AtomA – Skylight
Skylight is a science fiction concept album, a sonic escape from the end of the world. As any musical journey through space should be, AtomA’s debut is rich with spectral textures and dramatic development.
Reviews – Audio
A tenebrous tetralogy: reviews of four recent black metal releases
As a neurotic and obsessive metal fan I struggle to cope with the number of magnificently malevolent black metal releases I’m missing out on. It’s a depressing thought—which I suppose is quite apt really. Such is the enigmatic nature of the underground scene, coupled with the fact that I am essentially a troglodyte, for every excellent black metal release I get to hear, five other worthy contenders pass me by. However, there are a few releases of late that I have been fortunate enough to hear and think deserve some praise-heavy wordage. Continuing my never-ending multi-album review series, this time I’m focusing on a few rough-edged gems (and one notably polished one) from black metal’s inhospitable climes.
Storm Corrosion – Storm Corrosion
So is Storm Corrosion the alpha and omega of progressive and ambient rock as many believe it to be? Call me a heretic, but I’m inclined to say no.
Three Inches of Blood – Long Live Heavy Metal album review and interview
Jason Wellwood reviews the brand new Three Inches of Blood album ‘Long Live Heavy Metal’ and also interviews their lead singer, Mr. Cam Pipes.
Accept – Stalingrad
What we have on our hands is another classic 21st century record from one of my favourite 80’s metal bands, and I sure as hell ain’t complaining!
Eluveitie – Helvetios
Swiss death folk leaders Eluveitie return with a rustic record of wood-burning, raw depth. Helvetios fuses century old elements with a modern metal tone that support each other like a horde facing battle.
Paradise Lost – Tragic Idol
By Raymond Westland Paradise Lost is one of the true pioneers of the early UK doom/death metal movement, together with Cathedral, My Dying Bride…
Church of Misery –Master of Brutality
By Gruesome Greg Japanese murder doomsters Church of Misery are finally coming to North America for the first time, playing Maryland Deathfest and a…
16 – Deep Cuts from Dark Clouds
“Progressive post-sludge” this is not, as not a single one of the ten Deep Cuts on here exceeds 5 minutes in length. But if you’ve always been partial to the term slow-core, you’ll probably wanna give this one a listen.
Mares of Thrace – The Pilgrimage
There are a handful of bands, rarer still in metal, whose sophomore record manages to trump their first effort, but Mares of Thrace have done that in spades with The Pilgrimage.