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 …
Defeated Sanity – The Sanguinary Impetus Review
[Artwork by Jon Zig] Humans are predisposed to routine and generally avoid change as if it comes standard with a lifetime supply of random groin kicks in the middle of the night. Of course we …
Thætas – Shrines To Absurdity Review
[Artwork by Paolo Girardi] Let’s gather ’round and throw a few more reams of newspaper and some decayed office chair cushionry into the burning barrel and speak of sprinklers, “The Jacket” episode of Seinfeld, and …
Falconer – From A Dying Ember Review
[Artwork by Jan Meininghaus] One could certainly argue that the writing was on the wall back in 2014 when, three months after releasing album number eight, Black Moon Rising, Falconer announced they would no longer …
The Third Kind – Man Vs Earth Review
[Artwork drawn by Rich Muller and painted by Frankie Accardi] Metal, punk and hardcore were clearly crossing lines long before the term “crossover” became a common part of our vernacular. For example, it wasn’t at …
Ulthar – Providence Review
[Artwork by Ian Miller] Upon dropping needle to record, you will quickly discover why people dig Ulthar. As is the case with an endless amount of power trios that join and precede them, these guys …
Lör – Edge Of Eternity Review
[Artwork by Greg Bogart] Back in 2017, a relatively unheralded Philadelphia band called Lör snuck a debut full-length under the radar that, upon reaching some uniquely eligible ears, blew the doors off the barn like …