Deviation is beautiful. The 2002 opus by Mudvayne, titled “The End Of All Things To Come” [No Name/Epic Records], has a few added subtle twists. New to the Mudvayne Aggro Metal machinations are some extra, clean emotive vocals with a chaotic, surreal edginess, and some odd-timing psychosis. Guitar licks wash across bizarre, off-center rhythms at …
From the ever-expanding Melodic Hardcore scene comes the talented band Glasseater. Their 2003 opus, “Everything Is Beautiful When You Don’t Look Down” [Victory Records], is a subtle mix of modern Melodic Hardcore dynamics and intense flashes of Metalcore aggression. It’s melodious, ferocious, and sublimely moody all at the same time. Catchy, clean-vocal Hardcore is impaled …
It could be said that the band Sleep is keeping the Sabbath dream alive. Pure Psychedelic Doom Metal is what Sleep is all about—trippy, heavy, and groove-bleeding power that smashes bones in a slow, swirling stomp. Their 2003 opus, titled “Dopesmoker” [Teepee Records], is massively cool. Strange as this may sound, this release has only …
A darkened glory shines in the abysmal Aeturnus, whose power is epic, pristine, and brutal. Their 2003 opus of hellish brilliance, “A Darker Monument” [Lumber Jack/Candlelight/Nocturnal Art Productions], is as bleak as it is beautiful. Aeturnus masterfully creates Epic/Dark Death Metal that is flawless and ferocious. Combining elements of Black Metal, Melodic Death Metal, and …
Spawned from the unique NYHC scene, Life Of Agony was a beast all to its own. The live 2003 opus, “River Runs Again” [Steamhammer Records], is a double-disc collection of classic Doomcore Metal. Life Of Agony was as massive as a black hole. Their style was totally individualistic—fusing the immense power of Doom with the …
In the genre of Metalcore, there is one band that is lightyears ahead of the rest. That band is the fiery Hatebreed, whose graceful brutality pulverizes without mercy. Their aptly titled 2003 release, “Rise Of Brutality” [Universal Records], harkens back to Hatebreed‘s earlier masterpieces. And there is no peace here. Harsh, guttural growls hammer through …
Cult Of Luna, Sweden’s own sons of Epic/Dark Death Metal, have created a masterpiece. Their 2003 opus, “The Beyond” [Earache Records], is a coup de grace shotgun-blast to the face of mediocrity. Their sound is cavernous—a massive, powerful force of sublime violence. Unlike most of the other bands from this region, Cult Of Luna avoids …
Pro-Pain, the last true masters of Powercore Metal, took a little different route for their 2003 opus. “Run For Cover” [Spitfire Records] is a collection of powerfully done covers of acts that inspired or influenced them. (And every one is a winner.) For the most part, Pro-Pain makes each song their own. Ferocious, growled vocals …
One of the truly greatest Metal bands ever has to be the Kenner, Louisiana outfit Acid Bath. Sadly, they are no more. But their genius, and legend, lives on. Their 1994 debut, “When The Kite String Pops” [Rotten Records], is a true masterpiece. So why do a review so many years later? Because greatness never …
Featuring a member from the legendary act Buzz-Oven, the Doom Metal monstrosity known as Sourvein is well on their way to being legendary in their own right. Their 2002 opus, “Will To Mangle” [Southern Lord Records], has a harsh dynamic that heightens the intensity of ordinary Doom. But Sourvein is far beyond ordinary. The fierce …