The Pax Cecilia – Blessed Are the Bonds Review
Originally written by Erik Thomas. Synopsis: How this band remained unsigned after releasing (and giving away) their superb debut EP, Nouveau, truly baffles me. And now with an equally stunning, challenging and artistic, self released and …
Oxbow – The Narcotic Story Review
Originally written by Ian Chainey There are those drug albums that glorify the experience of the high; experimental recordings that are meant to add something to the process of self-exploration through mind-altering substances. And then, …
Serpentcult – Trident Nor Fire Review
Originally written by Jon Eardley After the shocking and disturbing events surrounding the frontman of Belgian sludgy doom troopers Thee Plague of Gentlemen in the middle part of 2006, it would have been easy for …
Shining – V – Halmstad (Niklas Angaende Niklas) Review
originally written by Chris McDonald My previous experience with Sweden’s Shining is limited to friends playing them for me and hearing several of their songs through various promotional mediums, but I am well aware of the semi-legendary …
Estuary – The Craft Of Contradiction Review
Originally written by Chris Chellis. Truly melodic DEATH metal is a nearly extinct species. Weak, diluted bands pollute our metal air with their limp, failed stabs at being “accessible” while still technically fitting the death …
Sigh – Hangman’s Hymn Review
Originally written by Erik Thomas. Synopsis: In my recent black metal sabbatical, one of the names that kept surfacing was Japan’s apparently highly revered Sigh. So when Hangman’s Hymn, the band’s eight album, was released, I decided to …
Blutch – Materia Review
Originally written by Tyler Wagnon. Belgium’s Blutch play an oppressively dark brand of sludgified doom with a discomforting disregard for structure or melody. Materia is the band’s first effort to be released in the US via At a Loss Recordings, …
Scale The Summit – Monument Review
Originally written by Jason Jordan. Houston’s Scale the Summit are a tasteful, instrumental four-piece that will surely appeal to fans of Canvas Solaris, Dysrhythmia, and other clean, vocal-free acts. While not as complex as albums by the previously listed …