Note: this is going to be quite long. I think I have around 30-40 reviews, so tread lightly.
The Red Chord – Fed Through the Teeth Machine
Holy shit, I really wasn’t expecting this record to be as badass as it is. Not to mention that it has one of the coolest album covers I’ve seen in a long time. From start to finish it pummels your brain with the hammer of Thor and then grabs you by the balls and hurls you into the fiery pits of hell, or some such dark and twisted metaphor.
By the time the first note is blasted out of the speakers you’ll find yourself uncontrollably destroying everything around you.
Being one of the defining bands in the deathcore genre with their release of Fused Together in Revolving Doors, the band obviously feel they did their part with that style and have matured and moved on to greener pastures. This is by far the most coherent and unrelenting record of The Red Chord’s career. They have thrown out the stereotypical deathcore nuances that were so prominent on previous albums and gone for a more straightforward death/grind approach. Though I wouldn’t necessarily call it that, either. It’s just a heavy fucking record.
Guitarist Mike “GunFace” McKenzie really brings out his A-game on this one, being the first record with him as the sole axeman. The solos stand out as well, not implementing your typical incoherent shredding but actually going for melody and feel, which is something I believe really lacks in a lot of newer death metal and grindcore acts. I find myself going back and listening to this record every few days or so, every time I’m craving something balls-out heavy. It is structured extremely well, with only 2 songs going over the 3 ½ minute mark, which can be a plus or a hinderance. The former being the case with this record.
I find myself at a loss for words as I write this, though I am a bit distracted seeing as I am listening to the record right now and find it hard to focus on anything other than its pure brutality. For fear of becoming redundant and continuing to yammer on about how great I think this record is, why don’t you just go buy it? (Or download it, what the fuck do I care?) You will thank me later.
Favorite song: One Robot to Another
Slayer – World Painted Blood
It’s new Slayer, what more is there to say? While I found Christ Illusion to be quite lackluster, it seems that the gods of thrash have found themselves once again.
World Painted Blood has been compared to Seasons in the Abyss by many, and I can see the similarity, but honestly I feel like it’s more of an amalgamation of all of the early Slayer albums. It’s old school thrash to the bone.
Song like “Snuff”, “Psycopathy Red” and “Not of this God” invoke the days of Reign in Blood, while “Playing with Dolls”, “World Painted Blood” and “Americon” venture more into the South of Heaven era.
All around this is some of the best stuff they’ve written in nearly a decade. The fact that Dave Lombardo is back makes it that much better. While he’s been back for a while now, this is the first record where I really feel like his contribution has made a definite impact on the overall structure. His frenetic and uncompromising speed behind the kit really keeps the record on its toes. And King and Hanneman’s chainsaw riffage has finally shown its face again, most notably in the main riff of “Psycopathy Red”.
It really is surprising that these guys can still produce some of the most chaotic material the thrash world has to offer after nearly 30 years. They continue to be miles above almost all other acts in the genre.
So, in summary, if you’re a fan of Slayer in any capacity you need to check this out; though you probably already have. It makes me happy just knowing these guys are still out there doing what they do and doing it so well.
LONG LIVE SLAYER!!
Favorite song: Not of this God
Nile – Those Whom the Gods Detest
New Nile? Umm, yes, please. The masters of Egyptian death metal are back with one of the best releases of their career. In an interview with Karl Sanders prior to the release of the album, he stated that this record would be more experimental and less straight up death metal. While I was initially skeptical about that statement, having heard the record I understand what he meant and I couldn’t be happier.
Those Whom the Gods Detest is still a death metal album at its core, but the composition and songwriting brings forth a more culturally laden sound; something that I feel I would hear whilst touring the pyramid of Giza.
The album opens with a killer track, my personal favorite, “Kafir!”. The mind-numbingly fast riffing accompanied by George Kollias’s trademark ear-shattering drumming really challenges you to keep up. It is quite evident that, despite his age, Kollias continues to pave the way for death metal drumming, always pushing the envelope and toying with the conventions of the genre.
The most interesting track on the record is “Utterances of the Crawling Dea”, utilizing female chant vocals during the chorus of the song. It came completely out of left field in my opinion but fits perfectly with the tone and direction of the record. And, of course, there are still the classic epic dirges, which pace the record beautifully, such as “4th Era of Dagon” and the title track “Those Whom the Gods Detest”.
Overall, I was very happy with this record. After the melancholy Ithyphallic, it is nice to see Nile return to their roots while still innovating the consistently overdone concept of death metal. Even at the age of 45, Karl Sanders and company still seem to grasp death metal more profoundly than any of the younger—and to some extent more established—musicians in the genre.
Favorite song: Kafir!
Revocation – Existence is Futile
These guys fuckin’ rule! I picked up their first album about a year ago and was truly impressed by their technicality and musicianship while still retaining a classic thrashy sound. To top it off, these guys are all quite young, in their early to mid twenties, and you would never know it. Their precision is on par with the innovators like Erik Rutan and Alex Webster and they are not to be stopped.
Not only are the riffs heavy as hell, but they’re catchy in a way I’ve never heard before meaning the record never gets old. With each passing riff a new one awaits just around the bend that is just as tight, if not better, than the last. They take a lot of old school concepts and structures and put a new spin on them that make you keep coming back for more. It’s basically the ultimate fun thrash record with death metal ancestry.
These guys show a lot of promise for the future and I personally cannot wait to see what else they have in store for us in the future.
Favorite song: Pestilence Reigns
Devin Townsend Project – Ki
Devin has been a huge influence to many in the metal scene for years, dating back to the days when Strapping Young Lad was unleashed upon the world. Throughout his career he has spawned many different types of music, most of which float in and around the metal genre. SYL was by far his heaviest project, and one of the heaviest bands on the planet, in my opinion, and his other works never stray far. From his ambient, experimental break through with DevLab, to his newest work, Ki, he has consistently proven that he is worthy of even the most snobbish of music fans’ praise.
Ki is a wholly different beast from anything he has ever done. To some this may sound negative, but upon the first listen it is quite evident that Devin is first and foremost a talented musician and songwriter. The songs on this record are much more toned down than much of his previous work, and retain a melancholic bluesy feel reminiscent of 70’s jazz rock.
The most bizarre aspect of the record is the drummer he recruited, blues legend Duris Maxwell, who has played with the likes of Jefferson Airplane and The Temptations. I have to admit that when I first heard Devin was recruiting him for drums on the record I was equally perplexed and curious. As oddly placed as he may seem on this record, his loose and rhythmic style fits perfectly with the mellow rock found on the album. He has an extremely strong pocket and provides just the right amount of driving force to keep the songs afloat.
I have been listening to this record almost non-stop for the past few weeks and every time I go through it, I find something new to love about it. It may even be Devin’s best effort yet, which is really saying something. This is the first in a 3 part series of records to kick off the Devin Townsend Project and it really is a gem. His next record, Addicted, is due out in November and from what I’ve heard so far, it should be great. Devin has once again displayed his prolific nature as a musician and he doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. Go pick this up now.
Favorite song: Coast
Dethklok – Dethalbum II
Dethklok has, for better or worse, brought death metal to the masses, being one of the highest selling artists in the genre’s history. Regardless of whether or not you agree with that, they fucking deserve it. Who would have ever thought the mastermind behind the quirky cartoon Home Movies was a talented and proficient musician? Brendan Small has proven to be not only a gifted guitarist and metalhead, but a fantastic songwriter to boot.
Dethklok’s first album, Dethalbum, blew me away when it first came out. I’ve been a huge fan of the TV show since it first aired, so to finally hear the songs previously only showcased in snippets on the show brought to life on CD, and with Gene Hoglan on the kit nonetheless, made my year. The songs are heavy, catchy and well written and the lyrics are downright hilarious.
With Dethalbum II Brendan has stepped up his game to a whole new level. His musicianship has grown impeccably since he started out, and the composition and heaviness of the record is miles above their first effort. The songs are faster, heavier and catchier than I thought possible. Gene, while he has never let me down in the past, continues his legacy as one of the most revered drummers in metal history and that doesn’t change a bit with this record.
I’m sure if you’re a fan of the show or the band or both you’ve already got this album, but if you’re not, or you’re just in the mood for the fun-loving heavy music, go pick this up. It’s a real dark treat.
Favorite song: Laser Canon Deth Sentence
Converge – Axe to Fall
For any of those familiar with Converge in the slightest, you know that their past 3 efforts have been a bit lackluster. At least that’s what I think. While I am a huge fan of all of their work, and find You Fail Me to be a great record and a giant step in the right direction, it, and No Heroes, fell a bit short. But maybe I was just waiting for this record.
Axe to Fall is, for lack of a better term, unbelievable, awe-inspiring, brilliant, profound, yeah, you get the point. Within the first 2 seconds of the opening track, Dark Horse, I was utterly blown away and found myself thrashing around my room in ecstasy. This is definitely their best record since Jane Doe and quite possibly, dare I say it, their best record yet. Kurt Ballou’s floating riffs tear through your brain like a deranged freight train from hell and leave your jaw in your lap. On top of that, Ben Koller’s frenetic drumming fills in the gaps perfectly, leaving you no room to gasp for air. And speaking of air, I’m not sure vocalist Jacob Bannon ever really takes a breath throughout the entire album.
The structure of the album stands out as well, beginning with an aural assault that never lets up for the first 15 minutes of the record. They follow that up with a classic Converge sludge piece, Worms Will Feed, which is so beautifully orchestrated you would almost swear it was a whole EP in and of itself. The songs pick up again to fill the second act of the record and each one stands out by itself. The CD closes out with two slow, jazzy pieces that may be some of the most interesting and outreaching stuff they have ever written, there’s even a piano in there! Haha.
Bottom line is, if you like Converge (and if you call yourself a metal/metalcore/hardcore fan you damn well should, or just rethink your musical taste entirely) then you need to get this album anyway you can. It is easily one of the best releases in a long time.
Favorite song: Dark Horse
HORSE the Band – Desperate Living
These guys are just plain weird. They play a style they have personally coined as “Nintendocore” which really is the best description anyone could ever come up with for them. Their keyboardist consistently uses the classic 8-bit programming found in most early SNES games which make their records just a helluva lotta fun.
Aside from the entertainment aspect of the record, the songs are surprisingly well written and choreographed. Deep down the record almost invokes a certain amount of sadness in the composition, but it’s an optimistic sadness, a depression with hope for the future, trapped beneath a bright veil.
The record really traverses through all sorts of areas musically and you never get bored. While many of their past releases were more akin to bands like An Albatross and The Locust, Desperate Living really shows a maturity and dedication to their craft that I would’ve never thought I’d hear from this band. This is another release I can’t stop listening to and I don’t think you’ll be able to either.
Favorite song: Rape Escape
Agoraphobic Nosebleed – Agorapocalypse
Fuck, this album blew me away, and still does. I’ve always been a huge fan of these guys. Scott Hull’s ability to write catchy, crushing riffs is unmatched in the grindcore genre; and most of death metal, for that matter. While most of their older material consists of comedically short songs with drum machine blast beats topping out at 1,000 beats per minute (their most ridiculous being Altered States of America, containing 99 songs and clocking in at just over 30 minutes), Agorapocalypse shows a progression and maturity that most would not have thought possible from such a puerile group. And I’m sure they knew we thought that, so they grabbed a fiery poker from the bowels of hell and shoved it directly up our asses with a big FUCK YOU! The songs are all around 3 minutes long and are pristinely structured. They even throw in a drum machine solo on Question of Integrity, which is so perfectly executed, you could almost swear it was done by an actual human being. Despite the change in song lengths, these songs are some of the heaviest and most well written the band has ever done. And with the addition of female vocalist Katherine Katz, their extremely unique sound only stands out more. I can’t recommend this record enough. If you’re a fan of grindcore in any capacity, pick this up. You will not be disappointed.
Favorite song: Moral Distortion
Behemoth – Evangelion
What is there to say? It’s fucking Behemoth, the masters of death and black metal infusion. If you’re familiar with them, you’ll love this. If not, listen to it anyway. While Behemoth have always been known for their thrashy and pummeling sound, Evangelion takes it to the next level. Since the release of Demigod in 2004, their sound has gotten more and more brutal and technical. That progression has commenced on Evangelion. The songs are brilliantly written, with mind numbing riffs and ear splattering drums. The album opens with Daimonos, being ushered in by chants and screams by Nergal and leading up to an unbelievably heavy opening riff. These guys kill, and I’ve never had more confidence in their abilities as musicians than I do right now.
Favorite song: Transmigrating Beyond Realms of Amenti
The Black Dahlia Murder – Deflorate
These guys have really evolved into a great band over the years. While Miasma was pretty lackluster in my opinion, they really came into their own with Nocturnal. Deflorate is pretty much the sequel to Nocturnal. Sound-wise there isn’t too much progression from the last album, but it is still a bull’s eye of a death metal record. If you’ve seen their DVD, Majesty, you know that TBDM just like to have fun and fuck around and while that may seem to have negative connotations, it doesn’t bleed over into their music. They obviously take themselves very seriously, but their animated personalities really show through with each song they write. The most inspiring aspect of this record for me is Shannon Lucas’ drumming. While he’s always been a very proficient player, his style has definitely evolved into the perfect backbone for TBDM. Unfortunately, they have yet to keep the same line-up for two albums in a row, but it doesn’t seem to be stopping them. If you liked Nocturnal, or any TBDM record for that matter, you shant be disappointed.
Favorite song: Throne of Lunacy
Brutal Truth – Evolution Through Revolution
The kings of grind return after a 10 year absence and bring us one of the heaviest and most chaotic grindcore records ever released. Never failing to achieve, Brutal Truth show they have lost no edge in their prolonged sabbatical. These guys are all in their forties now and they still deliver faster and more brutal grind than almost anyone on the planet. The album runs about 30 minutes and doesn’t let up for a second. They even threw in an awesomely brief song called Branded, which clocks in at an astounding 7 seconds. Classic Brutal Truth. They show no mercy and have no care for other’s opinions. I’m sure any grind fan in the world already has this, as it was one of the most anticipated records of the year, but if you don’t, go get it right now. It’s well worth it.
Favorite song: Sugar Daddy
Burnt By The Sun – Heart of Darkness
Yet another band that has returned after quite a long hiatus. It’s been six years since the release of their last album The Perfect is the Enemy of the Good and as hard as it is to say, it was totally worth the wait. This is by far the heaviest record they have ever done. John Abudabo’s riffs are stunning, and defy categorization. While most would call BBTS a metalcore band, I find them impossible to define. Their songs are catchy, messy and heavy and don’t belong anywhere near grind, death metal, metalcore or any other label of metal. They are who they are, and have yet to be duplicated. According to the band, this is to be their last record ever, and while that is a sad thought to dwell on, they couldn’t have given us a better farewell gift than this. Here’s to hoping they keep it going another six years!
Favorite song: There Will Be Blood
Cannibal Corpse – Evisceration Plague
You either love or hate Cannibal Corpse, there is no in grey area. Evisceration Plague is straight up Cannibal Corpse at their best. While Kill was more sporadic and faster paced, Evisceration Plague sees Cannibal Corpse going back to their roots and creating balls-out heavy songs. The line-up hasn’t changed since the release of Kill and I personally believe it is the strongest line-up to date. Most of the songs were written by bassist Alex Webster, (as usual) whose musical prowess is nearly unmatched in metal. As easy as it is to write off Cannibal Corpse if you’re not a fan of death metal, they really are a group of very talented musicians who know exactly what death metal should sound like. The songs are not only heavy, but catchy and very well written, and technical as hell to boot. And of course, the lyrics paint grotesque and vile pictures, as they always do. Fuck, I think I’m gonna go listen to this again.
Favorite song: Scalding Hail
Cattle Decapitation – The Harvest Floor
Arguably the best record of the year, I can’t seem to hit the pause button when it’s playing. It’s absolutely brilliant. These guys have evolved into such amazing musicians it’s hard to believe that this is the same group of guys who recorded To Serve Man 7 years ago. The same unrelenting chaos that they began to show with Karma.Bloody.Karma has been taken to the next level, if that’s even possible. With the addition of Dave McGraw of Sleep Terror fame on drums, they have created an unstoppable beast of death metal. Josh Elmore’s riffs are nearly indecipherable in their technicality, and McGraw’s precision behind the kit is unreal. The vocals really stand out on this album as well. For anyone who’s seen Cattle live, you know how insane and fucked up Travis’s vocals are, and they have finally captured that disgust on record. The high-pitched shrieks nearly make you want to stick needles in your ears with glee. Unfortunately, they have recently parted ways with long time bassist, Troy Oftedal, which saddens me greatly. But I’m sure they will continue on and keep making records that just blow my fucking mind. Buy this shit right now!
Favorite song: Regret and the Grave
Daath – The Concealers
I was actually kind of disappointed with this record, but wanted to write about it anyway. I got into these guys back when Kevin Talley joined the group, and was very impressed with The Hinderers, but this album seems to have come up a little short. The riffs are still very catchy and melodic and retain that palpable Daath sound, but the record as a whole is actually kind of boring. There is really no progression from song one until the end of the record. Each riff bleeds annoyingly into the next and each song could be mistaken for any other. I think I may have had too much anticipation for this record and gotten my hopes up too high, but I can’t help but think I have my playlist on repeat every time I listen to it. It lacks the diversity of The Hinderers and I can’t seem to grasp that these guys don’t have much better material in them. My favorite song also happens to be the shortest song on the record, Incestuous Amplification. Its fast, heavy and catchy, everything I love about Daath. Don’t completely write it off, this review may have been a little harsh. It’s not terrible. 6/10 I suppose.
Favorite song: Incestuous Amplification
Dying Fetus – Descendants of Depravity
This record is easily a contender for best death metal album of the year. Dying Fetus have always been one of my favorite bands; their crushing grooves are literally unmatched in the genre and despite Gallagher’s obvious rap/hip-hop influence, are unique and heavy as hell to boot. While War of Attrition was a fantastic effort, Descendants of Depravity may be their best record since the classic, Destroy the Opposition. Rookie member, Trey Williams, absolutely kills behind the kit and it truly feels like he is the drummer they have been waiting for. Gallagher’s esoteric sweeping has never been so brilliantly realized and the record as whole really keeps you on your toes, consistently delivering crushing riff after crushing riff, daring you not to bang your head. The closing anthem, “Ethos of Coercion”, really pummels your brains cells. The opening riff is by far one of the catchiest and heaviest riffs I’ve heard in a while and simply puts a smile on my face. Regardless of your opinion of the band itself, if you’re a death metal fanatic I would highly recommend you pick this up. It will make your brain implode in ecstasy!
Favorite song: Ethos of Coercion
El Creepo – El Creepo!
Since Dog Fashion Disco disbanded I have been following Todd Smith’s projects very closely. Polkadot Cadaver is great, but the lack of live shows and new material really put a damper on things. The Alter Boys are real hit and miss with me, and I have to say that Knives Out is nothing more than a generic hardcore/metalcore rehash. El Creepo, however, is his best effort since Purgatory Dance Party. The project has been in the works for quite some time now (nearly 4 years, if memory serves me right) and the final product is well worth the wait. The most outstanding aspect of the record is the lyrics. While Smith has always been known for his morbidly beautiful poetry, El Creepo shows a maturity and prose unlike anything I have ever heard before. Songs like “Witch Hunt” and “Skeleton Horse” capture your ears and make you feel like you’re wandering through Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory with Jason Voorhees by your side. Also, the lyrics aren’t dark for darkness’s sake; rather, they are from the depths of his heart and thematically are very personal. My only gripe with the record is the abruptness with which some of the songs end. I don’t know whether this was Todd’s intention or due to a rushed release date, or a combination of the two, but some of the songs just feel unfinished. But the haunting and demonic song structures and lyrics easily make up for it. If you’re a fan of any of Todd Smith’s previous projects, you would be a fool not to pick this up.
Favorite song: Witch Hunt
Fleshgod Apocalypse – Oracle
Now this right here is a brutal fucking death metal album! Formed by Francesco Paoli of Hour of Penance, this band has succeeded in creating one of the most technically proficient death metal albums I’ve heard in a while. Taking much of its influence from classical symphonies (there are actually a few orchestral breaks throughout the record, and it even opens with an orchestra tuning its strings) it is a horrifically fun ride from start to finish. The production is supremely done which adds to the overall heaviness of the record, but for the most part that comes from the music. The drums are unrelenting, the guitars shred-tastic, and the vocals are pure evil. I personally can’t wait for these guys to tour and make another record because if this album is any indication of what’s to come, I’ll wait with painful anticipation.
Favorite song: In Honour of Reason
Gorod – Process of a New Decline
France is home to some of the most inventive and heavy bands in the death metal scene. Benighted, Disavowed, Goryptic, Gojira and Gorod, to name a few. These guys have a sound completely their own. Jumping all around time signatures and infusing polyrhythms like it’s second nature, this band has really created something special. The songs are melodic and entrancing. The guitar work is that of a couple of virtuosos and is unlike anything I’ve heard before. The riffs swirl in and out of each other seamlessly and make my jaw drop in awe. These guys aren’t very popular but I must insist you check them out if you’re a fan of original and prolific death metal.
Favorite song: Almighty’s Murderer
GWAR – Lust in Space
Gwar is back and better than ever! Known for their over the top antics and gory stage shows, Gwar are an unstoppable force of hilarity and gore. While they have traversed through many genres during their tenure as a band, they have always had a damn good time with their music and it rubs off on the fans. Lust in Space is a combination of everything they’ve ever done. It harks back to the old days when Sleazy P. Martini donned the stage killing and shoving celebrities into massive vaginas. They’ve also treaded new waters, as they always do. The song Release the Flies is a down-tuned death metal inspired opus that you can’t help but bang your head to. And Where is Zog? brings back the days of the Sexecutioner and Stephen Sphincter, creating a new and hilarious character spawned from outer space (Got any space change?). It’s hard not to enjoy a Gwar record and this one is no different. They are unstoppable and I am convinced will still be around long after humans have been blown clean off of the Earth. Long live GWAR!
Favorite song: Metal Metal Land
Lamb of God – Wrath
I’ve been a fan of these guys for a long time. While they are one of the most popular bands in the metal scene, they refuse to follow in the footsteps of other popular “metal” acts such as Metallica and Hatebreed and cater to no one but themselves. With Wrath they have stepped up the brutality and written an extremely intelligent and catchy metal album. The album opens with a classic metal acoustic intro, which leads into an unbelievably pounding riff that makes you want to start your own personal wall of death in your living room. The musicianship has progressed perfectly and they deliver an incredibly tight and fun record and deserve to be at the forefront of the modern metal scene.
Favorite song: In Your Words
Mastodon – Crack the Skye
One of the best records of the year, by far. While their sound may have changed quite a bit since the days of Remission, Crack the Skye is an extremely well written concept album that I still can’t stop listening to. To be honest, I was pretty disappointed with their last effort Blood Mountain, but have grown to respect it seeing as it led them here. The record has only 7 songs, but tops the clock at just over an hour and never gets boring. While many bands who write 10-plus minute long songs tend to just be jerking themselves off, Mastodon don’t write with the intention of being arrogant, but write the songs as they are meant to be written. Cutting any of the songs down would be an injustice to the music, and they seem to realize that. Drummer Brann Dailor even contributed vocals to the record, making their sound even more unique and spacey. The album as a whole is more rock oriented than metal in some parts, but Mastodon seem to have found a nice little niche in between the two genres. I highly recommend this album to just about everyone, metal fan or not.
Favorite song: The Last Baron
Municipal Waste – Massive Aggressive
I absolutely love these guys! While there are seemingly hundreds of thrash bands out there trying to stand out amongst the masses, Municipal Waste have really carved their own path within the thrash scene. They not only love the genre, but really just want to have fun with it. Every song inspires you to chug a 40 and destroy a hotel room. Dave Witte’s prowess behind the kit has never been better (I am convinced he will never let me down) and the quick and catchy riffs will literally make you want to dance. There really isn’t much else to say about this record. If you’re a fan of the band or thrash in general, this album is just for you.
Favorite song: Horny for Blood
Napalm Death – Time Waits For No Slave
You would think that after playing grindcore for over 20 years a band would lose its edge, right? Wrong. Napalm Death are back and they’re still paving the way for the genre. While they basically invented grindcore back in the eighties, writing short, fast and hard songs, they have grown abundantly in the years since. The songs are well put together and catchy as hell. Mitch Harris continues to write fast and fun riffs accompanied by Danny Herrera’s speedy drums and Barney Greenway’s throat slashing vocals. They even throw in some singing/chanting parts in the songs that, at first glance may seem out of place for such a band as this, but happen to fit very well with the style they have cultivated. And if you’ve ever seen these guys live, you know they put on one of the most unrelenting and brutal shows in metal. Unreal.
Favorite song: Diktat
Narrows – New Distances
Botch was and still is one of my favorite bands of all time, and it was very sad to see them go so long ago. Dave Knudson formed Minus the Bear after the break-up, who I do enjoy, but are in a whole other realm musically. Most of the other members faded to black and started new bands that never really got off the ground, including vocalist Dave Verellen. Where he went I do not know, but I am glad he’s back. Narrows is a supergroup of sorts, combining members of Botch, These Arms Are Snakes and Some Girls. Their sound is very Botch-esque and that may be a turn off to some, but I love it. I’ve missed Botch for so long that this record, while not a rip-off by any means, just makes me smile. It’s short, concise, and original. These guys have so much experience and talent that even in a genre so imitated and redone as mathcore they still stand out. Great CD, especially if you are a fan of Botch or post-hardcore in general.
Favorite song: Chambered
Obscura – Cosmogenesis
Melodic death metal is a term far overdone and misused this day and age and to see a painstakingly original band come out of the woodwork is truly refreshing. Consisting of members of Necrophagist and Spawn of Possession, Obscura has created a ridiculously technical and melodic album. The marketing for the album was overwhelming, with everyone and their mother endorsing the record, but it was with good reason. I am a huge fan of Necrophagist and Hannes Grossmann’s drumming and couldn’t believe he left left the band when he did, but he has returned with Obscura and his prowess is still jaw dropping. Listening to the seamless integration of sprawling guitar work and ravishing drums is humbling. I have so much respect for these guys I don’t know what to do with it. Highly recommended.
Favorite song: Universe Momentum
Pathology – Age of Onset
These guys are the definition of brutal death metal if you ask me. Formed by former Cattle Decapitation drummer Dave Astor, the music makes me want to go out and slay people one by one in the most horrific ways possible. While that may sound like a bad thing, and don’t worry, I don’t plan on doing it…yet, it’s a compliment to me. The record never lets up for a second and keeps its pace superbly. While I find myself bored by a lot of brutal death metal, these guys have made music so heavy and chaotic that I can’t help but stare off into space with a look of bewilderment on my face.
Favorite song: Age of Sunset
Psyopus – Odd Senses
I fucking love this band! They’re impossible to pinpoint and definitely one of the most esoteric bands out there. Chris Arp is an unbelievably talented musician and his task of toying with his guitar makes the music all the more enjoyable. The guy plays maybe 15 actual notes on the whole album, while the rest are pinch harmonics, slides and arpeggios. I don’t think one riff lasts for more than ten seconds and it doesn’t get annoying, as each consecutive riff is as mind numbing as the last. One of my favorite songs, Boogeyman, consists mostly of a group of random people spewing off sentences one word at a time, broken up only by short stints of the chaos Psyopus calls music. See these guys live, too. Chris Arp runs around the stage like a chicken with his head cut off and still doesn’t miss a note. Unbelievable.
Favorite song: Duct Tape Smile
Suffocation – Blood Oath
There really isn’t much to say about Suffocation. You either love them or you don’t. I fall into the former category. While I wasn’t all that impressed with their reunion album Souls to Deny, Blood Oath is fucking fantastic. The opening track just fucking kills and I can’t help but circle head bang to it every time I hear the opening riff. These guys are masters of brutal death metal and even after 20 years still got it going on. If you like Suffocation you will love this album!
Favorite song: Blood Oath
Vader – Necropolis
Yep, Vader are back and do not disappoint. While just about every previous member left the band in 2008, Peter is not done with the massively pummeling band that has defined Polish death metal since the 80’s. While the album may not be a gem among their discography, it’s always good to get some new material from a band I love so dearly. The drums are as fast as a tommy gun and the riffs keep your neck in a constant state of agony. If you like Vader, you know what you’re in for.
Favorite song: Anger
Viraemia – EP
These guys obviously owe a lot to Brain Drill. However, they still kick ass. While I love Brain Drill, Viraemia have taken that inhumanly fast sweeping sound and made it heavier and catchier. They write some of the most brutal riffs and you can’t help but bang your head while you listen. The EP is only 5 songs and is very short in duration, which is disappointing, but if it’s paving the way for what’s to come, I’m sold. They are very technically proficient and may come off as arrogant at first, but give them a chance; they’re well worth it. Can’t wait for the full length.
Favorite song: Necrotizing Fasciitis
Other releases worthy of mention
Arsonists Get All the Girls – Portals
I’m not a huge fan of most deathcore due to my distaste for the horribly overused breakdown, but these guys are pretty cool. This album’s heavier and more straightforward than The Game of Life, but still retains the experimentation that they’re known for.
Assjack – Assjack
Ever since I first heard Superjoint Ritual I have been a fan of Hank Williams, III. Just heard about these guys so I don’t have much background, but what I’ve heard is awesome. Kind of a cross between southern rock and death metal. And Tim Yeung was once in the band as well. Sick grooves and machine gun drumming. Check it out.
Augury – Fragmentary Evidence
Produced by and guest starring Sven de Caulwe of Aborted, this record is fascinating technical death metal. My only complaint is the vocals. They seem a bit lazy and uninspired.
Benighted – Insane Cephalic Production (Re-Issue)
While it’s technically not a new album, this is one of my favorite brutal death metal albums by one of my favorites bands. These guys are catchy and heavy as fuck. Includes a re-recorded version of Banished from their Psychose album and a Raised Fist cover. Pure brilliance.
Bloomill – dEmP
It’s my brother’s band so I have to include it! Seriously though, they’re very talented and can jam like nobody’s business. If you’re in Metro Detroit hit them up for a show, you won’t be disappointed.
Coalesce – OX
It’s been a while since their last record and it’s a good one. Though not too much has changed. Sounds a lot like :12, which isn’t bad, considering that’s a great album.
Devourment – Unleash the Carnivore
Great brutal death metal. Still prefer Molesting the Decapitated and 1.3.8, though.
Divine Heresy – Bringer of Plagues
These guys are real hit and miss with me. I really can’t stand the clean vocals, but then again, Dino’s riffs and Tim Yeung’s drumming are unbelievable. Listen to it and skip all the clean singing.
General Surgery – Corpus in Extremis: Analysing Necroticism
The goregrind masters are back with a vengeance! It’s sloppy, gory and violent, as all goregrind should be.
Man Must Die – No Tolerance for Imperfection
Pretty sick technical death metal from England. Nothing new, but still fucking cool if you’re into the genre.
Meat Shits – Whoreible Vol. 1
These guys are great. The only reason this didn’t make the list is because it’s a compilation album, but nonetheless, it’s hilariously awesome. BROWN METAL!
Mumakil – Behold the Failure
Killer grindcore. In the vein of Feastem and Phobia.
Poison the Well – The Tropic Rot
I still get into these guys. They are constantly evolving and creating new and inventive paths in the hardcore scene, and this release is no exception.
Slaughterbox – The Ubiquity of Subjugation
This is just all out insanity. Drummer sings, pretty fucking sick.
Total Fucking Destruction – Grind Eternal
Short, sweet, TFD. Grindcore to the bone!
Vomit the Soul – Apostles of Inexpression
I only recently found out about these guys so I don’t know too much about them, but this album kicks ass. Brutal and creative as hell, it delivers with killer riffs and ear shattering drum parts. If you’re into brutal death metal these guys are a must listen.
Well, that's that. Sorry for the preposterous amount of reviews in one post, but this is more so they're all here and not scattered on Facebook. If you read them, that's awesome, share your thoughts. If not, I don't blame you.
More to come soon...
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