Album Reviews



Review: Creedsmen Arise “Temple” [Stream]

creedsmen

Creedsmen Arise are a relatively new band, and they hail from Boras, Sweden. They haven’t even been together a year yet, that anniversary isn’t until November. Guitarist Simon admitted to me that the band didn’t really find their sound until March. In a span of several months the band was able to not only find their sound but also perfect it. They went a certain direction and didn’t slow down. Unfortunately, shortly after the release of their debut EP “Temples” the lead singer Gustaf has split from the band. They are now a 3 piece for the time being but are seeking a new singer and will hold auditions soon. They again may have to find their sound, or adapt to whomever they choose to fill void in the band. Continue reading

Unsigned Band Review: Destroythm’s Self Titled EP

destroyy

Have you ever wanted to hear the pure unfiltered sound of brutality? Well look no further. Destroythm brings it to your doorstep and crams it into your skull. The thundering drum beats and echoing guitar riffs are ecstasy to my ears. The new self-titled EP has 6 tracks for you to headbang to. The EP was released in July 2014 and how they have managed to go this long without being signed I will never know. I’m sure once their material starts to circulate they will have offers from various labels, as they have a sound that really has no competition to speak of. Continue reading

Review: Omega Diatribe “Abstract Ritual” [Stream]

Omega Diatribe

Omega Diatribe

First impressions can mean everything when you hear a band or a new album for the first time. Sometimes all it takes is a minute into track 1 and you have probably decided if the band or album is something you like. With bands like Omega Diatribe it doesn’t take a minute. You listen to the first 30 seconds and you will be saying to yourself “hell fucking yes”. The band was formed back in 2008 in Budapest, Hungary. They released a demo in 2012, and then followed it up with the full-length album “IAPETUS” a year later. They have now released an EP entitled “Abstract Ritual” in February of this year. It was released by Independent Ear Records. The band was formed by guitarist Gergo Hájer and bassist Ákos Szathmáry. The new EP features none other than Kevin Talley on drums. Kevin has played with some of the best bands in metal both as a studio and touring drummer. He has played with Daath, Six Feet Under, The Red Chord, Dying Fetus and many more. The band has since added a full time drummer to the band named Tommy Kiss who joined the band earlier this year. Omega Diatribe brings a lot to the table as a band, but everything is built around the groove and it gives the band a complex sound that helps fans stay interested and wanting more. Continue reading

Review: All Hell “The Red Sect” [New Song Streaming]

ALL HELL

ALL HELL

The band All Hell has gave me yet another reason to love the city of Ashville, North Carolina. They formed back in 2013 in Asheville and have quickly amassed fans from all over. The style of music they play sounds more European than from the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Blackened Thrash is what they are. If there is any other bands out there claiming to be blackened thrash I can inform you now that they aren’t doing it nearly as good as these guys. With each chorus screamed and riff strummed my jaw drops a little more. The three piece band released their debut “The Devil’s Work”, in 2014. They wasted no time and are now about to drop the new album titled “The Red Sect” on October 16th. The album is being released by Horror Pain Gore Death Productions. The sophomore album was mixed and mastered by none other than the thrash master Joel Grind of Toxic Holocaust. I think Joel was able to add a little something extra to the album that no one else probably could have. How the band managed to play live shows, write, and record a new album this quickly after their debut is amazing in itself, but putting out an album of this quality is just unheard of. Continue reading

Review: Murashita “Inescapable Damnation”

Murashita

Masaki Murashita

You may have heard the name Masaki Murashita. He is a renowned guitarist and producer and also the voice of the thrash band Hemoptysis. He is now launching his solo project simply titled Murashita. As a fan of Hemoptysis I have very high expectations for this new side project of Masaki’s. The debut EP titled “Inescapable Damnation” is being released on October 16th. Many bands have lately been self-releasing their albums and this is another one that can be added to that list. This EP also features a slew of legendary musicians like David Ellefson (Megadeth), Kevin Talley (Suffocation, Six Feet Under, Chimaira), Kelly Conlon (Death, Monstrosity) and Rodney McGlothlin (Voice of Dissent). Those names should have your attention if it didn’t already. Continue reading

Review: Dark Buddha Rising “Inversum”

Photo by: Sasu Riikonen

Photo by: Sasu Riikonen

 

Dark Buddha Rising are a Finland based band that has been creating music since 2007. They are preparing to release their fifth studio album titled “Inversum”. The album is the follow up to their 2013 release “Dakhmandal”. The new album will be hitting shelves on September 25th and marks the band’s first release on their new label Neurot Recordings. Dark Buddha Rising is comprised of six members and have a very unique sound that really puts them outside the box when compared to other bands in the metal world. Continue reading

Review: Black Temple “It All Ends”

blacktemple

Black Temple had my attention prior to even hearing one note of their music. There were several variables as to why they impressed me. The first being that they were declared the “most violent and energetic live act in Sweden.” I mean how impressive is that? I’m sure that captures the attention of most every metalhead. It’s been mentioned that the band has probably trashed more instruments and amplifiers than they can afford. Second, they were the first band being signed to the label Razzia Notes. One of the cool things about the new label is that it’s owned by Anders Fridén lead singer of the Gothenburg metal legends In Flames. Razzia also has a collaboration with Century Media as well so they will be distributing this album and possibly future albums. Anders himself is quoted with saying “”First time I heard BLACK TEMPLE, I freaked and I said to myself, ‘I gotta work with these guys somehow.” The trio has been together since 2010 and have a variety of influences which may contribute to their unique sound. Continue reading

Review: Wildlights Self Titled Album [Now Streaming]

Jason Shi & Johnny Collins

Jason Shi & Johnny Collins

Over the past several years we have seen the formation of super groups more often. Artists coming together creating an all star team of sorts and releasing material. Now we have a super duo. Jason Shi comes to us from the North Carolina based rock band ASG. They last released “Blood Drive” in 2013. We have been fortunate enough to catch ASG live on two occasions. Jason who also plays guitar has a clean singing voice that sounds just as pitch perfect in person as it does on the recordings. He brings to the table an amazing array of vocal tones that helps build a truly inspiring sound. The other all star in the duo is Johnny Collins from Thunderlip who also hails from the Tarheel State. They recently released Sunday Driving in January of this year (2015). The band has more of speed punk vibe, but has other elements that draws interest from outside the genre. Johnny’s drumming in the band is a staple of their sound and what really gives them that fast paced vibrant sound.

Continue reading

Review: Krisiun – Forged In Fury!

krisiunpromo

 

Brazilian death metal masterminds Krisiun have emerged again to unleash some brutality on the masses. Set for worldwide release on August 7th, 2015 via, Century Media Records, “Forged In Fury” will please any death metal fan. The album was produced by Erik Rutan and features cover artwork by renowned artist Joe Petagno who has worked with Motorhead, Marduk and Vader in the past.  Continue reading

Review: SpaceMetal Debut Album

11751541_10152828468536511_1974429572_oThe band SpaceMetal have released their debut album and it is pretty far out. After getting an earful of what they have to offer you may think they are from a planet far far away. However, they are indeed from planet earth and yet another product to come from the great state of Louisiana. The self titled debut has some space themed lyrics but the song that first garnered my attention was “Witness to the Witch”. The song with very meaningful earthbound lyrics can connect with most anyone. It’s one of those songs that make you want to take a long drive. They really champion the retro rock sound, with a dash of doom mixed in as well. The riffs come tearing at you in warp speed. It sounds like the band was locked into a time capsule in 1973 and is just now being opened. The retro sound has been making a huge comeback with lots of bands, but the sound Spacemetal achieve is really what everyone is after. The album was recorded in a 1970s analog recording studio, so that can be attributed to the sound somewhat. Singer Travis Acosta has this attention grabbing voice, it keeps lingering in your ear and the melodies are suddenly rolling off your tongue and before you realize it you are singing along. The guitar players John Maracichin and Chris Trentecosta are bound to have bloody fingers by the way the riffs ring out through this album. “The Millipede” starts out with this dominating doom stomp type sound and then the guitars chime in and take over. It has all the ingredients for a classic rock song. Of course the guitars and vocals are up front but the songs would sound completely incomplete without the backbeat of the bass and drums. In songs like “Terra Cat” the drummer Chris Kain is the most integral part of what makes the song have this pace setting groove. The bass lines aren’t without notice either, those thick low tones laid down by Rob Norton help the guitar work stand out even more.

cover
Spacemetal is a band that could and should become a household name. The debut album is independently released and I’m sure they will soon be having labels beating down their doors. There is a demand for the great tunes they provide and hopefully we will be able to see them out on the road soon as they will be gathering fans all over this planet and others as well. The album was released April 2nd and while we wish we had heard it sooner we are now wishing they will go into hyper speed and have another album completed soon. You can pick up this album for $6 from the bandcamp page they have set up (Link Below). The album is a through and through album that has a tremendous re-listen value, pick it up today.

Bandcamp: https://spacemetal1.bandcamp.com/releases

Follow them on Facebook.