Xasthur – 2005 Demo Review
My personal opinion of Xasthur is essentially the same as that which Chris McDonald stated in his review of A Gate Through Bloodstained Mirrors. It is almost a kind of enjoyable apathy. Malefic can no doubt create a …
Hellish Crossfire – Bloodrust Scythe Review
Hellish Crossfire made one hell of a first impression on me. When going through my usual album-to-review selecting process, a quick trip to a band’s Myspace page is always essential. Have to sample the goods. …
Avicularia – Born To Be Vile Review
Browsing the influences section of Avicularia’s Myspace page will instantly give you a very clear (and honest) idea of their sound. They cite Immolation, Cryptopsy, Origin, Gorguts, about ten other apt bands, and even jazz/fusion. …
Arsis – Starve For The Devil Review
I am constantly dumbfounded at how a great band can cause a much larger uproar than, say, the criminal fact that Six Feet Under are still allowed to enter and utilize a recording studio. Pick …
Imperium Dekadenz – Procella Vadens Review
Imperium Dekadenz hail from the Black Forest region in southwestern Germany, bringing you a very clear case of DO judge a book by its cover. Their particular form of black metal is slow, foreboding, ominous, …
Morgue Supplier – Constant Negative Review
As can be deduced from the moniker, Chicago’s Morgue Supplier do not play deft and jazzy prog, but brutal and blasting grindcore, and have been doing so since 1999. Constant Negative is their latest, containing …
Arcana Coelestia – Le Mirage De L’idéal Review
Before I get into the details of this gem, indulge me… Imagine standing in one of the world’s most spacious and majestic cathedrals. Every sound you make, from your softest steps to the slightest murmur, …
Zach Duvall’s Top 20 of 2009
2009 has been one helluva year for me and music. The sheer number of killer albums and shows (Neurosis!) has been overwhelming, making the 29th year of my life my best yet as a music …