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Album Review – Cutthroat / The Purge EP (2026)

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The Purge is upon us, courtesy of this relentless four-piece Los Angeles, California-based Thrash Metal and Hardcore band.

A four-piece Los Angeles, California-based Thrash Metal/Hardcore band formed in 2013 by founding member and frontman Neil Roemer, Cutthroat combine serious attitude and fast rudiments of the Metalcore genre, having already released the albums Reflekt, in 2020, and Fear by Design, in 2023, and having toured worldwide with giants like Biohazard, Body Count, Agnostic Front, Madball, Sick of it All, Destruction, and metal hall of famers Judas Priest. Now in 2026 the band formed of the aforementioned Neil Roemer alongside guitarist Renato Romano, bassist Bruno Nicolozzi, and drummer Betto Cardoso is releasing an incendiary new EP, titled The Purge, a must-listen for fans of that inspiring fusion of Heavy  Metal and Hardcore we all love so much.

The band’s Hardcore party kicks off with the introspective, visceral Hard Times, offering the Biohazard-like vocals by Neil while Betto sounds ruthless behind his drums, resulting in an excellent start to the EP. Then another dark intro evolves into a hard hitting sonority in Sick One, with Renato and Bruno crushing their axes in the name of heavy music; and it’s amazing how they translate all that’s fucked up in our society to first-class Hardcore like in Feeling Disconnected, with Neil again delivering his trademark raspy vocals. After that, Renato fires absolutely cutting riffs in Purge, and when the beats by Betto arrive it’s time to jump up and down with Cutthroat in a lesson in modern-day Hardcore; whereas the band closes the EP with a bang to the sound of Bullet Proof Mind, showcasing their trademark melodious violence and electricity until the very last second.

The Los Angeles Hardcore scene has always been one of the most fruitful and exciting all over the world, and of course bands like Cutthroat are among us to make such an important scene even better with each album or EP released. Having said that, if you want to get in touch with the guys from Cutthroat and stay updated with their news, their striking live performances and other nice-to-know details about the band, you can find Neil and his henchmen on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their hard hitting creations on any platform like Spotify and Apple Music, and above all that, grab a copy of The Purge from their own Bandcamp, as well as from M-Theory Audio’s webstore in CD or colored vinyl format. Because The Purge is upon us all, and based on the melodic violence blasted by Cutthroat throughout the entire EP, there will be blood.

Best moments of the album: Hard Times and Purge.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 M-Theory Audio

Track listing
1. Hard Times 3:57
2. Sick One 3:35
3. Feeling Disconnected 3:40
4. Purge 3:46
5. Bullet Proof Mind 3:45

Band members
Neil Roemer – vocals
Renato Romano – guitars
Bruno Nicolozzi – bass
Betto Cardoso – drums

Album Review – Hulder / Verbolgen (2026)

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This up-and-coming Black Metal entity is back with its most compelling work, once again deeply rooted in the Northern European Black Metal tradition, always sounding fresh, grim and furious.

Emerging from the Pacific Northwest, Washington, United States-based entity Hulder built a devoted following across a series of releases marked by their commitment to ancient craft, uncompromising production, and a sound rooted in the Northern European Black Metal tradition. Now in 2026 the indomitable vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Hulder, alongside bassist Necreon, returns with Verbolgen, the project’s third full-length opus, and the follow-up to the highly acclaimed albums Godslastering: Hymns of a Forlorn Peasantry (2021), and Verses in Oath (2024).  Mixed by Ahti Kortelainen at Tico Tico Studio, mastered by Mika Jussila at Finnvox Studios, with drums engineered at Elektric City Recording, and displaying a dark and enfolding artwork by Morrigan, Verbolgen sees the project expand its instrumental palette, drawing in session musicians Keld on hurdy gurdy, lead guitars and keyboards, Vapula and Vrolok on drums, and Januaria on the flute, sharpening the dual creative core that has defined its most compelling work.

The ominous folk-infused intro Drie Raven will drag our souls to the dark realm ruled by Hulder until we’re crushed into pieces to the sound of The Crowning, where her she-demon roars match perfectly with the infernal Black Metal beats by Vrolok, also presenting haunting keyboard passages, courtesy of guest musician Keld. Thy Binding Oath offers a stunning fusion of Black, Folk and Doom Metal, and you can feel the atmosphere getting heavier and more suffocating while Hulder and Necreon deliver truly haunting vocals; followed by the title-track Verbolgen, bringing forward a more direct Black Metal attack by Hulder and her horde, with even her vocals sounding harsher and more infernal. And …And We Shall Sing is a true storm of extreme sounds by the band where Vapula takes the lead with his pulverizing beats and fills while the guitars by Hulder breathe fire.

Then a sinister intro morphs into a Melodic Black and Folk Metal extravaganza entitled In Blood and In Earth, where the keys by Keld sound majestic from stat to finish, followed by Den Nacht Zijn Lied, which should translate from Dutch as “the night’s song”, a fitting title for a classic Black Metal tune where Vrolok once again sounds ruthless on drums supported by the hammering bass by Necreon. View From Nemeton is a hurricane of Black Metal insanity by the band, with Hulder darkly vociferating the song’s caustic words (“In inhuman plane where flora nor fauna shall dwell / Everlasting winds rustle golden glades though grace not the mortal flesh / In the embers of olden days and those which have yet to come / Forsaken effigies stand guard for the rites of the sacred blot / I rede thee wanderer / Hear thou my rede”) in a lecture in the style, before the expansive instrumental piece The Glow of Dawn closes the album on an epic mode, leaving us absolutely disoriented after all is said and done.

With the release of the excellent Verbolgen, Hulder cement their place among the greatest names of the current Black Metal scene worldwide, sounding sharper and more obscure than ever, while remaining loyal to their roots. If you want to know more about this up-and-coming Black Metal beast, you can find the project on Facebook and on Instagram, including their live dates (like the incendiary upcoming tour with the mighty Dimmu Borgir), stream their music on any platform like Spotify, and above all that, purchase Verbolgen from BandCamp or by clicking HERE. Verbolgen is a Dutch adjective that translates to “enraged,” “furious,” or “incensed,” describing a state of intense, seething anger, often stemming from a feeling of being wronged, and all those dark feelings are exactly what Hulder offer us all in their new album, a scathing blast of Black Metal that will reach deep inside our blackened hearts.

Best moments of the album: The Crowning, …And We Shall Sing, In Blood and In Earth and View From Nemeton.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 20 Buck Spin

Track listing
1. Drie Raven (Intro) 2:18
2. The Crowning 6:28
3. Thy Binding Oath 5:38
4. Verbolgen 4:01
5. …And We Shall Sing 6:01
6. In Blood and In Earth 7:09
7. Den Nacht Zijn Lied 6:45
8. View From Nemeton 5:23
9. The Glow of Dawn 4:48

Band members
Hulder – vocals, electric & acoustic guitars, keyboards
Necreon – bass, vocals

Guest musicians
Keld – hurdy gurdy, lead guitars, keyboards (session)
Vapula – drums on “Verbolgen”, “…And We Shall Sing”, “View From Nemeton” and “The Glow of Dawn”
Vrolok – drums on “The Crowning”, “Thy Binding Oath”, “In Blood and In Earth” and “Den Nacht Zijn Lied”
Januaria – flute (session)

Album Review – Horrid Mass / Nauseating Ecstatic Degeneration (2026)

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Channeling Death Metal’s most barbaric traits and pushing the extremities of its sound forward through experimentation, atmosphere and dissonance, this venomous entity is ready to unleash hell armed with their debut album.

Formed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin back in 2022 by former members of Pig’s Blood and Carnal Ruin with the intent to channel Death Metal’s most barbaric traits and push the extremities of its sound forward through experimentation, atmosphere and dissonance, the venomous entity known as Horrid Mass is ready to unleash hell armed with their debut album, titled Nauseating Ecstatic Degeneration. Recorded, mixed and engineered by Nicholas Elert at Howl Street Recordings, mastered by Dan Swanö at Unisound, and with cover collage and logo by Tony Capodilupo and layout by Terror Matt of Night Terrors Records, the debut by Nick Lewis on vocals and bass, Tony Capodilupo on the guitars, and Spencer Powers on drums is a total descent into filth, chaos and sonic ruin, presenting the band at their most punishing and immersive, being therefore highly recommended for fans of Incantation, Rottrevore, early Carcass, Undergang, Impetuous Ritual, Rippikoulu, Portal, Cianide, Archgoat, and Teitanblood, among others.

Like the intro to a sinister horror flick, the band arises from pitch black darkness in Worthless Mote, with the deep guttural by Nick matching perfectly with the primeval riffs by Tony, followed by Writhe, bringing to our avid ears another blast of their doom-laden Death Metal sonority where the massive beats by Spencer will make your head tremble, dragging your putrid soul to their Stygian lair for all eternity. And if that’s not dark enough for you, the band then offers almost seven minutes of sheer violence, horror and heaviness in the form of the demonic Execration, where Nick’s vociferations reach a new level of evil, resulting in a lecture in cadaverous Death Metal not recommended for the lighthearted.

Then guest Nicholas Elert makes a lot of noise in the cryptic interlude S.H.E.D., warming us up for Cruelty, a straightforward Death Metal onrush by the trio led by the demolishing drums by Spencer. Tony’s Sludge Metal-inspired riff ignite the band’s ruthless engine in Loathsome, inspiring us to break our necks headbanging like true metal maniacs; and the trio then invites us all to slam into their gory and visceral pit in Violent Ascent, with Nick’s bass and Tony’s riffs penetrating deep inside our corrupted minds. Lastly, it’s time for the skies to get dark and heavy as there’s a storm coming with Congregate, starting in a sinister Doom Metal manner before all hell breaks loose to the infernal beats and fills by Spencer.

Rooted in tradition yet striving to experiment, Horrid Mass exist in a furious state where structure and collapse are simultaneously at odds, drawing from the genre’s progenitors while at the same time crafting something wholly their own, presenting something both primitive and hostile. You can get to know more about those talented death metallers via Instagram, stream their demented creations on Spotify or any other platform, and show them your utmost support and your passion for the extreme by purchasing the excellent Nauseating Ecstatic Degeneration from their own BandCamp or from the Night Terror Records’ BandCamp or webstore. Nauseating Ecstatic Degeneration is harsh, brutal and visceral, or in other words, the perfect depiction of our decaying society, inspiring Horrid Mass to keep turning our violent reality into first-class Death Metal for many years to come.

Best moments of the album: Execration, Cruelty and Violent Ascent.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Memento Mori/Night Terror Records

Track listing
1. Worthless Mote 4:18
2. Writhe 3:17
3. Execration 6:58
4. S.H.E.D. 2:05
5. Cruelty 2:34
6. Loathsome 5:26
7. Violent Ascent 4:38
8. Congregate 6:25

Band members
Nick Lewis – vocals, bass
Tony Capodilupo – guitars
Spencer Powers – drums

Guest musician
Nicholas Elert – additional overdubs and noise on “S.H.E.D.”

Album Review – Element of Fate / Dreamfall (2026)

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This multi-talented American duo is ready to attack armed with their debut album, taking listeners on an unforgettable journey through powerful soundscapes that fuse symphonic, gothic, and progressive elements.

A Symphonic and Melodic Metal duo consisting of vocalist and visual artist Carol Phillips and multi-instrumentalist Scott Loose (of bands like As the Sea Parts, Brave, and Stellar Death), Washington, D.C.’s own Element of Fate are releasing their highly anticipated debut full-length album, titled Dreamfall, taking listeners on an unforgettable journey through powerful soundscapes that fuse symphonic, gothic, and progressive elements. Drawing influence from traditional metal bands, while also leveraging modern recording techniques to craft their unique sound, the duo presents a stunning combination of soaring vocals and dynamic instrumentation in Dreamfall, bringing forward an immersive narrative experience tailored for fans of Nightwish, Amorphis and Epica, just to name a few.

Scott makes sure the atmosphere gets as dark and epic as possible with his riffs and drums for Carol to shine on vocals in Alone in the Dark, reminding me of some of the thrilling creations by the mighty Huntress; whereas investing in a blend of Symphonic and Epic Metal we face Shadow Self, where the striking guitars by Scott walk hand in hand with the witch-like vocals by Carol. Night Winds might be the most theatrical song of the album, alternating between sheer atmospheric moments and bursts of heavy music, always embraced by the deep, emotional vocals by Carol, followed by Dreamfall, the song that carries the name of the album, offering another blast of their ritualistic core sounds with Carol’s vocals clashing in great fashion with Scott’s hammering drums. Whispering Tree fills the ambience with their more introspective sounds, feeling dark and minimalist in a modern take on traditional Symphonic Heavy Metal. Then the metallic bass by Scott kicks off Firebird, another song where melody and darkness intertwine resulting in a truly mystical journey; and be it a standalone single or a bonus track, Warhorse Fire Horse showcases a beautiful, galloping Heavy Metal vibe, with Carol’s deep gnarls feeling utterly devilish.

The multi-talented frontwoman Carol Phillips reflects on the creation of the album, stating, “Dreamfall is the most personal and ambitious project I’ve ever created as an artist,” and you can find more information about Element of Fate on Instagram, stream their music on Spotify, and of course purchase Dreamfall from BandCamp or by clicking HERE. Serving as a fully immersive artistic statement, combining music, visual storytelling, and meticulous world-building into a cohesive experience designed for fans of grand, emotionally resonant metal, Dreamfall is just the first step for Element of Fate, and we can rest assured the duo will provide us with many other excellent albums like their debut in the coming years.

Best moments of the album: Dreamfall and Firebird.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Independent

Track listing
1. Alone in the Dark 2:41
2. Shadow Self 6:36
3. Night Winds 8:33
4. Dreamfall 5:29
5. Whispering Tree 4:36
6. Firebird 4:24

Bonus track
7. Warhorse Fire Horse 4:04

Band members
Carol Phillips – vocals
Scott Loose – guitars, bass, keyboards, drums

Album Review – Niveous / Cult of the Void Star (2026)

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As a vast monolith from deep space crashes into Earth, this uncanny horde offers us all a scathing dose of frozen Black Metal, exploring dark mythologies and cosmic evil entities.

When a vast monolith from deep space crashes into Earth and plunges the planet into a new ice age, a fanatical cult devoted to a timeless entity known as the Void Star rises amid the apocalyptic chaos. That’s the plot behind the excellent Cult of the Void Star, the first full-length opus by Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based Black Metal horde Niveous, following up on their 2025 debut EP Endless Snowfall. Recorded, engineered, and mixed by Shane Hochstetler at Electrical Audio, mastered by Arthur Rizk, and showcasing a cryptic artwork by Nortaath and Will Kramer (with logo by Luciferium War Graphics), the new offering by Vokar on vocals and bass, Nortaath on vocals and drums, and Zygrath on the guitars is a scathing, breathtaking dose of frozen Black Metal, exploring dark mythologies and cosmic evil entities.

The band’s cold and Stygian Black Metal attack begins in full force with Harbinger of the Void Star, where Nortaath hammers his drums in the name of darkness while their evil vociferations are simply stunning, followed by Servants of the Monolith, featuring a guest guitar solo by Joe Michaelson, resulting in another cryptic creation by such an uncanny horde, with the visceral riffs and tones blasted by Zygrath’s axe transpiring Black Metal magic. Then with guest vocals by Jake Rogers of Visigoth, Frostborne Resistance already kicks off with endless savagery, obscurity and rage, with Vokar and Nortaath doing a phenomenal job not only with their demonic roars and gnarls, but their rumbling bass and drums also sound inhumane. Then a horror movie-like intro explodes into total insanity in Baptism of Shadows, with Zygrath taking care of the vocal duties; followed by Northbound, presenting elements of caustic Punk Rock and Rock N’ Roll added to their core Black Metal sound, with the strident guitar lines by Zygrath sending shivers down our spines. And lastly, Boreal Stronghold is one final Black Metal attack by the trio, ending the album on a high note to the crushing drums by Nortaath.

As Earth is consumed by black storms and endless blizzards, and as the world is reduced to a frozen wasteland, Niveous are among us all to spread their bitterly cold Black Metal madness and consume our darkened souls with the scathing music found in Cult of the Void Star. Hence, if you want to explore their frostbitten realm you can find those American black metallers on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their venomous creations on Spotify or any other platform, and above all that, purchase their new album from their own BandCamp or from the Hypnotic Dirge Records’ BandCamp or webstore as a CD or an LP. Black Metal is always better when served cold, exactly like what Niveous have to offer in the intense and thrilling Cult of the Void Star, embracing us in absolute, frostbitten darkness for all eternity.

Best moments of the album: Harbinger of the Void Star and Northbound.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Hypnotic Dirge Records

Track listing
1. Harbinger of the Void Star 7:25
2. Servants of the Monolith 5:57
3. Frostborne Resistance 6:28
4. Baptism of Shadows 6:53
5. Northbound 6:40
6. Boreal Stronghold 5:33

Band members
Vokar – vocals, bass
Nortaath – vocals, drums
Zygrath – guitars, vocals on “Baptism of Shadows”

Guest musicians
Joe Michaelson – guitars solo on “Servants of the Monolith”
Jake Rogers – clean and choir vocals on “Frostborne Resistance”
Nicholas Elert – synthesizers and orchestrations on “Baptism of Shadows”

Album Review – Ethereal Rot / Ethereal Rot (2026)

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This Blackened and Technical Death Metal supergroup is unleashing upon humanity their debut opus, a cosmic horror story which lyrically represents the most accurate depiction of a true “Ethereal Rot” conceptually.

A Blackened and Technical Death Metal supergroup formed in 2021 from seacoast Maine and New Hampshire comprised of former members from The Last King, Sawtopsy and Sonic Pulse, the unrelenting Etheral Rot are unleashing upon humanity their highly anticipated self-titled debut album, a cosmic horror story which lyrically represents the most accurate depiction of a true “Ethereal Rot” conceptually. Having already released the EPs Until Existence Is Diminished Entirely (2020) and Cadaverine Skies (2023), the band currently formed of Cody Moreau on vocals, Dan Train and Brett Horton on the guitars, Taylor Belanger on bass, and Duncan Fosnough on drums brings their vision to life in their debut full-length album, leaving us eager for more of their music in a not-so-distant future.

The Beckoning Contagion starts in a serene, almost ethereal manner before morphing into a tech death beast led by the piercing guitars by Dan and Brett while Cody delivers demonic shrieks and roars nonstop, whereas That Which Dwells already kicks off in sheer violence and adrenaline, with Duncan taking the lead with his intricate yet visceral beats and fills in a lecture in Technical Death Metal. The following tune, titled Ophidian Womb, is as demented as its predecessors, with the vile gnarls by Cody walking hand in hand with the guitar madness blasted by Dan and Taylor, while Festum Terrae (a Latin phrase that translates to “Festival of the Earth” or “Feast of the Land”) sounds even heavier and more obscure, again presenting the thunderous, ruthless kitchen by Taylor and Duncan. Then after the wild and atmospheric instrumental interlude Transversing the Cosmic Plains, we face the closing aria Into the Naught, where all band members are on absolute fire, in special Duncan behind his drums, while Cody’s deep guttural add an extra dosage of insanity to their first-class Death Metal attack.

If you want to know more about this dark creature from the underworld, their music, tour dates and so on, you can find Ethereal Rot on Facebook and on Instagram, stream their caustic music on any platform such as Spotify, and of course, above all that, put your blood-soaked hands on their striking debut by purchasing it from BandCamp or by clicking HERE. Diving into space, H.P. Lovecraft and cosmic horror, the first ever full-length offering by Ethereal Rot is crafted for all fans of heavy music, especially those who enjoy the likes of Cattle Decapitation, Suffocation and The Zenith Passage, positioning the band as one of the must-listen names of the current scene. Not only that, Ethereal Rot is 100% independent, and they’re already planning to record the follow-up to their debut over the winter of 2027, showing us all that those guys are not fooling around when it comes to heavy music and, therefore, confirming we won’t need to wait for too long to enjoy another blast of their metallic and cosmic horror.

Best moments of the album: That Which Dwells and Into the Naught.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Independent

Track listing
1. The Beckoning Contagion 3:57
2. That Which Dwells 7:12
3. Ophidian Womb 7:46
4. Festum Terrae 6:16
5. Transversing the Cosmic Plains 5:44
6. Into the Naught 8:45

Band members
Cody Moreau – vocals
Dan Train – guitars
Brett Horton – guitars
Taylor Belanger – bass
Duncan Fosnough – drums

Album Review – Black Sites / For Eternity (2026)

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This American Progressive Thrash and Heavy Metal quartet is stepping into their next chapter with the release of their rockin’ fifth full-length offering.

Founded in 2016 initially as a studio project, but having evolved into a full-bodied band based out of Chicago, Illinois, the excellent Progressive Thrash/Heavy Metal quartet Black Sites is stepping into their next chapter now in 2026 with the release of their fifth full-length offering, titled For Eternity, following up on The Promised Land?, released in 2024. Produced by the band’s own vocalist and guitarist Mark Sugar and new drummer Chris Black, recorded at I Can’t Believe It’s Not Mace Street Studios (with drums recorded by Vladimir Ružičić at Kebac Recording Studio), and mixed and mastered by Dan Swanö at Unisound, the new album by the aforementioned Mark Sugar and Chris Black alongside newcomers Lee Smith on the guitar and Jose Salazar on bass showcases a development in the band’s sound and sees the new members’ contributions enhance the music’s sonic quality, always inspired by traditional Heavy Metal.

When It Calls sounds epic and captivating from the very first notes, with Mark showcasing all his vocal potency while his bandmates craft a strong Iced Earth-like sound, while Aquarius Betrayed reflects the frustration at the contradiction towards previous generations who reaped the benefits of the most socially liberated and progressive era in history, and then quickly turned their back on those values when they became inconvenient, with their guitars exhaling that frustration while Chris hammers his drums with anger and dexterity. Then their Progressive Metal feast goes on in full force with Above Soil, Beneath Sky, with Jose and Chris crafting a reverberating, massive kitchen; followed by Giving Up The Ghost, a song about the faltering of one’s belief, venturing through Stoner Rock and Metal lands while again showcasing a classy guitar work by Mark and Lee.

Blades (For The Chosen Ones) presents elements from the music by renowned acts the likes of Armored Saint and Iced Earth while keeping their core progressiveness intact; whereas Silent Wars, which concept derives from a quote by Robin Williams that says “everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about,” offers classic Hard Rock straight in your face. When Prophecy Fails, taken from a book of the same name, which describes a UFO cult that existed in Chicago in the 1950’s, is by far the most Heavy Metal of all songs thanks to the kickass riffs by Mark and Lee. Lastly, we face Unanswered For Eternity, a dark, gloomy and pensive ballad, ending the album on a high note, with the melodic vocals by Mark matching perfectly with their soulful solos.

Combining old school heavy music with guitar harmonies, melodic and clean vocals, and progressive elements, primarily drawing inspiration from the likes of Voivod, Black Sabbath, and King’s X, the indomitable rockers of Black Sites are on absolute fire from start to finish in their new album For Eternity, which can be purchased from their BandCamp. Don’t forget to also give them a shout on Facebook and on Instagram, staying up to date with all things Black Sites, to subscribe to their YouTube channel, and to stream their rockin’ tunes on any available platform like Spotify. Because heavy music is eternal, and it’s bands like Black Sites who are among us all to make sure it will never die.

Best moments of the album: Aquarius Betrayed, Blades (For The Chosen Ones) and When Prophecy Fails.

Worst moments of the album: Silent Wars.

Released in 2026 Independent

Track listing
1. When It Calls 5:09
2. Aquarius Betrayed 5:05
3. Above Soil, Beneath Sky 4:47
4. Giving Up The Ghost 6:43
5. Blades (For The Chosen Ones) 4:51
6. Silent Wars 4:51
7. When Prophecy Fails 5:49
8. Unanswered For Eternity 6:54

Band members
Mark Sugar – vocals, guitar
Lee Smith – guitar
Jose Salazar – bass
Chris Black – drums

Album Review – Dichotomy / Lucifer Owns The Fence (2026)

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This American death dealer strikes again with a new solo project, overflowing with rampant Death Metal riffs, firmly anchored to the roots of the genre but hitting with a powerful contemporary impact.

The multi-talented Jordan “HeavenHammer” Varela knows Death Metal. The essence of it runs through his veins. He’s the drummer for the crushing Lust of Decay, the multi-instrumentalist behind the ferocious music of Shuriken Cadaveric Entwinement, and a former member of legends of brutality Lividity. Now in 2026 this Charlotte, North Carolina-based death dealer strikes again with his new solo project, the venomous Dichotomy, and its debut offering Lucifer Owns The Fence. Overflowing with rampant Death Metal riffs, firmly anchored to the roots of the genre but hitting with a powerful contemporary impact, the album is a must-listen for fans of Hate Eternal, Deicide, Immolation, and Cannibal Corpse, among others, resulting in one of the most formidable and accomplished albums of Jordan’s career.

A demented guttural scream kicks off Jordan’s insane journey in He Is…, presenting no shenanigans, no artificial elements, just pure Death Metal madness flowing from his vocals, riffs and drums, and his relentless drumming is boosted by his metallic bass in The Antithesis, another bestial display of Death Metal by Jordan, followed by What A God, where he continues to blend old school sounds with a modern twist. Moreover, his guitar and bass work sounds amazing as usual, not to mention his drumming is demonic as expected. Jordan’s deep guttural will haunt your frail souls in The Fence, again presenting his trademark brutality for our total delight; while Better To Be Drowned With A Millstone Around The Neck carries an amazing title for a Death Metal song, and Jordan makes sure the music is just as harsh as those venomous words.

There’s no sign of Jordan slowing down or selling out at all in The Perseverance; quite the contrary, he keeps firing inhumane growls, Stygian riffs and demolishing beats and fills until the very last second. In The Greatest Lie Ever Told nobody but Jordan himself is sure which lie he’s talking about (as there are so many), but the Death Metal coming from his riffage and gruesome vocals will surely inspire you to slam into the pit even if you don’t like Death Metal. Through Christ We Live offers our putrid ears less than three minutes of pure savagery by Jordan, not recommended for the faint at heart, pounding our cranial skulls with his trademark beats and fills, until we face Satan Will Kill You, but let’s say Death Metal will save you, where his metallic bass and nonstop drums combo sounds like a sonic earthquake, ending the album on the most demented note imaginable.

Every note, every beat, every excoriating roar found in the nine tracks of unequivocal Death Metal on Lucifer Owns The Fence is the work of Jordan Varela, and if you want to show such a hardworking, talented and passionate metaller your support and admiration, you can find him and his Dichotomy on Facebook, and of course purchase a copy of his breathtaking new offering from the project’s own BandCamp, as well as from Rottweiler Records. In other words, be prepared for a monumental Death Metal assault to the sound of the fulminating Lucifer Owns The Fence, opening up the pit for a high dosage of violence and, therefore, fueling the unstoppable Jordan Varela to deliver another blast of Death Metal under Dichotomy in a not-so-distant future. It’s always amazing to witness one single person being responsible for an undisputed, demented high level of aggression and noise, and if there’s one thing Jordan has mastered doing, that is certainly delivering us all that and more in his solid career.

Best moments of the album: He Is…, What A God and Satan Will Kill You.

Worst moments of the album: None.

Released in 2026 Rottweiler Records

Track listing
1. He Is… 4:45
2. The Antithesis 3:28
3. What A God 2:49
4. The Fence 3:37
5. Better To Be Drowned With A Millstone Around The Neck 3:37
6. The Perseverance 2:30
7. The Greatest Lie Ever Told 3:21
8. Through Christ We Live 2:54
9. Satan Will Kill You 3:21

Band members
Jordan Varela – vocals, all instruments

Album Review – Temple ov Ahriman / Heretics of Consensual Reality (2026)

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Welcome to the Temple ov Ahriman, and enjoy the debut studio offering of raw, visceral Black Metal by this grim American entity.

Born in 2021 from the creative mind of vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Thornicator (of Triacanthos and Vesperian Sorrow) as the culmination of several years of intense songwriting activity, Austin, Texas-based Black Metal outfit Temple ov Ahriman is unleashing upon us mere mortals a caustic blend of raw, visceral Black Metal in the form of its debut opus, entitled Heretics of Consensual Reality. Mixed by Kfir Gov at Evil Snail Studios (who also played drums on the album), mastered by Jack Control at Enormous Door Mastering, and showcasing a grim artwork by Mitchell Nolte, the album combines elements of Second-Wave Black Metal, contemporary Finnish Black Metal, and D-Beat, resulting in a tour de force that is guaranteed to take the listener on a demonic journey. “It was a little Hell seeing this project through to completion,” Thornicator stated. “Several years, thousands of dollars, and three studios later, I finally have a master recording that I feel does the material justice. It was my unwavering belief in the material that pushed me to continue despite innumerable setbacks.”

As Stygian as it is melodic, War In Heaven, featuring guest vocals by Sekt of Brüka, showcases the rumbling drums by Kfir Gov while Thornicator delivers visceral riffs nonstop, followed by Wrath of Iblis, another fast and grim composition by Thornicator where his striking gnarls sound absolutely demonic. Then investing in a more cadenced sonority we face Infernal Imperium, with the classic drumming by Kfir Gov adding a touch of Black N’ Roll to their music; whereas in SPQB, featuring additional vocals by Misery, Val Rozar and Von Hammerblast of Brüka, we face a demolishing Black Metal attack where Thornicator sounds inhumane on vocals while also armed with his bloodthirsty axe.

The second half of the album begins with the mid-tempo Melodic Black Metal tune White Death, keeping the album at a high level of malignancy; and back to a more infuriated, darker sonority we have the title-track Heretics of Consensual Reality, with the demented screams by Thornicator transpiring Black Metal. Then get ready to be kissed by the Black Metal sounds exhaling from all instruments in Baphomet’s Kiss, a multi-layered, vile composition offering fans of the genre a very good reason to succumb to absolute darkness, before we’re treated to Beyond the Veils of Maya, another detailed song presenting several layers, nuances, cryptic passages and the always infernal vociferations by Thornicator to conclude the album majestically.

Clocking in at a little over 42 minutes, Heretics of Consensual Reality proves Temple ov Ahriman is poised to take the underground by storm. “Years ago, my other band was to record an album, but our studio time was delayed due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Never one to sit idle for too long, I took the opportunity to write music for a follow-up release. What followed was a prolific period unlike anything I’d experienced before or since, and it quickly became apparent that I perhaps had too much material for just one band to learn and record. With the encouragement of a few good friends, I eventually decided to start my own spin-off project and thus Temple ov Ahriman was born.” If you want to experience all the obscurity, heaviness and fury blasted by Thornicator and his Temple ov Ahriman, you can find the project on Facebook, Instagram and Spotify, and don’t forget to purchase Heretics of Consensual Reality from BandCamp or by clicking HERE. In other words, as the great Dark Funeral say, welcome to the Temple of Ahriman. The infernal torture chamber no one survives.

Best moments of the album: War In Heaven, SPQB and Baphomet’s Kiss.

Worst moments of the album: White Death.

Released in 2026 Independent

Track listing
1. War In Heaven 4:25
2. Wrath of Iblis 4:53
3. Infernal Imperium 3:50
4. SPQB 5:00
5. White Death 5:45
6. Heretics of Consensual Reality 5:51
7. Baphomet’s Kiss 6:10
8. Beyond the Veils of Maya 6:42

Band members
Thornicator – vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards

Guest musicians
Kfir Gov – drums (session)
Sekt – female vocals on “War In Heaven”
Misery, Val Rozar & Von Hammerblast – additional vocals on “SPQB”

Album Review – Blood Of Angels / Les Agnst ov Thanatous (2026)

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This Florida-based Extreme Metal beasts are ready to attack with their sophomore album, plunging headfirst into the emotional and psychological aftermath of death.

Inspired by the burgeoning local metal scene of Tampa, Florida, Melodic Death/Thrash Metal beasts Blood of Angels are making their mark on the genre that has guided them through the darkest of times. With local town heroes such as Cannibal Corpse and Nasty Savage inspiring down that path, the band formed of vocalist Randy Reyes, guitarist Aaron Robinson, bassist The Maggot, and drummer Jonathan Rushford blends Death, Black, Thrash and lashings of Power Metal into a high-octane frenzy, combining their musical prowess and instrumental talents to make social commentary on public mistruths and the atrocities committed against humanity. Now in 2026 the quartet is unleashing their sophomore opus, entitled Les Agnst ov Thanatous (which refers to the existential dread, anxiety, and deep-seated fear surrounding the inevitability of death, with “Thanatos” being the Greek mythological personification of death and “Angst,” German for anxiety or dread, representing the psychological weight of this realization), plunging headfirst into the emotional and psychological aftermath of death while presenting a cohesive narrative that traces the human response to grief through violence, ritual, memory, and reflection.

After the cryptic, horror movie-like intro Transitional Portal, the band comes crushing our souls with Beating You, where Jonathan hammers his drums in the best Death Metal style while Randy delivers deep, enraged vociferations for our total delight, supported by the always caustic guitar lines by Aaron. Then investing in a more Melodic Death Metal sonority the band offers our ears the hard hitting The Last Rites, perfect for some wild headbanging to the demolishing drums by Jonathan; and the quartet sounds absolutely on fire in Red River Death, a massive Death and Thrash Metal extravaganza led by the infuriated, grim roaring by Randy while his bandmates don’t stop pounding their sonic weapons.

The Pain Inside starts as a ballad, then morphs into a not-so-inspired metal aria, losing its grip after a while, albeit the crying guitar by Aaron still sounds great in the end; whereas back to the sound the band truly thrives we face Spillage, a Death Metal onrush where The Maggot and Jonathan make the earth tremble with their demented kitchen. Aaron’s riffage then revs up the band’s ruthless engine in Minds of the Broken, inviting us all for some action inside the pit. Nevermore presents elements from Sludge and Stoner Metal added to their core, a seven-minute feast of riff after riff, as heavy and groovy as it can be, with The Maggot once again kicking ass on bass, before all fades into the outro Eulogy, as enigmatic and cryptic as the intro, making the album go full circle.

Through its cohesive narrative and emotional intensity, Les Agnst ov Thanatou stands as the band’s most immersive conceptual work to date, inviting listeners to confront fear, loss, and mortality directly, offering an experience that remains long after the final sound fades. And you can also be part of such a unique experience by following the band on Facebook and on Instagram, by subscribing to their YouTube channel, by streaming their caustic creations on any platform like Spotify, and of course by grabbing a copy of Les Agnst ov Thanatous by clicking HERE. Death has always walked hand in hand with Extreme Metal, and Blood Of Angels definitely know how to turn all that fear, violence and darkness into ass-kicking heavy music as what they have to show us all in their new album.

Best moments of the album: Red River Death, Spillage and Minds of the Broken.

Worst moments of the album: The Pain Inside.

Released in 2026 Independent

Track listing
1. Transitional Portal 2:37
2. Beating You 4:05
3. The Last Rites 5:19
4. Red River Death 5:54
5. The Pain Inside 7:29
6. Spillage 3:26
7. Minds of the Broken 3:46
8. Nevermore 7:45
9. Eulogy 1:35

Band members
Randy Reyes – vocals, acoustic guitars
Aaron Robinson – guitars
The Maggot – bass, backing vocals
Jonathan Rushford – drums, keyboards