ALBUM REVIEW: Nile – The Underworld Awaits Us All


In his thirty-one years as frontman of Egypt-obsessed extreme death metal act Nile, founder member Karl Sanders has remained completely true to his original vision. An unrelenting desire to create the most brutal technical death metal riffs known to man. A quest for modern musical perfection using ancient history as the central inspiration. And a steadfast refusal to wear any kind of leg covering that goes more than six inches past the knee. With all of these things, Sanders knows absolutely no compromise.Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Dark Tranquillity – Endtime Signals


Swedish Melodic Death Metal starts and stops with Dark Tranquillity.

Their thirteenth full-length, Endtime Signals (Century Media Records), captures how and why the band has had such staying power for two decades. Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Monument Of Misanthropy – Vile Postmortem Irrumatio


Shining light on a deranged serial killer isn’t exactly the most taboo concept, especially in Extreme Metal. And really, what better vehicle to use for that purpose?Continue reading


EP REVIEW: Doldrey – Only Death is Eternal


It just hasn’t quite been my Summer, you know? Occasional bouts of depression and frustration and it certainly doesn’t help that it feels like I’ve been trapped in a brazen bull every time I go outside to start the car. But global warming is totally a hoax, kids. That really smart man Ben Shapiro said so and he’s never been wrong about anything. One day he’ll finally solve the great mystery of the female orgasm. Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Carnophage – Matter Of A Darker Nature


In thirty-three minutes, Carnophage balance some of the most fetid vocals with cheeky technical bluster, leaving a mark on Matter Of A Darker Nature (Transcending Obscurity Records) which leaves an enthusiastic Brutal/Tech-Death impression.Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Adon – Adon


Decapitated drummer James Stewart bolsters Adon’s self-titled album (Neuropa Records). He adds more titanic depth to the stomp of the band’s larger-than-life grooves. The vocals are marginally more sinister than your standard Death Metal, with a cruel-hearted rasp that brings  Deicide to mind in this regard. Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Laceration – I Erode


See-sawing from old-school Death Metal to ferocious Thrash Metal, Laceration pack nine tracks into I Erode (20 Buck Spin), showcasing both proficient musicianship and in-sync performances.Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Vulvodynia – Entabeni


 

Don’t call it a comeback.

After dispatching a certain troublesome vocalist, South African Deathcore titans Vulvodynia did the only thing they know how: returned with Entabeni (Unique Leader Records), a rapturous, bites-your-head-off full-length that only furthers the outfit’s comfortable position atop the genre.Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: 200 Stab Wounds – Manual Manic Procedures


 

Despite signing with a big-name label, it’s extremely refreshing to find out that hardcore-influenced death metallers 200 Stab Wounds have retained everything that makes their sound great: pounding, catchy riffs; a rancid atmosphere; and thrashy guitar fills when necessary.Continue reading


EP REVIEW: Esodic – De Facto De Jure


I’m searching for an analogy on this one. Guess the only thing that springs to mind on this humid evening is when you’re watching Anthony Bourdain (RIP) on No Reservations and he goes to a Tapas place or some fancy small plate restaurant. The micro bites seem delicious, and the chef is eager to share the details behind the dishes but can’t help to think that Bourdain must’ve helped himself to a sandwich afterwards. No way he was just satisfied with the doll-sized portions, right? Continue reading