Category Archives: 2025 New Releases

Album Review – Warcoe / Upon Tall Thrones (2025)

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This Italian Doom Metal trio will attack armed with their third studio album, spinning tales of arcane fantasy and mortal frailty into riffs that crush and melodies that linger like a curse.

Having carved a niche in the underground since their inception in 2021 with a sound that’s both a homage to the old gods and a fresh hell of its own, slow-burning, groove-heavy, and laced with Stoner Metal venom, Pesaro, Italy-based Doom Metal trio Warcoe returns to action with their third album, titled Upon Tall Thrones, the follow-up to their 2023 opus A Place for Demons. Recorded at Avangarage Recording Studio, and mastered by Craig Thomas, Upon Tall Thrones sees vocalist and guitarist Stefano, bassist Carlo, and drummer Francesco ascend darker, heavier, and more hypnotic as they spin tales of arcane fantasy and mortal frailty into riffs that crush and melodies that linger like a curse.

The opening track Octagon exhales of the trademark and absolutely heavy sound created and perfected by Black Sabbath, from the doomed, grim vocals and riffs by Stefano to the sluggish beats by Francesco, and the final result is obviously hypnotizing, kicking off the album on a high and amazing note. Their devilish Sludge and Doom Metal sounds keep permeating the air in The Wanderer, with Carlo’s low-tuned, rumbling bass walking hand in hand with Francesco’s hammering drums; whereas adding a pinch of Rock N’ Roll to their core sonority we have I’ve Sat Upon Tall Thrones (but I’ll Never Learn), with Stefano slashing his axe in great fashion, resulting in a great option for raising our horns high in the sky in the name of our gold old heavy music.

Then after the soothing instrumental interlude Gather in the Woods we face Flame in Your Hand, another heavy-as-hell Doom Metal aria showcasing the power of the riff while Francesco flawlessly dictates the song’s devilish pace. Spheres again blends the obscurity of Doom Metal with the heavy yet melodic sounds of Sludge and Stoner Rock and Metal, followed by Deepest Grave, and a song with such a Stygian name deserved sheer heaviness, which is exactly what the trio offers, with the cryptic vocals by Stefano sounding spot-on. The ruthless bass by Carlo will punch you in the head in Brown Witch, accompanied by the Black Sabbath-fueled riffs and beats by his bandmates in a lecture in Doom Metal, while lastly it’s time for Dark into Light, with its main riff reminding me a lot of “Heaven & Hell” (which is obviously a good thing), and with the pounding beats by Francesco ending the album on a high note.

Dragging classic doom into the abyss and back with Sabbathian weight, Saint Vitus’ raw gloom, and the swagger of Trouble’s golden-era riffage, Upon Tall Thrones might be the band’s strongest effort to date, and if you want to know more about those bringers of Italian doom you can find them on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their riff-laden compositions on Spotify, and grab a copy of their new album from their own BandCamp or from Ripple Music’s BandCamp or webstore. Warcoe definitely know how to craft heavy music filled with doom, gloom, might, and magic, and Upon Tall Thrones will undoubtedly take them places in their exciting mission of bringing sheer doom to our decaying world.

Best moments of the album: Octagon, Flame in Your Hand and Brown Witch.

Worst moments of the album: Spheres.

Released in 2025 Ripple Music

Track listing
1. Octagon 3:39
2. The Wanderer 3:45
3. I’ve Sat Upon Tall Thrones (but I’ll Never Learn) 4:09
4. Gather in the Woods 2:14
5. Flame in Your Hand 4:24
6. Spheres 4:23
7. Deepest Grave 5:00
8. Brown Witch 4:31
9. Dark into Light 5:40

Band members
Stefano – vocals, guitars, bass on “The Wanderer”
Carlo – bass
Francesco – drums

Album Review – Overt Enemy / Insurrection (2025)

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These Texan thrashers are ready to attack armed with their debut album, touching on themes ranging from personal struggle and mental health to global political unrest and conceptual sci-fi narratives.

After two successful EPs and a live album, Mission, Texas-based Thrash Metal DIY powerhouse Overt Enemy is finally unleashing upon us their first ever full-length offering, entitled Insurrection. Recorded, produced, mixed, mastered and engineered by Joshua Lopez (Immortal Guardian), Leo “Lizard” Ortiz and Robert Hahn at Widowmaker Studios, and displaying an apocalyptic and futuristic artwork by Santiago Yanez, the album reflects the growth of a band currently formed of Leo “Lizard” Ortiz on vocals and guitars, Robert Hahn also on the guitars, Laura “Slayerella” Ortiz on bass, and Saul Castillo on drums both musically and personally, touching on themes ranging from personal struggle and mental health to global political unrest and conceptual sci-fi narratives, with every track offering something unique, showing the band’s ability to experiment with diverse sounds and ideas without losing their aggressive edge, while at the same time paying homage to their biggest influences including Slayer, Pantera, Fear Factory, and Sepultura.

The opener Resinated is very epic and imposing, a lot more than your usual Thrash Metal song, with Leo’s visceral vocals matching perfectly with that wall of sounds; and the striking guitars by Leo and Robert ignite the Lamb of God-inspired tune No One Left to Die, while Laura and Saul bring their Groove Metal vibe to the overall result. The quartet continues to blast their blend of Thrash and Groove Metal in The Truth, hitting us hard in the head with their heavy riffs and poundings beats, whereas featuring guest vocals by Marcos Leal (Swim the Current, Shattered Sun, Ill Niño), Bleed like I Do is a track for anyone who has ever dealt with haters or doubters, offering a menacing atmosphere before all hell breaks loose to their vicious thrashing sounds. And in Psychotic Episode the name of the song says it all, an overdose of unrelenting Thrash Metal where Saul sounds like a stone crushing machine on drums, all boosted by the demonic vocal attack by Leo, Robert and Laura.

Go Hard or Go Home brings forward three minutes of pulverizing Thrash Metal spearheaded by the piercing, metallic riffage by Leo and Robert, which will certainly provide their fans with endless fuel for some real fun inside the mosh pit. Then we have the heart of the album, the three-part saga of alien invasion, starting with Eradication, with their striking, futuristic riffs and solos cutting our skin deep, followed by Fire in the Skies, with Saul taking the lead armed with his brutal beats and fills, offering his bandmates the perfect ambience for an overdose of demented vociferations and razor-edged riffs, and their alien invasion saga ends with the title-track Insurrection, where the entire band sounds even more infuriated while Laura’s bass lines bring the thunder to their music. Lastly, the album ends as it started, with a sonic attack entitled Even Murder, where Leo and Laura make a dynamic vocal duet in the name of heavy music.

Despite personal challenges, including Leo’s battle with chronic back issues, and Laura’s triumph over cancer, the band has refined their sound with their new album, evolving into a band that draws on the energy of the past while pushing the boundaries of modern metal, marking the culmination of years of hard work, personal sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to their craft. As Laura puts it, “this album made me grow as a musician, and you can hear it in my playing and in my vocals. It challenged all of us, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved.” Hence, you can get to know more about those Texan thrashers on Facebook and on Instagram, including their live concerts, stream their music on YouTube, Spotify and any other streaming platform, and of course purchase Insurrection from BandCamp or by clicking HERE. In summary, Overt Enemy are marching towards the future without forgetting the past in Insurrection, offering a dynamic and detailed album of our beloved Thrash Metal that will surely help them go places. Who knows, maybe even the outer space.

Best moments of the album: No One Left to Die, Psychotic Episode and Fire in the Skies.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2025 Independent

Track listing
1. Resinated 4:51
2. No One Left to Die 1:56
3. The Truth 3:50
4. Bleed like I Do 3:53
5. Psychotic Episode 4:32
6. Go Hard or Go Home 3:05
7. Eradication 3:59
8. Fire in the Skies 2:57
9. Insurrection 3:49
10. Even Murder 3:38

Band members
Leo “Lizard” Ortiz – vocals, guitars
Robert Hahn – guitars, backing vocals
Laura “Slayerella” Ortiz – bass, backing vocals
Saul Castillo – drums

Guest musician
Marcos Leal – vocals on “Bleed Like I Do”

Album Review – Amorphis / Borderland (2025)

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Finland’s own Melodic Heavy Metal and Rock masters stand on the cusp of a compelling new chapter, fully embracing their melodic sensibilities while venturing into fresh, uncharted sonic landscapes.

A groundbreaking and genre-defying metal band still featuring its original lineup (with a few exceptionally talented additions) and only growing stronger with time, Helsinki, Finland’s own Melodic Heavy Metal/Rock masters Amorphis stand on the cusp of a compelling new chapter, the captivating Borderland, the impressive fifteenth studio album in their unrelenting 35-year journey. Produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen at  Hansen Studios, and displaying a classy artwork by Marald van Haasteren, the new album by frontman Tomi Joutsen, guitarists Esa Holopainen and Tomi Koivusaari, bassist Olli-Pekka “Oppu” Laine, keyboardist Santeri Kallio, and drummer Jan Rechberger sees the band fully embracing their melodic sensibilities while venturing into fresh, uncharted sonic landscapes.

The band wastes no time and begins embellishing the airwaves with their blend of rock and metal in The Circle, with the guitars by Esa and Tomi transpiring melody, accompanied by the classic bass by Oppu; whereas the cinematic keys by Santeri are exactly what Tomi Joutsen needs to shine with both his clean vocals and deep guttural in Bones, a lecture in Progressive Metal by those veterans, followed by Dancing Shadow, another blast of classy metal music sounding modern yet deeply rooted in their own core essence, with Jan hammering his drums just the way we like it. Amorphis have mastered the art of mixing truly heavy sounds with ethereal, mesmerizing passages, which is the case in Fog to Fog, and their darkened feast goes on with The Strange, a mix of Gothic and Melodic Death Metal that sounds a bit generic if compared to the rest of the album.

The second half of the album begins with the also melodic and enfolding Tempest, with their acoustic guitars walking hand in hand with Santeri’s whimsical keys in a beautiful ballad by the boys. Light and Shadow is a song that perfectly depicts the present and future of Amorphis, with Tomi Joutsen once again leading his henchmen with his classic vocals and growls while the music remains as inspiring as it can be; and Esa and Tomi Koivusaari continue to fire their stylish riffs in The Lantern, sounding even atmospheric at times thanks to the beautiful keys by Santeri. The title-track Borderland brings forward the perfect fusion of all rock and metal styles found in their music, with Oppu and Jan making sure the ambience feels thunderous and groovy until the very last second, while lastly, they let their Melodic Doom Metal vein arise in the closing song Despair, with Tomi Joutsen stealing the show with a fantastic vocal performance.

With deep respect for the past and eyes firmly on the future, and with extensive touring ahead, Amorphis continue to shape the landscape of Heavy Metal with grace, finesse and integrity in Borderland. “After three and a half decades, we still follow our instincts,” commented guitarist Tomi Koivusaari. “And honestly, Borderland might be the most Amorphis-sounding album we’ve ever made. After such a long and successful career, that feels pretty damn great!” Those undisputed rock and metal veterans are waiting for you with more of their music, news and tour dates on Facebook and on Instagram, as well as on YouTube and on Spotify, and you can obviously put your damned hands on Borderland by clicking HERE, letting the melodious yet visceral sounds blasted by one of the most important bands to ever arise from the Nordic countries penetrate deep inside your metallic heart.

Best moments of the album: Bones, Light and Shadow and Borderland.

Worst moments of the album: The Strange.

Released in 2025 Reigning Phoenix Music

Track listing
1. The Circle 4:34
2. Bones 4:55
3. Dancing Shadow 4:58
4. Fog to Fog 5:28
5. The Strange 4:18
6. Tempest 5:20
7. Light and Shadow 4:17
8. The Lantern 4:59
9. Borderland 5:30
10. Despair 5:19

Band members
Tomi Joutsen – vocals
Esa Holopainen – guitars
Tomi Koivusaari – guitars
Olli-Pekka “Oppu” Laine – bass
Santeri Kallio – keyboards
Jan Rechberger – drums, percussion

Guest musician
Francesco Ferrini – orchestral arrangements, MIDI programming

Album Review – Mors Principium Est / Darkness Invisible (2025)

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One of the torchbearers of Finnish melodeath is back with their excellent ninth opus, expanding their horizons while retaining the sonic quality that has seen the band gain such a steadfast appeal.

Once again delivering their beloved melodic death embrace instilled with razor-sharp riffing, sweeping orchestration, melancholic harmonies, and relentless rhythmic precision, Pori, Finland’s own Melodic Death Metal entity Mors Principium Est is among us to remind us all that death is only the beginning to the sound of their ninth studio offering, entitled Darkness Invisible. Recorded at Ansa Studio, mixed by Jens Bogren and mastered by Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios, and displaying a Stygian artwork by Alvaro Valverde Fernandez, the follow-up to their 2022 album Liberate the Unborn Inhumanity sees the band formed of vocalist Ville Viljanen, guitarists Jori Haukio and Jarkko Kokko, bassist Teemu Heinola, and drummer Marko Tommila expanding their horizons while retaining the sonic quality that has seen the band gain such a steadfast appeal.

Arising from the pits of the underworld, the band delivers a Stygian, ruthless wall of sounds in Of Death, led by the hammering drums by Marko in a stunning fusion of melodeath with symphonic elements. Then investing in a faster and heavier sonority we have Venator, where Ville roars manically accompanied by the striking riffs by Jori and Jarkko, and after that it’s time for six minutes of Symphonic and Melodic Death Metal magic entitled Monuments, reminding me of some of the best creations by Dark Tranquillity. The introspective, haunting interlude Tenebrae Latebra sets the stage for the menacing Summoning the Dark, the epitome of the music by Mors Principium Est, with its metallic riffs and crushing beats matching perfectly with all background orchestrations, whereas a cryptic intro quickly explodes into another feast of Finnish melodeath entitled Beyond the Horizon, with Ville’s vocals getting even more demonic than before.

The Rivers of Avernus is by far one of the most technical and intricate of all songs, uniting the stylish riffs and keys by Children of Bodom with the heaviness of the famous Gothenburg sound, followed by In Sleep There Is Peace, another fast and vibrant tune spearheaded by the unstoppable drums by Marko. The beautifully titled interlude An Aria of the Damned will hypnotize you and drag you to the band’s cryptic lair in All Life Is Evil, a first-class, delicate yet devilish creation with a mysterious female vocalist making a classic paradox with Ville’s deep guttural, putting us on a dark embrace in the name of Melodic Death Metal. And finally, there’s time for a cover version for Makso Mitä Makso, or “No Matter the Cost” in English, originally released by Finnish-Swedish singer Isac Elliot and Finnish rapper Sexmane (check out the original version HERE); needless to say, the band’s version is way heavier and more melodic.

Offering compelling arrangements which convey greater cinematic soundscapes, ambient passages bringing dynamic intrigue and textural layers providing, be it often subtle, enhancements of power, Darkness Invisible will certainly appeal to both diehard fans of the band and newcomers to their refined melodeath world, and you can get in touch with Mors Principium Est via Facebook and Instagram to stay updated with all news and surrounding the band, including their live shows, go through their discography on Spotify or on any other streaming service, and purchase their new album from Reigning Phoenix Music, from Season of Mist, or from Sonic Age Records. Darkness Invisible beautifully represents another step forward in the career of Mors Principium Est, one of the current torchbearers of Finnish melodeath, and I’m sure we’ll hear more from those guys sooner than later as their new album will indeed keep reverberating through all four corners of the earth until they return with the next chapter in their exciting history.

Best moments of the album: Venator, Summoning the Dark and All Life Is Evil.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2025 Perception

Track listing
1. Of Death 5:34
2. Venator 3:45
3. Monuments 5:59
4. Tenebrae Latebra 1:49
5. Summoning the Dark 5:56
6. Beyond the Horizon 5:45
7. The Rivers of Avernus 4:57
8. In Sleep There Is Peace 4:21
9. An Aria of the Damned 2:29
10. All Life Is Evil 6:22

CD/Digital Edition bonus track
11. Makso Mitä Makso (Isac Elliot cover) 2:49

Band members
Ville Viljanen – vocals
Jori Haukio – guitars, programming
Jarkko Kokko – guitars
Teemu Heinola – bass
Marko Tommila – drums

Album Review – Syllogomania / Syllogomania (2025)

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An uncanny Post-Black Metal entity from Poland will attack your senses with its debut opus, a record of the past while also representing the chaos we constantly stumble over in our present and future.

The term “syllogomania” refers to the compulsive hoarding of items, leading to a cluttered living space and significant disruption to social and professional life, often stemming from loneliness, social isolation, and a lack of motivation to maintain order. In the underground of heavy music, Syllogomania is the brand new Post-Black Metal project by the uncanny vocalist and multi-instrumentalist A.I.G., formed in Kraków, Poland between 2021 and 2022 from the ashes of his previous band. Recorded at A.I.G.’s own home studio, mixed and mastered by Przemysław Nowak at Impressive-Art Studio, and displaying a sinister artwork by A.I.G. himself, his debut self-titled album is a record of the past, while also representing the chaos we constantly stumble over in our present and future, the moments we see the lives of our oldest relatives come to an end, and finally our own life that we have already lost from the start, which we lived in vain.

The title-track Syllogomania is very experimental, cryptic and demented, with A.I.G. delivering some circus-inspired sounds that will captivate your senses and drag you to total darkness before he starts distilling his devilish gnarls, followed by Drink The Fire, Fan The Flames, a more straightforward Blackened Death Metal beast by our lone wolf, with all beats and guitar lines reeking of absolute madness. A.I.G. then speeds things up and crushes our damned souls with his harsh and caustic Post-Black Metal in Of Emptiness, alternating between sheer savagery and epic neck-breaking moments; and continuing his path of total devastation and hatred he offers us all Slumber, where his anguished roars will penetrate deep inside your putrid mind like a vile parasite. Lastly, we face Modlitwa, or “prayer” from Polish, featuring guest vocals by Stawrogin (Gruzja, Odraza, Totenmesse), the most apocalyptic ending possible to the album, sounding very dynamic, diverse and full of nuances and layers.

A solitary, heavy, aggressive and rotten Black Metal creature from the dust-choked streets of Krákow, Syllogomania‘s debut record is an unforgiving assault on the senses, an intense dive into the chaos of a mind consumed by its own existence, highly recommended for fans of Shining, MGLA, Forgotten Tomb, Gaerea, Odraza, Aenaon, and Psychonau. You can find more information (but not too much) about the mysterious, grim Syllogomania on Facebook and on Instagram, and purchase the album from the project’s own BandCamp or from the Loudriver Records’ BandCamp or webstore. In a nutshell, Syllogomania is a brutal snapshot of a childhood choked by mould, insects, and an unrelenting pile of dust covered boxes, untouchable, suffocating and the still-coming madness we keep falling into. Dust. Emptiness. Anger. Nothing more, nothing less.

Best moments of the album: Of Emptiness and Slumber.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2025 Loudriver Records

Track listing
1. Syllogomania 6:04
2. Drink The Fire, Fan The Flames 4:14
3. Of Emptiness 6:27
4. Slumber 7:28
5. Modlitwa 8:22

Band members
A.I.G. – vocals, guitars, bass, drum programming

Guest musician
Stawrogin – vocals on “Modlitwa”

Album Review – Vertebra / The Same (2025)

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This Brazilian Death and Thrash Metal squad from the 90’s is finally unleashing their debut offering, an astonishing collection of 11 unrelenting songs.

Originally active in the mid 90’s underground music scene in Porto Alegre, in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, where they quickly established a place for themselves with their fierce live performances, intense, intriguing music and uncompromising attitude, Death/Thrash Metal outfit Vertebra is finally unleashing upon humanity their first ever full-length album, titled The Same. Their long overdue debut is an astonishing collection of 11 unrelenting songs, demonstrating fantastic technical dexterity, but also exquisite songcraft and melodic awareness, all masterfully brought into being by vocalist and guitarist Arildo Leal, guitarist Fernando Luzardo, bassist Tiago Vargas, and drummer Cristiano Hulk.

The band wastes no time and kick off their vicious metal attack with Oblivion, with Arildo sounding ruthless on both vocals and guitar; and Arildo and Fernando show no mercy for their stringed axes in Behavior in the Eyes, inviting us all to slam into the pit in the name of Thrash Metal. Humanity brings forward hints of the galloping rhythm that was made eternal by giants like Iron Maiden, spearheaded by Tiago’s ruthless bass and Cristiano’s hammering drums, whereas Arildo’s caustic vociferations keep penetrating deep inside our psyche in Behind the World, offering a well balanced hybrid of Death and Thrash Metal, followed by Overcoming the Void, another solid display of Death Metal made in Brazil, with their riffage sounding as melodic as it is demonic.

Then after the instrumental interlude 10.000 and One Nights we face the title-track The Same, offering another round of their harsh yet melodic and potent sounds led by Cristiano’s intricate beats and fills. Architecture of Perspective is perhaps the most progressive of all songs while also sounding absolutely heavy and infernal, with the riffs by the band’s guitar duo being boosted by another demented performance by Cristiano on drums; whereas 95 Eyes is not a very exciting tune, albeit still showcasing the band’s trademark fusion of extreme music and more progressive sounds. Then back to a more puissant sonority we face Fanatic and Picturesque, with Tiago’s thunderous bass lines bringing sheer heaviness to their music, also inspiring us to keep slamming into the circle pit like true metalmaniacs; and ending the album the band offers a demented, groovy and sinister tune titled Blessed are the Forgetful, where once again Arildo’s vocals sound utterly devilish.

In a nutshell, The Same will undoubtedly place Vertebra in the place they should have occupied in the mid-90’s, with their melodic and technical blend of Death Metal heavily influenced by Death, with touches of bands like Kreator and Carcass, and of course classic Heavy Metal,  appealing to all fans of extreme music. Those guys are waiting for you on Facebook and on Instagram to share the news about their newborn baby, and you can already find the full album on Spotify. Also, above all that, go grab a copy of The Same from BandCamp, or simply by clicking HERE. Let the first album by Vertebra take you to the glory of the 90’s while also looking into the future, keeping the flames of Death and Thrash Metal burning bright in the always interesting Brazilian underground scene.

Best moments of the album: Behavior in the Eyes, Architecture of Perspective and Fanatic and Picturesque.

Worst moments of the album: 95 Eyes.

Released in 2025 Xtreem Music

Track listing
1. Oblivion 5:10
2. Behavior in the Eyes 4:04
3. Humanity 3:53
4. Behind the World 3:34
5. Overcoming the Void 5:28
6. 10.000 and One Nights 1:03
7. The Same 3:57
8. Architecture of Perspective 5:15
9. 95 Eyes 3:41
10. Fanatic and Picturesque 4:20
11. Blessed are the Forgetful 4:56

Band members
Arildo Leal – vocals, guitars
Fernando Luzardo – guitars
Tiago Vargas – bass, backing vocals
Cristiano Hulk – drums

Album Review – Alterium / Stormrage EP (2025)

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The new EP by this up-and-coming Italian band captures the essence of classic Power Metal while pushing their sound into exciting new territories.

Further cementing the band’s place among the most promising names in the new wave of European Power Metal, Stormrage is the brand new EP by Italian Symphonic/Melodic Power Metal warriors Alterium, a powerful chapter that bridges their acclaimed 2024 debut Of War And Flames and their upcoming full-length album. Formed of Nicoletta Rosellini on vocals, Paolo Campitelli on the guitars and keyboards, Alessandro Mammola also on the guitars, Luca Scalabrin on bass, and Dario Gozzi on drums, the band continues their tradition of blending agile riffs, epic atmospheres, and battle-hardened energy in Stormrage, capturing the essence of classic Power Metal while pushing the band’s sound into exciting new territories.

The whimsical, epic keys by Paolo will embellish the airwaves and invite you on a symphonic journey in the title-track Stormrage, accompanied by the classic drumming by Dario and the melodic and powerful vocals by Nicoletta; whereas Sui starts in a more melodic manner, sounding almost like a Folk Metal ballad, before Paolo and Alessandro strike us all with their scorching Heavy Metal riffs in a very detailed, imposing and electrifying feast of Symphonic and Melodic Power Metal. The CD version of the EP comes with two amazing bonus, the first one being their cover version for the classic by Symphony X titled Paradise Lost (check the original version from their 2007 album Paradise Lost), and Alterium’s version is just as magical and enfolding, with Nicoletta’s powerful vocal lines being flawlessly supported by Paolo’s keys and the low-tuned, groovy kitchen crafted by Luca and Dario. And closing the CD version of the EP we have the orchestral version of Of War and Flames, a cinematic rendition of the original version from their own 2024 album Of War and Flames, where all orchestrations walk hand in hand with Nicoletta’s epic, soaring vocals.

In summary, this new chapter sees the band sharpen their songwriting and deliver a fresh burst of adrenaline that both longtime fans and newcomers will appreciate, reaffirming their mission to carry the torch of European metal with pride and power. Hence, you can get in touch with those Italian metallers via Facebook and Instagram, subscribe to their YouTube channel, stream their music on Spotify, and of course purchase their new EP from Big Cartel. As aforementioned, Stormrage works as a bridge between their 2024 album and their future endeavor, and based on the high energy and quality of the music found in their new EP, we can rest assured the future looks extremely promising for such an amazing up-and-coming band.

Best moments of the album: Sui and Paradise Lost.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2025 Independent

Track listing
1. Stormrage 4:16
2. Sui 5:27

CD Version bonus tracks
3. Paradise Lost (Symphony X cover) 6:45
4. Of War and Flames (Orchestral version) 3:40

Band members
Nicoletta Rosellini – vocals
Paolo Campitelli – guitars, keyboards
Alessandro Mammola – guitars
Luca Scalabrin – bass
Dario Gozzi – drums

Album Review – Werewolves / The Ugliest of All (2025)

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The torchbearers of “Caveman Death Metal” strike again with album number six, continuing to annihilate intellects with an increasingly unlistenable barrage of truly hideous music.

By now, everyone knows Melbourne, Australia’s own Werewolves and their insane mission of releasing ten Death Metal albums in ten years. Now in 2025 the torchbearers of “Caveman Death Metal” strike again with album number six, The Ugliest of All, continuing to annihilate intellects with an increasingly unlistenable barrage of truly hideous music. Mixed and mastered by Joe Haley at Crawlspace Productions, and once again displaying a visceral artwork by Mitchell Nolte, the beleaguered artist of the previous albums, the sixth blasphemous offering by Sam Bean on vocals and bass, Matt Wilcock on the guitars, and David Haley on drums is not only a worthy follow-up to their 2024 beast Die For Us, but a lesson in primeval, visceral Death Metal by one of the most (if not THE most) demented bands to ever arise from Down Under.

There’s not a single second of peace in the bludgeoning opener Fools of the Trade, with David already doing what he does best, which is crushing our damned bodies with his inhumane technique; and we gotta love all of their song titles such as I Want to be Offended, with the music being a lecture in ruthless Death Metal led by the scorching riffs by Matt. Skullbattering keeps the level of animosity absurdly high, with Sam barking the song’s violent lyrics nonstop in another lesson in brutality from the stunning Australia. Sam roars like a rabid beast in Unoriginal Sin, offering an overdose of blasphemy flowing from all instruments for our total and depraved delight, whereas more of David’s unstoppable, thunderous beats and fills will shake the foundations of the earth in the demolishing The Enshittification, inviting us all for some quality time inside the pit.

Logorrea sounds like some of their darkest creations from From the Cave to the Grave and My Enemies Look and Sound like Me, which obviously means it’s an awesome onrush of brutality, gore and rage, ending in a truly insane mode and connecting instantly with Rats Versus Snakes, one of the first singles released, showcasing the trio’s trademark fury spearheaded by the deep guttural by Sam. Then adding hints of Punk Rock and Hardcore to their undisputed Death Metal sound, it’s time for a no shenanigans, fast and furious aria titled Slaves to the Blast, again with Matt delivering pure electricity from his maniacal riffage. And last but most definitely not least, ending the album we have the demonic title-track The Ugliest of All, one of their strongest songs to date, sounding simply infuriated form start to finish, with David yet again hammering our cranial skulls mercilessly until our very last drop of blood leaves our frail bodies.

“Why did we call the album The Ugliest Of All?” Sam asks himself, seeing as though there’s no-one actually asking him any questions. “On the one hand, we are turning into a fearsomely hideous old-man band. We’re all grey, I’ve got a gut, it’s like if The Hills Had Amps. Also, I read an interview with Malevolent Creation where Phil Fasciana was bragging about how they were the ugliest band alive, and I thought that was the coolest thing ever. Hi-top sneakers are cool. Denim shorts are cool.” In the end, it doesn’t really matter if you follow those headbanging bastards on Facebook or on Instagram, if you stream their pulverizing, no shenanigans music on YouTube or on Spotify, or if you purchase the indomitable The Ugliest of All from their own website or BandCamp page, from Direct Merch, from Nightshift, or from Plastic Head. Even if no one cares at all about The Ugliest of All, 2026 will see the band returning in full force with album number seven, because that’s what Werewolves are all about. They’re bringing to us this year the ugliest of all albums, aiming at becoming the heaviest of all bands.

Best moments of the album: I Want to be Offended, Skullbattering, Logorrea, Slaves to the Blast and The Ugliest of All.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2025 Back On Black Records

Track listing
1. Fools of the Trade 4:08
2. I Want to be Offended 3:36
3. Skullbattering 3:15
4. Unoriginal Sin 4:13
5. The Enshittification 3:40
6. Logorrea 3:21
7. Rats Versus Snakes 3:43
8. Slaves to the Blast 3:01
9. The Ugliest of All 3:28

Band members
Sam Bean – vocals, bass
Matt Wilcock – guitars
David Haley – drums

Album Review – Nexion / Sundrung (2025)

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Behold this act of rebirth through the cycle of destruction by one of the must-see names of the current Icelandic Black Metal scene.

An Old Icelandic for “discord, disharmony and the sundering of the social and cosmic fabric,” Sundrung, the sophomore effort by Reykjavík, Iceland’s own Black Metal horde Nexion, is an act of rebirth through the cycle of destruction. Mixed and mastered at Studio Emissary, and enriched by a cryptic illustration by José Gabriel Alegría Saboga, the follow-up to their 2020 debut Seven Oracles sounds vastly more dynamic and far-reaching, showcasing a stunning evolution in the music by vocalist Joshua Hróðgeir Rood, guitarists Jóhannes Smári Smárason and Óskar Rúnarsson, bassist Atli Jarl Martin, and drummer Kristján Guðmundsson.

It’s total annihilation to the sound of Uþarpaspa, where the fulminating drums by Kristján bring sheer Black Metal magic to their music, wherras Gandr sounds even more infuriated, devilish and somber, led by the scorching guitars by Jóhannes  and Óskar, all spiced up by the demonic gnarls by Joshua. Not only that, the entire song is also a curse, ritually breaking an ancient runic ward against destroyer spirits by inverting it to call them forth against mankind’s perpetrators of discord. Norðr ok niðr sounds more epic and imposing than all previous songs, even presenting hints of Symphonic Black Metal, with Kristján stealing the show with his crushing beats supported by the rumbling bass by Atli; and the beautifully titled When Raven Steals the Sun offers an overdose of first-class, in-your-face grim sounds, with Joshua taking the lead with his desperate gnarls from the underworld.

After such a demented Black Metal attack we have the cryptic interlude :Þþþ:, sounding like the soundtrack to a horror movie before we face the ruthless Hymn of the Valkyrjur, a beyond infernal creation by this talented Icelandic horde showcasing everything we love in contemporary Black Metal, in special the intricate yet primeval beats and fills by Kristján. Rending the Black Earth brings forward another six minutes of dark and melodic passages embraced by the scathing riffage by Jóhannes and Óskar, and the album couldn’t have ended in a more Stygian way than with Visions of the Seventh Fire, blending the harshness of Black Metal with the finesse and haunting melodies of Atmospheric Black Metal.

In summary, Sundrung is riven with an apocalyptic fervour that’s ramped up to the most galvanizing, consciousness-searing of degrees as it becomes an incendiary act of deliverance, and you can join Nexion in their blackened quest by following the band on Facebook and on Instagram, by streaming their unique creations on Spotify, and above all that, by purchasing Sundrung from the Avantgarde Music’s BandCamp page or from Sound Cave. Because as only in death we can find our way back to life, we shall follow such a tormenting and harsh path of rebirth to the sound of the caustic Black Metal by Nexion.

Best moments of the album: Gandr, When Raven Steals the Sun and Hymn of the Valkyrjur.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2025 Avantgarde Music

Track listing
1. Uþarpaspa 4:56
2. Gandr 6:36
3. Norðr ok niðr 5:35
4. When Raven Steals the Sun 7:46
5. :Þþþ: 2:22
6. Hymn of the Valkyrjur 6:41
7. Rending the Black Earth 6:37
8. Visions of the Seventh Fire 8:06

Band members
Joshua Hróðgeir Rood – vocals
Jóhannes Smári Smárason – guitar
Óskar Rúnarsson – guitar
Atli Jarl Martin – bass
Kristján Guðmundsson – drums

Album Review – Krigsgrav / Stormcaller (2025)

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A storm is brewing in the form of the eight studio album by this phenomenal Blackened Doom band hailing from the United States.

A storm is brewing. Hailing from Dallas, Texas, the unrelenting Black/Death/Doom Metal cult known as Krigsgrav returns two years after their critically acclaimed album Fires in the Fall with a brand new offering of absolute doom titled Stormcaller, the eight studio album in their solid career. Mixed and mastered by Owe Inborr at Wolfthrone Studios, with drums recorded by Sam Paquette at S.A.M. Studios, additional engineering by Cody Daniels, a Stygian cover art by the beyond talented Adam Burke of Nightjar Illustration, and album layout and design by Randi Matejowsky, the new opus by vocalist and guitarist Justin Coleman, guitarist Cody Daniels, bassist Wes Radvansky, and drummer and vocalist David Sikora is another lecture in Blackened Doom by one of the most prominent names of the scene worldwide, bringing sheer darkness and heaviness to our obscure hearts and souls.

Huntress of the Fire Moon, featuring guest vocals by Jens Rydén (of Swedish Viking/Black Metal band Thyrfing), is a very detailed and complex composition from the very first second, with the guitars by Justin and Cody exhaling epicness, whereas the harsh vociferations by Justin sound even darker in Stormcaller, while David keeps blasting his drums in great fashion. The quartet lets their Viking and Folk Metal vein pulse harder than ever in Twilight Fell, spearheaded by the pounding drums by David, and the final result is as epic as it is inspiring. And get ready for over seven minutes of harsh and obscure sounds in None Shall Remember Your Name, led by the always grim roars by Justin while their guitars exhale absolute darkness.

The second half of the album begins with more of their trademark fusion of Black, Death and Doom Metal with epic elements in the form of Bay of the Barghest, where their guitars sound striking and vibrant until the very end; and Cody fires a thrilling solo to kick off the excellent The Tonic of Wilderness, once again morphing into a bestial tune of Blackened Death and Doom Metal supported by the classic beats and fills by David. Ghosts is another six-minute beast of absolute doom, with their riffs and beats walking hand in hand, overflowing epicness and heaviness, and flowing into the grand finale entitled Womb-Death-Dawn, an explosion of Death and Doom Metal where Justin barks and roars like a creature from the abyss, resulting in a sinister, harsh conclusion to such a powerful and compelling album.

“When we started writing the songs that would make up Stormcaller, our intention was to create the most complete Krigsgrav album that took something from every era of the band, while still pushing our sound forward. A culmination of the blackest hues, doomiest of dirges, and most soaring of lead guitars. We think we achieved that, but we also wrote the best album of our career thus far. We trust that when you hear it, you’ll agree,” commented the band, and you can start following those amazing musicians on Facebook and on Instagram, enjoy their fantastic discography in full on Spotify, and of course purchase Stormcaller from BandCamp or from the Willowtip Records webstore, or simply click HERE for all things Krigsgrav. The band’s storm of absolute doom found in their new album is upon us, and once you’re embraced by their heavy sounds, there’s no way out.

Best moments of the album: Huntress of the Fire Moon, Twilight Fell and The Tonic of Wilderness.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2025 Willowtip Records

Track listing
1. Huntress of the Fire Moon 5:44
2. Stormcaller 5:37
3. Twilight Fell 5:38
4. None Shall Remember Your Name 7:33
5. Bay of the Barghest 6:21
6. The Tonic of Wilderness 6:19
7. Ghosts 6:10
8. Womb-Death-Dawn 8:33

Band members
Justin Coleman – harsh vocals, guitar
Cody Daniels – lead guitar
Wes Radvansky – bass
David Sikora – clean vocals, drums

Guest musician
Jens Rydén – additional vocals on “Huntress of the Fire Moon”