One of the most widely renowned Metalcore bands in the world is All Out War. …And deservedly so. Their 2004 opus, “Condemned To Suffer” [Victory Records], has them returning with more fire than ever. All Out War has declared war on the sheep-like masses once again…. Brutal is the operative rule of All Out War. …
The ever controversial Black/Death Metal act Deicide has had their moments. Their 2004 collection, “Best Of” [Roadrunner Records], assembles most of them into one razor-sharp package. Let the blast-beats begin…. Regardless of their views, they make some great Death Metal. Combining Blackened Thrash and Florida Style Death Metal, Deicide fuses speed, power, and groove-dredging aggression. …
The much anticipated, and worried-over, debut from Damageplan is finally here. And it was worth the wait. The Aggro/Powercore assault of Damageplan is phenomenal to say the least…. This 2004 opus, “New Found Power” [Elektra/Asylum Records], combines elements of Aggro, Powercore, Thrash, and melodic inflections into a brutally satisfying experience. Their unique, groove-drenched style bleeds …
Feel like some vicious, raw as a bare nerve Black Metal with a Thrash Metal relentlessness? Here’s the fix. The French Black Metal named Antaeus has unleashed a ravenous fury in their 2001 debut, titled “Cut Your Flesh And Worship Satan” [Necropolis Records]. It’s a graceless, tenebrous work of utter, furious savagery. And it’s a …
The ever-expanding genre of Melodic Hardcore has produced some fine acts lately. One of those bands is Anatomy Of A Ghost, whose slightly more adventurous style combines Emo, Pop Punk, and Melodic Hardcore. Their 2003 opus, “Evanesce” [Imusic Records], is a catchy mix of syrup and stomp. The instrumentals fuse modern, aggressive Hardcore power with …
Some bands manifest highly skilled forms of aggression. Others fake it. But the harshly brilliant Zao is the real thing. Their 2004 compilation opus, “Legendary” [Solidstate Records], spans their existence. Zao‘s flawless style is a fierce hybrid of Hardcore, Swedish Style Death Metal, and Deathrock Metal. This is Metalcore at its finest. And it is …
It’s almost impossible to go wrong with the band Pissing Razors. Every release is superb, and their 2003 opus “Evolution” [Spitfire Records] maintains that exceptional tradition of brilliant brutality. Pissing Razors plays a razor-sharp brand of Tribal/Industrial Death Metal. And it is always good. Their new vocalist is top-notch. His virulent combination of powerful growls …
Severed Savior is a unique raritya
Intricate Death Metal is a lesser praised, yet amazing style. An exceptional act from this genre is Anata, whose 2004 opus “Under A Stone With No Inscription” [Wicked World Records] is a masterfully crafted journey into radiant mayhem. Anata is relentless and powerful…. Fiery, frenzied guitars dripping with hook cleverly dissect massive waves of crushing …
Death Metal should bleed grooves of blunt force intensity. The band Under Threat does that in spades. Their 2003 opus, “Behind Mankind’s Disguise” [Conquest Music], is a subtle blend of Powercore and Florida Style Death Metal. (Imagine mid-1990’s Pantera crossed with later era Obituary, and you’ll get a rough notion of this band’s killer sound.) …