Downset emerged from the streets of Los Angeles in the early 90a

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 …

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 …

Get on the Brand Wagon! My friend the Schwizz recently turned me on to a band called Brand New. They have two recent independent records on Triple Crown/Razor & Tie, but have been snatched up (for a LOT of money) by DreamWorks for their upcoming third effort. Ia

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 …