound che ci riconduce immediatamente al filone svedese guidato dai vari In Flames, Scar of Symmetry e Soilwork, per una proposta grondante groove da ogni suo singolo poro. E quindi, ben vengano le ottime melodie dell'iniziale "The Midnight Star", un brano davvero vario che, in più punti, rievoca gli In Flames di 'Siren Charms', un album che ho adorato. Di conseguenza, non potrò nascondere il mio apprezzamento anche per questa release, per quanto possa suonare piuttosto derivativa. Eppure, un bel chissenefrega ci sta alla grande perchè quando fa irruzione la più cupa "Born of Sleep", non posso che godere all'ascolto di questa proposta. Ho apprezzato soprattutto quel roboante sound delle chitarre e il classico dualismo vocale (pulito e growl) che compare in tutto il dischetto. Rispetto all'opener, questa seconda traccia sembra essere più ritmata, vantando peraltro un'ottima sezione solistica ed una chiusura piuttosta malinconica. "This Long Goodbye" continua con il suo rifferama di scuola svedese, con tanto di tastiere (migliorate a mio avviso rispetto al precedente EP) a costruire una solida matrice di sottofondo che sposta il tiro dei nostri verso un sound più cupo e minaccioso, palesato da un interessante break centrale atmosferico davvero efficace. Il sestetto di Marl ha totale padronanza dei propri strumenti e l'esito di 'Inner Universe II' alla fine si rivelerà più che soddisfacente, anche alla luce dell'ultimo pezzo, "Forgotten Hope", che illumina gli ultimi cinque minuti e mezzo dell'EP con le sue ottime e fresche melodie, la sua intensità ed una prova corale dei nostri davvero maiuscola. (Francesco Scarci)

(Seek and Strike - 2021)
Voto: 75

https://wordsoffarewell.bandcamp.com/album/inner-universe-ii

Narcotic Wasteland - S/t

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

#FOR FANS OF: Death/Thrash

A lot of influences here, but Narcotic Wasteland has their "own" sort of sound to them. Killer vocals, guitar riffs and drum frenzies. I enjoyed this album IMMENSELY! The kind of vibe it has just seems so welcoming to death metal listeners. The music takes precedence over everything. I think that they dug deep in their creative juices and let it spew onto here! All the songs are good in under 40 minutes clocking in length. I wanted it to go longer, but oh well. I think the technicality, production quality and vocals just slayed. Amazing debut album here. I'm surprised people have not discovered this band!

I like the structures of the riffs as well as the technicality. It's what drew me into this release. I'm trying to get more people interested in this band because I think that they have to offer the death metal community. The music, vocals and drums (again) are my favorite aspects of this release. The mixing was well done also. I don't really have anything negative towards this album. I think for a debut, they did awesome. Formed in 2011 in South Carolina I believe they have a long future ahead. They are literally riff-machines! All of the songs here are insurmountable. They really kick ass in the riff department!

A lot to offer (as I say), their music is full of intensity and amazing technical riffs. I like how everything seems to fit together on here! The leads are quality as well. I think on the newer material they've gotten even more technical in that department but on here the licks flow rampantly! What's most well constructed are the quality of the structures themselves. I'm sure it took a great effort making this debut. It really does show the influences but also themselves being an influence on the metal community. I'm hooked on this one (hence my narcotic!). Not literally, but just their sound, they kick some serious ass!

I couldn't find this on CD formatting so I had to resort to Spotify. I prefer the CD, but just getting to listening to this band on digital is enough for me at the moment. I think there might've been a limited supply of this coming out with a physical copy! Oh well, it doesn't mean don't check them out but be sure to listen to them! They've shown themselves in this metal world it's only you now to find them yourselves and discover what great music they put out there! They've really shown their genius in riff-writing. For you fellow guitarists you're going to find that their technicality is hard to pull off. Discover Narcotic Wasteland! (Death8699)

(Megaforce Records - 2017)
Score: 75

https://www.facebook.com/narcoticwasteland

Dumbsaint - Panorama, in Ten Pieces

#PER CHI AMA: Post Metal strumentale

Continuano a cascata le uscite in casa Bird's Robe Records a riesumare album più o meno recenti (e conosciuti) del roster dell'etichetta australiana. Oggi è il turno dei Dumbsaint, ensemble di Sydney che su queste pagine avevamo già incontrato con 'Something That You Feel Will Find Its Own Form'. Quello di oggi è l'album 'Panorama, in Ten Pieces', release del 2015 che seguiva a tre anni di distanza quel 'Something...' appena citato. Il risultato? Sublime, e non lo scopriamo certo oggi con quell'amalgama perfetta tra post metal strumentale (oh dannazione, che peccato non ci sia una stramaledettissima voce che ogni tanto alteri la fluidodinamica dei suoni) e ambientazioni cinematiche che, dall'iniziale "Low Visions" finiscono, attraverso un percorso lungo, articolato e alquanto ambizioso, nelle delicate spigolature della conclusiva "Barren Temples". In mezzo? Sicuramente una buona dose di qualità e un'intensità sonora come quella sviluppata proprio dall'opener. E ancora, un'ottima riflessività (come quella esibita nella più intimista "Communion"), irrequietezza che contraddistingue la contraddittoria e vivace "Love Thy Neighbour", dapprima delicata e poi parecchio energica, al pari della successiva "(Partition)", tanto breve quanto efficace. Non dimentichiamo poi della strabordante forza distruttiva di "Cold Call", forse il brano più aggressivo e nevrotico delle dieci tracce qui incluse, anche il mio preferito. Vorrei citarvi ancora la breve "Graceland", con il suo fresco ed ipnotico post rock e la successiva, lunga, lunghissima e malinconica "Long Dissolve/Temps Mort", che con i suoi splendidi acuti di chitarra mi ha evocato un anomalo mix tra gli enigmatici finlandesi This Empty Flow e i nostrani Threestepstotheocean. Ottima riscoperta, assai utile per chi se li fosse persi sei anni fa, ancor più utile per chi si è dimenticato di avere il disco a prendere la muffa nella propria collezione. (Francesco Scarci)

(Bird's Robe Records - 2015/2021)
Voto: 77

https://dumbsaint.bandcamp.com/

Bend the Future - Without Notice

#PER CHI AMA: Psych Prog Rock

Rock progressivo dalla Francia. Ecco, mi sa tanto che i nostri cugini galletti se la cavano non solo in ambito estremo ma anche in sonorità ben più tenui, come quelle proposte dai Bend the Future, sestetto originario di Grenoble. La partenza di 'Without Notice' denota sin da subito le grandi capacità tecniche dell'ensemble, che con l'opener "Lost in Time" ci regalano suoni davvero entusiasmanti tra prog rock di stampo settantiano, aperture post rock, allunghi psichedelici e sprazzi jazzistici, che sottolineano l'imprevedibilità di quanto ascolteremo da qui alla fine nel corso del lavoro. Il primo brano è pazzesco, forse la cosa più debole sono le vocals (colpa mia che sono abituato ad un ben altro tipo di corde vocali), ma poi da un punto di vista strumentale, i nostri sono spaventosi, tra lunghi giri di chitarra, splendide melodie e cambi di tempo da applausi. Bomba! Chissà se le altre song sapranno confermare quanto di buono ascoltato sin qui? Un pianoforte apre la strumentale "As We Parry" e l'atmosfera somiglia a quella lounge da pianobar con un duetto di sassofoni che deliziano per come ben si amalgamano nella matrice musicale. "Merely" ha un impatto un po' più irrequieto, sebbene qui ritorni la voce del frontman a smorzare quell'animata ritmica che in taluni passaggi potrebbe evocare un che dei Riverside in salsa math, prima di un super spiazzante break atmosferico in grado di condurci improvvisamente indietro di oltre 40 anni nel cuore della musica settantiana. Da nostalgica lacrimuccia vintage. "We Aim Higher" è un pezzo di puro sperimentalismo sonoro, dal tratto saturnino che azzarda con trovate interessanti a livello di batteria e chitarra, e che vede peraltro la comparsa al microfono di un gentil donzella. Il brano è complicato, data anche una durata che supera gli otto minuti, ma alla fine davvero efficace tra fughe semistrumentali, stridori jazz e speziati aromi psych prog rock dal vago sapore mediorientale. Una delle hit del disco in assoluto. Non dimentichiamoci però della breve ma ficcante "Miniature", quasi un passaggio di collegamento con le restanti "Muş", più timida nel suo incedere comunque raffinato, e la title track, che chiude in scioltezza e alla stregua dei pezzi che l'hanno preceduta, un lavoro complesso, elegante e da approfondire ad ogni costo. (Francesco Scarci)

(Tonzonen Records - 2021)
Voto: 80

https://bendthefuture.bandcamp.com/album/without-notice

Annihilator - Ballistic, Sadistic

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

#FOR FANS OF: Speed/Thrash

Never too late to discover an old school band! This is a solid release...it has all of the elements to making a solid album. Everything seemed to flow here and I'd say it's a cross between heavy metal and thrash. I like a lot of the riffs and the sound quality was good! I enjoyed the whole release. They have offered a lot in 30+ years being around in the metal genre. I'd have to say that the older material was a bit raw for me. On here, it's straightforward and to the point. Great songwriting! Every band member does well be it the lead guitar department, rhythms, vocals and drums they're all killing it!

I like how they change things up on here fast/slow/medium tempos but mainly fast in your face type of deal. I think the riffs are the best they've put out in years and fresh! These guys know how to make a quality record! I liked it from beginning to finish. I'm going to look into more of their material! They just tear it up in the music department! The vocals are unique, too! I like what they've done here, for sure! All the band members are way talented and it shows on here. I would definitely say that they're thrash/heavy metal. They've been a consistent band and they're not going away, I hope not!

Talking about the sound quality, well the production quality/mixing was done very nicely! Everyone on here contributes their part it's good that they made some quality riffs because a lot of bands might have it musically but due to low budget the production sucks. This is an example of quality in the sound so it does the LP justice! I'm surprised they're not a well talked about band. I've got a lot of catching up to do on their stuff! They really show maturity and wise musicians. It's an album here that you cannot get sick of. It takes a lot of spins to hear all the sounds but 'Ballistic, Sadistic' never gets (to me) old.

Do the band some good and purchase this on CD! They have a lot to offer metal and if you've been following them over the years this is no surprise to you! I'm glad I stumbled onto this release! They show no sign of quitting anytime soon. This lineup is strong and as I've pointed out, nothing here is half assed. They did a great job showing their excellent musicianship! Be sure to follow them on Spotify or YouTube if you don't want to buy the CD. Keep this one alive and don't discard this modern day aspect of the band. They all are good on here and be sure to take a gander at this one! (Death8699)

(Silver Lining Music - 2020)
Score: 77

https://www.facebook.com/annihilatorband

Municipal Waste - Slime and Punishment

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

#FOR FANS OF: Thrash/Death

Another solid release by this band! I enjoyed the whole album. I don't like the vocals as much as on previous releases though. They're a bit annoying even though it's still Ryan Waste singing. I enjoyed the music immensely, just took points off for the voice. Not the back-ups, just the main one. The guitar riffs make up for it though, probably one of the stronger Municipal Waste releases in the music department. I enjoyed this the whole way through. Another 30 minute album though. I wish they were longer, but it is what it is. I think that they did a lot of justice to the metal community over the span of 20 years.

A lot of good riffs on here and it's a good thing that you can hear the bass throughout the album. A lot of bands the bass is barely audible. Not on their releases. They just sound awesome the whole way through the guitars flourishing. It's amazing they have fresh riffs release after release! I don't see many flaws with the album, it's full of energy and vigor! And the leads are good, not really sloppy. The rhythms I like the most of! The vocals are just a little irritating but nothing not worth stomaching. This whole release is full of energy! I like the music the most and the sound is good.

Another under 30 minute release here but it's worth a listen to if you want to take a break from death metal or doom. It's full of good vibes and electricity. These guys are masters on how to create some quality music. A lot of their albums are similar though, but they're still really awesome. These guys are in this music scene for about 20 years still lighting up the eardrums! A lot of the songs are on average of 2 minutes tops but there are I believe 14 tracks on this one. They really know how to generate speed in the rhythms are the vocals are just annoying to me. That's the only aspect of the album I disliked.

Check out this one for it's electric vibe and crossover twist. I found it to be really likable and quick. These guys show that they're on top of their blended genre. They don't give up with their unique sound and static tempos. They just don't ever seem to let up the whole way through. They just keep on jamming it home and the leads are decent. Definitely one of their top releases to date. Only a few other top this. I found only a few things that were just on my nerves and I discussed that. If you're looking for dynamite crossover/thrash checking out 'Slime and Punishment'! (Death8699)

(Nuclear Blast - 2017)
Score: 78

https://www.facebook.com/Municipalwaste

Aorlhac - Pierres Brûlées

#PER CHI AMA: Punk/Black, Windir

Li avevo io stesso recensiti nel 2018 i francesi Aorlhac (mi raccomando ve lo ricordo nuovamente, si pronuncia "our-yuck") con il terzo capitolo della loro trilogia, 'L’Esprit des Vents'. Li ritrovo oggi con questo 'Pierres Brûlées', che ci dice quanto la band originaria di Aurillac, sia più in forma che mai e la Les Acteurs de l'Ombre Productions non può che sfregarsi le mani. L'intensità palesata dai nostri in questa nuova opera ha infatti del miracoloso con la forza d'urto della opening track, "La Colère du Volcan", pari a quella dei vulcani (islandesi e ora anche quello delle Canarie) che stanno sprigionando pericolosamente sulla Terra. E quindi non possiamo far altro che lasciarci travolgere dalla colata lavica eruttata dagli strumenti di questo quartetto transalpino attraverso le sfuriate epic black che non faranno certo prigionieri. Il disco, brano dopo brano, si conferma una strepitosa cavalcata, che trova i suoi punti di forza nella sontuosa eleganza ed epicità trasudata dalle note malinconiche della seconda "Au Travers de Nos Cris", il mio pezzo preferito, spoilero subito, forse perchè il brano più lungo e strutturato del lotto, ma anche quello più completo e nelle cui chitarre conclusive, sento quella magia pagana dei Primordial e che avevo apprezzato nei dischi di un'altra delle band del batterista, quel K.H. che milita anche negli Himinbjorg. Insomma, l'esperienza accumulata in questi anni di militanza nell'underground da parte dei membri degli Aorlhac mi sembra abbia pagato e questo sia il positivissimo risultato. Vi raccontavo quali fossero poi i pezzi che più mi hanno esaltato e aggiungerei l'esplosività delle chitarre della terza "Vingt Sièges, Cent Assauts", quasi una versione black dei Motorhead miscelata con l'epic dei Windir, in un brano sparato alla velocità della luce. Di "katatonica" memoria invece l'incipit di "Nos Hameaux Désespérés" anche se poi le vocals, la linea delle chitarre, e il drumming furioso in blast-beat, ci conducono in realtà da tutt'altra parte, anche se questa song alla fine suonerà un po' meno frenetica delle precedenti. "La Guerre des Esclops" è un altro bel pezzo, scaraventato a tutta velocità con le sue urticanti chitarre (a tratti taglienti, in altri frangenti più compassate), le caustiche vocals di Spellbound (un altro che abbiamo apprezzato recentemente nei Jours Pâles) e una batteria fragorosa che sembra la classica contraerea nei cieli di Baghdad della Prima Guerra nel Golfo. Interessante sentire come nella seconda parte del brano, le chitarre citino i Cradle of Filth in un vorticoso maelstrom sonoro. In chiusura la title track e gli ultimi travolgenti e acidi minuti di questa release punk black, ove a mettersi in luce sono le chitarre (ottimo assolo peraltro) e la voce qui nel suo formato più epico che stempera quella devastante porzione ritmica in grado di lasciarci semplicemente senza fiato. (Francesco Scarci)

(LADLO Productions - 2021)
Voto: 76

https://ladlo.bandcamp.com/album/pierres-br-l-es

Acheron - Kult des Hasses

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

#FOR FANS OF: Black/Death

This album is quite diverse, though it seems to be all over the place with different tempos. The recording quality was good, just the songs don't really lead to anywhere. A lot of lead guitar work and likable vocals, just the guitars could've been a little better (to me). I just felt that the changes really make the album off-kilter. It was brutal as hell and a long album, but I'm sure they've come out with better music in the past then leaving the scene after this one was released. Definitely an original release, just should've done better. When I say "better", I mean more consistent in the songwriting capabilities.

The guitars (main) were heavy as hell, but just too many leads for me to like. I felt the death/black metal vibe was there though it should've been more consistent in terms of the music. Way too many leads as I say. The album was about 60 minutes in length but I didn't find it to be interesting or anything new that I've already heard before from other bands. They needed something more original and should've left the metal scene on a better note. There were good riffs here and there though it just should've been consistent. What's wrong with the leads are that they just weren't well orchestrated.

I liked the production quality immensely. It amplified everything and made the album sound like they were doing justice for the metal community even though their songwriting on here wasn't the greatest. I give them a "C" because the album wasn't that poor. I just thought that a lot of mistakes made in their genre. They should've been more concise say like Blood of the Wolf is in their songwriting. But not every band is going to be the same, it could be the same genre, but different approach. I liked only 75% of the songs. It just wasn't consistent enough, so hence the average rating.

I would say "caveat emptor" for this one. It's not a disgrace, just not my favorite death/black metal release. I would say to download it first before you take a listen to it. It's probably better to stick with their previous albums because they may make it to be more consistent in musical structure and better riff-writing. As I say, it isn't a complete failure it's just that they should of closed out with a better punch to pack to their fans. I wouldn't call myself a "fan" I'd more aptly say a critic than more than anything else. I'm sure while they were active, they put together better material than this. I caution you... (Death8699)

(Listenable Records - 2014)
Score: 64

https://listenable-records.bandcamp.com/album/kult-des-hasses