Category Archives: 2025 New Releases

Album Review – Impureza / Alcázares (2025)

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The trailblazers of Hispanic Extreme Metal return with a fantastic new album, once again exploring the duality between extreme music and Spanish sounds inspired by Andalusian culture and flamenco.

Formed in 2004 by guitarist Lionel Cano Muñoz, Franco-Spanish Brutal Flamenco Death Metal entity Impureza offers a unique fusion of extreme music and Spanish sounds inspired by Andalusian culture and Flamenco, creating an atypical style known as “Hispanic Extreme Metal,” therefore turning them into the pioneers of the genre. Recorded and mixed by Sébastien Camhi at Studio Artmusic, mastered by Jacob Hansen at Hansen Studios, and displaying a stylish artwork by Johann Bodin and Xavier Ribeiro, Alcázares is the brand new offering by the band currently formed of Esteban Martín on vocals, Lionel Cano Muñoz on the guitars, Florian Saillard on fretless bass, and Guilhem Auge on drums, supported by Xavier Hamon on percussion and Louis Viallet on orchestrations, once again revolving around the voluptuousness of Latin atmospheres, the ferocity of metal music, and Spanish culture and history, explored through a fictional and esoteric aspect.

The pure Flamenco intro Verdiales will transport our minds to the world of Impureza before they attack with Bajo las Tizonas de Toledo, with Lionel delivering striking riffs and solos infused with Spanish sounds while Guilhem hammers his drums and Esteban roars deeply until the very end. Covadonga keeps the album at a high level of violence and epicness, with Lionel once again stealing the spotlight with his riffage supported by Florian’s puissant bass; and simply let their Spanish sounds penetrate deep inside your soul in Pestilencia, or “pestilence”, where the Spanish guitars by Lionel are effectively boosted by the percussion by Xavier before all explodes into another feast of Progressive Death Metal. And Reconquistar Al-Ándalus, or “reconquering Al-Ándalus”, is another perfect fusion of extreme music and the Andalusian culture, not to mention how infernal Guilhem sounds on drums.

Impureza will then put you to dance to the sound of Murallas, or “walls”, a fantastic interlude that will set the tone for La Orden del Yelmo Negro, which translates as “the order of the black helmet”, carrying a poetic name for an overdose of harsh vociferations by Esteban, all boosted by another visceral, flawless stringed attack by Lionel and Florian. After such a beautiful song, the band offers six minutes of dark, atmospheric sounds infused with the whimsical touch of the Spanish guitar by Lionel in Castigos Eclesiásticos, or “ecclesiastical punishments”; whereas in El Ejército de los Fallecidos de Alarcos, or “the army of the dead of Alarcos”, all backing vocals add an extra kick to Esteban’s harsh growls while Florian and Guilhem make the earth tremble with their progressive and ruthless kitchen. Then another Andalusian-infused instrumental interlude titled Ruina del Alcázar, or “ruin of the Alcázar”, warms us up for their final onrush entitled Santa Inquisición, or “holy inquisition”, where all band members set the ambience on absolute fire, led by the always demonic vociferations by Esteban in a lecture in extreme music.

Often nicknamed the “French Nile” due to their primary influences, which obviously include Nile, as well as Hate Eternal, Behemoth, and Fleshgod Apocalypse, among many others, plus several Spanish artists such as Flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía and gypsy singer Camarón de la Isla, Impureza, which by the way means “impurity” in English, beautifully united traditional Hispanic folklore and Extreme Metal in their new album, presenting the duality between those two seemingly opposed musical genres in a beyond compelling way. Hence, you can get to know more about the band on Facebook and on Instagram, subscribe to their YouTube channel, stream their music on Spotify, and grab a copy of their fiery new opus from BandCamp or by clicking HERE. In a nutshell, not only Impureza are the undisputed trailblazers of Hispanic Extreme Metal, but Alcázares will certainly help them carve their name in the history of heavy music, leaving us eager for more in a not-so-distant future.

Best moments of the album: Bajo las Tizonas de Toledo, Reconquistar Al-Ándalus, La Orden del Yelmo Negro and Santa Inquisición.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2025 Season of Mist

Track listing
1. Verdiales 1:15
2. Bajo las Tizonas de Toledo 6:25
3. Covadonga 4:01
4. Pestilencia 4:44
5. Reconquistar Al-Ándalus 5:25
6. Murallas 2:24
7. La Orden del Yelmo Negro 4:57
8. Castigos Eclesiásticos 6:06
9. El Ejército de los Fallecidos de Alarcos 5:18
10. Ruina del Alcázar 1:37
11. Santa Inquisición 6:26

Band members
Esteban Martín – vocals
Lionel Cano Muñoz – rhythm, lead & Spanish guitars
Florian Saillard – fretless bass
Guilhem Auge – drums

Guest musicians
Xavier Hamon – percussion (session)
Louis Viallet – orchestrations (session)

Album Review – The Lucidia Project / The Twilight Affliction EP (2025)

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This promising American Melodic Metal band will captivate your senses with their new EP, weaving intimate, confessional lyrics through a massive and atmospheric soundscape, sounding at the same time both crushing and cathartic.

Blending an amalgamation of styles including Melodic, Alternative, Symphonic, Death, and Doom Metal alongside a rich emotional tapestry of confessional songwriting, vocalist and keyboardist Chase Baldwin and bassist Benjamin Jacobs founded The Lucidia Project back in 2022 in Fargo, North Dakota, in the United States, releasing their self-titled demo that same year, followed by the EP Requiem in 2023, and the standalone single Soul Killer in 2024. Now in 2025 the band formed of the aforementioned Chase Baldwin on vocals, piano, strings and drum programming, and Benjamin Jacobs on bass, alongside guitarists Daniel Williams and Garrett Carroll, is set to unleash a new EP entitled The Twilight Affliction, taking a vast array of artistic influences from Tori Amos to Katatonia and Nightwish, and presenting listeners with a sonic identity that is both intimate and momentous. Produced, engineered, mixed and mastered by Danny Meyer at Sunway Studios, with the band’s own Chase Baldwin also working as a recording engineer and co-producer, the six-song EP weaves intimate, confessional lyrics through a massive and atmospheric soundscape, sounding at the same time crushing and cathartic.

Chase already showcases his passion for delicate sounds with his piano in Prophecy, being gradually joined by his bandmates in a lecture in Progressive Metal, with the band’s guitar duo delivering classy yet powerful riffs nonstop. The second song of the EP, titled Bloodlines, brings forward a more metallic version of the band, with Chase offering harsher vocals while Daniel, Garrett and Benjamin fire a striking stringed attack; and the band then goes full Progressive Metal in December, with their stylish riffs, classic drums and enfolding vocals turning it into a must-listen for fans of the genre. Lockdown is a song with a traumatic name for the newest generation, starting in an ethereal manner before evolving into pure progressiveness and electricity led by Daniel and Garrett’s piercing guitars; and it’s time for a beautiful ballad spearheaded by Chase’s stylish vocals and piano titled Lights Out, embracing us all in total darkness until the very end. Then closing the EP we’re treated to In My Sleep, where once again their whimsical but strong sounds fill every single space in the air, blending slower, charming passages with more visceral and melancholic nuances.

In a nutshell, The Twilight Affliction stands as the band’s most cohesive and emotionally resonant work to date, a testament to the band’s growing sonic identity, sounding absolutely moody, orchestral, and unapologetically vulnerable. “This EP is a journey through the darker corners of the human experience -loss, disillusionment, resilience,” commented the band’s mastermind Chase Baldwin. “It’s not just about grief or despair; it’s about finding clarity in the twilight, even when the light fades.” You can get in touch with the guys from The Lucidia Project and learn more about their music, their goals and plans for the future on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their classy creations on Spotify, and purchase your copy of their new EP by clicking HERE. The Lucidia Project are a precious gem of the current American heavy music scene, and their new opus The Twilight Afflicition will most definitely help them reach new heights and keep delivering first-class music to us metalheads in the coming years.

Best moments of the album: Prophecy and December.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2025 Independent

Track listing
1. Prophecy 4:53
2. Bloodlines 3:59
3. December 4:27
4. Lockdown 5:14
5. Lights Out 4:46
6. In My Sleep 8:30

Band members
Chase Baldwin – vocals, piano, strings, drum programming
Daniel Williams – guitars
Garrett Carroll – guitars
Benjamin Jacobs – bass

Album Review – Heathen’s Eye / Port Inspiro (2025)

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Inspired by the past, a new Swedish Melodic Metal entity arises with their debut offering, a tribute to the bands that led them onto the path they are on today.

A new Swedish Melodic Metal band which incorporates many different influences from the fields of AOR, Melodic Rock, Hard Rock, and Progressive Rock and Metal into their sound, Heathen’s Eye are set to release their debut album, entitled Port Inspiro, or “inspired by the past” in Esperanto, a tribute to the bands that led the band onto the path they are on today. Featuring five experienced musicians with background in several genres, the band formed of Robb Lindh on vocals, Göran Hamrin on the guitars, Ola Hellström on bass, Mikael Andersson on keyboards, and Jonas Jönsson on drums brings together all of their influences from the 80’s and 90’s to the album, being therefore recommended for fans of Masterplan, Accept, Queensryche, Firewind, and Lynch Mob, among others.

Jonas revs up the band’s rockin’ engine in One Black Lie, quickly evolving into a beyond solid feast of European Hard Rock, with Robb distilling his hypnotizing vocals for the delight of fans of the genre. The band then takes us back to the golden years of 80’s Hard Rock with Mirrorman, with Göran’s stylish riffs walking hand in hand with Mikael’s mesmerizing keys; whereas a cinematic, creepy intro explodes into another feast of Melodic Rock and Metal entitled Ghosts Of Yesterday, more cadenced and harmonious than its predecessors. Robb continues to fire his beyond melodious vocals in Still Water Runs Deep, while Mikael’s keys and Jonas’ beats add an extra Rock N’ Roll touch to the music, and the rumbling bass by Ola exhales groove and heaviness in the fast-paced Firepriest, a song perfect for hitting the highway on a hot summer day. After such a hurricane of rock music, it’s time for a cheesy but very melodic ballad titled Is It Over Now, with Robb stealing the show with his passionate vocal lines.

Just the start of Endless Lines transpires the 80’s, gradually evolving into another mid-tempo Hard Rock aria where Jonas takes the lead armed with his fierce beats, followed by Lost In The Wind, another beautiful ballad by those Swedish rockers, with the minimalist guitar lines by Göran clashing perfectly with Robb’s vocals. Shine is a very generic Melodic Rock tune that doesn’t add much to the album, despite the band’s classy musicianship being there as usual; while they get back on track in Monsters, offering a six minute voyage through the realms of classic Hard Rock, Melodic Rock and Metal, and even Rock N’ Roll, with Göran and Ola extracting sheer adrenaline from their axes until the very last second. The band keeps rockin’ our world with Blind, adding hints of old school Heavy Metal to their core Hard Rock; and lastly, we’re treated to another six-minute feast of melody and passion titled Time To Deliver, with Jonas pounding his drums while Mikael’s keys bring a pinch of modernity to the music.

Most members of Heathen’s Eye live in the beautiful north, the land of snow, aurora borealis, months of eternal darkness in the winter, and warm days when the sun never sets in the summer. These contrasts are also reflected in their music, which spans over Heavy Rock, airy ballads and Progressive Metal, exactly like what they have to offer us all in Port Inspiro. Hence, you can get to know more about this exciting new name of the Swedish rock and metal scene by following them on Facebook, and purchase a copy of their classy debut from the Pride & Joy Music shop. Inspired by the past, Heathen’s Eye is crafting the future of Melodic Rock and Metal in their new album, leaving us eager for more in the coming years.

Best moments of the album: Mirrorman, Firepriest and Monsters.

Worst moments of the album: Shine.

Released in 2025 Pride & Joy Music

Track listing
1. One Black Lie 4:57
2. Mirrorman 5:08
3. Ghosts Of Yesterday 5:07
4. Still Water Runs Deep 4:58
5. Firepriest 5:33
6. Is It Over Now 5:34
7. Endless Lines 4:37
8. Lost In The Wind 5:08
9. Shine 4:32
10. Monsters 6:14
11. Blind 5:32
12. Time To Deliver 6:07

Band members
Robb Lindh – vocals
Göran Hamrin – guitars
Ola Hellström – bass
Mikael Andersson – keyboards
Jonas Jönsson – drums

Album Review – Eminentia Tenebris / Whispers of the Undying (2025)

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This French Black Metal entity returns with its fourth studio album, formed of eight epic and melodic pieces centered around the exaltation of heroism and bravery within an ancient and mythical war-torn universe.

Founded in Le Mans, Pays de la Loire, France in 2020 as a one-man band by Cryo, Atmospheric/Melodic Black Metal entity Eminentia Tenebris is unleashing its highly anticipated fourth album, Whispers of the Undying, following up on its 2023 album Rise of a New Kingdom. Whispers of the Undying, which marks the arrival of Erroiak on vocals and Daeris as the lyricist, as well as Septev handling all mixing, mastering, and layout, and displaying a classy artwork by Rein Van Oyen, is formed of epic and melodic pieces centered around the exaltation of heroism and bravery within an ancient and mythical war-torn universe. The album title should be interpreted as a metaphor for a timeless force that endures through eternity (via “whispers”), representing the survival of heroic deeds in collective memory over time (and thus never dying, or “undying”).

The duo’s cryptic Black Metal attack begins in full force in Forever Etched, an extended intro that works majestically, warming us all up for Echoes of Triumph, where Cryo delivers striking riffs, bass lines and blast beats nonstop, therefore boosting Erroiak’s visceral roars to a whole new level, sounding vile while at the same time absolutely epic. The galloping pace crafted by Cryo sounds and feels truly inspiring in The Great Betrayal, with all background elements adding an extra touch of obscurity to the music, and after such a demonic metal attack the duo offers a delicate start in Beneath the Moon, gradually morphing into another Black Metal extravaganza led by Cryo’s venomous riffage.

Through Chaos and Shadow is a first-class explosion of Melodic and Atmospheric Black Metal by Eminentia Tenebris, with Erroiak proving why he was chosen by Cryo to be the new voice of the band; followed by Embers of Glory, presenting another gentle, serene intro that will embrace our blackened souls, an ode to heroism and glory, with Erroiak roaring amidst a fusion of Epic and Black Metal. Then we have Marching as One, bringing forward another round of their darkened, epic sounds, with Cryo’s riffs and blast beats walking hand in hand with Erroiak’s desperate gnarls; and lastly, the duo will head into the battlefield one final time to the sound of Time’s Cruel Reign, with Cryo’s Black Metal beats enhancing the song’s heaviness to a whole new level.

Ultimately, Whispers of the Undying questions the legacy one wishes to leave behind and pays tribute both to heroic figures and to the power of nature, before which humankind must remember to remain humble. Hence, if you want to experience such a harsh, detailed and multi-layered album of extreme music in all of its glory, you can purchase a copy of it from the project’s own BandCamp or from the Antiq Records webstore, and don’t forget to also check what Cryo and his Eminentia Tenebris are up to on Facebook and on Instagram, and to stream more of the project’s idiosyncratic creations on YouTube and on Spotify, or simply click HERE for all things Eminentia Tenebris. As the album progresses, the narrator transforms from a triumphant protector to a tormented soul, whose powerlessness in the face of time’s ravages leads him to self-reflection at the moment of death, and there’s nothing better than the first-class fusion of Atmospheric and Melodic Black Metal by Eminentia Tenebris to support his dark and infernal path.

Best moments of the album: Echoes of Triumph, Through Chaos and Shadow and Marching as One.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2025 Antiq Records

Track listing
1. Forever Etched 1:43
2. Echoes of Triumph 4:26
3. The Great Betrayal 4:20
4. Beneath the Moon 5:21
5. Through Chaos and Shadow 4:35
6. Embers of Glory 5:05
7. Marching as One 4:44
8. Time’s Cruel Reign 5:04

Band members
Erroiak – vocals
Cryo – guitars, bass, drums

Album Review – Lifetaker / Herbsthunde EP (2025)

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These German Grindcore and Sludge Metal marauders are back with a caustic new EP, a concentrated, precisely articulated sonic language in which madness and surrender blur into one another.

After crushing the souls of the infields with their 2022 sophomore album Der letzte Raum, Dortmund, Germany-based Grindcore/Hardcore/Sludge Metal marauders (and proud supporters of the antifascist movement) Lifetaker are back in action with a short but extremely aggressive and caustic EP, titled Herbsthunde, which translates from German as “autumn dogs”, or whatever the band means with that, always navigating somewhere between noise, punk, and destructive sonic expression. Presenting themselves as a trio for the first time, formed of KonstanJn Schepes on vocals, Alexander Kämper on the guitars and synths, and Gerrit Vocke on bass, vocals and machines, the band delivers in their new EP a concentrated, precisely articulated sonic language in which madness and surrender blur into one another, continuing to dismantle the boundaries of extreme music since their inception back in 2018.

Totsignal (“dead signal”) is absolutely harsh and experimental from the very first second, with the visceral sounds and demented growls blasted by the trio sending shivers down our spines; and Gerrit turns their music into the sounds of heavy machinery in Schattenkabinett (“shadow cabinet”), while KonstanJn  keeps vociferating rabidly for our total delight. Then leaning towards the music crafted by Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson, it’s time for Alpha Centurio, sounding more like Industrial or Experimental Metal than their early Grindcore, followed by Maschinensturm (“machine storm”), and the name of the song says it all, a dissonant, experimental and caustic display of the band’s new sound led by the wicked synths by Alexander and the evil machines by Gerrit. Lastly, we have Herbsthunde der Karpaten (“autumn dogs of the Carpathians”), another song with a very poetic name showcasing a menacing atmosphere that goes on until the very end.

Guitar walls, analog interference patterns, and synthetically distorted cries form an intense acoustic field in Herbsthunde (available in full on YouTube and on Spotify), devoid of comfort, but marked by uncompromising clarity. All that creativity and courage to explore new lands while staying true to their roots is what makes the music by Lifetaker so compelling, and in order to join them in such a unique sonic experience you can find those guys on Facebook and on Instagram, and of course put your dirty hands on their even dirtier new offering by grabbing a copy of it from their own BandCamp. Because Lifetaker are more than ready to take your life armed with the undisputed noises found in Herbsthunde, and you better be prepared as those guys most definitely won’t take no for an answer.

Best moments of the album: Schattenkabinett and Alpha Centurio.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2025 Ván Records/Summer Darling Tapes

Track listing
1. Totsignal 4:08
2. Schattenkabinett 3:01
3. Alpha Centurio 3:26
4. Maschinensturm 3:52
5. Herbsthunde der Karpaten 4:57

Band members
KonstanJn Schepes – vocals
Alexander Kämper – guitar, synths
Gerrit Vocke – bass, vocals, machines

Album Review – Eteritus / Odium et Irae dei Super Vos (2025)

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This Polish Black and Death Metal horde returns with their fourth studio opus, overflowing a dark and heavy atmosphere while still presenting their share of brutality and melody.

Musically directed towards Black Metal, but still showcasing the band’s trademark Death Metal core, Odium et Irae dei Super Vos, or “the hatred and wrath of God be upon you” from Latin, marks a new era for Toruń, Kujawy-Pomerania, Poland-based Black/Death Metal entity Eteritus. Recorded at Slav Sound Studios (guitars) and at Sala Prób Toruń (vocals, bass, drums), mixed and mastered by Mariusz Konieczny at Heavy Gear Studio, and displaying a sinister artwork by Moon Ring Design, the new album by vocalist Oz, guitarist Slav, bassist Kinio, and drummer Nitro overflows a dark and heavy atmosphere while still presenting their share of brutality and melody, being therefore tailored for admirers of the music by Entombed, Dismember, Gorefest, and Vader, among several other servants of total darkness.

The piercing, devilish guitars by Slav are suddenly joined by Nitro’s blast beats in the opening tune Mystic Trifixion, a solid, no shenanigans fusion of Black and Death Metal, whereas an atmospheric and melancholic start to the acoustic guitars by Slav morphs into a Doom Metal-infused aria entitled Semper Fidelis, with Oz darkly vociferating the song’s caustic words. Call of the Rising Darkness carries a poetic name for an overdose of Blackened Death Metal led by Nitro’s intricate yet violent beats and fills; and Slav and Kinio keep blasting their stringed weapons in Ashes over the Fire, offering more of the band’s sulfurous blend of Death Metal. Then the menacing bass by Kinio kicks off the infernal Celebration ov Wolves, bringing forward a demented hybrid of Black, Death and Doom Metal where Oz gnarls like a demonic entity; while Dark Crusader, the second to last song of the album, keeps darkening the ambience with Nitro once again taking the lead with his classic drumming. And last but not least, the quartet will crush our damned souls one final time with In the Arms of Endless Night, a multi-layered aria from the underworld showcasing an overdose of vile riffs and roaring vocals for our total delight.

Following up on the releases of their 2014 debut EP Tales of Death, their 2016 first full-length Following the Ancient Path, their 2018 sophomore opus Order of Death, and their third installment Rotten Transition, released in 2021, Odium et Irae dei Super Vos represents another solid step in the career of Eteritus, who are by the way waiting for you on Facebook with news, tour dates, and more of their demented music. You can also stream all of their excellent albums on Spotify, and of course grab a copy of their sulfurous new album from their own BandCamp or from Via Nocturna’s BandCamp, keeping the fires of Polish extreme music burning as bright as possible, once again proving that if Black and Death Metal are your true passion, you must move to Poland.

Best moments of the album: Semper Fidelis, Celebration ov Wolves and In the Arms of Endless Night.

Worst moments of the album: Ashes over the Fire.

Released in 2025 Via Nocturna

Track listing
1. Mystic Trifixion 5:04
2. Semper Fidelis 5:03
3. Call of the Rising Darkness 5:29
4. Ashes over the Fire 3:07
5. Celebration ov Wolves 6:16
6. Dark Crusader 4:24
7. In the Arms of Endless Night 7:58

Band members
Oz – vocals
Slav – guitars
Kinio – bass, backing vocals
Nitro – drums

Album Review – Serpent Corpse / Retaliate EP (2025)

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This unrelenting Death Metal beast from Canada strikes again with a pulverizing new EP, seeing them take their steely, thrash-tinged sound ahead.

After unleashing a superbly received full-length album in 2023 titled Blood Sabbath, Montreal, Quebec, Canada-based Death/Thrash Metal/Hardcore outfit Serpent Corpse has come up now in 2025 with a new release, a demented, violent four-track EP entitled Retaliate, with strong focus on songwriting and which sees them take their steely, thrash-tinged sound ahead. Displaying a sick cover artwork by Lucas Korte of Shoggoth Kinetics, the new EP by vocalist and bassist Andrew Haddad, guitarists Adam Breault and Christian Lacroix, and drummer Zachariah Su offers four unrelenting tracks fleshed out but never forced, showcasing their full expression with them being generally longer than usual. For instance, the shortest song on this EP is over five minutes while the longest song crosses the nine minute mark, which clearly indicates the band’s progressive tendencies, being highly recommended for fans of bands from the late 80’s and early 90’s when Death Metal still intermingled with Thrash Metal elements, and the sound kept mutating.

Like a demonic entity arising from the pits of the underworld, Serpent Corpse begin their Death Metal ritual to the cryptic guitars by Adam and Christian in Brazen Serpent, sounding as raw and evil as it can be, followed by Iron Corpse, a lecture in 90’s Death Metal with a dark, doomed twist, with Andrew growling deeply supported by the hammering drums by Zachariah. It’s then time to speed things up and increase the aggressiveness and heaviness with The Undying, a demolishing Death Metal tune where Andrew keeps roaring accompanied by the piercing riffs by Adam and Christian. Finally, ending this short but extremely caustic and vile EP we have Meteor Summon, with Zachariah dictating the song’s headbanging pace with his unstoppable beats and fills, resulting in a nine-minute creature form the abyss showcasing an evil Doom Metal vibe, in special during its haunting last part.

In summary, Serpent Corpse have not only aced the test with their faultless rendering of classic sounding, thrashy Death Metal music, but their ability to work on it to make it something more than what we’ve been accustomed to listening to all these years is truly impressive. Needless to say, they’re waiting for you on Instagram with news, tour dates and other nice to know details about the band, and don’t forget to also stream their excellent creations on Spotify, and of course, to purchase Retaliate from the Transcending Obscurity Records’ BandCamp, main store, US store, or EU store, or click HERE for all things Serpent Corpse. I would say that not only the name of the band perfectly represents their aforementioned fusion of Death and Thrash Metal, but when you face a title like Retaliate, you already know it’s going to be a real banger, and may those talented musicians from Montreal keep delivering first-class extreme music to our avid ears for many years to come, proving why pretty much any band from the Montreal scene is a fantastic treat for heavy music lovers.

Best moments of the album: Iron Corpse and The Undying.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2025 Transcending Obscurity Records

Track listing
1 Brazen Serpent 5:02
2 Iron Corpse 5:36
3 The Undying 6:07
4 Meteor Summon 9:08

Band members
Andrew Haddad – vocals, bass
Adam Breault – guitar
Christian Lacroix – guitar
Zachariah Su – drums

Album Review – Drawn and Quartered / Lord of Two Horns (2025)

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These American Death Metal beasts will desecrate all that is holy with their new album, a maelstrom of blast-driven violence, suffocating atmosphere, and riff work sharp enough to flay flesh from bone.

Relentless and unwavering, Seattle, Washington-based Death Metal beasts Drawn and Quartered return to desecrate all that is holy with the release of their brand new full-length album, Lord of Two Horns, their ninth studio album and a more-than-worthy follow-up to their 2021 record Congregation Pestilence. Mixed and mastered by Loïc F. at Krucyator Productions, and displaying a sick artwork by Gabriel T. Byrne, the new offering by vocalist and bassist Herb Burke, guitarists Kelly Shane Kuciemba and Brandon Corsair, and drummer Simon Dorfman sees the band deliver eight tracks and 34 minutes of their trademark unfiltered carnage spiced up by their signature early 90’s-influenced Death Metal darkness with more speed and brutality than ever before, proving why they’ve become legends in the underground extreme music scene.

Their opening attack titled Black Castle Butcher is a demented, no shenanigans, and absolutely ruthless display of Death Metal that kicks off the album on an insane mode, with Simon sounding simply inhumane on drums while Herb vomits the song’s devilish words like a true beast. Then the visceral riffage by Kelly and Brandon will peel your flesh like a rabid cannibal in Zealous Depopulation, perfect for some insane action inside the mosh pit; followed by the title-track Lord of Two Horns, showing absolutely no mercy for our putrid bodies and souls, a demonic display of violence led by the infernal roars by Herb who also hammers his bass in great fashion. And Into the Mouth of the Dead is another song with a charming and delicate name that will pulverize your senses to the demented beats and fills by Simon.

The quartet then adds hints of Blackened Death Metal to their core sonority in Three Rivers of Poison (Blasphemous Persecution), showcasing an even darker side thanks to the venomous vociferations by Herb; whereas Simon delivers a freakin’ brutal performance in Grimoire of Blood, providing Kelly and Brandon with exactly what they need to slash their axes in the name of heavy music. Then adding a welcome dosage of Doom Metal to their evil sound we face The Devil’s Work Is Never Done, slower than its predecessors but utterly heavy and caustic, proving how dynamic their music can be; and ending the album we have the two-minute feast of madness and aggression titled Mass Grave Curse, with the entire band crushing their sonic weapons mercilessly until the very last second.

A maelstrom of blast-driven violence, suffocating atmosphere, and riff work sharp enough to flay flesh from bone, Lord of Two Horns is Death Metal crafted to maim, forged in fire and performed with malicious intent, and you can put your blood-soaked hands on such a demented album by purchasing it from the Nuclear Winter Records’ BandCamp or webstore, and don’t forget to also follow the band on Facebook and on Instagram, and to stream their music on Spotify (it looks like there are two links, which means you can stream their albums either HERE or HERE). Lord of Two Horns is a savage display of classic Death Metal, leaving us eager for more of the music by those ruthless American musicians, and if you don’t like what they have to offer in their newborn spawn, well, you should definitely be drawn and quartered.

Best moments of the album: Black Castle Butcher, Lord of Two Horns and The Devil’s Work Is Never Done.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2025 Nuclear Winter Records

Track listing
1. Black Castle Butcher 3:24
2. Zealous Depopulation 3:23
3. Lord of Two Horns 5:37
4. Into the Mouth of the Dead 4:20
5. Three Rivers of Poison (Blasphemous Persecution) 5:19
6. Grimoire of Blood 3:38
7. The Devil’s Work Is Never Done 5:33
8. Mass Grave Curse 2:00

Band members
Herb Burke – vocals, bass
Kelly Shane Kuciemba – lead & rhythm guitars
Brandon Corsair – guitars
Simon Dorfman – drums, percussion

Album Review – Shadow of Intent / Imperium Delirium (2025)

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These American Symphonic Deathcore masters are back with their majestic fifth opus, expanding their signature blend with new industrial and atmospheric textures.

Since their formation in 2014, Connecticut’s own Shadow of Intent have garnered a reputation for crafting mind-blowingly melodic, technical, prog-tinged Symphonic Deathcore. Widely acknowledged as one of the forerunners of the current Deathcore renaissance, the band currently formed of Ben Duerr on vocals, Chris Wiseman on the guitars and samples, Andrew Monias on bass, and Bryce Butler on drums is back in action with their fifth studio opus, entitled Imperium Delirium, following up on their 2022 album Elegy. Produced, mixed and mastered by Dave Otero at Flatline Audio, with additional mixing by Mike Low, and displaying a sinister artwork by Dan Seagrave, Imperium Delirium expands the band’s signature blend of symphonic grandeur, blackened melody, and Deathcore precision with new industrial and atmospheric textures, being highly recommended for fans of Whitechapel, The Black Dahlia Murder, Lorna Shore, and Cattle Decapitation, among others.

Prepare to Die is utterly imposing and symphonic from the very first moments, quickly morphing into a Deathcore beast where Ben’s deep, enraged guttural walk hand in hand with the killer drumming by Bryce, followed by Flying the Black Flag, one of the first singles of the album, showcasing darkly poetic lyrics (“A subterfuge emerges from the confusion / Corrupting patterns, piercing the timeline / A trail left emblazoned with no regard / They fly the black flag high”) amidst an infernal sonority. Infinity of Horrors offers us all another explosion of ferocity and symphonic elements, with the guitars and samples by Chris generating a thrilling, cinematic wall of sounds, whereas Mechanical Chaos is one of the most technical and complex of all songs, with Bryce sounding like a stone crusher on drums for our total delight. There’s not a single space left empty in the air in They Murdered Sleep, a massive Deathcore extravaganza where Chris sounds once again infernal armed with his axe and samples; and Ben roars and vociferates deeply like a wild beast in The Facets of Propaganda, enhancing the song’s already demented heaviness to a whole new level.

Then featuring guest vocals by the one and only George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher of the mighty Cannibal Corpse, Feeding the Meatgrinder presents more of the band’s wicked words (“Violent attrition / Salivating for the kill / Brutality is to be redefined / They aim to dominate / Hordes metastasize a vengeance indiscriminate / Disregard for human life is in the nature of the business”) while the music is ruthless Deathcore at its finest; while Vehement Draconian Vengeance carries a stylish name for another blast of Deathcore by the band, where Chris and Andrew generate a Stygian ambience with their respective riffs and bass lines. Beholding the Sickness of Civilization is a neck-breaking, downtempo tune by Shadow of Intent where all background elements give it a haunting vibe, followed by Apocalypse Canvas, a fun and vibrant instrumental composition by the quartet where the guitar lines by Chris and the rumbling, intricate bass by Andrew sound insanely gripping. Their Symphonic Deathcore onrush goes on in full force in No Matter the Cost, with Ben roaring like a demented creature while Chris slashes his sonic weapons nonstop, and the title-track Imperium Delirium is undoubtedly the most complete, detailed and incendiary of all songs, spearheaded by Bryce’s phenomenal drumming. Put differently, it’s epic, apocalyptic and absurdly engaging until the very end.

A scathing anti-imperialist statement, tackling war, propaganda, and the machinery of modern violence with nihilistic clarity, Imperium Delirium cements the band’s name as one of the most important forces in the history of Deathcore worldwide, and if you’re from another dimension and don’t know anything about Shadow of Intent, you can find the band on Facebook and on Instagram for news, tour dates and so on, stream their music on any available service like Spotify, and of course show them your total support by purchasing their new album from BandCamp or by clicking HERE. Imperium Delirium likely refers to the concept of an “empire in delirium,” describing an empire or ruling power experiencing a state of madness, chaos, or a loss of control. That’s exactly what our decaying society is experiencing nowadays pretty much in every single part of the world, and the music brought forth by Shadow of Intent in their new album certainly represents that chaotic situation to perfection, showing that although our world might be coming to an end, at least let’s go down in style listening to some first-class Deathcore.

Best moments of the album: Flying the Black Flag, Infinity of Horrors, Feeding the Meatgrinder and Imperium Delirium.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2025 Independent/Blood Blast Distribution

Track listing
1. Prepare to Die 4:00
2. Flying the Black Flag 3:57
3. Infinity of Horrors 4:13
4. Mechanical Chaos 3:50
5. They Murdered Sleep 4:01
6. The Facets of Propaganda 5:19
7. Feeding the Meatgrinder 4:03
8. Vehement Draconian Vengeance 3:54
9. Beholding the Sickness of Civilization 4:30
10. Apocalypse Canvas 5:08
11. No Matter the Cost 4:16
12. Imperium Delirium 7:34

Band members
Ben Duerr – vocals
Chris Wiseman – guitars, samples, backing vocals
Andrew Monias – bass
Bryce Butler – drums

Guest musician
George “Corpsegrinder” Fisher – vocals on “Feeding the Meatgrinder”
Francesco Ferrini – additional keyboards

Album Review – Heaven Shall Burn / Heimat (2025)

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One of the biggest names in the history of Melodic Death Metal and Metalcore strikes again with their tenth opus, displaying a deep connection to their homeland and their German roots.

Heimat, which is German for “home”, “homeland, or “native land”, is a term that merely refers to a relationship between people and spaces but has nevertheless always been highly emotionally charged. That’s the title of the new offering by German Melodic Death Metal/Metalcore outfit Heaven Shall Burn, following up on their critically acclaimed 2020 album Of Truth And Sacrifice. Produced at The Dude Ranch, mixed and mastered by Tue Madsen at Antfarm Studio, and showcasing a stunning artwork by world renowned artist Eliran Kantor, the new album by Marcus Bischoff on vocals, Maik Weichert and Alexander Dietz on the guitars, Eric Bischoff on bass, and Christian Bass on drums will certainly please both old and new fans of the band, presenting their signature sound without sounding repetitive or outdated, always looking forward regarding their creativity, heaviness and energy.

The intro Ad Arma couldn’t have been more atmospheric and sinister, setting the stage for the band to crush us all with War Is the Father of All, with Marcus roaring rabidly amidst an imposing, symphonic-infused Metalcore sound boosted by Christian’s pounding drums, or in other words, it’s an impressive and multi-layered start to the album. My Revocation of Compliance is another hammering tune showcasing dark lyrics growled by Marcus (“Welcome to an age of disregard / So abhorrent, all this torture, all this suffering / Yes, you all are the inciters / Willful and deliberately, without the slightest qualm”), whereas Maik and Alexander sound venomous with their sharp riffs in Confounder, resulting in a great option for some sick slamming inside the pit. Empowerment offers another round of their caustic and piercing words (“This is a clarion call, this is my call! / Betrayed and forsaken. A generation in rebellion. They all abide the storm. / Left with no option but revolt, up in arms and never resting, now tearing down your web of lies”), followed by A Whisper from Above, an upbeat tune presenting their trademark aggression, with Christian stealing the show with his beats and fills.

Then after the short and sweet interlude Imminence, the band comes ripping once again with Those Left Behind, speeding up their pace while also firing those very melodious riffs we enjoy so much in first-class Melodic Death Metal and Metalcore. Their destructive mode goes on in full force in Ten Days in May, where Maik and Alexander, supported by the rumbling bass by Eric, will pierce your minds and souls with their scorching riffs and solos; followed by their rendition of Numbered Days, by Killswitch Engage (check out the original version from their 2002 album Alive or Just Breathing), featuring guest vocals by Jesse Leach, the current vocalist of Killswitch Engage themselves, and Heaven Shall Burn deliver a just as violent version of the song for our total delight. Marcus doesn’t get tired of screaming like a beast in Dora, while his bandmates provide him with their classic fusion of violence and harmony; and A Silent Guard is another bludgeoning version of their hybrid of Melodic Death Metal and Metalcore where Christian showcases a visceral performance on drums, before the album ends with the outro Inter Arma, the aftermath of the album albeit too long as already mentioned.

“Heimat is not meant as the narrow-minded end point in the sense it has been used by agitators and populists, but the starting point for observations and perspectives. The album is about a much wider sense of the term ‘Heimat’: the homelands for many different people and also about the spiritual home, something that shapes and determines our thoughts and actions,” commented guitarist Maik Weichert, and you can get in touch with the band to dive even deeper into the world of Heimat via Facebook and Instagram. Don’t forget to also subscribe to their YouTube channel and visit them on Spotify for more of their music, and of course to grab a copy of their incendiary new album via BandCamp or their own webstore, or simply by clicking HERE. Some of the physical versions of the album include more of the amazing art by Eliran Kantor, by the way, and are definitely worth every penny. With Heimat, Heaven Shall Burn prove once again why they remain relevant in the already saturated Melodic Death Metal and Metalcore scene worldwide, always displaying their connection to their homeland and their German roots, while also speaking the universal language of heavy music that will forever reverberate across the four corners of the earth.

Best moments of the album: War Is the Father of All, A Whisper from Above and Ten Days in May.

Worst moments of the album: Inter Arma.

Released in 2025 Century Media Records

Track listing
1. Ad Arma 1:54
2. War Is the Father of All 6:42
3. My Revocation of Compliance 3:32
4. Confounder 4:19
5. Empowerment 4:45
6. A Whisper from Above 4:27
7. Imminence 1:04
8. Those Left Behind 3:24
9. Ten Days in May 4:36
10. Numbered Days (Killswitch Engage cover) 3:38
11. Dora 4:10
12. A Silent Guard 5:01
13. Inter Arma 3:24

Band members
Marcus Bischoff – vocals
Maik Weichert – guitars
Alexander Dietz – guitars
Eric Bischoff – bass
Christian Bass – drums

Guest musician
Jesse Leach – vocals on “Numbered Days”
Wilhelm Keitel, Mondëna Quartet & Ukrainian Sophia Chamber Choir – choir & orchestrations