Having emerged as an exciting young black metal band amidst the infernal chaos of the early 90s Norwegian scene, Satyricon have, over the years, dared to do what many of extreme metal’s purists would scold them for; change. Needless to say, the band have faced more than their share of criticism for the shifts in their sound, and while it’s true that their much rawer early material is still generally regarded more favourably, there is still a huge audience for Satyricon, and one which will be awaiting their newest offering with baited breath.Continue reading
Tag Archives: Matt Ford
Hacride – Back To Where You’ve Never Been
French 4-piece progressive metal act Hacride are back with their fourth full length release, the intriguingly titled Back To Where You’ve Never Been (Indie Recordings). It’s a title which, according to the band’s bio, represents “a transitional phase”. The band have certainly evolved over the years and, with any luck, this willingness to change should help them to avoid the inevitable comparisons with fellow countrymen Gojira soon enough.Continue reading
Extol – Extol
Emerging in the early 90s, in the midst of Norway’s legendary black metal scene, Christian band Extol have always been somewhat ‘against the grain’, initially striving to keep death metal at the forefront of the extreme music landscape. After splitting in 2007, Extol have now returned with fifth album Extol, and a new djent-flavoured sound.Continue reading
Hate Meditation – Scars
Hate Meditation will probably be a vaguely familiar name to many, from the relatively distant past; the band formed in 2003, recorded a three track demo entitled Condemned To Death, and then disappeared again, seemingly to be forgotten forever. However, founder Blake Judd – yes, him of Nachtmystium and Twilight – reformed the band with a radically different linuep in 2012 and recorded Scars, the band’s debut full length album.Continue reading
Oceans Of Slumber – Aetherial
Hailing from Houston, Texas and forming in 2011, Oceans Of Slumber have arrived on the metal scene with their self-released debut Aetherial. It’s a sprawling and extremely accomplished album, filled to the brim with varying styles, genres and sounds, and not to mention the extremely skilled musicianship from each of the band’s five members. So, it’s technically superb, but is it a rewarding listen? In short, yes.Continue reading