All posts by Captain

Last Rites Co-Owner; Senior Editor; That was my skull!

Diamonds & Rust: Death – Spiritual Healing

[Cover artwork by the unrivaled Ed Repka] Truth be told, I have been battling my brain for quite some time over which Death album most explicitly warrants a Diamonds & Rust treatment here at Last

Anchorite – Realm Of Ruin Review

What the hell does it take for a doom band to get noticed in 2025? Jump back two decades or so ago and you will witness a noteworthy pinnacle, with not only the more traditional

Phantom Spell – Heather & Hearth Review

[Album artwork by Jean deMers] There are times when I’m enjoying a spin of the LP version of the Phantom Spell debut, 2022’s Immortal Requiem, where I notice the CD version of Seven Sister’s Shadow

A2Z – A2Z² Review

[Cover artwork by Hugh Syme] I am an easy mark for a band like A2Z (also known as A-Z, AthruZ, etc.) First, the project involves two players I’ve followed basically since time began: 1) Mark

Diamonds & Rust: Punk Meets Doom, And The Result Is Literally Sacrilege

[Cover artwork by Angus McKie] As a result of punk rock’s penchant for speed and aggression that eventually fueled the fires of the NWOBHM, we are all well aware that punk and heavy metal have

Küenring – In Search Of Paradise Review

[Cover artwork by Johannes Huemer, vocalist of Venator] Dial the clock back to when we last gathered here in the hallowed halls of The Temple of Trad Metal and you will recall our focus was

Power Surge – Shadow’s Warning Review

Me: “You know what the world definitely does NOT need right now? Another modern throwback metal band with a singer mirroring Bruce Dickinson, Rob Halford or King Diamond.” Friendly dog: “I hear you, brother. But

Morbific – Bloom Of The Abnormal Flesh Review

[Cover artwork by Chase Slaker of Caustic Wound / Mortiferum] If you’re anything like me—an old tousled possum living out his best years deep in the woods, trying to avoid the temptation of feasting on