The Solemn Curse – Gateways to Eternity
In all, Gateways to Eternity makes for a strong introduction to The Solemn Curse, mixing elements of metal’s past and present, and providing hints to the band’s future direction.
Lifeless – Godconstruct
I know some diehards may be put off by some of the layered melodies but really this is a true and true sounding old school death metal album that harkens back to the good old days with great looking artwork and solid production in which every instrument can be heard clearly.
Lost Gem Alert: Northern Oak – Monuments
The best music always comes from the heart, always takes you on a different journey each time you listen to is. Northern Oak have achieved this to lasting effect with Monuments and I couldn’t praise them more for it.
Sannhet – Known Flood
The end result: despite some notable moments, the album is not as powerful or as interesting as early previews suggested it might be.
Rotting Christ – Kata Ton Daimona Eaytoy
This feels very much like a concept album or an experiment, which is certainly not a criticism. Fans of their previous work may be surprised by this direction, but for its flaws Kata Ton Daimona Eaytoy is not an unwelcome edition to Rotting Christ’s discography. In fact, it in fascinating to see them incorporate elements of the religious structures and culture that they have built a career out of rebelling against.
Graveyard / The Shrine @ The Shelter, Detroit, MI, February 4, 2013
“Graveyard had tapped into a human condition that made a roomful of strangers no longer seem strange. It’s not something you can experience every day, but it’s certainly something worth waiting for.”
Live review and photography by Renee Trotier
Indesinence – Vessels of Light and Decay
“The full effect of the album is best when listening on a good stereo. The aura and dark undertones of Vessels must resonate through the room to connect with our human frequencies. Our flesh and blood are the vessels of light and decay.”
ProgPower USA 2012 Recap Day 1
ProgPower USA 2012 had one of its most diverse line ups in the festival’s history. Here is Justin Richardson’s recap of the first day of last September’s festival, which included performances by Sinbreed, Kingcrow, Amaranthe, Serenity, Primordial, Redemption and Epica.
Review recap and all concert photography by Justin Richardson.
Revitalizing the El Mocambo through Rock and Doc
A new Blasphemy Blog entry by Ola Mazzuca dedicated to a new documentary film on Toronto’s El Mocambo club, called Under The Neon Palms
Ravens Creed – The Power
‘The Power’ will definitely be in my top ten for 2013, and if you love metal it should be in yours too.