Thursday, December 31, 2020

Throwback Thursday: Adore (black metal, USA)

Adore was a black metal solo project 2004-2016. Metal Archives shows these recordings: Infamy of the Black Legions Demo 2013; Wanderers of Oblivion Full-length 2015.
Adore - Last Night's Sky For Dying Eyes

Throwback Thursday: DOHRN (extreme metal, USA)

"Alicia Warrington (born August 30, 1980) is an American drummer. She has played drums for Kate Nash, Kelly Osbourne, Lillix, Hannah Montana, Uh Huh Her, Gore Gore Girls, Dawn Robinson, The All-Girl Boys Choir, The Dollyrots, The Bruises, Tracy Chapman, Selena Gomez, Colton Dixon, Chris Rene and others. In December 2018, Alicia signed for American professional wrestling company WWE and started working for their NXT brand, (using the name Alicia Taylor) as the host of the post-show. As of the April 25, 2019, episode of the NXT show on WWE Network, she is the show's ring announcer, replacing Kayla Braxton, who moved up to an interviewer position on SmackDown." (Wikipedia)
Levels Of Hate by DOHRN
Becoming the Disease by DOHRN
DOHRN - Becoming The Disease
Alicia Taylor’s heavy metal journey to NXT

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

Leather Witch -- heavy metal from Colombia

Below are two videos from what Metal Archives says is the self-titled debut album from 2020. If you like the hard-hitting, banshee-screaming style of those songs, the band has posted the entire album on YouTube. If the opinions of people on YouTube are anything to go by, you will notice that fans really enjoy the traditional approach that the band uses with high singing and guitar-hero string work. -Metal Bulletin Zine
Leather Witch - Pull the Trigger (Official Videoclip) (Resize HD)
Leather Witch - Stronger than Death (Official Video).
Leather Witch - Full Album
https://www.facebook.com/LeatherWitchBand/

Adamah (Brazil) -- melodic Christian heavy metal in Portuguese

YouTube has the 2020 album called Cordeiro de Deus ("Lamb of God"). At this moment it's not clear what other social media they use.
Adamah - Cordeiro de Deus

Adaga -- black metal from Brazil

So far it seems like they have only a 2019 EP Spawning Black Seeds on Bandcamp.
Spawning Black Seeds by ADAGA
https://www.facebook.com/adaga666/?ref=page_internal

Mehul Kanani (Uganda) -- new instrumental single "The Ghosts of Khaosan"

ABOUT: Mehul Kanani: A guitarist with styles ranging from Michael Schenker, Ritchie Blackmore, Michael Weikath, Kai Hanson and Jonas Hanson. Heavily influenced by european metal Mehul is the lead guitarist of Threatening a metal band based in Uganda. The material featured here is his solo work.
ABOUT the song: On one of my visits to Bangkok I was mesmerized by a street band outside Saphan Taksin BTS train station who were playing Isaan music from the northwestern region of Thailand. The guitarist was playing a Phin guitar. This is a northeastern lute that features a pear-shaped body. It is made up of a neck, frets, steel strings and a unique dragon shaped head played mostly by ethnic Laotians in Thailand and Laos.
The music was very traditional but had a western feel to it. I loved the phrasing and melodies
I decided to compose my version of a melodic rock themed version Inspired by the Phin guitar this is an instrumental with traditional Thai melodies and structure and of course my neoclassical rock feel and tempo it also has that ambient feel in some parts reminiscent of some of the bars and lounges on the famous Khaosan Road in Bangkok.
In the last 40 years, however, Khaosan Road has developed into a world-famous "backpacker ghetto" and in an essay on the backpacker culture of Khaosan Road, Susan Orlean called it "the place to disappear."
Belief in ghosts in Thai culture is both popular and enduring. In the history of Thailand Buddhist beliefs intermingled with legends of spirits or ghosts of local folklore. These myths have survived and evolved into my new single “The Ghosts of Khaosan”. Enjoy.
The Ghosts of Khaosan by Mehul Kanani
https://www.facebook.com/mehulkananiguitarist/?ref=page_internal

Immurement -- brutal death from Trinidad and Tobago

ABOUT: Immurement is a Slamming Brutal Techical Death Metal outfit from Trinidad.
Insidious Cerebral Debilitation by Immurement
https://www.instagram.com/immurement_slam/

Doomed Immortal -- U.S. death metal solo project

ABOUT: Through time, space, and technology Ed has watched his musical career and passion grow, and to make artistic fusion — one between his greatest passion: music, and what he calls his favorite thing ever: freedom.
Genesis Requiem by Doomed Immortal
https://www.facebook.com/DoomedImmortal/?ref=page_internal

Solemn Vision -- prog melodeath from New York, USA

ABOUT: Born and raised in New York City. A band thats constantly delivering their unique, organic, progressive/melodic death metal sound. With a plethora of influences, the New York quintet's sound is for fans of Opeth, At The Gates and Insomnium all the while having songs compared with bands from Behemoth to Obscura. Self titled full length album out now!
Solemn Vision is a 5-piece band from NYC delivering unique and original progressive/melodic death metal in the vein of Opeth, Dååth, In Mourning, and more.
Solemn Vision is a Brooklyn-based melodic death metal band renowned in the mid-Atlantic metal circuit for their eclectic take on the genre. The band brings in a range of influences, most heavily building on the sounds of acts like Opeth and Insomnium. Solemn Vision’s live performances are high energy and interactive. Their focus has always been on showmanship and stage presence complimenting raw musicianship. This lethal formula has packed out venues and wowed audiences all around the region.
The band is currently composed of Aaron Harris on vocals, guitarists Mauricio Cornejo and Kadin Wisniewski, Anthony Rafferty on bass, and Carlos Crowcell on drums. Solemn Vision’s music showcases a variety of sonic flavors ranging from frigid Scandinavia, to the deserts of the Middle East; from classic metal mastery to modern innovations. This range in their sound is in part a product of New York City itself, which has always been a melting pot of cultures, styles, and sounds. This approach has fostered a widespread fan base not just in the Tri-State metal scene, but with online followers all over the globe.
The band's self-titled debut was released in Spring 2019, to critical acclaim – and the band is already wrapping up their sophomore offering. Solemn Vision’s focus is on ensuring that the raw, melodic death metal sound of the band will never be compromised and instead only grow and evolve. As Solemn Vision gear up to tour and take on the world they hope to build on past accomplishments, including performances with everyone from Carach Angren to Kataklysm by way of incoming titans like Blood Incantation. This is melodic death metal envisioned in a new light, and it’s utterly, wonderfully twisted.
Cerebral Labyrinth by Solemn Vision Live at Saint Vitus
Solemn Vision by Solemn Vision

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Narcotic Wasteland (U.S. death metal featuring Dallas TW, formerly of Nile)

ABOUT: "Narcotic Wasteland started as a side project Dallas Toler-Wade had been working the past few years when he was not touring or in the studio."
Metal Archives shows these recordings: Narcotic Wasteland Full-length 2014; Delirium Tremens Full-length 2017.
Delirium Tremens
Narcotic Wasteland Live August 2019 Seneca NY
https://www.facebook.com/narcoticwasteland

Voracious Scourge streaming 2020 album In Death (project featuring Sinister, Suffocation, Cynic [ex]members)

About: "Old school Death Metal Project inspired by early 90's death metal"
In Death by Voracious Scourge

Epica (Holland) -- two songs from Omega (2021)

These are two songs from Omega, the February 2021 album by Epica.
"Epica is a Dutch symphonic metal band, founded by guitarist and vocalist Mark Jansen after his departure from After Forever. Formed as a symphonic metal band with gothic tendencies, later Epica have incorporated into their sound strong death metal influences. Starting from the third album, even progressive metal attitudes have become evident. In addition, the band often uses thrash metal and groove metal riffs, black metal passages (mostly in the drum technique), power metal moments and references to Arabic music. Some songs also have electronic shades, djent transitions and folk metal melodies derived from middle eastern, Chinese and Celtic traditions. Epica is also known for the attention to the vocal lines that, in contrast to the heavy context, weave very catchy, easy to hold, sophisticated and emotional melodies. The use of mezzo-soprano vocals and growled vocals, performed by Simone Simons and Mark Jansen respectively, is fundamental to the band's sound. They primarily write their own lyrics, which often deal with philosophical, psychological, spiritual, moral, scientific, environmental, socio-political, global and topical and personal themes. Epica is also known for their wide use of orchestra and opera choirs." (Wikipedia)
EPICA - Abyss of Time (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)
EPICA - Freedom - The Wolves Within (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
https://www.facebook.com/epica

Shrieks of the Impaled (Washington state, USA)

Metal Archives shows these recordings for this extreme metal band: Welcome to the Kingdom of Flesh EP 2009; The Demise of Babylon Demo 2012.
The Demise of Babylon by Shrieks of the Impaled

Shizerdome (Washington state, USA)

ABOUT: "Metal has become super wimpy. We are here to save you."
Shizerdome - Black Metal (Venom Cover) Rough Mix
SHIZERDOME - BLACK METAL 2-STEP
https://www.facebook.com/shizerdome/?ref=page_internal

Shadow of the Torturer (Washington state, USA)

ABOUT: "SOTT is a band dedicated to DOOM METAL."
Marching Into Chaos by Shadow of the Torturer
Dronestown by Shadow of the Torturer

Monday, December 28, 2020

Inferi -- melodic tech-death from USA

ABOUT: Inferi is an American melodic death metal band forged from the bowels of Nashville, Tennessee. The band formed in 2006 and strived to merge the classic melodic metal sound with a taste of crushing technicality.
Of Sunless Realms by Inferi
The End of an Era | Rebirth by Inferi

Defences -- melodic metalcore from the UK

ABOUT: Alternative metal quintet from Hertfordshire, UK
Defences - Grow (Official Video)
Defences - In Eclipse (Official Video)
Defences - What You Know (Official Music Video)
https://www.facebook.com/Defences/
Two Steps Back by Defences

Deepshow -- stoner groovy heaviness from Belgium

ABOUT: We are Deepshow... A Belgian kick ass band founded in 2011. The bands music can be described as Sparkling Muddy hÔÔvy...when heavy meets groovy...It's a mojo thing. Some folks may compare our sound to Black Sabbath, Down, or even Corrosion Of Conformity...don't fool yourself, our identity is damn obvious: our own. Buckle up, we're comin' for ya. The band defines its music as the combination of heaviness of metal, the groovy side of stoner rock and the simplicity and efficiency of classic rock seventies music.
The Spleen King by Deepshow
Cimmerian by Deepshow
https://www.facebook.com/DeepshowTheBand/

African mythology explorers Chovu (Kenya) streaming song "Mwikali" from 2020 EP What Sorcery Is This?

Hear the slow heaviness with growled vocals of "Mwikali" from what Metal Archives says is Chovu's debut EP What Sorcery Is This? With the way that various forms of doom continue to be popular with U.S. heavy rock audiences, this song might hit the spot with those listeners.
ABOUT: "Chovu is a band exploring African Mythology through the medium of Heavy Metal."
What Sorcery is This? by Chovu

Sunday, December 27, 2020

Dead Sleep -- Swedish thrash

Metal Archives shows the following recordings: Dead Sleep EP 2016; Bring the Knife Single 2016; Aleppo Single 2017; In the Belly of the Beast Full-length 2018; Naked Tyrant Full-length 2020.
Dead Sleep - Wages Of War
https://www.facebook.com/DEADSLEEPMalmo/

Begräbnis -- funeral doom from Japan

Metal Archives shows these recordings: Begräbnis Demo 2012; Neunundvierzig Demo 2013; Begräbnis / Estrangement Split 2014; Sol / Begräbnis Split 2016; 东方幽魂故事 Split 2017; Izanaena Full-length 2020.
Begräbnis - "因果てど愚弄す(Inverted Cross)" from 1st album "IZANAENA"
https://www.facebook.com/Begrabnis

Shaded Enmity (2001-2015; Washington state, USA)

Metal Archives shows the following recordings for this melodic death metal band: Tyranny Within Demo 2002; From the Heavens They Fell Demo 2003; Thought & Remembrance Full-length 2005; Like Prayers on Deaf Ears Full-length 2009; Hijo Perdido Full-length 2011; Forsaken and Forgotten Full-length 2013.
Forsaken and Forgotten by Shaded Enmity

Serpent Lord (Washington state, USA)

Metal Archives shows the following for this black metal entity: The Rite of War Split 2003; Battle Horns Demo 2003; The Order of the Snake Demo 2004.
Serpent Lord - The Order Of The Snake

Serpens Aeon (Washington state, USA)

ABOUT: "Epic Death/Thrash Metal from Seattle WA."
Metal Archives shows: Demo 2000 Demo 2000; Dawn of Kouatl Full-length 2003.
A certain individual named "natrix" at Metal Archives says:
What do you get when you take two former Chasm members, move them to cold and rainy Seattle, and put in a very energetic and violent drummer? Well, you could say something good, but that would be a real understatement. You get Serpens Aeon, who carry the flag of traditional metal ahead in a blaze of destruction and glory.
Comparisons with The Chasm are unavoidable; there is use of some sweeping chords and the old school metal sound is omnipresent. But Serpens Aeon is a lot simpler in its riffing, ditching a lot of the Burzum-esque chording for traditional power chords and ruthless old school tremelo picking. The drumming also differs, in that Matt Cason is fucking fast. Many blast beats and tempo changes pop up in numerous places over the course of a song.
Right off the bat, the album hits you square in the face with a rolling, bludgeoning riff of "Foresaken thy God," before it goes into a full on blast beat. Crushing thrash riffs collide with tremolo picked mania, resulting in a well crafted train wreck, as Luis Martinez growls out hymns to Aztec gods and curses against the modern world. Then, Erik Diaz whips out some tasteful solos, running the gamut from Trey Azagthoth's whammy bar insanity, to some absolutely beautiful, melodic picking reminiscent of Iron Maiden. Just check out "Under the Fifth Sun" for a collasal array of riffs and the best solos on here. Fuck!
It is with great pleasure that I can say that the production is tight. Drums sound very crisp, very wild, and the guitars and vocals are perfectly balanced. I would have preferred more bass, but fuck it, this is metal of death, not Korn.
The cover of Grave's "Extremely Rotten Flesh" comes across a bit thin, and I think it's mainly because of the guitar tone. Whereas Grave's original version was thick and muddy, giving it a real nasty sound, Serpens Aeon's thrashier sound just sounds a bit out of place. Still, not a useless song, and rather interesting to see their take on an old classic.
I can't give this a perfect score because it is not perfect, but this is one hell of a bombshell.
Winds of Hatred

Seeds of Corruption (2005-2012; Washington state, USA)

Seeds of Corruption was groove metal.
https://soundcloud.com/seeds-of-corruption

Serial Hawk (Washington state, USA)

Serial Hawk is "doom/stoner/sludge metal," says Metal Archives.
Static Apnea by Serial Hawk

Saturday, December 26, 2020

CADAVERIA - Return (OFFICIAL VIDEO) ("unconventional extreme horror metal")

Check out the 2020 music of Cadaveria, returning after cancer treatment.
Metal Archives shows these recordings: The Shadows' Madame Full-length 2002; Home Video Video 2002; Far Away from Conformity Full-length 2004; In Your Blood Full-length 2007; The Days of the After and Behind Single 2012; Horror Metal Full-length 2012; Karma Video 2013; Carnival of Doom Single 2014; Silence Full-length 2014; Mondoscuro Split 2016; Christian Woman Single 2017; Dominion of Pain Single 2017; Mater Tenebrarum Single 2017; Return Single 2020; Matryoshcada Single 2020.
CADAVERIA - Return (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
https://www.facebook.com/cadaveria
https://cadaveria.bandcamp.com/releases

Shadows of Paragon - Your New Identity (lyric video)

Swedish extreme metal band Shadows of Paragon has announced: "Our new album 'Amendment' is mixed and mastered. Check back after the holidays for more news. In the meantime, enjoy our lyricvideo for 'Your New Identity' from our new album." Metal Archives shows these previous recordings: Shadows of Paragon Demo 2004; Fear of Being Forever Lost EP 2008; Through the Valley Within Full-length 2009.
Shadows of Paragon - Your New Identity
https://www.facebook.com/Shadows-Of-Paragon-115190005191107/?ref=page_internal

cavernous claustrophobic death Aberration streaming track "III" from January 2021 self-tited debut recording

Aberration seeks the sound of something apropriate for the cult-minded fans of primal, minimalistic, low-growl indecipherable death that seems recorded in an abandoned garage where everything smells foul due to the dumpsters, oil refinery and chemical plant nearby. Sometimes it crawls, sometimes it blasts, and it is always barbaric. They aim for the sound of a jumbled big ball of foggy, grey ugliness. Your eyes cannot make anything out, you turn on the windshield wipers but that can't get rid of the fog. You strain your eyes to see anything ahead of you, but it's no use, and your headlights don't help at all, either. You keep driving, hoping that no one, no animal jumps ahead of your car because if they do you won't have any time or distance to stop. It's all just too foggy. That's Aberration. There is no way anybody knows what the vocalist is whispering-growling, and the strings and percussion seem conjoined for the speed, the doom, the woof-woof up-and-down of it all. Aberration seems to know what they are doing, and as the official information below says, it looks like they have been working for years at that abandoned garage making this type of cacophony. -Metal Bulletin Zine
Aberration
Aberration
January 15 2021
Sentient Ruin Laboratories
ABOUT: With influences coming from extreme metal beasts like Antediluvian, Altarage, and Impetuous Ritual, the Minnesota-based dark death metal horde debuts via Sentient Ruin with their self-titled 2021 debut 10" EP, an aural pact with total darkness that establishes them as one of the most imaginative and intimidating new entities in American underground extreme metal.
No newcomers to game, Aberration was formed in late 2019 by members of Void Rot, Suffering Hour, Nothingness and Tvaer, throwing the sum of their talents and influences into an obfuscating aural glorification of total darkness and oblivion, combining death, doom, black metal and tenebrous ambient/drone to create an imposing aural hellscape of complete light-devouring terror.
JH - Aberrations / Proclamations. DH - Emanations / Incantations. AW - Lacerations. EC - Abominations. Music by JH, AW. Lyrics by JH. Engineered and mixed by DH at Black Dust Studios. Mastered by Damian Herring at Subterranean Watchtower Studios. Logo by Misanthropic Art. Cover and inner art by Serpent Above. Photography by Sam Nelson / Clay Olson. Layout by Barclay Olson.
Aberration by Aberration

Second Sting (Washington state, USA)

ABOUT: Second Sting - The Ultimate Scorpions Tribute brings the best songs of all eras of the Scorpions to the stage in unforgetable way. Their high energy set blazes through the Scorp's 50 year catalog of rockers and ballads, from the 70's to now, with the most authentic look and sound anywhere. Whether you're an old-school Uli fan, or dig their massive 80's hits, Second Sting brings it like no other tribute band on the planet.
Second Sting - Blackout
https://www.facebook.com/secondsting/?ref=page_internal

Serpent's Knight (Washington state, USA)

At Metal Archives a certain individual named DeathRiderDoom has written the following: Like a bunch of ghastly demons burting forth from the rickety doors of an abandoned Victorian era American country house, comes this collection of ghoulish cuts from cult metal heroes Serpent's Knight. More than a pretty name, the uproarious SK is probably better known as the band of vocalist Warrel Dane, in his pre-Nevermore, and even pre-Sanctuary days. However, while Danes horrific, demon screachings do have a lot to do with the badassery that is SK, the band largely succeeds due to a culmination of aspects - all in all demonstrating a prime example of underground, ghastly and spinechilling USPM. Hailing from the fertile Northwestern scene that included Heir Apparent, Glacier and the mighty 'Ryche, 'Knight were part of an explosion of heavy and power metal bands of the period, contributing to creating a classic sound which would go on to play part of the wet dreams of many a metalhead even decades later.
The hauntingly titled 'Released from the Crypt' is a collection of demo quality cuts from the bands classic period, and though being somewhat restrained from full potential in their demo-ness, the overall package succeeds in being solid example of metal's best style; the US power. Right from the occult intro samples and effects, where 'Knight sets the tone with demonic voices preaching ancient verses of woe, and insane, horror-filmesque melodies build, goosebumps start to form on ones skin. What follows is perhaps best desrcibed as the soundtrack to entering said, dusty, desolate and dilapidated manor house, smelling the musty air, and opening the basement door, only to unleash a horde of screaching howling ghosts and demons, the centre one being a pale skinned, opaque, undead Warrel Dane! This music is the aural equivalent of horror and the occult, as much as Goblin or Zombi, but better - in heavy metal form!
Serpents Knight crafts song after song of demonic power metal here, with Dane's demonic tones over a wall of crunching riffs with parts of Savatage and Mercyful Fate to them. For comparison, the sound found on here is a wonderful mix of Fatal Violence, Enforcer, Disorder, Sinister Angel, Syrus, Graven Image, Sanctuary, Oliver Magnum, Invid, and others. There's no point in assessing th quality of the songs one by one, but the consistency is high, and given the relative handicap of the recording quality, the album succeeds to no end. The songs evoke storng, dark imagery and feel haunting and vivid. Guitars are biting and forceful, and the overall sound is rough and crunching, with bass at a nice level of presence along with drums. A record I like as much as almost any USPM offering, this one is an absolute must and a masterwork of extremely high caliber. We have a lot of creative drive and balls given the date, and 50 minutes worth of solid power metal that went on to forge a strong cult staus for the band. Essential.
Serpent’s Knight (1983-1985/1989) “Silent Knight... Of Myth And Destiny” (Full Album)
https://www.facebook.com/SerpentsKnight.FaceBk

Friday, December 25, 2020

ultra brutal Indonesian death zealots Chronic Injury streaming Plague Hunger & Sorrow

Fans of unmelodic, unrelenting blasting death ultrabrutality might like to mosey on over to the Bandcamp to experience what Chronic Injury has to offer. The band, according to Metal Archives, began in 1997. This recording below seems to have some recent material together with some much older stuff, but this publication is unable to give more specifics. At any rate, what is clear is that this is brutal death. Let the blastin begin! -Metal Bulletin Zine
ABOUT: in the beginning of 2010, Chronic injury began recycling their old songs into new concepts that they bring. With a line up of Vishnu (guitar/bass), slammed (vocals), Kris (drums), chronic injury plays concept of Brutal Death Grind and ready to hit the stage of Indonesian underground, or even worldwide.
Plague hunger & sorrow by CHRONIC INJURY

Sentient Divide (Washington state, USA)

ABOUT: Death Metal from Washington
Haunted by Cruelty by Sentient Divide

Sedation Therapy (Washington state, USA)

ABOUT: Death Doom from Tacoma. For all contact email sedationtherapy@gmail.com
Demo by Sedation Therapy

Scourge Schematic (Washington state, USA)

Scourge Schematic is a defunct death/grind band.
Life Savings by Scourge Schematic

chopchop Kansas City barbecue butchers Marasmus sample tasting cuts "Universal Deceit" and "Carrion Ascension" ahead of March 2021's Necrotic Overlord in effort to make Andy Reid gain 50 more pounds; call hospital, need help now

Metal Archives says that in 2009 Marasmus began training at the meat market with the EP Diseased. After the probationary period at work they became full-time butchers with Mountains of Dead in 2012. In 2015 they packaged some new slaughterhouse product with the MMXV EP and in the same year they served another truckload called Conjuring Enormity. After that they took a vacation, but in 2021 they will return to their craft with Necrotic Overlord to please the ever-hungry customers who were unhappy that their favorite butchers were never around anymore. What type of product will they be serving in 2021?! As usual, they serve unsalted, unspiced product that the super loyal customers enjoy preparing at home. Customers expecting something sweet will probably not enjoy this product but the fans with the stomach for the strong product will be licking their lips and unbuckling their belts for this odorous serving. Andy Reid has already called to reserve his portion of the new product. The Kansas City area hospitals have already been notified and the ambulances are waiting. Feel free to sample for yourself the product below. -Metal Bulletin Zine
MARASMUS
Necrotic Overlord
Transcending Obscurity Records
26 March 2021
ABOUT: Featuring members of Unmerciful, US death metal band Maramus whip up a veritable death metal maelstrom with a relentless barrage of riffs, off-the-hook jackhammer drumming and absolutely savage throat-ripping vocals to top it off. This is a systematic barbaric onslaught that lays to waste everything in its wake. The music reaches dizzying speeds and it all starts to get hypnotic at some point, but that’s probably because the momentum is fueled by rhythmic, pulsating beats and corresponding vocal patterns that reach a devastating, mind-numbing crescendo. This is one of the most stripped-down versions of the brutal death metal style, leaving bare the raw aggression, unbridled anger and sheer fit of catharsis. It’s a rare thrill to delve into something so visceral and feral. Albums like these don’t come out too often and it’s best to brace yourself and prepare for a deadly, neck-snapping ride.
Line up - Devon Ferrara - Vocals; Trynt Kelly - Drums; Brandon Culligan - Guitar; Andrew Nagorski - Guitar; Ben Axel Harvey - Bass; Justin Bird - Programming.
Artwork by Rafael Tavares (Blood Red Throne). Layout by TG Rantanen (Master, Paganizer).
Necrotic Overlord (Death Metal) by MARASMUS (US)

Thursday, December 24, 2020

doomsters Witchtit streaming song "Crimson Tide" showcasing their blues-stoner wormhole to the past future with March 2021 album Intoxicating Lethargy

Witchtit takes their stoner-blues-doom to the early days of heavy rock when things were psychedelic and heavy. During the wait for the new recording, die-hard fans of the genre might enjoy the band's previous recording available on Bandcamp. Their unfortunate name aside (seriously, so nobody in the band thought, "You know, guys, now that I'm sober, maybe we could choose a slightly better name than the one our drunk drummer suggested at 2 in the morning last night ..."?), fans of retro doom that goes pretty full on the retro mode could enjoy the idea of vintage heavy rock that goes back to the sound of an earlier time when things were hazy, opaque and smokey. -Metal Bulletin Zine
WitchTit
Intoxicating Lethargy
12 March 2021
ABOUT: “That is what I fear most, that I become so caught up in the pursuit of the pleasures of life that I am never truly alive.” That is the power of Intoxicating Lethargy, which is also the title of WitchTit’s début album. The crushing five-piece doom metal outfit from Raleigh, North Carolina are releasing the follow-up after testing the waters via a split with Etiolated, but it’s a very different band that walked into the studio this time. The most marked change in WitchTit is the addition of vocalist Reign, whose delivery hits the wailing tones of Messiah Marcolin crossed with a young Iggy Pop in his Stooges days. Her words cover a myriad of topics, from the alcohol-tinged “Silver Tongue” to the call away from inaction in the title track alluded to in the quote. Each line is delivered with relish, whether belting to the rafters or slinking on the floor, oozing with character.
The music is also a veritable conundrum in itself - how can one group blend together the horror-spun doom of Celtic Frost and Candlemass with the NWOBM elements of Witchfinder General and Manilla Road, and yet have it sound so fresh? The drumming is a major highlight of this, especially on the closer “Home Invasion”. There’s even some thrash in their influences, as the ripping guitar solo at the end of “Intoxicating Lethargy” can attest. The result is a début full-length which simultaneously fits right in with other releases of 2020/2021 and also has the sensation of having tumbled out of the 80s. In the end, WitchTit prove themselves a force to be reckoned with in North Carolina doom, and Intoxicating Lethargy is a major milestone in this burgeoning band’s career. If their memorable live shows are anything to go by, the troupe will be demanding our attention again very soon.
Intoxicating Lethargy by Witchtit
Etiolated​/​Witchtit Split by Witchtit

soothsaying doom & gloom prognosticators Sepulcros streaming song "Vazio" from March 2021 album

Fans of monstrous death doom can get a taste now of what the album Vazio will be all about: a slow-motion massive heaviness of the gloomiest order. In this case, listeners might like to know that the music takes the art of dragging out death doom to the slowest speeds, and then just when people might be feeling all warm and smiley, there it is, some black metal blasting speed segments that change the vision of the landscape, and subsequently return to the slow heaviness, leaving the listener wondering if those blasting segments are a strange coincidence or part and parcel of the experience. When the album arrives, expect some of those shots of speed to liven up the desperation and depression of the Portuguese band's sound as a repeating feature. -Metal Bulletin Zine
Sepulcros
Vazio
Transcending Obscurity Records
12 March 2021
ABOUT: Emerging from the underground, Sepulcros spew forth a powerful, majestic form of death/doom metal that is awe-inspiring and captivating. The music wafts effortlessly through the air, like a shape-shifting, amorphous, strangely luminous creature, bearing characteristics of death, doom and even black metal, and leaving behind a trail of destruction in its wake. Everything about it is hypnotic, this dark subterranean creature having emerged from depths unfathomed, exuding raw power as well as iridescent radiance in the way it carries about wreaking destruction. Nothing seems forced or out of place, as the music assumes its natural form and alternates between pummelling blasts and sonic ambience depending on the circumstances. Shrouded in absolute mystery, Sepulcros deliver a masterpiece with Vazio, an album that will stay with you long after it's over, haunting you perpetually.
For fans of: Disembowelment, The Drowning, Hex, Atramentus, Coffins, Esoteric, Evoken, Mournful Congregation, Cruciamentum, Dead Congregation.
Line up - SB - Vocals; NZ (Summon, Viles Vitae, Abominamentum) - Guitars; RT - Guitars; AH (Candura, Summon) - Bass; JS (Summon) - Drums.
Artwork by Mariusz Lewandowski (Eremit, Rogga Johansson). Logo by View From The Coffin (Vitriol). Layout by TG Rantanen (Paganizer, Master).
Vazio (Atmospheric Death​/​Doom Metal) by SEPULCROS (Portugal)

California muy el guapo tech-deathsters Ominous Ruin streaming opening song "Ritual" from February 2021 album Amidst Voices that Echo in Stone featuring members of Arcane Existence, Symbiotic, Black Passage

Ominous Ruin has been making recordings like single/demo/EP for years, but according to Metal Archives this will be their debut full-length. Fans of clinically-perfect, germ-free, computer-savvy tech-death will enjoy the super modern interpretation of brutal jazz metal. In addition, fans of virtuoso-style playing will get a kick out of trying to figure out the mind-mending instrumentation that includes an audible bass guitar. They say that they their guitars have eight strings, but those of us who are not musicians won't be able to hear much of a difference between the guitars with eight strings and those with nine or seven or six or whatever is the magic number of strings; nevertheless, we will hear the effort to give the brutal jazz metal audiences an album that is worth the time. Dizzying rhythms, funky wacked out bass lines and guitar work to cause you to mosh or to begin doing algebra equations, whichever one you prefer. While fans wait for the new album they can go listen to the band's previous exercises in grunting contortionist jazz metal. -Metal Bulletin Zine
Ominous Ruin
Amidst Voices That Echo In Stone
Willowtip Records
26 February 2021
ABOUT: San Francisco (CA) - On Amidst Voices that Echo in Stone, Ominous Ruin brings a breath of fresh air to the Technical Death Metal world. With intense, fast and dissonant 8-string guitars, dynamic 6-string fretted and fretless basses, punishing drums and incredibly dynamic and unique vocals. Each song is unique, yet the cumulative effect is one guaranteed to keep the listener interested from beginning to end!
Track Listing:
1 Ritual
2 Attuned to the Chasm
3 Deception*
4 Chrysalis of Flesh**
5 A Feast for Shadows
6 Labyrinthine Torment***
7 Consumed
8 Simulacra
9 Amidst Voices that Echo in Stone
*Guest vocals: Jade Ordonez (Arcane Existence, Embrium, Deliria) and Crystal Rose
**Guest vocals: Kris Cana (Symbiotic)
***Guest vocals: Julian Zidarevich (Black Passage, Behold the Desecration)
Album Line-Up: Adam Rosado: Vocals, Lyrics; Alex Bacey: Guitars; Mitch Yoesle: Bass; Andrew Baird: Drums; Petr Oplatka: Guitars.
Album Credits:
Written by Alex Bacey, Adam Rosado and Mitch Yoesle. Drums by Andrew Baird (Fallujah). Drums Recorded by Cody Fuentes at Rapture Recordings. Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Alex Bacey. Special Guest vocals: Jade Ordonez (Arcane Existence, Embrium), Crystal Rose, Julian Zidarevich (Black Passage, Behold the Desecration) Kris Cana (Symbiotic).
Amidst Voices that Echo in Stone by Ominous Ruin
EXILED by Ominous Ruin
Universal Thought Experiment by Ominous Ruin
Ominous Ruin Promo (All Recordings) by Ominous Ruin

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

tech-deathsters The Scalar Process streaming songs "Azimuth" and "Beyond the Veil of Consciousness" from February 2021 album Coagulative Matter

For an idea of the sound of The Scalar Process check the two available songs on Bandcamp that represent the February 19th, 2021 album Coagulative Matter. The two songs are enough to show that the music is serious business for fans of tech and prog death. In this case, it is tech-death with a melodic component that is an important piece of the puzzle. Of course, the fast technicality gives the fans what they expect, and yet the melodic aspects are an attractive bonus. It is a serene side, even though the music may be going at a high speed, there is a calm or calming vibe that is sure to catch the attention of the listeners. Plus, if you like bass guitar, this album might catch your attention due to the prominence of the bass playing. -Metal Bulletin Zine
ABOUT: French technical death metal band The Scalar Process have put together a sublime full length album imbibing everything great about the style and keeping a human element to not render it too mechanical. This is a highly flamboyant excursion into the realm, brought about with gusto and fervour, exploring various sinuous pathways and atmospheric passages, and leaving a lasting impression at the end of it all. Few albums can pull off this kind of poise and execution, straddling myriad moods and also not meandering long enough to lose momentum; the album remains suitably aggressive without losing the emotive value. This is for fans of bands such as Coexistence on the label, along with genre stalwarts such as The Zenith Passage, Beyond Creation, Archspire and more, upholding the standards and bringing their own to the table. The future is bright for this promising young band whose debut should go down as one of the finest in the genre in recent times. For fans of: Coexistence, The Zenith Passage, Beyond Creation, Necrophagist, The Faceless, Hateful, Archspire, Cynic, Inferi.
Line up - Eloi Nicod - Guitars, Composition. Mathieu Lefevre - Vocals. Clement Denys - Drums.
Guest appearances - Clement Denys (Fractal Universe) - Session drums for the album. Scott Carstairs (Fallujah) - Guest Solo on Ink Shadow. Mark Garrett (Kardashev, Viraemia) - Guest vocals on Mirror Cognition. Enlia - Female choirs on Azimuth. Tommy Bonnevialle (Virulent Depravity, DeathAwaits) - Guest piano solo on Coagulative Matter. Artwork by Bastien Jez (Exocrine).
Coagulative Matter (Technical Death Metal) by THE SCALAR PROCESS (France)

symphonic horror shrieking Tragedy In Hope streaming "Fighting with the Rain" from 2021 album Sleep Paralysis

Tragedy In Hope is a horror or gothic type of extreme metal that may appeal to fans of creepy yet melodic black-metal-based music that seems disturbed. One thing to notice is that on the album there is a bit of variety with the vocals, but do note that there is plenty of that deranged-gremlin witch shrieking, as it is a central feature of the vocal style of Tragedy In Hope. There is only one song right now on Bandcamp, the one called "Fighting with the Rain." The album will be called Sleep Paralysis and it will be out on February 12th, 2021. Those curious to hear more music from Tragedy In Hope could also enjoy checking the previous recording called Smile at Death, an EP from 2019. -Metal Bulletin Zine
ABOUT: Saint Petersburg (RU) - TRAGEDY IN HOPE are pleased to announce the band's forthcoming full-length debut album, Sleep Paralysis.
The story told in the album's lyrics is as gripping as it is chilling. Guitarist, vocalist, and composer Sasha Giller describes it as follows:
"The story you are going to hear isn’t only a trip across the dark dream world; it is also the story of fighting with yourself. It’s the story about how strong you can get once you accept yourself as you are.
The story of the album starts when the protagonist wakes up in a dream and goes to the mirror where he sees a twisted image of himself, the phantom monster of sleep paralysis. He escapes the place he found himself in, trying to run away from the bleak reality. He flies among white clouds trying to find a rainbow, but falls to the ground when thunderclouds and a storm come.
The world beneath the clouds is filled with rains and a piercing cold. To find a rainbow there seems to be impossible and the darkness slowly starts to swallow him as many others before. He doesn’t give up chasing it, but the truth is, it is him, who is the phantom monster behind the mirror. He is just the mind projection of the true protagonist, who sleeps paralysed seeing nightmares. He tries to explain to the true protagonist that they are two parts of the whole one and only if they accept each other, they both will be able to escape the dark world they are stuck in.
But when sleep paralysis finally ends, a lucid dream starts again."
BIO: Back in 2017 a musician enthusiast Sasha Giller from Saint Petersburg, Russia started a metal band under the name of Tragedy In Hope. With the help of a drummer Alexander Dovgan’, Sasha has put out a few singles, a demo, and an EP album since the inception of the band. Its music can be described as black metal based, but the members find this definition as rather limiting. In writing the music Sasha Giller tries to convey a certain emotion whether it is rational madness, airy heaviness or just, as strange as it may sound, happy sadness. One does not necessarily exclude another.
Sleep Paralysis by Tragedy In Hope
Smile At Death by Tragedy In Hope

"doom-infused post-metal" Crawl Below streaming track "Kingdom of the Ruined" ahead of February 2021 release

On February 12th, 2021 the one-person project Crawl Below (U.S.) will issue the album 9 Mile Square. The music is mellow and emotional though still in the category of heavy rock as a sound. It is melodic throughout while keeping the mood sad. Fans of melancholic or sad metal music--whether you call it doom, post-metal, emo metal, ambient metal or whatever else it is that you prefer to name it--may find the music to be considerably interesting. Below, where you will also find the official information, you will hear one song from the new work. As additional information, below you will also find previous recordings by Crawl Below. However, one important word of caution should be stated here: The previous recordings included below do not sound like this one. In fact, listen to the new song, and then expect an entire recording in that style: a grey, melancholic, mellow, melodic sound with that type of Romanticist or Gothic male vocals. If you are curious, be sure to hear the previous recordings, but just be aware that the 2021 work will not have any black metal or extreme metal tendencies, and certainly no gremlin-witch shrieking vocals. -Metal Bulletin Zine
ABOUT: Connecticut's CRAWL BELOW will release 9 Mile Square, a six-song LP of doom-infused post-metal focused on the history of Eastern Connecticut, on February 12, 2021. Mixed by Dave Kaminsky/Studio Wormwood, mastered by Ryan Williams/Augmented Audio. For fans of: Type O Negative, Woods Of Ypres, The Cure, Katatonia. BIO: Started in 2017, CRAWL BELOW is Charlie Sad Eyes’ one-man project focused on his New England origins. Releases have ranged from punk-tinged black metal to Lovecraftian acoustic folk. The newest release, 9 Mile Square, is based on the history and legends of Norwich, Connecticut, expressed through post-metal. CRAWL BELOW is not limited in style and expresses its surroundings in a multitude of genres, changing from album to album. Charlie Sad Eyes is also in When The Deadbolt Breaks, Sentinel Hill, Holding On To Nothing, and Banth.
9 Mile Square by Crawl Below
We Approach The Altar Only In Darkness by Crawl Below
Welcome The Possession by Crawl Below