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 …

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 …

Severed Savior is a unique raritya

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 …

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.) …

The snowy darkness of the Northwestern U.S. has a blister of aggression called 36 Crazyfists. This Alaskan outfit’s 2004 opus, “A Snow Capped Romance” [Roadrunner Records], is a Melodic Aggro Metal whirlwind of sheer, brilliant rage. 36 Crazyfists is the perfect aggregate of melodic agility and pure brutality. Dynamic arrangements propel forward harsh, melodious guitars …

In the chaotic brilliance of Melodic Black Death Metal, one band leaves the scorched earth in their trail. That act is the amazing Naglfar. Their 2004 reissue of the classic 1998 opus a

Well, it’s just this simple…Colorado’s Throcult is the best, new Black Metal band to come along in ages. Their 2003 opus, “Soldiers Of A Blackened War” [Crash Music, Inc.], is a monumental epic of infernal glory. Fiery, fearless, and utterly aggressive, Throcult is as brilliant as harsh. Throcult has a highly skilled, dynamic style..fusing intricate, …

Created with one intent, the band Decrepit Birth has succeeded in creating a style of true brutality. Their 2003 opus of brute force glory, titled “…And Time Begins” [Unique Leader Records], is sheer, stark power unleashed. (This act features former members of Dying Fetus, Deprecated, and Misery Index.) Brutal Death Metal is what Decrepit Birth …

Remember a little old band called Pantera? Well they ain’t nothin’ compared to Brick Bath. It is a bold statement, I know. But it is true. Brick Bath‘s 2003 opus, “Rebuilt” [Crash Music, Inc.], takes Powercore to the next level of ferocity. While Pantera was hammering-out crap over the past several years, Brick Bath was …