From the category “massive as Hell….” the band Khanate is one of the new breed of Doom Metal. They hammer-out expansive, utterly heavy slabs of Drone/Doomdeath Metal atmosphere. Their 2003 opus, “Things Viral” [Southern Lord Records], is like being trapped in an auto body crusher after a caffeine binge. It aina
The best new Melodic Death band to come along in ages has to be Psychotogen. Their 2003 opus, “Calculus Of Evil” [Crash Music, Inc.], has a visceral edge to its experimental, progressive quality. Psychotogen stands at the fore of this genre, with legendary acts such as Hypocrisy and In Flames. (They are that good.) This …
There is nothing quite like pure aggression, and Deathwitch is all about aggression. Their 2004 opus of blunt force brilliance, titled “Violence, Blasphemy, Sodomy” [Wicked World Records], is an old school Death Metal with enough hook to gut a brontosaurus. Deathwitch is highly-skilled extremity. With a relentless, fiery assault, Deathwitch charges forward. Super tight, Thrash …
When it comes to Old School Hardcore with an aggressive edge, few can match Some Kind Of Hate. Their 2003 opus, “Undisputed” [Bridge Nine Records], is an explosive set of efficiently compact gems of sheer, vicious glory. Some Kind Of Hate does not waste timea
Metalcore is one of the fastest progressive, exceedingly dynamic styles of Metal music. A great new band from this genre is Figure Four. Their blistering 2003 opus, “Suffering The Loss” [Tooth & Nail Records], is a solid work of visceral aggression. With massive, obliterating grooves and explosive rhythms, Figure Four leaves a scorched earth testimonial …
When it comes to Hardcore, one band with a well-deserved reputation is Madball. Their 2004 EP, “NYHC” [Thorp Records], is a 4 song onslaught of perfect fury. This is Madball at their best and brashest. Inspired by his brothera
The Melodic Hardcore scene continues to flourish, with an ever-expanding mob of great acts. One such new act is Beloved, whose sound is vibrant as well as powerful. Their 2003 opus, “Failure On” [Tooth & Nail Records], is a trippy yet aggressive display of melodious intensity. Ferocity comes in many shades. Beloved adeptly implements a …
In the shadows of a dark, abysmal glory rises a twisted progression of epic ferocity…. Tartharia makes powerful Symphonic Black/Swedish Death Metal with a chilling, serrated Gothic edge. Their 2003 opus of tenebrous radiance, “A Secret Device” [Crash Music, Inc.], is a 5 song EP of monolithic intensity. Melodic keyboards and symphonic elements burn through …
From the burning darkness returns the legendary masters of Gothic/Doomdeath Metal, My Dying Bride. Being one of the originating trinity of the Doomdeath sound (along with Paradise Lost and Anathema), they have earned an epic reputation for greatness. Their 2004 opus, “Songs Of Darkness, Words Of Light” [Peaceville/Snapper Records], continues that tradition. In the mid …
From the shining darkness of the abyss rises one of the most intense, controversial Black Metal bands ever. That band is the ferocious Acheron, whose 2004 opus titled “Rebirth: Metamorphosing Into Godhood” [The End/Black Lotus Records] is a monumental work of Black/Power Grind. They truly stand-out in the quality of their primal sound, especially amongst …