Wobbler – Dwellers Of The Deep Review
[Cover artwork: Mundus Subterraneus, an engraving by Athanasius Kircher from 1664 redefined by graphic artist Thomas Kaldhold] Not sure you’ve noticed, but the Nordic countries are quite powerful when it comes to progressive music. Oh, …
Henrik Palm – Poverty Metal Review
[Artwork by Sebastian Murphy of Viagra Boys] If the name Henrik Palm isn’t immediately familiar to you, it’s probably because you either didn’t pay attention to Sweden’s In Solitude (big mistake: wonderful band, and Sister, …
Necrophobic – Dawn Of The Damned Review
[Artwork by Necrolord] Consistency is obviously ideal and a noble goal for anyone producing a consumable product, including music, but even that eventually wanders into an unfavorable light if the dreaded s-word, stagnation, rears its …
Gorephilia – In The Eye Of Nothing Review
[Artwork by Raúl González] Let’s set a proper mood right from the jump. These days, I return to the early Finnish death metal scene more than I do the early Swedish scene. As perhaps expected, …
Iron Cemetery – Manic Deliverance Review
[Artwork by Greg.Fate] Salutations, heavy metal traveler. Do you like Hell? Goodness, what an absurd question. Of course you like Hell. Even if you don’t believe in its proper existence (despite the fact that we …
Midnight Dice – Hypnotized Review
[Artwork by Lauren Gornik] Yes, this slice of Chicago-styled awesomeness came out three months ago, but 1) we didn’t cover it for reasons of insanity, and 2) it was only available as a digital download, …
Atramentus – Stygian Review
[Artwork by Mariusz Lewandowski] Many enthusiasts of heavy metal expect or even demand progression as a qualifier before vaulting a new release into “essential” status. To an extent, it’s an understandable optimism—progression is exciting, and …
Diamonds & Rust: Death Angel – Act III
[Artwork by Adrian Stubican] Finally hauling Death Angel into the Diamonds & Rust ring and electing to award sacred gem status to an album other than The Ultra-Violence somehow feels… Unseemly? Misguided? Crazier than a …