Skoll - Grisera

Artist: Skoll
Release Title: Grisera
Year: 2013 (Original Ewiges Eis Records version)/2014 (Fallen-Angel Productions reissue)
Label: Ewiges Eis Records (original version)/Fallen-Angel Productions (reissue)
Genre: Pagan Black Metal
Tracklisting:
Original Version-
1. Grush
2. Grisera
3. Hrothaharijaz
4. Wolves in the Mist

Reissue Version-
1. Grush
2. Grisera
3. Hrothaharijaz
4. Wolves in the Mist
5. The Bard

The second full black metal album from Italian pagan black metallers Skoll features a rather decent and enjoyable take on the style which gives this some rather enjoyable times here. Based rather fervently on the notion of the swirling tremolo picked rhythms that are wrapped together in sprawling, majestic patterns dosed with plenty of sporty woodlands-flavored arrangements and interludes that give it a naturalistic touch like the best of the pagan style albums here. The nature sounds here coming from the riff-work is further augmented by the use of spacious, sprawling keyboards that pop up throughout here which manages to get an even more overt pagan sound in combination of that kind of swirling rhythms and it’s a patently dynamic example of this style. However, this style inadvertently becomes it’s own worst enemy when it tends to become all the more obvious here that this riffing style is repeated ad nauseum to the point of becoming one-dimensional for the most part. The epic length of the tracks simply causes this one to keep the songs going around in pretty repetitive patterns keeps this one tuned into that ability as well, featuring the kind of arrangements to get to that sort of style of extended style, and does tend to lower this one somewhat slightly.

The first half here gives this a stylish look at what’s on display. The opening epic ‘Grush’ offers light melancholic acoustic guitar riffing alongside ambient nature sounds turns into raging simplistic tremolo riffing featuring plenty of clattering drum-work over the majestic airy keyboards that leave the extended atmospheric instrumental interlude with a return to the raging riffing and extended rhythms throughout the overlong final half which starts this off in grandiose, epic fashion. The title track uses winding rhythms and plenty of springy bass-lines with melodic buzzing tremolo rhythms throughout as the folk-like ambiance continues swirling throughout as the up-tempo riffing gives way to melancholic acoustics and howling winds limping along through the finale for a still enjoyable effort. ‘Hrothaharijaz’ takes stylish mid-tempo riffing and grandiose keyboards alongside clattering drumming though a stylish mid-tempo pace with occasional bursts of thumping, galloping drumming alongside the swirling riff-work and pagan-styled keyboards leading through the final half for the album’s overall highlight effort.

The second half isn’t all that bad and has some solid moments. ‘Wolves in the Mist’ uses light acoustic guitars before turning into a steady mid-tempo series of swirling tremolo riffing through the simplistic patterns accompanied with simple charging drumming and frosty pagan keyboards swirling around the sprawling, plodding tempos full of melodic rhythms throughout the final half for a decent enough effort here. Lastly, bonus track ‘The Bard’ features stylish mid-tempo riffing and rumbling rhythms through a plodding, mid-tempo pace with churning riff-work throughout as the stylish keyboards continually buzzing along into the lighter tempos bring about the plodding paces with the churning rhythms continuing through the finale for a well-deserved skippable bonus that ends this rather weakly.

While it tends to meander around a bit too much for it’s own good, there’s enough to really like here with this decidedly one-note pagan black metal experience that it really shouldn’t be that much of a challenge to those interested in the experience or find this kind of minimalist black metal appealing.

Score: 80/100

Does it sound good? Order from here:
http://fallangels.cafe24.com/product/detail.html?product_no=1088&cate_no=33&display_group=1

Soijl - Endless Elysian Fields

Artist: Soijl
Release Title: Endless Elysian Fields
Year: 2015
Label: Solitude Productions
Genre: Melodic Doom/Death Metal
Tracklisting:
1. Endless Elysian Fields
2. Dying Kinship
3. Swan Song
4. The Formation of a Black Nightsky
5. Drifter, Trickster
6. The Cosmic Cold
7. The Shattering

The debut effort from Swedish doom/death project Soijl brings about a rather simplistic and minimalist approach to the genre that’s certainly quite decent enough in it’s approach. Revolving around a simple swirling guitar-and-keyboard heavy framework here, this gives off a series of  lethargic-to-slow paced efforts built around those swirling riffing patterns and haunting melodic keyboard work as the drumming keeping the pace behind it all dominate the album overall to the extent of forsaking everything else. Even with this minimal approach here, there’s a rather intriguing dynamic throughout here in that this type of astrological-styled minimalism manages to come off entirely enjoyable and convincing with the plodding rhythms and making for a much more celestial-flavored aspect on display than would otherwise be the case here. It’s still pretty slow-going and lumbers along at a sluggish pace, though it’s still somewhat energetic at times when it gets going. It’s just not often enough here due to the slower pace featured here which does come off as the album’s main problem here. It does kick in enough to be worthwhile but the epic arrangements come off that way more often than not simply because the album’s dragging the rhythms along than by design.

The first half here does get this going nicely. The opening title track takes a strong lilting riff around plodding paces filled with celestial patterns that work nicely along through the slower rhythms churning along to the simplistic and minimalist environments throughout the final half for a solid opening here. ‘Dying Kinship’ offers swirling riff-work thumping along with the celestial melodic patterns against the minimalist atmosphere that plods along throughout as it changes into a more lively and engaging epic celestial melodies into the finale for another solid effort overall. ‘Swan Song’ features a light series of swirling celestial rhythms and simple drumming as the haunting rhythms throughout here bring along plenty of plodding beats with the swirling riff-work leading into bigger chugging patterns in the final half for a decent enough track. ‘The Formation of a Black Nightsky’ immediately takes the celestial swirling patterns along the sluggish chugging with plenty of tight patterns leading along through the scorching riff-work coming along through the mid-tempo riffing in the final half for an enjoyable and impressive highlight.

The second half isn’t bad either and follows along with the first half rather well. ‘Drifter, Trickster’ takes an extended, long-winded series of swirling riffing and plodding tempos accompanied by the rather tight drumming bringing along the driving riff-work leading the celestial patterns through a series of tight swirling patterns through the finale for a fine if slightly long-winded effort. ‘The Cosmic Cold’ features a strong swirling series of riffing with plodding rhythms augmented by the occasional mid-tempo gallop and urgent chugging riffing off-set against the celestial swirling rhythms throughout the final half for another strong and enjoyable effort. Finally, ‘The Shattering’ takes swirling rhythms and plodding rhythms bringing along the slower pace here with the different engaging melodic patterns keeping the tight, flowing celestial arrangements keeping the  tight patterns and swirling rhythms in line through the finale for an overall decent lasting impression.

For the most part it’s good enough to be enjoyable though it comes off a tad too long at times mostly because of outside factors rather than any kind of natural occurrence which hinders this for all except the most devout doom/death aficionados or those that .enjoy this even, sluggish type of death metal.

Score: 83/100

Does it sound good? Order from here:
http://soijl.bandcamp.com/releases

Grave Cross - Nothing But the Night EP

Artist: Grave Cross
Release Title: Nothing But the Night EP
Year: 2016
Label: Stormspell Records
Genre: Heavy Metal
Tracklisting:
1. Nothing but the Night
2. Curse of the Witch
3. Grave Cross
4. The Devil's Skull

The new EP from Mexican heavy metallers Grave Cross isn’t terribly original or enjoyable but does have enough to make it worthwhile in the right mood. The general air of thumping, swirling riff-work full of occultish-styled rhythms and plodding drumming all wrapped together in a dark, murky vibe throughout this one, it leaves an impression of the old-school occult metal/rockers that permeated the 80s which becomes all the more prominent here due to the way the whole production on this one plays out. That alone is part of the appeal here in that this one has such a deep and moody atmosphere with the production leading through here being a particularly pleasing down-and-dirty type of darker occult vibe that comes off nicely for this type of muted music. The main issue here is the fact that this one really isn’t all that well-suited for the type of plodding and lifeless pacing that’s on display here which is pretty much the main issue with this one. It really should be a much more lively affair instead of the sluggish plodding that occurs here, and in the end it drains the life out of the material despite all atmospheric goodwill it causes. Maybe if they were more than four tracks here it might’ve gotten a little better but it’s really main issue here.

Though there’s some bright spots here, it’s not always present here. The opening title track uses the sampled intro that leads into a steady mid-tempo series of dull, thumping rhythms and light chugging riff-work that continues on through the light paces with the light melodies holding through the solo section into the final half for a decent if sluggish opener. ‘Curse of the Witch’ features thumping mid-tempo drumming and a strong series of mid-tempo rhythms with the thumping riff-work and the charging drumming working through the lively, extended solo section and continuing on through the rocking finale for an enjoyable highlight effort. ‘Grave Cross’ offers swirling riffing and pounding occultish drumming that works into a decent mid-tempo charge with plenty of tight rhythms keeping this moving along into the solo section and into the final half for a decent effort overall. Lastly, album-closer ‘The Devil's Skull’ uses sprawling swirling riffing and light, chugging rhythms offering sluggish tempos and rather lackadaisical patterns through the hazy riffing with the extended swirling riffing leading through the sluggish finale for an overall bland lasting impression here.

Though this one does have some rather prominent flawed moments on display, there’s enough to get an idea of what’s going to be an enjoyable time here that it makes for a rather solid if nonessential part of the revival heavy metal scene if they can ever fix them in the future as they continue.

Score: 60/100

Does it sound good? Order from here:
http://gravecross.bandcamp.com/

Artillery - Penalty by Perception

Artist: Artillery
Release Title: Penalty by Perception
Year: 2016
Label: Metal Blade Records
Genre: Thrash Metal
Tracklisting:
1. In Defiance of Conformity
2. Live by the Scythe
3. Penalty by Perception
4. Mercy of Ignorance
5. Rites of War
6. Sin of Innocence
7. When the Magic Is Gone
8. Cosmic Brain
9. Deity Machine
10. Path of the Atheist
11. Welcome to the Mindfactory

The seventh full-length from Danish thrash veterans Artillery overall is as strong and effective as they were back in the heyday during their assaults in the late-80s. Continuing on the theme from their last album which introduced their new singer, this material is much in that same manner of utterly pummeling thrash rhythms and crushing drumming barreling along through engaging up-tempo work-outs that can maneuver through a strong variety of tempo change-ups due to the incredibly strong riff-work at the forefront of the record. Being able to drive through tracks with an intense speed-driven straightforward thrashers or more melodic mid-paced efforts that contain a fair amount of toughened churning riff-work alongside the power-metal accented flairs in place throughout the tracks, it gives this a rather intriguing amount of variety makes for a wholly engaging dynamic throughout here. It readily thrashes when necessary, eases off into the mid-tempo when appropriate and offers the kind of melodic tendencies that don’t diminish the full-scale blistering tempos featured. Surely, the ballad might not be for everyone’s personal tastes and it can seem to drone on a little too long at times but it still holds up well enough overall.

The first half here expertly plays off what’s going on here. Opener ‘In Defiance of Conformity’ uses an ambient forest-sound intro with simple guitars slowly build into pounding drumming, furious riff-work and a stylish up-tempo gallop as the melodic vocal croons rip through the charging rhythms with the harmonies melodies mixing along with the tight chugging thrash riffing into the solo section with the fine melodic riffing continuing into the final half for an exciting opener. ‘Live by the Scythe’ utilizes grandiose melodic riff-work turns into heavy-handed rhythms and surging riffing through a charging up-tempo pace loaded with melodic flurries charging through the intense riff-work with the soaring melodic solo section leading into the frantic, heavy-handed rhythms of the finale for another exciting highlight. The title track uses a slow-burn intro with a gradual turn into heavy mid-tempo chugging with scorching leads pounding along with the lively rhythms into the solo section and pounding through the chugging riffing of the final half for another heavy, enjoyable effort.‘Mercy of Ignorance’ uses furious tribal drumming and churning riffing into a stylish mid-tempo chug as the churning rhythms allow for a series of frantic, pounding patterns and frenzied paces through the solo section and carrying through into the blazing finale for a strong effort overall.‘Rites of War’ starts with rumbling riffing and pounding drumming into a steady up-tempo full of frenzied rhythms charging along to the dynamic pounding thrash rhythms into the mid-tempo churning solo section and continuing through the final half for a solid enough effort. ‘Sin of Innocence’ takes an extended series of tribal drumming and swirling riff-work  into a strong series of churning rhythms full of blazing riff-work and toughened melodies touched off with the churning mid-tempo riffing carrying through the solo section into the finale for yet another powerhouse thrasher.

The second half is slightly weaker if still enjoyable. The ballad ‘When the Magic Is Gone’ takes a series of melodic riffing and softer rhythms offering plenty of romantic arrangements along the light, breezy pace while generating more traditional pounding spurts while dropping back into the lighter patterns for the solo section and carrying into the final half for a decent-if-unmemorable effort.‘Cosmic Brain’ takes blistering drumming and charging drumming along through a stylish up-tempo pace with stuttering rhythms and heavy chugging riff-work carrying through the dynamic patterns full of scorching riffing into the solo section and keeping it through the finale for a strong highlight effort. ‘Deity Machine’ takes steady mid-tempo rhythms and pounding drumming keeping the steady mid-tempo riffing swirling through a series of bland rhythms with the steady pace holding through into the solo section and keeping the rhythms intact through the final half for the first really bland effort overall. ‘Path of the Atheist’ features a steady, rumbling series of riffing with majestic pounding drumming taking a heavy, churning series of riffing along through the fine plodding mid-tempo sections with the crunchy riffing leading into the solo section and on through the finale for a rocking-if-unessential effort overall. Finally, ‘Welcome to the Mindfactory’ utilizes a solid series of rocking up-tempo riffing swirling with raucous thrashing patterns and pounding drumming leading through the swirling technical rhythms around the blazing solo section and carrying the energy through the final half for an exciting and wholly engrossing lasting impression/

Certainly well on-par with many of their more fruitful and explosive efforts of the past even if this one doesn’t overwhelm like their true knock-out efforts did, this is still prime-era thrash at it’s greatest done by an entity around at the birth of it all which makes this one welcome enough for any raging thrash aficionado or fans of classics old-school metal.

Score: 93/100

Does it sound good? Order from here;
http://www.indiemerch.com/metalbladerecords/item/38815

Throne of Heresy - Antioch

Artist: Throne of Heresy
Release Title: Antioch
Year: 2016
Label: The Sign Records
Genre: Death Metal
Tracklisting:
1. The God Delusion
2. Serpent Seed
3. Nemesis Rising
4. Flagellum Daemonum
5. Exordium
6. Black Gates of Antioch
7. Blood Sacrifice
8. Phosphorus
9. Souls for the Sepulchre
10. Where Bleak Spirits Pass

The second album from Swedish death metallers Throne of Heresy offers a rather solid enough outing here of solid and dependable death metal even there’s nothing all that impressive about it. Basing itself mostly around the churning riff-work that allows for some rather heavy, mid-tempo riffing featured that drives in some pounding rhythms that can change tempos rather nicely.  With plenty of opportunities for the effort to bring in scores of melodic flurries running through the songs that mix rather nicely with the intensity of the remaining rhythms which leaves this with a far darker concept of melodic death metal than usually offered with the focus on driving rhythms accented by melodic leads rather than just lighter rhythms and easily-accessible melodies which are scattered throughout in occasional spurts. While this sets up an overall enjoyable aspect to be found here within their sound, the fact that the music isn’t all that dynamic and overall varied tends to run the greatest damage against this one by keeping the music overall straightforward and rather one-dimensional. With a few minor exceptions, there’s little change-up here in what the music has on display being just a straightforward and unchanging work that keeps the dynamic death metal rhythms on track with the occasional bits of melodic tendencies to make for a rather engaging but forgettable affair without much to bring it back on repeat listens. This is really the biggest mark against the album otherwise.

The first half offers a solid impression of what’s in store here. Opener ‘The God Delusion’ takes a steady series of charging riffing and pounding drumming throughout a steady blast of up-tempo thumping rhythms taking on plenty of rocking patterns with plenty of melodic flurries running throughout the pounding drumming and mid-tempo riff-work through the finale for a solid opening blast. ‘Serpent Seed’ features hard-rocking riffing and plenty of stylish drumming working through a series of twisting riffing with plenty of straightforward rhythms offering plenty of melodic trills littered throughout the solo section and thumping along through the charging final half for a much more engaging and impressive effort. ‘Nemesis Rising’ uses a steady series of thumping mid-tempo riff-work and a fine series of pounding drumming to make for a dynamic mid-tempo charge with melodic swirling riffing carrying the thumping charge along into the strong series of extended swirling rhythms throughout the finale for one of the album’s better efforts. ‘Flagellum Daemonum’ takes immediate thumping drumming and pounding rhythms charging through thrashing up-tempo paces and settles on a driving mid-tempo rhythms with swirling melodic flurries throughout the blasting drum-work clattering through the finale for a short, vicious highlight effort. The mid-album instrumental breather ’Exordium’ uses haunting melodic rhythms and stylish drumming to weave a tribal flair through the series of charging mid-tempo rhythms pounding away leaving this as a fine enough instrumental.

The second half is slightly below the first but still has a lot to like throughout here. ‘Black Gates of Antioch’ uses a steady intro with plodding rhythms with plenty of pounding double-bass blasts firing through the up-tempo second half with fiery energetic riff-work and scorching melodies dropping for a series of discordant banging leading into the solo section and through the finale for a decidedly enjoyable enough offering. ‘Blood Sacrifice’ features sprawling rhythms slowly working into a plodding pace equipped with sluggish rhythms turning into a solid mid-tempo pace with a more intense series of riff-work against the sparkling swirling rhythms of the solo section on through the charging final half for a weak if still enjoyable effort. ‘Phosphorus’ features utterly blistering drumming running through frantic, intense patterns with plenty of charging riff-work keeping the intensity level up throughout the frantic, intense patterns full of furious rhythms with melodic leads through the intense finale for another strong highlight. ‘Souls for the Sepulchre’ uses a fade-in intro which turns into a stylish mid-tempo march with charging riffing and pounding drumming into a straightforward series of churning riff-work with the sprawling melodic leads of the solo section leading into the blistering fury of the final half for a decent enough effort. Lastly, the album-closer ‘Where Bleak Spirits Pass’ features a lilting guitar intro into a sprawling series of mid-tempo swirling riff-work with lilting melodies featured throughout the plodding paces with the main driving rhythm full of lethargic paces leading into the sprawling final half for a decidedly low-key finish.

Despite possessing a few minor sluggish areas throughout here that could’ve easily been fixed without much difficulty, the fact that there’s still quite a large amount of positives here makes this a nice change for fans looking for melodic death without veering too far from their traditional roots or just fans of driving straightforward death metal in general.

Score: 82/100

Does it sound good? Order from here:
http://throneofheresy.bandcamp.com/

Dystrophy (US) - Wretched Host

Artist: Dystrophy (US)
Release Title: Wretched Host
Year: 2015
Label: Selfmadegod Records
Genre: Technical Death Metal
Tracklisting:
1. Apex
2. Singularity
3. Within the Mind
4. Exoparasite
5. Wretched Host
6. Demise
7. Anhedonia
8. Nadir

The second full-length from New Jersey tech/death metallers Dystrophy offers pretty much standard-issue fare in the genre and manages to come off without any level of enthusiasm that’s quite unappealing. Structurally this is based around heavy-handed rhythms offering a perfect base for a series of twisted, complex rhythms with challenging patterns on display, all wrapped together with a progressive twist as the swirling rhythms make for some truly obscure arrangements at times. Given plenty of thump with the pounding drumming following the twisting arrangements gives this another strong progressive edge and truly makes the whole affair sound even more challenging and complex, even with this one generating a fair amount of thumping up-tempo efforts to come along that raise the energy level up significantly. This is all well-handled, yet there’s the underlying sense that despite all this there’s a decidedly lack of energy from the whole affair here as this one tends to merely plod along without really driving up the speed-driven rhythms. It can barely get itself up enough to really generate the kind of infectious energy that it can deliver with gusto during these faster, more frantic moments which makes the slower arrangements seem to stick out all the more. They really come more lifeless than expected, even with all the precise complex rhythm work accomplished which tends to lower this one somewhat more than expected.

The first half here sets up what this one is mostly about. Opener ‘Apex’ begins with howling winds and light sampled work turns into churning riff-work with swarming bass-lines and complex rhythms alongside the blasting drumming in a chugging mid-tempo pace offering up plenty of tight technical riffing and scorching melodic runs throughout into the extended, epic final half for a fine if slightly plodding effort. ‘Singularity’ blazes through charging patterns with complex rhythms and tight blasting with far more energetic paces through the series of technically-challenging swarming sections that drop the tempo down to sprawling patterns leading into the solo section and picking up the tempo again for the finale for a disappointing if still enjoyable track. ‘Within the Mind’ opens with churning riff-work and blasting drumming that settles nicely into a mid-tempo swarm offering plenty of challenging, discordant patterns with a strong series of swarming rhythms keeping the patterns nicely mid-tempo as the series of swarming rhythms drops into sprawling patterns for the solo section in the final half for a decidedly bland and lifeless track. ‘Exoparasite’ takes a sprawling series of rhythms along with the churning drumming taking the sprawling paces along throughout the rather tepid rhythms bubbling with sluggish riffing keeping the tempo down until it explodes out through the tight rhythms of the finale for a slightly more enjoyable if still sluggish effort.

The second half here is a decidedly more enjoyable effort overall. The title track features rolling drum-work and blistering rhythm with tight charging rhythms holding the swirling, complex riff-work throughout the sprawling mid-section keeping the energy in check to blister through the charging final half for one of the album’s best efforts. ‘Demise’ takes churning riff-work with heavy rhythms chugging along to a series of sprawling riff-work with the complex, challenging rhythms continually weaving throughout the change into up-tempo spurts offering the chance for rather dynamic riffing along the sluggish finale for another rather enjoyable effort. ‘Anhedonia’ uses discordant riffing and challenging patterns along the sprawling sections early in the first half as there’s a strong churning riff-work throughout taking the angular, sluggish rhythms along throughout the series of sprawling chugging patterns into the final half for a good if sluggish offering. Lastly, the monumental epic closer ‘Nadir’ takes churning riff-work and pounding, plodding drum-work with a swarm of razor-wire riffing keeping the challenging, complex riffing that swarms through the ravenous up-tempo sections leading into the extended sprawling atmospheric sections loaded with sluggish rhythms into the dynamic solo section and carrying the sprawling rhythms along through the extended finale to end this on a positive note.

This is a case where the fact that the music itself is well-handled and initially enjoyable yet in spite of that tends to come off as less enjoyable than it really should be due to the sluggish tempos they’re all played at which causes this to feel much longer than it really is and leaving this one more for true die-hard progressive/technical death metal fans or devout followers of this particular style.

Score: 75/100

Does it sound good? Order from here:
http://dystrophyband.com/

Negligence - Coordinates of Confusion

Artist: Negligence
Release Title: Coordinates of Confusion
Year: 2010
Label: Metal Blade Records
Genre: Thrash Metal
Tracklisting:
1. Mind Decay
2. Screaming Fear
3. Addicted to Aggression
4. Disharmony
5. The Way To...
6. Insane Asylum
7. The Q Box
8. Sickened
9. Shark Attack
10. Coordinates of Confusion

The second full-length from Slovenian thrashers Negligence offers a fairly engaging and enjoyable mixture of thrash throughout here that makes for a pleasing and engaging listen. Essentially taking the cue from most modern thrash acts in utilizing the basic riff-work and driving drumming from the classic Bay-Area scene, at it’s core this is a steady revival act intent on focusing more on driving the rhythms along rather than flashy riffing or complex patterns. Instead, it tends to save that flash for their explosive soloing throughout the album, offering up plenty of engaging work with the additional use of light power metal-styled rhythms that give off sparkling bits of melodic flurries alongside the tight thrash. Offering a nice groove alongside the raging thrash riff-work, it gives this one a steady, straightforward series of rhythms that make for an overall enjoyable time here without much really holding this back beyond this one singular attack-pattern. This one doesn’t really change up much beyond the straightforward attack, keeping this one locked into a more one-note than initially expected as the variation is more centered around tempo and pacing rather than in terms of dexterous riff-work which gives this a bland feel on the second half. As well, the epic ten-minute closer is a bit out-of-place with the band clearly uncomfortable stretching their style out to that distance when their other songs were tighter and more concise which isn’t the case with that one particular track and sticking out quite obviously. Beyond these two factors, there’s not much else wrong here.

The first half here nicely sets up the album’s qualities from the beginning. Intro ‘Mind Decay’ takes immediate rumbling drumming and scorching intense riffing with plenty of dynamic rhythms pounding long to the melodic leads running alongside the explosive drumming driving the charging mid-tempo paces through the solo section and into the charging finale for an explosive, highlight-effort opening blast. ‘Screaming Fear’ features charging riff-work and thumping rhythms driving along blistering paces with melodic leads bringing along tight, pounding rhythms scattered with the melodic runs driving the solo section on through the charging final half for another exciting and ripping thrasher. ‘Addicted to Aggression’ takes rumbling rhythms and tight patterns with scores of heavy mid-tempo patterns charging along at a straightforward chug and plenty of pounding drumming carrying through the solo section and taking the scalding rhythms through the finale for a decent enough effort. ‘Disharmony’ uses a scalding grooving chug riff with pounding drumming along a dynamic stylish mid-tempo charge with plenty of heavy rhythms keeping the straightforward crunchy patterns through the scalding solo section on through the final half for another stellar highlight. The mid-album instrumental breather ‘The Way To…’ uses harmonious middle-eastern melodies over swirling guitar-work makes for a fine interlude that doesn’t really damage this one way or another.

The second half isn’t all that bad but doesn’t have as much enjoyable aspects as the first half. ‘Insane Asylum’ uses a stylish series of swirling rhythms over a galloping mid-tempo charge with plenty of thumping, driving drumming bringing along more intense patterns driving the charging rhythms along with the raging riff-work throughout the blistering solo section and on through the explosive finale for an exciting highlight. ‘The Q Box’ takes strong swirling riff-work and plenty of pounding rhythms alongside the stellar mid-tempo crunch offered with the heavy, thumping rhythms holding off the sprawling chug-riffing through the blazing solo section and charging throughout the final half into another strong effort. ‘Sickened’ uses a steady, mid-tempo charge with the pounding drumming keeping the intense rhythms along throughout the melodic early solo section and into a sprawling mid-tempo charge featuring plenty of driving riff-work with pounding drum-patterns keeping this driving into the secondary solo section finale for a decent enough offering overshadowed by the other great tracks elsewhere here. ‘Shark Attack’ settles nicely from a gradual lead-in to a steady series of charging mid-tempo riffing with plenty of pounding drumming and a strong series of chugging grooves leading into the solo section and through the finale for another strong effort overall. Lastly, the album-closing epic title track takes rattling drumming and a steady series of swirling riffing charging along at a steady pace with strong pounding drumming and a variety of extended varied sections offering tight, sprawling patterns and dexterous drumming leading into an extended acoustic guitar fade-out for the finale to end this on a decent-if-unsatisfactory note.

Though it’s somewhat undone by a few middling areas that in the grand scheme of things aren’t all that detrimental, this one more than holds itself up as a solid, engaging listen with plenty to like about it and earning itself a listen from those who cannot get enough revival-flavored thrash or are simply curious what other countries have to offer the market.

Score: 91/100

Does it sound good? Order from here:
http://www.indiemerch.com/metalbladerecords/item/11234

Maze of Terror - Ready to Kill

Artist: Maze of Terror
Release Title: Ready to Kill
Year: 2016
Label: Empire Records
Genre: Thrash Metal
Tracklisting:
1. Rotting Force
2. Lycanthropes
3. There Will Be Blood
4. Violent Mind of Hate
5. World's Dead Side
6. Bringer of Torture
7. Protectors
8. Executio Bestialis
9. Blooded Past, Burning Future
10. Gilles de Rais

The debut album from Peruvian thrashers Maze of Terror features quite a wide amount of work here to give this one of the most impressive and engaging debuts in the genre in a long time. From the start this one manages to feature the kind of ravenous, swarming thrash that’s built on the revivalist trends of aping the bay-area attacks from the past, leading to utterly stellar riffing dripping with speed, taking the sort of frantic rhythms and pounding drum-work carrying the kind of arrangements expected to be found in that style. There’s a savage serie sof riffing on display that comes from the swirling, up-tempo patterns here where this one really brings up some imaginative and varied attacks to the table that enables this speed-driven style to stick out even better by being surrounded by the dynamic change-ups offered. It enables a far more intensive effort here with this one creating such an infectious and ultimately appealing when it thrashes away with reckless abandon while still offering the kind of dynamic and varied approaches to the craft that it manages to keep from being a one-trick affair. Though it still manages to keep the same rhythms running throughout here when it is thrashing along lending to some tracks bleeding together it’s such a minor detriment as to be almost completely useless and overdrawn here.

The first half here provides an engaging and enjoyable start to this one. Intro ‘Rotting Force’ uses howling winds and a sampled countdown to turn into an utterly frantic and raging series of swirling rhythm alongside pounding drumming keeping the utterly dynamic patterns racing at full-throttle speeds into the chaotic solo section and carries through the final half for an explosive and enjoyable opener. The utterly frantic ‘Lycanthropes’ features swirling riff-work and fiery rhythms charging along through a frantic mid-tempo series of rhythms with steady riff-work bringing the charging intense paces along through the intense paces charging along with plenty of blistering drumming in the fiery solo section into the charging final half for an utterly enjoyable highlight track. The brutal ‘There Will Be Blood’ uses thumping intense rhythms and pounding drumming into a frantic mid-tempo series of thrashing riff-work buzzing along to the utterly frantic drumming blasting through the utterly frantic and chaotic rhythms twisting through the solo section into the finale for a truly frantic and enjoyable effort. ‘Violent Mind of Hate’ takes a thumping mid-tempo drumming intro into a thrashing mid-tempo series of tight thrashing riff-work and pounding drumming charging along on a fairly steady pace that launches into the molten solo section on though the charging final half for a decidedly decent effort. ‘World's Dead Side’ uses a swirling series of riffing building to a frantic charging pace with plenty of thumping rhythms buzzing along with the twisting riff-work blazing along with the fiery solo section and extended instrumental interludes leading through to the extended second half on through the finale for an over-the-top and explosive highlight.

The second half carries on the good-will from the first half. ‘Bringer of Torture’ uses a droning bass-line intro that settles into a fine mid-tempo pace with steady riffing and plodding drumming that keeps the same rhythms charging along throughout the same mid-tempo pace leading into the fiery and frantic thrashing through the blistering solo section on into the final half for an awesome finish to a bland beginning of this one. ‘Protectors’ features thumping stylized riffing swirling through a steady up-tempo pace with pounding drumming and frantic blasting chugging throughout the steady patterns along the sprawling mid-section rhythms as the frantic rhythms fire through the solo section into the finale for an enjoyable if not spectacular effort. ‘Executio Bestialis’ features a tight mid-tempo series of buzzing riff-work blazing away into scorching up-tempo rhythms thumping along to utterly blistering patterns charging along through utterly infectious riff-work dripping with plenty of speed into the blazing solo section and on through the chaotic final half for another engaging highlight. ‘Blooded Past, Burning Future’ blasts through explosive, tight rhythms laced with blistering drumming and explosive buzzing riff-work through utterly frenzied patterns leading through the solo section and continuing on into the frantic finale for a fun, engaging short bruiser. Lastly, the epic album-closer ‘Gilles de Rais’ takes a slow-building twist through the steady rhythms and mid-tempo churning riff-work that explodes into the raging series of thrashing riff-work that keeps the insane blistering speed continuing on throughout the extended mid-section patterns carrying on into the chaotic solo section and keeping the extended speed driving throughout the elongated final half to truly end this on a spectacular ending note highlighting the grandness of this one in fine fashion.

This here is a near-perfect assault of blistering, finely-formed thrash that plays with such conviction and enthusiasm that it can win over any audience out there and perfectly paves the way for the band to set out on their career, leaving this one to obviously settle in so well for revival thrash fanatics or fans of the old-guard looking for the young generation to make an impression.

Score: 99/100

Does it sound good? Order from here:
https://www.facebook.com/mazeofterrorthrash

Tankist - Be Offended EP

Artist: Tankist
Release Title: Be Offended EP
Year: 2015
Label: Self-Released/Independent
Genre: Thrash Metal
Tracklisting:
1. Politically Incorrect
2. Mortuary
3. Deadeye
4. At the Gate
5. God Delusion
6. Sinister 6

The new EP from Estonian thrashers Tankist is a somewhat enjoyable and appealing effort if not exactly a stand-out piece of thrash metal for the most part. Based around lively, mid-tempo riffing with a heavy, thumping drum-based backbone, by-and-large this one comes off rather nicely here without really generating much else along the way here as the majority of the tracks simply plod along at overall pretty bland arrangements. It does manage to get to a few rather engaging elements along the way here when the band picks up the tempo and delivers some fire in their work, but for the most part the group isn’t too concerned with the bigger rhythms or even attempting to go for the revivalist school of arranging which keeps the work far too slow and plodding to really get going out of second gear.  Along with the light production that manages to keep this one feeling a little too muddied and one-dimensional by keeping the instruments way too jumbled together to really stick out further, it’s got some decent elements but has some pretty big flaws to it.

The tracks here aren’t all that bad and do have some enjoyable features here. Opener ‘Politically Incorrect’ slowly weaves a droning riff into a thumping, thrashing mid-tempo charge dripping with fiery rhythms as the start/stop patterns continually churn through the mid-tempo melodies throughout with the driving solo section leading into the finale for a fine opening effort. ‘Mortuary’ offers a droning bass-intro which turns into a galloping mid-tempo plod with a kick into fine mid-tempo riffing and pounding drumming with a dynamic and engaging series of rhythms through the lively solo section and carrying through the final half for a mostly bland effort with one real appealing section. ‘Deadeye’ features a strong series of swirling riffing with a strong series of thumping drumming running through the sprawling patterns as the mid section with a strong series of lively, energetic riff-work swarming through the solo section and on through the finale for for another rather disappointing effort.‘At the Gate’ uses immediate thumping and tight riffing alongside dynamic drumming and rather frantic patterns that continually charge along through the lively mid-tempo series of rhythms through the solo section and continuing for the final half for easily the best track here. ‘God Delusion’ features a charging build-up to a solid mid-tempo riff with galloping drumming that winds through a series of plodding start/stop rhythms plodding along with plenty of fiery and lively riff-work carrying through the solo section and on through the finale for another enjoyable effort. Lastly, ‘Sinister 6’ uses a slow-building series of choppy drumming and charging riff-work to settle in a plodding pace with flashes of lively rhythms throughout while generating far more engaging and dynamic riffing through an extended thrashing section holding through the final half for a slightly disappointing lasting note.

Though there’s certainly moments throughout here where the band is certainly onto something in their sound, it’s mostly surrounded by bland, plodding material keeping it down for the most part and really only leaving this one for the least discerning thrash fanatics or those who prefer something outside the normal revival acts populating the scene.

Score: 68/100

Does it sound good? Order from here:

http://tankist.bandcamp.com/album/be-offended

Krigere Wolf - Sacrifice to Valaskjàlf

Artist: Krigere Wolf
Release Title: Sacrifice to Valaskjàlf
Year: 2014
Label: Fallen-Angel Productions
Genre: Black/Death Metal
Tracklisting:
1. Whispers of the End
2. Towards the Black Mass
3. Disciples of Sacred Fire
4. Sacrifice to Valaskjàlf
5. Blood to the Wolves
6. Impaled Slaves
7. The End Has a Beginning
8. Vision of Death
9. At Open Gates

The second full-length from Italian black/death metallers Krigere Wolf features a host of impressive elements on display making for a really explosive and engaging effort here. This is mostly centered around chaotic and utterly unrelenting old-school styled black metal based on the kind of swirling tremolo riff-work that’s been the basis for so many bands over the years sparking off a swarm of intense and chaotic arrangements littered with ferocious speed and energy as it races along throughout the tracks. The deeper, heavier rhythms found in death metal do leave this one with a stylish backbone to build off of, generating some impressive speed and overall leave the riffing with a lot to like, though it’s most certainly also generating a lot of impressive elements here from the utterly crushing and pummeling drumming. Whipping through clattering, overpowering double-bass blastbeats and fills, there’s just so much utterly devastating work there that this alone generates so much chaotic fun blasting through the tracks that it comes off all the more devastating and powerful. It does seem a little lopsided in terms of songs as the first half is so much fun while the back-end is weighed down with two useless instrumentals, which along with the intro lowers the original tracks down to six, but overall there’s plenty on offer to like elsewhere that it’s a momentary distraction rather than a debilitating detriment.

The first half here gives a strong impression of what’s on offer here. Instrumental intro ‘Whispers of the End’ features a haunting ambient note with grandiose patterns and atmospheric sounds leading into proper first track ‘Towards the Black Mass’ building into a thumping series of driving drum-work and ferocious tremolo riffing filled with explosive patterns and utterly pummeling drumming with the dynamic rhythms keeping the ambient notes to a minimum with the chaotic patterns of the finale making for an engaging and enjoyable opening blast. ‘Disciples of Sacred Fire’ uses a stylish series of swarming riff-work leading into an explosive mid-tempo blast as the utterly pummeling drumming and frantic tremolo riffing swirl through a series of dynamic rhythms keeping the charging atmospheres and heavy riffing intact through the final half for another enjoyable effort. The title track features blasting drumming amid chaotic tremolo riff-work that settles into a frantic up-tempo series of rhythms with charging patterns and scorching riffing filled with blazing chaotic tremolo melodies leading through the frantic finale making for a truly enjoyable highlight. ‘Blood to the Wolves’ takes an extended ambient intro before exploding through utterly charging rhythms with chaotic tremolo riffing alongside fully-driving drumming filled with chaotic, frenetic fills filled with unrelenting blastbeats as the tremolo riffing carries through the melodic solo section and driving through the final half for another strong highlight.

The second half is a little lighter compared to the opening but does have some engaging moments.‘Impaled Slaves’ takes a steady mid-paced series of rhythms with driving riffing alongside driving drum-work that allows for the occasional blast of scorching tremolo patterns kicking along into high-gear with the blasting energy and frantic rhythms charging along through the chaotic finale for a third strong highlight. Things take a sullen turn with the bland ‘The End Has a Beginning’ being a strumming bass-line and spoken-word interlude that feels completely out-of-place on the album and is wholly unnecessary overall here/ It picks back up with ‘Vision of Death’ bringing back ferocious drumming and scorching up-tempo tremolo riff-work with the energy keeping this one surging along with the frenetic rhythms surging through the chaotic pattern riffing as the tremolo riffing leads into the solo section while the chaotic patterns continue blasting through the final half for another strong effort. Lastly, album-closer ‘At Open Gates’ features ambient nature sounds and hushed voices over a crackling fire that effectively gives this a nice calming feeling leading into the finish which isn’t a bad outro track but highlights the other efforts as well.

An overall pummeling and dynamic release, there’s so much fun throughout here that this one manages to get a lot of it’s impressive natures out through these impressive arrangements, leaving this one to readily appeal to those more on the extreme end who appreciate this kind of style, while those looking for more melodious work in the genre will find this one somewhat challenging.

Score: 92/100

Does it sound good? Order from here:
http://fallangels.cafe24.com/product/detail.html?product_no=123&cate_no=33&display_group=1