Tag Archives: Metal albums

portrayal of guilt – Let Pain Be Your Guide

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Holy Roar Records has been on a roll over the past couple of years, with releases this year alone from Rolo Tomassi and Conjurer, amongst others, of the highest order. The indie record label has truly made a name for themselves for pushing brilliant bands forward who will be here to stay. portrayal of guilt are the latest band to release their debut album on the label (which is available via Gilead Media in Northern America) but will it live up to the high standards set by their peers?Continue reading →


Azusa – Heavy Yoke

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On Heavy Yoke (Solid State/Indie Recordings) Azusa is a bit all over all the place. Solid State’s own website has them described as “Can you imagine Kate Bush fronting Slayer; Death collaborating with Annette Peacock?” And they’re not technically wrong. Heavy Yoke is ripe with flashes of Thrash, Death Metal, Punk, Pop and Prog. It seems contradictory or musically adverse, but these are professionals at work.Continue reading →


Sigh – Heir To Despair

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It’s easy to love Sigh. It’s also easy to find them really annoying. Starting off as a Japanese branch of Black Metal’s second wave, Sigh has since mutated in all sorts of bizarre and interesting ways, integrating everything from classical influences to jazz breakdowns to having a nude, blood-smeared woman shrieking out vocals over Venom covers. As one does. At best, it made them a glorious thing to hear. At worst, it just sounded like a formless din.Continue reading →


Ævangelist – Matricide In The Temple Of Omega

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The incredible productivity of transatlantic duo Ævangelist – six albums and a host of EPs littering its eight-year existence – is matched only by the nerve-shredding nature of the music. The Blackened Death chaos mirrors the evil and pestilence rife in today’s inhumane, technical age, and this is further reflected in latest album Matricide in the Temple of Omega (I, Voidhanger Records).Continue reading →


All That Remains – Victim Of The New Disease

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It has been a tough time for All That Remains. Less than a month prior to their ninth studio release, Victim Of The New Disease (Razor & Tie) founding member and guitarist, Oli Herbert passed away. Herbert was a key member that created the ATR signature sound. His technical Melodic Metalcore solos have always been memorable and for one last record, he doesn’t disappoint.Continue reading →


Psycroptic – As The Kingdom Drowns

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I imagine if you as far into your career as Death Metal veterans Psycroptic are right now, you reach a certain point where it’s either stick or twist. Their albums since the very start have always delivered the goods but it wasn’t until 2003’s Scepter Of The Ancients (Unique Leader) that it truly felt like the band had arrived, they then proceeded to tread water somewhat with albums that never even came close to Scepter…Continue reading →


Bitch Hawk – Joy

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Not even a whole year after the release of their debut self-titled album, the extreme metal mob, Bitch Hawk are back at it again with their latest full release Joy (Adrian Recordings). The short time span has no effect on the quality of the music whatsoever. With a diverse range of musical backgrounds in the band, from Ska bands to writing for Charli XCX, this mixed bag of influences and sounds come together to create this unforgettable album.Continue reading →


Napoleon – Epiphany

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Napoleon has been making their mark in the heavy progressive music scene since 2012. In 2016 they released an anticipated debut Newborn Mind that release led to headlining tours with Counterparts and August Burns Red. The trio did not take any time off and are back with their sophomore album Epiphany (Basick Records). The album has a lot to offer—impressive techniques and profound delivery to a sound that is recognizable by the Napoleon name.  Continue reading →


Warrel Dane – Shadow Work

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Words like “distinctive” and “legendary” are bandied around far too frequently at bands and artists with no discernible legacy, or real impact on any scene. With both Sanctuary and Nevermore vocalist Warrel Dane helped impart a genuine influence on both the Thrash Metal and Heavy Metal landscapes, before his tragic passing away from a heart attack in December 2017 while recording Shadow Work (Century Media).Continue reading →


Chasing Dragons – Faction

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Chasing Dragons are a band who blew me away the first time I saw them live a few years ago at SOS festival, and have been developing somewhat of a reputation for a live band well-worth watching. Three years in the making and the product of an incredibly successful Kickstarter campaign, Chasing Dragons self-release Faction the follow on from 2014’s Checkmate and 2016’s Faction: Prologue EP.Continue reading →