Tag Archives: brutal death metal

Album Review – Barbarism / Predetermined Extinction (2026)

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Behold the debut album by this newborn Brutal Death Metal beast, exploring the idea that what appears to be absolute chaos is, in fact, governed by hidden order.

Inspired by the relentless spirit of classic Brutal Death Metal, the ruthless Indonesia and Ecuador-based trio Barbarism is unleashing upon humanity their vision of cosmic annihilation through calculated brutality in the form of their debut opus, titled Predetermined Extinction. Produced by the band itself, with vocals recorded at Calamity Streak Recording, guitars and bass at Resonance Beast Studio, and drums at V Studio, mixed and mastered at Resonance Beast Studio, and displaying a killer artwork by Andik Godfinger, the debut by Ardian Atmosunaryo (Deserter, Devastrosity, Goremorphosis, Obscure Odium, Over Power) on vocals, Roby Agus (Cryogenic, Decaying Human, Devastrosity, Goremorphosis, Gorification, Gorraw) on the guitars and bass, and Claudio Carrasco (Criptor, Huesa Cadáver, Infected Humans, Nephropexy) on drums explores the idea that what appears to be absolute chaos is, in fact, governed by hidden order, being therefore highly recommended for fans of the savagery blasted by bands such as Disgorge, Deeds of Flesh, and Cerebral Effusion.

Claudio ignites the band’s venomous attack with his infuriated beats and fills in Vortex of Celestial Dismemberment, while Ardian delivers those gurgling, inhumane guttural vocals we all love so much; followed by The Creator’s Metabolic Scourge, with its disturbing intro evolving into a cadaverous display of Brutal Death Metal led by the scorching riffage by Roby in a lecture in the genre. Crypts of Uncreation sounds absolutely demented and pulverizing from start to finish, with the massive beats by Claudio making our heads tremble, and the band once again delivers a high dosage of their undisputed savagery in Xul’s Vermicular Feast, with Ardian vomiting the song’s gory words while Roby continues to shred his axe in the name of violence; whereas The Architect’s Final Theorem is another no shenanigans onrush of brutality led by the crushing drums by Claudio.

There’s still a lot of fuel (or maybe I should say corpses) to burn in Predetermined Extinction, starting with the disruptive Catalogue of Calculated Carnage, with the guitars by Roby transpiring aggression while cutting our flesh mercilessly, while Immaculate Putrescence is one of the most demented songs of the album (if that’s humanly possible), offering our putrid ears an avalanche of Brutal Death Metal through their gruesome roars and infernal blast beats. Chaos in Order sounds as demonic as its predecessors, despite lacking a bit of the dynamism found in the rest of the album; and closing the album we have Structured Violence, bringing forward more of their trademark Brutal Death Metal sounds led by Claudio’s hammering drums, before all fades into an eerie, cryptic outro.

“This album is our tribute to the era of brutal death metal that shaped us while forging an identity rooted in structured violence, anti-creation, and the inevitable collapse of existence,” commented such an unrelenting trio, and you can find more details about the band and their music on Facebook and on Instagram, and of course purchase a copy of the infernal Predetermined Extinction from their own BandCamp or from Grave Island Records, or simply click HERE for all things Barbarism. Predetermined Extinction is Brutal Death Metal at its finest because, as you might already know, where structure dies, barbarism begins.

Best moments of the album: The Creator’s Metabolic Scourge, Xul’s Vermicular Feast and Immaculate Putrescence.

Worst moments of the album: Chaos in Order.

Released in 2026 Grave Island Records

Track listing
1. Vortex of Celestial Dismemberment 2:17
2. The Creator’s Metabolic Scourge 2:43
3. Crypts of Uncreation 2:16
4. Xul’s Vermicular Feast 2:43
5. The Architect’s Final Theorem 2:23
6. Catalogue of Calculated Carnage 2:27
7. Immaculate Putrescence 2:36
8. Chaos in Order 2:46
9. Structured Violence 3:54

Band members
Ardian Atmosunaryo – vocals
Roby Agus – guitars, bass
Claudio Carrasco – drums

Album Review – Vertiginous / Incessant Affliction (2026)

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This up-and-coming Indonesian Brutal Death Metal duo returns from the pits of the underworld with a sickening second serving of mind warping malice.

Having left the Brutal Death Metal scene battered and broken with their 2024 debut album Reek Of Putrefaction On Excruciating Lust, the ruthless East Java, Indonesia-based duo Vertiginous has returned from the pits of the underworld with a sickening second serving of mind warping malice, entitled Incessant Affliction. Mixed and mastered at Endless Gruesome Studio, where the likes of Vile Desolation and Analtopsy have spawned their cruel creations, the new opus by Jossi Bima on vocals and Hendika Dwi Prasetyo on the guitars, bass and drums has a sound that conjures visions of bodies raked by methodical bursts of machine gun fire, the vicious disassembling of the human form, with its entrails and organs adorned in the unnerving artwork of the renowned Timbul Cahyono of Bvllmetalart (Avulsed, Defeated Sanity, Massacre), being therefore perfect for fans of the carnage blasted by Indecent Excision, Embodied Torment, Disgorge and Gorgasm.

The duo wastes no time and kick off their decimating metal feast with the bludgeoning Suffering, Misery and Slaughtering, led by Jossi’s infernal guttural, while Hendika’s demolishing beats will crush your cranial skull in Tortured with Endless Despair, another demonic blast of Indonesian brutality. Mutilated with Anguishes carries a charming name for a Brutal Death Metal attack by the duo, with Hendika slashing his axe nonstop in the name of violence; while Jossi’s guttural gets even deeper in Chaotic in the Weakened Reason, sounding absolutely inhumane and evil. And the decimating Engraved Loathing continues to spread the duo’s passion for the extreme, in special through Hendika’s massive blast beats.

Hendika keeps hammering his drums like a wild beats in Uncertainty in Abstract Destiny, while Jossi vociferates rabidly in the best Death Metal style; and those Indonesian bastards show no mercy for our souls in Crucified in Fate Hesitation, crushing their instruments and growling nonstop in the name of Brutal Death Metal. There’s no time to breathe as we’re smashed like insects once again in Incubated Inquietude, offering an overdose of Cannibal Corpse-inspired riffs for our total delight, with its slower but heavy-as-hell moments adding an extra kick to it. Restrained in Obscurity is not as dynamic as the rest of the album, albeit still gory and violent, and their coup-de-grace comes in the form of Unclear Misery, with Jossi roaring and barking in our faces until the very end.

Featuring ten new tracks delivered with a breathless intensity, each one a fresh wave of dread and terror meticulously crafted and steeped in the very essence of rot, decay and carnage, another injection of adrenaline straight into the chambers of the heart, Incessant Affliction represents a huge step forward in the career of such a talented duo, and if you want to join them in their quest for brutality you can find them on Facebook and on Instagram, and purchase their new opus from Comatose Music’s BandCamp or webstore. With Incessant Affliction, there is no end in sight, no hope for respite from the ravages of horror. Vertiginous are coming, and there is no place you can hide.

Best moments of the album: Mutilated with Anguishes, Uncertainty in Abstract Destiny and Incubated Inquietude.

Worst moments of the album: Restrained in Obscurity.

Released in 2026 Comatose Music

Track listing
1. Suffering, Misery and Slaughtering 3:30
2. Tortured with Endless Despair 2:46
3. Mutilated with Anguishes 2:58
4. Chaotic in the Weakened Reason 2:19
5. Engraved Loathing 3:56
6. Uncertainty in Abstract Destiny 3:33
7. Crucified in Fate Hesitation 2:31
8. Incubated Inquietude 3:03
9. Restrained in Obscurity 3:02
10. Unclear Misery 2:44

Band members
Jossi Bima – vocals
Hendika Dwi Prasetyo – guitars, bass, drums

Album Review – Cranial Osteotomy / Vortex Of The Dark Knowledge (2026)

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Fourteen years in the making and a full fifteen years since their debut album, this Russian Brutal Death Metal force returns with their sophomore offering, an irresistible, unstoppable surge of soul devouring power.

Fourteen years in the making and a full fifteen years since their debut album Victim Of Wicked Sickness was released, Omsk, Russia-based Brutal Death Metal force Cranial Osteotomy is finally releasing their sophomore beast, entitled Vortex Of The Dark Knowledge, an irresistible, unstoppable surge of soul devouring power that will shatter your body and haunt the hidden chambers of your mind. Mixed and mastered at Impulse Studios and Gravestone Studios, and adorned by a hellish artwork by Marco Hasmann (Kraanium, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Vile), the new album by Vad Moskalenko on vocals and guitar, Vladimir Pomytkin also on the guitar, Vitaliy Sturk on bass, and Vladislav Melnik on drums is destined to be one of the heaviest releases of the year, a decimating assault of guttural chaos, ritual, invocation, nightmares and death.

The beyond sinister intro Praecursor sets the stage for the band to pulverize us all in Thanatomorpheus, led by the massive, no shenanigans drums by Vladislav while Vad keeps barking like a true beast in the name of brutality. Hideous Monument of Ambrosial Pulchritude sounds even more demented and vibrant, with the guitars by Vad and Vladimir transpiring classic Death Metal, and their demolishing feast goes on in full force in Dipping into Sombre Quagmire, with Vladislav once again pounding his drums manically. Needless to say, there’s no sign of the quartet slowing down at all, offering our putrid ears more of their blend of Brutal Death Metal insanity in the form of Structures of Decadence Impurity.

With a name like Cathedral Butchery Feast it was obvious the music was going to be absolutely brutal from start to finish, with Vad’s guttural sounding insanely inhumane; while Divine Desecration keeps the atmosphere as gory and violent as it can be, again presenting a demented performance by Vladislav on drums. Then the classic initial beats by Vladislav ignite another infernal circle pit in Obscenity Aeon, with the guitars by Vad and Vladimir exhaling hatred and gore, whereas the excellent title-track Vortex of the Dark Knowledge presents a sound in the vein of the mighty Organectomy and Devourment, putting us all to dance in a cesspool of blood. And get ready for one final blast of slamming brutality by the band titled Scorched Diadem, with Vitaliy pounding his bass in the best Death Metal style until the very end.

Highly recommended for admirers of the absolute brutality blasted by renowned acts the likes of Suffocation, Condemned, Skinless and Internal Bleeding, just to name a few, you can find more information about the guys from Cranial Osteotomy on Facebook and on VKontakte, including their punishing live concerts, stream their sonic savagery on any platform like Spotify, and of course purchase their demented sophomore album from Comatose Music’s BandCamp or webstore. It’s been an undeniably long wait, no doubt about that, but you’ll be too busy screaming to worry about that when Vortex Of The Dark Knowledge drags you inexorably into its maelstrom of madness.

Best moments of the album: Hideous Monument of Ambrosial Pulchritude, Cathedral Butchery Feast and Vortex of the Dark Knowledge.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Comatose Music

Track listing
1. Praecursor 0:46
2. Thanatomorpheus 3:46
3. Hideous Monument of Ambrosial Pulchritude 3:03
4. Dipping into Sombre Quagmire 3:31
5. Structures of Decadence Impurity 3:08
6. Cathedral Butchery Feast 3:37
7. Divine Desecration 3:17
8. Obscenity Aeon 2:57
9. Vortex of the Dark Knowledge 3:31
10. Scorched Diadem 4:06

Band members
Vad Moskalenko – vocals, guitar
Vladimir Pomytkin – guitar
Vitaliy Sturk – bass
Vladislav Melnik – drums

Album Review – Necromonger / Emanation Of The Dying Perceptions (2026)

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Devoted to the sound of rotting, repugnant Death Metal, these Bulgarian brutes will attack armed with their debut offering, a love letter to the dismantling of the human form.

Formed in 2021 in Pleven, the seventh most populous city in Bulgaria located in the northern part of the country, by members of Fecal Body Incorporated, Cocklush and Concrete, gore obsessives Necromonger are devoted to the sound of rotting, repugnant Death Metal, undiluted, uncompromising and bone crushing. After years of immersion in their fetid fantasies, the band formed of Pigman on vocals, Agrogrinder on the guitars and bass, and Quill Rat on drums has emerged with a debut album to bring a shudder to the soul of all but the most hardened disciples of disgust, titled Emanation Of The Dying Perceptions, delving into the disturbing psychology of serial killers, exploring twisted human instincts, violent obsessions and the darkest corners of the human mind.

Arising from the deepest tombs of brutality, the trio comes ripping in Beyond the Pleasure Principle, with the gore spilling from their instruments sounding demented to say the least. Then the ruthless riffs and bass by Agrogrinder set the tone in Born in Grave Wax, while Pigman roars like a rabid creature from the abyss; followed by Dissection of Consciousness, the soundtrack to a grim horror movie no one can watch until the end without passing out, where the classic Death Metal beats by Quill Rat offer Pigman exactly what he needs to bark manically. Meconium Eater is another short and sweet display of the band’s core Gore Metal, perfect for some slamming, whereas back to a more detailed, longer and more visceral sound we face Confessions of a Dead Poet, also presenting hints of Goregrind to make things even more putrid and vile.

Those demented death dealers invite us all for a bloodbath inside the pit in Clite Skinner, with the devilish vocals by Pigman transpiring Brutal Death Metal violence, followed by Extrаct of Rotting Fetus, as cadaverous and demented as its predecessors, spearheaded by the hammering drums by Quill Rat. After that, Agrogrinder’s evil guitar will peel your flesh without mercy in Bloody Picasso, accompanied by the monstrous roars by Pigman, and if you feel like dancing in a cesspool of blood you can do it while listening to Autophagous Erection, offering an overdose of absolute gore and heaviness. Slaughter to the Bones feels a bit repetitive and generic, although their gory and putrid sounds can be noticed from start to finish, and if you go for the physical CD or cassette of the album you’ll get some nice bonus tracks. They treat us with Necromonger on CD, offering over nine minutes of Death Metal’s melodious gore, and Necrocannibal Polution on cassette, an eight-minute aria to be played during the end of the world.

Rooted deep in the early 90’s Death Metal sound, those Bulgarian brutes channel the spirit of Carcass, Impetigo, Mortician, Dead Infection, Pungent Stench and Autopsy. No gimmicks. No compromise. Just death, gore and total annihilation. You can join those gore obsessed musicians on Facebook and on Instagram, keeping an eye on their blood-drenched live performances, and of course put your damned hands on their striking debut from Xtreem Music’s BandCamp or webstore. With Emanation Of The Dying Perceptions, Necromonger have written a love letter to the dismantling of the human form. And as you listen to it, expect no mercy.

Best moments of the album: Born in Grave Wax, Dissection of Consciousness and Autophagous Erection.

Worst moments of the album: Slaughter to the Bones.

Released in 2026 Xtreem Music

Track listing
1. Beyond the Pleasure Principle 5:41
2. Born in Grave Wax 1:52
3. Dissection of Consciousness 7:53
4. Meconium Eater 1:28
5. Confessions of a Dead Poet 7:04
6. Clite Skinner 3:56
7. Extrаct of Rotting Fetus 2:02
8. Bloody Picasso 5:41
9. Autophagous Erection 4:22
10. Slaughter to the Bones 5:56

CD only bonus track
11. Necromonger (Instrumental) 9:19

Cassette only bonus track
12. Necrocannibal Polution 8:13

Band members
Pigman – vocals
Agrogrinder – guitars, bass
Quill Rat – drums

Album Review – Monument of Misanthropy / Washington State Charm (2026)

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Vienna, Austria’s own Brutal Death Metal institution is back with a brand new full-length slab of extremity, a concept album chronicling the coming-of-age story of America’s probably most prolific serial killer, Ted Bundy.

Two years after their demolishing album Vile Postmortem Irrumatio, their sickening concept album based on the life of infamous serial killer Ed Kemper, Vienna, Austria’s own Brutal Death Metal institution Monument of Misanthropy has crawled back out of the basement with a brand new full-length slab of extremity, entitled Washington State Charm. Currently formed of George “Misanthrope” Wilfinger on vocals, Julius Kössler and Joe Gatsch on the guitars, Raphael Hendlmayer on bass, and Simon Martinsich on drums, the band is on absolute fire in Washington State Charm, a wholesome concept album chronicling the coming-of-age story of America’s probably most prolific serial killer, Ted Bundy, from the awkward upbringing to the early extracurricular activities, and the grand finale on the electric chair.

After the dark and sinister intro Obviously We Gotta Start Somewhere…, we’re pulverized by Monument of Misanthropy with the infuriated Neath Tacoma Asphalt, featuring guests Mendel Bij De Leij (Aborted) on lead guitars and Johnny Ciardullo (AngelMaker, Carcosa) on vocals, with the unstoppable drums by Simon inviting us for some good, no shenanigans slamming inside the pit. A Hunger Unstilled continues with their undisputed savagery, with the guitars by Julius and Joe breathing fire and aggressiveness, setting the tone for The 1974 PNW Spree, featuring guest lead guitars by Gabe Mangold (Enterprise Earth), even more infuriated and harsh, or in other words, another Brutal Death Metal beast spawned by such an indomitable band. Then we face another perturbing interlude titled Unfortunately WA before we’re crushed into pieces to the sound of Washington State Charm, and the title-track couldn’t have sounded more infernal and demented, with the visceral roars and gnarls by George sending shivers down our spines.

The band keeps hammering our cranial skulls with their undisputed brutality in Colorado Murder, with George’s deep, inhumane growls matching perfectly with the Death Metal riff attack by Julius and Joe; and Simon sounds like a wild creature out of control in The Hacksaw Blade, smashing his drums nonstop for our total delight. George’s scathing screams will penetrate deep inside our putrid minds in Chi Omega Blood Rage, supported by the thunderous bass by Raphael and the demonic beats and fills by Simon, followed by Suwannee Hog Shed, another blast of Brutal Death Metal madness by the quintet, with their guitars transpiring absolute chaos and hatred. Their last eerie, vile interlude, titled Could You Hear That?, will darken the skies before we face Strapped To The Throne (Burn, Bundy, Burn), featuring guest Hal Microutsicos (Engulf) on vocals, a bludgeoning tune that will sound fantastic if played live, perfect for some brutal slamming to the infernal riffs by Julius and Joe. And lastly, we’re treated to the bonus track The Eye Of Ra, featuring Shoi Sen (De Profundis) on lead guitars and Jean-Jacques Moréac (Misanthrope) on bass, and their cover for such a classic by Nile  from their 2009 masterpiece Those Whom the Gods Detest (check the original one HERE) is utterly insane to say the least.

“While we’ve stayed 100% true to ourselves musically, which means constantly reinventing ourselves, we’re pretty damn sure you’re going to love this new album. We obsessed over every microscopic detail, whether it’s a hidden arpeggio, a lyrical pun, or just another described act of unspeakable horror and maybe some truths about Ted you might not even have known yet. This isn’t just another death metal record you half-listen to while bench-pressing. It’s an experience. A deep look into a very, very sick human being’s brain,” commented George, and you can get more details about the band and their (serial) killer new album from Facebook and Instagram, stream their sick creations on YouTube and on Spotify, and of course purchase Washington State Charm by clicking HERE. “We serial killers are your sons, we are your husbands, we are everywhere. And there will be more of your children dead tomorrow,” said the insane Ted Bundy, and there’s nothing more precise than the venomous and technical brutality found in the new album by Monument of Misanthropy to turn such an evil mind into ruthless extreme music.

Best moments of the album: Neath Tacoma Asphalt, Washington State Charm, Chi Omega Blood Rage and Strapped To The Throne (Burn, Bundy, Burn).

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Listenable Records

Track listing
1. Obviously We Gotta Start Somewhere… 0:17
2. Neath Tacoma Asphalt 3:51
3. A Hunger Unstilled 1:24
4. The 1974 PNW Spree 3:39
5. Unfortunately WA 0:20
6. Washington State Charm 3:54
7. Colorado Murder 4:53
8. The Hacksaw Blade 3:45
9. Chi Omega Blood Rage 3:10
10. Suwannee Hog Shed 3:34
11. Could You Hear That? 0:35
12. Strapped To The Throne (Burn, Bundy, Burn) 2:53

Bonus track
13. The Eye Of Ra (Nile cover) 4:52

Band members
George “Misanthrope” Wilfinger – vocals
Julius Kössler – guitars
Joe Gatsch – guitars
Raphael Hendlmayer – bass
Simon Martinsich – drums

Guest musicians
Mendel Bij De Leij  – lead guitars on “Neath Tacoma Asphalt”
Johnny Ciardullo – vocals on “Neath Tacoma Asphalt”
Gabe Mangold – lead guitars on “The 1974 PNW Spree”
Hal Microutsicos  – vocals on “Strapped To The Throne (Burn, Bundy, Burn)”
Shoi Sen – lead guitars on “The Eye Of Ra”
Jean-Jacques Moréac – bass on “The Eye Of Ra”

Album Review – Fleshcrawl / Epitome of Carnage (2026)

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These ruthless Death Metal veterans will satiate your hunger for thunderous extreme music with their demolishing tenth full-length opus.

Founded in the spring of 1987 in Illertissen, Germany, by Stefan Hanus and Bastian Herzog, the ruthless Death Metal brigade known as Fleshcrawl will satiate your hunger for thunderous Death Metal with their forthcoming full-length opus, entitled Epitome of Carnage, following up on their 2019 offering Into the Catacombs of Flesh. Recorded at Scumlight Studio, produced and mixed by the band itself, and mastered by Peter In de Betou at Tailor Maid Production, the newborn spawn by Borisz Sarafutgyinov on vocals, Apu Justin Reisch and Christian Kalbrecht on the guitars, Manu Markowski on bass, and Bastian Herzog on drums will please all fans of rotten, old school Death Metal, decimating everything and everyone that crosses the path of a band that has been living and breathing pure extreme music for almost 40 years.

Their level of brutality already goes through the roof in the opening track Blood Dominion, led by the demented blast beats by Bastian while their guitars transpire Death Metal, followed by Chapel Of Guts, as gruesome as it can be thanks to the deep vociferations by Borisz, supported by another round of Stygian riffs by Apu and Christian. They keep shredding their axes in Grave Messiah while Bastian goes full Brutal Death Metal on drums; whereas in Embers Of Wrath the band continues to make everything tremble with their groove-infused Death Metal attack, with Borisz’s guttural reaching a new slab of vileness. Committed To Suffer offers pure 90’s Death Metal magic flowing from all instruments, in special from the devilish riffs by Apu and Christian, while Reign Forever lives up to the legacy of European Death Metal the likes of Vomitory, with Bastian once again stealing the show with his inhumane beats and fills.

The second part of the album kicks off with the Stygian interlude Chronicles Of Bloodshed, warming us up for the demolishing Rebuilt From Flesh, where their slashing riffage will cut our flesh into pieces. It’s absolutely harsh, brutal and heavy, with Borisz barking like a demonic entity until the very end, and there’s no time to breathe to the frantic riffs blasted by the band in Orphan God, again offering an overdose of their deep, visceral sounds. Then get ready to break your neck headbanging with Path Of Thorns, as evil as it can be due to another demonic vocal performance by Borisz, followed by Heralds Of Death, not as exciting as its predecessors albeit still showcasing a solid guitar work by Apu and Christian. Lastly, there’s no better way to end a Death Metal album than with a slamming tune like Of Fire And Flesh, bringing forward the band’s characteristic guttural roars, vile riffs and demented bass and drums.

After listening to each and every track from Epitome of Carnage, you’ll easily realize why Fleshcrawl refuse to die, continuing to spread their Death Metal madness to all four corners of the earth with the same intensity and rage from their early days. And if Death Metal is your business, and business is good, you can find those deadly German creatures on Facebook and on Instagram, including their killer live concerts, stream their visceral tunes on Spotify, and of course grab a copy of their new album from the Reigning Phoenix Music’s webstore in the EU, US or UK, or simply click HERE for all available versions of the album. But you better be warned as once you hit play on the new album by Fleshcrawl, there will be carnage.

Best moments of the album: Chapel of Guts, Grave Messiah, Reign Forever and Of Fire And Flesh.

Worst moments of the album: Heralds Of Death.

Released in 2026 Distortion Music Group (DMG)

Track listing
1. Blood Dominion 3:49
2. Chapel Of Guts 5:44
3. Grave Messiah 4:01
4. Embers Of Wrath 3:26
5. Committed To Suffer 3:55
6. Reign Forever 3:50
7. Chronicles Of Bloodshed 1:08
8. Rebuilt From Flesh 3:54
9. Orphan God 3:51
10. Path Of Thorns 5:22
11. Heralds Of Death 4:08
12. Of Fire And Flesh 4:44

Band members
Borisz Sarafutgyinov – vocals
Apu Justin Reisch – guitars
Christian Kalbrecht – guitars
Manu Markowski – bass
Bastian Herzog – drums, additional vocals

Album Review – Goreworm / Miasmic Solitude (2026)

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Meshing different Death Metal styles in a way that’s both confounding and challenging, this Canadian ensemble returns with their sophomore beast, their most evolved creation to date.

Meshing different Death Metal styles in a way that’s both confounding and challenging, throwing Technical, Melodic, and Brutal Death Metal elements into a high-speed blender, Brantford, Ontario-based ensemble Goreworm have been on a roll since their inception back in 2017, culminating now in 2026 with the release of their sophomore album Miasmic Solitude, following up on their 2020 debut Prodigy of the Grotesque. Displaying a grim, barren artwork by Leanna TenEycke, and featuring guest drummer Robin Stone (of bands like Ashen Horde, Norse and Chestcrush), the new album by Robert Miller on vocals, Jordan Estrela on the guitars, and Brent Moerschfelder on the guitars and bass is their most evolved creation to date, and it must be celebrated for its passionate and innovative take on the Technical Death Metal style.

It’s pedal to the metal from the very first notes in the infuriated Conjuring, with its background epicness elevating the band’s heaviness to a whole new level, not to mention Robin simply demolishes his drums in an ode to tech death. The following tune Monuments to Murdering brings forward a crazy fusion of Progressive and Technical Death Metal where Robert’s enraged roars match perfectly with the intricate riffs by Jordan and Brent; whereas The Enthralling Grave, the first single of the album, offers an onrush of violence and dexterity, with Robin once again hammering his drums in the name of extreme music. The band then delivers a somber, grim sonority in Orbweaver, evolving into another slab of brutal insanity spearheaded by the inhumane riffage by the band’s guitar duo, and it’s time to headbang like a maniac to the sound of Amor Vincit Omnia, a Latin phrase meaning “love conquers all,” coined by the Roman poet Virgil around 37 B.C., another solid Technical Death Metal beast crafted by the boys.

The band  goes berserk in the Death Metal extravaganza No Reprieve, with Robert barking and growling rabidly for our absolute delight in a lecture in Technical Death Metal made in Canada; while Eve of Flagellation feels a bit uninspired in the end despite its heaviness and fury, even with Robert roaring like a demonic entity nonstop. Then back to a more creative and demented sonority we face Jarrell, as infernal as it is technical, with Robin stealing the spotlight with perhaps his most demolishing performance of the entire album; whereas adding epic elements to their core savagery, the band destroys everything and everyone with Strelly, where Brent sounds ruthless with both his guitar and bass for our total delight. And lastly we have the title-track Miasmic Solitude, putting a beyond pulverizing ending to the album to the sound of the band’s undisputed screams, riffs and beats.

After all is said and done, the new offering by the unrelenting Goreworm will undoubtedly appeal to fans of the most intricate yet demolishing form of Death Metal crafted by bands the likes of Arsis, Gorod, Xenosis, Fleshbore, and Obscura, just to name a few. You can get to know more about such a talented band from Canada by following the band on Facebook and on Instagram, blow your speakers by streaming their music on Spotify, and of course grab a copy of their incendiary new album from their own BandCamp or from the Transcending Obscurity Records’ BandCamp, main store, US store or EU store. Goreworm  offer classic Death Metal, Technical Death Metal, Brutal Death Metal and more in Miasmic Solitude, and you better get ready as once their music strikes you, it will be deadly.

Best moments of the album: Monuments to Murdering, No Reprieve and Jarrell.

Worst moments of the album: Eve of Flagellation.

Released in 2026 Transcending Obscurity Records

Track listing
1 Conjuring 4:10
2 Monuments to Murdering 3:04
3 The Enthralling Grave 3:04
4 Orbweaver 4:34
5 Amor Vincit Omnia 5:02
6 No Reprieve 4:13
7 Eve of Flagellation 4:11
8 Jarrell 4:10
9 Strelly 3:29
10 Miasmic Solitude 4:09

Band members
Robert Miller – vocals
Jordan Estrela – guitars
Brent Moerschfelder – guitars, bass

Guest musician
Robin Stone – drums (session)

Album Review – Xenosis / Hermetic Transmutation (2026)

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New Haven, Connecticut’s own Progressive Death Metal entity strikes again with their incendiary fifth studio album, retaining their core sound as they elaborate on both the progressive and technical aspects.

Honing their craft with each album since their inception back in 2010, and showcasing a flair for experimentation too, New Haven, Connecticut-based Progressive Death Metal entity Xenosis is ready to attack our senses once again with their fifth studio album, entitled Hermetic Transmutation, following up on their amazing albums Haunted Skies (2012), Sowing the Seeds of Destruction (2015),  Devour and Birth (2018), and Paralleled Existence (2021). Showcasing a striking artwork by Graphic Nightmare, the new offering by Sal Bova on vocals, Kenny Bullard and Keith Benway on the guitars, Travers Kenney on bass, and Gary Marotta on drums retains their core sound as the band elaborates on both the progressive and technical aspects, even borrowing elements of Brutal Death Metal and Dissonant Death Metal to achieve that, becoming a must-listen for admirers of Death, Atheist, Gorguts, Obscura, Evilyn, and Mors Verum, just to name a few.

Those ultra talented American metallers don’t waste a single second and begin their Technical Death Metal feast in Sentient Shapes, spearheaded by the menacing guitars by Kenny and Keith, kicking off the album on a high and insane mode for our absolute delight; and their striking riffs continue to cut our skin deep in Prolapsed Twin Entombment, while Gary sounds like a stone crusher of progressiveness on drums. Needless to say, it will surely sound amazing if they decide to add it to their live performances. Spore Whore sounds as ravenous as its predecessors, with the dissonant sound of their guitars being perfect for the bestial vocals by Sal, keeping the album’s flow moving in great fashion with zero moments of boredom.

Then after the Stygian instrumental interlude Engravings for Dyslexic Clairvoyants we’re treated to Rapid Metamorphosis, one of the most detailed and complex songs of the entire album, again presenting Sal’s demonic roars to give it an edgier vibe, feeling as if Dream Theater decided to go full Death Metal, not to mention its experimental passages will quickly consume your rotten mind. After such a bold and multi-layered tune, Sea of Teeth feels a bit generic. Well, I know it’s not, but it gets a bit repetitive after a while. Travers then gives a lecture in insanity armed with his bass in Altar of the Hound, blending the most idiosyncratic elements of Progressive and Dissonant Death Metal; and get ready for one final progressive attack by Xenosis in the form of No Longer Human, with Kenny and Keith again stealing the show with their sharp riffs and solos.

After years of toiling, Xenosis have created a delightfully engrossing album that is bound to confound, tantalize, and ultimately satiate fans of Progressive Death Metal. Hermetic Transmutation is at the same time absolutely aggressive and intricate, old school and experimental, upbeat and obscure. You can put your hands on such a unique album of extreme music by purchasing it from their own BandCamp or from the Transcending Obscurity Records’ BandCamp, main store, US store or EU store, and don’t forget to also check what those talented musicians are up to on Facebook and on Instagram, and to stream their unique creations on Spotify or any other platform. After all is said and done, you’ll easily realize that Xenosis are out for blood armed with Hermetic Transmutation, waving the banners of Progressive and Technical Death Metal high in the always electrifying American underground.

Best moments of the album: Prolapsed Twin Entombment, Rapid Metamorphosis and Altar of the Hound.

Worst moments of the album: Sea of Teeth.

Released in 2026 Transcending Obscurity Records

Track listing
1. Sentient Shapes 5:21
2. Prolapsed Twin Entombment 4:35
3. Spore Whore 7:15
4. Engravings for Dyslexic Clairvoyants 1:08
5. Rapid Metamorphosis 7:38
6. Sea of Teeth 4:40
7. Altar of the Hound 6:05
8. No Longer Human 6:02

Band members
Sal Bova – vocals
Kenny Bullard – guitar
Keith Benway – guitar
Travers Kenney – bass
Gary Marotta – drums

Album Review – Horrific Visions / Remnants Of Atrophy (2026)

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Indiscriminate bloodshed and mass destruction await to the sound of the blistering debut by this demented Brutal Death Metal beast from Texas.

Twelve years on from their initial spawning in the ever-fertile breeding grounds of brutality of their homeland Texas, the demonic Brutal Death Metal beast Horrific Visions is finally unleashing their full-length debut album of shocking violence and colossal carnage, titled Remnants of Atrophy, following up on their 2022 EP Enlightenment Through Excruciating Torture and their 2024 EP Monopoly on Violence. Mixed and mastered by the band’s own guitarist Mason Vickers at Rocker House Studios, and displaying another venomous artwork by Jon Zig (Aborted Fetus, Deeds Of Flesh, Defeated Sanity), the debut opus by Conrad Heinemeyer on vocals, Chris Rossmeier and Mason Vickers on the guitars, Cody Hancock on bass, and Rene Martinez on drums is a gift to the demented and the black of heart – one that has been well worth the wait.

Like a demonic creature arising from the underworld, the band will crush your damned skulls into pieces in Malnutrition, with the cadaverous roars by Conrad matching perfectly with Rene’s bestial drumming, and after such a killer tune we face the ominous Horrific Visions, a vile interlude that sets the tone for Deranged Perversion, a fulminating lesson in brutality where their scorching riffs and blast beats sound like we’re being bombarded by a full-bodied army. Then venturing through the lands of classic Death Metal the likes of Cannibal Corpse and Incantation they bring forward Crippled Under the Weight of a Hollow World, with Conrad once again sounding ruthless on vocals, overflowing aggression and hatred for our total delight.

We then face another cryptic interlude named Synaptic Decay before the band comes ripping in Primal Regression, where Rene’s beats and fills are a thing of beauty, or maybe I should say of morbid beauty, sounding utterly devastating until the very last second. They offer a more cadenced yet still demented tune titled Disgusted Warped Mentality, with the grim guttural by Conrad being supported by the thunderous kitchen by Cody and Rene, followed by Enlightenment Through Excruciating Torture, presenting two minutes of no shenanigans Brutal Death Metal with Chris and Mason hammering their axes nonstop. Lastly, the title-track Remnants of Atrophy will embrace us in total darkness, violence and blood, with Chris and Mason once again firing sheer insanity from their guitars.

In the end, Remnants Of Atrophy possesses a blistering intensity and a raw, serrated edge, sounding like a deadly weapon, wielded with vicious intent and, therefore, being a must-listen for admirers of the extreme violence blasted by renowned acts the likes of Bludgeoned, Stabbing, Brodequin and Disgorge, just to name a few. Horrific Visions are on absolute fire from start to finish in their caustic debut, and you can feel their scorching sounds by following them on Facebook and on Instagram, by streaming their depraved creations on any platform like Spotify, and of course, by purchasing Remnants Of Atrophy from Comatose Music’s BandCamp or webstore. The time has come to stare into the dead eyes of Remnants Of Atrophy. Indiscriminate bloodshed and mass destruction await, and you better get ready because there will be no mercy for your putrid soul.

Best moments of the album: Deranged Perversion, Crippled Under the Weight of a Hollow World and Primal Regression.

Worst moments of the album: Synaptic Decay.

Released in 2026 Comatose Music

Track listing
1. Malnutrition 3:54
2. Horrific Visions 1:30
3. Deranged Perversion 3:41
4. Crippled Under the Weight of a Hollow World 2:14
5. Synaptic Decay 1:43
6. Primal Regression 2:40
7. Disgusted Warped Mentality 3:10
8. Enlightenment Through Excruciating Torture 2:22
9. Remnants of Atrophy 3:59

Band members
Conrad Heinemeyer – vocals
Chris Rossmeier – guitar
Mason Vickers – guitar
Cody Hancock – bass
Rene Martinez – drums

Album Review – Vile Desolation / Annihilating The Consciousness (2026)

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This ruthless Indonesian trio is unleashing upon humanity their debut album of titanic, shocking power, offering us all Brutal Death Metal at its absolute, horrifying best.

From the ever-fertile spawning grounds of East Java, Indonesia comes another monstrous entry into the annals of Brutal Death Metal. Drawing on the extensive experience from its members in an array of bands from the Indonesian scene, Vile Desolation are unleashing upon humanity their debut album of titanic, shocking power, entitled Annihilating The Consciousness. Mixed and mastered at Endless Gruesome Studio, and bedecked in the bleak artwork of Timbul Cahyono of Bvllmetalart, the debut offering by Yudha Dwi Setyawan on vocals, Hendika Dwi Prasetyo on the guitar and bass, and Rama Maulana on drums is Brutal Death Metal at its absolute, horrifying best, positioning the band as apex predators of this most extreme musical landscape.

Rama wastes no time and kicks off the band’s demented feast of violence and gore in Veiled in Obscurity, while Yudha delivers those deep gnarls we all love so much in Brutal Death Metal. Whispers Through the Shadowed Gates carries a very poetic name for an absolutely devastating tune, with Hendika hammering his guitar and bass manically, supported by another bestial performance by Rama on drums, while Labyrinth of Torment starts with one of those dark, cinematic intros before all hell breaks loose to Yudha’s trademark “breeeeeeeeeeeeeees;” and Rama again dictates the pace in the infuriated Shattered Reverie while his bandmates make sure there’s plenty of blood and viscera in their music. And in The Sinister Symphony there’s not a single space left in the air. It’s pedal to the metal in a lecture in brutality by those Indonesian death dealers.

The second half of the album begins with another somber intro, with the bells tolling until we face more of the carnivorous roars by Yudha in Dementia’s Embrace, inviting us all to slam into the pit manically; and in Eyes of Madness we see the trio venture through old school Death Metal lands, sounding heavier and heavier as the music progresses, in special Yudha’s deep guttural. Then another phantasmagorical intro morphs into sheer bestiality in Eternal Lunacy, with Rama sounding like a demonic entity on drums; whereas in Chaos Unleashed the name of the song says it all, as it’s a lecture in Indonesian Brutal Death Metal led by the scorching riffs by Hendika. Their coup-de-grace comes in the form of Sanctified in Ashes, offering more of the trio’s venomous gnarls, visceral riffage and blast beats, ending the album on a demolishing mode.

Kiss goodbye to your sanity, as Vile Desolation are coming armed with their unrelenting debut album, and madness follows in their wake. If you think you have what it takes to face the gore, depravity and horror emanating from Annihilating The Consciousness, you should definitely follow the trio on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their bludgeoning music on any platform like Spotify, and grab a copy of the album from Comatose Music’s BandCamp or webstore. Fans of bands the likes of Suffocation, Anthropophagus Depravity, Beheaded and Molested Divinity will feel at home while listening to Annihilating The Consciousness, but in case you think those bands are way too heavy for you, I feel sorry for your frail soul.

Best moments of the album: Whispers Through the Shadowed Gates, The Sinister Symphony and Chaos Unleashed.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Comatose Music

Track listing
1. Veiled in Obscurity 3:17
2. Whispers Through the Shadowed Gates 3:03
3. Labyrinth of Torment 2:27
4. Shattered Reverie 3:12
5. The Sinister Symphony 3:01
6. Dementia’s Embrace 3:10
7. Eyes of Madness 3:37
8. Eternal Lunacy 2:42
9. Chaos Unleashed 3:15
10. Sanctified in Ashes 3:01

Band members
Yudha Dwi Setyawan – vocals
Hendika Dwi Prasetyo – guitar, bass
Rama Maulana – drums