Category Archives: Album Reviews

Album Review – Malignant Aura / Where All of Worth Comes to Wither (2026)

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Prepare your soul for a descent into the depths of human despair, courtesy of a tortured and lumbering Death and Doom Metal creature from Down Under.

Crawling from beneath the bloody earth in 2022, more specifically from our beloved Australia, Death/Doom Metal creature Malignant Aura will consume our souls with their sophomore opus, poetically entitled Where All of Worth Comes to Wither, continuing the dark path which started back in 2022 with Abysmal Misfortune Is Draped upon Me. Comprising concise and powerful 46 minutes spread across five songs, the new offering by vocalist Tim Smith, guitarists Chris Clark and Dalton Quade Wilson, bassist Jonathan Ennis, and drummer Pete Robertson sees the band both expanding and contracting their sound, broadening its sonic possibilities whilst focusing the songwriting for maximum, abyss-ward effect. The esteemed Paolo Girardi lends his signature touch to the album’s cover artwork, completely suiting the dark, dreadful emotion of its contents inspired by a pool as varied as Incantation, Paradise Lost, Virgin Black, Hooded Menace, Mournful Congregation, Candlemass, Disembowelment, Pallbearer, Katatonia, Asphyx, and My Dying Bride.

The title-track Where all of Worth Comes to Wither is actually an extended intro, sounding grim and diabolical from the very first second, dragging us to the band’s Stygian lair in The Pathetic Festival, with Pete hammering his drums in a demolishing fusion of Death and Doom Metal, all boosted by the cadaverous guttural by Tim while the sound of the guitars by Chris and Dalton is utterly evil. After such a demented tune let’s all dive deep into the realms of doom with the 13-minute beast Languishing in the Perpetual Mire, arising from the pits of the underworld to the rumbling sounds blasted by Jonathan and Pete, sounding and feeling like four or five songs in one. Then after an ethereal, cryptic start, Beneath a Crown of Anguish morphs into the most sluggish form of Doom Metal imaginable, with the grim Death Metal vocals by Tim adding an extra touch of insanity to it; whereas lastly, get ready to be smashed like a putrid insect to the sound of An Abhorrent Path to Providence, with their riffs and bass lines walking hand in hand with another visceral vocal performance by Tim.

A full-length descent into the depths of human despair, Where All of Worth Comes to Wither is a harrowing blend of Death and Doom Metal, sounding vicious, somber, and triumphant. Hence, if you have what it takes to face the band’s own brand of tortured and lumbering doom-death, you can find those talented Australian on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their heavy-as-hell creations on Spotify or on any other platform, and above all that, put your damned hands on Where All of Worth Comes to Wither by purchasing it from their own BandCamp, from the Grindhead Records’ BandCamp. from the Primitive Moth’s BandCamp, from Memento Mori, or simply click HERE for all things Malignant Aura. In the end, Where All of Worth Comes to Wither doesn’t just carry a bold and penetrating name; its music is absurdly dense, deep and frightful, exactly the way we love in the always menacing fusion of Death and Doom Metal.

Best moments of the album: Languishing in the Perpetual Mire and An Abhorrent Path to Providence.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Memento Mori/Grindhead/Primitive Moth

Track listing
1. Where all of Worth Comes to Wither 3:27
2. The Pathetic Festival 6:56
3. Languishing in the Perpetual Mire 13:00
4. Beneath a Crown of Anguish 10:05
5. An Abhorrent Path to Providence 12:08

Band members
Tim Smith – vocals
Chris Clark – guitars
Dalton Quade Wilson – guitar
Jonathan Ennis – bass
Pete Robertson – drums

Album Review – Invictus / Nocturnal Visions (2026)

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Behold the path of destruction by this unrelenting Japanese trio armed with their sophomore album, exploring a broader spectrum of riff-oriented Death Metal in order to aggravate the carnage.

Conceived in Nagano, Japan back in 2015, the original goal by the ruthless beast known as Invictus was to play Death Metal with hints of technicality and a strong Thrash Metal edge, combining the morbid grooves and abhorrent atmospherics of all archaic Death Metal gods like Death, Malevolent Creation, Monstrosity, Brutality, Mercyless, Morbid Angel, Gorguts, Obituary, Decapitated, Sadistic Intent, and Cannibal Corpse, and prioritizing the creation of songs crammed with commanding riffs over any other aspect of their putrescent music. Now in 2026 the band formed of Takehitopsy Seki on vocals and guitars, Toshihiro Seki on bass, and Haruki Tokutake on drums returns to action with their sophomore opus, titled Nocturnal Visions, following up on their 2020 debut The Catacombs of Fear. Embraced by a compelling, era-authentic artwork courtesy of Juanjo Castellano, the album sees the band exploring a broader spectrum of riff-oriented Death Metal in order to aggravate the carnage, exuding a more pernicious aural decay and bludgeoning the listener into submission by some of the meatiest and most vitriolic Death Metal conceivable.

After a short and sinister Intro, the trio is ready to devour our souls with their infuriated Death Metal attack in Abyssal Earth Eradicates, with the bass by Toshihiro sounding as dirty as it is violent while Takehitopsy barks like a putrid entity form the underworld. Haruki then shows absolutely no mercy for his drums nor for our frail bodies in Altar of Devoted Slaughter, sounding like a Death Metal stone crusher from hell, not to mention Takehitopsy’s demented guitar solo. And the trio continues their path of absolute demolition in Lucid Dream Trauma, not as fast but absurdly heavy thanks to another killer performance by Haruki on drums, followed by Persecution Madness, a lecture in both old school and contemporary Death Metal in the vein of Immolation and Cannibal Corpse.

Dragged Beneath the Grave is another song with a poetic name, with those Japanese death dealers going mental with their relentless riffs, bass and blast beats, as well as Takehitopsy’s maniacal vocals; and he keeps delivering his visceral guttural in Frozen Tomb, again perfect for some wild headbanging and slamming while Haruki continues to pound his drums manically. Wandering Ashdream is still an excellent song overflowing brutality and gore, albeit a bit generic and basic compared to the rest of the album (the guitar solo by Takehitopsy is still pretty solid, though); whereas last but not least, get ready for over eight minutes of total Death Metal madness and fury in Nocturnal Visions, also presenting hints of our good old Doom Metal to give it an even more primeval vibe.

In summary, if you love Death Metal, true and morbid, then don’t miss out on these Japanese masters of putridity by following them on Facebook and on Instagram, by streaming their corrosive, vicious Death Metal sounds on any platform such as Spotify, and of course by purchasing a copy of their demented new album from their own BandCamp, from Me Saco Un Ojo’s BandCamp or webstore, or from Memento Mori. If in Japanese fantasy and science fiction movies and television programs we have the pleasure of seeing those gigantic kaiju destroying everything and everyone that crosses their path, in Death Metal it’s Invictus who are the real kaiju, sounding absolutely devastating and ruthless armed with their breathtaking new offering.

Best moments of the album: Altar of Devoted Slaughter, Persecution Madness and Dragged Beneath the Grave.

Worst moments of the album: Wandering Ashdream.

Released in 2026 Memento Mori/Me Saco Un Ojo

Track listing
1. Intro 0:40
2. Abyssal Earth Eradicates 4:43
3. Altar of Devoted Slaughter 3:50
4. Lucid Dream Trauma 4:09
5. Persecution Madness 3:31
6. Dragged Beneath the Grave 3:00
8. Frozen Tomb 3:35
7. Wandering Ashdream 3:56
9. Nocturnal Visions 8:01

Band members
Takehitopsy Seki – vocals, guitars
Toshihiro Seki – bass
Haruki Tokutake – drums

Album Review – Tjaktjadálvve / Encompassing Nothingness (2026)

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This Sweden-based Australian lone wolf returns with his unique blend of the sorrow of depression-tinged Black Metal with the coldness, thrill and melancholy of its atmospheric kind in his third album.

Brought forth by the Västmanland County, Sweden-based vocalist and multi-instrumentalist M., aka Matthew Bell (originally from Australia), of bands like Aeon Moon, Arboreal Trance, Autumn’s Dawn, Austere, and many others, the bitterly cold Atmospheric/Depressive Black Metal entity Tjaktjadálvve (a Sámi season representing the time when the sun sets and reindeer move to winter pastures, signifying the deep cold and preparation for polar night, translating to something like “Autumn Winter” or “Dark Winter” in concept) returns with its unique blend of the sorrow of depression-tinged Black Metal with the coldness, thrill and melancholy of its atmospheric kind in its third album, titled Encompassing Nothingness, guiding the listener through his low-paced and synth-driven scenarios. Mixed and mastered at Nekkomix, with cover photo by Francesco Del Vecchio and other images and layout by Tryfar, the follow-up to the project’s 2023 sophomore Echoes on a Windswept Plain encloses a musical journey which can’t reward the listener more than so, with its neat production and dreadful vocals elevating the overall coldness and desolation in great fashion.

In The Solitude of Abject Darkness, the name of the song says it all. Prepare for a whimsical journey through cold and dark lands, with M. roaring like a demonic entity, bursting with anguish and pain while the instrumental pieces are simply majestic. Norrsken (pronounced “norr-shen”) is the Swedish word for the Northern Lights (or “Aurora Borealis”), literally meaning “north” (norr) and “light” or “shine” (sken), and that’s exactly what M. offers with his minimalist yet harsh riffs, sluggish beats and all background elements in a true Depressive Black Metal aria; and M.’s deep vociferations will penetrate deep inside your soul in the also bitterly cold Longing, again delivering a classy Atmospheric Black Metal sound with tons of depressive and grim elements. Lastly, let’s embark on a 10-minute voyage through the harshness of the Swedish winter in the title-track Encompassing Nothingness, with M. once again crushing his drums while also delivering ethereal key notes, all boosted by his trademark roars.

In a nutshell, fans of phenomenal atmospheric bands the likes of Woods of Desolation, Austere, Panopticon, and Mesarthim, among others, will have an absolute blast listening to Encompassing Nothingness, and of course if you want to join M. and his Tjaktjadálvve in bitterly cold darkness, you can find his music on Spotify, on Apple Music, and on BandCamp (and no, there’s no social media for Tjaktjadálvve), and purchase his excellent new album from the Flowing Downward’s BandCamp or webstore. Why would anyone move from the warmth and stunning beaches of Australia to face the freezing temperatures of the Swedish winter, one might ask? Well, if M.’s endgame is to craft the enfolding, grim music by Tjaktjadálvve, let’s say Sweden is doing wonders to his creative process, and I’m sure we’ll hear a lot more from this Australian lone wolf and his cold adventures in Svea Rike in the near future.

Best moments of the album: The Solitude of Abject Darkness and Encompassing Nothingness.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Flowing Downward

Track listing
1. The Solitude of Abject Darkness 7:17
2. Norrsken 9:07
3. Longing 6:09
4. Encompassing Nothingness 9:49

Band members
M. – vocals, all instruments

Album Review – Crystal Lake / The Weight of Sound (2026)

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One of the most important Metalcore bands to ever arise from Japan is back with album number seven, representing a new page in their electrifying history.

Formed in Tokyo, Japan in 2002, and having already released six full-length albums in their solid career, captivating audiences across the globe with their undisputed energy and passion for heavy music, the incendiary Metalcore act Crystal Lake is set to unleash their album number seven, titled The Weight of Sound, following up on their 2020 opus The Voyages. Mixed and mastered by Jeff Dune, and featuring an array of very special guest musicians the likes of David Simonich of Signs of the Swarm and Jesse Leach of Killswitch Engage, The Weight of Sound represents a new page in the band’s history, being their first ever album with new vocalist John Robert C., while their core sound keeps burning brighter than a thousand suns with Yudai Miyamoto and T.J. on the guitars, Mitsuru on bass, and Gaku Taura on drums.

The band wastes no time and kicks off their feast of melodic brutality with Everblack, featuring David Simonich of Signs of the Swarm, where the vocal duet formed of John and David sounds beyond inhumane. BlüdGod, featuring Taylor Barber of Left to Suffer, feels more melodic and modern than the opening tune, with Yudai and T.J. sounding amazing with their intricate yet piercing guitar lines; and it’s then time for Gaku to smash his drums without a single drop of mercy in Neversleep, with Myke Terry of Volumes as the third guest vocalist in the album, perfect for igniting a wild mosh pit during their live shows. Then the rumbling bass by Mitsuru will punch you hard in the head in King Down, offering more of the band’s blend of Metalcore with Hardcore influences; whereas The Undertow, featuring Karl Schubach of Solace also on guest vocals, showcases a less violent side of the band, with their riffs once again permeating the air in great fashion.

What looks like it’s going to be some sort of Deathcore ballad in the vein of Lorna Shore explodes into pure Metalcore in the title-track The Weight Of Sound, led by the always visceral vocals by John; followed by Crossing Nails, one of the heaviest of all songs, with elements of Djent flourishing from Mitsuru’s bass while Gaku pounds his drums nonstop. Dystopia, featuring guest vocalist Jesse Leach of Killswitch Engage, is a bit too modern for my taste, although their Djent-infused sounds still bring the heaviness to their music, whereas Sinner follows a similar pattern but slightly more entertaining, with the guitars by Yudai and T.J. clashing perfectly with the song’s background electronics. Don’t Breathe brings to our avid ears another onrush of violent Metalcore for the masses, spearheaded by John’s demented roars and screams, and they conclude the album with the dark ballad Coma Wave, with its piano bringing peace to our blackened hearts.

Drawing from Hardcore and Metalcore influences, seamlessly blending infectious melodies with a powerful heaviness, Crystal Lake are on absolute fire throughout the entire The Weight of Sound, offering fans of modern-day Metalcore a very good excuse to go slamming into the circle pit like there’s no tomorrow. Hence, you can get in touch with such an amazing band from the land of the rising sun via Facebook and Instagram, stream their entire discography on places like Spotify, and of course add The Weight of Sound to your most excellent private collection by purchasing it from BandCamp or from Century Media as  a CD or a special forest green LP (or click HERE for all digital platforms). In other words, in case you have no idea how much the sound weighs, simply listen to the new album by Crystal Lake and you’ll see it’s heavy. Very, very heavy.

Best moments of the album: Everblack, Neversleep and Crossing Nails.

Worst moments of the album: Dystopia.

Released in 2026 Century Media Records

Track listing
1. Everblack 3:17
2. BlüdGod 3:13
3. Neversleep 2:50
4. King Down 2:29
5. The Undertow 3:20
6. The Weight Of Sound 4:33
7. Crossing Nails 3:42
8. Dystopia 4:14
9. Sinner 4:19
10. Don’t Breathe 3:59
11. Coma Wave 4:46

Band members
John Robert C. – vocals
Yudai Miyamoto – lead guitars
T.J. – rhythm guitars
Mitsuru – bass
Gaku Taura – drums

Guest musicians
David Simonich – vocals on “Everblack”
Taylor Barber – vocals on “BlüdGod”
Myke Terry – vocals on “Neversleep”
Karl Schubach – vocals on “The Undertow”
Jesse Leach – vocals on “Dystopia”

Album Review – Karloff / Revered by Death (2026)

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The sophomore opus by this German Black Metal and Punk Rock beast sounds moodier and murkier than their debut offering, while also portending a deeper doom and gloom.

Hailing from Germany, Black Metal/Punk Rock brigade Karloff was formed in 2018 initially as a means for erstwhile Graveyard Ghoul member Tom Horrified to blow off some punk-oriented steam with a couple close comrades. Three years after the release of their 2022 debut The Appearing, the band currently formed of Tom Horrified on vocals and guitar, 733 on bass, and H. T. Steinbrecher on drums and percussion returns in full force with their sophomore installment, the incendiary Revered by Death. Following logically from The Appearing, Revered by Death sounds moodier and murkier, living up to its lofty title while its songwriting definitely feels punchier, portending a deeper doom and gloom.

The scorching, visceral riffage by Tom kicks off the trio’s beyond devilish festivities in Pessimistic Soaring, presenting a deep Punk Rock rebelliousness intertwined with the raw, obscure sounds of Black Metal, whereas the relentless bass by 733 and the pounding drums by H. T. will smash your skull in Die Wiederkehr der Dunkelei, or “the return of the dark egg” (if that makes any sense). The band then blends elements from Doom and Post-Metal to their core sound in When the Flames Devour You All, with Tom once again delivering absolutely caustic vocals and riffs.

Then the atmospheric (yet a bit too lengthy) interlude On Weathered Altar sets the tone for Prince of Parasites, where we’re treated to a caustic, electrifying fusion of Black Metal and Punk Rock, in special through the rebellious riffs by Tom and the classic beats by H. T. The band then ventures through the vast realms of Death Metal in Regicide, with the song’s vicious, deep riffage matching perfectly with its bass lines and crushing beats; and it’s pedal to the metal in the slamming tune Crown Cvlt Fate, perfect for some wild action inside a hot and humid circle pit at one of those infernal metal pubs, while Elisabetha’s Revenge, their last blast of insanity and rage, will simply demolish your soul, again presenting the raspy, harsh vociferations by Tom.

Ghouls and ghosts, thugs and thieves, Karloff are back and calling upon you to be Revered by Death, and if you believe you have what it takes to face such a harsh and visceral album of Black Metal and Punk Rock you can find those talented guys on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their acid creations on Spotify, and above all that, grab a copy of Revered by Death from the Dying Victims Productions’ BandCamp or webstore as a CD, an LP or a special edition LP on oxblood vinyl including an insert, a poster, a sticker, a post card, a woven patch, and a download code. Because Revered by Death is not just Black Metal, nor only Punk Rock; it’s everything at once, offering an amalgamation of violent and obscure sounds that will certainly haunt your souls for all eternity.

Best moments of the album: A Pessimistic Soaring, Prince of Parasites and Crown Cvlt Fate.

Worst moments of the album: On Weathered Altar.

Released in 2026 Dying Victims Productions

Track listing
1. A Pessimistic Soaring 2:52
2. Die Wiederkehr der Dunkelei 3:05
3. When the Flames Devour You All 5:53
4. On Weathered Altar 4:08
5. Prince of Parasites 2:47
6. Regicide 3:52
7. Crown Cvlt Fate 2:30
8. Elisabetha’s Revenge 4:52

Band members
Tom Horrified – vocals, electric rhythm & lead guitar
733 – electric bass guitar
H. T. Steinbrecher – drums & percussion

Album Review – Megadeth / Megadeth (2026)

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Let there be shred. Let there be Thrash Metal. And let there be Megadeth.

From their electrifying 1985 debut Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good! to their 2022 metal attack The Sick, the Dying… and the Dead!, Los Angeles, California’s own Thrash/Speed Metal beast Megadeth has delivered an overdose of breathtaking heavy music for the absolute delight of anyone who considers Mr. Dave Mustaine one of the best (if not THE best) shredder in the history of Heavy Metal, culminating with their incendiary self-titled seventeenth (and final) studio album now in 2026. Produced by Dave Mustaine himself alongside Chris Rakestraw, and depicting a burning Vic Rattlehead as its artwork, the new album by Dave Mustaine on vocals and guitars, Teemu Mäntysaari also on the guitars, James LoMenzo on bass, and Dirk Verbeuren on drums is not just a farewell by one of the most important bands in the history of music, but a statement of how much Mustaine has always loved what he does, and a serious contender for album of the year.

The initial riff in Tipping Point already warns us all it’s gonna be a thrashing extravaganza, with MegaDave roaring its rebellious lyrics manically (“Today I may bleed, but tonight you will die / Snatched in your sleep, in the blackest night / You buried the truth under layers of lies / There’s no return, now you’ve crossed the line”), followed by I Don’t Care, the second single released, offering a fusion of Thrash and Speed Metal with Mustaine’s Punk Rock influences, resulting in an excellent option for some slamming into the pit. Hey, God?! reminds me of some of his creations from the mid to late 90’s, with Dirk hammering his drums just the way we like it in mid-tempo Thrash Metal; whereas in Let There Be Shred the name of the song says it all, with Dave and Teemu kicking some ass with their incendiary riffage, not to mention its lyrics are an ode to Megadeth’s history (“On the day I was born, a guitar in my hands / The earth started rumbling a thunderous command / To bash and to thrash, to bang my head / To smash my guitar and let there be shred!”). Puppet Parade is another solid tune with James and Dirk bringing the groove to the band’s striking sonority, while Another Bad Day might be perhaps the weakest of all songs, a bit generic compared to the album’s thrashing party, although their riffs and bass lines are good as usual.

Made to Kill brings forward a massive wall of sounds of old school, uncompromised Thrash Metal where Mustaine’s raspy vocals match perfectly with the classic drumming by Dirk, speeding things up halfway through it for our total delight, and the quartet keeps blasting their instruments mercilessly in Obey the Call, offering an avalanche of heaviness while keeping their melodic vein intact, presenting another classy guitar work by Dave and Teemu. I Am War is just perfect for a nice road trip with your family and friends, where Dave is once again spot-on on vocals while also armed with his trademark riffs, supported by the heavy and groovy kitchen by James and Dirk. The Last Note is a very emotional song that will inspire you to keep headbanging even after it’s over, where Dave and Teemu keep distilling their flammable riffs nonstop while James hammers his bass like there’s no tomorrow; and lastly, we have their cover version for Metallica’s Ride the Lightning (you can check the original version from 1984 by clicking HERE). As I’m a MegaDave fanboy, I must say I prefer this new (or maybe I should say the “actual original”?) version, in special its riffs and, of course, its drums.

After the announcement of the album back in August 2025, it was confirmed its release will be accompanied by the band’s farewell tour. I have no idea how long that tour will last, hopefully a few years, and although I’m beyond excited for the band’s upcoming shows in Canada I must admit my heart doesn’t want those shows to happen, simply because that means those might be the very last times I see MegaDave and his thrashing machine live. Well, it is what it is, and if you’re a huge fan of the band like myself you can keep an eye on all things Megadeth via Facebook and Instagram, stream their entire discography on Spotify, and of course purchase their breathtaking, stylish self-titled album from their own webstore or by clicking HERE. Because in the end our mission is clear. Let there be shred. Let there be Thrash Metal. And let there be Megadeth.

Best moments of the album: Tipping Point, Let There Be Shred, Made to Kill, I Am War and The Last Note.

Worst moments of the album: Another Bad Day.

Released in 2026 Tradecraft/BLKIIBLK Records

Track listing
1. Tipping Point 4:29
2. I Don’t Care 3:10
3. Hey, God?! 3:29
4. Let There Be Shred 3:58
5. Puppet Parade 4:41
6. Another Bad Day 3:37
7. Made to Kill 4:01
8. Obey the Call 4:20
9. I Am War 3:46
10. The Last Note 5:31
11. Ride the Lightning (Metallica cover) 6:11

Band members
Dave Mustaine – lead vocals, guitars
Teemu Mäntysaari – guitars, backing vocals
James LoMenzo – bass, backing vocals
Dirk Verbeuren – drums

Album Review – Backengrillen / Backengrillen (2026)

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Behold the scathing debut by this Swedish ensemble, filled to the brim with the self-hatred endemic to the province of Västerbotten from whence they hail.

The grill will fucking rule things. A new ensemble born from the ashes of Refused, with their roots in Hardcore, Punk Rock, Noise and free Jazz, Umeå, Sweden-based Experimental Death/Doom Metal/Punk Rock/Jazz entity Backengrillen is ready to attack your senses with their self-titled debut offering, filled to the brim with the self-hatred endemic to the province of Västerbotten from whence the member’s hail. Blasting an antifascist and antiracist free form of death-jazz in the memory of Swedish musician Lars Lystedt (RIP), the band formed of Dennis Lyxzén on vocals and effects, Mats Gustafsson on saxophone, flute and live electronics, Magnus Flagge on bass, and David Sandström on drums and electronics brings forward a paean to chaos and destruction in their debut opus, inspired by the most distinct acts the likes of The Cramps, Little Richard, Albert Ayler, Polly Bradfield, Entombed, John Zorn, Misfits, Stooges, Lars Gullin, Can and much more.

The album kicks off with ten minutes of absolute sonic insanity entitled A Hate Inferior, starting in the most serene, grim manner before evolving into a deadly Sludge and Doom Metal feast led by the demented sax by Mats; and such a high level of craziness goes on in full force in Dör för långsamt, or “dying too slowly” in English, where Mats’ flute walks hand in hand with the tribal beats by David, all boosted by the bursts of sheer dementia by Dennis on vocals. Then their wicked fusion of metal music with the unique sound of the saxophone sets the tone in Repeater II, where Dennis once again sounds killer on vocals supported by the thunderous kitchen crafted by Magnus and David. Backengrillen, the song that carries the name of the band and of the album, brings to our avid ears a fully Experimental Doom Metal sonority with hints of Noise, sounding utterly sluggish, caustic, and visceral, followed by Socialism or Barbarism, the most dissonant yet melodic of all songs, perfect for dancing inside the mosh pit, with Mats once again stealing the show armed with his infuriated sax.

Backengrillen was written on a Thursday during their first ever rehearsal, performed live on a Friday and recorded on a Saturday, so what you’re hearing is raw, stupid, gut instinct music played by seasoned purveyors of Hardcore Punk, countless forms of metal music, free Jazz, Noise, and so on, positioning the band as one of the most innovative names of the current Swedish rock and metal scene. Backengrillen are such a weird band to the point they don’t have any profiles in any type of social media, giving them an even rawer and unique vibe, but of course you can put your damned hands on their destructive debut by purchasing it from BandCamp or from Svart Records. Backengrillen is Swedish for “back grill,” which makes me wonder if the band is inviting us to enjoy some quality barbeque with them while listening to their album, or if they simply want to throw us in the grill to feel the fire of their demented music. Either way, I’m in.

Best moments of the album: Repeater II and Socialism or Barbarism.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Svart Records

Track listing
1. A Hate Inferior 10:09
2. Dör för långsamt 12:12
3. Repeater II 6:11
4. Backengrillen 10:18
5. Socialism or Barbarism 9:37

Band members
Dennis Lyxzén – vocals, effects
Mats Gustafsson – saxophone, flute, live electronics
Magnus Flagge – bass
David Sandström – drums, electronics

Album Review – Nite Stinger / What The Nite Is All About (2026)

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Get ready to discover what the “nite” is all about to the sound of the sophomore opus by this electrifying Brazilian Hard Rock machine.

Explosive riffs, high-energy vocals, and a full-throttle attitude. Sao Paulo, Brazil-based outfit Nite Stinger is aiming at reviving the glory days of Hard Rock with a modern edge with their sophomore album, entitled What The Nite Is All About. Produced by Henrique Canalle of Spektra and  Bento Mello, and mixed and mastered by Henrique Canalle, the new offering by Jack Fahrer on vocals, Ivan Landgraf and Bruno Marx on the guitars, Bento Mello on bass, and Leandro Araújo on drums draws inspiration from icons like Mötley Crüe, Ratt, Def Leppard, and Poison, turning the volume up with sharper riffs, powerful guitar harmonies, and vocal lines that surprise with melodic hooks designed to get everyone singing together.

Their melodic rocket is about to be launched into the Hard Rock space in You Know Why, with Ivan and Bruno already taking the lead with their classic rockin’ riffs; then Jack delivers deep, classic vocal lines in Your Own Way To Be, perfect for being played at any Rock N’ Roll party around the globe. The Night Is Never Over is an old school Hard Rock name for an old school sound, sounding more melodious than its predecessors, with Leandro leading the crew with his spot-on beats and fills, followed by Love & Freedom, with its main riff reminding me of the all-time classic “Balls to the Wall” by Accept, which is obviously awesome, but of course presenting the band’s own Hard Rock twist. Only You also has a classic vibe, but this time inspired by Scorpions, ready to be played on the road with your loved ones, whereas Fantasy is perhaps the most generic of all songs, where not even Jack’s vocals sound exciting.

The sort-of-title-track What The Night Is All About brings the band back on track, with Ivan and Bruno once again slashing their axes in the name of 80’s Hard Rock. In other words, it’s time to bang our heads nonstop together with Nite Stinger. High Above is another ode to the glory of the 80’s, sounding like it was taken from the discography of a classic band from Sunset Strip, whereas their Randy Rhoads-inspired riffs will kick you right in the head in Highway Bound, supported by the rumbling bass by Bento and the hammering drums by Leandro. All The Love That You Need is a power ballad with Melodic Rock and AOR elements, giving the album an extra touch of finesse, before they close the album on a high note with Reach The Sky, with Jack’s vocals being boosted by another killer guitar work by Ivan and Bruno.

Once again, Nite Stinger pay tribute to nightlife, wild parties, and roaring down the highways on a motorbike in their newborn beast, all while delivering the kind of fierce Hard Rock that makes life feel worth living. Hence, if you’re ready to discover what the “nite” is all about, you can follow those Brazilian hard rockers on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their electrifying music on Spotify, and grab a copy of their new album from Pride & Joy Music or by clicking HERE. Because the “nite” is all about pure old school Hard Rock, and Nite Stinger are among us to prove that once and for all.

Best moments of the album: You Know Why, Love & Freedom and What The Night Is All About.

Worst moments of the album: Fantasy.

Released in 2026 Pride & Joy Music

Track listing
1. You Know Why 3:36
2. Your Own Way To Be 4:02
3. The Night Is Never Over 3:12
4. Love & Freedom 3:47
5. Only You 4:08
6. Fantasy 3:56
7. What The Night Is All About 3:26
8. High Above 3:39
9. Highway Bound 3:44
10. All The Love That You Need 4:36
11. Reach The Sky 3:18

Band members
Jack Fahrer – vocals
Ivan Landgraf – guitars
Bruno Marx – guitars
Bento Mello – bass
Leandro Araújo – drums

Guest musician
Stevie Rachelle – vocals on “What The Nite Is All About”

Album Review – Moon Wisdom / Let Water Flow (2026)

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The debut opus by this Italian Black Metal entity will embrace us all in darkness, portraying humanity lost in nature, seeking itself amid hatred, solitude, and the eternal return of its own demons.

Born from the depths of lunar silence from the vision of vocalist Faith and guitarist Kaelos, kindred spirits united by the desire to give voice to inner silence, with drummer Hexis completing the lineup, Moon Wisdom is the reflection of a soul that contemplates darkness as part of its own essence. In their Black Metal, mist, forests, and inner abysses intertwine, every note echoing an ancient feeling suspended between pain and beauty, exactly like what they have to offer in their debut opus, entitled Let Water Flow. Recorded by the band itself, mixed and mastered by Faith and Kaelos, with photography by Debrinka and Faith, and a stunning artwork and logo combo by Faith and Kaelos, this lean, 29-minute ritual introduces the band with unrelenting vigor, channeling the raw spirit of Black Metal’s second wave while weaving a current of Punk Rock energy and depressive Blackgaze.

The atmospheric album Intro will darken the skies and bring a touch of anguish to our hearts before the band destroys our souls with As Rain, with Faith delivering those harsh, devilish vocals we all love so much in primeval Black Metal; and Kaelos keeps firing scorching riffs for our absolute delight in Ashen Winds, supported by the demented blast beats by Hexis in a lesson in Black Metal magic. Then presenting a contemporary fusion of Black Metal with Atmospheric and Blackened Doom Metal we have Frozen Soul, slower and more obscure than its predecessors, whereas they get back to a more ferocious vibe in Solitude, with Faith again vociferating rabidly for our total delight. The longest of all songs, titled Dark Shades, is also the most infernal and visceral, with the trio hammering their sonic weapons in the name of extreme music. Furthermore, Faith’s vocals get even more demonic thanks to the ruthless sonority blasted by Kaelos and Hexis, flowing into the sinister and melancholic outro Lullaby of Woods, concluding the album on a high note to the sound of a crying violin.

A forest of shadows, a lunar call that watches and consumes, Moon Shadow offer cold, melancholic melodies drift like nocturnal winds through the mind in their debut opus, while lyrics steeped in symbolism and mysticism portray humanity lost in nature, seeking itself amid hatred, solitude, and the eternal return of its own demons. You can get to know more about such an up-and-coming entity of the current Black Metal scene via Facebook and Instagram, stream their full album on Spotify, and of course purchase it from the Hypnotic Dirge Records’ Bandcamp or webstore. As the moon rises, the night will enfold us all, and the music found in the debut album by Moon Wisdom is simply perfect for succumbing to such a dark embrace.

Best moments of the album: Ashen Winds and Dark Shades.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Hypnotic Dirge Records

Track listing
1. Intro 1:42
2. As Rain 3:44
3. Ashen Winds 3:33
4. Frozen Soul 5:47
5. Solitude 4:48
6. Dark Shades 6:31
7. Lullaby of Woods 2:22

Band members
Faith – vocals
Kaelos – guitars
Hexis – drums

Album Review – Architectural Genocide / Malignant Cognition (2026)

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These unrelenting Texas-based Brutal Death Metal bruisers are out for blood armed with their sophomore beast, serving up a banquet of the band’s inimitable brutality.

Almost six years after the release of their debut offering Cordyceptic Anthropomorph, Houston, Texas-based Brutal Death Metal bruisers Architectural Genocide are finally back in action with their sophomore opus, titled Malignant Cognition. Mixed and mastered at Southwing Audio, and encased in the superb artwork by Rudi Yanto (Devastrosity, E-Force, Perveration) and Den Yudi (Decrepitation, Realm Of Chaos, Rotting Demise), the perfect visual depiction of the soul-eating madness within, the new album by Daniel Brockway on vocals, Tom Savage on the guitar, Matt Day on bass, and Nat Conner on drums serves up a banquet of the band’s inimitable brutality, being therefore perfect for fans of Cannibal Corpse, Skinless, Devourment, and Disentomb, just to name a few.

The band doesn’t waste a single second and begins their putrid fest with the evil intro Precursor To Bloodshed, flowing into the insanely gory Coercion Into Carnality, where Daniel vomits the song’s devilish words with tons of hatred and aggressiveness while Nat delivers those pounding beats we all love in Brutal Death Metal. It’s then pedal to the metal in the slamming tune Leave It To Cleaver, with Tom extracting pure violence from his axe supported by the always ass-kicking drumming by Nat, and there’s no sign of happiness or joy in Trophies For My Murders, an ode to all serial killers led by Daniel’s demented “breeeeeeeeeees” in an overdose of sheer violence.

Malicious Wager is absolutely mental from start to finish, a lesson in brutality by Architectural Genocide where Tom and Matt are savage armed with their stringed axes; and there’s no sign of the band slowing down at all in Decent Deranged, a slab of Brutal Death Metal tailored for admirers of the genre. Zed Requiem features the iconic Damonteal Harris of PeelingFlesh on vocals, who brings the groove to the band’s trademark sound, and the final result is simply demolishing, evil and absurdly fun; whereas a dark, wicked narration sets the tone in Stuffed Under Floorboards, another song inspired by the darkest corners of the human mind, with Nat stealing the spotlight with his pounding beats.

In a nutshell, Architectural Genocide’s long awaited second album is an even more dangerous, vicious creation that adds an unnerving, skin crawling terror to their trademark elixir of darkness and depravity. You can get more details about those ruthless death dealers on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their demented creations on any platform such as Spotify, and of course grab a copy of the venomous Malignant Cognition from Comatose Music’s BandCamp or webstore. In other words, prepare yourself for the fearsome assault of Malignant Cognition, as the year of 2026 is kicking off on a vile and gory mode with the brand new Brutal Death Metal holocaust by those unrelenting Texans.

Best moments of the album: Coercion Into Carnality, Malicious Wager and Zed Requiem.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Comatose Music

Track listing
1. Precursor To Bloodshed 1:25
2. Coercion Into Carnality 2:56
3. Leave It To Cleaver 2:27
4. Trophies For My Murders 2:39
5. Malicious Wager 2:53
6. Decent Deranged 3:26
7. Zed Requiem 4:01
8. Stuffed Under Floorboards 3:51

Band members
Daniel Brockway – vocals
Tom Savage – guitar
Matt Day – bass
Nat Conner – drums

Guest musician
Damonteal Harris – vocals on “Zed Requiem”