Repuked- Dawn of Reintoxication (Album Review)

Musicians: Repuked

Album Title: Dawn of Reintoxication
Genre/ Subgenre: Death Metal
Label: Soulseller Records
Release Date: October 9, 2020

Seven years after their last release, Pervertopia, Stockholm, Swedish death metal act Repuked are back with their third full length album, Dawn of Reintoxtication. Heavily influenced by Autopsy, this gross and vicious, yet really fun death metal record, that is sure to repulse, please, and totally fucking crush, all at the same time.

There is a good meaty and thick sound that gives the album a very heavy and aggressive quality. The band features talented musicians who pull off the the brutal and thick assault and mix it with speed and aggression. Lyrically the band are obsessed with perversion, gore, and booze, making for a fun and decidedly unpc good time. You only need to read song titles like "Fucking Your Fucking Corpse", "Shitfister", and "Repulsive Erected and Anally Infected" to get what I am talking about.

The aforementioned " Fucking Your Fucking Corpse" has a slow and crunchy start that has this decidedly gross feel, especially when Rob the Slob's, who also plays bass in the band, vocals kick in. Then, the song goes into overdrive as the speed kicks way up. As the song goes back forth in speed and sound, what you get is a have fucking killer and brutal track. The creepy and haunting title track sounds like something straight out of a John Carpenter flick. With its electronic like soundscape and horror movie atmosphere, it comes off as a fun change of pace from the rest of the record and a real highlight. "Repulsive Erected and Anally Infected" is a blistering and unrelenting track, which actually feels even heavier when it slows down! "Sewer Rain" has this disgusting little intro that feels like sewer water is washing over you. It then heads this grinding sound accompanied by soaring guitars that is to put it quite simply fucking glorious! It feels nasty and heavy throughout this 3.03 minute duration.

Dawn of Reintoxication by Repuked is a vile, stomach-churning, good time. Heavy and fun, it has meaty crunches and killer slow parts that alternate with some almost punky faster sections. The end result is one of the most out right, purely enjoyable death metal releases in recent memory. Get some strong ass booze and play this fucker as loud as possible!

3.5 out of 5 

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The White Swan- Nocturnal Transmission (EP Review)

Musician: The White Swan

Album Title: Nocturnal Transmission

Genre/ Subgenre: Sludge Metal

Label: War Crime Recordings

Release Date: September 18, 2020

The White Swan is a sludge metal group led by Kittie's Mercedes Lander. With Nocturnal Transmission the London, Ontario trio have provided us with an atmospheric take on relationships and love. 

This EP consists of three original tracks and one cover song. The songs mix sludgy music with fuzzed out guitar riffs and Lander's powerful and, sometimes, almost pained vocals. The opening track is "In Love and Ritual". It has a droning, drag through the mud sound with almost ethereal vocals on Lander's part. The title song is next and is my favorite. It has a heavy and truly crunching Black Sabbath influence with flourishes of alt and grunge thrown in, particularly in Lander's haunting and tragic sounding voice. It has an amazing and soaring lead break at the end, that raises the track's technical bar. Next is "Purple", which has a beautiful and psychedelics intro that heads into slow and doomy riffing. It's a wonderful song that mixes the trippy with the heavy. The album closes off with an awesome cover of Tracy Bonham's "Tell It To The Sky". The song is beautiful, haunting, and soaring, all while adding in their sludgy, slow, and buzzing riffs and style. It makes for a song that one can just zone out to. And, honestly, it's my second favorite on the EP.

As soon, as I heard of Mercedes Lander's involvement with this band and album, I was really excited for it. While, sludge metal isn't one of my go to sub-genres, I really enjoyed the hell out of Nocturnal Transmission. It's a doomy, slow, and, at times, psychedelic zone out. I look forward to hearing more from them, but for now, these four songs more than satisfies that need.

 

3.5 out of 5

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Incantation- Sect of Vile Divinities (Album Review)

Musicians: Incantation

Album Title: Sect of Vile Divinities 

Genre/ Subgenre: Death Metal

Label: Relapse Records

Release Date: August 21, 2020

Incantation are a classic death metal band that have been around for over thirty years. While, they haven't ever reached the popularity of bands like Cannibal Corpse or Morbid Angel, they remain a consistent and highly respected death metal machine. Specializing, usually, in a slower doom influenced style sound, Incantation continue to deliver the goods on their latest release, Sect of Vile Divinities.

The second track off of the album is the slow, heavy, and driving "Propitiation". It takes a little over two minutes for the vocals to kick. But, it's at this point that the song also really kicks in, with a wicked and very cool little riff that is dispersed in the track. I also really like the soaring lead, which plays awesomely against the slower more stomach crunching sounds. The blazing "Chant of Formless Dead" shows the band are just as brutal, if not more so, when they kick speed into full gear. It is an all out attack of blast beats and ripping guitars. The leads here are some of the coolest that I have heard this year. The song, itself, mixes exciting and vicious tempos shifts. My favorite track is probably the aptly named "Fury's Manifesto", as it is an unrelenting and pissed off, brutal attack. The utter and brain beating heaviness displayed here will make your ears fucking bleed. 

Incantation have delivered a brutal, old school death metal release in Sect of Divinities. Going between slower and crushing to fast and unrelenting (many times with a single song), the album is evil and unrepentant in its power to blast you with its brutal sounds. Ranking among the heaviest old death metal albums released this year, it just goes to show that Incantation remain one of the fucking best acts in extreme metal to this very day.

4 out of 5 

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Necrot- Mortal (Album Review)

Musicians: Necrot
Album Title: Mortal
Genre/ Subgenre: Death Metal
Label: Tankcrimes
Release Date: August 28, 2020

Mortal is the second full length album from Bay Area death metal act Necrot. The follow up to their amazing debut LP Blood Offerings, this album continues to live up to all the hype and growing respect that the band has been garnering. It expands on their sound, while still being very recognizable as their work. Alternating between crushing and driving death metal it also adds flourishes of speed that show a thrashy and even a punkish influence.

There are only seven track on the LP, but just about all of them achieve the highest level of quality. Some of the highlights, which is saying a lot in an album filled with them, include the first track "Your Hell". Said song has a super, absolutely killer riff. I fucking love the breakdown it has a battering blast-beat that joins in that aforementioned riff for the ultimate sonic mayhem. If you are looking for fast, then turn to "Stench of Decay", an unrelenting assault of battering and riffing fury. The album closes off with my favorite song: the crushing title track. When the music slows down a bit for the chorus it is even more devastating. At 8:34 is also the longest track, adding a progressive element to the album. But, if you think that means that it is slow or weak, you would be fucking mistaken. It is actually an absolutely blistering track and one of my favorite death metal songs of 2020.

Pic by Chris Johnston

Tight musicianship and awesome riffs make Mortal one of the absolute best death metal releases of this year. I wasn't sure if they could top Blood Offerings, but they did with this follow-up. Mortal actually gets better with each listen, as certain parts or whole tracks become more and more appealing. Old school death metal fans, put this one at the top of your must buy list!

4.5 out of 5

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Unborn Suffer- Commit(Ment To) Suicide (Album Review)

Musician: Unborn Suffer
Album Title: Commit(ment To) Suicide
Genre/ Subgenre: Death Metal/ Grindcore
Label: Selfmadegod Records
Release Date: June 26, 2020

Unborn Suffer are one of the heaviest and most brutal bands out there. And, on their sixth full length release, Commit(Ment T) Suicide there is not a single hint of them slowing their shit down. In fact, this is one of the most savage releases of 2020, a true fucking face ripper.

Their death/ grind sound is on full display in this album. It packs a walloping 27 songs in a mere 36 minutes! The music is intense and head crushing, as their playing combines with a battery of blast-beats and low end growls, screaming, and pig squeals. Songs range in length between 8 seconds and 2.16 minutes. Meanwhile, the production is dirty and helps to make the music sound as chaotic and unrelenting as possible,

"Cardboard Box" is blast-beat filled attack with pig squeals and enough viciousness to leave you battered and bloodied. "Solutions" opens up with a sample saying that there is "too many people on this Earth. We need a new plague", which is strangely chilling in our current world. The song, itself, has this really cool groove and striking drum sound that makes it both catchy and uncompromisingly ferocious, at the same time. The unbelievably barbaric "Point Zero" is a nasty and violently angry track that is probably my favorite. It's hammering blast-beats, slicing guitar riff, razor fast speed, and merciless breakdown leaves everything in its path in complete and utter destruction.

Unborn Suffer's Commit(Ment To) Suicide is committed to true brutality. It is one of the heaviest and most unstoppable releases of the year. Fans who love grindcore and their extreme metal as extreme as fucking possible take heed to this one!

3.5 out of 5 

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Power Trip- Live In Seattle 05.28.2018 (Album Review)

Musician: Power Trip
Album Title: Live In Seattle 05.28.2018
Gebnre/ Subgenre: Thrash Metal/ Crossover
Label: Dark Operative
Release Date: June 11, 2020

On June 11, 2020, Texas crossover thrash act Power Trip dropped a really awesome surprise on fans when they released the live album Live In Seattle 05.28.2018. And, I am here to tell you that's a really fun listen!

The performance captured here comes from their tour with Sheer Mag, Red Death, and Fury. The album is mixed and mastered by, Zachary Rippy of Sound Signal Audio and sounds great. Production is crisp and thick, yet keeps the raw concert feel to it.

There are 11 ass-kickers here that come from the band's discography. Among the favorites included are: a crushing and blistering rendition of "Soul Sacrifice", the fucking awesome modern classic that is "Executioner's Tax (Swing of the Axe)", and the all-out crossover assault of "Manifest Decimation". The album closes off with the super catchy and fun "Crossbreaker".

Power Trip are one of the kings of modern day crossover thrash, on top of being a killer live act. And, Live In Seattle 05.28.2018, wonderfully captures that. With no actual concerts till next year, hopefuly, this is a nice little gift to the fans. At the very least, it is a truly awesome way to tide over us fans of the band, till they give a new, original record.

4 out of 5

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Tales of the Tomb- Volume Two: Mendacium (EP Review)

Musician: Tales Of The Tomb
Album Title: Volume Two: Mendacium
Genre/ Subgenre: Death Metal/ Psychological Horror Metal, Murder Metal
Label: Independent
Release Date: September 21, 2019

Released last year, Volume Two: Mendacium from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada's Tales of The Tomb is one vicious and catchy little death metal EP. It mixes a killer groove with driving and heavy music for a really ass kicking listening experience.

Lyrically the band are obsessed with government conspiracies, murder, and horror. Their eye catching 9-11 inspired cover, by Tony Midi of Tonymidi Artworks, is sure to raise eye-brows. The same can be said of their lyrical content which include the aforementioned tragedy ("Nine Eleven"), David Koresh ("The Sinful Messiah"), and other controversial subject matter. Either way, the six songs are sure to pummel its listeners into piles of bloody goo.

The first song, "The Nightmare Hall" is an unquestionably heavy and battering assault with driving drums, changing tempos, and a wholly crushing sound. My favorite track here, "Faul" has a great pounding and driving groove that shifts with killer blast beats, all of which couple really well with guitarist/ signer Corey Skerlak's venomous growls. "Dyatlov Pass Incident" is a brutal track, that mixes groove and speed into unquestionable heaviness.

Technically strong and undeniably heavy, but also genuinely fun (despite the dark and heavy subject matter), Tales of the Tomb's Volume Two: Mendacium is a great addition to your death metal collection. You'll bang your head and want to fuck shit up, while listening to it. If you missed it last year, correct that right now and get this heavy fucker!

4 out of 5

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Sarcofago- Hate (Album Review)

Musician: Sarcofago
Album Title: Hate
Genre/ Subgenre: Black/ Thrash/ Death Metal
Label: Greyhaze Records
Release Date: May 15, 2020

The release of Sarcofago's Hate ends Greyhaze Records' complete reissues of the influential Brazilian band's recorded output (I have reviewed two of those here). Hate is often overlooked, but it stands out as a dark and fascinating release from the band. There are some bold moments, but this still has it's heart in black metal. The remastered music, taken from the original master tape, sounds fucking phenomenal.

The songs are crushing and filled with bleak and somber lyrical content. Topics such as suicide, murder, and madness are covered with punishing music. Songs tempos shift from groove filled crunch to unrelenting speed. The later is accomplished, in part, due to inhuman drumming. Mostly cause said drums are not played by an actual person but are instead programmed in.

The album opens with "Intro- Song For My Death" a blistering and full speed attack with morbid lyrics. The pure black metal assault of "Pact Of Cum" will batter you from the moment it starts. Speaking of speed, the title track has this punk meets black metal meets thrash sound, especially when coupled with the lyrics about hating, well every fucking thing and everyone. The thundering riffs of Wagner Lamounier's guitars in "The God's Faeces" are some of the coolest he's played. Meanwhile, the chorus of said somg will have signing right along. This all results in some killer fucking music.

Sarcofago's Hate isn't as talked about as some of their more classic work, but it still one hell of an album. With some bold tempo and style shifts, it manages to stand out in the band's discography. With this awesome remastered release, it will hopefully be listened to by more fans of early black metal. Just look over the use of a drum machine and enjoy the dark and ass kicking music.

3.5 out of 5

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Abysmal Dawn- Phylogensis (Album Review)

Musician: Abysmal Dawn
Album Title: Phylogensis
Genre/ Subgenre: Death Metal
Label: Season of Mist
Release Date: April 17, 2020

Six years after their last album, Obsolescence, LA death metal band, Abysmal Dawn, are back with Phylogensis. And, this long wait has resulted in one of fuck of a killer release.

The album has the band trademarks of being technical, brutal, and rich in melody. They deliver on all these aspects in top form. Crushing and, yet wholly listenable, it really stands out among the death metal masses. While, some may not have heard this band's music before, this is the album that I feel will definitely cement them in the minds of fans of extreme music (if they weren't already).

The album opens up with the chaotic and unrelenting tech assault of "Mundane Existence". The ferocious and pounding track erupts, especially when the vocals and blasts-beats kick in. The Morbid Angel like lead riffing will surely please fellow fans of the genre. Speaking of riffs the one in "Hedonistic" absolutely fucking kills. Combine it with machine-gun drumming and brutal vocals and you get one of the fucking best death metal tracks of 2020. It is an absolute future classic! For more sick riffing check out absolutely crushing and smashing assault of "Coerced Evolution". It is destined to set the mosh pit on fucking fire (once tours and normal life return, of course).

The band also shows a real maturity in its lyrical content that separates it from their contemporaries. They take on social media fights ("The Path of the Totalitarian"), the death of real journalism ("True to the Blind"), mental illness concerns ("Soul Sick Nation"), and so much more. It makes their music feel relevant. But, never once do they sacrifice brutality. On the contrary, this fucker can stand next to any release currently in the genre.

Abysmal Dawn's Phylogensis  is technical, brutal, and with flourishes of the melodic. They combine with smart lyrics delivered brutally by signer / guitarist Charles Elliot. The summation of these parts results in a release that is as exciting as I have heard, so far, this year. I really knew little of this band before hearing this record, but it has made made me a fan of theirs. It is without a shadow of a doubt one of the best death metal records of 2020.

4.5 out of 5

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Traveler- Termination Shock (Album Review)

Musicians: Traveler
Album Title: Termination Shock
Genre/ Subgenre: Heavy Metal
Label: Gates of Hell Records
Release Date: April 24, 2020

Canadian heavy metal band Traveler are back, only a year after their killer, self-titled debut set the metal world a blaze and earned high marks from your humble reviewer. But, as great as that release was, Terminal Shock, is even better.

The band stick to their old-school metal sound, but dig even deeper into their speed metal influences, concocting their fast tracks yet. They achieve this while keeping the melody of their heavily Iron Maiden and Judas Priest inspired style. They even add a little bit of a progressive style, in certain parts of songs. The summation of all these parts is a album that fucking rips from start to finish. One that will have you headbanging, playing air-guitar, throwing up the devil-horns, and signing right along.

Every song is an absolute and complete winner. The opening track, "Shaded Mirror", erupts with Maidenesque riffs and driving drums. This fucker totally rips as it gallops and then speeds up with AJ Abbound's awesome soaring vocals accompanying it to bring the track to headbanging heaven. Speaking of fast music, the title track is just that as it goes into a perfect, full on assault of speed metal. "Dairy of a Maiden" has this great mid-tempo, propelling, and epic sound as the band delves into a bit more a of a progressive style. And, as fast and ass kicking as the band are, they aren't above slowing things down for the first half of the haunting and powerful "After the Future". The track's second part is full of energy and makes for a great and ascending song. As such, it is one of the album's top gems, especially, the more intently that you listen to it.

The same tentacle monster from their first album's cover appears on this one. I guess this makes him the band's official mascot. The cool sci-fi image of him aiming a laser cannon at a black hole is the perfect accompaniment to the science fiction filled lyrics of the record.

With only their second album, Traveler have made the type of albums some bands that record material for years can't achieve. Every song is so amazing that I could spend hours writing about each of them. And, with their incredible degree of talent, they are without a shadow of a doubt the future of the traditional metal music. Make no bones about it, this album will rank very high among 2020's best releases! And, that is because it is quite simply fucking awesome!!

5 out of 5 

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Cemetery Filth- Dominion (Album Review)

Musicians: Cemetery Filth
Album Title: Dominion
Genre/ Subgenre: Death Metal
Label: Unspeakable Axe Records/ Boris Records
Release Date: April 13, 2020

Cemetery Filth, a death metal band from Atlanta, Georgia, are making their full length with Dominion. And, if you are hungering for old school death metal with a decidedly Floridian sound to it, then this fucker is for you!

While, they have been putting out work since 2014, on EP (Screams from the Catacombs) and appeared on various splits, it isn't until now that they have given us a full album. The album stands as a pure and unadulterated death metal delivered the way long time fans of the genre have been hankering for.

The opening track, "Subduction", has a fucking awesome intro riff that builds up force as the drums and bass soon come in. It has this really fast tempo sound that recalls the thrash influenced style of Malevolent Creation's early work. Fast and hammering "Exhumed Visions" feels like something that could have come from Morbid Angel's classic Alters of Madness. The mixing of the crunching assault, brutal blast beats, and full blown speed makes "Churning of the Shallows" an absolute banger of a track. But, it is the title and closing track, that really shines. The slow, doomy like intro quickly switches to a building up of energy and driving power. The song really showcases the band's talent as they tackle the tempo shifts with razor focused tenacity and driving brutality. I simply adore the soaring leads in this one and feel like it could go to become a genre classic, all on its own.

Cemetery Filth have made one hell of a debut with Dominion. With solid musicianship and strong old school style this feels like a lost album from the genre's 90's heyday. With a classic feel from its cover to its sound, this one really delivers the goods.

3.5 out of 5

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Necrowretch- The Ones From Hell (Album Review)

Musicians: Necrowretch
Album Title: The Ones From Hell
Genre/ Subgenre: Blackened Death Metal
Label: Season of Mist
Release Date: February 14, 2020

The Ones from Hell is the latest offering from Necrowretch. Hailing from France, this blackened death metal band are back and are as evil and unrelenting as ever. And, make no bones about it, this album plays like a brutal fire storm unleashed from the depths of hell, itself.

In many ways this is both a continuation as well an expansion from the sound of their last album, Satanic Slavery. While, maintaining the same unstoppable speed, they also add melody and atmosphere further enhancing their satanic soundscape.

Opening with chainsaw riffing and brutal blast-beats, "Luciferian Sovranty", becomes a thundering and pummeling Satan loving track. The title track has this cool opening riff that has a real Dissection like quality to it. This is furthered even more once the hellish vocals kick in. It is here that the song really and truly shines as an excellent mix of the evil and style of black metal with the savageness of death metal. "Codex Obscuritas" shows what the band can accomplish when they slow things down. And, unholy fuck is it ever a lot! Darkly atmospheric and wholly evil, it sounds feels like fetid winds from hell, itself! It might be the absolute best track on here.

With an expanded use of atmosphere and their usual brand of evil speed, The Ones from Hell are a real showcase for Necrowretch. It's a darkly evil and blisteringly heavy excursion into Satan's realm. This is the band's finest and most varied work yet, and fans who like their music brutal and demon spawned need to take heed!

4 out of 5

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Annihilator- Ballistic, Sadistic (Album Review)

Musician:  Annihilator
Album Title: Ballistic, Sadistic
Genre/ Subgenre: Thrash Metal
Label: Silver Lining Music
Release Date: January 24, 2020

Canadian thrash metal legends Annihilator are back with their seventeenth studio album, Sadistic, Ballistic. And, this is an album that will remind you (in case you fucking needed a reminder) why they are and remain one of the masters of the genre.

The album is ferocious and technically jaw dropping, and shreds from start to finish. As such, it stands as further proof that founding guitarist/ vocalist Jeff Waters (who also produced, engineered, and mixed the album) is one of the very best guitarists thrashing it out there. Each listening has you discovering something else to like about it, making it an album that only gets better and better with each spin. The production sounds great with punched up riffs and clear sounding vocals. The lyrics, cover, and videos all feel very well timed and fitting for the world in which we currently live in.

The disc opens with the pounding and crushing "Armed to the Teeth", which actually states the album's title in the absolutely badass chorus. Speaking of choruses, "Psycho Ward" is got the type of catchy chorus that you will find yourself signing along to. The song, itself, recalls the most fun and coolest thrash songs of the 80's with its shredtastic guitar work. Meanwhile,i f you are the mood for a pummeling and driving track then look no further than the awesome "Dressed Up for Evil". This song also has some really cool lyrics about a millionaire asshole. The album ends with the full blast speed of "The End of the Lie".

All of these aspects combine to deliver what is unquestionably Annihilator's best album in years. It will clearly rank as one of the best thrash releases of 2020 and might end up taking the top spot in that category. In short, Ballistic, Sadistic is without a shadow of a doubt, the first, absolute must have album of 2020!

4.5 out of 5

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Lindsay Schoolcraft- Martyr (Album Review)

Musician: Lindsey Schoolcraft
Album Title: Martyr
Genre/ Subgenre: Gothic Hard Rock/ Metal
Label: Self Released
Release Date: October 7, 2019

Martyr is the solo debut album by Cradle of Filth keyboardist and vocalist Lindsey Schoolcraft. It is co-written by former Evanescence drummer Rocky Gray, and is. in fact, heavily influenced by bands like Evanescence and Lacuna Coil. The result is the goth hard rock album fellow fans of those bands have been missing in our lives.

The production by Tyler Williams is crisp and clear with a sound that engulfs the listener in the album's haunting beauty. Schoolcraft's signing is beautiful throughout the album. She has an ethereal and haunting quality that makes the music stunning throughout. She puts so much of her heart and soul that one cannot help but be fully captivated listening to her.

The album starts off awesomely with one its strongest tracks, and first single, in "Saviour". The piano intro recalls the aforementioned Evanescence as do the guitars which very much recall bands like that and Lacuna Coil. You will also find yourself signing along with it, especially the catchy chorus, one of my favorites of the year. The gorgeous and evocative "Stranger" will fill your soul with its enthralling power. Also, the production really shines, with the laying down of her beautiful vocals. "Blood from a Stone" recalls the most powerful and stunning ballads from Evanescence. But, never does this album feel like a rip-off, instead, she clearly lets us know who her heroes are. And, yet, at the same time, clearly makes the music all her own. Her signing here feels so pained and will touch the deepest part of you. "See the Light" has a great riff that really drives the song, and I simply love the way her vocals bring in a more melodic feeling mixing in with the rocking sound. The growling guest vocals by Xenoyr gives the song an extra aggressive feel, and is sort of a more straight forward Epica.

I am a long time of both this style of rock and metal and of Schoolcraft herself. She more than delivers the good in the beautiful and powerful Martyr. Just writing this review excites me, as I listen and think of all the great music contained within it. If you are a fan of hard rock like this, it is a simple must have, as well as being one of the most exciting self released albums of the year. Do yourself a favor and order it here.

4 out of 5

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Toxic Holocaust- Primal Future: 2019 (Album Review)

Musician: Toxic Holocaust
Album Title: Primal Holocaust: 2019
Genre/ Subgenre: Thrash metal/ Crossover Thrash
Label: Entertainment One (eOne)
Release Date: October 4, 2019

After a six year hiatus, with the last release being 2013's Chemistry of Conscious, Joel Grind's one-man crossover thrash machine of Toxic Holocaust is back with Primal Future: 2019. And, with it, he has crafted his best work yet! The fact that he sang, played all the instruments, mixed, and mastered it, makes this all the more impressive.

The crossover sound is at full blast in this kick your fucking teeth in release. Fast and furious, as the album title and cool as fuck album artwork, by Steve Crisp, hint at, the thematic element here is a dystopian technological conquest. And, like an attack from Skynet, this fucker will blow away!

The second track, "Black Out the Code", has a badass riff that truly drives this fucking killer banger, Lightning fast and shredding to the ninth degree, it recalls early Megadeth and Venom in its unrelenting fury. The mysterious and haunting intro to the title track feels like it would be right at home in a dystopian science fiction thriller like The Road Warrior or The Terminator. Then, the chugging music comes and you will not be able to resist to bang your head right along to it. The menacing and apocalyptic lyrics add a dark and terrifying feel in keeping with the technological terror theme. The full blown speed and metal fury of "Iron Cage" recalls a very technically sound version of Discharge. It's punk like heart will really please those lovers of crossover. The rollicking groove and vinegar and piss of "Controlled by Fear" makes for what is probably my favorite track on this one. It's sure to get that motherfucking pit going!

It has been way too long since we have had a Toxic Holocaust release, but with Primal Holocaust: 2019, they have surpassed all my expectations. Not only is the best album ever put out by TH, but one of the very best thrash releases of 2019. And, considering the releases we have had in this style of metal this year, this is no small feet. Recalling early Metallica and Megadeth, Venom, Nuclear Assault, Discharge, and others in various parts and tracks, this one is sure to please those who miss the glory days of metal's greatest subgenre. So throw on your denim battle jacket. get ready to jump in the pit, and listen to the fuck out of this absolute scorcher of a release!

4.5 out of 5

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Creeping Death- Wretched Illusions (Album Review)

Musician- Creeping Death
Album Title- Wretched Illusions
Genre/ Subgenre- Death Metal
Label- Entertainment One (eOne)
Release Date- September 27, 2019

Texas death metal band Creeping Death make their much anticipated and truly spectacular full length debut with the unrelenting Wretched Illusions. They have been the talk of the underground in the weeks leading up to this release, and let me say that they are worth all the hype they have been getting and more!

The band's sound has a definitely old school death metal sound with some thrash metal riffs, perfectly fitting their moniker. Just about every song on here is filled with energy and adrenalinized ass kicking.

The flesh shredding "Captivity" has chugging and soaring guitars coupled with the barking, aggressive, and pissed off vocals of Reese. A slower, more doomy part of the song adds an extra kick in the fucking ass. The thrash influence can be heard very clearly in the early part of "Bloodlust Contamination". It reminds me of Possessed with with a galloping groove thrown if for good measure and one hell of a mosh fueling breakdown. Speaking of doom, "Corroded from Within" really slows things down with a dark and menacing feel that will crush you face first on to the concrete. Then, it ratchets up the speed, all while still keeping the slower groove. It's Sepultura meets Obituary in the fucking awesome and unstoppable "World Decay", a thunder-storm like masterpiece that is my favorite track on the album.

I also love the production by Daniel (Power Trip, End Times) Schmuck and mix and mastering by Arthur (Cavalera Conspiracy, Outer Heaven) Rizk. The album has a thick and heavy sound, punctuated by thundering bass and vocals that bark at you with seething rage and menace.

If I could pick one, new band that old school death metal fans should divert all their attention to, then that would be Creeping Death. On what is their debut album, Wretched Illusions, they have given what maybe the best death metal of the year, so far. That dear readers, is one hell of an achievement! Thrashy and fast, yet groove laden and driven, fans of bands like early Sepultura, Obituary, and Bolt Thrower definitely need to buy this album! And, don't be surprised if this massive monster of an album becomes a classic of the genre.

4.5 out of 5

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Witch Vomit- Buried Deep in a Bottomless Grave (Album Review)

Musician: Witch Vomit
Album Title: Buried Deep in a Bottomless Grave
Genre/ Subgenre: Death Metal
Label: 20 Buck Spin
Release Date: August 30, 2019

Witch Vomit are a death metal band from Portland, Oregon. This album, Buried  Deep in a Bottomless Grave, is their second full release. And, it is the best death metal album that I have heard so far in 2019, one that grabs your attention from start to bloody finish. As, the band's music drips both with dread and talent, mixing an early Entombed like sound with the splatter minded style of their homeland of the US of A.

The first track is a real barn, or should I say mausoleum, burner in the worm-ridden form of "From Rotten Guts". The buzzsaw like guitars and pummeling blast-beats makes for a brutal and bloody sonic experience. The title track is an absolute and total assault on the senses as it  produces a fast and atmospheric ride. One that is utterly vicious as it gives you the feeling of being buried alive in a hellish pit, mixed in with an almost punkish feel in its shortness and brevity. Some wailing guitar leads combine with a thundering and dark sound, all of which result in one of my favorite instrumental tracks in many a bloody moon: "Squirming in Misery"! The album ends with the absolutely awesome "Fumes of Dying Bodies". This one is my favorite one on the album and has an Entombed meets Cannibal Corpse sound that seems like it was tailor made for me in some rotting pit of hell!

Goddamn it, does Buried Deep in a Bottomless Pit ever fucking kill! Witch Vomit are the very future of old school death metal. Like a gore drenched, American Entombed, they are dark, crunching, heavy, merciless, and drenched in atmosphere. I absolutely loved this album from the very first riff, till the closing inhuman growl. And, it only gets better with each listening.

4.5 out of 5

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Entombed A.D.- Bowels of Earth (Album Review)

Musician: Entombed A.D.
Album Title: Bowels of Earth
Genre/ Subgenre: Death Metal/ Death n' Roll
Label: Century Media Records
Release Date: August 30, 2019

Singer LG Petrov may not have the rights to the name of his former band, death metal legends Entombed, but that doesn't matter much, now. Because, he and his current band, Entombed A.D. (along with other former Entombed members in the form of: Victor Brandt [bass], Nico Elgstrand [guitar] and Olle Dahlstedt [drums]), are still putting out ass kicking music. Their latest and third offering, Bowels of Earth, mixes elements from Entombed's earlier, masterpieces and the death n' roll sound of Wolverine Blues and beyond. The result is a really fun and still very heavy album.

The album has some real good grooves and hammering and talented musicianship that makes for a headbanging good time. This fucker is sure to set the mosh-pit on fucking fire. It starts with a real scorcher in the form of "Torment Remains", which is a pummeling and battering track that charges right through you, impaling you with its ferocity. "Elimination" is an explosive tune that erupts with speed and also has an awesome groove that will have you banging your head right along with it. It is also true shining example of the amazing amount of talent everyone has, as its melodic mid-section is one of my favorite parts in the album (which is saying a lot). "Bourbon Nightmare" is a thundering song that is all guns blazing and my favorite one on the album. It's a fucking perfect example of death n' roll that will go perfectly with some hard drinking and moshing. The album closes off with the killer "To Eternal Night" which is rich is atmosphere, heaviness, and fucking kick ass guitar riffs. Petrov has long been one of my favorite vocalists in death metal, and he really shines here, adding menace and an evil vibe.

Bowels of Earth is a fucking blast to hear. While, I liked it the first time I heard, it wasn't until the second listen that it really began to sink in. Each subsequent spin made it even better. It manages to be fun, while still being heavy, dark, and menacing. With the right balance of technically savvy crunch and catchy grooves, this fucker is made for moshing, headbanging, and kicking your goddamn ass. If you have been a loyal Entombed fan or just like kick ass death metal, in general, then this one is for you!

4 out of 5

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Cerebral Rot- Odious Descent into Decay (Album Review)

Musician: Cerebral Rot
Album Title: Odious Descent into Decay
Genre/ Subgenre: Death Metal
Label: 20 Buck Spin
Release Date: August 16, 2019

Seattle, Washington's death metal act Cerebral Rot make their debut with the absolutely crushing and rot filled Odious Descent into Decay. This album completely blew me away with its fetid air of unhinged brutality.

The band consists of members of bands from the area like Fetid, Cauterized, Caustic Wound, and others. They are extremely talented with musicianship that will rip your bowels right out with their musical brutality. The guitars have a sound as if they came from a hell-spawned gutter and the drums are heavy and deep with a brutal usage of blast-beats. The deep and very guttural growls of vocalist Purveyor of Destruction sounds like it comes from the deepest cesspool of rot and decay.

The album opens up with a haunting intro to the title track. It goes into an almost doomy crunch that gathers more and more energy and anger resulting in a face melting sound that will pummel your face into a steel gutter. The excellent drumming skills of Drew O'Bryant are on full display from this very first track with shifts from slow to lightning fast. "Swamped in Festering Excrement", aside from having an extremely touching title, sounds and feels like a putrid corpse rising and dragging itself from the filthiest and most grotesque place imaginable. It is an absolute monster of crunching banger. And, if you want a truly blistering act of filthy speed and unrelenting brutality, then look no further than the track "Cerebral Rot". One of the aspects of this album is the more I hear it, the more I like it. Tracks begin to sound better and better, as you appreciate the changes and talent, therein more and more.

Cerebral Rot's Odious Descent into Decay is the soundtrack to the most fetid and foul hell you can imagine. And, then as you are driven  there head first, your face melts as it hits the foulest of toxic shit. Believe me, though, this description is meant as the highest form of compliment. The best part is it only gets better and better with each listening. Which if one considers just how much my jaw dropped on the first spin, is saying a lot! Make no bones about it, this is the single best extreme metal debut of the year, that I have heard. In all, this is a fetid and killer piece of putrid death metal.

4 out of 5

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Devourment- Obscene Majesty (Album Review)

Musician: Devourment
Album Title: Obscene Majesty
Genre/ Subgenre: 
Label: Relapse Records
Release Date: August 16, 2019

Uncompromisingly heavy slam/ brutal death metal act Devourment are back after six years with a savage new album, Obscene Majesty. And, as such, these pioneers of the aforementioned sub-genre have a beast of a release.

The album is a violent and head pummeling exercise in extremity. It ranks as one of the most outright heavy releases you are likely to hear this year. The production by D. Braxton Henry give the album an all encompassing feeling of crushing brutality. With drumming that caves heads in, guitars that shred and slice, and deep, guttural vocals signing about all the gore and violence that you demand, the viciousness will destroy you and everything around you.

 The album opens up with "A Virulent Strain of Retaliation". It's a track that after its nightmarish intro explodes into battering blast-beats and chainsaw like guitars. It will beat you into bloody submission by the time it's chugging mid-section comes in. Speaking of chainsaw guitars you can imagine flesh being sliced and diced by one while "Narcissistic Paraphernalia" kicks in. It's breakdown is sure to break bodies in the pit. Blast-beats galore highlight the brutal "Arterial Spray Patterns". You can almost imagine a meat cleaver chopping up a person as the drums bash and batter the sound barrier. It's possibly my favorite track on the album. You haven't lived in brutality until you hear the blast-beat and slam filled "Dysmorphic Autophagia". "Sculpted in Tyranny" has this almost mechanical chugging breakdown that feels akin to the Terminator contentiously punching someone's head in, again and a-fucking-gain!

Filled to the brim with slamming breakdowns, blast-beats, and saw like guitars Obscene Majesty is one of the heaviest releases of the year. There are no breaks to be had in this album, nor should there be. Thick and obsessively violent sounding the music goes well with its gore loving mentality. Like a stampeding brontosaurus stomping multiple people's heads into oblivion, this a true slam metal monster!

3.5 out of 5

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