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 …
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 …