ALBUM REVIEW: Cognizance – Phantazein


New year, new label… Following their first two releases under the Prosthetic Records banner, UK-based Death Metallers Cognizance are back with Phantazein, a concept album via Willowtip Records that focuses primarily on “art, obsession, and the profound influence of one’s environment.”

The five-piece outfit surpasses typical Death Metal and on this record introduces elements of Technical Death Metal and thrash. None of this puts a strain on the production value, which is a well-oiled machine – and certainly sounds like it – from start to finish.

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ALBUM REVIEW: Afterbirth – In But Not Of


 

Get ready, folks: brute ‘n roll is upon us!

Progressive yet brutal Death Metal deviants Afterbirth, formed in 1993 but put on hold for two decades, are primed and ready for the world to hear their brand of bellicosity. 

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ALBUM REVIEW: Mithridatum – Harrowing


 

The juxtaposing contradiction that is Mithridatum’s debut album Harrowing makes it surprisingly difficult to reach a conclusion.

The Willowtip release sees the newly formed trio (featuring former members of Abhorrent, The Faceless) jockeying with a myriad of other bands in an ultra-saturated landscape that is just begging for a group to come along and shatter the mold. As such, it’s nearly career suicide not to stand out from the rest (unless you’re AC/DC).  Continue reading →