Ironflame – Blood Red Victory Review
Like most of us, Andrew D’Cagna grew up in a quiet town bereft of Crusades, wars fought upon horseback and plagues. Thus, we were all forced to cobble together medieval weaponry made from sticks, battle …
Porta Nigra – Schöpfungswut Review
Let’s assume that Porta Nigra means “black door,” which could potentially have a serious spooky factor. It would also mean that these Germans spend their evenings traveling by auto to the nearby cities of Frankfurt …
Best Of 2019 – Manny-O-War: Tales Of Woe And Abstract Sympathy
2019 can absolutely get fucked. To be honest with you, dear reader, I’ve been dreading writing this intro. It’s hung over my head like an anvil held fast to a roof beam raised high by …
The Deathtrip – Demon Solar Totem Review
[Artwork by Luciana Lupe Vasconcelos] There are few bands in the history of humanity that can change crucial members and move forward seamlessly. The group becomes even more narrow when the member being spoken of …
Esoteric – A Pyrrhic Existence Review
Anxiety has become something of a very public topic as of late (slide over to Lone Watie’s brilliant review of Leprous’ Pitfalls for a brief discussion). As mental health falls into focus and our darkest …
Schammasch – Hearts Of No Light Review
[Artwork by C.S.R / SAROS Collective] As young children, humans tend to be categorized and labeled by their peers. Some of those children are labeled weird or freak or merely “other”—an outcast to spend recess …
Vastum – Orificial Purge Review
[Artwork by Laina Terpstra (no relation to Niki Terpstra)] Death metal may forever be maligned by its detractors as simply “dumb.” In general, it’s an unfair label that reveals a shallow digging into what is …
Ray Alder – What the Water Wants Review
Throughout the years (dating back to the late 80s) Ray Alder has brought endless joy to fans of progressive music in Fates Warning, Redemption, his work as a guest vocalist with Dream Theater, Mirrormaze and …