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”

Album Review – Paradise Lost / Ascension (2025)

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More than three decades into their career, UK’s own torchbearers of death and doom return with their seventeenth opus, traversing the multitude of sounds in their arsenal while keeping a minor-key melancholy that remains irresistible.

More than three decades into their career, and with over two million albums sold, Halifax, UK’s own  Doom/Death/Gothic Metal/Rock behemoths Paradise Lost remain the undisputed kings of metal’s darkest side, always putting us on a Stygian embrace of heaviness intertwined with shadowy melody and atmosphere. Now in 2025 the Yorkshire quintet formed of the iconic frontman Nick Holmes, guitarists Greg Mackintosh and Aaron Aedy, bassist Steve Edmondson, and drummer Guido Zima (who left the band after the album recordings were done, being replaced by Jeff Singer) returns with their staggering seventeenth album, entitled Ascension, a record that sees their crown continue to gleam as it underlines just how they attained their position. Produced by Greg Mackintosh at Black Planet Studios, with drums and vocals captured at NBS and Wasteland Studios, and adorned by the stunning painting “The Court of Death” (1902), by George Frederic Watts (1817 – 1904), the album’s ten tracks traverse the multitude of sounds in the band’s arsenal, from full-bore Heavy Metal to sky-high melody, all the while keeping a minor-key melancholy that remains irresistible.

Serpent on the Cross is absolutely gloomy and embracing from the very first second, with the sluggish beats by Guido exhaling Doom Metal magic, not to mention how crisp and piercing the guitars by Greg and Aaron sound, followed by Tyrants Serenade, one of the singles previously released, beautifully depicting the essence of the album with Nick stealing the show with his unique deep vocals while also presenting a strong Type O Negative vibe. Then we have Salvation, another lengthy and captivating aria of doom by those veterans with the keys by Greg sounding utterly haunting and somber; and their obscure sounds will penetrate deep inside your skull in Silence like the Grave, getting heavier and heavier while Nick vociferates the song’s devilish lyrics with endless anger in his blackened heart. And Lay a Wreath upon the World is one of their trademark dark ballads, albeit below the rest of the album regarding its punch and vibe.

The next track Diluvium sounds like it was taken from Icon or Draconian Times with a strong progressive twist thanks to the fantastic job done by Greg and Aaron armed with their stringed axes, whereas again delivering a beyond melancholic, slow and visceral Doom Metal sonority we have Savage Days, with Guido’s beats hitting us hard inside our heads. They keep blasting our minds with their idiosyncratic blend of Gothic and Doom Metal in Sirens, where their slashing riffs match perfectly with Nick’s vocals once again, even sounding a little like Metallica; and Steve and Guido will make your entire body tremble in Deceivers, accompanied by the thrilling sounds crafted by their bandmates, resulting in a lecture in modern-day Doom Metal with Gothic Rock and Metal nuances. And lastly, cryptic piano notes set the tone in The Precipice, closing the album on a pensive, sinister mode to the pounding drums by Guido and the menacing bass by Steve.

“The album title is taken from the belief in rising to the better place, in fiction from Earth to heaven, and all the requirements that go with that,” elaborates Nick Holmes. “In real life, people are often striving to get to a better place from birth, trying to be a better person, regardless of the fact that the only reward is death. The lyrics deal with everything that life throws at us. It’s never predictable, and within that it can also be terrifying. How people deal with death, the crutches they turn to, and how the mental state is affected by life changing situations is always intriguing.” Hence, you can join those trailblazers of doom in their quest for absolute darkness on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their unparalleled discography in full on Spotify, and of course click HERE to put your hands on such a beautiful album of obscure music. Because in the end,  Ascension stands proud in Paradise Lost’s canon. The misery never stops but, as the band itself likes to say, that’s how they like it.

Best moments of the album: Serpent on the Cross, Silence like the Grave and Deceivers.

Worst moments of the album: Lay a Wreath upon the World.

Released in 2025 Nuclear Blast Records

Track listing
1. Serpent on the Cross 6:12
2. Tyrants Serenade 4:20
3. Salvation 7:07
4. Silence like the Grave 4:46
5. Lay a Wreath upon the World 4:51
6. Diluvium 5:47
7. Savage Days 3:54
8. Sirens 4:46
9. Deceivers 3:37
10. The Precipice 5:42

Band members
Nick Holmes – vocals
Greg Mackintosh – lead guitars, keyboards
Aaron Aedy – rhythm guitars
Steve Edmondson – bass
Guido Zima – drums

Album Review – Kamra / Unending Confluence (2025)

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This uncanny Slovenian Black Metal beast will attack your senses with a complete madness of riffs, intricate drumming, flowing bass and multifaceted vocals, allowing you to dream of death.

Touching the borders where Black Metal has experimented in the 90’s but daring to go further with combining that with fleshy parts of Death Metal within a truly dark atmosphere, Unending Confluence, the new offering by Slovenian Atmospheric/Experimental Black Metal entity Karma, is unrelenting, brutal, beautiful and mentally unstable. Recorded at MH Dungeon, mixed by Anže Čanžek, mastered by Gabriele Gramaglia at Crepuscular Sound Studio, and displaying a stunning artwork painting by Jeff Christensen, with layout and design by Nik Košar and Tryfar, the follow-up to their 2022 debut Cerebral Alchemy showcases an overdose of darkness and madness by N.K. on vocals and keyboards, M.D. on the guitars and keyboards, J.B. on the guitar, L.B. on bass, and D.K. on drums, a true celebration of life and death through six unrelenting songs.

When an album starts with a song that surpasses the eight-minute mark like Unlightment you know you’re in for a treat, and such an insane Slovenian cult makes sure they slowly build up the atmosphere before starting their obscure mass, with D.K. demolishing his drums in the name of Black Metal. Then the raspy, demonic vociferations by N.K. and the Stygian riffage by M.D. and J.B. will darken your minds and thoughts in Cavernal Rebirth of Ends, another multi-layered aria of total fuckin’ darkness. After two intense tunes it’s time for the serene Owlgrowth, with parts of it being recorded in May 2020 in forests of Bled, creating a dark embrace to capture our souls forever before they crush our damned bodies once again with Weaver’s Bane, where the cryptic, gnarling vocals by N.K. sound even more demented. Of Pillars, Walls and Mutilation is one of the most insane and experimental creations of the current Black Metal scene worldwide, with the bass and drums by L.B. and D.K., respectively, oozing of obscurity and sulfur, and the album ends with the disruptive, dissonant Dreams of Veiled Veins, where the band’s fusion of Black and Death Metal with avantgarde elements works majestically.

A complete madness of riffs, intricate drumming, flowing bass and a multifaceted vocals, Unending Confluence allows you to dream of death. Hence, you can get to know more about such an uncanny five-headed creature on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their idiosyncratic creations on Spotify, and of course add their new black mass to your private collection by purchasing it from their BandCamp, as well as from the Avantgarde Music’s BandCamp or from Sound Cave. Unending Confluence is dark, heavy, atmospheric, mysterious and diverse, while at the same time keeping a raw and primeval vibe exactly like we enjoy in such a distinguished genre, and after two incredible albums we can rest assured the voices of Kamra will keep echoing to all four corners of the earth for many years to come.

Best moments of the album: Unlightment, Cavernal Rebirth of Ends and Of Pillars, Walls and Mutilation.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2020 Avantgarde Music

Track listing
1. Unlightment 8:58
2. Cavernal Rebirth of Ends 8:40
3. Owlgrowth 3:07
4. Weaver’s Bane 6:54
5. Of Pillars, Walls and Mutilation 7:04
6. Dreams of Veiled Veins 6:02

Band members
N.K. – vocals, keyboards
M.D. – guitar, keyboards
J.B. – guitar
L.B. – bass
D.K. – drums

Guest musicians
David Kocmur – additional keyboards

Album Review – Abyssalis / Adaptation (2025)

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Masterfully blending classic Death Metal with technical and brutal elements, this American band is ready to soar armed with their captivating newborn spawn.

Imbibing various elements of contemporary Death Metal to concoct music that is at once technical, groovy, and riff-driven, Atlanta, Georgia-based Technical Death Metal/Deathcore entity Abyssalis is ready to please fans of bands the likes of Soreption, Eschaton, Fleshbore, Decapitated, and Demon King, among others, with their brand new offering, entitled Adaptation. Featuring five previously unreleased songs, plus all songs from their 2023 debut EP The Mountain as a beyond special bonus (leading to a healthy discussion about the album being a full-length or a special EP), all embraced by the striking artwork by Justin Abraham (Inanimate Existence, Equipoise, Arkaik), the new album by Mac Smith (Eschaton, Apogean) on vocals, Josh Steverson on the guitars, Cole Daniels (Fleshbore, Unaligned) on bass, and Jack Blackburn (Unaligned, Killitorous) on drums masterfully blends classic Death Metal with technical and brutal elements, resulting in a captivating beast tailored for fans of all intricate forms of extreme music.

The extremely technical yet pulverizing riffs by Josh and beats and fills by Jack will crush you like an insect in Adaptation, sounding infernal form start to finish in a lecture in Technical Death Metal; and Jack keeps destroying his drums in great fashion in Indomitable, accompanied by the ruthless bass lines by Cole while Mac growls deeply and manically nonstop. Those metal lunatics will crush your damned bodies mercilessly in Pandemonium, with the demented roars by Mac and the sick drumming by Jack turning it into a must-listen for fans of the genre, and the riffs by Josh will pierce your mind while Cole and Jack will knock you out with their devilish kitchen in Senescence, before we face the also inhumane Valholl, a lesson in brutality and intricacy by the quartet where Jack steals the show with his fulminating beats and fills.

All of the following tracks are from the band’s complete previous The Mountain release, but that only makes the album even more powerful, starting with Arrival, where its dark intro gradually turns into a demonic feast of Death Metal, followed by Attitude of Gratitude, where Jack hammers his drums mercilessly in the name of extreme music. Mac keeps barking like a rabid beast in Synonymous, with the music exhaling hatred, intricacy and darkness just he way we like it in Death Metal; and the venomous riffs by Josh will melt your damned minds and souls in Shine, all while also sounding absolutely melodic. Josh’s hard hitting riffs are nicely complemented by the rumbling bass by Cole in Ethos, keeping the album as vibrant as it can be; whereas lastly, the quartet will demolish our frail bodies with The Hills Have Eyes, spearheaded by the venomous roars by Mac.

In a nutshell, Adaptation is a solid, enjoyable release that serves as a fine introduction for this unheralded band that is poised for bigger things in the future, and if you like what you hear you should definitely give the guys from Abyssalis a shout on Facebook and on Instagram, as well as stream their creations on Spotify, and grab a copy of the album from their own BandCamp or from the Transcending Obscurity Records’ main store, Bandcamp, Europe store or US store. The future of Death Metal is certainly in good hands with bands like Abyssalis embellishing the airwaves with their unique and dynamic sounds, and I’m sure we’ll hear a lot more from those guys in the near future, shortly after their newborn spawn Adaptation takes the world of heavy music by storm.

Best moments of the album: Adaptation, Pandemonium and Synonymous.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2025 Transcending Obscurity Records

Track listing
1. Adaptation 3:27
2. Indomitable 4:15
3. Pandemonium 3:16
4. Senescence 3:41
5. Valholl 3:29

The Mountain 2023 EP bonus tracks
6. Arrival 5:01
7. Attitude of Gratitude 3:04
8. Synonymous 3:24
9. Shine 3:49
10. Ethos 3:45
11. The Hills Have Eyes 4:25

Band members
Mac Smith – vocals
Josh Steverson – guitars
Cole Daniels – bass
Jack Blackburn – drums

Album Review – NecroticGoreBeast / Brute EP (2025)

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One of the heaviest, most violent bands in the history of Canadian metal is back with a devastating EP of shocking heft and horror.

One of the heaviest, most violent bands in the history of Canadian metal is back in action, armed with an EP of shocking heft and horror, even by their earthshaking standards. Hailing from both Montreal and Quebec City, the unrelenting Brutal Death Metal horde known as NecroticGoreBeast will crush you like an insect to the sound of Brute, the follow-up to their 2023 critically acclaimed full-length album Repugnant. Recorded by Christopher Rannou-Poulin at Equilibrium Studio, mixed and mastered by Miguel Tereso at Demigod Recordings, and displaying a gruesome artwork by Andreas Christanetoff of Armaada Art, the new EP by vocalist John Mayer, guitarist Michael Chamberland, bassist Alexandre Brochu, and drummer JP Bouchard is highly recommended for fans of Cannibal Corpse, Devourment, Internal Bleeding, and Skinless, presenting a bludgeoning, tormenting overdose of  creeping viciousness juxtaposed with rampant aggression throughout its five unrelenting tracks.

The cinematic intro Brute works as the opening scene for a slasher flick, setting the tone for the savagery that’s about to begin in Assault of Severed Genitalia, featuring guest vocals by the awesome she-wolf Chaney Crabb of Entheos, making an infernal, demented vocal duet with John while Michael, Alexandre and JP bring absolute violence and heaviness to our putrid ears. Then the visceral riffage by Michael keeps peeling our flesh mercilessly in Sensual Regurgitation, accompanied by the rumbling bass by Alexandre, followed by Maggot Filled Colonoscopy, a charming name for another slab of sheer brutality by the quartet with the inhumane gnarls by John sending shivers down our spines. Finally, JP hammers his drums manically in a lesson in Brutal Death Metal made in Canada entitled Knuckle Deep Convulsions, inviting us all to slam into the pit while also ending the EP on a high and utterly brutish note.

Your days in the light are numbered thanks to another bestial opus by NecroticGoreBeast, who have proved yet again why they are untouchable in the field of extreme brutality. Hence, if you want to be part of their feast of violence and gore, you can start following the band on Facebook and on Instagram, staying up to date with their demolishing live dates, stream their sick creations on Spotify, and purchase a copy of Brute from BandCamp or by clicking HERE to order the CD version of the EP or their available merch, and as usual you can always click HERE for all things NecroticGoreBeast. Those beyond talented and vicious Canadian metallers are out for blood once again, and despite being just an EP, Brute will certainly help them in draining you empty.

Best moments of the album: Assault of Severed Genitalia and Knuckle Deep Convulsions.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2025 Comatose Music

Track listing
1. Brute 0:56
2. Assault of Severed Genitalia 4:18
3. Sensual Regurgitation 3:01
4. Maggot Filled Colonoscopy 3:52
5. Knuckle Deep Convulsions 4:08

Band members
John Mayer – vocals
Michael Chamberland – guitar
Alexandre Brochu – bass
JP Bouchard – drums

Guest musician
Chaney Crabb – vocals on “Assault of Severed Genitalia”

Album Review – Abscence / Enigma (2025)

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Behold the debut offering by this promising Black and Gothic Metal horde, a concept album that chronicles the tragic and immortal love of two vampire women, bound by blood, betrayal, and devotion.

Channeling the essence of 90’s Black and Gothic Metal into a modern yet uncompromising sound, Yorkshire, England-based cult Abscence is unleashing upon humanity their debut offering, entitled Enigma. A concept album that chronicles the tragic and immortal love of two vampire women, bound by blood, betrayal, and devotion, Enigma is a gothic love story steeped in myth and moonlight, told across nine long-form tracks that unfold like chapters in a dark epic, drawing deeply from old school Theatre of Tragedy and Cradle of Filth while forging a captivating soundscape that’s both brutal and melancholic, all masterfully crafted by the dramatic and aggressive vocalist Mordred, the grief, rage, and spectral beauty by bassist and vocalist Morrigan, the raw blackened power of guitarist Balor, and the poetic vision and symphonic depth of keyboardist Gawain.

Ethereal, angelic sounds permeate the air in the opening track We Abandon Worldly Pearls, before the band begins distilling their Cradle of Filth-inspired attack led by the visceral gnarls by Mordred. Then the stylish, grim keys by Gawain set fire to the band’s Black Metal engine in Under Moon’s Glance, offering a high-octane feast of extreme sounds enfolded by a whimsical aura, whereas the title-track Enigma is another beast of blackened and symphonic sounds, with the guitars by Balor clashing with Morrigan’s thunderous bass in great fashion. After that, we face the atmospheric (and a bit lengthy) Secrets Confide, a slow, sinister tune by Abscence that sets the tone for the six-minute aria Silk & Shadows, a Black Metal extravaganza where Mordred’s devilish roars will send shivers down your spine while the atmosphere trembles to their wicked riffs and beats, all boosted by Morrigan’s hypnotizing clean vocals.

Eternal Vows of Midnight is another sinister, spine-chilling composition by Abscence, with the haunting keys by Gawain walking hand in hand with Morrigan’s delicate yet penetrating vocals. Mordred then takes the lead once again with his Dani Filth-like screeches in Cloak of Mind, a fast and infuriated composition where Gawain’s keys give the song a striking phantasmagorical vibe; and the second to last song of the album, titled Whispers of Eternity, presents a more Melodic Black Metal vibe thanks to the harmonious guitar lines by Balor. Not only that, it’s perhaps the song where Morrigan’s vocals thrive the most. Finally, the epic conclusion to the story of the vampire lovers comes in the form of Our Love Ignites, a beautiful aria of Symphonic Black Metal magic where the vocals by Mordred and Morrigan build a cinematic paradox.

At its heart, Abscence is a band devoted to emotional authenticity and artistic freedom, with their symphonic arrangements, melodic guitars, dual vocal dynamics, and narrative-driven lyricism helping them creates a sonic world where brutality meets elegance, just like what they have to offer in Enigma. Hence, don’t forget to check what this up-and-coming beast of extreme music is up to on Facebook and on Instagram, to stream their unique, enfolding creations on Spotify, and of course to grab your copy of the hypnotizing Enigma from the band’s own BandCamp. This talented and hardworking horde has all it takes to conquer the world of heavy music with the detailed and visceral music found in Enigma, and just like the immortal love of the two protagonists of their new album, it will capture your blackened heart for all eternity.

Best moments of the album: Under Moon’s Glance, Silk & Shadows and Cloak of Mind.

Worst moments of the album: Secrets Confide.

Released in 2025 WormHoleDeath

Track listing
1. We Abandon Worldly Pearls 5:26
2. Under Moon’s Glance 7:04
3. Enigma 7:18
4. Secrets Confide 3:48
5. Silk & Shadows 6:18
6. Eternal Vows of Midnight 3:47
7. Cloak of Mind 8:09
8. Whispers of Eternity 5:25
9. Our Love Ignites 8:42

Band members
Mordred – vocals
Balor – guitars
Morrigan – bass, female vocals
Gawain – keyboards

Album Review – Unaligned / A Form Beyond (2025)

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Boasting of a celebrated lineup, this Florida, United States-based beast is ready to kill armed with their first full-length album, an exemplary display of Progressive and Technical Death and Black Metal.

Boasting of a celebrated lineup featuring members of Withered Throne, Demon King, Fleshbore and others, Florida, United States-based beast Unaligned offers a blackened and comparatively more atmospheric take on the Technical Death Metal style. Mixed and mastered by Mike Low, edited and mixed by Erik Johnson at Dark Prophet Audio, and displaying another sick artwork by the amazing Adam Burke of Nightjar Illustration, the band’s first full-length opus, titled A Form Beyond, is an exemplary Progressive and Technical Death and Black Metal album that only gets better with more listens, showcasing all the talent and dexterity by Andrew Guia (Withered Throne) on vocals, Taylor Tidwell (Withered Throne) and Shane Dreher (Nightspake) on the guitars, Cole Daniels (Demon King, Fleshbore) on bass, and Jack Blackburn (Killitorous, Inferi) on drums.

Eerie, atmospheric sounds permeate the air in the opening track Entities of Ash, until all hell breaks loose to the venomous gnarling by Andrew, supported by the demented beats and fills by Jack; and the visceral riffage by Taylor and Shane exhale Technical Death Metal in Unbecoming of I, accompanied by the intricate and heavy-as-hell bass by Cole. Then the harsh vociferations by Andrew reek of venomous and infuriated Deathcore in Ruins of Lunacy, while the music is as bestial, savage and technical as possible, followed by the title-track A Form Beyond, a lesson in Technical Death Metal with a blackened approach, with Jack stealing the spotlight with his demonic beats and fills.

Then after a streak of hard hitting songs, the band offers the more cadenced and not so dynamic Essence Erased, which is still very technical, though, showcasing their trademark heavy sounds. Again presenting a more obscure, pensive atmosphere we have Spirit Dysmorphia; however, in this case the band gets back on track with a slab of dexterity and aggression led by the pulverizing drums by Jack. Death Entwines Us All presents a phantasmagorical, melancholic start to the minimalist guitars by Taylor and Shane, warming us up for another metallic attack of Death and Black Metal by the band, resulting in a must-listen for fans of the genre. Finally, the album ends with the also infernal Dreaming in Decay, where the ruthless bass lines by Cole add tons of thunder to the extremely intricate riffage by Taylor and Shane.

Meticulously written and impeccably executed, A Form Beyond undoubtedly positions Unaligned as a force to be reckoned with in the extreme music scene worldwide, being therefore highly recommended for fans of Demon King, Withered Throne, Inferi, Enfold Darkness, Warforged, and Vale of Pnath, among others. As usual, you can find more details about the band on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their demented creations on Spotify, and of course purchase A Form Beyond from their BandCamp or from the Transcending Obscurity Records’ main store, Bandcamp, Europe store or US store. A Form Beyond is not only technical, but visceral and dark, and once you get a taste of what Unaligned are capable of by listening to the album, you’ll certainly get addicted to their infuriated sounds.

Best moments of the album: Entities of Ash, A Form Beyond and Death Entwines Us All.

Worst moments of the album: Essence Erased.

Released in 2025 Transcending Obscurity Records

Track listing
1. Entities of Ash 5:11
2. Unbecoming of I 4:35
3. Ruins of Lunacy 4:33
4. A Form Beyond 4:30
5. Essence Erased 4:32
6. Spirit Dysmorphia 4:47
7. Death Entwines Us All 5:01
8. Dreaming in Decay 5:04

Band members
Andrew Guia – vocals
Taylor Tidwell – guitars
Shane Dreher – guitars
Cole Daniels – bass
Jack Blackburn – drums