Tag Archives: djent

Album Review – The Absolution Sequence / Dread Cycle (2026)

Posted on by
Reply

Emerging from the isolated, unforgiving wilderness of Tasmania, these Technical Death Metal beasts will attack armed with their their highly-anticipated debut full-length album.

Emerging from the isolated, unforgiving wilderness of Tasmania, Technical Groove/Death Metal outfit The Absolution Sequence has carved out a unique identity within the Australian extreme metal scene. Their sound is a direct reflection of their homeland’s “dark isle” reputation, a place defined by a sinister history and a cold, remote landscape that stands in stark contrast to the Australian mainland. Following a string of EP’s and singles, the band formed of Shawn Wells on vocals, Luke Tucker, Stephen Cusato and Steven Mason on the guitars, Alastair Boon on bass, and Nick Machin on drums is unleashing now in 2026 their highly-anticipated debut full-length album, titled Dread Cycle, which with the crisp production of Chris Themelco, the classy mastering by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios, and the Stygian artwork by Shaun Hyatt, is definitely set to solidify the band’s position as a premier name in contemporary Technical Death Metal.

The opening aria Despotic Ruin (Diet of Worms) is already atmospheric, melodic and bold from the very first notes, with the deep guttural by Shawn walking hand in hand with the riff attack by the band’s guitar triumvirate formed of Luke, Stephen and Steven, followed by Idols of Confraternity, even heavier and more infuriated, with Nick hammering his drums nonstop in a lesson in Groove and Death Metal with a strong technical edge. Then we face Ghost Mantra, blending elements of Deathcore to their core Death Metal essence, where their guitar work is again striking, offering Shawn exactly what he needs to bark like a rabid beast; whereas This Sordid Miasma is as atmospheric as its predecessors, with the groovy, thunderous kitchen by Alastair and Nick making the earth tremble. and The Nightlight Sigil, albeit sounding as heavy as the other songs, is not as exciting. Its drums and all background elements still sound great, though.

Promethean Pilferage might be one of the most technical of all songs, where Alastair extracts sheer electricity, heaviness and groove from his bass supported by the intricate beats and fills by Nick; and their Blackened Death Metal vein arises in A Mire Caked Nativity, clashing with their more technical Groove Metal sounds, all boosted by another bestial performance on vocals by Shawn. The band’s guitar triumvirate once again showcases all their dexterity and passion for the extreme in Grinding the Sphere, not to mention Alastair once again adds his share of insanity to the music with his Djent-infused bass lines, flowing into the closing song Diary of the Emaciated, sounding very detailed, multi-layered and absolutely electrifying, with the wall of sounds crafted by all band members feeling perfect for the scorching vociferations by Shawn.

The Absolution Sequence have developed a signature style of Technical Death Metal that balances high-velocity musical prowess with a deeply immersive, atmospheric undertone in all of their previous releases, and in Dread Cycle those Tasmanian devils have certainly stepped up their game with an even more infuriated and intricate sound. If you have what it takes to face the demolishing music crafted by those amazing musicians from Down Under, you can find them on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their killer creations on Spotify, and above all that, grab a copy of the album from their own BandCamp. Australia has become the place to go when the music in question is Technical Death Metal, and Dread Cycle is undoubtedly one of the must-listen albums of the genre coming from Down Under.

Best moments of the album: Idols of Confraternity, Promethean Pilferage and Diary of the Emaciated.

Worst moments of the album: The Nightlight Sigil.

Released in 2026 Bleeding Art Collective

Track listing
1. Despotic Ruin (Diet of Worms) 4:11
2. Idols of Confraternity 5:01
3. Ghost Mantra 3:45
4. This Sordid Miasma 5:02
5. The Nightlight Sigil 5:13
6. Promethean Pilferage 4:18
7. A Mire Caked Nativity 5:02
8. Grinding the Sphere 4:29
9. Diary of the Emaciated 5:57

Band members
Shawn Wells – lead vocals
Luke Tucker – lead guitar
Stephen Cusato – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Steven Mason – rhythm guitar
Alastair Boon – bass, backing vocals
Nick Machin – drums

Album Review – Metasoma / Core EP (2026)

Posted on by
Reply

This UK-based lethal, technical Heavy and Groove Metal machine is back in action with a new EP, a pure demonstration of resilience and the start of a much heavier, more honest era for the band.

Having shed their Hard Rock veneer to emerge as a lethal, technical Heavy and Groove Metal machine, London, UK-based quintet Metasoma is back in action with a brand new offering titled Core, a sharper, heavier new EP that pairs Pantera-sized groove with Architects/Parkway Drive-style modern precision. Recorded between BaRock Entertainment Studio in Poland and Es Studio in London, the new EP by vocalist Vlad Iancu, guitarists Michal Sedzielewski and Artur Wojcik, bassist Bolo, and drummer Joe Patterson is a pure demonstration of resilience and the start of a much heavier, more honest era for the band, marking the first statement from a solidified international unit where they pit British rhythmic weight against the uncompromising metal heritage of the Polish and Romanian underground.

The striking guitar lines by Michal and Artur will transport us all to the band’s Groove Metal and Metalcore world in Downfall, offering a great option for having some fun inside the pit, followed by the also electrifying Attic, where Vlad focuses on his piercing clean vocals, giving the song a more modern vibe accompanied by the classic beats by Joe. Omen kicks off in a dark, ominous manner, with Vlad delivering enraged and demented vocals in another well-balanced hybrid of Metalcore with classic and modern heavy elements. The crushing riffs by Michal and Artur are boosted by Bolo’s thunderous bass in Shock, crafting a metallic atmosphere that will inspire you to headbang like there’s no tomorrow; and they close the EP with their most direct Metalcore tune, titled Horizon, where their Djent-infused guitars and bass are perfect for the demented vocals by Vlad.

Conceptually, Core is a pessimistic hellscape, a sonic mirror held up to war, propaganda, and the false righteousness of modern reality where high-velocity energy is tempered by a discordant, playful homage to System of a Down, proving Metasoma can be cerebral without sacrificing their low-end groove. “There is a specific kind of numbness that comes when unfortunate events happen in quick succession; these songs are our way of fighting that anaesthesia. Whether we are digging through the attic of mixed childhood memories or scattering the ashes of a toxic relationship, the goal is the same: to learn from the mistakes of our forefathers and do better. We’ve turned these struggles into sonic paintings, but we leave the final interpretation to the listener’s own sensitivity,” commented the band, and you can get in touch with them via Facebook and Instagram, subscribe to their YouTube channel, stream their music on Spotify, and of course purchase their new EP from Bandcamp. Core is a very good indication of what the future holds for Metasoma, and you better get ready as that future will be absolutely heavy.

Best moments of the album: Downfall and Shock.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Independent

Track listing
1. Downfall 3:14
2. Attic 2:57
3. Omen 4:23
4. Shock 3:38
5. Horizon 3:12

Band members
Vlad Iancu – vocals
Michal Sedzielewski – guitars
Artur Wojcik – guitars
Bolo – bass
Joe Patterson – drums

Album Review – Cyhra / Requiem For A Pipe Dream (2026)

Posted on by
Reply

Celebrating ten years of existence, this Swedish supergroup returns with their fourth studio album, standing as a statement of transformation as it does not mourn what was lost, but it proves that loss did not define the ending.

Celebrating ten years of existence now in 2026, Gothenburg, Sweden-based Melodic Groove Metal/Hard Rock ensemble Cyhra is releasing their explosive fourth studio effort, titled Requiem For A Pipe Dream, following up on their 2023 album The Vertigo Trigger. Produced by the band’s own Jake E and Euge Valovirta, with artwork by world renowned artist Gustavo Sazes, the new album by Jake E on vocals and keyboards, Euge Valovirta on the guitars, bass and keyboards, Jesper Strömblad on bass and guitars, Marcus Sunesson on the guitars, and Alex Landenburg on drums brings to our avid catchy hooks, atmospheric synths, fierce riffs and ferocious breakdowns, while the band opens up with deeper vulnerability in their lyrics. Written in the aftermath of lost momentum during the pandemic years, the record confronts uncertainty, frustration, and rebuilding after collapse.

Classic Swedish keys and beats set the tone in the opening song Bleed With Pride, with Jake’s melodious vocals walking hand in hand with the riffs by Euge, Jesper and Marcus; whereas Superman feels more like the band’s kryptonite, sounding too generic and radio-friendly when they could have delivered something way heavier. In Miss Me When I’m Gone, its keys bring an extra touch of epicness to their music while the bass lines sound utterly metallic, followed by Ghostbound, presenting an excellent fusion of Melodic Metal with Hard Rock and AOR. Needless to say, Jake is again flawless on vocals, which is also the case in In The Center Of A Miracle, an inspiring power ballad by Cyhra with Alex adding sheer stamina to their music with his fierce beats.

Skin From Bones is another very melodic display of their trademark Melodic Rock and Metal where all keys once again play an important part to keep the electricity flowing, followed by Ghost I’m Meant To Be, as radio-friendly as Superman, but in this case the formula works really well led by the slashing riffs by Euge, Jesper and Marcus. Mark Of My Sins flirts with other styles such as Progressive Metal, even presenting hints of Djent, giving the song an extra taste while Jake once again delivers endless power from his vocals; and Venom In Me keeps the progressiveness from the previous song pulsing strong, with Alex stealing the spotlight with his intricate drumming. Then back to a more straightforward sonority we have Box With Spirits, with their rockin’ riffs, soulful guitar solos and pounding drums putting a climatic ending to the album. Well, there’s also an excellent addition to any of the special editions of the album, the bonus track Hold Your Fire, featuring Finnish-Egyptian vocalist and guitarist Samy Elbanna of Lost Society, an electrifying tune for the masses.

“There was a moment when everything stopped. We had built momentum for years, and suddenly the future we were running toward felt unreachable. Requiem For A Pipe Dream came out of that silence – out of frustration, doubt, and the realization that nothing is guaranteed. At first it felt like loss. But it became something else,” commented frontman Jake about the album. You can get in touch with the guys from Cyhra and know more about their music on Facebook and Instagram, subscribe to their YouTube channel and stream their music on Spotify, and of course support them by purchasing their new album from the Reigning Phoenix Music webstore in the EU, US or UK. Requiem For A Pipe Dream stands as a statement of transformation as it does not mourn what was lost, but it proves that loss did not define the ending.

Best moments of the album: Bleed With Pride, Ghostbound  and Mark Of My Sins.

Worst moments of the album: Superman.

Released in 2026 Reigning Phoenix Music

Track listing
1. Bleed With Pride 3:12
2. Superman 3:23
3. Miss Me When I’m Gone 3:13
4. Ghostbound 3:51
5. In The Center Of A Miracle 3:46
6. Skin From Bones 3:19
7. Ghost I’m Meant To Be 4:04
8. Mark Of My Sins 3:18
9. Venom In Me 3:17
10. Box With Spirits 3:21

Special Edition bonus track
Hold Your Fire 3:39

Band members
Jake E – vocals, keyboards
Euge Valovirta – guitars, bass, keyboards
Jesper Strömblad – bass, guitars
Marcus Sunesson – guitars
Alex Landenburg – drums

Guest musician
Samy Elbanna – vocals on “Hold Your Fire”

Album Review – No Terror In The Bang / Existence EP (2026)

Posted on by
Reply

France’s must-see Progressive and Cinematic Metal band returns with their striking third EP, exploring humanity’s collapse across cosmic, social, environmental, and mortal planes.

Led by the shape-shifting vocals by frontwoman Sofia Bortoluzzi, drifting from ethereal calm to visceral rupture, Rouen, France-based Progressive/Cinematic Metal band No Terror In The Bang returns with a new EP titled Existence, exploring humanity’s collapse across cosmic, social, environmental, and mortal planes. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Sébastien Langle, with photography by Aurélien Cardot and artwork by Louise Dumont, the follow-up to their 2024 album Heal hits hard and lingers longer, cinematic Progressive Metal where fragility and fury collide head-on, all masterfully crafted by the aforementioned Sofia Bortoluzzi alongside guitarists Étienne Cochin and Clément Bernard, bassist Brice Bouchard, and drummer and keyboardist Alexis Damien.

Sofia takes the lead with her she-wolf roars and delicate clean vocals in Moon, while Étienne and Clément follow her chameleon performance with their intricate riffs, kicking off the EP on a high note. Then we face Heroine, presenting the Djent-infused sounds by Jinjer while also adding their own share of heaviness to the music, with Brice’s metallic bass punching us hard in the head; followed by Goat, again presenting a wild hybrid of Progressive and Groove Metal with Djent where Sofia sounds utterly infuriated and rabid, supported by the demolishing drums by Alexis. Human Race Kills offers us all a more direct sonority, a good depiction of their core Cinematic Metal, with the intricacy flowing from their guitars, bass and drums sounding absolutely exciting; and lastly, let’s have a blast with Chasm, bringing forward more of the groovy and thunderous kitchen by Brice and Alexis while Sofia continues to shine with her undisputed vocal range.

Each track in Existence exposes a distinct layer of collapse, interrogating destiny, purpose, and the deeply rooted self-destructive impulses that define the human condition. With its dark atmospheres and strong narrative depth, the EP expands No Terror in The Bang’s musical language, reinforcing a sound that is both captivating and relentlessly powerful. Hence, if you’re a fan of the music by renowned acts the likes of Jinjer, Deftones, Gojira, and Devin Townsend, among others, you should check what the band is up to on Facebook and on Instagram, subscribe to their YouTube channel, stream their music on Spotify, and of course purchase Existence from BandCamp or from Klonosphere Records. Existence is not just bold and multi-layered, but also unsettling and thought provoking, leaving us eager for more of the music by those talented French metallers in the near future.

Best moments of the album: Moon and Human Race Kills.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Klonosphere Records

Track listing
1. Moon 4:29
2. Heroine 3:34
3. Goat 3:16
4. Human Race Kills 4:07
5. Chasm 4:31

Band members
Sofia Bortoluzzi – vocals
Étienne Cochin – guitar
Clément Bernard – guitar
Brice Bouchard – bass
Alexis Damien – drums, synths

Album Review – Oathbound / Colors In Grey (2026)

Posted on by
Reply

This up-and-coming Progressive Metalcore unity returns with their first full-length album, a forceful, profoundly human document that reminds us why metal, at its best, is the ultimate vehicle for spiritual connection and catharsis.

Hailing from the rain-soaked streets of Seattle, Washington, the electrifying Progressive Metalcore unity Oathbound channels the raw, unfiltered emotion that defines the human condition, including heartbreak, loss, addiction, and trauma. No subject is off-limits. Mixed and mastered by Aaron Chaparian (As I Lay Dying, Bleeding Through, Chimaira) at Iron Audio, the excellent Colors In Grey is the follow-up to their 2024 debut EP Until it’s Gone, representing the sound of a band formed of Chris Fox on vocals, Taylor Harper and Viktor Schultz on the guitars, Steve Schwarz on bass, and Travis Morlan on drums operating at an undeniable peak, a forceful, profoundly human document that reminds us why metal, at its best, is the ultimate vehicle for spiritual connection and catharsis.

In the dark intro Origins, the band crafts a melancholic ambience perfect for enfolding our souls before we face the title-track Colors in Grey, already exploding into sheer aggressiveness to the desperate roars by Chris supported by the melodious riffage by Taylor and Viktor, kicking off the album on a high note. Then in the hard hitting Set Adrift, Travis smashes his drums nonstop while his bandmates make sure there’s first-class Metalcore for everyone; and featuring Patrick Franiuk of Metalcore band Mémoire, Misunderstood is one of the most visceral and obscure of all songs from the album, with their clean and harsh vocals bringing to the music a stylish paradox, followed by The Masks We Wear, a decent song albeit a bit confusing at times, despite showcasing their excellent Djent-infused riffs.

Back to a more traditional Metalcore approach, it’s time for the band to invite us all to jump up and down with them in Insomniac, with Chris once again taking the lead with his raspy roars; whereas Searching For An Answer reminds me of some of the creations by Swedish Metalcore band My Dear Addiction, in special the pounding drums by Travis and its overall vibe. They put the pedal to the metal and bring forward the type of Metalcore we old school metalheads love the most in Hold On, feeling very aggressive while still showcasing their more melodic side, before they end the album with an overdose of progressiveness flowing from the axes by Taylor, Viktor and Steve in False Ideals, leaving us eager for more of their music in a not-so-distant future.

For Oathbound, Colors In Grey is only the beginning. With eyes set on nationwide touring and continued creative evolution, their mission remains the same, to offer catharsis, hope, and connection through music that speaks from (and to) the soul. Hence, you can join them in such a unique exploration of emotions through heavy music by following them on Facebook and on Instagram, by subscribing to their YouTube channel, by streaming their music on Spotify, and of course by purchasing their caustic new album by clicking HERE or HERE. With Colors In Grey, their message is clear. Even in life’s darkest moments, there’s a silver lining – and a life still worth living.

Best moments of the album: Colors in Grey, Misunderstood and Hold On.

Worst moments of the album: The Masks We Wear.

Released in 2026 Eclipse Records

Track listing
1. Origins 1:31
2. Colors in Grey 3:23
3. Set Adrift 3:50
4. Misunderstood 3:57
5. The Masks We Wear 3:28
6. Insomniac 3:40
7. Searching For An Answer 3:26
8. Hold On 4:50
9. False Ideals 3:55

Band members
Chris Fox – vocals
Taylor Harper – guitar
Viktor Schultz – guitar
Steve Schwarz – bass
Travis Morlan – drums

Guest musician
Patrick Franiuk – vocals on “Misunderstood”

Album Review – Destroy Fear / The Dark Carnival (2026)

Posted on by
Reply

Less than one year after the release of their excellent debut, this melodeath beast from Down Under returns with eleven tracks of undisputed aggression, melody and electricity in their sophomore opus.

Less than one year after the release of their excellent debut album The Mountain Before Us All, the unstoppable Melbourne, Australia-based Melodic Death Metal/Metalcore ensemble Destroy Fear continues to build momentum with their sophomore album, entitled The Dark Carnival. Having recently updated their lineup, the band currently formed of Scott Masson on vocals, Jayden Genuis on lead guitar, Luke Baird on rhythm guitar and bass, and newcomer Ondre Barca on drums offers eleven tracks of undisputed aggression, melody and electricity in The Dark Carnival, inviting us all to slam into the pit while they kick some serious ass both in the studio and onstage.

The cryptic Intro to the Dark Carnival sets the stage for the band to kick our asses with Dark Carnival, where Jayden and Luke shred their axes nonstop, delivering killer riffs and solos and, therefore, offering Scott exactly what he needs to roar like a headbanging maniac. Ondre then showcases his dexterity and fury in Slings and Arrows, hammering his drums while his bandmates deliver a striking fusion of Metalcore and Hardcore; and a darker, more sinister start evolves into another feast of groove and heaviness titled Elusion, showcasing a more introspective side of the band. The incendiary Hypochondriac presents hints of Progressive Metal and even Djent, with Scott sounding truly enraged on vocals while the riffage by Jayden and Luke transpire madness; and the band continues to venture through Groove Metal lands the likes of Machine Head in Overcome, albeit a bit generic in the end.

The second half of the album begins with an explosion of aggression titled All for Nothing, where the metallic guitars and bass by Jayden and Luke walk hand in hand with Ondre’s pounding drums. The quartet still has a lot of fuel to burn in House of Cards, with Scott taking the lead with his visceral growls and clean vocals supported by the wall of sounds built by his crew; whereas it’s time to slam into the pit to the sound of Alpha Omega, with Ondre crushing his drums like there’s no tomorrow in a demented explosion of melodeath with an edgy Hardcore vibe. Their second to last metal attack comes in the form of Without Teeth, again presenting their trademark ferocity and groove through their rebellious vocals, caustic riffs and hammering drums, and last but definitely not least, Scott will vociferate rabidly in our faces one final time in Recreant, accompanied by another striking guitar work by Jayden and Luke.

A must-listen for admirers of the caustic melodeath played by In Flames, Trivium, Parkway Drive, and Heaven Shall Burn, among several others, The Dark Carnival is already available for a full listen on any streaming platform such as Spotify and Audiomack, and you can also check what the band is up to, including their live performances, on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, or simply click HERE for all things Destroy Fear. Speaking of their live concerts, Destroy Fear managed to released the album in time for Outcast Festival 2026 in Melbourne alongside Verona Lights, Machine On A Break, ANA, Ion Sky, Jupiter The Giant, and Silent Lakes, proving those guys are all about bringing to the stages the energy found in their studio albums, and I’m sure it won’t take long for their album number three to come to light, and for us fans to have a few more reasons to enjoy a nice mosh pit just like what they have to offer in the excellent The Dark Carnival.

Best moments of the album: Dark Carnival, Hypochondriac and Alpha Omega.

Worst moments of the album: Overcome.

Released in 2026 Independent

Track listing
1. Intro to the Dark Carnival 0:47
2. Dark Carnival 4:40
3. Slings and Arrows 4:31
4. Elusion 4:34
5. Hypochondriac 4:12
6. Overcome 4:36
7. All for Nothing 4:27
8. House of Cards 5:23
9. Alpha Omega 4:10
10. Without Teeth 4:37
11. Recreant 4:06

Band members
Scott Masson – vocals
Jayden Genuis – lead guitar
Luke Baird – rhythm guitar, bass
Ondre Barca – drums

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

Posted on by
Reply

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 – Gore. / If You Do Not Fear Me… EP (2025)

Posted on by
Reply

This Texas-based Progressive Metal and Metalcore outfit is back with their second EP, continuing to challenge norms and expressing the full spectrum of feminine experience.

Bringing a distinctly feminine perspective to the heavy music scene since the band’s inception back in 2023, Houston, Texas-based Progressive Metal/Metalcore outfit Gore. makes waves with their emotionally raw and unapologetically vulnerable sound. Currently formed of Haley Roughton on vocals, Alex Reyes on the guitars, Devin Birchfield on bass, and Wills Weller on drums, the band strikes back with their second EP, titled If You Do Not Fear Me…, following up on their 2024 debut EP A Bud That Never Blooms, continuing to challenge norms and expressing the full spectrum of feminine experience through their powerful sound while combining elements of Metalcore with personal and introspective lyrics.

Wrath, the first song of the EP, offers an amalgamation of styles that perfectly depicts the band’s approach, starting in an almost pop manner to the clean vocals by Haley while also presenting heavy, caustic moments where their Djent vein pulses hard. Then investing in a more direct Metalcore sound we have Sepsis, reminding me of some of the creations by Infected Rain, with the bass by Devin sounding utterly metallic and thunderous; followed by Orbiting, again modern and visceral, with Alex firing some piercing riffs while Haley alternates between clean vocals and her screaming madness, clearly inspired by the music by the Butcher Babies. And their last blast of Metalcore infused with Groove, Alternative and Nu Metal, entitled Like You Meant it, will captivate your senses mercilessly, with Wills dictating the pace with his classic beats supported by the rumbling bass by Devin.

Thematically exploring identity, emotional vulnerability, and interpersonal relationships in their lyrics, the band has received support from well-known acts such as Motionless in White, Flyleaf, and Papa Roach, and based on the quality of the music found in If You Do Not Fear Me… I’m sure their fanbase will keep growing in the coming years. Hence, you can also join the band in their quest for heavy music with a delicate touch via Facebook and Instagram, stream their distinct creations on Spotify, and of course add If You Do Not Fear Me… to your respectable collection by clicking HERE or HERE. Gore. will definitely go places after the release of their two excellent EPs, paving their path for an upcoming full-length album for our total delight and, therefore, embracing us with their undisputed progressiveness, passion and darkness.

Best moments of the album: Sepsis and Orbiting.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2025 Spinefarm Records

Track listing
1. Wrath 4:33
2. Sepsis 3:28
3. Orbiting 3:04
4. Like You Meant it 4:13

Band members
Haley Roughton – vocals
Alex Reyes – guitar
Devin Birchfield – bass
Wills Weller – drums

Album Review – Signs of the Swarm / To Rid Myself of Truth (2025)

Posted on by
1

Continuing to molt their slamming Deathcore exoskeleton, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s own beast is unleashing upon us their strongest and most violent album to date.

Continuing to molt their slamming Deathcore exoskeleton, with their metal metamorphosis revealing a band now as indebted to Meshuggah, Gojira and Fear Factory as any of the Deathcore bands they grew up on, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s own beast Signs of the Swarm is unleashing upon humanity their new offering, titled To Rid Myself of Truth, following up on their 2023 slab of brutality Amongst the Low & Empty. Produced by Josh Schroeder at Random Awesome! Recording Studio, and featuring guest appearances by Will Ramos (Lorna Shore), Phil Bozeman (Whitechapel), Jack Murray (156/Silence) and Johnny Crowder (Prison), the new album by David Simonich on vocals, Carl Schulz on the guitars, Michael Cassese on bass, and Bobby Crow on drums carries a title that exudes confidence while the band’s pursuit of substance over style of the month is as refreshing as it could be surprising.

The title-track To Rid Myself of Truth already showcases the band’s ruthless welcome card, with the bludgeoning riffs and bass lines by Carl and Michael, respectively, bringing absolute heaviness and violence to the atmosphere; followed by Hell Must Fear Me, also stylized as HELLMUSTFEARME, a lesson in modern-day Deathcore with the inhumane, deep growling by David haunting our souls for all eternity, not to mention how demented Bobby sounds on drums. Natural Selection reminds me of some of the darkest creations by Thy Art Is Murder, with David once again stealing the show with his creature from the abyss-like roars; and the way they managed to match David’s growls with the pulverizing drums by Bobby is outstanding in Scars Upon Scars, as if they were a two-headed beast of violence and Deathcore, sounding very progressive and multi-layered as well. Chariot keeps the album as demented and aggressive as possible, with Carl’s visceral riffs cutting our skin deep mercilessly; and David is joined by the one and only Will Ramos for a demented display of Deathcore in Clouded Retinas, showcasing the most Stygian form of vociferations imaginable, and the final result is insanely good.

Iron Sacrament is another song that reeks of violence and dementia just the way we like it in Deathcore, featuring guest vocals by Phil Bozeman, and of course the sick riffs by Carl will inspire you to bang your head nonstop when those guys take your city by storm; whereas Forcing to Forget is a bit too modern or alternative for my personal taste, lacking the same level of aggressiveness from all previous songs. Then back to a more visceral, headbanging sound we have Sarkazein, with Bobby once again providing David with exactly what he needs to scream like a bestial entity nonstop. Needless to day, it should also work really well if played live. Then guest vocalists Jack Murray and Johnny Crowder bring an endless amount of stamina and rage to their already infernal music in Fear & Judgment, turning it into a must-listen for fans of the genre, whereas closing such an incandescent album of Deathcore we’re treated to Creator, where their core essence is infused with the Djent sounds blasted by their idols Meshuggah, and the final result couldn’t have been heavier.

To Rid Myself of Truth is clearly the band’s strongest, darkest and most diverse album to date, showcasing a healthy evolution in their undisputed sound while remaining loyal to their foundations, becoming therefore a must-listen for both old school, diehard fans of the band, and newcomers to their reign of violence and heaviness. You can keep in touch with the boys from Signs of the Swarm by following them on Facebook and on Instagram, including their demented live performances, stream their full discography on most platforms like Spotify, and of course add the caustic, harsh To Rid Myself of Truth to your devilish collection by purchasing it from BandCamp or by clicking HERE. In our chaotic world where truth and lies walk hand in hand, there’s nothing better than the savage Deathcore by Signs of the Swarm to give us strength to keep on moving forward no matter what, with their newborn beast definitely representing the most important step in their already solid and thrilling career.

Best moments of the album: Hell Must Fear Me, Scars Upon Scars, Clouded Retinas and Fear & Judgment.

Worst moments of the album: Forcing to Forget.

Released in 2025 Century Media Records

Track listing
1. To Rid Myself of Truth 3:38
2. Hell Must Fear Me 3:07
3. Natural Selection 3:56
4. Scars Upon Scars 3:00
5. Chariot 3:31
6. Clouded Retinas 3:12
7. Iron Sacrament 3:24
8. Forcing to Forget 3:36
9. Sarkazein 4:26
10. Fear & Judgment 4:19
11. Creator 3:47

Band members
David Simonich – vocals
Carl Schulz – guitars
Michael Cassese – bass
Bobby Crow – drums

Guest musicians
Johnny Crowder – vocals on “Fear & Judgment”
Jack Murray – vocals on “Fear & Judgment”
Will Ramos – vocals on “Clouded Retinas”
Phil Bozeman – vocals on “Iron Sacrament”

Album Review – Noumenia / Echoes (2025)

Posted on by
Reply

This promising Italian Post-Groove Metal band will hit us hard and fast to the sound of their exciting debut album, dealing with the paradoxical power of conjoining anger with empathy, despair with hope, and desolation with trust.

An exciting Post-Groove Metal album featuring heavy drumming, rhythmic virtuosity, ripsaw female growl vocals, and a gargantuan guitar sound that literally reinvents the power of the power chord, Echoes is the debut offering by Northern Italy-based band Noumenia, from Ancient Greek Νουμηνία, which translates to “new moon” and signifies the first day of the lunar month. Produced by Richard Meiz (Lacuna Coil, Genus Ordinis Dei), and mixed and mastered by Daniele Salomone (Lacuna Coil, Inverno) at DDStudio Records, Echoes is a powerful album that hits hard and fast, featuring buzzsaw vocals that explore a myriad of textures and tones, and an addictive groove vibe that lifts audience members out of their seats.

Eerie piano notes permeate the air in the opening tune Blind Idols before Samuele begins hammering his drums nonstop, opening the gates of the underworld for Vivian to deeply roar like a true she-demon; and we then face the groovy and modern The Circle, where their Djent vein arises stronger than ever thanks to the band’s “Matteos” armed with their stringed weapons. The quartet then increases their aggression and violence in Outsider, offering a striking hybrid of Post-Groove Metal with the music by Machine Head and In Flames; whereas the Djent-infused metallic, rumbling bass by Matteo Campagnoli will crush our heads in Fractures, while Vivian continues to vociferate deeply and with tons of anger in her blackened heart. And Fall Apart is another song that sounds at the same time very melodic yet visceral, with its background keys walking hand in hand with Vivian’s clean and harsh vocals.

Samuele continues to blast his drums in great fashion in Black Ocean, with the riffs by Matteo Radaelli exhaling Groove Metal for our total delight. It’s time to go full Groove Metal in Outbreak, with all band members sounding tight and infuriated until the very last second, followed by Firewall, one more song where Vivian’s anguished vocals are effectively complemented by the pounding drums by Samuele. Digital Aftermath is by far one of the darkest and most complex songs of the album, with Matteo Campagnoli crushing his bass majestically, not to mention Vivian reaches her deepest guttural of the entire record. And lastly, the band continues to venture through darker paths in Under the Veil, which ends up being a kind of tiresome outro as it’s too long and doesn’t offer anything truly outstanding.

In the end, Echoes is about the paradoxical power of conjoining anger with empathy, despair with hope, desolation with trust, and emptiness with the heartbeat of spirit. The band itself suggests that whether we bask in the sunlight or plunge down into the abyss, we do it with passion and verve, exactly like the music they have to offer us all in their debut opus. Hence, you can check what such a promising band is up to on Facebook and on Instagram, including their live performances, stream their music on Spotify, and of course, put your dirty hands on Echoes by clinking HERE, or simply click HERE for all things Noumenia. This is undoubtedly a must-listen for fans of Post-Groove Metal, Modern Metalcore, Modern Metal, and other contemporary styles, building a very exciting path ahead of those Italian metallers and, therefore, inspiring them to keep delivering great music that will surely echo across the entire world.

Best moments of the album: The Circle, Fractures and Digital Aftermath.

Worst moments of the album: Under the Veil.

Released in 2025 Eclipse Records

Track listing
1. Blind Idols 5:40
2. The Circle 3:41
3. Outsider 3:31
4. Fractures 4:17
5. Fall Apart 3:53
6. Black Ocean 4:31
7. Outbreak 3:50
8. Firewall 4:25
9. Digital Aftermath 5:20
10. Under the Veil 3:52

Band members
Vivian Nigro – vocals
Matteo Radaelli – guitar
Matteo Campagnoli – bass
Samuele Zichi – drums