The ever controversial Black/Death Metal act Deicide has their moments, and this is one of them. Their 2004 opus, “Scars Of The Crucifix” [Earache Records], is a razor-sharp package of high-intensity aggression bristling with violent energy. It’s a frenetic, insane ride. Let the blast-beats begin…. Regardless of their views, they make some great Death Metal. …
From the prophetic to the apocalyptic, Soulfly never ceases to amaze. Their 2004 opus, “Prophecy” [Roadrunner Records], is the best since their debut. Soulfly creates Tribal Death Thrash with a modern Metal edginess. Max Cavalera‘s (ex-Sepultura, Nailbomb) vocals are sharp and acidic… a powerful combination of yells and growls with an explosive fury. Intense, hook-driven …
The Metalcore band God Forbid is a wonder of violence, mixing pure primal power with a graceful quality that is beyond epic. Their 2004 opus, “Gone Forever” [Century Media Records], takes a solid Metalcore aesthetic a tempers it with blasts of Grindcore and melodic elements. God Forbid is charged with extremity. Acidic, shrill growled vocals …
There’s nothing like pure brutality to electrify and amaze. The Metalcore outfit Between The Buried And Me has a harsh brilliance all their own. Their 2003 opus, “The Silent Circus” [Victory Records], combines extreme elements of Discordant Hardcore and Metalcore ferocity into a bludgeoning, sublime roar. Between The Buried And Me is crusty and cool…. …
Powerful and melodic, Within Y cuts a resplendent path of epic brutality. Their 2004 release, “Extended Mental Dimensions” [Candlelight Records], is an eccentric fusion of monstrous ferocity and extreme progressiveness. Ita
Greetings fiends. Today has been a day of strange influences which I have truly enjoyed. The first came in the way of an old, and somewhat dated in style, Horror movie called “The Dunwich Horror” [based upon the story of the same name by the great H.P. Lovecraft]. Overall it is simply horrid due to …
From the Hardcore microcosm of Emocore rises the intriguing act Spitalfield. Their 2003 opus of serene edginess, “Remember Right Now” [Victory Records], has a syrupy yet surgically sharp sound. It’s not brutal, but has enough crunch and melodic moodiness to verge the void. Clean, whiney vocals lilt effortlessly across emotive rhythms. Bursts of melodious Hardcore …
From the lesser known genre of Armageddon Thrash is spawned the mighty Legen Beltza. Their aptly titled 2003 opus, “Insanity” [Crash Music, Inc.], is a refreshing tangent into the more classic Speed Metal milieu ala Slayer. Legen Beltza is precision violence executed with devastating intent. The guitars are throbbing slabs of molten power. The sound …
This band has a well-deserved reputation for greatness. Eucharist plays Melodic Swedish Death Metal that is monumental. The 2003 re-issue of their classic opus, “Mirrorworlds” [The End/Regain Records], is a must for any Death Metal collection. Sharp guitars, fierce vocal barrages, and precision brutality are just a few of the reasons why this release is …
Dark realizations are the best…even better than epiphanies. Such was hearing Luddite Clone for the first time, and they grow ever better with every dose. They are essential brutality, and their debut 2000 release “The Arsonist And The Architect” [Relapse Records] is easily one of the BEST of the Year as well. Luddite Clone is …