ALBUM REVIEW: Psycroptic – Divine Council


 

In the two (plus!) decades since their inception, it seems that Tasmanian death metallers Psycroptic have simultaneously had their plaudits and yet also feel like an underrated act, especially considering their ascent in their recent albums. Whilst 2003’s The Scepter of the Ancients was an early career high point, it wasn’t until 2015’s self titled effort (and first on current label Prosthetic) where they began to show themselves again amongst the upper echelon of bands in their field. If this was an arguable statement previously, Divine Council is the album that makes it a certainty.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Funeral Chic – Roman Candle


 

My chief concern heading into Funeral Chic’s Roman Candle (Prosthetic Records) is that the name Funeral Chic is very unappealing. It’s objectively a bad name for a band. It feels like a moniker Johnny Depp would give to one of his musical projects. Brings back memories of another Depp-associated collective, Hollywood Vampires. Yeah, I’d like a ticket to go see Jack Sparrow, Joe Perry and golf enthusiast Alice Cooper walk around onstage, Mr. Box Office. Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Molder – Engrossed in Decay


 

Molder ticks off a lot of my sonic checkmarks, but something isn’t quite right here. If Engrossed in Decay (Prosthetic Records) were a dish in its ingredients section you’d read that it contains Autopsy, early Death, Slayer, and a hint of vintage Carcass. Seems like a pretty appetizing meal, right? And there are several moments to sink your teeth into, but overall, I was left unsatisfied. I’ll still recommend the eatery, no doubt, but here’s to hoping that the next entre hits the spot.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Sadistic Ritual – The Enigma, Boundless


There is plenty of heat coming out of Atlanta, Georgia and we aren’t just talking about their humid weather. Sadistic Ritual includes many prominent members of noteworthy Atlanta-based bands (such as Paladin and Vimir). Their 2019 debut, Visions of Death, was described by Decibel as, ”a fearsome thrash ripper”. Back with more blackened thrash tunes and a psychedelic atmosphere along with some slick ass production, the band is poised to reach a broader audience with The Enigma, Boundless, their sophomore album and their first to be released on their new label, Prosthetic Records.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Tómarúm – Ash In Realms Of Stone Icons


Tómarúm is a band tailor-made for extensive, elaborate compositions, overflowing with equal parts technicality and atmospherics. The Georgia-based progressive black metal group put the general public on notice with their scintillating debut full-length, Ash In Realms Of Stone Icons (Prosthetic). Just as each glance at the album cover (courtesy of Mariusz Lewandowski) presents new findings, so to does each listen trigger new emotions.Continue reading


ALBUM REVIEW: Venom Prison – Erebos


If there’s a silver lining thus far into 2022 it’s that at least we don’t have to wait too long for some good old-fashioned spine-busting metal. We’re barely out of January and we already have fresh releases from the likes of Enterprise Earth, Shadow of Intent and Fit for an Autopsy. Yes, I am aware that Omicron is all the rage back home and some folks are still under lockdown but believe me new riffs and blast beats go a long way in lifting one’s spirits.

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GUEST POST: Abhoria Shares Their Top Albums of 2021


Ghost Cult continues our “2021 End of Year Guest Post Extravaganza” with a slew of posts from bands, industry, PR pros, and more! We’ll be sharing lists, memories, and other shenanigans from our favorite bands, partners, music industry peers, and other folks we respect across the globe. In this edition Trevor Portz of Abhoria shares their Top Ten Albums of 2021 list with us! Their new album drops in early 2022: https://abhoria.bandcamp.com/album/abhoria

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GUEST POST: Wil Collins of Prosthetic Records – Top Ten Albums of 2021


Ghost Cult continues our “2021 End of Year Guest Post Extravaganza” with a slew of posts from bands, industry, PR pros, and more! We’ll be sharing lists, memories, and other shenanigans from our favorite bands, partners, music industry peers, and other folks we respect across the globe. In this edition Wil Collins of Prosthetic Records shares his Top Ten Albums of 2021 list with us! Check out the label here:

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ALBUM REVIEW: Eternity’s End – Embers of War


2021 has not been a good year for Power Metal. Whether that is genre-leaders Gloryhammer undertaking significant acts of self-sabotage and unforgivable prickery, or just the product itself – only Beast In Black‘s Eurovision bops came anywhere near denting our Album of the Year chart, causing a light scratch in the outer realms, with perhaps a dead cat bouncing Rhapsody of Fire with any legitimate claim to unfair treatment. Continue reading


Four Stroke Baron Premiere New Single – “Khera”


Killer experimental prog outfit Four Stroke Baron have released “Khera,” the third single off their upcoming album Classics (Prosthetic Records). The record was mixed by the legendary Devin Townsend and is slated for release on October 1st on all streaming platforms. Check out the video for “Khera” below.

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